Jetsettersblog

Piedras y Olas – Fun and Adventure in Nicaragua

PIEDRAS Y OLAS
Gladis Zapata
+505-2998-2821 (Nica)
505-424-1351 (US-MDT)
gladisz@piedrasyolas.com
www.piedrasyolas.com

SAN JUAN del SUR, Nicaragua—How wonderful to know that a stay at Piedras y Olas, a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel, resort and residential community set in the unspoiled country of Nicaragua will help so many local residents in need.

Set upon a hillside above the cosmopolitan fishing village of San Juan del Sur, the resort offers 66 contemporary units and features two restaurants and three infinity pools; the whole complex is surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens and is the largest employer in the small village close to perfect beaches.

Piedras y Olas is perfectly situated as a base for exploring the multiple choices of arranged adventure tours including canopy (zip-line) tours, sailing on Pelican Eyes, the resort’s 42’ sailboat, surfing, sport fishing, scuba diving and horseback riding.

Tours to explore the local surroundings including the colonial city of Granada, the ‘white towns”, lakes, volcanoes (dormant and active) and lush rainforests are easily arranged.

One of the biggest employers in the community, Piedras y Olas Hotel has two restaurants, a trendy bar with weekly entertainment and free transportation takes guests into San Juan to sample local charm and night life.

Currently, rates for a basic five night adventure package start at $885 per person sharing in a double plus15% tax.

Piedras y Olas Hotel helps provide local children with school uniforms and shoes, sponsorship for higher education, books and supplies plus an environmental project of a ten-acre nature reserve used for educational opportunities related to long-term preservation efforts, reforestation projects and construction of nature trails.

A community project covers trash collection, water management, and ecology education. Vocational training covers ecology, environmental education, tourism, hospitality, construction and business administration.

Even the local Ancianos – senior citizens enjoy special outings and luncheons. And a new Galeria del Sur – art gallery and classroom promotes local Nicaraguan art and artists. Local animals are not forgotten – a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary and veterinary clinic provide a safe refuge for previously owned pets, and injured and/or abandoned animals.

A stay at Piedras y Olas supports all these initiatives. Piedras y Olas is easily reached by American, Continental and TACA with transfers arranged from Managua International Airport.

Resort launches 2009 lesson programs

Invermere, B.C. – Although golfers have been hitting the greens at Eagle Ranch Golf Resort for nearly a month, the recent warm temperatures have many more anxiously dusting off their clubs for the 2009 season.

Just in time, the golf academy at Eagle Ranch has announced new tune-up clinics to dust off even the most accomplished golfer’s game.

Led by head professional Stephen Haggard, Eagle Ranch offers one of the most hands-on, personalized academy programs in Western Canada. The Resort offers both individual and group lessons in both driving range and real play environments. Group sizes are kept to no more than four golfers per instructor to ensure students can be coached based on individual needs.

“Everyone has their own unique challenge with the game of golf so we keep our instruction flexible to respond to the individual needs of each participant,” said Haggard.

“No single student is the same and our instructors work with each clinic participant to personalize their learning experience,” he said.

To complement the established single lesson bookings for individuals and juniors, Eagle Ranch has launched two new group packages:

Three-Day School – $625 CAD ($536 USD)

9 hours of instruction including video analysis
Three rounds of golf and GPS-equipped power cart
Playing lesson (on-course play management)
Unlimited practice time
Daily lunch

Available July 17-19, August 21-23 and private dates on request)

Junior Program – $89 CAD ($76 USD)

Two days of instruction (approximately 2½ hours of instruction each day)
Rules & etiquette instruction
Tee gift
Lunch each day
Available July 1-2 & 22-23, Aug 12-13 & 26-27 and private dates on request)

And for those who are fortunate enough to call the Columbia Valley home for the summer, the Resort is also offering special sessions:

Martini Monday Ladies Clinic – $79 CAD ($68 USD)

A four-week series of focused lessons on fundamental basics
Each session capped off with specialty martinis on the clubhouse deck.
July 6-27

Clinics and individual lessons can be booked by calling 1-877-877-3889.

