Second Radisson Blu Resort In Tunisia Opens

The Rezidor Hotel Group has opened the Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso, Monastir in Tunisia, its second resort in the country. Set on a 5-hectare beachfront site overlooking the Gulf of Hammamet, the resort is just 2 kilometers from the international airport and 5 kilometers from the town of Monastir and its attractions, including a 9th century Mosque, 8th century Ribat and the Museum of Islamic Art.

 

260 guestrooms, including 14 Junior Suites, 6 Senior Suites and 2 Presidential Suites combine comfort with style. Each room is equipped with comfortable bedding, a spacious bathroom, LCD television, complimentary high-speed internet access, telephone, in-room safe, minibar and feature a well-proportioned balcony/terrace. The resort will also open 20 luxurious Spa Suites, located within the Thalassotherapy Center, in 2010.

 

The resort presents guests with diverse dining options at its restaurants and bars. Chef’s Market, the buffet restaurant, offers tantalising breakfast and dinner dishes influenced by Tunisian and Oriental flavours in elegant surroundings, while MONA serves international dishes prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients. The beach restaurant, La voile, serves a range of international favorites in an informal setting by the seashore and guests can retreat to the resort’s many bars and lounges, including the Rendez-vous Bar and Moorish Cafe.

 

At the heart of the Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso, Monastir is the 14,000-square meter Royal Elyssa Spa Cinq Mondes & Thalasso, due to open in 2010. The center offers state-of-the-art spa facilities, swimming pools, hammams, treatment rooms and food & beverage outlets, where guests can rejuvenate and relax in comfort with the variety of treatments, including the signature Thalasso treatments utilizing the healing properties of seawater. The resort also offers guests a large outdoor swimming pool, a heated indoor swimming pool and sports activities including tennis, table tennis, beach volleyball and watersports.

 

The resort is also ideal as a conference venue, with 3 elegant and versatile function rooms, a 400-square meter ballroom and spacious grounds for outdoor events capable of accomodating up to 800 guests. Each venue is equipped with high-speed internet access and are supported by the latest audio-visual equipment and a full-service business center.

 

Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso, Monastir joins the 296-room Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso, Djerba located on the island of Djerba in southeast Tunisia. The brand operates over 155 hotels in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, with an additional 47 projects under development.

 

For more information, visit www.radissonblu.com.

Flydubai Touches Down In Sudan

Low cost carrier Flydubai has added its eighth route since its inaugural flight in June 2009. The airline commenced services from its base in Dubai to Khartoum, the capital of Sudan on Sunday, 8 November 2009. Onboard the inaugural flight was Flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith al Ghaith, who was welcomed by a Sudanese delegation on arrival.

 

From now until 16 December 2009, flight FZ 631 departs Dubai daily at 1845 hrs, arriving in Khartoum at 2150 hrs. The return flight, FZ 632, will depart Khartoum International Airport at 2235 hrs and land back at Dubai International Airport at 0340 hrs the next morning.

 

The outbound flight will be retimed to take off at 2045 hrs from Dubai for a 2350 hrs arrival into Sudan from 17 December 2009, with the return leg departing Khartoum at 0035 hrs and arriving back in Dubai at 0540 hrs. All flights will be operated with Flydubai’s 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

 

Khartoum is Flydubai’s third destination in Africa, after Alexandria and Djibouti. The airline is on an aggressive expansion and is set to launch flights to Baku, Azerbaijan later this month.

 

For more information, visit www.flydubai.com.

United Adds New Destinations For 2010

United Airlines has announced it will begin flights from the USA to new destinations in Africa, Europe and the Middle East in 2010. The Chicago-based airline will inaugurate a daily, same-plane service to Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria, as well as flights to Brussels and Bahrain.

 

Washington DC – Accra – Lagos

From 2 May 2010, United will fly non-stop from Washington DC to Accra, connecting the capital cities of the USA and Ghana. The service is United’s first-ever non-stop flight to Africa and continues to Lagos, Nigeria.

 

Flight UA 990 departs Washington Dulles International Airport at 2210 hrs, arriving in Accra at 1240 hrs the next day, before continuing to Lagos at 1420 hrs where it lands at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 1625 hrs. The return flight, UA 991, takes off from Lagos at 2115 hrs for Accra, where it arrives at Kotoka International Airport at 2120 hrs, before departing at 2300 hrs back to Washington DC, where it arrives at 0625 hrs the next morning.

