Jetsettersblog

Qantas Frequent Flyer Favorite Hotels 2009, the results are in! Adelaide, Australia 3 April 2009 – Qantas Frequent Flyers, given the opportunity to vote for their favorite hotels at Qantas.com, have named Hilton Adelaide as a favorite in three key categories;

Ranked in the top 5 hotels in Australia for Business Travel (the only SA hotel)  Voted Best Restaurant in Australia in the Business Category  Ranked in the top 5 hotels in South Australia for leisure travel Hilton Adelaide General Manager, Mr Chris Ehmann, said the praise by the country’s most traveled travelers was at testament to the hotel’s drive for quality, “Our team has a real focus on providing a quality experience for our guests whether they are traveling for business or pleasure. Recent investment has also enhanced the hotel product setting a new benchmark for South Australia, including our newly renovated deluxe rooms and the Level 1 meeting and event facility.” Hilton Adelaide Business Features:

Newly renovated Deluxe Rooms feature panoramic views over Adelaide, separate working area featuring oversize desk, ergonomic chair (by Herman Miller Aeron), adjustable lamp, desk height data and phone ports and broadband internet access. Each room also contains a safe with capacity for laptop • Business Lounge with secretarial services, internet access and newspapers • Executive Lounge for meetings, drinks, use of two internet workstations and library of magazines and newspapers Hilton Adelaide Leisure Features: • Newly renovated Deluxe Rooms feature large walk-in shower with ‘rain-shower’, handheld shower rose and deluxe Crabtree and Evelyn amenities.

For relaxation, these rooms offer a comfortable lounge chair, 26 inch LCD flat panel television with on demand movies, local and cable channels • For leisure travelers, the hotel boasts creative weekend package options including ‘Provocateur’, ‘Rock Star’, Hilton Minibreaks and ‘Babymoon’ packages. For families, the ‘My Little Hilton’ children policy, invites children to stay and eat free, provides stairs to allow children to check in with their parents, a play area and a healthy but delicious menu in the Brasserie.

The Brasserie with Simon Bryant: Exclusively using local South Australian produce and wine,

The Brasserie offers ‘Seriously South Australian® cuisine’. Executive Chef Simon Bryant, an ambassador for local food, says ‘We have such fabulous seasonal produce in South Australia that there is no need to overshadow the produce by overcomplicating the dish. We serve great produce cooked simply in a welcoming environment’.

The Grange with Cheong Liew: The Grange Restaurant, under the guidance of internationally acclaimed Chef Cheong Liew, is a must experience for any South Australian and visitor to South Australia who is passionate about food.

About Qantas Frequent Flyer Favorite Hotels
http://www.qantas.com.au/content/dyn/hotels/frequent-flyer-best-hotels

Hilton Hotels Australasia Hilton Hotels has 9 properties in Australasia including the Hilton Sydney, Hilton Melbourne Airport, Hilton on the Park Melbourne, Hilton Adelaide, Parmelia Hilton Perth, Hilton Brisbane, Hilton Cairns, Hilton Auckland and the Fiji Beach Resort and Spa, managed by Hilton.

Hilton Hotels has announced management contracts have been signed to operate the Hilton Rarotonga, the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel and Residences and the Hilton Melbourne Convention Hotel which are in the early phases of development.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts With more than 500 hotels and resorts on six continents, Hilton continues to be an innovative leader in the full-service hospitality segment and one of the most recognized global names in the industry. Hilton’s belief that Travel Should Take You Places® celebrates a commitment to the guest experience and to the idea that travel can and should be transformative. Hilton’s variety of services, amenities and programs are designed to give guests more choice and control over their stays so they can be at their best, 24/7 whether they travel for business or leisure.

Each unique Hilton hotel and resort was designed to reflect the sense of place of its location; each team member chosen to reflect the local culture and community. Start your journey at www.hilton.com available in English, Spanish and French.

@ 52 Astor Terrace Launched

Brisbane’s Portal Hotel and its ultra smart O Bar & Restaurant were launched last night by Lyndey Milan, popular national presenter, broadcaster, author and world traveler.

Queensland’s own “Tall Tenor” James Corona sang popular arias to thundering applause from O’Bar’s 150 guests from tourism, travel, corporate, arts, design, medical , media and social sectors.

The O Bar & Restaurant – indicative of the Portal’s style – has been created with the individual in mind, and as a welcome meeting place for Brisbane diners and hotel patrons alike. It is under the professional guidance of Dallas Bickle, a successful Queensland restaurateur.

O Bar & Restaurant’s interior features soaring dry stone walls and lighting installations that speak Gaudi and Barcelona. There is a tapas influence in the Chef Anthony’s Baker’s menu.

