Author: Ben Debski

Ready, jet set, go

Posted on by Ben Debski

We have to admit we fell in love at first sight with the brand-new private aviation terminal at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. This futuristic yet wonderfully cocoon-like structure was inaugurated on June 27th 2009. But what an impression it makes: Inside the eye is drawn along sleek, elegant lines, while beautifully designed lighting really does create an incredible feeling of intimacy. A very unusual sensation in any airport but particularly one through which more than 40,000 passengers pass each year.

Most of the aforementioned travellers are, of course, bound for the Costa Smeralda, the now legendary tourist haven whose emerald seas are renowned as the most beautiful in the world. It is impossible to say exactly how many of these passengers go to Porto Cervo, and to the other famous locations on the Northern Sardinian coast, for business and how many for leisure. The reason is simple: it has, as elsewhere, been fashionable for quite some time now to mix the two on the Costa, creating business opportunities in this holiday location, and moving business and public relations meetings to the sea. It was very much a logical next step that allowed all concerned to take advantage of the great weather and superb infrastructure and facilities offered by an area that has been catering to the needs of large numbers of discerning celebrity guests for almost 50 years now.

Different by design
This stunning stretch of island coastline offers an impressive array of services and facilities of excellent designed specifically to cater to the needs of international VIPs – making it the perfect place to take the work out of organising top level business meetings, in other words.

Eccelsa Aviation, a firm belonging entirely to Geasar (the Olbia Airport Management Company, itself part of Meridiana Group) which manages the private aviation terminal, really comes into its own in this context too. First and foremost, it offers an exceptional combination of absolute professionalism and that extra touch of charm one would expect of an airport serving one of Europe’s most prestigious tourist destinations.

Added to this is the fact that the new terminal Eccelsa manages is home to about 4,500 square metres including retail space with Top brands like Loro Piana, luxury eye wear, De Grisogono fine jewelleries, Ermegildo Zegna, Star Dust, a quality restaurant and a store with a great selection of Sardinian Produce, fine Italian and French wines and a conference room. Eccelsa has established important partnership with Audi, therefore, offering to the Passengers with comfort of the top car maker for their transfers and with Rolex which is present inside the Eccelsa terminal displaying their Masterpieces.

All the trimmings
The designer all-glass and local yellow San Giacomo Granit stone terminal also boasts one feature that makes it unique in Europe: a special airplanes canopy thanks to which passengers can enter and leave the terminal directly from their aircraft in total comfort.

Over the last seven years, it has basically doubled the number of aircraft movements it deals with from about 8,000 to 15,000 per year. More private 747s, Airbus 340 as well as Boeings 767s, 777s  and other Very Large Aircraft tailored into executive configuration than ever are landing at Olbia too and their numbers continue to grow. In the final analysis, however, absolute discretion, comfort, safety and security are the qualities most appreciated by the clients of the Eccelsa Aviation Team. “Whether the final destination is a beautiful villa, a five stars hotel, the latest super yacht rather than the participation to one of the many events and regatta organised by the exclusive Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Eccelsa Aviation assures the arrival and departures of all passengers with personalised quality service for all of our Customers. At Eccelsa we have a strong Team, focus on providing the best quality service and we all know that we will never have a second chance to give the first impression” explains Eccelsa’s general manager Francesco Cossu. The new Marina di Olbia is only three kilometres away from the Eccelsa Terminal offering the unique opportunity to all Passengers, in the Mediterranean scenarios, to be on board their Yachts four minutes after they have landed and relaxed to begin their holidays.

It is also a very short hop from the Eccelsa terminal to a helipad-sporting megayacht riding at anchor off the Costa. Such is the convenience and speed of the transfer in fact, that many passengers opt to make the journey to their hotels or villas by helicopter and simply send on their luggage on by car. Thanks to the organisational skills of the Eccelsa staff, the whole process runs like clockwork.

The 40-strong team is not only high experienced but also adept at meeting even the most demanding requests. The air terminal’s own concierge service will organise everything and anything for passengers, including horse treks, aircraft and helicopter charters as well as renting a Ferrari, an Aston Martin or a Bentley or even arrange both bareboat and skippered yacht charters. The Terminal’s based Cortesa in-flight catering service alone offers a list of over 100 menu choices ranging from simple sandwiches to lobster with a carefully selected quality Italian and Sardinian foods and wines. The Meridiana Maintenance Team, offers first class technical assistance, while there are also integrated services for flight personnel and air taxi companies.

Eccelsa Aviation is one of the reasons why people who like holidaying in truly special locations choose to come to Sardinia. Being on business helps ensure that those niggling feelings of boredom that tend to creep into minds all to used to constant work, are kept at bay for the duration, while the holiday atmosphere itself really does help build business relationships by bringing subjects, emotions and content into play that would simply feel out of place in a traditional office setting. To cut a long story short, although business and holidays have may once seemed like two completely separate worlds that would never meet, they have now become two parts of the same whole, quite naturally, on the Costa Smeralda.

The reign of Spain

Posted on by Ben Debski

Spain produces an extraordinary amount of wine each year and growers have significantly refined the production process as well as the quality of the wine itself. However, before the end of the 19th century, Spain was actually known for cheap, tasteless wine that didn’t offer much for the serious oenophile. But all of that changed after Phylloxera, a small insect related to an aphid, invaded the vineyards of France in the late 1800s devastating crops and causing merchants to turn toward Spain for wine production. Classic Bordeaux-style techniques such as barrel aging and de-stemming were introduced and today the country is known for producing some of the world’s finest wine.

The Rioja district produces perhaps the finest quality of wine and has been deemed one of the greatest winemaking regions in all of Spain. Located in the northern portion of the country and situated in the valley of the river Ebro, Rioja contains sub-regions that are known as Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. Red varieties of the famed wine produced in Rioja are known as tempranillo, garnacha tinta, graciano, and mazuelo. Rioja is also renowned for its selection of white wines such as viurna, garnacha blanca, and malvasia.

