Jetsettersblog

OSCE Centre promotes development of eco-tourism in Kazakhstan

ALMATY. April 24, 2006. KAZINFORM - Developing ecological tourism in the Charyn national park in the south-east of Kazakhstan was the focus of a meeting, organized today by the OSCE Centre in Almaty.

Participants, including representatives of local authorities, international and non-governmental organizations, as well as tourism companies, also discussed ways to overcome administrative and financial barriers in order to foster community-based tourism; KAZINFORM cites the press release of the organization.

“Recommendations of today’s roundtable discussion will be forwarded for consideration to the newly established Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan and to all relevant stakeholders,” said Acting Head of the OSCE Centre in Almaty Bjorn Halvarsson.

“They will be also used as a basis for follow-up activities by the OSCE Centre.” Iskandar Mirkhashimov, the director of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Koryk, which has been helping to restore the park’s ash-tree grove for the last six years, said:

“We will be able to preserve nature for future generations only if we manage to change the attitude of the people. Societies consume natural resources, but we must do more to help restore what we have consumed.” Following the meeting, which took place on the grounds of the Charyn park, participants and journalists planted more than 500 trees.

The event was organized in co-operation with the local administration of the Uigur district of Almaty region, the directorate of the Charyn national park and the NGO Koryk, and linked to the international environmental protection movements “The March of Parks” and “The Earth Day”.

Egypt set to become a regional leader in shopping tourism

Government officials in Egypt have confirmed today that visitor numbers to the country are increasing dramatically, thanks in large part to Gulf Arabs who make their way to the region’s largest country for short breaks designed to take advantage of world class shopping now on offer.

Shopping has now become an important part of the holiday experience,’ said H. E. Zoheir Gharana, Minister of Tourism. ‘Egypt appeals to tourists not only for its cultural sites, but now for its shopping - be it the latest trends in Italian fashion or Egyptian-made fine goods.’ Best known for its rich history, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture, Egypt is moving quickly in building its tourism portfolio to include shopping as a key attraction for holiday-makers.

Situated at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Europe, Egypt has long been a key site for international trade, commerce and tourism. Its rich history as a market of rare and precious goods has enticed travellers to its souks abounding with luxurious textiles and high-quality gold and jewellery.

Recent economic reforms have stimulated the emergence of new malls, the deregulation of foreign textiles and an ever-growing number of tourists. All of these factors place Egypt at the forefront of an increasingly competitive regional shopping tourism segment. ‘This past year, Egypt posted record-breaking numbers with 8.1 million tourists having visited.

From the Gulf alone, tourist numbers have risen over 50% since this time last year, partly due to the many holidaymakers who have chosen Egypt for weekend shopping get-aways,’ said Ahmed Khadem, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourist Authority. As people face increasing pressure on their time and resources, vacations provide the perfect opportunity to combine tourism and shopping. In a competitive market for travelling shoppers, Egypt draws from the strength of its well-established tourist infrastructure, including its numerous luxury hotels and its relaxing beachside resorts.

With expected growth of Egyptian tourism at 10% a year, the doors are wide open for the continued development of quality shopping facilities and retail outlets. Since 2005, a number of new malls and retail outlets have opened.

The high-end Turkish retailer Beyman offers the latest from European designers at its pristine location in Cairo’s Four Seasons Hotel at Nile Plaza, and the MAF Group’s City Centre Malls are now found throughout Cairo and Alexandria. A new luxury mall, City Stars, developed by the Saudi entrepreneur Sharabatly, attracts a wide variety of shoppers to its Virgin Megastore, international clothiers and traditional Egyptian souvenirs. ‘Egypt not only provides great value at lower prices than elsewhere in the region,’ said Ahmed Khadem, ‘it offers this all in a modern, high-end setting.

The new malls combine luxury hotels with top-of-the-line stores and a number of movie theatres playing the most popular Egyptian films.’ No longer only a destination for extended summer vacations, Egypt now draws many of its tourists for long weekends. Egyptian tourism initiatives extend beyond shopping to include a growing market for health care, plastic surgery and therapeutic retreats.

