28 Apr 2005
Where to go in 2005
Trailfinders have put together their recommended spots and top tips for safe, hassle free travel in 2005. These are:
� Oman, ideal for culture, beach and fabulous luxury resorts; prefect for families and couples alike.
� Belize, brilliant coral reefs accessible to both snorkellers and divers
� Antarctica, the once in a lifetime, wilderness destination - expedition cruising for the intrepid traveller
� the Wynn Las Vegas, an elegant and tranquil oasis in a city known for bright lights and legendary hotels
� Canada is proving to be the surprise honeymoon destination for 2005
With the weakness of the US dollar the US is good value as are countries that peg their own currencies to the dollar like Hong Kong & Thailand.
The Ghent Festivities Ghent is gearing up to host one of Europe�s biggest parties 16 to 25 July. For jazz fans, the Blue Note Jazz Festival is held in two parts with the first session "All that Jazz" featuring mainstream and traditional jazz with, amongst others, Toots Thielemans on the bill, with the second part "All That Jazz?" is a mix of jazz and popular music with stars such as Van Morrison headlining. Belgium's biggest dance festival "10 Days Off" also takes place during the festivals with the best of house, electro, broken beats, hip-hop, techno funk and disco. There's an international cast including British artists Nathan Fake, High Contrast and Hyper The city spends just under a million Euros on the festivities with bands playing free concerts in the city�s squares street theatre and a puppet busker festival to add to the mayhem. Dawn Page at dawn@visitflanders.co.uk Opportunities
NoiseBuster� active noise reduction headphone
The NoiseBuster� active noise reduction headphone is electronically reduces irritating, anxiety-provoking, background noise by coupling low-frequency noise waves with their exact mirror image waves. Ideal for use on airplanes. Especially important to the frequent flyer, NoiseBuster dramatically enhances the audio quality of in-flight entertainment.
Airlines seem to go to great lengths to provide first run movies and other high-quality video and audio entertainment programming to passengers but then provide the lowest quality headphone. CioJ Travel Writers can receive free evaluation units by contacting Joanna Lipper at jlipper@nctgroupinc.com.
ATTA Journalist of the Year 2005
Nominations in for the ATTA Journalist of the Year 2005 are now welcomed. The award is offered to the journalist who the judges consider has contributed most to the promotion of Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands as tourist destinations between April 2004 and April 2005. The award is open to journalists world-wide, providing the article(s) are written in English. Contact Nigel Vere Nicoll at nigel@atta.co.uk
Industry news
Shangri-La, India
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's luxury hotel group, has signed management contracts with India's Adarsh Group to operate three new hotels in Bangalore, India starting August 2007, adding more than 1,000 rooms to the group's inventory in India. Contact Kate Jones at kate.jones@shangri-la.com
Instant hotel reservations on their mobile
Travellers will soon be able to make instant hotel reservations on their mobile with Reporo and Active Hotels. With location the biggest driver for choosing a hotel, this service is a convenient tool for people looking for a place to stay whilst on the road or in a location without internet access. Contact Mandy Zakhour at mandy@activehotels.com.
IQ Tests to show flying makes us brainy
Passengers on board holiday flights are to be given IQ tests in a bid to prove you get brainier above the clouds. Educational psychologist Professor Sam Mart has recruited Thomas Cook Airlines to help him with research into whether people are smarter at 32,000 ft. Contact Becky Wilson at airlinenewsdesk@thomascook.com
New Great Hotel in Southern France
Great Hotels of the World has a new member hotel in southern France. The Le Mas de Pierre is set at the heart of a two hectare estate, in a landscaped park of century old olive trees and at the foot of the ramparts of Saint Paul de Vence on the C�te d�Azur, Contact Laura Shelbourne at lshelbourne@bigpragency.com.
Crisis management in tourism
The Tourism Society, industry experts and tourism professionals have created a tourism crisis management plan which includes the top ten tips. Contact Flo Powell at flo@tourismsociety.org
Portugal
All the latest news from Portugal including information on Portugal business days in London; Portuguese National Tourist Office on the road; the Laureus World Sports Awards heads to Estoril again; New Starwood hotel in Evora; New Marriott spa opens in Praia D'el Rey; the Lisbon Golf Festival 2005. Contact Helen Wilson at helenwilson@hillsbalfour.com.
