Hotels can only be recognized by fulfilling rigid standards covering world’s best environmental practices in water and energy consumption, rubbish recycling and waste, environment preservation, staff commitment, internal and external communication and community involvement.

To celebrate this achievement, travelers can now visit Le Maitai Bora Bora with the following five night package, which includes two bonus nights at no extra cost:-

Ex Brisbane                  $2345*

Ex Sydney                    $2339*

Ex Melbourne              $2319*

The package includes :

• Return economy airfares
• Return airport transfers in Papeete and Bora Bora
• 1 night pre and 1 night post in Papeete at Manava Suite Resort Tahiti
• Return domestic airfares from Papeete to Bora Bora
• Valid for sale to 31 March 2010 and for travel 1 February to 31^st March 2010
• Conditions apply

Bookings:   Talpacific   1300 665 737

At Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos, you can finally get away from it all.

Once here, most guests  don’t only choose to turn off their Blackberry; they feel compelled, for this sparkling private island in the northern Caribbean deserves full attention – the mile-long beach, the private villas opening on to the powdery sand, the healthful cuisine, the diving, Yoga and the award-winning spa, COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay. That’s why, for 2010, Parrot Cay has launched two new couple-friendly packages to make it a year worth remembering. The ‘Babymoon’ package is designed for expecting parents to have their ‘honeymoon’ before the new arrival. It is a three-night hit of instant relaxation, and includes an indulgent 75-minute Pre-Natal massage as well as an hour-long private Yoga session and COMO Shambhala Massage. Prices start at $3,070 per couple, based on two sharing.

Parrot Cay’s ‘Romantic Runaway’ offer is for those who may be free of the kids for a long weekend, or for those who just want to steal some meaningful downtime in an entirely private corner of the northern Caribbean. The appeal of this perfect three-night  break lies in Parrot Cay’s ability to deliver a maximum experience in a short amount of time – and at a competitive price, with rates starting at $2,864 for two people, all meals included. With a couple’s massage also featured, as well as a Champagne breakfast, it’s ideal for couples seeking some good value respite under a warm Turks and Caicos sun.

Both packages include accommodation for three nights in a Garden View Room (other accommodation types are available, at an extra cost), breakfast, lunch  and dinner daily, return airport transfers on scheduled commercial flights only, a fruit bowl replenished daily, and complimentary group Yoga and Pilates classes and non-motorised watersports.

Once here, resort staff can organise numerous other excursions for couples, including some for those who like to get out and about. They include snorkelling expeditions to outlying islets, kayaking trips, diving, fishing expeditions and castaway picnics on deserted spits of sand. At Parrot Cay, guests can even dine in a private tiki hut on the beach – all available on request.

For more information email res@parrotcay.como.bz or visit the resort’s new website at www.parrotcay.como.bz

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Parrot Cay and COMO Shambhala Retreat

PO BOX 164 Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands

British West Indies

Tel +1 649 946 7788

Fax +1 649 946 7789

Email parrotcay@comoshambhala.bz

Website parrotcay.como.bz

FOR ANY PRESS AND MEDIA QUERY:

Crystal Seah, Director Marketing Communications

COMO Hotels and Resorts

Tel +65 6304 1488

Email crystal.seah@como.bz

Chris Orlikowski, Marketing Executive

COMO Hotels and Resorts

Tel +44 (0)20 7447 1049

Email chris.orlikowski@como.bz

EDITOR’S NOTE

Understanding COMO Hotels and Resorts: COMO Hotels and Resorts’ first property opened in 1991 – the Halkin in London’s Belgravia. The winning combination of smooth and accurate service, healthy Michelin-starred food and contemporary, understated style has since led to the creation of further properties, each different from the other while respecting COMO’s core commitments – to indulge every guest’s sense of respite, be it on a private island or a city hotel in the world’s most dynamic capitals. Currently the COMO portfolio consists of two properties in London: the Halkin an Metropolitan, London. The resort product launched in 1998 with Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. In 2002, Cocoa Island in the Maldives was born, followed in 2003 by the Metropolitan, Bangkok. In early 2004, COMO Hotels and Resorts assumed management of Begawan Giri Estate in Bali. That same year saw the opening of Uma Paro, Bhutan, and Uma Ubud, Bali. In 2005, Begawan Giri was relaunched with substantial new facilities as a top-end residential wellness retreat called COMO Shambhala Estate.

