Places, places to look at

Places, places to look at  www.oliveandlatteabs.com New (Affordable Luxe) www.dashinglyverygoodlivingVGD.com globeshop http://oliveandlatte.com https://oliveandlatte.myshopify.com/ youtube https://www.youtube.com/vusharon Experience the Best of British at Blenheim Palace Blenheim Palace is the perfect destination to discover the very best of what Great Britain has to offer. A fairy-tale country house set in one of England's most beautiful and historic settings, Blenheim Palace may only be 90 minutes journey time from London but it's a whole world away. Quintessentially English with 2,000 acres of Parkland landscaped by 'Capability' Brown and 10 formal gardens, the baroque Palace is home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and houses over 300 years of priceless history and heritage. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it was designed by Vanburgh and is the only non-royal and non-religious stately home to hold the title of palace. The Palace and Estate were financed by Queen Anne in 1704, on behalf of a grateful nation, following the first Duke of Marlborough's triumph over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession. Blenheim Palace is also the birthplace Britain's most famous leader, Sir Winston Churchill, and it was his father who described the vista on entering the Estate from the town of Woodstock as the 'finest view in England'. Tour the Formal Gardens exploring the individual settings from the beautiful symmetry of Henry Wise's designs to the Water Terraces which are reminiscent of the Parterre d'Eau at Versailles. The fragrant Rose Garden is the staple of an English stately home, contained within a circular walk, arched over by slender hoops supporting climbing roses. The central statue is surrounded by beds of roses forming a delightful floral display. For details visit www.blenheimpalace.com Marriott International Bolsters its Asia Pacific Luxury Offering with 13 Properties Set to Open in 2019 Marriott International has announced strong growth of its Asia Pacific luxury portfolio with 13 new luxury properties projected to open in 2019, offering a wide range of transformative experiences designed to capture the modern luxury traveler. Marriott International's current portfolio of 130 luxury hotels across ten countries and territories in Asia Pacific is poised to grow in 2019 with new openings from JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and The Luxury Collection. Additionally, Marriott International's unified loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, will offer more guests unique experiences in coveted destinations across the region. “Asia Pacific's luxury travel industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world, driven by markets like China and India. On top of this, global luxury travelers today are seeking more than just the opportunity to indulge, they want experiences that deliver personal meaning and significance,” said Peggy Fang Roe, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “In response, Marriott International continues to grow its footprint and experiential offerings in Asia Pacific, providing highly contextualized and carefully curated experiences, allowing luxury travelers to explore their passions and grow on a personal level,” Fang Roe continued. From the Maldives to Hong Kong and Perth to Okinawa, Marriott International Invites Guests to Explore Asia Pacific's Most Enchanting Destinations. Langham Hospitality Group Opens the First Cordis Resort in China Cordis, Dongqian Lake, Ningbo opened 28 May 2019, claiming its mantle as the first Cordis resort by Langham Hospitality Group as well as the fifth property in the global Cordis portfolio. Inspired by its proximity to the serene Dongqian Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang province with over 1,200 years of history, this newest Cordis property provides panoramic views as it creates a luxurious, yet authentic resort experience. The 238 guest rooms and villas resort is designed by Allied Architects International whose inspiration was derived from local villages and the natural landscape to emphasize the resort's connection to the lakeside setting. The overall design of the resort reflects the traditional architecture of Zhejiang province and uses natural elements of wood, stone tiles and bamboo. Multi-tiered waterfalls, winding pathways, garden pavilions, and floral beds are keys to the design, with intricate steps taken to preserve an idyllic setting for the guests. The highlight of the resort is the 18 well-appointed villa complexes, all of which feature a landscaped courtyard, a two bedroom suite and four individual rooms; these may be booked in its entirety or individually, depending on the guests' needs. For the ultimate in luxury and comfort, the 1,000 sqm six-bedroom pool villa is ideal for large family gatherings or a corporate retreat. All villas are equipped with sun terraces to take in the ethereal views of Dongqian Lake and the surrounding mountains. Floor heating ensures guests are kept warm and cozy during the cooler months. A blissful night's sleep is ensured with the famous Cordis signature “Dream Bed” and a specially curated pillow menu in every room. Find out more at www.cordishotels.com/en/dongqian-lake Bundaberg's Kellys Beach Resort Takes Real Climate Action With Greenfleet A new initiative by one of the Bundaberg region's leading accommodation houses, Kellys Beach Resort, is continuing to prove how seriously they take their environmental responsibility. The eco-certified resort has partnered with Greenfleet, a leading environmental non­‐profit organisation and Australia's most trusted source of biodiverse carbon offsets, to take practical climate action. Kellys Beach Resort Business Director, Loni Hammond said “Guests who book their stay at Kellys Beach Resort directly have the opportunity to make a donation, which will will match, towards planting a tree in the Barolin Nature Reserve.”  “This Reserve has been planted to shield the local beaches of Bargara and Mon Repos from light pollution, as the beaches the nesting sights of one of the largest sea turtle populations on the Australian eastern seaboard, including the endangered Loggerhead turtle,” she said. The Barolin Nature Reserve, which was first planted in 2017, has approximately 85,000 native biodiverse trees, and is now the largest reforestation project in the region. Through their partnership with Greenfleet as well as their ongoing sustainable initiatives within the accommodation, Kellys Beach Resort are confident that their climate action will provide genuine and lasting environmental benefits. To book your perfect next holiday on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, go towww.kellysbeachresort.com.au. For more details on how you too can take real climate action, visit www.greenfleet.org.au.     Earn Up to $1,000pp Travel Credit to Upgrade Your Holiday With Eclipse Travel Earn Up to $1,000 Travel Credit to Upgrade Your Holiday With Eclipse Travel Shed the winter blues and plan your South American adventure with Eclipse Travel's Mid-year Sale. Spend $5,000 or more per person and earn up to $1,000pp travel credit to be used on accommodation upgrades, transfers, optional activities and excursions. Additional savings are available across a range of South American product including tailor-made packages, expedition cruises and much more. Spend $5,000 per person to earn travel credit of $250 per person Spend $10,000 per person to earn travel credit of $500 per person Spend $20,000 per person to earn travel credit of $1,000 per person In addition to bonus travel credit available, current offers include: Free international flights to South America with selected packages Free accommodation in Quito with 4 or 6 night Galapagos Islands cruises 10% off a range of tailor-made packages to Chile To take advantage of this free travel credit deal simply purchase a qualifying product by 30 June 2019. See eclipsetravel.com.au/sale or call 1300 575 752 for further details or to make an obligation free enquiry. Valid for travel to 31 December 2020. Accor Reaches 1100 Hotels in Asia Pacific With Opening of New Sofitel Beijing Central Accor has opened its 1100th hotel in Asia Pacific, with the launch of the new Sofitel Beijing Central, bringing the group's APAC network to more than 210,000 rooms. The announcement comes just six months after Accor celebrated its 1000th hotel and shows how rapidly the group is expanding in Asia, with the region now representing 50% of global growth. Accor is the largest and most geographically diverse hotel group in Asia Pacific and, with 38 brands within its portfolio, is heavily focused on further expansion in the luxury and lifestyle sectors. The opening of Sofitel Beijing Central brings the group's luxury and premium hotels in the region to 320. Sofitel Beijing Central is located in the heart of Beijing's civic and diplomatic area, just moments from Jianguomen subway station. Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the National Museum of China and the National Grand Theatre are all within easy reach of the hotel. Its design will see a marriage of modern French art de vivre and the capital's resplendent imperial history, rich culture and storied traditions. It features 345 spacious luxury rooms and suites, with Sofitel Club floors providing generous circular bathtubs and access to the brand new Club Millésime Lounge that will be launched towards the end of 2019. The property boasts three impressive dining outlets that epitomise Sofitel's authentic and lively food and beverage culture. Sofitel Beijing Central includes an all-day dining restaurant attached to an outdoor garden, which focuses on western and international cuisine with a French twist; a signature Chinese Restaurant; and a lobby lounge, which provides elegant afternoon tea and evening cocktails. The hotel has more than 1,500 square meters of event space including nine flexible meeting rooms for up to 400 delegates. Each space offers state-of-the-art technology for gatherings of any type. The hotel's recreational facilities include a day spa, fitness center and stunning indoor pool. https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-B628-sofitel-beijing-central-/index.shtml Star Alliance to Show a New Smile Star Alliance has announced the plans for THAI Smile Airways to become the next Connecting Partner in its global network.  The Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance, meeting on the sides of the 75th IATA Annual General Meeting in Seoul, approved the application of THAI Smile Airways to become a part the Alliance's Connecting Partner model.  