Jetsettersblog

Druids Glen Golf Resort, one of the leading golfing venues in Europe, has become the latest big name to join National County Card.

In a major coup for the scheme designed to benefit private members clubs and its members, the 2005 European Golf Resort of the Year has enrolled both its championship courses in the innovative concept.

National County Card (NCC) already features more than 1,100 courses across the world in its growing portfolio, including San Roque, La Manga and PGA de Catalunya in Spain, Oceanico Group’s seven courses in Portugal and two of the most famous venues in America – the Blue Monster at Doral and the Stadium Course at Sawgrass, Florida.

And card holders will now also be able to play Druids Glen, often referred to as ‘The Augusta of Europe’, and the newer Druids Heath championship courses at the best discounted green fee rates available thanks to the new agreement.

“Druids Glen joined National County Card because it is a scheme targeting golf club members with valid handicaps, who want to visit and experience playing other golf clubs whether they are locals in the area, on a business trip or away on holiday,” said Denis Kane, chief executive of Druids Glen Golf Resort, which lies in Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow.

“It costs nothing to join and NCC promote us via their website and e-mails to their cardholders, and it is a way in which Druids Glen and Druids Heath will receive more visitors.

“These type of schemes work well when there are a number of clubs that have joined in the same area. We are looking forward to welcoming many more visiting golfers from Ireland and the UK.”

Card holders can play Druids Glen – home of the Irish Open between 1996-99 and European Golf Course of the Year in 2000 – for 20 euros cheaper than the normal green fee during the high and low season.

And they will receive a 30 euro discount off their round when they play its sister course Druids Heath – which opened to widespread acclaim in 2003, is a spectacular mix of parkland, heathland and links golf and hosted the 2006 Irish PGA Championship.

Rob Sutton, managing director of NCC, said: “The discounts that we have agreed per round mean that the NCC card at £24.95 is all but paid for in one round, leaving member golfers the rest of the year to play golf from members guest rates.

“Druids Glen is regarded as one of the best venues not just in Ireland but across Europe and to have them on board is fantastic news.

“NCC has only been going for just over a year but we have already assembled a first-class list of courses for our members to enjoy. The scheme is gathering momentum all the time, we have established a great platform and are determined to build on that over the coming months.”

All members of private members clubs with a valid handicap certificate can buy an NCC card and take advantage of discounted green fees at top venues across the UK, Europe and North America.

Card holders can achieve major discounts on green fees whether they are travelling on business, weekend breaks or holiday and, as cards are sold via the NCC website, there is no administration for clubs.

NCC is free to join for private members clubs and offers a series of benefits including a complimentary tailored advertising campaign at a nearby driving range – aimed at increasing memberships and visitor levels.

They will also receive a free listing on NCC’s website that includes an advert for their club and photographs of the course where clubs can promote their facilities, accommodation and special offers.

In addition, enrolled clubs will also receive £5 per card sold when their members buy a card to play at any of the clubs that have joined the scheme.

For a full list of NCC courses and details on how to join, go to www.nationalcountycard.co.uk

For more details on Druids Glen Golf Resort, visit www.druidsglen.ie

The decadent Chuan Spa at Langham Place hotel has fashioned a trio spring treatment which will have you shedding your winter clothes to…Look Fabulous Naked!

The 60 minute three-step process commences with a bikini wax (tidy and quick, we promise).

This is followed by a well-deserved full body evening primrose polish and a sublime all-over hydration.

The treatment promises to have you strutting your stuff naked in no time…looking buff and with glowing skin.

Designed just in time for spring, the treatment is just HK$688 and available until 31 May 2009.

Reservations are essential.

Call +852 3552 3510 or email hkg.lph.info@chuanspa.com

 Just ask to ‘Look Fabulous Naked’ and we’ll take care of the rest.

About Chuan Spa

The fashionable Chuan Spa sits perched on the 41st floor of Langham Place hotel in Mongkok, overlooking the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. This pampering haven offers more than 60 different treatments, along with tailor-made signature therapies guided by the pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Leading European Hotel Chain to Open First Property in China

Gran Meliá Shanghai to Become Flagship Hotel in China of the Gran Meliá Brand in the Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts Premium Portfolio

Leading European hotel chain Sol Meliá is set to further expand its regional presence in Asia, following an announcement of its appointments to manage its first hotel in China, the five stars Gran Meliá Shanghai.