Executive Chef Anthony Baker has a stellar track record that includes Novotel in Brisbane, Hamilton Island’s Mariner’s Seafood and Romano’s Restaurants, and Conrad Treasury.

O Bar & Restaurant and the affordable Portal Hotel are your passports to Brisbane hospitality. You can walk anywhere in the CBD from the 52 Astor Terrace Spring Hill address, and valet parking is provided

Both are building a close relationship with Brisbane’s artistic community, with regional Queenslanders visiting the capital, and intrastate business and leisure markets

O’Bar’s menu is available at www.portalhotel.com.au

Many viewers will currently be enjoying BBC 2’s dramatic new series featuring Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming and specialist walking tour operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is now providing the opportunity for clients to experience the real thing !

Their 16-day holiday, also featuring Montana and the Grand Tetons begins in Glacier Park bordering Canada. This region is reputed to have 2,000 lakes and 1,000 miles of river so the opportunities for spectacular walks are plentiful. Wildlife abounds and includes, grizzlies, Big Horn sheep and mountain goats.

This journey of discovery then moves south to Wyoming and Yellowstone – the world’s first National Park with many exciting facets – from woodlands to the gloriously coloured Yellow Canyon, Geysers, hot-springs and swirling mud pots, all enriched with a variety of animals including, buffalo, elk, moose, chipmunks, marmots, squirrels, eagles, pelicans and the occasional bear !

The final segment of this holiday is Grand Teton Park with its dramatic scenery rising to nearly 2,000 metres above lakes, mountain meadows, pine forests and the famous Snake River – an outstanding area of natural beauty, which is perfect for walkers and photographers alike.

Price from £2,613 per person (departures 18 July and 5 September) includes flights, transfers, 16 days accommodation (American breakfasts throughout and eight dinners are included) and the services of a tour leader.

www.RamblersHolidays.co.uk

See One Of Australia’s Most Spectacular Sights As Floodwaters Breathe Life Into South Australia’s Dry Lake Eyre

The world’s largest salt lake, Lake Eyre in South Australia (www.southaustralia.com) is once again bursting into life as Queensland floodwaters flow along normally dormant creeks and rivers to reach Australia’s lowest point, 15 metres below sea level.

Located 700 kms from Adelaide, Lake Eyre, which has only filled to the brim three times in the last 160 years, last saw water in 2000 when it became half full.

Normally inhospitable to wildlife, when flowing with water Lake Eyre is transformed into Australia’s largest lake, a wildlife oasis brimming with flora and fauna. Pelicans, gulls and terns follow the water, whilst camels and other wildlife are drawn by the water’s scent.

Yellow-bellied fish and fingerlings have started to appear providing birds with a feast. Plants are springing up around the water’s edge and should Lake Eyre become 80% full it is likely that 85 different species of birds will descend on the area making this one of the most spectacular places to visit in Australia in the next couple of months.

Nature loving travellers have the rare and unexpected opportunity of seeing a lake reborn as numerous local operators offer a selection of tours, expeditions and flights to witness this rare phenomenon which is expected to last for another two or three months before the lake turns back into a saltpan:

- Wrightsair (www.wrightsair.com.au ) has charter flights affording fantastic views of the prehistoric river systems that enter the lake, forming a magnificent pattern of colour.

- Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary (www.arkaroola.com.au) in the Flinders Ranges has two daily, four-hour aerial tours that include flying over the Marree Man.

- Wilpena Pound Resort (www.wilpenapound.com.au) itself located next to a natural phenomenon, Wilpena Pound – a natural amphitheatre 17kms long and 7kms wide – has a range of flights to Lake Eyre including a four-hour tour with lunch at William Creek – South Australia’s smallest town, and a two-day tour with an overnight stay in Birdsville. Customised flight options are available on request.

- Rawnsley Park Station (www.rawnsleypark.com.au)  offering award-winning eco-villa accommodation in the Flinders Ranges, has a five-hour ‘Lake Eyre Explorer’ tour.

- Chinta Air Tours (www.chinta.com.au)  has a two-day ‘Outback Experience’ tour that starts and ends in Adelaide and includes a night at Coober Pedy’s Desert Cave Hotel, William Creek and Ceduna – Australia’s oyster capital.

- Banksia Adventures (www.banksia-adventures.com.au)  has a three-day tour from Adelaide that includes the Clare Valley wine region, the Flinders Ranges and a one-day scenic flight to Andamooka, William Creek and Lake Eyre. Two nights are spent at Wilpena.

- The Prairie Hotel (www.prairiehotel.com.au)  Parachilna (population seven) has a variety of trips, both overland and aerial.

- Heading Bush Outback Adventures (www.headingbush.com)  established by 5th generation South Australian Mick Murdoch, has overland expeditions from Adelaide.

