Serene ambience of the vast 18-hole gulf course
These days, resorts do not seem complete without golf courses. One of such is Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf 5-star Resort where the lush landscape of their golf course serves as comforting compliments for both golf professionals and enthusiasts looking forward to a relaxing time. Also, besides the appeal of lush landscapes such as this lies the refreshing therapy of a resort. Whether its a romantic getaway for two or a round of golf on their 18-hole challenging and breath-taking course, it’s worth the visit. OMOLOLA ITAYEMI writes
1 – Its tucked in the middle of the palm forest on a land mass of about 135.2 hectares and stretching along three communities. It opened in 2008 with a golf course on a land mass of about 79 hectares and a helipad to facilitate easy travel. Located in Uruan local government area , about 20 minutes drive from Uyo, the state capital, this resort boasts of a marina, 30 minutes from Oron river with a fantastic sand bank. Adjacent to the Marina and outside the walls of the resort is a wood market. Linked by excellent road network from the state international airport, the hotel built by the state government as part of deliberate efforts to boost tourism development has become a tourist destination for both domestic and international tourists.
2 – One of the high-end brands under the Starwood group (SPG) known for luxury and high-end boutique hotels, its designed on only two floors with different wings spreading out and creating a scenic beauty irresistible to tourists and golf enthusiasts who throng this place sometimes on a yearly ritual. Take charge with SPG Power Up and earn up to 18,000 bonus Starpoints on stays January 15 – April 15, 2013. Get more for four. Earn 2,000 bonus Starpoints for every four eligible nights you stay — up to 8,000 bonus Starpoints and 16 nights.Top it off at 20. When you reach a total of 20 eligible nights, earn an additional 10,000 bonus Starpoints.
3 – One of the best places to watch golf tournaments with both local and international professionals playing, and for beginners this is the best place to sharpen your skills, the golf shop rents and sells golf accessories. Hospitality surrounding the resort is also available like transportation to and from the resort, dinning. And if you want to test the water, there are speed boats to be hired.
4 – From lush landscape to willowy palm trees (184 on the driveway and many more dotted all over the property), nature and aesthetics work hand-in-hand. Situated on a hill top, its undulating topography only serves to heighten its appeal. With 163 rooms, seven chalets and 18-hole golf course, this very captivating landscape nestled in wild forested area and plush greenery is a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of Lagos city life.
5- Catering to diverse tastes and expectations, Le Meridien Hotel and Golf Resort has excelled in the art of fusing African traditional elements with contemporary modern furnishings. From cuisine to hard exteriors to interior furnishings, traditional and modern elements appeal to different tastes. Their in-house chefs have meals designed to different palates.
6- A place of tranquility, it provides the right ambience and environment for retreats and brain storming. An oasis of calm, enjoy the breathtaking view, with spectacular views over the rain forest stretching to the mountains of Cameroon.
7- With facilities such as a marina court house, standard swimming pool and beautiful gardens, its the ultimate holiday/vacation package.
8- The 5 star hotel and resort is made up of blocks that house different activities. Linked by corridors or walkways through gardens and court yards with fountains, walking round this resort will keep you fit and trim. And many have never failed to be enthralled by the combination of beauty and greenery.
9- Located on the edge of the course, De Terrace Golf Club is an ideal setting for relaxing after a long day on the links.
Try their other restaurant and lounges like Marina Club, the Rising Sun Restaurant, the Rotunda Bar, Vista Restaurant and the Bird Table.
10- It’s an opportunity tosee and experience Uyo.
The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi…
Comfort Home and a taste of the Exotic
Abu Dhabi is trending as one of the must-see destinations in the Middle East. Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi is a luxurious retreat that indulges local corporate patrons, discerning dinners, families, international business and leisure travelers. Funke Olaode at the 33rd edition of World Travel Market, London spoke to director sales and marketing, Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Dilip Mukundan about the multi-million dollar hotel that is the excellent choice for the discerning Nigerian traveler
Strategically positioned between Mussafah and Maqtaa bridges, right across from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and just a 25-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal features 447 luxurious guestrooms and suites, as well as 85 private villas.
Why will Ritz Carlton, Grand Canal be the traveler’s choice?
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal is a destination within a destination. If you are looking for the ideal location both for leisure or group interactions, it is perfect venue. With 10 restaurants within the building, you can come to the destination, do your meeting within the hotel. And with all the recreational activities it is perfect destination.
Can you describe one of the key features of this hotel?
A key highlight is the one and two-bedroom villas, each ranging from size of 90 to 130 square meters (968 to 1,400 square feet,) and complete with spacious outdoor terraces and personalized butler service. There is also the Ritz-Carlton Club, a private floor accessible only by elevator key offering five complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day with dedicated concierge service.
The Middle East prides itself on exotic culinary experience, can that be said for Ritz Carlton, Grand Canal?
