Jetsettersblog

Vision Hotels and Resorts’ flagship property, The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa adds to its already extensive range of guest facilities and services with the introduction of wireless access.

Effective immediately, visitors holidaying at The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa will enjoy complete wireless access no matter where they are on the grounds of the 4 hectare property.

Situated only 3km from the Cairns International Airport and 3km from the Cairns CBD, The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa is an award-winning 4.5 star resort situated amidst lush tropical gardens, scenic lakes and large resort style pools.

The newly opened Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club has received its official AAA rating as 4.5 star accommodation

The newly opened Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club this week received its official AAA rating as a four and a half star property.

Operated by Vision Hotels and Resorts, Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club opened its first accommodation in February this year.

Situated adjacent Paradise Palms’ impressive clubhouse building with idyllic views of the 18-hole golf course and surrounding rainforest, the 96 room resort and facilities significantly enhances the existing operation to provide a complete destination style experience.

General Manager of Vision Hotels and Resorts, Craig Biber said the resort offers many benefits to key markets, particularly golfing, conference and wedding / event clients who would have previously enjoyed the facilities but needed to look elsewhere for accommodation.

“Another market we are also giving high priority is families. So far business has been strong in this sector with families from interstate taking advantage of discounted air fares and Rudd’s stimulus package.

“With the opening of the resort, we have effectively become a world-class destination in every sense of the word,” he said.

The resort was developed at a cost of $20 million by HS Vision Group to provide guests with their own exclusive precinct and private access to a range of quality recreation/resort facilities set within tropical gardens and swimming pools.

Guests enjoy close access to the clubhouse, its newly opened 59 Restaurant and Bar, pro-shop, conference centre and 18-hole golf course. The facilities will be further expanded within the next 12 months to include a day spa, health club, 2000 sq. m themed children’s playground and mini golf.

Mirvac Hotels & Resorts will take over management of the Deep Blue hotel from 1 July 2009, when it will be rebranded under the group’s Sebel brand.

To be known as The Sebel Deep Blue Warrnambool, the resort will join Mirvac’s portfolio of 43 managed hotels and resorts across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, predominately under the Sebel branding.

Less than three hour’s drive from Melbourne, The Sebel Deep Blue is perfectly positioned on a peninsula between Lady Bay and Stingray Bay in Warrnambool, also known as “The City by the Sea” and the largest city on the Great Ocean Road.

Comprising 75 guestrooms including eight deluxe suites with spa baths there are also six 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained penthouses. All accommodation features magnificent vistas of the Victorian coastline and the resort’s unique positioning on top of a natural mineral aquifer, 800 metres underground, enables The Sebel to provide geothermal room heating, as well as supply to 4 mineral rich, private hot deepwater pool rooms in the Bath House and gymnasium.

Other features include individual balconies, air conditioning as well as ceiling fans, flat screen TV and cable, work desk, broadband and wireless internet and CD player.

The Bath House (providing mineral rich hot water) includes a large indoor heated pool, a hydrotherapy spa pool, 4 private hot pool rooms and adjoining day spa offering a range of specialty body treatments, signature facials, massages and beauty treatments, including spray tanning.

The Sebel’s signature restaurant, The Water Table boasts a casual yet stylish ambience complemented by a seasonal menu of the finest local Victorian produce showcasing local cheeses and an extensive wine selection.

The perfect coastal setting for conferences, meetings, celebration and events The Sebel’s “coastal conferencing” has two spacious function rooms catering for up to 250 people, complemented by soft colorings and high ceilings featuring white lining boards and subtle lighting. There is full wireless internet access and broadband access throughout, secretarial services, a business centre and undercover parking.

Commenting on the agreement the owners of The Sebel Deep Blue Warrnambool, Graeme and Angela Schultz said, “Mirvac is one of Australia’s leading hotel and resort management companies, renowned for their personal yet unobtrusive service, their attention to detail in prime locations and of great importance, their high return guest ratio”.

“Mirvac, and in particular their ‘Sebel’ brand, was selected because of their unequaled reputation and experience in managing high-quality products, which aligns with our philosophy and how we see this unique resort being developed and its presence established in the domestic and international tourism markets”.

