Jetsettersblog

With his practice continuing to thrive internationally, Chicago area golf course architect Rick Jacobson has completed the design on his firm’s fourth new layout on the Chinese mainland.

The Chengdu Wolong Valley International Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course located at the focal point of a thriving mixed-use residential, commercial, hotel, and retail development in the city of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province situated in southwestern China.

“We are very excited to complete the design on a new 18-hole golf course located in the midst of an incredible city that is both a large regional population center as well as a major hub for international business,” Jacobson said. “The Chinese view golf as a tremendous asset for businesses, families, and friends to build strong relationships in a recreational setting.”

Known as the world’s only breeding and research center for China’s famed giant pandas, Chengdu boasts a 12-month golf season thanks to its mild winters and temperate summer climate. The course is adjacent to a special economic development zone that is the home of numerous international high tech companies and is just 20 minutes from the busiest international airport in southwestern China.

Jacobson said his design has a “Pine Valley theme,” which takes advantage of the site’s gently rolling topography. The concept features large sand waste areas with scrub pines, junipers, and fescue grasses reminiscent of George Arthur Crump’s original New Jersey masterpiece.

“It will have a naturalistic look, not a manicured look,” Jacobson said.

The naturalistic design concept will reduce the need for irrigation and chemical application requirements on turf grass, resulting in an environmentally responsible golf operation, Jacobson said.

The course will be tournament-ready, measuring just under 7,200 yards from the back tees. But, as is the case with all Jacobson designs, the course will be playable for hotel guests and higher handicappers, with the forward tees playing approximately 5,100 yards.

Seven interconnected lakes are strategically located to create a number of distinctive water holes, including No. 2, which features a major waterfall; No. 9, a risk-reward par 5 that requires a shot over water to reach the green in two, and No. 18, where the approach shot to the green must negotiate a water hazard.

The facility will have a large practice area for full-swing, short game, putting, and private instruction. The practice range will feature both natural turf grass and artificial teeing areas with target greens guarded by bunkers that emulate conditions found on the golf course, Jacobson noted. The course is expected to feature a Tuscan-style clubhouse that will provide golfers with dramatic panoramic views across a lake to several golf holes.

In May 2008, Chengdu was 48 miles from the epicenter of an 8.0 magnitude earthquake that killed 80,000 people in the Sichuan Province – including 4,000 in Chengdu – and injured 26,000 more. The golf course project is moving forward as part of the area’s recovery from the tragedy.

Jacobson currently has three other courses under construction in China:

• The 36-hole Lion’s Lake Resort golf course located in a resort community setting near Guangzhou;

• An 18-hole resort course called Chaozhou (JOW-ZO) Golf Club located about an hour by air from Hong Kong.

• The Si Hui (SEE-WAY) Golf Club, a 27-hole “destination” course located in the Guangdong province near the city of Guangzhou (pop. 11 million), better known to the western world as Canton. Guangdong province is the home of Mission Hills, the world’s largest golf resort, just a half-hour by air from Hong Kong.

Jacobson’s other international designs include an 18-hole seaside resort course at the Jewel of the Sea in the province of Calabria in Southern Italy. Jacobson also designed World Country Club in Osaka, Japan, an 18-hole private course.

Jacobson is known nationally for such heralded18-hole designs as Augustine GC in Stafford, Va., Bull Run CC in Haymarket, Va., Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View, Del., and The Club at Strawberry Creek in Kenosha, Wis.

Jacobson collaborated with Jack Nicklaus on Bayside Resort and Golf Club in Fenwick Island, Del., named among the top new courses for 2006 by both Golf Digest and Golfweek magazines. Jacobson worked with Nicklaus on many of his high-profile projects before starting his own firm in 1991.

