Jetsettersblog

Biking in California State Parks

All kinds of trails for all levels of cycling:

Now is a great time to enjoying bicycling through a California State Park. Many parks offer all kinds of trails for all levels of cycling.

Spring weather and flowers in bloom add to the enjoyment of discovering California’s great outdoors.

It’s always a good idea to keep in mind these bicycling safety tips:

Pearl Izumi Vortex Road ShoeAlways wear a helmet. Keep to the right and always ride with traffic.

Only ride on designated bike trails and obey all posted bicycle speeds as well as state laws. Ride a well-equipped bike. Look back before you pass or merge. Yield to pedestrians and other cyclists when appropriate. Pearl Izumi Vortex Road ShoeBe alert. Carry food, water, tools, patch kit, first aid kit and bike lock. Never travel alone in remote areas. And, of course, have fun and enjoy the sights that California State Parks have to offer.Here’s a sample of great state park bicycling opportunities:

CALAVERAS and TUOLUMNE COUNTIES

Calaveras Big Trees State Park has fire roads that are accessible for mountain biking. There are lots of great rides in the park for all ability levels - especially if you like hills. Biking is only allowed on paved roads and designated fire (dirt) roads. Riders who chose to ride in other areas are subject to citation. Visitors are advised to have landowners’ permissions and a current map of the area if they choose to ride in non-park areas. Maps and information are available at the United States Forest Service office in Hathaway Pines, Bear Valley Cross County in Bear Valley and the Mountain Pedaler Bicycle Shop in Angels Camp.

Mountain bikes can be rented from mid-June to early September at Bear Valley Cross Country. The park is northeast of Stockton and four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway Four. For more information, call the park at (209) 795-2334.

MERCED COUNTY

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, 12 miles west of Los Banos on Highway 152, has biking on the California Aqueduct roads. Cyclists are able to bike (on graded dirt) for approximately 70 miles - and it’s flat. Visitors are advised to bring water and to know that the area can be very windy. Cyclists can enjoy views of the Diablo mountain range to the west and the San Joaquin Valley to the east. The starting point is at O’Neill Forebay. For more information call the park at (209) 826-1196 or the Department of Water Resources Visitor Center at (209) 827-5353.

MERCED and SANTA CLARA COUNTIES

Pacheco State Park’s trails for hiking are graded dirt roads that are fine for mountain biking. A word of caution for cyclists - the trails are all up and down. Visitors are advised to bring water as there is no drinking water at the park. The park is on Highway 152 twenty miles east of Gilroy. For more information, call the park at (209) 826-6283.

MONTEREY COUNTY

Andrew Molera State Park has miles of trails that wind through meadows, beaches and hilltops. A primitive walk-in trail camp, popular with hikers and bikers, is located approximately one third mile from the parking area. The park is 21 miles south of Carmel on Highway One. For more information, call the park at (831) 667-2315.

ORANGE COUNTY

Crystal Cove State Park has 18 miles of multi-use trails in the El Moro backcountry.  The park is extremely popular for mountain biking. The park is located off Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach. For more information, call the park at (949) 494-3539.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY

Brannan Island State Park has a new three-mile loop multi-use trail that is popular with cyclists. There are many starting points at or near all the major use areas of the park including the campground, boat launch, marina, day use area, and visitor center and park entrance. Part of the trail takes visitors near undeveloped area of the park where an assortment of animals can be seen. The park is three miles south of Rio Vista on Highway 160. For more information, call (916) 777-6671.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

El Capitan State Beach has a 2.5 mile bike trail between the park and and Refugio State Beach that is a great ride. During the summer, there is a ranger-led interpretive bike ride along the trail. The park is 17 miles northwest of Santa Barbara on Highway 101. For more information, call the park at (805) 965-1033.

Gaviota State Park has miles of bike/trail/fire road for cyclists. The park is 33 miles west of Santa Barbara on Highway 101. For more information, call the park at (805)968-1033.

Refugio State Beach has a 2.5 mile bike trail between the park and El Capitan State Beach that is a great ride. During the summer, there is a ranger-led interpretive bike ride along the trail. The park is 23 miles northwest of Santa Barbara on Highway 101. For more information, call the park at (805) 965-1033.

