Claridge’s and Dior celebrate the return of the Glamorous Dressing Table to London

(London, July 3, 2009) - Claridge’s, London’s beloved Mayfair landmark, is partnering with legendary fashion and fragrance house Christian Dior to create an exclusive dressing table service, offering guests all of the beauty essentials en suite necessary for a glamorous night out.

As befits a hotel offering the ultimate in legendary service and timeless deco charm, Claridge’s has just unveiled the new ‘Dior Dressing Table at Claridge’s’ for guests staying in the hotel’s Linley and Claridge’s Suites each of which have exquisite vintage deco dressing tables.

The glamorous ‘Dior Dressing Table at Claridge’s’ offers guests a carefully curated range of timeless accessories, including an elegant cream silk Claridge’s dressing gown personalised with guests initials, high heeled marabou mule slippers and a rose pink cashmere eye mask.

On the dressing table itself, Christian Dior has selected a range of classic Dior fragrances including Miss Dior, Diorella, Diorissimo and Dioressence – Les Classiques created by Dior from 1947 when Christian Dior himself said perfume was an outfit’s “finishing touch.”

The fragrances selected by this legendary fragrance house evoke the heady days of decadent glamour. As an ideal accompaniment for an evening out, Dior has also created a beauty kit of the essentials – the perfect compacts, powders and Dior ruby red lipstick and nail varnish.

In the Hollywood movie images of the 1930’s and 40’s the boudoir is depicted as the epitome of a romantic retreat, and one where the dressing table plays a starring role – an appropriate setting for the leading ladies in diaphanous dressing gowns and high heeled slippers. Where better to recreate this nostalgic interlude than Claridge’s, London’s most glamorous hotel. The new Dior Dressing Table service will create a sanctuary where the art of getting dressed and ready to go out is as important as the night itself.

Commenting on the new initiative Claridge’s General Manager Philippe Leboeuf said “We have identified from our guests a desire to experience some nostalgic escapism and sense a return to bygone glamour. Both Claridge’s and Dior are synonymous with the combination of impeccable heritage, inherent glamour and contemporary thinking.”

Guests staying in the eponymously entitled collection of Claridge’s Suites designed by British furniture and interior design company Linley, can also book the Claridge’s Heaven package including fresh seasonal flowers, a chilled bottle of Champagne on arrival, full English breakfast for two, suite amenities including seasonal fruit and hand-made chocolates and a specially selected gift from the suites royal designer Linley.

Further adding to the experience, a Dressing Table Cocktail menu from Claridge’s Fumoir Bar will be available featuring cocktails from the 1930’s including swizzles, daisies, sours, juleps and pick me ups all from the original recipes and served in Lalique glasses.

Little touches that will enhance the ambience will be a selection of classic works from Evelyn Waugh and Nancy Mitford, novelists of this magical deco era, and a music collection with notable songs from Josephine Baker and Fred Astaire to complete the experience.

The ‘Dior Dressing Table at Claridge’s’ will be available in Linley / Claridge’s suites at an additional price of £300 to the quoted room rate. (The price includes all Four Dior fragrances, beauty gifts – lipstick / nail varnish / powder, personalised silk dressing gown, an Evelyn Waugh book, CD and cocktails from the Fumoir)



Claridge’s Heaven is available until 31st December 2009 and priced from £1450 per night in a one-bedroom Claridge’s Suite.

London is served by daily flights from across the Asia Pacific region and Claridge’s is conveniently located in the elegant heart of Mayfair, Central London. Claridge’s stands on the corner of Brook Street and Davies Street in Mayfair, the most prosperous area of central London and is within easy reach of the open spaces of Hyde Park and excellent shopping on Bond Street and Oxford Street.

Reservation on +44 (0) 20 7629 8860 / www.claridges.co.uk

Indulge in Serenity this Summer at Miami’s Stylish Legend The Setai on South Beach

(Miami, USA, July 2, 2009) – One of the world’s most chic and stylish hotels at the playground of the beautiful people, South Beach, Miami is offering exclusive rates starting from US$485 a night as part of the ‘Indulge in Serenity’ promotion.



Valid until October 15th 2009 the promotion allows guests to sample this modern classic oceanfront resort by GHM for up two nights and get an extra night complimentary - and get a taste of the contemporary Asian style which has upped the hospitality stakes on Miami's South Beach.



The Setai is the United States flagship of GHM (General Hotels Management), the exclusive brand renowned for a fast-growing portfolio of sleek contemporary Asian-style luxury hotels and resorts worldwide.



Uniquely, the 5-star resort combines the rich architectural heritage and culture of South Beach with the unmistakable, understated Asian hospitality style of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha, who is renowned for founding the world famous Amanresorts.



The intimate resort is an architectural landmark in the heart of South Beach's historic Art Deco district, faithfully preserved from the 1920s and 30s. Dating back to 1938 when it was the famed Dempsey Vanderbilt Hotel, it is just a short stroll from celebrated restaurants, designer shopping and the eclectic nightlife.



The Setai's signature dining venue The Restaurant serves exceptional Asian-inspired fare, complimented by an award-winning wine list.



Superb facilities also include a world-class spa, a 30-metre poolside bar with a quintessentially South Beach vibe, and an indulgent choice of three swimming pools maintained at different water temperatures so guests can select which they most prefer.



