Jetsettersblog

Famous Tahoe Queen Paddlewheeler offers passengers
a historical journey through Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe, Nev. – Lake Tahoe Cruises, operated by ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, will introduce Mark Twain’s Scenic Emerald Bay Cruise on June 15, 2009, on the Tahoe Queen. The new educational cruise will take visitors on a journey through the early years of Lake Tahoe. Featuring Mark Twain and a cast of vibrant characters from the late 19th century and early 20th century, the interactive daily cruise will highlight the historic beginnings, scenic beauty and the camaraderie inspired by the majestic lake as passengers embark on a two-hour journey to Emerald Bay, often referred to as the jewel of Lake Tahoe. The cruise will run through the 2009 summer season.

In 1861, Mark Twain famously described Lake Tahoe as “the fairest picture the whole world affords.” This summer, a group of actors, including an emcee in character as Mark Twain, who is back for his 20th year on the Tahoe Queen, will escort adults and kids through a historical journey of the lake. Guests will have the chance to meet and interact with a cast of characters that reflect the historic time period, such as Bat Masterson and the infamous hermit of Emerald Bay.

For example, guests will have the opportunity to hear how Tahoe was logged out in the late 1800s and consult with a mine owner on past pressures to get more food to feed the miners. The dance hall girl or aspiring actress will surely raise a few eyebrows, but the local sheriff will always be close to ensure safety among the guests.

The characters will be available for photo opportunities with the passengers.

In addition, the Tahoe Queen has revamped its menu to represent traditional food served in the late 1800s.

The lunch menu will feature signature sandwiches with over eight ounces of flavorful meat, hearty stew, corn bread and all the fixings, along with its special main course item: the tender grilled roast beef, soaked in au jus, topped with a secret rustler steak sauce and served in an authentic pie tin. Lemonade served in Mason jars and large whole dill pickles will add to the historic feel of the menu and time period.

“Our goal is to leave our guests with a better understanding and appreciation of the lake’s beauty and history, while simultaneously providing great food and entertainment and building camaraderie among our passengers,” said Austin Sass, director of sales and marketing at Lake Tahoe Cruises.

“The reenactments of Mark Twain and friends will provide passengers with a historic and enlightening adventure as they cruise beautiful Lake Tahoe.”

Built on the Mississippi River in 1983 and transported to the lake, the Tahoe Queen is the only authentic paddlewheeler sailing Lake Tahoe.

The Queen is known for her fun atmosphere and friendly service, offering scenic and entertainment cruises year-round.

The Tahoe Queen recently received a series of capital improvements, including luxury saloon-style upgrades.

For more information on Lake Tahoe Cruises, or to book the Mark Twain Scenic Emerald Bay Cruise please visit www.zephyrcove.com

More than 80% of Australians say it is essential that they experience indigenous culture for reconciliation.

With the advent of National Sorry Day tomorrow, Charles Darwin University Pro Vice-Chancellor Steve Larkin has urged Australians to seek out indigenous tourism experiences in the Northern Territory, in an effort to learn more about Australia’s indigenous culture.

“The Northern Territory is the place to experience Australia’s indigenous tourism. World heritage-listed national parks Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu, offer a huge variety of immersive cultural experiences and learning opportunities for Australian families to interact with indigenous people,” Professor Larkin said.

The Galaxy research, commissioned by Tourism NT, also indicates that almost all parents (94%) with children aged under 18, consider it important that their children are knowledgeable about indigenous culture.

Travel with Kidz Managing Director Wendy Buckley said every Australian school child should experience first hand the nation’s indigenous culture in order to learn respect for our heritage.

“Text books teach history and TVs show visual, but nothing beats sharing the real thing with your family. The Northern Territory offers interactive cultural experiences that are ideal for families of all ages to learn and participate in Aboriginal history and culture,” Ms Buckley said.

Natasha Neidjie of Guluyami Tours in Kakadu National Park said that when travellers visit Kakadu they find indigenous people who want to share their culture.

“Aboriginal culture is not just a part of our history, it’s a part of Australia’s history. To be able to experience some of the things that Aboriginal people have done over the hundreds of thousands of years that they have been here, is something you can say you’ve really done when you come to Kakadu, “she said.

Indigenous people make up one third of the Northern Territory’s population, own approximately half of the land in the Northern Territory and own a majority of the national parks that are jointly managed between Government agencies and traditional owners.