Amphibious SriLankan Air Taxi at Bentota River

Singaporeans tired of waiting for taxis which don’t stop for them can now catch one that does, in Sri Lanka at least.

SriLankan Air Taxi, the domestic amphibious floatplane operations of SriLankan Airlines, is giving passengers the opportunity of an exhilarating water landing on the Bentota River with its Weekend Scenic Flights starting from now.

Tickets are priced at just USD 50 (approximately S$81 based on an exchange rate of USD 1: S$1.625) per person. Passengers already in Sri Lanka just need to proceed to the Ratmalana Domestic Airport – just south of Colombo – to take the departure flight to enjoy the unique amphibious aircraft experience.

Flying just a few thousand feet above the ground – far lower than the height that commercial aircraft usually flies – SriLankan Air Taxi embarks on a route that offers breathtaking views of the diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka.

The aircraft first heads south to Kalutara, a resort town located approximately 40km south of Colombo, and then inland where passengers can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the towering Adam’s Peak and the central hills.

The journey continues down the valley of the Kalu Ganga – a popular eco tourism spot for river rafters, canoeists and kayakers – then towards the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean. After a water landing at Bentota River, which lines sparkling golden beaches and one of Sri Lanka’s most raved about resorts, the flight proceeds back to Ratmalana, cruising northwards along the coast for a picture-postcard view of the South-western coastline.

Flights depart Ratmalana Domestic Airport at regular intervals on Saturdays and Sundays and every trip takes about half an hour. For enquiries, please call SriLankan Air Taxi Hotline 019733-3355, email to airtaxi@srilankan.aero or visit http://www.srilankan.aero/airtaxi

About SriLankan Air Taxi SriLankan Air Taxi, the domestic arm of SriLankan Airlines, has made any part of Sri Lanka accessible within an hour. The amphibious aircraft now operates to 15 locations – Katunayake, Ratmalana, Katukurunda, Bentota, Galle (Koggala), Dickwella, Weerawila, Ampara, Kandy (Victoria Reservoir & Mahaweli River), Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Hingurakgoda and Trincomalee.

SriLankan Air Taxi’s other services include daily scheduled return flights from Colombo to Bentota and Koggala, carrying passengers from Colombo to Bentota in less than half an hour, and on to Koggala in another 40 minutes.

In comparison, a road trip to Bentota can take up to three hours, and four hours to Koggala. About SriLankan Airlines SriLankan Airlines first started its operations as Air Lanka in 1979 with initial management assistance from Singapore Airlines. Its present strategic partner is Emirates, the award-winning international airline of the UAE, which holds a 49% stake in SriLankan Airlines.

The Sri Lanka national carrier has a route network spanning 49 destinations in 28 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Indian sub-continent and Far East, and carries more than 2 million passengers a year to various parts of the globe. SriLankan Airlines won the coveted “Best Airline in South Asia” award at the TTG Travel Awards for the third time in 2005.

The first two wins were in 2004 and 2002. SriLankan Airlines was also named the Best Airline in Central Asia in four consecutive years - 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 - in annual surveys conducted by UK’s SKYTRAX Research. In 2003, the airline was voted Best Airline for Economy Class service in a survey conducted by the popular German magazine Reise and Preise (Travel and Prices).

It had ranked the ninth and fifth best airline in 2001 and 2002 respectively. SriLankan Airlines boasts an all Airbus fleet that is one of the most modern in the region, enabling it to be one of the world’s most “on-time” airlines, with consistent on-time departures. In 2005, SriLankan Airlines clinched the “Airline Turnaround of the Year” award for the year 2004, which was given out by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation.

SriLankan Airlines’ renowned inflight entertainment programme also won them many accolades over the years. In 2004, it won the coveted “Best Overall Inflight Entertainment” award for an airline with a fleet size of 20 or less aircraft for the second time in a row (the first time in 2003) at the prestigious World Airline Entertainment Association Avion Awards.

