Classy C Class Merceded Ben

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact bundle of technology, safety, and luxury. It is called the stepping stone to the three-pointers club. The C220 CDI offers scintillating performance. One of the objectives of the redesigned C-Class was to give it a more purposeful, sportier stance; at first glance, the modified exterior of the face-lifted car exudes a noticeably enhanced and more powerful appearance.

A new surface grain and a matt-look finish on several trim parts and better quality switches are the highlight of the new interiors. The 1.8L petrol engine in the C 200 Kompressor variants generates 158 bhp, while the 2.2L diesel engine in the C 220 CDI produces 141 bhp. All variants are available with either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. The estimated fuel economy is 7/11 km/l (city/highway). The price of a C-Class starts close to Rs 25 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien said: “Notwithstanding the continued impact of the global financial tsunami and human swine flu pandemic, we believe that we must grab the opportunities of the peak summer travel season, especially in the Mainland and short-haul markets. To widely promote travel to Hong Kong during the season, we have allocated more than 80 per cent of our HK$48 million summer promotion budget to promotions in these source markets. In the Mainland, as well as doubling our budget to HK$20 million, we have advanced the promotions to start in mid-June so that we can intensify their impact.”

Working with the travel trade, the HKTB has begun publicity for Hong Kong Summer Spectacular in the Mainland and short-haul markets, and is vigorously driving the tactical promotions of Hong Kong tours and packages. In Mainland China, the HKTB is co-operating with its travel-trade partners in 24 major cities and launching promotions through popular travel portals.

On top of rolling out tactical packages, the HKTB has invited about 300 media and trade guests from selected long- and short-haul markets to come to Hong Kong during the promotional period, so that they can experience the city’s excitement. The HKTB hopes that these visits can create effective “word of mouth” publicity for Hong Kong and show to the world that the city remains business as usual. The HKTB is also extending support to familiarisation visits organised by the local travel trade, so as to encourage a greater number of visits from the Mainland and overseas trade.

Mr James Tien added, “The HKTB is deeply grateful for the support of our trade partners, who are extending a wide range of attractive offers and privileges to visitors during the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular period. Through our worldwide offices, we are making use of various channels to disseminate information about these offers and privileges to consumers in different markets, so as to entice visitors to come to Hong Kong and stimulate their spending in the city.”

The Hong Kong Summer Spectacular will run from 29 June to 31 August. During this period, the HKTB will distribute coupon booklets containing offers from five dining districts, four major shopping malls and various retail and catering outlets, as well as operators of attractions, transportation and museums. Together with the offers by MTR Corporation, visitors can receive more than HK$9,000 of special offers and privileges.

Meanwhile, to attract the younger segment and highlight Hong Kong’s trend-setting edge, the HKTB has invited celebrity Eason Chan to be the “Hong Kong Summer Spectacular Ambassador” and assist in the promotions. The HKTB has also produced a Hip Hot Hong Kong Guide, which features tips on trendy shopping, dining, accommodation and entertainment in Hong Kong. The guide will be distributed free of charge to visitors and can also be downloaded from HKTB’s website. And to stimulate visitors’ spending, the HKTB is heavily promoting the “go Discover Hong Kong with Visa” Lucky Draw by Visa, along with sales and other activities in major tourist districts and shopping malls.

To encourage local residents’ participation in Hong Kong Summer Spectacular, the HKTB is joining forces with Yahoo! HK on a “Hong Kong Summer Spectacular x Yahoo! HK Start the Trend” promotion. Netizens logging on to Yahoo! HK are

Hong Kong Summer Offer

encouraged to share information about Hong Kong’s hip hot trends, which will be uploaded onto the dedicated website for Hong Kong Summer Spectacular for sharing with visitors. For eight consecutive weeks, Yahoo! HK will select the hottest recommendation each week, with winners receiving trendy prizes worth over HK$3,000 each.