Jacobson also is widely known for his renovations of several highly regarded classic courses, including Pete Dye’s Des Moines CC, site of the 1999 U.S. Senior Open; Oak Park CC and Bob O’Link GC, both Chicago area Donald Ross courses; North Shore CC in Glenview, Ill., an H.S. Colt/C.H. Alison course; Glen Oak CC in Glen Ellyn, Ill., a Tom Bendelow course, and Sunset Ridge CC in Northfield, Ill.

Mysterious Vanished Culture is Focus of Southwest Ed-Ventures “”

Southwest Ed-Ventures
CONTACT: Janet Ross
TEL: 800-525-4456
E-MAIL: jross@fourcornersschool.org
WEB: www.sw-adventures.org

MONTICELLO, Utah—For travelers with a bent towards history or for anyone who enjoys a good mystery, Southwest Ed-Ventures offers the ultimate experience.

Small groups led by insightful guides with a focus on hands-on learning; these are the hallmarks of each Southwest Ed-Venture.

The May 18-23 Chaco Canyon trip is no exception and one of the most compelling trips offered.

“Exploring the Archaeology of Chaco Canyon,” departs from Farmington, New Mexico. The six- day trip explores a once prosperous culture that vanished several centuries ago.

What remains of the once flourishing trade center is found within the 34,000 acres known today as Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The Anasazi people once inhabiting the valley in Northwest New Mexico farmed the lowlands, built multistory stone and mud buildings, and traded as far south as Mexico.

But 700 years ago the 5,000 inhabitants vanished, an apparent demise of a community and culture that continues to baffle researchers. What is clear and makes the disappearance even more puzzling is the substantiation that Chaco Canyon was a thriving community at the time it disappeared.

What the industrious Anasazi left behind is the focus of this Southwest Ed-venture trip.

The itinerary calls for moderate hiking, one route ending at the canyon rim where the horizon seems endless, making it easy to understand how the Hopi place name for Chaco Canyon is Yupkoyvi, “the place beyond the horizon.” Participants are filled with wonder exploring the ruins of public and ceremonial buildings, examining engineering techniques considered advanced for the time, and witnessing artistic clues about the Anasazi in the form of drawings left for eternity within rocky outcrops.

Even the canyon’s night sky and how it was likely an integral piece of this culture is the topic of an *archaeoastronomy program given by the park service.

This trip, in partnership with Elderhostel is for the active outdoor person with hikes ranging from 1 to 6.5 miles round trip.

Lodging is primitive camping in the park with flush toilets and plenty of potable water. The deadline to reserve is approaching quickly.

Check out the rich itinerary of “Exploring the Archaeology of Chaco Canyon,” to learn more about travel to an ancient urban center still amazing and inspiring visitors a thousand years later.

*a field of study examining of how people from past cultures viewed and understood the stars and planets.

The all-inclusive rate for this trip is $869.00. It covers all meals, transportation from/to Farmington, New Mexico airport, expert staff and guides, group equipment, and park fees. Airfare, personal items, alcohol, and sodas not included. Single Supplement is $60 for 1 night at motel in Farmington and tent rental. (Tents, sleeping bags and pads are available for rent.).

Southwest Ed-Ventures is the earned income program of Four Corners School of Outdoor Education (FCS) and helps fund its conservation education activities. It is this non-profit’s purpose to create lifelong learning experiences on the Colorado Plateau (consisting of Southern Utah, Southwest Colorado, Northwest New Mexico, and Northern Arizona) through education, service, conservation, and adventure programs.

The vision of FCS is to build a diverse community of people committed to conserving the natural and cultural treasures of this bioregion.

To learn more about Southwest Ed-Ventures visit them on the web at www.sw-adventures.org

The Londa is the contemporary boutique hotel with a beach front setting in Limassol that has become popular both with holiday-makers who are attracted to high chic along with sunshine, and business guests who like the close proximity to the city’s thriving commercial district.

To compliment the calm efficiency and warm welcome of this award-winning* hotel the Londa is announcing enhanced spa facilities and treatments for guests from March 2009.