“We are delighted to be working with them in Victoria to develop our hotel and further the Sebel’s brand and reputation as a place to stay, a place to entertain and of course a superior meeting and conference centre”, they said.

Andrew Turner CEO of Mirvac Hotels & Resorts said, “The Sebel Deep Blue Warrnambool is an exciting addition to our Victorian portfolio which now stands at 9 hotels and resorts across the state.”

“This boutique resort will deliver on the high expectations of the Sebel brand which is characterised by the highest level of service and a warm, inviting atmosphere, first class food & beverage facilities which are supported by intelligent meeting and conference space. The unique natural mineral Bath House is an absolute bonus and it’s all superbly positioned along arguably one of Australia’s most famous coastlines”, he said.

A coastal town with a relaxed ambience, Warrnambool is a highlight on the Great Ocean Road offering an aquatic haven for swimming, boating, freshwater and saltwater fishing, diving along the Shipwreck Coast, with the added highlight of whale watching between the months of June and September. Local attractions also include Cheese World, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool Promenade, Tower Hill and an array of cafes, galleries and shopping.

About Mirvac Hotels & Resorts

Renowned for its uncompromising level of service and attention to detail, Mirvac Hotels & Resorts manage a range of hotels and resorts under such well known brands as Quay Grand, The Como, Quay West Apartments & Resorts, Sea Temple Resorts & Spas, Sydney Marriott Hotel, The Sebel Hotels, Suites & Residences, Citigate Hotels, the Hotel Lindrum Melbourne and Harbour Rocks
Hotel Sydney; 9 Day Spas and 4 Golf Courses across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, making it one of the largest Australian-owned hotel groups.

Mirvac Hotels & Resorts is part of the Mirvac Group, a leading ASX-listed, and integrated real estate group with activities across the real estate investment and development spectrum. Established in 1972, Mirvac has more than 37 years experience in the real estate industry and has an unmatched reputation for delivering quality products and services across all of its businesses.

Newport, RI – Sensitive to the needs of stressed out urban dwellers, Atlantic Stars Hotels & Cruises has created a weekend getaway package to ease New Yorker’s transportation troubles, while reducing their carbon footprint. The “East Coast Shuffle” package whisks travelers from New York to Newport by train; encouraging them to sit back, relax, turn off their Blackberry’s, put their tweets on hold, and spend some quality time together by the sea. With train, boat, bike rides and accommodations included, travelers have a one-stop shop for all their Newport vacation needs.

The “East Coast Shuffle” package includes the following for two guests:

A two-night stay at the Jailhouse Inn or Yankee Peddler Inn

Amtrak tickets from New York City’s Penn Station to Kingston Train Station

Transportation to and from Kingston Train Station to hotel

A scenic harbor tour on the Rum Runner II (58’ motor yacht) or the Madeleine (72’ schooner)

A two-day bike rental

Dinner one evening at the Clarke Cooke House

Access to the private Yacht Club, 41 North for lunch or dinner service

Bottle of Newport Vineyards Great White Wine upon arrival

European-style breakfast each morning

The Yankee Peddler, a Victorian style New England inn, is one of the oldest Historic Inns of Newport. Renovated from its original layout to accommodate more discriminating guests, the nearby Jailhouse Inn is located in Newport’s famous and historic original jailhouse in Washington Square.

Both hotels are situated in the Old Quarter, just a short walk to the boutique shops and fine restaurants of Thames St., and the famous Bannister’s and Bowens Wharfs.

Jailhouse Inn Accommodations:

Now through June 30, pricing is $739 Sunday-Thursday nights and $899 for the weekend. July 1 through Labor Day, pricing is $779 and $999 respectively.

Yankee Peddler Inn Accommodations:

Now through June 30, pricing is $689 Sunday-Thursday nights and $799 for the weekend. July 1 through Labor Day, pricing is $699 and $899 respectively.

*All prices are based on double-occupancy and availability; subject to black out dates and exclusive of tax and gratuity. For further information or to make a reservation, call 800-427-9444 or visit www.atlanticstars.com.

