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Jumeirah Lake Towers welcomes Voco Bonnington Dubai

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 18, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

January 18, 2021 –

A new addition to IHG’s portfolio, the scheme promises to combine the charm of an individual hotel with the reassurance of a global brand.

Jumeirah Lake Towers welcomes Voco Bonnington Dubai

A growing presence in Dubai

Voco Bonnington Dubai is now welcoming guests at the heart of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers development, just minutes from Dubai Marina and its beaches. It’s the result of a comprehensive rebrand of the former Bonnington Hotel Dubai.

Dennis McGettigan, CEO of Bonnington Hospitality JLT, said: “We are delighted to open the second Voco hotel in south Dubai. Voco is an upscale hotel brand that guarantees guests a stay that’s as individual as it is indulgent, making it the perfect fit for the growing number of travellers visiting the country under the government’s vision.

“Originating from Latin, the name ‘Voco’ means ‘to invite’ or ‘call together’ and that is exactly what our hotel offers guests – access to an abundance of work and meeting spaces at the same time as an array of onsite facilities and amenities for that much-needed me time.”

The Voco hotel experience

Aiming to deliver a modern, stylish and unstuffy hospitality experience, the hotel incorporates brand hallmarks like the signature Voco ‘come on in’ welcome with a quick and simple check-in and locally inspired welcome treat. Dedicated Voco hosts are also on hand throughout guests’ stays as resident experts.

The hotel boasts 208 guestrooms, which have been transformed to take on the signature Voco design concept, integrating details such as cosy bedding made from 100% recycled materials, organic products by Antipodes, smart TVs, executive desks, high-speed wifi and in-room refreshments.

This accommodation is joined by dining experiences such as The Cavendish and Irish pub McGettigan’s, and a leisure deck with swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam rooms, beauty salon and pool bar, along with striking views of the Dubai Marina skyline.

Moreover, Voco Bonnington Dubai caters for business travellers with a collection of meeting rooms for events, conferences and workshops. It’s also situated within easy reach of luxury shops, restaurants, bars and golf courses, the Dubai Expo 2020 site, and Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s international airports.

Source: Tophotel

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New Disney World hotel to open this year

New Disney World hotel to open in 2022

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 18, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

January 18, 2021 – An ambitious hospitality scheme at one of Florida’s most famous tourist attractions is nearing completion.

An Official Walt Disney World Hotel in the Sunshine State

which is currently under construction, has started accepting reservations from October 2022 onwards.

A milestone opening

As building work progresses at pace, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Disney Springs area has announced that it’s now accepting reservations from 27 October 2022 onwards. On opening, this property will become Drury Hotels’ first Official Walt Disney World Hotel and largest hotel to date.

Drawing on seven years in the hotel and hospitality industry, Tom Drury will serve as general manager, with John Branciforte as director of sales. On opening, the hotel will employ 150 full- and part-time staff members.

“We look forward to welcoming guests and providing them with a magical experience,” said Chuck Drury, CEO of Drury Hotels. “Our designation as an Official Walt Disney World Hotel means we have been entrusted to adhere to exceptional service standards. Given our track record of providing award-winning guest service, I know our team’s efforts will delight and impress our guests and visitors.”

The Walt Disney World experience

While the entire project – housing 604 rooms and more than 17,000 sq ft of event space – is expected to complete by spring 2023, only the first 264 rooms will be available in autumn 2022. Amenities being promised at this new hotel include a resort-style pool with splash pad and Lakeside Bar & Grill for poolside dining, a grab-and-go marketplace, a cosy dining venue, and 24-hour business and fitness centres.

The hotel, which can be booked as part of a Walt Disney World Resort package, will provide easy access to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks.

Source: Tophotel

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Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flying to three new destinations

Written by Traveltalksteam on January 18, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

January 18, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flying to three new destinations. To mark its first birthday, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has announced it will fly three new enticing destinations from February. On the new flight schedule is the Kazakhstani capital of Nur-Sultan, Armenian capital Yerevan and Krasnodar in Russia.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operates flights to around 30 destinations from its UAE capital base, including Alexandria, Moscow, Muscat and Athens. Last year the low-cost carrier launched flights to the idyllic Greek Islands of Santorini and Mykonos, proving popular with holidaymakers over the summer months.

