Jetsettersblog

The Korea Tourism Organization’s annual photo contest welcomes entries for another year.

There is the generic theme of promoting Korea’s charms locally and internationally and a special theme of ‘Korea Green Tourism’. Through the competition Korea Tourism Organization can encourage greater understanding about green tourism, which refers to the low-carbon tourism and environmental preservation to allow nature to be enjoyed by all whilst keeping environmental destruction to a minimum.

Number of entries: 1-50 unpublished photographs taken after January 2008

Entries must be submitted between the 20-24, July 2009
Entries must be submitted through the KTO website:
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/PK/PK_EN_14_1.jsp

For further information email hyoya@knto.or.kr

Exclusive Australian Resort Voyages Bedarra Island is to host the first in a series of Sommelier Weekends this August matching Champagne Louis Roederer and Katnook Estate Wines with specially created gourmet degustation menus.

Set against the backdrop of the private hideaway of Voyages Bedarra Island, off the coast of Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef, the Sommelier Weekends – running from August through to October – will give guests the exclusive chance to savour, sample and learn more about wines and champagnes.

The first event, on the weekend of August 14th and 15th, will feature Louis Roederer Champagne and Katnook Estate Wines, with chief winemaker Wayne Stehbens revealing blending, maturing and ageing secrets that give both varieties individual yet distinctive styles and flavours.

Tastings notes will accompany the menus with information on every wine’s distinctive features from the fabulously rich and lush Louis Roederer Vintage Rose 2000, to the crisp and harmonious Louis Roederer Brut Vintage 2002.

Led by Bedarra Island’s Executive Chef Geoffrey Crabbe, the Resort’s culinary team will match seven-course gourmet degustation menus for each tasting, using fresh local produce and ingredients to expertly compliment each course with the appropriate vintage of wine or Champagne.

14th August – Champagne Louis Roederer

Featuring: 2000 and 2002 Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs; 2002 and 2003 Louis Roederer Vintage Bruts; 2002 Louis Roederer Vintage Rose; and the Louis Roederer Brut NV Premier.

15th August – Coonawarra’s Katnook Estate Wines
Featuring: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; 2006 Katnook Estate Merlot; 2005 Katnook Estate Shiraz; 2008 Katnook Estate Sauvignon Blanc; 2006 Katnook Estate Chardonnay; 2004 Katnook Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon; and 2005 Katnook Prodigy Shiraz.

18th September -Champagne Bollinger & Croser Sparkling Wines

Featuring: NV Bollinger Special Cuvee; 2006 Croser; 2004 Croser; NV Bollinger Rose; 1998 Croser Proprietors Reserve; and 1998 Petaluma Sharefarmers Botrytis Riesling.

19th September – Petaluma Wines

Featuring: 2008 Petaluma Hamlin Hill Riesling; 2007 Petaluma Viognier; 2007 Petaluma Chardonnay; 2006 Petaluma Shiraz; 2006 Petaluma Coonawarra; 1998 Petaluma Coonawarra; and 1998 Petaluma Sharefarmers Botrytis Riesling.

16th – 17th October – Domaine Chandon Sparkling Wines

Hosted by Matt Steel, senior winemaker from Domaine Chandon.

Featuring Chandon Sparkling Wines: Chandon NV, Chandon NV Rose, 05 Chandon Vintage Brut, 05 Blanc de Blanc, 05 Vintage Rose, NV Chandon Pinot Shiraz and Chandon Cuvee Riche. Domaine Chandon Still Wines: Chandon NV Brut, 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 Pinot Noir Rose, 2007 Chardonnay; 2008 Pinot Noir; 2006 Heathcote Shiraz and 2005 Barrel Selection Shiraz.

Anna Guillan, Voyages Executive General Manager Sales & Marketing, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our Bedarra Island guests an additional reason to indulge and celebrate – whether it’s with their partner or friends. At no additional cost, the Sommelier Series Weekends are a celebration of the fusion of great cuisine matched with superb Champagnes and Australian wines, set amongst the spectacular tropical rainforest hideaway setting of Voyages Bedarra Island.”

