Anantara Officially Opens its First Resort in Dubai

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas’ first Dubai property, Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa has officially opened on the iconic Palm Jumeirah.

Set amidst lush landscaping, 293 guest rooms and villas redefine urban beachfront accommodation, and are designed with tasteful luxury and stunning lagoon and palm views. Exclusive clusters of only four to eight guest rooms maximise privacy, and 130 of these rooms boast direct access to 10,000 square metres of lagoon pools. The resort offers the Middle East’s first Over Water Villas with most featuring glass viewing panels that reveal underwater glimpses of the Arabian Sea, in addition to Anantara Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villas for families and friends.

Lazy days can be enjoyed at Anantara’s 400 metre long private beach, as well as at three beautiful lagoon-inspired pools and a 50 metre shoreline infinity pool. Making the most of the exotic climate, the resort offers a variety of water sports includes kayaking, wake boarding and paddle boarding, as well as diving and snorkelling adventures. Two well equipped gyms and two tennis courts extend the choice of energising leisure pursuits. A teens club, Chill, and Tuk Tuk Kids Club keep younger guests happily entertained.

The Anantara Spa offers distinctive pampering, beauty and wellness journeys from 16 luxurious treatment suites. Indulge in the revitalising traditional Thai Massage or sample one of Anantara Spa’s other signature treatments, such as the indigenous Arabian Massage.

Six restaurants and bars serve a diversity of culinary experiences. Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, such as hot and cold mezze, shish tawouk and um ali, and refined world flavours are accompanied by Australian-inspired flame-grilled delights, as well as speciality Asian and Mediterranean flavours.

Casual swim-up bar refreshments can be followed later in the day by charming tea rituals and cocktails on the shisha deck. Romance and special occasions are celebrated with signature Dining by Design journeys, complete with a private chef and butler. Guests can choose from a romantic table for two in a secluded spot on the beach, on the pontoon by the Over Water Villas, or a place of their preference within the resort.

The resort incorporates a host of fascinating Thai touches. Floating market boats glide across the lagoons serving tropical beverages. Three wheeler tuk-tuks transport guests around the resort and a traditional longtail boat provides trips to the marina and other key Dubai attractions. While infusing local culture, the resort lobby features a Dubai heritage corner, which showcases various indigenous artifacts and replicas of times gone by. Guests can soak up countless fascinating insights into the plentiful history of Dubai, such as its early pearl-diving heritage.

Exploring the rich culture and mystic of Dubai comes alive with the resort’s Anantara Experiences. Thrill-seekers can take an adrenaline-pumping dune safari, ending with a traditional Arabic banquet in a Bedouin-style desert camp. A visit to Dubai would be incomplete without a ride in the world’s fastest elevator to the top of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. For those in search of history, exploring the ancient Al Fahidi Fort at Dubai Museum makes for an interesting afternoon, while a trip to Musandam off the Omani coast aboard a traditional dhow boat, followed by camping under the stars, provides a breathtaking escape.

Stylish indoor meeting and event venues with flexible layout options, as well as elegant outdoor spaces with magnificent views, cater for the needs of discerning business guests and inspired wedding celebrations.

Anantara is renowned for offering journeys rich with discovery in some of the world’s most exotic destinations, and Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa blends cultural elements from Anantara’s roots in Thailand with the international flair of the most cosmopolitan city in the United Arab Emirates.

Rooms start at AU$536 per room per night (inc. breakfast) for the Premier Lagoon View Room.

For bookings and further information, please tel +971 4 567 8888, email dubaipalm@anantara.com or visit www.anantara.com .

Jamie Oliver spices up meetings at Scandic

Scandic, the Nordic region’s leading hotel chain is continuing its partnership with world-renowned chef Jamie Oliver. Earlier this year we launched the Summer and Kids menus that Jamie Oliver developed together with Scandic’s own chefs.

Now it’s time to unveil Scandic’s Meeting and Conference menu. This autumn sees the launch of eight exciting and inspiring soups with a sprinkle of Jamie’s magic, specially composed for Scandic’s meeting 

guests.

Scandic focuses on food for meetings and conferences that helps participants stay sharp and be inspired. Through its partnership with Jamie Oliver, Scandic ensures that participants enjoy delicious, nutritious and energy-packed food. The soups are accompanied by a choice of eight different toppings, giving meeting guests a chance to design their own favourite. The soups are also tailored to the season.

