Jetsettersblog

With A New Celebratory 35th Anniversary CD Rom

Award winning luxury tour operator ITC Classics is delighted to unveil its Platinum Collection 2009, but not quite as you know it.

A NEW APPROACH FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
To launch the Platinum Collection into the 21st Century and to commemorate International Travel Connections’ 35th Anniversary in 2009, the Platinum Collection will first be launched to ITC Classics’ clients as an interactive CD-Rom, featuring ITC Classics’ best selling luxury hotels and holidays from around the world. ITC Classics prides itself on offering exceptional, wholly bespoke holiday experiences which are exclusively commissioned for their clients.

However, this will not be replacing the “coffee-table” style brochure which will be printed early in 2009.

Jennifer Atkinson, Chief Operations Officer comments, “ITC Classics is continually striving to exceed customer expectations at every level. The Platinum Collection 2009 in CD-Rom format will be another first for ITC Classics and is something clients have been requesting. It includes a selection of tempting ideas and activities available at different resorts that the ITC Classics concierge team would be more than happy to organise.”

A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS

ITC Classics operates within the Civil Aviation Authority guidelines and is a bonded member of the regulatory bodies ATOL and ABTA, ensuring full financial protection.

We operate under a strict code of conduct, ensuring that not only are we responsible for each and every supplier involved in every package we sell but also that our service to our clients – from booking to travel arrangements to our after-sales service - is strictly regulated. So to travel with ITC Classics is to enjoy complete peace of mind.

HIGHTLIGHTS FROM THE 2009 PLATINUM COLLECTION

Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam

Accessible only by boat, the site of the Six Senses Hideaway on dramatic Ninh Van Bay is quite unique, taking full advantage of its secluded setting. Impressive rock formations, a curve of white sand beach, a playful stream and towering mountains behind, all add to the sense of being luxuriously at one with nature.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk)  offers 7 nights in a Garden View Villa with breakfast including transfers and return flights with Singapore Airlines from £1,505pp based on two sharing.

The Nam Hai, Vietnam

Located on a secluded 1km stretch of the celebrated China Beach near the ancient port of Hoi An, the award-winning Nam Hai is a luxury resort comprising 60 One Bedroom Villas and 40 Pool Villas. Managed by GHM Hotels, The Nam Hai is no ordinary beachfront getaway. This is a benchmark setting for sybarites in search of real class. Sprawled across 35 hectares, this splendid spa resort opened in December 2006.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 7 nights in a One Bedroom Villa with breakfast including transfers and return flights with Singapore Airlines from £2,120pp based on two sharing.

Shanti Ananda Maurice, Mauritius

Located in the south of Mauritius, Shanti Ananda is spread over 36 acres of tropical gardens offering stunning views over the Indian Ocean. The perfect escape for total rejuvenation, this enchanting resort boasts a luxury 50,000 sq ft spa with 17 treatment rooms, surrounded by water to soothe the soul. Dining comes in all different styles, from Spa cuisine, based on the 5,000 year old medical science of Ayurveda, to Pebbles Restaurant serving International cuisine in a relaxed setting.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk)  offers 7 nights in a Junior Suite Ocean View with breakfast including transfers and return flights with British Airways from £2,579pp based on two sharing.

Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Hermitage Bay is Antigua’s newest luxury boutique resort. Tucked away beside a secluded white sand beach, this all-inclusive property offers 25 Cottage Suites with an intimate and private atmosphere. Guests can watch the sunset from their bathtub, cool off in the crystal clear waters surrounding the resort or indulge in one of the many treatments offered in the spa.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk)  offers 7 nights in a Beach Cottage Suite on an All Inclusive basis including transfers and return flights with British Airways from £2,270pp based on two sharing.

