Jetsettersblog

Explore London by Day and Put Your Feet Up At Night In Your Own London Apartment

For Immediate Release- If you want to feel less like a tourist and more like a true Londoner you must rent an apartment or a ‘flat’ the next time you visit this exciting city.

Why stay in a cramped hotel room when London short-term property specialist Home from Home offers one to three-bedroom apartments, and even houses, for about the same price, and in many cases costs less than a hotel stay. These apartments are completely furnished, with fully fitted kitchens, cozy beds and within walking distance to many of London’s top attractions.

Stanley Gardens apartment in fashionable Notting Hill in west London is a contemporary 2-bedroom, two-bathroom ‘flat’ within walking distance to Portobello Road antique market , and a 10-minute London underground ride to the center of tourist London. With two balconies, a fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen, there is no need to eat out every night, thus saving hundreds of dollars in the bargain. Take some time to chat with your ‘new’ neighbors. Londoners are friendly and love to hear people rave about their city. This apartment sleeps 4 and costs from just $ 2,805.00 for a 7-night stay or just $ 100 per person per night!

Here’s a look at what’s hot right now in London

Charles Darwin – London celebrates his 200th birthday

A new exhibition at the Natural History museum, chronicling the life and work of Darwin, including hundreds of original specimens collected on his travels. It’s also been 150 years since the publication of the Origin of Species. Tickets for the new exhibition, which runs through April, can be bought on the day and cost about $10 for adults and $7 for children.

Michael Jackson Celebration

Celebrate the feel good music of Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five at London’s Lyric Theatre in the West End. ‘Thriller Live’ is a celebration of Jackson’s music, from his days as a child star through to the release of Thriller. Ticket cost as little as $18 per person and can be bought on the day at Lyric Theatre.

Kew Gardens Celebrates 250 years

London has more parks than any other city in Europe. Kew Gardens in south-west London is celebrating its 250th anniversary. Its latest blooming extravaganza is a tribute to the Orchid, the largest display of its kind in the world. Tickets on the day and cost $19 per person.

To book your London apartment stay ring Home from Home

From USA & Canada Tel: 1 800 748 9783

http://www.homefromhome.co.uk

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii’s Big Island is slated to open Monettes, a high-end restaurant, in March. Prince Resorts Hawaii has selected brothers Mark and Scott Monette, owners of the Flagstaff House Restaurant in Boulder, Colo., to develop and operate a new restaurant, bar and café.

Monettes will serve American French cuisine with island influences in a fine-dining atmosphere. The restaurant will offer island cuisine as well as dishes from the Monettes’ Flagstaff House Restaurant in Boulder, such as the Colorado rack of lamb.

 The new Monettes will also offer a more casual dining experience within the restaurant and an adjacent outdoor terrace with the new Bar M Café. For more information, call 866-977-4589 or visit www.princeresortshawaii.com/mauna-kea-beach-hotel

HUKA LODGE UNVEILS EXCEPTIONAL NEW ACCOMMODATION

Within the beautifully manicured 17-acre grounds at Huka Lodge another wonderful new enhancement to this iconic New Zealand retreat has opened.

The Alan Pye Cottage, named after the charming Irishman who established Huka Lodge, opened to guests in early 2009. Designed by interior designers Virginia Fisher and Christian Anderson and Sumich Architects, the Alan Pye Cottage builds on and continues many of the themes established in the stunning Owner’s Cottage, which opened on the Huka Lodge grounds in 2005.

Privacy for guests staying in the Alan Pye Cottage is paramount and to this end the property has its own entrance and is gated. It is sited to take every advantage of the unrivaled Huka Lodge aspect of the deep turquoise green waters of the Waikato River.

The Alan Pye Cottage has been built to exacting standards using the finest heritage materials – cedar and various heart timbers, stone and brick.

It draws on design elements from the 1920s and 1930s and is a slightly eclectic yet very elegant retreat with a definite English Arts and Crafts influence pervading the interior and exterior design.

The Cottage boasts two large and stylishly appointed bedrooms, each with fireplaces, en suite bathrooms and generous dressing rooms. Both bedrooms are superbly decorated and offer a highly considered level of comfort.

A generous open plan living room features a large brick fireplace, decadently comfortable furniture and everything guests need to feel this is a true “home away from home.”

A well-equipped kitchen is set up for a personal chef – guests may choose to stay in or to wander over to the main Lodge and dine there. Guests of the Cottage have use of all Huka Lodge facilities and services.

A study is tucked away with desk, plasma flat screen television and sound system. This room also has its own complete bathroom should it be required to accommodate and accompanying party. A laundry is also available within the Cottage.

