Tuesday, 25 2013. News from last night Asia time and today.
The ASIA Travel Tips Team
http://www.asiatraveltips.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
25/6/2013 AirAsia X Launches Promotion.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-AirAsiaX.shtml
25/6/2013 Qatar Airways to Deploy Boeing 787-8 on Three Scandinavian Routes.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-QatarAirways.shtml
25/6/2013 Starwood Signs Three New Hotels in Holy City of Makkah.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-HotelsinMakkah.shtml
25/6/2013 Six Senses Yao Noi Upgrades Facilities.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-SixSensesYaoNoi.shtml
25/6/2013 Swiss-Belhotel to Open New Hotel in Lao Cai, Vietnam.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-LaoCai.shtml
25/6/2013 Minute Suites Open at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-MinuteSuites.shtml
25/6/2013 Singapore Airlines Sells 49% Stake in Virgin Atlantic to Delta.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-VirginAtlantic.shtml
25/6/2013 Hong Kong Team Arrives in Moscow for Rugby World Cup Sevens.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-HongKongSevens.shtml
25/6/2013 Hertz Confirmed as Title Sponsor of 2013 British MotoGP.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-MotoGP.shtml
25/6/2013 Travelport Extends Partnership with Galileo Vietnam.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-GalileoVietnam.shtml
25/6/2013 Vietnamese Visitor Arrivals to Thailand Up 10% Over 2012.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-ThailandArrivals.shtml
25/6/2013 Jet Airways Signs Codeshare Agreement with Air France-KLM.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-JetAirways.shtml
25/6/2013 Gulf Air to Increase Flights to Jeddah.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-GulfAir.shtml
25/6/2013 Golden Tulip Signs MOU for New Hotel in Pattaya.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-CosyBeach.shtml
25/6/2013 Singapore Airlines Cargo Appoints New President.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-SingaporeAirlines.shtml
25/6/2013 TripAdvisor Acquires GateGuru.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/256-TripAdvisor.shtml
24/6/2013 Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Set for A$5.5 Million Upgrade.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/246-HunterValley.shtml
24/6/2013 Hong Kong Airport Sets Monthly Record for Flight Movements.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/246-HongKongAirport.shtml
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Monday, June 24, 2013
CNNGo.com
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- Wimbledon without tennis: 10 things to do
- Jeju: Asia's new best weekend getaway?
- Airborne speed daters set new Guinness World Record
| Wimbledon without tennis: 10 things to do Posted: 23 Jun 2013 11:00 PM PDT Wimbledon isn't just a tournament, it's a village. Here's what to do when you're not wondering whether Andy Murray can finally win the damn thing  For the thousands of fans who descend upon the All England Club every June, Wimbledon means one thing: tennis, namely The Championships, where the world's top stars slug it out on the lawns of the All England Club (June 24-July 7). But few realize that the charms of this chic southwest London "village" extend beyond the ball courts. What's there to do in Wimbledon when you're not watching tennis? Plenty. 1. Cannizaro House
The historic property alone is worth visiting, but it also contains the new Orangerie restaurant, with gorgeous views of the manicured lawns and flowerbeds of Cannizaro Park through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Completing the quintessentially English scene is the afternoon tea on the menu: scones, pastries, finger sandwiches and strawberries, served with tea or champagne. Cannizaro House, West Side Common, Wimbledon; +44 (0)20 8879 1464 2. Wimbledon CommonAn oasis of woodland, heath, ponds and bird life, the vast common -- all 460 hectares of it -- is the green lung of Wimbledon and a great place to spend a few hours getting mildly lost. In the middle of the park is the cheap and cheerful Windmill Café, with coffee, ice cream and snacks; next door is a museum devoted to windmills and local history. 3. Buddhapadipa Temple
Inside (it's open to all) you'll find gardens -- with a "philosophy path" meandering across wooden bridges and through stands of trees -- and a white gabled temple filled with murals depicting episodes in the life of the Buddha. Buddhapadipa Temple, 14 Calonne Road, Wimbledon Parkside; +44 (0)20 8946 1357 4. Wimbledon BooksThis small, independent bookshop -- the only one in Wimbledon -- has a strong selection of mainstream and specialist fiction, a nice range of children's books and stationery and comfy chairs to curl up on. The latest titles are temptingly displayed, so it's an excellent place to discover new authors. Wimbledon Books, 40 High St., Wimbledon; +44 (0)20 8879 3101 5. Diane Von Furstenberg and Question AirWimbledon Village high street is stuffed with desirable fashion boutiques. Sample merchandise at high-end DVF includes a "Jessi all over sequins" dress at £1,689 ($2,610), a Tonda Crustal Clutch bag for £280 ($433) and bestselling lace frocks. A little further down the street, Question Air has plenty of designer denim among its hip fashion finds. Diane Von Furstenberg, 38B High St., Wimbledon: +44 (0)208 605 9156 Question Air, 77-78 High St., Wimbledon; +44 (0)208 946 6288 6. The Lawn Bakery
