Jetsettersblog

Luxury accommodation marketing brand, Select Hotels & Resorts International offers sensational package deals this Spring from several Member Properties across Asia-Pacific. See below for packages from a diverse range of Select experiences including the family friendly Couran Cove Island Resort, Queensland, Spring skiers choice Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka and Thailand jewel Mom Tri?s Villa Royale, Phuket.

Couran Cove Island Resort, Sth Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia
Couran Cove Island Resort, located just 40 minutes by ferry from the Gold Coast mainland, is an idyllic holiday destination where you can find your space? your time? to escape, explore, relax and unwind.

Select Special:
Stay for 3 nights and receive a AU$150 cash-card to spend at the resort.

Package Inclusions:
3 nights accommodation in a Marine Deluxe Room
Full buffet breakfast daily
Return ferry transfers
Daily Bike Hire
AU$150 cash-card to spend

Valued from AUD$555.00 per person/twin share.

Terms and conditions:
Promo valid from 01 April - 26 December 2008 and 05 January - 31 March 2009.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
AUD$150 cash-card is non-transferable and can not be redeemed for cash

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
The days are longer, sunnier and warmer, just perfect for a September ski holiday in Wanaka. Enjoy the spaciousness of our one-bedroom suites for almost a week. Check the snow reports daily from the comfort of your phone and choose where to ski. Not a skier? No problem in Wanaka with its choice of attractions, boating, walks, golf and fun activities.

Select Ski Package

Package includes:
Six night?s accommodation in a one bedroom suite
2 continental breakfasts per day package
Children 12 and under stay FOC when using existing bedding.

Price: NZ$1,600.00 per suite includes GST

Terms and conditions:
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com ?or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Mom Tri?s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand
The elusive pleasures of traditional Thai calm and elegance are often advertised and rarely found. But cordoned off from the crowds of Phuket is an exception, a true sanctuary of Thai style: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Platinum Royale Package

Package includes :
8 days 7 nights Accommodation in our Beach Wing Suite
Airport round trip transfer by a private limousine
A complimentary Villa Royale selection Wine in suite
Daily Royale breakfast
Two Thai set dinner per Guest at Mom Tri?s Kitchen
Two hours of Villa Royale Thai massage per Guest at Mom Tri?s Spa Royale

Price: THB 48,500 (double)

Terms and conditions
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

For Media Information:

Kate Gilfillan
kate@davcomm.com.au
+61 (0)2 9907 0020

Celebrate Spring with Select Hotels and book today!

Select Member properties for 2008 are:

AUSTRALIA: Q Station, Sydney; The Observatory Hotel, Sydney, NSW: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Katoomba NSW; Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley, NSW; Kims Beach Hideaway, Toowoon Bay, NSW; Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island, NSW; Meadowlake Lodge, Milton, NSW; Hotel Lindrum, Melbourne, VIC; Select Burnham Beeches, Dandenong Ranges, VIC; Hotel Pension Grimus, Mount Buller, VIC; Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat, Kangaroo Island, SA; The Lodge at Tarraleah, Tarraleah, TAS; Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island, QLD; Paradise Bay Eco Escape, Whitsundays, QLD; Lindenwarrah, Milawa; Lindenderry

NEW ZEALAND: Carrington Resort, Karikari Peninsula, Northland; Kourawhero Country Lodge, North Auckland; Mangapapa Petit Hotel, Hawke?s Bay; Select Braemar Lodge and Spa, Hanmer Springs; Grasmere Lodge, Arthur’s Pass; Huntley House, Christchurch; Millbrook Resort, Queenstown; Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau; The Points Villas, Lake Taupo; Queenstown Park Hotel, Queenstown

PACIFIC ISLANDS: Toberua Island Resort, Fiji;

ASIA: Saman Villas, Bentota, Sri Lanka; The Regency Wing of Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Mom Tri?s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand; Veranda Resort and Spa, Hua Hin, Thailand; Wanakarn Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand

CHINA: 88Xintiandi Executive Residences, Shanghai

MIDDLE EAST: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, UAE

The most widely heralded ship to enter the cruise market this year, Celebrity Solstice, departed Meyer Werft shipyard yesterday in Papenburg, Germany, as the largest ship ever built by the longtime shipbuilder. In a milestone event known as ?The Conveyance,? the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice made its way down the River Eems, as tens of thousands of area residents lining the river banks cheered and photographed the historic event.

