Destination NSW Welcomes New Air India Service to Sydney

(image: smh.com.au)

Destination NSW today welcomed Air India to Sydney, following its inaugural Dreamliner flight which arrived at Sydney Airport this morning.
 
Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, said, "I'm delighted to welcome Air India to Sydney and NSW.  Air India's decision to schedule four direct flights per week to Sydney recognises NSW's status as Australia's premier State for international tourism, visitation and visitor expenditure."
 
"To year-end March 2013, more than 71,000 visitors from India travelled to NSW, spending more than 3 million nights – with most visitors coming to see family and friends, followed by holiday makers and business travellers."
 
"Destination NSW estimates that Air India's new daily Dreamliner service will add more than 890 extra seats from India each week into Sydney, or more than 46,000 seats per year, which could contribute more than $30 million into the NSW economy per year."
 
The new Air India direct service to Sydney was secured by the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with Sydney Airport and Tourism Australia.
 
"The four weekly, non-stop Delhi to Sydney flights by Air India are a great win for tourism and the NSW visitor economy."
 
"Sydney is Australia's global city, and NSW is Australia's premier State, which is an unbeatable combination for visitors from India."
 
"With our stunning harbour, great beaches, wonderful food and wine, and unique Regional attractions, visitors from India to NSW will enjoy the some of the best holiday experiences in Australia."

Sydney Airport CEO, Kerrie Mather, said, ""Sydney Airport is very pleased to welcome Air India back to Sydney after a 22-year absence."

"India is Australia's largest unreserved market. Last year, around 140,000 passengers travelled between Delhi and Sydney via Asian hubs."

Banyan Tree Spa extends its portfolio in Chongqing with the first spa in south-western China

Banyan Tree Spa, the award-winning Asian spa operator marks its inaugural presence in South-Western China with the launch of Banyan Tree Spa Chongqing Beibei, nestled within the new Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei, the first international hot spring resort in Chongqing, China that embraces the natural healing waters of the North Hot Springs.

A Sensory Experience at Banyan Tree Spa

Located 40 minutes from the main city of Chongqing in the tranquil area of Beibei and surrounded by the magnificent landscape of Jin Yun Mountain and Jialing River, Banyan Tree Spa Chongqing Beibei features a unique sense of place as the first Banyan Tree Spa to offer the wellness benefits of a therapeutic hot spring facility in China, in addition to its renowned spa experiences. Drawing on time-honoured Asian spa traditions, Banyan Tree Spa Chongqing Beibei is an intimate retreat that blends romance and serenity with exotic sensuality. The architecture of the Spa blends seamlessly with the beauty of the natural environment. Set on hilly Chongqing, Banyan Tree Spa Chongqing Beibei is a sanctuary for the senses - a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Banyan Tree Spa Hot Spring Facility

Situated on the fifth level and adjacent to an indoor swimming pool, guests will be greeted with a beautifully landscaped Hot Spring Area. An all-new Banyan Tree Spa innovation for total rejuvenation, there are seven Hot Spring Pools within the facility, exclusively for guests of Banyan Tree Spa and Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei. With one indoor hot spring pool each located in the female and male locker areas, guests can choose to unwind indoors or in the five outdoor Hot Spring Pools that oversee scenic views.

Guests can relax in the restorative North Hot Spring water, famed for soothing the skin and muscular ailments. At a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, it contains superior mineral contents such as calcium sulphate, magnesium and potassium. Upon soaking in the hot spring water for ten to fifteen minutes, guests will be ready to indulge in a therapeutic spa treatment, during which the body can absorb the beneficial hot spring mineral contents and nourishing massage oils at its best. Other facilities on this floor include a state-of-the art gymnasium, a spacious yoga room and a beauty salon.

A spiral stairway and an elevator connect the Hot Spring Area at the fifth level to Banyan Tree Spa located at the third level. Spanning over 1,200 square metres, the award-winning Spa features nine exquisitely appointed treatment rooms including three Standard Double Rooms, five Deluxe Double Rooms and one Royal Double Room with double Rainmist facilities. The names of each room are inspired by ancient Chinese poetry, a fine touch creating a special sense of place. For a rejuvenating wellness experience, the Spa is complemented by a Relaxation Area and the Banyan Tree Spa Essentials outlet, offering unique Banyan Tree Spa-inspired merchandise like quality essential and massage oils, aromatic incenses, signature hair and body care toiletries, and Banyan Tree-branded aromatherapy accessories including oil burners, incense holders and eye pillows.

