Jetsettersblog

Pacha Nightclub New York

Last December Pacha reached another milestone in their phenomenal history, as they launched a new club in New York and introduced their own blend of glamorous clubbing and decadence to the city. Pacha is a beautifully designed, multilevel space with a visual mix of Ibizan and New York style that has added a new level of elegance to the Manhattan skyline. The birthday party will take place on Saturday 16th December with Erick Morillo on the decks all night long with special guests to be announced.

Pacha has hosted some amazing parties with some of the biggest DJ’s in the world with highlights being James Zabiela bringing his technical wizardry to the club in February, Erick Morillo’s birthday party in April with an impromptu performance by P.Diddy in the DJ Booth and in September Danny Tenaglia & Cal Cox playing together in NYC for the first time since the legendary night at Twilo in 2001.

Already one of the most famous nightclub brands in the world and attracting celebrities and beautiful party people from around the globe, Pacha have now realised their dream of opening a venue in New York with Pacha owners Hugo and Panchi Urgell joining forces with Superstar DJ and Subliminal supremo Erick Morillo.

Erick is one of the most in demand and instantly recognisable DJ’s in the world and is a self proclaimed workaholic who approaches everything he does with an unrivalled work hard/play hard mentality. He has been drawing unprecedented crowds at Pacha’s flagship club in Ibiza for 13 years and his Subliminal Sessions nights have gone from strength to strength, with a whole host of superstars wanting a piece of the action including P. Diddy, Tommy Lee and Naomi Campbell.

Erick’s relationship with Pacha has given him an understanding of what is important to the Pacha brand, which coupled with his knowledge of New York nightlife, made him the ideal choice to help spearhead the move. “2006 has been a fantastic first year for Pacha NYC.” Said Erick “I thought it would take over a year for Pacha to establish itself as the Number 1 club in New York, but in just 10 months I believe that Pacha now dominates the New York club scene. We’ve had some amazing nights that have seen the Upper West Side come to a stand still. Pacha NYC is home for me and I’m excited for it’s future. With the right nurturing and support from people like myself and our fantastic team I hope that Pacha will be the place to visit for years to come”.

Armed with the expertise of club veteran Eddie Dean and New York’s only Alpha Dynacord sound system imported from Germany, Pacha has proved it is in a class of it’s own. The venue itself is situated on the same site as the prestigious Sound Factory and was designed by Lionel Ohayon from ICrave Design Studios. Pacha New York captures the Balearic feeling of the original adapted to the New York dynamics with an array of rooms inviting names like the Blue Room, Wet Lounge, Mirror Lounge and Jacuzzi Lounge.

There are series of separate glowing bars, dancing spaces, lounging atmospheres and architectural entities that tie the whole club together.

“It’s been a very exciting year and the club keeps getting bigger and better.” comments Eddie Dean. “Pacha has also been listed as one of the top 10 clubs by Maxim Magazine and has been named one of the top night spots in the world by Forbes magazine, which is a great achievement as we have only been open for 8 months.”

‘I am really pleased with what Eddie and the gang have done with Pacha New York in the first year’ Said Danny Whittle ‘not only have they established it as an international venue, but also has a New York locals favourite, as well as bringing some of the biggest global DJ’s they have also mixed in with this all of the very best of New Yorks own finest djs. I would say Pacha is now the hottest club in new York and this is all down to the Pacha New York team, very well done guys and I cant wait to visit again, I LUV NY!”

After 36 years Pacha has come along way since Ricardo Urgell founded the club in the seaside town of Sitges. Pacha has since evolved into a global lifestyle brand that encompasses a hotel, restaurants, a record label, radio station, magazine, merchandising and more than 20 franchises worldwide from Barcelona to Buenos Aires and Majorca to Marrakech. ‘Pacha is a brand that has distinguished itself from other nightlife venues and has limitless possibilities’ Says Morillo. ‘They effortlessly put VIPs And celebrities in the same room as clubbers, which we have also achieved in New York.’

Pacha is boldy irreverent, unerringly glamorous and eternally chic - prepare to be seduced.