SANTA CLARA and STANISLAUS COUNTIES

Henry W. Coe State Park has more than 100 miles of roads and trails that are open to mountain bikes. The park’s rugged terrain offers a variety of riding options, ranging from moderately difficult to extremely difficult. (There are practically no easy trails for bikes.) The park’s entrance is 14 miles east of Morgan Hill. For more information, call the park at (408) 779-2728. Also, visit the website: www.coepark.org 

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Wilder Ranch State Park, north of Santa Cruz and immediately west of Highway One is very mountain bike friendly and popular with local riders. There are 35 miles of trails, both dirt roads and single-track, open to bikes. Besides fun riding, cyclists are treated to a mix of coastal prairie, riparian woodland and redwood forest scenery as well as spectacular views of Monterey Bay.  Most of the terrain is best suited to intermediate or better riders. The park does have a couple of trails that are great for family rides in the park, and there is one that adjoins the park. The two park trails along the coastal bluffs, Old Cove Landing Trail and Ohlone Bluff Trail, are flat and wide. The coastal trails total a little over four miles.  Riders can make a two-mile loop on the Old Cove Landing Trail or continue on the Ohlone Bluff trail another two+ miles.  (The Ohlone Bluff trail does not loop back.) There is also a 1 ½ mile paved bike trail that starts in northern Santa Cruz and ends at Wilder. Several restored buildings once belonging to the Wilder family are preserved in the park. The site was originally the main rancho supplying Santa Cruz Mission. It later became a successful and innovative dairy ranch. Surrounding grounds include Victorian homes, gardens, and an historic adobe. For more information, call the park at (831) 423-9703.

VENTURA COUNTY

San Buenaventura State Beach and Emma Wood State Beach in are connected by the Omer Rains Bike Trail. This eight-mile urban trail is a level paved trail excellent for cyclists of all skill levels and ages. It offers exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean as it winds past sand dunes sprinkled with wildflowers and ducks under the second oldest pier in California. The trail continues along a wide promenade bordered by beachside restaurants and shops.  Traveling along this popular trail, cyclists can enjoy watching windsurfers or spectacular sunsets over the Channel Islands. Public restrooms are located along the trail as are numerous places to stop and rest. For cyclists who have the time and stamina, the trail connects with the Ventura River Trail that runs for 17 miles from Ventura and Ojai, following the route of the old Ventura County Railroad along the Ventura River. For more information, call (805) 585-1850.

Visit California State Parks on line at http://www.parks.ca.gov/

 

 

Grand Hotel de la Minerve - Rome’s Most Perfect Location

Five Star Deluxe

*****

Dating from 1620, the Grand Hotel de la Minerve is one of Rome’s most elegant addresses and the preferred choice of sophisticated first-time and repeat visitors to the Eternal City. Its prime location near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona makes it an ideal place from which to explore Rome, as it is just a pleasant stroll away from many of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Learn more about this beautiful hotel in the digital brochure below and then plan to sample the best of Rome with the Grand Hotel de la Minerve’s “Seasonal Package” or the “Easter Promotion”.

PACKAGE - Jan. 2, 2006 - Dec. 28, 2006

Validity: All year round

Minimum Stay: 3 nightsBenefits: Upgrading upon availability

American buffet breakfast at the restaurant or continental breakfast by room service

Welcome Cocktail on arrival in our bar “Le Coupole”

One 3-course dinner (dessert included) for 2 people (beverages excluded)Rates low season: 2 pax € 870.00 (additional night € 290.00)Rates low season: 1 pax € 705.00 (additional night € 290.00)Rates high season: 2 pax € 1200.00 (additional night € 380.00)

Rates high season: 1 pax € 900.00 (additional night € 380.00)

Children 0/12 years of age complimentary (room portion only ) if sharing the room with their parents ( max 1 child in the room).Third person supplement € 65,00 per night, BBThese promotions are subject to availability of rooms allocated to the offer.

High season = April, May, June, September, October
Low season = February, March, July, August, November, December

EASTER PROMOTION

April 14 - April 18, 2006
Validity: April 14 - April 18, 2006

Minimum Stay: 3 nights

Benefits: Upgrade upon availability
American buffet breakfast at the restaurant or continental breakfast by room service
Welcome Cocktail on arrival in our bar “Le Coupole”

Easter Lunch (bev. excluded) on Sunday April 16 or 3-course lunch or dinner for 2 (bev. excluded) any day during the promotion dates

Rates: 2 pax € 1130.00 (additional night € 340.00); 1 pax € 810.00 (additional night € 310.00)

Children 0/12 years of age complimentary (room portion only ) if sharing the room with their parents ( max 1 child in the room).

