Helsinki is the perfect stopover city

Sea, Sauna and Urban Nature

Helsinki is a compact, relaxed and friendly city, chosen as 3rd best city to live in by Metropolis
Magazine in 2016 and ranked 9th most liveable city by the Economist. With an abundance of daily
direct flights, Helsinki can be easily reached from all corners of Asia.

Helsinki is a city of contrasts that create unique experiences for visitors looking for both peace and excitement. The sea, brand new design saunas and the timeless beauty of the urban nature and archipelago offer visitors a unique stopover experience. Historical layers of fine architecture, functional design, a playful and often surprising food culture, and a great range of events, both large and small, intertwine to form a fascinating capital that offers experiences in all seasons of the year.

Add the Finnish sauna to your bucket list Saunas are an integral part of the Finnish culture and national identity and a must when visiting Finland. Helsinki has a number of impressive new public saunas where foreign visitors can enjoy the sauna experience all year round. We promise relaxing moments that you’ll never forget!

The new Löyly design sauna is situated just a short distance from the city centre on the southern tip of the Helsinki peninsula. The modern complex houses a restaurant serving the finest Finnish cuisine, which visitors can enjoy while admiring the stunning views from a large terrace that stretches out over the sea.

The recently opened Allas Sea Pool (cover photo) next to SkyWheel Helsinki and the Market Square in the city centre also offers swimming, saunas and relaxation all year round. Designed using Finnish spruce and the latest cleantech technology, the complex encourages sustainable development and the preservation of the Baltic Sea.

Helsinki breathes the sea with a shoreline that stretches 130 kilometres Being the capital of the World’s Greenest Country (Environmental Performance Index EPI 2016), Helsinki is a green city where nature is ever present, even in the heart of the city. Green areas account for one-third of the
total area, and parks can be found everywhere.

Helsinki is also characterised by its maritime landscape, boasting over 130 kilometres of shoreline. The sea is all around and offers visitors a vast range of experiences, such as the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the stunning archipelago, which can be admired aboard relaxing cruises. New islands have been opened to the public in recent years, including the idyllic islands of Lonna and Vallisaari where visitors can enjoy a combination of unspoilt nature and historical fortifications.

Christmas City Helsinki
The Christmas season begins in Helsinki on Sunday 22 November with the opening of the Christmas Street, the arrival of Santa Claus to greet the kids and the turning on of the Christmas lights. During the run-up to the holidays, shoppers flock to the Christmas markets throughout the city.

Helsinki Christmas Market is the oldest and largest event of its kind in Helsinki. The market attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Huffington Post (2015) ranked Helsinki Christmas Market among the 15 European Christmas markets we love to love.

The Christmas season culminates with the spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Kansalaistori square and Töölönlahti surroundings. This year the event will open the centennial celebrations of Finland’s independence in 2017.

Helsinki – City of Design
In Finland, design has always belonged to everyone. We have plenty of gorgeous objects and buildings, but design runs much deeper in Finnish society, too. In this corner of the world, designers have always worked towards meeting the everyday needs of ordinary citizens.

Design is everywhere in Helsinki and traditional design is showcased throughout the city, especially in the Design District and the Arabia district, but also in the flagship stores of famous Finnish design brands – such as Marimekko, Iittala and Fiskars – and in numerous smaller design boutiques. Helsinki also stands out in the fields of urban design and service design, which are guiding the development of the city and its services.

More stopover ideas:

What to do in Helsinki in 3 hours
What to do in Helsinki in 6 hours
Buy your Stopover package

Download the new Day in Helsinki –map brochure or Helsinki Urban Nature -map brochure and discover numerous attractions and activities of Helsinki.

Traveloscopy travelled to Helsinki as a guest of Finnair and Visit Finland

Finnair A350 XWB Aircraft Now Flying Singapore to Helsinki Route

#FeelFinnair #A350Finnair #Finnair .

Finnair providing a new way to fly, boasting fastest gateway from Singapore to Europe

The much anticipated Finnair A350 XWB (extra wide body) aircraft on Singapore – Helsinki route departed Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) Terminal 1 for the first time at 11:35pm on Monday 17th October. The inaugural flight departure was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and meet-and-greet with the Finnish Ambassador to Singapore HE Paula Parviainen.

