Sunday, 31 October 2021

Sheraton Grand Doha launched its first Women’s Circle event during Pink October in collaboration with Anahi, the Self-Worth Coach

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, Qatar`s iconic landmark, launched its Women’s Circle with an invitation-only private event. This initiative aims to be an exclusive platform for supporting women, in collaboration with self-worth coach, Anahi Ortiz-Prieto. This event comes under ‘Together We’re Better’ CSR program inspired by the Marriott’s spirit to serve the community.

The event offered a welcoming space to bring together an elite group of women from Qatar’s multi-cultural society under one roof to establish a connection that enables them to exchange and discuss their realities, challenges, and share their stories and successes in an exceptional atmosphere, with the objective of enriching their experiences and supporting each other.

This initiative comes in conjunction with the continuous efforts made by the hotel to support women in general and the Breast Cancer Awareness Month in particular, which strengthens Sheraton Grand's concerted thrust towards initiatives aimed at transforming the Qatari society into a healthy, cancer-free society.

Sheraton’s Women Circle kickoff event, held under the title "The Power Of Loving You", aimed to create a distinct and exceptional space for the invitees, where Anahi, the Self-Worth Coach, addressed attendees with a warm welcoming speech and spoke about the power of honest communication among each other to discuss facts and challenges, as well as the importance of Self-Compassion and Self-Care in creating joyful lives for themselves and those around them.

Anahi conveyed the role that their Self-Care and Self-Love mattered in their goals and Vision, including their paths to improve our society. “It is through abundant Self-Care that feels aligned and genuine, that each of us will be able to overcome the challenges we face in womanhood and beyond”, Anahi said.

During the course of the event, deliberations took place on the importance of early detection and awareness in the fight against Breast Cancer, and the ways to lead a healthy lifestyle. In addition, Anahi also emphasized on the importance of Self-Love to the attendees, and why women need to invest time and energy into their physical, mental and emotional well-being.

On this occasion, Fatma Kurt, Head of Marketing & PR, said: “Today, we are elated to offer an exclusive platform through the "Women's Circle", to invite elite women from the Qatar’s multi-cultural society to discuss their experiences and share their stories with the aim of enriching the knowledge of the attendees. We believe that such poised platforms enable women to support and empower each other. We offer our gratitude to self-worth coach (Anahi) without whose collaboration we wouldn’t have been able to curate such a successful platform. Anahi guided the participants on the powerful ways of reaching a state of psychological satisfaction and ways of coexistence, in addition to a meditation session that contributed to reaching the stage of inner peace”.

As part of Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel’s continuous and purposeful efforts to support entrepreneurs and startups, the hotel has joined hands with Candeel and Rayhan Medical Complex for the gifts, Boho Picnic for the decoration to add an exceptional touch to the occasion, the media partner of the event, and powered by H Digital.

Meanwhile, to celebrate the success of the event, a Women’s Circle Linkedin group has been created to facilitate communication among members and provide information about upcoming events and programs. Those wishing to join the group can do so by visiting; Women Circle- where all women come together on Linkedin.

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City Spotlight: London, an alfresco paradise

London, one of the world’s great cities renowned for world class art galleries, theatres, museums, libraries, shopping, is also the world’s first national park city and is best experienced outside.
  • London was recently named the world’s first National Park City in celebration of its urban wildlife and abundance of green spaces. This bustling metropolis has plenty of ways to experience green spaces and with swathes of the capital turned into pedestrian zones, London is an alfresco paradise.
  • From outdoor dining, pop up pubs and rooftop bars, to riverside rambles and cycle trails, see what you stumble across.
  • Stumble upon hidden gardens in the City of London, such as Instagram hotspot St Dunstan in the East and secluded Barber Surgeons' Garden.
  • Grab a deck chair & immerse yourself in cult classic or a new release at London’s booming outdoor cinema scene. Or jump aboard an eco boat and float into Openaire Float in Cinema in Regents Canal.
  • Enjoy drinks at one of London's rooftop bars or chill out in beer gardens.
  • See the city from two wheels and discover London’s cycle routes or take a dip in one of London’soutdoor swimming pools or lidos.
  • Explore the capital's largest wetlands during the 11-month contemporary art programme Wetlands Unravelled. The London Wetlands are located on the River Thames at Barnes, just a short train ride from central London.

