Jetsettersblog

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced the Fairmont Vail, a new resort in Colorado developed by HCT Development. The resort is slated to open in 2011 in time for the winter season. The 128-room resort will also feature 73 Fairmont Residences as well as Fairmont Heritage Place, the company’s private residence club homes.

Amenities for guests to enjoy include a selection of dining outlets and a signature 10,000 square foot Willow Stream spa. In addition, the resort will offer 9,500 square feet of function space, including a 3,000 square foot ballroom.

Travelers interested in staying at the Mount Airy Casino Resort can now make online reservations by visiting www.mountairycasino.com and clicking on Reservations.

The casino resort features a 188-room hotel and a range of amenities including fine dining, a nightclub, a spa and salon and over 2,500 of the hottest slot machines. In February, Mount Airy Casino Resort opened The Spa at Mount Airy. Visit http://www.mountairycasino.com/ .

Marriott Rewards, Marriott International’s guest loyalty program, is granting wishes with its “Redeem for Anything” program. Members can now create their own personalized rewards and redeem points for anything they want, from flying lessons, tickets to the Olympics, to custom built golf clubs. The “Redeem For Anything” program is available to all Silver, Gold and Platinum Elite members in North America. Awards start at 50,000 points.

For more information, call 800-493-3278 or visit www.marriottrewards.com/anythingawards

To outsiders, China projects a publically ambivalent approach towards wildlife, seemingly treating it as just another natural resource to be harvested and fed to its expanding economy. The demands of traditional Chinese medicine are rightly blamed for the ongoing demise of several endangered species, and the old anecdote about anything with four legs bar a table ending up on restaurant menus further compounds an apparently mercenary attitude towards the natural world. Martin Walters’s new Chinese Wildlife guidebook does not aim to overturn these preconceptions, which turn out to be broadly correct anyway. Yangtze River Dolphins are almost certainly the latest species to be crushed beneath China’s boots as it continues on its long march of progress.

What Walters does seek is to highlight the careless and uninformed destruction of China’s remarkable natural-history heritage. He comments, ‘publishing a book such as this is both timely and urgent, partly to promote further field work, conservation and ecotourism, and partly to increase public education and awareness.’ Though cuddly headliners such as Giant Pandas are valued as national icons, and as such are closely guarded, many others less fortunate, including the south China tiger, have been hunted to extinction as unwelcome pests. Chinese Wildlife covers the whole spectrum of flora and fauna, from delicate orchids, to mammals and invertebrates. Details of key World Heritage sites, marine and nature reserves, including when to visit, are backed up by full-colour maps and over 300 colour photographs. There’s been much recent emphasis on international co-operation with China in trade, tourism and sport, not least the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Walters makes an overwhelmingly prescient case, supported by Heather Angel’s superb wildlife photography, for even more concerted joint efforts in the areas of wildlife conservation and the environment.

Martin Walters is a Cambridge-based naturalist, writer and editor. He studied Zoology at Oxford University and has maintained a lifelong fascination with birds, botany, natural history and conservation. Martin has a wide range of titles to his name on various aspects of the natural world, but China in particular has always captivated him through both its remarkable wildlife and its people.

Heather Angel is a biologist and award-winning wildlife photographer. She first visited China in 1984 and has developed a great passion for panda, writing three books about them. Heather was the President of the Royal Photographic Society 1984—86 and is the principle photographer for this wildlife guide.

BULVERDE, Tex.—Just 300 miles from the American border is an amazing lodge where the views are as lush as the robes supplied for guests. The spectacular vistas and amenities are found at The Uno Lodge literally perched on a rim of the deepest canyon in North America. Although the beauty of the region known as Copper Canyon in the Sierra Madre Mountain range draws thousands of visitors, only those traveling with Canyon Travel stay at the Uno Lodge.

Spanning 25,000 square miles, the canyon system of the Sierra Madres occupies nearly four times the volume than that of the Grand Canyon in the United States! The lodge is one of three private properties reserved for guests of the most respected tour operator giving his travelers access to remote corners of the region far from the pressures of mass tourism.

After a day exploring the less traveled trails of the magnificent canyon system, only Canyon Travel guests retreat to the plush Uno Lodge. The rooms here come with some of the best views in the world, a panorama of pine forests, steep granite walls and the sparkling river meandering across the canyon floor one mile below.

http://www.canyontravel.com/

Air New Zealand’s domestic, Tasman and Pacific Island fares are about to cost more as a result of high fuel prices.

