Jetsettersblog

LAS VEGAS – Several Miracle Mile Shops restaurants and nightclubs including Trader Vic’s, Lombardi’s Romagna Mia, Pampas Churrascaria, Triq Ultra Lounge and Krave acknowledged in Zagat’s “Best of Las Vegas 2008” guide. Having recently opened in 2007, Trader Vic’s and Triq Ultra Lounge have each been named “key newcomers” to Las Vegas in the 2008 guide. Zagat praises Trader Vic’s for being unlike any other Trader Vic’s in the world. The 15,000 square-foot Miracle Mile Shops location features three separate dining and entertainment venues, including a ground-level restaurant, Strip-side patio that opens onto Las Vegas Boulevard and a second-level ultra lounge. “More and more unique tenants are beginning to open up inside Miracle Mile Shops as the center continues to evolve into Las Vegas’ ultimate shopping destination,” said Miracle Mile Shops owner, David Edelstein. “We pride ourselves in offering the most eclectic mix of shopping, dining and entertainment options in Las Vegas and are honored that Zagat has chosen to recognize several of our wonderful venues.”

After witnessing magical sunrises over Uluru, trekking through the ancient domes of Kata-Tjuta, and watching stunning sunsets from the back of a Harley Davidson, guests at Ayers Rock Resort will be able to dust off the red earth, leave the heat of the day behind and surrender themselves to the cooling therapies and relaxing touches of the masseuse at the new Voyages Ayers Rock Resort Spa in the heart of Australia.

At a cost of AUD$1.8 million (about USD 1.58 million) and scheduled to open in late April, the Ayers Rock Resort Spa brings pampering and indulgence to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and becomes the seventh spa in the Voyages group, joining existing spas including Lizard Island’s Azure Spa and Cradle Mountain Lodge’s Waldheim Spa.

The new Spa will be the perfect way to relax and unwind after a busy day enjoying a camel ride, or a Harley tour, a base walk, or any of the myriad activities available in the Red Center. The Spa will also give guests a serene and calm environment from which to contemplate and reflect on the very special and spiritual environment they’re in – Uluru, the very heart of Australia.

“Guests pack so many activities in during their stay with us – from early morning tours to Ayers Rock (Uluru) and sunset tours to The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) – that many tell us they wish they’d stayed longer to simply enjoy the unique desert landscape they’re in,” said Chris Tallent, chief executive officer of Voyages Hotels and Resorts. “They want more time to relax and enjoy themselves while they’re here and often leave without having taken time to stop and reflect on where they are. Allowing them to indulge in a massage or a spa therapy treatment that reflects the beautiful and ancient environment they’re in will be the perfect way to wind down after a hard day’s touring,” he added.

The Spa will be built at Sails in the Desert Hotel, Voyages’ award-winning five-star property at Ayers Rock Resort. Four therapy rooms will offer a range of treatments, with two rooms offering ‘dry’ massage therapies and two double ‘wet’ rooms offering spa baths on the verandah and shower rooms. The look and feel of the Spa will reflect the environment, with warm slates, browns and shades of ochre reflecting the contrasts in color of this vast desert land in the heart of central Australia.

Using leading UK skincare brand Elemis for core treatments, an additional range of products will be developed to reflect the natural environment of the World Heritage-listed Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park and the cultural heritage of Uluru’s traditional owners, the Anangu people.

Chris Tallent concluded: “We are constantly looking at ways to enhance the customer experience and we believe offering a spa at Ayers Rock Resort will complete that total resort experience, complementing the exceptional accommodation, superb dining and touring.”

Voyages is an Australian travel company, providing experience-based vacations in spectacular wilderness locations including the Red Centre, The Kimberley Region of Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania. Voyages operates award-winning properties such as Longitude 131°, Lizard Island, Silky Oaks Lodge, Bedarra Island, Ayers Rock Resort and Cradle Mountain Lodge.

The Ayers Rock Resort Spa joins existing award-winning spas in the Voyages’ group, including Lizard Island’s Azure Spa, Heron Island’s Aqua Soul Spa, Dunk Island’s Spa of Peace and Plenty, Brampton Island’s Sea Spa, Silky Oaks Lodge’s Healing Waters Spa, Cradle Mountain Lodge’s Waldheim Spa.