For first time visitors and frequent flyers, we’ve got a wrap up of 9 ways to escape the everyday in London and 10 Must Do experiences for First time visitors.

Find out more on London’s Canals – an oasis of sustainability (& serenity).

For more information contact:
Kristen Anguskristen.angus@visitbritain.org

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Vietnamese monochord and traditional Arab music come together for first time at Expo 2020 Dubai

For the first time ever, the Vietnamese monochord (đàn bầu) was played together with middle eastern traditional music on an international stage.

On the evening of October 12, 2021, one of Expo 2020 Dubai’s most anticipated music performances took place on the Expo’s largest outdoor stage, featuring meritorious monochord artist Lệ Giang from Viet Nam and renowned singer Aseel Abu Baker.

Jalsat Night is a monthly musical series taking place at the World Expo from October 2021 to March 2022. The series has gathered significant attention from Arab media and viewers. Expo organisers hope to not only introduce the UAE’s musical heritage to the world, but also create a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors in which traditional instruments from several countries join a Middle Eastern band on stage, together with regional star singers.

The Vietnamese đàn bầu was the only guest instrument featured in the first Jalsat night. Monochord artist Lệ Giang, in her bright yellow áo dài, stole the spotlight as soon as she came on stage. Music from the monochord opened the show to the joyful melody of ‘Gedar Gedar’ by singer Aseel Abu Baker. The duo treated visitors to an amazing performance where the monochord complimented the Arab singer’s voice in perfect harmony.

Aseel Abu Baker is one of the region’s most popular music superstars. His father, the late Abu Bakr Salem Balfaqih, is considered a legend and the ‘father of contemporary Arab music’.

Currently a teacher at Viet Nam National Academy of Music, meritorious artist Lệ Giang has performed for more than 30 years with her monochord. She is also one of the few selected artists featured at the Viet Nam Pavilion at previous Expos, including Expo 2010 Shanghai, Expo 2012 Yeosu, Expo Milan 2015, and Expo Astana 2017. Speaking about the performance, Lệ Giang said: “I was grateful for the warm welcome and support from the organisers, the other artists, and the special opportunity to join the superstar Aseel Abu Baker in a spontaneous musical ‘conversation’. Using traditional instruments to represent different countries, we were able to create a melody among friends, which connected us and brought us all closer together.”

Another reason to put Jalsat Night on visitors’ to-do list is the traditional Arab music band with famous musicians from all over the region. Members of the band have collaborated with top artists, performed on major TV programs and musical events. The majority of the band have been given 10-year cultural visas by the UAE for their contribution in regional art.

As one of the world’s largest non-commercial expositions, Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo in the MEASA region and has gathered more than 190 countries and international organisations. On October 1, 2021, the Viet Nam Pavilion officially opened its doors to visitors. This is Viet Nam’s seventh World Expo. Aside from the continued celebration of traditional values and culture, Viet Nam Pavilion also introduces the country’s latest technological advances in sustainability. During the six-month exposition, the Viet Nam Pavilion will host and participate in activities across different fields, including the anticipated Viet Nam National Day (December 30, 2021) on which Viet Nam takes centre stage at the Expo.

To watch Ms. Lệ Giang’s performance and get updates on the Viet Nam Pavilion, please visit our official website at www.vietnamexpo2020dubai.com or follow the official social accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Source: vietnamexpo2020dubai.com

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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P&O Cruises Australia Extends Cruising Pause Until Mid-February 2022

Amid continuing uncertainty about the resumption of cruising, P&O Cruises Australia today extended its voluntary pause in operations for a further month until mid-February next year.
 
The pause applies to cruises scheduled to depart from 15 January, 2022 to 14 February, 2022.