Inspired by the old villages in Chongqing and MinGuo style buildings, Banyan Tree Spa Chongqing Beibei depicts a modern Oriental design theme with sleek clean lines and assorted geometric patterns, a bold colour palette of brown and beige highlighted with red for contrast, and decorative wall lights.

Decked in dark vertical timbre strips with warm lightings, the impressive Spa Reception exudes elegance with a contemporary wall feature accented with red linear recesses, lush red handmade woollen carpets with floral motif and plush cushions.

The spa walkway features dark wood contrasted with beige wall panels and red woollen floral motif carpets. The treatment rooms draw inspiration from the interiors of old-world Chongqing residences with dark wood frames and beige walls. The feature wall showcases oriental paintings. The ceiling highlights horizontal and vertical exposed wood bands with stylish hanging pendant lamps to add to the soothing ambience.

Signature Spa Treatments

A signature Banyan Tree Spa innovation, the Yin Yang Rainmist experience will be the first-of-its-kind hydrothermal package to debut in Chongqing Beibei. It features a unique combination of Rain Shower and Steam Bath for an invigorating Body Scrub and a cascading Rain Shower which uplifts the senses followed by a therapeutic body massage. The highlight of the Yin Rainmist is the combination of cold body treats, Soya Mint Body Scrub and Orange Honey Body Conditioner, to cool the body and calm the senses. The Yang Rainmist features the warming effect from Oriental Herbal Body Scrub and Creamy Spice Body Conditioner to ease tension and nourish the skin.

First-time visitors are recommended to experience Banyan Tree Spa’s signature Royal Banyan treatment. It features the Royal Banyan Herbal Pouch Massage where a herbal pouch dipped in warm Sesame Oil, complements the East-meets-West massage techniques to improve blood circulation and muscular tension. The unique blend of Lemongrass Cucumber Body Scrub deeply exfoliates while moisturising the skin. The Jade Face Massage improves skin condition and firms facial muscles, leaving behind a glowing complexion.

For spa enthusiasts who are looking for a complete top to toe renewal, Banyan Day is a full day of pampering and indulgence. On top of a luxurious spa treatment which includes a massage, body scrub, bath, facial, and a hand and foot treatment, a healthy spa lunch with seasonal menu is also offered.

Professional Banyan Tree Spa Therapists

The professional spa therapists of Banyan Tree Spa Chongqing Beibei are formally trained with the art of touch based on stringent curriculum of the accredited Banyan Tree Spa Academies located in Phuket in Thailand; Bintan in Indonesia and Lijiang in China. The Academy’s rigorous theoretical and practical training ensures therapists deliver consistently high levels of service that guests have come to expect from the ever-innovating and evolving brand.

The Spa is open to both resort guests and visitors daily from 10am to 10pm. For more information or reservations, please contact +86 86 23 6030 8888, email spa-chongqingbeibei@banyantree.com or visit banyantreespa.com.

Banyan Tree Spa Chongqing Beibei
101 Hot Spring Road, Chengjiang, Beibei District,
Chongqing 400700 People’s Republic of China

Sofitel Luxury Hotels launches global spa concept, So Spa

 

Sofitel Luxury Hotels last night launched their acclaimed world-wide So Spa by Sofitel concept in the Pacific, officially unveiling a contemporary new-look day spa at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.

Auckland is the latest in the continued expansion of So Spa by Sofitel, the global spa concept designed exclusively for Sofitel hotels worldwide and first launched at the Sofitel London St. James and Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port in July 2009.

The Pacific rollout follows on from the consolidation of the So Spa brand in Asia in recent years, with its debut at the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich in 2011 followed on by key openings at hotels including the Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort Nanjing, Sofitel Macau Ponte 16, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra, and the Sofitel So Bangkok in 2012.