Jamie Oliver and Scandic have been working closely together since 2009, making Jamie part of Scandic’s strong focus on food and drink. This partnership has allowed Scandic’s guests to enjoy specially composed dishes of high quality that make best use of seasonal produce. Together with Scandic’s own chefs, Jamie has previously developed some hugely popular creations, such as Scandic’s exciting Kids menu, inspiring seasonal menus and energising refreshments and lunch dishes for our meeting and conference guests.

“Jamie Oliver is one of the best loved chefs in the world, and our collaboration with Jamie has certainly helped introduce more people to our food offering,” explains Ulrika Garbrant, who has overall responsibility for Food & Beverage within the Scandic Group.

The soups created by Jamie Oliver and Scandic’s chefs are:

Yellow split pea daal soupMade with yellow split peas, coconut, ginger, chilli mustard seed and rice

Cauliflower cheese soupMade with mustard, Scandinavian cheese and almonds

GazpachoMade with fresh tomatoes, stale bread, red and green peppers and herbs. Served cold

Curried pumpkin korma soup
Made with pumpkin or squash, north Indian spices – cardamom, cinnamon and ginger – yoghurt and fresh coriander

Mexican black bean chilli soupHot and dark bean soup made with tomato, green chillis, smoky dried chillis and cumin

Italian borlotti bean and pasta soupWith sweet leeks, tomato, smashed pasta and beans

Beetroot, apple and celeriac soupMade with sweet purple beets, and seasonal apples and celeriac

Pappa al pomodoroTraditional Tuscan tomato and basil soup thickened with bread

Recipes are available here: Recipes soups

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles Celebrates 90 Years As Host To Celebrities, Dignitaries And Elite Travelers

Designated the "Host of the Coast" upon opening on October 1, 1923 and the grandest hotel west of Chicago, the legendary Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles is celebrating a major milestone with its 90^th anniversary.

One of the most architecturally stunning and historical hotels in the U.S., Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles continues to serve discerning guests including dignitaries, celebrities and presidents, with timeless elegance and modern luxury.

The hotel boasts a storied history and has played a role in some of the most important events of our time. It served as a WWII military rest and recreation facility in the 1940s, the official campaign headquarters for John F. Kennedy during the 1960 Democratic National Convention, and as the headquarters for the International Olympic Committee during the 1984 Games inLos Angeles. The Cultural Heritage Board of L.A. named the hotel a Historic Monument in 1969, and guests have access to a historical tour of the property hosted by the L.A. Conservancy on Sundays at 2:00pm.

Today, it continues to be recognized as one of L.A.'s best-known hotels.  Deemed the "Most Romantic Hotel" and "Best Private Event Venue" by readers of L.A. Downtown News in 2013, Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles offers distinctive accommodations, a variety of dining experiences including its renowned Afternoon Tea service and more than 70,000 square feet of combined meeting and banquet space – most famous of which is the Crystal Ballroom – with resplendent hand-oiled wood paneling, ornate carvings, vivid frescoes and sparkling crystal chandeliers imported from Austria.

This historic grandeur has remained over the years with updates throughout the hotel; the recent unveiling of the Biltmore Wedding Lounge is the first of its kind in the downtown L.A area. The lounge is a planning area that is beautifully outfitted with fixtures, fittings and images providing couples and event planners a glimpse of the stunning possibilities of weddings decor available. Earlier in the year, the hotel launched the newly designed War Room, conveniently located to L.A. courtrooms, with 3,040 square feet of dedicated space for firms seeking privacy.

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles also holds a place in both the Hollywood and pop culture scene, past and present. In 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences was founded at a banquet in the Crystal Ballroom and rumor has it the Oscar statue was sketched here on a Biltmore napkin. Thereafter, nine Academy Awards and the 50^th Anniversary Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Gala were held at the hotel. With its unparalleled architecture that provides an exquisite setting for any occasion, the hotel which hosts, on average, one location filming per week, has served as a backdrop for numerousHollywood blockbusters, such as Iron Man and Ghostbusters, and this year alone has been the scene for popular television series including Mad Men, Newsroom, Scandal, NCIS-LA and Glee.