It also garnered the “Best Inflight Video Programming – Short Haul” and “Best Inflight Video Programming – Long Haul” awards. In previous years SriLankan Airlines was also successful at the Avion Awards, winning First Runner-Up for Best Inflight Entertainment Guide in 2002 and Second Runner-Up for Best In-flight Entertainment Guide in 2000.

SriLankan was also First Runner Up for Skytrax’s Best Cabin Staff award for 2003 and was also voted by Skytrax as having the Friendliest Cabin Crew in late 2002. SriLankan Airlines, together with its strategic partner Emirates, has a unique frequent flyer programme named Skywards, which offers benefits on several international airlines and service organisations. In 2003, Skywards obtained five Freddie awards (Freddie is the frequent flyer programmes’ equivalent of the Oscars), only three years after its establishment. Skywards’ outstanding performance was repeated in 2005 when it bagged another three Freddie awards.

They are the coveted title of “Programme of the Year”, which honours performance across the full spectrum of services provided by a frequent flyer programme; and “Best Web Site in Asia Pacific” and “Best Member Communications in Asia Pacific”. SriLankan Airlines’ progress in its 27-year history has been due to its philosophy of consistently looking to the future and its drive for excellence - be it on ground or in air.

Saudi Arabia to introduce new system for tourist visas

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (eTN) — The Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) Of Saudi Arabia announced it is in the process of implementing the tourist-visa system through a limited number of tourist companies in the kingdom in a bid to promote the country’s tourism industry.

According to informed sources, the SCT has authorized seven tourism companies in the kingdom to bring in foreign tourists, who will be allowed to visit all places in the kingdom except Makkah and Madinah.

They said the two holy cities were excluded in order to avoid any possible conflicts between tourist visas and Haj and Umrah visas for pilgrims.

The disclosure came following the opening by Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary-general of the SCT, of Jeddah’s International Exhibition Center, a three-day expo to showcase various aspects of international travel market held last week.

“The SCT has prepared a number of programs to be marketed soon locally and internationally,” Sultan told reporters. He said the SCT has undertaken various tourism projects in the kingdom as part of its efforts to expand the country’s tourism infrastructure facilities.

The opening function was attended by nearly 2,000 experts in the industry representing 150 companies in 20 countries, including Spain, France, Britain, South Africa, Australia, Singapore Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and India.

“The expo is being held in line with the Supreme Commission for Tourism’s preparation to launch a strategic plan for the promotion of tourism conferences and expos in the kingdom with the cooperation of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry,” Prince Saud Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of Tradex, which is organizing the event said.

Stressing the significance of “conference tourism” Prince Saud said: “Various activities such as commercial, industrial and technological exhibitions and conferences apart from academic forums will be held in the period ahead in various places in the kingdom. The SCT intends to make ‘conference tourism’ a boost for the national economy with more employment opportunities for Saudis.”

The aim of holding the event in Jeddah is to familiarize the kingdom’s tourism industry to the outside world and discover areas of cooperation with foreign tourism companies as well as open channels of communication between the tourism industry in the kingdom and its counterparts abroad. The expo is also going to be an annual event in Jeddah.

Hyatt Opens First Luxury Hotel in Kyoto

Kyoto-Japan—sensuous bamboo, precise Zen-inspired gardens, a waterfall and pond 850 years old: these are the images one associates with Kyoto, Japan’s ancient and elegant capital. Combine these traditional Japanese elements with the high-style, 21st century design of Super Potato, one of the world’s hottest interior design firms, and the result is the new Hyatt Regency Kyoto, the city’s first luxury hotel. Recently celebrated by Academy Award winning director Rob Marshall’s screen adaptation of “Memoirs of a Geisha,” the city of Kyoto is a visually stunning juxtaposition of old and new well worth the trip.

Historically, Japanese culture has had an uncanny ability to express the timelessness of art: no matter how ancient a painting, a building or a garden, there is a surprising relevance and appeal for today. Nowhere is this more true than in the 189-room Hyatt Regency Kyoto, located in the traditional cultural heart of the city, where Super Potato succeeds in celebrating Japan’s traditions by incorporating distinctively Japanese contemporary style and the most modern of amenities.