Country: Cyprus

Location: Troodos Mountains region, Limassol Price: From £40 per night per apartment (sleeps 2-4), based on 2 adults sharing. See below for other pricing information. *Special offer* £192 per week Our accommodation has been declared a preserved property, standing gracefully in a prominent position in the village to welcome guests from afar. Situated in the picturesque village of Vouni in the Limassol district, it is located on the foothill of the Troodos mountains and only 30 minutes’ drive from the seaside town of Limassol. Vouni is one of the oldest wine growing villages of Cyprus, renowned for it’s quality vineyards. Here you will have the opportunity to savour some of the local wines.

Activities

Whilst staying in our apartments you will be able to visit many nearby attractions at your leisure, such as Aphrodite’s birthplace in Paphos (45 mins), ancient sites of Kourium & Apollo’s temple (20 mins), mountain attractions & quiet blue flag beaches (25 mins) and world heritage churches & monasteries (15 mins). The area is particularly suitable for walkers, birdwatchers and nature lovers, with many small nature trails around the village within walking distance as well as a short drive away. Further up, the Troodos mountain region offers an abundance of landscape for the more experienced hiker. The impressive Caledonian Falls in the Troodos region are much visited.

August is a very busy time in Cyprus and if you have the opportunity to visit Vouni at this time of year you will find the air buzzing with activities. The locals prepare for their annual festival where wine and traditional food is served. Furthermore, in September many local sweet meats are prepared and served in the village square for visitors to sample. Guests can enjoy tea & scones with fresh cream & jam at a Devonshire tea house situated in the village. Maria, the owner, also provides guided orchid walks in and around the village by request.

Facilities

Our accommodation consists of two ground floor apartments and one spectacular top floor apartment, stretching the length of the house. All apartments have a spacious master bedroom with en suite shower and can sleep up to three adults or a couple with two children. The apartments have fully equipped fitted kitchens with open plan dining/sitting area, and are fitted with central heating and open log fireplace. Each has a television, home cinema, DVD and radio. All the bedrooms and living areas benefit from beautiful views to the south and the west, and have glazed doors with shutters, opening onto either the balcony or the terrace. Linen and towels are provided.

Family and baby friendly: The village is home to the Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary, which children of all ages love to visit. Excursions to the neighbouring villages are always interesting and the beach is a 20 minute drive away. We welcome babies and baby cot/park facilities are made available on request.

Pet friendly: Well behaved pets are welcome. With the accommodation boasting a large courtyard and private garden, your pets will feel at home.

How to find us

We are an hour’s drive from Larnaca airport and 45 minutes from Paphos airport. From either airport you follow the signs for Limassol town. Full directions are provided upon request with mini map.

Breakfast (at local tavern, 50m away) £4 – £5 €5 – €6

Children (under 12 years) FREE

* Welcome pack and bottle of wine for stays over 3 days.

How this holiday makes a difference

We took over and restored this grand family house in 2004, maintaining all original features and following strict guidelines by the Cyprus Antiquity department.

The accommodation being stone built provides the perfect insulation for both summer and winter, this allows us to benefit without the need for air conditioning in the summer and minimises the use of oil heating in the winter. Various interior details have been seen to such as the conserving of water with showers that have fine spray heads, coupled with our own private drainage and taking care to providing our guests with cleaning products that minimise damage to the under water supplies. Bins have been made available for the recycling of paper, glass and cans, and we liaise with the Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary whenever feasible for our donation.

A large medley of wild flowers and herbs has been planted in the garden, with bird tables made available for our two legged friends. We are particularly privileged to own five acres of vineyards, which are organically cultivated. From these vines we make our own ecological wine, which our guests have the opportunity to sample and enjoy with our compliments. The area is renowned for its vineyards which also provide a haven for wildlife such as hares, partridges and hedgehogs.

Our guests are introduced to the two local taverns where traditional home made Cypriot food can be enjoyed. This helps to sustain local business which provides employment for the local community. The initiative taken on our part as members of the Cyprus Agrotourism project has we feel had a positive impact in the village. We have in turn been able to generate some welcomed business and encourage local activities of the past to be revived.

Lanka, home to beautiful golf courses has produced some of the regions best players; continue to be an attractive destination, for both amateurs and professionals alike. The Victoria Golf and Country Club, a more recent addition to the centuries old and legendary Royal Colombo Golf Club and the Golf Club Nuwara Eliya, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with special tournaments.

