Jetsettersblog

The Governor of Baja California Sur Narciso Agúndez Montaño and the President of the National Council for the Culture and Arts Consuelo Sáizar was on hand on Aug. 21, 2009, to lay the first stones for the new Cultural Pavilion of the Republic.

This center is being constructed as part of the nationwide bicentennial celebration of the independence of Mexico from Spain and the centennial of the Mexican Revolution.

The first stage of this project will be the construction of the Centre for Art and Biodiversity Pavilion that is scheduled to be complete by September 2010.

Once completed, the $40 million investment will also include a closed and open-air theatre, shopping center and two cinemas. For more information, visit www.visitloscabos.travel

Avis Rent A Car has launched a mobile iPhone application, a free interactive tool that allows travelers to book Avis car rental reservations via an Apple iPhone. The new application, available online through the Apple iPhone “App Store,” features multi-touch booking so customers can easily point and click on a vehicle for rent at airport locations throughout the United States and Canada.

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

The latest news from Dominica is dominated by reports of product expansions in the hotel and activity sectors. While already boasting a significant number of attractions that showcase the beauty and nature of the island, private sector operators have just added more to the list.

At the Beau Rive Dominica, on June 1, this property celebrated its sixth anniversary with the completion of their ninth and 10th rooms. Both of the rooms are individual cottages set below the main house, where guests have ocean views from the verandas.

The cottages are the same size and design as the other guestrooms, but offer more privacy.

For more information, call 767-445-8992 or visit www.beaurive.com

Calibishie Cove now offers daily bicycle and two-person dive kayaks rentals to their guests to explore Dominica’s coastline just downhill from Calibishie Cove.

After guests are done exploring “the Nature Island,” Calibishie Cove offers to prepare a romantic candle-lit dinner served right on guests’ balconies. For more information, call 813-417-8448, email calibishiecove@gmail.com  or visit www.calibishiecove.com

The Fort Young Hotel has teamed up with dive stores to allow dive groups to bank the complimentary rooms earned with groups for up to 12 months, making it easier to sell dive trips to the island. In addition, the property has added a shore dive option to its dive program which enables divers to experience the best dive spots in Dominica. The shore dive option is $45 per person and includes a dinner at Dive Dominica’s own restaurant, Barana Breeze, and transportation between the Fort Young Hotel and the dive sites.

For more information, call 800-581-2034, email reservations@fortyounghotel.com  or visit www.fortyounghotel.com .

Comfortel De Champ was the recipient of “Accommodation Of The Year 2009 Award,” which was presented at the Dominican Tourism Awards, held on May 30.

The hotel has five double rooms, with king/queen size beds and an excellent, modern design bathroom. Each room has a private balcony offering a breathtaking view of Prince Rupert Bay and Cabrits National Park.

For more information, call 767-445-4452, email info@godominica.com  or visit www.comforteldechamp.com

Located on the west coast of Dominica, JC Ocean Adventures has introduced a new excursion and now offers their guests customized boat trips including sport fishing, snorkeling, coastal cruises and whale watching. JC Ocean Adventures was also recently licensed to offer scuba diving tours and teach Discover Scuba Diving — a great way for people to try scuba diving before committing themselves to advanced open water courses. Rates begin at $85 per person for a two-tank dive and $110 per person for Discover Scuba Diving.

or more information, call 767-449-6975 or visit www.jcoceanadventures.com

Sunset Bay Club’s Seaside Dive Resort is now offering sport fishing as an excursion through their independent operator.

Also, Seaside Dive Resort’s divemaster has been recently certified to teach Discover Scuba Diving.

For more information, call 767-446-6522, email sunset@cwdom.dm  or visit www.sunsetbayclub.com   

For general destination information, call 866-522-4057 or visit www.discoverdominica.com

JamaicaForaDay.com offers Caribbean cruisers visiting Ocho Rios and Montego Bay the opportunity to spend their stopover on the island enjoying the amenities of two all-inclusive beach resorts.

Both resorts are located close to the ports of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay allowing for a quick and convenient trip from the ship to the beach. While visiting the resorts, www.JamaicaForaDay.com guests will enjoy all meals and drinks, beaches, pools, waterslides, dining, activities, games and the use of non-motorized watersports.

Adult and child resort day passes can be purchased, with or without ground transfers, starting at an introductory rate of $60 for an adult pass and $40 for a child pass. Groups of 16 or more receive a 5 percent discount further increasing the value and appeal to cruise groups. To purchase, cruisers can visit JamaicaForaDay.com or contact their favorite travel agent.

“JamaicaForaDay.com offers a high-value bonus to travelers cruising through Jamaica,” said Stuart Cohen, president of JamaicaForaDay.com.

