World Direct Travel

London gains non-stop Taiwan service

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:09:48 +0000

The first non-stop flights between London and Taipei in Taiwan are to be introduced at the end of the month.

China Airlines is to start the service three times a week from March 28.

The carrier is to use an Airbus A340 on the route with 30 seats in business class and 246 in economy.

The new route is the first time that the UK has been connected by a non-stop service to Taiwan, according to the airline.

Return fares from London to Taipei start at £370.

Departing Taipei on Tuesdays and Sundays at 09.25 and arriving at Heathrow at 17.05, the London–Taipei flight will depart at 21.15 and arrive at 18.15 the following day.

A third weekly Thursday flight will depart Taipei at 09.25 and arrive at Heathrow at 16.55, before returning from London at 22.05, arriving Taipei at 19.05 the following day.

The move means that China Airlines will serve five destinations in Europe, with a total of 21 flights a week. Onward destinations include Bali and Sydney.

The airline’s chairman Philip Wei said: “As the leading airline in Taiwan, China Airlines is committed to promoting tourism, culture and the economic development of the island.”

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Emirates pushes deeper into Africa

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:47:37 +0000

Emirates will launch direct services to Senegal – the Dubai-based airline’s 106th international destination - in September.

Dakar is the airline’s third new African destination in less than 12 months, after Durban and Luanda joined the network in late 2009.

Emirates will fly non-stop to Dakar five times a week, operating an Airbus A340-300 aircraft, in a three-class configuration.

In November 2009, the Emirates Group announced a joint agreement with the Government of Senegal to assist in the start up and longer term future of Senegal Airlines.

Emirates will provide commercial support, technical expertise, training and aviation-related goods and services for the fledgling carrier, which is due to commence operations later this year.

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New events venue for Phuket

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:58:12 +0000

Laguna Phuket has taken the wraps off plans to open a new standalone MICE venue at the resort destination.

Latitude, a 1,000sqm marquee-style structure will be an all-weather, fully air-conditioned facility capable of accommodating up to 1,000 theatre-style or 600 for a banquet.

The modular design of the facility will enable versatile configuration to suit varying needs of meetings and incentives groups.

Latitiude will be situated at the heart of Laguna Phuket, opposite Canal Shopping Village and within minutes of all Laguna Phuket hotels and villas.

It is scheduled to open in mid-2010 adjacent to Bang Tao beach.

Laguna Phuket has an onsite corporate training centre, Quest Adventure, available for team building and incentive events.

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Starwood introduces new tech for face-to-face meetings

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:05:22 +0000

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. unveiled its first in-hotel Cisco TelePresence meeting suites with a virtual, interactive meeting spanning across two continents.

“The W Chicago City Center and Sheraton on the Park in Sydney are the first in Starwood’s global portfolio to introduce the new meeting facilities, showcasing the state-of-the-art Cisco TelePresence technology,” the hotel company says.

Participants in both locations 9,000 miles apart have a seat at the table and are able to meet “face-to-face” utilizing ultra-high definition video, superior audio and life-size imagery of all participants.

The hotel chain cited a growing need to incorporate technology into meetings.

“More businesses are recognizing the value of being able to rent Cisco TelePresence facilities by the hour, either to extend their existing deployment to further locations or to experience Cisco TelePresence for the first time,” said Mark Weidick, VP/GM for Cisco’s TelePresence Exchange Business Unit.

Starwood last year announced a partnership with Tata Communications and plans to build Cisco TelePresence rooms in 10 properties worldwide.

Two more Cisco TelePresence meeting suites will open in the first half of this year including the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers and Sheraton Centre Toronto which will come online in the upcoming months.

Other Starwood locations planned to open this year include The Westin Los Angeles Airport, with the anticipation to expand the offering to key domestic and international business markets such as Dallas, San Francisco, Brussels, Paris, Hong Kong and Frankfurt.

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BA expands Spanish network from City Airport

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:03:58 +0000

Year-round flights between London City Airport and Barcelona are being re-introduced by British Airways.

The previously summer-only service resumes at the end of the month and will
continue through the summer and winter.

An extra Saturday morning service will be introduced in May, bringing the total number of flights to seven a week.

The expanded Barcelona capacity comes in addition to the start of flights to Majorca and Ibiza in May and an existing service to Madrid.

Luke Hayhoe, commercial manager for BA CityFlyer, the wholly owned BA subsidiary which will operate the services, said: “The Spanish destinations are proving extremely popular from London City Airport.

“Barcelona has traditionally operated as a summer only destination but there is a big demand from both business and leisure passengers for us to continue through the winter.”

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Chiva-Som, Hua Hin

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:44:36 +0000

With a string of prestigious awards to its name, this luxurious and world-renowned health resort has become a byword for spa excellence. Everything done here focuses on a holistic approach to health that incorporates mind, body and spirit. Set in seven acres of elegant pools and lush tropical gardens on the idyllic beachfront of Hua Hin, each of the stylish rooms and suites boast sunrise views out across the Gulf Of Thailand while the spacious Thai-style pavilions provide extra privacy overlooking the lake. Chiva-Som means ‘Haven of life’ in Thai and at the heart of this holistic resort is the Health & Wellness Centre. On arrival, you are assigned your own Health & Wellness advisor who will tailor-make a personal programme that best suits your individual requirements and goals. Each day, after receiving your complimentary massage you can choose from over 150 treatments available, ranging from indulgent pampering, diagnostic treatments, music meditation, salsa classes and T’ai Chi.

