The low-cost airline, has announced that it plans to launch a new route between Cologne / Bonn and Manchester from October 2009. Introduced as a part of its winter timetable, the carrier will offer five services a week from its German headquarters, allowing travellers from Manchester to connect to destinations across Europe.

The announcement comes as a part of Germanwings’ ongoing focus on business travel. More than 40% of the airline’s customers are now made up of corporate travellers and it will look to build on this by adding Manchester, the UK’s fastest growing economy outside of London and the economic powerhouse of the North West, to its route network.

The news also reiterates the carrier’s commitment to the UK and Ireland. Germanwings already serves London all year round and Edinburgh and Dublin during the summer months, and is reviewing additional options within the market for future opportunities.

Commenting on the launch, Thomas Winkelmann, CEO of germanwings said: “Manchester is an important step for us. It has one of the fastest growing economies in Britain today, and is seen by many as the UK’s second city. By launching a service connecting it directly with Cologne / Bonn we hope to tap into a major business market which continues to grow rapidly.”

“At the same time we also expect the route to be extremely popular with leisure travellers in the North West, who will now not only be able to visit Germany’s oldest city, Cologne, but will also be able to connect to more than 60 other European destinations quickly and efficiently.”

www.germanwings.com

6/19/2009 9:35:44 PM UTC    Comments 

This summer The Good Pub Guide unveils its new interactive website which provides an on-the-move and up-to-the-minute guide to all UK pubs. So even without the book, you can get the invaluable guidance of its decades of expertise and hot tips from its many thousand reader-reporters, free from its new website

"Over one in four of our thousand-plus top pub recommendations has a really nice garden," says editor Fiona Stapley. "So if the weather turns up trumps, you can enjoy all the best of British pubbing outside, in appealing surroundings. But if it turns grey, what you'll find inside will be top-notch too." The Guide's spot-on descriptions take you to good waterside pubs, too - around one in twelve of the better pubs is well placed by river, sea or lake.

The website provides browsers with access to over 55,000 pubs with features that help find the perfect destination for that special outing. The entire list of carefully selected Good Pub Guide recommendations and descriptions from the UK's annual guidebook is on the site with the added bonus of latest news, customer ratings and comments with space for publicans to announce 'what's on' every week. Each entry has full contact details and an integrated Google map.

www.thegoodpubguide.co.uk.

6/19/2009 9:25:29 PM UTC    Comments 

The Afamia Rotana Resort in the historic city of Latakia, on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. Located on a sandy peninsula, two kilometres from Latakia city centre, the new five-star Afamia Rotana Resort brings a new level of comfort and a host of leisure activities to the city.

The Afamia Rotana Resort is within easy distance of Syria’s historical sites including Ugarit Canaaite, the seaport, crusaders forts, castles and ancient Roman vestiges.

Rotana is currently offering special introductory rates from approximately £75* per room, per night, including complimentary breakfast.

The hotel is situated on a private golden sand beach with beautiful marina views.  There are two swimming pools, massage rooms, a tennis court and a children’s playground club.

Commenting on the new hotel, Mr. Imad Elias, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Rotana said, “We are very proud to be managing this landmark property, our first five-star resort to open in Syria. The Afamia Rotana Resort team, headed by General Manager Safwan Khayat, has been working hand in hand with the owner and Rotana Corporate Office to ensure all areas of the opening are perfected."

The resort offers meeting and event facilities to host annual conferences and seminars. From one day meetings to extended seminars, the resort’s acclaimed individualised service, attention to detail and superior accommodation will ensure a meeting experience that is flawless, productive and unforgettable.

www.rotana.com

6/19/2009 9:16:44 PM UTC    Comments 

Malaysia Airlines has launched a ‘pay economy, fly business’ offer, giving passengers the chance to travel in the business class section at economy fares.

The offer is available on routes to Kuala Lumpur (prices from £1499), Bali (from £1539), Sydney (from £1889) and Auckland (from £1859) and ensures a luxurious start to anyone’s holiday.

Services available in business class include: spacious seats; a wide choice of food and drink; an amenity kit with pampering products; an in-flight shopping service offering designer brands; and the best multimedia in-flight entertainment system on the market. Over 100 hours of movies and TV, plus games and music are available on personal 10.4” LCD touch screen monitor and portable media player.

The offer is valid for bookings made before 30 June inclusive and on flights departing on or before 8 July, between 15 August to 9 December and between 16 January to 31 March 2010. Prices quoted above are inclusive of all fees and taxes, subject to availability at time of bookings.
 
www.malaysiaairlines.com.

6/19/2009 6:52:48 AM UTC    Comments 

Five Star Alliance member carriers - Austrian, Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS and TAP – have moved from Terminal 2 to the refurbished Terminal 1 at London’s Heathrow Airport. They join Air New Zealand, Asiana, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, South African Airways, United and US Airways who were already operating from Terminal 1.

