Switzerland Introduces First Climate-Neutral Ship

Switzerland has upped the ante on its water transportation services with the
introduction of its very first climate neutral ship, the MS 2017, which will
enter the public service on Lake Lucerne in May.

The ship will be the country's second eco-friendly vessel, following the
2016 launch of the restored Vedetta 1908 on Lake Lugano, which runs on solar
and electric power.

Scheduled to be christened on 4 May 2017, the sleek, modern and luxurious
MS 2017 sets a milestone in the Swiss shipping scene in terms of quality and
innovation.

With a surface area of 1400 sqm sprawling across five decks, passengers will
enjoy many of the ships features, including the Panorama Deck, Compass
Lounge and Bar on the sun deck, the Nautilus Cabin in the fuselage with
underwater views, and the Aqua Terrace with a sea water foot bath in the
stern.

Even though the MS 2017 will be serving the public on Lake Lucerne, it can
be booked for exclusive functions, allowing up to 400 seats for banquet
styled events.

For more information on the MS 2017Lake Lucerne www.lakelucerne.ch/en
and the city of Lucerne, visit www.myswitzerland.com

Silversea reveals Silver Muse’s Balsorano Owner’s Suite

The new flagship's premier suite has been designed in conjunction with Chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio

 
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Ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea, has revealed details of Silver Muse's Balsorano Owner's Suite, a unique space which reflects the taste and Italian tradition of Silversea chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio.

Named Balsorano, the suite draws inspiration from the chairman's full name, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio di Balsorano de Clunieres. Balsorano is also a castle in Italy.

At more than 1000 square feet in size, the Balsorano Suite contains a specially curated selection of Mr Lefebvre's personal items including books, sculptures, works of art and family photographs. Among the items chosen are a chesterfield chair and ottoman, an additional chair from Mr. Lefebvre's former family residence in Rome, and photos of Mr. Antonio Lefebvre, Mr. Lefebvre's father and mentor.

The bookshelf in the Balsorano Suite is adorned with Mr. Lefebvre's favourite titles, including: The Great Navigators of the Eighteenth Century by Jules Verne; The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean by David Abulafia; and After the Victorians: The World Our Parents Knew by A.N. Wilson.

The Balsorano Suite will also be stocked with vintage port, each variety having been specially selected by Mr. Lefebvre himself.

Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Silversea Chairman, said: "I am incredibly proud to present the Balsorano Suite, a space which superbly encapsulates my family's Italian heritage and taste. I hope that guests will, like me, find the Balsorano Suite a spectacular home away from home aboard Silver Muse."

Barbara Muckermann, Chief Marketing Officer at Silversea Cruises, said: "Owned and operated by one family – the Lefebvres of Rome – Italian tradition is firmly ingrained in the Silversea brand. As is reflected across the entire ship, much passion and pride has gone into the creation of the Balsorano Suite, the most luxurious suite on Silver Muse."

Calling at 34 countries and 130 ports in 2017 alone, Silver Muse will redefine ocean travel, enhancing the small-ship intimacy with spacious all-suite accommodations that are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. The addition of Silver Muse, will expand Silversea's fleet to nine ships and will once again significantly raise the bar in the ultra-luxury cruise market.

For more information contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

Marriott Hotels opens Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

Marriott Hotels, Marriott International's flagship brand, celebrates the opening of its first hotel in Fiji, as Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay welcomes guests to an unspoiled corner of this South Pacific island paradise.

Nestled on the secluded beaches of Momi Bay on the western coast of Viti Levu, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is an exotic destination defined by its idyllic natural surroundings.

"We are delighted to announce the opening of the first property under the Marriott Hotels brand in Fiji," said Silvano Dressino, General Manager of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. "The resort is located in a beautiful, untouched area of Fiji, making it the ideal spot for families and friends to explore."

“We want our guests to experience aesthetically pleasing spaces that help foster their inventive nature,” said Matthew Carroll, Vice President, Marriott Hotels. “Marriott Hotels has consistently pushed to create experiences that inspire our guests' creativity, and where else is more inspirational than an overwater villa in Fiji.”