Guestrooms offer a comfortable and relaxed environment, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics, natural colors, kimono fabrics and a simple functional concept with modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions and high-speed broadband Internet access. Room rates start at 35,000¥ ($295) for a Standard room and 39,000¥ ($330) for a Deluxe room.

The hotel’s stylish, innovative restaurants and bars include The Grill, with its contemporary interior, visual open kitchen, wood-fire ovens and view of the traditional Japanese garden; the Trattoria Sette, a casual Italian restaurant with a show kitchen; and the adjacent Pastry Boutique.  

Modelled after a traditional Kyoto home and decorated with a wide range of antiques, the Japanese restaurant, Touzan, provides three choices of cuisine and experience: Charcoal Grill, Sushi bar and Touzan Bar as well as three semi-private and one private room. All menus feature the freshest seasonal produce from the local market.

Hyatt Regency Kyoto’s RIRAKU Spa and Fitness center features the latest exercise equipment, a steam room, sauna, and 10 treatment rooms to replenish body and mind. RIRAKU’s highly trained therapists can provide consultations, treatments, and individually designed diet program tailored to each guests’ needs. The hotel’s banquet and meeting space includes a main ballroom, two junior ballrooms and function rooms, as well as a wedding chapel, wedding gallery and family rooms.

Hyatt currently operates six hotels in Japan including Park Hyatt Tokyo, Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Century Hyatt Tokyo, Hyatt Regency Osaka, Grand Hyatt Fukuoka and Hyatt Regency Fukuoka. The new Hyatt Regency Kyoto is conveniently located in Higashiyama Shichijo district, a neighbourhood with the Sanjusangendo Temple, the Kyoto National Museum and many temples and landmarks. The hotel is just a few minutes drive from the Japan Railway Kyoto Station.

There are 215 Hyatt hotels and resorts (over 90,000 rooms) in 44 countries around the world, operating under the Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Grand Hyatt® and Park Hyatt® brands. Currently, there are an additional 35 Hyatt hotels and resorts under development, including 13 new hotels in China. Hyatt Corporation (domestic U.S., Canada and Caribbean hotels) and Hyatt International Corporation (international properties) are subsidiaries of Chicago-based Global Hyatt Corporation. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc. (timeshare), Hyatt Equities, L.L.C. (hotel ownership), and U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. (which franchises Hawthorn Suites, Microtel and America’s Best Inns).

In January 2005, Global Hyatt Corporation also added an additional 143 U.S. properties to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of the upscale, limited service AmeriSuites hotel chain. These properties will be renovated and repositioned under the new Hyatt Place select service brand in 2006.

UNCOMMON GOLF DESTINATIONS BY LE MERIDIEN

LONDON - Why stay in the U.S. to play golf? Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts offers golf resorts in some of the most exotic, exciting and uncommon destinations in the world with challenging courses suitable for both professionals and amateurs. Below, please find highlights of Le Méridien golf resorts in Bali, Nepal, Moscow, China, and the Algarve in Portugal.

Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, Bali

Set on the southwest coast of Bali overlooking the famous Tanah Lot sea temple, Nirwana Bali Golf Club is the centerpiece of the fully integrated Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort.

Designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman, this 18-hole golf course can be counted on to delight and challenge golfers from around the world. The course makes extensive use of the island’s natural features, with three holes running along cliffs on the Indian Ocean. Terraced rice paddies provide unique hazards, testing the accuracy and consistency of even pro-level golfers, but still capable of being enjoyable for the average golfer.

Set upon 247 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds, the 278-room Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort will delight golfers and non-golfers alike. With swimming pools, a luxury spa, and easy proximity to Bali’s best shopping, dining and entertainment, there is plenty for all.

Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, Bali: rooms start at £75 (appx. $134) per night.

Le Méridien Kathmandu Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa

Located just 30 minutes from the city center of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Le Méridien Kathmandu Forest Golf Resort & Spa is tucked in the 470-acre Gokarna Forest. Deer and monkeys roam around freely on the grounds, which were once the cherished hunting grounds of Nepalese kings.

