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  • News: Nottingham passenger wins free travel for a year with East Midlands Trains

    Lucky prize winner Samantha Bark has won free travel for a year with East Midlands Trains.

    Samantha, from Grantham in Lincolnshire, won first prize in a contest launched by the train operator giving its season ticket holders the chance to win back the price of their annual ticket.

    Around 1000 passengers entered the contest, which ran throughout December and January.  Along with Samantha Bark winning back the price of her annual season ticket between Grantham and Nottingham, five runners up were each awarded a family ticket for travel anywhere at the East Midlands Trains route.

    East Midlands Trains presented Samantha Bark with a unique cheque for the whole cost of her season ticket at Nottingham station.  She commented:  “It’s brilliant, I’ve never won anything before so I can’t believe I’ve actually won. The additional money might be an enormous help, thanks East Midlands Trains.

    “I find travelling by train between Grantham and Nottingham really convenient and it implies that I’m ready to relax and skim a book on my journey to and from work.”

    Neil Micklethwaite, Customer support & Commercial Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “We believe that is the 1st time a train company has given its season ticket holders the possibility to win back the price of their travel, so it’s been an exhilarating initiative for us and one which we are able to be seeking to continue.

    “We’ve already invested millions of pounds to enhance our trains and stations and this all helps to make sure we offer our season ticket holders with value for money. 

    “However, it’s always great to present something else back, so we were all really comfortable with the interest it generated and it was great in an effort to see Samantha’s excitement once we handed over a large cheque for £1,520!”

  • French Caribbean Guadeloupe Islands have never been so close

    Starting April 6, 2013, American Airlines will operate a weekly non-stop flight to Pointe-a-Pitre (PTP) from Miami, announces the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board.

    The late morning departure will enable passengers to profit from easy connections from across the US, arriving within the Guadeloupe Islands within the afternoon. American Airlines will fly a Boeing 737 aircraft, offering the relaxation of 16 business class and 134 economy class seats.

    This so French, undeniably Caribbean archipelago is the Caribbean’s best kept secret. It’s a destination that has all of it: rain forests, waterfalls, crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, charming villages, exquisite cuisine, and French culture.

    Like a gargantuan butterfly that has landed between Antigua and Dominica, Guadeloupe is primarily made from two main islands connected by a narrow channel. The left “wing” is named the Grande-Terre, and the proper “wing” is the Basse-Terre. Guadeloupe also includes smaller surrounding islands: Marie-Galante, La Desirade and Les Saintes . The very efficient inter-island connection network makes the Guadeloupe Archipelago a premier island-hopping destination, as the entire islands can be found within an insignificant 20-45 minute boat ride.

    Since greenery is a giant portion of Guadeloupeans’ national pride, ecotourism have been a key aspect to the event of the destination. Active Fauna and Flora protection programs were implemented for the past 30 years leading to a completely preserved environment today.

    French imports make dining at the Islands a real delight. The destination boasts over 200 restaurants, a few of that are located on porches of local homes, serving everything from Ti ‘Punch to local Creole creations equivalent to stuffed land crabs, stewed conch and curry dishes.

    The Guadeloupe Islands are ideal for any sort of adventure. From exploring the luxurious scenery to hiking up the summit of los angeles Soufriere volcano to canoeing at the hidden rivers within the National Park, Guadeloupe really has something for every person. Go kayaking down the Cousteau Reserve, or delve right into a culinary adventure by trying “Nouvelle Cuisine Creole,” an appropriate combination of French Savoir Faire and Caribbean flavors.

  • News: Discover more about Royal Greenwich during English Tourism Week

    After a year which showcased its riches to a world audience, the Royal Borough of Greenwich is encouraging visitors to ‘Discover More’ in 2013.

    And what better time to come back and explore the exciting activities than during English Tourism week from 16 – 24 March.