Aside from the decent range of freshly made snacks, light meals and pastries, the bakery does a good breakfast -- everything from fry-ups to boiled eggs and soldiers, porridge, croissants and muffins. The pistachio meringues and rhubarb tart crumble make for terrific dessert. Unusual for a bakery, the shop sells wine and beer, but only the good stuff -- this is Wimbledon Village, after all. The Lawn Bakery, 9 High Street, Wimbledon; +44 (0)20 8946 3774 7. Bayley & SageYou'll find plenty of ingredients for a gourmet picnic on the Common at this up-market delicatessen, including artisan breads and cheeses, pates, wine and old fashioned lemonade. For dessert, the hazelnut cannoli and Apolline pastries from the charcuterie counter are especially good. Bayley & Sage, 60 High St., Wimbledon; +44 (0)20 8946 9904 8. Wimbledon Village Stables
Wimbledon Village Stables, 24A/B Wimbledon High St., Wimbledon; +44 (0)20 8946 8579 9. The Mint SourceFragrant soaps, bath oils and hand washes, alongside jewelry, gardening kits and scarves, are among items on sale at this shop in an old artisan's cottage, which has been likened to an over-stuffed English drawing room. Jazz plays while you browse. The Mint Source, 23 Church Road, Wimbledom; +44 (0)20 8944 9580 10. Polka Theatre and New Wimbledon TheatrePolka is one of the few theaters in the UK to stage plays uniquely for children. A few minutes' walk to the north, the New Wimbledon Theatre (which opened in 1910) stages crowd-pulling musicals and dance performances. The standard rivals the West End but without West End prices. Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon; +44 (0)208 543 4888 New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon; 0844 817 7646      |
| Jeju: Asia's new best weekend getaway? Posted: 23 Jun 2013 03:01 PM PDT Phuket has a new rival -- the "Hawaii of Korea"  If travel destinations were school kids, Jeju Island would be the overachiever. It packs diversity in its modest size, but the best of Jeju Island juggles multiple attractions with aplomb and never at the expense of quality. To go exclusively to the beach and stick to the shores? Or to go wandering around the semi-tropical island's natural wonders, including the dormant volcano at the center of the island, the lava tubes or the curious cliffside rock formations? It's a difficult choice. There are also wacky museums, unique local dishes (black pig, thick abalone porridge) and an ever-increasing crop of luxury resorts. This leaves only one option: try a bit of everything and you're bound to find the best of Jeju Island. HotelsLuxury
Located on a sloping cliff overlooking the ocean and surrounded by cultivated greenery, amenities at this 223-room hotel include traditional Korean-style ondol rooms with heated floors and a private balcony in each room. Olle Trail No. 8 (see below) is within walkable distance. The hotel's proximity to the Jungmun Tourist Complex means easy access to a casino, golf, shopping and ocean sports. Fans of the massive hit Korean drama "Boys Over Flowers" might recognize the triangular white wedding chapel from the wedding scene. Hyatt Regency Jeju, 114 Jungmungwangwang-ro 72 beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Province, South Korea; +82 64 733 1234; standard rooms from ₩250,000 ($220) a night More on CNN: 50 beautiful places to visit in Korea
Unabashedly extravagant, this best of Jeju Island hotel has whimsical touches like the Pungcha Lounge, a cafe inside a windmill. The in-house casino on the sixth floor runs 365 days a year and has a modest claim to fame from the Korean wave drama "All In." The hotel's outdoor spa and garden, He:on, is the largest in Jeju, but guests who'd rather not mingle with others can opt for a private cabana or head toward the private beach lounge. The showiest feature is the volcano fountain show at 8:30 p.m. each day, from the creators of the volcano show at the Mirage in Las Vegas. Lotte Hotel Jeju, 2812-4 Saekdal-dong Seogwipo-si, Jeju Province; +82 64 731 1000; standard rooms from ₩310,000 ($270) a night
This boutique hotel is close to Jeju Airport and Hyeopjae Beach and has on-site golf, a 25-meter-long outdoor swimming pool and spa. The sea of Aewol can be seen in the distance while the fourth-floor suite has a view of the sea and Halla Mountain. There's nothing excessive or lavish about the place, but it offers excellent value for chic and spacious rooms in a quieter area of the island. Rates begin at about ₩130,000 ($114) a night for a Deluxe Double room, a studio-sized room with a Queen-sized bed; rates vary by season. Villa de Aewol, 2768-7 Sineom-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Province; +82 64 720 9000
Guesthouse Bomnal Located directly on the rocks by Handam Shore, Bomnal, which means "spring day" in Korean, perfectly communicates the breezy, fresh and welcoming atmosphere of Jeju. The café has pretty footpaths and a view of the ocean, which is right behind the café and guest house. More on CNN: How to visit Jeju Island on a dime From the women's dormitory, generously wide windows open onto the same view. The guest house head is the certified barista at the café, which also serves complimentary croque-monsieurs for breakfast. Evening happy hour means ₩10,000 ($9) for unlimited draft beer. There are no private rooms, so it's more suitable for solo travelers who don't mind bunking with others, but if the idea of a hostel conjures roughing it in less-than-clean facilities, Bomnal's rooms are assuredly as clean as the view. A bed in the dormitory costs ₩20,000 ($18) per head. A smaller room with fewer beds (for four to six people) costs ₩90,000 ($80). Guesthouse Bomnal, 2540 Aewol-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Province; +82 64 799 4999
It seems misleading in some ways to categorize Citrus BnB Guest House as "budget," because the competitive pricing belies the quiet elegance of this clean, cozy and comfortable guesthouse. The organic tangerine orchard in which the house sits, and the thoughtful and caring owner, "Young," are amenities you can't get at a hotel, no matter how resourceful the concierge. The place has all the basics, from Wi-Fi to complimentary breakfasts and air conditioning, but what keeps travelers returning are touches like artwork from the owner -- paintings, pottery, rugs -- or even the welcoming owner herself. Bookings are only available through AirBnB.