Third person supplement € 65,00 per night, BB

These promotions are subject to availability of rooms allocated to the offer.

Grand Hotel de la Minerv
Piazza della Minerva 69
Rome
00186, Italy
Telephone: (39) 06 69520 1
Fax: (39) 06 6794165
www.grandhoteldelaminerve.com
minerva@hotel-invest.com

Discover the Secrets of Red Rock Country

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona—While many people visit Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon every year, few of them ever see the stunning beauty of the off-the-beaten-path locations. Arizona Outback Adventures takes guests to discover the remote, breathtaking vistas that are the natural wonders of Southwest Utah on the six-day Secrets of Red Rock Country Adventure. Scheduled dates are June 11-16, July 23-28, August 6-11, and September 10-15. 

Explore these little-utilized trails with expert naturalist guides who ensure guests see the best there is to see. The adventure begins in Zion Canyon with its sheer walls of red rock, hundreds of plunging waterfalls, and narrow slot canyons. Hike the Angels Landing Trail, which at its 1700 ft. summit offers a panoramic view of the Virgin River. In the heat of the afternoon, wade in the cool, shady narrows. Guests stay at the comfortable Zion Park Lodge and dine at an upscale restaurant.

Neighboring Bryce Canyon, smaller but no less spectacular, is a fairytale amphitheater of rock formations and pink “hoodoos” (pinnacles), perhaps the most unusual display of erosion formations on earth. Hike to the canyon’s rim where lunch is accompanied by breathtaking view of Bryce’s amphitheater. Hike the Kodachrome Basin, where rock formations in various shades of red, yellow, pink, white, and brown led to this area’s name. Spend two evenings at the Stone Canyon Inn, where the owner, Dixie, prepares a fabulous six-course dinner.The North Rim of the Grand Canyon boasts breathtaking vistas, yet its low visitation and high elevation create an island of quiet green forests and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, a stunning contrast to the enormous red abyss of the Grand Canyon. Hike to Point Imperial and then on the Transept Trail, which ends at the Grand Canyon Lodge where guests will be spend the night.The Secrets of Red Rock Adventure offers the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Hiking the magnificent landscapes with guides who know the best locations offers an intimate and fulfilling experience.Arizona Outback Adventures is dedicated to providing invigorating and educational adventures in biking, hiking and rafting to over 8000 guests a year.

Contact the company at 866-455-1601 or log on to the web at http://www.aoa-adventures.com/

COMPANY: ARIZONA OUTBACK ADVENTURES

CONTACT: BRIAN JUMP TEL: 866-455-1601 brianjump@azoutbackadventures.com http://www.aoa-adventures.com/

Wellington Rated a Vibrant Urban Destination

Wellington is perceived by visitors as a vibrant urban destination with much to offer in the way of activities and attractions, according to the first quarterly results in a new research monitor.

The Regional Visitor Monitor (RVM) is a joint venture between the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism New Zealand and six Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs). It measures satisfaction levels, expectations and motivations of international and domestic visitors, both at a regional and national level.

The RVM is ongoing, and will produce results for participating regions every quarter. Its inaugural report measures November and December 2005.

Positively Wellington Tourism CEO Tim Cossar says Wellington has received high marks from visitors for its vibrant urban atmosphere and appealing cityscape.

“Visitors holidaying in Wellington are inspired by its reputation as a place to have fun. The research shows they are highly satisfied with its activities, particularly those that are cultural and performing arts related, and attractions such as Te Papa, art galleries and the Cable Car. Major events are another significant draw card for visitors.”

The results also show that the majority of visitors to Wellington are well informed about its activities, accommodation and transport upon arrival. Both international and domestic tourists rely on the internet to source this information, many visiting www.WellingtonNZ.com. Most visitors express an interest in returning to Wellington, and would recommend it as a holiday destination to others.

Tim Cossar says the RVM will become invaluable to Wellington tourism because the data from each report is aggregated, creating an increasingly detailed picture of the perceptions of both domestic and international travellers.

The Pacific’s Ring Of Fire … Practically Percolates With Geothermal Activity

Experience the ‘wild frontier’ feeling on WildWings’ fourteen-day ‘Ring of Fire’ voyage sailing onboard the Russian-flagged, ‘Spirit of Enderby’, and visiting prime expedition sites along the geologically active arc that stretches from the Kuril Island chain across to the Kamchatka Peninsula - a region that practically percolates with geothermal activity.