Kazakhstan Silk Route Adventures

The ancient Central Asian republic,Kazakhstan, which has attracted attention from Silk Route days, is waiting to be explored and discovered. This former Soviet Union part, independent since 1991 only, is located at the heart of Eurasia and stretches from the Caspian Sea to northern China area with vast steppe between, once occupied by nomadic herders.

Kazakhstan, the ancient Central Asian Republic, with history dating back to the Silk

Today, the country receives about five million tourists—2005 figures—and the ambitious target is to reach the seven million figure in 2006.

Surprisingly, most of the tourists are not from the former USSR areas but from France, the Netherlands, UK and the US. As part of its bid to promote travel—both business and leisure—a 12 member travel trade team was in Delhi recently—October 24- to take part in the Indo-Kazakhstan Tourism Fair, to boost two way traffic, which, at present is limited to a couple of thousands a year, and that too mostly of business people wanting to trade or set up units in the nascent but old nation from India.

The visa regime has recently been liberalized by Kazakhstan, so that Indians can travel without much difficulty. So far, groups have been going and the experience has been good, said Ambassador Kairat Umarov.

Timur Duisengaliyev, vice president, Kazakhstan Tourist Association, who was part of the delegation, told this correspondent, that apart from the more popular trade shows and areas, they would also be going to Seoul, Tokyo and Osaka to promote travel.

The only three-and half hour-flight from Delhi, and connections to Europe, are seen as attractions for the Indians seeing a new, un-spoilt destination, which, all the same, has as many as 70 casinos.

Asked about the unique selling point—USP-of Kazakhstan, Timur said that trekking, horse riding, rafting were activities to keep the visitors busy, but what could be a major attraction for Indians—coming from crowded, big cities, would be to experience vast open spaces, with only 15 million people in the vast country.

He revealed that many hotels built earlier by Turkish companies had now become international chain hotels, including Holiday Inns and Intercontinental. A Marriott property opens next year. While the average stay of a tourist is about seven days, the incentive groups stay for as long as 20 days. The room tariff per head in hotels ranges from about US $70 to US $280.

Eco tourism, rural experience and family stays were also popular in the country, which claims to offer the best of old and new in terms of attractions.

The country would also appeal to the people who have already seen traditional attractions like London and Paris, said the members of the trade team, who also went to see Indian attractions like Agra, Jaipur and Kairali, in Kerala, which gets many wellness

Mangosteen Resort and Spa a winner

Owner, Hajo von Keller, General Manager, Azuan Noordin together THA President , TAT Director and the Management of Boutique Hotels and Resorts International COO John Sears and Asia Pacific President Richard Cheung and the dignitaries ambassadors , consulate, government official, press and regular guest of The Mangosteen Resort & Spa celebrate the award of Asia’s and Thailand first Diamond Hotel Collection of a genuine 5 stars boutique property.

Miami Beach, FL - The first and only hotel brand to exclusively represent genuine boutique hotels has carefully selected Thailand’s and Asia’s first Diamond Collection member property to add to its global collection of authentic boutique hotels and resorts. Boutique Hotels & Resorts International® made the announcement at an international gala on Saturday evening to The Mangosteen Resort & Spa, Phuket’s best kept secret.

Boutique’s Diamond Hotel Collection Award Plaque was presented to the artistically gifted hotel owner, Mr. Hajo von Keller and the Mangosteen General Manager. Mr. Azuan Noordin during the evening’s special ceremonial theme dinner “

A Diamond Glitters Night “ attended by government and tourism authorities, media, and industry executives. The 5 stars boutique resort Mangosteen Resort & Spa is noted for exceptional attention to detail, unique hip and chic concept, uncompromised service and a new approach to boutique design.

“Becoming a member of Boutique Hotels & Resorts International will allow worldwide travelers to recognize The Mangosteen Resort & Spa on a global basis and heightens the status of Phuket and Thailand along with Mangosteen. “Identified as a Diamond Collection Boutique Hotel in this destination of choices, and within Boutique’s worldwide collection, validates our style, quality, and commitment from our staff, the management, and ownership. von Keller continued: “Industry reports state that travelers preferred boutique experiences over commercial luxury to enhance their destination visit and this is why The Mangosteen Resort & Spa is raising the standards for an exceptional experience in Phuket, Thailand.”