DiningJeju Black Pork On Jeju Island, the Korean barbecue staple samgyoepsal (the fatty, layered slices of pork belly) comes from the native black pig. The black-skinned Jeju Island pork is decidedly chewier and more delicious than its northern white counterpart. The Udo Ilchul Haeolle Garden on the satellite island of Udo serves this famously chewy pork barbecue. Udo Ilchul Haeolle Garden, 1344-5 Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju Province; +82 64 782 0334
Here's another best of Jeju Island dish -- savory rice-based abalone porridge that takes its greenish hue from the innards of the abalone. It's not the prettiest food in the world, but after a few divine bowls, visitors may change their minds about chartreuse as an appetizing color. For many Koreans, the soup is a ritual on their trips to Jeju. The Ojo Haenyeoeuijip is run by the haeonyeo, or female divers, of the Ojo county, who dive for abalone each day. Ojo Haenyeoeuijip; 3 Ojo-ri, Seongsang-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Province; +82 64 784 0893 Attractions
"Olle" is Jeju dialect for the path between street and doorstep. But the Jeju Olle is a series of walking paths that stretch across the southern coast of the island, winding through forests, grassy volcanic cones, villages and rare mountain vistas overlooking the sea. Walking at least a section of one of the routes along the Jeju Olle, which adds up to more than 200 kilometers (124 miles) of footpath, is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the island. There are 25 different routes to choose from, and they're organized by level of difficulty on the official Jeju Olle website. Route 1, the first established Olle route, is a good place to start. The path begins at Siheung Elementary School, and involves scaling some volcanic cones, but the views make it worth the effort. Jeju Olle, Route 1 starting point at Siheung Elementary School, 841-5, Jongdal-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Province; +82 64 762 2190
Jeju Island is at its essence a volcano in the sea. The mother volcano is Halla Mountain, no longer formidable as a volcano -- it's been dormant for tens of thousands of years -- but still South Korea's tallest peak at 1,950 meters (6,397 feet) above sea level. The mountain, the surrounding Hallasan National Park and the volcanic cones have collectively amassed an extensive list of national and UNESCO designations for their biodiversity. But none of these honors really convey the sheer scale of the mountain, or the beauty of the flora that change character at higher elevations. The number of identified plants alone amounts to more than 1,800, and the place is also home to thousands of different animal species. A trek to the peak is worth it for the sight of Baekrokdam, the volcanic crater-turned-lake that tops the mountain. Starting at the Seongpanak Entrance, the 9.6-kilometer (6-mile) hike to the summit takes about five hours. It's a true best of Jeju Island experience. Halla Mountain, Seongpanak Entrance; San 137-24, Gyorae-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Province; +82 64 725 9950
Jeju Island has long had a reputation for finely bred horses and horseback riding, with its own breed of island pony, the jorangmal, which have been bred and raised on the island for hundreds of years. Eoseungsaeng Horse & Deer ranch offers three levels of horseback riding based on the riders' ability, in pastures renowned for their scenery and for the deer that roam freely on the grounds. Another option is the OK Horse Ranch, where a basic 10- to 15-minute ride costs ₩25,000 ($22). Experienced riders can canter on their own for longer if they're willing to pay a bit more. And those who just want to hop on and hop off with a commemorative photo can get a snapshot astride a horse for ₩11,000 ($10). OK Horse Ranch, 3138 Seongup-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Province; +82 64 787 3066 Eoseungsaeng Horse & Deer Ranch, 14-1, Nohyung-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (14-1, Wonnohyeongnam 1-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju Province; +64 746 5532
This diminutive, exquisite island of white beaches and black lava cliffs lies just a few kilometers off the Jeju coast and is accessible via a 15-minute ferry. With a surface area of less than six square kilometers and a population of less than 2,000, it's small enough to tour by foot in one afternoon. The tiny island is worth visiting for the photogenic and blindingly white Seobin "White Sand" Beach alone, which is Korea's only coral beach. Bus tours and scooter rentals, about ₩20,000 ($18) and bicycles, about ₩10,000 ($9) are available. A ₩500 ($0.40) ferry for Udo leaves hourly from Seongsan Port. Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Province
Seongsan Ilchulbong, which literally means "Sunrise Peak at Seongsan" is unsurprisingly famous for its spectacular sunrises. The trapezoidal silhouette of this 182-meter volcanic cone is dramatic. The crater at the top is accessible from the nearby village via a sloping, grassy hill. Visitors can walk along the ridge of the 600-meter-wide crater and admire the view out to sea or down toward the village. Seongsan Ilchulbong, 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Province More on CNN: The pensive moods of Jeju Island
Hitting the beach is a best of Jeju Island activity. While in some sense the entire province is bordered by beaches (if not cliffs), the two model beaches are Hyeopjae Beach and Jungmun Beach. White sands and water in shades of tropical blue are a given, as is Mount Halla as a distant backdrop. Both beaches have nearby caves to explore. Jungmun is more suitable for water sports thanks to more hard-hitting waves, while Hyeopjae supports more staid activities with its shallow waters. Jungmun Beach, 3039, Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Province Hyeopjae Beach, 2497-1 Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Province
This quirky, elaborate museum specializes in adorable teddy bear tableaus modeled after famous paintings or dressed in period costume, as well as designer teddy bears too expensive to be called toys. The collection includes an impressive array of antique teddy bears and the smallest teddy bear in the world. It's a G-rated alternative to Loveland (see below), especially for travelers with kids. Teddy Bear Museum, 31, Jungmungwangwang-ro 110 beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Province; +82 64 738 7600; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily (9 a.m.-10 p.m. from July 18-August 23); admission ₩7,000 ($6) for adults, ₩6,000 ($5) for minors