As pioneers to this region in the mid-nineties, WildWings are pleased to introduce their new itinerary featuring the area’s many active volcanoes, huge calderas, geysers and natural thermal springs, as well as lush forests, salmon filled rivers, mountain ranges, remote lakes, rocky coastlines and vast tundra. Combined with a potentially mouth-watering species list including spectacled and Brunnich’s guillemots, whiskered and rhinoceros auklets, tufted and horned puffins, and white-billed and Pacific divers. Some of Japan’s unique birds are also anticipated such as Japanese cranes, Blakiston’s fishing owl and mountain hawk eagle. Mammals should also be in good supply with potential sightings of killer, sperm, humpback and fin whales, as well as Pacific and white-sided dolphins and, a particular Wildwings’ favourite, the seemingly turbo-charged Dall’s porpoise.

Passengers will embark the 48-passenger ship, ‘Spirit of Enderby’, in the port of Korsakov, on the southernmost tip of Sakhalin, and set sail for the Kuril Islands (known as ‘Thousand Islands Archipelago’ in Japanese), the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Commander Islands.

The Kuril Islands Stretching over 1000 kilometres north-east from Japan to Kamchatka, the Kuril island chain separates the Sea of Okhotsk from the north Pacific Ocean. The itinerary includes seven days exploring the islands including Iturup, where there will be a chance to meet and enjoy the hospitality of the local Russian people; Shimushir, where a huge caldera gives easy access to the spectacular slopes of Karlomyy volcano; Raikoke, where unbelievable numbers of northern fulmars nest and Stellar’s sea lions breed; Matua, where there are military remains from the Japanese occupation in World War II; Yankicho and Piponkicha, where there are hot pools to soak in; Onekotan, where a carpet of wildflowers surrounds the Black Lake lying in the lee of Volcano Nemo; Paramushir, where there is a known population of Asian brown bear and Atlasova, where an almost perfect volcanic cone rises sheer out of the sea to a height of 2339 metres, the highest volcano in the Kuril chain.

The Kamchatka Peninsula is the northern link in the Kuril-Kamchatka Islands arc and has the highest density of volcanoes and associated volcanic phenomena in the world.

The Zhuponavo River region on the Peninsula offers superb opportunities for birding and nature walks. The shallow, meandering river is negotiated using the ship’s ‘naiads’ - aluminium-hulled inflatable boats that are unique to the ‘Spirit of Enderby’. Keeping a watchful eye for brown bears, the birders will thrill at the potential to see up to 40 species of bird including ‘Siberian’ species such as the yellow-breasted bunting, black scotor and far-eastern curlew. The Peninsula is the breeding ground for the ultimate raptor - the majestic Steller’s sea eagle, the largest eagle in the world and, in the mature birch forest along the Zhuponavo River, there is a good chance of finding a Steller’s sea eagle’s eyrie.

The Commander Islands are a group of four islands lying east of the Kamchatka Peninsula. Famous for being the only place where the extinct Steller’s sea cow was ever recorded, the islands are steeped in history and were named after Commander Vitus Bering, the legendary explorer who was the first to observe that Asia and the Americas are separate continents. A simple tombstone on the largest of the islands, Bering Island, marks his grave. Harbour seals, Steller’s sea lions and northern fur seals will all be seen around the islands.

The voyage will end in Kamchatka’s only city, Petropavlovsk, set in Avacha Bay and ringed by smoking volcanoes.

The voyage to the Kuril Islands, Kamchatka Peninsula and the Commander Islands departs from Korsakov on 9 June 2007 and returns to Petropavlovsk on 22 June 2007.

Price from £3389 per person sharing a twin cabin. Price includes voyage with accommodation as booked, all meals onboard the vessel, all shore excursions, lectures and services of WildWings and ship’s expedition team, landing fees and port taxes. Price excludes international flights, available from £700 per person.

WildWings RESERVATIONS 0117 9658 333

wildinfo@wildwings.co.uk  http://www.wildwings.co.uk/ 

Naturally Good For You… Styria: the Green Heart of Austria

Styria really is Austria’s greenest province: in the south-eastern corner of the country, half of it is covered with forest. No wonder Steiermark (as it is in German) is such a popular holiday destination. But Styria offers far more than fresh air and an unspoiled landscape: think wine and thermal spas. And think of Styrians themselves: known for their warm hospitality and their sense of humour. 

