Jetsettersblog

VACATION LIKE A VIP FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY IN JULY

The uber-luxurious Cerulean Villa will host the hippest party in the Caribbean featuring a private beach barbecue for guests, oceanfront accommodations, world-class cuisine, personal staff and a host of activities-

BARNES BAY, ANGUILLA–- For the first time Cerulean Villa on the glamorous island of Anguilla will extend to discerning travelers a nightly rate ranging from $600 – $900 per room (seven-night stay required) July 11-18, 2009 and July 25- August 1, 2009.

The exclusive offer will be extended to just 14 guests and includes luxury oceanfront guestroom accommodations, use of the freshwater oceanfront pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, tropical gardens, meditation and massage garden all set on a magnificent white sand beach. Guests will also be invited to an all-out beach bash under the stars, one of the best parties in the Caribbean.

Known as the hideaway of celebrities and high-profile personalities, Cerulean Villa is one of the most exclusive villa resorts in the Caribbean and is booked up to one year in advance for stays of one week to one month. The average weekly rate is upwards of $50,000 per week during high season and $100,000 Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

This special offer does not include the meal plan which is available at a rate of $150 per person, per day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meal plan includes the beach party. The offer excludes taxes, service charges and gratuities.

Mid-Summer Rates from July 11-18, 2009 and July 25 – August 1, 2009 Range from $600-$900, per room, per night with a seven-night stay and include the following:

• Accommodations for two

• Use of fitness center, tennis courts and pool

• Complimentary manager’s cocktail reception

• Beach party dinner

*meal plan is available at a cost of $150 per person, per day and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, all beverages (both alcoholic and non) and beach party.

Situated on the spectacular white sand beach at Barnes Bay on the idyllic island of Anguilla, Cerulean is a 13,000 square-foot five star villa designed by award-winning architect Deborah Berke.

The lavish two-story white Mediterranean-style structure features domed roofs and dots the lush sun-drenched coast of Anguilla. Upon entering the property, the rich blue hues of the sparkling sea peek through the cut-out of the front entrance. Through the front doors lies a 3,000 square-foot stone pool terrace with a sleek 40 x 25 freshwater pool that reflects the ocean.

Indoor and outdoor living and dining space surrounds the pool terrace, each with views of the sea. The villa features a very airy, open design with clean lines, natural hues and comfortable furnishings. The indoor living room of the home resembles a Moorish palace with a high ceiling, stone floors, intricate Moroccan mosaics, oversized cushions and a soothing fountain. The intimate dining room can accommodate 14 guests.

The seven spacious bedrooms overlook the ocean and measures about 515 square feet, most feature private terraces. Design layout includes high celings, louvered French doors, stone tile floors and furniture created specifically for Cerulean and made by craftsmen in both Mexico and Morocco. Each bedroom features an en-suite oversized bathroom with imported marble, deck tubs and glass enclosed showers. Two of the bathrooms feature private outdoor garden showers.

Cerulean Villa is a nature lovers’ haven with tropical gardens throughout the property, a meditation courtyard tiled in cerulean blue surrounded by tropical flowers and lush vegetation.

Flowers from the garden are cut daily and placed within the guestrooms.

An additional garden is located within the home and includes a soothing waterfall. This garden enclave is used as a venue for tranquil massages or spa treatments.

In addition to luxurious guestrooms, public spaces and gourmet fare guests enjoy personalize service provided by guestroom attendants, executive and sous chef and guest service manager that will assist in planning activities. An array of activities that includes snorkeling, boating and fishing excursions, spa treatments, golf, horse back riding, as well as romantic beach dinners and tours can be arranged.

Offer available July 11 – July 18, 2009 and July 25 – August 1, 2009 and is based on double occupancy. Excluded are meals which can be purchased as a plan at a rate of $150 per person, per day. Beach barbecue party is included in the meal plan. Tax, gratuities and services charges are excluded. Offer cannot be extended past August 1, 2009 and requires a non-refundable deposit. Roundtrip ground transfer is not included.

For reservations contact Cerulean Villa at 718-522-5358 or management@cerulean-villa.com

Voted one of the ten best beach villas in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, Cerulean is one of the Caribbean’s most popular properties. This beautiful private home offers all the amenities of a five-star resort, including a staff of 14 catering to every whim and need. Praised by Vogue, Travel+Leisure and Playboy, this villa brings elegance effortlessly to any holiday or special event. Cerulean Villa is a member of Virtuoso and The Crown Collection; an exclusive selection of 32 luxury hotels, resorts, villas and sea cruises in the U.S., Caribbean and Europe.

