Situated in the heart of the Medina, maison mk a quirky six bedroom riad is offering a complete VIP party house experience. Fire eaters in the courtyard, clairvoyants predicting the future and henna tattooists merge to create the perfect traditional Moroccan celebration. No matter how simple or elaborate the occasion, the maison mk team will arrange everything from extravagant parties, sunset cocktails on the stylish roof terrace, pampering treatments in the on-site spa and hammam, VIP entrance into Marrakech’s hippest bars and personal shopping trips around the bustling medina.

The riad has six suites and is perfect for groups of friends or families. The open roof terrace, restaurant, refreshing pool, cinema room, spa and hammam will keep guests entertained day and night in comfort and style. maison mk takes the phrase ‘making an entrance’ to a new level, with camels leading guests through the winding passages of the medina to the riad where they enter a magical world of snake charmers, romantic story tellers and exotic belly dancers. 

maison mk opened in February last year and is the creation of professional fashion and portrait photographers Paul and Aoibheann Hopkins.  Their artistic vision has been implemented with their team of leading international interior designers and lighting consultants, and has led to the creation of a sophisticated space that surprises and delights. maison mk represents a glimpse of the Marrakech of tomorrow with cutting edge design concepts within a historic Moroccan framework.

maison mk is a perfect hideaway for groups of friends wanting a short break in this enchanting city or a once in a lifetime party they will never forget. Rooms start at €300 based on two sharing or €1500 for the riad as a whole.

www.maisonmk.com

7/2/2009 11:49:59 AM UTC    Comments 

Hungary has a growing reputation for producing excellent wines and the annual Budapest International Wine Festival in September gives wine lovers the perfect opportunity for tasting some of them, whilst enjoying the stunning backdrop of the Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Wine Festival takes place from 9-13 September on the terraces of Buda Castle, overlooking the Pest side of city and it’s wonderfully lively time to visit one of the world’s most picturesque capital cities. The five day festival opens at 2pm on the 9th & 10th, 12pm on 11th and from 10am on 12th and 13th and is open until 11pm everyday – so there is plenty of time to sample as many wines as possible over a weekend stay.

Around 170 Hungarian wineries will exhibit as well as a few other wine producing countries and it’s a great opportunity to learn about the wines, as well as enjoy traditional food and festivities. Gastronomy is a huge part of the festival and there are plenty of Hungarian delicacies that can be tried including scones baked on site, many varieties of cheese and grilled meats.

There will be around 1,000 wines to sample, as well as a grape wine auction, grape harvest procession, plus cultural programmes including many musical concerts. On the Saturday there is a Harvest Parade starting at 1pm, with around 800 representatives from the various wine regions dressed in folk costumes and ending with a lovely show on the festival stage.

www.winefestival.hu.

7/1/2009 6:45:21 PM UTC    Comments 

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announced that for a limited time, it is offering savings of up to 29% off the Hyatt Daily Rate for stays at participating Park Hyatt, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, and Hyatt Regency properties in key urban and resort destinations around the globe. For travellers who seek attentive service and attractive accommodation in prime locations, and seek a home base from which to explore memorable destinations, this guestroom sale is a perfect match.

With an average of 25% off of accommodation at Hyatt locations, guests can plan getaways that include more experiences with local cuisine, more shopping for artisan goods, and more pampering for true relaxation. The offer is valid for a limited time at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide.

In the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, guests receive up to 29% off the Hyatt Daily Rate. 

In Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia/Pacific, Latin America, and at Park Hyatt and Andaz hotels worldwide, guests receive 20% off of the Hyatt Daily Rate.

To take advantage of this global offer, guests may book the LTO Sale beginning June 19, 2009 with offer code LTO109 on the Special Offers page of www.hyatt.com,

7/1/2009 6:40:37 PM UTC    Comments 

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina Club and Spa, marking its entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Set among beautifully landscaped gardens on the Corniche of Jeddah, Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club and Spa is an innovative five-star sanctuary where contemporary luxury and exceptional service meets unrivalled views of the Red Sea and King Fahd fountain. The hotel enjoys a prime location in the very heart of the city, within the esteemed Al Hamra District at the Equestrian Club of Jeddah, and just minutes away from the central business district.