As part of this move, a common Star Alliance branded check-in area used by Austrian, Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa and TAP has opened. This area features dedicated check-in counters for First, Business and Economy Class passengers as well as for Star Alliance Gold Card holders travelling on any of the five member carriers. A number of self-service check-in kiosks as well as a bag-drop area are also available. After check-in, passengers pass through a separate security line, which also features a fast track lane for top-tier customers.

Air New Zealand, Asiana, South African Airways, SWISS, United and US Airways each have dedicated check-in counters in the completely redesigned main hall of Terminal 1, with bmi offering a check-in zone conveniently located to both international and domestic departure gates.

Once airside, eligible customers have a choice of three different lounge facilities. bmi offers two lounges, one mainly for U.K. and Ireland departures and the newly opened international lounge – bmi Number One Heathrow - located next to the main international departure gates. In addition, the Star Alliance First and Business Class departure lounge is available to First and Business Class passengers, invited guests and Star Alliance Gold Card holders travelling on any member carrier from Terminal 1. The lounge features separate First Class and Business Class sections, food service areas, two business centres with computers, printers, faxes and Wi-Fi Internet access, shower facilities and a special area for children.

The relocation is part of Star Alliance’s ongoing “Move under one Roof” strategy, bringing airlines together to improve the travel experience for customers and create efficiencies for the member airlines.

Star Alliance now is the largest alliance operating out of the core Central Area at Heathrow. The Central Area is the only area at Heathrow that has direct access to the full range of public transport - Heathrow Express and the London Connect Service, Underground trains to Central London as well as local and regional bus services.

6/18/2009 2:41:07 PM UTC    Comments 

Qantas has introduced international online check-in and advance seat selection, expanding the range of services available to customers. Group Executive Manager Customer and Marketing, Lesley Grant, said the new services would ensure an enhanced travel experience for customers. “The ability to check-in online for international travel means customers can check-in at their leisure between 24 hours and two hours before their flight from their home, office or hotel,” Grant said.

“Customers who check-in online will enjoy a faster airport experience with dedicated online check-in counters for bag drop and necessary visa checks.

“And we are rewarding our top tier Frequent Flyers, (Platinum, Gold and Silver) with even more choice - the ability to choose their seat online.

“Immediately after making a booking, whether at qantas.com or through other booking channels, eligible Frequent Flyers are now able to request their seat for international flights.*”

“Our aim is to provide travellers with a wide range of services to ensure a seamless travel experience, and customers can expect to see even more enhancements to domestic and international customer services later in 2009.”

6/18/2009 2:35:38 PM UTC    Comments 

Eurostar has introduced single fares to all its destinations. The new fares start from the wholly inclusive price of £35 for London to Paris/Brussels.

As part of a commitment to greater transparency, Eurostar is helping travellers find better deals, by simplifying its fare structure. Travellers can expect more flexibility with the removal of “stay away” conditions such as Saturday Night Away, One Night Away, Midweek Day Return and Weekend Day Return.

Nick Mercer, Eurostar’s Commercial Director, commented: “We want to help travellers who are planning a tour of Europe or who need the flexibility to return by a different route, by making low priced single fares available. 

“We hope this greater range of fare options will allow travellers to make even more use of Europe’s high-speed rail network and exploit the environmental advantages of train over plane for seamless rail journeys.”

As part of the changes and in a move that more accurately reflects the product offering, Leisure Select fares have increased. The new lead-in fare for Leisure Select return travel from London – Paris/Brussels is £175 return. Passengers travelling Leisure Select benefit from more spacious seats, roomier carriages, a 3-course meal with wine*, complimentary newspapers and magazines, and excellent ‘at seat’ service.

Eurostar continues to offer its widely available lead-in return fare of £59 which has gone unchanged for over six years.

www.eurostar.com

6/18/2009 8:27:12 AM UTC    Comments 

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is reintroducing the Summer Savers concept so that guests can make the most of this summer. Room bookings through swissotel.com lead to attractive savings everywhere from Osaka to Lima, from Sydney to Chicago and from Amsterdam to Moscow.

Summer Savers offer a 15% discount off the best available rate on the exciting range of business and vacation spots of the international hotel chain. Guests may choose from 28 destinations in 15 countries worldwide.

This offer is available from 1st July until 12th September 2009 and includes all room categories available at the time of booking, and is valid for stays of one night or more. Depending on the country, taxes and service charges are included in the rate.

www.swissotel.com 

6/18/2009 6:13:13 AM UTC    Comments 

Akbar Al Baker the CEO said that Qatar Airways will launch Australian services initially to Melbourne and the inaugural flight will take place on December 6.