P&O Cruises Australia President Sture Myrmell said the voluntary pause had been extended because of the absence of a clear pathway for a return to cruising in Australia.

“We are naturally disappointed for our guests and our many suppliers to have to extend the pause in operations by a further month,” Mr Myrmell said.

“With society rapidly reopening including social gathering and travel just weeks away, there is a vital need for a pathway for the staged resumption of domestic cruising.

“Our guests have made it clear they want to cruise again and we look forward to welcoming them on board as soon as possible supported by comprehensive protocols based on the world’s best public health practice and standards.

“We are also mindful of the many businesses who rely on cruising for their livelihoods across food and fresh produce, marine engineering and logistics, entertainment and, of course, travel agents.”

P&O Cruises Australia has already announced its intention to resume domestic operations with cruises for fully vaccinated guests and crew.

Guests whose bookings have been affected will be notified of the pause and options available either directly or via their appointed travel agent.

Guests can track the progress of their future cruise credit or refund requests via the tracking tool found on P&O’s website at www.pocruises.com.au.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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Saturday, 30 October 2021

Anantara Spa Launches First Cannabis Infused Treatment Menu in Thailand

The powerful properties of cannabis plants have been harnessed for millennia by healers seeking its medicinal benefits. Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and pain reducing properties, the medicinal purposes of cannabis have been brought back to the forefront of alternative therapies as part of the recent decriminalisation of certain parts of the plant in Thailand. Utilised across central Asia for centuries, Anantara Spa in Thailand is now bringing this traditional compound to the twenty first century with a series of brand new luxurious spa treatments showcasing the plant’s myriad benefits from calming the mind to pain relief and more.

Restful Slumber Journey
Perfect for jet-lagged travellers, this 90-minute wind down treatment begins with a stress releasing soak in a cannabis salt laden bath. Tired limbs are kneaded in a full body massage using either cannabis-lavender oil to calm redness and puffiness or cannabis-rice milk to improve skin elasticity and moisture retention. Finish the treatment with a soothing cup of cannabis tea with CBD benefits to relax the mind and body, ridding any anxious thoughts and preparing you for a deep and restful night’s sleep.

Cannabis Stress-Release Journey
Reverse the debilitating effects of office syndrome or back and neck pain using the healing powers of cannabis in herbal and essential oil form. Combining the pain releasing properties of cannabis with the art form of traditional Thai herbal compress ball, Luk Pra kob, creates a dynamic duo capable of tackling even the deepest of muscle knots. The cannabis infused herbal compress ball induces deep relaxation, melting away tension along the spine and boosting guests’ emotional and physical wellbeing. Enjoy improved postural alignment and blood circulation and leave the treatment room floating on air.

Head to Toe Calming Journey
End a long day of sightseeing or a vigorous Muay Thai session with this top to toe treatment. Beginning with a calming cannabis foot soak ritual to release swelling and water retention, next a blissful scalp massage using cannabis infused coconut oil releases tension and transcends guests to the tropics. The benefits of foot reflexology have long been recognised to restore the body’s natural balance and combining the physical manipulation with cannabis balm, traditionally used by Thais to reduce congestion and muscle tension, is the perfect answer to relieve deeper pains and repair damaged skin.

The new menu of cannabis spa treatments will be available at several Anantara Spas across Thailand including Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, Anantara Chiang Mai Hotel and Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort.

Journey with Anantara Spa and explore a whole new world of healing.

For more information about spa and wellness with Anantara Hotels and Resorts, visit https://www.anantara.com/en/spa-and-wellness

Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.

From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 40 stunning properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Mauritius, Tunisia, Portugal and Spain, with a pipeline of future properties in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The brand’s premier vacation ownership programme, Anantara Vacation Club, extends the opportunity to own a share in the Anantara experience with a portfolio of 8 luxurious Club Resorts as well as travel privileges at partner resorts and hotels worldwide.