The resort’s 18-hole golf course offers views of perhaps the most dramatic backdrop in the world, the Himalayas. Designed by Gleneagles Golf Developments, the par 72 course meanders for 6,715 yards through untouched forest and boasts the only bent grass greens in South Asia, making it one of the highlights of the professional circuit in the region.

Other leisure options at Le Méridien Kathmandu include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and gym, as well as an international cuisine restaurant, a clubhouse and two bars.

Le Méridien Kathmandu Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa: rooms start at £40 (appx. $72) per night.

Le Méridien Moscow Country Club

Le Méridien Moscow Country Club is a peaceful retreat set on 297 acres of birch forest with clear lakes and a sandy beach. The hotel features Russia’s first and only 18-hole, par 72 golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Every year Le Méridien Moscow Country Club hosts the “Cadillac Russian Open,” an event on the PGA European Challenge Tour. Along with the traditional golf course, the hotel also features a computerized golf simulator, mini golf, an indoor and outdoor driving range, chipping and putting greens and a pro shop, making it the ideal resort for every golf enthusiast.

The resort is located within a short drive of Moscow city center and its historic sites, including the Bolshoi Theatre and the famous Red Square. Along with golf, the resort offers a host of activities for business and leisure seekers to enjoy year-round. These range from swimming, tennis, volleyball and badminton to dog sled rides, ice skating, cross-country skiing and fishing.

Le Méridien Moscow Country Club: rooms start at £95 (appx. $170) per night.

Le Méridien She Shan Shanghai

Located within the National Trust Resort of She Shan in the Northern part of Songjang, Le Méridien She Shan Shanghai is surrounded by an inviting natural and historic landscape. Situated near the soothing Yuehu Lake and beautiful parkland, the hotel is within close proximity to the oldest Cathedral in the East, the She Shan Observatory, and the Natural Bird Park.

Just five minutes away from the hotel is Sheshan International Golf Club Shanghai, an 18-hole private residential community golf course located near the Sheshan National Forest Park that has quickly established itself as a premier golf club in Shanghai. Dotted with more than 10,000 trees, the golf course features two signature holes: the short par 4 16th, and the par 3 17th, both of which play around a 50-meter deep rock quarry. The clubhouse and villas have been designed in Tuscany style, creating some of the most expensive real estate in the city.

Le Méridien She Shan Shanghai: rooms start at £80 (appx. $143) per night.

Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort, Algarve

Set on its own picturesque 360-acre estate, Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort offers three golf courses.

The signature course, designed by Sir Henry Cotton, is a flat parkland course built on former rice paddies and scrubland. Most of the drainage ditches in the paddies were retained and partially modified by Cotton into challenging water hazards. The dramatic change in terrain was helped by the planting of 250,000 trees, which now line most of the fairways.

A few refinements have been made to Cotton’s original championship layout while subtle landscaping features have enhanced the visual aspect of the course and some of the hazards have been extended. The Portuguese Open was held here in 1998 and 1999.

Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort also offers an Academy Course for beginners and a new 9-hole Resort Course. There is also an extensive driving range and huge putting green.

Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort, Algarve starts at £110 (appx. $197) per night, including breakfast.

For more information or reservations at any of these Le Meridien golf hotels, please visit www.lemeridien.com , or call 800-543-4300.

Le Méridien Donna Filipa in the Algarve

Le Méridien Donna Filipa in the Algarve has two very special offers available for all golfers wishing to try the world renowned San Lorenzo Golf Course, which is only five miles from the hotel. The two packages available are:

UK Longest Drive - UK Short Time

seven nights stay
Buffet breakfast taken at the restaurant
4 dinners at the hotel
5 rounds of golf on San Lorenzo Golf Course
1 golf trolley per day
50 balls on the driving range per day
1 Le Méridien Dona Filipa polo shirt
Taxes and service charge

Requirements:

Handicap certificate: Men: 28 Women: 36
Soft spikes
Minimum stay of seven days

Prices from 183 euros per person per night, offer available until the end of August.