?This is a very momentous occasion for Celebrity Cruises,? said the brand?s President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. ?Celebrity Solstice is the perfect manifestation of what the Celebrity brand is all about: extraordinary service, spectacular dining, and fabulous style and design. And as the first in a series of five Solstice-class ships, it?s a vivid example of the growth and momentum of the Celebrity brand, and our commitment to meet our guests? and travel agent partners? demands for more vacation options with Celebrity.?

Among the wealth of attributes guests will find only on Celebrity Solstice are:
? The industry?s first Lawn Club, a lush, half-acre recreation area with real, growing grass.
? The industry?s first Hot Glass Show, with live glassblowing demonstrations presented in association with The Corning Museum of Glass.
? Larger staterooms, with design inspirations offered by a panel of five women, hand-picked for their unique travel and hospitality insights.
? 10 varied restaurants, ranging from the dramatic, two-level ?Grand Epernay? main dining room with a sweeping wine tower, to four exquisite specialty restaurants, to several stylish, casual venues.
? An entirely new category of accommodations, ?AquaClass,? designed to offer a spa vacation experience at sea rivaling the best of those on land.
? A state-of-the-art theater and stage design, with three new leading-edge shows custom-designed for Celebrity with Poet Theatricals, in their first cruise line partnership.

?There also is the intangible attribute which is consistent across the Celebrity fleet, and that?s the extraordinary, anticipatory service our phenomenal staff offer our guests every day,? said Hanrahan.
Celebrity Solstice will be berthed in Eemshaven, Netherlands, from September 29 to October 24, with two separate sea trials planned during that period, in addition to crew arrivals, training, provisioning and finishing work onboard. The ship will depart Eemshaven October 24 on a transatlantic voyage, with arrival in Fort Lauderdale planned for early November, followed by a series of promotional cruises for invited travel agents, press and other dignitaries. The ship will be named in formal ceremonies on November 14, and will begin its maiden season November 23, with a series of alternating 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, calling on San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Tortola during this Fall and Winter. Celebrity Solstice presents a series of romantic 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises from Rome beginning in Spring 2009.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top ten “Top Cruise Ships in the World” in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Cond? Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers? poll), Celebrity’s current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012.

A new yachting regatta will take place in Auckland early next year, to be called the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series.

Auckland is New Zealand?s largest city, with a vibrant waterfront area set around a beautiful harbor. The regatta will be held during the height of the Southern Hemisphere summer, when New Zealand enjoys its best weather. Six teams are expected to compete, with confirmed syndicates including Emirates Team New Zealand and BMW Oracle. Races will be sailed in Emirates Team New Zealand yachts.

For more information, visit www.NewZealand.com

Virgin Blue??s sister airline, Pacific Blue, today revealed the newest destination on its growing route network with the addition of direct flights between Brisbane and the Solomon Islands (Honiara) taking off on 2 December 2008*, as well as adding three extra seasonal flights each week between Wellington and Brisbane.

As part of an ongoing expansion plan Pacific Blue will fly direct between Brisbane and the Solomon Islands twice a week with convenient connections available from Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra and Melbourne.

To celebrate the new destination the airline is offering a special Brisbane ?V Honiara launch fare of AUD$249* on sale now until midnight 10 October or until sold out for travel from 2 December until 31 March 2009. Regular lead-in fares will start from AUD$379* one way on the internet.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, ??This is the third brand new international destination we??ve announced in as many weeks and it??s exciting, particularly in this current climate, to be able to continue our expansion into new territories.??

In addition to a brand new destination the airline will also boost services between Brisbane and Wellington from 1 December 2008, in time for the busy Christmas travel period, increasing the seasonal frequency on this route from five to eight flights a week.

??As with all our routes we keep a close eye on loadings and market demand and we believe the additional capacity on the Brisbane ?V Wellington route will be warmly welcomed by the travelling public in both directions who are looking for a convenient schedule, great value and outstanding service,?? Brett Godfrey finished.

