Jetsettersblog

KAMPALA, Uganda; –Founded in 1997, Volcanoes Safaris is a unique great ape ecotourism business specializing in mountain gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda. The bold and inspired individuals at the head of the organization started bringing tourists into post-conflict Uganda and Rwanda with the idea that through partnerships with local communities, a successful organization would be built that would offer visitors a chance to see this stunning area of Africa.

It would also give local communities the chance to re-build after these events and maintain a peaceful and prosperous existence.

Over ten years later, Volcanoes Safaris has successfully implemented a series of projects including three unique eco-lodges—the only lodges in existence that are located near mountain gorilla parks.

These lodges provide a high level of comfort and elegance, but the people at Volcanoes Safaris are also committed to ecofriendly principles. They accomplish this by using alternative sources of energy such as solar power, reducing water consumption, and by controlling waste disposal. Most of all, they respect the local populations and recruit staff from those communities to manage the eco-lodges.

www.volcanoessafaris.com

A five-star designer hotel is to open in Belfast next month.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast will have 130 rooms including superior, executive and king as well as six studio suites and a two-bedroom penthouse overlooking the city.

Owned by Belfast businesswoman June Burgess, of Graffan Property, the hotel will be located on Great Victoria Street in the heart of Belfast city.

It will reflect the “baronial modern” style of the renowned Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin. The themes and look will combine that of a grand, stately baronial mansion house with cutting edge modern décor.

The hotel is a member of hotel management company Hotel Partners, which owns and operates the Fitzwilliam in Dublin, Park Plaza Belfast, Park Plaza Tyrrelstown and Trim Castle Hotel.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast will have three conference rooms, an oak-panelled private dining room, fitness suite for hotel residents, valet parking and a business centre.

Visit Northern Ireland this year.

Adventure Canada
CONTACT: Rebecca Burgum
TEL: 905-271-4000 or 800-363-7566
Rebecca@adventurecanada.com
www.adventurecanada.com

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario— Adventure Canada, award-winning specialists in small ship expeditions to some of Canada’s “blank spaces”, is offering two Celtic trips this spring; Celtic Quest: Spain to Scotland and Scotland Slowly with Margaret Atwood.

Celtic Quest: Spain to Scotland takes travelers to the far edges of Western Europe to delve into the history, culture, music, and landscape. On this journey, visitors will uncover the threads that unite the remaining Celtic corners of Spain, France, Ireland, England and Scotland. To shatter all the usual stereotypical images of Spain, travelers will experience Galicia with its gushing rivers and a coastline more reminiscent of Scotland than Spain. The most forgotten of the seven Celtic nations, the land is steeped with an age-old atmosphere, which travelers can share in cathedrals, castles, Dolmens and Hill-forts.

On Scotland Slowly travelers will visit Scotland’s western and northern isles offer a rich supply of culture, heritage and natural history. In Medieval Times an already archaic society in the Hebrides evolved into the Lordship of the Isles, a sea-kingdom blending Gael and Viking under the powerful domination of Clan Donald. In the north, Orkney and Shetland were welded into a formidable Scandinavian earldom. Both island groups preserve some of the oldest monuments in Europe, dating back to the Stone Age, while today both exploit the latest computer technologies to place them at the forefront of modern developments.

Kinship and community are two of the constants in this story; Gaelic-speaking clans retained their independence despite acknowledging the Lords of the Isles, while free Norse landholders battled the forces of feudalism in the Northern Isles

Author Margaret Atwood is joining Adventure Canada onboard the Scotland Slowly departure as a guest lecturer . Margaret Atwood is keen birder, ardent conservationist and one of Canada’s most celebrated writers. Throughout her thirty years of writing, Margaret Atwood has received numerous awards and several honorary degrees and currently serves as joint president of the Rare Bird Club. She is the author of more than thirty-five volumes of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction and is perhaps best known for her novels. The Blind Assassin, won the 2000 Booker Prize, and in April 2003, her eleventh novel, the Man Booker Prize nominated Oryx and Crake was released to great acclaim. Her latest collection of short stories, Moral Disorder published in fall 2007 as was The Door, a book of poetry.