The new Gran Meliá Hotel Shanghai, the deluxe five-star hotel, is situated in the prestigious main Pudong District within the Lujiazui Financial & Trade Zone area. It is walking distance to the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. Embedded by impressive views of the Hangpu River and overlooking Puxi area.

The five-star Gran Meliá Shanghai will offer 375 Standard Rooms, 108 Deluxe Rooms, 131 Junior Suites, 23 Senior Super Suites, 43 Presidential Suites, 2 Imperial Suites and 4 Handicapped Rooms. Targeting at the business traveler, each room will be fully equipped with separate working desk IDD and fax lines with printer, computer connection points and voice mail access, Ipod Connection, High Speed Internet access with WIFI accessibly.

Other in-room features include a complimentary tea and coffee making facility, safe deposit box, individually controlled air conditioning units, remote controlled color television with satellite programs, mini bar and refrigerator, hair dryer and alarm clock.

“The Red Level”, Gran Meliá’s signature VIP floor, is an exclusive retreat. Gran Meliá Shanghai’s Red Level floor will have 131 Junior Suites, 23 Senior Super Suites, 43 Presidential Suites and 2 Imperial Suites. In addition to the standard amenities, Red Level guests will enjoy aromatherapy products, complimentary cocktails, petit dejeuner, a separate check-in area and private access to “The Red Level Lounge” an intimate lounge where anything goes.

About Gran Meliá

Into the realm of luxury emerges a bold new vision of what it means to live well, away from home, introducing Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts. Encounter the definitive statement of contemporary luxury from Sol Meliá, the company that has been introducing the world to the warmth of Spanish hospitality for over 50 years. In the world’s most coveted locations, discover an elevated guest experience marked by innovation and style. Gran Meliá’s signature RedGlove Service is where white-glove tradition and red-carpet elegance meet the inherently Spanish passion that inspires everything we do.

Korean Air now offers travelers a more convenient start to their journey with web check-in available through its global website.

Passengers can embark on their travel hassle-free. From seat assignment to getting a boarding pass, the entire check-in process has gone online.

Web Check-In service is available from 4 hours to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of the flight. Any member of www.koreanair.com holding valid international flight e-tickets and traveling to visa-not-required destinations is eligible to use web check-in service.
This service is expected to reduce queuing time at the airport and allow more passengers to select the seat of their preference.

The procedure is simple. First log in to the Korean Air website at home or at the office and click for the Web Check-In Service. Then select the flight and passenger name, enter passport details, select the seat, and print out the boarding pass. Once at the airport, the passenger just needs to validate the printed boarding pass at the dedicated counters, where check-in baggage is also accepted, and head straight for the boarding gate.

Passengers traveling on code-share flights operated by other airlines, holding a group ticket, or those who have requested services requiring additional confirmation at the airport (e.g. unaccompanied minors, traveling with pets, wheelchair required passengers, upgrading, etc) are not eligible to use web check-in.

Equinox Restaurant -The Culinary Haven with a Spectacular View enters Singapore Tatler’s Best Restaurants Guide 2009 Hall of Fame

The undisputed venue of champagne wishes and caviar dreams, Equinox Restaurant at Swissôtel The Stamford took its rightful place amongst the finest and the very best, and literally towering above all as it enters the illustrious Singapore Tatler Best Restaurants Guide 2009 – Hall of Fame award.

In a glittering awards gala attended by a galaxy of the Lion City’s dynamic and most talented disciples and institutions, and in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of the iconic restaurant guide, Equinox’s star sparkled like a diamond as it officially receives one of the industries most coveted accolades. Renowned as one of the city’s top destinations for unparalleled gourmet experiences frequented by local and international connoisseurs, aficionados and the ‘epi-curious’, Equinox Restaurant has more than lived up to the hype and expectations of those who had walked through its hallowed ground.

Mr Aiden McAuley, General Manager of Swissôtel The Stamford and Regional Vice-President, Asia Pacific, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts reacted in pure delight, “This fantastic accolade is a remarkable seal and achievement for Equinox Restaurant. It is a validation of Swissôtel The Stamford’s consistency and commitment in providing the most luxurious epicurean experiences to our guests. We look forward to more successful years ahead and we will take this eminent recognition as an inspiration more than a privilege.”