For entertainment, the HKTB will publicise various major events to be held in Hong Kong this summer, including the Summer Pop – Live in Hong Kong, organised and produced by the Performing Industry Association (Hong Kong) Limited, which will be a special draw to younger visitors. The HKTB is also promoting Hong Kong’s many newly opened attractions and facilities, including the Amazing Asian Animals Exhibit in Ocean Park, Noah’s Ark, “1881 Heritage”, the Ngong Ping 360 Crystal Cabin, as well as the activities organised by these and other attractions.

Amarvilas Monsoon offer

Those who wish to revel in the magic of the monsoon with a spa vacation can avail of the special package of exceptional value that offers a 2-night stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur for Rs. 35,000*, and The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra and The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur for Rs. 36,500* (*tax extra). The package includes the following:

- accommodation for 2 persons for 2-nights in a Premier Room

- additional room for up to 2 children (below 12 years) free, subject to availability

- breakfast daily for 2 persons

- round-trip car transfer between the local airport or railway station and the hotel

- 15% discount on spa treatments

Validity: Until 30 September 2009

Special rates for longer stay and single occupancy are also available.

For reservations call 011-2389 0606 or toll-free 1 800 11 2030 or visit www.oberoihotels.com.

Radisson in the past year has proved to be a catalyst in successfully propagating the legacy of Alibaug as a premier holiday destination and has firmly established itself as a ‘Wellness’ place for travelers looking out for a luxurious holiday experience. With an investment of 125 crores for its second phase of expansion, Radisson will double its room inventory from the current 88 rooms to now 144 rooms thereby offering some of the best services in hospitality.

Commenting on the same Mr. Shalil Suvarna, GM Radisson Resort & Spa Alibaug said, “This is a very proud moment for us as The Radisson Resort & Spa Alibaug has done exceptionally well in its first year and has firmly established itself as one of the most sought after destinations. The Radisson Alibaug is not only considered a great holiday destination, but the Mandara Spa has made us one of the well acclaimed wellness destinations as well. With our advantage of being a mere few hours away from Mumbai and Pune has worked even better for us. We are entering our second year with even more enthusiasm and zest to ensure we deliver the best experience in luxury holidaying to our guests!

“The success of our venture at this early stage has prompted us to accelerate the process of developing the second phase of the property and we are happy to announce that we will soon open doors to more customers and continue to offer the best in hospitality and service at The Radisson” said Mr. Vinay Phadnis Chairman & Managing Director Sahil Group of Companies.

The Radisson Alibaug proudly houses the largest spa in Asia the ‘Mandara Spa’ which is a part of the world renowned M Spa International, Thailand. With the expertise of traditional Thai massages and a competent staff flown in from Thailand, The Radisson offers the best spa treatments and wellness programmes vis a vis others. To add to its achievements, the Radisson has also been awarded the coveted ‘Best Spa Treatment Award’ for its Mandara Signature Massage at the 2nd Pevonia Asia Spa India Annual Awards 2009.

On the culinary front Radisson Alibaug offers an experience par excellence! It houses the Kokum & Spice restaurant that has brought authentic coastal cuisine after meticulous research to the service of its esteemed guests. That’s not all, the all day dining at Aparanta offers its guests world cuisine; and for guests who prefer to eat in their rooms there is an excellent in- room dining menu to choose from!

The property has received a healthy 65,000 footfalls since its inception last year reiterating its position as one of the most sought after holiday destinations today!

Set on a sprawling 16 acres of land, the Radisson Resort and Spa Alibaug has opened doors for the discerning traveler to a new destination – Alibaug as an ideal option for rejuvenating holiday! It has been pivotal in creating interest, awareness, and attracting foreign as well as domestic travelers to the alluring coastal town of Alibaug. Radisson Alibaug has also become a popular destination for weddings; with its spacious manicured grounds which serve as an ideal backdrop for opulent weddings!

Replete with two state-of-the-art conference rooms, a fully equipped business center with a special pre-function area which can cater up to 100 people each, offering flexible spaces and several other international facilities; the Radisson Alibaug has also become a preferred destination for MICE arrangements. In the past one year it has catered to many groups who have held meetings and conferences at the property.