The Setai is a member of the prestigious The Leading Hotels of the World and was ranked among the 'Hippest Hotels of the World' by Trip Advisor in 2006, after the resort was developed by GHM. Among numerous other accolades, Forbes Magazine ranked it among the world's 'Best New Hotels' and Conde Nast Traveller featured The Setai on this year's 'Gold List' of the world's leading hotels and resorts.



The summer promotional rates are subject to 13% tax.

For bookings and for more information please visit www.ghmhotels.com or contact The Setai on setaireservations@ghmamericas.com

The Nam Hai, Central Vietnam, Unveils New Kids Activities Club to Enhance the Ultimate Family Retreatth

(HOI AN, Vietnam, 03 July 2009) — The Nam Hai has already gained worldwide renown for its architecture and is now putting the final touches on a structure to astound children.



The Nam Hai, which last year won ‘World’s Best Resort’ in Travel + Leisure’s annual Design Awards competition, draws the curtains back on a kids-only, 100-square-meter play villa on July 13.



With silk lanterns, terracotta flooring, timber columns and a pitched roof of flat tiles, the Activities Club was built and styled to look like an ancient Hue garden house. Inside, however, children can expect to find things they know and love — foosball and ping pong tables, big-screen TV movies, books, puzzles, board and video games, arts and crafts.



“It will have everything our youngest guests could want in a play area,” said Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, the resort’s General Manager. “But it’s just a small part of what the Activities Club will offer.”



Recreational consultant Ryan Ford has created daily programs — for 4 to 6 year-olds and 7 to 12 year-olds — that start and end at the facility, but in between take in beach excursions, sporting competitions and swimming pool games under the supervision of qualified hotel staff.



Depending on day of the week, the older group also gets to participate in afternoon treasure hunting, baking and cooking, kite making, Vietnamese language and art learning or water balloon fighting.



“We want kids to have fun, but we want them to do it in the context of interacting with other children and having cultural experiences,” said Ford. “These itineraries are dynamic. We’ve even incorporated ‘surprise visits’ to places like the kitchen, so they can see how our F&B team works together to prepare their lunches.”



The Nam Hai, which is owned by Indochina Capital and operated by GHM, offers upscale luxury accommodation never before seen on the East Sea. The villas were modeled on the traditional residences of central Vietnam, known as nha ruong, but they have been creatively re-interpreted to accommodate modern technologies and amenities.



Activities Club registration is from 8 a.m. until 8:20 a.m. daily. Programs for both age groups conclude at 6 p.m. Set lunches are also available.



To coincide with the opening of the Activities Club, The Nam Hai is offering a ‘Family Summer Retreat’ featuring guided tours at World Heritage sites, sunrise fishing with locals, beach BBQs, sporting activities, cocktail parties and movie nights.



For more information about the Activities Club or ‘Family Summer Retreat’, call The Nam Hai on (84) 510 394 0000, email fom@thenamhai.com, or visit www.ghmhotels.com.

Monte-Carlo SBM opens its Asia-Pacific office in Singapore

MONACO's main Hotel & Casino company, the 146 years old famous Société des Bains de Mer, opens its Asia-Pacific office in Singapore.

The company, trading under the brand "Monte-Carlo SBM" will further strengthen its presence in the entire Asia Pacific region, a priority source market for outbound business and leisure travellers.

"We felt that it was time to approach thoroughly this key region" says Axel Hoppenot, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing of Monte-Carlo SBM. "The opening of this Asia-Pacific office in this difficult economic context demonstrates our ambitious development strategy and marks our commitment to building stronger relations within the marketplace, with the elite travellers, the press and the travel trade."

Benoit Badufle was appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing Asia-Pacific. Benoit has more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry and in Asia. "He has an acute knowledge of the market and a perfect profile to understand the Asian ways", says Axel Hoppenot. Complementing the new regional office are the already existing Japan and China offices which Mr. Benoit Badufle was already heading from Monaco before his arrival in the region.

One of Benoit Badufle's main responsibilities is spearheading the group's brand development and developing the market share of Asia-Pacific in Monte-Carlo SBM's hotels and casinos. In 2011, Monte-Carlo SBM will open in Marrakech (Morocco) a 5 starred property, its first outside of the Principality of Monaco to be followed by further openings in other international cities.

Special package at NEW Castel Monastero with window over Siena’s Palio

Exsus is offering a fantastic package to see Siena’s exciting annual horse race, Il Palio di Siena on 16th August 2009, as part of a three-night package at the new Castel Monastero, sister property to Sardinia’s Forte Village.

Ten horses and riders compete bareback, racing frantically for their districts around Siena’s medieval central square. Steeped in history, the celebrated race dates back to the 13th century and is central to Sienese society. The action packed race day features a number festivities including a spectacular pageant preceding the race.

Combine this fabulous spectacle with three nights at Castel Monastero, a beautifully restored medieval village transformed into a luxury, 76-room hotel in the heart of Tuscany, only a short drive from Siena. The hotel is set to open in July 2009.
Exsus offers a three-night package to Castel Monastero from £1359 per person. The price includes three nights accommodation, breakfast, return transfers to Siena on the day of the Palio, a window on Piazza del Campo, champagne & canapés during the event as well as a gourmet dinner for two at the Castel Monastero restaurant.

To book contact Exsus on 020 7337 9000 or visit www.exsus.com



For more information and high resolution images contact Genevieve Scott on 020 7337 9000 or genevieve@exsus.com