The Capital and Levin Hotels Launch Guaranteed Australian Dollar Deals

Begin your European adventure in style with The Capital and The Levin’s guaranteed Australian dollar three-night deals.

THE CAPITAL, one London’s last family owned and run 5 star boutique hotels, is located in the heart of Knightsbridge. From the moment you walk in the door, you are immersed in a world of classic British interiors, warm hospitality and real comfort.  The envious location of being on a quiet street between Harrods and Harvey Nichols makes The Capital the perfect base for exploring London’s cultural and historical attractions.

The three-night ‘Australian Dollar’ deal, starting from $1199, includes:

• Round trip transfers to and from Heathrow, London City or the Eurostar terminal (supplement applies for Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or Southampton)
• 3 nights in a luxurious room
• Full English breakfast daily
• Choice of one lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at The Capital Restaurant
• Split nights can be arranged to work with your trip’s itinerary

 Rate excludes VAT, currently at 20% and a 5% discretionary service charge.

THE LEVIN, a contemporary 12 bedroom townhouse and Small Luxury Hotel of the World property that neighbours The Capital, is the world’s closest hotel to Harrod’s. A stone’s throw from Harvey Nicholls and a short walk from Picadilly and Buckingham Palace, The Levin is a cosmopolitan crash pad for the young and young at heart.

The three-night ‘Australian Dollar’ deal, starting from $999, includes:

• Round trip transfers to and from Heathrow, London City or the Eurostar terminal (supplement applies for Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or Southampton)
• 3 nights in a luxurious room
• Continental breakfast daily
• Choice of one lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at Le Metro
• Split nights can be arranged to work with your trip’s itinerary

 Rate excludes VAT, currently at 20% and a 5% discretionary service charge.

For further information or to book your Guaranteed Australian Dollar deal, please visit www.capitalhotel.co.uk and www.thelevinhotel.co.uk

The Capital is one of London’s last 5 star family-owned boutique hotels and The Levin, fondly known as ‘the world’s closest hotel to Harrod’s’ is a beautiful contemporary 12 bedroom townhouse. Both properties are located side by side in Knightsbridge at the heart of London.

The Unique Tourism Collection Director Jonica Paramor says, “We are really looking forward to raising the profile of these two exceptional hotels in the lead up to the royal wedding and the London Olympics. The hotels traditionally have around 30 per cent Australia occupancy so they have an established client base Australia. We will be working with agents and media to ensure that Australian travellers reap the extraordinary benefits offered to them by the hotels’ owners, David and Lynne Levin.”

To launch their representation in the Australian market, the Levins (as no mention before of the family name this will not make sense?_ are offering the following Guaranteed Australian Dollar Deals:

Three nights at The Capital starting from $1199:

• Round trip transfers to and from Heathrow, London City or the Eurostar terminal (supplement applies for Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or Southampton)
• 3 nights in a luxurious room
• Full English breakfast daily
• Choice of one lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at The Capital Restaurant
• Split nights can be arranged to work with your trip’s itinerary

Three nights at The Levin starting from $999:

• Round trip transfers to and from Heathrow, London City or the Eurostar terminal (supplement applies for Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or Southampton)
• 3 nights in a luxurious room
• Continental breakfast daily
• Choice of one lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at Le Metro
• Split nights can be arranged to work with your trip’s itinerary

All rates exclude VAT, currently at 20% and a 5% discretionary service charge.

For further information or to book your Guaranteed Australian Dollar deal, please visit www.capitalhotel.co.uk and www.thelevinhotel.co.uk

Daily flights to Europe via Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore

To celebrate Northern Hemisphere Spring, *Finnair Economy Class is on sale from 15 April – 31 May for 1 May – 30 June departures for Australian travellers.

• Low season fares start at AUD $1200 (1 May – 3 June) excluding taxes and fuel surcharges.
• High season fares start at AUD $1325 (4 June – 30 June) excluding taxes and fuel surcharges.

Travel from Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth to Asia onboard Finnair’s oneworld partners Cathay Pacific, Qantas and British Airway.

Fly on to Helsinki and connect to 46 destinations in Europe including London, Paris and Rome or visit one of 18 cities in Finland.

For further information about Finnair Australia, please visit http://www.finnair.com/finnaircom/wps/portal/travel/en_AU

*Book in O class on all carriers. Ticket validity three months. Taxes and fuel charges are not included and are as per the GDS. Taxes vary depending on airlines/code shares fuel charges and stopovers/transfer option. Seasonal destinations are subject to change.