Passengers on both voyages will sail aboard the M/V Andrea, a handsome vessel that began her career as the popular Harald Jarl; cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords where she developed quite a following over the years.

Extensively renovated in 2003, the newly christened Andrea provides a welcome return to the intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking in larger ships. Staterooms are attractively designed for comfort and convenience, fully air conditioned with modern bathrooms and thoughtful appointments.

The vessel’s international service staff has achieved high marks from passengers for their friendliness and professionalism. Other features include a forward Observation Deck and two passenger lounges.

Dates: Celtic Quest: Spain to Scotland May 11th-23rd, 2009. Scotland Slowly: May 23rd-June 2nd, 2009. Please call for current specials.

For more information, call Adventure Canada at 1-800-363-7566 or go to www.adventurecanada.com

The 36 suite Beach View in Barbados’ affluent St James region is now fully open for business. A brand new all-suite condo hotel, the property is set amid three acres of beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Barbados’ famed West Coast.

Spacious, fully equipped two and three bedroom suites, all in excess of 1,300 sq ft, feature tropical furnishings, air conditioned bedrooms, water-views, full kitchens and open plan living areas that lead onto large balconies, offering the perfect setting for dramatic champagne-sunsets.

 A large centrally located pool area with separate children’s pool, spacious sun decks and a “beach” access adult swimming pool forms the heart of the new resort.

Rates lead in at $215.00 for a One Bedroom room in Summer season, based on double occupancy.

The same room costs $301.00 in shoulder season and $414.00 during winter, inclusive of VAT.

Reservations: 246-432-2300 or e-mail reservations@beachviewbarbados.com

Guests can recline and enjoy the bistro style cafe and pool side snack and drink service at their fingertips.

Additionally, guest room facilities include fully equipped kitchen suites in each room with top-of-the-range U.S. kitchen equipment, a microwave, fridge freezer plus a washing machine & dryer for the ultimate in home-comfort.

Under the attentive guidance of Beach View’s General Manager, Patricia Affonso-Dass, Beach View’s helpful staff can arrange nearby spa treatments, golf tee times and visits to some of Barbados’s many historic and cultural attractions for guests.

Just a few minutes away from Beach View is vibrant Holetown, Barbados’ second largest town with a wonderful choice of Zagat-rated restaurants, duty-free boutique shopping, water sports and home to the legendary annual Holetown Festival, which takes place during February 15-22, 2009.

The event marks the arrival of the first settlers at the site on February 17, 1627.

The festival provides visitors with an introduction to Barbadian culture and traditions through a varied program including concerts, live music, street parades, beauty pageants, craft fairs, historical exhibitions, sporting competitions and food & drink events.

For more information visit www.beachviewbarbados.com

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes, including The Crane beach, St. Philips, voted one of the world’s sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com. Barbados is the first and only Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous athletic championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship-The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts.

The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean.

The Barbados Tourism Authority has provided excellent service for 50 years and is a proud member of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association and Bridgetown, Barbados was voted #8 in the World by Trip Advisor’s ‘2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards’ in its Top 100 Destinations category.

For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831.

Algodon Wine Estates’ Cabernet Sauvignon scored high marks at a recent wine tasting conducted by Wines of Argentina.

The event, titled the U.S. Master Sommelier Trip, took place Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 and featured master sommeliers visiting Argentina from the United States.

 Algodon’s Cabernet Sauvignon had an outstanding rating of eight points on a scale of one to 10, and was awarded the “Best Buy” distinction of all the wines participating in the event, including wines from some of the best wineries in Argentina.

Ratings were designated based on the relation of quality to retail price. The master sommeliers added that they believe Algodon Wine Estates will continue to receive positive reviews, particularly because the quality of the wine for the price is remarkable.

 Argentine wines of similar quality retail at a much higher price. Other wineries that participated in the event included Vistalba, Trapiche Argentina, O.Furnier, Lagarde, Achaval Ferrer, Terrazas de los Andes (Grupo Chandon), Viña Cobos, Tamari, CarinaE, Luigi Bosca, Don Cristóbal.