The fascinating culinary journey of Equinox is a shimmering example of seamless commitment and affinity amongst an outstanding and cohesive team of service staff, led by its manager, Bernd Rudigier. With an impeccable attention to detail and a gracious attitude towards providing excellent service, delivered with passion and perfection, the entire team has elevated the restaurant to what it is today. Under the artistic and meticulous leadership of Chef de Cuisine Hugh Styles, Equinox Restaurant brings discerning diners’ palates a step closer to heaven. Having worked in Michelin-starred establishments in Germany, Chef Styles and his team of talented chefs continually delight diners with masterful creations and tempting delights.

Equinox Restaurant officially opened its doors in November 2001 as part of the swanky and chic Equinox Complex, which boasts five contemporary restaurants and bars as well as intimate private dining rooms. The restaurant emphasises simple, yet bold design elements; four three-storey high teak and rice paper lanterns, suspended Ming-inspired wooden trellises and a luminous floor-to ceiling wall of mother of pearl make simply stunning statements.

The cuisine served at Equinox Restaurant further heightens (no pun intended) the experience as guests may enjoy authentic Western and Asian cuisine from two supporting kitchens. The menu has been designed to offer an abundance of choice so patrons are treated to a varied and multi-dimensional culinary experience.

Adding to the restaurant’s uniqueness is its unmatched location; Equinox Restaurant is located on Level 70 of Swissôtel The Stamford, providing panoramic views of Singapore’s picturesque skyline as well as surrounding Malaysia and Indonesia.

Swissôtel The Stamford
(www.swissotel.com/singapore-stamford)

 Conveniently located in the heart of Singapore, Swissôtel The Stamford is a deluxe hotel that boasts a prime Singapore location amid the diversions of the Raffles City shopping complex, just 20 minutes away from Singapore Changi International Airport. Southeast Asia’s tallest hotel, Swissôtel The Stamford offers a luxurious range of 1,261 guest rooms and suites with a wealth of amenities, as well as panoramic views of Singapore, Malaysia and parts of Indonesia.

It also boasts an impressive array of 16 restaurants and bars, including the Equinox Complex, Singapore’s most exciting dining and entertainment complex. The hotel also houses the 70,000 sqft Raffles City Convention Centre; comprising 27 meeting venues with technologically advanced business facilities and services.

About Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts
Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is a distinctive group of deluxe hotels for today’s discerning business and leisure travellers, combining the renowned Swiss touch with a fresh, contemporary and modern design. Each Swissôtel hotel offers personalized service with charm and efficiency. Located in main gateway destinations and city centres, the hotels have convenient access to business and shopping districts, and local attractions. Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts worldwide have won prestigious awards and accolades.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 90 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.

Christian Rhomberg, owner of KEE Club International, has announced the appointment of Mr. Jan Michael Svoboda as Managing Director and Partner of KEE Club International – the management company which currently operates KEE private members clubs in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

In his new position, Jan Michael will be responsible for the overall planning and management of the present two clubs including operations, finance, marketing, design, art acquisition as well as strategic planning of the group’s expansion and management of new projects.

Prior to KEE, Jan Michael was Hotel Manager of The Peninsula Hong Kong since June 2004, having spent the previous four years as Resident Manager of The Peninsula Bangkok, where he worked to create an identity and build up the reputation of the newly-opened hotel in a competitive market.

Born in Rome to an Austrian father in the oil business, he travelled around the world as a child and decided to use his widespread talents and fulfill his desire to travel by embarking on a career in the hospitality industry

After graduating from Vienna’s College of Hotel and Tourism Management with a diploma in hotel and tourism management, Jan Michael headed to New York where he worked as a bartender in a champagne bar, experiencing the thrill of the hospitality industry in a cosmopolitan city. In 1987 he joined the Mandarin Oriental group as a management trainee in their Macau hotel.

Jan Michael worked his way up through the ranks in Food & Beverage in Macau and at The Oriental Singapore, subsequently becoming Director of Food & Beverage at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong before joining the Peninsula group in 2000.