"Throughout the years, the hotel's 400-member team has carried on a tradition of service culture and embraced guests from near and afar," said Wanda Chan, general manager of Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles. "We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone and thank our guests for their contribution to the hotel's great legacy."

In celebration of Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles' 90^th anniversary, the landmark property is offering a "Legendary 1923 Anniversary Package" with rates starting from $219 per night. Valid now through December 28, 2013, the package includes accommodations in a classic guest room, daily breakfast for two in Smeraldi's restaurant, the hotel's famous macaroons and a stationary keepsake featuring sketches of the hotel from the 1920s. For information, visit: Biltmore 90th Anniversary.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel Claim Australia's Best Young Chefs

The Henry Jones Art Hotel is celebrating the success of two of its young chefs, who were this week named winners of the Nestle Golden Chef's Hat Award.

Hobart chefs Libby Green and Daniel Garwood, who work in Henry's Kitchen, were awarded two gold and one silver medal for three courses of decadent delights they prepared and served the judges in a limited amount of time.

Earning the title of Australia's best young chefs, Miss Green, 21 and Mr. Garwood 19, will soon fly to London as part of their prize to gain work experience alongside gastronomic master Alain Roux at London's three-Michelin-starred restaurant The Waterside Inn.

Mr. Garwood, an apprentice chef, and Miss Green, a recently qualified chef, who competed as a team, will also go on an all expense-paid culinary tour of Europe.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel General Manager Rod Black said: "I am so proud of our young chefs who bring with them passion and drive to the Henry's Kitchen team each and ever day to deliver amazing cuisine to our guests."

"A big congratulations to Dan and Libby and I would also like to thank Executive Chef, Andre Kropp and his whole brigade for their stewardship over The Henry Jones Kitchens".

Within the kitchen, Executive Chef Andre Kropp has changed the guard for Henry's Restaurant, which will now see Terry Barrett as Chef de cuisine.

"Terry has been with us for a few years and now gets the opportunity to add his twist to the Henry's food evolution," said Mr Black.

One of Terry's additions to the Henry's menu will be a Flinders Island lamb dish incorporating Flinders Island lamb saddle, cooked two different ways, served with super-grain Freekeh, purple dragon carrots, mustard greens and an olive and date puree.

Henry's also recently received a Gourmet Traveller and Fine Wine Partners 'One Glass Rating' in the 2013 Australia's Wine Life of the Year Awards. Henry's was one of only 11 restaurants in Tasmania to receive this prestigious award.

&Beyond offer free SA domestic fly drive transfers to Phinda Mountain or Forest Lodge

&Beyond's family friendly Phinda Mountain Lodge or romantic and secluded Phinda Forest Lodge are renowned for Cheetah and Black rhino sightings. When you stay for three nights at either lodge, &Beyond will host your return transport from Johannesburg, via Richards Bay, or Durban for free until 31 December 2013.

At Phinda you can encounter predators such as cheetah, lion and leopard who are tracked on a daily basis, and hence offering guests a high chance of spotting these impressive cats. Phinda is renowned for offering outstanding opportunities to view cheetah. The reserve also boasts one of the highest densities of nyala. Rhino enthusiasts may frequently encounter both the white rhino and the endangered black rhino. Herds of elephant and buffalo move throughout the reserve, and the sand forest is home to some rare smaller species, such as the suni and red duiker, as well as the red tonga squirrel.

Three night packages start from $AUD1,917 per person and include accommodation, all meals, house beverages, and twice daily game drives. Terms and conditions apply.

For further information contact your Africa specialist or visit www.andbeyond.com.

Architecture, Fast Cars and Princess Training at The Peninsula Chicago

An exciting new range of Peninsula Academy tours are now on offer at The Peninsula Chicago. These range from fascinating insights into Chicago’s architecture and historical neighbourhoods to an exotic car adventure and a Princess experience for younger guests. 

Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper, and on Private Architectural Boat Cruise: River Tour of Chicago’s Skyscrapers, guests will experience the city’s world-renowned structural design from the Chicago River. 

Participants will enjoy lunch and beverages aboard a private yacht, while learning the history and trivia behind Chicago’s iconic buildings and historic landmarks.

