Jetsettersblog

Even during an “economic downturn” when retailers are feeling the pinch, the Mall of America ® is bucking the trend by welcoming seventeen new retailers, concepts and entertainment.

New shops and restaurants opening at the Mall of America include: Oakley, Crave, The Limited, Tea Garden and Wikki Hut.

Mall of America is located in Bloomington, Minnesota – 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis/St. Paul. With more than 520 stores, America’s largest indoor amusement park and no sales tax on clothing and shoes, it’s a great time to shop!

Infirmary Mound Park, named after the infamous Infirmary Mound, is the perfect destination to spend a night of fright in historic Granville, Ohio.

Tour five shelter scenes from the comfort of your own vehicle, but bring something to hold on tight to when fear takes over.

Travel to southeast Ohio where you’ll come face-to-face with the spirits of Hocking Hills State Park. Here, you’ll join forces with the Haunted Hocking team to explore the unexplained at Ash Cave.

Halloween fright reaches new heights during the Halloween Haunt at Kings Island amusement park where you’ll encounter thrilling attractions, haunted trails, spooky mazes, vampires and zombies among the park’s 14 roller coasters.

Or, head up north for a new reason to scream at Cedar Point’s Halloweekends! Named the No. 1 amusement park in the world for the 11th year in a row,

Cedar Point welcomes visitors to experience four terrifying haunted walk-throughs or venture over to the Magical House on Boo Hill that’s perfect for the little ones in the family.

If this doesn’t peak your fear level, test your metal on one of 17 roller coasters where you’re sure to have a screaming good time!

Aruba’s Driftwood Restaurant has launched personalised deep sea fishing trips to catch the dish of the day with local fisherman and restaurant owner, Herby.

Budding fisherman can charter either a 35ft Twin Engine Bertram or a 50ft Twin Engine Post Yacht and head out with Herby to discover what Aruba’s local waters have to offer.

Prices start from US$380 for a half day for a maximum of six people including a captain, mate, bait, refreshments and snacks.

All fish caught during the trip are then served in the Driftwood Restaurant the same day, which is located in Aruba’s colourful capital of Oranjestad.

For more details visit www.driftwoodaruba.com

Natural Retreats has announced that it has signed operating agreements with five stunning 5-star resorts across Ireland, offering luxurious self-catering holidays in areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Like the current site at Natural Retreats – Yorkshire Dales, guests will benefit from a dedicated concierge and the highest standards of service, in chic, contemporary residences.

However, unlike in the UK, the five new destinations all offer a resort experience with amenities on site such as golf, spa, horseriding, cycling and fly fishing.

The properties on offer include luxurious, stylish three-bedroom villas at the scenic Parknasilla resort in County Kerry, elegant three-bed villas in the magnificent grounds of Adare Manor, County Limerick, delightful two-bedroom garden apartments in the courtyard of golf and spa resort The K Club in County Kildare, three-bed residences at the outstanding Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork and newly-built three-bed residences at the imposing Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa in County Roscommon.

By the second week of July 2009, there will be in excess of 100 Natural Retreats’ luxury residences in Ireland and the UK with a further 23 residences in Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa operational from September 1st. There are at least three more Irish locations currently in negotiations with Natural Retreats and it is estimated Natural Retreats will have a total of 200 residences within the next 12 months.

On arrival at a Natural Retreats destination, guests receive a luxury welcome hamper packed full of local produce to ensure they don’t have to worry about an empty fridge.

Guests are also free to enjoy the leisure, spa and hotel facilities adjacent to the Natural Retreats residences and the dedicated concierge team is available to assist guests, both before and during their stay, whether to arrange a local activity, a babysitter or simply to make a restaurant reservation.

For founder Matt Spence, the idea for Natural Retreats came about after a lifetime of working in luxury developments around the world and as a result of his own experiences growing up on a farm, surrounded by the beautiful British countryside. Matt understood the power and draw of the natural environment and what it could offer and coupled this with the high standards of design and service that today’s seasoned cosmopolitan travellers have come to expect.

