Jetsettersblog

Newly-opened at Pan Pacific Singapore, the Global Kitchen restaurant features a contemporary setting and a global menu. Located on level three of Pan Pacific Singapore, Global Kitchen is an a la carte restaurant offering two menus; “culinary arts,” a selection of gourmet compositions and “favorites,” which comprises a collection of oft-requested classics. A variety of menus allow diners the flexibility to dine a la carte or enjoy dégustation menus that evolve with the seasonality of the ingredients.

Hard Rock International has entered into a management contract with the Nexus Companies for the development of a condominium-hotel project in Palm Springs, Calif. The Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, a luxury property to be located in the heart of downtown, reflects Hard Rock’s strategy to accelerate expansion of the brand into hotels and casinos the U.S. and worldwide.

The Palm Springs property would be Hard Rock’s 10th hotel property in operation or development. An urban resort, the property will consist of 450 luxury residences with an array of resort amenities, including a 20,000-square-foot spa, signature restaurants and bars, and a dramatic destination pool.

The Hard Rock Palm Springs will also market to business and convention travelers with 40,000 square feet of meeting facilities. “Our newest property will offer the signature experience of each Hard Rock Hotel: an upscale, contemporary design; signature restaurants; a sophisticated nightlife; superior customer service; luxury spas and, the distinctive thread that combines them all — music,” said Trevor Horwell, vice president of Hard Rock Hotels.

The Palm Springs City Council granted Nexus exclusive rights to negotiate the acquisition of six acres adjacent to the expanded Palm Springs Convention Center for the development of Hard Rock Hotel. The hotel will be located at the corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Calle El Segundo, across the street from the Convention Center. Nexus has since entered into contracts to acquire four more acres. Under the plan, construction of the new hotel could start in early 2008, with an approximate opening date of late 2009.

For more information, visit www.hardrock.com  or www.nexusd.com  

MGM Mirage and Mubadala Development Company of Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., have signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of creating a relationship to pursue non-gaming related business opportunities. The intention is to create a joint venture to develop luxury non-gaming hotels and resorts globally, but initially targeting locations in Abu Dhabi, Las Vegas and the United Kingdom. The expectation is that the joint venture will develop its own brand identity and that MGM will provide management and development services. The parties plan to enter into immediate negotiations with a view to concluding a definitive joint venture agreement in the first quarter of 2007.

For more information, visit www.mgmmirage.com or www.mubadala.ae.

Carnival Cruise Lines is offering two transatlantic cruises in 2008 on the 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom. The ship will operate a 14-day crossing departing Miami April 26, 2008, and a 16-day return to Fort Lauderdale will depart Rome (Civitavecchia) on Nov. 6, 2008. Currently in the final stages of construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Carnival Freedom is slated to debut in Europe on March 5 and will operate a European schedule in 2008. 

The April 26, 2008, crossing will visit St. Maarten; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; Malaga, Spain; and Livorno, Italy. The return will call at Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Malaga, Spain; Las Palmas, Canary Islands (a maiden call for Carnival); and St. Maarten. Reservations are being accepted for the 2008 crossings. Prices for the 14-day crossing begin at $699 per person while the 16-day voyage starts at $849 per person.

CONTACT: Lee Schlesinger (850) 487-0554

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) stock assessment of spotted seatrout indicates that the management goal for this popular near-shore fishery is being met. The FWC reviewed the assessment during its public meeting Thursday in Key Largo.

The FWC routinely collects and analyzes data concerning key marine fisheries species such as spotted seatrout, and these data provide vital information for the development of management regulations.

The spotted seatrout assessment found FWC’s management objective of a 35 percent spawning potential ratio (SPR) is being exceeded in all four regions of the state. SPR is the ratio of the egg production of mature fish in a fished population to the egg production that would exist if the population was not fished.

The stock assessment examines spotted seatrout in four geographical areas in the state. SPR levels on Florida’s Gulf Coast are 38 percent in the northwest region and 44 percent in the southwest region. On the state’s Atlantic Coast, SPR levels are 62 percent in the northeast region and 51 percent in the southeast region.

However, the number of directed trips for spotted seatrout has increased since 1996 in all regions. Consequently, even though the management goal for spotted seatrout is now being met, the FWC intends to carefully monitor fishing effort for further increases that could put pressure on the stocks.

The FWC also will form a work group to review the recent assessment results and consider whether management changes are warranted. The next assessment for spotted seatrout is due in 2009.

Spotted seatrout is primarily a recreational fishery, however a limited commercial summer fishery still is allowed. Commercial landings only account for about 1 percent of the total statewide harvest.

Two management regions have been established to manage the recreational harvest of spotted seatrout. The North region includes state waters on Florida’s Gulf Coast north and west of a line near the Pinellas/Pasco counties border near Fred Howard County Park in Pinellas County and on the Atlantic Coast north of the Volusia/Flagler counties border. The South region includes all other state waters.