There are 103 indigenous tourism products in the Northern Territory offering everything from cultural tours and art centres to accommodation and attractions.

Tours can be the only way to access some of the best experiences in Australia. Australian Traveller magazine reveals 20 of the best.

“Organised tours have become passé. But this ignores some of the very best experiences in Australia,“ says Australian Traveller editor Greg Barton.

“The very best tours provide levels of access not available to your average traveller, with expert commentary and guides to help squeeze every last drop out of an experience. We went in search of the 20 best,” he continued.

The magazine has published 20 of the best tours and found 20 more that were too good to ignore.

20 Top Australian Tours
(in no particular order)

1. Arnhem Land & Coburg Peninsula, NT
By Venture North

2. Barossa Daimler Tours, SA
By Barossa Daimler Tours

3. Bay of Fires Walk, TAS
By Anthology, TAS

4. Bininj An-garre Tour, NT
By Kakadu Culture Camp

5. Cape York, QLD
By Wilderness Challenge

6. Esperance Native Heritage, WA
By kepa kurl Cultural Discovery Tours

7. Essence of the Outback, QLD
By Intrepid Travel

8. Flinders Rangers Outback Discovery, SA
By Bookabee Tours

9. Great Australian Aircruise, National
By Bill Peach Journeys

10. Great Ocean Walk, VIC
By Bothfeet

11. Katherine River Three Days, NT
By Gecko Canoeing

12. Kimberley Spiritual Experience, WA
By Wundargoodie Aboriginal Safaris

13. Lake Eyre Flood Flight, SA
By Air Wilpena

14. Snowy Mountains Heritage Ride, VIC
By Watsons Country Trail Mountain Ride

15. Montague Island Tour, NSW
By Montague Island Tours

16. Lake Mungo National Park Sunset Tours, NSW
By Harry Nanya Tours

17. Rainbow Serpent Tours, QLD
By Guurrbi Tours

18. Spirit of the Kimberley Seven Days, WA
By Kimberley Wild Expeditions

19. Perth to Perth Ten Days via Ningaloo, WA
By Western Xposure

20. Western Simpson Desert Trek, National
By Outback Camel Company

Also in the issue:

The Great Outback Experiences
Senator Bob Brown’s Photography
Portfolio of Tasmania
Australia’s Strangest Day Tours
45 Great Aussie Pubs
Best of Melbourne’s Laneways
The 20 Best Tours of Australia is featured in the Jun/Jul 09 edition of Australian

The Taipei City Government has launched “Splendid Taipei” — a cycling tour program set to run until the end of the year. It’s part of the drive to encourage healthy and environmentally friendly travel options for visitors to Taipei.

Major contributor to the “Splendid Taipei” cycling tour program is the YouBike public bicycle rental system launched in Taipei earlier this year.

Five hundred YouBikes are currently available for Taipei visitors to hire.

For more information, visit www.go2taiwan.net

Starting July 1, the Bangkok Jungle bicycle tour operated by Bangkok-based SpiceRoads Cycling Adventures in Asia will have a new meeting place — the Face restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 38.

The classical Thai buildings of this complex will be a start to this tour that winds through the back alleys of Bangkok before crossing the river to an area known as Bang Kra Jao.

After the boat ride, it heads through a peaceful area with lush vegetation, a maze of waterways, small villages, temples (there are over 30 temples in this area) and tropical jungle.

The Bangkok Jungle tour offers an escape from the city and an introduction to Thai culture. Besides riding on elevated paths along canals and through orchards, it visits an incense workshop to see how this local cottage industry operates and a temple, built in the Ayutthaya period, that is more than 250 years old and has a unique roof made of teak wood. On weekends the tour stops at a floating market.

The 15-mile route follows very minor roads and pathways through alleys, temples, gardens and tropical jungle all relatively close to Bangkok. The Bangkok Jungle Tour is THB 1,000 ($29) per person if SpiceRoads meets you at Face restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 38, and THB 1,650 ($48) per person if picked up and dropped off at Bangkok hotels by minivan.

Tours depart at 1 p.m. and finishes at Face close to 4:30 p.m. Included in the tour are refreshments and a mountain bike and helmet.