Additionally, to celebrate its birthday, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is giving 50 customers the chance to win free return tickets via a social media competition. To be in with a chance of winning, travellers need to share an image of a recent Wizz Air Abu Dhabi trip on either Facebook or Instagram by Saturday 22 January. The winners will be selected after seven days. The carrier will also be offering a one-time 20 per cent promotion to encourage passengers to get travelling, whether it’s to a familiar destination or one or on one of its new flight paths.

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Virgin Atlantic Launches Thrilling New Destinations 2025

Virgin Atlantic reveals LATAM codeshare deal

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 18, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

January 18, 2022 -Virgin Atlantic reveals LATAM codeshare deal. Virgin Atlantic has signed a new codeshare agreement with LATAM Airlines, offering customers the opportunity to fly seamlessly to Brazil.

Virgin Atlantic reveals LATAM codeshare deal

Customers booking through Virgin Atlantic are now able to travel from Heathrow direct to São Paulo as well as connecting onwards onto 12 domestic airports in Brazil including Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Florianopolis.

Customers travelling from São Paulo to London Heathrow will also have the option to smoothly connect onto Virgin Atlantic’s rest of world destinations through Terminal 3 including Tel Aviv, Delhi and Hong Kong.

Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to launch this new codeshare partnership with LATAM Airlines.

“As we recover from the pandemic, partnerships are more important than ever, and we look forward to building on the incredibly successful interline relationship we have had in place for a number of years.  

“We also see opportunities beyond Brazil and look forward to expanding our relationship even further to serve destinations throughout South America including Peru and Colombia.

“This new partnership aims to respond to the large, fast-growing demand for leisure travellers looking to enjoy new experiences after a challenging 20 months.

“We know there is pent up demand for long-haul travel, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard on their way to exploring these exciting and vibrant Brazilian cities.”

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Viking Neptune floats out in Italy

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 18, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Cruise.

January 18 2022 -Viking Neptune floats out in Italy

Viking has announced its newest ocean ship – the 930-guest Viking Neptune – has been floated out, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water.

Viking Neptune

Set to debut in November, Viking Neptune will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean before embarking on the 2023-2024 Viking World Cruise.

The journey from Fort Lauderdale to London spans 138 days, 28 countries and 57 ports, with overnight stays in 11 cities.

“It is always a special day when a new ship meets water for the first time, and we look forward to welcoming guests on board the Viking Neptune this fall.

“Together with Fincantieri we have built the world’s most elegant vessels, which truly allow our guests to explore the world in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking.

“We are marking several milestones in 2022, including our 25th anniversary and the tenth year since starting our ocean project.

“With the arrival of the Viking Neptune and her identical sister ship, the Viking Mars, this year—along with the debut of our two new expedition ships and new river ships—we are proud to firmly establish Viking as the leading small ship travel company.”

The traditional float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction.

Following a two-day process that will set Viking Neptune afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

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Emerald House Lisbon opens to first guests

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 18, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

January 18, 2021 –Hilton has welcomed the opening of the Emerald House Lisbon, marking the debut of Curio Collection by Hilton in the Portuguese capital.

Emerald House Lisbon opens to first guests

The 67-room property is nestled among the historic palaces and charming churches, with rooms giving way to breath-taking views of the River Tagus and city itself.

The hotel is named after the street where it is situated, Rua das Janelas Verdes, which translates to “Street of Green Windows”.

Located in a restored building in a prime position, steeped in history and favoured by 18th century nobility, accents of the cultural heritage echo throughout the interiors, such as the ground floor, which was once a bakery, serves a variety of delicious breads and pastries.

Several items that belonged to the previous residents of the building, such as an antique bathtub, tiles and a sink have been kept and used as unique pieces of decoration in the hotel.

Art and antiques from the local area underpin a modern and elegant décor, creating a distinctive ambience perfect for those looking to discover authentic Lisbon.

Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, EMEA, Hilton, said: “Hilton continues to expand in key destinations across the region, with nearly 30 openings in Europe last year, including Hilton Porto Gaia and new Curio Collection properties in leading locations including Paris, London, Cambridge and Sardinia.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the Curio Collection by Hilton brand to Lisbon for the first time – one of Europe’s most historic cities which has become an increasingly popular leisure destination over the past few years.

“Following the opening of Boeira Garden Hotel Porto Gaia in Porto last year, the Emerald House Lisbon marks Portugal’s second Curio Collection property and our sixth property in Portugal.

“With another six properties in the pipeline, we remain committed to providing exceptional accommodation in the very best global destinations.”