A slot limit of 15-20 inches total length applies for recreationally harvested spotted seatrout statewide. The daily recreational bag limit is five fish per person in the North region and four per person in the South region with an allowance of one fish to be larger than the maximum size of 20 inches total length.

All spotted seatrout harvest is prohibited in February in the North region and during November and December in the South region. These closed seasons protect seatrout during winter cold spells when they are particularly susceptible to harvest.

Commercial spotted seatrout harvest is allowed only in June, July and August. The size limit for commercial harvest is 15-24 inches total length and there is a trip limit of 75 fish per person per day or per vessel, whichever is less.

A restricted species endorsement is required to harvest seatrout commercially. The simultaneous possession of gill nets and seatrout is prohibited, and towing an extra vessel to exceed the bag limit is also prohibited.

Hook and line and cast nets are the only allowable fishing gear for all spotted seatrout harvest. The harvest of any spotted seatrout with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with natural bait is prohibited, and snagging or snatch hooking of spotted seatrout also is illegal.

A review of the spotted seatrout stock assessment is available online at this link.

Destination weddings may be trendier than ever, but seas of on-looking sunbathers can spoil the intimacy of a couple’s big moment. Island Outpost, the boutique hotel group in Jamaica and the Bahamas, has now partnered with Luxe Destination Weddings to offer exclusive all-property destination wedding packages, creating truly private weddings in tropical paradise

The new Luxe-Island Outpost exclusive all-property wedding packages transform each of the chic hotels into a secluded hideaway for marrying couples and their guests only. Family and friends connect and celebrate amidst lush surroundings and savory extras. Couples can easily duck away for quality time in the spa or on the beach. These all-property wedding packages include all meals and drinks, champagne check in, airport transfers, a special group event, and other surprises! “With growing demands for all-inclusive weddings packages, our partnership with Luxe Destination Weddings comes at a great time,” says Jason Henzell, President of Island Outpost.

“Our boutique resorts are intimate, distinct and well-appointed, perfect for a complete wedding buyout and further complimented by the extraordinary amenities for couples and guests.” Matt Soloway, President of Luxe agrees. “All-property buyouts at the Island Outpost hotels are ideal for destination weddings. As privacy is a paramount concern for many of our clients, this is the perfect way to enjoy your own private resort.” Island Outpost, created by Island Records’ founder Chris Blackwell, provides unique, lush backdrops for weddings. The Caves, perched on the cliffs of Negril, comprises just 10 oceanfront cottages—an ideal private location filled with romantic nooks overlooking the crystal blue ocean.

Another option is Strawberry Hill, a unique mountain spa resort nestled in the picturesque Blue Mountains of Jamaica featuring 12 Georgian-style cottages that can accommodate a wedding group of 34. To learn more about booking a Luxe-Island Outpost exclusive all-property wedding package, visit www.luxe-events.com

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip On Africa’s Exotic Zambezi River

Canoe safaris are an exciting new way to see Africa’s most exotic wildlife on land, in the water, and in the air. Three camps located in the lower Zambezi National Park offer guests an all-inclusive, five day, four night canoe safari down the river and into canals that summon the ghost of The African Queen. On this leisurely voyage guests will paddle past hippos, colorful birdlife, crocodiles, and bathing elephants as they travel from Chiawa Camp to Sausage Tree Camp and on to Old Mondoro Camp. The Park is home to over 60 mammals and 324 birds—which guests will check off their lists as they witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habit.

The entire trip is conducted within the Lower Zambezi National Park and guests stay in luxury along the river. The first night is spent at Chiawa Camp, the second at Sausage Tree Camp, and the third and fourth at the rustic Old Mondoro Bush Camp. Guests explore the waters and banks of the Zambezi from the comfort of 18 ft. Canadian canoes and safety is ensured by expert guides. Chiawa Camp is the epitome of bush luxury and comprises eight well-appointed safari tents which can accommodate a total of sixteen guests. Sausage Tree Camp comprises seven oversized Bedouin-style tents, fashioned from local materials including thatch reed and teak.

Old Mondoro offers an authentic bush camp experience for only eight guests in four simple but stylish bush chalets. Constructed of canvas and natural materials, it is reminiscent of the mobile camps of East Africa, rebuilt from scratch and then dismantled each safari season. An optional two night add-on is available to guests who wish to stay an extra night at either Chiawa Camp or Sausage Tree Camp and take a vehicle into the bush for a more traditional safari adventure. Rates are all-inclusive (excluding international airfares) and cost approximately US$700 per person per night, based on double-occupancy. For more information please e-mail info@chiawa.com or info@sausagetreecamp.com.

Or visit the website at www.chiawa.com or www.sausagetreecamp.com