Qatar Airways will begin operating three weekly services using a brand new Boeing B777-200 Long Range aircraft to be delivered to the airline later this year. Operations will quickly become daily early in the New Year.

Al Baker said that he has been waiting patiently for Boeing to deliver aircraft that Qatar Airways has on order to begin operating the first of its two planned routes into Australia.

“I know the travelling public is eager for us to begin serving Australia and I’ve had many people ask me about our direct routes to Melbourne and Sydney. We’re finalising some details with regulatory authorities in Australia, and once we’ve received the necessary aircraft from Boeing, we will be ready to operate.

“Qatar Airways already has 4,000 frequent fliers in Australia that are part of our loyalty programme, though the local market remains largely untapped. The Australian economy was one of the few in the world that grew in the first quarter of 2009, so this shows that the market there is still very strong, and we believe there is demand,” said Al Baker.   

The new operation will connect travellers from the United Kingdom and Europe to Australia with a one-stop service and a planned one hour connection time in Doha. From Qatar Airways’ hub in Doha, passengers can also link to numerous destinations across South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.   

Qatar Airways Senior Manager Europe Paul Johannes said that the prospect of European passenger traffic connecting to the Australian services from Doha was good news for travellers.

“Qatar Airways is a well-established brand in the UK and key points in Europe, so we already have a built-in market in this region that will feed into Australia which is an important destination for a lot of Europeans,” he said.

The Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft operating on the route will offer a two-class configuration of 259 seats. In Business Class, there are 42 seats with passengers able to enjoy comfort and space offering a pitch of up to 78 inches with each seat converting into 180-degree fully flat beds. With a 2–2–2 seat configuration, Business Class passengers are assured of either a window or aisle seat and plenty of space.

www.qatarairways.com

6/18/2009 6:05:59 AM UTC    Comments 

Travellers will be able to take advantage of savings of up to 60% when they book on-line between 23 – 29 June, for stays between July 10 and September 30, 2009.  Over 250,000 room nights will be on sale, with rates starting as low as US$25 per night.

The 27 cities include Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hanoi, Manila, Mumbai, Sydney and Auckland.

Different rates apply for Accor’s various brands, with Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons and Ibis hotels participating, providing a vast range of affordable options during the 2½ months.

The Accor ‘City Super Sale’ coincides with record-low air fares across the Asia Pacific region, allowing travelers to enjoy some of the world’s most exciting cities at bargain rates.

Reservations – via  www.accorhotels.com/supersale  (sale starts June 23)

6/17/2009 5:56:13 AM UTC    Comments 

TAM, is offering its Business Class passengers a free 20 minute helicopter transfer service between São Paulo’s international airport at Guarulhos and the mid-town airport of Congonhas. A considerable time saving on the road transfer that takes an hour in normal São Paulo traffic and two hours or more in rush hour.

The courtesy helicopter transfer is being offered through August 31 subject to confirmation, availability and weather. After August 31 the cost of the one-way transfer will be R$829 (£260) if booked more than 24-hours in advance, and R$989 (£315) if booked less than 24 hours in advance. Passengers not flying in Business Class can book and pay for the helicopter transfer, while all TAM passengers are offered a free bus transfer between Guarulhos and Congonhas.

TAM operates the hourly helicopter service from 06.00 to 22.00 at Congonhas and from 06.30 to 22.30 at Guarulhos. Passengers can choose to have their luggage collected or delivered for them at any address in Greater São Paulo. São Paulo, along with New York, is considered the helicopter capital of the world with one of the largest helicopter fleets of any city and over 260 heliports.

Reservations for the helicopter transfer can be made with TAM in the UK on 020 8897 3700.

Passengers travelling in Business Class on TAM flights from London can also request a complimentary airport transfer service in a chauffeur driven Mercedes E Class, S Class or MPV Viano. The passenger(s) will be picked up from or dropped off at their home, office or hotel within a 65-mile radius of London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4.

To request the car transfer service, Business Class passengers should contact TAM’s Customer Service Centre 48-hours before their flight on 020 8897 3700.

TAM’s Business class passengers are also offered a courtesy chauffeur driven transfer to-and-from their hotel, house or office at a number of South American destinations including Buenos Aires, Lima, Montevideo and Santiago.

6/16/2009 9:36:57 PM UTC    Comments 

The Lanesborough, London’s most prestigious address, has just become the first and only hotel in London to provide each and every guest room with a complimentary Sony VAIO laptop for use throughout their stay.

These state of the art laptops are the latest addition to the hotel’s already impressive list of complimentary services which ensure that The Lanesborough maintains its loyal following. Guests also enjoy wireless internet and email access; music and movies on demand; a change of clothing pressed upon arrival; fruit and mineral water replenished daily; tea and coffee served on arrival and with daily wake up calls; personalised business cards and stationary; and 24 hour butler service.