Regional personality
Another region of Spain famous for its production of amazing wine is Ribera del Duero. With moderate rainfall, dry summers, and a high altitude, this area nestled along the northern portion of the Iberian Peninsula creates a full-bodied wine that offers a distinctly rich, fruity taste. The small region of Cigales has long been associated with aromatic rose wines but producers have recently begun to show an interest in creating red wines as well.

This region has been compared to Ribera del Duero and experiences moderate to low rainfall, dry, hot summers and harsh winters. Other portions of Spain famous for their wines and vineyards are Castilla Y Leon, Requena, Bierzo, Jumilla and Rias Baixas, located in the north-western most corner of the country. Navarra is also situated in northern Spain and was previously known only for its output of rose wines until the last few decades when its red wine production increased dramatically.

There are several terms listed on wine labels that are produced in these regions which indicate the length of time as well as how the wine may have been aged. One of these terms is bodega, which is the Spanish word for a winery, or it can also mean an above ground storage place for wine. Cava, Spanish for cellar, is another word commonly seen on wine labels and it may refer to sparkling wine as well. If crianza appears on a label it means that the wine has been aged using oak, and alternately, sin crianza indicates that it has never been aged in oak before the bottling process.

The term gran reserva on Spanish wine indicates that it has been aged for a minimum of five years, with at least two of those years aging in wood, before being released. For white and rose wines the period is four years with at least six months of aging in wood. Reserva on a bottle of red Spanish wine tells the oenophile that it has been aged for at least three years with at least one of those in a wooden barrel. Reserva on bottles of rose or white wines indicate that it has been aged for two years with at least six months aging in wood.

Sherry from Spain is also excellent, and although this fortified wine from Andalusia has largely been forgotten, their flavour spectrum is enormous. Manzanillas and Finos are pale, dry and delicate despite their 15 degrees of alcohol; drunk well-chilled, they are delicious aperitifs. Amontillados, an old favourite with more age and alcohol, can be redolent of walnuts and honey, and are made both sweet and dry. Finally, the best dessert Sherries, made largely from super sweet Pedro Ximenez grapes, resemble prune syrup transformed into nectar.

Breaking with the past

Posted on by Ben Debski

Although still vulnerable to sudden economic and political shocks, Sierra Leone is on the up and is undergoing a gradual recovery from civil war. Most recently Michael von der Schulenberg, the executive representative of the Secretary-General for the UN Peace Building Office in Sierra Leone, informed the Security Council that the nation still needs worldwide support as it gets ready for 2012 elections. On the whole he felt Sierra Leone’s recovery from its 11-year civil war has been a successful one.

Help is flowing in from all corners of the globe. Leading the way with financial assistance are the US, the EU and Irish Aid, which have proposed to pay for a large voting support project to be organised by UN operations in Sierra Leone. The country held elections in August 2007, which had a high turnout and were overall free, credible and fair according to official observers. In November 2009 the government of Sierra Leone signed an agreement with the US to re-establish, after a 16-year absence, a Sierra Leonean Peace Corps programme.

Road to recovery
The largest city in Sierra Leone is its capital, Freetown, which is also the country’s economic and financial centre. The other major cities for business are Bo, Kenema, Koidu Town and Makeni. Sierra Leone has often been referred to as the poorest yet richest nation in the world as it is rich in mineral resources, possessing rare and valuable mineral types in large quantities. The country, one of the world’s key diamond producing nations and producers of gold, bauxite and titanium, was often criticised for allowing its people to live in poverty in spite of all the natural wealth.

Looking back it is difficult to exactly pinpoint a single cause for the Sierra Leonean war, which began on March 23, 1991. It is estimated that perhaps as many as 100,000 people lost their lives and extraordinarily a similarly high number of Sierra Leonean’s were mutilated. The conflict began with a rebel invasion at Sierra Leone’s border with Liberia which led to hundreds of thousands of families being displaced during the war.  Later the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) took responsibility for the rebellion when it announced it was combating the corrupt middle-class in Freetown. Human Rights Watch commenting on the Sierra Leonean war noted that a combination of innate issues may have given rise to the war. Amongst those contributing causes, corruption, severe poverty, a weak rule of law, monopolisation of power, and the unfair allotment of the country’s enormous natural resources would have been the key triggers.

Now the world is watching however, as Sierra Leone’s new story is being written and it appears to be a positive one. Huge celebrations took place only recently as Sierra Leone rejoiced in its regained independence which took place on April 27, 1961. The excitement of the country’s fiftieth independence anniversary has absorbed the nation with the key theme plastered across the streets, “50 years forward – celebrating a new Sierra Leone”. The progress is remarkable and great efforts are being made by all parties.

The nation has now – for the first time since 2005 – moved up from 167th to 158th on the United Nations Human Development Index. In addition to this achievement Sierra Leone and its people have accomplished other goals and met milestones they set themselves. In unison the country established a special court in a pact with the UN to try those who are to be liable for serious contraventions of both intercontinental humanitarian and Sierra Leonean law. It managed to disarm perpetrators of the civil war, since the end of the war in 2002, and the usage of weapons in political and racial clashes has almost entirely vanished. There has been moreover a successful reintegration of victims which were originally internally displaced. The country has also received international credit for having taken serious steps towards the reduction of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Malaria.

The former splendour seems to have returned through vigorous rebuilding and cleaning projects under the rule of the All People’s Congress Government. Sierra Leone’s newfound confidence, having made enormous strides since the end of the civil conflict, is ready to embark on a new and momentous chapter of progress and growth. Its golden Jubilee has given the nation an opportunity to reflect, and learn the lessons of the past 50 years. It seems a key priority to the leaders of the country is to continue their efforts in reducing poverty within their nation. The government is also rather swiftly breaking ground in furthering the country’s infrastructure, bringing in foreign and domestic investments, and rebuilding its agricultural industry. Sierra Leone and its people can once again stand tall and contribute to their country’s growth as it is also increasingly becoming a model of peace and reconciliation.