The oldest steakhouse in NYC, Old Homestead recently invested in a 1.5 million dollar renovation, including the addition of the highly coveted Schnabel Room.

The Schnabel Room is named after American artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel, who is well-known for designing the interior of the esteemed Gramercy Park Hotel.

His black and white photography adorn the room, including photographs of the iconic landmark cow and the co-owners, brothers Marc and Greg Sherry.

Although the private dining space has a modern, updated feel, the room is juxtaposed with the establishment’s rich history, such as the words PRIME emblazed on the brick wall – the former exterior of the restaurant.

The Sherry brothers fortuitously discovered the sign during the renovations, allowing the Schanbel Room to serve as a sort of time capsule – the last vestige of the former Meatpacking District – with its curtainless windows exposing the raw city.

www.calista.com.tr

Calista Luxury Resort Hotel, which introduced ‘A’la Carte All Inclusive’ system to the World and has crowned its quality conception with distinguished certificates and projects, has brazed a trail once more

It became the first hotel in Turkey who became entitled to get GREEN STAR certification prepared within the scope of the environmental consciousness campaign initiated by the Ministry of Tourism after comprehensive works lasting 2 years.

Calista Luxury Resort which got awarded with 4 international certificates in many different fields such as quality, food, environmental and occupational safety in a single inspection in 2007, the year it was founded and which broke fresh ground in hotel management industry with the food analysis laboratory established within the structure of the hotel, is targeting to set an example and become a pioneer in its sector with Green Star Certificate.

In this two-stage inspection, the quality team consisting of engineers from different branches completed the first examination without any reserves by submitting nearly 350 documents, subsequently,

Calista Luxury Resort passed the two-day performance inspection carried out on the operation by special inspectors commissioned by the ministry and become the first hotel to complete this challenging examination.
The Seda Bayburtlu, Quality Manager of the hotel, stated that such projects can only be accomplished with a conscious management and professional team work and she added that they got a great strength from faith and endless support of Ali Kızıldağ, the General Manager of the hotel, being in the first place and all hotel employees.

On the February 28th, Saturday the five stars of the hotel were replaced by the new Green Stars in the award ceremony with the participation of Mr. Ertuğrul Günay, the minister of culture and Tourism. Calista Luxury Resort seems to make its mark on domestic and overseas lanes with its privileges in the future, as well.

If it’s romance you’re after, or a special honeymoon memory, then Sicily is a great place to come. thinkSicily, the villa specialist for Sicily has come up with five tried and tested romantic ideas to set your pulses racing! All in the name of l’amore Sicilian style!

Italians are famous for being passionate, romantic people, but nowhere is the “love of love” more evident than in Sicily. This makes it just the place for a romantic tryst, especially if you are staying in one of thinkSicily’s idyllic villas!

We’ve put together a list of the five most inspiring romantic things to do in Sicily to whet your appetite:

1. Sunset cruising

A private sunset cruise along Sicily’s beautiful coastline, or around the Egadi or Aeolian Islands. Crack open a bottle of chilled champagne or Passito di Pantelleria as you watch the sun melt into the western Mediterranean… Of course you will be free to take a dip on the way!

2. A volcanic sunrise

Make an early start to witness a spectacular sunrise from Mount Etna, an unforgettable, unique experience to be shared with someone special! thinkSicily will, of course, arrange for pick up and drop off at your villa and a little breakfast hamper to open at the top!

3. Come fly with me!

Take a helicopter flight over Mount Etna and continue out to the Aeolian Islands for a bird’s eye view of the smoking volcanic island of Stromboli. Stop off for a swim, lunch and a massage at Capofaro on Salina before whizzing back to your thinkSicily villa hideaway! Pure, unadulterated romance!

4. Dinner is served!

Let one of thinkSicily’s discreet cooks prepare that ultimate, romantic candle-lit dinner for you. Spend the day lounging by your villa’s pool, strolling through one of Sicily’s charming old town centres or lazing on the beach and come home to find an al fresco table laden with gastronomic delights, candles burning and a bottle of champagne on ice… We can even arrange for chirping Mediterranean crickets to serenade you!

