Jetsettersblog

MSC Poesia’s April 10 seven-night “Festa Italiana” cruise will feature opera singers and contemporary Italian vocal artists as well as calls in the Western Caribbean.

Bands will play Italian and Italian-American favorites throughout the cruise.

Also scheduled are Venetian mask-making, a pizza-throwing contest, and tarantella dancing — a southern Italian folk dance for couples.

Guests also attend cooking demonstrations by Italian chefs. Other opportunities include lectures on Italian art and architecture, Italian automobiles, and Italian fashion and design.

The “Island Treasures and Ancient Temples” itinerary sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and calls at ports in Key West, Playa del Carmen, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay and and Nassau.

Cruise-only rates including the “Festa Italiana” performances and festivities begin at $549 per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional.

As on all MSC Cruises’ sailings, kids ages 17 and younger sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

Jerusalem’s Old City: Jerusalem is a cultural hub that grants a religious and spiritual experience coupled with wonderfully modern tourist attractions for all enthusiasts of culture, the arts, theater and music, and architecture.

At Jerusalem’s heart is the Old City, which is divided it into four quarters – Jewish, Armenian, Christian, and Muslim. Inside these walls, lie important holy sites of the three major religions.

Tel Aviv: Tel Aviv is Israel’s economic hub, housing the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange along with numerous corporate offices and development centers. Having acquired the reputation as the “Mediterranean Metropolis that never sleeps,” Tel Aviv is a modern conglomeration of beaches, cafes, bars restaurants and upscale shopping that is sure to satisfy any traveler.

Negev Desert: The best way to experience the Negev is by joining a riding partner and basking in the beauty and mysticism of the sand dunes via camel. To make the experience even more authentic, take in the Bedouin tribal hospitality with a traditional feast and tent adventure overnight.

Masada: Situated on ancient palaces and fortifications on top of an isolated rock plateau, Masada is the ideal hiking destination in the country with cliffs reaching about 1,300 feet (400 m) in height. Beyond the natural allure of this landscape, the landmark is one of the Israel’s greatest historical sights as it marks the place where a group of Jewish rebels overcame the Roman garrison of Masada.

Dead Sea: As the lowest point on earth (1,315 feet below sea level) and the most mineral rich body of water, the Dead Sea is an iconic globally explored natural wonder from which numerous world renowned beauty products such as Ahava are packaged on site.
The density of the water makes for an ideal floating spot for visitors wanting to rejuvenate and unwind after a day of historical exploration.

Golan Heights & Sea of Galilee: Scenic canyons, flowing waterfalls, and an assortment of riverbeds streaming with water characterize this agriculturally rich region painting a heavenly landscape of beautiful blue water against the green and brown background of the mountains. The Sea of Galilee is the largest freshwater lake surrounded by numerous wineries, among the world’s most beautiful for adventurous travelers to explore.

Haifa: Israel’s third largest city is positioned in an expansive natural bay tightly tucked between the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea and inspiring Carmel Mountain. Haifa is best known for its terraced landscape and beaches which offers onlookers an array of breathtaking panoramas.

What is Taglit-Birthright Israel?

Taglit-Birthright Israel provides the gift of first time, peer group, educational trips to Israel for Jewish young adults ages 18 to 26. Taglit-Birthright Israel’s founders created this program to send thousands of young Jewish adults from all over the world to Israel as a gift in order to diminish the growing division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world; to strengthen the sense of solidarity among world Jewry; and to strengthen participants’ personal Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people. Your Adventure. Your Birthright. Our Gift.

The mostly desert kingdom of Jordan is looking to the US to tap into the multi-billion dollar medical tourism market.

“Come here, do your surgery. Afterward, have a vacation, visit Petra, swim in the Dead Sea,” said Dr. Fawzi al-Hammouri, the head of Jordan’s Private Hospitals Association.

He was listing the country’s most popular tourism destinations. Jordan hospitals are offering package deals, including air travel.

“All this, inclusive, is less than 25 percent of what you have to pay in the U.S.,” he said.
The push — which includes a Web campaign and a visit by a group of U.S. health care specialists and insurers — is a key part of the country’s strategy to develop new services and industries, according to tourism observers.

Unlike many of its neighbors, Jordan lacks oil wealth and relies on tourism, worker remittances, foreign investments and aid for its revenue.

With health costs climbing eight percent each year in the U.S., experts say medical tourism has been drawing more Americans looking for anything from cardiac care to plastic surgery.