* Subject to regulatory approval. All fares are subject to availability, are for one way travel and include taxes, fares and surcharges.

Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares are one way on the net or AUD$15 more by phone.

A credit card surcharge of AUD$5 per person per one way flight is applicable for flights internationally. Fares are correct as at 3 Oct, 2008 and are subject to change. International return fare may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges.

Silversea’s 2009 Voyage Atlases Now Available Silversea Cruises has published its new full-color, 120-page Voyage Atlas for 2009, a visually captivating brochure with a focus on luxury and exotic destinations for its four all-suite ships, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, and the company’s new expedition ship, Prince Albert II.

Now available in print and online at www.silversea.com, the comprehensive guide contains over 130 imaginative itineraries offered aboard the line’s classic fleet as well as 26 exciting expeditions set for the Prince Albert II. The 2009 schedule features all seven continents, over 80 countries, and more than 300 distinct destinations.

The new Atlas opens with an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary followed by a section revealing the hallmarks of Silversea’s unique luxury lifestyle. The balance of the brochure provides detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including highlights of shore excursions, descriptions of land programs, deck plans, savings programs and general information.

“Our new Voyage Atlas provides a window into an exclusive world where easygoing luxury, exploration and discovery blend together to create the most enriching travel experience,” said Steve Odell, Silversea’s Senior vice president of Asia Pacific. “For our guests, luxury travel is a lifestyle of countless indulgences — from the serenity of breakfast on a private veranda or a soothing body wrap and massage, to an exciting adventure by Zodiac craft to discover an isolated culture. With Silversea, the possibilities are endless.”

GRAND PACIFIC VOYAGE

A highlight of Silversea’s 2009 season is the company’s first-ever Grand Pacific Voyage, a 92-day extended odyssey timed to coincide with prime regional seasons of the Pacific Ocean. Departing Los Angeles on March 7, 2009, Silver Shadow will follow the mild trade winds of spring as they dry the skies south of the equator, find northern Japan?s cherry blossoms in full bloom, and arrive in Alaska as the region awakens from its winter slumber with warmer, longer days. On this epic journey, guests will visit 45 ports, 15 countries and two hemispheres, enjoying overnight stays in Bora Bora, Sydney, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

In addition to the US$2,000 per suite onboard spending credit, other special amenities available to guests sailing the full voyage include complimentary hotel accommodations in Los Angeles on the eve of departure, plus transfer and baggage handling between airport, hotel and ship. Fares start at US$53,453 per person, based on double occupancy.

FRENCH POLYNESIA

Also on next year’s schedule is an enticing collection of expedition cruises to French Polynesia aboard Prince Albert II, which will be deployed in Papeete from mid-March to late October 2009. These new itineraries will feature the less-traveled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands. Other South Pacific voyages of Prince Albert II will include such off-the-beaten-path destinations as the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Pitcairn Islands and mysterious Easter Island.

In keeping with the company’s commitment to promote the use of environmentally responsible products, the Atlas is printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The brochure displays the FSC’s “Mixed Sources” label, certifying the paper comes from well-managed forests, controlled sources and/or recycled material.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of all inclusive conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II in 2008, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

Silversea Cruises has recently announced major dry-dock refurbishments are planned for its 296-guest sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind to bring their interiors in line with the style of its newest ship, the 540-guest Silver Spirit (scheduled for delivery in December 2009). For Silver Wind , the month-long refurbishment will take place in November 2008 and Silver Cloud’s in May 2009.

For the past four consecutive years Silversea has been named Best Cruise Line by readers of Australia?s Luxury Travel and Style magazine. For nine consecutive years, Silversea has been named “Number One Small Ship Line? in the Readers’ Choice survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in the USA and in 2007 was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Cond? Nast Traveller?s ?Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences? at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as “World’s Best Small Ship Line? in the US Travel + Leisure readers’ poll for the past seven years, and ?Best Luxury Cruise Operator? twice in the TravelWeekly Asia Industry Awards, 2007 and 2008.

from March - October 2009

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has revealed details of its 2009 schedule of expeditions for the Prince Albert II, calling for the ship’s deployment in Papeete from mid-March to late October
2009.