Source: breakingtravelnews

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Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen (China) prepares for debut

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 17, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

January 17, 2021 –Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen, the latest property from the brand in the Greater Bay Area, is scheduled to open on January 20th.

Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen prepares for debut

The hotel is located on the upper floors of a striking new 79-storey building in the bustling Futian business district.

Each of the 178 luxurious rooms and suites – among the largest in the city – enjoy sweeping vistas of the cityscape, greenery of Lotus Hill Park, Bijia Mountain Park and Shenzhen Bay.

The Mandarin Club, located on the 78th floor, provides a private lounge experience for guests, with discreet service and dining in an intimate setting, while the spa offers an extensive range of wellness and beauty therapies, a fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool.

The eight stylish restaurants and bars include Cantonese fine-dining by Michelin-starred chef Fei and Spanish, European, Japanese and Pan-Asian restaurants, along with a sleek rooftop bar offering curated cocktails and rare malt whiskies.

Source: breakingtravelnews

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Scandic Hotels signs for new Sweden property

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 17, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

January 17, 2021 –Scandic Hotels has signed a long-term lease agreement with Skanska for a new 210-room hotel in downtown Sundsvall, Sweden.

Scandic Hotels signs for new Sweden property

The new hotel, which will be attractively located in the harbour area, will be built of wood, giving it a very high environmental standard.

The hotel is expected to open during 2024 and will be called Scandic Sundsvall Central.

The hotel will have 210 rooms and a cosy restaurant and bar area on the ground floor.

One floor up, guests will be able to enjoy spa and wellness facilities, gym and meeting rooms while taking in the spectacular view of the Bothnian Sea.

The building’s frame, facade and interior will be made of wood, meeting the requirements for the high-ranking environmental certification, LEED Gold.

With its choice of energy-efficient materials and solar panels on the roof, the new hotel will maintain a very high energy standard and be 100 per cent climate-neutral during its lifetime.

Sundsvall is an attractive hotel market that boasts a strong local business community and growing tourism industry.

Scandic already operates two hotels in Sundsvall with a total of 312 rooms.

“Our new hotel in Sundsvall will be a modern and attractive meeting place ideally located in an exciting area where we can see a growing demand for hotel accommodations.

“We’ve been developing the hotel together with Skanska for the past two years and naturally, it feels extremely positive to be further strengthening our hotel offering in the city,” said Peter Jangbratt, head of Scandic Hotels Sweden.

Source: breakingtravelnews

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Marriott to take W brand into Greece

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 17, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

January 17, 2021 –Marriott International has signed an agreement with Temes, a developer and operator in high-end tourism and real estate, to debut the W Hotels Worldwide brand in Greece with the opening of W Costa Navarino.

Marriott to take W brand into Greece

Expected to open in the summer, the property is anticipated to mark the latest addition to the expanding portfolio in Europe following locations in Spain, Switzerland and Portugal.

The new hotel will be located in Navarino Waterfront, the newest integrated resort of Costa Navarino – the prime sustainable destination in the Mediterranean.

The 13-hectare beachfront destination is located in Messinia, south-west Peloponnese.

Designed by renowned Greek architects, Tombazis and Associates Architects, W Costa Navarino is inspired by the region’s traditional residential areas and set to use local, natural materials such as stone, wood and reed.

The distinctive interiors will be led by London-based MKV Design.

The Escape is expected to feature 246 stylish rooms, suites, and villas, many with private pools staged in the Bay of Navarino with stunning Ionian Sea views.

‘‘We are thrilled to build on our fantastic relationship with Teme to open W Costa Navarino, strengthening Marriott International’s presence in this Mediterranean paradise,” said Candice D’Cruz, vice president, luxury brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

“Joining our portfolio of coveted W Escapes around the world, W Costa Navarino will add a distinct take on modern luxury to Navarino Waterfront.
We look forward to welcoming free-spirited travellers to this new luxury playground.”

Source: breakingtravelnews

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Icelandair adds three new European connections

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 14, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

January 14, 2022 -Icelandair has announced the addition of three exciting new destinations to its European network this summer: Rome(Italy), Alicante (Spain) and Nice (France).

Icelandair adds three new European connections

The new routes will allow key connections between Iceland and North Atlantic routes to the popular tourist destinations during the busiest travel time of the year.

Transit passengers will also be able to take advantage of a multi-day stopover in Iceland no additional airfare.

