Travel News to Use

The Jakarta Post | Wed, 01/23/2008 10:04 AM | This Way Out

Poll vault
Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a slew of “romantic “and “unforgettable” packages offered by hotels and resorts all over the world. Ahead of the February 14^th, a survey by U.S. travel portal kayak.com reveals the sordid hotel deeds and confessions of some 1,143 travelers it polled. Some surprising revelations about hotel habits and this little thing called love…

•26.3% of respondents said hotel rooms put them in the mood for lurrrve. 39.2% ventured that it really depended on who they were with while a pragmatic 23.7% were inclined to just call “a hotel room a hotel room”. A further 3.4% answered that the state of the bathroom was an important factor.

•45.3% had booked a hotel for a random romantic rendezvous with their partners, 7.3% had checked in with someone other than their partner(!), 13.5% only did it for Valentine’s Day or a special occasion, while 33.9% conceded that hotels do nothing for them.

• An overwhelming 58% of respondents named Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as their fantasy hotel mates while the remainder votes were split among couples made up of pop stars Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani, NFL quarterback Tom Brady and his supermodel girlfriend Gisele Bundchen and music power players Jay-Z and Beyonce.

•45.1 % thought it only appropriate to go on a holiday with a partner after three months into a relationship, 27.5% conceded six months was the right time, 15.4% would rather wait a year or longer while eager beavers constituted 12.0%, saying one month or less would suit them just fine.

•9.2% confessed to having booked a hotel room by the hour before.

One to watch

Anantara Seminyak Bali
Bali lovers who can’t get enough of the lovely island can look forward to the opening of the Anantara Bali in Seminyak this month. This marks the luxury resort’s first foray into Indonesia after launching successful properties in Koh Samui, Hua Hin, The Golden Triangle and the Maldives.

Designed by the same people behind The Bale in Nusa Dua, the Anantara Bali’s décor places special emphasis on the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean its unique location offers. Extensive glass paneling and floor-to-ceiling windows are the property’s pride, a design element that ensures those spectacular waterscapes are never far from sight.

All 59 suites boast stunning sea views, all the frills of a self-respecting luxury abode (expansive lounging spaces, Bose sound system, expresso machine(!), Wi-Fi access) and two tubs, including a terrazzo one on the private balcony of each suite, perfect for soaking in the views.

And where one or two pools may suffice for lesser properties, Anantara has three, including an infinity edge gem looking over the ocean vista. Also on site are an Anantara Spa, a fully equipped gym and three restaurants.

The resort’s convenient location also offers convenient access to Seminyak’s selection of fashionable watering holes and restaurants, but really, why bother? The joint itself has its own slick spot for the party-hearty. Retreat to its stylish Rooftop Lounge for the best Bali sunsets and a spread of creative cocktails served up by its resident mixologist, set to smooth grooves by a revolving cast of international DJs.

The Anantara Resort Seminyak, Bali is scheduled to open Feb 2008. For reservations and enquiries, visit www.anantara.com.

Economy concerns
It’s possible to sit pretty in economy now without feeling like your back’s giving out, or that your knees may buckle and deep vein thrombosis may set in anytime.

Ushering what might hopefully be a whole new era for economy travelers, Cathay Pacific has introduced a new seating technology in economy class onboard all its flights.

The LiveBack technology by Steelback, a US-based manufacturer of office environments, reduces the chance or lower bag sag and a hunched posture by enables shape changing, mimicking spinal adjustments for different positions.

“Economy class travel will be revolutionized by our new cabin design. In a world first, we have adapted technology usually associated with Business Class to re-establish personal space in Economy Class travel,” said Sarah Blomfield, Product Manager of Cathay Pacific.

“Our new fixed back design allows a passenger to recline without intruding on those seated behind. The uniquely contoured back and the relocation of the literature pocket have also increased the space available for legs and knees.”

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