Happy Birthday to the Brando – Luxury Resort in the French Polynesia During the month of July, The Brando will celebrate its 4th birthday, Independence Day, and Bastille Day! Three good reasons to extend the “Fly Free” promotion to 31st July 2018.  The July celebrations promotion is valid for new reservations only, booked for stays between now and 31st July 2018, and is non-retroactive.   With a minimum stay of 3 nights on Tetiaroa, The Brando will offer complimentary round-trip transportation on board Air Tetiaroa between Tahiti and Tetiaroa (for up to 2 persons per room). For more details please visit www.thebrando.com or contact jo@kurtzahlers.com

Route buildup is strategic goal as PAL aims for 5-star global rating. PAL will further boost its operations at its hubs in Davao, Cebu and Clark, with the scheduled arrival of 15 new aircraft within 2018, and another six (6) aircraft in 2019. Now an internationally-certified 4-Star airline, PAL announced a multi-hub expansion strategy that aims to improve domestic and international connections, while spreading the benefits of tourism and commercial activity to the various regions in Mindanao, the Visayas and Luzon. New routes and hikes in flight frequencies are being introduced as the flag carrier accepts delivery of five (5) additional Next-Generation Bombardier Q400s and six (6) new Airbus A321neos starting in May 2018, along with four Airbus A350-900 trans-oceanic aircraft starting in June 2018. “We are no longer just a Manila-centric airline,” said PAL President & and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Jaime J. Bautista during a recent press briefing at Davao City for Davao, Cebu, Clark and Manila media. “Our new aircraft and our new hubs are a winning combination that will help expand our market reach both domestically and worldwide. This is imperative for a global airline, and we must sustain and build on our hard-won 4-Star rating.” […]

Study in North Korea with Juche Travel Services From Sunday 15 July to Monday 6 August 2018 students from all over the world can study Korean language at Kim Hyong Jik University in North Korea. 3 hours daily intensive language Afternoon extra curricular activities and language lab Daily tourism activities in Pyongyang 3 weekend overnight tourism excursions to the north, south and east of the country Classes for total beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. This summer we are heading back to Kim Hyong Jik University in the DPRK – North Korea- for three weeks intensive Korean language study mixed with daily tourism activities around Pyongyang as well as overnight weekend excursions to the picturesque Myohyang Mountains, truce village of Panmunjeom and the DMZ, the historic city of Kaesong, and the eastern port city of Wonsan! This is a tour packed with adventure and new discoveries. Study alongside the locals and gain a unique day-to-day insight into life in the DPRK, not to mention being one of the first foreigners to live and study Korean language at Kim Hyong Jik University. Kim Hyong Jik University of Education (김형직사범대학) is known for being a top university in the DPRK, specialised in pedagogical […]

Bangkok Airways and Oman Air sign codeshare agreement Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited (PG) and Oman Air (WY) signed a codeshare agreement, which will provide customers with an enhanced network to travel between Oman and cities in Thailand, commencing on 1st  April, 2018. Under the agreement, Oman Air puts its “WY” designator code on Bangkok Airways flights, serving 8 routes on domestic. This includes roundtrip routes on Bangkok-Chiang Rai, Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Phuket, Bangkok-Krabi, Bangkok-Lampang, Bangkok-Trat, Bangkok-Sukhothai and Bangkok-Samui. This new codeshare partnership offers passengers enhanced connectivity and seamless connections to well known destinations in Thailand. Moreover, Oman Air’s passengers traveling on Bangkok Airways will enjoy the boutique airline’s unparalleled services such as lounge access and in-flight meal. For more information about Bangkok Airways, please visit www.bangkokair.com or tel: 01293 813961

Qantas announces new Sydney international business lounge The national carrier’s Sydney International Business Lounge will undergo a multimillion dollar rebuild, providing travellers with a completely new design, at least 30 per cent more seating and a new signature dining experience. This latest in a series of lounge upgrades was announced along with several other investments including new interiors for the QantasLink regional aircraft at its half year results today. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the lounge investment demonstrated the airline’s commitment to world class customer service and leading design. “Our Business lounge in Sydney is one of the most visited on the international network, so we look forward to upgrading the space with a completely new design and a lot more capacity,” said Mr Joyce. “Our customers have told us that ample space, privacy and ambience are what they value most in their lounge experience, so the overall design of the new lounge will be tailored with this in mind.” Construction is scheduled to start in the third quarter of this calendar year and will be completed in stages to allow ongoing lounge access, targeting completion at the end of 2019. Features will include: Neil Perry designed dining concept; […]

Macao takes the lead in Forbes Travel Guide 2018 Macao is leading the way in luxury travel, with the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide 2018 awarding its hotels and restaurants more five-stars than any other city in the world. The prestigious travel guide, which uses incognito inspectors to rate and rank the world’s finest hotels, restaurants and spas, gave 12 hotels (Altira, Banyan Tree, Conrad, Encore, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, MGM, Nüwa, Star Tower, Wynn Macau, Wynn Palace and The Ritz-Carlton) and 12 restaurants in Macao the coveted top award. Visit Macao  

The Brando recently featured on the BBC The Brando resort was featured in the BBC TV show “Amazing Hotels: Life beyond the lobby”, where Giles and Monica fly to the small island of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia. In the first episode of this entertaining and insightful series, they both worked alongside the staff of the exclusive Brando Resort to serve 5-star luxury to guests. Viewable in the UK only, or available on Netflix later this year.     To watch the programme please click BBC Life beyond the Lobby or for more information please contact jo@kurtzahlers.com to find out more!  