The innocuous official name is often dropped for the frequently-used moniker, "that sex museum," and understandably so, because that's what the park and its sculptures celebrate: sex, eroticism and everything to do with human sexuality. For those imagining a pornographic peep show, the various dioramas and 140 statues of larger-than-life couplings, phalluses and other creative representations of sexuality from around the world are candid but not (too) perverted, and the park maintains a sense of humor that keeps it cute and cheeky. A good stop for shy honeymooners? Jeju Loveland, 680-26, Yeon-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju Province, South Korea; +82 64 712 6988; 9 a.m. to midnight; admission ₩9,000 ($8)
The Manjang Caves are actually an extinct lava tube -- the longest tube on Jeju Island, to be specific, at 13 kilometers (8 miles) long. It encases the largest recorded lava column in the world, which is 7.6 meters (25 feet) tall. Visitors cannot traverse the entire length of the tube, but even a sampling is intriguing. Manjanggul, 41-3 Gimnyeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Province; +82 64 783 4818; tours cost ₩2,000 ($1.80) and take 40 minutes
One of the most fascinating elements of Jeju's history is the culture of haenyeo -- literally "sea women." These tough, real world mermaids traditionally made their living (and supported their families) by diving for abalone and shellfish without the aid of scuba gear. Agricultural tools in glass displays and educational videos might not sound like most people's idea of glam, and compared to some of the other available attractions, the Haenyeo Museum can be a bit dry. But if you're in the area, it's a nice educational stop that provides solid background on haenyeo. Haenyeo Museum, 26, Haenyeobangmulgwan-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Province; +82 64 782 9898; admission ₩1,100 ($1)
Jeju Island's volcanic past makes the island's rock formations peculiarly impressive. One example: the dramatic shoreline of the Jusangjeolli Cliffs, National Monument No. 443. Located near Jungmun Beach, the cliffs are comprised of rectangular pillars that look like they were carved by human hands. Credit, of course, goes to the lava. Jusanjeolli Cliffs, 2663, Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Province More on CNN: Best markets on Jeju Island CNN Travel's series often carries sponsorship originating from the countries and regions we profile. However CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports. Read the policy.    |
| Airborne speed daters set new Guinness World Record Posted: 21 Jun 2013 01:03 AM PDT Humanity's most contrived way to hook up just got a little more bizarre  Speed dating just got even more fun. Or awkward, depending on your a) conversation skills, b) fear of flying. Partnering with dating site Doing Something, Expedia's social experiment, "Holidate," gave 60 hopeful singles the chance to find love while traveling last week. Participating daters were chosen from more than 500 applicants across the United Kingdom and Western Europe based on availability and preference of activity. They took part in four dating experiences in 24 hours to experiment with how different factors affect the dating experience. Watch the speed dating record video here. One date was held in a traditional British bar where couples weren't allowed to talk about travel. Another was a repeat of the formula, but with travel topics allowed. Participants then moved on to a date on a Flybe charter flight to Venice, speed dating on the way, and a final date in Venice based on shared interests, such as boating on the canals and sampling wines. The June 19 date at an altitude of 35,000 feet also set a Guinness World Record for the world's highest ever speed date. "With no distractions, traditional dating can be pretty awkward," said Matt Jane, CEO of Doing Something, a new dating site aimed at organizing fun speed dates. "Which is why boring, drink-in-a-pub dates often descend into mini 'interviews.'
"It immediately gives people something in common, gives them a distraction, something to talk about. And there's nothing like breaking a world record as a great talking point for any first date!" "Travel is a great talking point -- so when Expedia approached us about Holidate it was a perfect fit," said Jane. Online travel company Expedia launched the "Holidate" after a study found that travel is the most popular conversation topic on a first date in the United Kingdom. It also found that travel is key to attracting a partner -- about one in 10 people lie about their travel histories to impress their dates and a quarter admit to being turned off by a potential date's lack of travel experience.    |
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Monday, 24 June 2013. News from over the weekend and today Asia time.
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24/6/2013 Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Set for A$5.5 Million Upgrade.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/246-HunterValley.shtml
24/6/2013 Hong Kong Airport Sets Monthly Record for Flight Movements.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/246-HongKongAirport.shtml
24/6/2013 STR Reports Asia Pacific Hotel Results for May 2013.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/246-HotelsinAsia.shtml
24/6/2013 Qatar Airways to Increase Flights to Cairo.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/246-QatarAirways.shtml
24/6/2013 Canon PhotoMarathon to Take Place in Singapore on 6 July.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/246-CanonPhotoMarathon.shtml
24/6/2013 Philippine Airlines Selects Rolls-Royce Engines to Power New A330s.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/246-PhilippineAirlines.shtml
24/6/2013 Choice Hotels Appoints VP Brand Strategy.
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24/6/2013 Sri Lankan Airlines Sign MOU for 10 Airbus Aircraft.
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24/6/2013 US Hotel Industry's OR, RevPAR & ADR Increase in May 2013.
