NEW CONNECTIONS
Star Alliance has announced a new initiative to expand its global flight network by connecting with low- cost and hybrid carriers.
The first to connect is Mango, a South African airline known for its customer service and being the only African airline to offer on-board Wi-Fi.
Customers travelling on an itinerary which includes a transfer between a Star Alliance member airline and a connecting partner will be offered Alliance benefits, including passenger and baggage through check-in, and may include additional frequent flyer programme privileges.
Star Alliance customers can expect to start using these connections in the third quarter of next year.
For more information, go to www.staralliance.com.
DANCE CRUISE
Regional dance veteran Aleena Tan is returning to South-east Asia's largest cruise ship - Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the Seas - to organise a dance- themed cruise.
It will feature regional and international coaches such as Luka Fanni from Italy, Peter Townsend and Belman Salihovic from Australia, Uapan Sdnivongs from Thailand and Sunny Low, Derrick Torre and Feliz Ferlino from Singapore.
The four-night cruise takes place from Feb 29 to March 4, and goes from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) and Langkawi. It will include ballroom and Latin dancing, Bachatango, New Vogue and Rock 'n' Roll classes, as well as demonstrations from the coaches.
Travellers can also enjoy performances by professional dance champions from Russia, Mikhail Eremeev and Olesya Eremeeva.
For information about prices or reservations, contact Aleena Tan on 9826-7015.
WI-FI ON THE GO
Stay connected on the go with a pocket-size Wi-Fi router. The battery-powered routers can be rented from travel service provider Changi Recommends for $12 to $20 a day, depending on the destination. They allow users to connect multiple smart devices for safe and secure browsing online.
Travellers can collect the routers at the 24-hour Changi Recommends booths located in every terminal at Changi Airport after reserving them online at least three days in advance. Those who need a router at the last minute can call the company hotline on +65-6701-1185 or send a WhatsApp message to +65-9427-6977.
Till Dec 31, it is offering promotional rates for its routers, including $5 a day for use in Taiwan, $8 a day in Japan and $10 a day in the United States.
Go to www.changirecommends.com to book and for more details.
FULL MOON CHRISTMAS
For the first time in 38 years, there will be a full moon this Christmas Day. In Bali, every full moon, or purnama, is a special day when the Balinese Hindus thank their ancestral gods for protection. They believe it is an auspicious time in which to counter negative forces and replenish vital energy.
To celebrate these events, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan in Ubud is offering a complimentary Full Moon Christmas yoga session of moon salutations, which will take place at its Dharma Shanti River Terrace on the banks of the Ayung River from 7.30 to 8.30pm on Dec 25.
The resort is also offering complimentary festive cocktails for guests who attend the lighting of the resort's Christmas tree on Dec 22, with a complimentary magic show and a Santa Claus visit on Dec 25.
From 11am to noon, a magician will gather the children for a show before leading them to the resort's Riverside Cafe to see Santa arrive on the banks of the Ayung River, followed by festive sweets, gifts and photo opportunities with Santa.
A Christmas Eve Buffet will also be served on Dec 24 and a Lotus Pond Christmas dinner on Dec 25.
For more information, go to chttp://www.fourseasons.com/sayan
Lydia Vasko