For information on flight and tours from the UK contact these selected tour operators:

- Audley Travel (www.audleytravel.com  Tel: 01993 838 810
- Austravel (www.austravel.com) Tel:0800 988 4671
- Bridge & Wickers (www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk)  Tel:0207 483 6555
- Flight Centre (www.flightcentre.co.uk)  Tel: 0870 499 0040
- Net Flights (www.netflights.com)   Tel: 0800 747 0000
- Tailor Made Travel (www.tailor-made.co.uk)  Tel: 08454 568 001
- Travelmood (www.travelmood.com)  Tel: 08448 159 400

Tutka Bay Lodge is the newest addition to the Within the Wild Adventure Company’s group of Southcentral Alaska properties.

In operation since 1983, the lodge will reopen in May under the ownership of Carl and Kirsten Dixon, and will offer gourmet cuisine, complimentary massage and yoga, wine tastings and cooking classes, just like now-sister properties Winterlake Lodge and Redoubt Bay Lodge.

Guests can book full-service lodge packages and adventure activities, including sport fishing, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing.

Located nine ocean miles from Homer, the lodge offers six private guest cabins. Rates begin at $1,370, including roundtrip transportation from Anchorage, all meals, guided activities and more.

For more information, visit www.withinthewild.com

In honor of Alaska’s 50th Anniversary, Denali Park Resorts is offering guests a second night at the McKinley Chalet Resort, McKinley Village Lodge, Grande Denali Lodge or Denali Bluffs for just $50, when they book the first night at the regular rate. A two-night minimum stay is required and the special is good for one additional night on stays occurring May 12 through September 20.

Visit www.denaliparkresorts.com  for more information.

Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn and Adventure Spa in Juneau received the AAA Four Diamond Award for lodging last month. 2009 marks the third year in a row that the inn has represented Alaska as the state’s only Four Diamond-level accommodations.

Nationally, only three percent of the 58,000 lodges rated by AAA meet the extensive criteria for the award, which judges properties on customer satisfaction, personal service, amenities and surroundings.

The Inn requires a two-night minimum and offers the choice between two premium demi-suites, three deluxe studio Jr. suites and two off-site condos and provides an array of amenities such as fireplaces, wireless Internet, Jacuzzi tubs, water-view balconies, complimentary afternoon refreshments, fitness center, massage and more.

Travelers planning a stay in 2009 can take advantage of special offers, such as the Summer Escape package from May to September, which includes a two-night stay in a deluxe fireplace studio, breakfast for two and choice of a Wildlife Photo Safari or a Town, Tram and Trek scenic history tour and creek-side salmon bake.

For more information, visit www.pearsonspond.com

Recently chosen as one of the world’s top 10 most exciting and scenic ferry rides by the Society of American Travel Writers, the Alaska Marine Highway System provides an alternative way to cruise Alaska.

Noted for its affordability and independent, hop-on/hop-off service, the ferry system also boasts an “unusual” camping experience, allowing travelers to pitch tents on the ship decks.

The fleet of 11 deep-blue vessels — known as the “blue canoes” — serves 32 coastal communities and travels 3,500 miles of coastline along the Inside Passage, Southcentral peninsula and the Aleutian Chain.

The only byway of its kind, the ferry route has earned the title of All-American Road.

For more information, visit www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/index.shtml

Planning the ultimate summer road trip in Alaska just got easier.

The MILEPOST, the bible for Alaska road travelers since 1949, will enter the digital realm.

The legendary highway guide will be available online to anyone who purchases the 2009 print edition (on sale Now),

The online version gives readers all the content from the print edition — mile-by-mile notes on Alaska’s highways, ferry schedules and more than 100 maps — plus embedded videos and slideshows, hyperlinks to all websites and search capabilities. Combined with destination information and practical advice available on www.TravelAlaska.com

The MILEPOST will prepare any independent traveler for everything from a short drive to Denali National Park and Preserve to a month-long RV expedition across the state.

For more information, visit http://milepost,com

The Milepost 2009 The Milepost 2009

Year-round sunny skies and tropical temperatures make Palm Beach County a superb place to experience a vast world of sports. It is home to PGA tournaments, more than 160 private and public golf courses, world-class polo and equestrian events, the nation’s best croquet, year-round tennis, the annual Marathon of the Palm Beaches, and is the spring training address of the St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Marlins.

Florida’s Golf Capital….

Avid golfers can play on championship courses that the Honda Classic, the Ryder Cup, the World Cup and the PGA Championships have all called home.

Resorts such as The Breakers, the Boca Raton Resort & Club and PGA National Resort & Spa feature a variety of courses on property. Meanwhile, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach among other hotels and resorts are located conveniently near premier courses.