About 600,000 Americans — roughly 25 percent of medical tourists — will travel abroad for surgery this year, according to Paul Keckley, executive director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions in Washington, D.C. It’s an industry that will gross about $4 billion in 2009, he projected. Other experts estimate it could bring in ten times that level this year.

The World Bank has ranked Jordan number one in the region as a medical tourism destination, followed closely by Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. It said the kingdom ranked fifth in the world in terms of medical tourism destinations.

Packages to Jordan are being introduced by Libra Holidays for winter 2009-10.

The seven-night holidays will be based on weekly flight with Monarch Airlines from Gatwick to Aqaba.

Flights will run from September 29 until January 5 and also from February 23 until April 27.

Seven night’s bed and breakfast at the Radisson SAS Tala Bay, Aqaba start at £789 per person based on two sharing on September 29.

The operator is featuring 12 hotels including five-star Marriott properties in Amman, Dead Sea and Petra.

Bookable and commissionable tours and excursions range from two to seven days.

Product and contract manager for Egypt & Jordan Costas Stylianides said:

“Last year we added Jordan as a twin centre destination with the resort of Taba in our Egypt programme which proved to be a popular product with our clientele so introducing these seven night package holidays solely to Jordan has enabled us to diversify and meet our clients’ preferences.”

World-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pépin will open Jacques – his first ever restaurant at sea – onboard Oceania Cruises’ new 1,258-guest Marina, scheduled to launch in late 2010.

Pépin’s namesake restaurant will draw inspiration from bistros in his home town of Lyon and the fabled bistros of Paris. “The cornerstone of any great dining experience is freshly prepared, simple dishes that are as visually pleasing on the plate as they are on the palate,” said Pépin.

Guests entering the restaurant will be greeted by the aroma of freshly roasted chicken, duck and lamb wafting from the grand rotisserie. Custom Jacques Pépin signature china, antique flatware and Lalique glassware adorn the tables while chandeliers fashioned from crystal decanters add a whimsical shimmer to the room. An art collection comprised of some of Pépin’s favorite personal pieces and original works Pépin created especially for Marina, grace the room and adds a warm, personal touch.

“As we designed the culinary experience aboard Marina, a restaurant by Jacques Pépin was at the top of our guests’ wish lists,” said Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president. “Jacques will present a traditional French dining experience in a casually elegant fashion.”

Pépin is the host of award-winning cooking shows, author of more than 20 cookbooks and has served as personal chef to numerous heads of state.

As the executive culinary director for Oceania, Pepin has brought his legendary cuisine and unique artistry to the gourmet restaurants onboard Marina’s sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. Dining in Jacques will be reminiscent of dining in a favorite bistro that is run by a long-time friend.

The service, while professional and polished, is friendly and endearing and in the tradition of fine French dining, a leisurely pace is de rigueur, thus ensuring a relaxing dining experience.

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina has been designed for epicureans with 10 dining venues, including six open-seating, gourmet restaurants.

Public spaces awash in rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leather retain the intimacy and signature design elements of the line’s three sister ships while affording an increased level of space, comfort, convenience and luxury amenities.

Featuring a total of 10 dining venues, Marina guests may choose to dine in any of six distinctly different gourmet restaurants, including Jacques and Red Ginger, all at no additional charge.

Guest accommodations are comprised of 629 staterooms and suites, 96 percent of which have private verandas. Facilities include an array of elegant bars and lounges, a CanyonRanch SpaClub, state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs.

For more information, call 800-531-5658 or visit www.OceaniaCruises.com

Utah’s Deer Valley Resort continued its preparations for the 2011 FIS Freestyle Ski World Championships with a presentation of its draft schedule to the International Ski Federation’s Freestyle Committee. The meetings were a part of the annual FIS Calendar Conference in Cavtat, near Dubrovnik, Croatia. It will mark the second time that Deer Valley has held the major international event.

A provisional event schedule for the Feb. 2-5, 2011 World Championships was accepted and will now go to the governing FIS Council in June for its final approval.

Since being named as the host by the FIS in 2006, Deer Valley has continued to hold an annual World Cup, including special test events for two of the newer freestyle disciplines of ski cross and halfpipe.

A year ago, Deer Valley held a test in ski cross down its Solid Muldoon run. American Casey Puckett (Aspen, CO) finished second. Ski cross will make its Olympic debut in Vancouver next February.

Deer Valley partnered with Park City Mountain Resort to hold a skier halfpipe event last January as a part of its annual World Cup. While not yet an Olympic event, ski halfpipe and ski cross have both been conducted in the FIS World Championships. American Jen Hudak (Park City, UT) took bronze at this year’s World Championships in Japan.