“After 21 years of being in the hotel industry in Asia, the move to KEE is certainly an exciting challenge and one which I welcome greatly. I have always admired the vision and creativity of the Rhombergs and the uniqueness of the KEE concept and am delighted at the opportunity of working with them, particularly on the development of new projects” said Jan Michael.

KEE Hong Kong was founded in 2001 by Austrian Christian and Maria Rhomberg. Their concept was based on creating a private members club with an exclusive salon culture incorporating convivial fine dining, an international nightclub as well as unique lifestyle, corporate and cultural events. Discreetly located in the heart of Central, KEE Hong Kong is a sanctuary where members, their international guests and visiting celebrities gather to eat, meet, do business, party . Or just be.

KEE Shanghai opened in October 2008 in the beautifully restored 1921’s Twin Villas in the prestigious French Concession.

It shares the building with the Richemont Shanghai headquarters, sitting above the flagship stores for China of distinguished brands such as Alfred Dunhill and Vacheron Constantin. Serene landscaped gardens take you to the villas where you enter KEE either directly or choose to walk up the stunning wooden staircases with sunlight streaming through original stained-glass windows.

KEE Shanghai comprises a cosy, elegant brasserie style restaurant serving French & Mediterranean cuisine, an exquisite yet relaxing lounge and bar, both with outdoor balconies overlooking the gardens, and four intimate rooms for private dining.

All-wood floors, high ceilings and French windows add wonderfully to the ambience of the club.

The group is currently working on a project in Jakarta, Indonesia which is expected to open in 2010 and also on a spiritual health resort in Bhutan.

KEE Hong Kong is located at 32 Wellington Street, Central. Phone 852 2810 9000.

KEE Shanghai is located at 796 Huai Hai Road Middle, Shanghai 200020, Phone: 86 21 3395 0888. For more information on KEE visit www.keeclub.com

Sun drenched days filled with gentle breezes and romantic sunset walks along the shores of the Andaman Sea create the perfect environment for exchanging vows of love and commitment. The Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa offers a spectacular non-denominational wedding ceremony in one of the most picturesque locations in Thailand.

Nestled on the scenic West coast of Phuket Island with views of the emerald Andaman Sea and lush green tree-lined mountains, the resort offers 685 luxurious guest rooms and suites. Located on 75 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with lotus lagoons and an abundance of colourful tropical flowers, the resort is a magical location and venue for that once-in-a-lifetime ceremony.

With individually tailored packages to suit the size of the celebration, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa offers a level of personalized service that ensures every guest feels like the guest of honour. “From the top of its mountains to the white sandy Karon beach, people are drawn by the romance of its location” said Shafar Jamaludin, Director of Sales and Marketing, “When you combine the beautiful environment with unforgettable moment of your life, you get a special magic that permeates every aspect of a wedding celebration from sunrise to sunset.”

With the ability to accommodate up to 1500 people, couples wanting to invite their family and friends to join them in celebrating their wedding day and can enjoy the entire hotel for their exclusive use. A variety of hotel’s venues are available for large wedding receptions including Grand Ball Room, Marquee area, and the Sun terrace, an ideal venue for an evening affair complete with an expansive view of Andaman Sea. For smaller weddings, the ceremony can be held at The Spa lawn in front of The Spa, which nested among nature’s splendor and face the lagoon.

“We have been to Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa 3 times and we are impressed with the good service, beautiful property, and the mostly with the friendly staffs here whom now became our friends. These are the reasons that my wife and I decided to get married here” said Mr. Mark Starre from UK. He also added “ Our wedding ceremony was perfectly arranged with great assistance of the team of Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa.

My wife and I plan to come back to Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa again next year, to celebrate our first wedding anniversary because it is here that left us the good memories and of course to see how growth our “Love Tree” that we planted as part of our Wedding Ceremony”.