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24/6/2013 Centara to Open New 150-Room Centra Central Station Bangkok.
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24/6/2013 Lions Name Team to Play Melbourne Rebels; Tom Court Called Up.
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24/6/2013 Transaero Airlines Signs New Full Content Agreement with Travelport.
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22/6/2013 Tourism Australia Names Winners of 'Best Jobs in the World' Competition.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/226-BestJobs.shtml
21/6/2013 Ritz-Carlton to Return to Bali in 2014.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/216-RitzCarlton.shtml
21/6/2013 Hong Kong Aviation Capital Signs MOU for 60 Airbus Aircraft.
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24/6/2013 Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Set for A$5.5 Million Upgrade.
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24/6/2013 Hong Kong Airport Sets Monthly Record for Flight Movements.
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24/6/2013 STR Reports Asia Pacific Hotel Results for May 2013.
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24/6/2013 Qatar Airways to Increase Flights to Cairo.
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/246-QatarAirways.shtml
24/6/2013 Canon PhotoMarathon to Take Place in Singapore on 6 July.
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24/6/2013 Philippine Airlines Selects Rolls-Royce Engines to Power New A330s.
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Friday, June 21, 2013
CNNGo.com
CNNGo.com |
- Blueblood vacations: The most expensive trips in the U.S.A.
- Tanzania voted best safari country in Africa
- Which luxury hotel brand is the world's most popular?
- How to have a perfect day in Hanoi
| Blueblood vacations: The most expensive trips in the U.S.A. Posted: 21 Jun 2013 07:00 AM PDT What's a life's savings compared to a week lived like the world's elite?  The latest remake of "The Great Gatsby" reminds us how extravagant American vacations can be. But a lot has changed since the Roaring Twenties. Champagne and caviar in a posh private railcar or trans-Atlantic sailing on a luxury liner are no longer gold standards when it comes to living large. These days it's all about exclusivity -- engaging in activities or events that mere mortals can't afford, and access to people or places that are normally off limits. Like playing poker in Vegas with legends of the game, helicopter skiing in the remote Alaskan wilderness or hiring Adele to sing at your Hamptons beach party. More on CNN: America's most luxurious hotel suites Sure, you can attend the same music festival or stage play as the hoi polloi, but with VIP tickets, backstage passes or box seats. Even tooling around in a chauffeur-driven limousine pales in comparison to driving California's Highway 1 in a $16 million Ferrari Testa Rosa prototype that you just picked up at auction in Carmel. Here are some of the most luxurious, sophisticated and pricey holiday experiences in the good old red, white and green U.S.A. The Berkshires
The area's counterculture vibe has added a chic side in modern times, highlighted by the posh Canyon Ranch spa and resort in Taylor's longtime hometown of Lenox, which offers luxury treatments for mind and body starting at an all-inclusive $1,850 per day. There are also special events like a Broadway Dance weekend and the Gilded Age New Year's Eve bash, which sprawls across three decadent (but healthy) days of food, music, comedy, astrological readings and inspirational speakers. Beyond Canyon Ranch, the Berkshires offer cultural distractions. You can book box seats for Tanglewood music events, mingle with artists at the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival or purchase museum-quality American art from galleries like Harrison (Williamstown) and Ferrin (Lenox) located in the towns that inspired Norman Rockwell. Estimated vacation cost: $14,700, plus $50,000 art budget More on CNN: Getting U.S. natural wonders to yourself Monterey Peninsula
The $2,000-per-night suites make the Lodge at Pebble Beach the place to stay on the Monterey Peninsula. And yes, you can bring your purse dog. Plan right and you can visit during Pebble Beach Automotive Week, the world's most extravagant car show. Among events are the legendary Concours d'Elegance, which features 200 prized collector cars, and the Pebble Beach Auctions, where rare and historic vehicles are sold for world record prices (like the $7.26 million sale in 2010 of a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione). After-auction activities include driving your new ride down Highway 1 to the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, where you can meld mind and body with massage, meditation and nude group encounter sessions in the hot springs. Estimated vacation cost: $22,000, plus classic car expenses Yellowstone
With so many celebrities and dot-com gazillionaires living in Montana and Wyoming, the Yellowstone experience has gone decidedly upscale in recent years. The exotic yet posh Amangani near Jackson Hole is a fave with the Hollywood crowd (Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Emmy Rossum). Private bungalows range up to $7,500 per night. Horseback riding and whitewater rafting are favored activities, but mostly these are just excuses to grab a chakra stone facial and hot stone massage in the Amangani spa. In the park, private guides are available from the Yellowstone Association. At $495 for eight hours, they'll lead wilderness hikes and locate the wolf packs, bison herds and grizzly bears that roam the world's oldest national park. If it's summer, your yacht -- because you have one -- can be delivered to one of the park's two marinas for a sail across Yellowstone Lake to a remote cove where you can anchor for the night. If it's winter, a private dogsled foray or snowmobile trip at around $600 per day will take you into the vast white wilderness to see Old Faithful erupt through the snow. Estimated vacation cost: $67,000 More on CNN: 6 best places to be a cowboy (for a while) Alaska