“Deer Valley is proud to be the host of the World Championships a second time,” said Deer Valley Events Manager Carrie Budding. “We feel very close to the freestyle community through our annual World Cup events and it’s an honor to be hosting this event.”

While Deer Valley is the host, it is partnering with Park City Mountain Resort for the halfpipe event. Aerials and moguls events will be at Deer Valley on the Olympic courses, along with ski cross on Solid Muldoon. The skier halfpipe event will be at the site of the 2002 Olympic snowboarding superpipe.

“Deer Valley is the premiere stop on the FIS World Cup for freestyle skiing. Combining with Park City Mountain Resort in 2011 only will elevate this status,” said Chief of Competition Konrad Rotermund. “Our experienced team of volunteers that have supported so many local events, give us great confidence that we can continue to push to achieve our best.”

Deer Valley is also partnering with Park City community, with support from the Park City Chamber/Bureau and the Utah Sports Commission.

“Deer Valley has become a real favorite of athletes and team officials from around the world,” said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Vice President, Events, Calum Clark. “The Teams had a great Championships in Japan this past season and are now looking forward to returning to Deer Valley in less than two years.”

The full event will span from Sunday, Jan. 30 through Sunday, Feb. 6. Competitions are scheduled Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 2-5 with a mix of daytime and night finals.

The U.S. Ski Team had a strong World Championships in Inawashiro, Japan this past season. In addition to Hudak’s bronze in the halfpipe, Patrick Deneen (Cle Elum, WA) won gold in moguls while aerialist Ryan St. Onge (Winter Park, CO) also won. World Cup moguls champion Hannah Kearney (Norwich, VT) took bronze in dual moguls.

Deer Valley will play host to an important Olympic qualifying World Cup this January before the U.S. Ski Team heads to Vancouver for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Catch a good wave with surfing, sail boarding or kite surfing.
Germany’s North and Baltic Sea coasts and islands offer excellent surfing and kite conditions for beginners and pros. Combined with beautiful beaches, happening beach towns or quiet villages, great hotels and easy transportation,

Germany’s coasts are worth a visit for individual water sport enthusiasts, families and groups.

Sylt, the largest of the North Frisian Islands in the North Sea, has ideal conditions for aquatic athletes.

Every year, world-class surfers rise to this challenge at the Surf World Cup (this year from September 26-October 4). After your exciting rides on the waves, refresh in one of the many spas and health resorts, enjoy the nightlife in Westerland, or take a relaxing hike across the island.

For more ideas, visit www.cometogermany.com

An Artistic Formula Beats Successful Path for Cairns Backpacker Accommodation

The owner-operators of Tropic Days and Traveller’s Oasis backpacker hostels in Cairns continue to evolve and improve their successful accommodation business and are pleased to announce a series of significant upgrades to both properties are now complete.

For the past 10 years, Gabriel and Kathy Thallon have been actively involved in nurturing Cairns backpacker market with hostel accommodation that breaks from the convention of basic surroundings to offer a warm, welcoming and homely environment.

Tropical landscaped gardens, swimming pools and an emphasis in artistic furnishings and fittings have given new life to the stock-standard backpacker experience.

According to Mr and Mrs Thallon, Tropic Days and Travellers Oasis are both a veritable showcase of local creativity and talent thanks to features that include artworks and design by painter, Haley Gillespie, wrought iron balustrading, signage and furniture by Elefantus Wrought Iron and Glass and mosaic tile features and artworks by Bexley Birrell.

The Thallons purchased Tropic Days 10 years ago and in recent years, added Travellers Oasis to their portfolio of accommodation for backpackers and budget conscious travellers to Cairns.

Both hostels are located within five minutes of each other on the fringe of Cairns CBD; Tropic Days at 26-28 Bunting Street and Travellers Oasis at 8 Scott Street.

The owners’ ethos and business culture is committed to giving travellers a special and memorable experience. In so doing, the Thallons have been consistent in ‘giving back’ with ongoing investment and dedication to quality improvement.

As a testament to this philosophy, both Travellers Oasis and Tropic Days are recommended in coveted Let’s Go, Lonely Planet and Rough Guide backpacker publications.

“Over the years we have worked hard to constantly improve and add value to our products with renovation, design and introducing new ways of doing things. Our determination to highlight unique points of difference has led us on a colourful and creative journey away from the mainstream. We are certainly proud of our business and consider both hostels worthy art galleries of ocal endeavour,” said Kathy Thallon.