 

United will operate on the route daily with a 4-class Boeing 767-300ER aircraft configured with 6 First, 26 Business, 71 Economy Plus and 80 Economy Class seats. 

 

Chicago – Brussels

United Airlines will also expand its operations at Brussels with a new flight connecting the Belgian capital to Chicago. The new service, which begins on 28 March 2010, adds a second US city to the airline’s flights from Brussels, in addition to its existing Washington DC-Brussels service.

 

Flight UA 972 departs Chicago O’Hare International Airport at 1800 hrs and arrives in Brussels Airport at 0920 hrs the next morning. The aircraft returns to Chicago as flight UA 973 at 1100 hrs, landing back at O’Hare International Airport at 1315 hrs.

 

Flight timings have been scheduled to allow for connections at O’Hare International Airport to cities in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Across the atlantic, the new route allows passengers to enjoy convenient connections to onward destinations on Brussels Airlines, which joins the Star Alliance next month. United will fly a 4-class Boeing 767 aircraft on the route daily.

 

Washington DC – Kuwait – Bahrain

Beginning 18 April 2010, United will extend its existing Washington DC-Kuwait service to Bahrain. United Airlines will become the first and only US carrier to serve Bahrain and the flight will be the only same-plane service between Bahrain and the North America.

 

Flight UA 982 departs Washington Dulles International Airport at 1812 hrs, arriving in Kuwait at 1335 hrs the next day, before taking off again at 1450 hrs for Bahrain, where it arrives at 1555 hrs. The return flight, UA 981, takes off from Bahrain International Airport at 2125 hrs, landing in Kuwait at 2230 hrs. The flight continues to Washington DC at 2345 hrs for a 0647 hrs arrival the next morning.

 

Operated by a Boeing 777-200 fitted with 348 seats in a 3-class configuration, passengers can look forward to a product enhancement as the airline outfits its aircraft with the new United First and Business Class cabin product in 2010 and 2011.

 

For more information, visit www.united.com.

Air France Takes Delivery Of First A380

French carrier Air France has taken delivery of its first Airbus A380, becoming the first European airline to operate the double-decker jet. The aircraft, registered F-HPJA, landed at Charles de Gaulle International Airport at 1627 hrs following its delivery flight from Hamburg.

 

Configured in a 3-class layout, Air France promises greater space and comfort for the 538 passengers onboard. In the La Première cabin located at the front of the main deck, passengers are guaranteed high levels of privacy and exclusivity with only 9 seats available. The seats have also been improved with seat covers made from “Climatex” fabric and a new innovative handset. La Première passengers will also have their own private changing cabin with a dressing table opposite 2 built-in shelves containing beauty products from Clarins and a wardrobe where they can place their belongings. An exclusive bar with magazines and a buffet selection will also be available for passengers to mingle and relax.

 

Located on the upper deck, the Affaires business class cabin accomodates 80 passengers in a 2-2-2 configuration. With the larger cabin of the A380, Air France has fitted an improved version of its Affaires seat onboard. The 2-meter long seat has a more comfortable seat recline for takeoff and landing, with an in-seat power supply and 15-inch personal screen, the largest in business class across the Air France fleet. In a world first, Air France has dedicated the area in the front of the upper deck as a gallery for its premium passengers. The open-plan space incorporates 38-centimeter screens showcasing artwork from major museums and artistic institutions worldwide, with the famous Louvre museum offering the theme of “Titan, Tintoretto, Veronese…Rivals in Renaissance Venice” in November 2009.

 

449 Voyageur economy class seats are located on the main and upper decks. Fitted in a 3-4-3 configuration, passengers will enjoy greater space with the enhanced seats featuring armrests that are 30% wider and better legroom. A large 8.4-inch personal screen delivers inflight entertainment, while passengers can charge their laptops at sockets located around the cabin. Air France has also fitted 3 self-service bars (2 on main deck and 1 on upper deck), which are stocked with refreshments throughout flights.

