Callaway Golf Co., makers of Big Bertha clubs, added pop singer Justin Timberlake to a list of endorsers that includes Phil Mickelson, Annika Sorenstam and Alice Cooper.

Timberlake, a six-time Grammy Award winner whose 2006 song “SexyBack” reached No. 1 in five countries, is an avid golfer and hosted his own U.S. PGA Tour event in Las Vegas this month.

The former lead singer of 1990s band `N Sync, Timberlake will use Callaway clubs and other equipment during charity and celebrity tournaments, Carlsbad, California-based Callaway said in a news release.

“We want to make sure the game of golf continues to appeal to a younger audience,” Callaway spokeswoman Michele Szynal said of Timberlake’s signing. “He’s relevant culturally and he loves golf. He’s the real deal.”

Timberlake, a 27-year-old native of Memphis, Tennessee, is the first non-golfer to be signed to an endorsement contract by the company, Szynal said. While Cooper, who credits golf with helping him kick drugs and alcohol, has appeared in Callaway advertising, he wasn’t an official club endorser, Szynal said. Timberlake won’t be used in Callaway advertising.

As a 6-handicap on the golf course, Timberlake has “impressed many with his skills” and established `credibility” within the industry, the company said.

‘Golf has become an incredibly important part of my life,” Timberlake said in a statement. “There’s nothing like hitting the ball perfectly. I’m hooked on that feeling.”

Financial terms of the contract weren’t disclosed by Callaway

Following the success of the award winning dusitD2 Chiang Mai, a second sophisticated and conceptual “dusitD2 baraquda” is coming to Pattaya for those with an appetitie for something different.

Slated to open December 2008 dusit D2 baraquda Pattaya is poised to provide a warm and fantasy following dusitD2’s original character of always adding little surprises for its guests, while at the same time creating a well designed environoment for the young and young at heart.

The intimate property will have jusy 72 rooms and suites, a club lounge, a mian restaurant serving Indochine food, cool bars, spa and fitness centres and a retail shop.

For more information visit www.dusit.com

Seve Ballesteros has shown “a favourable trend in neurological status” after undergoing his third operation to remove a brain tumour. Ballesteros, who had his first operation on Oct 6 and the second two days later, underwent his most recent procedure on Thursday, Oct 23. It lasted all day but, by the end of it, doctors were confident they had succeeded in their mission to alleviate pressure on the brain caused by bleeding, and to remove remaining tumour tissue.

In the first statement released since Ballesteros’ third operation, a spokesman at the La Paz hospital said: “The patient, Mr Seve Ballesteros, has a favourable trend in his neurological status but needs to be further controlled in the Intensive Care Unit.”

Ballesteros’s tumour has been diagnosed as an oligoastrocytoma, one which affects two types of brain cells and is apt to spread “diffusely” in the brain cavity.

The golfer has been kept under sedation over the last few days and has undergone a trachectomy to help with his breathing.

However, hospital authorities have been at pains to stress that the procedure in question is nothing out of the ordinary.

“It is customary and it is part of protocol established for similar cases,” they said.

The 2009 Dubai World Cup will be held on Saturday, March 28, after the Board of Directors for the Emirates Racing Authority released fixtures for the 2008-09 UAE racing season.

The world’s richest day’s racing will be the highlight of 46 race meetings this season, hosted by three racing clubs of the United Arab Emirates; the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Dubai Racing Club and Jebel Ali Racecourse.

The season will open at Nad Al Sheba on Thursday, November 6, the first of 21 fixtures there.

The first 10 make up the Winter Racing Challenge, before the Dubai International Racing Carnival commences on Thursday, January 15, with the first rounds of the Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge.

The 10 2009 DIRC fixtures will be held on the corresponding weekends to that of last season, and climaxes with the Super Thursday meeting on Thursday, March 5.