Germany
The latest Germany Travel News for the travel trade and press has just been published at www.germany-travel-news.org.uk. Contact Vaughn Wrenn at Vaughn.Wrenn@d-z-t.com
TravelMole Web Awards
Virgin Airways, lastminute.com and Le Manoir aux Quat�Saisons Hotel are among the winners of the TravelMole Web Awards. Twelve companies have received awards for categories such as Best Agent Website, Best Airline Website and Best Responsible Tourism Website. Contact Daniel Johnson at daniel.johnson@rooster.co.uk
Storyboard Concerts on the Costa Del Sol
The Mijas Costa Hippodromo plays host between June and September to some of the world�s most successful music artists. The Majestic / Seabreeze series of concerts include Lenny Kravitz (11 June 2005), Elton John (29 June 2005), Rod Stewart (13 July 2005) and Bryan Adams (11 September 2005).
The Mijas Costa Hippodromo, the home of the Spanish Derby, has established itself as the coast�s foremost racing and family entertainment venue. Contact Louise Clifford at louise@mcapr.co.uk
Charleston is America�s most mannerly city Ms. Marjabell Young Stewart, an expert on courtesy who has been listing America�s most mannerly cities for the past 28 years, has ranked Charleston first. Charleston has been on the list each year of its existence. Ms. Stewart�s top ten list is based on comments from executives and others who have completed her etiquette courses. This year, Charleston was followed by San Diego, Seattle, Peoria, and Omaha rounded out the top five. The Quad Cities of Illinois, Hollywood, FL, Philadelphia, Houston and Salt Lake City also made the cut. Contact Chris Nobles at CNobles@CharlestonCVB.com.
Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives
Angsana Ihuru is a tropical paradise with breathtaking beauty of palm-fringed beaches, crystalline waters and pristine reef. With its spectacular setting against stunning scenery, Ihuru lends a dreamy and gentle charm to wedding celebrations. The truly romantic can choose from three inspiring wedding celebration packages that promise a wedding that will forever be remembered in time. Contact Simone Chen at pr@angsana.com
Monaco Comes To Harrods
The famed Principality of Monaco now has a place on the ground floor of Harrods, thanks to the historic Chocolaterie de Monaco. A complete self-standing display has been set up in the store�s chocolate department to exhibit the unique products created by the company, which was established as far back as 1920. Contact Emma Goodwin at emma.goodwin@ktapr.com
Camellia Walks at Middleton Place, Charleston
Middleton Place, America's oldest landscaped Gardens, is a blaze of color throughout the winter months with thousands of red, pink, and white heirloom camellias. Learn more about these spectacular flowers on one of the Camellia Walks, special guided tours held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday beginning February 8 through March 26. Camellia Walks begin at 11am and last approximately an hour and a half. Call 843-556-6020 or visit www.middletonplace.org. Contact Chris Nobles at CNobles@CharlestonCVB.com
Guernsey Blossoms
Guernsey�s Floral Summer Festival Week takes place from 4 � 12 June. It is an annual event showcasing the rich variety of flora and fauna which carpet Guernsey�s islands. Contact Jemima Stiles at jemima@charismapr.co.uk
Blue Palace Hotel, Crete
The Spa concept at the Blue Palace Hotel, Crete, is inspired by the healing and soothing energy of seawater. Thalassotherapy draws on the exceptional properties of pure seawater, known to the Greeks since ancient times. Nowadays, its medical benefits are widely accepted. The philosophy seeks to surpass guests� highest expectations and to promote their well-being with exotic and relaxing therapies based on pure seawater extracted daily from the crystal clear waters of the Cretan Pelagos. Contact Kathryn Peel at Kathryn@grifcopr.com
VIP Announces 4 New Luxury Chalets in Val d�Is�re
Leading luxury Ski Operator VIP has introduced 4 new chalets to its new 2005 chalet collection. Collectively known as �Chalets Suisses�, these new luxury chalets called Davos, Klosters, Arosa and Madrisah, are nestled in a small private hamlet on a sun drenched knoll in Le Cr�t, one of the most captivating enclaves of Val d�Is�re. Contact Kathryn Peel at kathryn@grifcopr.com.