Matt Spence and his team have partnered with Irish entrepreneur Paul Coghlan of Touchstone Capital to develop the concept in Ireland and the company has exciting plans. A major marketing spend will be implemented over the next 12 months, designed to encourage UK visitors to see more of the Emerald Isle, and promising a holiday with a difference.

Matt commented, “I’m truly passionate about what Ireland and the UK can offer and I am delighted that we can offer UK travellers the opportunity to discover the beautiful hidden treasures of the Irish landscape whilst enjoying the most stylish and luxurious residences available.

“It’s also a great time to holiday in Ireland with incredibly low airfares on offer at the moment and some fantastic deals with the ferries.”

Natural Retreats, which launched in the UK in 2006, plans to have more than 20 sites by 2011, throughout Ireland and the UK, incorporating both owned sites and those under long-term management agreements.

Prices start at £162 per person for a week in July, based on six sharing a three-bed residence at Castlemartyr Resort.

For further prices and details customers can call 0161 242 2970 visit www.naturalretreats.com

For more information about Ireland visit http://www.discoverireland.com or for a free vacation planning kit call the NY office at 800/223-6470. Read Ireland feature stories from Jetsetters Magazine at this link:

Bosworth Battlefield is latest addition to successful Stay, Play, Explore campaign in Leicester and Leicestershire

Award-winning historical visitor attraction, Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park, has joined forces with other top family attractions and hotels in Leicester and Leicestershire to offer the hugely popular Stay, Play, Explore family short break package – a campaign coordinated by Leicester Shire Promotions.

Bosworth Battlefield joins Conkers, Snibston, Twycross Zoo and the National Space Centre as the principal attractions in the campaign, where a family of four can visit any three of the participating attractions and enjoy a night’s accommodation at participating Leicestershire-based hotels for as little as £99. Family tickets to the attractions can also be bought without accommodation for just £60 – at a saving of up to 60 per cent.

Ernie White, Cabinet Member for Better Places at Leicestershire County Council said: “Bosworth Battlefield is delighted to be joining Stay, Play Explore as it provides superb value, both for local families wanting to explore Leicestershire’s top tourist attractions, and also families looking to spend a fun-packed and affordable family weekend away in Leicestershire. We hope our recent Museums and Heritage Award win will encourage people to discover more about this fascinating period of history.”

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions, commented: “We are delighted to have one of the UK’s leading historical attractions as a partner on this short break package. The addition of Bosworth Battlefield to a proven model has enabled us to offer a package that really reflects the area’s diverse tourism offering.

“The downturn in the economy has resulted in many more British families spending their highly-valued leisure time in the UK – which is fantastic news for the UK tourism industry. The Stay, Play, Explore family package has managed to tap into this trend by offering a value-for-money family short break package for less than half the cost of a average single airline ticket to a traditional destination such as Spain,” continued Martin Peters.

Home to a pivotal turning point in British history – the death of King Richard III and the birth of the powerful Tudor dynasty – Bosworth Battlefield is now one of the leading historical visitor attractions in the UK, welcoming over 125,000 visitors each year.

Visitors can journey through medieval England in the award-winning interactive exhibition, witness the horrors of medieval surgery, try their hand at shooting an interactive longbow and even experience what it was like to be a valiant knight by trying on armour.

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park recently won a prestigious national award, known as the Oscars of the museums world.

The Museums and Heritage Awards for Excellence recognise and celebrate best practice within museums, galleries and heritage visitor attractions across the UK. Bosworth Battlefield won the Classic Award, which is open to any museum, gallery or heritage attraction that has been established for 10 years or more.

About Leicester Shire Promotions:

Leicester Shire Promotions is a private, not-for-profit company formed in July 2003 as a partnership between Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and the Leicester Shire Economic Partnership. The company is the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) responsible for promoting Leicester and Leicestershire to visitors, based on a coordinated place marketing strategy that focuses on destination leadership and coordination, attracting and visitors, services for and visitors, and services for the tourism industry.