This is another first for The Lanesborough, who continues to pip their rivals to the post by acquiring the very best products and services for their guests, once again putting them ahead of the competition

6/16/2009 9:25:54 PM UTC    Comments 

The Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of freedom and democracy since its inauguration in 1886. What is not a symbol of freedom and democracy is Air Passenger Duty (APD), especially as applied by the current UK government.

APD is a stealth tax that aims to rip off any traveller based in the UK or flying through the UK. The money raised does not go to improve the transport infrastructure, nor does it help environmental causes. Put simply the money goes into the government’s one large pot, that same pot that the MPs dipped into for their expenses or to buy the banks.

Potentially APD is a catastrophe for the UK travel industry, the travelling public and British airlines. We at TravelPlus urge every one of our readers to engage in defeating this unfair and unnecessary tax. You can read more about its implications on page 5 in our latest issue.

So what can we do to defeat APD and how do you get your voice heard?

In a way we are fortunate that a General Election has to be held in the UK before 3 June 2010 and that politicians have never been less loved. That means they will be looking at every which way to get our votes. We need to make it clear that any candidate that supports APD will not get our vote. It is that simple.

We ask all readers who have a vote in the UK to write to the candidates in their constituency and ask them what their position is on APD. We would also urge you to write a similar letter to both David Cameron and Nick Clegg to ask how they and their parties view APD. Make it clear that if they support it, they don’t get your vote. While Labour is committed to APD, we must not take it for granted that the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats won’t over turn the tax if it wins them support. Both Cameron, Clegg, and in fact any MP, can be written to at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

If we don’t overturn this tax now we never will. The Dutch government has decided to reduce APD to zero while the British government plans to bleed travellers by up to £170 per person per trip while offering nothing in return. By next year the average £365 return fare from London to Los Angeles will consist of £319 in taxes with just £46 going to the airline, assuming any are still flying.

Join us on the barricades or don’t complain when you do have to pay through the nose to travel while the MPs put the cost of their APD down on expenses!

Simon Ward, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
 

6/16/2009 11:09:18 AM UTC    Comments 

The countdown is on to the official launch of MSC Cruises’s second flagship, MSC Splendida, on 12 July in Barcelona.

In an exciting first for MSC Cruises – and the first time this has featured on a European cruise ship - MSC Splendida will feature two innovative mini-bowling alleys in its high-tech Sports Bar.

Every aspect of these ten-pin bowling alleys has been carefully designed to provide the maximum entertainment, including a traditional-looking bowling surface that is actually made of a tough phenol compound which allows guests to join in the fun without having to change into special bowling shoes. 

The alleys are scaled down to work perfectly in a bar environment, to encourage people to mix and mingle. The bowling balls have been sized slightly smaller than usual, so they are manageable for youngsters while still presenting a challenge to older players.

Increasing the fun, there are two large LCD electronic screens featuring interactive videogame animations, with a choice of Ten Pin Tour and Turkey Shoot. And of course, surrounding the bowling alleys, you’ll find all the feature-rich facilities of the sports bar itself, with big screen TVs and a wealth of interactive sports games for solo and group play, making the Sports Bar the ideal place for a change of pace to meet friends old and new.

MSC Splendida is the twin sister to MSC Fantasia which was launched in December 2008. Together, they are the largest cruise ships ever commissioned by a European owner and set new standards in spaciousness, comfort, facilities, design innovation and refinement. Despite being sister ships, their themed areas feature many differences, such as the bowling alleys, which are unique to MSC Splendida.

MSC Splendida has a choice of six restaurants, including the a la carte Mediterranean L’Olivo, along with 18 bars and lounges, MSC Aurea Spa, solarium, shuffleboard, jogging track, sports centre, squash and tennis courts, five swimming pools and an incredible 19 leisure and entertainment venues, with a casino, theatre and 4D cinema – making every day different!

www.msccruises.com

6/15/2009 2:17:52 PM UTC    Comments 

The Spanish airline and its Australian oneworld partner signed an agreement over Madrid-Sydney flights via London and Frankfurt.

Starting on July 15 Iberia will offer its customers flights from Madrid to Sydney, under a new code-sharing arrangement with Australia’s Qantas airline. This is the first time the Spanish airline offers flights to Australia.                                                                               
Iberia passengers can choose among three daily options for the Sydney flight, two via Heathrow in London, and one via Frankfurt, Germany.

The arrangement extends the options of Iberia customers and strengthens relations between Iberia and Qantas which, as partners in the oneworld airline alliance, already honour each others’ frequent flyers points and share the use of VIP lounges, among other privileges.