Sierra Leone overview
Explorer Pedro da Cintra back in 1462 saw the high mountains when sailing down the West African coast, now the Freetown peninsula, and decided to call them Serra de Leão, Portuguese for “Lion Mountains”. Later British colonisation modified the name to Sierra Leone. Comprising a land area of around 27.700 square miles and located on the west coast of Africa, north of the equator, Sierra Leone is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Guinea to the north and Liberia to the south.

The name of the capital Freetown emerged around the eighteenth century when the slave trade began to be banned and Sierra Leone became a relocation site for freed slaves shipped over from England and the Americas. The British navy guarded the West African coast, from around 1807 until the 1860s, and intercepted trading ships to free human cargo and release them in Freetown.

When in 1808 Sierra Leone became a British crown colony and was ruled under a colonial governor the British administration applied a strategy of indirect ruling, which relied on indigenous us establishments to preserve order and execute colonial policies. Sierra Leoneans attempted several times to rise against British power, most famously in the 1898 “Hut Tax rebellion” which happened as a retort to attempts by the British to force an annual tax on all houses in the country.

Sierra Leone came to be known as the educational centre of British West Africa when in 1827 Fourah Bay College, the only university to exist for over 100 years in the western sub Saharan region of Africa, was established.

Sierra Leone finally became politically independent of Great Britain on April 27, 1961 and just celebrated its 50-year anniversary with numerous street parties and celebrations.

Young Parisian

Posted on by Ben Debski

While Europe struggles to keep head above water, the cultural and financial advancement of Turkey is still on track. Combining history and tradition with modern, western influences, Istanbul is carving out a distinctive niche for itself. With its abundance of worthy art galleries, top hotels, bars and restaurants, and shopping to rival that of Paris, London or New York, the city is rated highly among the cosmopolitan jet set brigade.

In terms of the cityscape itself, Istanbul is looking in better shape than ever having undergone a major restoration programme in preparation for its serving as the European Capital of Culture last year. All types of sites and attractions benefitted from the makeover, spanning city squares, fountains, bazaars and key landmarks such as Topkapi Palace.

A contemporary art scene
Istanbul has always been an epicentre of historical art, but the contemporary art scene of the city is certainly shaping up, too. In the past decade, the number of art galleries has exploded from half a dozen to over 200. One of the major establishments, if not the most recent, is Istanbul Modern. The gallery is of such respectable calibre that it’s fit enough to give the international competition a run for its money – it hasn’t been compared to London’s Tate Modern for nothing. Mixing local names and world renowned talent, featured artists include home grown notables such as Gulsun Karamustafa and globally recognised heavyweights like Anish Kapoor. While worthy art collections are the establishment’s main call, the museum has also done a decent job with its restaurant, which has become a popular haunt in its own right, owing both to its spectacular Bosphorus views and good selection of bistro-style dishes.

Boosting the burgeoning art scene further, Art Expo Istanbul 2011 is one of many local platforms that provide opportunities for young artists. Organised by the Istanbul-based organisation, International Art Centre (IAC), the latest exhibition brings together the work of about 100 local and international artists from 23 countries, many of which are lesser-known names such as the Turkish, installation based talent Ekin Onat von Merhart.

Initially, the 220-piece exhibition was showcased at the IAC gallery in the district of Baglarbasi; thereafter, a select number of works travelled to Izmir to form part of Izmir Biennial that ran in May 2011. Touring further afield yet, the exhibition will head to California in August.

Yet another notable art event to add to the list, the sixth edition of Contemporary Istanbul will take place from November 24-27 this year; its chief aim being to promote the cultural and artistic life of Turkey.

The retail terrain
As a parallel movement to the flourishing art and culture scene, the fashion and retail landscape of Istanbul is equally healthy. As a reflection of the city’s ramped up fashion status, Conde Nast launched Vogue Turkey last spring, and global brands are fighting to secure a good retail spot in the city. Spanning the entire retail spectrum, the shopping hub that is Beyoglu is brimming with high street names such as Benetton and Mavi Jeans, while the streets of upmarket area Nisantasi are lined with stores by Prada, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton et al Nisantasi is also home to the department store, Beymen, which is comparable to London’s Harvey Nichols and stocks the wares of international big wigs such as Balmain, as well as local talents including Turkey’s own queen a la mode, Bahar Korcan. Blender, meanwhile, is the name of Beymen’s little sister store. In true concept store style, the shop complements its varied fare of fashion and lifestyle goods with the surprising element of a charcuterie.

Alongside the mushrooming colony of standalone stores, Istanbul also houses a vast number of shopping malls. With one monster shopping mecca springing up after another, the destination is something of a mall head’s (could replace with ‘mall aficionado’) paradise.

On the concept store front, Istanbul is on a roll, too. Fashion-forward and well-respected among the style elite, independent multi brand designer shops such as Paristexas and Midnight Express are often mentioned in the same breath as awe-inspiring players such as Collette in Paris and Dover Street Market in London.

Old-worldy Istanbul
Keeping track of the latest developments in Istanbul is indeed worthwhile, but don’t overlook some of the best haunts with traditional value and historical significance.

