| Ha Long Bay boats do not have to be painted wholly white: authorities Posted: 15 Jan 2012 10:55 PM PST |
| Qantas flies A380 to Hong Kong Posted: 15 Jan 2012 10:41 PM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  HONG KONG - Qantas has launched Airbus A380 services to Hong Kong. The city becomes the fourth A380 destination in the Qantas network, and will be served four times a week from Sydney, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Australian carrier received its 11th and 12th A380s late last year. The new aircraft have also enabled Qantas to mount additional A380 services between Melbourne and London (via Singapore) – up from six flights per week to daily – and between Melbourne and Los Angeles, which rises from four flights per week to daily.
The Qantas A380 seats 450 passengers in a four-class configuration, with 14 seats in first class, 72 seats in business class, 32 in premium economy and 332 in economy.
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| Sofitel opens first hotel in India Posted: 15 Jan 2012 10:17 PM PST |
| IHG set to open Crowne Plaza Hotel in Semarang, Indonesia Posted: 15 Jan 2012 08:40 PM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  INDONESIA - The new 270-room Crowne Plaza Semarang will open its doors on 22 January 2012. Owned by the Golden Flower Group, the hotel will be managed by InterContinental Hotels Group. The first Crowne Plaza hotel in Central Java is located at Semarang’s central business district, near government and regional corporate offices, major banks and popular shopping malls. The hotel is also just a 15-minute drive from Ahmad Yani Airport.
“Being the first Crowne Plaza-branded hotel in Central Java – and the second in Indonesia following Jakarta – Crowne Plaza Semarang will add to the thriving tourism and economic activities in this part of the region,” said Ian Reid, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Semarang. “As one of the country’s busiest hubs, Semarang is an ideal gateway connecting both business and leisure guests who travel domestically and internationally.”
All of its 270 rooms and suites – including four Junior, 20 Executive, and one Presidential suites – are well-equipped with state-of-the- rt amenities for guests to stay connected, such as docking stations, wired and wireless internet access.
Guests of the Club rooms and suites have access to the Club Lounge and a personalised check-in /check-out area.
For extended-stay travellers, the hotel has four suite units that each comes with 2-3 bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, laundry facilities and entertainment systems.
Designed with optimal guest satisfaction and convenience in mind, Crowne Plaza Semarang includes restaurants offering popular local and international cuisines, a business centre, a fully-facilitated health club, an outdoor pool, and a sauna. It also features a pillar-less ballroom that can accommodate more than 2,000 people, complete with a wedding chapel and gallery.
“The opening of Crowne Plaza Semarang underscores IHG’s strong expansion in Southeast Asia,” said Alan Watts, Vice President of Operations, Southeast Asia at IHG. “Indonesia has reflected strong GDP growth in the past few years. This encourages long term economic and tourism growth in terms of investments, infrastructural developments and employment opportunities, while continuing to be a favourite travel destination for both business and leisure travellers.”
In 2011 alone, Indonesia recorded 7.63 million tourist arrivals, representing a 9% growth from the previous year. The country is targetting 8.72 million tourist arrivals by end-2015.
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| Celebrate Tet in style at the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Posted: 15 Jan 2012 08:03 PM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  VIETNAM - Enjoy better ways to experience Hanoi with Tết special benefits at the upscale Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi throughout January. Couples can also enjoy a heart-pumping offer during Month of Romance in the coming February where special memories of a lifetime await. Tết Celebration in Hanoi and Saigon
Guests staying at the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi and the Mövenpick Hotel Saigon between 15 January to 15 February 2012 will enjoy a promotional discount of 20% off Best Available Rates, a 15% discount on Spa service and VND200,000 F&B credit (coupon). Guests will also receive a TET gift with compliments.
Guests staying three nights or more in addition to the above can also avail of:
• In Hanoi - Free upgrade to a Premium Room (based on availability) or choose to enjoy breakfast buffet with our compliments. • In Saigon - Free upgrade to the Executive Club rooms with Executive Club benefits and privileges.
Terms and conditions:
*All rates based on the Best Available Rate and subject to applicable government tax and service charges.
*Offer based upon availability.
*Early departures will not be refunded.
*Offer not applicable to groups of 10 rooms or more.