Late Availabilty
Receive Baht 18,815 per 7 night stay to use in the Spa

Prices from £3,125 per person based on 2 adults sharing an Ocean View Room, Full board, including return economy class flights and luxury private transfers.

Save up to £440 per couple.

ADDED VALUE

Upgrade to a Thai Pavilion and receive prices from £3,730 per person.

Upgrade to a Herbal Suite and receive prices from £5,415 per person.
From Feb 19 2010 to Apr 23 2010

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Desert Palm, Dubai

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:37:19 +0000

Set amid the lush green gardens and palm trees of an exclusive polo estate, this distinctively chic Per Aquum resort boasts just 24 elegant guest rooms and villas. Palm Suites overlook the resort’s polo fields, manicured landscapes and the Dubai skyline on the horizon, with mod cons such as surround sound entertainment systems and Apple ipods as standard. For a little more privacy, couples should choose the luxurious Pool Villas offering large indoor and outdoor living spaces and private pools and families and groups of friends will find the 3 bedroom Pool Residences the perfect getaway. For the ultimate in space and luxury, the 2 bedroom Villa Layali has it all, including a private rooftop terrace, ideal for viewing the excitement of daily sunset polo chukkas.

Complimentary Nights
Stay 6 nights and only pay for 4 plus complimentary upgrade to half board.
Prices from £1,365 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Palm Suite on a Half Board basis, including return Economy Class flights with British Airways and private transfers.
From Feb 15 2010 to Mar 31 2010

LaSource, Grenada

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:35:15 +0000

Rejuvenate the mind and body whilst surrendering to an elegant way of life, surrounded by unspoilt tropical landscapes. Open your eyes to distant mountains, crystal-clean waters, flowering vegetation and warm, golden sands that allows guests to succumb to the relaxation that awaits them at this luxury inclusive 4.5* LaSource in Grenada. Set along the southern tip of the island in a place of exceptional natural beauty, the resort boasts 100 guest rooms lay out in an enclave of tropical gardens and designed with luxurious, elegant colonial décor, complimented by cool marble floors, hand carved furniture and spacious bathrooms.A sanctuary of wellness awaits you at the award-winning Ocean Spa. Guests can choose from a number of exotic massages and treatments including aromatherapy healing to unwind the senses. Best of all, guests receive a complimentary spa treatment daily except day of arrival.

Complimentary Nights
Stay 7 nights pay for 5 or stay 14 nights pay for 10.
Book by 31 March 2010.
From Jun 1 2010 to Nov 1 2010

Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort, Al Waha, Muscat

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:32:36 +0000

Nestled between a dramatic mountain ridge and the clear waters of the Gulf of Oman the award-winning Shangri-la Hotel at Muscat combines three luxury hotels, Al Waha (The Oasis), Al Bandar (The Town) and Al Husn (The Castle)providing a wide range of excellent facilities, there are 6 elegant restaurants, 7 informal eateries and pool bars, 3 stylish lounges, 2 bars and a nightclub to choose from! Al Waha is an ideal family destination with excellent facilities for children and a wide range of entertainment venues and restaurants. The pool and lazy river, set adjacent to the beach and sea connect with the outstanding Al Bandar pool. At the centre of the resort the Al Bandar Hotel is ideal for couples and families with a friendly, vibrant atmosphere. Well-appointed and spacious rooms are set in beautifully landscaped gardens with views of the ocean. Savour Mediterranean cuisine on the piazza as the sun sets; there is a good choice of restaurants to choose from.

Late Availabilty
Prices from £1,785 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Superior Room including daily breakfast, return economy class flights and complimentary transfers.

Save up to £360 per couple.

Please note: Prices may go up between 27 Mar - 07 Apr 2010.

ADDED VALUE

Upgrade to Half Board and receive prices from £1,930 per person.
From Feb 19 2010 to Apr 25 2010

The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:00:45 +0000

Built to resemble a regal Arabian Palace, this elegant property is set within 30 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, on a stunning private beach. Its sumptuous and spacious rooms and suites are also well suited to family use, and all have private balconies or terraces overlooking the pool or beach. The Gold Club is a small VIP wing within the resort, comprising 53 rooms, 9 Gold Club Suites and 2 Royal Suites, with private lift and lounge are a delivering discreet, personalised service . Four restaurants serve an array of delicious fare, from Moroccan and Mediter ranean dishes to seafood grills and modern Middle Eastern cuisine. The Palace is also home to the resort’s vibrant and exclusive nightclub, where you can dance till the early hours. The One&Only Spa is designed to help guest unwind and relax, with 12 luxury treatment rooms staffed by highly trained professionals.

Late Availabilty
Reduced Rates plus complimentary daily dinner
Prices from £1,370 per person, based on 2 adults sharing a Palace Deluxe Room for 5 nights on a Half Board basis, including return economy class flights and private transfers.

Save up to £1,680 per couple.

ADDED VALUE

Upgrade to a Palace Superior Deluxe Room or a Gold Club Room and receive priced from £2,310 per person.
From Feb 19 2010 to Apr 25 2010