Jetsettersblog

Emirates Business Rewards, the airline’s loyalty program for small and medium enterprises (SME), will offer its customers double reward miles throughout March, highlighting the airlines commitment to supporting SMEs.

For every dollar spent on travel with Emirates and booked via Business Rewards in February and March, the company will be awarded four Business Reward miles, rather then the standard two.

These miles can be redeemed for free flights on Emirates services worldwide, including any of the four U.S. gateways –

New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Houston (IAH).

This offer is available to all new and existing Business Rewards members globally. SMEs remain one of the greatest contributors to the UAE’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the UAE Ministry of Economy recently announcing it will be investing in the development of SMEs across the emirates this coming year.

For more information, visit the banner at right.

Armani Hotel Dubai, the first hotel to open under the collaboration between Giorgio Armani S.p.A. and Emaar Properties PJSC, will be officially launched on March 18, 2010, it was announced.

Exclusively housed in the distinctive Burj Dubai tower, the world’s tallest building, the Armani Hotel Dubai is the first of a series of hotels, resorts and residences designed by Giorgio Armani to be opened around the globe and marks fashion maestro Giorgio Armani’s debut in to the world of hospitality. Defined by its unique location, highest standards of aesthetics and service excellence, the Armani Hotel Dubai will be the most exclusive destination in the city.

The online bookings for the Armani Hotel Dubai will go live late January 2010, and prospective visitors can register online at www.armanihotels.com to receive further details about the hotel.

The opening of the Armani Hotel in Dubai will be followed by the launch of the Armani Hotel Milano. Other properties underway include the first Armani Resort, planned for Marrakech, and the first Armani Residences villas, for Marassi in Egypt. Further Armani hotels, resorts and residences will open subsequently in key international destinations such as New York, Tokyo, Shanghai and London.

Armani Hotels & Resorts was established in 2005 under an agreement between Giorgio Armani S.p.A. and Emaar Properties, with the objective to develop, own and operate an exclusive collection of hotels, resorts and residences in the world’s most important cities and holiday destinations. Armani Hotels & Resorts plans to open at least ten hotels and resorts within the next ten years.

Giorgio Armani Group is one of the leading fashion and luxury goods groups in the world today with over 5,000 direct employees and 13 factories.

It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products including apparel, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewellery, home furnishings, fragrances and cosmetics under a range of brand names: Giorgio Armani Privé, Giorgio Armani, Armani Collezioni, Emporio Armani, AJ | Armani Jeans, A/X Armani Exchange, Armani Junior, Armani Teen, Armani Baby and Armani Casa.

The exclusive distribution network of the Group comprises 75 Giorgio Armani boutiques, 19 Armani Collezioni shops, 166 Emporio Armani shops, 165 A/X Armani Exchange shops, 17 AJ | Armani Jeans shops, 8 Armani Junior shops, 10 Giorgio Armani Accessori shops, 2 Emporio Armani Accessori shops, 27 Armani Casa shops and 14 Emporio Armani Caffés in 46 countries around the world.

Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer with a significant presence in key markets world-wide.

Besides building residential and commercial properties, the company also has proven competencies in shopping malls and retail, as well as in the hospitality and leisure, education, healthcare and financial services sectors. Emaar inaugurated Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building and free-standing structure on January 4, 2010, and has opened The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination.

In Saudi Arabia, Emaar is developing King Abdullah Economic City, the region’s largest private sector-led project, featuring a Sea Port, Central Business District, Industrial Zone, Educational Zone, Residential Communities and Resort District. Emaar has joined with Giorgio Armani to strengthen its presence in hospitality. The company is also opening educational institutions and healthcare centres in South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and the Subcontinent. Emaar holds 30 per cent equity in Dubai Bank, focused on retail and commercial banking. Emaar is also the largest shareholder in Amlak Finance, UAE’s leading Islamic home financing company.

For more information visit www.emaar.com

General Tours World Traveler is offering privately guided or small-group escorted sightseeing to Middle East destinations, including Egypt, Jordan and Israel.

In Egypt, the company now offers three unique Cruise & Tours. Priced from $2,099 per person, these Nile voyages range from eight to 11 days.

Luxury hotels include the Sofitel El Gezirah and the landmark Oberoi Mena House.