Business and leisure travelllers will be welcomed with state-of-the-art meeting and business facilities as well an impressive array of sport and leisure pursuits. The commercial and financial districts, as well as the main shopping and entertainment areas of Jeddah are nearby, making Park Hyatt Jeddah the ideal launching point from which visitors can conduct business or explore the relaxing activities of the destination.

The multi-faceted resort is a remarkable engineering feat that reclaimed prime waterfront land from the Red Sea, while retaining the delicate surrounding marine life. The 34.5-acre (140,000 square metre) complex overlooks sweeping views of the sea and the world-famous King Fahd fountain with its more than 1,000-foot-high (312 meters) plume of water.

Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club and Spa is the ideal base for Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages to Mecca or Medina. Located just 30 minutes away from the King Abdullaziz International Airport, Park Hyatt Jeddah is a well-situated stopover upon entering or leaving the region. Mecca is a convenient 45-minute drive from the hotel.

www.park.hyatt.com

7/1/2009 11:29:58 AM UTC    Comments 

bmi, launch's a pre-flight Lounge Dining service for Business Class customers flying on bmi’s evening flights to Moscow and Tel Aviv from 1 July 2009.  Customers heading to Tel Aviv or Moscow can enjoy three-course meals in the new bmi international lounge – bmi Number One Heathrow before they fly, meaning that they can then relax or sleep on the flight without being disturbed for meals.  Once on board, customers can also choose a lighter meal or a nightcap from bmi’s new Night-Time Supper menu.

The move comes as bmi continues to improve services and benefits for those travelling for in Business Class whether for business or pleasure. Earlier this month, bmi opened its flagship international lounge bmi Number One Heathrow which offers a quintessentially British environment in which to work, relax, dine and refresh.  

Lounge Dining will be available daily to all customers using the international lounge from 8.30pm and is ideal for customers who are taking the night-time flights to Tel Aviv and Moscow, or connecting via London Heathrow.   Customers taking advantage of the pre-flight dining can start with steaming hot soup served fresh from bmi’s bespoke AGA.  Followed by macaroni cheese, salads, dressed with Mark Hix salad dressings, created by the reknowned English chef, or hot salt beef bagels with rye and pickles.  The perfect finish to the pre-flight dining is a selection of Mark Hix ice-cream, exclusively available in the bmi international lounge and onboard. Round off supper with a generous pot of either ‘Credit Crunch’ (caramel and honeycomb chocolate) or Blueberry and Dorset Honey flavours.  In addition, the bmi pub ‘The Local’ will be open, serving champagne, English rosé Wine, Pimms and Fullers London Pride, as well as brandies and whiskeys for a pre-flight nightcap. 

Once on board, customers can then either go straight to sleep without being disturbed – only being woken 30 minutes before landing or enjoy the Night-Time Supper menu in subdued lighting.  The Night-Time Supper menu  boasts light and comforting dishes such as duck and potato hash with gooseberry chutney or salmon fishcake with baby spinach and parsley sauce.  For those who would just like a sweet treat or a nightcap then Mark Hix ice cream will be available onboard or the ultimate comforter drink – hot chocolate served with marshmallows. 

7/1/2009 11:27:09 AM UTC    Comments 

The latest addition to The Natural History Museum event space portfolio is unveiled, The Tree Gallery. With the museum’s largest dendrology specimen integrated into the ceiling, this functional gallery accommodates up to 50 for a seated dinner and 60 for a stand up reception.

The new events space is ideal for last minute occasions with room hire available in a six week window. The Tree Gallery is available seven days a week from £5,000.

The Gallery’s artwork, a 17metre long wafer thin section of an entire 200 year old oak tree embedded into the ceiling, was designed by Tania Kovats and commissioned to celebrate Charles Darwin’s bicentenary. It draws its inspiration from the iconic tree of life drawing by Darwin which sketches out the evolutionist’s scientific ideas and theories.