Thoughtfully designed to take full advantage of the picture-perfect setting, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is the only property on Fiji's mainland to offer overwater villas. Surrounded by 20 hectares of crystal-clear, man-made lagoons, guests enjoy direct access to a private white-sand beach. The resort features 114 Bure Villas, including 22 over-water Bure Villas with decks from which guests can dive directly into the turquoise waters. The inventive design extends to the 136 Deluxe Rooms, which can be interconnected, making them ideal for families and groups. Embracing the surrounding nature, the open-plan spaces make the most of the refreshing sea breeze and natural sunlight. The dynamic interiors reflect the vibrant local culture with motifs, colours and materials inspired by Fijian design and updated with a modern twist.

“The resort embodies Marriott Hotels' 'Travel Brilliantly' ethos, with its contemporary Fijian-inspired design and natural offerings bringing to life the ultimate resort experience,” said Mike Fulkerson, Vice President, Brand and Marketing Asia Pacific.

The resort is situated a convenient 45-minute drive from Nadi International Airport, and within easy reach of Nadi Town (29km), Denarau Island (36km) and other enticing attractions. Adventure-seekers can enjoy a short boat ride to Cloud Break Surf to experience some of the world's most impressive waves, go zip-lining or explore the Sebeto hot springs and rejuvenate in the mineral-rich mud baths.

Guests can choose from three restaurants which offer distinctive local and international cuisines. Complemented with Marriott's thoughtful service, each venue provides a dynamic dining experience. At Goji Kitchen & Bar, guests can engage with chefs and savour the inventive Fijian, Asian and international dishes made to order at the open-kitchen cooking stations, or enjoy a bounty of fresh seafood at Fish Bar, overlooking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean. For those looking for a more casual or relaxed setting, Lagoon House & Bar offers simple yet delicious Mediterranean fare made of the highest quality produce. Fiji Baking Company, the resort's bakery and delicatessen, offers freshly made pastries, sandwiches and salads as well as barista-style coffee in a relaxed café setting.

For inspirational weddings, special events, conferences and meetings, the Grand Salon Ballroom offers 360 square metres of versatile event space with an abundance of natural lighting. Guests can take advantage of the resort's beachfront location and 1,200 square metres of outdoor pre-function space by extending their event outside. Designed with flexibility in mind, the multipurpose venues feature the latest technology, access to gourmet catering and expert event planning services.

Committed to guests' total wellness, the resort's Health Club offers a range of onsite activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and tennis. The resort is also in close proximity to two golf courses: Natadola Golf Course (34km) and Danarau Golf & Racquet Club (36km). For families, the Turtles Kids' Club provides interactive programs to entertain young guests. Meanwhile, adults can rebalance with a signature treatment at the serene Quan Spa to align the body and mind and restore clarity. There are also three large pools and a whirlpool surrounded by stylish cabanas and loungers, including an adult's only infinity pool and a swim-up bar where guests can enjoy a cocktail and light bite while taking in the views.

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is a hidden gem that ensures that every guest has an inspiring getaway, while discovering an unchartered corner of this exciting tropical destination.

For more information please visit:

Website: www.fijimarriott.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FijiMarriottResortMomiBay

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fijimarriottresortmomibay

Traveloscopy | 

'Handy’ Smartphone Keeps Business Travellers Connected at Anantara Siam Bangkok

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel understands the needs of business travellers looking to stay connected abroad. That's why it offers all guests a complimentary in-room smartphone aptly named, "handy".

Without necessity to take a SIM card, it provides you with a  personal number to receive calls or place them to Thailand and 10 international countries for free. Prefer texting? It also offers unlimited 4G access or can be used as a hotspot should you be tethered to your personal smartphone.

Best of all, group organisers can keep their clients updated with amendments to an itinerary or special arrangements for select attendees through push notifications. Anantara Siam Hotel is located in the heart of Bangkok and offers discerning business travellers, incentive groups and global meetings the perfect downtown escape in the centre of the world's most visited city. handy is offered in every guest room at Anantara Siam, and is the only hotel in city centre to offer such a service complimentary.

http://www.anantara.com/

Pictured: 'handy' smartphones are offered in every guest room with the compliments of Anantara Siam

 

UTracks welcomes landmark tourism deal

News of an historic tourism deal being signed over the weekend between Paris and London, has been welcomed by the team at UTracks, Australia's leading active European holiday specialist.

UTracks have been promoting experiences that link both sides of the English Channel for some years now.

Tackling Brexit head on, London and Paris have signed an historic deal, in which the two cities will be jointly promoted to attract more overseas visitors.