About Eagle Ranch Golf Resort:

Eagle Ranch is a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course and resort located in the heart of the Columbia Valley near Invermere, British Columbia. Designed by renowned golf course architect William G. Robinson, the 6,400-yard course winds itself around ravines, combining tee shots and fairways with panoramic views, stunning perspectives and lush greens. It’s a course where golf and the natural environment coexist in perfect harmony, and has been recognized as the best-conditioned golf course in BC by Score Golf Magazine. Eagle Ranch is ideally located in the ‘sunbelt’ of the Canadian Rockies, approximately three hours from Calgary, Alberta and 1.5 hours from Cranbrook, BC.

For more information visit www.eagleranchresort.com

Offers Wildlife Encounters Comparable to Darwin’s Magical Archipelago

Adventurers Can Experience a Vast Variety of Endemic Plant and Animal Life For Half the Travel Time and Cost

A world apart and miles from health-challenged Mexico City, Baja AirVentures is conducting business as usual to Mexico’s Galapagos, a pristine region of islands and coastline in the Sea of Cortez that offers experiences many liken to the natural wonders of the Galapagos.

“We offer a comparable but uniquely different experience for folks who have already been to the Galapagos and who know they love getting up close and personal with our natural world,” says Kevin Warren, owner of Baja AirVentures, the company that operates Las Animas Wilderness Retreat that is home base for natural explorations in and around the Sea of Cortez.

Twice weekly Baja AirVentures transports guests by private air carriage from San Diego to the off-the-grid Las Animas Wilderness Retreat (http://www.bajaairventures.com/retreat.htm)  in the Sea of Cortez’ Midriff Island region.

Separated from the worries of civilization, there are no uninvited guests or associated health issues simply because there are no roads leading there.

Guests at Las Animas arrive by air after departing San Diego’s Brown Field and clearing customs in the lazy resort town of San Felipe. The two-hour scenic flight lands in the remote fishing village of Bahia de los Angeles where guests then board a boat for a 45-minute cruise south along the Sea of Cortez coast to the retreat.

And as a special incentive, for departures from now through August, guests booking a four or six-day package also receive complimentary pre-trip hotel accommodations at the Holiday Inn Express in nearby Chula Vista. A 6 day/6 night program inclusive of meals, lodging, guided activities and roundtrip air from San Diego is $1,695 per person, double occupancy, or roughly $285 per person, per day.

By comparison, notes Warren, an eight-day/seven-night Galapagos cruise on a first class yacht is approximately $3,200 per person, double occupancy (about $400 per day) for just the cruise portion only before the additional expense of pre/post trip lodging and international and regional air.

Flight times to the islands can be in excess of 6 to 8 hours from most U.S. cities.

“Quality of experience, savings and value are on everyone’s mind,” says Warren. “

“And it’s a little-known fact that Summer can be one of the best times to visit the Midriff Islands region. The water is ideal for snorkeling, the fishing is superb and wildlife opportunities abound.”

Lodging at Las Animas for up to 20 guests is offered in eight romantic beachside yurts.

Each features its own private bathroom, solar shower, twin and king-size beds with comforters and high thread-count linens, and covered patios.

Lodging is built around a large centrally located palapa with attached patio that serves as kitchen, central dining area, cantina bar, and communal lounging and game area.

Las Animas is located in Baja’s Midriff Island region (VISIT THIS LINK)  in the Sea of Cortez, biologically the richest body of water on the planet supporting more than 900 species of marine vertebrates and more than 2,000 unique species of invertebrates. Guided small boat excursions to isolated islands and coves reveal up to 12 species of annual whales; including Fin, Orca and Blue Whales (the largest animal that inhabits the planet).

Bottlenose and Common Dolphins, California Sea Lions and Elephant Seals are all found here, in large numbers.

It is not at all uncommon to find large pods of friendly dolphins hundreds of yards wide. California Sea Lions are perhaps most common to the Midriff’s with a large rookery just two miles from the retreat.