This week the Thallons sign-off new office developments in both hostels that once again, drew on the contribution of local tradespeople and artisans –including Elefantus Wrought Iron for intricate signage and balustrading that marries with the tropical look and theme of sister properties.

Mirvac Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the management of Citigate Mount Panorama Bathurst which is due to open early September 2009, just in time for one of Australia’s biggest sporting events – the Bathurst 1000.

Citigate Mount Panorama Bathurst will join Mirvac’s portfolio of 45 managed hotels and resorts across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, including five under the Citigate branding.

Less than 2 kilometres from the centre of Bathurst, with an unparalleled position on the famous Mount Panorama racing track and uninterrupted views of Conrod Straight, the Citigate Mount Panorama hotel will offer guests the complete Bathurst experience.

This superb hotel has 133 guestrooms offering the choice of studio guestrooms and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Many of the guestrooms offer an ensuite with spa bath and a furnished balcony to partake in all the action of “race day” with spectacular views down Concord Straight and Caltex Chase.

Guest facilities include 24-hour room service, a contemporary restaurant and fully licensed bar and grill, plus there is a pool, gymnasium and tennis court.

Situated on Level 7 of the hotel is a unique conference and entertainment facility, offering 3 function rooms catering for up to 450 guests, again with spectacular views of the Mount Panorama racing circuit and Bathurst.

Ideal for conferences and corporate events, the Citigate Mount Panorama also offers the convenience of a two storey covered car parking building, commercial kitchen and a full dispensing bar servery, as well as an expansive, open roof top area, ideal for break out areas and special occasions.

Andrew Turner CEO of Mirvac Hotels & Resorts said, “Citigate Mount Panorama Bathurst is a completely unique addition to the Mirvac portfolio and sits beautifully within our Citigate branding.”

“This distinctive hotel will offer guests pole position when several hundred thousand motoring enthusiasts converge on Bathurst for the country’s biggest car racing events. Superb accommodation, great facilities and catering capabilities will add a significant contribution to Bathurst – a town of rich historical significance, with such a lot of variety to offer visitors to the region all year round.”

“We believe the addition of this hotel and its facilities will enable Mount Panorama, an iconic landmark, to be promoted as an ideal venue for small to large scale corporate events and conferences across a range of industries, as well as weddings and celebrations.”

“We envisage an overall boost in tourist visitors which will provide employment and community engagement opportunities for the Central West NSW Region, and we are looking forward to working closely with the Bathurst community,” he said.

The City of Bathurst is located less than 2.5 hours drive from Sydney and nearby attractions include shopping, galleries, museums, local festivals, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Abercrombie Caves, Jenolan Caves and Zig Zag Railway.

LAURIE WELTZ, HOTELIER AND CREATOR OF THE FIVE-STAR CERULEANN VILLA ON THE ISLAND OF ANGUILLA IS REDEFINING LUXURY TRAVEL IN ECONOMICALLY CHALLENGING TIMES

World-class private retreat, Cerulean Villa, offers overall cost savings of up to 20 percent with discounted villa rates and value-added off-site activities and amenities-

BARNES BAY, ANGUILLA – Given the current world-wide economic situation, the luxury travel industry has had to adapt to the state of the global economy. Luxury hotelier Laurie Weltz, owner of Anguilla’s Cerulean Villa, has found that many luxury travelers today are still seeking a five-star experience; however they are hoping to do it for less, booking a less expensive room at their favorite hotel instead of their usual site. In order to stay competitive and to ensure the Villa continues to offer the utmost in service and value, Ms. Weltz conducted a fact-finding trip to Cerulean to reduce the overall cost of a stay by nearly 20 percent, without compromising service.

From complimentary night stays to cultural storytelling, Cerulean Villa continues to offer a first-class travel experience, but now with a taste of island culture and, most importantly, value.

The first step was to extend a special that offers one free night for every six booked. Cerulean Villa, which features seven bedrooms and a staff of 14, is available for rates starting at $30,000 per week for up to 14 guests ($2,143 per person, per week). In addition, Cerulean now offers complimentary long distance phone service to the U.S. and England as well as complimentary Wi-Fi, fax service and computer with Internet access.

In addition to discounted rates, Cerulean Villa has several new activities that provide an uncompromising cultural island experience at a great value. “In the past our guests were less concerned by the price of activities,” says Ms. Weltz. “But this year everyone is looking for savings. One of the places we thought we could really lower costs were in the add-ons. In the past our Champagne Shipwreck Lunch on a deserted island was a very popular activity, but it is quite costly, so is the private band we used to hire to entertain our guests at our beach barbecue dinners.