5. A night at the opera

Nothing is more romantic than a full-blooded Italian opera, especially when seen from your own private box in one of Europe’s finest theatres!

No Sicilian opera experience is complete, however, without a post-performance supper, so let us recommend one of the island’s finest romantic restaurants!

thinkRomance….

thinkSicily!

Despite economic uncertainty Australians are continuing to travel and now, thanks to Sunsail, a raft of overseas destinations have just become even more affordable.

Sunsail Yacht Charters is offering generous discounts off yacht charter holidays in Thailand, Tahiti, Tonga and Croatia.

Backed up with some great last minute airfare bargains, overseas travel has never looked so good!

Sunsail, the world’s leading sailing holiday company, is offering the following for all new bookings made before April 30, 2009.

Koh Samui, Thailand – 20% off

Discover the tropical hideaway of Koh Samui and enjoy a 20% discount off the yacht charter price on all new monohull bookings departing between May 3 and June 27, 2009 (discount not available with any other offers).

Tahiti – 10% off

Take a Tahitian break and enjoy 10% off your yacht charter. Enjoy this real life version of paradise from only $72 per person per night (based on eight passengers sharing a Sunsail Lagoon 380 excluding yacht damage waiver, fuel and local taxes).

Tonga – 10% off

Explore one of Sunsail’s newest cruising grounds in the Pacific region and receive 10% off the yacht charter price.

Croatia (Pula) 10% off
Book now for any dates in 2009 for Sunsail’s new charter base in Pula, northern Croatia, and receive 10% off the cost of your yacht charter.

All of these offers can be used in conjunction with Sunsail’s special loyalty discount for previous customers.

Sunsail’s fleet of high-specification luxury yachts and catamarans cater for every kind of sailing experience and holiday, and yachts can be hired with or without a skipper.

Guests’ comfort is as important as the safety and performance of the yachts, which are built to Sunsail’s exacting standards in conjunction with the world’s top yacht designers.

For more information call 1800 803 988 or visit www.sunsail.com.au

Coral Princess Cruises’ newest brochure lassos some of the farthest-flung islands of one of its most remote and exotic cruise destinations: Melanesia. The 13 or 14-night expedition-style voyages aboard the luxurious small ship Oceanic Discoverer thread their way along the necklace of islands and nations between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

The sparkling collection of islands making up Melanesia still retains the romance and adventure of the fabled South Pacific. Life is lived at a slower pace, and traditions and customs remain intact. Village artisans create tribal artefacts in the slow, careful way their forebears taught them. Coffee workers sing as they walk in the flower-fragrant mornings to family plantations.

Following in the exploratory footsteps of history’s greatest adventurers, the voyage visits remote tribal villages of New Guinea and historic WWII sites of the Solomons, including Kennedy Island (where John F Kennedy swam ashore from a sinking patrol boat in WWII) and the Arnavon Islands, the Solomon Islands’ only marine reserve and home to the Hawksbill turtle.

Santa Ana is one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific, with a pellucid lagoon and pristine rainforest, where Oceanic Discoverer’s naturalist guides lead walks to spot exotic orchids, tropical plants and rare birds. Vanuatu’s highlights include sailing into the volcanic caldera of Ureparapara, where cruise ships rarely venture, and strolling along the exquisite Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santo.

Ambryn Island, with its towering active volcanos, is known as Black Island for its volcanic sands and ‘black magic’. It also has some of the best artefacts and carvings in Melanesia and, by special invitation from the local people, passengers will have the rare opportunity to witness a Rom Spirit dance. The penultimate stop is Tanna Island, where it’s possible to stand on the crater rim of an active volcano. The cruise ends in Port Vila.

Throughout the voyage, Oceanic Discoverer’s purpose-built excursion vessel, Xplorer, glass bottom coral viewer and fleet of inflatable Zodiacs allow passengers to intimately explore the reefs and remote islands. Excursions are guided by naturalists and experts who interpret the natural, cultural and historical highlights of the region.

Oceanic Discoverer is designed to provide all the comfort and facilities of larger cruise ships, yet is small enough to access remote and pristine sites inaccessible to other ships.