Three orders of marine birds – arctic, temperate, and tropical can be spotted here. The islands are inhabited by more than 50 species including Blue Footed Boobies, Brown Pelicans, Royal Terns, Frigate Birds, Cormorants, Turkey Vultures and Osprey.

Over 95% of the world’s population of Heermans Gulls and Elegant Terns breed on nearby Rasa Island; a national bird sanctuary, found a short 15 miles from Las Animas by boat.

The stunning Sonoran Desert also offers truly unique plant life as well. More than 20 cactus species thrive here, 70% of which are indigenous to Baja.

In the desert along the coast, you’ll also find Boojum and Elephant trees, Giant Cardon Cactus (more than 60 ft. tall) and Ironwood, all growing with forest-like density near the retreat.

By comparison, in the Galapagos there are 29 types of land birds (30% are endemic found only on these islands) and 19 main types of sea birds. There are 400 different species of fish and 12 species of sharks roaming the surrounding waters with 17% endemic to the region. Marine mammals include dolphins, sea lions and whales including Brydes whales, Pilot whales, Minke whales, Blue and Cuviers Whales.

For information on packages offered year-round by Baja AirVentures please go online to: www.bajaairventures.com  or call 1-800-221-9283.

The Vincent Hotel in Southport has won the prestigious North West RICS Tourism and Leisure 2009 award. Widely regarded as the region’s property ‘Oscars’, the award recognises inspirational initiatives and developments in property, construction and the environment.

Held at Manchester City’s stadium, the Vincent beat off tough competition, including the Midland hotel in Morecambe and the Hard Day’s Night Hotel in Liverpool, to take home the coveted award.
Opened in 2008, The Vincent Hotel, a contemporary boutique hotel located on Lord Street, Southport’s main boulevard, was designed by award winning Architects Falconer Chester Hall.

With six floors of tranquility, the hotel has 60 guest studios, residences and penthouses, a destination V Cafe & Sushi Bar on the ground floor, the V-Spa and V Gym and the V-Galleria Suites for weddings and corporate events.

The hotel replaced a vacant ABC cinema and demolition was granted with Listed Building Consent. Clad in limestone and zinc, with aluminium windows and stainless steel features the lead architect on the project Adam Hall said the design was inspired by Southport’s nautical references:

“The hotel looks towards the sea and the use of glass and balconies gave the hotel a linear type quality.

“It was a great experience to work on such a visually stunning project that was embraced by both the local planners and general public alike.” Adam Hall, Falconer Chester Hall Architects.

For Paul Adams, owner of the Vincent Hotel, the award is recognition of a truly unique and stylish destination hotel, unlike anything else in the region:

“The Vincent Hotel is Southport’s first boutique Hotel and we believe the award not only recognises the hotel’s striking design but also its unrivalled levels of service and personal comfort. Fresh in its approach and unique in style.”

DUTCH QUEEN AND RUSSIAN PRESIDENT TO OPEN NEW HERMITAGE AMSTERDAM MUSEUM IN JUNE

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and the President of the Russian Federation, Mr. Dmitry Medvedev, will attend opening celebrations of the Hermitage Amsterdam museum on the evening of Friday, June 19, one day prior to the public opening of the museum on June 20, 2009.

Other members of the Dutch Royal family expected to attend include Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima. The Hermitage Amsterdam opens with the dazzling exhibition, “At the Russian Court: Palace and Protocol in the 19th Century.”

The Hermitage Amsterdam is the first branch of the magnificent Russian State Museum Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

The Hermitage Amsterdam will organize temporary exhibitions chosen from the collections of the Hermitage and other Russian museums.

The opening exhibition will feature more than 1,800 objects to tell the story about the court life of Russian tsars, including the Romanov throne, jewelry by Fabergé, gala dresses and the last tsarina’s grand piano.

The museum is housed in the monumental 17th-century building Amstelhof, a historic building off the Amstel River in Amsterdam which has undergone nearly $50 million in renovations in preparation of the opening of the museum.