Group General Manager Short Haul Airlines Bruce Parton says the cost of fares in all three markets will rise by an average of three percent for travel booked from Wednesday, March 26.

Mr Parton said that Air New Zealand regretted having to increase fares to at least partially recover some of the fuel increases. It had shielded customers for as long as possible from soaring fuel prices through its fuel hedging programme, he said. “When domestic fares were last increased due to fuel costs in May 2006, the price of Singapore jet fuel per barrel was USD$87. Today it has reached USD$130 with a USD$10 increase in the past month alone. This recent price escalation has left Air New Zealand with little option but to increase fares. A decision on the scale of long haul fare increases is expected to be made within the next fortnight.” Mr Parton said that while the airline remained committed to everyday low fares, it could not rule out further fare increases if fuel costs do not drop.

Mr Parton said Air New Zealand had worked hard over the past two years to minimise operating costs and this had been a significant contributor also to shielding customers from fare increases.

“Our challenge remains to ensure that we continue to drive costs within our control down, and keep prices as low as possible through our innovative initiatives like grabaseat, which offers fares as low as one dollar.”

 

 

Mexico beach resort’s organic gardens stocked with “heirloom cultivator” seeds

BOCA DE IGUANAS, Costalegre - Boca de Iguanas, the newest eco-resort project along Mexico’s pristine Costalegre, puts Mother Nature front and center with a dedicated sustainability manager responsible for eco-friendly programs that reflect the project’s commitment to the environment.

Lorena Vargas is a recent graduate from the University of Guadalajara with a degree in environmental biotechnology, and has ecological sustainability in her blood. Her father, José Roberto Vargas, set up the first organic production farm in Rancho Petacal, Jalisco 18 years ago. Part of Vargas’ work includes introducing unique touches of nature to the hotel rooms, restaurant, and homes, establishing the onsite composing program, overseeing the cultivation of organic herb gardens, monitoring of the rare mangrove ecosystem that flows through the property, and reintroducing native flora to the area.

“Our goal in bringing on a full-time sustainability expert is to ensure we are always putting ecology first in all aspects of the development. Even the very word ‘development’ implies destruction of the natural surroundings, which makes us very uncomfortable,” explains Robert M. Oveson, head of Moksa Development, the Mexican corporation responsible for the project. “At Boca de Iguanas we absolutely believe that ecological stewardship and ‘green living’ need to be a way of life, not just a handy marketing tool or gimmick. Leading by example is our mantra.”

The recently planted community herb gardens at Boca de Iguanas feature more than 20 types of heirloom seedlings that would bring envy upon any chef’s kitchen. Six varieties of fragrant basil, thyme, parsley, chives, dill, fennel, lemon balm, marjoram, are just several of the newest sprouts poking through the rich, humid soil of the gardens at Boca. “Heirloom” are considered unaltered strains of the plants’ genetic lineage dating back 150 years or more, ensuring the purity and potency are at their very best. Other plants which compliment the organic model are chrysanthemum and marigold plants, which add color and act as natural insecticides.

“Returning to the basic and original lineage with these heirloom variety herbs shows a real commitment to the organic ideal we’re trying to preserve in Boca de Iguanas,” explains Vargas. “Cultivating these plants onsite means we’re honoring true ecological principles and values of sustainability. And people who use the plants for cooking or medicinal purposes will also notice the difference in the richness of the flavors and strength of the healing powers.”

ABOUT BOCA DE IGUANAS

Located 40 minutes north of Manzanillo International Airport (ZLO) along the Costalegre, the multi-use development of Boca de Iguanas features casas, condominiums, and a boutique hotel and spa in a fusion of eclectic Mexican architecture with classic colonial hacienda, contemporary modern design, and eclectic “jungle-chic” rustic areas dedicated to Mother Nature. The vision is a 21st century vacation/lifestyle experience in a pristine, ecologically-progressive gated community with alternative clean energy sources, underground utilities, and a spectacular beach club and infinity pool situated around a rare mangrove ecosystem that flows throughout the property.

In Johannesburg, South Africa we found a farm with beautiful soft healing energy. For many years, the farm has been used for the education and entertainment of young and old from all walks of life.Rietvlei Farm is excited to introduce Star Gardens, a spiritual garden of gratitude.