The World Heritage city of Rome, Italy, will be served twice a week between Reykjavik (KEF) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) on Wednesdays and Sundays between July 6th and September 4th.

The new Nice flight will give access to the lively south of France region, operating between Reykjavik (KEF) and Nice Airport (NCE) from July 6th to August 27th, on
Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the period.

Alicante (ALC) will begin on February 10th, running through to autumn.

Frequencies will vary throughout the period, but flights will operate twice a week during the summer season from April 28th on Mondays and Thursday.

Bogi Nils Bogason, president of Icelandair, said: “As we enter the New Year, we are seeing the signs of recovery for the travel industry.

“We are excited to be able to add these three new destinations to our already extensive route network, further facilitating growth in both the inbound and outbound markets.

“With the additions of Rome, Nice and Alicante for the summer, Icelandair is committed offering our European and North Atlantic customers more choice and convenient connectivity.”

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EasyJet welcomes UK skiers back to European slopes

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 14, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

January 12, 2022 – Skiers are racing to the slopes as France announced it will welcome back UK tourists.

EasyJet welcomes UK skiers back to European slopes

In the hours following the announcement, the airline saw a 600 per cent lift in UK bookings to popular French ski destinations for the remainder of the winter season.

Last-minute bookings to Switzerland also saw a peak immediately after the news broke with a 386 per cent increase in flight bookings, suggesting consumer confidence in international travel continues to build.

As snow continues to cover peaks across Europe, winter sports lovers now have even more opportunity to hit the slopes.

Recent research carried out by the airline showed that around two-thirds of Brits are planning to prioritise a trip abroad in 2022, so it is no surprise that more people are now making the most of the winter season – up to the end of March – and booking a ski getaway to look forward to.

easyJet is offering more seats to major ski destinations in Europe from the UK this winter than any other carrier.

Thousands of easyJet flights to France and Switzerland as well as other destinations serving the best ski resorts are still available to book for this winter, including over February half-term, giving customers more choice to book a new year getaway or a family break.

Ali Gayward, easyJet UK country manager, commented: “With France welcoming British tourists once again, skiing is well and truly back on.

This is welcome news for UK consumers, particularly for those looking to book a last-minute family break or planning to head to the slopes, with low fares still available across thousands of flights to France this winter, including over half-term.

“We know that there is pent up demand with many desperate to get away this year, which we continue to see each time restrictions are removed.

“With flying already scheduled to increase in the coming weeks we will continue to review our schedule to meet demand and we look forward to taking our customers away on a long-awaited break this winter.”

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“Colours by Europe, Tastes of excellence.”

Written by Gill Dewar on January 14, 2022. Posted in Whats cooking, Activity, Destination news, Restaurant.

What’s cooking?

“Colours by Europe. tastes of excellence.”

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Colours by Europe. Tastes of Excellence campaign, which presents and promotes European Union (EU) agricultural food and beverages products, launched its first in a series of retail activations in Thailand on 15th October, 2021.

The EU is well known for their safe and quality food. The upcoming retail events and promotions will highlight tasty, quality, safe, authentic, and sustainable EU food and beverage products ranging from meat and dairy products, fruits and vegetables to pasta, cereals, oils, sweets, wines, beer, spirits, and more at Central Food Hall.

You can buy and enjoy them with peace of mind because stringent production standards and quality controls are guaranteed for the products through the whole production chain, from farm to fork and at the same time to ensure environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Discover the 300 EU food products on promotion starting this October at Central Food Hall! with exclusive promotions on the featured products. Consumer will receive a limited-edition cotton shopping bag with a minimum spending of 500 Baht and above on the featured EU products on promotion. Consumers can also participate to our lucky draw and stand a chance to win EU food prizes.

You can also visit the campaign’s online sales channel to access all the featured delicious and high-quality EU food products in our exclusive promotions during the campaign period at LINK, Grab application, and Personal Shopper service on LINE @TopsThailand. The series of 4 retail activations will be promoted via in-store displays and promotions, social media, PR and KOLs. Explore the tastes of excellence by visiting our physical booth, or spot our food truck, or visit our online sales channel from now till January 2022.

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New Urban Hotel opens organic farm with Michelin-Starred Chef

Written by Gill Dewar on January 14, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel, Restaurant, Travel Advice.

January 14 2022 – New Urban Hotel opens organic farm with Michelin-Starred Chef

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Meliá Chiang Mai, a 260-key hotel to soon debut in Thailand’s mountainous north, has embraced the ‘farm to table’ social movement by establishing a farm to harvest produce for its restaurants, bars and spa.