In addition to the newly renovated Sonesta Sun Goddess and the all-suites Star Goddess, General Tours also offers sailings aboard the luxurious Oberoi Zahra, recently featured in Architectural Digest.

With only 20 guests per departure, Ancient Pathways to Petra was designed to explore both the ancient and modern faces of Jordan.

A leisurely two-night stay just steps away from the Petra visitors’ entrance affords unhurried, intimate exploration of the legendary Lost City.

Guests also venture off the beaten path to explore rarely-visited sites of antiquity like Pella and the Biblical City of Gadara.

An off-road excursion in Wadi Rum explores the Bedouin culture of the south while an art gallery visit in Amman reveals the vibrant 21st century spirit of the country.

With privately guided sightseeing, Discover Israel & Jordan is an eight-day Affordable Luxury tour with similar immersive experiences.

The company’s signature on-tour flexibility is evident during the chauffeured private car journey from Jerusalem into Jordan when guests can specify their travel route to visit either Nazareth or the Mount of Beatitudes.

America’s growing fascination with Syria is evidenced in two recent New York Times articles in which Damascus was cited as one of “The 31 Places to Go in 2010” and an American Mideast expert was quoted saying,

“The pitch is go now, before the masses arrive.” Newly redesigned for a maximum of 10 guests, Ancient Syria & Baalbeck includes a four-night stay at the luxurious Four Seasons in Damascus and two nights in Aleppo, plenty of time to explore the city’s ancient sites and its bustling souk, described by Times writer Lionel Beehner as “the Arab world’s most impressive souk, a sprawling network of noisy corridors and cramped stalls where, for the past seven centuries, every kind of spice, sweet, soap, silk, dried fruit, carpet, metal, jewelry and water pipe imaginable has been sold.” General Tour’s Family & Friends program offers $50 to $150 per person savings when three or more guests travel together.

These savings can be combined with the company’s other offers — including World Traveler Club discounts and exclusive AARP Member Benefits. All of the company’s departures are guaranteed.

For more information, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.GeneralTours.com

Join Costa Deliziosa’s inaugural sailing and enjoy a treasured cruise aboard the newest jewel of Costa Cruises’ fleet

On 5 February 2010, Costa Deliziosa will set sail for the first time, cruising from Savona to Dubai where passengers will be invited to the ship’s naming ceremony, the first to take place in an Arabian city.

With ports of call in Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Oman and Abu Dhabi, the inaugural sailing combines an incredible 20-night itinerary, with some of the most fantastic facilities in the world of cruising.

As a sister ship to Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa will also boast an impressive three-storey theatre, an outstanding 4D cinema, a Grand Prix driving simulator, a roller-skating track, an exclusive golf simulator with outdoor putting green and a PlayStation Experience.

The ship will also be home to Costa Cruises’ Samsara Spa, one of the largest spas afloat. Extending over two decks, the spa boasts a Rock Sauna (hotter than a classic Finnish sauna and ideal for cleansing the skin), an Aromatic Turkish Bath scented with rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender and thalassotherapy pools, with jets of seawater to massage the body. Passengers can also indulge with an extensive list of Elemis treatments.

Costa Deliziosa – Grand Inaugural Cruise

20 nights from only £1,629 per person – saving £880

From the Mediterranean to Dubai, discover two extraordinarily beautiful worlds onboard the Costa Deliziosa. In this spectacular cruise, the new diamond of the fleet will visit Italy, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Oman and Dubai.

Begin the grand inaugural cruise in Savona, Italy, and sail on to Civitavecchia, Rome, where you can spend the day admiring the beautiful port and the city’s impressive medieval centre.

Cruise on to Port Said in Egypt and then stop at Sharm El Sheik. Your next port of call will be Aqaba in Jordan, followed by Safaga in Egypt and then Aden, the door to the natural and cultural paradise of Yemen.

Your cruise will finish by visiting Oman, Abu Dhabi and finally Dubai, where the christening will take place on 23 February 2010.
Departs Savona, Italy on 5 February 2010

Prices start at £1,629 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside cabin, for 20 nights, cruise only, including all meals. A package including flights would be an addition £420 per person.

Caravan Serai published its tours for spring 2010.

The company kicks off the year with its tour to Yemen, Jan. 23 to Feb. 5, 2010.