York County, PA
The taste of Martin's famous Kettle Cooked potato chips still warm, the strength tested at York Barbell, the design of Pfaltzgraff tableware and many other experiences await travelers to The Factory Tour Capital of the World, York County, PA, during Manufacturers Days (18 to 25 June 2005). It has been voted one of the top 100 events in North America, by the American Bus Association. Contact Christine Bega at cbega@barrygroup.com
Shanghai hotel has world�s highest library
The 60th floor Library at the JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai has been hailed by the Guinness World Records as the �Highest Library in the World�. Towering at 230.9 metres (60 storeys) above the downtown Puxi area of Shanghai, the Library at JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai is 57 square metres in size and holds over 1,500 bilingual books of English literature, novels, Chinese poetry and coffee table pieces. Contact Alexandra Colvin at alex@allcreative.co.uk
Northwest Passage
Peregrine Adventures offers an 11-day expedition voyage in the wake of epic 19th and early 20th Century explorers Frobisher, Baffin, Amundsen and Franklin. The expedition navigates the Northwest Passage joining the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Departs Heathrow by air 2nd and 22nd August 2005. Contact Jarrod Kyte at jarrod@peregrineadventures.co.uk
Sunsail Luxury Charter
Sunsail, the yacht charter company, has re-launched its Platinum luxury fully crewed yacht charter programme with new yachts, a new brochure and a dedicated sales team. Contact Chris Clode at chris.clodepr@ntlworld.com
Second JW Marriott Hotel in India
A second JW Marriott hotel is planned for Bangalore. The 250-room property is scheduled to open in early 2007 and joins the 358-room JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai as the epitome of service, hospitality and luxury in the Marriott portfolio in India. Contact Alexandra Colvin at alex@allcreative.co.uk
Guernsey Cycle Soumarine
Guernsey and her islands launch �Cycle Soumarine�-an underwater cycling race that will take place during the weekend of 3-4 September, as part of the SeaGuernsey 2005 regatta week. The event is one of the nationwide celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Contact Jemima Stiles at jemima@charismapr.co.uk
The Round The Island race, IoW
The JPMorgan Fleming Asset Management Round the Island Race, sailing�s answer to the London Marathon, takes place on the Isle of White on Saturday 18 June. Contact Sue Emmerson at sue@islandbreaks.co.uk.
Alta Bay Cape Town
The Alta Bay, Cape Town has opened. It is set on the slopes of Table Mountain with stunning views over Cape Town and the bay, Contact Yasmin Sethna at yasmin@voyagerpr.fsnet.co.uk
Edinburgh welcomes the return of Rat Race Urban Adventure
Following the runaway success of the inaugural Rat Race Urban Adventure in Edinburgh last year, the action-packed event is returning on the weekend of July 16 and 17 this summer. The Rat Race is the UK�s first adventure race set in an urban environment and is the brainchild of former Red Bull Scotland events specialist, Jim Mee. Contact Gayle Wilson at gayle.wilson@visitscotland.com.
First forest legacy conservation easement awarded in Georgia The uniqueness of Pine Mountain�s Biodiversity has been protected. Pine Mountain is celebrating the designation of Georgia�s first Forest Legacy Program (FLP) conservation easement.The FLP identifies and protects environmentally important private forestlands from transitioning into non-forested uses � basically protecting green spaces into perpetuity. Contact Rachel Crumbley - Marketing at rmcrumb@callawaygardens.com.
Budapest
Budapest is increasingly becoming Eastern Europe�s hottest new city break destination. Contact Sarah Belcher at sarah.belcher@tmmltd.com
Bangkok health club and spa Introduces Spa-Aaahh treatments
The Health Club & Spa at JW Marriott Bangkok has introduced two new signature treatments - Green Tea Total Invigoration and Ginger Back and Feet Relaxation Therapy. Contact Alexandra Colvin at alex@allcreative.co.uk.
British Columbia
Hollyhock Retreat Centre, on Cortes Island, is one of British Columbia's best kept secrets according to National Geographic Traveler magazine. In an article titled, "Canada Coast to Coast," writer Barbara Peck names Hollyhock one of the "ten new places to love," and the best unheralded place to visit in British Columbia. Contact Greg Osoba at greg@hollyhock.ca
Short breaks In Belgium
Short Breaks in Belgium are now available via Transeuropa Ferries' new webiste (www.transeuropaferries.co.uk), which offers breaks in Belgium from only �49 per person. The site features a selection of hotels in Ostend, Gent, Bruges, Brussels & Ypres. Contact Nigel Castle at nigel.castle@transeuropaferries.co.uk.