*This special offer cannot be combined with other discounts and/or special offers and does not qualify for airline miles.
Book Hanoi and Enjoy Free Nights
Stay in our hotel and enjoy our third night with our compliments. The offer is applied for room only, excluding 5% service charge and 10% VAT. This promotion is subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other discounted or packaged rates. Offer applies when booking 3 consecutive nights.
Terms and conditions:
*Offer is valid until end of February 29, 2012
*Offer applies for room only
*Offer applies when booking 3 consecutive nights
Wine of the month
In honor of February wine month, the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi presents two varieties of De Bortoli Wines: the Sacred Hill Cabernet Merlot and the Sacred Hill Riesling. Sacred Hill varietal wines are made at our Bilbul winery in the Riverina, Australia. This affordable range continues to impress with its amazing quality and value.
• the Sacred Hill Cabernet Merlot: A generous wine that shows sweet and vibrant fruit on the fleshy palate with soft mouth coating tannins. VND 220,000++/ glass or VND 900,000++/bottle • the Sacred Hill Riesling: Elegant and fruit driven in style with fresh acid and length of flavour. A hint of subtle oak gives the palate texture and weight. VND 190,000++/glass or VND 800,000++/bottle
Guest can enjoy the lingering aromas at the Mangosteen Restaurant, the Lounge 83 or through room service.
Semi buffet lunch
Mangosteen’s semi buffet lunch offers a wide selection of refreshing salads and appetizers as well as irresistible desserts complimented with your choice of Chef’s grill selection including grilled rib eye steak or sea bass fillet or chicken breast served with French fries, mashed potatoes, polenta cake, steamed vegetable up to guests‘ choice. Guests can also sample daily special pasta for main course. VND 370,000++ for semi buffet lunch, Mon – Fri, 11.30 am – 2.30 pm.
Sunday Brunch and a chocolate heaven
Whether it’s for a special occasion, an opportunity to spend some quality time with friends and family or simply a culinary start to a lazy weekend day, the Chocolate Sunday Brunch at the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi is the place to be. Our talented kitchen team at the Mangosteen Restaurant has prepared a mouth-watering selection of international dishes ranging from appetizers to salads, from seafood to an extensive grill and carving station. Enjoy this one of a kind Sunday Brunch buffet including the largest chocolate dessert buffet in town! Indulge in an unmatched variety of chocolate sweets created by our pastry chefs.
This unique Chocolate Brunch is available at only VND 720,000++ for adults and VND 360,000++ per child aged between 6 to 11 years. Price includes free flow of house wines, draught beer, soft drinks, hot and cold chocolate, coffee and tea. Free for children under 5 years. Kid’s game room with a special buffet for the kids and fun activities are available.
Every Sunday from 11.30am – 2.30pm at Mangosteen Restaurant on the 2nd floor. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address: Moevenpick Hotel Hanoi
83A Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: +84 8 3822 2800
Website: www.moevenpick-hanoi.com
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About Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts:
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, an international upscale hotel management company with over 14,000 employees, is represented in 25 countries with 71 hotels and resorts currently in operation. A further 30 properties are planned or already under construction in Ankara, (Turkey), Dubai (four projects – United Arab Emirates); Abu Dhabi (three projects – United Arab Emirates), Shanghai (China), Dharamshala (India).
Focusing on expansion in its core markets of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts specialises in business and conference hotels, as well as holiday resorts, all reflecting a sense of place and respect for their local communities. Of Swiss heritage and headquartered in Zurich, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is passionate about delivering premium service, culinary enjoyment and sustainable environments – all with a personal touch. The hotel company is owned by the Mövenpick Holding (66.7%) and the Kingdom Group (33.3%). For more information please visit www.moevenpick-hotels.com
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| Aloft Bangkok launches promotion Posted: 13 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  THAILAND - Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 has launched a “One Night in Bangkok” package tailored specifically for on-the-go travellers looking to make the most of their one night stay. Rates start at THB 2,811++ for a “Chic” and THB 3,111++ for an “Urban” guestroom.
For night owls looking to take advantage of their short stay, “One Night in Bangkok” is an ideal choice for the ultimate fun night out. The package includes free entry into the city’s hottest clubs, Bed Supperclub and Q bar, conveniently located on the same street as Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11.