Yemen is not generally the first choice for travel to the Middle East, but once people have experienced it, they wonder why they waited.

Caravan Seria can arrange an extension tour to Socotra Island to experience the unique ecosystem of the island after the tour ends in Sana’a.

The Saudi Arabia tour takes place Feb. 14 to 25, 2010.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia often evokes images of oil drills and desert, but the kingdom has a rich history and culture.

It also has a very diverse landscape, from desert to green mountains where there is occasionally snow.

This tour will cover much of this landscape, giving a good overview of the kingdom.

The operator’s Iran Tour is May 6 to 20, 2010, giving clients an opportunity to experience the culture and history of Iran.

This tour begins in Tehran and includes the cities of Shiraz, Isfahan and Yazd, as well as cities in the north, near the Caspian Sea.

Clients will see much of what Iran has to offer, from modern cities, to ancient archeological sites from the great Persian kings, as well as desert oases and lush green rain forest.

Participants on previous tours to Iran have come back with a great deal of appreciation for the rich and complex history, the warm and welcoming people, the food, and the landscapes of Iran.

Caravan Serai will also offer many other tours in 2010, including:

an escorted tour of Syria in April, an escorted tour to Morocco and Tunisia in late April-early May, a Levantine Adventure Tour in September, Iran in October and a Gulf States Tour in late October to early November.

For more information,

call 800-451-8097

or visit www.caravan-serai.com

(Dubai, United Arab Emirates –The Image Maker, a United Arab Emirates headquartered, business development company has announced EmiratesRevealed.com in honour of the seven Rulers of the Emirates and the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the incredible achievements of the nation.

The new interactive online photography portal is the largest photo and video interactive portal ever created that is dedicated to images of the United Arab Emirates.

The announcement coincides with UAE National Day on 2 December. EmiratesRevealed.com forms part of a global trilogy comprising Emirates Revealed – The TV documentary being produced by the prestigious Discovery Channel and Emirates Revealed – The Book, all launching in 2010.

The brainchild of Ms Yasmeen Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, The Image Maker, EmiratesRevealed.com provides a user-friendly site where visitors can both download and upload images and participate in chat forums with instant sharing of these images.

“The site was created out of exhaustive research on what communicates best on a global level. Images and film speak a thousand words and cross all cultural boundaries,” said Ms Stewart.

According Ms Stewart, the site is intended for use by both consumers and professionals.

“The aim is to stimulate the economy of the UAE with this site. First, by showing the diversity of the country by covering all seven Emirates. Further, the site is broken down into all areas of life in the UAE from culture to the UAE global charity vision.” she explained.

Advertising agencies and marketing professionals experience day to day challenges locating high quality images for the development of campaigns and branding. EmiratesRevealed.com simplifies the process, offering a wide selection of only the highest quality images all in one place.

This unique interactive ecommerce portal has been designed to showcase the culturally rich and diverse United Arab Emirates, its extraordinary standard of living and lifestyle, as well as its rapid economic development which promises a future even more exciting and dynamic than its past.

Visitors to the site will be immersed in the visual panorama of the Emirates. Whether a traveler, planning to visit the Emirates who is researching online to get a feel for the destination, a student sourcing images for an assignment or an advertising agency, EmiratesRevealed.com is poised to become the most recognized image library on the UAE globally.

“We are including images of not only Dubai but all of the Emirates equally. There is a focus on the everyday life of the people and as well as art, architecture, history, famous landmarks and cultural events.”

On launch (slated for 31 March 2010) EmiratesRevealed.com will be the most comprehensive collection of images made available at the click of a mouse.

“We are also promoting local talent on the site with direct links to the local photographers, developers and government agencies responsible for the work in the images and footage.” said Ms Stewart.

EmiratesRevealed.com is actively utilizing social viral media as a platform to drive awareness, with links to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

“Search engine optimization is a crucial part of our roll out plan, ensuring a high ranking when users search for the UAE or UAE-related topics; when you use Google search or any other search engine all the UAE images will cover the page. Through this project we aim to introduce an accurate image of the UAE to a global audience, both media and individuals, making the UAE a vision of inspiration in the new Middle East.” she added.

EmiratesRevealed.com has teamed up with industry leaders such as Corbis and local representatives Graph East.