An exciting collection of new itineraries will feature the less-traveled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands. For the balance of the year, the 132-guest luxury expedition ship will offer a series of Antarctic explorations with convenient roundtrip departures from Ushuaia.

The ship’s positioning in Tahiti is the result of numerous efforts and successful meetings between Silversea and the French Polynesian government.

“We are delighted to base the Prince Albert II in beautiful Tahiti for a series of explorations next year,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea’s president and CEO. “The South Pacific is home to magnificent natural vistas and some of the world’s most intriguing cultures, offering our guests the perfect setting for mind-enriching, authentic adventures.”

“We are pleased to welcome the prestigious Prince Albert II to French Polynesia,” said the President of French Polynesia, Gaston Tong Sang. “Since taking office, it has been my goal and intention to take all necessary steps to enable Silversea to visit the region. The Prince Albert II is a true luxury vessel with a privileged clientele that is attracted by cultural and authentic travel experiences.”

Mr. Tong Sang added, “The itineraries and land programs designed by Silversea are in sync with our tourism positioning as well as our aims for the islands and remote archipelagoes development. The unique voyages developed by Silversea will enable travelers to discover the unknown beauties and treasures of our five archipelagoes in exceptional luxury.”

In the spirit of true adventure, all itineraries are unstructured by design. Following only a tentative schedule that allows for moment-by-moment flexibility, expeditions stay longer at sites of particular interest, or make slight detours whenever weather, nature or mere curiosity dictate.

Highlights of the 2009 French Polynesia program include:

AUSTRAL ISLAND ADVENTURES

Nestled in the Tropic of Capricorn, the remote Austral Islands lie hundreds of miles south of Tahiti and enjoy a slightly cooler climate. Tubuai, largest of these volcanic islands, is probably best known for the failed landing attempts of the H.M.S. Bounty. (The island’s villagers assaulted the unwelcome ship with a barrage of stones, and ultimately the mutineers sailed off to Pitcairn.) Prince Albert II and her fleet of 8 Zodiac boats will explore the unique culture, flora and fauna of Rapa, Raivavae, Tubuai, Rurutu and Rimatara on five 11-day, roundtrip journeys from Papeete. Silver Sailing fares start at US$3,897 per person, based on double occupancy.

JOURNEYS TO THE MARQUESAS

The mountainous islands of the Marquesas are located nearly 900 miles northeast of Tahiti and just south of the equator. With a lush, vibrant terrain bursting with myriad exotic flowers and fruit trees, it’s easy to understand how this tropical paradise captivated the artist Paul Gauguin, who made the Marquesas his adopted home. On four roundtrip journeys of 14 days from Papeete, Prince Albert II’s expedition team will lead in-depth explorations of Fatu Hiva, Pua Mau, Hiva Oa, Atuona, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva and Tahuata, as well as Manihi and Fakarava Island in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Society Islands of Bora Bora and Tahaa. Silver Sailing fares start at US$4,917 per person, based on double occupancy.

TUAMOTU EXPEDITIONS

The isolated Tuamotu Islands, northeast of Tahiti, comprise the world’s largest chain of atolls. Its 78 sparsely populated coral islands span over 900 miles of aquamarine waters. Dotted with quaint villages, coral churches and an abundance of wildlife — from bottlenose dolphins and coconut crabs to the rarest of birds, this remote archipelago offers endless possibilities for real Robinson Crusoe-style adventures. Departing from Papeete, Prince Albert II will embark on five 10-day expeditions to the Tuamotu islands of Tikihau, Rangiroa, Apataki, Arutua and Fakarava, as well as Raiatea, Maupihaa and Huahine in the Society Islands. Silver Sailing fares start at US$3,597 per person, based on double occupancy.

The Prince Albert II offers full-scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style. With the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship, guests will enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodations (many with French balconies or large private verandas), sumptuous gourmet cuisine, warm hospitality and personalized service (with a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1), and Silversea’s generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, bottled water, wines and spirits served throughout the ship, 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities.

Plus, complimentary Butler Service is provided in the Grand and Owner’s Suites.