Thrill-seekers will enjoy Exotic Car Adventure: From Roadway to Racetrack – a two day experience taking in scenic shoreline driving and urban roadways via Chicago’s Lakeshore Drive. After selecting their preferred car, guests will enjoy a sumptuous steak dinner, followed by a scotch flight in the Peninsula Bar. The following day they can explore the city at leisure and spend time at the Autobahn racetrack, receiving exclusive one-on-one driving instruction on a closed course and the opportunity to drive five different high-powered vehicles on an Autobahn raceway format.

Younger guests staying at the hotel can take part in Princess for a Day: How to be a Perfect Princess – a fairy tale experience for little girls. A “staff of attendants” will provide hair, makeup and nail services, followed by a royal fitting of a gown and tiara. During Afternoon Tea, the princess-in-training will learn the skills and manners a princess should possess, and a horse-drawn pumpkin-shaped carriage will then whisk her off for a shopping spree. On her return to The Peninsula Chicago, the princess will have a red carpet arrival, she will be greeted by her prince and presented with glass slippers, the Keys to the Kingdom and a personalised Princess Proclamation. 

Other programmes available at The Peninsula Chicago include pastry classes and a tour of a Chicago fire house for children, a private tour of the Art Institute of Chicago, a cultural tour of Chicago’s historic neighbourhoods, and VIP access to Chicago’s Broadway.

The Peninsula Academy is a learning and activity programme created to give guests an insider introduction to key aspects of culture, lifestyle, cuisine, arts and history at the Peninsula hotels worldwide.

Click here for more information.

Hello Dubai: Emirates Announces Dubai as Marquee Theme for 2013 Melbourne Cup Carnival

This year, Emirates’ renowned Marquee at the Melbourne Cup Carnival has been inspired by the east meets west city hub and cosmopolitan travel destination, Dubai. 

A renewed focus for Australian travellers with the announcement of the recent Qantas partnership, Dubai is known as both the Pearl of the East and the City of the Future. In 2013, the Principal Partner of the Emirates Melbourne Cup will take guests on a cultural journey through its home city at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia.

Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said the 2013 Melbourne Cup Carnival will highlight the many aspects of Dubai to an Australian audience, from the rich culture and tradition of the Al Fahidi Fort to the modern Burj Al Arab.

“With more and more Australians visiting and enjoying Dubai as a destination in its own right, and as a perfect stop over en-route to more than 130 Emirates destinations around the world coupled with our recent Qantas partnership, there is no better time to celebrate Dubai as the theme for the Emirates Marquee,” commented Mr Clark.

Seamlessly blending a colour palette of the warm ochre of the Dubai desert and traditional architecture, with the red, gold and white synonymous with Emirati culture, the Marquee will deliver an unparalleled experience for guests.

Australian born Dubai based model Sorelle Anthony at Madinat Jumeirah.

Australia’s highest definition LED screen will make its debut in the marquee, providing the perfect canvas to showcase Dubai’s modern and innovative identity. Already the birdcage’s largest and most impressive, the Emirates Marquee facade, featuring traditional wind towers, will stand a nine metres from the ground. The whole marquee has been raised an additional metre from last year which will continue to offer guests the best view of the racecourse from their coveted trackside balcony.

The exterior will echo the traditional architecture of Dubai’s historic buildings, while inside guests will experience an exciting blend of old and new, featuring fabrics, furnishings and décor that have been sourced direct from Dubai marketplaces.

The menu is inspired by the diverse flavours of the Emirati culture and will take guests on a culinary journey of Dubai combining the international flavour of the city’s cuisine with classic Middle Eastern dishes. It has been carefully developed by Epicure catering in conjunction with Emirates’ own Dubai-based Arabic cuisine expert, Nasser Iskeirjah.

It won’t just be food that will keep guests entertained. The Emirates Marquee will host the Dubai-based Ornina Theatrical Dance group, flown to Melbourne to perform Arabic Dancing for guests during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Emirates will celebrate two milestones at the 2013 Melbourne Cup Carnival including the 16th year of Emirates’ involvement with the Victoria Racing Club and 10 years as Principal Partner of the Emirates Melbourne Cup.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival kicks off with Derby Day on 2nd November, followed by the Emirates Melbourne Cup day on 5th November, Oaks Day on 7th November and culminating with Emirates Stakes Day on 9th November.