Friday, August 19, 2011

Asia travel news

Asia travel news

JAL reduces international fare fuel surcharge

Posted: 18 Aug 2011 08:49 PM PDT

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JAPAN-Japan Airlines (JAL) has requested for approval from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to decrease the current level of fuel surcharge on all international passenger tickets issued between October 1 and November 30, 2011.

JAL sets fuel surcharge levels bimonthly based on the 2-month average price of Singapore kerosene-type jet fuel. The price of Singapore kerosene-type jet fuel during the two month period of June and July 2011 averaged US$128.02 per barrel. With reference to the fuel surcharge benchmark list for the fiscal year of 2011, this corresponds to Zone G of fuel surcharges which range from 2,500 yen on a Japan - Korea ticket to 25,000 yen on a Japan - USA ticket per person per sector flown, on tickets purchased in Japan.

This level of surcharge will be applied to all international passenger tickets issued between October 1 and November 30, 2011.

Fuel Surcharge for the period: October 1 - November 30, 2011.

Mandarin Oriental Singapore unveils luxurious new holistic spa

Posted: 18 Aug 2011 08:40 PM PDT

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SINGAPORE-Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is delighted to unveil a new, luxurious ‘Spa at Mandarin Oriental’. This stunning space has been designed by award-winning and renowned hospitality interior design firm, AB Concept.

Located on the 5th floor, the spa is adjacent to the hotel’s stylish, contemporary and tropical pool. Inspired by Singapore’s heritage and equatorial climate, the space has been transformed into a sanctuary of healing, relaxation and calm.

The contemporary interiors pay homage to traditional design by using a natural palette of warm earth tones, with touches of purple and red. The reception area features a peaceful cloud silhouette motif, with multiple layers that are lit from below.

Lacquered panels, crafted to resemble louvered shutters, line the walls and subtle lighting, suffuses the interiors in a dreamy glow. Natural wood finishes and mosaic tiles stand out against crafted glass screens and mother-of-pearl accents, creating a delicate landscape of contrasting textures.

The intimate spa facilities include six treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites, a separate manicure-pedicure section, a reflexology area, a tea lounge for relaxation and one-to-one consultation areas.

The luxurious private Spa Suites allow guests to share a therapeutic experience in a private, healing sanctuary. The VIP Treatment Suite features a couples’ vitality pool and a luxurious couples’ steam shower in bamboo-inspired marble. Each suite has been designed to provide a deep sense of relaxation and bliss for the body, soul and mind.

“Mandarin Oriental, Singapore’s unique and holistic spa provides guests with a luxurious, sensory and therapeutic experience, that is truly personalized,” said General Manager, Paul Jones.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore will offer a range of relaxing and results driven treatments, including Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapies and product line. Developed in consultation with specialists in traditional Chinese medicine and master aroma therapists, Mandarin Oriental's Signature Spa Therapies originate from Oriental philosophy, and combine the relaxing effects of massage with the benefits of bespoke custom-blended essential oils. Mandarin Oriental’s signature product line has been developed specifically for the Group by the award-winning UK based company, Aromatherapy Associates. Each aromatherapy-based product has been created according to the oriental principles of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The products, which include a range of candles and travel-size oils, are also available for purchase, so that guests can continue using specific blends at home.

Drawing on world inspired therapies and philosophies, a series of holistic treatments are also available. Guests can embark on a sensory journey with the unique Fragrant Pearl treatment, which combines a fusion of traditional Asian ingredients. A delightful orchid scrub prepares the body for an exquisite pearl body wrap. The experience ends with a full body infusion massage.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is the perfect urban escape, offering a haven of serenity. It is a harmonious place of well-being, reaching far beyond the traditional spa experience.

Caesars Entertainment moves into India

Posted: 18 Aug 2011 08:31 PM PDT

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INDIA-Caesars Entertainment Corporation has announced plans to take a gamble on the emerging markets of India.

The Las Vegas-based gaming company plans to use Caesars Global Life, the unit recently created to develop branded luxury hotels, restaurants and other lifestyle amenities in resort destinations around the world, to expand its presence in the country.

Through Caesars Global Life, Caesars will develop its non-gaming presence and build a range of luxury hotels in South Asia, with entertainment and retail as integral components.

“Caesars is a globally recognised iconic luxury brand and we are thrilled to bring the Caesars lifestyle to India,” said Neera Chanani, South Asia Head of Caesars Entertainment Hospitality.

