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Etihad launch Bali
Etihad Airways has announced that they will start flying non-stop to the tropical Indonesian getaway four times a week from 23 April 2024. Prices to Bali have been extremely high from Europe and the UK since the pandemic, in part down to the reduced levels of service to the island. Having another airline fly there hopefully will start to bring prices down a little.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “We are thrilled to announce our first-ever flights to Bali. This exciting development follows closely on the heels of our dynamic Summer 24 schedule, reinforcing our dedication to expanding our network in tune with the needs of our customers so they can travel to their desired destinations in comfort and style.
“Bali is the quintessential tropical escape, enchanting travellers with its verdant surroundings, vivid culture, and dreamlike beaches. From jade-green rice terraces to pristine white sands, the island balances exquisite beauty with deep tradition, offering a bewitching escape for those looking for tranquility and excitement alike.
“We have timed the flights so guests can even enjoy a long weekend if they choose. We can’t wait to go there.”
Visitors travelling from Europe and North America will find the timings convenient for combining their trip with a stopover in Abu Dhabi or connecting onwards.
Etihad will operate flights to Bali four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, flying its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which features the Business class studio suite.
| Flight number | Frequency | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time |
| EY 476 | Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 22:25 | Bali (DPS) |
11:35 |
| EY 477 | Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays | Bali (DPS) |
18:45 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 23:45 |
Virgin buy bonus
Virgin Red and Virgin Atlantic are offering a bonus of up to 70% to members buying or gifting Virgin Points between 7 and 31 December 2023.
The bonus is staggered, and at the top end, this is about as good as Virgin bonuses get. As always, I don’t recommend buying on speculation, but it is worth considering to top up or if it works out cheaper than a cash ticket. Unlike BA, Virgin give tier points on reward flights on Virgin Atlantic flights.
Here are the levels of the bonus according to how much you buy:
- 5,000 – 24,000 points: 20% Bonus
- 25,000 – 69,000 points: 40% Bonus
- 70,000 – 124,000 points: 60% Bonus
- 125,000 – 200,000 points: 70% Bonus
Virgin Points can be bought in increments of 1,000, and as an extra bonus, the points purchase cap has been raised during this offer period to 200,000 points – if purchasing 200,000 points, with the bonus, you’d receive 340,000 Virgin Points – so the next adventure is closer than ever. The annual purchase limits will also be reset to zero during the campaign period. A bonus isn’t available for purchases of 5,000 points or fewer.
You can find more information here.
Luxury Hotel offers
W Aspen
W Aspen has slope-side access, which gets you on the mountain for morning runs, and it’s located within minutes of many additional outdoor activities, museums, art galleries, music venues, and high-fashion boutiques.
Through our luxury agents GTC, W Aspen is offering a discount. Stay a minimum of 4+ nights and receive 25% off.
The London EDITION
Located in Fitzrovia, on the outskirts of Soho, a 10-minute walk to Mayfair and Marylebone, The London EDITION is a stylish and convenient place to stay, with some great bars and restaurants within the hotel. You can read my review here.
When you book through a STARS agent such as our partners GTC, you get a long-stay discount:
• Stay three nights and enjoy 15% savings
• Stay 4 to 6 nights and enjoy 20% savings
• Stay seven or more nights and enjoy 25% savings
• Offer available across all room categories
You also get a guaranteed upgrade to the next room category. This offer is available on Superior Queen, Superior King, and Deluxe Queen only.
In addition to receiving your Marriott Bonvoy points and perks, you also get exclusive benefits on Marriott mid-scale and luxury hotels when you book through GTC. For The EDITION, you get:
- Hotel credit value at $100 USD
- Complimentary or continental breakfast daily for 2
- Early check-in/late check-out, based on availability