ALBERTON, SOUTH AFRICA – The Project manager of Star Gardens, Rene Geldenhuys is trained as a physiotherapist, acupuncturist and craniosacral therapist. Rene does energy balancing in the body and assist patients to deal with ascension symptoms. She believes that man must live closer to earth for their mutual healing. She is passionate about healing of the planet and its inhabitants.

Design and landscaping, Winks Girdwood from Nelspruit, South Africa. Winks says “The earth and her healing are my life. I am honored to have been the instrument through which this garden has come into being and give thanks to Rene who has seen the significance and made it a reality.

Winks says: “The Star Gardens have been developed over the past three years.” The body of the garden is made up of thirteen star symbols which I was prompted to relay to paper by my guide, an ancient being whose name is Bendai. Each symbol is a galaxy within its universe. Each galaxy has a people which, in time, came to planet earth to create the peoples of this earth as we know it today in all their diversities. A few words are attached to each symbol to point one in the direction of the necessary area of healing.

Designing these symbols into a garden I was drawn to the sacred geometry of the Fruit of Life. Drunvalo Melchizedek describes this as “one of the holiest and most sacred forms in existence”. Added to these 13 symbols are three more to bring in the male, female and relationship aspects.

The plants, crystals, sands and water used within each symbol will be used to create vibrational remedies.

The lines of the square, triangle, six pointed star and hexagonal will be laid out as pathways joining all the circles creating a unique labyrinth. Unlike one pathway in and one out this design permits a person a choice of directions. Simply by standing within the circle of choice will begin a process of healing for the individual. A persons inner knowing will always set them on the needed path and within the needed circle.

As you step into the Universes of this garden close the fear from your minds. Open your hearts, feel the purity, feel the peace, feel the love, feel the joy, be the gratitude and permit the light of who you are to join with that of the stars as the beams radiate across our land and the globe bringing peace to our ‘rainbow nation’ and the peoples of our planet earth.”

Labyrinths go far back in antiquity. Through the centuries, they were laid out in many countries and during the thirteenth century were created in many cathedrals as a representation of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land during the crusades.

Labyrinths have been used as meditation tools for over 4000 years. The labyrinth has deep significance for many people and is regarded as healer of past sadness and the bringer of a sense of release. The idea is that as you walk inwards, you leave behind daily stress and worries. Take time at the centre to receive clarity, then walk out into the world and face life with newly received clarity.

A labyrinth has no dead ends, but has just one path which leads, after complex meandering, to the centre, where a pause for meditation is taken before taking the same path back and out. A labyrinth may be drawn out on a level surface, to a specific design and may be planted or done with painted stones.

There is a strong dividing line between a labyrinth and a maze. A maze is regarded as a puzzle to be solved in a light-hearted way, as barriers are met, forcing one to find a different way. A labyrinth has no such barriers, only with sharp turns to slow down the walker.

As Pythagoras taught, Sacred Geometry is an ancient, universal language (land-guage). Geometric formations hold information and communicate ideas; not necessarily at a cognitive level, but often at a cellular level. They in-form us on a cellular level, just as our cells, the building blocks of our physiology, inform our bodies, providing a template for our development. Our cells are vehicles of involution; the movement from spirit to matter, as well as vehicles of evolution; movement from matter to spirit. One such tool of Sacred Geometry is the Phi Ratio, the number 1.6180339… (1.618 is commonly used) The progression or development of the whole of nature, from the subatomic to the super galactic, follows this ratio.

Ten percent of online BedandBreakfast.com gift card sales from Earth Day to Mother’s Day will be donated to American Forests Global ReLeaf Fund to plant trees in honor of Mom

Austin, TX – Selecting the perfect Mother’s Day gift is tough. You want to find something she’ll enjoy, yet will also be kind to Mother Nature. This year, give Mom the perfect “no carb” gift – one with a minimal carbon footprint – The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com™. No need for elaborate packaging or bulky boxes. No wasted gas driving to the store; just order online for instant email delivery, then print on recycled paper on your computer. Best of all, your gift to Mom is also a gift to Mother Nature. From Earth Day (April 22, 2008) through Mothers Day (May 11, 2008) BedandBreakfast.com will enhance every online gift card purchase with a Mother Nature donation of 10 percent to American Forests (www.americanforests.org)  the nation’s oldest non-profit (501-C-3) conservation organization and a world leader in tree planting for environmental restoration. This year, pass on the flowers, candy and stay-in-the-drawer scarves; purchase The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com and Mom will enjoy a green gift that really makes a difference – trees planted in her honor.