Boutique Chief Operating Officer, John Sears remarked, “we’ve uncovered a truly extraordinary boutique hotel combination at Mangosteen: style, service, location, and an incredible passion from the staff. Mangosteen Resort reveals the true uniqueness and high commitment to quality for genuine boutique hotels around the world. Mangosteen, and Phuket make a very special reason for our frequent business meeting clientele and international leisure guests to enjoy the Boutique flavor with this new boutique destination in Thailand.” Sears concluded, “Mangosteen Resort is precisely what global travelers have come to associate from the industry’s leading and highest sought boutique hotel collection, Boutique Hotels & Resorts International”.

The other remark make by Mr. Azuan Noordin, The Mangosteen Resort & Spa General Manager “Becoming a member of Boutique Hotels & Resorts International is an important recognition for us as a genuine boutique property beside our official 5 stars rating by the THA, TAT and ATTA”. “Membership in this exclusive collection of genuine boutique hotels advances the Mangosteen’s status as a premiere boutique hotel destination.”

Noordin continued: “The Mangosteen reveals the character of Thailand and Phuket charming hospitality. Beside being unique as mention by the owner, The Mangosteen Resort & Spa is designed for guests to live out their romantic fantasy of the local way of life and to truly experience Phuket, renown as an international lifestyle destination.” Perfectly blending originality, contemporary Bali and Thai style and traditional five-star qualities with stunning views, Mangosteen surpasses the most demanding of international expectations. Mangosteen atop the hills offers unparalleled 360 degrees views over 4 bays, mountains and many surrounding islands located along Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea with her 40 generously sized guest rooms and suites, can be visited at www.BQhotels.com

Boutique Hotels & Resorts International® awards a distinct identity to boutique hotels around the world that is recognized by travelers and travel professionals for a genuine boutique lodging experience. To member hotels Boutique is a full service strategic alliance featuring inventive marketing and the very latest in reservation and global distribution technology that gives independent boutique hotels the ability to compete with the major hotel giants.

These unique, individual boutique hotels and resorts are showcased in three distinctive Collections: The Diamond Collection (discreet world class service), The Emerald Collection (the very best in their destination) and The Sapphire Collection (distinctive style and décor of locale). Make online reservations and find more information at www.boutiquehotelsandresorts.com

Duane Street Hotel opens in NYC

A Unique Refuge of Timeless Comfort

NEW YORK, Oct. 24 — The Duane Street Hotel, an intimate 45-room, six-story upscale lifestyle boutique is scheduled to open after the New Year at 130 Duane Street on the corner of Duane and Church Streets in the landmarked Tribeca area of New York City.

Named for the triangle of city below Canal Street, Tribeca is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in New York City replete with galleries, restaurants and the annual Tribeca Film Festival. Tribeca is located between the bustling financial district of lower Manhattan and the SoHo retail district to the north. The Duane Street Hotel was designed by noted architectural firm Gene Kaufman Associates and renowned interior design Paul Vega to integrate the unique character of Tribeca with the needs of sophisticated travelers and guests of the hotel.

The Mission “The mission of Duane Street Hotel is to provide a unique refuge of timeless comfort, unrivaled service, and incomparable courtesy that will create an unforgettable guest experience,” notes Jeffrey M. Stegman, General Manager of the hotel. “We have developed a hotel at ‘neighborhood’ scale — a small, service-oriented hotel that will engender loyalty and long-term stays from our guests.” “The intimate environment provides a relaxed atmosphere that makes a guest feel like the Duane Street Hotel is their home away from home,” adds Stegman. ‘beca Restaurant

The lobby is shared with ‘beca, a 40-seat restaurant and bar which is presided over by Chef Kristiaan Ueno and boasts Asian and American fare with Mediterranean undertones. Chef Ueno earned his reputation for fine food while cooking in some of the finest hotels in Italy. Upon his arrival to New York, Chef Ueno began cooking privately for celebrities from the world of fashion, entertainment and business. Hi-Tech Rooms with Understated Elegance Each of the 45 sophisticated and minimalist-designed rooms feature hardwood floors, a warm color palette, slate and marble bathrooms with rain-shower heads and Natural Products(C) from London.

Guests will be pampered with 100% Egyptian cotton designer linens and twice-daily maid service. All rooms are individually climate controlled and include hi-tech amenities to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers such as high-speed wired Internet in all rooms and high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the hotel; flat screen HD televisions; CD/DVD players and expandable work desks.