Atlantic Stars Hotels & Cruises hospitality company comprises hotel properties, harbor cruises and overnight cruising along the Atlantic Seaboard and the Caribbean. Its holdings include the Avalon Hotel and South Seas Hotel in Miami’s South Beach; the Park South Hotel in Manhattan; the Harborside Inn, Jailhouse Inn and Yankee Peddler Inn in Newport, RI; the Pequot Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard; as well as harbor cruises aboard the Rum Runner II and Madeleine in Newport, RI and extended overnight cruising aboard the Arabella.

TAKE A EUROPEAN FAMILY VACATION WITHOUT LEAVING THE CONTINENT

Where else can kids travel back to a time of cobblestone streets and cannons, dress up in 18th century clothing, or watch a bagel being made from scratch and eat it hot out of a wood-burning oven?

www.Travelforkids.com chooses Montreal and Quebec City as best bets for family vacation destinations in 2009. The two cities are rich in European charm, French-inspired food and colonial history, only closer to home and a lot easier on the wallet.

Real life experiences are always the source for the family travel content on the Travelforkids.com web site. So when parents began sharing their vacation stories from Montreal and Quebec City, it was obvious that a visit was in order to discover what these cities offer. “Traveling to Montreal is like a visit to Europe. It’s not just that everybody is speaking French – the children at city parks, the fruits and vegetables at the markets, the fresh croissants – all make you feel like you’ve crossed an ocean,” says one parent about her family’s trip.

The Quebec province is an excellent budget-friendly alternative, where families can immerse themselves in a French-speaking culture without the language barrier since English is widely spoken or a long flight. Founded as a French colony, Quebec is over 400 years old and preserving French heritage and history is taken seriously everywhere you look. and eat.

Quebec City is home to beautiful well-preserved old city walls, fortress-like gates, ramparts, turrets and cannons all set within a vibrant cosmopolitan city. The city has lots of fun things to do in store for families whether it’s climbing on the cannons at Parc Montmorency, dressing up in period clothing at the Place-Royale, riding the ferry across the St. Lawrence River, ice skating outdoors, running through Battlefields Park or eating dinner in the oldest building in Quebec City after a horse carriage ride.

Kids will have the time of their lives in Montreal as they watch the river otters and penguins in the Biodome, pedal boat at the waterfront, ride the coasters at La Ronde, cruise the St. Lawrence River or stroll through the Chinese Gardens. “And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, just head underneath the city to explore light and airy complexes, complete with waterfalls, restaurants, and shops galore,” advises Elizabeth Young, editor of Travelforkids.com.

Researching and booking a hotel in Quebec City or Montreal with the amenities your family needs is often the trickiest part of planning a vacation.

No matter what your priorities – indoor swimming pool, breakfast included in the room rate, on-site restaurants with children’s menus or coin-operated laundry facilities – selecting a hotel for your family is easy on www.Travelforkids.com.

The site provides a comprehensive list of recommended hotels that are handpicked, personally researched and include all styles and price ranges.

And of course, there’s the food. Throughout the province, you’ll find delicious maple treats and snacks. A regional favorite is maple cornets – little cones filled with thick syrup called taffy. Kids will also want to sample maple sugar pie, candies, cookies, and ice cream. Travelforkids.com lists where you can find the best bagel shops, farmers markets and cafes in each part of Montreal and Quebec City.

In true European style, fresh-made bagels are a local Montreal specialty. Kids will love to watch bagels being made and eating them warm out of the oven – big slices of dough are sliced off, shaped into circles, boiled in sweetened water and finally cooked in wood-burning ovens.

“Affordability and the favorable Canadian exchange rate are particularly important this year when families are looking for good values. Montreal and Quebec City have so many unique places and enriching activities to offer at any season. We’ve listed the favorites, the “must sees” and things you won’t see anywhere else, along with insider tips that are really helpful to families, such as free museums, bus loop around the waterfront, and walks through the old cities,” says Young, family travel expert.

About Travelforkids.com

www.Travelforkids.com is a family travel guide for planning vacations with children as fun adventures. Get tips on kid-friendly “must sees”, discover hidden treasures and learn insider secrets for vacations in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa.