For more information, please visit www.goleicestersh
ire.com

Reports Mahindra Homestays

Mahindra Homestays has revealed that Kerala is its most popular Homestay destination. The region currently accounts for more than 50 per cent of all bookings, and is followed by Rajasthan and Delhi.

The survey also confirmed that the UK is Mahindra Homestay’s strongest market, accounting for three times as many bookings as its nearest rival.

The company, which has increased in size from 50 Homestays at the UK launch in July 2008, has already exceeded its initial target to operate 120 Homestays within 12 months as the current total has already reached 133. The Homestays are spread across ten states and 27 locations; additional locations are planned for the near future. Mahindra Homestays aims to have 350 affiliated Homestays by March 2010.

The average cost of a Homestay is just £44 per room per night, providing guests with a value for money experience of the ‘real’ India.

Head of marketing for Mahindra Homestays, Japa Ghosh, commented: “The survey reinforces our initial belief that UK consumers want an affordable holiday experience and are keen to discover the ‘real’ India by staying in private homes.

“Our Homestays provide travellers closer access than ever before to life in India at a reasonable price and also help to make a real difference to local communities.” He went on to add “Guests from the UK who stayed with us have really enjoyed the comfort and insight provided by our Homestays and absolutely loved the local cuisine.”

MAHINDRA HOMESTAYS

Mahindra Homestays is an effort by Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited to organise the growing Homestay industry in India and market it under a strong brand.

Mahindra Homestays has set up a pan-India network of homes that delivers the real India through an enriching host- guest interaction.
A Homestay is accommodation provided in a private home, with no more than 8 rooms available for guests, run by the homeowner.

Mahindra Homestays has implemented a stringent quality inspection system to ensure that the affiliated homes provide services and amenities that meet the expectations of the discerning traveller.

The Mahindra Homestays are situated in cities and tourist destinations across India and offer good value-for-money accommodation and a unique experience.

MAHINDRA HOLIDAYS AND RESORTS INDIA LTD

Parentage

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. is a part of the USD 6.7 billion Mahindra Group, one of India’s leading Industrial Houses. The Group has interests in various sectors such as automotive, farm equipment, trade and financial Services, infrastructure and information Technology.
Company

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd., (MHRIL) is a part of the Mahindra Group. Started in 1996, the company’s flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra Holidays’ now has a fast growing customer base of over 75,000 members and 24 beautiful Resorts at some of the most exotic spots in India and abroad. MHRIL launched its third holiday brand, ‘Zest’ in the month of November 2006. As at 1st April 2008, Zest has a member base of 2,172 members.
For more details on Mahindra Group please visit: www.mahindra.com

Iconic Fraser Island is shaping up to be the ‘natural’ holiday choice this winter after being named one of Queensland’s top Natural Attractions in an official list released by Premier Anna Bligh.

After more than 30,000 votes, cast as part of Queensland’s 150th Birthday celebrations, Fraser Island has joined the Great Barrier Reef, Glass House Mountains, Whitsundays and Daintree to round-out the top five Natural Icons in the State.

The Great Sandy region has also recently been recognised as an internationally significant biosphere, by the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), a move that puts Fraser Island and surrounds in the same class as the Galapagos Islands, Central Amazon and Uluru.

Here are our top three natural picks for interacting with nature on Fraser this winter.

TRAILS

What better way to immerse yourself in the natural environment, than by taking time to smell the wild flowers on one of Fraser Island’s world-class walking tracks.

The Fraser Island Great Walk circuit covers some 90km of stunning sandscape between Dilli Village and Happy Valley.

Walkers can follow in the footsteps of the traditional custodians – the Butchulla people, or stroll down memory lane by following the logging roads and tramlines that serve as reminders of the island’s bygone forestry industry.

Walks can take between six and eight days to complete and various circuits give walkers the flexibility to choose the duration and intensity of their walk – from challenging routes for experienced walkers to shorter, easier strolls. Additional tracks link the Great Walk to key barge landings, accommodation and supply centres on the island.

Spoil yourself with a short stay pre or post walk at Kingfisher Bay’s eco resort or at Fraser’s best beachside address – Eurong Beach Resort.