Punta Mita, Mexico
Punta Mita, Mexico's premier resort lies on the Pacific Coast, just north of the Puerto Vallarta International airport. The 1,500-acre peninsula wins praise for its luxury and landscape, but also for environmental sensitivity. The Mexican government singled out Punta Mita for Ecological Excellence. Contact Andria Mitsakos at andria@andriamitsakospr.com.
Beamish museum wins tourism oscar
Beamish, The North of England Open Air Museum, has been named as �Large Visitor Attraction of the Year� in the Enjoy England Excellence Awards 2005. Beamish shares this year�s Award with Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Contact Jacki Winstanley at jackiwinstanley@beamish.org.uk
Detroit
As Detroit prepares to host the 2005 Major League Baseball All Star Game and the 2006 NFL Super Bowl, all eyes will be on its downtown district. Contact: Larry Jones atLJones@MarxLayne.com
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers environmentally friendly honeymoon
Couples wishing to enjoy an environmentally friendly romantic break can take an Eco-neymoon at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. The hotel runs a programme of sustainable tourism which helps protects the island ecosystem. Laura Shelbourne at lshelbourne@bigpragency.com.
Munich
Munich will be the venue for a dazzling display of flowers, trees and exotic plants as the biennial national garden festival runs until 09 October in the beautifully landscaped parkland setting of what was once Munich's main airport. Contact Vaughn Wrenn at Vaughn.Wrenn@d-z-t.com
Ethiopian treasure heads home
Ethiopia is celebrating the return from Italy of the first part of a 1,700 year-old obelisk, regarded as one of the African country�s national religious treasures. The obelisk, looted by the Fascists in 1937, will be re-erected in Axum after the rains in September. Africa specialist Cox & Kings will include visits to the monument in subsequent departures of its Ethiopian Odyssey tour. Contact Michael Pullman at michael.pullman@coxandkings.co.uk.
Alpine summer adventure The M�ribel and Mottaret luxury-chalet specialist, Purple Ski, is offering guests the chance to enjoy Europe�s most exhilarating activities whilst staying in some of the most lavish accommodation available in The M�ribel Valley this summer. Contact : Jamie Fox at jamie.fox@foxvincent.co.uk
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
The new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Springfield, Illinois has been opened by President George W. Bush. Nearly two centuries after Lincoln's birth, the museum commemorates one of the greatest U.S. presidents in history. Contact Viet NGuyen at viet_n'guyen@jcpr.com.
Costa Rica
Trek Adventures 8-day 'Jewels of Costa Rica' lodging takes in the country�s most famous sights, from the turtle rookeries of Tortuguero and the cloudforests of Monteverde to the elemental volcanic power of Volc�n Arenal and the beaches and forests of Manuel Antonio. Contact Tim Melching at tim@trekamerica.co.uk
Fat Duck world�s best restaurant
Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck has been voted the Best Restaurant in the World 2005 in a survey by Restaurant Magazine. Fourteen English restaurants feature on the list of 50, which is voted for by a panel of over 600 chefs and restaurateurs around the world. Contact Tess Sullivan at tess.Sullivan@visitbritain.org
Voyages Jules Verne launches �Le Weekend Extraordinaire�
Tour operator Voyages Jules Verne has launched its 10th edition of Le Weekend Extraordinaire � a bi-annual compendium of imaginative short breaks around the world. Featured in the brochure are some new and exciting programmes, as well as some old favourites such as Venice from the Water, St Petersburg and the ever popular In the Company of Angels. Contact Prini Patel at prini.patel@vjv.co.uk
Get active in Asia
Intrepid has launched a new range of Active Adventures throughout Asia including India and Cambodia by bike or trekking in the remote Himalayan region of Ladakh, northern Vietnam or China's spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge. Contact Jen Bird at jenb@intrepidtravel.com
Peru
Experience Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca ruins of Peru. Independent hikes without an authorised trail guide are no longer permitted, so Trek Adventures 8-day Inca Trail tour, which includes a 4-day guided Inca Trail hike along the Sacred Valley, is a way to see the sights. Tours departing Lima each Thursday from now until December.Contact Tim Melching at tim@trekamerica.co.uk
Hilton expands with Mount Wolseley
Hilton International has signed a contract to operate the five-star Mount Wolseley Country Estate in Ireland - to be known as The Mount Wolseley Hilton from 1 June, 2005. The golf and country club hotel, featuring the largest spa in the Hilton UK & Ireland portfolio, is Hilton's fifth hotel in Ireland and will operate as part of Hilton Worldwide Resorts. Contact Andy Collingridge at press.office@hilton.com
World's first all-glass undersea restaurant
The first ever all-glass undersea restaurant in the world has opened at the Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa. Contact Shelley Winkel at shelley.winkel@hilton.com.