The Hermitage Amsterdam’s nearly 96,000 square feet consists of two large galleries, cabinets, an old chapel, regents’ rooms and an enclosed garden. The building also contains a study centre, a restaurant, shops and the Hermitage for Children center.

For more information, please visit www.hermitage.nl

In celebration of the first day of the 2009 China International Boat Show, Hurun Report hosted two hundred guests from the yachting world to a cocktail party at South Beauty’s 881 Club. During the course of the evening, Rupert Hoogewerf presented awards to the Top Twenty Pioneers of China’s fledgling marina industry.

Winners of the 2009 Hurun Marina Award included Shenzhen Bay Marina Club, Suzhou Taihu Mercury Club & Marina, Nine Dragons Admirals Yacht Club, Shanghai Yachting Club and Han Yuan International Club.

“These marina pioneers represent the cream of China’s fast-growing yachting lifestyle,” says Rupert Hoogewerf, founder and publisher of Hurun Report. “As a media partner of the 2009 China International Boat Show, currently the leading Boat Show in China, we are delighted to bring China’s wealthy elite together with the marinas.”

The cocktails ended with the much-anticipated lucky draw prize of an all-expenses paid trip for two to Tahiti for a week worth RMB 80,000 other prizes included a bottle of Dewar’s Signature Whiskey worth RMB 3,200 and Giorgio Armani beauty products for men worth RMB 2,320. After the cocktails, Hurun Report took 25 VIP guests for a unique yachting experience on an Azimut and Pershing yacht up and down the Huangpu River.

Hurun Report would like to thank Riva, Han Yuan International Club, Dewar’s Whiskey and South Beauty Restaurants for their support of the event.

About Hurun Report
Nobody Knows China’s Rich Better!

Hurun Report Inc is a leading luxury publishing group based in Shanghai, China, comprising a monthly magazine and an active events division targeting China’s wealthy elite.

Hurun Report magazine is published monthly with a proven circulation of 90,000 targeting China’s wealthy elite and is widely recognized as the Mainland’s foremost authority in tracking the rapid changes and trends amongst China’s high net worth individuals.

Founded in 1999, the flagship is the annual Hurun Rich List published each October, considered the bible of wealth and a de-facto ‘Who’s Who’ of Chinese business.

Throughout the year, the Hurun Research Institute also publishes the Hurun Philanthropy List (May) ranking the charitable donations of China’s most generous, the Hurun Art List (Mar) ranking China’s Top 50 living artists by the sales at public auction of their works in the previous year, the Hurun Best of the Best (Jan) which ranks the leading luxury brands in China and the Hurun Wealth Report (April) detailing the number of millionaires in China, broken down by region.

Hurun Report Inc also publishes a series of six other magazines focusing on the special interests of China’s wealthy, notably the Schools Guide, Polo/Equestrian, Luxury Property, Watches, New Year Gifts and Luxury Travel.

For further details about the full portfolio of Hurun publications and business activities and events, see www.hurun.net – the website of choice for the gatekeepers of China’s wealthy elite.

Down Under Dining Extravaganza At Okura Amsterdam As Ciel Bleu Hosts New Zealand’s Huka Lodge

From 1 – 14 July 2009, Onno Kokmeijer, executive chef and manager of the two-Michelin starred Ciel Bleu restaurant at Hotel Okura Amsterdam, will host David Griffiths, executive chef at Huka Lodge in New Zealand for a spectacular ‘Ciel Bleu Meets Down Under’ gastronomic event.

Ciel Bleu, the French inspired fine dining restaurant, was awarded its second Michelin Star in November 2007 and is the only restaurant in Amsterdam with two stars. Situated on the 23rd floor of the five-star Hotel Okura Amsterdam, it offers panoramic views of Amsterdam from every table.