6/15/2009 1:01:18 PM UTC    Comments 

Singapore Airlines launch their Exceptional Value sale, offering incredible fares to all. Customers who access the singaporeair.com website between the 13th and the 30th of June 2009 will be able to purchase flights to Singapore from as little as £295.00. For those who would like to experience the award winning Singapore Airlines Business Class, there has never been a better opportunity with the all new Simply Better Business fare for £1585.

Return fares are available from London Heathrow or Manchester Airport and are valid for outbound travel from the 1st of September to the 9th of December 2009 and the 16th of January to the 31st of March 2010.

“We are delighted to be able to offer these fantastic new fares to our customers,” said Joey Seow, General Manager of Singapore Airlines UK and Ireland. “We hope that many of our existing customers, and those still yet to experience flying with Singapore Airlines, will take this opportunity to enjoy our award winning service, fine dining and state of the art in-flight entertainment when travelling to Singapore and beyond."

*Singapore Airlines Simply Better Business fares are now available when two passengers travel together on all sectors from London Heathrow or Manchester Airport.

www.singaporeair.com.

6/12/2009 3:08:53 PM UTC    Comments 

Covent Garden has collaborated with world-renowned historian and novelist, Peter Ackroyd, to unveil the captivating history behind London’s most famous Piazza. The Covent Garden Walking Tour, launching this summer, is a self guided journey across the UK’s first ever public square, built in 1630, which brings the area’s rich history and enthralling heritage to life.

Visitors will be guided past historical sites such as the café where legendary author Charles Dickens wrote his weekly magazines, the eerie site of the first plague victim’s burial and the Lamb & Flag pub where ferocious bare knuckle boxing once took place.

The Covent Garden Walking Tour highlights the area’s fascinating heritage, breathtaking architecture and details enthralling events the area has witnessed throughout its history. The Walking Tour will be downloadable from the Covent Garden London website and a hard-copy version will be available from the Market Building.

www.coventgardenlondonuk.com

6/12/2009 3:00:18 PM UTC    Comments 

This may be the 11th successive month of cutbacks in global airline schedules; however the rate of decline in seat capacity is lower than at any time since October 2008 according to OAG, as it releases its monthly report on trends in the supply of airline flights and seats. 

The world's airlines have scheduled 4% (104,216) fewer flights for June 2009 compared with the same month last year, with a 2% drop in seat capacity of 6.7 million fewer seats. The total number of flights scheduled to operate worldwide this month is 2.43 million, offering 297.5 million seats to travelers around the globe. 

Last month, the year-on-year global frequency and capacity figures were down by 5% and 3% respectively. Global year-on-year capacity reductions had remained at 3% every month since November 2008, apart from a sharp 7% decline in February this year.

David Beckerman, vice president OAG Market Intelligence, said, "As the Northern Hemisphere begins its summer holiday season, the airline community is curbing its capacity cuts in anticipation of a welcome boost in air travel.  However, we shouldn't assume that this is the start of recovery and growth; the outlook remains uncertain and figures are still down year-on-year, but it does indicate a glimmer of economic confidence."

6/12/2009 10:36:10 AM UTC    Comments 

As an official sponsor of the national Brazilian football team, TAM flew the players, coaches and accompanying journalists from Brazil to Johannesburg on June 11 to take part in the FIFA Confederations Cup. The tournament, a warm up for next year’s World Cup which begins on 11 June 2010, takes place in South Africa from 14-28 June and as well as Brazil includes the national teams of Spain, Italy, New Zealand, USA, Egypt, Iraq and South Africa.

The Brazilian team flew the “Magic Red Carpet” to South Africa aboard a specially painted TAM aircraft. The plane had been painted in the team colours that include the five gold stars that represent Brazil’s five world championships. The nose cone was painted to look like a football.

While global expectations are growing ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, there is already great interest in the 20th World Cup that will be held in Brazil in 2014. It will be the first time that consecutive World Cups have been staged in the Southern Hemisphere and the first World Cup to be held in South America since 1978.

FIFA recently announced the host cities for the 2014 World Cup. Given the size of Brazil a total of 12 cities, rather than ten, have been selected. The cities that will now become global household names thanks to the World Cup include Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Cuiabá, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and São Paulo.

As Brazil and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest airline, TAM is the only major international carrier to fly to all 12 of the Brazilian cites that will host the games at the 2014 World Cup. TAM currently flies to 42 cities in Brazil, and serves another 37 through commercial agreements with regional carriers. It also offers flights to 18 international destinations, including a daily service to London utilising Boeing 777-300ERs.

As in 1950, the final of the 2014 World Cup will be played at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. In 1950 just 13 teams played in the 4th World Cup that was spread across the cities of Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. England played in Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro, while Uruguay famously won the championship by beating Brazil in the last game of the tournament.