Located in San Rafael, Mendoza, a region often referred to as the Napa Valley of Argentina, Algodon Wine Estates offers luxury accommodations for tourists, as well as the opportunity to actually own a piece of the estate’s vineyard.

Over 300 homesites are currently being developed for private sale, allowing owners essentially to become winemakers, but without the usual hassles involved. The vineyards may be tended, harvested and processed by the estate’s staff, and owners can be involved as much or as little as they desire in the overall process. Once bottled, the wine can even be personally labeled and shipped to a location of choice. Set to open in April 2009,

Algodon Mansion is a luxury boutique hotel in a six-story, remodeled mansion that was built in 1912, located in the heart of Buenos Aires’ stylish Recoleta neighborhood. Algodon Mansion will have 10 spacious luxury suites — some exceeding 1,200 square feet and all in keeping with the house’s Belle Époque architecture. It will exude old-world Argentinean charm but provide state-of-the-art luxuries, including 24-hour butler and concierge service, a fine-dining restaurant serving Argentine and French-fusion cuisines, a wine cellar, library bar, a covered outside patio and fireplace, and a luxurious rooftop pool, sauna, spa and bar.

Additionally, a four-story waterfall will stretch from the roof to the ground floor lobby and may be viewed by virtually every suite.

For more information, visit www.algodonwineestates.com  and www.algodonmansion.com

New Signature Lounge Concept

Salon de Ning Menu.pdf Hong Kong’s Grand Old Lady meets 1930s Shanghai socialite “Madame Ning” as Salon de Ning, an innovative lounge and bar concept, debuts in Hong Kong in December 2008 at The Peninsula. Inspired by an elegant private residence from a bygone era, Salon de Ning is a unique combination of clubby lounge venue, collection of travel mementos and objets d’art reflecting the glamour and style of the “Paris of the East”.

In the spirit of “Madame Ning” – a celebrated socialite, avid world traveller and international hostess who presided over salons in her stylish and eclectic residences around the world – Salon de Ning provides an elegant, warm and welcoming environment. From Marrakech to Paris, Giza to Angkor Wat, Mount Fuji and beyond, Madame was a keen traveller who tirelessly enriched her exotic collection of mementos. Thus, the décor features a juxtaposition of east and west, antique and modern, with Moroccan lanterns, a wood-carved ostrich sculpture and more.

The entrance of Salon de Ning incorporates traditional Chinese elements, including a granite gate archway, black lacquered doors and brass door handles, setting the tone for the experience to come. But this is a lounge where surprises await. Hence, it is music from the west that guests hear playing. Here, Art Deco, Chinese and international influences fuse into Shanghai’s own stylish mélange of east meets west or “Shanghai Deco”.

THE MAIN LOUNGE
The main lounge of Salon de Ning is the site’s heart and soul. A stage for resident band “Soulmates” provides the musical entertainment along with a DJ booth, each making certain the dance floor stays lively. Surrounding the main lounge are four themed rooms, showcasing a collection of objets and artefacts sourced during Madame Ning’s journeys to different continents. The entrance to each private seating area is marked by giant picture frames, giving guests the feeling of walking into a photograph straight out of Madame’s glamorous life.

From the ceiling of the main lounge hangs a centrepiece chandelier that hovers above the dance floor in the form of back-lit paintings created from multi-coloured crystal beads. Each chandelier painting sits in its own frame, and represents an episode of Madame Ning’s life, including three “portraits” of the lady herself.

THE THEMED ROOMS
Themed rooms play an important part in Salon de Ning, considering Madame’s extensive travels. Two rooms are transformed into the “L’Afrique Room” and the “Ski Room”, inspired by Africa and Switzerland, respectively.

Tiger skin-like wall covers adorn “L’Afrique Room”, while a roaring lion’s head mounted at the entrance and an African tent set the ambience for an adventure in the Sahara desert. The room is decorated with a sculpture of an ostrich, assembled from natural wood branches, and a painting of Madame Ning riding on a camel, gazing across the endless desert. In addition, tucked away on one side is a U-shaped Moroccan-style alcove with a back-lit lattice window reminiscent of a Moroccan home.