For more information visit www.epa.qld.gov.au

SALES

Holidays with your loved ones should be memorable for the right reasons and at Kingfisher Bay Resort a relaxing family holiday is just that – relaxing.

Lazy days can be spent exploring the Great Sandy National Park by four-wheel-drive or on tour. Similarly the calm waters of the Great Sandy Strait are safe for older children to canoe, sail, swim and fish.

Plus there are learn to fish clinics and fishing trips are organised daily but kids catch plenty of fish off the jetty and enjoy having them cooked by the Chef.

The Eco-Resort’s popular Junior Eco Ranger program is designed to show children how to care about the environment in a fun way.

Programs involve open exploration and play in the natural environment and scientific investigation of the natural environments, like water testing various areas.

Resort Head Ranger Colin Anderson said the resort’s Junior Eco Ranger program had been designed to suit the various age groups and stimulate interest with activities including bush art, walks, story telling, orienteering, rope courses and canoeing on the program.

Book a getaway to the award-winning eco tourism resort, travel to stunning Fraser Island before September 20 and for every two nights booked, you’ll receive a third night for free.

Visit www.kingfisherbay.com  or www.eurong.com

AND WHALES

Hervey Bay’s whale watch season runs from 1 August until the end of October with some of the most prolific whale spotting this side of the east coast. Half-day trips depart daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort from 8am during the season (August 1 until 31 October).

Tickets are priced at $100 for adults and $55 for kids aged 4-14.

Each ticket sold includes a levy which assists local marine park management, education, ranger patrols, whale monitoring and research. Longer stay packages start from just $389 per person and include two nights at Kingfisher Bay on Fraser’s western side.

For more information visit www.kingfisherbay.com or call 1800 072 555 to book.

Access to Kingfisher Bay Resort and Fraser Island is hassle-free.

Virgin Blue operates direct jet services daily from Sydney, with other major city connections.

QantasLink also operates daily from Brisbane to the Fraser Coast. Both airlines offer travellers the chance to offset their carbon emissions or take a carbon-friendly trip aboard a Queensland Rail Traveltrain to Maryborough West with connections to Urangan Boat Harbour.

Offerings Range from Suborbital Space Flights to Scandinavian Design

SAS Scandinavian Airlines launched today the online SAS EuroBonus Shop, where members of its award-winning frequent flyer program EuroBonus, with 2.9 million members worldwide, can spend their points on a wide range of products, experiences and charitable donations.

“Launching the SAS EuroBonus Shop is an important step towards offering our frequent flyer members more value for their points, says Lars Olofsson General Manager Scandinavian Airlines Australia and New Zealand. “We are pleased to provide now also consumer products which will be a success amongst our members.

“Our members can now purchase even a flight to space by using their frequent flyer points or make a donation to their favourite charity,” says Olofsson.

At launch, the SAS EuroBonus Shop will have close to 300 products and experiences on offer, ranging from traditional Scandinavian design, electronics, magazine subscriptions, travel accessories and kids toys. Unique to the SAS offering is that it also includes experiences (including a suborbital space flight), donations (amongst others to SAS’s long-standing partner Save the Children) and auctions, where EuroBonus members can bid against each other. All proceedings from the introduction auction goes directly to Save the Children.

The SAS EuroBonus Shop will comprise seven categories at launch: SAS & Travel; Home & Living; Style & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; Electronics & Media; Kids & Family; and Experiences & Fun. The range will continuously expand to include further products and experiences.

Prices will start from approximately 7,000 EuroBonus points.

It is possible to make purchases with EuroBonus points only, or to mix points and cash. All prices include VAT, shipping and handling, even if you pay only with points.

For more information visit www.flysas.com/eurobonus

Scandinavian Airlines offers daily connections from Australia in co-operation with selected Star Alliance™ partners THAI, Singapore Airlines, Air China and frequent flyer partner Qantas. Services operate via Asia to Copenhagen and more than 75 destinations in Scandinavia, Finland, the Baltic’s and Europe.