 

The Air France A380’s inaugural flight from Paris to New York will take place on 20 November 2009, with the airline donating the proceeds from an auction of its seats to charity. The aircraft will then enter scheduled service on the route daily from 23 November 2009, with Johannesburg being introduced in early 2010. Air France is the 4th airline to operate the A380, after Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qantas.

 

For more information, visit www.airfrance.com.

Doubletree Opens Largest Property In Orlando

Hilton Worldwide’s Doubletree Hotels has opened its largest hotel in Orlando, Florida. Formerly the International Plaza Resort and Spa, the 1,094-room Doubletree Resort Orlando-International Drive has undergone a USD35 million transformation. The resort now features a Balinese-inspired theme with contemporary dark wood furnishings and Indonesian design accents again the tropical landscape. Located in the heart of the city’s tourism corridor, the property is easily accessible from Orlando International Airport, while the Orange County Convention Center and Seaworld, as well as shopping and dining facilities, are within walking distance of the hotel.

 

A variety of accomodation options, ranging from Resort Guestrooms, Tower Accomodations and Suites are available to guests. Each guestroom is furnished with the signature Sweet Dreams by Doubletree bed, bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and products by Neutrogena, 32-inch LCD television with clock radio featuring iPod connectivity, high-speed internet access, 2 telephones with voicemail capability, workdesk with power and connector ports, in-room safe, microwave, minibar and coffee-/tea-making facilities. In addition to standard amenities, the Suites include a comfortable, oversized living room, separate dining room with table and a kitchenette.

 

The Doubletree Resort Orlando-International Drive presents 3 unique dining options for guests. Max’s Deli offers casual dining, with breakfast pastries and Starbucks coffee on the menu, while the Bamboo Grille is a full-service, 270-seat all-day dining restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine with an Asian fusion twist. For drinks, guests can head to the Red Parrot Pool Bar and Tropical Isle located by the resort’s swimming pool, where they can enjoy signature drinks and frozen specialties.

 

Catering to both business and leisure travellers, the resort offers  conventions and recreational facilities within its 28 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Over 5,574 square meters of indoor and outdoor event space, ranging from large ballrooms at the Oceans Convention Center to the elegant and intimate outdoor spaces at the Tower Terrace. Each facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, business services and amenities. Guests on vacation will enjoy facilities such as the 3 swimming pools, mini-golf course, full-service day spa and fitness center, or the quiet solace of a palm-shaded hammock or a Polynesian hut. A high-tech children’s lounge with computers and Nintendo Wii game consoles will entertain younger guests, while shuttle services to Orlando’s renowned attractions (Walt Disney World, Seaworld and Universal Studios) complement Doubletree Resort Orlando-International Drive’s facilities.

 

Doubletree boasts a portfolio of distinctively designed hotels and resorts in more than 200 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, including Beijing, Boston, Chicago, Dar es Salaam, Lima, London, New York City, Qingdao, San Juan and Washington DC.

 

For more information, visit doubletree1.hilton.com.

Flydubai Announces Flights To Qatar

Low cost carrier Flydubai has announced it is to grow its network and begin flights to Doha, introducing the first low-cost service on the popular route. The Qatari capital is the airline’s first destination within the Gulf Cooperation Council and will be operated twice daily.

 

From 18 October 2009, flight FZ 001 will depart Dubai at 0730 hrs, arriving in Doha at 0730 hrs before returning as flight FZ 002 at 0830 hrs, landing back in Dubai at 1030 hrs. The evening service, FZ 007, takes off from Dubai International Airport at 2020 hrs and arrives in Doha International Airport at 2020 hrs. The return flight, FZ 008, departs Doha at 2120 hrs, arriving back in Dubai at 2320 hrs.

 

Both flights have been scheduled to target peak travel times on the route, which is one of the busiest in the Middle East. Flydubai will operate the services with its Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured with 180 seats.

 

Launched in June 2009, Flydubai currently flies to 6 destinations (Aleppo, Alexandria, Amman, Beirut, Damascus and Djibouti) within the Middle East and Africa.

 

For more information, visit www.flydubai.com.

New Openings From Emirates Hotels And Resorts, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

Travellers seeking both luxury and nature on their holidays now have an additional 2 new resorts to choose from. The much-anticipated Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa in Australia welcomes its first guests today, while South Africa’s The Oyster Box Hotel reopens after a 2-year renovation and refurbishment.