FURTHER EXCITING ADDITIONS
• The Beach House at Manafaru, Maldives
• Naladhu, Maldives
• Diva Resort & Spa, Maldives
• Baros, Maldives
• Sultans Way, Maldives
• Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor, Cambodia
• Amansara, Cambodia
• Six Senses Hideaway Can Doa, Vietnam
• Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort, Vietnam
• Atlantis, Dubai
• Al Bustan Palace, Muscat
• Ritz Carlton Doha
• Kempinski Soma Bay, Egypt
• Soneva Kiri, Thailand
• La Plantacion, Tenerife

BETTER THAN A BUTLER

ITC Classics has gone one step further in offering their clients the ultimate bespoke holiday experience. ITC Classics’ Concierge is a highly trained team offering a five star service and the best insider knowledge of luxury hotels and destinations. Just a phone call away, they are on hand to ensure every single moment of a guest’s holiday is unforgettable, from swimming with dolphins, to private planes and Christmas trees in suites nothing is too big or too small.

The Concierge team offer a wholly bespoke, gift wrapped service which is 100% tailor-made to suit the wishes of their clients.

To request a copy of the Platinum Collection CD-ROM or for further information please contact ITC Classics (01244 355527; www.itcclassics.co.uk

New for 2009, Elite Vacations has combined its Indian Ocean and Middle East and Africa brochures to offer one new 100-page brochure. Commenting on the decision, Elite Vacations’ Managing Director, Peter Jackson* said, “With such a high proportion of our sales tailor-made and many of them two centres, it has become logical to have a one-stop-shop brochure. We are delighted that this streamlining process has also greatly reduced our carbon footprint.”

As in 2008, the new combined brochure is supported by a smaller-format dedicated 44-page Seychelles brochure** which offers greater detail on the operator’s leading destination.

In the combined brochure the UAE continues to dominate the Middle East programme: 13 properties in DUBAI now including the NEW Atlantis the Palm plus a selection of the emerging Emirates with hotels in AJMAN, RAS AL KHAIMAH and FUJAIRAH.

• LEAD IN for Dubai: Five nights b&b at the 5 star Hyatt Regency Dubai costs from £845pp including return flights with Emirates from Heathrow and private transfers. Regional departures available.

In OMAN, Elite’s private car cultural tour the ‘Oman Adventure’ takes in Muscat, Al Sawadi, Nizwa and Sur, with options to extend in Musandam and Salalah. The choice of hotels in Muscat includes the long awaited re-opening of the newly refurbished Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat.

• NEW: The 5 star Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat costs from £1329 per person for five nights, including return flights with Oman Air, private transfers and b&b accommodation.

The operator’s JORDAN programme is similar to 2008 with the popular ‘Jordan Discovery Tour’ visiting Amman, Jerash and Petra and options to further extend in Petra, Dead Sea or Aqaba (Red Sea).

Elite has devoted a full page of its brochure to Middle East two-centre arrangements of ten to 12 nights. Dubai is linked with Muscat, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles and Sri Lanka.

• NEW: A 12 night two-centre of Sri Lanka and Dubai leads in for £1595pp including flights with Emirates from Heathrow, eight nights’ b&b at the Taj Exotica in Columbo, Sri Lanka and four nights’ b&b at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai plus private transfers.

For the SEYCHELLES, the operator is offering a total of 45 properties in 2009. Following their success in 2008, the number of Seychelles Secrets - small hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation has been doubled. All these can be found in the dedicated Seychelles brochure, but a selection are in the main brochure along with hotels on the main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, plus private island resorts including Bird, Denis and the newly refurbished Ste Anne Resort and Spa. A page on recommended island hopping itineraries demonstrates how product can be tailored to accommodate specific requirements.

• LEAD IN for Seychelles in 2009: £899pp for five nights’ b&b at Lazare Picault on Mahé including return flights with Air Seychelles from Heathrow and private transfers. Extra night from £30pp.

• UPGRADED: Five nights at the newly reopened 5 star Beachcomber Ste Anne Resort and Spa costs from £2169pp including return flights with Air Seychelles from Heathrow, private transfers, and half board accommodation in a Villa Beau Sejour

In MAURITIUS, Elite Vacations offers 25 properties including four NEW hotels, Sugar Beach, La Pirogue, Les Pavilions (recently upgraded) and The Grand Mauritian which opened in 2008.

• LEAD IN: Five nights at Bois d’Oiseaux near Trou aux Biches costs from £899 per person where four people share a two-bedroom self-catering apartment

• NEW: Seven nights’ half board at the 4 star La Pirogue in Flic en Flac costs from £1625 per person including return flights with Air Mauritius from Heathrow and private transfers

Elite Vacations is offering 13 properties in the MALDIVES with the new 5 star Diva Maldives resort on Ari Atoll making its debut.
• NEW: Seven nights’ half board in a junior suite at the 5 star DIVA Maldives costs from £2239 per person including return flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow and transfers.