6/12/2009 10:08:54 AM UTC    Comments 

The five red star Chester Grosvenor and Spa, located in the heart of Chester, invites you to throw caution to the wind and enjoy a high octane life this summer with their exclusive driving experience packages.

The result of a partnership between luxury Chester business, Northern Ferrari Hire specialists in self-drive luxury car hire and Chester’s iconic city centre hotel, The Chester Grosvenor and Spa, there are five supercars to choose from; Ferrari 360 Spider; Aston Martin DB9; Maserati Gran Tourismo, Lamborghini Gallardo Roadster and Ferrari F430 Coupe.

The Exclusive Wheels weekend will include two nights at The Chester Grosvenor and Spa in a Deluxe room including Continental breakfast and dinner on one evening in the Michelin-starred ‘Simon Radley At The Grosvenor’ restaurant. The car of your choice will be available from noon on Friday until Sunday evening for you to explore the delights of Cheshire. (Prices from £929 per person.)

For a rather special midsummer treat, this exclusive package is available on 17-19th July, the weekend of The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power and Fireworks Concert, both held at Cholmondeley Castle, some 20 miles south of Chester.  Arrive in style at the events and turn a few heads! (Prices from £979 per person including Paddock tickets to the Pageant of Power on Saturday 18th July and tickets to the evening Fireworks Concert also at Cholmondeley Castle.)
 
Managing Director of The Chester Grosvenor and Spa, Mr Jonathan Slater, commented,‘Being a car enthusiast myself, I cannot imagine a better complement to our hotel than the keys to one of these stunning, powerful cars. Even in these tough times there are always occasions when one feels the urge to really splash out on a special weekend.’ 

www.chestergrosvenor.com

6/11/2009 4:50:16 PM UTC    Comments 

Singapore Airlines will fly the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, on the Singapore-Hong Kong route from 9 July 2009. Hong Kong will be the fifth international destination and second Asian city which Singapore Airlines operates the superjumbo aircraft to. The Airline started operating the A380 in October 2007 to Sydney and subsequently added services to London, Tokyo and Paris.

"The operation of the A380 to Hong Kong shows our confidence in the demand for both business and leisure travel between Singapore and the famed ‘Pearl of the Orient’.  Hong Kong is a vibrant business hub and at the same time it has much to offer leisure travellers looking for great places to shop, eat and play,” said Mr. Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President, Marketing and the Regions.

Exclusively available on the A380 are the Singapore Airlines Suites. Each Suite customer enjoys a high level of privacy in his own cabin in the sky, behind sliding doors and adjustable roller blinds. The Suites come furnished with a luxurious and fully adjustable leather seat, upholstered by world-renowned Poltrona Frau, and a full-sized bed. For entertainment, customers can enjoy crystal-clear images on a sleek 23-inch high-resolution LCD monitor, mounted on the wall in each Suite.

The Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class is in a league of its own. Measuring 86 centimetres (34 inches) in width, the Business Class seat is one of the widest in the world and each has direct access to the aisle. Each seat can be converted into a comfortable wide bed, simply by folding down the seat back.  

Singapore Airlines’ new Economy Class seats offer customers unprecedented comfort and space. The ergonomically designed seat not only maximises knee and legroom, it also boasts intelligent features such as a non-intrusive reading light and height-adjustable leather headrests with side panels.

Customers across all three classes can enjoy a wide range of the latest movies, TV programmes and a library of CDs on KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ award-winning inflight entertainment system. Come mealtime, delectable inflight meals, designed exclusively by world-class chefs like Matt Moran from Australia, Zhu Jun from China and Sam Leong from Singapore, are served and presented on exclusive Givenchy-designed service ware.

Singapore Airlines currently has eight A380s in service, a further 11 on firm order, and options on six more. 

6/11/2009 4:16:11 PM UTC    Comments 

Lufthansa will relocate its Heathrow passenger operation to Terminal 1 on Tuesday 16th June 2009.

The recently refurbished Terminal will provide Lufthansa passengers with a bright and spacious environment as well as greatly enhanced facilities. The £100 million refurbishment has transformed the terminal into a more open, clean and simplified facility. The overall passenger experience will be greatly improved thanks to a new check-in area, baggage reclaim and arrivals concourse which result in shorter walking distances from kerbside to check-in and to the improved departure gate area.

Announcing the move to Terminal 1 Marianne Sammann, Lufthansa General Manager UK & Ireland, said, “I believe this move will further enhance the Lufthansa travel experience for our customers. Our refurbished, Star Alliance-branded check-in area in Zone K is light and airy offering 17 check-in desks, 12 check-in machines and six quick bag drops to help speed up the overall check-in process. After checking in, passengers are able to proceed directly through a bespoke security facility located directly behind the check-in area of Zone K.