The Tree Gallery is the first of three new up and coming event spaces at the Natural History Museum, which include the West Garden and the Darwin Centre. The latter encapsulates a scientific research centre and embodies innovative ways in which the natural world can be discovered. These join the current two event spaces, Central Hall and the Earth Galleries, in hosting important business events, awards dinners, fashion shows and many other functions - adding another branch to this ever growing museum. 

7/1/2009 9:27:22 AM UTC    Comments 

Take advantage of up to 50% savings during the Vietnam on Sale when you make a booking at any participating Accor hotel through an online channel. The sale runs from July 7 until July 13, 2009 for stays during July 17 – September 30, 2009.   

Accor Advantage Plus members can make advance bookings from July 6, 2009 and enjoy an extra 10% discount. 

The participating hotels are:

Novotel hotels: one rate at US$45
- Novotel Ha Long Bay
- Novotel Nha Trang
- Novotel Dalat
- Novotel Ocean Dune Golf & Resort Phan Thiet

Others: one rate at US$75
- Grand Mercure La Veranda Resort & Spa Phu Quoc
- La Residence Hue 

Accor is currently the largest international hotel operator in Vietnam with 10 existing hotels and 10 development projects in the pipeline.

www.accorhotels.com

6/30/2009 8:35:16 AM UTC    Comments 

The Crowne Plaza Vilamoura, set to open in January 2010, will be the first Crowne Plaza hotel in Portugal. The new hotel is right on the Vilamoura beach, near the world famous Vilamoura Casino, 300 metres from the Algarve’s main marina, Marina Vilamoura, and 20 kilometres from Faro Airport. The hotel is within walking distance of five golf courses in Vilamoura, and only 20 minutes drive from other major courses in the Algarve.

The Crowne Plaza Vilamoura will have 327 rooms and suites, and impressive conference facilities with 1,200 square metres of meeting room space. There is a 760 square metre meeting room divisible into three, a 275 square metre meeting room also divisible into three, an executive boardroom for 12 people and 22 guest rooms that have been designed for use as meeting rooms when needed. A beautiful garden with large palm trees makes the hotel ideal for hosting outdoor events.

Crowne Plaza Vilamoura will also have a variety of entertainment facilities and restaurants, including one al fresco restaurant open most of the year, a 1,000 square metre outdoor swimming pool and a driving range supervised by the hotel’s golf pro.

Hylko Versteeg, director of development for Spain and Portugal, IHG, said: “Since introducing Crowne Plaza to Europe more than 20 years ago it has become one of the world’s fastest growing upscale hotel brands. Signing this deal with the Grupo Marope, which takes us into Portugal, is a milestone for us.”

“Crowne Plaza is an internationally renowned hotel brand, popular with business travellers across the world. This unique opportunity to open the first Crowne Plaza hotel in Portugal is an exciting move for us. We are confident the hotel will draw more business and leisure travellers to Vilamoura and indeed the Algarve,” explained Mario Vasco Pereira, Grupo Marope president.

6/29/2009 11:20:40 AM UTC    Comments 

Maintaining a company’s level of business travel is vital to the individual organisation and has far reaching implications for the state of the economy, according to research released today from the annual Barclaycard Commercial Business Travel Survey.  The survey, now in its 13th year, polled more than 2,200 business travellers across the country, forming a comprehensive picture of the business travel landscape.

Three quarters of respondents (75%) stated that they expect to travel more or the same amount in 2009 compared to 2008 with 50 per cent, of those planning to travel more, citing planned business expansion in the UK (29%) or overseas (21%) as the reason.  The findings illustrate that whilst companies compete to survive and budgets are tightened face-to-face meetings and networking are seen as crucial to keeping businesses going, even if this incurs travel costs.  In addition, 85 per cent believe that face-to-face business meetings are more effective than using technologies such as video and web conferencing.