In SRI LANKA, the programme remains largely unchanged with a seven night Sri Lanka Discovery Tour taking in Colombo, Kandalama, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya plus a choice of three beach hotels.

• LEAD IN: Seven b&b nights at the 5 star Taj Exotica in Bentota costs from £1109 per person including return flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow and transfers

In MADAGASCAR, there is a seven night Madagascar Adventure Tour plus three beach hotels for extended stays. Also available are options of two-centre holidays with Mauritius or with an East African safari using the new Kenya Airways service from Nairobi.

• LEAD IN: A seven night Madagascar Adventure costs from £2598pp including return flights with Kenya Airways via Nairobi, transfers and full board accommodation (half board in Tana)

In 2009, Elite Vacations offers a choice of four 4 x 4 safaris in EAST AFRICA plus a choice of seven beach hotels in MOMBASA and ZANZIBAR

• LEAD IN: Seven half-board nights at the 4 star superior Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar costs from £1098 per person including return flights with Kenya Airways from Heathrow via Nairobi and transfers.

WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS – Growth in 2008 has prompted Elite to expand the brochure coverage on weddings and honeymoons. The Gift Voucher scheme has proved very popular with honeymooners for reducing their overall cost or for upgrades.

TWO CENTRES - There is a greater emphasis on two centre options this year, and there are a further two pages suggesting popular African and Indian Ocean twin-centres, although different hotels and durations are also available.

SPA - The overall spa offering has been extended in response to the popularity of these properties in 2008, and two pages set out some of the most popular spas featured across a range of destination, and the treatments and products offered in each.

Peter Jackson**, Managing Direction of Elite Vacations, commented, “We continue to offer a cross section of product to appeal to most budgets. Our policy of treating all clients the same, however, means that no matter what the holiday cost our clients receive complimentary lounge passes at the UK airports and private transfers in resort.

Both Elite Vacations’ 2009 brochures are supported by the website www.elitevacations.com  which has been updated to offer greater choice and in many cases, more detailed information and further images.

• All prices are unconditionally guaranteed at the time of booking and include scheduled flights, airport lounge pass and private transfers (where appropriate).

• Contact: Elite Vacations 01707-371000; www.elitevacations.com
**Elite Vacations’ 2009 Seychelles brochure is currently the only one dedicated to the destination available in the market place this year

JUMEIRAH GIVES UAE RESIDENTSREASON TO CELEBRATE

To mark the 37th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates, Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, will join in the national celebrations and acknowledge the spirit of the UAE and its residents by launching a special rate.

The rate will offer UAE citizens and residence visa holders 15% off the best available room rate. The rate will be available starting December 2nd to UAE citizens and residence visa holders in any Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in the United Arab Emirates.

Reservations can only be made by calling the Jumeirah central reservation toll free number on 800 58634724

.This offer is valid until April 17th 2009.

Guests will be asked to present a UAE passport or passport with a valid UAE residence visa upon check in.

Opened in October 2008, Desert Islands Resort & Spa is situated on Sir Bani Yas Island the once-private Royal Nature Reserve established by the late ruler and founder of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The exclusive resort is surrounded by the wild vastness of the island, transformed into an ecologically-viable, wild-life rich natural preserve and scenic retreat.

At the Desert Islands Resort & Spa, experience a unique brand of service inspired by the local traditions of hospitality and culture. Situated along the resplendent coast line of Sir Bani Yas Island, the hotel-resort offers 64 luxuriously designed rooms with living quarters decked out in state-of-the-art amenities and styled with eye-catching Arabian touches like marble bath-fixtures. Here, wake-up to the alluring melodies of a thousand bird songs and the spectacular view of the distant sea and surrounding natural reserves; while your enclave slowly gets drenched in the warmth of the island’s natural sunlight.

For the ultimate royal indulgence choose one of Desert Islands Resort & Spa’s regal retreats - the two Royal Villas and two Beach Villas come equipped with the best standards of luxury services including a 24/7 butler. These airy abodes feature two bedrooms, living and lounge space, kitchenette, dining area, private splash pools and boast direct access to the beach.