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/anantara; Twitter and Instagram: @anantara_hotels and @anantaraspawellness

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Tokyo Selected Best City in the World

Tokyo has been selected Number 1 in Condé Nast Traveler’s US Edition and UK Edition of “The Best Cities in the World: 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards.” Readers of the popular magazine for discerning travelers voted Tokyo for the top of the best cities list for the first time in two years in the US edition, and for the first time ever in the UK edition.

The city’s top ranking may be attributed to a number of initiatives, including tourism promotion programs and improved tourist infrastructure, which were achieved through cooperative efforts between the government and the private sector.

As a truly world-leading city in international tourism, Tokyo is working to further attract visitors by enhancing its appeal as a place where tradition and innovation coexist.

2021 Readers’ Choice Awards
US Edition “The Best Cities in the World (Best Big Cities Category)” (outside of US)

1. (6) Tokyo, Japan
2. (-) Osaka, Japan
3. (1) Kyoto, Japan
4. (3) Singapore
5. (-) Istanbul, Turkey
6. (-) Merida, Mexico
7. (-) Marrakech, Morocco
8. (7) Porto, Portugal
9. (-) Bangkok, Thailand
10. (-) Seoul, South Korea

( ) indicates 2020 ranking, - indicates the city was not in last year’s list

https://www.cntraveler.com/inspiration/readers-choice-awards

UK Edition “The Best Cities in the World” (outside of UK)

1. (15) Tokyo, Japan
2. (-) Osaka, Japan
3. (4) Kyoto, Japan
4. (9) Singapore
5. (1) San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
6. (-) Istanbul, Turkey
7. (3) Merida, Mexico
8. (-) Marrakech, Morocco
9. (18) Porto, Portugal
10. (-) Aspen, USA
11. (-) Bangkok, Thailand
12. (-) Seoul, South Korea
13. (7) Charleston, USA
14. (-) San Sebastian, Spain
15. (-) Chicago, USA
16. (-) Alexandria, USA
17. (8) Santa Fe, USA
18. (-) New York, USA
19. (-) Greenville, USA
20. (14) Salzburg, Austria

( ) indicates 2020 ranking, - indicates the city was not in last year’s list

https://www.cntraveller.com/topic/awards


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Bear cams go live for polar bear day

Hundreds of thousands of viewers across the globe will tune in to social media for Polar Bear Week, running from 1 – 7 November 2021, with cameras capturing every moment of the polar bear migration from Churchill in the Canadian province of Manitoba.

Polar Bear Week allows real-time access to these magnificent creatures in their natural habit, as they wait for the sea ice to form in order to migrate across the Canadian Arctic.

Viewers can ‘bear’ witness to this annual journey from the comfort of their home by accessing the live streams found at www.explore.org/polarbears.

An initiative created by Explore.org, Frontiers North Adventures and Polar Bears International, the use of non-stop coverage of the polar bears’ plight on social media aims to rapidly build awareness of the devastating effects climate change is having on this unique species.

People are encouraged to take part in community projects to reduce or replace fossil fuels, research renewable energy options, share concerns and solutions about climate change on social media, and tune into a live polar bear cam to spot the furry creatures in action.

The live coverage, which will stream until the ice freezes in late November, is produced from four cameras, one of which is positioned at Wapusk National Park, a large maternity den where female polar bears give birth.

The Polar Bear cams can be found at:
www.explore.org/polarbears
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polarbearsinternational/
and https://www.instagram.com/frontiersnorth/

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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Bamboo Airways opens Hanoi- Dien Bien route

At the lauching ceremony of the route at the
Dien Bien Phu airport (Source: VNA)
The first Bamboo Airways flight from Hanoi landed in Dien Bien Phu airport in the northern border province of Dien Bien on October 14, marking the official launch of Bamboo Airways' Hanoi-Dien Bien route.

The airline operates three return flights a week on the route using Embraer 190 aircraft. The flight frequency will gradually increase depending on actual travel demand.

Bamboo Airways General Director Dang Tat Thang said the new service will facilitate the travel of locals and tourists, helping attract investment to Dien Bien and increasing exchanges between Dien Bien and other socio-economic and cultural hubs of the nation.