Orion Expedition Cruises, the Sydney-based luxury cruise line operating expeditions in the South Pacific, is offering free airfare to guests who book the 19-night Norfolk & Melanesia Island Discovery expedition. Guests will depart Los Angeles on Feb. 25 and arrive in Auckland on Feb. 27. Cruising to Melanesia, guests can witness an active volcano at Tanna Island and see the wreck of the Discoverer on Nggela Island. While in New Caledonia, they?ll explore the beaches, indigenous Kunie tribes and ruins of Norfolk Island. Orion, founded in 2004, operates the 53-passenger Orion.

For more information, visit www.orionexpeditions.com

Princess Cruises? passengers will be able to celebrate the 12 themes of Christmas while sailing the South Pacific on its superliners, Sun Princess and Dawn Princess, this December.

Guests will be treated to traditionally winter-based fun in the sun including:

1. Snow falling in the ship?s spectacular atrium
2. Santa at sea delivering presents to children
3. Christmas cards for passengers from the Captain
4. Christmas dinner feast with turkey and the trimmings
5. Seasonal sweet treats of gingerbread mousse, mince pies and chocolate yuletide logs
6. Decorations stern to bow with wreaths, holly and mistletoe
7. A Christmas tree on the ship?s mast
8. Yuletide carollers on deck
9. Christmas parties and activities for teenagers
10. Christmas decoration making
11. A Christmas play for children to take part in
12. Nintendo Wii fit to work off Christmas lunch.

Couples seeking an away-from-it-all relaxing Christmas break can take advantage of some discounted cruising options including a:

? 10-night ?Tropical Treasures? voyage onboard Dawn Princess departing Sydney on December 18, 2008, taking in five exotic island ports in New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands and Vanuatu. Passengers receive a free balcony upgrade when an oceanview cabin is booked, with fares available from $2358* per person twin share.

? 12-night ?Island Gems? voyage onboard Sun Princess, which will set sail from her new home base of Melbourne on December 18, 2008, taking in New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands and Vanuatu. Passengers receive a free balcony upgrade when an oceanview cabin is booked, with fares available from $2657* per person twin share.

Guests can also ring in the New Year onboard the Sun Princess or Dawn Princess with a New Year?s Eve party complete with confetti, music, party poppers and bubbly to welcome in 2009, with cruise deals including a:

? 12-night ?Pacific Idyll? cruise onboard Dawn Princess departing Sydney on December 28, 2008. Passengers receive a free balcony upgrade when an oceanview cabin is booked, with fares available from $3666* per person twin share.

? 12-night ?Island Gems? South Pacific voyage onboard Sun Princess departing Melbourne on January 12, 2009. Fares are available from $1728* per person twin share.

For more information about Princess Cruises call 13 24 88 or visit www.princess.com

*Subject to availability/conditions apply

Qantas announced today it would grow its North American network with the commencement of expanded codeshare relationships with US carriers Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.

Qantas Group General Manager Sales and Distribution, Mr Rob Gurney, said the airline would codeshare on Horizon Air services between Los Angeles and Flagstaff (Arizona), Boise (Idaho), Reno (Nevada), and Alaska Airlines services between Honolulu and Seattle (Washington) and Anchorage (Alaska).

?North America remains a key market for Qantas that continues to grow and we are always looking at opportunities to expand our network. We recently added new codeshare destinations operated by American Airlines from Los Angeles to Austin, Nashville, San Jose, Fresno, Santa Barbara and Monterey,? Mr Gurney said.

Qantas currently operates 47 return services per week between Australia and the US and from October, will add capacity with the introduction of the A380 from Melbourne and Sydney to Los Angeles.

?The extension of our codeshare partnerships with Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and American Airlines will provide our customers with new itinerary choices and seamless travel to these destinations in the USA.? ?Australia is one of the biggest international markets for travel to the Grand Canyon and we are particularly pleased to now offer customers a service to Flagstaff, Arizona, the gateway to the Grand Canyon.? ?Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air already offer onward connections for Qantas customers from Los Angeles to Seattle, Portland, Vancouver and Calgary and from San Francisco to Seattle, Portland and Vancouver.? Qantas now offers codeshare flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York to 25 cities in the USA as well as six cities in Canada.

Members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program can earn and redeem points on eligible Qantas, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air flights.

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