For 29 April 2011 at Court Classique: Buy 1 Get 1 Free!

In honour of the British Royal Wedding, we'd like to celebrate a little too! Perhaps you would like to spoil someone near and dear to you with a bit of Royal Treatment?  On Friday 29 April 2011 you can enjoy a Full English Breakfast at Orange Restaurant, whilst watching all the Royal coverage ... and get ONE BREAKFAST FREE!  You could also enjoy a glass of bubbly ... and get ONE FREE! In fact, you can book one of our beautifully refurbished suites ... and GET ONE FREE!


Offer valid 29.04.2011 only, Standard T&C's apply, Subject to availability, Group Terms & Conditions on request.  

With the France Rail Pass Premium, experience the "service à la française"…

Rail Europe is delighted to introduce the France Rail Pass Premium, the ultimate way to discover France treasures, with style. Enjoy not only the comfort of travelling in 1st Class, but also the service and professionalism of a private concierge, included in the price of your pass. Save time and energy to focus only on the best, the France Rail Pass Premium has it all to guarantee you a seamless experience.


The France Rail Pass offers unlimited access to the 31000 Km of tracks of the French national rail network. By train, you can reach virtually every corner of France, from big cities to small villages, from the sea to the mountains, onboard some of the most comfortable trains in the world such as the TGV, the French High Speed train, as well as scenic and regional trains.
The France Rail Pass Premium is the upscale version of the France Rail Pass and, on the top of the traditional benefits of the France Rail Pass, offers access to a private concierge who can assist with all your wishes, even the most capricious! 


The concierge will guide you and help you with the organisation of your stay in France: recommendations and bookings in fancy restaurants, for a spa treatment, a luggage service, a personal shopper, a hot air balloon ride or anything you could possibly think of. This one-of-a-kind service is available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Portuguese. The concierge can be contacted by mail of by phone.


So treat yourself and transform a simply pleasurable stay into an exceptional experience with the France Rail Pass Premium. Prices start at 205€.
Rail Europe is the exclusive distributor of the France Rail Pass in the world. For more information about travel in France or to purchase a France Rail Pass /France Rail Pass Premium, please contact one of Rail Europe's travel agents. List to be found on www.raileurope.fr.


*Price of a France Rail Pass Premium Saver, 3 days within 1 month

A Stately Occasion at ExecuJet South Africa

ExecuJet South Africa co-hosted The Continental Wings event on 14th April which took place at ExecuJet’s Lanseria facility in Johannesburg in their elaborately staged hangar. More than 600 VIPs, celebrities and special guests were captivated by the lavish event, which included a fashion show, musical entertainment from an aerial trio, dancers on plinths and a sky dancer.

The ExecuJet hangar was accompanied by the elegance of business jets which set the glamorous tone of the evening. The star of the show was Bentley’s new Continental GT, which was grandly unveiled on the night. Mr. South Africa 2011 Adriaan Bergh and 4 other male models for the fashion show made a grand entrance in a Learjet, capturing the imagination of all present and getting the event underway. Guests enjoyed a lavish evening of fine wine and food and one lucky guest was awarded with the ultimate prize of the evening, a diamond from Olga Jewellers.


ExecuJet’s top management from the region attended the event including Ettore Poggi, Managing Director ExecuJet South Africa. “Continental Wings highlighted our aircraft alongside some of the world’s most sought after brands, providing our collective clientele with the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most refined products in a very sophisticated setting,” Stated Ettore. “Like the other event sponsors, our discerning customers expect nothing but the best. We are delighted to offer such a prestigious line-up under one roof.” 


ExecuJet South Africa, with over 50 aircraft under management, offers a wide variety of services ranging from Executive Charter, Aircraft Sales, Management and Maintenance to a SimplyFly Jet card program. The SimplyFly program provides members with a simple pricing model for chartering aircraft.

ExecuJet South Africa and Simang Group Join Forces with Empowerment Deal.

ExecuJet South Africa is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with the Simang Group in respect of a Black Economic Empowerment transaction. The transaction will see the Simang Group buy a 30% equity stake in the largest Business Aviation Company in Africa.