Mona Pashia joined the Londa Spa last year as spa manager, and she has already implemented changes to reflect her aim of combining natural elements with the latest technology, delivering quality therapies by highly trained professional staff. She explains, “A high proportion of the Londa’s guests are professionals who are here in Cyprus on business and we also attract guests who have high energy lifestyles back at home. Quite often they rarely get the opportunity to relax so we aim to offer unparalleled peace and serenity here in the Londa Spa, as well as visible results from our treatments”.

“It’s quite simple”, she says,

“We want to make every client feel like a prince or princess while they are here. Everyone needs a little special attention. Our new couple’s facility where treatments can be enjoyed together is particularly popular.”

And it works. Since Mona introduced selected treatments such as Peace of the senses, (a soothing massage with orange and marjoram essential oils to combat stress €80 / 55 min) and others like Orient essences ceremony (based on the use of essential oils, exotic elements and warmed spices for relaxation, detoxification and to awaken the senses €100 / 1h15 min), bookings have trebled.

The interior design of the Londa is a contemporary classic. The highly unique style created by a design team from Milan shows influences from the heritage of the island and from the Mediterranean including Cypriot lace, antique filigree silver and wood. White marble on the ground floor accentuates the view out to the sea through a wall of glass which the Londa is famous for. Furnishings follow neutral shades and clean lines, while bedrooms are given vibrant accents of colour and texture.

With just 68 rooms and suites spread across seven floors, the atmosphere at the Londa is intimate and welcoming. All rooms have five star facilities including Nespresso coffee machines, luxury Molton Brown cosmetics, high speed internet access, wi-fi, and cordless phone.

www.londahotel.com

Where else can travelers find more diversity than Panama? A combination of dense rainforests, winding emerald-green rivers, pristine island beaches, and endless miles of coral reef, the region ceases to amaze curious travelers.

For that reason, Wild Planet Adventures’ Panama Ultimate Wildlife Eco-Tour (in 14- or 9-Day tour options), makes an ideal escape for wildlife and nature lovers.

On a Wild Planet tour, adventurers can expect to bear witness to some 9,000 species of birds,1,500 species of trees, and 7,000 vascular plant forms.

And with over 1,500 tropical islands, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore uncharted territory and untamed land, a rarity that few ever experience. For more information on Wild Planet Adventures’ “Ultimate Wildlife Tour” in Thailand (or to receive information on other offered tours, including Costa Rica, Thailand, Belize, Peru, and Galapagos), please visit www.wildplanetadventures.com

Montserrat Volcano Observatory launches ‘Living with our Volcano’ programme

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) has unveiled its new logo and public education plan for the next two years. The ‘Living with our Volcano’ programme will promote both safety and education.

The MVO Outreach Plan 2008-2010 marks the first time that the Observatory will deliver a comprehensive strategy for providing information on the Soufrière Hills Volcano. The programme will include an updated MVO website and the development of an educator’s guide for schools and MVO information kiosks.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory was established in 1995 to monitor the Soufrière Hills Volcano and provide authorities with impartial advice on volcanic activity and associated hazards.

For more information about the Montserrat Volcano Observatory visit www.Mvo.ms

The Soufrière Hills Volcano in southern Montserrat destroyed the capital, Plymouth, in 1997 and led to the evacuation of the southern half of the island. Since the late 1990s, the Government of Montserrat and its people have been rebuilding their lives in the northern part of the island.

The proposed development of a new capital town at Little Bay is a key part of this process and will be an important focus for stimulating private sector-led economic development.

The first phase of the Little Bay Development Project (LBDP) will provide basic infrastructure investment to develop this new urban centre for Montserrat.

The LBDP Master Plan includes a water front development with yacht marina, Potato Hill hotel and condos, a boulevard with mixed-use area, a Government of Montserrat area, heritage cluster and a cultural cluster.

The total cost to transform Little Bay into a unique destination could be estimated in the region of EC$300 million (approx. £81.2 million) with private and public sector investments significantly contributing to the development.