As featured in Newsweek and Cookie magazines TravelforKids.com combines fun things to do with practical tips from people who know how to make family vacation memories last a lifetime. The site features best bets for family hotels, travel tools, and staff recommendations for children’s books introducing cities all over the world.

A world away from the resorts and shopping centers, Makawao is one of Hawaii’s oldest Paniolo, towns but don’t let its cowboy façade fool you. Discovering the country in Maui’s Up Country can be an epicurean delight and a shopper’s dream come true.

Tucked inside and along a street that looks like the back lot from a Hollywood western are fine art galleries, boutiques for one of a kind finds and some of the most delicious local grinds on the island.

There’s even boutiques for the modern day cowboy and their horses! Piiholo Ranch Store and the Aloha Cowboy Western wear offer clothing and equestrian accessories designed for work and pleasure.

You’ll find art galleries from the whimsical styles of the Nichol Art to the unique pieces of the Glass Blowing studios and the dynamic photography of Randy Jay Braun. There are too many galleries to list here, however, you can go to www.artguidemaui.com  to help navigate your way. The Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center is also near by where you can take a class or look at their latest exhibit.

Fashionistas will be more than pleased to know that from one of a kind to exotic your shopping list will be complete. Off the boardwalk you’ll find fashions for the man in your life at Tropo (next door is Hurricane: for the ladies).

Holiday & Co., Collections, Pink, and Natural Home all offer fashions of exceptional quality. Most of the boutiques and galleries have collections of unique jewelry so you are sure to find the perfect pair of earrings, necklace or ring to complete your new ensemble.

Up Country, Makawao… the air here is sweet and just a bit cooler. Perfect to sit in one of the courtyard café’s to enjoy a bite. Just off of Baldwin Avenue is The Courtyard. Home to galleries and boutiques it’s host to the casual yet tasty Market Fresh Bistro, Makawao Steak House and The Tea Room.

For a quick bite there’s Makawao Sushi and Deli and the Rodeo General Store. Makawao offers a little something for everyone including the Makawao Garden Café, Polli’s for Mexican fare, The Stop Watch Sports Bar and Casanova’s Restaurant and deli offers a bit of people watching from their balcony and some “ono” Italian dinners at night. You haven’t lived until your try one of Komodo’s Bakery cream puffs or stick donuts!

The North Shore town of Paia is best described as an eclectic, trendy, must see, surf town. It’s hip enough and tasty enough for a shopping day or to take the edge off of a hard day at the beach. Cool down with a local favorite at Aloha Island Shave Ice or Ono Gelato where island flavors have been married with Italian gelato know how. The folks at Hana Bay Picnic will set you up with a basket of goodies for the road including the basket! It might be a bit daunting to decide where you want to eat in Paia.

You can stand on the corner of Baldwin and Hana Highway and take in the savory aromas from Paia Fish Market, Millagros, Jacques, and Charley’s. Take a short stroll up Baldwin and you’ll soon find Mambo’s Café, and Café Des Amis complete with a pleasant courtyard. And just a bit further is Moana Bakery & Café and Fresh Mint Vietnamese Vegetarian cuisine. If you decide to head down Hana Highway you’ll discover the very popular Flatbread & Co. and their impressive pizza oven. For quick bites there’s Fiesta Café and the Green Banana Café.

With more of a surfing attitude than its Up Country cousin in Makawao, the shops here have more of that eclectic surf appeal. Your perfect beach lifestyle can be outfitted at Honolua Surf Shop, Love the Beach, Maui Girl Beach Wear, Hana Highway Surf, Nuage Bleu, Tropi Kidz, By the Bay, Lightning Bolt and Sailboard Maui. Boutiques for après sole include Biasa Rose, Jaggers, Imrie, Moonbow, Mahina, Dahlia, Tamara Catz Bride….Whew!! Just to name a few.

You can furnish your home and accessorize yourself at Indigo.

Last but not least Paia has its fair share of galleries too. Be sure to visit Maui Hands, Maui Crafts Guild, Avi Kiriaty, Konrad’s Ship Gallery and Strini Art Glass.