Understanding COMO Shambhala: COMO Shambhala is a health concept that has been developed in line with Shambhala’s meaning (Sanskrit for ‘peace’) manifested as centres of wellbeing at all COMO Hotels and Resorts. These include COMO’s city hotels spas, known as COMO Shambhala Urban Escapes, as well as COMO Shambhala Retreats at the company’s private islands and Uma resorts. It is a consultative rather than prescriptive approach which allows consultants to respond to guests on a one-by-one, day-by-day basis. Treatments range from Yoga to shiatsu to Ayurvedic detox programmes. They distil the best of ancient Asian traditions and, where appropriate, older techniques are combined with Western advances. Bodywork is also an essential element of the COMO Shambhala experience. At all properties, Yoga facilities are available. Guests can partake in week-long programs led by the world’s best teachers. In addition, COMO Shambhala maintains on-going relationships with key health professionals, and in 2006, created a Board of Advisors made up of experts in holistic health to help direct the company’s evolution; members include Dr Robert Thurman, Rodney Yee and Donna Karan. COMO Shambhala cuisine, available at select properties, focuses on energising and organic foodstuffs. An emphasis on raw ingredients is combined with pan-Asian influences, with menus overseen by the company’s Executive Chef, Amanda Gale. COMO Shambhala also produces a range of skin and bodycare products, COMO Shambhala At Home, made from all-natural ingredients. COMO Shambhala Active Living is the company’s resort and activewear line, launched in 2007.

Uma Paro in Bhutan continues to secure its reputation as one of the most unique Yoga locations in the world. With dedicated Yoga facilities, in addition to a full-service holistic spa and healthful, sophisticated cuisine, this is a wellness opportunity that stands apart from the crowd.

From 9th to 15th January 2010 Uma Paro will be welcoming Judy Krupp, a well known Sydney-based teacher whose likeable humour and nurturing style has inspired and made devotees of many, from beginners to the experienced. This will be the third time she has worked at Uma Paro, drawn by the mountains and clarity of the air to lead what looks like what will be another sell-out COMO Shambhala Yoga Retreat.

Judy has over 20 years experience as a teacher and is founder of The Yoga Room based on Sydney’s North Shore. Her teaching reflects her original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist to help strengthen habit-prone bodies and increase flexibility. This is excellent for people who are new to Yoga.
In addition, Judy helps focus the mind for meditation. She does this both through her artful teaching, and also by asking each guest to make the most of the privileged environment which is Uma Paro. Bhutan offers a memorable opportunity to escape the daily grind, high up in the mountains where few ever tread.

All Retreat guests are therefore invited to explore the countryside and culture more deeply, with an English-speaking Uma Paro guide provided for this purpose. The program includes walks through local scenery, to monasteries and valleys. There will be a visit to Bhutan’s oldest temple from the 8th century Kyichu Lhakhang with lunch at Traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, a pilgrimage to Bhutan’s most sacred site known as Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) and a picnic at Rinpung Dzong, Paro’s majestic government and monastic centre.

Throughout their stay guests are free to enjoy Uma Paro’s menus of healthful, locally sourced cuisine. Retreat guests can also make the most of Uma Paro’s holistic COMO Shambhala Retreat where they can experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath followed by a COMO Shambhala massage. Others will enjoy making the most of Uma Paros’ extensive Ayurvedic treatments.

Prices start at $3,227, which includes 21 hours of Yoga and meditation instruction between 9th and 14th January 2010, accommodation, return airport transfers, three cultural excursions, daily breakfast, lunch and two dinners (beverages not included) as well as government tax, visa fees and 10% service charge.