3 nights stay
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
2 dinners at the hotel
2 rounds of Golf on San Lorenzo Golf Course
1 golf trolley per day
50 balls on the driving range per day
Taxes and service charge

Requirements:

Handicap certificate: Men: 28 Women: 36
Soft spikes
Minimum stay of seven days

Prices from 184 euros per person per night, offer available until the end of August.

Reservations for this package should be made directly with the hotel on: Phone: ++351-289-357-223; Fax: ++351-289-357-201

E-mail Reservations: reservations.donafilipa@lemeridien-algarve.com

Windstar’s Connoisseurs’ Collection: 2007/2008 Itineraries

Sail longer on Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries

Seattle, WA, April 24 —Guests wishing to book longer cruises on Windstar Cruises’ fleet of upscale motor sailing yachts will find a wider selection of back-to-back options on the 2007 and 2008 deployment calendar.

“We’ve thoughtfully planned our itineraries to offer not only spectacular seven-day sailings, but also unforgettable 14-day cruises,” says Diane Moore, Windstar’s vice president of marketing and sales. “Our Connoisseurs’ Collection identifies the ideal seven-day itineraries suited for back-to-back sailings.“

Itineraries featured as part of the Connoisseurs’ Collection feature different itineraries week to week to facilitate 14-day cruises on the same ship. Guests booking back-to-back receive 5-10% off the total cost of the cruise depending on date and itinerary.

Mediterranean Connoisseurs’ Collection

The 308-guest Wind Surf features the largest selection of 14-day cruises in the Mediterranean. The ship sails seven-day cruises in the Western Med from Lisbon, along the coast of Spain, France and Italy to its easternmost port of Venice. Possible combinations include the enticing 14-day cruise from Monte Carlo to Rome to Venice or Rome to Barcelona to Lisbon. Guests wishing to fly in and out of the same city may book a back-to-back cruise returning to the same port such as Rome to Venice to Rome.

The Wind Surf also explores new ports of call in Spain in 2007. Valencia is one of the liveliest cities in Spain with beaches in the heart of the city. In southeast Andalucia, the city of Almeria has a striking Arab fortress, the Alcazaba, built in the 10th century on a hill overlooking the city. The lunar landscape around Almeria makes it a popular location for the film industry—Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here. Palamos, founded in 1277, is located at the foot of the coastal mountains in the heart of Spain’s Costa Brava region. The town still retains its fishing industry roots with the day’s catch auctioned off quayside. Cartagena is a naval seaport in the southeast of Spain with a walled town center and many archaeological sites to visit. Tarragona, just 60 miles southwest of Barcelona, is known for its Roman ruins, fine wine and lively café scene serving tapas.

The 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit also offer opportunities for 14-day voyages in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles. The Wind Spirit sails two different itineraries in the Greek Isles allowing guests to book a two-week cruise roundtrip from Istanbul. The Wind Star’s spring and fall itineraries in the Mediterranean are ideal for longer cruises with options such as Rome to Athens to Istanbul and Athens to Rome to Barcelona.

Caribbean Connoisseurs’ Collection

In the Caribbean, the Wind Surf sails alternating northbound and southbound itineraries roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados. Each of the two itineraries are unique and offer an ideal opportunity to sail for 14-days visiting islands in the windward and leeward chain.

“The longer voyage is a great way to experience the wide array of different islands in the Caribbean,” says Moore. “An advantage of sailing with Windstar is our ships are able to visit smaller islands that are less developed, such as Bequia and Dominica. Guests enjoy a wider variety of islands because we sprinkle in these lesser known gems along with the favorites such as St. Bart’s.”

Windstar’s elegant motor sailing yachts have recently received a multi-million dollar investment in luxury amenities. New plush euro-top mattresses and luxury linens dress up all staterooms along with shea butter bathroom amenities by L’Occitane and flatscreen televisions and DVD/CD players. High-tech amenities include wireless Internet, Apple iPod Nanos, and Bose SoundDock speakers especially for playing music from the Nanos or other MP3 players.