The hotel, due to open on April 8 on Charoen Prathet Road in the heart of Chiang Mai, has partnered with ORI9IN The Gourmet Farm, a 198-acre gourmet organic farm located in nearby San Sai District overseen by two-star Michelin Chef turned sustainable farmer James Noble and his wife May.

Noble, a Briton who has run Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, will work with local farmers to grow an array of fruits, vegetables and herbs for the hotel on its own two-acre farm on the broader ORI9IN property.

In addition to local seasonal produce such as young morning glory, red basil, lemongrass and passion fruit, the farm will also grow various kinds of tomatoes, salad leaves, and specialized ingredients such as padrón pepper that would otherwise need to be imported from Spain for the hotel’s authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

The partnership is a central plank of Meliá Chiang Mai’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program, under which the hotel aims to work closely with local farmers to help them improve sustainability and encourage ethical production to make communities and the overall food system more resilient.

The 360° Cuisine program not only gives guests peace of mind about where their food comes from but encourages them to visit the hotel’s farm to meet local farmers and learn more about sustainable farming and healthier eating.

Championing local procurement and sustainably sourced food, ORI9IN is the only farming operation globally that partners with a network of restaurants and hotels to focus on import substitution and reducing its carbon footprint without sacrificing flavour.

The hotel’s menus will highlight appetizers, main courses and desserts that feature ingredients from the farm. Example dishes include ‘Salmorejo con Tomate Triturado’ (fresh chilled tomato soup), ‘Fattoush Salad’ and ‘Fruta de Temporada’ (seasonal fruit platter). Ingredients from the farm will also be in various beverages at the hotel’s bars and Meliá’s signature YHI Spa.

“In addition to pursuing ‘farm to plate’ by sourcing organic produce that travels only a short distance to our hotel, our partnership with ORI9IN also comprises ‘plate to farm’ where we separate our food waste and bring it back to the farm as compost, thus minimizing waste as part of a truly 360° concept,” said Meliá Chiang Mai’s general manager Edward E. Snoeks.

The hotel will offer guests day trips to the farm that include a picnic lunch and a chance to learn more “about the journey their food and these products have made, as well as who has been a part of that journey”, said Noble.

“People often don’t know where food comes from, so we show them, albeit underscored by our passion for locally grown, sustainable ingredients,” he said. “This is also tourism that leaves no footprint on the land; we’re trying to show people that you can have a day out without harming what you came to see in the first place.”

Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish origins and celebrating Spain’s famed gastronomy, Meliá Chiang Mai’s dining landscape will feature restaurants Mai Restaurant and Bar and Laan Na Kitchen, bars Mai The Sky Bar and Tien Pool Bar, and lounges Ruen Kaew and The Level Lounge.

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Dubai’s Hottest Luxury Hotel In 2022

Written by Gill Dewar on January 14, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Hotel, Travel Advice.

January 14 2022 – Dubai’s Hottest Luxury Hotel In 2022.

Dubai’s skyline gets even more star-studded as Dorchester Collection brings its sophistication to the Emirates with the latest luxury hotel, The Lana.

Standing out amidst a dense grove of glossy skyscrapers of Dubai will be Dorchester Collections’s ‘The Lana’, a new luxury hotel that will overlook the Business Bay Area and set to be the epitome of ultra-luxury in Downtown Dubai. The Lana will open its doors to travellers during the tail end of 2022, just in time for the New Year celebrations.

The word “Lana” in Arabic translates to “for us” and in Hawaiian to “floating gently in calm water”, therefore evoking the sense of serenity and generosity. It also stands as a metaphor for the collaboration between the Dorchester Collections and OMNIYAT, the real estate development group behind this project.

The architects Foster + Partners have envisioned this building keeping in mind the ever-changing and constantly rebuilding Dubai skyline. The hotel will be a landmark destination, with a contemporary building outline that will complement the calm waters of the Dubai Creek and create an ambience that invokes a sense of fluidity and calm.

Situated at a prime location, right in the middle of the Burj Khalifa district with the Dubai International Airport a mere 20 minutes away, the hotel provides stunning views of the deserts and the majestic Burj Khalifa.

The hotel has 225 unique guest rooms, out of which 69 are suites. These rooms are spacious and flooded with lights, courtesy of the floor to ceiling windows and cool interiors. Much like the architecture, the interiors are also modern, with a subtle blend of the traditional.