Wedding @ Hilton Phuket package starts from 48,000 Thb +++ includes consultation with our Event Wedding Specialist, venue set-up and decoration, bridal bouquet and buttonhole for the groom, a non-denominational celebrant, wedding cake, a manicure and pedicure for the bride, a 60 minute Yin and Yang body massage for the bride and groom at The Spa, a romantic dinner for the bride and groom (group dinner can also be arranged), a bottle of sparking wine, and a love tree with the bride and groom’s name on it to be planted in the resort grounds to make the unforgettable memory for the bride and groom. For booking 5 or more rooms, complimentary receiving a complimentary upgrade to Andaman Suite for the bride and groom. The Wedding Package is valid from now until December 31, 2010. Events Wedding Specialist can also provide a wedding resource list so that wedding commissioners, photographers and other wedding details can be easily arranged.

Executive Chef Hans Kahrs, works closely with the Events Wedding Specialists and the bride and groom to design the perfect menu. Whether a romantic dinner for 2 or a sophisticated gala dinner for 1,500 friends and family, the culinary team at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa is prepared to create menus and decor to suit the special occasion. No detail is overlooked.

Events Wedding Specialists can also direct couples to the appropriate government office when legal advice on official Thai marriage registration is requested Phuket, fondly known as ‘Thailand’s Pearl of The Andaman Sea’, is conveniently located a short 80 minute flight from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and has daily direct flights from other international destinations.

Whatever the size of the celebration, the team at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa is dedicated to creating an experience to remember for everyone involved. From spectacular romantic dinner for two to Andaman island hopping, Canoeing, Elephant trekking, Golfing, Spa, Shopping and Nightlife. According to Shafar Jamaludin, “Our philosophy here is to do beyond the guests’ expectation and make it memorable.” To reserve your once-in-a-lifetime exotic wedding, or for my details about the Wedding @ Hilton Phuket Package, please contact our Sales team directly at sales.phuket@hilton.com

The new Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket will open on April 2 and reservations are now being taken online at www.outrigger.com. This full-service luxury resort will be the first property to open in Outrigger Enterprises Group’s planned major expansion into Thailand and Asia.

Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket is located in the quiet Chalong Bay area of Phuket. The property consists of 78 luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments, most with spectacular Andaman Sea views.

The resort includes several exclusive penthouses, each with a rooftop terrace and sun deck. Some units have their own rooftop lap pool. Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket also includes absolute beachfront duplexes with private swimming pools.

“Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket will be the new benchmark for Outrigger in Asia,” said General Manager, Mr Pieter van der Hoeven. “We aim to match our superlative Phuket location and facilities with attentive and friendly personal service, a hallmark of Outrigger.”

Outrigger, which has its head office in Hawaii, operates, or has under development, 47 resort properties in Asia Pacific. The privately-held company has 2,500 staff worldwide and brings over 60 years of hospitality experience in Pacific beachfront resort locations to Asia for the first time.

“Outrigger has its own distinctive approach to hospitality,” said Mr Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger’s Senior Vice President, Asia. “We encourage a respect for local values at all our properties. Guests will feel the difference at Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket.”

Local understanding is matched with luxurious amenities. Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket offers a beachfront signature restaurant and bar with stunning views of Chalong Bay and the surrounding islands, a holistic wellness spa, fully equipped sports gym, large infinity swimming pool and wireless connectivity throughout the property.

Guests can also enjoy butler service; and because most units have a fully-appointed kitchen, the resort’s chef can prepare gourmet in-room private meals for guests. Private barbecues are also available.

The resort’s well being centre will feature Tai Chi, meditation, Reiki, pampering massage, facial treatments and beauty programs as well as a diverse range of holistic practitioners.

For sailing enthusiasts, Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket will have special interest. The resort will offer guests its own private 28-metre twin-mast sailing yacht, the Lady Anita, which will be available for dinner cruises and island excursions.

Other Serenity ‘toys’ available to guests include a fully-equipped speed boat, Hobie Cat catamarans, and kayaks. Chalong Bay on the southeast coast of Phuket is very sheltered and there are many islands to visit within a short distance. Private beach trips by speed boat, cooking classes, market visits, and fishing trips will also be organized by the resort’s activity desk.

“The opening of Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket marks the beginning of a new era for Outrigger,” said Mr Edmonstone. “Our heritage is from the Pacific, but Asia is much of our future. We invite guests to experience the unique proposition of Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket for themselves.”