Market contraction has the worst effects on those organisations and individuals that are most exposed in terms of risk and debt. The converse of this is that small organisations and medium size enterprises in the beginning of their life cycle stand most to benefit from the current stimulus deal and interest rates and there is a real opportunity for entrepreneurs and SMEs in the latter half of 2009.

It is vital that business people continue to travel not only because of the immediate effects of a contraction in the market but also because so many industries and businesses around the globe rely on revenue from business travellers.

Neil Radley, Managing Director of Barclaycard Commercial said:

“The travel and tourism industry is one of the world’s biggest employers with business travel playing a significant role in the industry.   The Barclaycard Commercial Business Travel Survey is a positive indicator for economic recovery with a third planning to travel more in 2009 – this will have a knock-on effect on the economy and the parallel industries that survive because of it.  The fears of the recession have not deterred some businesses from expansion – whilst the media reports stories of businesses downsizing, the Travel Survey shows positive signs for business expansion in both the UK and more globally.”

With the Government’s confirmation in the Budget that the Airline Passenger Duty (APD) is going to rise in November 2009, results from the survey suggest that this is not set to dramatically affect business travel.  84 per cent of the survey’s respondents have not changed their travel plans due to the initial introduction of the APD and 53 per cent agreed that an additional environmental tax should be brought in on airlines.

Reflective of last year’s findings whilst business travel is on the up there are clear signs that businesses are making a conscious effort to cut back where possible.  Those staying in budget hotel accommodation has risen from 53 per cent to 55 per cent, between 2007 and 2008 and Flybe (ranked 4th with a one per cent increase in market share) now joins other low cost airlines easyJet (ranked 2nd) and Ryanair (ranked 3rd) in the top four airlines most used for business travel.  British Airways remains the most used airline for business travel (29%).   In contrast, travel in business and first class has increased by two per cent from last year (13% in 2008 compared to 11% in 2007).

The survey, now in its 13th year, polled more than 2,200 business travellers across the country, forming a comprehensive picture of the business travel landscape.  

6/29/2009 11:07:37 AM UTC    Comments 

Gulf Air has introduced half price flights for children under the age of 12 years on all its services from London Heathrow. 

Until 27 July 2009, families booking with children will get 50% off the adult ticket price, adding to the reasons for holidaymakers to choose Gulf Air for their travels this year.   The offer is available on all travel taking place from now until 11 December 2009. All travel must be completed by 14 December. 

The airline has also introduced a number of unbelievable all inclusive return flight offers on services from London Heathrow to fantastic holiday destinations outside the expensive euro zone including Kuala Lumpur from £386, Bangkok from £390, Muscat from £245, Kochi from £330, Shanghai from £360, Bahrain from £330 and Dubai and Abu Dhabi from £247.  And don’t forget, KIDS GO HALF PRICE, a 25% saving on the normal Gulf Air children’s fare.

Gulf Air prides itself on recognising the needs of families travelling with them.  It was the first airline in the world to introduce the onboard Sky Nanny, a dedicated service for the individual needs of all its customers, no matter how young or old they are.  Sky Nanny takes the strain off parents travelling with young children and keeps the younger passengers amused during the journey making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for both parents and children.

Working on board all three of Gulf Air’s service from London, Sky Nanny offers help with boarding and disembarkation, gives parents that much-needed break during a long flight and generally provides a watchful eye on the little ones. 

Every Gulf Air Sky Nanny is specially trained for inflight childcare services so parents can be assured that children will receive the best care and attention every step of the way.

www.gulfair.com

6/27/2009 6:17:44 AM UTC    Comments 

The guest list read like a ‘who’s who’ of the Jewish community which gathered together on Tuesday 23rd June to celebrate EL AL’s 60th anniversary of flying to London. The reception was held at the Zabludowicz Arts Projects in Chalk Farm, which was decked out in blue and white and images of the history of EL AL over the last 60 years brought from the archives in Tel Aviv.