Designed to help guests relax, restore and rejuvenate, the So Spa by Sofitel concept combines ancient wellness traditions from around the world with the refinement and skills of modern French cosmetology. The result is an innovative spa concept for today's savvy traveller. Each detail clearly reflects the Sofitel concept of elegance and beauty fused with French "savoir vivre."

Taking a personalized approach to wellness, So Spa Auckland's selection of therapies are categorised in a similar way to a French gourmet restaurant menu so that guests can customize their experience by combining different treatments listed under 'Starters', 'Mains', 'Specials' and 'Desserts' to suit their specific wellness needs. 

Treatments listed under 'Starters' last 30 minutes and are designed for busy urbanites seeking rest and relaxation after a full day. 'Main Dishes' and 'Desserts' last an hour and feature full body massages, facial care, and other luxurious treatments intended to nourish the body and soul.

"With the understanding that each guest is unique, wellness programmes should not be a one-size-fits-all approach," said Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour's So Spa manager Nadia McCracken.

"Inspired by the best health and beauty traditions around the world, So Spa's personalisation concept has been developed to meet each guests' individual needs so they can fully immerse themselves in an ultimate wellness experience. It is the perfect answer for guests seeking a refreshing spa experience unlike any other."

Delivering indulgence from head to toe, So Spa by Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour presents a selection of sophisticated spa techniques and traditional New Zealand inspired remedies in a beautifully designed, intimate sanctuary inspired by local culture and the surrounding waterscape of sparkling Waitemata Harbour.

Specialty beauty products from famed French skincare lines include THÉMAÉ, with other lines from around the world also on offer such as the botanical and organic range from Plantogen.

So Spa Auckland features six world-class treatment rooms, including a dedicated beauty suite. All the massage tables boast a version of the celebrated Sofitel MyBed, the patented bed featured in all Sofitel Luxury Hotels, converted for spa therapy for optimal comfort and relaxation. Guests have the opportunity to enhance the relaxation process with a choice of by Sofitel music and a selection of themed playlists available on customised So Spa iPods to further personalise the experience.

The warm, bright and welcoming So Spa Auckland reception space allows for a personalised treatment consultation and an intimate 'cousu main' (tailor-made) service experience. A Socialising Patio created next to the spa's reception area an ideal and welcoming place for meeting and discovery, or just taking time out before or after a treatment.

So Spa by Sofitel has designed its own exclusive range of therapy products and treatments for guests - So Exhilarating Body Massage and So Rejuvenating Facial – now available in Auckland as the day spa's signature treatments.

For a local flavor, the Auckland So Spa menu also includes a Healing Manuka Honey Facial with New Zealand Manuka honey, known for its natural antioxidant properties; a traditional Greenstone Massage using greenstone, believed to possess intuitive healing and harmonising properties; and the Maori inspired Ataahua Beautiful Body Treatment.

Last but not least, guests at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour can also enjoy the new So FIT fitness centre which sits alongside a 20 metre indoor lap pool. The area includes a superior, private changing area with premium amenities and locker facilities. A personal sauna and steam rooms are also available as part of So Fit.

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour general Manager Wouter De Graaf said, "Spa culture and wellbeing is such an integral part of the luxury experience for today's travellers, be they visiting on business, leisure or a combination of both.

"To really attract discerning today's traveller, a hotel must be able to provide an exquisite experience that goes beyond just exceptional service. Our guests are becoming increasingly wellness-minded which is why we've welcomed So Spa as a key pillar of our Sofitel experience, one that guests will look forward to being part of whenever they stay with us."

Visit www.sofitel.com

 

 

Qatar Airways Lands At Camp NOU

 Last night, on the pitch of Camp Nou, FC Barcelona Club President Sandro Rosell welcomed Qatar Airways and Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker into the FC Barcelona family.  

“Our Club has more than 100 years of history with many glorious moments. Qatar Airways is a young company which is full of enthusiasm and which, like ourselves, strives for excellence in everything it does,” said Rosell presenting Al Baker with an autographed jersey. “Both of us are expanding globally in the world, with more and more supporters and customers and we share objectives which will consolidate our partnership”

“We are proud to be uniting with a team that upholds one of my country’s core visions: uniting the world through sport, enriching societies through sport, and creating opportunities through sport” said Al Baker who in turn presented Rosell with a model of the Qatar Airways 787 Dreamliner. “FC Barcelona is a team that unites the world. And Qatar Airways is truly a global connector. A perfect match – bringing your fan base closer to your hearts and home.”