Included within the price of a two-night stay on Voyages Bedarra Island, these Sommelier Series Weekends will be available for guests to enjoy as an additional complimentary highlight of their weekend. Two nights on Voyages Bedarra Island starts from $3,400 per room and includes all meals, a selection of premium alcoholic beverages and a range of activities including motorised dinghies, snorkelling and gourmet picnic hampers.

At Bedarra Island, guests can do as they wish, when they wish. A maximum of just 32 guests are accommodated in 16 secluded villas, hidden in the rainforest, only minutes from the beach. Superbly appointed, each villa has a separate living area, contemporary bathroom and king size bed. On the balcony, guests can relax in a hammock and contemplate the beauty and calm of this elegant retreat.

For more information, visit www.bedarraisland.com/sommelier-series

The Ultimate Family Holiday

All aboard The Yangzi Explorer for an unforgettable family holiday
Children, 12 or Under Travel Free to September 6th

This season, the Yangzi Explorer invites families on a trip of a lifetime. From now  to September 6th, children aged 12 or under are welcomed on board free of charge providing the ideal catalyst to explore cruising with your family and discover one of the most magnificent waterways in the world in ultimate elegance and style.

On-board activities are superbly organised and encompass a broad range of interests. Lectures on Chinese culture and The Three Gorges Project sit alongside Tai chi classes and Chinese cookery demonstrations. Families with children need not worry about keeping them occupied since little ones are also beautifully catered for with a comprehensive program of activities, from the educational such as Mandarin lessons to traditional arts and crafts like lantern making and mask-painting.

With the enviable one-to-one staff to passenger ratio, childcare is an easily facilitated option and children’s amenities such as high chairs and appropriate catering are readily available. No cruise would be complete without the pre-requisite evening entertainments and on the Yangzi Explorer a varied and inspired program has been devised to delight all ages.

Built in 2008 to exacting five-star standards, the Yangzi Explorer is a ship of distinction.

With rooms limited to only 124 passengers, this is the most exclusive, boutique boat to sail the river Yangzi. Luxury features abound, from the spa and gym to the spectacular interiors designed by a renowned interior designer. The Yangzi Explorer has been built with comfort and elegance in mind; every room has river views and the generously proportioned suites are all perfectly equipped with private balconies and all the high-end facilities one would expect of a luxury cruiser. A-la-carte dining, internet access, an observation deck and environmentally-friendly operations are among the features that make a cruise on the Yangzi Explorer a truly unique experience.

Sailing the majestic Yangzi River would not be complete without a number of shore stops to gain an insight into the local way of life.

Visits to the colourful night markets, excursions, temples and guided tours around the private Three Gorges Musuem are all scheduled to ensure guests leave the cruise with a sense of the real China.

Dependent on your itinerary, there is the option to spend either three or four nights on-board, although the longer, upstream trip is recommended since the light hours correspond to the most visual elements of the cruise.

With so much to experience, as well as the opportunity for total relaxation and a plethora of different ways to tailor your trip, a cruise on the Yangzi Explorer is guaranteed to be a sure-fire favourite family holiday.

• Prices vary between the high, peak and shoulder season

• A deluxe cabin costs between £735 and £1,070 p.p sharing a room

• All prices are subject to increase depending on taxes, government levies and fuel increases

• Children stay free when sharing the same cabin as two full paying adults

• Single supplement is waived for all single travellers
• Valid for all bookings from June 1st to September 6th 2009

• Flights are not included

This Yangzi Explorer can be booked through the following tour operators:

• Audley Travel- www.audleytravel.com
• Abercrombie & Kent- www.abercrombieandkent.com
• Bales – www.balesworldwide.com
• Carrier – www.carrier.co.uk
• Cox and Kings – www.coxandkings.co.uk
• Elegant Resorts – www.elegantresorts.co.uk
• Kuoni – www.kuoni.co.uk
• Steppes Travel – www.steppestravel.co.uk
• Travel 2 – www.travel2.com
• Trailfinders – www.trailfinders.com
• Wexas – www.wexas.com

Voyages Dunk Island has been named one of Australia’s Top Ten Family-Friendly Resorts in the 4-stars and over category by Holidays with Kids Magazine – an Australian family travel website and magazine.