The package can be purchased from now until June 30, 2012, with the package redeemed between now and 31 October 2012.
Features of the package include:
• Daily semi-lunch for 2 persons
• 2 daily cocktails from our selected drink list at w xyzsm bar
• Free entry to Bangkok’s trendiest clubs – Bed Supperclub and Q bar
• Late check-out until 16:00 (subject to availability)
Terms and conditions apply.
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| Incheon Airport plans mega resort Posted: 12 Jan 2012 12:46 AM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  KOREA - South Korea’s busiest gateway Incheon International Airport is planning a $3 billion resort resembling Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands in an attempt to lure more tourists. The proposed landmark that will be built near the airport will include a hotel and convention centre, medical centres, malls and entertainment facilities as the nations compete for holidaymakers from China, the world’s fastest-growing air-travel market.
Incheon Airport has forecast an increase in passenger numbers 5.7 per cent this year to 37 million. The resort is looking to add luxury-goods outlets to lure more Chinese and Japanese travellers who are a big spender on duty-free items, accounting for 45 per cent of sales last year.
Chief executive officer of the state-owned airport company Lee Chae Wook said yesterday in an interview in Incheon that a deal will probably be signed by the end of June, with construction starting next year.
The facility is due to open before South Korea hosts the 2018 Winter Olympics.
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| Jetstar increases capacity for 2012 Posted: 12 Jan 2012 12:41 AM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  New routes and services will see Jetstar kick off 2012 with an additional 8,500 seats for its Singapore based hub. The extra capacity includes over 40 new weekly services added to popular destinations in Australia, Japan, Vietnam and Greater China. Jetstar is adding a second daily service on the Singapore-Taipei-Osaka route and three new weekly services between Singapore and Darwin, bringing the weekly offering to 10. The airline is also adding a new Darwin-Manila-Narita service.
This new capacity follows the commencement last month of new routes to Guangzhou and Hanoi and additional services to Ho Chi Minh City.
Jetstar Group CEO Bruce Buchanan said adding services on popular routes was contributing to the low cost carrier’s “critical mass” across Asia Pacific.
“The growth in low fare services from our Singapore hub is creating new travel demand in the region, which then fuels more growth and gives us economies of scale to keep the low fares coming,” he said.
“In 2012 we’ll be focused on joining more dots on our route map, particularly in terms of a revitalised Vietnam presence and a new network with Jetstar Japan.
“Our goal is to be the number one low cost carrier in all of the markets we operate by combining low fares, customer choice and great service,” added Mr Buchanan.
Ms Chong Phit Lian, Jetstar Asia CEO, said new fleet capacity had allowed the carrier to focus both on expanding capacity on existing routes but also on new market opportunities.
“Boosting services on our popular routes like Singapore–Taipei–Osaka will give Jetstar Asia great momentum to start 2012,” she said.
As part of network changes announced today, Jetstar will suspended services between Singapore and Macau from 5 February 2012.
Jetstar, which flies to almost 60 destinations in 17 countries, is the fastest growing low-cost airline in the Asia Pacific region.
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| Park Hyatt opens in Ningbo Posted: 12 Jan 2012 12:31 AM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  CHINA - The Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa is set to open in the eastern coastal city of Ningbo. The hotel is the first Park Hyatt-branded resort in China, offering luxury services tailored to leisure travelers and high end meeting groups. The property offers 236 contemporary guestrooms, including 17 suites and 10 free-standing villas ranging from 45 to 237 square meters (484 to 2,551 sq ft). The guestrooms feature a double daybed situated by large picture windows for in-room pampering and relaxation. The bathroom features a bathtub, vanity area, rain shower and dressing area.
Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa has been created in the style of a traditional Chinese water village to blend discreetly into the surrounding vista. The complex of low-level, standalone villas with simply plastered exteriors and tiled, gabled roofs resembles a hamlet that has developed organically over time. Multiple open courtyards and sky wells, punctuated with ponds and gentle landscaping, echo Chinese architectural principles. The interconnecting structures create a layered effect and an experience of gradual discovery for guests, unveiling new spaces at every turn.