In The Restaurant, new Signature Cuisine menus created by acclaimed Chef Joachim Splichal of L.A.’s Patina Group are served on Rosenthal china. Reidel stemware graces the tabletop. The fine dining experience has been elevated with special touches such as an amuse-bouche, or little bite, compliments of the chef; a cheese course featuring fresh, artisan cheeses; and petit-fours served as a final sweet treat at the end of the meal. Menus in The Restaurant will change each evening over the course of the 14-day cruise. A longer menu rotation has been created with the increase in back-to-back bookings in mind.

The Wind Surf’s alternative restaurant, The Bistro, has been redecorated with new furnishings and dinnerware turning it into a steak house four nights a week. Alternate nights feature cuisine from Northern Italy, France and Indonesia.

On deck, hammocks built for two offer spectacular views from the top deck of the ships. Lemon-scented frozen towels and sorbet served in chilled orange halves keep guests cool and comfortable on hot days. Complimentary water sports from the water sports platform include kayaking, wind surfing, boat rides, sailing, water skiing and ski tubing. Snorkeling gear may be checked out for the week. Scuba diving excursions for novice and experienced divers are available for a fee.

About Windstar Cruises

Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations. Carrying just 148 to 308 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. Windstar offers optional trip cancellation protection that provides cash back when you cancel for any reason prior to 24-hours before departure

PENSACOLA: Wreck diving Mecca welcomes the Mighty O

- By Patricia Holt, Jetsetters Magazine Florida Correspondent. 

The waters off Pensacola, Destin, and Panama Beach, Florida have long been a popular mecca for scuba diving enthusiasts, with a special interest in wreck diving. On May 17, 2006 the newest and largest wreck for the area will be added to most scuba divers’ “must dive” list.

It took almost three years to make this happen, but the rusting hulk of the warship once known as “the Mighty O” arrived in Pensacola March 24, 2006, for its final preparation before being sunk. Tugboats guided the powerless ship through the calm seas at less than 2 mph; it took the decommissioned aircraft carrier Oriskany all afternoon to dock at Allegheny Pier at the southeastern tip of the Pensacola Naval Air Station.

The ship will become the largest ship ever to be sunk as an artificial reef and scuba-diving attraction, and diving enthusiasts have looked forward to its long-delayed arrival. The ship should be ready for scuba diving visitors approximately two or three days after it is on the bottom of the sea.

The Navy has established the national sink date as May 17, 2006, subject to weather conditions. The plan is to sink it approximately 24 miles off the coast of Pensacola. The site is part of the permitted Escambia East Large Area Artificial Reef site, which is 77 square miles. The proposed location is 30o 02′ 38″ N Latitude, 87o 00′ 25″ W Longitude. It will be sunk to a depth of 212 feet, providing a 61-foot navigational clearance at mean low water above the ship if the ship settles on its keel.

Pensacola in the Panhandle of Florida is a great scuba diving destination with numerous sunken ships, planes, tanks, and barges within a small area. In Pensacola Bay, eleven ships became victims of a hurricane during 1500. The colonists at Pensacola Bay were unloading vessels when the massive storm overtook them. Of course, there were no storm warnings like we have today and they were taken unaware. Other wrecks in the area also include the 500-foot World War I battleship, USS Massachusetts, the Russian freighter San Pablo, a Navy barge, and an A-7 Corsair that fell off the deck of the carrier USS Lexington. You’ll find Vietnam-era tanks and various other naval ships, too. Pensacola is much more than just a diving destination. Pensacola offers the best of all worlds to visitors. From history and shopping to sports, nature, and attractions, and of course OUR BEAUTIFUL BEACHES. There is something for everyone! Shopping is terrific at downtown Pensacola specialty shops. Stop at one of the tempting coffee shops, cafes or eateries for lunch, or just an afternoon snack. The downtown area showcases wonderful art galleries featuring both local and regional art, as well as traveling exhibits in the Pensacola Museum of Art. If antique shopping entices you, antique stores and flea markets can be found throughout the area.