Awarded European Wellness Certificates

Prestigious certifications guarantee best quality in spa and wellness and in more than 800 other areas of hotel operation

Hamra Hotels and Resorts has announced that Al Hamra Beach Resort and Khatt Springs Hotel & SPA have been awarded the European Wellness Certificates after successfully passing a rigorous audit by the European Audit Institute Wellness & SPA SCE (EAWS) – the only awarding body in Europe that offers a Wellness Quality Certificate with a seal and guarantee of a publicly certified and sworn expert for wellness concepts and wellness facilities.

Al Hamra Beach Resort and Khatt Springs Hotel & SPA are the first hotels in the UAE to receive such distinctions.

Al Hamra Beach Resort was awarded the Golf & SPA Europe Certificate, while Khatt Springs Hotel & SPA applied for two categories – Wellness & SPA Europe Certificate and Medical SPA Europe Certificate – and successfully fulfilled the requirements for both.

The European Wellness Certificate guarantees the best quality not only for spa and wellness but for all facilities of the hotel as the audit process includes more than 800 criteria covering different sectors of the hotel.

Michael El Nayal, Member of the Board, Hamra Hotels and Resorts said, “The stamp of approval from the European Audit Institute Wellness & SPA reaffirms our strong commitment to deliver the highest quality in terms of service and hotel facilities. We will continue to identify new ways to further raise the bar of excellence in the hospitality sector and ensure a consistently enjoyable and memorable experience for all our guests.”

“Moreover, this certification will provide a significant boost to the continuing efforts of the Hamra Hotels and Resorts team to attract a greater number of tourists from high-potential markets all over the world. We recently succeeded in opening a new charter flight from Copenhagen to Ras Al Khaimah in line with our goal of establishing the emirate as a premier global wellness destination,” added El Nayal.

Founded by hotel and wellness experts from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, EAWS offers the Wellness Europe Certificate in three categories: Wellness & SPA Europe Certificate, Golf & SPA Europe Certificate and Medical SPA Europe Certificate. Aside from the quality of spa and wellness service, the certification also takes into account other facets of the hotel, including the range of its healthy food and beverage products, value-added offerings for outdoor and nature activities and even cultural events held within the hotel or in the surrounding area.

Hamra Hotels and Resorts was established in 1996 with a mission to develop and operate unique hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates. It has today grown to become one of the leading hotel developers and operators in the region, with new hotel projects soon to be launched in Africa, Asia and Europe.

Escape to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara and let the stresses of everyday life melt away. Uncover a heritage of rich local culture, and reminisce over ancient splendour.

Take in towering red sand dunes that glimmer in the desert sun for as far as the eye can see. Glimpse free roaming sand gazelles and captivating Oryx, and explore a landscape of breathtaking natural beauty.

The recently launched Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is located just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, set within the famed Liwa Desert – an area steeped with tradition and bursting with legacy.

Step back into traditional Arabia and journey into the fabled desert from this magnificent 206 room resort. Designed to absorb the region’s distinctive custom, guestroom interiors are inspired by the simple grandeur of an old desert fortress and boast locally hand-crafted furnishings, rich carpets and embroidered fabrics to evoke ambient warmth and an inescapable sense of romance.

For the ultimate in lavish experiences, guests are invited to retreat to one of three Villas, each featuring three bedrooms and reflecting a splendid regal retreat.

Promising the finest five star services, including 24/7 butler, these private palaces benefit from two bedrooms with King beds, one bedroom with Twin beds, a common lounge area, pantry, private pool, sundecks, oversized terrazzo bathtubs, rain showers and complimentary WIFI.

Qasr Al Sarab also offers 29 one bedroom Villas, 10 two bedroom Villas and a range of comfortable rooms all exuding sensual Arabian touches.

Adorned with hints of Bedouin tradition and exquisite reminders of timeless culture, guests are assured of feeling a million miles away from the fast pace of city life.

Unveiling a series of gastronomic adventures, the resort offers a variety of enticing dining choices. Relax in comfortable chairs at Suhail Qasr Al Sarab, where guests can feast on the finest grills and seafood whilst taking in sweeping views of the starlit dunes in the distance. Or indulge at Al Waha Qasr Al Sarab restaurant where the finest Middle Eastern and international delights await.