    From the splendour of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site in Greenwich Town Centre, to the lovely riverfront and noteworthy architecture of the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich; from the magnificent Eltham Palace to Greenwich Peninsula, certainly one of London’s most fun new destinations and residential to the world’s most successful entertainment venue, The O2 Arena. This list barely scratches the outside of a location which boasts the most impressive collections of attractions inside the UK – the majority of that are for free to go to. ‘Discover More’ also has a sequence of exclusive special offers for visitors available at the Royal Borough of Greenwich website (see notes to editors).

    Some of the highlights in the course of the week include:

    Enjoy free lunchtime recitals from the Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music until the tip of March in a single of London’s finest Jacobean mansions – Charlton House.

    Visitors and native residents can have the chance to explore the hidden gems of Eltham with the yearly ‘Be an area Tourist Day’, hung on Sunday 24 March 2013. From historical adventures at Eltham Palace to free guided tours, it’s to not be missed – whether you’re seeking to discover more in regards to the local area or simply attempting to find a fun trip.

    Gaze on the beautiful etchings and drawings using early 20th century watercolours, by Gertrude Ashworth and Daniel Warry, depicting Eltham in all its splendour at ‘This Eltham of Ours’ exhibition, Greenwich Heritage Centre open until mid-May.

    Explore the vital role of ladies serving within the British Army during World War II and in today’s Afghanistan at an exhilarating new exhibition at Firepower, until mid-April on the Royal Artillery Museum.

    Learn in regards to the creator of the fantastic interior of the Painted Hall, Sir James Thornhill, the primary English artist to receive a knighthood. Hear about his influences, his techniques and his rivals and just why it took 19 years to finish his masterpiece. Saturday 16 March on the Old Royal Naval College.

    Experience a spectacular journey around the Universe on the Peter Harrison Planetarium – London’s only planetarium, with new weekend shows through the day – now better and brighter than ever.

    2013 marks the bicentenary of the publication of Jane Austen’s celebrated Pride and Prejudice. To mark this occasion the National Maritime Museum are hosting a chain of lectures discussing Austen and her links with the Navy. Join them for a desirable in-depth take a look at Georgian Britain and its dependence on seafaring from March 7.

    Whilst on the Old Royal Naval College, be sure you take a look round the historic site which was used because the set for an immense range of movies, including the hot box office hit Les Misérables.

    Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Chris Roberts said:

    “Royal Greenwich is recognised as a good spot of culture, its rich mixture of arts and entertainment helping to draw millions of holiday makers from everywhere in the UK and worldwide once a year. From the once a year Royal Greenwich festival to breath-taking attractions just like the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, the Jacobean fantastic thing about Charlton House to the fantastic Eltham Palace, our museums in Woolwich and the breath-taking architecture of the Royal Artillery Barracks. With loads to do within the borough you’ll need greater than an afternoon to explore what’s on offer.”

  • News: Explore and discover the Far East in Kuoni’s new campaign

    Leading tour operator, Kuoni has launched a brand new ‘Explore Thailand, Vietnam and beyond’ campaign that explores the sights and sounds of Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia.  Kuoni has hand-picked a spread of holidays, which might be present in a booklet designed to steer and encourage travellers, with tempting offers for stay-put options, twin-centres and tours.

    Says Dagmar Marrocco, Commercial and Product Manager: “Kuoni recognise that buyers are not any longer satisfied with being one step faraway from a destination, they would like to get under the outside of it and experience where as an insider. They need authentic experiences and bigger levels of private service.  The Far East provides the ideal hub for this growing trend and Kuoni’s latest campaign pulls-out the superior bits.”

    Campaign highlights

    Making its debut with Kuoni is the new five-star resort, Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach in Thailand.  Opened in December 2012, it has a breath-taking location just steps clear of the Andaman Sea on Phuket’s northern peninsula.  Guests can enjoy indulgent spa treatments and holistic practices akin to yoga, tai chi and Muay Thai.  Or in the event that they wish to explore they’re able to hop on a longtail boat to Phang Nga Bay – often known as James Bond Island for some snorkelling. 