Votes were received from over 600,000 parents and 40,000 online members who nominated Voyages Dunk Island for outstanding holiday appeal and facilities for families.

Readers were invited to rank their nominations on categories including activities and facilities for kids, childcare and babysitting services, staff hospitality, standard of accommodation, location, accessibility, safety, fun for the entire family, value for money and overall experience.

Voyages Dunk Island is Queensland’s most beautiful tropical rainforest island – a natural haven for adults and kids alike.

Kids can run riot in the Kids Club, enjoy arts and crafts, rainforest discovery walks and a visit to the island farm. Mum and Dad, meanwhile, can jump on water skis, snorkel, enjoy a sailing trip, play a round of golf or indulge at the Spa of Peace and Plenty.

For a limited time only, guests staying for four nights or more can have their breakfast, lunch and dinner included for FREE!

Kids still stay and eat for free. Four-night packages start from $588* per person and include full buffet breakfast, buffet or 2-course lunch and buffet or 3-course dinner daily. Also included are many non-motorised water sports and island activities, plus children stay and eat for FREE!

For bookings and further information, visit www.dunk-island.com/special  or phone 1300 134 044

*Conditions apply.

To read more about the Holidays with Kids awards, visit www.holidayswithkids.com.au/top_10_awards

Voyages Lizard Island has been voted the Top Hotel for Service in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by Travel + Leisure readers.

US-based Travel + Leisure readers are among the most sophisticated, passionate and discerning travellers in the world. The World’s Best Service Awards 2009 are based on the rating hotels received for their service in the World’s Best Awards 2008 readers’ survey.

The results are featured in the June 2009 issue of the US edition of Travel + Leisure magazine and online at www.travelandleisure.com

Voyages’ Executive General Manager Sales & Marketing Anna Guillan said: “Lizard Island epitomizes the best that Australia has to offer.

It boasts 24 powdery-white beaches, sensational diving on the Great Barrier Reef and Black Marlin big game fishing adventures. Add to this the style of a world-class resort with a barefoot luxury feel and you have a truly unique place.”

“This prestigious accolade is particularly special to Voyages because it is voted by readers of Travel + Leisure and is a wonderful testament to the service ethics of the 82 staff who live and work on Lizard Island and who are committed to delivering great experiences to our guests,” said Guillan.

Lizard Island, www.lizardisland.com.au  is Australia’s northernmost resort, 240km north of Cairns and 27km off the coast near Cape Flattery, located right on the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, fringed with colourful coral reefs and postcard perfect beaches.

Accommodation at Lizard Island is stylish and contemporary with a beach house appeal. Each one of the 40 villas on Lizard Island is elegant and spacious, with either ocean or beach views.

Widely regarded as Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island (www.tourkangarooisland.com.au) is the best place in Australia to see the widest range of free roaming native animals in their natural habitat – kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, seals, sea lions, penguins, echidna, platypus and goannas, to name but a few.

Situated in South Australia (www.southaustralia.com) Kangaroo Island is 155 km long and 55 km wide with a 540 km coastline making it Australia’s third largest island. Almost a third of the Island is pristine wilderness or conservation parks, 21 in total, having retained its rich diversity of flora and fauna, much of which is not found on the mainland. This is why Kangaroo Island is considered to be a ‘must see’ destination for all first time visitors to Australia.