“We see exciting opportunities across multiple sectors in India and look forward to partnering with world-class developers.”

The company plans to launch multiple brands from its portfolio in addition to a new lifestyle brand that is in development.

Caesars will be focusing on major top-tier cities, as well as resort and holiday destinations.

Caesars operates over 50 casinos, hotels, and seven golf courses under several brands is the third casino-gaming company to foray into India after MGM Mirage Hospitality and Thunderbird Resorts Inc.

Malaysia Airlines links up with Marriott for new menu

Posted: 18 Aug 2011 07:57 PM PDT

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MALAYSIA-Malaysia Airlines will be serving a new Chinese menu by JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai on board its new Airbus 330-300 from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur.

Business Class passengers can enjoy the specially crafted menu by Chinese executive chef, Michael Lu of Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai.

Passengers can pick their preferred Chinese dishes from different regions to suit their taste buds; i.e. Si Chuan for those who enjoy spicy food; Shanghainese and Cantonese for those who enjoy a fuller taste.

“The menus are specially developed for Malaysia Airlines, offering a healthy and wholesome selection that is catered to suit the market,” said Chef Michael Lu.

“Business Class passengers will have the opportunity to taste Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant’s signature Cod fish dish. Using premium produce and ingredients, the fish is boneless and tasty, and the limited use of sauce brings out the natural flavours.”

Malaysia Airlines was recently recognised as the World’s Leading Airline to Asia by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

La Residence in Hue joins Accor's MGallery Collection

Posted: 18 Aug 2011 07:42 PM PDT

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VIETNAM-La Residence Hue Hotel and Spa has joined Accor's MGallery Collection.

The 81-year-old boutique hotel is the third property in Vietnam to become a member of the MGallery Collection, and the first in the country to join the MGallery roster of historic hotels, alongside establishments such as the Covent Hotel in Amsterdam, the Grand Hotel Beauvau in Marseilles, and the Hotel Frances in Santo Domingo.

Besides its heritage background, the hotel boasts strong design connections borne of its architectural roots. At the height of the art deco movement in 1930, the mansion at 5 Le Loi in Hue was built as part of the French Governor's official residence in the former colony of Annam.

Over time, the hotel, with its distinctive bowled façade, long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, has become a Hue landmark and a destination in its own right. With 200m of frontage along the south bank of the fabled Perfume River, the hotel's terraces, gardens and ample banks of windows offer views of Hue’s Flag Tower bastion and Truong Tien Bridge.

Inside, the hotel's age-old ambiance is evoked by a fusion of art deco styles. In three linked buildings, the hotel's 122 guest rooms and suites feature louvered shutters, hardwood floors and lofty ceilings.

The Signature Suites -- including the palatial, 76-square-metre Resident's Suite -- are a collection of individually designed and uniquely decorated spaces.

In the centre of the hotel's main building is Le Gouverneur Bar, where a mural by Roland Renaud arches over the room, depicting scenes of Vietnamese daily life.

The hotel's fine-dining restaurant, Le Parfum, serves up a blend of Mediterranean cuisine with strong French overtones, plus traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Thai Airways upgrades lounge at HKIA

Posted: 18 Aug 2011 07:04 PM PDT

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THAILAND-Thai Airways International recently upgraded its Royal Orchid Lounge at Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok Airport.

The breakfast station now includes new utensils and equipment such as milk dispenser for cereals, the Korinto Expresso Italian coffee-maker in Business Class and Koro Espresso Italian Coffee-maker in First Class. There is also a dessert station.

A larger variety of food is now being offered, especially at the salad bar corner with healthy menu that includes Thai dishes. For that touch of Thai, a Thai chef prepares Thai dishes which can be found at the new self-serve food corner. Thai style roasted chicken served with papaya salad is currently the lounge’s signature dish, as well as Tom Kha Kai, a coconut-based spicy chicken soup.

For cold desserts, First Class customers can enjoy the readily available Haagen-Dazs ice cream, while Business Class customers can delight in Dreyer’s Swiss-made ice cream.

Aside from the food and beverage improvements, THAI also installed 72 new sofa-style seats for passenger comfort in the lounge’s trendy and modern atmosphere.

“It’s great that we could meet customer expectations. The lounge has already received positive customer feedback from our premium passengers who send us comments and from regular survey reports,” said Ms. Nonthakorn Trakulpa, THAI’s General Manager of Hong Kong.
at 1:32 AM