 

Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

Located between 2 of Australia’s most prominent national parks and bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, the Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa is the country’s first luxury conservation-based resort. Rich in historical significance, the area has been visited by Charles Darwin in 1836 and the property’s homestead (which has been fully restored) dates back 177 years to 1832.

 

Developed and managed by Dubai’s Emirates Hotels and Resorts, the 4,000-acre resort is operated on the principles of the group’s award-winning Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, featuring 40 individual suites that are fully integrated into the natural environment. Each of the 83-square meter Heritage Suites are furnished with a luxurious bed, an ensuite bathroom with twin vanity areas, separate bathtub and shower with Babor bathroom therapies, LCD televisions with DVD players, iPod docking station and high-speed internet access. Guests can also experience the surrounding area with the 2 mountain bicycles provided, or take in views of the wildlife using binoculars from the comfort of their private, temperature-controlled swimming pool and garden.

 

The resort also offers the 2-bedroom, 201-square meter Wollemi Suites. In addition to standard amenities, the 3 suites feature a large living room, separate lounge and dining areas, thoughtfully arranged to provide families with sufficient area as well as private spaces. The most luxurious and exclusive accomodation at the resort, the 410-square meter Wolgan Suite, is set away from the main resort in its own self-contained lodge with an expansive living and dining room as well as a gourmet kitchen for cooking and entertaining. Adding to the exclusivity, service is never far away with guests taken care of by a dedicated team residing in private staff quarters at the suite.

 

Showcasing the culinary skills of Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Manager Dwane Goodman combined with organic local produce, Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa’s selection of dining venues serve exceptional Australian fare and epicurean experiences. The Country Kitchen is a relaxed all-day dining restaurant located in the main Homestead building offering light meals and snacks, while the Wolgan Dining Room serves a lavish 5-course dinner every night. Guests seeking seclusion can utilize the resort’s private dining service at the Creekside Room, which can accomodate 12 guests, or enjoy a meal in the comfort of their suite. The Valley Bar and Terrace encourages guests to relax over more than 300 different wines and panoramic views of the valley.

 

Throughout their stay, guests are assigned a personal field guide who will share interesting information and anecdotes as well as advise on outdoor activities tailored to their interests and abilities. Up to 2 activities can be chosen daily, including explorations of the reserve by foot or on horseback, mountain biking and wildlife safaris by 4-wheel drive vehicles. Following their day outdoors, guests can retreat to the Timeless Spa, where 6 treatment rooms allow them to indulge in the treatments offered using spa products exclusive to Emirates Hotels and Resorts.

 

For more information, visit www.emirateshotelsresorts.com/wolgan-valley/en/.

 

The Oyster Box Hotel

Situated on the ocean’s edge , The Oyster Box Hotel is conveniently located for quick and easy access to Durban’s city centre and the international airport. The iconic landmark, a member of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, has been restored to offer guests a contemporary experience, whilst retaining its colonial charm and nostalgia of days gone by.

 

86 rooms, suites and villas accomodate the individual needs of each guest, making use of natural stone and timber complemented by calming colour tones. Each room features luxury bedding, spacious bathroom with L’Occitane bath amenities, flat screen satellite television with CD/DVD players, 2 direct-dial telephones with voicemail capability, complimentary high-speed internet access, in-room safe, minibar and coffee-/tea-making facilities. In addition to the standard room amenities, the 8 Garden Villas and 450-square meter Presidential Villa afford guests greater space and incorporate a plunge pool, terrace and private lounge.

 

The Oyster Box Hotel offers guests a mix of dining options based on the principles of using the freshest seasonal produce affording local flavours. The Grill Room and adjacent Colony Restaurant boasts freshly caught seafood and a wide collection of South African and international wines from its wine cellar. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the aptly-named Ocean Terrace serves Indian cuisine and an extensive a la carte menu throughout the day, while The Palm Court Restaurant, set in an airy open courtyard is ideal for afternoon tea or catching up over cocktails. The Oyster Bar features fresh oysters plucked from the hotel’s own oyster beds, accompanied by chilled champagne, while The Chukka Bar and The Lighthouse Bar allow guests to unwind and take in the old world charm and panoramas of the Umhlanga beach over their favorite drinks.