Exciting New Adventure Travel Website Connects Travelers with Unusual and Responsible Destinations and Operators

Off the Radar (www.travelofftheradar.com), an adventure travel newsletter since 2005 announces the launch of its new adventure travel information website today. The online resource and monthly newsletter provide adventure enthusiasts with information about unusual, less-traveled destinations and many independent, owner-operated tour companies serving them. Every destination and tour operator mentioned in Off the Radar has been personally experienced by its team of writers and editors or recommended by a trusted associate who shares a similar passion for ”responsible” travel.

According to the National Leisure Travel Monitor, 66% of travelers used the Internet to plan a vacation in 2007, a significant increase from the year 2000, when only 35% conducted their travel research online.

“Many adventure travelers are looking further than what their travel agents or traditional package tours provide and also researching and plan their own trips online,” said Christina Heyniger, creator of Off the Radar. “Off the Radar provides a trusted source of information about authentic experiences about destinations off the beaten tourist path, information that may not be readily available elsewhere.”

For example, this month’s edition suggests horseback riding in Salta, Argentina, sea-kayaking in the Møre og Romsdal region of Norway, and canoeing through the limestone canyons of the Tsiribihina River in Madagascar.

Not only are unusual destinations and activities profiled, but Off the Radar also provides contact information for locally owned and operated tour companies delivering memorable experiences. Off the Radar maintains high editorial standards of unbiased reporting – companies do not pay to be featured and all recommendations are based on merit.

Beyond feature stories and reader-submitted adventure travel suggestions, Off the Radar provides news bulletins about industry trends and events relevant to the operators and destinations featured on the site. Readers can visit the Store to browse and purchase music and books recommended by the Off the Radar editorial team. Staff experts will respond to adventure travel questions posted to the “Ask” section. A Visual Blog of reader-submitted photos from around the world completes the website’s new features.

Please visit www.travelofftheradar.com to explore the website and its content and to subscribe to receive monthly newsletters. Freelance editorial submissions and general inquiries about Off the Radar may be directed to editor@travelofftheradar.com.

Advertising inquiries may be directed to info@travelofftheradar.com

Nicaragua’s Low Cost of Living

PALERMO HOTEL & RESORT
CONTACT: Sharon Vonk
505-672-0860 (Nicaragua)
205-304-9127 (US)
hotel@villasdepalermo.com
www.villasdepalermo.com

SAN JUAN del SUR, Nicaragua—The southern Pacific Coast has seen a growing flood of retirees fleeing the rising cost of living in the US. The current credit crunch has given many retirees a big incentive to travel to Nicaragua to learn more about life in the slow lane.

Two very different communities in San Juan del Sur are benefitting from an influx of new retirees. At Palermo Hotel & Resort, 50 fully-equipped, 2-bedroom villas are perfect for short or long-term stays. Homes are built to California standards of construction and retirees enjoy lush landscaping and poolside dining in a gated community. Both the villas and the pacific-rim restaurant are air-conditioned and have cable television with WiFi internet connection. The villas have all the facilities needed to setup a permanent or temporary office.

Six miles north in Balcones de Majagual, a much different community attracts retirees who build custom homes from native stone and hardwoods. Ocean breezes and waking to the sound of howler monkeys replace air-conditioners. Here snorkeling and surfing are steps away on the best beaches in C. America.

New residents search out the properties’ Marketing Manager, Sharon Vonk, for advice on financial planning to establish a foundation for their new lives where costs for daily maid service are less than $100 per month; however electric bills to pump water to a home may exceed $1,000 per month without effective controls to monitor costs. Retirees in San Juan del Sur require realistic guidance to build a successful budget for managing the costs of local employees, rental homes, solar hot water installations, electric power from wind turbines, organic gardens in the jungle and even raising chickens!

The town of San Juan del Sur offers beachfront dining, discos and shopping – a quick shuttle or water taxi ride from home. Nicaragua has many historical and natural treasures to explore. Granada, a larger and beautifully restored colonial town, is an hour away.

Rates for the 2-bedroom homes, which accommodate 4 adults or a family of 5, start at $149 per night in both Palermo Hotel & Resort and Balcones de Majagual. Discounts are available for longer stays and larger groups. Villas de Palermo is easily reached by TACA, Continental or American airlines to Managua followed by a 2-hour transfer by pre-arranged car or by rental car.