Investment company Simang Group was established in 2008 as the holding company for a host of companies in various sectors of the market, including IT, consumer electronics, job recruitment, logistics, property development, property rental, manufacturing and engineering, as well as mining and resources. Stephen Paddy, Chairman of Simang Group, will have an active role in ExecuJet South Africa as Sales & Marketing Director. Simang Group’s CEO, Andrew Masongwa, is appointed as non-Executive Director.


With a charter fleet of over 50 aircraft ranging from turbo props to intercontinental jets, ExecuJet South Africa is regarded as the African market leader in this industry. ExecuJet South Africa has world class facilities at Lanseria International and Cape Town International airports where it offers aircraft sales, maintenance, management, charter services and FBO facilities. ExecuJet South Africa is also the Authorised Maintenance Service and Warranty facility for some of the largest Aircraft Manufacturers in the world such as Bombardier, Gulfstream, Hawker and Dassault Falcon.
Ettore Poggi, Managing Director ExecuJet South Africa stated: “We regard transformation as fundamental to the long-term development and stability of the South African economy and its business in the entire African continent. The transaction with Simang Group attests that ExecuJet South Africa fully endorses these principles and, in addition, views this transaction as a necessary strategic response to increasing market requirements for empowerment credentials” he adds.
A previous empowerment transaction announced during September 2010 between ExecuJet South Africa and the Guma Group did not ensue with both entities having amicably parted.  

Air France expands services to West Africa

Present for the past 75 years on the African continent, Air France is expanding its offer of
services in West Africa With the launch of two new destinations; Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone and Monrovia, the capital of Liberia plus increased services to Conakry.


“After the launch of flights to Kigali by KLM in October 2010, these two new Air France routes
and the daily service to Guinea illustrate the confidence AIR FRANCE KLM has in the
development of the West African region. Our commitment to offer our customers even more
choice and destinations goes hand in hand with our desire to accompany the growth in
economic relations between the African continent and the rest of the world” explains Pierre
Descazeaux, SVP Africa & Middle East, Air France KLM.


For more details or to make a booking go to www.airfrance.fr

Starwood to Reach 60th Hotel Milestone in Canada

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced it will add two new hotels in Canada and open its 60th hotel in the market later this year. Starwood's future growth in Canada is being fueled by robust demand for its select service brands Aloft, Element and Four Points by Sheraton, which represent 70% of hotels in development across the country. Starwood also announced the debut of its eco-chic boutique Element brand in Canada with the opening of Element Vancouver Metrotown in 2014. 


"Our specialty select brands play to the next generation of travelers in diverse global markets. Canada is no exception," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Starwood's Specialty Select Brands. "Not only has Four Points proved to be a runaway hit in Canada, but Aloft is also picking up its pace of openings, and our green trailblazer Element will offer Canadians a fresh perspective on extended stay lodging." 


New Starwood hotels in Canada include the recently opened Sheraton Montreal Airport, Sheraton Red Deer Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton Gateway. 


"Of our new openings in Canada, two of the three hotels are conversions. The increase in conversion opportunities continues to fuel growth across North America. Owners and developers are motivated to join the powerful Starwood network in order to connect with savvy travelers who actively seek out our brands across the globe," said Paul Sacco, Senior Vice President, North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "A particularly attractive conversion play is Four Points by Sheraton, which has experienced a surge in growth following its highly successful, recent revitalization." 


Element, Starwood's Green Trailblazer, to Make Canadian Debut


Starwood recently signed a deal to open its first Element hotel in Canada - Element Vancouver Metrotown. The 169-room hotel scheduled to open in early 2014 will be part of a mixed-use development in the dynamic Metrotown district. Element, Starwood's newest brand, is green by design and inspiring by nature. Element's energizing, eco-chic environment offers bright public spaces, smart design, and modern touches. Every Element property is also a high-performance building where sustainable practices reduce waste and conserve resources. When it launched in 2008, Element made history by becoming the first major hotel brand to mandate that all its properties pursue the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high-performance buildings. 


Four Points by Sheraton Brand Powers Ahead in Canada


Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton Gateway opens later this year, on the heels of last year's opening of Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls Fallsview and Four Points Calgary Airport. Offering 154 rooms, it will be the second Four Points in Edmonton and will offer a prime location between both the airport and downtown. This opening will increase Four Points' total portfolio in Canada to 24 hotels - more than any other Starwood brand. Four Points opened its 150th hotel in 2010, solidifying its place as the third-largest brand with the second-biggest global pipeline in Starwood. At Four Points, guests travel the way they way they like with genuine service and modern style, giving travelers everything they need to be comfortable and productive on the road. 


