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Singapore
Airlines
From April 2005, passengers whose travel plans involve flights on Singapore
Airlines and United Airlines will enjoy the convenience of only requiring
an electronic-ticket (e-ticket) for the entire journey. Singapore
Airlines will be gradually introducing similar programmes with its other
partner carriers. The airline along with its 15 Star Alliance partners
that includes Lufthansa, ANA and Thai Airways aim to offer a global
e-ticketing service to its passengers by the third quarter of 2005.
In addition, Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer members and United Airlines'
Mileage Plus members will be able to redeem their frequent flier miles
towards e-ticketed interline travel.
One
of Singapore's prominent culinary personalities, Sam Leong,
has joined Singapore Airlines' International Culinary Panel
(ICP) of world-renowned chefs. Leong is Director of Kitchens of the
Tung Lok Group of restaurants in Singapore, and the maestro behind the
modern Chinese cuisine served at renowned Singapore restaurants: Jade,
My Humble House and Space @ My Humble House; and Paddy Fields Thai Restaurant.
Prior to joining the Tung Lok Group, Leong was part of the team responsible
for the overall Chinese food operations of the Four Seasons Hotel in
Singapore. From the infusion of Western herbs and a multitude of Asian
spices in traditional Singapore Chinese dishes, to plating the dishes
with a very contemporary touch, Leong's creations are a reflection of
Singapore's diverse cultural milieu. Leong will join eight existing
chefs of international acclaim in the ICP in designing distinct signature
dishes for Singapore Airlines customers in all classes and on all routes.
Please
note: The US Transport Security Administration (TSA) has announced
that all lighters will be prohibited from sterile areas of airports
and on board aircraft. The prohibition involves passengers
arriving and departing from USA. Passengers are not allowed to carry
lighters on them, in carry-on (cabin) luggage or checked-in luggage.
This policy has been passed by Congress of USA and will be fully enforced
effective 14 April 2005.
For
passengers travelling to USA from Singapore, passengers are advised
to dispose of the lighter voluntarily upon detection of the lighter
by our Airport Staff or Police in Singapore. This applies to all kinds
of lighters including the plastic ones that are easily purchased at
any convenience stores. Please log on to www.TSA.gov
for more details on the TSA ban of lighters.
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Zurich Airport
SWISS International Airlines and Zurich Airport have completed a wide
range of innovations, redesigning their infrastructure and services
to create a seamless hub system focused on speed and efficiency. Flights
have now been assigned geographically to separate areas. The clear,
simple concept makes it easier to find your way around the airport.
The
airport is one of the most convenient in Europe, with shorter travel
distances, self service devices for quick and easy check in, enabling
seat selection, seat changes or checking in a travel companion.
Visit
the airport.
Central
America
At
Francis Ford Coppola's Central
American properties travelers can enter a sensually gratifying version
of the Third World; stage-managed by a master.
The feeling at Blancaneaux Lodge and at La Lancha, is that of being
at a private club for experienced travelers hip to the notion of exploring,
preserving and celebrating the indigenous culture without sacrificing
laundry service and a wine list.
With handmade textiles, furniture and folk art collected by Coppola
and his wife, Eleanor, guest quarters are free of telephones and, of
course, televisions or DVD players (though Internet access is available
at the front desks).
International cell phones don't work, and you'll have to stand in line
to use the house telephone - not that anyone seems to mind. But it's
the charm factor that puts Coppola's resorts over the top. Get a virtual
tour online here.
Four Seasons Hotel Langkawi
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has added a new jewel to its collection
of unique Asian resorts with the official opening of Four
Seasons Resort Langkawi, set amid the legendary Malaysian islands
that bear the same name. The new 91-room resort includes an extraordinary
spa, 20 beach villas measuring 220 square metres (2,369 square feet),
and an array of dining experiences.
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Hotel Q!, Berlin
Hotel
Q! opened last April on the Knesebeckstrasse in Berlin, around the
corner from the buzzing Kurfürstendamm, the city's fashion artery.
The hotel's blocky, dark gray exterior belies an interior from not just
a different time, but perhaps a different galaxy. In the small lobby
of the 72-room hotel, the walls and counters take on folded forms with
rounded corners. Ivory, white, black and red predominate, with surfaces
often back-lighted.
"We got rid of the notion of the wall being a wall, being a single
surface," said Lars Krückeberg, a partner at Graft Berlin,
the architectural company that designed the hotel.
Taj
Hotels
TAJ Business Hotels plans at least two hotels in all major metros including
central business districts of Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai.
All business hotels are being renovated and there are new rooms at the
Taj Residency, Bangalore; the Taj Blue Diamond, Pune; the Taj Residency
Visakhapatanam; and the Taj Connemara, Chennai. This year, new rooms
will be thrown open in Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Chandigarh.
All food and beverage outlets such as the coffee shops, bars, specialty
restaurants and pastry shops have been given a more contemporary and
cosmopolitan look. Coffee shops will be open 24/7 and be "alive"
at night. At breakfast, guests will be able to make their juice, coffee
and wellness food, followed by a selection of international and local
cuisines for lunch and dinner.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
A luxury 113-room hotel that will open in the third quarter of 2005
in Central, Hong Kong, will offer guests and residents an ultimate spa
experience. This unique property, currently under construction in The
Landmark complex at the heart of Hong Kong’s fashion and entertainment
district, will be home to the 21,000 sq ft Oriental Spa and Wellness
Centre which, according to Mandarin Oriental Group Director of Spa,
Mr Ingo R. Schweder, “has been conceptualized and designed over
a two-year period, and on opening, will be Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s
global urban spa flagship. Read
more >
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to page 3>>
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