The culinary journey at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi is an odyssey of dining experiences that will suit every discerning palate. The hotel’s all-day dining Italian restaurant features a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens; the steak and seafood restaurant offers specialty cuisine in a stylish and contemporary setting. The Middle East restaurant showcases the very best in the region’s cooking and , the Asian restaurant will whet the appetite for all things spicy, authentic and Oriental. For those who enjoy a more casual luxurious experience, there is a rooftop terrace, two poolside bars, and a Lobby Lounge and bar, all of which offer guests a great selection of drinks and bite-sized meals.
Also it’s the perfect setting for society weddings, high-level conferences, special social events and luxury product launches.
Wellness is fast becoming a key feature with hotels; what’s it like at your facility?
Our leisure travelers will enjoy the all-encompassing spa which will provide holistic rejuvenation and relaxation in a serene, meditative setting.
The 2,000 square meter (21,500 square foot) spa with its own separate entrance, will offer 15 private treatment rooms as well as a fully equipped fitness centre. A major scene-stealer will be the massive 1,600 square meter (17,222 square foot) outdoor swimming pool that accentuates the stunning landscape of the hotel.
Emirates Takes Dubai’s Expo Bid to the Skies
Emirates is putting the full force of its A380 fleet behind Dubai’s bid to land the 2020 World Expo.
The airline is attaching giant stickers to its A380 fleet, promoting the UAE’s bid to hold the event in Dubai in seven years time.
The first aircraft to be dressed with the words “Expo 2020, Dubai UAE, Candidate City” was EK 306, which left for Beijing in the early hours of Thursday morning. In the coming weeks, the airline’s entire A380 fleet – currently standing at 31 – will carry the Expo 2020 message.
World Expo, staged every five years and last held in Shanghai, attract millions of visitors. This would be the first time the event is held in the Middle East, and Emirates, one of Dubai’s great success stories, is a Premier Partner.
“The Emirates’ A380s are such a powerful symbol of progress and represent the rapid economic and infrastructural journey Dubai has undertaken,” said Tim Clark, President, Emirates.
Dubai is competing against four other candidate cities including Ayutthaya in Thailand, Ekaterinburg in Russia, Izmir in Turkey and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Air France’s New Economy Offer
Air France launched its new economy fare offer on January 7th, available to 58 destinations on the short and medium-haul network. On sale for travel as from 6 February 2013, customers will have the choice between the all-inclusive Classic product, the MiNi product, a simplified product which does not earn Flying Blue miles and aimed at customers travelling without checked baggage, at fares starting at 49 euros including tax.
Air France aims to adapt to the changes in purchasing behaviour and the new expectations of travellers, while at the same time attracting new customers. With two complementary offers available all year round and fully combinable fares, this new offer enhances the attractiveness of Air France fares. It particularly targets the 60% of customers who are looking for the best possible fares and the 40% of short and medium-haul customers travelling without checked baggage.
“This offer makes Air France quality accessible to all. On board, all customers benefit from the same services. On the ground, Air France offers assistance to all its customers, a range of mobile services enabling customers to manage their trip from A to Z on their smartphone and many new innovations to save time at check-in and boarding at the airport. The new economy offer also guarantees autonomy, by enabling customers to create the offer that suits them best, on a case by case basis.
“With this new fare range that makes the Air France quality of service accessible to all, Air France is continuing to implement its Transform 2015 plan, which aims to put the customer at the heart of its development strategy,” stated Alexandre de Juniac, Chairman and CEO of Air France.
AVIATORS NIGHT 4
Airborne media publisher of Aviators Magazine. A travel ,tourism and hospitality magazine is organizing a yearly event tagged Aviators night. An event that brings all the stakeholders in Aviation industry together to discuss issues affecting the sector and proffer solution in a relaxed atmosphere of music and comedy. A thematic event where aircraft is stimulated.
Aviators Night now in its 4th series is partnering with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The theme for this year’s event is “The Role of Civil Aviation in Nigeria’ with a keynote speech to be delivered by Dr. Harold Demuren the Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
The editor-in-chief of Aviators magazine Toni Ukachukwu said that, this year’s event t which will be held on the 9th of February will bring together people from all walks of life stressing that the event is not meant for only stakeholders in the Aviation industry but for all air travellers to understand the role of Nigerian civil aviation.
Airline. “Emirates operates the largest A380 fleet in the world and with the interest generated globally by these magnificent aircraft, they will be a powerful tool to further Dubai’s bid,” added Mr Clark.
Emirates has 31 A380s and the Expo message will eventually be taken to all of its A380 destinations – currently numbering 21. Most recently, A380 services have been launched to Singapore and Moscow.
The aircraft, known for its quietness, has changed the face of commercial flying. With more generous seats in Economy Class, industry leading mini-pods in Business Class and First Class Private Suites, along with Onboard Shower Spas and an Onboard Lounge, the A380 has generated fans across the world. Should the UAE secure World Expo 2020, the A380 will play major role in bringing visitors to Dubai.
The winning city will be announced in November 2013 following a vote by the 161 member nations of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).