The Donald Steel scheduled for the 9th and 10th of February and the second round of the Victoria 10th Anniversary Trophy on the 16th with the Medal Round on Saturday the 23rd are some of the highlights of the celebrations. For more details and other events of interests visit website http://www.golfsrilanka.com/

The Pelican, Mago Estate Hotel, aimia hotel, Vaela Pallas and Lato Boutique join K Hotels

Beverly Hills, CA – K Hotels celebrates its new name and image with the addition of five new properties to its already ample membership portfolio consisting of distinct boutique hotels worldwide. The cutting-edge Pelican Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, the luxurious Mago Estate Hotel on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, the eco-friendly aimia hotel in Mallorca, Spain, the intimate Vaela Pallas Cultural Resort and Spa in Greece, and the popular Lato Boutique Hotel on the island of Crete have all selected K Hotels as their preferred sales and marketing representation company.

“K Hotels offers a distinct boutique experience in the most interesting countries throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas,” said John Sears, Vice President, K Hotels. “These new members are precisely what global travelers have come to associate from the industry’s leading boutique hotel collection.” The five unique properties will bring a new dimension of character and diversity to the eclectic and expanding boutique K Hotels Collection.

The Pelican – Miami Beach, Florida

Located in the center of Miami’s famous art deco district, The Pelican is a lifestyle-themed boutique hotel, owned by the high-end Italian fashion design house Diesel. Each room features a distinctive theme such as Halfway to Hollywood, Viva Las Vegas, and Me Tarzan, You Vain. Vintage furniture, recycled oak floors and an overriding industrial theme depict this fashionable new property.

www.k-hotels.com/pelican

Mago Estate Hotel – Caribbean St. Lucia

Situated among mango trees at the edge of a lush rainforest, the Mago Estate Hotel is perched serenely above the French-Caribbean town of Soufriere. Each room offers amazing views of the Piton Mountains and of Soufriere’s spectacular beaches. This unique and intimate hotel reminds guests of the way the Caribbean used to be.

www.k-hotels.com/mago

aimia hotel Mallorca, Spain

This design boutique hotel is located at the Port of Sóller in the region of Serra de Tramuntana. The Serra de Tramuntana region boasts the longest mountain range in the Balearic Islands, a mild climate and a beautiful coastline of white sand beaches. This eco-friendly hotel utilizes solar power, regenerated water, recycling and implementing an energy savings program, aimia hotel strives to sustain the natural and inherent beauty of the area.

www.k-hotels.com/aimia

Vaela Pallas Cultural Resort & Spa

Elatochori, Greece

With breathtaking views of Mount Olympus and the sea, Vaela Pallas Cultural Resort & Spa is an intimate family-owned boutique hotel is quietly situated on a mountain in Elatochori, Greece. The hotel features 17 uniquely designed guestrooms themed around different cities around the globe and popular eras.

www.k-hotels.com/vaelapallas

Lato Boutique Hotel

Heraklion City, Greece

Located on the great island of Crete in Greece, Lato Boutique Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Heraklion City. With spectacular panoramic views to the Venetian Fortress, just opposite the old city harbor, Lato Boutique’s exquisite location together with its unique aesthetics add to the hotel’s popularity. Since its opening in 1978, Lato has completed an extensive renovation for almost ten years that has transformed the property into a stunning boutique hotel. Combining modern tendencies of architecture, interior design and technology, Lato Boutique is the perfect choice for Heraklion visitors.

www.k-hotels.com/lato

For more information or to make reservations at a K Hotel member property, please visit www.k-hotels.com

About K Hotels

K Hotels is the modern source for independent lifestyle boutique hotels in North America and Europe that travelers and travel planners have relied upon for over fifteen years. To members, K Hotels provides full service sales and marketing resources and access to loyal lifestyle travelers in major markets such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Jakarta and London. K Hotels blends the capabilities of a global hotel company with the needs of independent hotel operators. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, K Hotels features more business and leisure lifestyle boutique hotels in North America than any other collection in the industry. For more information please visit www.k-hotels.com

Surf Diva, the world’s original surf school for women, announces the launch of its “Escape to Oz” surf adventure. Surf Diva already offers an extensive range of surf lessons for women, men and children in California. The school also operates a successful surf vacation in Costa Rica , where it has taught many women to surf in tropical paradise.