    With the growing approval for twin-centres, Kuoni has combined the bustling city of Bangkok with the old-world charm of Burma. It begins with two nights on the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers set on Chao Phraya riverbank, followed by the five-star Road to Mandalay cruise along the Irrawady River, which mixes impeccable Orient Express service with the great thing about Burma.  Guests will experience traditional Burmese village life, visit a native farm and meet local school children.

    To cater for the increased demand for wellbeing holidays, Asia’s first all-inclusive spa resort, the Fusion Maia Danang in Vietnam was included. Featured in Conde Nast Traveller’s Hot List for 2012, the resort is only half-hour from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hoi An and contours the biggest spa in central Vietnam.  at the least two spa treatments per day are included within the price.  Breakfast could be enjoyed at the beach, by the pool or anywhere that appeals at any time.  The postulate is to recharge the body and mind and revel in sheer indulgence at this idyllic resort. 

    Dedicated to these with a hunger to profit there’s a twin-centre to Singapore and Bali.  It starts on the Traders Hotel, which has award-wining Shangri-La service and is found inside the heart of the city’s action.  It provides a welcoming base after an afternoon of exploration with its rooftop pool, soothing spa and perfect cuisine.  Followed by the Melia Bali, set in beautiful tropical gardens with a lagoon-style pool and complimentary Indonesian cookery, dance and language lessons.

  • Oetker Collection appoints two senior vice presidents

    The Oetker Choice of masterpiece hotels has made two significant promotions to new roles in the senior leadership team, because it continues its strong expansion. The Oetker Collection has recently added Palais Namaskar in Marrakech and Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France to its portfolio, and should be opening L’Apogée Courchevel later this year, on 11.12.13.

    Philippe Perd, President and Managing Director of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and castle Saint-Martin, and who’s also project managing the launch of L’Apogée Courchevel, is to become Senior Vice chairman Operations and Project Development; while Didier Le Calvez, President and Managing Director of Le Bristol Paris, who’s also overseeing Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France, becomes Senior Vp Operations and Sales & Marketing.

    Since 2001, Philippe Perd has played a key role in the Oetker Collection, starting within the position of Managing Director of the Château Saint-Martin & Spa in Vence. In 2005, he took over the management of the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the tip of the Cap d’Antibes before being appointed, two years later, as President and Managing Director of the 2 masterpiece hotels within the French Riviera. In 2011, he drove some of the ambitious renovation projects to successful completion on the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. A graduate of Harvard Business School and Inchbald School of Design with a Certificate in Interior Design, his new role includes the conceptual development of latest hotel projects for the Oetker Collection starting with the hole of L’Apogée Courchevel on 11.12.13. Philippe Perd will supervise the operations of the hot masterpiece inside the French Alps and continue to supervise the running of castle Saint-Martin & Spa and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Philippe Perd can even get the support of Frédéric Picard, who will start in early April in his new role as General Manager for Château Saint-Martin & Spa and L’Apogée Courchevel.

    Didier Le Calvez joined the Oetker Collection in 2010 as President & Managing Director of Le Bristol Paris. Under his leadership, the Parisian palace implemented a variety of major new projects equivalent to the hole of the new Bar du Bristol, the Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie and Epicure, the three Michelin-star restaurant. From the recent York Plaza to the Four Seasons George V in Paris, via the Regent in Singapore and New York’s Pierre Hotel, throughout his 35 year long career, he has demonstrated his talents inside the exclusive world of luxury hotels, in addition to his like to make every hotel where he has worked a “one-of-a-kind” place. Didier Le Calvez will keep his responsibility at Le Bristol Paris and in his new role supervise Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France in addition to sales & marketing activities for the Oetker Collection.

    Frank Marrenbach, CEO of the Oetker Collection, commented: “These appointments express our trust and gratitude towards a team of exceptional and award-winning hoteliers. With this great team, i’m confident that our vision to create a set of 15 masterpiece hotels within the coming years should be achieved”.