“For First Class customers, HON Circle Members, Senators and Star Gold Card holders, there is an exclusive First Class lobby at one end of Zone K. As well as four First Class check in counters. A furnished waiting area is available and the lobby provides direct priority access to the fast track security control. Frequent Travellers, Star Silver Card holders and Business Class customers will also be able to use this fast track using an alternative route around the First Class lobby.

Terminal 1 will also become home to many of Lufthansa’s Star Alliance partners. Austrian Airlines, Croatia Airlines, SWISS and TAP Portugal will move from Terminal 2 with Lufthansa in June. They join Air New Zealand, Asiana Airlines, bmi, Lot Polish Airlines, South African Airways, United Airlines and US Airways which already operate out of Terminal 1.

Once the moves are completed, the 22 Star Alliance member carriers serving Heathrow will be nearly evenly split between Terminals 1 and 3, the core Central Area at Heathrow - the only part of Heathrow that has direct access to both the Heathrow Express and the London Connect Service, all Underground trains to central London and local and regional bus services.

www.lufthansa.com

6/11/2009 4:08:14 PM UTC    Comments 

Save more than £200 on seven-night stays in Turkey 

Depart on 26 June 2009 for the Club Med Turkish resort of Beldi from only £749 per adult and £536 per child including flights a saving of up to £246 per adult and £123 per child.

Discover the treasures of Turkey at Club Med Beldi, a resort bathed in glorious sunshine with facilities to engage even the most preoccupied of visitors. The resort boasts excellent leisure activities including kayaking, sailing and archery, tennis and circus school. Beldi is the ideal place to indulge in both an active break and a cultural escape, with the old town of Antalya and the Roman theatre of Myra only hours away.

Alternatively, visit the Turkish resort of Kemer to experience cultural delights and brush up on your water sport skills. Fly on the 26 June 2009 and stay seven days from only £729 per adult including flights - a saving of up to £266.

An area sheltered by wild countryside and quite bays, Kemer Club Med Resort is ideal for those who want an action-packed escape. Boasting a plethora of water based activities including water skiing, wake boarding, wind surfing as well a Fitness Academy®, this is the perfect place to get in shape and have fun in the sun. This is a destination that caters perfectly for the young adult with a vibrant nightlife on its doorstep. Guests can savour the fantastic local cuisine offered at the Resort before heading out on the town with friends. This is an adult-only Resort.

Club Med’s generous holidays includes:

Return flights from London and transfers between the airport and resort
Accommodation in a Club room
All meals with wine, beer and soft drinks, open bar and snacks
A wide range of group classes and sports activities
 
www.clubmed.co.uk

6/11/2009 10:56:58 AM UTC    Comments 

Scandinavian Airlines System’s (SAS) Summer Sale kicks off 11 June - meaning great discounts on SAS flights from the UK to Scandinavia.  What’s more SAS offers child discounts – which makes a family holiday in Scandinavia an even more attractive proposition this summer.  Children qualify for a 25 per cent discount off all sale fares.

Example one way fares including taxes during the Summer Sale include:

• London Heathrow – Oslo from £61, saving £18 on the normal lowest fare
• Manchester - Oslo from £61 pounds, a saving of £36 on the normal lowest fare
• Birmingham – Copenhagen from £73, a saving of £10 on the normal lowest fare
• London – Stavanger from £61, a saving of £20 on the normal lowest fare

For a ten day period, ending 21 June, SAS fares will be discounted by up to 38% on a range of key routes.  These discounts apply for travel between 29 June and 31 August. 

SAS has a comprehensive network out of the UK into Scandinavia with direct flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick and London City, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Aberdeen to the Scandinavian capitals and beyond.

www.flysas.co.uk
 

6/11/2009 10:41:00 AM UTC    Comments 

Travel to the Far East in style and upgrade to premium economy for as little as £220 – saving up to 25 per cent off EVA Air’s premium economy Elite Class with the launch of exclusive online fares.
 
Return fares from London Heathrow to Bangkok start from just £706 and from £729 to Taipei including taxes. The standard starting price for a return airfare with EVA Air from London Heathrow to Bangkok in Elite Class usually costs from £890 and from £990 to Taipei including taxes.

Flights are on sale now until 15 July 2009 and are valid for travel until 9 December 2009 excluding the period 11 July – 27 August 2009. These fares are subject to availability and are only bookable online.

EVA Air’s award-winning Elite Class offers many of the comforts usually only associated with business class travel, at a fraction of the price. Forming just 20 per cent of the aircraft’s total seat capacity, the airline’s pioneering premium economy product gives passengers increased privacy during the flight.