Members of the Jewish community, Jewish organisations, EL AL’s top frequent flyers, travel agents, tour operators and the media mingled together to celebrate 60 years of uninterrupted services between London and Tel Aviv.

From left to right. Uri Danor - EL AL GM UK and Ireland, Haim Romano - President and CEO EL AL, Amikam Cohen - Chairman EL AL , Pujo Zabludowicz - EL AL share holder and owner of the Zabludowicz Gallery.

Welcome speeches were given by Haim Romano, President and CEO of EL AL, Amikam Cohen Chairman of EL AL as well as one from Pujo Zabludowicz, who generously allowed EL AL to use the venue for the evening. On behalf of the guests Geoffrey Ognall, Vice Chairman of the UJIA gave a heart felt response highlighting the special ties between EL AL, the Jewish community in the UK and Israel.

6/26/2009 10:06:38 AM UTC    Comments 

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Fat Duck Group have joined forces to create the first London restaurant with Chef Heston Blumenthal which will open at Mandarin Oriental’s award winning property in autumn 2010. 

Blumenthal, of the three Michelin starred The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire and The Hinds Head pub of the same village, has won international acclaim for his unique and multi-sensory approach to cooking.  This first restaurant to open outside of the village of Bray will feature the chef’s inimitable style of culinary alchemy with a menu heavily influenced by his ongoing research and discovery of historic British gastronomy.

Seating 140 guests, the new restaurant will serve lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. The kitchen will be headed by Ashley Palmer Watts who has worked with Blumenthal at The Fat Duck for nine years in the capacity of Group Executive Chef. 

Blumenthal commented “I am thrilled at the prospect of opening a restaurant in such a central London location. I have great respect for the Mandarin Oriental brand and working in partnership with the hotel group is a natural step and one which offers an exciting opportunity.”

“We are delighted to partner with The Fat Duck Group on this very exciting new venture. A longtime friend of Heston’s, I have always shared his enthusiasm for English recipes and have enjoyed working with him to help develop talented British chefs through the Roux Scholarship programme,” stated David Nicholls, Corporate Director of Food & Beverage of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

www.mandarinoriental.com.  

6/25/2009 9:37:48 AM UTC    Comments 

From 1st November 2009 Air Malta will increase capacity on the London Gatwick – Malta route, with 2 flights per week during the months of November and March. This means that instead of a daily service to London Gatwick, Air Malta will operate 9 weekly flights. In addition the airline will increase 1 weekly flight for the Christmas travelling period, whilst larger aircraft will be deployed on all the daily Gatwick services in the remaining winter months.
 
Brock Friesen, Chief Officer Commercial said “This is line with the airline’s commercial strategy to extend the summer season and reduce the traditional traffic slowdown between the summer and winter months. The additional shoulder traffic will bolster the local tourism industry during this challenging period. Gatwick airport is one of most attractive London airports vis-à-vis leisure short break traffic that requires frequent and convenient schedules. Air Malta is committed to offer both all year round.”
 
The airline has also taken the decision to increase the Summer 2010 frequency from 12 to 14 weekly flights. These decisions are Air Malta’s first steps to ensure that Malta has sustainable seat capacity available to the London area for the next 18 months.
 
Air Malta is confident that through its strong relationship with bmi, the airline will be well positioned to sustain traffic growth from this London gateway as the global economy moves out of the economic recession. The code-share partnership with bmi, enables the Maltese airline to extend its sales and marketing reach throughout the United Kingdom.

The London capacity increase is further proof of Air Malta’s commitment to the local tourism industry and is the only airline that has supported continuously the major London routes throughout its 35 year history.
 
www.airmalta.com

6/24/2009 6:49:07 PM UTC    Comments 

With six European specialised conference venues in Belgium, France, Germany and Spain all meeting the International Association of Conference Centers standards, each property boasts an innovative meeting and conference experience, including industry firsts such as The Cube and Dinner in the Sky at Dolce La Hulpe Brussels and the infamous “Go Wild on Ice” available at Dolce Bad Nauheim.