It marks the first time the two cities have cooperated to promote tourism and comes as UK begins the formal process of withdrawing from the European Union (EU).
 

South America's First Luxury Train

Interest in South American Rail Spikes with Continent's First Luxury Train

According to Rail Plus, interest in South American rail journeys have always enjoyed strong growth, but the impending launch of the Belmond Andean Explorer in May, the continent's very first luxury train, is taking interest levels to a whole new level.

With year-on-year sales doubling from 2015 to 2016 for the company's current South American train experiences, Commercial Director of Rail Plus, Ingrid Kocijan, says as May 2017 approaches, the overwhelming interest pouring in for the brand new journey will not be slowing down any time soon, with tickets already being sold through the company's Great Train Journeys portfolio.

"South America remains one of the more exotic parts of the world for many rail travellers as the journeys take them through some of the world's most rough and raw terrains, remote villages and unspoiled nature reserves," says Kocijan. "There is, of course, also the element of affordability when compared to other Great Rail Journeys around the world.

The brand new Belmond Andean Explorer offers travellers a stunning new experience between Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and the glassy Lake Titicaca. With four itineraries to choose from - the 1D/1N
Spirit of the Andes which goes from Puno to Cusco; the 1D/1N Spirit of the Water, the returning Cusco-Puno journey; the 2D/2N Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery which departs Arequipa to Cusco via Puno; and the 2D2N Peruvian Highlands, the return journey from Cusco-Arequipa-Puno - rail enthusiasts can easily tailor their journey according to the direction they are travelling.

All three cabin categories (bunk, twin and double) featuring ensuite facilities and Peru's hand woven fabrics will ensure travellers the utmost comfort, while the two dining cars serving menus designed by chefs from
Cusco's Belmond Hotel Monasterio will spoil palates with the best of local seasonal flavours.

Prices for this brand new luxury Peruvian experience starts from AU$676 per couple and includes all meals and tours. The Belmond Andean Explorer is the fourth addition to Rail Plus' South American offering which includes the Andean Explorer, the Belmond Hiram Bingham and Vistadome.

Festival time in Macau

Creating yet another splash in Macao this year is the annual International Dragon Boat Festival and a series of action-packed races and events that will have onlookers on the edge of their seats.

With thousands of supporters converging on the shores of Nam Van Lake, the highly-charged festival – to be held on May 27, 28 and 30 – attracts teams from around the globe, including Australia, to compete for the coveted trophies.

However, despite the dragon boat festival's widespread appeal, it is only one of a number of exciting - and vibrant - festivals and events to fill the Macao calendar which, for 2017, includes:

· A- Ma Festival (April 19), where locals pay homage to Macao's most popular deity, the Goddess of Seafarers, from whom Macao is said to derive its name.

· 28th Macao Arts Festival (April 28 to May 31) Organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, this year's festival carries the theme "Heterotopia" through texts, stories, images, music and imagery and makes up 25 shows and exhibitions, which, combined with the overall program, total more than 100 activities,

· 29th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest (September to October) Universally acclaimed as one of the best of its kind, the contest takes place on the shorefront of the Macau Tower each weekend from September to October with 16 teams from around the world competing.

· 17th Macau Food Festival (November 10-26) With the 338-metre-high Macau Tower as a backdrop, 120 local restaurants merge with 26 invited food and beverage merchants to put on this special food festival near Sai Van Lake.

· 64th Macau Grand Prix (November 16-19), a long-standing street motor racing event referred to as the proving ground of new legends. The Formula 3 challenge from the carnival is internationally recognised as the longest running event of its kind and most prestigious on the local calendar.

· Parade through Macao, Latin City (December 3) Marks the anniversary of Macao's Handover to China and highlights Macao's cultural features. Prepare for artists to present dazzlingly colourful performances, bringing the celebration to a vivid climax.

· 36th Macau International Marathon (December 3) Held on the same day as the parade, runners from around the world pound the streets of Macao. For those less physically inclined, there's a half marathon and mini event.

· Macao Light Festival (Dec 3-31) Like Sydney's Vivid, this festival brings to life small squares and major historic buildings through neon lights and colourful 3D mapping.

· International Film Festival and Awards (December) Macao will roll out the red carpet and reach for the stars at its second annual AFFAM, screening films from Asia and beyond in Europe and South America.

Details: Macao Government Tourism Office: www.macaotourism.gov.mo