-ENDS-

About Finnair

Finnair has one of the world’s most modern fleets and offers the fastest connections between Australia and Europe flying via Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong. Finnair is a member of oneworld Alliance.

Fly via Bangkok and Singapore for a smooth connection to Europe

To celebrate Northern Hemisphere Spring, *Finnair Business Class is on sale from 15 April – 31 May for 1 May – 30 September departures for Australian Business travellers.

• Business Designed for You fares start at AUD $5711 (1 May – 30 September) excluding taxes and fuel surcharges.

Travel from Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth to Asia onboard Finnair’s oneworld partners Qantas and British Airway.

Fly on to Helsinki and connect to 46 destinations in Europe including London, Paris and Rome or visit one of 18 cities in Finland.

For further information about Finnair Australia, please visit http://www.finnair.com/finnaircom/wps/portal/travel/en_AU

*Book in I class on all carriers. Ticket validity two months. Taxes and fuel charges are not included and are as per the GDS. Taxes vary depending on airlines/code shares fuel charges and stopovers/transfer option. Seasonal destinations are subject to change.

-ENDS-

About Finnair

Finnair has one of the world’s most modern fleets and offers the fastest connections between Australia and Europe flying via Bangkok and Singapore.  Finnair is a member of oneworld Alliance.

The Sareeraya in Koh Samui, Thailand, is offering six nights for the price of four from 1 May – 30 June and 1 Nov – 15 Dec.

This outstanding offer is based on twin share and includes accommodation in a 1^st ( featuring direct pool access), 2^nd or 3^rd (Sea View) floor Sareeraya Suite and breakfast daily for just AUD $1,370. Private vehicle transfers are available for an additional cost. *Terms and conditions apply.

The Sareeraya is situated beachside towards the northern, quieter end of Samui’s most beautiful soft white sand beach. It is conveniently located for Samui Airport transfers and offers easy access to Chaweng’s nightlife, restaurants, shopping and tourist attractions. For further information, please visit www.sareeraya.com

To book, contact Jenny LaBarbera at Island Escapes on (03) 9809 8777

• A minimum deposit of $150 per adult is required at time of reservation. All deposits are non refundable. All prices quoted are current but are subject to change without notice and also to availability. All prices quoted are valid for 7 days only, and unless otherwise specified, NO reservations are being held on your behalf. Cancellation fees may be up to 100%, therefore travel insurance is strongly recommended. Prices are in AUD$, gross & are valid for the mentioned dates. All prices include the current government taxes however should a tax increase occur, the above price will be amended accordingly.

After having made the flight reservation, customers can find the menu information on Finnair’s website.  They can make sure in advance that they will receive one of the three main course options that are normally available onboard, by placing an order on the homepage at ‘Manage my booking’.

On departure from Helsinki, there are three additional main courses to choose from, which are only available when pre-ordered. These ‘Meals designed for you’ are:


Wellness and Energy, offering wellbeing and peace of mind. The healthy Wellness and Energy options are made with fresh ingredients. This healthy, tasty option often incorporates Asian flavours.

Food Lover’s Treat, wholesome, home-cooked food. If you’d like to sample bratwurst or hearty stews, then Food Lover’s Treat is for you. This option is satisfying and full of flavour – a true treat.

Chef’s Gourmet, high-level gourmet cuisine. Chef’s Gourmet meals will satisfy even the most discerning of foodies. With this option, you can enjoy carefully crafted meals, centred on such delicacies as reindeer fillet.

Orders can be placed online at www.finnair.com > ‘Manage my booking’, at the earliest 30 days and at the latest 24 hours before departure.  For further information about Finnair Australia, please visit http://www.finnair.com/finnaircom/wps/portal/travel/en_AU

-ENDS-

About Finnair

Finnair has one of the world’s most modern fleets and offers the fastest connections between Australia and Europe flying via Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong. Finnair is a member of Oneworld Alliance.

Finnair’s Singapore flight will be the fastest connection between Northern Europe and Singapore. At the same time, the route will offer good onward connections for passengers continuing to other destinations from Singapore and Helsinki. For passengers coming from Asia, the Singapore route will offer connections via Finnair’s route network to 50 European destinations.