The beautiful and supremely intimate Safaa Spa has four treatment rooms – two for couples and two for individuals - each of them spacious and all offering a wide range of world-renowned luxurious indulgences. Choose from an array of natural treatments - Thai massage, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic therapies, rich facials, and lavish body treatments and scrubs all using the finest ingredients – as well as treatments based on the healing and beautifying properties of gemstones and precious metals. Facilities include a private outdoor relaxation area, separate male and female changing areas, sauna and steam rooms.

Benefit from the well-informed local staff in scoping out pursuits of all sorts throughout the resort. For those with gastronomic adventures in mind, relish the joys of a delectable seafood menu and a waterfront view at Desert Islands’ signature restaurant Samak. Or sample the local cuisine and take the taste buds on a mouth-watering global trip at the tropically-inspired Palm Restaurant.

For lighter bites stop by The Deli and indulge in an outstanding variety of gourmet coffee. Enjoy your favourite beverage and the rich and colourful sea views in the tranquil and private Lounge Bar , situated on the Mezzanine level.

After a day of exploration, enjoy a refreshing beverage from Al Shams Pool Bar over-looking the cerulean waters of the Arabian Sea or relax in the one of the shaded quarters of the hotel pool – cool, private nooks sheltered and divided by exotic plants for visitors to unwind in privacy. For those with extra energy, other facilities include tennis courts equipped with night-playing technology and a health club that’s open around the clock.

The Desert Islands Resort and Spa tastefully merges a luxurious lifestyle experience with a memorable life experience. Combining the beautiful natural reserves of Sir Bani Yas Island and the demand for quality destination activities, the resort is at the forefront of environment based tourism featuring guided tours along some of the region’s most exciting trails and snorkeling into the pristine reefs. Desert Islands Resort & Spa can arrange a number of pursuits ranging from snorkeling to mountain biking to kayaking, tailored to each guest’s specific physical and recreational requirements.

Discovery, Adventure, Culture and Luxury define the Desert Islands experience

 

Wild Wadi Pricing and Daily Timings
Price: AED 195 General Admissions
AED 165 Children below 1.1

Timings: November – February: 11.00am – 6.00pm

Wild Wadi Cabanas
Benefits of a day in a Cabana include guaranteed private and exclusive seating with a great view of the beach all day, fast track entrance to the first slide entrance (White Water Wadi) and cold towels upon arrival.

Each Cabana can accommodate up to 8 guests and contains 4 premium sun loungers with cushions, a teakwood table with 4 chairs, 8 towels and a cooler with complimentary water.

Price: AED 1,200 (Weekdays)
AED 1,500 (Weekends)

For more information, please contact Wild Wadi Water Park
Tel: +971 4 348 4444
www.wildwadi.com

Be a Wild Wadi Citizen
Visitors to Wild Wadi can now hold a Wild Wadi passport. Have the passport stamped on every time and the fifth visit is free!

Validity: 1 year from date of issue

For more information, please contact Wild Wadi Water Park
Tel: +971 4 348 4444
www.wildwadi.com

Jumeirah Emirates Towers is offering a special weekend rate with eight exclusive benefits including early check-in from 10am onwards, breakfast at Mosaico for guests staying in Deluxe Rooms and breakfast at the Club Executive lounge for those staying at Club Executive Rooms or Apex Suites.

 Guests will also enjoy 50% off food at all restaurants and private dining, a complimentary fitness consultation at The Health Club, complimentary shuttle service and access to Wild Wadi Water Park, complimentary shuttle transfers to Mall of the Emirates and a late checkout until 6pm.

In addition, gentlemen can indulge in spa treatments at H2O The Male Spa, and ladies at The Health Club, with a 20% reduction every Monday and Sunday for three consecutive months following their stay.