A complete DVD film library is available for in-room viewing. Additional amenities include a 24-hour Business Center where personalized business cards are made available upon arrival for all executive travelers; in-room spa services and a complimentary New York Times delivered every morning to each guest.

Room Rates Room rates at the pet-friendly Duane Street Hotel start at $300. For Additional Information For more information on the Duane Street Hotel, please go to http://www.duanestreethotel.com  or email info@DuaneStreetHotel.com  or call 212-964-4600.

Hersha Hospitality Management The Duane Street Hotel is Hersha Hospitality Management’s fifth hotel in Manhattan and tenth in metropolitan New York City. The Duane Street Hotel represents the first of three new Hersha properties in the lifestyle boutique category. Hersha Hospitality Management, L.P. is a hotel management company providing operations, development, and asset management services to upscale and mid-scale hotels with strong, national franchise affiliations in the eastern United States.

The company currently provides hotel management services and asset management services to more than 50 hotels in the top markets in the nation, including metro Boston, Connecticut, New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia and metro Washington, D.C. Certain matters within this press release are discussed using forward- looking language as specified in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and, as such, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results or performance to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statement.

Rum Cay a RockResort in Bahamas

870-acre Development Will Feature Luxury RockResort Hotel, Spa, Marina, Residences, Golf Facility

BROOMFIELD, Colo.,Montana Holdings Ltd., the Nassau-based development company of Rum Cay Resort Marina, has selected RockResorts to manage the resort operations on the $700 million, 870-acre multi-use luxury resort / residential / marina development on Rum Cay Island, Bahamas.

RockResorts, a luxury hotel company headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. and operates resorts in five US states. In addition to managing the luxury hotel and spa facilities, RockResorts has been engaged to manage the marina village, golf facility, certain residential rental programs and one or more private membership clubs. RockResorts will provide technical consulting and marketing services during the development and pre-opening phases of the Rum Cay project.

“The addition of Rum Cay to the RockResorts portfolio reflects our commitment to grow our luxury hotel brand in select locations with unique, exceptional resorts,” said Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts. Katz continued, “Rum Cay has an amazing development plan, and we are thrilled to be providing a number of services for a resort that will offer world-class amenities and luxury in an unforgettable setting — signatures of the RockResorts brand.” The branding of Rum Cay Resort Marina in the Bahamas puts RockResorts back into the tropical island region where the brand was originally created in 1956 by Laurance Rockefeller, with the development of Caneel Bay on St. John and Little Dix on Virgin Gorda. Rum Cay will be the first international addition to the brand since the company was purchased by Vail Resorts in 2001.

“Rum Cay will be a unique, industry-leading project in the Bahamas, and RockResorts’ and Vail Resorts’ expertise not only in managing luxury hotels but also in consulting on development phases, residential sales programs, private membership clubs, commercial leasing, and homeowner association structures made them a perfect fit for this project,” said John Mittens, CEO of Montana Holdings Ltd. Rum Cay Resort Marina is being built in three phases.

Phase One, which began in the summer of 2006, will consist of an 80-slip Blue Flag marina, the Port Santa Maria Marina Village, and a variety of residential offerings from ocean estates to ridge villas. Phase Two will include the RockResort hotel & spa, additional residences, and private membership clubs. Phase three will complete the resort development and will include additional residences and other amenities.

Plans for the resort also include expansion of the marina up to 200 total slips and additions to the marina service facilities. Port Santa Maria will contain exclusive shops, restaurants and sporting facilities. The RockResorts hotel will have approximately 100 units plus an additional 80 multi-room villas.

Hotel facilities will feature meeting space, restaurants, retail outlets, a free form swimming pool, a luxury Avanyu spa and fitness center and a variety of activities including diving, snorkeling, hiking/eco-tours, horseback riding, a golf training facility and tennis center. Rum Cay Resort Marina will enhance what is already considered to be one of the finest fishing and diving destinations in the world. The island is ringed by a spectacular coral necklace, which includes the Grand Canyon, a huge 60-foot coral wall, extending almost to the surface that provides a unique opportunity for avid divers and snorkelers.