HISTORY – Captain Matthew Flinders recorded the first European sighting of Kangaroo Island in March 1802 during an exploration along the Australian coastline on behalf of the British Government. The following month information was exchanged with Nicolas Baudin, commander of the French corvette, Le Geographe, who was also exploring the area. Baudin visited Kangaroo Island that summer and mapped much of the south and west coastlines which today still bear a number of French names.

Sealers, escaped convicts and runaway sailors were among the first Europeans to live on the island during the early 1800s. They were joined by Aboriginal women transported from Tasmania and mainland Australia to help with the difficulties of a self-sufficient life in a remote location.

In July 1836, the island’s first official settlers arrived on board the “Duke of York”, creating Australia’s first free settlement at Kingscote. Lack of water and suitable building materials resulted in the settlement being abandoned in favour of Adelaide.

Sheep farming became the core industry during the late 1800s as wool could be shipped easily to the mainland. Barley and other grains were grown and the island’s residents made use of natural resources, felling timber, snaring possums, kangaroos and wallabies, and distilling eucalyptus oil.

After the Second World War the population of Kangaroo Island proceeded to increase as a result of the government’s war service land settlement scheme. Ex-soldiers and their families arrived to farm undeveloped land in the island’s central plateau and the numbers of inhabitants rose.

Kangaroo Island has preserved a number of its historic attractions, allowing visitors to delve more deeply into its past. These include South Australia’s oldest lighthouse, Cape Willoughby, built in 1852 and standing 27 metres high on the island’s most easterly point, as well as The Maritime and Folk Museum housed in Old Penneshaw School which highlights the numerous ships wrecked off the coast, the first of which was recorded in 1847.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS – FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK is set in 74,000 hectares and is internationally renowned for its array of native Australian animals. It is also home to Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch.

The instantly recognisable Remarkable Rocks consist of huge granite boulders shaped over centuries by the weather and perched on a dome that rises 75 metres out of the sea.

Farther along the rugged southern coastline at Cape Du Couedic, Admiral’s Arch is an impressive landmark that leads the way to a nursery of around 6,000 native New Zealand fur seals.

Here visitors can watch them bask on the sun-drenched rocks or dive into the sea.

North east of Cape Du Couedic is KELLY HILL CONSERVATION PARK. A network of walking trails lead along an undulating limestone ridge towards sinkholes and caverns until they reach the surreal Kelly Hill Caves where amazing limestone formations await.

Further east along the south coast, SEAL BAY CONSERVATION PARK is one of only two places in the world in which visitors have the opportunity to walk amongst a breeding colony of rare Australian sea lions. National Park Rangers guide people on to the large sandy beach, through dune areas and a boardwalk, to view the beautiful creatures as they nurse their young or rest in the sun after feeding at sea for days at a time.

Nearby, the area known as LITTLE SAHARA provides a stark contrast to the lush conservation areas and rugged coastline. A series of expansive white sand dunes surrounded by bush vegetation give the impression of being in the middle of an inhospitable desert, rather than a flourishing island.

Keen ornithologists will find MURRAY LAGOON worth visiting. Located on the edge of the Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park, it features a network of walking trails that highlight the habitats of numerous species of water birds.

DUCK LAGOON is yet another area in which naturalists delight. Koalas can often be seen in the trees and there are lots of opportunities for bird watching. The unspoilt area of D’ESTREES BAY also attracts visitors who come to see the shore wading birds and pelicans feeding on long stretches of beach and to hunt for shells along the shoreline.

The towns of PENNESHAW and KINGSCOTE both lay claim to colonies of little penguins that nest in sandhills and rockfaces and can be seen as they return to the burrows at dusk, after fishing off shore. Penneshaw is a pretty Cornish-style settlement known for its safe, clean beach, while Kingscote is the island’s commercial hub and consequently the largest town.

BEACHES – with a 540 km coastline it is no wonder that the Island boasts many stunning beaches, the most notable being Stokes Bay, Vivonne Bay, Snelling Beach and Hanson Bay.