A hundred miles from the nearest road, the only way to get here is by air. Even in the middle of nowhere, of course, there's indulgence: wood-fired cedar sauna, king-sized feather beds, gourmet meals predicated on fresh fish and game straight from the wild, as well as bread and pastries made from scratch at the lodge each day. Airborne explorations of the vast Wrangell-St. Elias National Park will have you landing on glaciers and snowfields and snatching bird's-eye views of grizzlies and other wildlife. Remote kayaking, fishing and hiking can also be arranged, or you can fly down to Icy Bay for a gourmet picnic among humpback whales, waterfalls and icebergs. Flights within the park are included in the lodge's all-inclusive rate. The nearby Chugach Range is one of the holy grails of backcountry skiing, a vast white wilderness best tackled by helicopter. Points North runs choppers to the most remote snowfields, $5,500-per-day treks that include pro guides and up to a dozen runs in virgin powder. Estimated vacation cost: $90,000 More on CNN: 8 best beer towns in the U.S.A. Napa Valley
Meadowood Resort offers the valley's most exclusive digs -- bungalows sprinkled through the woods and around an 18-hole golf course on a 250-acre estate. There's also tennis, croquet, spa and a Michelin three-star restaurant. Nearby Yountville is home to the legendary French Laundry, twice named Best Restaurant in the World (average bill $800) by Restaurant Magazine, or the hyper-trendy Bottega, with sassy waiters and catwalk clientele. Napa's best wine dwells behind locked gates: invitation-only wineries like Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate, where the average bottle is $500-plus and sought-after wines fetch more than $2,500. For an initial fee of $140,000 and annual dues, the Napa Valley Reserve tenders your own row of vines and everything you need (including an expert vintner and label designer) to produce your own vintage each fall. Estimated vacation cost: $207,000 More on CNN: 10 classic American experiences Florida's Gold Coast
For around $200,000 per week you can charter a seagoing palace with six staterooms, main salon and formal dining room, sky lounge bar and sundeck with a Jacuzzi or plunge pool, plus Waverunners, scuba and deep-sea fishing gear, and a fleet of three speedboats to whisk you to secluded beaches or upscale shopping. Other shore excursions might include $200-per-hour private lessons with a professional player at Palm Beach's International Polo Club, 18 holes at the Blue Monster course at Doral golf club ($250 per round) or a night on the town in South Beach that includes a VIP table with bottle service in the exclusive Trophy Room (plush leather chairs, paparazzi-free privacy, exclusive window onto the dance floor) at the swank SET nightclub. Estimated vacation cost: $224,000 More on CNN: America's most amazing hotel pools Las Vegas
The Hardwood Suite ($25,000 per night) boasts a basketball court and scoreboard; the Hugh Hefner ($40,000) features a rotating king bed and cantilevered swimming pool that hangs over the side of the building. Both come with 24/7 limo service. After settling in, a driver will whisk you to the Bellagio Casino and the elite Bobby's Room, which stages the highest stakes poker games on the planet. Minimum buy-in is $20,000, but pots often top six and seven figures. You can spend your winnings (you won, right?) on adventure in the Nevada wilderness. If it's winter, Las Vegas Private Jet Charter Flights ($5,000-$13,000, depending on the plane) will fly you to the Ruby Mountain sky area in northern Nevada for a day of heli-skiing on snowy slopes above the desert. The rate is $1,375 per person. If it's summer, the call of the wild means manning a tricked-out houseboat at Callville Bay Resort & Marina, with six bedrooms, wet bar, water slide, Jacuzzi and companion ski boat for a long, hot day of water sports on Lake Mead ($2,000 per day). Estimated vacation cost: $256,000 (plus or minus poker winings/losses) More on CNN: Best eats at 20 busiest U.S. airports The HamptonsNo place does decadence better than the posh Long Island enclave, where having a bigger, better beach house is how you scale the social ladder. Paul McCartney, Steven Spielberg and Sean "Diddy" Combs are among those who have vacation spreads here. But you don't have to be a celebrity to wade into the fray -- you can rent a vacation home complete with swimming pool, tennis courts and putting green for $35,000 a day. Naturally, you'll want to fill it with servants from Hampton Domestics -- chef, butler, personal trainer, chauffeur, nanny, gardener, social secretary, maids and a major domo to manage them all -- and a fleet of Bentleys, Ferraris and/or MacLarens from Gotham Dream Cars starting at $750 a day. (Discounts begin at just three days!) With some help, you can draft a guest list of who's who in the Hamptons this summer and throw a lavish "Gatsby" bash, a multi-day party, with live entertainment provided by A-listers like Al Green ($250,000), Tony Bennett ($350,000) and Brad Paisley ($1.5 million) available for private gigs through the William Morris Agency in nearby Manhattan. Estimated vacation cost: $989,000 (not counting the Paisley appearance your guests will be expecting from a bon vivant of your eminent standing in the community) More on CNN: 6 exclsuively New York shopping experiences Tags:    |