Please note Uma Paro can provide extensive travel assistance, including advice on visas and Drukair flights into Bhutan.

The Sarojin, Thailand’s award-winning 56 boutique residence property, has won the 2009 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the second consecutive year. This prestigious accolade was awarded to the resort’s signature restaurant, Ficus, for demonstrating a dedication to wine, a well-chosen selection of quality wine producers, and a thematic match with its menu items in both price and style.

The Sarojin features an extraordinary wine cellar with over 200 vintages from both the old and new worlds. This is complemented by the availability of 20 wines by the glass – Le Verre de Vin, the world’s most advanced wine and champagne preservation system. Le Verre de Vin is capable of preserving an unlimited number of still, sparkling and fortified wines and is available at The Sarojin’s Ficus and Edge restaurants. The Sarojin’s Wine Director, Sam Bonifant, shares his passion for wine with the resort’s British owners, Kate and Andrew Kemp; together they have created an award-winning wine list that emphasises quality and affordability and which perfectly complements the restaurants’ à la carte cuisine.

Comments Kate Kemp, “We’re very proud of our wine selection and pay great attention to vintage, proper storage, appropriate food pairing and serving, criteria that are particularly important in maintaining fine wines in a tropical climate. Wine Spectator’s 2009 Award of Excellence is testament to our dedication in providing the very best and to the very positive feedback that we receive from our guests.”

Adds Sam Bonifant, “You can have the best wine in the world but if it is exposed to the heat for too long the result can be a total disaster. Also, the old principles of what wine went best with which dish, were really quite limited. We constantly challenge ourselves to pair the best selection with the myriad of flavours offered by the quality of our cuisine.”

Complementing the wine menu is The Sarojin’s à la carte cuisine, a delectable choice of Asian and continental dishes, prepared by Executive Chef Khun Jui and his team. Enhancing The Sarojin’s culinary offerings is the resort’s ability to stage extraordinary dining experiences “just for 2,” engineered by their very own Imagineer, Jowell Philemond-Montout. As the ultimate personal concierge, Jowell works with the chefs to turn guests’ culinary desires into reality, creating tailor-made settings for even greater appeal and enjoyment; for example, guests can choose from a candlelit degustation dinner by a waterfall, or around the resort’s ancient Ficus tree; a private beach barbecue by the Andaman Sea; Thai culinary cooking lessons along the Takuapa River; a delicious lunch at one of the pool island pavilions, or an intimate gourmet dinner in the privacy of their own private dining sala. For the more adventurous, gourmet safari-style breakfasts and lunches can be arranged for day excursions in one of the five national parks bordering The Sarojin, or for a decadent day at sea, couples can indulge in a champagne and oyster spread on board the resort’s Lady Sarojin luxury charter yacht.

The 2009 Wine Spectator Award for Excellence is indicative of The Sarojin’s exceptional level of personalised service and attention to detail. The resort’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. It is located directly on a secluded 7 mile white sand beach, just 55 minutes drive north of Phuket Airport and 7km north of Khao Lak centre in the Phang Nga province of Thailand. Children under 12 years are not permitted to stay at The Sarojin.

COMO Shambhala, a lifestyle brand and healthy living concept encompassing world class spas, treatments, services, products and cuisine, has added three more blends to its range of Balms to complete the collection.

These essential 10ml combinations come in a handy rollerball bottle; to use, rub the oil into your temples or wrists and feel your mood improve almost instantly.

CALM Balm is the grounding blend, and is the perfect on-spot solution to clear the mind and ground the spirit. It can help relieve anxiety, nervousness and stress with powerfully relaxing lavender and geranium round off the blend.

COMFORT Balm is the COMO Shambhala warming blend of lavender, nutmeg and cedarwood. It is designed to nurture, relax and reassure. Nutmeg oil is warm, spicy and stimulating while cedarwood is beneficial for helping with nerves.

HARMONY Balm makes a perfect stocking filler gift for a partner with its sensual, aphrodisiac properties of sandalwood and ylang ylang. Ylang ylang is an essential oil with an exotically sweet and slightly spicy floral scent. Pure Indian sandalwood helps to awaken sensual energy while lime promotes sensitivity, serenity and unity.