What's new in Scottsdale, Arizona
Scotsdale, Arizona, offers a luxurious resort spa, a world-renowned museum of Native American art, some of the world�s finest golf among activities in the lush Sonoran Desert. Contact Laura McMurchie at LM@scottsdalecvb.com.
Mexico
AMResorts�, with 11 resorts in the Dominican Republic and Mexico under the Secrets Resorts & Spas, Dreams� Resorts & Spas, and Sunscape� Resorts & Spas brand, have reopened the Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa. All three properties have completed major renovation programs. Set along the shores along the 19-mile Sapphire Coast of Mexico's Sea of Cortez, between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa is located at the southern tip of Mexico's nearly 1,000-mile-long Baja California peninsula. Contact Andria Mitsakos at andria@andriamitsakospr.com.
8th Annual Morgan car meeting in Monte-Carlo
The Morgan Club de Monaco will host the 8th annual Morgan Car Meeting in Monte-Carlo, Monaco on 10th, 11th and 12th June, 2005. The 2005 Morgan Car Meeting will consist of a Concours d�Elegance for the Old Timers. There will also be a Fun Run in the South of France countryside plus, for the more recent Morgans the Morgan Car / Barings Brothers Gymkhana Competition. Contact Emma Goodwin at emma.goodwin@ktapr.com
Sol Kerzner Launches One&Only Reethi Rah
The opening of One&Only Reethi Rah in the island paradise of the Maldives will set a benchmark for luxury resorts worldwide with the ultimate in space, privacy and style. Contact Rupa Haria at rupa.haria@oneandonlyresorts.com
Hilton Phuket Arcadia launches Island�s largest Spa Village
Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa has launched Phuket Island�s largest spa facility which will provide about 18,000 treatments a year and significantly add to the hotel room bookings. Contact Shelley Winkel at Shelley.Winkel@hilton.com
Why write about
...Spa�s
Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
The Sea & Self Spa at Peter Island in the BVI�s places an emphasis on soulful well-being, natural curatives (in particular the healing properties of water) and understated elegance. It is built on its own private beach, 150 feet from the water�s edge, and guests can take advantage of water exercise classes performed in the sea, or choose to escape to a private bohio (an outdoor, thatched treatment area) on an isolated patch of beach, where treatments are performed by trained therapists, with the calming sound of the waves and the ocean breezes right on your doorstep. Contact
Cap Juluca, Anguilla
Cap Juluca has announced its new Mind, Body and Spirit Programme for 2005. The resort has employed three healing practitioners for this total wellness programme, which will focus on a new generation of spa and holistic services. They will be introducing Shiatsu, an ancient healing art based on the Chinese approach of balancing the five constitutional elements through the sequential application of digital pressure and stretches, as well as performing Shamanic healing, astrology and coming home transpersonal services.
Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Kinan, the Mayan word for the �source of life�, often referred to as the individual inner energy. This new spa offers a full range of spa services in different environments, ranging from treatment rooms with private gardens, outdoor massage palapas (small thatched roof pavilions) and a rooftop tower treatment room with 360 degree views that capture the two ecological systems of Maroma � the jungle and the sea.
Villa Nova, Barbados
The stately Villa Nova, one of the Caribbean�s last remaining Great Plantation Houses, opened its luxury spa earlier this summer. The new spa, designed for men and women, will occupy nearly 36,000 sq ft with eight treatment rooms, two tennis courts, a swimming pool, sauna and steam villas, a pagoda, a Dojo, a restaurant with spa menu and much more.
