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While Ryanair ponders the pros and cons of offering standing room only flights, at the other end of the spectrum New Zealand Air has launched its luxury skycouch.

Nicknamed “cuddle class” for reasons which will shortly become apparent, the concept is that couples wanting extra space can each purchase an extra half a seat, turning three economy class seats into more flexible couch space on which both can stretch out and sleep.

Skeptics raise eyebrows at the thoughts of this encouraging yet more inebriate passengers to attempt to join the mile high club. Even those with less lustful thoughts may struggle to readjust their limbs in this compact space which lacks the demarcation of the central armrest. For those who are slightly wider than average it may provide additional comfort – but perhaps not for the sharing partner.

Families traveling with children may find the flexible space ideal, allowing children to curl up and sleep through the flight, or to use the less restricted couch space as a play area.

New Zealand Air will be offering the skycouch on select flights from Auckland to Los Angeles and on some flights connecting with London, beginning in April 2011. It remains to be seen whether this is the shape for the future of overnight flights, or another experiment destined never to fully take off.

by Gillian @ Luxique Luxury Travel

For some of the flying on New Zealand Air to London, check out Luxique’s unique selection of boutique hotels in London.

Amid all the excitement in the UK about next year’s royal wedding, there’s already speculation about where Prince William and his bride, Kate Middleton, will spend their honeymoon.

Traditionally, newlyweds from the House of Windsor take off to a Scottish location and stay in a royal residence, but this trendy couple are likely to break with the custom.

Where, then? William proposed marriage while on safari in East Africa, so a return there is certainly on the cards – indeed, Kenya is the bookmakers’ favourite at 3-1, with Tanzania at 4-1.

New Zealand is also holding out strong hopes, particularly as the rugby World Cup is being held there in September. Prince William is a keen rugby fan and has cheered on England at the last two World Cups. “It would be fantastic if Prince William and his bride came,” said Rugby NZ 2011 Chief Executive, Martin Snedden.

Among the other front-runners in the betting stakes are the Caribbean (5-1), Australia and South Africa (both 10-1).

by Andy Moreton

Tourism New Zealand has stressed that the country remains ‘open for business’ despite the major earthquake on Saturday morning.

The quake, measuring around 7 on the Richter scale, struck Christchurch, the largest city on the south island, badly damaging more than 500 buildings. Two people were seriously hurt by falling masonry, but there have been no reports of deaths.

While the city’s airport is now back in operation, local authorities are advising tourists planning to visit Christchurch in the next week to put off their travel plans unless the trip is essential.

Tourism New Zealand is working with regional tourist boards and emergency services to get updates to both the travel trade and visitors.

The tourist board’s Chief Executive, Kevin Bowler, said the industry was pulling together to support Christchurch, but added that the rest of the country had been unaffected and tourism was continuing normally.

“The important thing is that those living and working in Christchurch are able to sort out their own safety and well-being in the first few days following the earthquake,” said Mr Bowler.

Regular tourism updates will be available at www.newzealand.com and www.christchurchnz.com

by Andy Moreton

For one of the new ‘must-see’ places in the world, Luxique has carefully selected seven luxury hotels in New Zealand.

It’s being called the first major improvement in economy class comfort for 20 years – the chance to lie down on long-haul flights like those envied fellow travellers in business and first.

Air New Zealand is equipping its new Boeing 777-300 ER range with 22 ‘Skycouches’ in the first 11 rows of economy. The airline’s developers have created a lie-down space for two adults from three economy seats abreast that fold out and stretch right to the seats in front.

For two adults, purchasing the Skycouch will be based on buying two seats at standard prices, with the third seat at approximately half price. Full fare details will be announced when the service goes on sale in late April.

The first arduous routes to offer travellers the Skycouch will be between Auckland and Los Angeles from December 2010 and Auckland and London from April 2011.

