Etihad Holidays, a division of Etihad Airways, has announced a new cooperative agreement with Tourism Thailand to promote holiday packages to Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui. Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer of Etihad, said that as part of a special promotion running throughout February and March 2010, Etihad Airways would offer travellers the best value-for-money holiday packages to Thailand – known as the country of smiles.

Mr Baumgartner said: “Thailand is one of our key holiday destinations, offering travellers a rich culture and history and vibrant nightlife, backed by the warm hospitality for which the Thai people are renowned.” Etihad Holidays guests are being offered a range of bonus privileges at various hotels, including additional complimentary nights, free room upgrades, breakfast, airport transfers and attractive discounts on a wide selection of services.

The packages, combining airfares and accommodation, include:

Bangkok – the cosmopolitan capital of Thailand. Packages start from AED 3205, including three nights’ accommodation at the luxurious Imperial Queens Park Hotel.

Phuket – the largest island in Thailand, famous for its coves and bays which offer powdery beaches, clear blue sea and beautiful coral reefs. Packages including three nights’ accommodation at the Courtyard by Marriott Patong start from AED 3495.

Pattaya– the fun capital of Thailand, offering pristine beaches, memorable shopping and exotic hideaways. Etihad Holidays packages, including three nights at the Woodlands Resort and Suites of Pattaya, start from AED 3125.

Koh Samui – one of Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations, with coconut tree-fringed beaches, tropical jungles and a vibrant nightlife. Three night packages at the Amari Palm Reef are priced from AED 3685.

Mr Baumgartner said: “Etihad is committed to forging strong partnerships with tourism bodies in all of our destinations, to give our customers access to the best range of holiday packages under our Etihad Holidays World Deals.” Etihad Holidays offers its World Deals programme to destinations across the globe including Europe, US, Africa, Middle East and Asia as well as Etihad’s newest destinations in Japan and Sri Lanka.

To book with Etihad Holidays, customers can visit Etihad Holidays shops in Al Wahda Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, Marina Mall Abu Dhabi,Madinat Zayed, Dubai Marina Mall and Bawadi Mall Al Ain or call the UAE toll-free telephone number 800 2324.

Source: abawaba.com

Baan Ling Noi, a spacious four bedroom, infinity pool villa in Koh Samui offers special rates from US$300 – $650++ per night during the first half of 2010. The prices, which vary based on the dates and on the number of guests using the house, represent a substantial saving on the regular rates.

Baan Ling Noi (which means Little Monkey House) has been featured in many luxury travel magazines due to its stunning interiors and location on a lush hillside, with spectacular views over the north coast of the paradise island of Samui. Setting new standards in elegant Thai living, the spacious open-plan villa is fronted by a totally private 14m x 6m infinity-edge swimming pool that overhangs tropical landscaped gardens and the green jungle below.

Simply but elegantly furnished, the house has free Wi-Fi, a large flat screen TV and DVD player, i-Pod speakers and a fully equipped modern kitchen. There are two dining tables, inside and out, as well as four big soft white deckchairs on the terrace – the best place from which to which enjoy the glorious views.

Around the pool area, each of the four air-conditioned, en-suite bedrooms (three doubles and a twin bed room) has double washbasins, rain-forest showers and WC. Two of the rooms also have large terrazzo bath, suitable for couples to bathe together.

All rooms are furnished with top quality materials and the beds have hotel quality, high thread count linen.

The large terrace and over-sized sala, set in the colourful landscaped gardens, provide the perfect spot for sunbathing or simply relaxing with a book and a refreshing drink.

Baan Ling Noi is serviced round the clock by a couple who keep the house and bedrooms clean and do the laundry, all included in the price. They also prepare both continental and American breakfast on request. A qualified chef is available for guests who prefer dinner at home – as is a massage by the pool – for a small extra charge.

More and more people are choosing private villas over luxury hotels these days, as the privacy and dedicated service at a villa offers an enhanced guest experience, not to mention outstanding value for money. In addition to having 24-hour personalized service, all food and beverages are? bought at cost, meaning huge savings – particularly for families and groups of friends.

The beautiful island of Koh Samui has many attractions and Baan Ling Noi is the ideal place from which to explore it, being just 10 minutes away from several palm-fringed, white sand beaches, the quaint Fisherman’s Village, three supermarkets and several 24-hour convenience stores. It is also just 15 minutes from the 18-hole Santiburi Championship Golf Course and five minutes from the 9-hole Bophut Golf Club.

Koh Samui is easily accessible from Hong Kong and Singapore, with daily direct flights on Bangkok Airlines (under three hours’ flying time from either destination) and by hourly flights from Bangkok. Baan Ling Noi is a short 15 minutes’ drive from Samui International Airport.

Source: etravelblackboardasia.com