Basilica Cistern
Fascinating and eerily romantic, the Basilica Cistern, is believed to date back to just after the Nika revolt in 532 AD. Featuring over 300 columns, a couple of which are supported by large medusa heads, the underground waterway was used as a reservoir for water storage for the Topkapi Palace, among other key buildings in the city. This is indisputably one of the most intriguing attractions in Istanbul, and we can’t recommend a visit highly enough.
Basilica Cistern, Yerebatan Caddesi 13, Sultanahmet

The Booksellers’ Bazaar
Despite being something of a tourist trap these day, The Booksellers’ Bazaar is still worth a visit. Dating back to Ottoman times, when printed books were considered a corrupting European influence, only hand-lettered manuscripts were sold until 1729, when the first book in Turkish was published. Fast-forward to the present day, books of all types are sold at the site, including text books, coffee table volumes and framed calligraphy.
The Bookseller Bazaar, West of Çadırcılar, in Sahaflar Çarsısı Sokak

Inci Pastanesi
Out of all the sites and attractions of Istanbul, as far as local experiences go, not much can beat a visit to the hole in the wall institution Inci Pastanesi. Established in the 1940s, Inci Pastanesi dishes out the best profiteroles in town, generously smothered in thick chocolate sauce. Turkish men clad in blue uniforms work intensely behind the counter to serve their local regulars, many of whom eat their addictive treat quickly standing up. Sadly, Inci Pastanesi might be forced to close in the near future, to allow space for a yet another shopping mall.
Inci Pastanesi, Istiklal Caddesi 56, Beyolu

High-flying Hamburg

Posted on by Ben Debski

Following a 50 million investment, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg exceeds all expectations with its sleek, new interiors and cutting-edge amenities. Eye-catching design and excellent conferencing facilities now characterise this landmark building in the centre of Hamburg.

Renowned as the largest and highest hotel in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg, the Radisson Blu Hotel has undergone a complete renovation encompassing its 556 guest rooms and suites, conferencing area, restaurants and leisure facilities. The Swedish architect Christian Lundwall was behind the massive undertaking, which has introduced striking features, dramatic lighting and beautiful furniture to the hotel from the likes of Le Corbusier, Arne Jacobsen and Designers Guild.

State-of-the-art conferencing facilities
A popular choice with business travellers and meeting planners alike, the hotel is situated in the city centre beside the Dammtor express railway station. Ideal for hosting conferences, board meetings, and all manner of events for up to 1,000 guests, the hotel’s impressive conference floor spans 2,122m2 and features 12 multifunctional rooms, a 536m2 divisible ballroom and a foyer area. The facilities include three exclusive board rooms with integrated lounge areas for six to 12 people.

Beautifully designed throughout, all meeting rooms are air conditioned and offer the latest integrated conferencing technology, while free high-speed wireless Internet access can be found throughout the meeting facilities and the entire hotel. Natural light floods most of the rooms and some boast pleasing views of the neighbouring park through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Unique event location with panoramic city views
Guests cannot fail to be impressed by the spectacular 126m2 ‘High End’ event facilities on the hotel’s 26th and 27th floors. Soaring 118m high and featuring swathes of glass and futuristic design, this breathtaking location is indisputably Hamburg’s highest events location and offers magnificent views of the city. The elegant and versatile ‘Paris’ area on 204m2 at the ground floor rounds up the hotel’s comprehensive portfolio of event facilities.

Directly connected to the Congress Centre Hamburg
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg is the only hotel in the city that provides internal access to the CCH – Congress Centre Hamburg, which offers meeting planners an additional 10,000m2 of exhibition space and over 23 meeting rooms with a total of 12,500 seats. These facilities can be booked via the hotel’s conferencing team.

ISO 14001 certification
Leading the way in environmental sustainability, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Hamburg became as the first hotel in Hamburg to achieve ISO 14001 environmental certification in October 2010. This certification recognises the hotel’s commitment to continually improving its environmental performance and is largely thanks to the new waste management systems introduced as part of the renovation project. Built to enhance efficiency, the new systems have helped to significantly reduce the levels of water and energy consumed, and has cut down on waste.

Beautiful guest rooms, tempting cuisine and top-of-the-range leisure facilities
Completely redesigned, the hotel’s guest rooms and suites are the epitome of modern luxury and are available in three avant-garde styles. Food lovers can look forward to sampling the authentic taste of Italy in the stylish Filini restaurant, or exotic dishes at the popular ‘Trader Vic’s & Mai  Tai Bar’ Polynesian restaurant. Relaxation comes easily in the superbly equipped fitness and spa area with its saunas, solarium, steam baths, treatments rooms and advanced fitness equipment.

With its chic new look and exclusive amenities the Radisson Blu Hotel has raised the bar for conferencing facilities and business accommodation in Hamburg city centre.

For further information, call +49 (0) 40 3502 0 or email info.hamburg@radissonblu.com;
www.radissonblu.com/hotel-hamburg

Unclouded ambition

Posted on by Ben Debski

Transforming a regional airline into a luxury international carrier, focused on the needs of the 21st Century business passenger, is a massive challenge at the best of times. Doing so in the face of the worst economic conditions in aviation’s history might seem extraordinarily ambitious. But that is exactly what Oman Air has achieved in the industry, much to the satisfaction of the airline’s swiftly-growing legions of loyal customers.

Andrew Brown, a London-based company director who travels extensively across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, has witnessed Oman Air’s rapid evolution close up – often from the comfort of a business class seat. He says: “Ever since I first started doing business in Oman, Oman Air has been the most convenient airline for getting there, but the changes they have introduced over the last couple of years have made flying with them even more of a pleasure. They have incredibly comfortable new aircraft, inflight connectivity, and fly to even more destinations than they used to. The food and inflight entertainment are excellent and the hospitality outstanding. I think Oman Air has done a remarkable job.”
In terms of the dramatic and highly visible changes Oman Air has undergone, Andrew’s comments just scratch the surface.

Since October 2009, 15 new services have been launched across Europe, the Middle East, South and South East Asia and East Africa, including Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Milan, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. A new fleet of luxurious Airbus A330s has also been unveiled, whilst many aircraft within the airline’s existing Boeing 737 fleet have been replaced. In addition, flights within the Middle East are increasingly being operated using brand new Embraer 175 aircraft.