“For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone,” said Air NZ Chief Executive, Rob Fyfe. “The dream is now a reality, one that you can even share with a travelling companion – just keep your clothes on, thanks.”

by Andy Moreton

For some while now, New Zealand has been a ‘must-see’ destination. Let Luxique help you choose from one of eight luxury hotels in New Zealand.

For the fifth year in a row, France has topped a list of the best places in the world to live.

International Living magazine’s 30th Quality of Life Index surveyed almost 200 countries across nine categories, including cost of living, culture/leisure, environment, and safety/risk.

“In France, life is savoured,” said International Living publisher, Jackie Flynn. “I don’t think anyone would disagree that France is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, where there is so much pride in all the small details. The French love little window boxes filled with flowers, tidy gardens, pretty sidewalk cafes and clean streets.”

International Living paid particular attention to provincial France, praising the affordability and services outside Paris, especially for retired people and their families.

Australia jumped up the rankings from fifth to second place on the strength of its economic recovery, while the US dropped from third to seventh. International Living claimed that sustaining the ‘American Dream’ had escalated out of the reach of many.

Top Ten
1. France
2. Australia
3. Switzerland
4. Germany
5. New Zealand
6. Luxembourg
7. United States
8. Belgium
9. Canada
10. Italy

The UK’s position? A lowly 25th behind the Czech Republic and Lithuania.

by Andy Moreton

Luxique can help you book some of the finest luxury hotels in Paris and in many other areas of beautiful France.

It’s been a rite of passage for countless student backpackers making their way around the world.

And this month, the bungee jump has been celebrating its 20th birthday in the country where it all started – New Zealand.

AJ Hackett and Henry Van Asch opened the first commercial jumping station in 1988. Twenty-eight thrill-seekers queued to pay for the chance to take a terrifying leap off the 140ft Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown with just a rubber cord tied round their ankles.

They turned out to be the first of several million people with a sense of adventure (and a head for heights) who would perform the modern version of an ancient manhood ritual from Vanuatu.

Bungee-jumping is now a global leisure phenomenon which, it’s estimated, has brought in NZ$ 1 billion (£386 million / $564 million) for the country’s economy. Tourism is New Zealand’s biggest foreign exchange earner and bungee jumping typifies the adventurous spirit that is one of its greatest attractions.

Couples have even been known to get married on the high platform before jumping off to celebrate.

Hackett, 50, and Van Asch, 45, celebrated their 20-year success story with a tandem jump from the same bridge where it all started. Hackett thought they’d still enjoy the thrill in another 20 years’ time – although he said they’d probably need to jump with Zimmer frames.

by Andy Moreton

Fast becoming one of the ‘must see’ destinations in the world and Luxique offers a choice of eight luxury hotels in New Zealand, including Millbrook Resort and The Spire in Queenstown.

New Zealand’s green, sustainable tourism initiatives have been named the best in the world.

The country won the ‘overall winner’ and ‘best destination’ categories in the 2008 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism awards. These recognise destinations and organisations that are making a positive contribution to local cultures, economies and the environment through tourism.

The panel of judges congratulated New Zealand for setting an example of what governments could achieve in partnership with the private sector to harness the tourism industry for the benefit of a country’s people and the environment.

“If more national governments followed their example, tourism would make a much more positive contribution around the world,” said the citation.

The Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), George Hickton, said the win recognised that the country was doing its best to look after its ‘100 per cent pure’ brand image and protect the future of its multi-billion dollar tourism industry.

TNZ’s website urges travellers to ‘explore the youngest country.’ “With vast open spaces filled with stunning rugged landscapes, gorgeous beaches, often spectacular geo-thermal and volcanic activity, a temperate climate and fascinating animal and plant life, it is no surprise that New Zealand’s pure natural environment is so attractive to visitors from other countries. ”

For all those reasons, New Zealand is becoming one of the ‘must see’ destinations in the world and Luxique offers a choice of eight luxury hotels in both the North and South Islands.

by Andy Moreton