Bookers can now take advantage of the ‘Inspiring Stimulus Programme’. Designed to provide productive and cost-effective meetings across Dolce’s European specialised conference venues, the programme promises businesslike and inspiring environments, while avoiding the high costs associated with off-site meetings.

Valid for any new meeting held in 2009, the hotel group is offering up to 35% off the complete meeting package pricing across its six European properties booked by the extended date of 14 August 2009.

Delegates will be able to take advantage of the hotel’s inspiring locations within forests, parks, vineyards and golf courses, feast on refreshments prepared by chefs trained under Alain Montigny, the MICHELIN® Guide 2009 Chef and experience Dolce Hotels & Resorts latest business signature service. Including print on demand, comfortably designed cyber corners, full WiFi access, e-cafes at Dolce Sitges and Dolce La Hulpe Brussels and ergonomic furniture, as well as in house AV teams and an executive concierge for meeting planners.

Steven A. Rudnitsky, Dolce president and chief executive officer commented: “Our expertise in helping clients hold effective meetings combined with our venues practical locations, designed and equipped for maximum efficiency and value, provides a fiscally responsible formula for bringing people together to achieve their business objectives. Yet despite our sharp focus on business needs, we haven’t forgotten that inspiration is the key to innovation and creativity. Dolce meetings achieve a perfect balance”.

www.dolce.com/meetings 

6/24/2009 2:19:30 PM UTC    Comments 

Aer Arann has introduced connecting flights to Cork from Donegal, Derry, Galway and Knock Ireland West via Dublin. From as little as €45 one way including taxes, business and leisure passengers can now travel conveniently throughout Ireland, saving hours of additional driving time in the process.

Customers travelling to Cork from Donegal, Galway and Knock Ireland West can simply proceed directly to their onward departure gate. Derry passengers will need to follow the airport’s straightforward international transfer policy for travel between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

“These new flight services open up the possibility for short but important business and leisure trips that would otherwise involve lengthy and often frustrating car journeys” comments Andrew Kelly, Aer Arann’s Director of Corporate Affairs. “By opting for a connecting flight rather than driving, customers can save significant travel time, as well as enjoying the added comfort of travelling with Aer Arann” he adds.

www.AerArann.com

6/24/2009 12:13:29 PM UTC    Comments 

London theatre website westendtheatre.com has launched a major new summer "Dine for Free" promotion, offering thousands of free meals in West End restaurants when booking tickets to a show.

As well as free dining, many of the packages in the promotion also include money off the theatre ticket - making this a great-value way of dining out and enjoying the best of the West End.

Shows featured in the promotion include major musical HAIRSPRAY, with ticket and meal deals costing from only £28.50, Michael Jackson tribute show THRILLER LIVE (meal and ticket £24.95), brand new rock 'n' roll musical DREAMBOATS AND PETTITCOATS (meal and ticket from £24.99) and Chicago - currently starring Jerry Springer and featuring Destiny's Child star Michelle Williams from 17 July (meal and ticket from £27.50). Other big-name shows include Sister Act, Wicked, We Will Rock You, Calendar Girls, La Cage Aux Folles and Les Miserables.

Restaurants in the promotion include some of the tastiest places to eat in the city, including the Hampshire, Christopher's, Chez Gerard at the Opera Terrace, Thai Square, Livebait, Ping Pong, The Langley, Salvador Amanda and Ascots.

All the restaurants are guaranteed to be close to their corresponding theatre, and a table reservation is automatically made on booking to ensure that the evening goes perfectly to plan. Many of the packages include a choice of either pre or post theatre dining, allowing customers to choose whether to eat before or after the show.

Marketing Director Mark Temple-Brown said: "Summer is a great time for London theatre with an influx of both domestic and international visitors into the capital. When you are a visitor you want to make life easy - so we hope that our Dine for Free promotion will combine value for money with help in organising your theatrical night out."

www.westendtheatre.com

6/24/2009 9:36:24 AM UTC    Comments