For more information visit the Montserrat Development Corporation’s website www.mdc.ms

Thompson Hotels, in collaboration with Tribeca Partners, announces the opening of Smyth, its fifth Urban Resort in Manhattan.

Custom-tailored to its TriBeCa location, Smyth offers 100 guestrooms in a newly constructed building on West Broadway and Chambers Street.

Renowned architects BBG designed Smyth, incorporating massive windows with vertical accents of dark grey mullions to offer panoramic views of the five-street junction below. Design duo Yabu Pushelberg were handpicked by Jason Pomeranc to design the expansive lobby. Art by John Sparagana adorns each guest room, adding an essence of individuality through his collections of magazine pages hand worked into unique, deconstructed objects. Paintings by self-taught Argentinean artist Santiago Rubino are featured in the lobby’s interior, evoking ancient karmic beliefs in conjunction with modern street art.

Pomeranc has brought in Restaurateur Frederick Lesort to open the Lobby Bar. Lesort’s concept for Smyth’s 24-hour room service menu is based upon a French style brasserie.

In the spring of 2009, Lesort will open Jour et Nuit Restaurant & Lounge, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, with an espresso bar offering artisanal sandwiches and pastries during the day and cured meats with alcoholic beverages at night.

The bi-level space, designed by the AvroKO group, will provide an authentic French experience.

The lower level Cellar Cocktail Lounge will offer a luxurious hideaway for guests and locals to imbibe on unique cocktails.

Guestrooms are presented in a vintage wine tone, with rich walnut paneling, chrome accented furniture and hallways textured with maroon ostrich embossed leather walls.

Marble bathrooms are complete with Hans Grohe rain showerheads and fixtures.

Signature suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces with resonating views. Each room provides robes by Frette, spa products by Kiehl’s and linens by Sferra.

In-room pantries feature Dean & Deluca snacks and Kiki de Montparnasse accessories. Staff uniforms were designed by Helmut Lang, and are minimalist and almost androgynous style. Smyth is located at 85 West Broadway in the heart of TriBeCa.

Hotel rates range from $275 for a standard room, $575 for a king suite, and $3,500 for the penthouse.

For reservations or more information, call 212-587-7000 or visit www.thompsonhotels.com

Located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, The Four Diamond, Lenox Hotel introduces an entire “Heaven on 11” Pure floor.

The Lenox is setting a new standard with 23 new Pure rooms which create an allergy-friendly environment and remove up to 98 percent of bacteria and viruses.

The Pure floor includes all room types and several of the Pure guest rooms have beautiful views of Back Bay and the Charles River. Hotel guests, especially those who suffer from allergies and asthma, can now enjoy the cleanest, freshest air in their rooms and get a more restful sleep during their stay.

As the flagship of The Saunders Hotel Group, The Lenox strives to set an example with more than 90 environmental initiatives.

The Pure concept utilizes special purification techniques whereby each room is treated comprehensively to remove allergens and irritants from all surfaces, fabrics and air flow.

The cutting-edge and rigorous conversion process designed by Pure Solutions ensures that air handling units are deeply cleaned and sanitized then equipped with the company’s specially made Tea Tree Oil Cartridge.

Pure Tea Tree Oil is an all-natural antiseptic and disinfectant that maintains the sanitary conditions created during the initial conversion process. Soft surfaces are cleansed and sanitized with Pure Clean to eliminate irritants and contaminants that can trigger allergies and cause discomfort.

The room next undergoes a one-time ozone shock treatment to kill any remaining living organisms and their associated irritants. A bacteriostatic barrier called Pure Shield is then applied to all surfaces to prevent the growth of bacteria.

To maintain these conditions in the room, an air purification system is installed, creating air quality that averages four times cleaner than the threshold necessary for asthma patients.

This system is registered by the FDA as a Class II medical device. Special micro-fiber, hypo-allergenic pillow cases and mattress covers are used to reduce allergies triggered by dust mites.