Meanwhile, the “Ski Room”, resembling a rustic Swiss chalet, where the walls and ceiling are created from solid timber, thereby adding a warm and cosy touch. . The fireplace makes for a perfect spot for friends to gather. Other themed rooms include the “Bailar Room” and the “Boudoir Room.” The former, bordered by an antique gold leaf picture frame, is designed like the pre-function area of a glamorous ballroom, displaying Madame Ning’s dance trophies, together with her dancing gowns and shoes. In addition, framed photos hang on the wall with various images of Madame Ning dancing, along with three pieces of digital artwork playing sepia-tone videos of Madame and her dancing partner.

Behind the doors with Lalique crystal handles lies the “Boudoir Room”, or dressing room – the place which provides the most intimate glimpse into Madame Ning’s life. Displayed here are her collection of antique dresses, jewellery, accessories and perfume bottles. On the ceiling is yet another installation, this one featuring a pendant light assembled from 13 distinct hats garnered from around the world and placed in hat boxes.

THE COCKTAILS
A wide range of cocktails – served on specially designed coasters resembling delicate handkerchiefs in pink and purple with lace embroidery – are available at Salon de Ning, including the signature “Ning Sling”, a refreshing combination featuring Absolut Mandarin and lychee liqueur, garnished with mint leaves and a lychee.

Fans of bubbles will love Salon de Ning Rosé Champagne, an exclusive label created by Deutz of France, which has enjoyed a long relationship with The Peninsula Hotels, producing its signature Champagne for almost 20 years. A range of simple, light fare is also available. Each themed room in Salon de Ning has its own concealed mini-bar, disguised as a piece of furniture such as a cabinet, allowing guests to help themselves if they choose.

THE UNIFORMS
The chic and stylish staff uniforms at Salon de Ning were created by award-winning Hong Kong-based fashion designer Ranee Kwok, founder of well-loved label “ranee_k”. Kwok is a graduate of New York’s Parsons School of Design, and is a former intern at Donna Karan. ranee_k was launched in New York in 1999 and the following year saw the opening of Hong Kong’s first signature boutique. The label is well known for its own east meets west look, with ranee_k described as having a “nostalgic sensibility balanced with self-expressive elegance and enhanced by Oriental details”.

Kwok says, “Salon de Ning is a project beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve always loved Art Deco; I admire its mood and tone, its elegance, and the way these blend with functionality and modernity. I especially love the fusion aspects of Art Deco – in particular the influence of Oriental art from Japan and China.”

For Salon de Ning, Kwok was inspired by Madame Ning’s life. “I believe Madame was an elegant and bold woman, not only in her own time but somehow, her spirit and style live on, allowing her look and influence a certain timelessness,” says the designer.

“It was very important that the uniforms reflect Madame’s personality: an elegant mix of Oriental cutting with western details. The look is sexy, but not revealing, yet it is attractive and enticing, beckoning the viewer to have a closer look.”

The uniforms consist of a fitted purple jacket with a Mandarin collar and long bell sleeves in black lace complemented by black bell-bottom trousers. Explains Kwok, “The body is fitted, but the bells are all about flow and movement. The details are important too: tiny glittering handbags and sequinned round-toed flats add sparkle.”

THE DESIGNER
Based on the style of the traditional Shanghainese house known as “Shikumen” (meaning “stone gatehouse” in Chinese), Salon de Ning is designed by Henry Leung, the Hong Kong-based Design Director of Chhada, Siembieda, Leung Limited. Leung has created several Chinese heritage projects for The Peninsula Hotels, including Huang Ting, the Chinese restaurant at The Peninsula Beijing; Hei Fung Terrace, the Chinese restaurant at The Peninsula Tokyo; The Peninsula Spa by ESPA at The Peninsula Hong Kong and Salon de Ning at The Peninsula New York.