He unveiled that the carrier will launch a direct route linking the province and Ho Chi Minh City in December, serving surging travel demand during the holidays.

Le Thanh Do, Chairman of the Dien Bien People’s Committee, expected the new air route will help open up opportunities for the province to develop tourism and attract investors.
Source: VNA

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/
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Cambodia Reopens to International Visitors from 30 November 2021

International visitors enjoy a quarantine-free stay and visit in Safe and Green Destinations for up to 5 days.

The Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia has released 3 notices with regards to the Reopening for Vaccinated Tourists, Procedures for Reopening for Vaccinated Tourists, and Policy Measures to Promote Domestic Tourism 2021 - 2023.
  • 30 November 2021 - Preah Sihanouk City and Koh Rong City of Preah Sihanouk province, and Dara Sakor tourist resort in Koh Kong province.
  • January 2022 - Siem Reap province.
  • Submit to a rapid Covid-19 antigen test upon arrival at the airport.
  • If the test result is negative, visitors will enjoy free movement within designated Safe and Green Destinations.
  • Foreign tourists visiting under this program can apply for tourism visa type T at the Cambodian Embassy or Consular Office in their respective countries or apply for an E-Visa.

VIEW THE OFFICIAL NOTICES

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Sydney Airport - first-quarantine free international arrivals - Monday 1 November

This Monday, 1 November Sydney Airport will welcome the first international flights under the NSW and Federal Government’s quarantine-free travel arrangements.

Media are invited to come to the airport to capture friends and family reuniting and conduct vox pops/interviews with arriving and departing passengers.

Location

Sydney Airport, T1 International Terminal, Arrivals Forecourt

First international flight arrival

0600hrs (full international flight departure/arrival schedule below)

Vision opportunities

Friends and family reuniting, passenger vox pops, live music, giveaways for passengers of Tim Tams and native flowers

COVID safety

Masks are required in all indoor areas of Sydney Airport’s terminals

Parking

Please use the allocated media car spaces located on Departures Road or the P7 Car Park at the T1 International Terminal

Registration

Is essential and can be done by emailing media@syd.com.au

Contact

Josh Clements, Sydney Airport Media, 0437 033 479

 

International Flight Schedule – 01/11/2021

 

Passenger arrivals

Time

Flight No

Origin

Airport

6:00

QF12

Los Angeles

LAX 

6:30

JL51

Haneda

HND 

7:25

GA714

Denpasar

DPS 

7:30

DL41

Los Angeles

LAX 

8:05

UA863

San Francisco

SFO 

8:15

UA839

Los Angeles

LAX 

9:10

VN773

HoChiMinh City

SGN 

9:30

GA710

Jakarta

CGK 

9:55

NH879

Haneda

HND 

10:30

AC33

Vancouver

YVR 

10:55

NF10

Port Vila

VLI 

11:50

SQ231

Singapore

SIN 

12:30

FJ1911

Nadi

NAN 

16:00

QF180

Norfolk Island

NLK 

21:20

SQ211

Singapore

SIN 

22:30

EK414

Dubai

DXB 

Passenger departures

Time

Flight No

Destination

Airport

9:05

SQ212

Singapore

SIN 

9:30

QF179

Norfolk Island

NLK 

10:00

GA715

Denpasar

DPS 

10:00

VN786

Hanoi

HAN 

10:10

PX2

Port Moresby

POM 

10:20

UA842

Los Angeles

LAX 

11:15

JL52

Haneda

HND 

11:20

DL40

Los Angeles

LAX 

11:55

NF11

Port Vila

VLI 

12:15

AC34

Vancouver

YVR 

12:15

GA710

Melbourne

MEL 

12:50

TG476

Bangkok

BKK 

13:00

UA870

San Francisco

SFO 

14:00

FJ1910

Nadi

NAN 

16:00

JQ996

Brisbane

BNE 

16:10

SQ222

Singapore

SIN 

21:35

NH880

Haneda

HND 

21:45

EK415

Dubai

DXB 

22:25

QF11

Los Angeles

LAX 

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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