A business class of its own
Acclaimed though Oman Air’s first class and economy cabins are, it is Oman Air’s A330 business class offering that has attracted the most attention. Each of the aircraft’s 20 business class seats has direct aisle access and converts to a fully lie-flat bed. A la carte dining and a superb wine list combine with the genuine warmth of the Balenciaga-uniformed crew’s hospitality are also available to make every business class customer feel at home. In fact, such is the level of comfort and luxury that business class is often mistaken for first class.

And throughout the aircraft, state-of-the-art inflight entertainment offers movies, music, games, live TV and the opportunity to personalise your entertainment options by plugging in your own electronic devices. Meanwhile, Oman Air’s pioneering mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to check your emails, surf the internet, send text messages and use your own phone to make voice calls.

“Being able to deal with things as they come in, even whilst I am in the air, means that I am relaxed and ready to do business as soon as I touch down,” adds Andrew Brown.

Introducing full inflight connectivity in March 2010 – a world first – was an important step for Oman Air. Peter Hill, Oman Air’s CEO says; “Business class travellers are looking not only for space, comfort and outstanding service, they rightly want something more for their money. So, whilst we deliver what I am confident is the best business class cabin available anywhere, we are always looking to add extra value, amenity and convenience.
“With mobile phones and broadband connectivity becoming such integral parts of our everyday lives, it was a question of when we launched the service, rather than if.

“For our leisure customers, it means they can stay in touch with friends and family, arrange airport pick-ups or simply update their social media. For our business customers, however, full connectivity allows them to keep up to date with the latest developments, stay on top of email and provide a seamless service to their stakeholders. Business doesn’t stop just because you board a plane, and having access to our comprehensive connectivity package means you don’t have to be unavailable unless you want to be.”

Recipe for success
Oman Air’s business class travellers can also benefit from limousine transfers, online check-in, fast track clearance through departures and access to some of the world’s best business class airport lounges. Indeed, Oman Air has just unveiled new business and first class lounges at Muscat International Airport.

Peter Hill continues: “We felt that it was important to provide an environment that both delivered the services and hospitality that premium travellers demand, and reflected the very high quality of Oman Air’s inflight experience.

“The environment of our new business class lounge, as with our new first class lounge, is relaxing, very comfortable and the ideal place to unwind before flying on to your final destination. Our chefs have designed delicious menus that are served throughout the day, our bar staff will fix you up with your favourite drink and, for that extra touch, complimentary massages are provided by the Chedi Spa, one of Oman’s most exclusive hotels. If you need to keep your mind on business, we have a dedicated business area, with broadband and all the major news channels available, so whether you want to retreat from the world and be pampered, or engage with it and get as much done as possible, the choice is yours.”

Both the inflight product and the lounges at Muscat have met with approval from customers and plaudits from the industry, with the list of award wins and nominations growing fast. The ultimate proof of success, however, lies with the bottom line: during 2010, Oman Air defied global trends by increasing its revenues by 40 percent, carrying 38 percent more passengers and improving its load factors by 11 percent.

So, the success of Oman Air’s transformation is clear, but the final word goes to Peter Hill:
“Our motivation was to create a niche luxury airline that welcomed premium travellers and acted as an international ambassador for the Sultanate of Oman. It is very satisfying to know that our financial results for the last year show that we are achieving that.

“Furthermore, the fact that many people discover the Sultanate of Oman’s dramatic beauty, wonderful culture and excellent business opportunities as a result of flying with Oman Air means that we are succeeding, not just as an international airline, but as the Sultanate’s national carrier.

“We have accomplished a huge amount in a short space of time and the next two years look set to be equally thrilling.”

Going for gold

Posted on by Ben Debski

Travel to Greece with Olympic Air, the legendary Greek airline that offers you journeys as pleasurable as your destination. Guided by a new vision, the new Olympic Air boasts one of the youngest fleets in Europe and represents the dreams and efforts of each and every member of our new family. Enjoy innovative and pioneering services and privileges – such as those you will receive as part of our frequent flyer program, the Travelair Club – and experience first-hand our famous Greek hospitality, combined with a passion to offer you a journey that soars even higher than your own expectations.

Air travel no longer needs to be the dark cloud over an otherwise sunny trip – let Olympic Air refresh you and remind you that all along, you deserved more.

Olympic Air launched scheduled operations in September 2009, carrying over the historic name and logo of formerly state-owned ‘Olympic Airlines’, embodying a dynamic, modern approach to the company’s management and operation.

Olympic Air boasts one of the youngest fleets in Europe, comprised of eight Airbus Α320s and Α319s, 10 Bombardier-De Havilland DHC8-Q400s, and five Bombardier-De Havilland DHC8-100s. Total fleet investment, coupled with new, innovative technologies and services, heralds Olympic Air’s commitment to re-establish a brand that has become synonymous with safety and quality, to the forefront of the European airline industry.

Service on board
Whichever cabin you fly in, you will be greeted with a warm smile and have your every need catered to by skilled cabin crew. Renowned Greek hospitality, individual attention by people that love to serve you and an inspiring cuisine, guarantee a truly memorable travel experience. Dining in Olympic Air is an experience to savour: generous portions of traditional Greek food made from the freshest and finest ingredients, accompanied by a complimentary bar service.

