Carry On: News for business travellers

At home with the Jameses
The Jameses – as the historic Oamaru lodge Pen-y-bryn hosts James Glucksman and James Boussy are locally known – are celebrating their second anniversary with a special accommodation package on offer until the end of November. The Jameses both hail from the US and settled at the hillside mansion overlooking Oamaru after working and travelling throughout the world in their previous careers.

The Celebratory Package offers guests the luxury of the 123-year-old lodge for $1200 a couple, a saving of 20% off the rack rate. The deal includes accommodation for two nights, dinner and a 20% discount on an evening viewing at Oamaru’s Blue Penguin Colony. The package also includes two jars from the Pen-y-bryn’s range of homemade jams and preserves.  Reservations are www.penybryn.co.nz.

Cathay opens Paris lounge
Cathay Pacific has improved the lot passengers travelling out of Paris Charles De Gaulle (Roissy) Airport with a new first and business Class lounge located in the new connecting building between Terminal 2A and 2C on Level 2.

The 600sq m facility can seat up to 120 people and features many of the design details employed in The Wing and The Cabin lounges at Hong Kong International Airport. It has four shower suites and an IT zone features six individual workstations installed with personal computers. Free Wi-Fi and power sockets are also available, while the dining area has a self-service buffet with a wide choice of hot and cold Western and Asian dishes. The Noodle Bar serves freshly prepared Asian noodles. 

Fall in love with Langkawi
The island of Langkawi, meaning jewel of Kedah, is just 30km off the coast of eastern Malaysia and boasts some of that country’s best beaches. You can also visit the scenic Langkawi Waterfall or take a trip in a cable car up Mount Mat Cincang, Malaysia’s second highest mountain.

Flight Centre has Langkawi holidays including return airfares, seven nights’ five-star accommodation in Langkawi and one night’s accommodation in Kuala Lumpur with buffet breakfast and late check out.
My Time bonuses in Langkawi include the use of bicycles, a VIP cocktail function, a food and beverage credit of 200 rupees, a complimentary two hour spa treatment at V Botanical Spa at The Andaman, late checkout and complimentary Wi-Fi from $2799 ex Auckland or $3019 ex Wellington or Christchurch (twin person share). Valid for sales until Sept 10 for travel Mar 1-20. Details at www.flightcentre.co.nz

Marriott comfort in Istanbul
If you are heading to Istanbul, it could be worth looking out for the city's latest Marriott Renaissance hotel. Located in the Besiktas area, the 20-storey, 212-room Renaissance Istanbul Bosphorus has an all-day restaurant with an outdoor terrace, a rooftop bar, fitness center with an indoor pool, sauna and Turkish bath, and nine meeting rooms, including a ballroom that can hold 575 people. – Wall Street Journal

The insider’s guide Hong Kong
Stay at the chic J Plus Boutique Hotel next time you visit Hong Kong and you can plug straight into the insider scene. The Philippe Starck-designed hotel in the vibrant Causeway Bay area of the city provides guests with an "Insider Access Card" when they check in, which gives access to a whole range of facilities, ranging from priority entry to some of Hong Kong's hottest private members' clubs to privileges and discounts at restaurants, bars, spas and stores.  – Wall Street Journal

Art Deco style in London
If you are looking for somewhere stylish and convenient for both London's City financial district and the West End, it could be worth considering the 104-year-old Waldorf Hilton in the Aldwych, close to the Strand. The hotel has just completed a £3.4 million refurbishment of 100 guest rooms, part of a larger redevelopment that has seen top suites and bars restored to their original Art Deco elegance. – Wall Street Journal