Discounts at Vida, Manzil Downtown Dubai
UAE residents who book a stay at Vida Downtown Dubai or Manzil Downtown Dubai can receive a 10 per cent discount on best available room rate and 20 per cent at all restaurants operated by Emaar Hospitality Group. Children up to the age of 12 dine for free. Guests also receive two complimentary tickets to Reel Cinemas and can either avail two VIP tickets to At The Top, Burj Khalifa, or two free VIP Package tickets to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Offer valid for stays until December 20. For more information call 04-4238899 or log on to VIDA-hotels.com
The Chedi Muscat introduces Earthlite Maternity Bed
The Spa at The Chedi Muscat has recently introduced an Earthlite Maternity Bed, the only bed of its kind in Oman that has been designed to let expectant women lie at ease during a spa treatment, including the Ila Mother-To-Be Massage.
The treatment begins with an exfoliation using a blend of Himalayan pink salt, rosehip and blackcurrant seeds to stimulate lymphatic drainage and release water retention, followed by a soothing massage with organic argan oil. Heating poultices with lavender and calendula are then used over marma points to bring balance and harmony to mother and baby. Guests can choose to enjoy in the tranquil surroundings of the spa or in the privacy of their hotel suite.
Partners can use the state-of-the-art Health Club or play a round of golf at a nearby championship course. Rates for the “babymoon” packages start from OMR171 per night including a 90 minute Ila Mother-To-Be massage. For reservations call 00968-24524400 or write to reservation@chedimuscat.com
E-visa to Kenya for GCC travellers
It’s now easier for GCC travellers to travel to Kenya as they can now apply for entry visas in advance online via a dedicated portal at ecitizen.go.ke.
The e-visa process will become compulsory from September 1. For now travellers will also have the option to buy their visa on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta international airport in Nairobi, in person at Kenya Embassies in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha and Kuwait City, and Kenya Consulates in Dubai and Jeddah or via the online portal for a two-month transitionary period.
Visitors are advised by Kenya’s tourist office to register their application well in advance of travel as approvals may take up to seven days to process. A single entry tourist visa costs Dh200 and is valid for three months. The visa allows a re-entry to Kenya from Tanzania and Uganda.
Banyan Tree Ungasan in Bali’s Sense of Romance package
The Sense of Romance package at Banyan Tree Ungasan in Bali starts from Dh2,400 per villa per night and includes daily breakfast for two, a three-course set dinner at Ju-Ma-Na, a couples spa retreat (90 minutes), a romantic room set-up and return airport transfers.
During the day, couples can participate in a Balinese cookery class (For IDR1,250,000 per person including lunch). The experience begins with a visit to nearby Pasar Kedonganan, a local, buzzing food market, where they will be helped in selecting ingredients for an interactive cooking class with the resort’s expert chef, where they will prepare traditional dishes such as sate lilit (minced chicken satay on a coconut skewer), lawar kacang (long bean salad) and dadar gulung (Indonesian coconut pancakes) before sitting down to enjoy their preparations.
Later they can dine at one of several restaurants at Banyan Tree Ungasan, such as the Ju-Ma-Na, which is perched high above the pristine Indian Ocean, or sample traditional Indonesian cuisine dishes such the 25-spice roasted duck at Bambu. For more information, reservations and enquiries, log on to banyantree.com
Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort’s inaugural discounts
Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort, located on a secluded stretch of the Klong Muang Beach on the west coast of southern Thailand, is now officially open. The 240-room resort also houses three international restaurants, two bars and a spa. Guests can take part in the conservation of Klong Muang Beach’s Fiddler Crabs, play a variety of water sports, or stroll through the ground’s mangroves. The resort offers 50 per cent discount on all room types with complimentary breakfast as its opening offer until October 31. For more information and reservations log on to dusitthanikrabi.com.
Marriot launches mobile app
Guests can now instantly connect with 500 Marriott Hotels worldwide, including Marriott Rewards members, before, during and after their stays using the new mobile request option on the Marriott Mobile app. Specifically designed to request services and amenities, the new feature is being introduced at 46 Marriott hotels across the globe including the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites in the UAE, Amman Marriott Hotel in Jordan and Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino in Egypt. The service will soon handle the full global portfolio of Marriott Hotels.
Members who have upcoming reservations will be able to instantly communicate with their hotel in two ways. The “Anything Else?” feature offers guests two-way chat functionality to have conversations in real time with hosts who can fulfil and confirm their requests instantly. It also offers a drop-down menu with the most requested services and amenities, such as extra towels and pillows, beginning up to 72 hours before their stay. Download the free Marriott Mobile app from the Apple iTunes Store, Google Play and at marriott.com/marriott/mobile-apps.mi.