Huka Lodge is located in Taupo in the central North Island of New Zealand. Situated in the midst of a magnificent nature reserve, the property has been sought by the world’s most discerning travellers since the 1920s and for many years has been included in the Condé Nast Traveller Magazine Gold List, most recently in 2009.

This iconic lodge has provided a private retreat for an impressive number of royal visitors including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, as well as Their Royal Highnesses The Crown Prince of The Netherlands and Princess Maxima. Huka Lodge continues to welcome many celebrity guests including Kate Winslet, Rod Stewart and Diana Ross.

Together the two renowned chefs, Onno Kokmeijer and David Griffiths, will create a superb six-course dinner menu – offering guests a true taste of New Zealand on their very doorstep. Griffiths will prepare three courses of New Zealand specialities matched up with New Zealand Craggy Range wines, while Kokmeijer will create three courses complemented by GP wines from Alex van Heeren’s Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek, South Africa.

At the five-star Okura Amsterdam, Japanese style, service and sophistication combine with a relaxed Dutch ambiance to provide guests with an unforgettably warm welcome.

The Okura is situated on the banks of the Amstel Canal, close to the city’s cultural, entertainment and financial districts, with the Schiphol International airport just a 15-minute drive away.

Facilities at the 301-room hotel include a traditional Japanese sauna & massage; health club and swimming pool, four international restaurants including Ciel Bleu and the traditional one Michelin-Star Japanese restaurant, Yamazato; executive lounge, business centre and boat jetty.

The six course menu costs €97.50 (£78.50) per person with wine matching an additional €82.50 (£66.45) per person. A special one night ‘Ciel Bleu meets Down Under’ package including an overnight , the six course dinner including wine and breakfast in Le Camelia Brasserie at the Hotel Okura Amsterdam costs from € 510 (£460) per couple. For more details on the ‘Ciel Bleu Meets Down Under’ event and to make a reservation call Hotel Okura Amsterdam on 0031 20 6788 300 or visit www.okura.nl   or www.cielbleu.nl

Parkdean Holidays Introduces UK Celebrity Haunts On A Shoestring

National Caravanning and Camping Week starts on 23 May 2009 and with the credit crunch causing a boom in UK camping holidays, 2009 is being heralded as the year of Cool Britannia. Do not fear! It’s not all kagoules and soggy sarnies, Parkdean Holidays offers its expert advice on how to experience the hippest locations the UK has to offer on a budget and reminds us that we can still enjoy a caravan experience without having to bring one with us, by staying in one of its luxury static caravan holiday homes!

– Burgh Island, South Devon

So the celebs fly into this hip location on helicopters, but you could pitch up at Parkdean Holidays’ Challaborough Holiday Park, just a stones throw from the island and enjoy the stunning views of this fabulous location without the extortionate cost.

Explore the local area of outstanding natural beauty, spend days enjoying stunning coastal paths or catch the sea tractor to Burgh Island to do some celeb spotting!

A week’s caravan rental for six people starts from just £189.

– Sandbanks, Dorset

A playground to millionaires and celebs alike, Sandbanks is renowned for its glitterati but fear not, you can experience the glamour of the region without taking out a second mortgage! Dorset is served by two Parkdean Holiday Parks;

Warmwell and Sandford, offering a range of accommodation from standard tent pitches to superb static caravan holiday homes. Property on this exclusive sand dune on the picturesque Dorset coast, sells for millions; you can admire all that Sandbanks has to offer from just £12 per night for a standard tent pitch for a group of four.

- Rock, Cornwall

Rock is known as “Britain’s Saint-Tropez”, due to its popularity with the upper classes and A-listers alike. Hugh Grant, Jemima Kahn and Prince Harry are all regulars to the village which boasts a stunning beach and a wide choice of up-market restaurants and bars.

While affluent holidaymakers, including Mohammed Al Fayed, make use of the nearby helipad and stay in expensive hotels, why not try out Parkdean Holiday’s St Minver Holiday Park, just a stone’s throw from the famous North Cornish village.