Jebel Ali will host the first of their 10 Friday meetings on November 21, while Abu Dhabi stages 15 Sunday fixtures, commencing on November 9

SOUTHAMPTON, BERMUDA – The Reefs is widely recognized as Bermuda’s best resort by all the major travel publications, including Condé Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure. Now, the same first class service and hospitality The Reefs is known for is being offered to families wishing to own a second home in Bermuda. Construction is underway on The Reefs Club - a private residence club development offering hassle-free, luxury vacations at a fraction of the price of traditional island homes.

“The more we researched and asked our guests about fractional ownership, the more we realized it’s ideal for people who want to own something in Bermuda, don’t want the year-round responsibilities, and want to be able to keep it in the family,” says David Dodwell, The Reefs Club developer. “Even before we broke ground, the response from repeat guests and their families has been exciting,” Dodwell says. “And because they’ll own a piece of The Reefs, they can come more often and enjoy the dining, the spa, and the private beach.”

The Reefs Club features elegantly furnished two- and three-bedroom residences with unobstructed ocean views seen through dramatic walls of windows.  Homes are just steps away from the hotel’s three gourmet restaurants, a spa, a private pink sand beach, and world-class diving and snorkeling. Amenities include an owner’s lounge, infinity-edge pool, fitness center and rooftop putting green with impressive views of the Atlantic.  An on-site concierge coordinates dinner reservations, golf tee times, spa appointments and other island adventures.

Considering the average second homeowner typically spends only three to four weeks per year at their property, fractional home ownership has become the most viable way to own an exclusive home in Bermuda. Government restrictions on property owned by non-Bermudians, coupled with under-supply and over-demand, have driven home prices into the millions – making it hard for frequent visitors to buy on the small island. A comparable home at The Reefs Club starts in the mid-$300’s, and the Club handles maintenance, security, and insurance.

The luxury shared ownership concept has grown into a $2.1 billion industry, reports industry consulting firm Ragatz Associates. Residence clubs now grace some of the world’s most exclusive destinations, from Cabo San Lucas and Aspen, to Manhattan and Florence. Although often confused with timeshares and destination clubs, private residence clubs are quite different. Residence club owners actually own deeded real estate, which can be sold or willed like any other form of real estate. Owners may reserve accommodations well in advance, and on a short-notice, space-available basis.

The Reefs Club is also part of the Elite AllianceSM – an exchange program offering owners luxury vacations at other private residence clubs around the world. The pampered lifestyle, financial value and promise of a lifetime of carefree vacations entice buyers worldwide.

www.ReefsClub.com

La Maison de L’Apothiquaire is emerging as a popular oasis for locals and international visitors seeking a sound mind and body.   The luxury spa chain offers a variety of treatment services in the quiet ambience of its villa facility in HCMC’s District 3.

A path lined with evergreens leads to a French-architecture villa, nestled in a tranquil place a short distance from the bustling Truong Dinh Street. Young ladies welcome guests with a smile which, together with surrounding greenery and pool, provides the first moments of relaxation at La Maison de L’Apothiquaire.

La Maison de L’Apothiquaire specializes in skin and body care using high quality, natural products imported from France. The L’Apothiquaire cosmetics are herbal medicine for the skin, designed to transform the skin after just one treatment, as they are special blends of plant extracts and essential oils.

The ladies accompany guests to a showroom, where they are invited to choose from a selection of spa oils and natural herbal products for their beauty care, facial and body massage and treatment.  After making their selection and a drink, guests are guided upstairs, past pictures featuring traditional and modern massage and treatment techniques, to the suites or rooms.

La Maison de L’Apothiquaire has built its reputation on its ability to personalise service packages using stone, mud and therapeutic techniques for both female and male guests.  Clients will have their skin, body, face and soul treated, wrapped and healed to sound states.

The highlight of the spa is sports care, which is on special offer in response to the needs of people after hours of playing golf and other energetic activities, according to L’Apothiquaire managing director Nguyen Thuy Binh. She says therapists will target their massage and treatment to the muscles and other body areas impacted mostly by sporting activities.