COMO Shambhala’s other balms are PURIFY, INVIGORATE and SHELTER. All use high-grade essential oils and don’t feature colouring, petrochemicals, parabens. These new balms are available at £5 each. COMO Shambhala Balms will be available to purchase in January 2010 from our mail order service mailorder@comoshambhala.bz.

For more information about COMO Shambhala At Home range, including high resolution images, press samples and prices:

Florence Roghe

Tel: +44 (0)20 7368 8089

Fax: +44 (0)20 7368 8081

Email: florence.roghe@comoshambhala.bz

Jasveet Jagdev

Tel: +44 (0)20 7368 8090

Fax: +44(0)20 7368 8081

Email: jasveet.jagdev@comoshambhala.bz

Website: www.comoshambhala.bz/shop

Spend a total of nine nights at three of New Zealand’s finest lodges, Kauri Cliffs, Huka Lodge and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.

All three properties offer a unique experience on an individual basis, however collectively it can only be described as exceptional. All the lodges enjoy locations of great natural beauty that embody the qualities so admired in the New Zealand landscape.

The cost of this 3 x fabulous package is NZ$26,470.00 including Goods and Services Tax of 12.5% for two guests on a double occupancy basis and is valid 15 December 2009 – 31 March 2010. This package is subject to availability and the terms and conditions that apply to all properties on an individual basis, including those that are applicable to the Christmas/New Year period.

Kauri Cliffs, Northland

Start your journey in Northland near the magnifi cent Matauri Bay at Kauri Cliffs a 6,500 acre coastal farm with 180-degree panoramic views of Pacific Ocean. Guest accommodation is available within 22 well-appointed suites and a two-bedroom Owner’s Cottage nestled on the edge of a native forest overlooking the ocean and golf course.

The property also boasts a spectacular 18 hole par 72 golf course. Three private beaches and a waterfall can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or luxury 4WD. A private spa offering a wonderful variety of treatments on site invites guests to rejuvenate and revive both body and spirit while feeling at one with nature.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Three night stay, on a double occupancy basis, in a regular suite.
• Pre-dinner drinks with hors d’ oeuvres, three-course à la carte dinner, full breakfast, non-alcoholic mini bar and use of complimentary lodge facilities.
• One gourmet picnic lunch for two.
• Return transfers Kauri Cliffs/Kerikeri Airport.
• Three rounds of golf and two 50-minute spa treatments per person at either Kauri Cliffs or Cape Kidnappers or spread between the two properties.

Huka Lodge, Taupo

Travel to the stunning Central Plateau region with its spectacular landscape of snow-capped mountain peaks, wild tussock, green lush forested wilderness, with the clear blue waters of the many lakes and streams. Sought by the world’s most discerning travellers since the 1920s Huka Lodge lies nestled within 17-acres of manicured grounds on the banks of the Waikato River. With the hypnotic deep turquoise green waters of the river surging downstream to the mighty Huka Falls, the property offers every attention to detail and a perfect retreat.

With just 18 Lodge Rooms, one suite, the four-suite Owner’s Cottage and new two-suite Alan Pye Cottage, the property is truly exclusive. Over 20 deliberately romantic and sublime private dining venues offer every opportunity to relax and unwind. Tennis, pétanque, croquet, swimming and spa pools available on site as well as in-room massage and facials.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Three night stay, on a double occupancy basis, in a Lodge Room.
• Pre-dinner drinks with canapés, fi ve-course dinner (menu changes daily), full country breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages and use of all Lodge facilities daily.
• Return transfers Huka Lodge/Taupo Airport.
• 18 holes of golf for two at renowned Wairakei Golf Course nearby.
• A 4-hour cruise aboard a private launch on Lake Taupo with opportunity to catch one of Taupo’s legendary Rainbow trout and/or clay target shooting.
• A delicious lunch incl. of beverages is provided as well as fi shing licences.

Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay

Your next destination is Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s equivalent of the Napa Valley. Wineries and gourmet producers fl ourish in this bountiful region providing gourmands with many exciting opportunities to indulge in some of the country’s fi nest wine and food. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is set atop 6,000 acres of rolling pasture land with terrain reminiscent of the American West but plunging 800 metres to the sea.

Guests are accommodated within 22 extremely comfortable guest suites and a four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage. Private balconies ensure guests enjoy the superb coastal views, pastoral scenes and the spectacular golf course.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Three night stay, on a double occupancy basis, in a Hilltop suite.
• Pre-dinner drinks with hors d’ oeuvres, three-course à la carte dinner, full breakfast, non-alcoholic mini bar and use of complimentary lodge facilities.
• Return transfers Cape Kidnappers/Napier Airport.
• Three rounds of golf and two 50-minute spa treatments per person at either Kauri Cliffs or Cape Kidnappers or spread between the two properties.

Indulge in the luxury of space. Relax in the heart of Belgravia or Mayfair. Experience service of the most meaningful kind.

Stay in true style at the Halkin or Metropolitan London with the new fantastic suite rates available.
The Halkin – Studio Suite from £390 per night
The Metropolitan London – Park Studio from £299 per night

The site, www.gocookislands.com.au, live from 1 August, will be used to launch a trade promotion in which agents will receive a $25 voucher for all bookings made until the end of October, with the top 30 consultants nationally to be rewarded with a trip to the Cook Islands.

As part of the initial three month promotion, consumers will also have a chance to win a holiday to the Cook Islands.

Jonica Paramor, Managing Director of the Unique Tourism Collection, the Australian representative of Cook Islands Tourism, believes that microsites such as this are the way of the future for tourism bodies.

“Our research showed us that consumers and agents alike both want simple, effective cut-through when booking a holiday without wading through information overload. We created this microsite to address this.

“It saves time, and brings customers right to what they want in a holiday, without getting lost in unrelated websites. We think this is an ideal formula for all NTOs, and will work with our tourism partners to include their packages online, bringing benefits to the whole industry.” she said.

The Cook Islands Tourism microsite has been launched as part of a broader marketing campaign which has seen the region’s visitor numbers from Australia soar since the appointment last year of UTC to represent it.

For travellers wanting to get away from it all over Christmas and New Year, COMO Shambhala Estate represents the apogee of pure escapism. A unique residential health retreat located in the hills of inland Bali, this is the perfect choice for families and couples looking to regroup, regenerate and recover. Enjoying unique villa accommodation, guests not only enjoy exceptional food and active adventures from hiking to biking, but a purposeful spa experience in the journey towards a richer life. And for a high season holiday, the prices have never looked better .

For information on the COMO Shambhala Estate, click here.

Throughout the holiday season, Uma Ubud has a fun-loving air, this fresh, contemporary Balinese resort defined by its joyful, buzzy vibe. This has much to do with its location on the fringe of the inland artists’ town of Ubud. And then there’s the ‘Uma’ philosophy, which encourages guests to get out among the people, landscape and culture on compelling excursions ranging from shopping trips to guided hikes up sleeping volcanoes. Over Christmas and New Year, Uma Ubud is offering a series of excellent deals for guests—all of them an invitation to connect with the holiday spirit in this unique part of the world.

For information on the events at Uma Ubud, click here.

In the X2 Dinner

(left to right front row) – Suzanne Bowles from TG, Karen Hitchings, Jennifer Byrne from Travelscene Albert Park Back Row (l-r) Angela Woods from Jetset Dingley, Tania Verscharen from Armadale Travel, Loretta Abernethy from Craigs Travel Service and Nicola Johnstone from ETM Group

The Sarojin cooking class

(front of pic from left around table anti-clockwise) Nicola Johnstone, Khun Noot from The Sarojin, Suzanne Bowles, Tania Verscharen, Jennifer Byrne, Loretta Abernethy, Angela Woods Standing – three of The Sarojin’s celebrated chefs