 

Set amidst lush vegetation and landscaped gardens, the hotel has an air of peace and traquility that extends to the Oyster Box Spa. 6 modern treatment rooms, 2 hydrotherapy baths, a grooming lounge, authentic hammam, plunge and infinity pools, as well as a private fitness club provide guests with personal care and pampering. The hotel also offers outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, diving, bird watching and horse riding, while guests preferring to stay indoors can catch a movie at the luxurious 24-seat movie theatre. Event and wedding planners have a versatile range of venues at their disposal. Each of the 4 banqueting rooms is individually decorated, while an intricate Victorian-style gazebo with a small amphitheatre is an idyllic setting for outdoor weddings and parties.

 

For more information, visit www.oysterboxhotel.com.

Taj Hotels, Resorts And Palaces Teams Up With Etihad Guest

The Indian Hotels Company has joined the award-winning Etihad Guest frequent flyer program of Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways as its latest hotel partner.

 

One of Asia’s largest hospitality groups, the group operates under the umbrella of Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces. Through the Taj, Taj Premium and Gateway Hotel collections, the group comprises more than 60 hotels in 45 locations across India and 15 international hotels in Africa, Australia, Bhutan, Malaysia, Middle East, UK and USA.

 

Etihad Guest members will now be able to earn miles when staying at the group’s hotels. 500 miles are awarded for each stay at any Taj property, including the flagship Taj Mahal Palace and Tower in Mumbai. Members will also earn 250 miles per stay at Taj Premium and Gateway Hotels.

 

The new partnership complements Etihad Airways’ continued expansion in India, where it currently operates flights to 6 destinations including Chennai, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram. The airline will begin flights to Hyderabad later this year from November 2009.

 

For more information, visit www.etihadairways.com or www.tajhotels.com.

Increased Baggage Allowances From Gulf Air

Gulf Air has announced it will increase checked baggage allowance across all travel classes. The 10 kilogram increase will give passengers one of the most generous allowances for checked luggage in the world and brings Gulf Air in line with its Middle Eastern rival Emirates, which has been offering the same allowances since May 2009.

 

From 1 October 2009, passengers will enjoy 30 kilograms, 40 kilograms and 50 kilograms of checked baggage allowance when travelling in Economy, Business and First Class. Gold members of Gulf Air’s frequent flyer program will be entitled to an additional 20 kilograms of allowance, while Silver members will be allowed 15 kilograms more free of charge.

 

The new allowances apply to flights operated by Gulf Air. On codeshare flights, passengers will be subjected to the checked bag policy of the airline operating the flight. Additionally, flights to the USA and Canada by the airline’s partner American Airlines will follow a piece concept.

 

Bahrain-based Gulf Air flies to over 45 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

 

For more information, visit www.gulfair.com.

Air Mauritius Returns To Sydney In 2010

Air Mauritius has announced it will resume flights from July 2010 to the Australian city of Sydney. The resumption of the once-a-week service, an extension of its Mauritius-Melbourne route, increases the airline’s Australian operations to 3 cities.

 

Mauritius-Melbourne-Sydney 

Beginning 5 July 2010, Flight MK 942 will depart Mauritius at 1945 hrs every Monday and arrives in Melbourne the next morning at 1140 hrs, before continuing to Sydney at 1255 hrs, where it lands at Kingsford Smith International Airport at 1420 hrs. The return flight, MK 943, takes off from Sydney at 0715 hrs on Wednesday mornings and lands in Melbourne at 0845 hrs. The aircraft continues on from Melbourne at 0955 hrs to Mauritius, arriving at 1525 hrs.

 

Mauritius-Perth

From 3 July 2010, Air Mauritius’ flight MK 940 will depart Mauritius on Saturdays at 2245 hrs, arriving in Perth at 0935 hrs the next morning. The return flight, MK 941, takes off from Perth at 0130 hrs on Monday mornings to arrive back in Mauritius at 0540 hrs.

 

Flights will be operated using Air Mauritius’ Airbus A340-300 aircraft and offer passengers connections in Mauritius to the airline’s other destinations in Europe, Kenya, Madagascar, Reunion Island, Rodrigues Island and South Africa. Port Louis-based Air Mauritius is the national airline of Mauritius and currently flies to 25 destinations around the world.

 

For more information, visit www.airmauritius.com.