Variety is the spice of life

Styria offers something for everyone, for couples and families, young and old, outdoorsy people and culture vultures. In the north, for example, there are about 800 peaks all over 6,500 ft (2000m) high. The hiking and mountain biking around the massive Dachstein mountain is spectacular, across mountain pastures, in the national park and through nature reserves. If you are looking for total relaxation, a stress busting break or a chance to recharge your batteries, then southern Styria is ideal, with seven natural thermal spas around the Bad Blumau Hundertwasser Spa.

Then there are the byways and back roads to explore. Eastern Styria is known for its castles and apple orchards; western Styria is known for its magnificent white Lipizzaner horses and for its ‘green gold’. This is pumpkin-seed oil, highly-valued by chefs around the world and described – with a nudge nudge, wink wink – as Styrian Viagra. Down in the south, steep sided vineyards produce award-winning wines. As for Graz, the regional capital, this was the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003. The city, with its beautifully-preserved medieval heart, has also been awarded the status of a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.

Food, glorious food

In Austria, Styria is known for the quality of its produce. Wander round any of the markets and you can see that most of the fruit and veg, meat and cheese is organic. Bakers sell a wide range of wonderful breads and rolls; and then there is the constant temptation of cakes and hand-made chocolates. With such good produce, chefs create dishes that are as full of flavour, as they are healthy. If you have been hiking all day, you can tuck in to hearty dishes without feeling guilty. If you are at a spa, looking to slim and trim, then you are in the right place. Chefs are trained to provide light, balanced diets with nutritious and flavourful dishes that help you to shed weight.

But you can also eat exquisitely complex dishes by renowned chefs. They work in romantic castles and chic, modern restaurants, as well as typical village inns and stylish wine bars, creating dishes such as local rabbit with an orange-asparagus risotto, pork with mushrooms, even pumpkin ice cream

Award-winning wines

With headlines such as ‘Austrian wines seem set to conquer the world’, British winedrinkers are discovering the quality of Styrian wines, grown in a near-Mediterranean climate. Vines were planted here by the Romans, so locals know a thing or two about wine making. But the secret is now out. After blind tastings, British wine writers have sung the praises of the fruity and fragrant white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling and Morillon, Styria’s very own Chardonnay. But look out for outstanding Weissburgunders (Pinot Blanc), Welschrieslings and sweet dessert wines.

Nothing is more fun than a visit to the vineyards of southern Styria, where some of the landscape is so steep that grapes can only be harvested by hand. And you are never far from a Buschenschank, a country inn, where you can taste the wines that grow at the door. To make the visit even more pleasurable, order a platter piled high with home-baked bread, smoked pork, pâté, sausage and cheese. Locals insist that best way to wash it all down is with Schilcher, a special rosé made from the Blauer Wildbach grape that is only produced here.

Pumpkin seed oil

There is an awful lot of fuss made about pumpkin seed oil. But examine the facts carefully, and you’ll agree that it is justified. The oil is an unusual dark green colour, and has a fine, nutty flavour. But it also has special health-giving properties, lowering cholesterol levels, promoting cell oxygenation and reducing prostate problems. Then there is that nickname of ‘Styrian Viagra’: confirmed fans insist on its potency. But in the main, the oil is perfect on salads as well for preparing main course dishes. In fact, whole books are devoted to recipes for pumpkins and the precious oil from its seeds. On the other hand, if you believe that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, Styria grows the best apples in Austria!

Want to know more?

Ask for our folder, Styria – the Land of Pleasure, with listings of the best restaurants, special culinary events and places to stay for the gourmet – and anyone aiming to become one!

You can also find more details on the Internet at: www.steiermark.com 

How to get there: Ryanair has direct, low-cost flights from London Stansted to Graz: www.ryanair.comFor further press information, contact: Steiermark Tourismus, info@steiermark.com www.steiermark.com        

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa Opens

Hilton International today signed an agreement with Crowne Company to manage the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa. The 5-star, 40 villa resort on the island of Mahé is now open and operating as a Hilton Worldwide Resort.

Wolfgang Neumann, President, Hilton International, Europe & Africa commented; “We are very proud to expand our portfolio and take the Hilton brand name to our first Worldwide Resort in the Seychelles. In addition to the Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa and the Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa, this will give us a unique selection of stunning resorts in the Indian Ocean. This will also extend our relationship with Crowne Company which owns both the Hilton Seychelles and the Hilton Maldives resorts.”