| Tanzania voted best safari country in Africa Posted: 21 Jun 2013 12:19 AM PDT A new poll crowns the East African country the king of safaris  First problem when considering a safari -- where to go. Zimbabwe has the majestic Victoria Falls, South Africa great boutique reserves. Kenya offers chances to see big cats and Botswana is a leader in eco-friendly tours. But you'd be best off selecting Tanzania, according to a recent poll on safaribookings.com. The Netherlands-based website polled 1,000 safari tourists and 756 experts, including guidebook authors from Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer's, Bradt and Footprint, over two years. The result: Tanzania is a clear favorite for novice and veteran safari-goers alike. "Tanzania is home to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater," wrote Tim Bewer, a Lonely Planet guides author and one of the experts polled. "This alone makes a solid case for declaring it Africa's best safari country." Also on CNN: Southern Africa's best boutique safari reserves Adventure callsTanzania has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including safari favorites the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park, home to millions of wildebeest that form one of the world's most spectacular sights as they migrate the area year-round. The country is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Tanzania's only drawback, according to Safari Bookings, is that there are "too many highlights to fit in one safari." The news comes as welcome affirmation of the country as a tourist destination, after a recent bombing at a rally that killed two in Arusha. That event sparked anxiety among visitors. Ratings out of 5 of Africa's top safari countriesAs voted by tourists and safari experts
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| Which luxury hotel brand is the world's most popular? Posted: 20 Jun 2013 11:00 PM PDT A new study looks at which hotels are on top, the most popular high-end destinations and where luxury consumers are coming from  Looks like someone at Hilton might be getting a raise. A new index by the Geneva-based Digital Luxury Group (DLG) says the 93-year-old company is the most sought-after high-end hotel brand in the world, followed by Sheraton, Westin, Four Seasons and Hyatt. DLG says its World Luxury Hotel Index is based on information derived from 133 million online consumer searches and analyzes demand for 70 luxury hotel brands within 10 key luxury markets. Despite reports that the global economy is barely sputtering along, the index suggests that global interest in high-end accommodations remains stable with 1.5% growth over last year. Though the United States continues to dominate as the world's largest consumer of luxury hospitality (66.3%), Russians are the fastest growing global segment (+12.8%) followed by the British (+8.5%) and Chinese (+3.3%). On the other end of the spectrum, demand for luxury digs fell among luxury lovers in Italy (-14.3%), Brazil (-12.1%) and Japan (-11.1%). New York remains the top searched destination for luxury seekers worldwide, while London, Dubai and Paris are the fastest growing international cities on the list. More on CNN: America's most luxurious hotel suites Which brands lead the posh pack?According to the report, Hilton, Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons are the most sought-after brands in their respective categories: luxury brands of a major integrated chain; luxury brands of a small/medium-sized exclusive luxury chain and upscale brands from integrated chains. Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt and Starwood are the top three leading hotel groups worldwide, but Jumeirah is the most rapidly growing company among the top 25 luxury hotel groups. Here's the full list of the 50 most sought-after luxury hotel brands. 1. Hilton 2. Sheraton 3. Westin 4. Four Seasons 5. Hyatt 6. Hyatt Regency 7. Ritz‐‑Carlton 8. Embassy Suites 9. Renaissance 10. InterContinental 11. Fairmont 12. JW Marriott 13. Sofitel 14. Grand Hyatt 15. Loews 16. Shangri-La 17. Mandarin Oriental 18. St. Regis 19. Le Meridien 20. Regent 21. Park Hyatt 22. Kempinski 23. Jumeirah 24. Langham 25. Taj Hotel 26. Kimpton 27. Nikko 28. Banyan Tree 29. Andaz 30. Swissotel 31. Oberoi 32. W Hotel 33. Affinia 34. Rosewood 35. Pan Pacific 36. Vivanta by Taj 37. Hotel du Vin 38. Raffles 39. Steigenberger 40. One & Only 41. Omni Hotel 42. Peninsula 43. Anantara 44. Six Senses 45. Dusit 46. Radisson Blu Hotel 47. Bulgari Hotels 48. Guoman 49. Angsana 50. Conrad More on CNN: How to book the ultimate luxury london weekend    |
| How to have a perfect day in Hanoi Posted: 20 Jun 2013 03:00 PM PDT Five locals share their favorite ways to enjoy the Vietnamese capital -- drinks and eats included  In most cases, tourist hot spots are worth checking out. But it's nice to get away from the crowds and explore sites that haven't been sprayed across the pages of every major guidebook and travel site in the world. We asked five Hanoi locals to share, in their own words, the best ways to mix it up and have the perfect day in the Vietnamese capital. Ha Anh Vu: Model, singer, TV personality
Hanoians don't mind traveling to one specific alley for one dish. As a Hanoian, I love pho, of course, which was founded in Hanoi, and bun rieu, which is crab soup. Mien luon, eel noodles and bun cha, pork patties with vermicelli and fried spring rolls, can be found everywhere in the city. I love the fresh green bean and young rice ice cream on a stick from Kem Trang Tien, located on the street leading to the Opera House. But you have to eat it on the spot before it melts! In the evening, people in Hanoi enjoy dressing up and getting together for a long dinner at a nice restaurant. At sundown I like to go to the Sunset Bar that is right on the water at the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake. It's a unique space that you don't usually see in the big city. I also like the five-star eateries at the historical Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel and around Tay Ho there is Restaurant Bobby Chinn and El Gaucho steakhouse. El Gaucho Steakhouse, 99 Xuan Dieu St., Tay Ho; +84 (0)4 3718 6991 Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake, 1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho; +84 (0)4 6270 8888 Kem Trang Tien, 35 Trang Tien, +84 (0)4 3824 0294 Restaurant Bobby Chinn, 77 Xuan Dieu St., Tay Ho District, +84 4 3 719 2460 Lilian Tran: Make-up and special effects artist