Alibaug has become the new playground for the rich and famous with the like of the TATA’s, Godrej and several Bollywood celebrities building their holiday homes here, Radisson Resort & Spa has become the new favourite destination for the ultimate luxury experience! Whether it’s a pampering massage at the Mandara or a sumptuous meal at the Kokum & Spice & the Aparanta, or a fun night out at their lounge the Radisson is buzzing with people enjoying the wide range of services offered at the Radisson.

In keeping with the one year celebration, Radisson Alibaug is offering a special monsoon package where one pays for 2 nights and gets a 1 night free stay. The 2 nights package will be priced at Rs. 19,999 /-(inclusive of taxes) for a couple with breakfast and 1 Meal (either lunch or dinner) and 10 % Discount on Spa Treatments, and 15 % discount on Food & Beverage; all of the above is included in the package. The complimentary night can be immediately used along with the 2 Nights at the price mentioned above or a guest may choose to carry a complimentary voucher to redeem it at a later date. The package also includes complimentary use of the Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Library & Thinking Room & Indoor Games Room, access to Razz Ma Tazz (Discotheque) and complimentary accommodation and meals for kids below 6 years of age.

Having been involved for many years in sports of elegance, precision and tradition such as equestrian sports, gymnastics, Alpine skiing and more recently tennis, short-track and archery. Longines has now committed itself to a sport that demands excellent physical condition, an acute tactical awareness and of course rapid precision. For the famous watchmaker badminton thus reflects the values that it has promoted for over 175 years, namely precision, tradition and elegance.

While the forerunner of badminton was already played by the Chinese as well as the Indians of Latin America over 2000 years ago, the modern-day version of this sport came into being around the same time as Longines’ first foray into sports timing over 130 years ago. Legend has it that in 1873, a group of English officers who had returned from India got together in a castle in the village of Badminton (UK); they were talking about an Indian game called “poona” that was played with a racket and a light-weight ball. Having no such ball the officers improvised using a cork stuck with feathers. In their enthusiasm for their invention, they christened the new game … badminton! Four years later the first set of rules for badminton were published. Since then the rackets and shuttlecocks have become familiar throughout the world and badminton is now an Olympic sport. Physically demanding and at the same time fun, nowadays the sport is played by millions of people worldwide and is the perfect match for the International vocation of the Longines brand.

On the strength of its experience and precision in the field of sports timing, Longines is proud to be able to associate its name and image with this high-level disciplined sport. Longines’ next date with badminton is in Hyderabad from 10 to 16 August 2009 for the World Championships.

At this event the Swiss watch manufacturer will be presenting the Longines Master Collection Moon Phases model, a magnificent example of the well oiled professionalism of Longines’ design team. Fitted with a self-winding mechanical movement, this elegant chronograph has a silver-plated dial decorated with a fine barleycorn design that enhances the Moon phases display as well as the various counters, the date and the small seconds at 9 o’clock, plus a double display for the day and the month at 12 o’clock. This model from the Longines Master Collection has a transparent case back that enables its proud owner to admire the intricate workings of the movement. The watch is mounted on a brown alligator strap.

Longines Luxury Watches

Luxury Boating Mag Hits India

Asia-Pacific Boating, the leading luxury boating and yachting magazine in Asia just a lot bigger, with the launch of their India edition.

The yachting and boating industry in India is a youthful and emerging force and Asia-Pacific Boating India is perfectly positioned to be a partner for growth, a useful reference and a trusted source of the most relevant news. What with the luxury boating industry going global, India is of particular interest. The inaugural issue is the May-June issue, pictured here.

“With its high net worth population increasing, the world is noticing the Indian economy. Numerous luxury trends are also catching the interest of India’s newly affluent. Many are global travelers who believe in nothing but the best and living life to the fullest,” says Parineeta Sethi, Publisher and Chief Editor. The magazine is published in India by Exposure Media Marketing.

“India has always been known for its lavish spends on prestige and luxury, and therefore we reach out to this set of enthusiastic yacht lovers and spenders”, said Olivier Burlot, Managing Director of Blu Inc Media (HK) which publishes Asia-Pacific Boating. Exposure Media Marketing also publishes AsiaSpa India, another Blu Inc title.

Courtesy – Luxury-insider.com