For outdoor pleasures, a heated infinity-style swimming pool and a separate private spa pool have been integrated into the outdoor landscape. There is also a fabulous stone outdoor pavilion within a courtyard garden.

The Alan Pye Cottage is certain to carry on the fine tradition of generous hospitality and elegant living established by Alan Pye and his wife at Huka Lodge so long ago. A legacy that drives Huka Lodge to this day to continue to find more ways to define the experience for its guests and to make it extraordinary.

With the recent strength in the U.S. dollar it has never been a better time for the U.S. traveler to visit New Zealand. The NZ dollar has weakened by almost 35% in the last 6 months and is currently almost NZ $2.00 for US $1.00.

Depending on the season, nightly rates for the Alan Pye Cottage range from NZD $3,060 to $7,640 for two guests to NZD $4,595 to $8,075 for four guests. Rate includes pre-dinner drinks, a five-course dinner and full country breakfast. Taxes not included.

For additional information on the Alan Pye Cottage or Huka Lodge, please visit http://www.thehukaretreats.com or call + 64 7 378 5791

Set on a 160 acre estate in the South West, Stonebarn is an exclusive boutique accommodation experience. Surrounded by lush forest, trufferie and rivers, guests can enjoy the natural landscape and exquisite food from one of six large, luxuriously appointed guest suites.

Facilities include a kitchenette and private balcony overlooking the Warren River in each suite as well as a restaurant and well-stocked wine cellar.

Prices start from AUD 250 (£115) a night (minimum two night stay). www.stonebarn.com.au

complete with chef and masseuse

True North Ashore has launched a beautiful luxury private residence in Margaret River for those that want to indulge in some first-class pampering. The stone and timber villa is nestled amongst Jarrah and Peppermint trees, overlooking stunning beaches and comes with an on-call private chef and an on-call massage therapist, as well as an outdoor spa featuring a Kimberley waterfall and cedar-lined sauna.

Located near the hilltop of Eagle Bay, right in the heart of the renowned Margaret River Wine region, it makes the perfect luxury hideaway.

Prices start from AUD 3600 (£1,640) for three nights (minimum booking) for the entire house which sleeps 8 (2 master bedrooms and 2 twins). www.truenorthashore.com.au

Costa Rica Nature Adventures
CONTACT: Luz Cáceres
TEL: 506-224-0505 OR 506-225-3939
Toll free from US 1-800-963-1195
luz@crna.co.cr
www.costaricanatureadventures.com
www.pacuarelodge.com

COSTA RICA—The Costa Rica government recently awarded the highest rating for river watersheds, the Ecological Blue Flag, to the Pacuare River area.

The process to get the recognition was spearheaded by the common owners of the Pacuare Lodge and Aventuras Naturales.

The Pacuare has long been considered one of the world’s top white-water rivers for rafting and kayaking. The Blue Flag rating confirms that it is also sound environmentally.

The Costa Rica government started this program in 1996 to spur cleanup of the country’s beaches. The lodge’s owners formed the required committee, completed the application for recognition and worked with local communities to involve them in the river’s protection.

Government officials then inspect the water quality, trash cleanup, waste management, security, signage and environmental education.

After a period of a year, the award was announced. The official ceremony will take place in March with the participation of President Oscar Arias.

The company has always operated to ensure that the lodge has no negative impact on the river and works with local farmers and guests to plant trees in the watershed. Consistent with their belief that responsible tourism should benefit and respect local communities, the Community Support Program works directly with people and institutions in the Pacuare area by providing economic assistance, improving and maintaining roads, and by coordinating the donation of economic resources and equipment.

Costa Rica Nature Adventures also donates a percentage of each Internet reservation directly to the three primary schools located along the Pacuare River.

From the beginning,

Costa Rica Nature Adventures has continually strived to form relationships with companies that respect the environment.

This is reflected in their choice of hotels and lodges, the people they hire, and the equipment they use.

Life as a Cowboy:

Laramie, Wyo.–Any time is a good time for a vacation at the historic Vee Bar Guest Ranch, and visitors can select from a menu of adventures and activities to help them “get away from it all” and enjoy the great outdoors. Summer guests can experience a diverse horseback riding program, including half-day rides, all-day rides, cattle drives, and an overnight camping trip.

Their week-long stay involves not only riding, but also river tubing, fishing, skeet shooting, hiking, and country swing dancing. History and stories are also shared informally by the staff and family, creating a fun and unique experience.

All of this is enhanced by the accommodation, which is rife with western heritage.