PAL ramps up Australia operations 4-Star carrier Philippine Airlines is increasing flights between Manila and Melbourne amidst the surge of passenger traffic along the route. Beginning June 1 this year, the flag carrier will operate five weekly Manila-Melbourne frequencies from the current thrice weekly service. The additional flights form part of several operational enhancements being undertaken by PAL after receiving the coveted 4-Star certification from air transport rating organization Skytrax. PR207 departs Manila every Wednesday and Friday at 4:45PM and arrives in Melbourne at 3:00AM local time the following day. PR208 leaves the Australian city every Thursday and Saturday at 5:40AM local time and touches down in Manila at 10:55AM on the same day. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, PR209 leaves Manila at 9:10PM and lands in Melbourne at 8:30AM local time the following day and on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, PR210 departs Melbourne at 10:15AM local time and reaches Manila at 3:30PM on the same day. PAL Vice President for Sales Ryan Uy said, “The new frequency to Melbourne would enable Aussies to maximize the benefits of the domestic and international hub of PAL which currently offers a combined total of 77 destinations. Passengers will get to enjoy our […]

MGM opens a second property in Macao MGM Cotai in Macao, with its glittering, jewellery-box-like façade, opened on 13 February offering approximately 1,400 rooms and suites. The property has plenty of diverse and unique experiences including Asia’s first adaptive and dynamic theatre, “Spectacle” – a football pitch-sized atrium with one of the world’s largest collections of sensory digital art, and dining concepts from four renowned celebrity chefs. http://visitmacao.co.uk/ https://www.mgm.mo/en/cotai      

Introducing The Sanchaya, Kurtzahlers Latest Representation Partnership The Kurtzahlers London team are delighted to introduce The Sanchaya, their latest addition to their portfolio. The Sanchaya is located on the Indonesian island of Bintan, less than an hour from Singapore and situated on one of the world’s most stunning white powder sand beachfront. Inspired by the European Salons of the 19th century, the resort cultivates highly refined service standards that pay homage to the attentiveness observed by artisans on a private estate. Its common areas, Dining Room, Library and Bar reference Southeast Asia’s rich history and culture blended with a vintage European refinement in its artworks, antiques, furnishings and spirit. An award-winning collection of 21 lavish villas and 9 suites combining exceptionally comfortable interiors with the warmth and atmosphere like those of a luxurious private estate spread over 9.6 beachfront hectares. The Sanchaya is a 50 minute ferry ride from Singapore, plus a short private chauffeured transfer from the estate’s private VIP lounge at Bintan’s ferry terminal. For more information please contact jo@kurtzahlers.com or visit www.thesanchaya.com

Vietnam is a destination that rewards exploration Vietnam is a destination that rewards exploration.  Journey just outside town to Trang An Grottoes, southwest of Hoa Lu ancient capital inside Trang An Eco Tourism Complex. This area is includes limestone ranges, valleys, caves and rivers; Trang An Grottoes also hosts Vuc Vong Temple, and the Khong residence. Embark on a small, hand rowed sampan, and begin your journey along green waterways. Continue to Hoa Lu, the birthplace of the Vietnamese nation. In the 10th century, it was here that the first capital was established.   Today only the foundations remain of the original palace, but visitors can still see two temples, Dinh Tien Hoan Temple and Le Dai Hanh Temple, dedicated to the rulers of the first two dynasties of the nation. These temples are a sight to behold, with traditional courtyards and lily ponds, set among the dramatic rice paddies and karst formations of the area. For more information contact: chris@is-intl.com

Field of Light Uluru at Ayers Rock Resort, Australia shines on until 2020 Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro’s immersive installation, Field of Light Uluru, has been extended for a further period and will now remain in place until 31 December 2020. The award-winning exhibition, located at Ayers Rock Resort, opened on 1 April 2016 to critical acclaim, and has since exceeded all expectations proving to be a stand-out drawcard to the destination. Guests can enjoy the field in a number of ways – a Field of Light Pass includes transfers, a Star Pass includes transfers as well as sparkling wine and canapes, and for those wanting a special evening under the stars there is A Night at Field of Light dining experience that includes transfers and guests can also arrive via helicopter or camel for an additional charge. Between 22 October and 24 March each year, guests can also enjoy Mayu Wiru, meaning ‘beautiful flavour’ in local Pitjantjatjara. This premium experience for a maximum of 16 guests combines an exceptional gourmet menu celebrating the ancient flavours of Indigenous Australia with a private escorted tour through Field of Light.