Swissotel Hotels And Resorts is offering festive packages for its properties worldwide, from Peru to Turkey to China. For example, at Swissotel Chicago, guests get discounts and shopping vouchers from participating shops at Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile, only a stone's throw from the hotel.
There are also treats for the kids, with a fun welcome pack and a bedtime story surprise package as part of their VIK (Very Important Kids) Holiday Getaway. Prices start from US$259 (S$396) and are valid till Jan 31 next year.
For details, log on to www.swissotel.com
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CHIC SWISS GETAWAY
The trendy Post Hotel Weggis (above), which opened on the shore of Lake Lucerne in Switzerland in May, is offering promotional rates till March next year.
They range from $222 for a single room with balcony and a lake view, to $299 for a double one.
Set amid breathtaking alpine scenery, the 45-room boutique hotel targets the 20-to-45 age group travellers with its hip, urban design.
Activities within its vicinity include lakeside watersports, para-gliding and trekking in the summer and winter sports when snow falls.
Post Hotel Weggis in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
For details, e-mail info@poho.ch or log on to www.poho.ch
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CITYSCOOPS GOES TO BANGKOK
The popular and hip CityScoops guidebooks have come up with a Bangkok edition.
Compiled and written by a group of long-time Bangkok residents, Bangkok CityScoops showcases over 200 of the city's hidden gems, trendy offerings and cool neighbourhoods and reveals a real slice of Bangkok life.
Make a note of everything - from casual to chic eats, hot designs to the quirkiest finds and rustic to luxurious pampering - before you embark for the Land of Smiles.
Bangkok CityScoops ($25) is available at all major bookstores in Singapore and Thailand. It is also available at www.cityscoops.com
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EMIRATES ADVENTURE
For a taste of luxury in the Middle East, check out CTC's nine-day, seven-night Jewels of the Emirates Costa Cruise.
Visit Dubai with its modern skyscrapers and man-made islands. Or take a step back in history and see centuries-old wind towers and stunning mosques.
Other places of visit include Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.
Prices start from $1,998++, inclusive of return airfare on Singapore Airlines. Departure dates are Dec 20 or Jan 10, 17, 24 and 31 next year.
For details, call 6536-3345 (free & easy division) or e-mail enquiry@ctc.com.sg
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SIA PROMOTIONAL FARES
Singapore Airlines is offering promotional fares to Kuala Lumpur and Penang, for two-to-go with minimum stay of two days and maximum stay of 14 days.
Round-trip prices to Kuala Lumpur start from $293 and $313 to Penang, inclusive of taxes and surcharges. Prices could fluctuate slightly due to currency changes.
A minimum of three days' advance purchase is required. Bookings are open till Feb 18 next year and valid for travel till Feb 28 next year.
The fare is not applicable for travel from Dec 23 to 25 as well as Jan 23 to 25 next year.
For details, log on to www.singaporeair.com
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DISCOUNT FOR PHUKET RESORT
Baan Yin Dee Boutique Resort (above) in Phuket, Thailand, is offering promotions at $65++ per night for a deluxe room, valid from April 16 till Oct 31 next year.
Perched 850m on a hillside overlooking Patong Bay, the resort commands breathtaking views of the turquoise Andaman Sea. Designed in classic Boran style, it offers 21 rooms and suites, a restaurant and swimming pool.
Reservations must be made at least three months in advance. A full payment is required at time of booking and no cancellation or amendment is allowed.
For details, log on to www.baanyindee.com
Baan Yin Dee Boutique Resort in Phuket, Thailand
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SILKAIR PROMO
SilkAir will be having December promotions for single travellers to these regional destinations:
_ Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi, Phuket, Medan and Surabaya - from $250
_Chiang Mai, Lombok, Manado, Danang, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap - from $350
Online bookings at www.silkair.com are available next month. Valid for travel till March 31 next year, fares include taxes and surcharges.
Top picture: Pick up pretty lanterns for a bargain in Danang, Vietnam, one of SilkAir's discounted destinations.
tanyihui@sph.com.sg
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 25, 2008.