Our network
Olympic Air operates safely and punctually approximately 170 flights per day, within a network of 39 destinations (31 destinations within Greece and eight international routes focused in the SE European region and Amsterdam, the latter to be used as hub for beyond interlining traffic within Northern Europe and Canada). Olympic Air operates domestic routes flying to and from Athens, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Alexandroupolis, Limnos, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, Rhodes, Syros, Mykonos, Santorini, Heraklion, Chania, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Corfu and Ioannina. Olympic Air also operates Public Service Obligation routes (PSOs) from Athens to Astypalea, Leros, Milos, Naxos, Paros, Ikaria, Karpathos, Kythira, Skiathos and Kalymnos and from Rhodes to Karpathos, Kasos, Sitia, Kos, Leros, Astypalea and Kastelorizo. OA also connects Thessaloniki with Mytilini, Rhodes, Heraklion & Chania with daily direct flights. OA’s international network covers scheduled flights to/from Amsterdam, Tirana, Belgrade, Bucharest, Sofia, Larnaca, Cairo, and Istanbul.

Furthermore, as part of its ongoing effort to offer its passengers an enhanced and smooth access to a series of worldwide destinations, Olympic Air has established code-share agreements: with Delta Airlines (for flights to/from New York and Atlanta and onwards to key US destinations) and with Etihad Airways (for flights to Abu-Dhabi and onwards to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Sydney and Merbourne). Finally, in March 2011 Olympic Air announced a strategic partnership with Cyprus Airways, aiming to strengthen the presence of the two airlines in the wider region of Southeastern Europe by offering mutual code-shared flights to passengers of both companies.

Travelair Club by OA
Travelair Club is a truly innovative loyalty scheme that allows passengers to collect miles either on the air or on the ground and to enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts simply by presenting their card. After 18 months since its launch, Travelair Club currently numbers more than 130,000 members. At the same time, sub-programs segment members and cater to their specific needs: “Travelair Family” (more than 3,600 family accounts) allows family members to collect their miles in a common account while “Business on Board” (more than 2,800 registered companies), Olympic Air’s corporate program, offers unique benefits and services to companies whose employees travel for business with Olympic Air, and rewards each executive individually (double dipping).

Olympic Air: Airline of the Year 2010/11
In September 2010 Olympic Air received the prestigious ERA “Airline of the Year 2010/11” silver award. The annual ERA Awards recognise excellence and achievement and encourage the highest standards across the sector of intra-European air transport. ERA’s decision to award Olympic Air was based on a number of criteria, such as technical and operational specifications, quality of provided services, passenger satisfaction, on-time performance, commercial innovations in the area of customer.

OA’s main objective remains to provide the highest quality of services to its passengers and maintain its leadership profile within Greece and in the broader SE European region.

Above all, OA seeks to reflect the best of Greek hospitality; warm, kind, giving and will continue greeting all its guests with a fresh approach to service in the air and on the ground, offering innovative and quality services, providing attentive customer care, and flying one of the youngest fleets in Europe. OA will always strive to be in line with its guests’ needs, taking the smallest detail into account in its pursuit of perfection – Welcome aboard.

Contact Olympic Air through its website, www.olympicair.com, by calling + 30 210 3550 500, or through a travel agent; Olympic Air is associated with all IATA-accredited agencies worldwide.

The inn crowd

Posted on by Ben Debski

Situated just one kilometre from Kotoka International Airport, and only seven kilometres from the city centre, Holiday Inn Accra Airport is ideally located for the business traveller or adventurous tourist. Widely acknowledged as the premium hotel in Accra, Holiday Inn Accra Airport has played host to the US first family during their visit to Ghana – the first by US President Obama to sub-Saharan Africa since he came to office, we have also hosted a number of other high profile personalities from within the business sector, royalty and some famous personalities from film and music.

Leisure facilities at Holiday Inn Accra Airport are extensive and include a swimming pool, a fully-equipped gym and health centre. The seven-storey hotel has 98 standard rooms, 48 executive rooms, 14 deluxe rooms, six executive suites and two presidential suites. All luxuriously appointed and equipped with wireless high-speed internet access (Wi-Fi), satellite television, coffee- and tea-making facilities, 24-hour room service and in-room safe deposit boxes.

The hotel prides itself in offering the business traveller that home away from home experience, on arrival our Guest Relations Team are available to assist in your needs either within the hotel or Accra and beyond.

Holiday Inn Accra Airport offers some of the best cuisine to be found in Accra. The main Wiase Restaurant, which has a terrace overlooking the swimming pool, offers guests the choice of a delectable buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant also has an à la carte menu available for Lunch and Dinner. For guests looking for a more laid back experience, the La Cabana Pool Bar and Restaurant provides a varied menu in a relaxed environment where you can sit around the pool either in the sunshine or at night under the stars. At the weekends we have a live band that plays through the night with some traditional entertainment on Sundays.

As a conference venue, the Holiday Inn Accra Airport is unsurpassed in exceptional conferencing facilities. These are matched by the skills of the dedicated conferencing and banqueting manager, whose team can cater for a reception for 450 people. The hotel also caters for the private meetings or dinners in a choice of three boardrooms.

While you stay with us we recommend a cold beer or cocktail in the Safari Bar where business takes place during the daytime and at night becomes a meeting place for leisure, you can choose from the a’la’carte menus that is served all day ranging from finger-style snacks to a fillet steak.

The Holiday Inn Accra Airport has a wide range of services for the business needs of today, our business centre is open all day and is able to assist with the secretarial requirements of today. You can also maximise your time as our location is only five minutes from the airport with our courtesy bus.

Once you have stayed with us and experienced our warm Ghanaian Hospitality we are sure you will return again soon.

For more information on Holiday Inn Accra Airport please contact or go to www.holiday-inn.com

Heaven sent

Posted on by Ben Debski

In Bodrum, on a piece of land sprung from heaven, with a unique concept, incredible views and The Marmara quality, a travel destination that redefines the holiday experience: The Marmara Bodrum.

The Marmara Group’s first “concept hotel,” The Marmara Bodrum opened in Turkey during 1998 and in a short time, its dedication to excellence and experienced staff have brought, and continue to bring, its select clientele the superior quality and service they deserve. Inspired by Bodrum Castle and the antique theatre, this hotel is a gracious addition to the Bodrum skyline. The Marmara Bodrum has been meticulously designed to make you feel at home while providing all the comforts and amenities of a world-class hotel.