For more information about Rum Cay Resort Marina, visit: http://www.rumcay.com/  or call 1-888-RUMCAY3. A luxury resort hotel company based in Broomfield, Co, RockResorts manages casually elegant resorts.

The RockResorts portfolio includes: The Pines Lodge in Beaver Creek, Colo.; Keystone Lodge in Keystone, Colo.; The Lodge at Vail in Vail, Colo.; La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa in Santa Fe, N.M.; The Equinox Resort & Spa in Manchester Village, Vt.; Rosario Resort & Spa on Orcas Island, Wash.; and Snake River Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort in Vail, Colorado, is expected to open in November, 2007. RockResorts is a subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc., a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:MTN) .

Hiking and Biking Via Verdes Spain

MADRID, Spain, October 25, 2006 – Ecology-conscious travelers, who prefer walking or biking to riding around in a car or bus, will be glad to know about Spain’s 930 miles of vías verdes, or greenways, unused railway lines that the Spanish government has converted to more than 70 walking and biking trails.

Marked by yellow signs to show a green leaf, the words “vías verdes,” and the number of kilometers, they wind over green hills, through scenic valleys, along meandering canals and under ancient stone bridges all over Spain.

They are easy, accessible and far removed from automobile traffic, though often close to picturesque farms, villages and the everyday life of the Spanish people – a great way to discover the hidden corners of Spain. The Vías Verdes (Greenways) Program was launched in 1993, when the Spanish Railway Foundation (FFE) was commissioned to research abandoned railway lines. The FFE discovered some 4,700 miles of unused railway lines, which resulted in the government budgeting some $7 million per year for Greenways construction.

By 2005, Spain had invested more than $70 million for construction of these hiking and biking trails. In 1998 the European Greenways Association was established to promote and encourage Greenways throughout Europe. In 2000 FFE received the United National Best Practices Habitat International Award, encouraging it to organize the first international conference on Vías Verdes in Latin America two years later.

Twelve years after its start in Spain, the Greenways Program is a great success. It has not only created tourism (both Spanish and foreign) but also increased employment in rural areas. The 60-mile Carrilet Vía Verde, for example, which goes from a volcanic region in the foothills of the Pyrenees to the city of Girona and onto the Costa Brava has already received more than 120,000 visitors per year. In the case of the Sierra Vía Verde in Andalusia, unemployed young people have been hired to turn former railway stations into rural hotels with restaurants.

The FFE’s website gives useful information – in English – about the Greenways. There are two volumes of Guias de Vías Verdes (Greenways Guides) with over 1000 miles of itineraries that include maps, pictures and information about accommodations, local fiestas, and railway connections.

These are available – only in Spanish – in some Spanish bookstores and on the web site under “publicaciones.” The books cost 17 euros each ($20.50) plus postage. An Official Road Map (with CD-ROM) published in Spain by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is also available in bookstores giving itineraries for 75 greenways.

For more information go to http://www.ffe.es/viasverdes/programme.htm   For further information about Spain, contact the Tourist Office of Spain, at 212-265-8822 or www.spain.info

Pacific Beach Hotel Waikiki

Partnership Brings Together Two Prominent Local Hotel Families

WAIKIKI – HTH Corporation announced today it has selected an affiliate of Outrigger Enterprises Group to manage its 837-room flagship Pacific Beach Hotel, located at the corner of Kalakaua and Liliuokalani Avenues in Waikiki.

This management change is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2007. “We have chosen Outrigger Enterprises Group because it is a good fit for us,” said Corine Hayashi, HTH Corporation President and CEO. “My father, Herbert T. Hayashi, and Outrigger’s founder, Roy Kelley, were visionaries in the development of the state’s hospitality industry and now we have joined together to make the Pacific Beach Hotel even more successful. Pacific Beach Hotel employees will be hired under our new management agreement,” she continued.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to join forces with HTH Corporation,” said David Carey, President and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “With Outrigger’s advanced technology, systems and global marketing,

I believe we will be able to build on a strong history of guest service and continue the success of the Pacific Beach Hotel. The current HTH management team has done very well for the property. The hotel offers one of the best locations in Waikiki – just across Kalakaua Avenue from world-famous Waikiki Beach – with a 37-year legacy of excellent service,” he continued.