The Wall South at Veterans Memorial Park on Bayfront Parkway is a one-half scale replica of the design in Washington, D.C. The world-class National Museum of Naval Aviation showcases the history of aviation through indoor and outdoor exhibits and the museum admission is free (We are the home of the Pensacola Naval Air Station.). Visitors are awed by this collection of over 140 meticulously restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation. Be sure to catch the latest large format film at the IMAX Theater. If the Blue Angel Flight Team is in town, watch them practice their awesome maneuvers, or visit during the Blue Angels Air Shows during July and November.

Visit Fort Pickens where you can take a self-guided tour of this authentic fort that was active during the Civil War and later used as a jail to hold the infamous American Indian chief Geronimo.

Follow a walking trail showing museum artifacts and archaeological sites from Colonial times at the Colonial Archaeological Trail Center and learn about West Florida’s heritage.

Pensacola is full of culture, history, outdoor adventure, fine museums and attractions, and 52 miles of white sugar beaches. Come visit and enjoy a true Florida vacation and some fantastic wreck dives in the Pensacola area. 

 

Lake Titicaca, the World’s Highest Navigable Lake

Lake Titicaca, nestled in the vast highland plain of the Puno region in Southern Peru and west of Bolivia, is the world’s highest navigable lake lying at 12,500 feet (3,820 m) above sea level in the Andes Mountains. The ancient Andean civilizations of the Quechua and Aymara, the two most important ethnic groups of ancient Peru, believed the lake was sacred, and legend has it that the founders of the Inca Empire, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, emerged from its waters.

The origin of the name Titicaca is unknown. It has been translated as “Rock Puma”, allegedly because of its resemblance to the shape of a puma hunting a rabbit, combining words from the local languages Quechua and Aymara, and as “Crag of Lead” as well.

Lake Titicaca, a tectonic lake, formed a vast inland sea together with the lakes of Arapa and Yapupampa thousands of years ago. Titicaca averages between 460 and 600 feet (140 and 180 m) in depth, but the bottom which tilts sharply toward the Bolivian shore, reaches its greatest recorded depth of 920 feet (280 m) off Isla Soto in the lake’s northeast corner. More than 25 rivers empty their waters into Titicaca.

Very popular among tourists and scientists alike, Government of Peru declared Lake Titicaca a Natural Reserve in October 1978. Lake Titicaca is home to numerous species of birds and water fowl, a few species of fish, and seven amphibians, including a unique species of a giant frog. Lake Titicaca’s fish life consists principally of two species: killifish (Orestias) and catfish (Trichomycterus). In 1939, and subsequently, trout were introduced into Titicaca.

Accessible via the city of Puno, visiting Lake Titicaca is an ideal eco-tourism adventure combined with a step back to Peru’s ancient past. Located in the Plateau of Collao, Puno, considered a town of legends, it offers visitors magnificent pre-Hispanic funerary monuments made of stone in the shape of circular towers, chullpas (tombs), colonial churches and rusty ichu-covered natural landscape projecting a spectacular view of the way of life in the high Andean tableland or Peruvian altiplano. Day excursions from Puno are available to the different small islands, Inti, Uros, Taquile, Suasi and others. Different options are available for tourists to experience the unique way that locals live and work every day.

Tourists can fly into Juliaca near Puno on daily flights from Lima and Arequipa or by railroad from Cusco and by land following the Lima-Arequipa-Juliaca-Puno route. Flights are also available every other day from Cusco. Puno offers a variety of accommodations. Taquile Island offers family-run lodgings and Suasi Island has an eco-lodge. On Anapia, the local inhabitants provide lodging to visitors in their own homes. The best months to visit are April to September; rainy season is January through March. However, on February 2 the Virgin of the Candlemas Festival, the most important festival in the region takes place, which is celebrated for a full week with continuous folk dancing of hundreds of different styles.

For more information about Lake Titicaca, call 1-866-661-PERU (in the U.S.) or visit www.peru.info