Skin care treatment is also available for men to have their face thoroughly cleansed and steamed to help skin texture and refine pores.

A variety of packages are available for ladies, including skin, neck, back and anti-aging massage and treatment, foot scraping, manicure and pedicure.  These are offered on the first and second floors of the building.

The third floor is home to daily yoga, tai chi and mediation courses for those who are in search of a healthy life style.

Binh says La Maison de L’Apothiquaire will add an aqua-gym next year, to treat guests with joint and muscle problems, in the pool on the left of the villa, located at 64A Truong Dinh Street.

In view of the success of their first four facilities, located on Truong Dinh Street in District 3 and Le Thanh Ton Street in District 1, the Saigon Town and Country Club in District 2 and Sofitel Dalat in Lam Dong Province, the spa chain La Maison de L’Apothiquaire looks set to open its fifth spa at the Sofitel Plaza Saigon on Le Duan Boulevard in the third year of operations in Vietnam.

www.lapothiquaire.com

Agoda’s top 10 golfing resorts in the region are:

1. Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Phuket (Thailand)
Lauded already in numerous publications as one of Asia’s premier golf resort destinations, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club is set among the Laguna Resort Complex which features five luxury hotels (Sheraton, Dusit Thani, Banyan Tree, Laguna Beach Resort and Allamande). It boasts an 18-hole, par-71 course designed by Max Wexler and David Abell and caters to players of all levels of expertise.

2. Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, Bali (Indonesia)
The five-star Le Meridien Golf & Spa Resort is a luxury resort overlooking the Indian Ocean with world-class golf and spa facilities. The Nirvana Bali Golf Club boasts an 18-hole course designed by the legendary Greg Norman, and has been featured in several publications. The course is made challenging by the elaborate network of streams, ponds and terraces plus its ocean lapping location.

3. Novotel Ocean Dunes and Golf Resort, Phan Thiet (Vietnam)
Located three hours from Ho Chi Minh City, the four-star Novotel Ocean Dunes and Golf Resort is located on a private beach and was the first international resort to be built in Vietnam. The Par-72 Ocean Dunes Golf Club located on-site has been designed by Nick Faldo and been identified it as one of the top 10 resort courses in Asia. The course will appeal to both experienced as well as casual golfers, and the coastal winds will bring challenge to each hole.

4. Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa , Khao Yai (Thailand)
The three star Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa provides 60 contemporary living options and is the perfect retreat for those looking for a golf holiday. The 18-hole golf course has been designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and is set among the mountains and greenery of Khao Yai.

5. The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam)
The five star Empire Hotel & Country Club and beach resort overlooking the South China Sea boasts of lavish accommodations, eight swimming pools and a championship golf course. Designed by the celebrated Jack Nicklaus, the golf course includes cliffs, ravines, tight fairways, large bunkers, and is floodlit for night-time games.

6. Hornbill Golf & Jungle Club, Sarawak (Malaysia)
The five star Hornbill Golf & Jungle Club is nestled amongst the oldest and second largest rainforest in the world, 1,000 meters above sea level. As the name suggests, the main attraction of the hotel is its golf course designed by Neil Crater, while keeping in mind the features of its unique highland location. The course is the ultimate test of golfing skills, and is suited for those who love a fresh physical challenge as well as a mental one.

7. Bintan Lagoon Resort, Bintan Island (Indonesia)
The four-star Bintan lagoon Resort is set among 300 hectares of beachfront gardens and offers a world of choice. This golfing resort can easily be reached by a short high-speed ferry ride from Singapore. Both the Jack Nicklaus 18-hole Sea View Golf course and Ian Baker-Finch 18-hole Woodlands Golf course at the resort are known for their spectacular design and signature holes.

8. Springfield Village Golf & Spa, Hua Hin/Cha-am (Thailand)
The 3.5 star Springfield Village Golf & Spa provides luxurious rooms and suites, designed to blend with their surroundings and each providing an open view of the golf course. The golf course (another design by Jack Nicklaus) challenges golf enthusiasts with 27 meticulously manicured holes. The championship course has five sets of tees to play from, and offers varying levels of difficulty.

9. Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore (Singapore)
The five-star Sentosa Resort & Spa is perched atop a cliff gazing out across the South China Sea. The resort’s 21 rooms and suites are spread across 27 acres of tropical woodlands.  For a round of golf, tee-off one of the 2 resort courses, including the exceptional Sentosa Golf Club, home to the Barclay’s Singapore Open and the course of choice for politicians, dignitaries and celebrities alike.

10. Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort, Nanjing (China)

The five-star colonial-styled, Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort Nanjing is located on the slopes of the famous Purple Mountain, and features 140 luxurious accommodations. This resort is the perfect choice for leisure as well as business travelers to Nanjing. It is also the first deluxe, five-star golf resort in Nanjing, and the exclusive 27-hole golf course was designed by Gary Player.

Kerstin Florian International (KFI) develops and manufactures a progressive range of European facial, body and bath products and treatments for the spa industry based on natural resources including thermal mineral water, mud, algae, herbal extracts and essential oils.

The family-run company is based in Lake Forest, California, U.S.A. and was founded in 1978 by Swedish-born Kerstin Florian, a spa expert with over 40 years of experience in the industry. The company produces over 100 professional and retail products and over 25 treatments, encompassing exclusive facial, body, bath and sun treatments as well as manicures and pedicures.

Kerstin Florian sources throughout the world to obtain the highest quality ingredients available. KFI is an international company with distribution offices in Europe, Canada and Asia.

PHILOSOPHY

Outer beauty, inner health. To us, these twin pursuits go hand in hand. We’ve dedicated our lives to helping people discover them through the spa experience and in their everyday lives. Kerstin Florian International builds on the cornerstones to well being - sound nutrition, regular exercise, peace of mind and care of the face and body. Our face and body lifestyle programs give you simple tools that help you to find your energy, look healthier and achieve the balance you seek.

For more information on the company please go to www.kerstinflorianusa.com

Welcome to Crown Club, an exciting program that offers a wide range of benefits and privileges throughout the complex. Joining Crown Club is free!

As a Crown Club member, every time you play, dine at participating restaurants, purchase an item from the Hotel Lobby Shop or stay at Crown Towers or the Crown Promenade Hotel you can earn Crown Club points.

Crown Club aims to provide its members with the best of everything. For your convenience, our friendly staff at any Crown Club outlet located on the gaming floor, can assist with any enquiry you may have.

At Crown Club outlets, you can:
- Join Crown Club and enquire about membership benefits.
- Obtain your Crown Club point balance.
- Redeem points for rewards.
- Take advantage of our special offers.

If you’d like to know more about your Crown Club membership, simply call the Crown Club Hotline on 03 9292 7222, or call in at any Crown Club outlet, they’re open 24 hours a day.

Rules of membership are available on request from any Crown Club outlet.

*Conditions apply. Must be over the age of 18 to join, subject to membership.

The new Anantara Phuket resort and spa has launched in Phuket, Thailand.

Situated on Mai Khao Beach, the resort has a total of 83 villas. Each villa comes with its own 355sq ft (33sq m) pool with either a Bill Bensley-designed garden, complete with paths down to the sea, or a location by the resort’s lagoon, which boasts bamboo water fountains.

Designed to be reminiscent of a southern Thai village, the resort’s villas also boast a total of 1,291sq ft (120sq m) of living space and each features an outdoor terrrazzo tub to accompany the private pool.

The Anantara Spa has been defined by the beauty and symbolism of the lotus flower. This extends to the spa therapies, which use the white lotus for cleansing and de-stressing, the red lotus for couple’s treatments and the double rose lotus for the signature spa rituals.

The resort will also offer a range of experiences for guests. Taking in southern Thailand, these range from a day working with local communities which have been rebuilt in the aftermath of the tsunami to a sunset cruise on board a private fishing boat. For more details go to www.anantara.com