The resort combines idyllic barefoot luxury with refined relaxation and offers first-class facilities, quality service, fine dining and an array of activities.

40 private villas - 14 deluxe oceanfront and 26 hillside villas - are nestled amidst the small beach coves of Beauvallon Bay and on the hillside. Elevated on stilts with spectacular ocean views, the villas blend Seychellois architecture and contemporary décor with natural materials and fabrics from the Far East. The ultimate in luxury, they are equipped with king sized poster beds, rainfall showers, whirlpool bathtubs, LCD flat screen TVs, CD and DVD players and extensive balconies.

Two restaurants cater for every taste with al fresco dining, freshly prepared local seafood, traditional Creole cuisine and an extensive wine list. The Ocean View Bar, with its timber deck on the water’s edge, provides the prime location from which to enjoy drinks and savour the magnificent Seychelles sunsets.

The resort also has a luxurious spa. Located on a giant granite boulder with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean, the Duniye Spa is the perfect place to soothe the body, stimulate the mind and arouse the senses. The spa provides a complete repertoire of health, beauty and wellness services, including Ayurvedic treatments, and has a steam room, relaxation lounge and yoga pavilion.

For water babies, the underwater world of the Indian Ocean is within easy reach. The resort has a fully equipped water sports centre, snorkelling boat trips, deep sea fishing excursions and a Scuba diving centre with full PADI instructional programmes and guided dives. Other leisure facilities include the beautiful freeform “infinity” swimming pool, a library, fitness centre, games room and TV lounge. Guests can even escape on a Robinson Crusoe island picnic or take a sightseeing tour of the surrounding islands by plane.

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Is Great For Groups!

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool is really driving ahead to become the country’s top destination for coach parties and groups with a busload of special offers for coach and tour operators.

There’s something for everyone at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. Britain’s top free tourist attraction is set in 42 acres and boasts over 145 rides and attractions plus spectacular shows such as spectacular dancing on ice show Hot Ice at the Arena, amazing cabaret of magic and illusion Mystique in the Horseshoe and Eclipse at the Globe, a stunning circus musical.

Groups benefit from discounted rates with show matinee tickets from £6-£10 per person and evening performances from £10-£14, and every 16th seat is completely FREE. Show & Dine packages are also available including a meal in nautical themed restaurant the Fish Inn from £16. All prices are based on a minimum of 15 guests.

White knuckle thrills at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool include Valhalla - the world’s largest dark ride, Europe’s tallest, fastest rollercoaster the Pepsi Max Big One, Ice Blast where riders are catapulted up a 210 foot tower at 80mph and new attraction BLING, a real diamond-knuckle experience as riders are lifted a whopping 100 feet above the ground and spun through the air in three different directions on giant gondolas at speeds of over 60 mph.

Enjoy a full day experiencing all the thrills and excitement Pleasure Beach has to offer with an innovative Show & Ride Wristband, allowing unlimited riding as many times as you dare PLUS a free seat to Hot Ice, Eclipse or Mystique. Tour operators bringing groups of 15+, 25+ or 100+ benefit from big savings on wristbands, plus there’s even further savings during May, June and November, and every 16th person is completely FREE. Prices on application, call the group hotline on 0870 444 5577 for details.

Especially for kids there’s Beaver Creek Theme Park, home to Bradley Beaver and his very own Log Flume. Dedicated Beaver Creek Show & Ride Wristbands are available for our younger guests and coach operators can benefit from discounts on these too.

Ample coach parking is available on Balmoral Road car park situated within easy walking distance of the main entrance and boasting CCTV cameras for added security. Coach drivers can enjoy a complementary meal before relaxing in the new coach driver lounge, offering reclining chairs and Sky television.

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool is open daily from 7th April until 5th November. Opening and closing times vary throughout the season, for details and bookings, call our group hotline on 0870 444 5577

The Cook Islands – A Luxury Destination

The Cook Islands recently emerged as a heavenly destination for luxury holidays, weddings and honeymoons. Previously renowned as a crucial stop-over on the backpacking circuit for the young and adventurous, the Cook Islands are now attracting a different sort of visitor. With the opening and refurbishment of many high-end properties, these South Pacific Islands are welcoming increasing numbers of honeymooners, luxury holidaymakers and empty-nesters travelling the world in style. 

