THAI Advises Passengers Travelling From Bangkok To Allow Extra Travel Time

In the view of the Political Rallies from the 12th March 2010 onwards, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has an Operational Plan prepared for the situation. Passengers are reminded to spare time to get to Bangkok Airport early.

Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that due to the political rallies starting from Friday 12 March 2010 onwards, for passengers' convenience and as there may be traffic congestions, THAI requests passengers traveling by THAI on domestic routes to arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport three (3) hours prior to the flight time and those traveling on international routes to arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport four (4) hours prior to the flight time.

THAI's Ticket Offices on Larn Luang and Silom Road will be closed on Saturday 13 March and Sunday 14 March 2010. Passengers may contact and purchase tickets at the THAI Headoffice on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road as following details:

Saturday 13 March 2010 Opening hour 08.00 – 17.00 hrs

Sunday 14 March 2010 Opening hour 09.00 – 13.00 hrs

Furthermore, THAI will temporarily close the THAI Contact Center at Larn Luang during the political rallies and will transfer THAI Contact Center staff to THAI Headoffice until the situation is back to normal. THAI apologizes for any inconveniences caused.

For more information on traveling information, flight schedule and reservation, please contact THAI Contact Center at Bangkok 0-2356-1111, 24 hours or at www.thaiairways.com or www.thaiairways.co.th.

For Australian travellers, THAI reservations 1300 651 960 or reservations@thaiairways.com.au. Australian online offices are closed Sat/Sun but staff are reviewing the Bangkok situation.

See www.thaiairways.com.au for updates and check DFAT's Smart Traveller site for traveller information : www.smartraveller.gov.au.

Quark Expeditions Announces Arctic 2010 Expedition Leaders

Five experienced Expedition Leaders are returning to the Arctic in 2010, announced Vermont-based polar adventure specialist Quark Expeditions. "Expedition Leaders are the X factor," said Patrick Shaw, president. "The best ELs add something extra to an expedition through their personalities and passion for the regions through which they lead travelers."

To celebrate the announcement, travelers who book one of four select Arctic voyages will receive a free extended stay in Oslo, Norway or Reykjavik, Iceland. These packages have a retail value of $1100 and $663 per person respectively.


Quark's Expedition Leaders have various backgrounds. Some are scientists, some historians, many are wildlife specialists and some are skilled yachtsmen and kayakers. All have worked their way up through the ranks to the position. The experience they gained as Zodiac drivers, naturalists, and lecturers is essential for their role as Expedition Leader.

New Zealander Graham Charles is an internationally renowned kayaker with an irreverent sense of humor and unquenchable enthusiasm. Graham will be leading expeditions to Spitsbergen, Eastern Greenland, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic from July 8 to August 20, 2010.

Dr. Kirsten le Mar uses her training and experience as a field biologist as Expedition Leader aboard the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov. Kirsten will lead three End of an Era expeditions from Anadyr, Russia to Resolute, Canada in 2010.

Canadian Brandon Harvey studies orcas when he is not leading an Arctic voyage. Between June and September 2010, he will lead expeditions to Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland aboard the 46-passenger Akademik Shokalskiy.

David "Dutch" Willmott has always been drawn to adventure travel in wild places. He has sailed and raced yachts all over the world. He will be leading expeditions to Spitsbergen, Svalbard in June 2010.

David "Woody" Wood started working on expedition vessels as a bartender, so his people skills are well honed. He is an experienced Zodiac driver and can handle firearms -- essential in the Arctic. He will be leading expeditions to Spitsbergen, Svalbard from July to August 2010.

Jan Bryde will lead Quark's Arctic trip to the North Pole, July 9 to 23, 2010. 50 Years of Victory, the world's largest nuclear-powered icebreaker is Jan's home away from home.

Extend Your Stay

The Oslo extended stay offer is available on three departures: Introduction to Spitsbergen, June 21 to 28; Spitsbergen Explorer June 27 to July 7 or July 14 to 24, 2010. Guests who book any of the listed expeditions will receive a package that includes 1 night in Longyearbyen and 2 nights in Oslo.

The Reykjavik extended stay offer is available on Iceland, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, August 3 to 20, 2010. Guests who book this voyage will receive a package that includes 4 nights in Reykjavik, Iceland.

To receive more information about the Arctic offer and Quark's Expedition Leaders go online or call toll free 888-892-0171.

Chimu Adventures Offers 25% off Antarctica Expeditions

Latin America and Antarctica specialist Chimu Adventures is offering 25% off the MS Expedition Antarctica cruises.

The special is valid for all departures in the 2010/2011 season and all expeditions such as the classic 11 day voyage and the longer 20 day ‘Spirit of Shackleton’ route.

Director of Chimu Adventures, Greg Carter, believes the deal gives people the opportunity to pick up a real bargain in getting to Antarctica . Carter claims, “with the 25% off discount, prices are starting from around $AUD 3,775 for the 11 day classic expedition. This is really unbeatable value!”