“We are proud to include Pacific Beach Hotel in our fine family of accommodations in Hawaii and the Pacific,” Carey said. “The Pacific Beach Hotel will continue to be one of the great full service hospitality choices in Waikiki, which has now returned to the top tier of world class destinations,” he added. No change will be made to the hotel’s name. It will continue to be called the Pacific Beach Hotel. HTH Corporation will continue to manage the Pagoda Hotel in Honolulu, with the famous Pagoda Floating Restaurant, and the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel on the Island of Hawaii.

Herbert T. Hayashi purchased the Pacific Beach Hotel in 1970 and built the Oceanarium Tower. The famous landmark indoor Oceanarium, with its three-story structure and 280,000 gallons of seawater, was created in 1978 and became the largest indoor oceanarium in the state. H.T. Hayashi, one of the most innovative leaders in the visitor industry, died November 6, 2005. The founder of HTH Corporation was 85 years old.

Hilton South Korea Opens

The Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa Resort opened its doors on 24 October 2006. It is the first resort in South Korea to incorporate a seaside golf course overlooking the Straits of Korea.

The property is a 170 all-suite and villa estate, featuring a panoramic coastal view and stunning contemporary design. Koos Klein, Area President Hilton International Middle East and Asia Pacific commented, “The opening of the Hilton Namhae Golf Resort and Spa is another milestone in our expansion plans for Hilton in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. In South Korea, this addition is the fourth Hilton hotel and our first Worldwide Resort in the country.

Hilton Namhae is well-positioned to tap the growing popularity of golf and travel in Korea”. Highlights of the five-star property include the seafront 18-hole golf course with an all-year round playability. The focal point of the resort activities is its ultra modern clubhouse, designed to resemble an unfolding prism, which houses restaurants, bars and a large spa with a panoramic ocean view. Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa Resort has a private marina featuring a yacht service and water sports activities.

In addition to leisure seekers, the resort is designed to cater to all the needs of business travelers and includes a state-of-the-art business centre and seven meeting rooms catering to up to 200 delegates. Namhae is less than an hour’s drive from the major domestic airports of Jinju and Yeosu which makes it an ideal, accessible location for business conferences, meetings and incentive programmes.

General Manager of the Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa Resort, Nils-Arne Schroeder said, “We have developed a world-class resort for golf enthusiasts and their families, with every one of the 18 holes offering sea views. An equally exciting resort will match the golf course. Hilton is delighted to open such fantastic hotel on the Korean peninsula, which will attract guests from all parts of the country and abroad.” “Hilton is the most famous hotel name in the world, with a network of nearly 2,800 hotels worldwide.

By tapping into our existing customer base, we have the potential to put our five-star luxury resort on the international map, and we’re aiming to win many international awards shortly after the opening,” Mr Schroeder continued. All 150 suites have two equal-sized bedrooms, inspired by the colours of the ocean waves, and separated by luxuriously appointed common areas, provide ample space, for up to four golfers or families with their children.

They include a 42-inch flat screen and a second TV in each lifestyle corner. Another hallmark of the resort is its 20 luxury villas, all with four bedrooms each, an individual small private pool and an inner courtyard garden that opens to the sea. On the Green. Near the Blue. The stunning Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa Resort is accepting bookings now.

For more information, virtual walks or to book: visit www.hilton.com/worldwideresorts.com  telephone Hilton Reservations & Customer Care toll free at 00798 651 1818 or speak to your local travel agent.

Alternatively, call the hotel direct at +82 (0) 55 863 4000.

How to Plan a Galapagos Trip

The increasing popularity of travel to the Galapagos Islands, along with the Ecuadorian government’s growing concern over tourism sustainability, have combined to make early booking a must for visitors.

For the 2006 year-end holiday period- the most popular time to visit the Galapagos- most cruise ships and land-based lodgings are fully booked, and 2007 reservations are already filling quickly. Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) October 25, 2006 – The increasing popularity of travel to the Galapagos Islands, along with the Ecuadorian government’s growing concern over tourism sustainability, have combined to make early booking a must for visitors. For the 2006 year-end holiday period- the most popular time to visit the Galapagos- most cruise ships and land-based lodgings are fully booked, and 2007 reservations are already filling quickly. “Most people planning a Galapagos vacation are shocked to learn how far in advance such a trip must be booked,” said Justin Laycob, president of Southern Explorations, a U.S.-based adventure tour operator specializing in trips to South and Central America.