For more information or bookings, visit www.lenoxhotel.com

Great Wolf Lodge-Concord, the newest property in the Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. portfolio, is ready to open its doors of its 475,000-square-foot, northwoods-themed family indoor water resort, with four pools in a massive, four-story tall waterpark.

The Concord resort is over $100 million of geysers, huge dump buckets, slides, suspension bridges and every configuration of waterpark fun imaginable fill the 80,000-square-foot indoor waterpark.

The waterpark landscape includes toddler-friendly areas, the Howlin’ Tornado funnel tube ride and side-by-side racing slides. When guests of the resort are ready to dry off, there are plenty of “dry land” activities to keep the family busy. The Howl-In-One themed 18-hole miniature golf course; an arcade with more than 100 video games; a children’s activity center called Cub Club which includes programming developed by National Geographic Kids; a resort-wide, live-action fantasy adventure game called MagiQuest that leads players through themed challenges; gr8_space, a teen tech center with computers, karaoke and movies; and Scooops®Kid Spa designed for the under-12 crowd.

The resort has over 400 guest suites in nine different family-friendly configurations.

When the weather really warms up, the outdoor pool will be another hot spot. There’s also a full-service spa featuring Aveda products. Great Wolf Lodge features two themed, on-property restaurants — a family restaurant and bar with sweeping views of the waterpark, and an action-style buffet, featuring a “Kids Only” food station.

Guests on the move can also choose from Pizza Hut Express, a Dunkin’ Donuts featuring gourmet coffee and “Just Baked” pastries, a confectionary café for other sweet treats, and a snack shop located right inside the waterpark.

For more information, call 866-925-WOLF or visit www.greatwolf.com

On Sept. 1, The Peninsula Hotels will unveil a new 235-room hotel in Shanghai, the ninth hotel in the group. A 10-year, $361 million project, The Peninsula Shanghai will mark the return of Asia’s oldest hotel company, Peninsula parent Hongkong Shanghai Hotels, to its roots. HSH was forced to suspend operations at its four Shanghai hotels when the Communist Party assumed power in 1949. Located on the newly redeveloped Bund near the shopping mecca Nanjing Road, the hotel will have views of the Bund, Huangpu River, and the former British Consulate Gardens.

Designed by renowned architect David Beer and acclaimed interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the hotel will be a modern interpretation of the Shanghai’s Art Deco aesthetic.

Guestrooms and suites will be among the largest in the city at 600 square feet and will feature a suite-like privacy door separating the bedroom from the spacious dressing room and bathroom. Four signature suites will offer fireplaces and some of the best views of the city from private terraces and balconies. The Palace Suite will have the largest private terrace of any hotel in the city, an 11,000-square-foot wrap-around outdoor area.

The Peninsula Shanghai’s guestrooms and suites will feature a lacquer desk equipped with high-speed Internet access, international Internet radio, weather panel, iPod docking station and complimentary four-in-one fax/printer/scanner/copier machine. A spa button beside the bathtub dims the lights, activates the “Do Not Disturb” phone and doorbell function and switches on soothing music while the guest relaxes in the tub. Complimentary long-distance telephone service is available through the VolP Entertainment center with enhanced international television programming, CD/DVD player with 5.1 sound bar providing a better-than-home-theater experience as well as a bedside panel with remote control capabilities to adjust the room environment.

Five eclectic restaurants and bars will offer a variety of cuisines and venues, from contemporary international dining with views at the rooftop restaurant, to the Chinese restaurant, modeled after the residence of a 1930s Shanghainese nobleman. The hotel will also feature a two-story lobby, the signature location for the Peninsula Afternoon Tea, and The Peninsula Hotels’ third Salon de Ning lounge.

Other amenities include The Peninsula Spa by ESPA and a two-story shopping arcade featuring more than 25 of the world’s top brands, including a Chanel boutique, created by renowned architect and interior designer Peter Marino to replicate Coco Chanel’s apartment.