The Surf Diva “Escape to Oz” is from March 9th -16th, 2008. Based near Perth in South West Australia at the beautiful Yallingup Beach, the Surf Diva “Escape to Oz” is the perfect surf trip for the adventurous Diva. The “surfari” includes 7 nights accommodation in a private beachfront cottage with spectacular views of the bay, daily surf instruction, ground transportation, yoga, healthy delicious meals, all equipment rentals, and maid service. Yallingup surf break is world famous and represents excellent surf conditions for beginners and more advanced surfers alike.

Additionally, there is a safe swimming lagoon and an excellent fishing spot nearby. Located in the center of the famous Margaret River wine region, Yallingup village and the surrounding area have lots to offer. Guests on the “Surf Diva Escape to Oz” can enjoy many other fun activities when they are worn out from the excellent surf, including trips to National Parks, wineries, whale watching, day spas, art galleries and an authentic bushwalk and dance ceremony with the Wardandi Tribe.

Guests enjoy the same expert surf instruction that Surf Diva is famous for and all levels of surf instruction are available.

Call (858) 454 8273 or email becky@surfdiva.com for more information, rates and dates.

* Not including air fare

About Surf Diva

Established in 1996 by twin sisters Izzy and Coco Tihanyi, Surf Diva has introduced thousands of women from all over the world to the sport and spirit of surfing. Surf Diva is internationally recognized as the world’s leading surf school for women. Surf Diva offers a variety of surf lessons such as weekend clinics, private lessons, birthday & Bachelorette parties, corporate clinics, and summer camps. Surf gear and cute outfits for all your surf trips can be found at the Surf Diva Boutique located at 2160 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, California 92037 or at www.surfdiva.com  Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about Surf Divas.

(Newport, RI) — American Historic Inns, Inc; an industry leader and publisher of more than 2.5 million bed and breakfast guidebooks has named Hydrangea House Inn one of the Nation’s “2008 Top 10 Romantic Inns”. The organization visits Inns across the country and selects the top 10 most romantic ones chosen for many attributes, including a sense of history, luxurious decor, hospitality and overall romantic mystique.

Located on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island’s historic walking district, it is the décor and furnishings that make this inn romantic. Opulent perhaps best defines this inn with nine guestrooms, most of which are luxury suites. Suites include King sized beds with plush custom and hand-made linens and elegant silk canopies. High-style furnishings and historic works of art surround the sitting room where even the television is disguised as an old world mirror in an effort to mask the outside world and keep the focus internal – on the couple.

A whirlpool tub for two followed by a double steam shower provides instant relaxation so even an overnight getaway can be rejuvenating. Luxury does not sacrifice comfort as each room offers plush robes, triple sheeting and nightly turndown service, along with evening homemade cookies and a wonderful afternoon wine and cheese reception – all complimentary. The inn has extensive multi-level porches overlooking Hydrangea gardens making it easy to find a private place to relax and reconnect. And, if that is not enough, the city by the sea, as it is known, sets the stage for romance with its many sandy beaches.

The famed Ocean Drive is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. The cobblestone and gas lit streets are abundant with fine dining and quaint original shops. The rich nightlife offers everything from live music to sunset sails.

Gourmet Breakfast is served daily fireside in an elegant dining room on fine china. Rooms range from $265 to $475 per night and include parking.

For more information, visit www.hydrangeahouse.com  or call (800) 945-4667.

New list featured at iLoveInns.com

American Historic Inns, Inc., publisher of more than 2.7 million bed & breakfast guidebooks, and companion Web site iLoveInns.com has announced the most coveted bed and breakfast award of the year – “2008 Top 10 Romantic Inns.” This marks the 15th straight year that the prestigious award has been given. These romantic inns were selected for attributes such as their scenic settings, interior beauty, sense of place, hospitality and overall romantic mystique.

The 2008 Top 10 includes a private getaway near waterfalls nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina, a Romanesque castle in Pennsylvania, an Alaskan inn offering glacier and garden weddings, and a Bali-inspired island inn in the West Maui Mountains with panoramic Pacific Ocean views.