The Turquoise Holiday Company reports that bookings to the Cook Islands are up 29% from last year for the key January booking period with average spend and duration enjoying double digit growth.

“With luxury resorts opening combined with the world’s most beautiful lagoons and stunning beaches, the Cooks Islands are now The Turquoise Holiday Company’s fasted growing destination” reports James Bell Sales and Marketing Director. “I suppose we are all looking for a bit of South Pacific paradise and nowhere is better than the Cook Islands.”

With a number of high-end properties to choose from, there is a resort, boutique villa or over-water bungalow to suit every taste.

Crown Beach Hotel www.crownbeach.com 

This hotel has reopened on Rarotonga after a NZD $2 million (almost £1million) refurbishment. It now boasts a new pool, new restaurant and bar, upgraded villas with teak furniture, Jacuzzis on the decks of the beachfront villas, plus new landscaping and pathways.

Etu Moana www.etumoana.com 

This new boutique resort offers eight modern, private and luxurious Polynesian style villas. Each villa with hardwood floors and teak furniture overlooks the turquoise lagoon and ocean.

Pacific Resort Aitutaki (www.pacificresort.com)

Located on the beautiful island of Aitutaki, often hailed ‘as the most beautiful places in the world,’ this luxury resort offers visitors their own private beachside villas with panoramic views across Aitutaki’s famous lagoon. With fantastic restaurants, water activities and soothing spa treatments this resort has it all.

Reflections on Rarotonga (www.reflections-rarotonga.com)

Each beachfront villa has over 1,500 square feet of living space, four decks over two levels, and private freshwater swimming pool - plus a wonderful surround sound home theatre system to enjoy after a day on the beach or around the villa pool.

Rumours of Romance (www.rumours-rarotonga.com)

This five villa property opened in the summer 2005 on the Cook Islands main island of Rarotonga and is purpose-built to suit the luxury traveller and those looking for a top of the range venue for their wedding and/or honeymoon. Situated right on the beach on Muri Lagoon, the five villas have great lagoon views and decks that open up right onto the beach. Each villa has two bedrooms with a super king four-poster hand carved, canopied bed; two bathrooms; plus a private pool with a waterfall feature. All guests will be greeted on arrival with fresh floral eis and transferred using private car VIP transfers and presented with a champagne gift basket.

The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa (www.aitutakilagoonresort.com)

The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa rests on its own private island of Akitua encircled by beaches and enjoying commanding views of the expansive, magnificent lagoon. The resort is the only one directly on Aitutaki Lagoon, and comes complete with the Cook Islands’ only over-water bungalows, and Aitutaki’s only spa.

The Turquoise Holiday Company is currently offering seven nights at Crown Beach Hotel and seven nights at Pacific Resort Aitutaki for £2699 per person. This offer includes international flights with Air New Zealand, domestic flights between Rarotonga and Aitutaki and transfers. This price is valid for travel 1 April – 30 June 2006.

For more information and reservations contact The Turquoise Holiday Company on 01494 678400 (www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk)

Rough Guides World Party Website

Rough Guides launched a major new website www.worldparty.roughguides.com

This is the ultimate global party guide, offering information on festivals and events worldwide, throughout the year, and designed to help travellers prepare for fun, whether their trip coincides with a major event and they want to know more, or they are travelling specifically for a festival such as the Rio Carnival or Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Martin Dunford, Rough Guides’ Director of Publishing said “We wanted to create a site that would firstly tell people about each festival, with photos and lots of background and practical detail, and of course be fully searchable. You might want to know what’s on in Southeast Asia in March. Or what’s happening through the year in France, the USA or Australia.

Jody Hanson, of the Louisiana Office of Tourism and New Orleans Visitors Bureau (UK) said “This site will prove a real boon to all travellers and we’re particularly excited about the timing of the launch. This year’s Mardi Gras has bounced right back from Hurricane Katrina and the 2007 events will be huge!”

Richard Trillo, Rough Guides’ Director of Communications, said “The launch of the site is great news for every traveller and will be followed up with a Rough Guides World Party guidebook. There’s a festival-writing competition on the site with a chance to win flights with American Airlines to New Orleans, and get your piece published online with Rough Guides.”

Martin Dunford said “We hope to add a lot of new festivals to the site over the coming months. The world of parties and festivals is a strange and wonderful one where you can be chased by bulls, pelted by tomatoes, dance with the dead and even be reborn. We’re looking forward to some colourful competition entries.”