WILDLIFE CALENDAR December-February (summer)

- Kangaroos and tammar wallabies are seen predominantly at dawn and dusk.
- Little penguins moult all their feathers and can lose up to half their body weight.
- New Zealand fur seals give birth to chocolate-brown pups.
- The Australian sea-lion breeding season begins with pups born from January to June.
- Heath goannas lay 10-17 eggs in termite mounds which act as the perfect incubator.
- Koalas, wallabies and kangaroos give birth to tiny young, which are naked and blind.

March-May (autumn)

- Glossy black cockatoos and little penguins begin nesting.
- Black swans begin their courtships with wing-raising, neck-stretching and loud trumpeting.
- Fungi start to appear on damp ground and rotting wood.

June-August (winter and the best time to visit)

- Land mammals, predominantly night/dawn/dusk feeders, frequently come out by day.
- Koalas emerge from the mother’s pouch and begin to ride on her back.
- Kangaroo and wallaby joeys start to emerge from the mother’s pouch to feed.
- Echidnas form ‘mating trains’, up to eight males will follow a female for up to four weeks.
- Waders, on their migration from Siberia, begin to arrive.
- Ospreys show off to their mates in spectacular courtship fights.
- Southern right whales pass from Antarctic waters to the Great Australian Bight to calve.

September-November (spring)

- Wildflowers are in abundance with around 40 endemic floral species to be found.
- Eucalyptus oil is in peak production. One tonne of leaf can produce up to 30 litres of oil.
- Cape Barren geese nest on top of the native iris grasses to incubate their eggs.
- Platypuses lay two eggs in a burrow up to 20 metres long.

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS

Island Pure Sheep Dairy offers visitors the chance to observe sheep milking and cheese production demonstrations and to try some of the special cheese and yoghurt produced on the farm.

Kangaroo Island is thought to be the only place in the world where a pure strain of the placid ligurian bee exists. Clifford’s Honey Farm is a 600-hectare property where more than 10,000 kilograms of honey is produced each year and Island Beehive produces organic honey extracted at low temperatures to retain the natural colours and flavours, and to protect the many nutritional qualities.

Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery allows visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the processes involved in transforming one of the island’s natural assets into an oil that can be used as a solvent, cleaner, disinfectant and insect repellent, to name just a few of its uses.

Other options include Parndana Wildlife Park and Kangaroo Island Penguin Centre at Kingscote.

GALLERIES – They say nature makes a fine muse, so it is little wonder that the Island inspires so many fine artists. From painters to potters, writers to woodworkers and spinners to silk painters, the art and crafts of local artists very much reflects their island life. Fine Art Kangaroo Island and the Kangaroo Island Gallery in Kingscote and KI Artworks in Baudin Beach exhibit and sell only Island-made works. There are over half a dozen other galleries visitors can pop into.

FOOD AND WINE

Kangaroo Island, home to 30 vineyards and 18 labels, already has a reputation for its dynamic food and wine culture – pure Ligurian honey, exceptional seafood, cheese, olive oil – the list goes on. In 2007 Kangaroo Island was named Australia’s best regional food destination at the “Vogue Entertaining and Travel Audi Produce Awards”.

2 Birds And A Squid and Fish were both set up and are run by renowned British born chef Sue Pearson.

Kangaroo Island’s Food & Wine Trail highlights food producers and the growing wine industry, and gives Internet users the chance to view video and audio interviews, together with still images and 360-degree virtual reality scenes designed to showcase the best the island has to offer. www.goodfoodkangarooisland.com

Epicurean Adventure is a food safari tour from Exceptional Kangaroo Island focussing on the island’s diversity of produce and the passion of the producers. A full day can incorporate seafood, artisan cheese, olive oil, honey, marron (an Australian freshwater crayfish), native spices, yoghurt and wine.