Even last-minute shoppers can personalize The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com with a choice of designs or your own photo of Mom, printed on your computer in less than five minutes and delivered by hand, making its carbon footprint practically nil. Gift cards are conveniently sold online in any amount from $25 to $2000, and in $50 and $100 denominations at Costco, Wal-Mart, CVS, Safeway, Office Depot, Winn Dixie, and Rite Aid stores.

For online purchasing, go to www.BedandBreakfast.com  to buy a customized gift card, complete with your personalized message, a choice of preset designs or your own photos uploaded and printed right onto the card. Nothing could be more heartwarming than a vintage photo of Mom and her young family or the specially designed American Forests Global ReLeaf gift card. Then your lucky mother will be able to enjoy the gift of a getaway, welcomed at nearly 4,000 B&Bs across North America. Best of all, BedandBreakfast.com gift cards have no fees, expiration or blackout dates. Order online or call 800-GO-B-AND-B (800-462-2632). Gift cards can be printed instantly online or sent from BedandBreakfast.com in foil-lined envelopes with a free 64-page directory, a $5.95 value. Shipping is always free, including free FedEx on orders of $100 or more. Simply use the promotional code MOTHER during checkout to benefit the American Forests Global ReLeaf Fund.

To read comments and reviews from hundreds of purchasers of the Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com To review design options for the Getaway Gift Cards, click here   then click the “see more options” button. or go to this link.

To learn more about The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com and nearly 7,000 inns and B&Bs worldwide, visit BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online bed and breakfast Internet directory and reservation network. A variety of search functions and extensive maps enable inngoers to find the perfect B&B. Travelers can make reservations online, purchase The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com, subscribe to free newsletters, read and write independent reviews. Additionally, for information on a range of independently-owned distinctive lodging, visit BedandBreakfast.com’s sister site, http://www.inns.com/

American Forests (http://www.americanforests.org/) is the nation’s oldest non-profit (501-C-3) conservation organization, founded in 1875. American Forests is a world leader in tree planting for environmental restoration and offsetting CO2 emissions, a pioneer in advancing the science and practice of urban forestry, and a primary communicator of the benefits of trees and forests. American Forests helps people identify, recognize and preserve their special trees; their community-based initiatives help people plan and implement local actions to restore and maintain healthy ecosystems and communities.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces the expansion of the east section of the Great Florida Birding Trail to include new sites in 15 counties.

Both novice and expert birdwatchers will enjoy the newly-added sites, including such famed birding destinations as Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge near Vero Beach, and Viera Wetlands near Cocoa, as well as little-known gems like Vaill Point Park in St. Augustine and North Sebastian Conservation Area in Sebastian.

“Many new sites feature species highly prized by birders, including snail kite, Florida scrub-jay, limpkin, crested caracara, red-cockaded woodpecker, painted bunting, and roseate spoonbill,” said Mark Kiser, FWC’s coordinator of the birding trail.

The 2,000-mile, self-guided highway trail is a network of 489 bird-watching sites across the state. The east section, which opened in 2000, was the first of the four Great Florida Birding Trail sections to be completed and is the first to undergo expansion.

In keeping with the Great Florida Birding Trail tradition, the 46 new sites offer a wide diversity of experiences, providing something of interest for all ages, mobility and skill levels, Kiser said. Beginning birders, families and those who require paved or hard-surface trails will find Chain of Lakes Recreation Complex in Titusville, Kissimmee Lakefront Park in Kissimmee and Alpine Groves Park in Switzerland to their liking. Viera Wetlands offers outstanding birding by car, as well as by foot or bicycle. Intrepid hikers will be challenged by Platt Branch Wildlife and Environmental Area in Palmdale and the new Colt Creek State Park near Lakeland. Machaba Balu Preserve in Jacksonville, Makinson Island Nature Preserve in Kissimmee and Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon all provide exceptional “birding by boat” opportunities.

Florida is one of the most popular birding destinations in North America. With 501 recorded bird species, the Sunshine State has the greatest bird diversity east of the Mississippi River.

Wildlife viewing, of which birding is a major component, generates $3 billion to Florida’s economy annually, according to a new report titled “The 2006 Economic Benefits of Wildlife-Viewing Recreation in Florida.”

The FWC is working on a new guide booklet for the east section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, which will be available by December 2008. For more information, please visit http://www.floridabirdingtrail.com/