Among the world’s top 500 hotels
With unrivaled natural beauty and a rich historical fabric, The Marmara Bodrum was voted one of the “World’s Top 500 Hotels” by Travel & Leisure magazine readers. The first member in Turkey of “Small Luxury Hotels,” The Marmara Bodrum is also a recipient of one of the tourism industry’s most prestigious honors, the “5 Star Diamond Award,” presented by The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

The Marmara Bodrum is a world class boutique hotel as its modern architecture and the decoration reflects an essential ‘simplicity’ with a modern inspiration deriving from the local; diffusing to the details with care from the rooms and the lobby to the corridors which are decorated with paintings of Mevlüt Akyıldız, Bente Christensen, Ned Pamphilon.

With its artistically decorated 96 deluxe rooms and suites, fascinating view of the historical Bodrum Castle, Tuti Restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, two bars offering light snacks, one meeting room (capacity approx 130), a outdoor semi-Olympic swimming pool and an outdoor pool, fitness centre, Turkish bath, sauna, Jacuzzi and a spectacular Spa, tennis and squash courts, The Marmara Bodrum caters to an upscale clientele with a distinctive taste. The Marmara Bodrum accepts pets.

Spa treatments & programmes
The Marmara Bodrum Spa is an oasis of tranquility and relaxation that offers a wide range of natural therapies and treatments by first-class therapists.

The Marmara Bodrum Spa offers a range of treatments. There are Healing Body Massages including; Pure Relaxation, Holistic Aromatherapy, Sports Massages, Deep Tissue Massage, Half Body Massage, Shiatsu.

There are other Spa treatments such as; Floatation Tank, Warm Stone Therapy, Turkish Bath Scrub (Kese), Foot Massage, Reiki, Massage & Reiki, Chiaccu, Indian Head Massage, Hopi Ear Candles, Hatha Yoga.

The Marmara Bodrum, Yokusbasi Mevkii, Suluhasan Cad. No: 18, PO 199, Bodrum 48400 Mugla Turkey Tel: 90 252 313 81 30; fax: 90 252 313 81 31; email: bodrum-info@themarmarahotels.com; www.themarmarahotels.com

The great escape

Posted on by Ben Debski

Located in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the South of Tenerife; Costa Adeje, this exclusive area of the island is blessed with mild temperatures of 23oC all year long.

The hotel is set on the coast amidst splendid gardens and features swimming pools, six restaurants and bars, spa facilities, as well as numerous meeting facilities which will allow you to tailor-make your event to your needs. Your business requirements will be met in any of the ten meeting and banquet rooms, as well as a multifunctional meeting room located by the pool, offering a total of 37,670 square feet.

From a spectacular reception by the pool village, a cocktail on the roof terrace or an exceptional banquet for up to 600 people overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel will turn your event into a truly unforgettable experience.

In order to ensure the success of any event, a dedicated team led by the Groups & Events Manager will support you all the way through from the initial planning, to the actual day of the event, taking care of all the details required in order to guarantee the smooth running of a meeting, gala dinner or even celebration.

The resort is also fully equipped with high-speed wireless internet access to make it easy for you to get online and catch up with important contacts. Guests can access the internet with their wireless laptops from any location within the resort area. Furthermore, they are able to access internet at the Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft from various workstations.

Make the most of the group offer at the Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa and plan on success. Enjoy special room rates from l115 (per night/single use) including buffet breakfast, as well as two complimentary rooms for every 25 paid rooms/night or complimentary internet access in main meeting room, when hosting your event by 31 December, 2011.

Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa, Calle La Enramada, 9, 38670 La Caleta – Adeje Tenerife, Spain; email: marta.fuente@sheraton.com; tel: +34 922 162 000; www.sheraton.com/lacaleta

Twice the pleasure

Posted on by Ben Debski

Hotel Panorama by Rhombus
Superbly located in one of Hong Kong’s most popular shopping and business hubs, Hotel Panorama by Rhombus is the ‘One & Only One’ tallest triangular deluxe business hotel overlooking the stunning Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Awarded as one of the ‘Best Business Hotels in China’ at the China Hotel Forum for the third consecutive year running from 2008 to 2011, Hotel Panorama by Rhombus is quintessentially located near the trendiest shopping areas such as K11 Art Mall, iSQUARE, DFS Galleria and IMAX Theatre. Its prime location allows you to access all parts of Hong Kong via Mass Transit Railway (MTR), Airport Express, Buses, Taxis and Ferries.

The contemporary designed guestrooms, including spacious suites, range in Silver to Gold and Club HarbourView to Executive Club HarbourView themes featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour or the city.

Club HarbourView Rooms and Executive Club HarbourView Rooms and Suites are fully endowed with personalised services tailored for business travellers, with all rooms offering panoramic harbour views. Guestrooms feature customised amenities for that touch of luxury and benefits fit to meet the needs of the most discerning travellers. There is also private access to Executive Club HarbourView floors via the ‘Bullet Lifts’. All Club Floor guests can enjoy special privileges and access to the Rhombus Club Executive Lounge located on the 39th floor.

Located on the lobby level is Café Express, an informal all-day restaurant whilst nestled on the 38th floor of the hotel, Santa Lucia Restaurant & Sky Bar* delivers modern cuisine with stylish interior design and floor-to-ceiling windows featuring stunning harbour views. Other facilities include the Sky Garden, Rhombus Club Executive Lounge, Business Centre and the Fitness Centre.

With modern amenities and highly personalised service, Hotel Panorama by Rhombus is committed to excellence and exceeding guests’ expectations every time during their stay!
* Santa Lucia Restaurant & Sky Bar is scheduled to close mid-2011 for refurbishment.