“We are excited to open the very first Park Hyatt resort in China,” said Ivan Leung, general manager of Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa. “Our team has worked incredibly hard to create a unique ambiance and environment at Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa, and we look forward to inviting guests to experience the contemporary luxury and personalized service of a Park Hyatt, while discovering some of the lesser known delights of this beautiful area.”
The resort’s location has directly inspired the signature restaurant, Seafood House, which strives to offer the freshest seafood in the region and is expected to become the area’s premier dining destination. Seafood House comprises a series of indoor and outdoor villas, accessible by a secluded, private driveway. Guests can dine in the main dining room, outdoors, or in one of ten private pavilions catering to parties between six and 16 guests, with a majority of the pavilions offering a private entrance, lounge, washroom and dedicated butler.
Dining Room is a residential-style, all-day dining venue serving both authentic Western cuisine and Chinese comfort food. Dining Room provides an elegant and serene home-style setting with magnificent views of the outdoor pool pavilion overlooking the Dong Qian Lake. Breakfast is à la minute buffet style served from the show kitchen, while à la carte and special wine-pairing menus are available for lunch and dinner.
Located in a former ancestral family mansion in the center of the hotel premises, the Tea House serves Chinese and Western tea in the most classical way, accompanied by authentic desserts, cakes and Chinese savories in the afternoon. In the evening, the Tea House transforms into an intimate social venue serving signature cocktails, premium wines and champagnes.
The Fitness Pavilion houses a heated indoor pool, fully equipped gym, reflexology facilities, steam rooms, saunas, whirlpool baths, and a 26-meter (85-foot) outdoor infinity pool with panoramic lake views.
Guests who take a more leisurely approach to health may prefer Yue Hu Spa, which offers a wide selection of western and oriental treatments focusing on holistic wellness that adopt the principles of ancient Chinese wellness philosophy centered on the meridian system and on balancing qi (vital energy).
Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa offers a total of 1,312 sq m (14,122 sq ft) of sophisticated event venues, including The Ballroom, a pillar-less event space ideal for conferences, special social events and weddings, which can accommodate 400 people for banquets. The Salon and The Pavilion are residential-style event facilities designed for more intimate meetings and exclusive events.
All meeting and event facilities feature the latest audiovisual and lighting equipment. A dedicated team of event planners, service coordinators, technicians, floral designers and entertainment specialists are on hand to ensure every event is a memorable one.
Ningbo, a prosperous city with a history of foreign trade since the 7th century, is a two-and-a-half hour drive from Shanghai and is a key driver of the economy on the east coast of China. Located on the banks of Dong Qian Lake, one of the most scenic areas in the region, Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa is surrounded by tea plantations, ancient Buddhist temples, caves, and stone carvings, and working fishing villages — a landscape that is reminiscent of a classical Chinese painting.
Combining understated sophistication and authentic hospitality, the beautiful resort destination offers elegant guestrooms, suites and villas, an array of world-class dining options, and comprehensive recreational facilities harmoniously set along a picturesque lake front and tranquil gardens.
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| Fairmont wedding tips & trends Posted: 12 Jan 2012 12:15 AM PST + Click Image to Enlarge  CANADA - Fairmont is known worldwide as a place of special occasions, from the copper-roofed Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, to royal-favorite The Savoy in London, to Toronto's Grand Dame Fairmont Royal York. Many of Fairmont's storied properties have hosted "first dances" for close to a century, and all are on the front lines when it comes to knowing what modern brides want. Here are a few trends Fairmont wedding experts predict will be big in 2012. Every Wedding is a Destination Wedding - While destination weddings used to conjure images of white sand beaches and swaying palm trees, modern couples getting married close to home may still have friends and family flying in from all over the world. Many of Fairmont's city center properties have seen more weddings book 2- and 3-night room blocks along with Sunday brunches to make sure out-of-towners have a vacation too. Gift bags have also stepped up to include more than water and an itinerary - considerate couples book neighborhood walking tours for guests and offer hand-picked restaurant recommendations and tips for local attractions.
"Couples want to make sure they're taking care of guests who spend a considerable amount of time and money to be there for them on their big day," said Wayne Harth, Director of Catering at Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. "We've had brides arrange guided architectural tours and trolley cars to take guests around Chicago while the bridal party prepares for the evening festivities."