If you need a shot of Espresso to keep you going, stop in at Anthony’s coffee shop or Haz Beanz Coffee House. If you just need to bring home a fine wine to savor your finds or a bit of the bubbly to celebrate this exceptional Maui day, The Wine Corner will not disappoint!

Special $199 per night opening rate is available through May 31, 2009

NEW YORK – The Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino, the newest full-service, branded resort to open on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao in more than 15 years, has officially opened its luxurious Aqua Spa facility.

The Aqua Spa is an 8,300 square-foot health and wellness center spanning three floors of the resort, which is located on Willemstad’s picturesque historic waterfront and connected to the legendary Rif Fort, a 19th century landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Aqua Spa features a roof top relaxation area and an infinity pool hot tub overlooking the ocean and passing cruise ships.

The Aqua Spa utilizes unique Dutch Caribbean rituals which focus on healing through water, and are based on fundamental traditions of the Curaçao’s natives.

The spa offers nine treatment rooms, a rain-like Vichy shower, four relaxation terraces, a sauna with ocean views, a cold plunge pool, as well as a rich and varied menu of massages, facials, manicure, pedicure and hair treatments in a state-of-the-art salon.

Other stand-out Aqua Spa features include signature wraps and mud treatments, tailored packages and bridal services.

Vacationers can experience the newly opened Aqua Spa in addition to all the Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino features while also saving 40 percent off regular room rates by booking the resort’s special $199 premier rate.

Perfect for a last-minute getaway, the rate is available through May 31, 2009 and is based on availability; taxes are not included.

Additional Resort Features

The Rif Fort, bustling with activity day and night, combines modern eateries and retail shops with its rich history. Some of the venues include Bistro Le Clochard, Soprano’s Piano Bar, Ema-Tei, Chihuahua Cantina, Don’s Ice Cream Shop and Le Creperie.

Beach lovers will enjoy the resort’s signature white sand “Eternity Beach” – a marvel of modern maritime engineering and the only one in the world. The beach, which sits above sea level, is located adjacent to the resort’s freshwater infinity pool, both offering spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Aqua Spa services are also available beachside by appointment.

The Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino has 237 guestrooms, including 14 premium suites. Complimenting the healing rituals at the Aqua Spa, the resort’s fitness center has the latest strength training and cardiovascular equipment complimentary to all guests, while the 15,000-square-foot Carnaval Casino captures the ambiance and energy of Carnaval with a wide variety of the latest slot machines and challenging table games.

Additionally, the Renaissance Mall, the resort’s open-air shopping, dining and entertainment complex, boasts a six-theatre cinema, 50 upscale shops and additional restaurants, lounges and bars. For more information or reservations call (888) 778-4722 or visit http://www.renaissancecuracao.com

Featuring BMW’s Versatile Cruise Bikes -

In its continued quest to provide guests with a healthy environment to stay fit and maintain a balanced lifestyle, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced an extension of its partnership with German automaker BMW to include a complimentary hotel bicycle service featuring BMW Cruise Bikes. Beginning Spring 2009, Fairmont hotels across Canada will introduce these state-of-the-art bikes as the newest benefit for guests, granting active and adventurous travelers the opportunity to explore the vibrant cities and stunning landscapes of Fairmont’s distinctive locales. In addition to offering a selection of BMW Cruise Bikes, each hotel will also boast a variety of child-sized BMW bikes, allowing families to enjoy the great outdoors together.

The perfect companion for both busy urban streets and scenic trails, the BMW Cruise Bike promises a smooth ride on any surface, thanks to a distinctive design and a Suntour suspension system. A striking frame, achieved through hydro-forming manufacturing, an advanced process using high-pressure water to allow the walls of the tube to expand inside a mold and free the aluminum of any shape restrictions, complements other original features including an integrated brake routing system that enables riders to stop on a dime.

“BMW’s stylish Cruise Bikes will allow our guests even greater access to experience the destination and reinforce Fairmont’s reputation of providing guests with thoughtful services that make their travels more convenient, comfortable and memorable, ” said Brian Richardson, Fairmont’s Vice President, Brand Marketing & Communications. “We are delighted to work with such a well-respected partner to offer this unique service to our guests.”