A week’s caravan rental for six people starts from just £189. Or treat yourself to a ‘real celeb style’ holiday and stay at St Minver’s exclusive Trehawks site and stay in a luxury Trehawk lodge, fitted with all mod-cons, such as dishwashers, wide screen TV’s and en-suite bathrooms from £299.

– Burnham Market, Norfolk

Burnham Market is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere which attracts famous faces every year, and has hence become known as “Chelsea on Sea”.

However, staying in the town can be quite costly, so why not try out Parkdean Holidays’ Cherry Tree Holiday Park in Norfolk.

It is the ideal location to explore the county from Great Yarmouth to the Norfolk Broads and celeb spotting in Burnham Market, the Holiday Park is the gateway to all that is great about Norfolk.

And with caravan rentals for six people starting from just £113 it won’t break the bank!

– Watergate Bay, Cornwall

Watergate Bay is one of North Cornwall’s best known beaches. Popular with surfers and those who want to be away from the crowds of Newquay, Watergate Bay is one of the most spectacular expanses of beach in the whole of Cornwall. Home to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant, the bay is no stranger to famous faces! Parkdean Holiday’s Holywell Bay Holiday Park is in close proximity to Watergate Bay and offers a gateway to the region for those wanting to sample the high life without the associated cost. With a standard tent pitch for a group of four available from just £10 per night, Parkdean Holidays’ Holywell Bay Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the north Cornish coast.

“The return of Cool Britannia means everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and staying in the UK for short breaks and holidays this year. We pride ourselves on offering holiday parks in the greatest locations the UK has to offer and with accommodation ranging from tent pitches to luxury five star lodges, Parkdean Holidays can accommodate any budget,” says John Waterworth, CEO Parkdean Holidays.

www.parkdean.com , Tel: 0871 641 0170

Lešić Dimitri Palace will redefine Croatian luxury.

Following four years of meticulous restoration, Lešić Dimitri Palace will welcome its first guests in June 2009. The five-star boutique retreat, the only elite accommodation between Dubrovnik and Hvar, will revolutionise the Croatian luxury market with its unique blend of beautifully preserved medieval history and unparalleled contemporary luxury.

Lešić Dimitri occupies an 18th Century bishop’s palace and five medieval cottages. The Palace’s history and architecture have been fastidiously maintained and enhanced by world-class luxuries including specialist spa facilities, innovative Dalmatian cuisine and panoramic views over the crystal clear Adriatic waters. With only six residences, the personalised and intimate service offered by Lešić Dimitri Palace will be unmatched.

Lešić Dimitri Palace’s concept and design pay homage to Korčula’s most famous resident: 13th Century explorer Marco Polo.

Each of the six residences emulates a particular destination on the explorer’s Silk Road travels and the spa, conceived by a leading Thai specialist, has created an inspiring treatment list with influences from the Silk Road, Thailand, and the Mediterranean.

Nestled above the Adriatic in Korčula Old Town, the Palace offers its guests a wealth of activities from its historic and picturesque location. Take one of the Palace’s private yachts to a nearby island, or explore the medieval town, encircled by 14th Century stone walls whilst strolling through winding alleyways, past hidden churches and homes with terra cotta tiled roofs.

Other activities include hiking, windsurfing, sailing, diving and wine-tasting.

The Palace, including spa and restaurant facilities, can be reserved for exclusive use.

For more information about Lešić Dimitri Palace, visit www.Lesic-Dimitri.com

Those who choose to rent Salad Days, a delightful cottage (sleeps six), just five minutes walk from the beaches in Tenby, will receive a free, signed copy of ‘Just a little run around the world’.

The reason…the owner of the cottage is Rosie Swale Pope MBE, a special lady who has recently returned from a four-year run right around the world – for charity – towing all her belongings in a little cart!

A copy of her new book about her adventures will be left in the cottage as a free gift for those who stay in June.

Salad Days is available for rent via Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire, one of the businesses that sponsored Rosie on her marathon journey.

A week’s stay in June is £505.

Reservations: 01437 772760 or visit www.coastalcottages.co.uk