Salon de Ning at The Peninsula Hong Kong is the second in a series, following a site on the rooftop of The Peninsula New York that opened in May 2008. The Peninsula Shanghai will also house its own Salon de Ning by autumn 2009. During the day, each venue can also be used for private art exhibitions, product launches, interviews, intimate live performances and other activities.

Phulay Bay opening announcement.doc The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., recognised as the global leader in luxury hotels, service and lifestyle, will introduce an exclusive new brand extension, The Reserve, with the March 1, 2009, debut of Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, Southern Thailand.

The Ritz Carlton Reserve will offer unique resorts in secluded and naturally beautiful locations around the world. Set on the shores of the Andaman Sea, Phulay Bay will be a hideaway 54-villa and pavilion boutique hotel with unspoilt views of the towering limestone karsts which make up the beautiful landscape of this part of southern Thailand. Coupled with sandy beaches, a coastline flecked with more than 200 islands, surrounded by a national forest with rugged rock formations and hidden waterfalls, Phulay Bay is a natural wonder.

“The Ritz-Carlton Reserve will feature signature, one-of-a-kind boutique resorts positioned in unique settings, each with a distinctive personality and sense of place reflecting its history and culture,” said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer. “A refuge from the expected, Ritz-Carlton Reserve is for travellers seeking to discover a singular location and peerless resort that will offer guests’ exotic, hand-selected ‘hideaway’ destinations in a relaxed, casually elegant atmosphere. Phulay Bay in Thailand is a natural choice for the first resort,” said Cooper.

The essence of Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve will be about enlivening the senses. Guests will subtly and gently have their senses enriched and stimulated with the resort’s own scent, signature drink, beautiful and stunning scenery both inside the suites and in the environment of the resort, as well as by the sounds of traditional Thai music coupled with the gentle lapping of the sea on the shores of Phulay Bay. This will all be coupled with the environment of tactile natural Thai silk soft furnishings and coverings to help guests truly relax in this unique and special environment.

Nestled on the shore of the Andaman Sea, the exclusive resort is the vision of in-demand Thai architect Lek Bunnag and features modern styling and architecture with accents of Thai culture and design to create a harmonious synergy of luxury and tradition to compliment its secluded location. Bunnag draws strongly from Thai traditions and cultural heritage to create an environment where relaxation and enjoyment are the very bedrock of the guest experience.

The architecture, landscape, interiors and accessories fuse to create a marriage of style and design that is completely in keeping with and tied to the natural environment of the location. Oversized beds, pillows, chairs, baths and doorways create a sense of comfort and welcoming that sets the guest at ease and welcomes them into the resort.

Combining contemporary Thai styling in the buildings with preservation of the environment, the natural flora of existing trees and plants relies on the past and tradition to create something sustainable today and for the future. The use of traditional Lanna art forms both in architectural structure and design as well as paintings and artworks on the walls and doors of the villas further create a contemporary setting that draws on tradition to offer a unique and luxurious environment and further enlivens the senses.

“When styling and designing Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, we were very conscious of the abundant beauty surrounding us which is what makes people fall in love with Thailand,” explained Estelita Sebeto, the resort’s General Manager. “We want guests to enjoy and discover the extraordinary diversity and beauty in this part of the country in a setting of relaxation and rejuvenation. So we have worked with nature to maintain a setting that evokes the very best of the natural environment of the hotel and sourced local and sustainable materials in its construction and styling. We see the resort as an ambassador for the local environment and for the tradition of the land here in Phulay Bay.”

ith accommodation offering a variety of unspoilt ocean views, private plunge pools, sheltered outdoor baths and showers set among lush indigenous flora the sense of privacy and comfort allows guests to indulge in the scenery and detach from the world during their stay. Coupled with the natural warmth and easy smiles of the Thai people and Ritz-Carlton’s world-famous service, Phulay Bay is the perfect destination to host the first of The Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s exotic, hand-picked hideaways.

With an emphasis on personalised, bespoke experiences, guests can ‘design’ or tailor make their visit to perfectly suit their needs and desires. A light BBQ lunch in your favourite area of the resort? A meditation class in a local monastery? Elephant trekking to a remote pick nick spot? A sea plane tour of region’s dramatic scenery? No problem. The resort will tailor-make your visit and personaise your experience, to make it a truly unique and one-of-a-kind visit.