The cabins and lodge offer antique furnishings from the Vee Bar’s rich and colorful past that at various points in time included being a cattle, horse, sheep, and buffalo operation, a stagecoach stop, a post office, a freight line to local mines, and a government training school for boys from low-income families.

This place is a sure bet for those who want to experience a sampling of the Old West.

www.veebar.com

SOUTHERN EXPLORATIONS
CONTACT: Justin Laycob
TEL: 206-784-3111
justin@southernexplorations.com
http://www.southernexplorations.com

SEATTLE, Wash. –Recognized as a leader in travel to Central and South America, Southern Explorations was recently named one of the Best Outfitters on Earth by the Editors of National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine.

In the 2009 issue of “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”, Southern Explorations was rated among the best outfitters providing exceptional service and adventures.

What makes Southern Explorations unique as a leader in adventure travel to Central and South America? Being a leader means constantly striving to think of innovative ways to make adventure travel more fun, eye opening, safe and satisfying.

The travel planners at Southern Explorations are experts at coordinating high quality eco-travel adventures. They are renowned for their expertise and creativity in planning unique itineraries and involvement in local communities.

 In addition, customized private tours and pre-set departures are available to a wide range of destinations.

For the most part, Southern Explorations customers are active independent vacationers, unaccustomed to the “guided tour”; seeking not just adventure from travel but a new world view. Therefore, the travel coordinators at Southern Explorations strive to provide as authentic an experience as possible with an in-country guided trip rather than sending an American tour guide.

The groups are kept small and itineraries are assembled from an eclectic mix of places and activities, some on, but many off, the beaten tourist path. Because the company is small, the utmost in personal attention is made to ensure that each trip precisely suits the needs and interests of each customer.

Southern Explorations’ trips are designed for a range of fitness levels and interests from very active itineraries with hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and whitewater rafting to more leisurely sightseeing that are lodge-based with optional excursions.

 Please visit Southern Explorations on the web: www.southernexplorations.com  or call 877.540.6703 for more information about rates and trip options.

Luxuries of a Five Star Hotel

GREAT RIVER JOURNEY INC.
CONTACT: George Asquith
TEL: 867-456-2421 ext. 6
info@greatriverjourney.com
www.greatriverjourney.com

WHITEHORSE, Yukon—Finally, a river expedition that doesn’t involve sleeping on the ground or paddling your own canoe. Great River Journey is the only northern river trip where you can travel 600 kms (370 miles) through remote wilderness while enjoying elegant dining, a hot bath and comfy beds.

This lodge to lodge river safari on the historic Yukon River in Northern Canada offers unique access to the backcountry and this summer’s guests will be among the first to experience it.

“There is no other tourism product that offers the combination of historic journey, wilderness adventure, river safari, luxury accommodation, small groups, skilled interpretive guides and aboriginal hosts,” says George Asquith, President of Great River Journey.

The 8-day journey begins in Whitehorse, capital of the Yukon Territory, Alaska’s closest neighbor.

Here guests leave behind pavement to board a comfortable 10 passenger dome-topped river boat.

 The Yukon River carries them deeper into the wilderness and farther back in time, following the route of the famous Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 all the way to Dawson City.

Great River Journey travels through the traditional lands of its four First Nation partners who offer guests an authentic glimpse into their lives and stories. Frequent stops allow for hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shore picnics and exploration of historic and cultural sites.

Adding to the northern flavor is the unique style of the three lodges. Each one is designed to reflect the historical significance of their locations – a steamboat stop of the 1920’s, a turn of the century homestead and an 1800’s fur-trading post.

Though rustic in appearance, the lodges and private guest cabins offer first-class comfort, complete with ensuite bathrooms, elegant dining, wood-fired hot-tub and cozy fireplace.

Fine cuisine featuring local ingredients and traditional foods is served throughout the journey.

The small group size (10 person maximum), skilled guides and variety of attractions means that tours can be customized to meet a variety of interests and activity levels – from nature photography to mountain biking.

The owners and staff are excited and busy refining the wine list and fluffing the duvets for their 2009 guests. Tours depart five days a week, June through September

South Africa’s newest dive attractions – two artificial reefs – have been established near Cape Vidal in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This places South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in the company of Australia’s Woongarra Marine National Park which boasts the Cochrane Artificial Reef.

Says Andrew Zaloumis Park CEO, “The iSimangaliso Authority seized the opportunity to turn what was a disaster into a tourism and marine research possibility for South Africa’s first World Heritage Site.The two rugby-field-size dumb barges, named DAR1 and DAR2, scuttled late last year just south of Cape Vidal are already attracting plentiful marine life in their new role as artificial reefs.”