Close-knit, But Not On a Shoestring - Intimate weddings give couples more time to spend with the people they care about most, and more money to spend on luxuries, both big and small. A growing number of couples are choosing to limit their guest list to 100 or less, but their nuptials still boast the budget of a much larger wedding.
"Our brides are having smaller weddings, but spending more per person, whether it's on elegant menus or setting up elaborate play areas for kids. We had one couple set-up a fully supervised adjacent room with Wii games, arcade machines, sweet table and disco," said Bruce Russell, London Wedding Planner for Weddings at The Savoy by Bruce Russell. "Another thing we've done to upgrade smaller weddings is to offer a la carte reception menus featuring six appetizers, six entrees and five desserts - all selected by guests on the day of the wedding. It's a convenience and a luxury that invitees really appreciate."
Keep People Dancing with Passed Small Bites - There's no better way to make a DJ lonely than by rolling out limited food stations that immediately build up long lines - keeping people away from the music and quickly deflating a lively atmosphere. Instead of killing the party on the dance floor, forgo food stations for passed small bites that will keep guests dancing all night long.
"Passing tapas and desserts on the dance floor has become extremely popular and is a great way to keep the party going," said Tracey Gavin, Senior Catering Sales Manager at The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston. "As an added perk, you can get creative with the food you present, whether it's mini ice cream cones or cheeseburger sliders. It's definitely a memorable touch."
Groom's Role Grows - While many catering managers used to see grooms only twice - at the first meeting and on their wedding day - many men are becoming more involved in the planning process, particularly when it comes to menus and desserts. Formerly a regional staple in the Southeastern U.S., the groom's cake has slowly been inching its way north and even as far as the UK and Europe, and taking different forms as it migrates. Whether it's part of a "cake-scape" of different designs and flavors, a surprise gift from the bride featuring a favorite sports team, or just the classic chocolate treat of the groom's choice, many couples are forgoing the traditional one size-fits-all confection.
"For the most part, brides still run the show, but we've seen a growing level of involvement from men in every aspect of the wedding," said Ashley Pigott, Conference Services & Catering Manager for The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. "As grooms get more and more involved with picking dinner menus, music, and more, desserts have become a prime opportunity for them to show off their own style and preferences."
Spicing up the Dessert Table - Having cupcakes instead of a wedding cake has been fashionable for years now, but some couples are getting even more creative with their dessert table by bringing out their inner child. Tiered donut cakes, old fashioned candy bars and huge spreads of cookies have taken over, giving guests an assortment of sweet treats to choose from.
"Many couples want a range of tastes and colors on their dessert table and are branching out beyond the traditional tiered wedding cakes and perfectly decorated cupcakes," said Jenny Hytonen, Wedding Manager from The Fairmont Palliser. "One wedding we did had a whimsical candy bar filled with lollipops, gumdrops, licorice, taffy and more, and guests went wild for it."
Decorating from Above - A stunning centerpiece may look great in photos, but many times they end up obscuring views and getting in the way of conversation. So, instead of arranging votives and flowers on tables, some couples are hanging their centerpieces from the ceilings - creating a dramatic effect that finally lets guests sitting across from each other see eye-to-eye.
"We had one bride with an Alice in Wonderland theme for her reception who wanted magical décor for her guests, so we hung creative Mad-Hatter style top hats and candles from our Hacienda Trellis - it created a stunning effect." said Amanda Wingert, Senior Catering Manager at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. "The hanging decorations have definitely become a popular feature and we've started to see a range of variations on the standard lantern and floral centerpieces."
Future brides and grooms interested in more information on weddings at Fairmont can visit Fairmont Weddings online. For a look at real Fairmont weddings as well as tips, tricks and ideas from Fairmont's wedding experts, visit the brand's social media site Everyone's An Original.
ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS
Located in world-class destinations around the globe, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of hotels that includes landmark locations like London's The Savoy, New York's The Plaza, and Shanghai's Fairmont Peace Hotel. With more than 60 hotels, Fairmont is known as much for its warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences, as its classic hotels that imbue a sense of heritage, sophistication and social importance and are often considered destinations in their own right. A community and environmental leader, Fairmont is also regarded for its responsible tourism practices and award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 100 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit fairmont.com.
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