The sense of arrival will immediately let guests know they are somewhere special and unique. High aubergine walls with even taller ‘hedges’ made from indigenous trees create a sense of wonder from the outside and a great sense of peace and stillness once on the inside. Guests enter the resort over a stepping-stone walkway that leads them to a wooden Thai pavilion situated on an island surrounded by thousands of gently flickering candles. Guests are treated to a traditional welcoming ritual and taken directly to their accommodation for in-room registration.

Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve will offer world-class culinary experiences throughout the resort. Lae Lay, the resort’s seafood grill, will allow guests to enjoy the best local fish and seafood available in a contemporary outdoor setting overlooking the Andaman Sea – a private dining room on the roof top of the restaurant will allow for a more personalised experience with live cooking by your own private chef. While the resort’s signature Thai restaurant, Sri Trang, will offer more traditional Thai cooking in a modern, minimalist setting using the very best of ingredients and cooking traditions from Thailand’s southern region. The restaurant’s chef table, which seats up to 12, will be the sought-after place to eat in southern Thailand and will even offer cookery classes so guests can learn tips and techniques from the best local chefs.

The infinity pool bar, Plai Fah, will offer oversized cabanas where guests can enjoy lighter, more relaxed culinary offerings, while Chomtawan, the resort’s sunset lounge, will tempt guests with day beds, oversized pillows, chill-out lounge bar music and candle lamps for a truly intimate and relaxing feel. The perfect place for a glass of champagne or a stylish martini as the sun sets over the seemingly endless horizon.

The ESPA at Phulay Bay promises to be a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation with stepping stones meandering through the spa leading to decked walkways and relaxation terraces surrounded by vegetation and reflection ponds that perfectly capture the unique character of Phulay Bay.

The Spa itself comprises three traditional Thai pavilions set over two levels offering 11 luxurious treatment rooms including single and couples Thai massage rooms and two VIP treatment suites. Each suite includes a private decked terrace with raised platform for Thai massage and a deep bath for soothing relaxation. The peaceful setting enhances the therapeutic ESPA treatments and enables the richness of the natural surroundings to be absorbed.

The opening rate for Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, which will open on March 1, 2009, will be $1,500 for two nights, which includes round trip transfers from Krabi Airport in Mercedes E-Class/BMW 5 Series, pack and unpack service by your private butler, daily breakfast for two, a yoga retreat for two and unlimited WIFI high-speed internet in all accommodation. Guests can also fly directly to Phuket airport and be transferred by car to Phulay Bay.

Iberostar has debuted its new Grand Hotel El Mirado in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. The property is the newest hotel to Iberostar’s luxury line, the Grand Collection and opened on Jan. 1, 2009.

It is the second Grand Collection property to open in Tenerife, joining the Grand Hotel Anthelia. Located by the El Duque beach, the Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador features 126 rooms on six floors.

Each room offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and combines modern amenities such as Internet and wireless access with touches, such as four-poster beds. The Presidential Suite boasts a large terrace and private jacuzzi, and the Royal Suite on the top floor offers panoramic ocean views and a magnificent terrace jacuzzi.

Iberostar also provides a private area for VIP guests, La Balconada. Located on the first floor, La Balconada includes 11 rooms, a sun terrace, a swimming pool, private gardens and 24-hour room service.

Guests can also enjoy fine dining at the five-star buffet restaurant, an á la carte restaurant, the La Pergola Beach Club, and an Oriental-themed restaurant.

There is also a snack bar for those guests looking for a quick bite. The resort features table tennis, a gym and squash, all free of charge.

Sporting enthusiasts who want to explore the area can make the most of nearby activities including golf, yachting, jet skis, beach volleyball, mountain biking and diving.

Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s gardens, with swimming pools, a wellness and spa center, and meetings facilities. For more information, visit www.iberostar.com

Era Yacht Now Cruises Lake of the Woods KENORA, ONTARIO, CANADA –

It sounds like the stuff of hard-boiled private eye novels, but family folklore has it that in 1913 John Furlong won a 52-foot cruiser in a poker game and re-christened it Grace Anne after his wife.

