Hotel packages to the Maldives, the newly opened Rosewood London and affordable direct routes with HK Express Airways
Maldives Flights Go Live
It may seem about as peaceful as it gets in this idyllic archipelago, but don't be surprised if you have to fight for a seat on the new direct flights from Cathay Pacific, which took off on October 27. To celebrate the new connection, Beach House Iruveli (Haa Alif Atoll, Republic of the Maldives, (+960) 650-0400, beachhousecollection.com/iruveli) in the Haa Alif Atoll has put together a “Honeymoon” offer for those looking to stay for at least four feisty nights. The package includes a welcome bottle of champagne, one half-day outing, and low-lit evening cocktails with chocolate the night before you say so long to paradise. Of course, you can also dip into your pockets for a De’Spa treatment or a Castaway Experience to the private Govvafushi Island. Room rates from $5,939 per night; package rates from $10,982.
If you’re more concerned with the latest and greatest, then get your kicks with a trip to the brand new Cheval Blanc Randheli (Noonu Atoll, Republic of the Maldives, (+960) 656-1515, www.chevalblanc.com/randheli) which opens its doors on November 15. Just a 40-minute seaplane hop from Malé, Cheval Blanc is decked out with luxurious villas on a private island. No need to pack shoes—it’s all sand in your toes at this fancy spot. Rates from US$1,300 (HK$10,075).
A Bed of Roses
Sorry, you’ll find no such thing at the newly opened Rosewood London (252 High Holborn, London, (+44) 207-781-8888, www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/london) but you can expect a fantastic snooze in an above-average bed (we would hope), private terraces, a view of London, personal butlers and lavish afternoon teas in this renovated 1914 Edwardian Belle Époque building. More of a night owl? Check out the hotel’s old-school bar, which has obligatory wooden nooks, a herringbone floor, warm leather and a roaring fire worthy of Churchill’s affection. Pretend you’re royalty for a day with these kinda-sorta affordable introductory room rates, which are valid till March 2014: rates from £370 ($4,585).
Route, There it Is
A round of applause for HK Express Airways, which is about to launch eight ridiculously affordable direct routes: Kota Kinabalu, Kunming, Phuket, Taichung, Chiang Mai, Tokyo Haneda, Penang (starting Nov 14) and Osaka (starting Nov 21). One-way flights for as little as $230? Even after fuel surcharges, it's still cheaper than many free-flow Sunday brunches in SoHo. “By cutting down on things that people don’t necessarily want or need on a short flight, such as free meals, we’re able to run more efficiently and pass savings onto consumers,” says Andrew Cowen, HK Express’s deputy CEO, who also happened to spearhead Britain’s budget airline “Go” back in the day.
Many of the new flights also take off at ideal times for weekend trips. Penang, for example, leaves Friday afternoon and comes back Sunday evening, giving you plenty of time to chow down on street food and admire historic George Town. More good news: HK Express aims to up its offerings to 22-24 destinations by 2014.
3902-0288, www.hkexpress.com.
Psst... Charge your batteries! The US Federal Aviation Administration says fliers can start using gadgets during takeoffs and landings by the end of the year.
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