Right on Court!

Palm Beach County is also home to a vast collection of private and public tennis courts, including tennis programs and facilities at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, The Breakers, PGA National Resort and Spa, and The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach.

Also a tennis haven, the 8,200-seat Delray Beach Tennis Center is an ATP award winning public facility located in downtown Delray Beach. The center hosts the International Tennis Championships February through March when the world’s top professional tennis players “hit” the destination. Palm Beach County is also home to the Chris Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, which provides year-long intensive training to tennis enthusiasts and week-long courses geared toward visitors.

We’re in the Running…

The Marathon of the Palm Beaches, held annually in December, includes an action packed three-day weekend filled with race-related events. During the 26.2-mile marathon and the 13.1-mile half marathon runners enjoy a spectacular waterfront route through several West Palm Beach and Lake Worth historic neighbourhoods.

In addition to local runners, the Marathon of the Palm Beaches has attracted many of the world’s top runners; Simon Sawe and Frederick Chumba of Kenya, and Tatiana Belovol of Ukraine.

The Annual South Florida Komen Race for the Cure is held in January and is the oldest and largest 5k run/walk in Florida. It takes place along the Intracoastal Waterway on picturesque Flagler Drive in Downtown West Palm Beach.

Baseball…

Preparing the boys of summer for the season to come, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida Marlins call Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter their spring training home. Jupiter is the perfect place to get close to major league stars as the Cardinals and the Marlins host many teams, including the Mets, Twins, Red Sox and the Orioles. During the regular season, Jupiter is the home of two minor league teams, the Jupiter Hammerheads and the Palm Beach Cardinals.

Anyone for Polo?

The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington is the center for the Winter Equestrian Festival. Set upon 120 acres, it is known as the nation’s largest grand prix jumping event, drawing Olympic equestrian athletes from around the world.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is a return to the way the game of polo is meant to be enjoyed, where polo players and fans of all ages can gather together in a world-class venue for the sport and the lifestyle. Located in Wellington, the heart of South Florida’s legendary horse country, International Polo Club Palm Beach is a world-class polo club designed to showcase the finest the sport has to offer. Thousands of fans celebrate the Polo Season featuring a series of renowned polo tournaments.

Largest Croquet Lawn in the World!

The National Croquet Center is the largest dedicated croquet facility in the world, and has set a new standard for the sport of croquet. Built on ten acres in West Palm Beach by the Croquet Foundation of America, the National Croquet Center features a 19,000 square-foot clubhouse that sits in the midst of a vast and near-perfect lawn where guests can choose to organize Golf Croquet Lawn Parties, basic instruction and tournament competition. Croquet lawns are also available at several leading resorts in Palm Beach County.

A Need for Speed…

Speed lovers find racing thrills at the Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR) in Jupiter.

The recently redeveloped multimillion dollar PBIR, formerly Moroso Motorsports Park, is owned and operated by a team of car enthusiasts, professional racers and some of the industry’s most recognized names, including PBIR president Ron Dixon, one of racing’s most respected professionals and father of current Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon, as well as club pro Shane Lewis.

The newly re-branded and re-designed state-of-the-art venue is rapidly becoming one of the most popular raceways in the country. The year-round warm climate of Palm Beach County makes it perfect for another major element of racing – year-round track testing. The facility offers professional race teams, original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket companies the opportunity to have direct access to the road course, skid pad, wet track and drag race testing without curfew limits on dynamometer operations.

Water Adventures

With 47 miles of coastline and the second largest freshwater lake in the country, Palm Beach County offers ideal areas to fish, kayak and canoe.

Visitors can catch bass to bluegill in Lake Okeechobee, snapper and sailfish in the Gulf Stream or explore the Loxahatchee Everglades. With comfortable water temperatures year round, ranging from 70 to 84 degrees, scuba enthusiasts can dive to Juno Ledge, King Neptune or the shipwrecked Princess Anne to uncover Palm Beach’s underwater treasures.

About the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Tourism is among Palm Beach County’s major industries generating a direct annual economic impact of $2.8 billion in the local economy, producing $23 million dollars in bed tax revenue and lodging sales of approximately $623 million.

The Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Palm Beach County, Florida.

Palm Beach County presents “The Best of Everything” – from a multitude of accommodations, including more than 200 hotels, resorts, spas, golf courses, world-class shopping, 47 miles of pristine beaches, distinctive attractions and an assortment of cultural venues to top-notch festivals and edge-of-your-seat sporting activities.

All who visit this subtropical paradise will find cities rich in diversity and home to warm, friendly people. For more information call the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 561.233.3000, or visit www.palmbeachfl.com