2008 Top 10 Romantic Inns

Lake Pointe Inn Bed and Breakfast – McHenry, Maryland

Hydrangea House inn – Newport, Rhode Island  

Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa – Sharon, Pennsylvania

Red Horse Inn – Landrum, South Carolina

Ho’oilo House – Lahaina, Hawaii

Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast – Valparaiso, Indiana Garth Woodside

 Mansion – Hannibal, Missouri Run of the River – Leavenworth, Washington

The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant – Manchester, Vermont

Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn & Adventure Spa – Juneau, Alaska The staff at iloveinns.com spends countless hours with inns, innkeepers and guests and on the road, on the phone, on the web, and in debate among its staff and its travel writers. According to AHI President Deborah Sakach, “We believe our efforts have produced a wonderfully unique selection of the country’s best inns that will give each guest the opportunity to experience the ultimate in romantic travel. All the inns we’ve selected specialize in the gift of romance for you and the love of your life.”

For more information on each inn, visit http://www.iloveinns.com/  for full descriptions and photos. Of the 19,000 B&Bs on iLoveInns.com there are several thousand especially romantic small inns. Many of this year’s winners are included in America’s best selling bed & breakfast book: Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns, 19th edition, available online at www.iLoveInns.com. Each book includes a Free Night certificate that allows travelers to Buy-One-Night-Get-the-Second-Night Free, with an average savings of $142.

 

 

McHenry, Maryland (Deep Creek Lake) — American Historic Inns, Inc; an industry leader and publisher of more than 2.5 million bed and breakfast guidebooks has named Lake Pointe Inn one of the Nation’s “2008 Top 10 Romantic Inns”. The organization visits Inns across the country and selects the top 10 most romantic ones chosen for many attributes, including a sense of history, luxurious decor, hospitality and overall romantic mystique.

Set at the base of Wisp Mountain and just 13 feet from the water’s edge at Deep Creek Lake, Lake Pointe Inn is a 10-room B&B decorated in the Arts & Crafts tradition. Lake Pointe Inn is unique in that it truly offers a four-season getaway with endless activities for couples. Ski the deep highland snows of winter. Bike the back roads or stroll the enchanted primeval forest and thundering waterfalls at Swallow Falls as you enjoy a second spring in the mountains.

Take a refreshing swim from the Inn dock in the summer and snuggle at twilight around the outdoor fire pit as you roast s’mores. Canoe the placid lake on warm summer mornings and enjoy an afternoon guided tour of the lake on the inn’s pontoon boat, “Tight Squeeze.” Hike the woodlands in the crisp air and photograph the brilliant autumn foliage. Deep Creek Lake is a place where natural beauty abounds and activities are endless, guests can experience the lake and mountains first hand or simply relax to the beautiful views.

Each guest room has its own personality, view and décor featuring William Morris fabrics and Mission-style lighting and furniture. All rooms have flat screen TV’s with DVD players, BOSE CD players and MP3 hookups as well as fluffy robes and slippers. Most guest rooms have gas fireplaces and spa (whirlpool) tubs and some even offer private balconies and steam showers.

The inn even has a dedicated massage room where guests can enjoy Swedish massage, reflexology and hot stone therapy by licensed professional therapists. After checkout at 11 a.m. guests are welcome to stay and enjoy an extra day’s activities. A third floor bathroom with steam shower and a redwood sauna are available for all guests to use prior to departure.

Room rates range from rates range from $188 to $279 per night and include breakfast as well as complimentary beverages and snacks, including wine and hors d’oeuvres. The inn also provides guests with complimentary use of canoes, kayaks and bikes.

For more information, visit www.deepcreekinns.com  or call (800) 523-LAKE. Lake Pointe Inn is a member of Select Registry, Distinguished Inns of North America.

“The world’s greenest hotels, from Switzerland to Sri Lanka” says the head line in Canadian newspaper Victoria Times Colonist on Heritance Kandalama’s achievement of being rated among the world’s best environmentally friendly hotels, as selected by Travel+Leisure magazine, which partnered with Conservation International to assess properties.

“When viewed from afar, Heritance Kandalama resembles an ancient temple grown wild with disuse. In fact, the vegetation and location have nothing to do with neglect (note the hand woven tapestries and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows in each room) and everything to do with ensuring that rainwater flowing from the hills collects in the reservoir below.” For the full story

Visit this link.