With a diverse collection of iconic hotels and picturesque resorts throughout Canada, guests will have no trouble putting the bicycles to use in exploring the sundry sights and landscapes of Fairmont’s unrivalled destinations.

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers unsurpassed biking trails, from paved paths to thrilling mountain descents, ideal for the athletic traveler, and Quebec’s Fairmont Le Château Montebello is every nature-lover’s dream getaway, with bike pathways through woods where riders are certain to spot local wildlife. For guests hoping to see some city sights,

Fairmont Château Laurier is the perfect starting point before biking past Canada’s Parliament Buildings, or the area’s historic ByWard Market, where riders will find quaint cafes, boutiques and more.

“We are very pleased to offer Fairmont customers this unique experience,” said Tracy Bulmer, Accessories and Lifestyle Product Manager, BMW Group Canada. “The bike program will provide guests with an adventurous way to explore their surroundings while getting the ‘BMW Experience’ on a Cruise Bike.”

With a strong company-wide focus on health and wellness, the introduction of BMW Cruise Bikes acts as an extension of the company’s Fairmont Fit program. Offered to member’s of Fairmont President’s Club (FPC), the brand’s guest loyalty program, Fairmont Fit provides guests with easy access to adidas training gear during their stay, delivering exercise apparel and footwear directly to guestrooms for use in room, in the gym, or to enjoy outdoors. In addition, guests are provided with pre-loaded mp3 players, offering a wide-range of tracks and genres, to use during their workout. Afterwards, the training gear can simply be returned or purchased through the hotel’s guest services desk.

BMW offers a line-up of bicycles that offer performance with no fuel consumption or emissions. This is part of the company’s environmental strategy called Efficient Dynamic that incorporates a short, medium and long-term plan to improve driving dynamics while significantly lowering fuel consumption and emission levels. Since 1988, BMW Group Canada has voluntarily reduced fleet average fuel consumption of passenger cars by 25%, reducing carbon dioxide emissions commensurately.

The new benefit is one of many ways guests can tread lightly on the environment at Fairmont. As a pioneering leader on responsible tourism for close to twenty years, Fairmont offers a wide-range of eco-minded options for guests. At The Fairmont Royal York, guests can tour the hotel’s rooftop herb garden and newly introduced apiary featuring six beehives.

Quebec’s Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, in partnership with Environment Canada’s world-renowned Biosphere, offers kids a chance to get up close and personal with nature by way of daily educational sessions and outdoor adventures, while travelers to Fairmont Mayakoba can explore the area’s diverse eco-system of forest, mangrove and beach through Tatich (guide) led bike tours. Moreover, at a selection of Fairmont locales, including The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston and Fairmont Scottsdale, guests enjoy free parking when arriving in a Hybrid vehicle.

For more on Fairmont’s award-winning environmental programming, please visit www.fairmont.com/environment

As part of the new bicycle initiative, Fairmont is offering FPC members priority access when reserving the bikes. Free to join, Fairmont President’s Club provides guests with special benefits and privileges designed to reflect individual travel preferences and offer an enhanced level of service. Personalized travel profiles afford members customized stay experiences, while in-hotel benefits include private check-in, complimentary room upgrades, high-speed Internet access, and TaylorMade golf clubs at select locations. Guests can enroll at time of booking or online at www.fairmont.com/fpc

The Ruhr region, Germany’s industrial center in the west, once home to mine shafts and industrial plants is now being discovered as a very special tourist destination. Today visitors can find renaturalized islands of calm while the reutilization of the existing coal mines make this region a hub for green travelers and art lovers. Active travelers can indulge in high wire climbing, free climbing, diving and biking. Next Year, Essen and the Ruhr Region will be the European Capital of Culture 2010. www.ruhr2010.de

The vast cultural and recreational offerings of the Ruhr region are easily accessible via the “Route of Industrial Heritage” which is an ideal way to explore this industrial region. www.route-industriekultur.de Running for a total of 700 miles, the route has twenty-five anchor points make up the core network, including six important museums of technical and social history, many panorama spots and a series of significant workers’ settlements. The route can be discovered by foot, bike or train. GPS systems for navigations and guides for bike friendly hotels and hostels are available. www.route-industriekultur.de

At the place where the River Ruhr meets the River Rhine, Duisburg is the starting point for unusual waterways. The largest inland harbor in the world redesigned by Sir Norman Foster, connects visitors to the neighboring towns. The North Duisburg Landscape Park, on the former site of the Thyssen Ironworks, is a core international project on how to reinvent and upvalue an old industrial area.