Price: AED 1,290 (Deluxe Room)
AED 1,790 (Club Executive Room)
AED 1,990 (Apex Suite)
(Prices are exclusive of 20% tax & service charge)
Validity: Weekends (October – January 2009)

For more information, please contact Jumeirah Emirates Towers Room Reservations
Tel: +971 4 330 0000
Email: JETinfo@jumeirah.com

 

Spend your day in the tranquility of the infinity pool at Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. The day also includes use of the changing rooms, showers and personal secured lockers and unlimited beach towels. Guests will also enjoy camel rides, a falcon show, aqua aerobics classes as well as lawn games activities such as a 9-hole putting green, volleyball, table tennis and croquet.

Validity: 1st January 2009 – 31st March 2009
Pricing: AED 275 per person

For more information, please contact Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Leisure
Tel: +971 4 809 6100
Email: JBASleisure@jumeirah.com

Rejuvenating Spa
Rejuvenate and soothe upper body tension with a 25-minute deep tissue massage focusing on the back, neck and shoulders to relieve tension followed by a refreshing 25-minute aromatherapy facial.

Validity: 1st January – 31st January 2009
Pricing: AED 395 per person

For more information, please contact Satori Spa
Tel: +9714 809 6100
Email: JBASspa@jumeirah.com

 

Avail of any of the luxurious Talise Wellness signature rituals and receive a complementary Talise robe worth AED 650.

Talise Wellness Day Pass
Enjoy a whole day of relaxing and pampering at Talise Wellness spa with a 50 minute Fingerprint Facial or Fingerprint Massage, beach access, and a two-course lunch or dinner at Magnolia.

Pricing: AED 795 per person

Talise Wellness Morning Ritual
Start your day with yoga on the beach followed by a relaxing 50 minute Fingerprint Massage.

Timings: starts at 8.00am
Pricing: AED 465 per person

For more information, please contact Talise Wellness at Madinat Jumeirah
Tel. No: +971 4 366 6818
Email: mj-talise@jumeirah.com

 

Guests who stay for five nights in a Malakiya Villa will receive a number of benefits during their stay, including a four-course dinner in Pierchic or Pisces. This offer also includes a 60 minute Talise Fingerprint Massage.

Validity: January 2009 - January 2010
Pricing: starting at AED 22,000

For more information, please contact Madinat Jumeirah Room Reservations
Tel: +971 4 366 6200
Email: MJreservations@jumeirah.com

World’s Most Luxurious Hotel receives two prestigious World Travel Awards and two Luxury Travel Advisor Awards on the same day

Dubai: The celebrated Burj Al Arab, flagship hotel for Dubai based luxury hotel company Jumeirah, collected two much-coveted accolades at the 15th Annual World Travel Awards, held in the Turks & Caicos Islands on Tuesday. The hotel was also recognised elsewhere on the same day at the Luxury Travel Expo in Las Vegas with two Luxury Travel Advisor Awards.

The World’s Most Luxurious Hotel was once again recognised as the World’s Leading Hotel as well as the World’sLeading All Suite Hotel at the 2008 World Travel Awards, for the commitment to luxury, convenience and a highly personalized service for every guest, enhanced by private reception desks on every floor, as well as in-suite check-in and a brigade of exclusive butlers that provide around the clock assistance.

The inaugural Luxury Travel Advisor Awards in Las Vegas named Burj Al Arab as Best Hotel/Resort in the Middle East and the hotel also collected the award for Top Luxury Suite in a Hotel/Resort Worldwide for the Royal Suites. The Royal Suites are located on the 25th floor of Burj Al Arab and the award–winning features include an extravagantly appointed Majlis style lounge, a spacious library, luxurious dining room, a master bedroom with rotating four-poster canopy bed, spacious dressing room and adjoining marble bathroom complete with spa bath and walk-in shower, and a second bedroom with a luxurious bathroom similar to the master bathroom. The suites also contain a private elevator and private cinema.

Heinrich Morio, General Manager of Burj Al Arab, commented: “We are proud to have been recognized at the Annual World Travel Awards yet again this year, and are delighted at the support from readers of Luxury Travel Advisor. We believe that Burj Al Arab symbolizes the very essence of Dubai, embracing the best of the new alongside traditions of the past and setting new standards of luxury, service and comfort.

At Burj Al Arab, as with the rest of the Jumeirah Group, we are truly committed to our guests, and our promise to STAY DIFFERENT™. We would like to thank all of our Jumeirah colleagues for their continued hard work and dedication to surpass guest expectations.”