The offer is available for bookings made before 30th April 2010 and is commissionable for agents.

Yoga, Pepper and Salt

Winter is a time for resting and restoring and the perfect season to stretch out on an indulgent yoga escape to Peppers Salt Resort & Spa at Kingscliff in Northern NSW.

The luxurious resort is holding a special yoga weekend from 18-20 June allowing guests to relax through specialist yoga classes, dine on delicious wholesome cuisine and revitalise with a spa treatment at the onsite Golden Door Spa.

Hosted by YOGA TV host, Kris McIntyre, the yoga retreat is designed for all ability levels from beginners through to advanced practitioners.

Kris said the winter yoga retreat provides the perfect opportunity to focus inwards and build strength and stability in the body.

“In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is when the water element in the body is most prominent.

“This energy system is linked to the structural integrity of our body and its shape, our sense of identity, our hormonal and nervous systems, our bones, sexual energy and reproductive functions.

“It is therefore the best time of the year to deal with issues including lower back issues, stress and hormonal imbalances,” Kris said.

Priced from $490* per person twin share, the all-inclusive escape includes two nights accommodation at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, full buffet breakfast daily, six yoga classes with yoga teacher, author and TV host Kris McIntyre, yoga mat, The Golden Door workshops and demonstrations, a 50 minute Golden Door Spa treatment, wholesome meals inspired by The Golden Door cook book and prepared by the Roughie's Restaurant & Bar team led by Executive Chef Reuben Radonich, full use of resort leisure facilities, unlimited in-room movies and more.

Non-residential packages are available from $351* per person including all yoga classes, mat, Golden Door Spa treatment, one dinner and two lunches.

Yoga enthusiasts can also kick-start and cleanse in spring at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa’s Spring Yoga Retreat on 10-12 September 2010.

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa combines the seaside-village charm of Northern New South Wales with Peppers’ renowned style and sophistication and features all the luxuries you would expect of one of Australia’s leading resorts including a large tropical beach lagoon, a network of walking and bicycle tracks, an unspoilt surf beach patrolled 365 days a year, The Golden Door Spa and award-winning Roughie’s Restaurant & Bar.

Providing the ultimate beach break on South East Queensland’s doorstep, SALT is located just 20 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, 60 minutes from Ballina Airport and less than 90 minutes drive from Brisbane.

For bookings or further information phone Louise Anker on 02 6670 5027 or email louise@conferencesandeventsatsalt.com.au.

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Cinderella Ending To Fairytale Broome Safari

Two of Australia’s most innovative business women have joined forces to create a travel experience designed for women, by women.

The Broome Gorgeous Girls & Pearls Safari is a collaboration between Marilynne Paspaley AM, Founder and Managing Director of Pinctada Hotels & Resorts, and television personality Maeve O’Meara, Founder and Director of Gourmet Safaris.

Marilynne and Maeve will co-host the Gorgeous Girls & Pearls Safari from June 17-22, 2010, at Pinctada Cable Beach, Broome’s new award-winning five star spa resort and the flagship of Marilynne’s resort portfolio.

“Maeve and I not only work in the tourism and travel industry, but have also travelled extensively in our personal lives,” Marilynne said. “The cornerstone of both our companies is creating experiences that are customised, personal and memorable. The Gorgeous Girls & Pearls Safari is a reflection of the corporate values we share as well as the personal experiences we look for when we travel.” Pinctada’s tagline – personal moments, endless horizons – captures the essence of the weeklong Gorgeous Girls & Pearls Safari. The customised and ‘money can’t buy’ experiences that Marilynne and Maeve have created include:

• a private pearl appreciation function at the Paspaley Boutique in Broome with champagne - and sautéed Paspaley pearl meat prepared by Pinctada’s award-winning SELENE Brasserie
• the opportunity to be dressed by Paspaley in their finest pearls for the safari’s final night gala dinner
• Pinctada Supper on the Sand on Cable Beach after a sunset camel ride • a special screening of Bran Nue Dae at Sun Pictures, the world’s oldest picture garden
• a bush-tucker and discovery walk through the surrounding natural landscape with award-winning indigenous guide, Neville Poelina
• a day at Broome races where thoroughbreds race on the Kimberley’s red pindan earth The Gorgeous Girls & Pearls Safari is the first Kimberley experience offered by Maeve O’Meara’s Gourmet Safaris, which was honoured in 2007 as Best Tour Operator by The Australian Tourism and Travel Awards.

“I’ve always wanted to create a Kimberley safari because it’s such a magic place,” she said.

“Plus we have the opportunity to experience Broome through the eyes of a local – and a well known one at that. Marilynne Paspaley has such a rich pearling heritage and an understanding of the Kimberley and that special knowledge will make for a truly wonderful safari.