Hotel Victor, South Beach, Miami
A 6,000 square foot, full-service spa with seven treatment rooms has been built into the basement around a cave-like construction, the spa's centre piece will be a hammam (Turkish bath). Curved ceilings and ornate pillars will house a large unisex steam room, and cold water showers and chilled towels will be available. Heated marble slabs will provide massaging stations perfect for exfoliation as well as other treatments.
The Setai, South Beach, Miami
The Spa at The Setai is derived from an ancient Sanskrit legend of the gods, who embarked on a quest for a natural elixir of immortality and eternal youth. Overlooking the quiet sands and sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, The Spa at The Setai offers proven relaxation and restoration techniques from the east.
Fairmont Orchid, Big Island, Hawaii
The spa at the Fairmont Orchid, the �Spa Without Walls� opened in December 2003. Built to resemble the Hawaiian rainforest, it features 10 island-inspired waterfall massage hale, or houses, nestled among a flowing network of soothing waterfalls, streams and lily ponds.
North Island, Seychelles
North Island is a completely unspoilt and ruggedly beautiful resort. North Island Spa has its own line of custom blended products which are all made with fresh, edible ingredients and are prepared with the highest quality dried fruits, herbs, roots, leaves and other natural ingredients.
Festival Internazionale di Musica, Rome
The 4th Festival Internazionale di Musica e Arte Sacra, in Rome, which takes place in the Roman basilicas from 23 to 26 November 2005, is to include a concert by the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ancient Music Ensemble �La Venexiana�. As in the past years the solemn beginning of the Festival will be the Holy Mass with Gregorian chant performed by the �Cappella Giulia� conducted by Pablo Colino at St. Peter�s Basilica. This unique musical event is organized by the Rome based non-profit foundation Fondazione Pro Musica e Arte Sacra, together with its sole sponsor DaimlerChrysler Italia. Contact Stefania Gatta at stefaniagatta@italiantouristboard.co.uk
West Virginia�s Small Town Festivals West Virginia hosts a wide array of annual festivals throughout the year, from apple butter making, colonial re-enactments to mountain biking. From May 27th-29th is the Vandalia Gathering, taking place in Charleston over the American holiday Memorial Day. Master fiddlers, banjo pickers, and storytellers showcase their talents and celebrate the passing down of West Virginia mountain culture and tradition in the form of free concerts, outdoor clogging, and storytelling. Smell and taste fresh apple butter in September at Apple Butter Weekend on Blennerhasset Island. Apples, cinnamon, and butter are cooked in front of you and served on an open fire. Visit www.wvcalendar.com. Contact : Anna at anna@destination-marketing.co.uk
Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa
The Hilton Maldives has re-opened is sister island Rangalifinolhu. This includes an entirely over-water spa village with 21 villas, restaurant and treatment rooms, which will be the first of its kind in the Maldives. At the tip of the island, the Spa Village is a brilliantly innovative �resort within a resort�. The entire village is set on stilts over the lagoon and consists of a full service spa with nine treatment rooms offering holistic signature therapies, a spa restaurant and 21 Spa Water Villas, each of which has its own separate treatment room where guests can indulge in every therapy available.
Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa, Tahiti
Nested in the heart of the hotel, Manea Spa was conceived to provide guests with a place to escape to, for absolute relaxation and serenity in the purest tradition of Polynesian hospitality. The Manea Spa offers a wide choice of treatments, all of which incorporate the use of 100 percent natural spa products native to the islands.
Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa, Koh Samui � New Six Senses Spa
The emphasis of the spa at Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa is to offer de-stress treatments that focus on bringing out your inner beauty by pampering to your body's needs. Surrounded by spectacular water views, the Spa at Sila Evason Hideaway on Samui features rustic yet elegant treatment suites and a variety of treatments which cater for all tastes.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Mauritius
The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Mauritius follows contemporary Indian Spa practices, inviting guests to rediscover themselves through yoga, meditation, Indian therapies, and complementary consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor and Ayurvedic therapies. It features two Ayurvedic treatment rooms with Swedana, a communal wet area with chill pool, Hammam, Laconium with colour healing and a Sanarium, as well as a hydrotherapy cascade Pool with cabana seating and spa cuisine. Contact Kathryn Peel at Kathryn@grifcopr.com
Sport fishing in the U.S. Virgin Islands The U.S. Virgin Islands offer a variety of options that cater to any sport fisher�s needs. Easily accessible from both St. John and St. Thomas, North Drop is a world-famous hot spot for billfish (blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish), while another prominent area is Lang Bank, where there are both billfish and baitfish. Closer inshore other fishes such as snapper, wahoo, and kingfish, can be found all year long. Virgin Island�s sport fishers also proudly participate in world billfish conservation programs, promoting catch and release programs that help scientists learn more about the fish and their migration patterns. Visit www.usvi.net. Contact : Anna at anna@destination-marketing.co.uk ... A Scottish walking trip
An eight-day Scottish walking trip takes place from 16 to 24 July 2005 writes Gillian Arthur.