Two New Aloft Hotels Poised to Open in Canada


Following its global debut in Canada with the opening of Aloft Montreal in 2008, Starwood's sizzling, style-at-a-steal Aloft brand is now set to open two more hotels in Canada - Aloft Vaughan Mills, just north of Toronto, and the recently signed Aloft Calgary University. Walking distance to the University of Calgary, the Aloft Calgary University will be just 15 minutes from the restaurants, nightclubs and numerous live music venues of downtown Calgary, and less than an hour from the Rocky Mountains. Offering urban-influenced, modern, open, and vibrant design at an affordable price point, Aloft has enjoyed the fastest ramp-up in hospitality-industry history. 


Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.


Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,025 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Méridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft(R), and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. 


For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com

Home away from home at The InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo International Airport

This year The InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo is celebrating a decade of hospitality and its iconic status as a world-class five-star hotel – the only one at OR Tambo International Airport.

A safe walk from the bustling terminal building, over the past ten years the sophisticated hotel has remained a tranquil oasis for guests seeking a little respite from the frenetic world of travel. The InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo has maintained its superior brand service standards with a recent refurbishment enhancing its sense of home: enveloping textures and subtle tones ensure guests always feel a sense of belonging whether they are staying overnight or for a few hours while in transit.

Guests undoubtedly value the hotel’s unbeatable location, which negates traffic congestion and lengthy travelling times, thereby affording a valuable opportunity to work, or sleep…or eat.

“Food forms an integral component of our brand promise,” says Pierre Delfau General Manager at The InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo. “Guests on the move require energy and the hotel’s superb culinary offering satisfies this need.”

With executive chef Jade Sullaphen, the hotel’s combination of luxury, location and fine fare is an irresistible recipe for a wonderful stay. Inspired by travel and international tastes and trends, Sullaphen constantly strives to create modern, interesting South African dishes while incorporating his Indian family heritage, and the extensive insight gleaned from his Italian

and German mentors. His dishes feature seasonal ingredients and he is ever mindful of freshness and sustainability. He creatively weaves modern, classic, local and international elements.

Sullaphen regards passion as his factor for success. The determination to achieve high standards is unmistakable in his kitchen - and throughout the hotel “There are no short cuts, particularly when catering for large functions. Preparation marks the distinction between good and sublime dishes.”

Because a large proportion of guests are foreign, the culinary experience reflects local tastes, incorporating homegrown ingredients.  Menus include local game, fish and meats prepared in a contemporary manner. But the kitchen encompasses the flexibility to meet individual needs from a formal business dinner to a quick meal. The extensive room service menu has been designed to provide comfort food, satisfying those about to embark on a long-haul flight. Quills Restaurant operates 24 hours a day, offering guests off menu items to suit their cravings.

As a leading global hotel brand InterContinental is accustomed to hosting celebrities, and Sullaphen has cooked for many high profile personalities both within the hotel and abroad, including President Zuma. With 21 years experience, he is adept at showcasing South African food favourites like pap and morogo, chicken wings with chakalaka, lamb bobotie, malva pudding, and Amarula custard. His techniques may be simple but his task is complex, one which he accomplishes with flair and taste, much like the rest of the team at the hotel.

Staff truly exhibit the essence of South African hospitality, while the ambience and carefully appointed artifacts reflect the culture and spirit of Africa, creating a peaceful environment in a contemporary setting. Peaceful, modern interiors encompass spacious soundproofed rooms, including black-out curtains for an improved sleep experience – not to mention king size beds adorned with fluffy duvets.

Bathrooms boast luxurious showers with massage showerheads. There is a state-of-the art gym, steam room and indoor swimming pool. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and a 24-hour business centre mean guests can communicate around the world across time zones. The hotel’s new fully-serviced, up market meeting spaces (the only such facilities in the airport complex), are always open, and can accommodate up to 100 delegates while a beautiful new Okavango private dining room caters extensively for groups and incentives business.

Ten years on…this is true testimony to The InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo’s longevity. It’s home for people away from home.

Intercontinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Hotel - awarded best airport hotel in Africa

The InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo is the proud recipient of this year Skytrax award in the Best Airport Hotel for Africa category. This award was handed out in Copenhagen on the 30th March 2011.