This first A350 journey from Singapore to Helsinki Airport (HEL) marks a significant milestone for the aviation industry. Not only is Finnair the first European airline to fly the A350 between Europe and Asia, but is now providing local travellers with the shortest connection between the two continents. On arrival into Helsinki, travellers can seamlessly transit through Helsinki Airport and connect onto over 70 destinations in Europe such as London, Paris, Amsterdam in as little as 35 minutes.



The inflight experience on board the Finnair A350 is reflects Finnair's vision to offer a unique Nordic experience to its customers. With light and spacious cabin design, regional ingredients incorporated into the in-flight menus, on board retail featuring Finnish brands and even mood lighting inspired by the Northern Lights, Finnair is setting itself apart in the competitive aviation space.

"This moment heralds a new and exciting chapter in Finnair's 92-year history. The A350 is the future of flying and we intend to revolutionise the flying experience for our Singapore passengers with our customised features and Nordic touch," saidMikko Turtiainen, Vice President, Global Sales at Finnair. “We are firmly focused on growing our presence in Asia-Europe traffic, and the launch of the A350 on our Singapore – Helsinki route is key to our strategy. Our overall investment in a fleet of A350´s has been integral to building global growth," Turtiainen continued.

Finnair currently has seven A350s in operation, with an additional 12 on order, making this the largest investment in Finnair history. The A350 fleet investment is the backbone of Finnair’s strategy to double its Asian traffic by 2020 from the 2010 baseline, and increase its cargo capacity by up to 50%.

Finnair announced earlier this spring a quick and easy way for customers to book a stopover for their connecting flight to or from Helsinki on the stopover.finnair.com website, offering customers the possibility to select between a wide variety of activities and tours in Finland ranging from five hours up to five days.

Finnair will be at annual travel trade show, ITB Asia from Wednesday 19th October – Friday 21st October 2016, where StopOver Finland is the main partner. Visit Finnair at Booth L05.

You can also see a full tour of the new plane from Changi Airport’s Facebook Live feed:https://www.facebook.com/changiairport/videos/10154323099683598/

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Celebrates 69 Years of Hospitality

HONOLULU, HAWAII – On September 29, 69 years ago, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts founders, Roy and Estelle Kelley, opened their first hotel in Waikiki. Today, the hospitality company's global portfolio spans 38 properties in the most iconic tropical destinations throughout Hawaii, Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

Outrigger Founders Day – which will take place this year on Thursday, September 29, 2016 – commemorates the legacy of Outrigger's founders and the company's storied history through celebratory events at Outrigger Hotels and Resorts plus giveaways and special room rates at Outrigger properties worldwide.

When Roy and Estelle opened the five-story, 50-room Islander Hotel on Seaside Avenue in 1947, it was the first new hotel to be built in Waikiki since the construction of the Royal Hawaiian hotel 20 years earlier.

“Since my grandparents founded Outrigger 69 years ago, the company's core values – taking exceptional care of the guest, the host and the place – have remained constant througout our voyage of growth,” said Bitsy Kelley, vice president of corporate relations at Outrigger Enterprises Group. “They would be extremely proud to see the progress we've made toward achieving their vision of sharing the spirit of aloha with every guest.”

Manager's Reception: As the sun crosses the six time zones where the nine Outrigger Resorts are located, each property will host a Manager's Reception on Sept. 29 in honor of Roy and Estelle. A celebratory cake and complimentary refreshments will be served and guests can look forward to prize drawings and photo opportunities with cutouts of Roy and Estelle.

Special Room Rates: Founders Day rates are available from 30 percent off for getaways to Hawaii, Guam, Fiji, Thailand, Mauritius and Maldives at www.outrigger.com/foundersday. Book by October 13, 2016 and travel through October 12, 2017.