Scandinavian Airlines long haul fleet consists of Airbus A330s and A340s, serving 8 destinations: New York, Chicago, Washington, Seattle, Bangkok, Beijing, Tokyo, and Copenhagen.

Three classes are offered on board: Business, Economy Extra (premium economy) and Economy.

Creates Marquee Occasions

Elegant country retreat Peppers Convent has enhanced its reputation as one of the Hunter Valley’s most idyllic wedding venues with the launch of a romantic marquee package, providing an exquisite outdoor setting for love to shine.

Perfectly embodying the charm and heritage of the world famous wine country, Peppers Convent’s marquee weddings allow couples to experience the day they have dreamt of amidst the manicured gardens and enchanting vineyards of beautiful Pepper Tree Estate.

Suitable for up to 150 guests, the stunning marquee features a timber parquetry floor, elegant ceiling lining and clear wall to highlight the picturesque surroundings. Classic furnishing allows the bride and groom freedom to personalise the experience with their own individual touches.

A marquee wedding at Peppers Convent is backed by an exclusive partnership combining the character and tradition of Peppers Convent, the experience and passion of the Hunter Valley Wedding Consultants and the style and reliability of Kennard Events to ensure a trouble-free day which exceeds all expectations – delivered at realistic price.

The exclusive wedding package is highlighted by the award winning cuisine of Peppers matched with hand crafted estate wines of Pepper Tree and the adjacent Carriages Vineyard. Menus are delivered by the acclaimed Chez Pok restaurant where the talented chefs are happy to tailor menus to suit all requirements.

Having forged a close working relationship with local operators, the Peppers Convent team can also recommend high quality suppliers for wedding car hire, photography, wedding cakes, flowers, hair, makeup and more.

Priced from AUD$175* per person all inclusive, the Convent Marquee Package includes:

• Canapés on arrival
• Three course alternate serve menu prepared by Peppers Executive Chef
• Five hour premium beverage package featuring Pepper Tree Cuvee (Sparkling), the wines of Pepper Tree Estate or Carriages Vineyard, premium beers, soft drinks and light beer
• Tea & coffee station
• Marquee hire including lighting, with many other additions available for an extra fee
• Crockery, cutlery, linen and basic PA system
• On-site toilets
• Complimentary overnight accommodation at the delightful and luxurious Peppers Convent, including breakfast and champagne for the bride and the groom on the night of the reception.

Built in 1909, Peppers Convent was originally home to the Brigadine order of nuns in Coonamble, located nearly 600km to the west of the Hunter. The building was moved in pieces to its present location where it was painstakingly reconstructed by a team of master tradesmen.

Wedding guests can linger longer enjoying special overnight rates at Peppers Convent, where 17 luxuriously appointed rooms matching French provincial style with Australian country flavour provide an intimate haven of relaxation in a stunning vineyard setting.

For reservations or further information about Peppers Convent’s Marquee Weddings phone +61 2 4938 1007 or email megan.askar@peppers.com.au .

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Gold Coast’s dazzling night lights, Q1 towers 230 metres in the sky and QDeck sits 77 levels above the city skyline. QBar, nestled within QDeck, offers the ultimate setting for a romantic evening for two or a group gathering amongst the stars.

With a tempting new food and beverage menu, featuring fine wines and exquisite food offerings, QBar is sure to delight the palate. QBar provides a contemporary bite menu with delectable sweets and cakes and superior tea and coffee.

However, if you’re feeling daring the QBar signature cocktail – the Mile High is a ‘must try’, with a fusion of Alize Gold and Mandarin Vodka, a twist of fresh passionfruit pulp and ruby red grapefruit.

Whether it be from Sunday to Thursday nights, when guests can relax, soak up stunning 360 degree views and indulge in high-altitude cocktails; or on Friday and Saturday nights when QBar morphs into the highest cocktail lounge bar on the Gold Coast and features an ultra-cool, electric mix of soul and house DJ entertainment*, QBar provides a unique Gold Coast experience second to none.

For further information on QDeck,

call 07 5582 2700 or visit www.QDeck.com.au