The World Airport Survey was established in 1999, and is held in high esteem for the clarity of process and rigorously applied rules of total independence. The results are based on unsolicited customer survey responses, there being no form of subscription or membership required for an airport to be included. Throughout the 8 month survey period, Skytrax maintain daily monitoring, assessment and validation of customer feedback, with full clarity of methodology and results made available to all airports.

The World Airport Awards enjoy very strong respect and credibility amongst the world's air travellers and airports around the globe in 2011, being based on the 11.38 million survey questionnaires completed by over 100 nationalities of airport customer, covering more than 240 airports worldwide. The World Airport Awards were expanded for 2011, with more than 50 awards to be announced. For the first time, this included Awards for the Best Regional Airports and an all-new category for the Best Airport Hotels around the world.

“We pay very close attention is to the travel trends of all passengers that participate in the Survey, and it was through their feedback in 2009/2010 that we saw a need to develop the survey topics specifically with the inclusion of the Best Regional Airports category. Alongside this, the introduction of the Best Airport Hotel section has been an astonishing success, and a factor behind the increase of more than 1.5 million extra survey participants.” says  Edward Plaisted, Skytrax

This is the 3rd award that the InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo Hotel has won for 2010/11.  We are also the recipient of the Worlds' Best luxury Airport Hotel award, voted by World Luxury Hotels Awards as well as Hotel of the Year by Southern Sun for the Deluxe Brand.

Qantas Advance Seat Selection

antas has extended Advance Seat Selection to offer all customers the choice to select a regular seat on Qantas international and domestic flights from time of booking at a charge of AUD20.

This comes into effect from 13 April 2011. Up until this date, Qantas will continue to waive the charge for Travel Agents making Advance Seat Selection requests via the GDS 

On Qantas international flights, Advance Seat Selection is complimentary in the First, Business and Premium Economy cabins and in Economy Class for Platinum, Gold or Silver Qantas Frequent Flyers, equivalent oneworld Frequent Flyers, and for all customers travelling in the same booking.   

 

Additional information on Advance Seat Selection can be found on the Qantas website atwww.qantas.com.au

Hotel Lamunu appoints Headlines to handle communications

Uber chic Hotel Lamunu, set in the heart of Braamfontein, has appointed Headlines to handle its public and media relations. The hotel it seeks to raise its visibility and establish itself as the hotel of choice in the heart of Jo’burg’s business and academia hub.

“We needed a PR agency with experience in the hospitality and travel industry and an indepth understanding of the media and Headlines is a perfect fit for our requirements,” says Margeaux Swartz, Marketing Manager for Hotel Lamunu. “I am so excited to have an agency with a hands on approach and big ideas to add flavour and match the energy of this vibrant South Point property.”

Founded 15 years ago, Headlines has a varied client list ranging from information technology, hospitality and retail, to media and marketing and consumer brands.

“Hotel Lamunu is relatively new and building this brand at a time when the communication space is awash with innovative and exciting communication tools is an interesting challenge for our team,” said Simone Lipshitz, Headlines Managing Director. “And with the new projects of rejuvenation in and around Braamfontein, it’s a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a new, creative and dynamic venture.”

Hotel Lamunu is situated north of the Johannesburg CBD in the heart of the Braamfontein Urban Rejuvenation Project, where arts and entertainment are alive. It is within walking distance of the Nelson Mandela Bridge and WITS as well as the Joburg Theatre.

Hotel Lamunu formally opened its doors for business in 2010 just in time to receive and host international guests for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

Urban Hip Hotels extends property portfolio at the Icon

Urban Hip Hotels, one of the leading apartment hotel operators in South Africa is pleased to announce their appointment with immediate effect, as the new management company of the VIP Living, apartment portfolio, at The Icon in Cape Town.

The Managing Director of Urban Hip Hotels, Mr. Kobus Botha said “We are delighted to have this portfolio in addition to our existing business at Icon and look forward to announce exciting new innovations and additions at the Icon in due course.”

For more information or trade enquiries please contact Elbie Taljaard, tel: 011 615 6529 or e-mail:  elbiet@urbanhiphotels.com. 

For any reservations enquiries please contact Kathy Rodriques at kathyr@urbanhiphotels.com.