Tags: #OutriggerResorts, resorts, Hawaii, thailand, Maldives, Fiji, Mauritius

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Worldhotels Unveils World Luxury – A Curated Collection of Iconic and Independent Hotels

Once again, Worldhotels reinforces its maxim, “Defy Ordinary.” With a curated collection of distinctive hotels, World Luxury offers guests the ultimate luxury of all – bespoke, tailor-made and intuitive experiences that are as unique as each guest and as rare as their own dreams and aspirations.

Catering to today's modern travellers and their discerning expectations, all World Luxury hotels promise authentic travel experiences and lasting memories like no other. For those who are constantly seeking the fresh, the creative, and the most iconic experiences, World Luxury hotels will provide the canvas for the most precious stories ever written – our guest's very own.

LRA by Deloitte, a leading global provider of Brand Protection and Customer Experience Measurement Services for multinational companies, has been appointed as a strategic partner to conduct in-depth emotional level intelligence audits for handpicked candidate hotels who are anticipating for inclusion under the World Luxuryumbrella. Travellers can be assured that all hotels flying the World Luxury flag, have been measured against stringent criteria and will provide genuine travel experiences and stories that will always be remembered with much fondness.

Amatara Wellness Resort, Phuket, Thailand – A Thai haven surrounded by the tranquility of Andaman Sea

Amatara Wellness Resort draws on the island's spirit of tranquility and serves up an experience with its serene and elegant atmosphere. The state-of-the-art wellness center also offers all guests holistic, all-inclusive wellness programmes complemented by nutrient dense organic cuisine dedicated to help re-balance inner peace and wellbeing on all levels. Guests need not look farther than Amatara Resort & Wellness especially if they are looking for a luxury escape to revive their souls.

Room rates start from USD 139.

Amilla Fushi, Baa Atoll, Maldives – An exquisite tropical embodiment of an island retreat set against the splendour of the Maldives

“Amilla Fushi” better known as “my island home” in Maldivian is a resort nothing short of a geographical marvel. Situated amidst the picturesque UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll – one of 26 natural atolls in the Indian Ocean, and home to some of the world's purest, most pristine waters, Amilla Fushi ensures a timeless and intimate, adventure filled holiday. Guests can also draw upon the islands' cultural roots, the vibrant house reef, the laidback lifestyle and the idyllic beaches to fully immerse themselves in a truly Maldivian jaunt.

Room rates start from USD 840.

Sunset Marquis Hotel, Los Angeles, United States – A sanctuary amidst the city of angels and a perennial favourite amongst Hollywood's Celebrities

Tucked away in the heart of Sunset Strip, it was as though the Sunset Marquis Hotel was built specifically for those who wanted to live the lifestyle made popular by the elite of Hollywood. It is clear that magic is in the air and in the walls of this serene oasis, which has served as the home-away-from-home for the likes of media darlings, supermodels of the world, rock legends and sagacious travellers far and wide. Some may even argue that the hotel acts as a muse, and has inspired generations of creators and innovators. So come soak in the heart and soul of the Sunset Marquis Hotel, and immerse yourselves in one of Los Angeles' best kept secrets.

Room rates start from USD 315.

The White Swan Hotel, Guangzhou, China – One of Guangzhou's most precious and undiscovered gems

Majestically overlooking the scenic Pearl River from its location on historic Shamian Island, the White Swan Hotel perfectly encapsulates the elegance and luxuriousness of the Orient and is the first World Luxury hotel signed in China. This urban resort is set in the heart of one of China's most bustling cities, Guangzhou and guests will be delighted by the landmark hotel's centerpiece, a cascading waterfall and rockery when they enter the hotel's grand atrium. The leafy and verdant oasis of Shamian Island is also one of Guangzhou's hottest tourist destinations.

Room rates start from USD 195.

Upper House, Gothenburg, Sweden – A harmonious environment of the senses complemented by the very best of Nordic beauty

An undeniable sense of attentive warmth flows through Upper House in Gothenburg, Sweden as natural light and Nordic beauty takes centre stage in this harmonious sanctuary set in heart of the city. The most sumptuous and decadent of offerings can be found at Upper House Dining, a Michelin star restaurant where the very best of daily produce meets head chef Måns Backlund's creativity and imagination. Guests can find Upper House on the top floors high above the already established Gothia Towers, Northern Europe's largest hotel and conference facility.