The barges were wrecked on the beach 7km north of Cape Vidal – one of the most popular holiday hotspots in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – on October 21 after their tow lines snapped.

The Park was facing a disaster. The barges were marooned on a rocky beach in the Tewate wilderness, not accessible by road, and within the Marine Protected Area (MPA). Apart from environmental damage, like risk to turtle nesting sites and possible damage to King Oscar Reef, they threatened the Park’s rarest World Heritage values, it’s ‘sense of place’.

The beached barges were declared ‘constructive total losses’ by the owners. The owner’s insurance cover was only sufficient to cover salvage costs if their removal by refloating and towing was completed quickly and efficiently.

The available insurance would certainly not have covered an expensive and environmentally damaging wreck removal should they have broken up on the beach from the buffeting tides and wave action.

The Abu Dhabi-based owners and their Canadian agents showed signs of abrogating their responsibilities as it became imperative and urgent to remove the barges out of the MPA. First there was consultation with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, iSimangaliso’s conservation managers, and other parties.

The owner’s agents then confirmed appointment of a salvage team with SAMSA, the SA Maritime Safety Authority.

Independent environmental assessments were undertaken resulting in a technical report involving 13 specialists. These included an assessment of requirements for scuttling vessels and best practice review for establishment of artificial reefs according to the recent July 2008 London Convention and Protocol/UNEP guidelines to which SA is a signatory.

SAMSA then directed a salvage company to remove DAR 1 and DAR 2 and scuttle them at approved sites under the Wrecks and Salvage Act. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) authorised removal and scuttling of DAR 2 at the approved site on November 5 and for DAR 1 on November 21.

The bathometric sea floor survey identified a site about 2kms south of Cape Vidal and less than 2kms out to sea. This is outside the MPA, in an area zoned for open use. There are no natural reefs within 500m.

Before scuttling the barges, strict environmental conditions and pollution prevention measures were set. Pollutants were removed and objects like hatch doors were taken out to minimise flotsam.

Everything was done with written approval from DEAT, SAMSA and the iSimangaliso Authority, applying national legislation including the World Heritage Convention Act – and international conventions. Monitoring and strict control of this artificial reef site will be done from Cape Vidal.

DAR 1, which is 15m high, lies at 24m, ideal for first-level divers, while DAR 2 is at 36m. The Park’s 220km coastline has hard coral reefs from Kosi Bay to Leven Point, 16kms north of Cape Vidal. In the south are rocky shores and flat rocky reefs. As diving is one of the fastest growing sports, a need has arisen for alternative sites to Sodwana Bay and other sensitive dive areas in the northern section of the MPA.

The potential disaster of the barges has been turned into a unique opportunity, not only for dive tourism but for environmental, educational and research benefits. ”

Cape Vidal is the Park’s flagship tourism destination but until now has had no dive opportunities, with seasonal dips in visitors. There have been repeated requests from tourism product owners and visitors for a dive experience accessible from there. Except for good all-year visibility and ease of access, these reefs will be similar to those created by the Produce and Nebo wrecks near Aliwal Shoal off Umkomaas, and the T-barge sunk by ORI (Oceanographic Research Institute) off Umhlanga.

As the wrecks fall within iSimangaliso, legal mechanisms including a Park Area Notice are in place to ensure compliance. Fishing or spear-fishing are not allowed on or in the vicinity of the wrecks. The reefs are within sight of a controlled launch site and full-time Park compliance staff. A research and monitoring programme has also been tendered.

Head of research at the Natal Sharks Board, Geremy Cliff said the new reefs should have a beneficial role in reducing diver pressure on the Sodwana reefs: “But artificial reefs are known to be fish-attracting devices so they will need to be very closely monitored to ensure anglers and spear fishermen don’t target them”.

Kerry Sink, manager of the marine programme for the SA National Biodiversity Institute, shares this concern, “however if these relieve pressure on the natural reefs at Sodwana and diversify the dive experience at Vidal, then they have a role”, she said.

Advanced diver and underwater photographer Dennis King was one of the first to dive DAR 2: “After just three weeks the whole deck is covered with algae and I counted at least 17 species of fish and shoals of goldies,” he said. “With the barges 600m apart and close to Vidal this is going to be an exciting new place for divers of all qualifications.”

For more information contact:

ROLAND VORWERK – Marketing and Brand Manager
iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority
(formerly known as Greater St Lucia Wetland Park Authority)
Tel: +27 35 590 1633
Email: roland@iSimangaliso.com
Website: www.iSimangaliso.com