There is no vehicle support on this ride. For more information, email patricia@spiceroads.com or visit www.spiceroads.com

Adventure Network International is offering a land-based Antarctic trip to celebrate the 50th anniversary (December 2009) of the signing of the treaty that protects the continent of Antarctica, a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science. The treaty is one of the world’s most successful international agreements and has protected the last great wilderness on Earth for the past 50 years.

Adventure Network International (ANI) has been taking private travelers to Antarctica for almost half of the time the treaty has been in existence. Before the formation of ANI almost 25 years ago, there was no practical way for a private traveler to reach the Antarctic, except by ship.

In 1985, ANI became the first company to offer airborne travel to Antarctica and to date remains the only company in the world operating a luxury camp and full support service deep in the Antarctic interior.

From flights to the Geographic South Pole and photo safaris with the magnificent Emperor Penguins, to climbing Vinson Massif — the coveted seventh summit — and commemorative journeys across the polar frontier, ANI offers a range of incomparable guided experiences for the modern explorer. ANI has also provided logistic support for virtually every private expedition that has ventured across the continent since 1986.

Guests fly by private charter jet from Punta Arenas in Chile to Patriot Hills, ANI’s expedition base camp at the foot of the Ellsworth Mountains, only 670 miles from the South Pole. There are departures throughout November, December and January.

ANI’s December 2009 departures are to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the treaty. The nine-day Antarctic Odyssey — a range of experiences in one program — includes cross-country skiing, hikes, light climbing, camping trips and snow machine-assisted tours plus more leisurely indoor activities and a breathtaking flight over the vast ice sheet. The package is priced from $19,950 and departs Dec. 10.

The nine-day Ice Marathon allows clients to compete in the southernmost marathon, the only marathon run in the interior of Antarctica. The package is priced from $16,500 per person and departs Dec. 10.

The 14-day Ellsworth Mountain Safari allows clients to travel by ski across the frozen expanse of Antarctica, traversing the Ellsworth Mountains. Each program is customized to the experience of the group. The package is priced from $22,450 per person and departs Dec.16.

The seven-day South Pole Flights flies by twin otter from ANI’s base camp at Patriot Hills all the way to the South Pole.

The package is priced from $37,950 per person and departs Dec. 3, 10 and 29.

The 14-day Vinson Massif has helped over 600 mountaineers reach the top of the “seventh summit” with a success rate above 95 percent. The package is priced from $33,450 per person and departs Dec. 3, 16 and 29.

The 14-day Ski the Last Degree travels by ski on the last 60 nautical miles to the South Pole. The package is priced from $46,450 per person and departs Dec. 3, 16 and 29.

All prices are from Punta Arenas and do not include international flights or hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas.

For more information, visit www.adventure-network.com

Wyndham Hotel Group has launched the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand in China with the opening of the brand’s first property here — a newly constructed, 588-room luxury hotel. Wyndham Hotel Group is the world’s largest U.S.-based hotel company in China, currently franchising 175 hotels and five brands throughout the country.

This also marks the first Wyndham-branded hotel managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc. in the Asia Pacific region. The 26-floor, five-star Wyndham Xiamen hotel, owned by Xiamen He Ping Li Hotel Ltd., features five food-and-beverage outlets, 37,000 square feet of meeting space, a 2,658-square-foot business center and diverse fitness facilities.

According to Wyndham Hotels and Resorts President Jeff Wagoner, the introduction of the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand in China fulfills a strategic objective to develop the chain and Wyndham Hotel Management capabilities in Asia. Wyndham Xiamen does not disappoint, with a 66-foot-high waterfall; 23-foot-tall lobby chandelier glistening with 882 large crystal drops and 88 light bulbs; and the hotel’s front face, which includes 460 energy-efficient lights that create a kaleidoscope of changing colors and designs at night.

Completing the decor is a 23-foot-high statue at the hotel’s entrance named the Goddess of Heping, representing an interpretation of the indigenous goddess of the sea, Mazu, considered to be a protector of East Asian fishermen and sailors.

Guest rooms include 161 suites, 216 non-smoking rooms and 130 serviced apartments, ranging in size from 500 to 1,065 square feet, all with views of the ocean or city skyline.

The top five floors comprise the Wyndham Club, with 90 executive rooms, library, business services, meeting room and split-level lounge. Each guest room features high-speed Internet service, stunning glass-design bathrooms with separate shower and bath, feather-down bedding, 32-inch, flat-screen LCD TVs, a safety deposit box with power to recharge laptops while stored and nightly turndown service, room cleaning and refreshed linens.