Room rates start from USD 397.

About Worldhotels:
Worldhotels is a global brand that brings together some of the world's most unique independent hotels. With reach into over 60 countries and six continents, the group targets savvy business and leisure travelers that seek an authentic and local experience when choosing a hotel.
With over 45 years of excellence in the industry, the company's mission is to provide access to upscale hotels of character and distinction. Each hotel in the Worldhotels portfolio has been carefully selected to ensure it meets the group's strict quality standards. Each hotel is measured against over 600 quality criteria every year.
Worldhotels backs independent hotels with the power of a global brand while allowing them to retain their individual character and identity. The group offers an “affiliation model” which provides a comprehensive range of services that includes global marketing, sales, training, e-commerce and state-of-the-art distribution and technology.
Guests can also earn points with the group's own loyalty program, Worldhotels Peakpoints (worldhotels-peakpoints.com), and redeem them for hotel vouchers. Alternatively, they can collect miles for eligible stays thanks to an extensive list of 23 frequent flyer programs of the world's premier international carriers. Air France, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, United Airlines are just some of the partners that make earning miles with Worldhotels easy.

For reservations or information, visit worldhotels.com. Images are available fromalow@worldhotels.com.

For most recent news, follow Worldhotels on Facebook and Twitter.

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New Luxury Hotel Group Niccolo Hotels Announces Flagship Hotel, The Murray, a Niccolo Hotel, Hong Kong

The Remaking of an Icon

Niccolo Hotels, the new luxury hotel brand, is set to catapult into the limelight with the announcement of its exciting new flagship property in Hong Kong. The Murray, a Niccolo Hotel, Hong Kong, being part of the government's Conserving Central Project will open in October 2017, on Cotton Tree Drive in Central.

As well as being the first significant new luxury hotel to open in Hong Kong for several years, The Murray will breathe new life into one of Hong Kong's most iconic and historic buildings.

The tall white landmark structure, with its distinctive arches and unique recessed windows, was built in 1969 and has since won many awards for its ground-breaking and energy-efficient design.

World-renowned architects Foster and Partners, whose works in Hong Kong include The Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank headquarters and the Hong Kong International Airport, have been engaged as designers for the project.

With its unique location in a stand-alone building positioned between the Central business district and the green oasis of Hong Kong Park, the 336-room hotel will offer a sophisticated, urban chic sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Among its unique features will be a stunning rooftop bar with some of the most breathtaking views of the city. A series of signature restaurants are also being planned.

Seasoned British-born hotelier Duncan Palmer has been appointed as the hotel's Managing Director, and will bring his many years of experience with The Savoy, The Connaught, Mandarin Oriental and Langham Hotels amongst others to create a truly world-class new hotel for Hong Kong.

“I am quietly confident this will become the preferred hotel in Hong Kong for visiting dignitaries, captains of industry and leaders in style. They will appreciate the sophisticated and international standard of hospitality that the Niccolo brand delivers.” said Mr Palmer.

The first hotel under the brand, the stylish Niccolo Chengdu opened in April 2015 and has quickly been recognised as the city's leading centre for luxury accommodation, fine dining and events. It is superbly located as part of the International Finance Square (IFS) a mixed-use retail and commercial centre which has become the epicentre of Chengdu's events.

The new Niccolo Hotels brand was conceived and designed to cater to the growing maturity and sophistication of the luxury hotel sector in China, and Chengdu was chosen as the setting for the brand's first hotel since it has become the most successful economy of any city in mainland China. Niccolo Hotels was recently recognised as the “Best Luxury Hotel Brand of the Year” at the 2016 Asia Hotel Awards held in the mid of September, adding yet another illustrious accolade to the brand's growing list of honours.

Dr. Jennifer Cronin, President of Niccolo Hotels, stated: “The Chengdu property is a great success and we are very excited to be able to announce another even more exciting landmark project for Hong Kong. The Murray, a Niccolo Hotel, Hong Kong will certainly establish our Niccolo brand and the excellence it stands for firmly in the minds of international travellers.”

For more information on The Murray, please visit themurrayaniccolohotel.com

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