After dark the illuminated landscape park offers an especially unforgettable experience: The light installations created by the British artist, Jonathan Park, transform the impressive industrial scenery into a world-class artistic event.

www.route-industriekultur.de/en/anchor-points/landscape-park

The Landscape Park in Duisburg also is a place for fantastic activties from high wire climbing, free climbing to diving.

The old gasholder in the Park takes pride in being Germany’s most innovative diving center. The facility has long been drained and all residues have been removed. The lower part of the vessel is filled with water and has been transformed into a divers’ paradise with including an old shipwreck on the bottom of the pool. www.landschaftspark.de

The free climbing gardens and high wire courses on the old steel constructions in the park offer everything height and climbing enthusiasts desire.

From courses for starters to challenging steep climbs for professionals this unique area is a special thrill for everyone. www.landschaftspark.de

The dynamic city of Essen is a highly diverse magent for a young and up and coming audience. In the north of the city, the Zeche Zollverein mining pit was once the largest, most beautiful and efficient colliery in the world, built in Bauhaus style.

Now it is not only a UNESCO world cultural heritage site but also a major design center.

www.route-industriekultur.de

Essen also is the Folkwang city. The Folkwang Museum and the Folkwang Academy, two internationally renowned cultural institutions, host outstanding collections and foster the famous

Folkwang philosophy, developed by Karl Ernst Osthaus in the beginning of the 20th century, that shaped the region. Oswald believed the social reality of industrial regions to be a new ground for the understanding art and life. He imagined a cultural scene that was deeply democratic and assesible for everybody, disregarding social status and education.

What evolved, can not only be found in the Folkwang Museum, it is reflected in the whole Ruhr region: An impressive reimagination of art and space through the combination of different styles, methods and genres. www.ruhr2010.de

Oberhausen is yet another gateway for exciting trails and journeys of discovery. Spectacular exhibitions in the former Oberhausen Gasometer, and a deliberately popular approach to art, culture and industrial heritage, have made Oberhausen one of the leading centers of entertainment in the Ruhr region. The 400 feet high gasometer is one of the most unusual exhibition venues in Europe. Here Christo and Jeanne-Claude, and later Bill Viola, presented unique major installations.

Also visitors can walk around the roof of the gasometer, from which they can enjoy an incomparable panoramic view of the skyline of the Ruhr Metropolis. www.route-industriekultur.de

The North and Baltic Sea by Bike, Boat, Surfboard or Kite

Special Deals

Romantic Road – The Cycle Route with Picasso

On your way from Wuerzburg to Fuessen you cycle with Picasso Tours through three of Germany’s most enchanting holiday areas – Franconia, Swabia and Upper Bavaria. The package includes 4 nights hotel accommodation, breakfast daily, luggage transport from hotel to hotel and one sightseeing voucher either for a city walk or visit to a castle.

Prices from May 15 until October 15 start at 557$ per person (land only). The daily bike rental is 26$. www.picassotours.com

Golf Break at the Hamburg Steigenberger Hotel Treudelberg

Play golf at one of northern Germany’s most beautiful golf courses at the Steigenberger Hotel Treudelberg in Hamburg’s Alstertal nature reserve.

The package includes 2 nights with breakfast, two green fees per person and the use of the Country Club amenities.

Rates start at $300 per person. The package is bookable until October 2009.

www.steigenberger.com

9-Day Europe’s Heartland with CIE Tours

Discover the best of Germany on a 9-day cruise along the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers. Take walking tours through wonderful old towns, float past magnificent castles, discover Wuerzburg’s Romantic Road, medieval Bamberg and leave your ship in Nuremberg.

This package includes deluxe cruise accommodation, all meals, evening entertainment, guided walking tours around and the use of bicycles.

Rates start at $1,899 (land only).

The package is bookable until November. www.cietours.com