For more information, contact panorama@hotel; panorama.com.hk; www.hotelpanorama.com.hk

Hotel LKF by Rhombus
With its dramatic décor and luxury design, Hotel LKF by Rhombus, a deluxe boutique hotel truly located in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, Central has been delighting international jet-setters and business travellers with its five-star personalised service and ultra-comfortable guestrooms.Awarded the ‘Best Boutique Hotel in Asia Pacific’ by Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific) Awards 2009 and ‘Best Boutique Hotel’ by the 20th TTG Asia Travel Awards 2009, Hotel LKF by Rhombus allows you to access all parts of Hong Kong via Mass Transit Railway (MTR), Airport Express, Buses, Taxis, Tram and Ferries, where Hong Kong’s trendiest area is abuzz with restaurants, bars, shopping areas, fashion boutiques, art galleries and antique shops.
Situated on the lobby level, Hotel LKF by Rhombus presents its brand new Fitness Centre and Business Centre, recently opened in May 2011. The Fitness Centre features state-of-the-art equipment with shower facilities and the Business Centre is equipped with a comprehensive range of business services for the discerning business travellers, both providing 24-hour service to its guests.
On the 29th and 30th floors of the hotel, with a sweeping view of the vibrant city skyline, and the sizzling energy of Hong Kong’s premier nightspots at your feet, is Azure Restaurant Slash Bar, acclaimed as one of the ‘Best Restaurants in Hong Kong’ by Asia Tatler 2008-2011 and ranked number seven in ‘The World’s 20 Best Sky Bars 2008’ by The Sunday Times, UK.

For more information, contact
LKF@hotel-LFK.com.hk; www.hotel-LKF.com.hk

Rooms to inspire

Posted on by Ben Debski

As Europe’s largest historical-cultural capital, Moscow offers an eclectic mix of elements to tempt every visitor. Today, blending cherished national traditions and forward-thinking modern trends, the city has become an international hub for business, entertainment and shopping. Couple this with Mamaison’s renowned hospitality and you will find a winning combination that keeps guests coming back.

Holidaymakers and business guests alike feel at home at the Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka Moscow. The upscale deluxe hotel opened its doors in 2007 to become the first Russian property within the Mamaison Hotels and Residences’ collection from famous European brand Orco Group. Exclusively designed by Jestico and Whiles, it is the first all-suites hotel in Moscow, featuring spacious rooms starting at 35sq m, the award-winning restaurant Numbers, and a state of the art Algotherm Spa. A full range of business services and the latest technical equipment are available 24 hours a day.

The hotel has 84 suites, with each suite category featuring a different layout, view and decoration. Interior design, inspired by the latest trends in residential style, has adopted and combined elements from the ‘modern’ thirties – openness and lots of light; and the fifties – pastel colors and round shapes. Warmth and sophistication are highlighted by high quality wooden parquet and homely furniture. The exclusively equipped suites are an ideal solution for a short break, a romantic getaway or a long-term business stay.

It is conveniently located on Pokrovka Street in the historical centre of Moscow. The Pokrovka area is one of the most important business areas of Moscow with upscale offices and chic cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Many of the city’s historical and cultural attractions are within walking distance: the Kremlin, Red Square, the Bolshoi Theatre, Manezhnaya Square, Parliament Building, Tverskaya Street, Christ the Saviour Cathedral and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.

Upmarket, downtown
The hotel restaurant and bar Numbers is one of Moscow’s best restaurants. Its subtle, unexpected art deco design by famous St Petersburg architect Anton Gorlanov reflects a cool mix of traditional Europe with the hot, impulsive east. Admirers of creative cuisine and lovers of traditional gastronomy entertain themselves here with all kinds of delicious creative dishes in the best traditions of European gastronomy combined with Mediterranean motifs. The exquisiteness of the ambience is highlighted by music, with live jazz improvisations in popular smooth jazz style.

Every summer the restaurant opens its terrace. Comfortable sofas with warm plaids and a great variety of seasonal cocktails and light appetisers are specially tailored for people who like to relax in a cosy and elegant atmosphere.

The restaurant’s spacious hall can also be used in combination with the exclusive suites, meeting rooms, conference rooms and outdoor spaces for different parties, ceremonies, receptions and other events. The hotel offers top-class banqueting and leisure facilities for any requirement, with a full range of business centre services, including the latest technical equipment and meeting rooms with natural daylight. The 45-person boardroom is a modern and comfortable meeting space with large windows, ideal for seminars, presentations, training events and board meetings. The unique 30-person VIP lounge has an incredible author’s design and is an ideal place for a business meeting or special dinner in an exquisite surrounding.

Winding down
Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka’s spa, by legendary French brand Algotherm, is the eleventh masterpiece in the Algotherm collection of spa centres situated at the best resorts of the world.

The philosophy of Spa by Algotherm is to create harmony between body and soul. Special attention is given to the art of relaxation in this atmosphere of luxury and comfort: guests are entranced with delicate flower smells while soft music calms and appeases. The 800sq m spa is supplied with the latest equipment and technologies, with all the necessary features to deliver exclusive care programmes combining the comfort of a spa with thalassic therapy effectiveness.

Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka is an ultramodern and fully equipped hotel complex designed especially for people who need more than just a room while away from home. Boasting some of the most spacious and functional accommodation in Moscow, the elegant and tastefully decorated suites offer guests a unique combination of modern design and warm atmosphere and seamless functionality. The name of the hotel – Mamaison or ‘my house’ – manifests the desire to escape from the traditional perception of a hotel as temporary accommodation by offering guests a feeling of cosiness and the comfort of a private home away from home.

Pokrovka st 40, bld 2, 105062, Russia, Moscow. Tel +7 495 229 57 57; www.mamaison.com