For example, Sue and Dan Pattingale are renowned olive oil producers – their herbaceous, peppery oil is harvested from ancient, gnarled tress from across the Island.

Sunset Winery was the Island’s first cellar door. Now there are several locations where visitors can sample the local wines and enjoy a platter of local produce, including Bay of Shoals and Two Wheeler Creek, Dudley Wines and Chapman River Cellar Door.

Kangaroo Island Spirits, a recently established distillery, is South Australia’s first and only boutique distillery producing a range of quality liqueurs and spirits including some made from local ingredients.

Andermel Marron Farm features a great cafe and interesting dishes using native herbs grown on the property.

ACTIVITIES – Over and above wildlife spotting, which includes nocturnal wildlife tours, activities include fishing, surfing, hiking, trekking, camping and scuba diving – of interest both to wildlife enthusiasts as well as wreck divers.

ACCOMMODATION – The Island’s flagship property is undoubtedly SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE (www.southernoceanlodge.com.au) a luxurious world class eco-wilderness lodge that opened in April 2008 to instant success and international acclaim. In 2009 it was named “Hotel Of The Year” in the prestigious Tatler Travel Guide and made Condé Nast Traveller’s “Red Hot List” featuring the world’s best new hotels.

The publication likened arriving at Southern Ocean Lodge to “standing on the prow of a great liner with water and sky all around”. Meanwhile, Lodge owner and creator, James Baillie, made Condé Nast Traveller’s list of “10 Hot Hoteliers”.

Over and above Southern Ocean Lodge, the extensive range of accommodation options ensures there is something to appeal to all tastes and budgets: caravan parks, camping grounds, backpacker hostels and b&bs, farmstays, hotels, self-contained houses, lighthouse keepers’ and cottages.

Of particular note is Lifetime Private Retreats who specialise in offering a personal, customised service in a secluded landscape. Lifetime consists of three individual upmarket retreats with beach access – Cliff House, Sky House and Stone House. A chef is on hand to serve meals on request at a choice of locations, whilst accommodation packages can include daily yoga and meditation, snorkelling, massage, mud treatments, diving, cooking lessons, tours and fishing expeditions.
www.life-time.com.au

ACCESSIBILITY – Regional Express and Air South fly daily from Adelaide; SeaLink operates up to 10 daily 45-minute passenger and vehicle ferry crossings from Cape Jervis, 90-minutes drive south of Adelaide. Car hire is also available.

DID YOU KNOW?

- Kangaroo Island is large enough for everybody in the world to lie down on at once. SA resident Dr Roger Murphy has mathematically demonstrated that all six billion of the earth’s people could lie down on the island at the same time

- Kangaroo Island is seven times the size of Singapore.

- 300kg of salt falls across Kangaroo Island per hectare per year.

- The island was separated from the mainland over 10,000 years ago. Animals and plants have evolved differently over this time creating species found nowhere else in the world. Kangaroo Island even has its own sub species of kangaroo.

For further information on Kangaroo Island www.tourkangarooisland.com.au
For further information on South Australia www.southaustralia.com

Gutsy Women Travel is offering a nine-day Costa Rican Traditions trip that departs Nov. 7; Jan. 16, 2010; and Nov. 20, 2010.

Throughout the trip, as ladies travel from San Jose to Arenal, Monteverde, and Tambor, they’ll find endless opportunities for viewing an amazing variety of animals, birds, and plant species. The itinerary also includes special treats such as a sunset yoga session on the beach; enjoying the therapeutic effects of the Tabacon hot springs; a Tico cooking class; a painting lesson at the CASEM, a thriving artists’ community founded by women; visits to working coffee and sugar plantations; a boat ride on Lake Arena; a ferry ride to Tambor; and a cruise around Tortuga Island.

Guests will also visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens; learn to paint your own handicrafts with local artisans; cross Lake Arenal to Monteverde; attend a Costa Rican cooking class; take a scenic ferry ride to Tambor; snorkel at Tortuga Island; participate in a sunset yoga session on the beach; and visit the Gold Museum and Costa Rica’s National Theater.