Qasr Al Sarab unfolds a gateway of cultural discovery to the mesmerising traditions of the Liwa Desert. Be prepared to stand in awe at the sight of amazing natural phenomenon, such as the crystallised sand formations known as ‘Desert Roses’ that embellish some of the largest dunes in the world.

Traverse the undulating landscape by traditional means atop a camel and experienced guide, and live out epic Arabian experiences as you soak up the region’s fascinating history.

Glimpse at the Arabian wildlife as they roam in their natural habitat, a 9000 sq km protected nature reserve. Or simply pass an evening in the style of centuries gone by, gazing at a starry sky from the desert’s natural vantage point of a beautiful ochre red dune.

Reveal the true spirit of Arabia with a visit to the Bedouin Tent. Admire a welcoming setting of a Bedouin inspired tent, where dining and entertainment are sensuous arts.

Become immersed in the local way of life and savor a string of authentic Arabian customs against the backdrop of vast dunes and enchanting desert surrounds.

After a day of enthralling activity, let the beautiful and supremely intimate Anantara Spa become the perfect oasis of privacy and serenity. Relax in one of five spacious desert view treatment rooms, from which to enjoy a wide range of divine indulgences.

The highlight of the spa is an exclusive Moroccan-style Hammam with the calming sound of running water echoing from ornately tiled walls. Double heated marble beds, Jacuzzis, steam rooms and an exclusive Ice Cave pamper those who indulge in the ornate Hamman.

Take pleasure in signature experiences, richly inspired by the region and fused with the finest local ingredients. Choose from a soothing selection of Thai-themed treats for overall rejuvenation, and reap never-ending pleasures with luxurious facilities such as a Vichy treatment room, whirlpool bath, steam and sauna.

For those with superfluous energy, a fitness centre complete with kinesis, yoga and aerobic studio, alongside weights and cardio room is also available to work off extra steam.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a scenic retreat located in an astounding, unique environment, encompassing authentic aspects of desert life and capturing the true heritage and culture of the region.

A tapestry of colour, culture, luxury and ingenuity are just waiting to be discovered at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

For Bookings and Reservations Please contact Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara on Tel: +971 2 886 2088 or email: infoqas@anantara.com  For further information please visit www.qasralsarab.anantara.com

Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery is featuring savings on its 21-day “Africa & the Red Sea” cruise departing March 27.

The rate is $4,156 per person plus $495 to $795 air add-ons from Voyages of Discovery gateways.

The “Africa & Red Sea” itinerary on the 650-passenger Discovery begins with a three-night Kenyan safari before boarding the ship in Mombasa, Kenya.

Guests fly into Nairobi for one night and transfer to Amboseli National Park for an afternoon game drive and overnight.

The following day guests transfer to Tsavo National Park for another afternoon game drive and overnight.

The third day they are transferred to Mombasa for an overnight on the ship. The Discovery will sail to the beaches of Praslin and Mahe in the Seychelles, Aden and Hodeidah in Yemen, and Safaga (for Luxor), Egypt. Overnights are scheduled in Mahe and Safaga. From Safaga guests fly to London for a two-night hotel stay before returning to North America.

For more information, call 866-623-2689 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Described by Gary Player as the course that will “set new standards for the Middle East region”, the UAE’s first beachfront course, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, is now fully grassed and on track for completion at the end of year, just in time for the European PGA Tour’s Middle East Swing in January 2010.

Final enhancements are being made to this extraordinary golf experience with the highest of expectations. With six golf holes playing alongside the beautiful white sands of the Persian Gulf and eight others offering stunning views of the incredible turquoise water, Gary Player Design anticipates this golf venue to take its place amongst the top in the region, if not the world.

When describing the course, Gary Player Design’s Senior Designer Jeff Lawrence states, ‘Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is truly a stunning course that will no doubt provide a memorable golf experience. Mr. Player loves the contracts, and we achieved such a dramatic color transition between the vibrant green fairways, native dune vegetation, and the white bunker sand.

The essence of the golf course has always been to create a clean, neat and straight forward ‘look’ that emphasizes the crystal blue waters of the Persian Gulf while developing creative and interesting design characteristics.

We can’t wait to get player feedback after the golf course opens later this year.’