This year, we have come up with some new activities that are about a fifth of the price and a lot of fun. I am really excited about them.”

For a magical evening along the ocean shore, Cerulean Villa offers a Beach BBQ with Bonfire and Storytelling, priced at approximately $400 for up to 14 guests (not including food). The evening starts with cocktails and a sumptuous feast on the beach as the sun is setting.

As the stars come out, the guests are invited to sit around the bonfire, where they are entertained by a local storyteller, who recounts the history of Anguilla through dramatic storytelling, songs and African drumming.

This is a hugely entertaining and informative evening that will delight both young and old. In the past, guests used to enjoy Swimming with the Dolphins. For half the price guests can enjoy a thrilling Horseback Ride on the Beach at sunset for just $70 per person.

For boat and nature lovers’, Cerulean Villa suggests the relaxing Half-Day Snorkeling/Sightseeing Trip, as an alternative to the very costly Champagne Shipwreck Lunch. Starting at $500 per half day (depending on the length of trip and number of attendees), guest can see some of the most beautiful sights around Anguilla. Guest can enjoy snorkeling at the pristine Sandy Island, climb the cliffs at spectacular Little Bay and plunge into the sea below, and end their trip with a stop at Scilly Cay where adults can enjoy a Rum Punch, while the kids participate in crab races.

For history buffs, join one of the island’s most beloved residents, former Chief Minister, Sir Emile Gumbs, as he takes guests on a journey through the island’s natural and historical attributes. Sir Gumb’s, whose family has island roots dating back 200 years, Bird Walk/Historical Island Tour is an incredible bargain at just $20 per person.

“Emile is an absolutely fascinating man, with a lot to teach about the island. He was chief minister for 13 years and involved in Anguilla’s revolution in the 1960’s to rejoin the British Commonwealth. Touring Anguilla with him is like being taken on a tour of Little Rock by Bill Clinton,” says Ms. Weltz.

Guests also find that dining at Cerulean Villa is a first-class yet affordable experience. The daily food costs, including wine and top shelf liquor, average around $120 per person, per day, nearly 50 percent less than at nearby hotels and restaurants. And, with Cerulean Villa’s Chef Athenia Walker-Fabien’s superb talent and signature rum drinks, many guests forego the expensive island restaurants to savor her top notch gourmet cuisine.

“It is often said that it is much easier to trade up then down,” said Cerulean Villa owner Laurie Weltz. “During the economic challenge that many are facing these days, trading down seems inevitable; however, we feel that a first-rate travel experience does not need to be compromised.

At Cerulean Villa, we are consistently focused on providing not only luxury but value within that experience. We are confident that the Villa and the value-added activities that we provide can combine for a memorable and cost-effective vacation during these challenging times.”

During their stay, guests of Cerulean Villa enjoy extensive complimentary amenities and activities including a private tennis court, freshwater oceanfront pool, Jacuzzi, tropical gardens, private gym, guest office, mountain bikes, kayaks, beach volleyball and snorkeling.

Also available are in-house spa services, in-house kids club, water sports, boating fitness instruction and much more.

Situated on the spectacular white sand beach at Barnes Bay on the idyllic island of Anguilla,

Cerulean is a 13,000 square-food villa designed by award-winning architect Deborah Berke.

The lavish two-story Mediterranean-style structure features domed roofs, which dot the lush sun-drenched coast of Anguilla. Through the front doors lies a 3,000 square-foot stone pool terrace with a sleek 40 X 25 freshwater pool that reflects the rich blue hues of the sparkling sea. All the bedrooms are large (average 151 sq. ft.), have ocean views, air conditioning and en-suite marble baths.

Tax and service charges are not included. Rates are based on availability and subject to change. For reservations contact Cerulean Villa at 718-522-5358 or management@ceruleanvilla.com.

Voted one of the ten best beach villas in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, Cerulean is one of the Caribbean’s most popular properties. This beautiful private home offers all the amenities of a five-star resort, including a staff of 14 catering to every whim and need. Praised by Vogue, Travel+Leisure and Playboy, this villa brings elegance effortlessly to any holiday or special event. Cerulean Villa is a member of Virtuoso and The Crown Collection; an exclusive selection of 32 luxury hotels, resorts, villas and sea cruises in the U.S., Caribbean and Europe.