On all our Gorgeous Safaris, our girls come back golden glowing and rested and I’m sure our first Broome Girls and Pearls Safari will be no exception. Like all the girls who’ve booked so far, I’m particularly excited by the opportunity to wear Paspaley pearls on our final evening – it’s a ‘Cinderella’ ending to a fairytale week in Broome.” The full itinerary and booking details for the Broome Gorgeous Girls & Pearls Safari can be found at www.gourmetsafaris.com.au or by phoning +61 (0)2 9960 5675. Prices start from $3762.00 plus airfares.

BridgeClimb Celebrates the 2.5 millionth Climber to Scale to the Summit of Sydney’s Icon

BridgeClimb Sydney has celebrated the 2.5 millionth Climber to experience “The Climb of their Life” on the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.

At 10.05am on Friday 12th March 2010, Hilary Baker from the UK scaled to the summit of the Bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney.

Ms Baker, a coach driver from Sundon, England (just outside London), climbed with her partner Greg Ashworth as well as her sister Alison Kirkham and Alison’s husband John Kirkham.

“This is our first visit to Australia and what a way to be welcomed” Ms Baker said. “I have been looking forward to climbing the Bridge for so long, and to be lucky enough to be the 2.5 millionth climber…well this is just brilliant.”

At the summit Ms Baker was presented with a trophy containing a cement core from the original 1932 Sydney Harbour Bridge foundation work, sourced from the excavation of the BridgeClimb access tunnel to the Bridge.

Todd Coates, Managing Director of BridgeClimb said “Hilary has travelled from across the globe to summit the Bridge today. Her story and the memory she will treasure forever is as unique and special as every one of our 2.5 million Climbers”.

Since BridgeClimb opened in October 1998 58% of Climbers have been international visitors to Sydney, 24% were Sydney-siders and 18% were from the rest of Australia.

BridgeClimb now have three exciting climbs to the summit of the Bridge; The Bridge Climb, The Discovery Climb and The Express Climb, all available at dawn, during the day, twilight and at night. For booking enquiries call (02) 8274 7777 or book online at www.bridgeclimb.com

Pictures by James Morgan - Free images for use in online and editorial only (NO SALES/NO ADVERTISING) - on behalf of Bridgeclimb, Sydney, Australia- please credit images by James Morgan if used or issued.

Photo caption: "2.5 millionth Climber Hilary Baker celebrates on the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge"

O-M-G Are You in Need of 1-2-1 T-L-C? There's an App for That!

March 2010: As time remains an increasingly precious commodity Small Luxury Hotels of the World ™ (SLH) has developed an app to bring luxury to the palm of your hand. The new, free app allows guests to Discover, Enjoy and Share some ‘GR8 TLC’ in any one of our superb 500 plus properties in over 75 countries, anywhere at any time.

The new app is available to download from http://itunes.apple.com/app/small-luxury-hotels-world/id359024705 Supported by rich imagery and information, customers will easily be able to book any hotel and share their favourite choices with friends and family – all with the simple touch of a button.

The SLH app also helps find nearby points of interest including tourist attractions and other rich cultural and culinary experiences through the augmented reality function.

‘‘The free iPhone app was developed with our guests’ needs and wants expressly in mind,’’ says Paul Kerr, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. ‘‘It provides a highly flexible and easy way to search, browse and book a hotel whilst on the go. We are also pleased to be able to provide our guests with instant and personally selected recommendations for famous landmarks near their hotels through the help of augmented reality and Google maps with GPS, so it is virtually impossible to get lost.’’ Designed by SLH’s digital partner, Fortune Cookie, there are three main iPhone app functionalities:

‘Discover’ - allows iPhone users to browse and book their luxury hotel, through various search categories such as destination, specific experiences or the latest special offers for a quick getaway. Whether customers are seeking a blissful spa retreat, a secluded beachside escape or a sanctuary hidden amid the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling city centre, it is now all available from the iPhone.

‘Share’ - enables a shortlist of favourite SLH hotels and experiences to be shared with family and friends via Facebook, Twitter and e-mail. ‘Enjoy’ - search for points of interest near to your hotel as you walk the streets using an augmented reality layer which delivers expert personal recommendations from SLH. Justin Cooke from Fortune Cookie says, ‘’We have designed the SLH iPhone application to allow SLH guests to engage with SLH at every stage of their journey – finding the right property to suit their needs, using the app to enhance their experience while staying at the property and of course, sharing the experience when they return.’’ SLH’s iPhone app also works on the iPod Touch and is available as a free download from the Apple Apps Store.

About Small Luxury Hotels of the World The Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) brand is an unrivalled portfolio of some of the world’s finest small independent hotels. Comprising over 500 hotels in more than 75 countries, the diversity of the individual hotels, and the experiences that they offer, is exceptional. From cutting-edge design hotels to palatial 17th century mansions, city centre sanctuaries to remote private islands, historic country houses to idyllic resorts, Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers only the very best. Reservations can be made at any Small Luxury Hotels of the World property by calling +65 6232 5060 or via www.slh.com. Travel agents need only remember the GDS code LX for LuXury.