The centerpiece of the meeting facilities is a 13,558-square-foot, pillarless grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.

The hotel has 11 additional meeting rooms for small- to medium-sized groups. Services include state-of-the art meeting rooms, independent audio visual facilities, Internet access and translation equipment. The business center offers four workstations with Internet access, facsimile machines, photocopiers and color laser printers.

A concierge is available to arrange city tours, limousine service, same-day laundry and golf services at nearby courses. Wyndham Xiamen’s fitness center features an exercise room, indoor heated swimming pool and weight-lifting equipment. Personal instructors and trainers are available to all guests.

Five food-and-beverage outlets offer an array of international cuisine, including an all-day restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Chinese restaurant, lobby lounge and the Wyndham Club lounge, which serves breakfast and drinks with a sea view.

For additional information or to make a reservation, go to www.wyndham.com

Brand Launches in Dominican Republic and Increases Presence in Mexico

AMResorts, award-winning provider of resort sales, marketing and brand management services, today announced plans to launch two new exclusive Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts later this year. Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana will open during Fall 2009 to become the brand’s first offering in the Dominican Republic, followed by Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos, which is slated to open in Mexico’s Pacific region in early December 2009.

“We are very pleased to bring these two resorts into Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts’ growing portfolio,” said Alex Zozaya, AMResorts’ CEO and president. “Both properties already embody the ambience and service level our guests have come to expect from the Zoëtry brand and through specific enhancements, we plan to exceed expectations of new and returning guests. As Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts continues to expand, we hope to raise the bar for luxury experiential vacations in Mexico and the Caribbean,” Zozaya added.

This news follows an announcement made earlier this year by AMResorts regarding the development of a Zoëtry resort in the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana region. With an estimated opening in late 2010, Zoëtry Pearl Sands Cap Cana will become the fourth resort operated under this newly-launched brand of luxury lifestyle resorts.

Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana

Located on the easternmost Coast of the Dominican Republic in Uvero Alto, Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana is a sanctuary of supreme relaxation integrated with nature.

With an intimate 53 ultra-luxurious suites nestled throughout the beautifully-manicured gardens of this oceanfront Caribbean resort created from natural stones, hardwoods, cathedral ceilings and cane-thatched roofs, guests can spend afternoons swimming in the calm, tranquil ocean waters, under a palm tree in one of the inviting lounge terraces, or staring out to sea from their own private oceanview terrace or balcony.

Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana offers three gourmet a la carte restaurants, including Areito, which serves authentic Spanish and Dominican cuisines, Caicu Beach serving delectable light international fare and a European Fusion restaurant, which boasts a premium wine cellar with a collection of rare vintage wines.

The resort also features a luxurious spa filled with Phytomer products and an extensive menu of unique and indigenous body treatments. A full-service fitness center, salon and meeting facilities are also available to guests.

Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos

Located on Mexico’s’ Pacific Coast, Zoëtry Casa del Mar is a 32-suite hacienda-style, beachfront boutique hotel where the desert meets the turquoise beauty of the Sea of Cortez.
Graceful arches, cobbled courtyards, tiled fountains, lush tropical gardens, four swimming pools and authentic Mexican hacienda architecture produce the resort’s intimate atmosphere creating a true sense of peace.

Located on the most ideal piece of land, this exquisite resort was designed perfectly to provide guests with stunning sunset views unlike any other property in the area. Zoëtry Casa del Mar features exceptionally large oceanfront suites with Jacuzzis, Rivolta bedding and private balconies, gourmet dining, multiple tennis courts, and access to the championship 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr., Cabo Real Golf Course.

Zoëtry Casa del Mar’s other luxury amenity is the Sueños del Mar Spa with seven indoor cabins and beautiful oceanfront “on the sand” palapas. Resort guests will enjoy a broad array of signature massage therapies, facials and body treatments to relax, pamper and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul.

A proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Luxury Lifestyle Hotels & Resorts, Zoëtry Casa del Mar is a Condé Nast Johansens’ recommended property for 2008, was voted “Mexico’s leading golf resort” at the World Travel Awards, recognized among the “World’s Best Golf Resorts” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler and is considered a “favorite” by readers of Departures magazine.