The countdown to Singapore began on 3 March on Finnair’s Facebook page, with 74 days remaining to the maiden flight. The Facebook page will provide information and tips on a daily basis about Finnair and the new long-haul destination as the countdown progresses. To keep up to date, check out http://www.facebook.com/Finnair

The addition of the Singapore gateway will expand a network of Finnair Asian destinations that already embraces Delhi, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Bangkok, Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.

For further information about Finnair Australia, please visit http://www.finnair.com/finnaircom/wps/portal/travel/en_AU

-ENDS-

About Finnair

Finnair has one of the world’s most modern fleets and offers the fastest connections between Australia and Europe flying via Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong. Finnair is a member of OneWorld Alliance.

Start the day with a freshly prepared breakfast served in your private garden, or if you prefer, under the hanging roots of an ancient Ficus tree, and then wander down to the beach for a soothing 90-minute Royal Oriental Massage under a sea almond tree on the beach.

Is all that pampering making you hungry? Not to worry; your personal Chef will join you on the sand to spoil you with a Thai dining experience before you set off for a sunset cruises around Pakarang Bay on the Sarojin’s private yacht, the Lady Sarojin. Sip freshly made cocktails while you relax into the evening.

By now, you’re getting used to living the high life but the real ‘wow’ factor is still to come; an elephant trek through the jungle en route to a five-course gourmet banquet served at the foot of a cascading waterfall. Share an unforgettable private dinner heightened by the glow of 500 glimmering candles. Go for a midnight swim and then your chauffeur will drive you home in luxury.

The Sarojin’s six-night “Royal Sensations” package starts from THB 146,200 (approximately AUS 4,716) for two people inclusive of all taxes and includes: six nights’ accommodation in a luxurious Garden Residence, a private spa and lunch on The Sarojin beach, an exclusive sunset cruise onboard the Lady Sarojin, a private candlelit jungle waterfall dinner by chauffeured elephant, all day à la carte breakfast with sparkling wine and private airport transfers to and from Phuket Airport with refreshments and cold towels served for two people.

Guests can enjoy additional benefits between 6^th March – 30^th April 2011 with great reductions on all room types at The Sarojin, as well as complimentary all-day à la carte breakfast with sparkling wine for two people. During these periods, rates for two persons inclusive of all taxes are as follows:

• Garden Residence: THB 12,200 / approximately AUD 393 (saving AUD 144 and 27% per night)
• Pool Residence: THB 16,900 / approximately AUD 545 (saving AUD 153 and 22% per night)
• Sarojin Suite: THB 18,100 / approximately AUD 583 (saving AUD 219 and 27% per night

– Ends –

For further information on The Sarojin, please visit: www.sarojin.com.

The Sarojin is internationally renowned as one of the finest resort properties in Asia. Designed in a contemporary Asian style and beautifully set on an 11km stretch of secluded white sand beach in Khao Lak, just a 55 minute drive north of Phuket Airport, the five-star resort boasts 56 deluxe residences set within ten acres of grounds leading directly onto the beachfront. Each guest room features its own private garden and “sala” sundeck, couples’ baths with waterfall showers, and plunge and relaxation pools that blend into the natural habitat; while other complimentary facilities include a fully equipped fitness centre and mountain bikes, sailing catamarans, sail boats, sea kayaks and windsurfing boards. Tranquility is guaranteed as no children under the age of 12 are permitted to stay at The Sarojin.

This is the third year in a row that the four-star Polynesian resort has made the grade but this is the first time the property has been granted Silver status.

Le Maitai General Manager Ms. Catherine Savatier says, “After being granted Bronze status for the past two years, we decided that with a concerted effort we could make the move to Silver. This was an intensive process that involved daily checks across all departments to meet the requirements of the Green Globe Benchmarking and Certification program. It wasn’t easy but it’s definitely worth it to achieve this level of globally recognised eco-accreditation.”

The criteria for the accreditation includes the stringent evaluation of areas such as:

• Water and energy consumption
• Garbage management
• Environmental preservation
• Staff commitment to sustainability practises
• Communication inside the hotel and with third parties
• Participation in local and community life

For further information about Le Maitai, please visit http://www.hotelmaitai.com/

For further information about Green Globe, the premier global certification for sustainability, please visit www.greenglobecertification.com

Southern Thailand’s premier cooking school has just launched a locavore foodie experience titled ‘Glimpses into Local Life’ wherein guests are invited to get their hands dirty and go foraging, fishing and harvesting with the Chef. 