The temperature is 18 to 25 degrees (65-77 F), cool with a light breeze and you can start your day by walking along old streets such as Phan Dinh Phung where the aroma of hoa sữa -- Alstonia flowers -- hangs thick in the air and shafts of sunlight filtering through the leaves cast dancing figures on the street. Visit the quiet peaceful old citadel of Hanoi, right in the center of the city but far from the noisy over-crowded traffic and hurried life outside. It was only opened to the public after the excavation to renovate the National Assembly a few years ago. Here you can relax or read a book while sipping a cup of coffee at Highlands Café, a famous local Vietnamese brand, right under the thousand-year-old flag tower. Visitors should try the famous Hanoi specialty cha ca -- fried fish with turmeric and dill and vermicelli noodles -- at Cha Ca Thang Long. It's a good local spot and much better than the Cha Ca La Vong listed in all the guidebooks. At night time, start at Hoan Kiem Lake and wander the night market to find some cheap souvenirs and gifts; visit one of the dozens of small bars in Ta Hien or check out a local night club. Taboo, a floating discotheque, is always packed. Cha Ca Thang Long, 19-21-31 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem; +84 (0)4 3824 5115 Highlands Café, 28A Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh; +84 (0)4 3823 3339 Taboo, 4 Thuy Khue St., Tay Ho; +84 (0)4 3728 2996 More on CNN: 40 delicious Vietnamese dishes Benjamin Rascalou: Founder, Le Badiane and Linh & Ben
Then I would find a nice place for a breakfast bowl of pho ga, chicken noodle soup, or pho bo, beef noodle soup. Pho 24 by the lake is a good bet for both. In the afternoon, enjoy a romantic moment on Tay Ho, then visit nearby Phu Tay Ho pagoda just as the sun goes down. For dinner, come to La Badiane for French fusion and International dishes like grilled aubergine with goat cheese mousse and parma ham or beef carpaccio with wasabi and sesame. Or for delicious Vietnamese food I like Quan An Ngon, which literally means "delicious food restaurant." I like to order the banh hoi nem nuong, grilled pork meatballs, because you can't find it in many places and I love the way you roll them yourself. In the evening, explore the Old Quarter and enjoy the twinkling lights and atmosphere of Hanoi, and stop at Ta Hien street to enjoy a cold bia hoi, or fresh beer, with a mixed crowd of local Vietnamese and tourists. La Badiane, 10 Nam Ngu; +84 (0)4 3942 4509 Pho 24, 31 Hang Khay, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem; +84 (0)4 3938 1812 Quan An Ngon, 18 Phan Boi Chau; +84 (0)4 3942 8162/63 More on CNN: 5 top coffee shops in Hanoi Betty Pallard: Business/media consultant
The people keep Hanoi green: the city has 83,000 trees, 80% of which are older than 200 years, all financed by anonymous sponsors. Hanoians also enjoy walking and bicycling more than other places in Vietnam: on Saturdays and Sundays from 3-8 p.m. the area around the lake is closed to traffic so people can walk and run there. I live in the West Lake area and there are lots of little places to have coffee where people observe a certain decorum and responsibility to the area: you cannot drink alcohol, you have to behave. Here you can enjoy a coffee for $1 -- it's not as commercialized as Ho Chi Minh City. At the Hanoi Club at West Lake, the food is good, you can enjoy the spa and even non-members can rent 100 balls for just $22 at the driving range. In the evening, join the city's F&B directors and visit Le Paul Conti. Vietnamese sommelier Mr. Hai Ha studied in France for five years with Paul Conti before opening this wine bar just over one year ago. All the food is great and the café gourmand with glass of Ricard and hot chocolate is the best in Hanoi. Hanoi Club, 76 Yen Phu, Tay Ho; +84 (0)4 3823 8115 Le Paul Conti, 59A Nam Ngu; +84 (0)4 3941 1959 More on CNN: 25 essential Hanoi travel tips Nguyen Minh Quan: Travel assistant, United States Embassy in Hanoi
First-time visitors should visit Hoan Kiem Lake and check out the 36 streets of the Old Quarter where people have kept their houses the same for centuries. Then, try to see some art galleries, such as Hanoi Studio or Apricot Gallery for more famous Vietnamese artists. Le Thanh Son is one of my favorite well-established artists and I also like some young artists, like Ly Tran Quynh Trang. Her work is quite abstract and very emotional. She knows how to describe a strong character. For a traditional Vietnamese experience, visit the water puppet theaters at Hoan Kiem Lake, or do some shopping along Hang Gai street. For silver, visit Huong jewelry shop along Hang Ngan street. For dinner, Wild Lotus is a good high-end Vietnamese restaurant. I particularly like the green mango salad with shrimp and peanuts there. Club Opera Nouvelle, set within a former hand-embroidered linen shop house, is another good upscale option for things like soft-shell crab and duck salad.
Apricot Gallery, 40B Hang Bong; +84 (0)4 3828 8965 Hanoi Studio, 13 Trang Tien; +84 (0)4 3934 4433 Huong jewellery, 62 Hang Ngan; +84 (0)4 3828 1046 Ho Chi Minh Museum, 7 Le Loi, Ba Dinh; +84 (0)4 3846 3757 Club Opera Nouvelle, 17 Trang Tien; +84 (0)4 3972 8001 Rooftop, 19/F Pacific Place, 83B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem; +84 (0)4 3946 1901 Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem; +84 (0)4 3824 9494 Wild Lotus, 55A Nguyen Du; +84 (0)4 3943 9342 More on CNN: The problem with Hanoi's Old Quarter Tags:    |
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