We visits the most scenic parts of Scotland including Perthshire, the West Coast and the Isle of Skye.
The walk crosses the moors ablaze with purple heather. We dine on salmon fresh from the river Tay and spend evenings sampling the "water of life" - malt whisky. We also walk through an irresistible mix of highlands and lowlands, rugged seascapes and tranquil lochs, mountain passes and gentle glens. Charming hotels, superb seafood, and lively Scottish music provide the perfect combination of walking and culture. We will be accompanied by Scottish wildlife artist and naturalist James Renny. Places are limited. Contact Gillian Arthur at piccolotours@virgilio.it.
... Oslo
Oslo - the Norwegian capital - will celebrate the centenary of the peaceful dissolution of the union with Sweden by staging a number of cultural, historical and musical events this summer and there promises to be something to suit every taste.
The celebrations kick off with a week of culture which runs from 3rd to 13th June and will include art and cultural events, public festivals, exhibitions and much more. The highlight will be the opening of the Nobel Peace Centre by the Royal Highnesses of Norway and Sweden on June 11th.
In addition to the above events, Oslo will play host to a number of other festivals this summer including :
� Norwegian Wood (16th to 19th June) a rock festival featuring a number of Norwegian and international acts.
� EuroPride 2005 (17th to 27th June) the vision of EuroPride is the celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender solidarity throughout Europe.
� �ya-festivalen (10th to 13th August) nature and culture meet in the medieval park for four days of rock concerts, food stalls and activities.
� Oslo Chamber Music Festival (12th to 21st August) featuring a variety of concerts with Norwegian and international artists.
� Oslo Jazz Festival (15th to 21st August) featuring a wide variety of jazz, from ragtime to rap via swing, bop and modern electric and acoustic music.
Visit www.visitoslo.com or contact Catherine Foster at catherine.foster@invanor.no.
... and Liepaja, Latvia
The long-awaited internal flight by AirBaltic to the city of Liepaja is scheduled to begin on 18. May writes Eva Staltmane.
Liepaja is the third largest city in Latvia with about 86,500 inhabitants. Located on a narrow strip of land between a lake and the sea, the city is unusual by any standards. www.liepaja.lv The city has a wonderful white, sandy beach, while the centre boasts some nice examples of Art Nouveau architecture, well-preserved wooden buildings and the Holy Trinity Church, with the biggest mechanical organ in Europe. Known as the �Place where the wind is born�, Liepaja attracts windsurfers, kite enthusiast, yachtsmen and gliders. During the Soviet period the city was a major military base and a �closed� city for around 40 years. This in turn had impact on the area�s cultural and musical development. It still has dynamic and distinctive cultural life with many art and music festivals. The Most popular now is The Baltic Beach Party � an international rock music festival. www.pablo.lv The Karaosta district offers an impressive military heritage including large naval forts built in the 19th century, a military prison hotel and the acclaimed historic reality performance Behind the Bars. www.sovietprison.com Outside the city borders one can find the region�s famous �blue cows� (a rare breed) and the Pape Nature Reserve with wild horses, bulls, rare birds and sand dunes. www.wwf.lv
Contact Eva Staltmane at eva.s@btconnect.com.
Flight lines
GB Airways British Airways franchise partner, GB Airways, will start direct flights to Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada on the Egyptian Red Sea Riviera from 22 October 2005. Flights will operate three times a week to Sharm El Sheik and twice a week to Hurghada. These will be the first direct scheduled services from the UK to the Red Sea Riviera. Contact Ali Rigby at Ali.Rigby@gbairways.com
EuroManx
EuroManx has begun two flights daily from London City to Galway. Euromanx also have four flights a day from London City to the Isle of Man. Contact Sally Bett at Sally@mcapr.co.uk.