Astron Clinica Beau Visage skin education

Age Perfecting Treatments Ltd, (APt), the new holistic aesthetic practice, is the first Beau Visage customer in the United Kingdom. APt bought two Beau Visage systems from Astron Clinica at the product launch at the Savoy Hotel in London. Both are already in use with clients, and proving very popular.

‘It is great to have so much interest – and customers – so quickly,’ said Annie Brooking, CEO, Astron Clinica. ‘It is good to know that our research was right, and that Beau Visage would be a product that worked well for both clients and aesthetic practitioners. Clients are ready to have more information before they chose their treatments – Beau Visage helps them understand their skin better so they can make the right choices.’

APt is a unique medi-spa concept using the synergies between cosmetic dentistry, aesthetic medicine, spa and wellness treatments to offer 360 degree face, body and mind rejuvenation. Working on the premise that knowledge is power, and that empowered clients are likely to spend more and be more loyal, APt is dedicated to building strong, positive relationships with clients that lead to the best outcomes.

People are scared crossing the boundaries between surgical and non-surgical treatments. Education is essential to give the clients confidence in their decisions and the confidence to make the right decisions. This is exactly where Beau Visage can make a significant difference,’ says Dr. Tracey Bell, CEO and founder, APt Ltd

‘We listen to what our clients want, and Beau Visage supports that dialogue by showing how their skin is responding to treatment over time.’

APt knows that its own clients are much more knowledgeable and questioning of products efficacy than ever before. It is not enough to sell on hope alone, particularly in the area of reducing the appearance of age. Apt is dedicated to providing four star service for every client, whether they are spending £50 or £50,000. APt is just launching its new product range, SkinScriptions. ‘Proven efficacy is vital for successful cosmetic products and treatments. Beau Visage provides the confirmation that our clients want,’ said Dr Bell.

Beau Visage is a revolutionary new skin consultation and client management system from Astron Clinica. It enables aesthetic practitioners to help their clients select appropriate treatments and track treatment progress over time in an independent, objective way. Beau Visage uses SIAscopy, Astron Clinica’s unique patented skin imaging technology which gives practitioners and clients alike the opportunity to ‘see’ what is happening up to 2 mm beneath the surface of the skin and understand why their skin looks the way it does.

Beau Visage includes Beauty Timeline which is generated by images of blood, melanin and sun damage taken before every treatment session. These images are automatically compared as time goes on, and can show a percentage change in the skin as a result of treatment before the customer can see change with the naked eye.

The company is experiencing global demand for Beau Visage days after its launch from Europe, USA and Australasia where several sales have already been made.

Astron Clinica, based in Cambridge UK, designs, develops and brings to market its skin imaging products that incorporates its proprietary skin imaging technology SIAscopy, further information available at www.astronclinica.com SIAscopy uniquely enables medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry professionals to visualise up to 2mm beneath the surface of the skin using both a proprietary hand held scanner and an off-the-shelf digital camera. Astron Clinica’s customers include dermatologists, plastic surgeons, GPs and aesthetic medicine practitioners.

Age Perfecting Treatments (Apt) was founded in 2005 by a team of well established and renowned doctors, dentists and aestheticians who had a clear understanding of the synergies between cosmetic dentistry, aesthetic medicine and wellness treatments. Headquartered on the Isle of Man, it has clinics in King Street, Manchester and Harley Street, London. New facilities are scheduled to be opened in Liverpool and Jersey in 2007.

APt’s growing portfolio of treatments are provided at a nine surgery Cosmetic Dental Practice, a seven surgery Aesthetic Clinic, five additional Suites and a retail premise on the Isle of Man. APt’s non-surgical treatments are complimented by a range of dental and laser treatments, ranging from teeth whitening and wrinkle reduction to botox to non-surgical facelifts. APt also sells its own range of SKINSCRIPTION skin care and SIMPY MINERAL make-up products as well as SMILESCRIPTION tooth whitening and oral hygine products. Find out more about APt at http://www.ageperfectingtreatment.co.uk/