Included are roundtrip flights Miami-San Jose (other departure cities available); two nights at The Alta Hotel in San Jose; two nights at the Mountain Paradise Hotel in Arenal; two nights at the El Establo Hotel in Monteverde; two nights at the Tango Mar Hotel & Resort in Tambor; eight breakfasts, three lunches, four dinners, one reception; and tour manager throughout.

The Nov. 7 departure is priced from $2,599 per person, double occupancy, including land and roundtrip air between Miami and San Jose.

Other departure cities and land-only pricing is available.

Special group trips to Costa Rica can be customized for parties of 15 or more.

Gutsy Women Travel offers domestic and international tours designed specifically by women for women.

For more information, call 866-IMGUTSY (866-464-8879) or visit www.gutsywomen.net

Spirit Airlines said it is expanding its network of ultra-low fares throughout the country of Colombia as it becomes the first airline to offer international service from Armenia.

The airline will begin non-stop service between Fort Lauderdale and Armenia, located in Colombia’s renowned coffee triangle, on Nov. 13, 2009. Spirit is launching the new service to Armenia with $9 introductory fares available today (Friday) at www.spiritair.com

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has teamed up with the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board to unveil Club Grand Bahama — a flexible, affordable travel experience that aims to redefine the “all-inclusive” vacation.

Since July, travelers can book a getaway to Grand Bahama Island with a choice of deciding for themselves where stay, eat and play for one set price.

Breaking the mold on the traditional, individual resort all-inclusive vacation, Club Grand Bahama guests select accommodations at one of five resorts, including the Port Lucaya Resort & Yacht Club, the boutique Flamingo Bay Resort & Marina, oceanfront resorts Our Lucaya Reef Village and the Radisson at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort, or the harbor-side Pelican Bay at Lucaya Hotel.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with roundtrip airport or harbor transfers to the hotel or resort of their choice.

The package includes shuttle bus service connecting the guests to as many as 50 sports and recreational activities from golf and scuba diving to fishing and adventure experiences.

The guests will choose from up to 21 dining venues for breakfast and dinner each day of their stay from seaside to elegant indoor dining, plus special beach parties, casino gaming and exclusive shopping discounts. Club Grand Bahama vacationers will have options in their all-inclusive experience that span the entire destination.

“We’re thrilled to introduce this revolutionary all-inclusive island concept on Grand Bahama Island,” said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director-General Vernice Walkine.

“In an environment where value is paramount, Club Grand Bahama Island delivers on this promise and brings a new diversity of selection and experiences to the traditional all-inclusive concept.”

To satisfy varying budgets, Club Grand Bahama packages have been divided into Silver, Gold or Platinum levels, with the number of activities and dining options increasing with each level. Travelers purchase a package and then receive a Club Grand Bahama Card that will be activated at check-in and swiped for meals and activities throughout the vacation.

Rates start at $88 per person per night for Silver, $149 per night for Gold and $198 per night for Platinum, excluding tax and resort fees.

Complete Club Grand Bahama packages including transportation are now available. For those who wish to cruise to Grand Bahama Island, Discovery Cruise Line now offers Club Grand Bahama from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

On-site help will be available around the clock from Club Grand Bahama hosts, who will be stationed at all hotel locations and key attractions sites, as well as being available via a toll-free phone number, 888-270-1205.

more information, call 800-8-BAHAMAS or visit www.bahamas.com

Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts present Double Preferences, an offer enabling guests to customize their experience with any two value-added amenities.

Guests who stay to Sept. 30, 2009, can enhance their experience by choosing not one as before, but two complimentary amenities such as room upgrades, dining credit, Internet connectivity, limousine transfers or buffet breakfast, in addition to a guaranteed late check-out till 3 p.m.

Double Preferences by Pan Pacific is available across all channels.