Virgin Atlantic�s Flying Lady Livery
Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a limited edition Flying Lady livery to mark the airline�s 21st Birthday on 22 June this year. Contact Anna Burdsall at anna.burdsall@fly.virgin.com
easyJet welcomes 100th aircraft
Low cost airline, easyJet, has taken possession of its 100th aircraft. Contact Samantha Day at samantha.day@easyjet.com.
Air Namibia
Air Namibia is to operate non-stop flights between Gatwick and Windhoek from 3 July 2005 thereby opening up Namibia for UK holidaymakers. Visit : http://www.airnamibia.com.na
Lufthansa
LUFTHANSA has added D�sseldorf to its London City Airport schedules with a twice-daily weekdaily service. Other German cities flown from LCY include Bremen (DLT), Frankfurt (both BA and Lufthansa) and Munich (Cirrus Airlines). Readers should note that there are several airports calling themselves. Visit : http://www.lufthansa.com
Wizz Air
Wizz Air, which made its first flight in May 2004, has carried its one millionth passenger. Visit : http://wizzair.com
bmi
bmi starts its four times weekly service to Mumbai (Bombay) from 16 May. The airline is one of the beneficiaries of a new air service agreement between the British and Indian governments. Visit : http://www.flybmi.com
CSA Czech Airlines
CSA Czech Airlines has increased flights between the UK and Prague to 96 a week. Prior to launching its summer schedule last weekend, CSA offered 83 flights a week between seven UK airports and Prague. The regional airports have benefited most from the increased frequencies with Birmingham flights going from 10 to 13 flights per week, Manchester from 13 to 17, Edinburgh from six to 10 and Glasgow from seven to 10. Flights with CSA out of Heathrow (20 per week), Gatwick and Stansted (both 13 per week) to Prague will stay the same for the summer.Visit : http://www.csa.cz.
Flybe
Flybe has nearly doubled flights from Birmingham International to Spain and Portugal. The carrier is basing two Boeing 737-300 aircraft at Birmingham allowing an expansion to its summer schedule. Flights launched include services from Birmingham to Alicante, Almeria, Bergerac, Brest, Faro, La Rochelle, Malaga, Murcia and Palma. The carrier now operates from 17 UK airports including Exeter, Southampton, Belfast City, Birmingham and the Channel Islands. http://www.flybe.com
American Airlines
American Airlines will add a second daily nonstop flight from London's Heathrow Airport to Los Angeles for the summer season. The new flight will start on April 4th 2005 and operate until 29 October 2005. Contact Anneliese Morris at Anneliese.Morris@aa.com.
Virgin Atlantic services to Mumbai
Virgin Atlantic has started its service to Mumbai International Airport. The airline already operates daily services to Delhi. Contact Anna Burdsall at anna.burdsall@fly.virgin.com
easyJet announces Basel base
easyJet has announced it will base three brand new A319 aircraft at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg this summer and introduce five new destinations; Alicante, Barcelona, Nice, Palma, and Rome. Contact Samantha Day at samantha.day@easyjet.com
Iceland Express
Low fare airline Iceland Express�s new owners have acquired control of Scandinavian airline Sterling for �40 million. Contact Brett Gregory-Peake at brett@frankearnest.com
Aer Lingus Installs FastPass at Heathrow
Aer Lingus, the low fares airline has announced that it has extended FastPass, its self-service check-in facility, at London Heathrow airport. The airline has installed 8 new FastPass check-in facilities and has already recorded up to 70% usage since its installation in April. The airline also plans to install FastPass at Cork, New York (JFK) and Shannon airports in the coming weeks. Contact Gillian Culhane at gillian.culhane@aerlingus.com
easyJet announces 3 new routes from Bristol
easyJet has will be adding an extra aircraft to its South West base and introducing three new routes from Bristol International Airport to Inverness, Murcia and Pisa. In the last year easyJet has introduced an additional nine new destinations making Bristol the largest UK base outside of London, with over 2.4 million passengers expected to travel in the next 12 months. Contact Samantha Day at samantha.day@easyjet.com
The next issue
The next issue of the CIoJ Travel Writers� bulletin will be out in June 2005. Send your contributions to ashley@williamjack.co.uk.
The CIoJ Travel Writers Bulletin is produced by Ashley Gibbins, WilliamJack Communications.