The Sarojin Director Kate Kemp says, “Our guests are increasingly interested in experiencing a more authentic sense of real Thailand experience coupled with a more ‘hands on’ and educative experience, hence thought it would be fun to up the ante on our cooking classes and invite guests to ‘catch and gather’ ingredients for their desired dish as well as cooking it and enjoying dining in an extraordinary location. The Khao Lak and Phang Nga region is blessed with an abundance of fresh seafood and produce that is grown here in the local community by farmers we have been supporting for years. This new program offers guests the chance to engage in the food process from ‘the wilds to the plate’ and, in addition to seeing where and how things are harvested, they also get the chance to interact with locals that have lived here for generations.”

During the Locavore Foodie Experience, guests will visit the following places:

• Baan Nam Kem
• A prawn farm
• A fish farm
• Swallow nest house
• Various fruit, vegetable and cashew nut farms – widely commercially grown in this area and often processed by hand using traditional farming methods.

Baan Nam Khem is located 20 minutes drive north of The Sarojin. This small coastal fishing village is the gateway to the endless waterways leading though spectacular untouched mangrove forest. The shallow inter-tidal reaches that characterise the mangrove wetlands offer refuge and nursery ground for juvenile fish, crabs, shrimps, and mollusks. Mangroves are also prime nesting and migratory sites for hundreds of bird species in Thailand. For instance, there are over 500 species of birds recorded in the mangrove areas. Additionally, crab-eating monkeys, monitor lizards, sea turtles, and mud skipper fish live in the mangrove wetland. Guests are taken line fishing onboard their own traditional longtail boat where snapper and grouper along with other local fish can be caught. With your fresh catch you continue up the Takuapa River for your Thai Cooking Class with chef by Takuapa Riverbank. Learn how to prepare your fresh catch for the plate and enjoy lunch safari style and a glass of wine in the great outdoors

The package also includes luxurious accommodation at The Sarojin in a Garden Residence, return transfers from Phuket International airport by luxury car with cold towels and refreshments served for 2 persons as well as all day al carte breakfast with sparkling wine served for 2 persons.

The Sarojin’s ‘Locavore Foodie Experience’ package starts from THB 102,400 which is approximately AUD $3,413 for 2 persons, inclusive of all taxes, and is available all year ‘round.

For further information on The Sarojin or to book one of the special promotional packages that are available from 6 March – 30 April 2011 and 1 May – 31 Oct 2011, please visit: www.sarojin.com

– ENDS –

About The Sarojin

‘World Luxury Hotel’ Award Winner 2007, 2009, 2010* at the World Luxury Hotel Awards; Winner of “Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel” 2008,2007, 2006 at World Travel Awards; Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2010, 2009,2008; “Overall Winner” at the Thailand Green Awards 2010; The Sarojin is internationally renowned as one of the finest resort properties in Asia. Designed in a contemporary Asian style and beautifully set on an 11km stretch of secluded white sand beach in Khao Lak, just a 55 minute drive north of Phuket Airport, the five-star resort boasts 56 deluxe residences set within ten acres of grounds leading directly onto the beachfront. Each guest room features its own private garden and ‘sala’ sundeck, couples’ baths with waterfall showers, and plunge and relaxation pools that blend into the natural habitat; while other complimentary facilities include a fully equipped fitness centre and mountain bikes, sailing catamarans, sail boats, sea kayaks and windsurfing boards.

The Sarojin’s name is inspired by the mythical Lady Sarojin, the daughter of a prominent Thai nobleman who was regarded as the perfect host and whose household became famous for its hospitality. The Sarojin’s goal is to reflect this legacy by providing an experience that is reminiscent of staying at a friend’s private estate. The hotel’s team of personal guides delight in creating tailor made experiences, along with the elegant and inspired ‘Imagineer’ who offers the ultimate personal concierge service for hotel guests. Tranquillity is guaranteed as no children under the age of 12 are permitted to stay at The Sarojin.

*The World Luxury Hotel Awards are the most exclusive luxury hotel awards, setting the benchmark for world class facilities and service excellence. The Awards were established to recognise hotels that have taken the extra step and differentiated themselves from ‘good hotels’ to ‘exceptional hotels’.