Travellers benefit from a dedicated check-in desk and increased baggage allowance of 25kgs, as well as 18.5 inch wide ergonomically designed, memory foam seats with a generous 38-inch seat pitch.

EVA Air flies to Taipei via Bangkok six times a week from London Heathrow and offers passengers a choice of three classes of cabin service: Premium Laurel business class, Elite Class premium economy and Economy class.

www.evaair.com

6/10/2009 10:59:00 AM UTC    Comments 

Alila Villas Uluwatu, the first luxury all pool villa property in a new generation of Alila Hotels and Resorts properties is now open. Situated on an elevated plateau along the southern coastline of Bali, Alila Villas Uluwatu offers breathtaking views of dramatic limestone cliffs sweeping down to the Indian Ocean.

In celebration of its opening, Alila Villas Uluwatu has launched a Double Indulgence package, which will offer guests a complimentary night’s stay for every night booked at this luxurious resort. Guests staying between 1 June 2009 till 31 July 2009 will be able to enjoy this package, with a minimum two-night stay.

Designed by award-winning Singaporean architecture firm, WOHA, the property marries environmentally sustainable design properties with style. The property was designed and constructed in accordance with Green Globe standards. Awarded the prestigious Green Globe “Best Practice Building Planning and Design” certification, Alila Villas Uluwatu is the first resort in Bali to meet the program’s rigorous standards.

WOHA used the natural sloping terrain to the property’s advantage allowing each of Alila Villas Uluwatu’s villas to be individually tiered, providing guests with panoramic views of the ocean and the horizon, regardless of their villa’s location. This prestigious development offers 52 one-bedroom pool villas, 2 two-bedroom pool villas, 5 three-bedroom Cliffside pool villas and 25 private villas.

Besides the stunning natural landscape and architecture, Alila Villas Uluwatu will also provide each guest with a high level of personalized services and luxury options. From their arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport (a convenient 30 minute drive away), guests will be indulged and pampered. Each villa will have host (butler) service and guests can choose between three different levels of service from “private” to “indulgent”. Whichever service they choose, guests will have their every whim and fancy catered to.

A collection of special bespoke activities and experiences, known as “Journeys by Alila”, will bring the very best of Bali to the guests in the comfort of Alila Villas Uluwatu. Guests may select from a host of Journeys, from the spiritual to the adventurous. Each Journey will then be specially customized for specific guests, leaving them with unforgettable memories of their trip to Bali.

Sean Brennan, general manager for Alila Villas Uluwatu, says, “We are proud to launch this ultra-luxurious all-pool villa hotel residences property in Bali. With this, Alila Hotels and Resorts renews its commitment to the beautiful island of Bali.”

6/10/2009 10:39:44 AM UTC    Comments 

Nothing beats a glass of Pimm’s on a summer’s day. The very British beverage is almost as much a tradition as the cup of tea and nothing evokes the pleasures of an English summer as much as a chilled glass of Pimm’s. 

Head mixologist, Joel Lawrence, has created a special summer Pimm’s cocktail menu and has introduced a special offer to launch the St James’s “Club Pimm’s” for residents and non-residents alike. Anyone trying one of Joel’s summer Pimm’s creations at the stylish St James’s Hotel and Club bar from 6.00pm to 11.00pm on any night will get the second one free!

Guests can choose from the following six Pimm’s concoctions, all priced at only £9.50:

• Pimm’s Classic... enjoyed in the traditional fashion
• Scarlet Pimpernel... a class act inspired from the 18th century (Pimm’s, Triple Sec, Cranberry, Lime juice)
• English Passion Pimm’s... with a full burst of passion (Pimm’s, Zubrovka, passion fruit, sugar)
• Maximum Voltage Pimm’s... all that tradition blown way out of proportion (Pimm’s, Zubrovka, Cointreau)
• Wimbledon Pimm’s... is in season with Strawberries and Cream (Pimm’s, Gin, Strawberry syrup, cream)
• Pimmed out... just when you think that you can’t take anymore (Pimm’s Classic served in a Hurricane glass with ice and twice as much fruit and topped up with Champagne!)
                                                    
  For reservations, please call 020 7316 1614 / reservations@stjameshotelandclub.com

History of Pimm’s: It all began in a London oyster bar in the 1840’s, the owner, James Pimm, invented a secret mix of Gin, Herbs and Quinine and then served the brew as an aid to digestion. After the 2nd World War, Pimm’s as it is known today, extended their range with different spirits as bases for the new cups:No.2 – Scotch,
No.3 – Brandy (Wintertime) this one is still in production, No.4 – Rum, No.5 – Rye and No.6 Vodka

6/10/2009 10:25:14 AM UTC    Comments