The 14-night Port Moresby to Noumea cruise starts at AUD$10 850 per person, twin share, in a Main Deck B stateroom and departs November 26, 2009 and November 25, 2010. The 13-night Noumea to Rabaul voyage, which costs from $10 500, departs March 8, 2010. Cruise costs include all excursions, port taxes and meals on board.

For further information and reservations contact 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au

ISLA MUJERES, Mexico – The launch of Privilege Aluxes Resort, Isla Mujeres, owned by Caribbean Privilege Hotels & Resorts, brings a new standard of luxury resort experience to Isla Mujeres. Offering 124 spacious guest rooms and suites, the new boutique hotel provides a tranquil and upscale romantic island experience reflected in its premium accommodations, chic and airy public spaces, elegant onsite spa, and array of upscale gourmet culinary offerings.

“Our goal in developing the new Privilege Aluxes Resort was to create an ultra-luxe romantic getaway complimented by world-class service and sophisticated dining options,” said Osmany Garcia, Director of Sales & Marketing, Caribbean Privilege Hotels & Resorts.

“The resort’s tranquil ambiance and breathtaking views provides an alluring destination for leisure travelers to relax and rejuvenate in a private, pristine setting surrounded by the beauty and charm of the Mexican Caribbean.”

A distinguishing element of the Privilege Aluxes Resort is its array of sophisticated culinary offerings. The resort features three onsite “haute cuisine” restaurants; Café del Mar, Sabor and Satay. Executive Chef Luis Gabriel Gonzáles Valderrama has created culinary selections that blend European, Asian and Mayan influences, resulting in an innovative fusion of flavors enhanced by artfully designed presentations. A few of the resort’s most tempting dishes include tuna au porto served on watercrest salad; marinated sea bass accompanied with rice on banana crisps; and duck magré in hibiscus raisins.

Additionally, savvy travelers will appreciate the resort’s unprecedented “24-hour-notice program,” an innovative plan designed to learn about guests’ particular vacation goals and personal preferences in advance, so upon arrival, their visit is completely organized to address, and even exceed, their individual needs and expectations. The program is developed to assist guests in every facet of their vacation, from dining reservations and hotel activities to room amenities and island excursions.

Situated on an expansive stretch of private white-sand beaches along the Island’s Playa Norte, Privilege Aluxes Resort features a full-service spa with a selection of massage and beauty treatments, two shimmering outdoor pools and a complete fitness center. Its six categories of accommodations include spacious standard and superior guest rooms, in addition to deluxe, premium, platinum and Presidential suites.

All of the guest rooms provide a range of deluxe amenities and stunning views; most offer Jacuzzi soaking tubs on a private balcony. The ultra-luxe Presidential Suites feature grand terraces with 180-degree ocean views and a private pool. Additionally, every guest room is equipped with modern features such as WiFi, LCD TV, personal computers and iPod capabilities. Relaxing aromatherapy offerings in each guest room contribute to the resort’s soothing ambiance.

A destination rich in history and culture, a visit to Privilege Aluxes Resort would not be complete without experiencing the exciting diversity of activities available on Isla Mujeres, including renowned scuba diving excursions, jungle tours, private fishing trips, and more. Guests may also shop in nearby quaint villages and in the evenings, enjoy native music, dancing and local Island fare.

The new resort is located just 40 minutes from Cancun International Airport-offering the best of both worlds-a peaceful romantic getaway that is also conveniently located nearby Cancun’s renowned shopping and nightlife attractions.

About Privilege Aluxes Resort, Isla Mujeres

For more information or to make reservations, please visit http://www.privilegehotels.com/index.asp  or call (866) 947-6002.

The Jaco area will offer more diversion and excitement than ever to visitors in 2009. Nearby Playa Hermosa will host the World Surf Games in August, but surf is only one facet of the vacation or retirement lifestyle in Costa Rica. Lucky visitors to the same beach might also see giant turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Jaco is the sportfishing capital of Costa Rica, with charters operated out of nearby Los Sueños Marina. Black, striped, and Pacific Blue marlin can be fished any month of the year. The sailfish and yellowfin are also spectacular.

Golfers have discovered that Costa Rica has fine courses, including the 18-hole, 72-par La Iguana in Herradurra, barely 10 minutes from the Wyndham Jaco Beach.

In Jaco, you can ride ATVs, learn to surf, jog on the beach at sunrise or take in the amazing sunset from horseback. If you wake up early, you can even jet-ski across the Gulf of Nicoya to Isla Tortuga.