Both Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana and Zoëtry Casa del Mar’s innovative guest offerings include Endless Privileges™, the brand’s signature experiential program that indulges every guest in consummate luxury and unlimited access to an assortment of organic foods and beverages; premium cocktails; daily shopping excursions; complimentary unlimited worldwide calls, 24-hour laundry service and private in-suite dining; a daily bottle of champagne and fruit basket; and chauffeured airport-hotel transportation with personalized amenities.

Every Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resort treats guest to an unparalleled vacation experience through access to exquisite accommodations, personalized services, gourmet dining and entertainment options as well as a wealth of unique offerings designed to enhance their emotional and physical well-being.

The Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts brand launched in December 2008 with the opening of its flagship property, Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita.

This famed Mexican resort, frequented by celebrities, discerning travelers and honeymooners, is a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World and five-time winner of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award. Sitting on 14 acres of private beach and lush gardens, this resort has been widely recognized for its outstanding culinary offerings, and is also home to North America’s first Thalassotherapy Spa.

About Zoёtry Wellness & Spa Resorts

Zoëtry™ Wellness & Spa Resorts represent the highest level of luxury, characterized by unequaled romantic and holistic experiences. The name Zoëtry, a combination of the Greek words meaning “life” and “art form,” conforms the evocative qualities inherent to the brand, The Art of Life. Offering the utmost attention to detail, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts boast unmatched luxury beachfront suite accommodations filled with unique design elements and exceptional views, award-winning fine dining and wine collections.

Combined with socially responsible practices, expressive architecture and exceptional service in natural and enriching environments, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts provide a luxurious indulgence without the guilt.

Avis Rent A Car System, LLC, announced that the much-anticipated Chevrolet Camaro joins the company’s “Cool Car” collection, a series of popular vehicles that can be reserved by specific make and model.

One of America’s great muscle cars, the Chevrolet Camaro debuted in 1967.

Featured in films and songs throughout its 35-year life, the Camaro remained popular even after its production ceased in 2002.

In 2006, General Motors announced plans to reintroduce the Camaro and new models began production in 2009.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is available with automatic transmission. Renters can choose from the Camaro LT that features a 304-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine or the Camaro SS with a 426-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 engine and rear spoiler.

The vehicles are available at select Avis airport locations in the United States.

“We are thrilled to be the only car rental company to offer the long-awaited Camaro,” said Becky Alseth, senior vice president of marketing for Avis Budget Group, Inc., parent company of Avis. “Leisure travelers and car enthusiasts who come to Avis will be among the first to drive one of the coolest cars of all-time.”

The Camaro joins a diverse fleet of Avis vehicles, including more than 100 different makes and models offered in an expanded variety of car classes. Other popular vehicles in the Cool Car collection include the Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac CTS, Ford Mustang and Toyota Prius.

For more information, visit www.avis.com/camaro

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Aloft Hotels brand, announced the launch of the newly expanded Aloft website, www.alofthotels.com/explore , featuring a range of interactive features never before developed by a hospitality brand.

The site includes a guided insider’s tour of the hotel, maps and city guides for each location and engages visitors through a series of original, branded games that bring the Aloft experience to life.

The Aloft brand’s new online experience includes an Insider’s Virtual Tour — explore the look and feel of each area of the hotel and its unique design features with the click of a mouse;

Destination Map and City Guides — browse a map of Aloft’s global locations and check out local hot spots, restaurants, cultural and off-the-beaten-path destinations, as well as staff picks and special city guide content provided by Travel + Leisure magazine;

Gaming and Trivia — immerse yourself in the Aloft experience by spinning tunes as the Aloft DJ, trying your hand at bartending, enjoying a game of online billiards or challenging yourself by playing travel trivia games on the site; and Aloft Radio — Preview a sampling of the hotel’s carefully curated and eclectic music with the special Aloft playlist.

To celebrate the launch of the new www.alofthotels.com  starting May 5 visitors can enter “Aloft Explore, Amuse + Win” for the chance to win a grand prize of one million Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints, enough for over 25 roundtrip airline tickets, more than 140 free nights at Aloft hotels or other surprise rewards.

Playing “Click-to-Win” offers a chance at winning cool daily prizes, including the very latest tech and travel gadgets such as laptops, digital cameras, GPS systems, MP3 players, Aloft hotel getaways and more.