The interiors are done by the Parisian duo, Gilles & Boissier, including intricate details like stone parquet flooring, triple-height ceilings, and screen dividers that create an ambience that is at once welcoming discreet. Dark marble, rounded furniture, and soft hues of gold, beige, and olive are seen throughout the living spaces. A significant attribute of these larger than life rooms are the deep-soaking bathtubs, some of which will be positioned in the windows, affording occupants superb city views while they relax.

The 21 signature suites at The Lana are a lavish affair, as can be expected from Dorchester. The 333 m2 Presidential Suite is regal and residential, with a great view of the expansive property’s greenery. With abundant features such as two sitting rooms for entertaining, a garden room, dining room, and expansive private terrace that runs the length of the elevation, guests will feel right at home and bask in the comfort that is very carefully crafted in the details. The Royal Suite has a noteworthy 357 m2 of indoor and outdoor living space and two bedrooms wrapping around the north corner of the building.

Dorchester Collection’s ‘The Lana’ Highlight – Rooftop Pool & Cabanas, After Hours Lounge Partie

The hotel will be an exemplary culinary destination in Dubai, with a modern Mediterranean restaurant on the fourth floor that offers indoors and outdoors dining and private dining space. The floor will also be host to an Italian café, with indoor and outdoor seating. The Lana’s signature restaurant and lounge, along with a traditional patisserie, can be found on the hotel’s 18th floor, and guests can expect an experiential dining experience unlike anything else in Dubai.

The 29th floor will host the hotel’s spa, a wellness centre, and an up-to-date gym. In addition, the hotel’s rooftop pool on the 30th floor will be available only during the day to hotel guests and features a cabana service. It promptly transforms itself into a lounge at night and becomes host to some of Dubai’s hottest rooftop parties.

With the Dorchester motto of “Anything but Ordinary” for the service it provides and with an extraordinary legacy of celebrating only the excellent and the exceptional, The Lana Hotel is another feather in the cap of the Dorchester Collections.

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British Airways adds new London City routes

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 13, 2022. Posted in Airline, Destination news.

January 13, 2022 -British Airways will launch four new routes across Europe in time for the summer season.

British Airways adds new London City routes

Operating from London City Airport, customers can now book to fly to Barcelona, Luxembourg, Milan and Thessaloniki.

The routes will be added to the BA CityFlyer network and will be operated by Embraer E190 aircraft.

Luxembourg and Milan will take flight on March 27th, and both will operate every day of the week.

On June 18th, Thessaloniki will launch, operating once a week on Saturday and on June 19th, Barcelona will operate six times a week – every day apart from Saturday.

Routes to Jersey and Guernsey are also returning following the launch in 2021.

Flights will operate on Monday and Friday from June 20th to September 2nd.

Tom Stoddart, managing director of BA CityFlyer, which will operate the new services, said: “As customers start to plan their next summer getaway, we wanted to offer new routes to some of the most popular European destinations.

“Conveniently accessible from London City airport, they are a great addition to our extensive network.”

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Arabian Travel Market (ATM) delayed by a day

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 13, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, MICE.

January 13 2022 – Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has been bumped back a day to accommodate the new Monday-to-Friday working week in the United Arab Emirates.

Arabian Travel Market delayed by a day

The event will now take place from Monday, May 9th until Thursday, May 12th.

The four-day show had previously been expected to start on Sunday, May 8th.

With the event returning to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the revised dates are expected to complement international markets, the majority of which also follow the Monday-to-Friday working week.

The changes to the UAE calendar came into effect on January 1st.

ATM will play an integral role in the Arabian Travel Week (May 9-19), a festival of events dedicated to enabling travel professionals from all over the world to collaborate and shape the recovery of the Middle East travel industry through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

The destination claims to remain one of the most Covid-19-secure countries on the planet, with consistently low case rates and robust measures to ensure tourists’ safety at every stage of their visit, from arrival to departure.

Like its neighbouring emirates, Dubai is committed to maintaining the highest hygiene and safety standards.

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France to reopen to British travellers tomorrow

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 13, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Travel Advice.

January 13 2022 – Officials in France have confirmed the country will relax restrictions on those travelling from the UK from Friday.

France to reopen to British travellers tomorrow

Travellers vaccinated against Covid-19 will no longer need a compelling reason to enter France or self-isolate when they arrive.