Water sports include sailing, waterskiing, diving, and snorkeling. Nature hikes are popular, especially in the national park at Manuel Antonio, known for its photogenic monkeys.

For those who crave adrenalin, there are aerial “canopy tours” or zip-lining, where you ride along a very long, high cable above the trees.

In the town of Jaco Beach, the lifestyle is geared to its cosmopolitan blend of Europeans, Latin Americans and North Americans and the constant flow of visitors. The town has an eclectic mix of restaurants, and after dark, nightlife is plentiful – visitors can hit the casinos and nightclubs like Le Loft or Congas, a new upscale Cuban-owned setting that features live music and dancing.

Jaco has the largest variety of ways to have fun in Costa Rica. For couples, single vacationers, and extended families visiting this area will be entertaining, satisfying, and fun.

Playing golf in Iceland is an adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.

The country is famed for its midnight golf tournaments, including the well-known Arctic Open in Akureyri, June 25-27  www.arcticopen.is

 Sweeping mountains and majestic ocean views characterize Icelandic golf courses, which follow the contours of the naturally dramatic landscape, a popular trend in golf course design today.

A new Web site has been launched by Golf Iceland, in cooperation with the country’s golf courses and travel industry companies.

It contains information about all the golf courses in Iceland along with tour operators such as airlines, hotels, car rentals, coach operators, restaurants, sightseeing, and weather forecasts.

You can also find information on how to book tee times.

Many visitors add Iceland to their itinerary when traveling to or from Europe, especially with Icelandair packages that allow you to plan a stopover at no increase in airfare.

Iceland fore golf: now you have somewhere else to go with those funny green pants of yours.

(For more information: www.golficeland.org)

Luxury Travel Vietnam To Launch Day Trip to Halong Bay for Hanoi Based Luxury Travelers

Hanoi-based luxury travelers can now travel by sedan or helicopter to Halong Bay, in the Tonkin Golf, Vietnam.

HANOI, VIETNAM – Situated in the Tonkin Golf, Halong Bay is one of the world’s natural wonders – a bay with more than 3,000 islands, that time, wind and waves have sculpted into fantastic shapes.

The best way to appreciate this magical scene is from a boat, cruising between these karst cliffs, which loom like fairy-tale castles, complete with rocky spires and hidden caves.

The bay is dotted with tiny islands, pristine sandbanks on the turquoise water providing an excellent backdrop for swimming or simply being lazy on the junk boat deck.

Greeting at hotel in Hanoi at 7:30 am. Guests drive to Halong City , approximately 3 hours away.

Once at Halong City guests will board a private boat for a four-hour cruise of this stunning area, stopping along the way to visit one of the limestone caves in the area.

As guests cruise around the bay, boat staff will serve a sumptuous local seafood lunch on boat.

After 4 hour navigation guests sail back to harbor and drive back to hotel in Hanoi.

“It is really amazing floating around the spectacular landscape of Halong Bay. How wonderful it is”. Said Ha Pham, Co Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Company.

“Travelers can opt for staying overnight in Halong Bay on lof luxury junks and travel back to Hanoi by road if time permitted” added Tonny.

For day trip, Hanoi-based luxury travelers can travel by helicoper to cut travel time.

Guests can book online this tour at www.luxurytravelvietnam.com/EN/Vietnam_tours/Vietnamcruises/HalongBayCruiseDayTrip1day.htm

Luxury Travel is recognized internationally as reliable local tour operators and has been highly recommended by famous luxury travel magzine, travel guides: Luxury City Guides, Footprints, Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Petit Fute, AAA Guide Book USA and UK….

Luxury Travel Co., Ltd. (Vietnam) is a 100% fully registered and privately-owned Vietnamese company.
This Vietnam’s first luxury tour company and full travel service agency is experienced in providing special services and unique tourism products to luxury global travelers.

The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations.

Luxury Travel has won numerous travel awards. Luxury Travel is headquartered in Hanoi and has offices around Vietnam and management offices in all over South East Asia.

About Luxury Travel Vietnam

Luxury Travel Co., Ltd. (Vietnam) is a 100% fully registered and privately-owned Vietnamese company.

It was founded by luxury travel specialists since the 1990s when Vietnam had just opened its doors to worldwide tourism.

The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations.

Luxury Travel has won numerous travel awards.