The Connecting Partner model was established by Star Alliance in June 2016 to complement its membership model.  Customers travelling on an itinerary which includes a transfer between a Star Alliance member airline and a Connecting Partner will be offered standard Alliance benefits such as passenger and baggage through check-in. In addition, customers who have achieved Star Alliance Gold Status in their frequent flyer programme will enjoy premium customer benefits.  Once all entry requirements are fulfilled, which is expected by the end of the year, THAI Smile Airways will become the second Connecting Partner, joining Juneyao Airlines that entered in 2017.  Connecting Partners allow Star Alliance to close network gaps that may exist of a regional basis. THAI Smile Airways will add 11 new destinations to the Star Alliance network, which already comprises over 1,300 airports in 194 countries. The partnership with our first Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines, has exceeded our mutual expectations and we look forward to providing our customers with even more choice through the addition of the THAI Smile Airways offer”.  The Bangkok based airline has begun to implement the necessary technology and commercial links which will allow THAI Smile to begin serving Star Alliance connecting passengers in 2020. As of then, the airline will be offering the privileges to qualifying Star Alliance Gold Status passengers travelling on connecting itineraries, including Priority Check-in, Thai Smile Lounge Access, and Priority Baggage Delivery.  https://www.staralliance.com/en/ Zagame's House Appoints Multi-Award Winning Adam Taloni as New General Manager Melbourne's newest unique hotel on Lygon Street, Zagame's House, has appointed Adam Taloni (ex-Ovolo and Vanity Group) as its new General Manager. Multi-award winning Taloni, brings with him over twenty years of managerial experience within the Australian hotel sector for both boutique, and large sector businesses.   Before this new role, Taloni launched to market Sydney's prevalent Ovolo Wooloomooloo and Peppers Broadbeach on the Gold Coast as General Manager. Amongst a plethora of accolades achieved under his management, he secured places for these hotels as number two and number one respectively in Australia on Trip Advisor. During his tenure at Ovolo hotels, Taloni also won the “GM of the year” at the 2016 HM Awards, an impressive accolade within the hotel space.   Adding to this repertoire, Taloni worked as Group General Manager for Vanity Group, as well as Area Manager for the Mantra Group for over two years where he won the “Mantra Group GM of the Year” in 2009.   Taloni's aspirations for the Zagame Corporation are first and foremost to define the values of the Zagame's House brand, and ensure that these are being delivered day in and day out to its guests.   Taloni believes there is a huge area of growth within the boutique, design and localised experience focused hotels, which is central to the Zagame's House offering.   Zagame's House is the result of an 18-million-dollar transformation of the former Downtowner on Lygon Street owned by the Zagame family for 16 years. Offering 97 rooms, a wine shop and bar, and café, the new hotel will be the first of a series of boutique hotels that the family will be expanding into nationally.  https://www.zagameshouse.com.au/ Red Planet Hotels Introduces Its Environmental Sustainability Goals Red Planet Hotels today announced its long-term environmental sustainability goals. The green milestones to battle global ecological challenges focus on three strategic areas — separation of waste, phasing out single-use plastics, and responsible procurement — all reflecting the fast-growing hotel chain's commitment to sustainable business. Hotels committed to responsible tourism are responding rapidly to the devastating consequences of plastic pollution. Last year alone, 8.8 million tonnes of plastic were unloaded into our oceans. As a measure to cut down the rate of plastic waste eradicating marine ecosystems, the tourism industry is gradually banning single-use plastics in the form of straws, water bottles, and bathroom amenities. Some of the commitments to reduce the environmental footprint include minimising waste, switching to non-plastic alternatives, and improving building efficiency. In addition to the more than two and a half tonnes of plastic removed by improved laundry management, all Red Planet hotels in Thailand have replaced plastic water bottles with glass bottles, and two hotels have installed water fountains in the lobby. All hotels are equipped with energy-saving lights and control units, and the rooms are designed to maximise the amount of natural daylight. On top of its company-wide commitment, Red Planet Hotels cooperates with hotel guests, local suppliers, NGOs, and community organisations to collaboratively tackle pressing environmental issues. Together with local communities and organisations such as 4Ocean, the hotel chain is working to regularly remove rubbish from oceans and coastlines. Red Planet Hotels is a leading Asian budget hotel chain with a global portfolio of 30 hotels in Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. https://www.redplanethotels.com/

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