Invited guests had the opportunity to witness the official team photo which included Rosell and Al Baker and the 22 members of the FC Barcelona first team wearing this season’s new official jersey. Youngsters from the FCBEscola children’s squad also joined the team on the pitch.

During a reception following the launch, the airline presented its newest global television campaign entitled “The Arrival” an integrated campaign supporting Qatar Airways’ sponsorship of FC Barcelona, the first commercial partnership in the club’s 114-year history.

The 90-second ad, which launches today, centres on a Qatar Airways flight attendant touching down in the Land of FC Barcelona, disembarking the Qatar Airways 777 and taking a journey through this incredible destination to the famous Camp Nou Stadium. Throughout her adventure she encounters some of the club’s most famous players, past and present, experiences the rich history of FC Barcelona and meets the fans at the heart of the club.

Since its beginnings, FC Barcelona has been characterised by being not just a football organisation, but also a powerful force for globalisation, solidarity, integration and social cohesion. Qatar Airways fully identifies with these values, which is why this partnership between both organisations is much more than just a simple economic alliance. Furthermore, Qatar Airways’ partnership with FC Barcelona will help to position the airline in the world.

Delta Hotels and Resorts Welcomes Brand New P.E.I. Convention Centre to Delta Prince Edward

The Delta Prince Edward Hotel is excited to announce the opening of the state-of-the-art Prince Edward Island Convention Centre, which is connected to the hotel. 

The $24.3 million convention centre will position the property as a leading competitor for large meetings and conventions within the region, boasting a combined 59,000 square feet of meeting and event space that can accommodate as many as 1,500 delegates.

With stunning views of the scenic Charlottetown waterfront, the new centre offers a multifunctional convention and event space, six adjoining breakout rooms, two permanent boardrooms, two conference offices, underground parking, plus an outdoor reception-style patio capable of accommodating approximately 600 guests. The PEI Convention Centre facility is owned by Charlottetown Area Development Corporation (CADC) and will be managed and operated solely by Delta Hotels and Resorts.

"The addition of the P.E.I. Convention Centre to the existing Delta Prince Edward is going to put Charlottetown on the map as a host for major conventions," explained Ken Greene, President and CEO of Delta Hotels and Resorts. "The combination of this world-class conference facility with the warm Maritime hospitality that the region is known for will have a powerful impact on tourism in the region."

"The new Convention Centre will allow the Capital to be more competitive in the lucrative meeting and convention marketplace," said Mayor Clifford Lee. "This facility further adds to our multi-purpose infrastructure and creates a beautiful, new and exciting venue for hosting a variety of events such as sport, entertainment and culture."

The Delta Prince Edward Hotel is also undergoing its own state-of-the-art transformation, with renovations already completed to all of its public spaces, and renovations to all of its guest rooms in the near future.

The Delta brand has seen a flurry of recent expansion, with the openings of the Delta Kingston Waterfront Hotel, newly renovated Delta Ottawa City Centre and a robust pipeline of new hotels in development for downtown Toronto,Waterloo and Thunder Bay. The entire portfolio of Delta Hotels and Resorts is undergoing an extensive brand repositioning designed to deliver one of the most upscale guest experiences in the four-star hotel category. All Delta properties are being built or renovated to boast some of the most modern design and techno- enabled guest spaces in the Canadian hotel marketplace. The Delta Prince Edward Hotel will be reflective of the newly repositioned brand.

The Delta Prince Edward is owned by InnVest REIT and managed solely by Delta Hotels and Resorts.

"Having worked in partnership with the province of Prince Edward Island for over 5 years, we are thrilled to see this facility celebrate its official opening. This project has spurred our own investments in the adjacent Delta Prince Edward," said Anthony Messina, CEO InnVest REIT. "As Canada's largest public hotel real estate company, InnVest REIT is a proud real estate owner and employer in the region and we look forward to the long-term benefits this project brings to the island's vibrant tourism industry."