However a negative Covid-19 test, taken 24 hours before leaving the UK, will be required, vaccinated or not.

France brought in the restrictions on December 18th in an attempt to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.

However, the country is still battling a surge in Covid-19 infections.

On Thursday, there were a record 368, 817 new cases and 341 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Non-vaccinated travellers will still need a compelling reason to enter France, and must still isolate for ten days upon arrival.

The decision comes as IATA questions whether border closures have any impact on slowing the spread of Covid-19.

Following confirmation of the decision, Julia Simpson, WTTC chief executive, said: “We welcome the reopening of French borders to UK travellers.

“Once a variant is endemic closing borders is pointless and only damages livelihoods especially in travel and tourism one of the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic.

“France is one of the biggest markets for UK tourists who, according to our 2021 Economic Impact Report, account for 14 per cent of overseas visitors.”

WTTC figures show total international visitor spend in France was worth more than €60 billion, pre-pandemic.

At the same time, data analysts Cirium released figures showing there are 2,179 flights scheduled between France and the UK in January this year, offering to 367,164 seats.

The figure is up 144 per cent on last year, but still down by two thirds on the figures seen in January 2019.

The busiest route in terms of flights is between London Heathrow and Charles De Galle in Parris, with 424 trips planned this month.

Eurostar also welcomed the reopening of the border.

A statement said: “We welcome the safe reduction of travel restrictions which will allow our customers to travel more freely between the UK and France.

“We are ready to welcome more passengers on board and will continue to increase the frequency of our services in the coming weeks to offer passengers more flexibility and choice.”

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Norwegian Cruise Line reveals Norwegian Viva

Written by Leandro Agostini on January 13, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Cruise, Travel Advice.

January 13 2022 -Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled plans for Norwegian Viva, the next ship in the Prima Class.

Norwegian Cruise Line reveals Norwegian Viva

Providing guests with “elevated experiences” including more wide-open spaces, thoughtful design and service, the ship will begin sailing Mediterranean itineraries in June next year.

She will be homeporting in southern European port cities including Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece.

Norwegian Viva will then sail the southern Caribbean for her 2023-2024 winter season, offering warm-weather getaways from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Similarly to sister ship Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva will be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy.

She will debut at 965 feet long, 142,500 gross tons and accommodate 3,219 guests at double occupancy.

Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “Norwegian Viva sets the standard in the premium segment, illustrating our commitment to pushing boundaries in four main areas: wide open space, service that puts guests first, thoughtful design and experiences beyond expectation.

“We have taken everything our guests love to the next level with this brand-new class of ships designed with them in mind.”

Norwegian Viva will boast eye-catching hull art designed by Italian graffiti and sculpture artist Manuel Di Rita, commonly known as “Peeta,” who also illustrated the exceptional hull design on Norwegian Prima.

“Norwegian Viva, the second of six Prima Class vessels being built with us, reinforces the great collaboration between Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri,” said Luigi Matarazzo, general manager, merchant ships division, at Fincantieri.

“We were extremely satisfied that Norwegian Prima, the first of the new class, earned record-breaking bookings and we are excited to see how Norwegian Viva will live up to her sister ship.

“As we proved our resilience during these challenging times, this announcement represents another testament to Fincantieri´s global leadership role in the cruise sector.”

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New Thailand pass system

Written by Gill Dewar on January 13, 2022. Posted in Destination news, Travel Advice.

January 13 2022 – New Thailand pass system

The president of the Phuket Tourism Association Bhummikitti Ruktaengam said that the island is becoming popular with foreign tourists, receiving 4,000 applications each day through the Thailand Pass system. Ruktaengam said that most of those visitors are from Germany, Russia, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, the United States and France.

Ruktaengam praised the success of the island’s Covid-19 measures for motivating among foreign tourists.

70% – 80% of international arrivals who test positive are infected with the Omicron variant, according to Bhummikitti. However, 90% of cases only exhibit mild symptoms.

Bhummikitti said that the authorities are also coming up with other facilities if hotels do not have isolation rooms for infected guests. These could be hospitals or the newly-created Traveler Community Isolation wards. Phuket will open 3 new TCI facilities for housing infected tourists, if their hotels do not have isolation rooms.

126 out of 480 Phuket hotels have registered to offer hotel room isolation, allocating a number of rooms for self-isolating infected guests exhibiting mild symptoms. The island now has 650 such rooms.

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