The Furlongs had inherited a “dream” summer home and they used the boat to explore and enjoy beautiful Lake of the Woods in their rugged corner of northwestern Ontario. So much did the couple enjoy the yacht that in 1930 John commissioned the building of Grace Anne II. The 85-foot mahogany yacht was considered the finest craft to be introduced into Lake of the Woods. Eventually, the ship evolved into a corporate yacht and for 40 years was owned and operated by the 3M Corporation of Minnesota.

Today, this historic wooden boat is an elegant lady of the lake that, with its sibling island lodge, provides luxurious getaways for discerning travelers and an ideal venue for corporate retreats. With gleaming mahogany decks, Persian carpets and leaded glass, the yacht Grace Anne II transports guests to an era when silverware, fine linens and white-gloved service were unquestioned accoutrements on a wilderness excursion.

Traveling deep into Canada’s north woods aboard this historic yacht with its solid and elegant wood construction is like cruising there in a private club. An attentive service staff in dress whites is ready to attend to your every need—often anticipating that “need” before you do! You also may feel that you are dining in a first-class restaurant, with meals prepared by a French chef, fine wines to accompany dinner and cognac and Cuban cigars (perfectly legal in Canada) passed out on deck by stewards.

One uncommon and highly memorable dining experience is a traditional shore lunch featuring freshly caught fish. Lake of the Woods is an extraordinary labyrinthine waterway sprawling over a vast segment of north woods bounded by Minnesota and the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. Carved by glaciers receding into the Canadian Pre-Cambrian Shield, the lake has 65,000 miles of shoreline—more than all of the Great Lakes combined.

It contains about 14,600 islands—more than any other lake in North America. Surrounding forests are filled with red, white and jack pines, as well as spruce and poplars. Wildlife includes moose, deer, black bears, wolves and the occasional lynx. Birds include soaring bald eagles and hawks and a wide variety of songbirds (and include, of course, loons, with their distinctive, haunting cries).

Guides are ready to steer guests to the most productive fishing waters, famed for tackle-busting muskie (a famous sight along Kenora’s harbor front is a 40-foot wooden sculpture of “Husky the Muskie”). Also awaiting visiting anglers are lake trout, walleye, northern pike and bass.

Other activities include clay shooting, excursions aboard the yacht or via canoe or kayak, water skiing and exploring woodland trails as a hiker or via a Bombardier all-terrain vehicle. Take an invigorating sauna—or simply relax in a hot tub. There also are guided photography and nature tours and seasonal hunting trips

The Grace Anne II comfortably accommodates eight guests in six staterooms, with space for an additional eight at its hideaway lodge. Built on a 33-acre island, the lodge also provides a full complement of creature comforts. Charters are based on a minimum of eight and a maximum of 16 guests. Prices range from $1,695 per guest (for a 24-hour experience package) to $5,695 per guest for a five-night charter.

The price includes meals, a wide range of activities (including equipment), all wine, drinks, and cigars, plus transportation from Kenora, Ontario Airport. (Transportation can also be arranged from Winnipeg, the nearest major airport.)

Reservations, copies of full-color brochures and additional information are available from Grace Anne II Yacht and Lodge, 1-800-987-3857 or 204-987-3321. The website is www.graceanne.com

The Middle Keys has a new year-round “home” for vacationers with recreational vehicles — and pets. Grassy Key RV Park & Resort, located at MM 58.7 bayside, recently celebrated its grand opening.

On land formerly occupied by the Whispering Pines trailer park, the Grassy Key RV Park & Resort welcomes daily, weekly and monthly visitors and their pets.

The property’s 34 sites include those with standard, premium, waterfront and deluxe waterfront views of the Gulf of Mexico — each with water and 30- or 50-amp electric hookup. The resort also provides boat dockage and trailer storage.

A common meeting area with laundry facilities and television, and a social event clubhouse are in the final stages of completion.

For more information, visit

www.grassykeyrvpark.com  or call (305) 289-1606.