"This marks an exciting new chapter in the life of one of our most storied properties," said Mr. Greene. "We can't wait to welcome guests to our completely transformed space with the same Maritime hospitality they expect from Delta."

Hilton Broadens Footprint On South Island

Two years after its grand opening, Hilton Queenstownhas expanded its ambitions on the country's South Island and reestablished itself as Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa.

"We felt somewhat confined by the original name, which didn't quite communicate the expansiveness of the guest experience here," said Andrew Nisbet, general manager. "As a resort and spa, we're really embracing this destination as a place to experience some of the greatest natural wonders and most exhilarating pursuits available in all New Zealand."

Hilton has four properties spread throughout the country, with the Queenstown location being the only resort & spa. Situated at the foothills of the Remarkables mountain range, the property is a jumping off point for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and exploring hiking and biking trails in the summer, as well as the numerous adventure sports in the surrounding area, including Bungee Jumping, which began in New Zealand.

In celebration of its new conception, the resort has unveiled a new spa package, "Escape to eforea," which includes:

• Accommodation for two in a lake-view room with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balcony and a schist stone fireplace

• Two half-hour massages (per stay) at the award-winning eforea spa: at Hilton, with 20 percent discounts on additional treatments

• Full buffet breakfast at Wakatipu Grill, a finalist in Cuisine magazine's 2012 "New Zealand Restaurant of the Year Awards"

eforea spa has also received accolades, as a Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Spa Recommendation in 2012 and "Best Hotel Spa" in the Australasian Spa Association (ASPA) Awards last year.

Guests can opt for a la carte treatments like the Meditation Massage using deep aromatic oils, or select from three distinct spa journeys - Essentials, Escape and Men's. The threelevel spa includes a 25-metre heated pool with adjoining hot tub, sauna and steam rooms, and fully equipped fitness centre.

The spa, like the resort itself, has a strong sense of place. Renowned New Zealand designer Chan Andreassend created the ceramic lights, which emit a soft glow highlighting the etched symbols of Pacific culture. The earthy tones of the walls and the smoked oak wooden floors are in tune with Queenstown's position in the middle of the Southern Alps.

The resort is conveniently located only five minutes from Queenstown International Airport, and just a 15 minute drive or eight minute water taxi ride into the centre of Queenstown.

Toga Hotels Appointed Operator of Travelodge Hotel Hobart Airport

Toga Hotels is expanding its Tasmanian footprint with the announcement of their second property in the southern island state, Travelodge Hotel Hobart Airport.

Effective as of 1st October 2013, Toga Hotels will commence management of the former Quality Hotel Hobart Airport. A four star property, the 78-room fully air conditioned hotel offers a great value option for guests looking for a quiet and comfortable stay, whether on a late night arrival or early morning departure.

First opened in 2009 and located just 500 metres from the airport terminal, Travelodge Hobart Airport’s facilities include both family suites and standard rooms, a restaurant and bar, conference room, ample coach parking and a complimentary airport shuttle bus.

An easy 15-minute drive away from the CBD and Salamanca, the hotel is also a great base from which to explore popular Hobart attractions including the famous Salamanca Markets and MONA.

Rachel Argaman, CEO of Toga Hotels, said: "Following the acquisition of the Travelodge Hotel Hobart in February, we are proud to be expanding our reach in Tasmania with this convenient airport hotel. 

Travelodge Hotel Hobart Airport will offer fantastic value and convenience for both our business and leisure guests.”

The arrival of the Travelodge brand into Tasmania was heralded with the opening of the Travelodge Hotel Hobart in February 2013. Newly refurbished, the 131-room hotel is conveniently located in Hobart’s CBD with an array of popular dining and shopping spots nearby.

The acquisition of Travelodge Hotel Hobart Airport is in line with Toga Hotels' ongoing growth strategy.

Other upcoming new hotels include Adina Apartment Hotel Royal Randwick Racecourse (2015), Travelodge Hotel Mariners Tuggerah (2014) and Vibe Hotel and Conference Centre Marysville (2014).

For more information about Travelodge Hotels, visit: travelodge.com.au or travelodge.co.nz