“Shore excursions can be expensive and challenging for groups to pre-arrange. JamaicaForaDay.com offers a convenient, well-priced alternative for a beach day in Ocho Rios or Montego Bay.”

JamaicaForaDay.com was recently launched in collaboration with two well-respected Jamaica resorts. The company plans to expend this concept to ports and resorts.

For more information, visit www.exclamationpointsinc.com  or www.jamaicaforaday.com

Seagate Hospitality Group will introduce The Seagate Hotel & Spa, a new beach-inspired hotel experience set to open in downtown Delray Beach, Fla., in November 2009.

Located just one block from the beach on East Atlantic Avenue in the heart of the city’s arts and entertainment district, The Seagate Hotel & Spa captures the relaxed-yet-vibrant lifestyle of Florida’s Gold Coast.

A host of inviting amenities include fine and casual dining, an elegant spa and nearby beach club privileges, and the hotel also offers a stylish backdrop for weddings and events. The hotel is already designated a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. The property is featuring special introductory rates starting at $159 per night through Nov. 30, 2009.

With architecture by Randall Stofft of Stofft Architects of Delray Beach, The Seagate Hotel & Spa will offer an expansive array of accommodations wrapped in a stylish façade that celebrates the relaxed life of Delray Beach. Interiors by local designer Chris Leighton of the Leighton Design Group create a comfortable and contemporary ambiance mere steps into the lobby, with a 5,000-gallon aquarium populated with colorful sea life, as well as natural elements and sea-inspired fixtures to highlight custom furniture.

The hotel’s 162 guest rooms will feature exquisite contemporary designer furnishings from the upscale Wendall Castle Collection, creating a tranquil ambiance reflective of the beach lifestyle that is so central to the city outside.

Three Spa Suites were designed for private in-room spa treatments and furnished with an infinity Jacuzzi tub, glass-enclosed Kohler Waterhaven shower, and marble and river rock bath.

The Atlantic Grille will offer a signature fine-dining experience helmed by Executive Chef Adam Gottlieb, formerly of the Palm Beach Yacht Club in West Palm Beach. With a contemporary menu featuring steak, local seafood, pasta and other seasonal ingredients, The Atlantic Grille seats 250 indoors and on the terrace before sweeping beach views.

A bar coaxes guests and walk-ins with stylish libations, presenting a welcoming atmosphere to meet and socialize. Nearby, the exclusive Seagate Beach Club offers casual and fine-dining alternatives with similarly gorgeous coastal views.

With complimentary transportation provided by the hotel, The Seagate Beach Club provides guest access to water-sport equipment rentals for scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing and kayaking, as well as access to the outdoor swimming pool.

The 8,000 square-foot Seagate Spa will have seven treatment rooms, featuring signature treatments including the Hot Shell Massage, as well as a fitness center. The Seagate Spa employs Amala certified organic skincare products, available at only four other spas throughout North America.

The Seagate will also be a stylish destination for weddings and events, with three meeting rooms totaling 2,292 square feet, and meeting and catering staff onsite.

For more information or reservations, call 877-577-3242 or visit www.theseagatehotel.com

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, prominently situated at the entrance of CityCenter, will introduce the cuisine of three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Twist by Pierre Gagnaire.

Opening in December 2009, Twist will be Gagnaire’s first restaurant in the United States. The menu will infuse classic French cuisine with a modern spin, relying on a pairing of flavors and textures for which Gagnaire is known. Located on the 23rd floor of the hotel, the Adam D. Tihany-designed restaurant, seating 74, will feature a glass staircase leading up to a suspended wine loft.

More than 300 gold globes will illuminate the space, appearing to float in the air across the ceiling. Elevated tables will allow every guest a view from the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Las Vegas Strip.

Also located on the 23rd floor with windows overlooking the Vegas skyline, the 82-seat Mandarin Bar will redefine Las Vegas nightlife.

The Mandarin Bar will offer snacks and an extensive cocktail menu.

A team of molecular mixologists will be available to develop customized concoctions upon request, and there will also be a separate VIP room, available by reservation.

In addition to Twist by Pierre Gagnaire, diners will have the option to enjoy several other dining options within Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas including Mozen Bistro, an all-day contemporary kitchen theater with a sushi bar, noodle bar and rotisserie.

The cuisine at Mozen Bistro will reflect the best of Asia along with American classics. The property will also feature an intimate 30-seat Tea Lounge, serving a wide menu of teas and High Tea rituals; a Poolside Café offering market-fresh fare, smoothies and sorbets; and the street-level Amore Patisserie, with a selection of freshly baked pastries and cakes as well as sandwiches, coffee, teas, hand-made chocolate and gelato.

For more information, call 702-590-8888 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas

Lionsgate’s “My Bloody Valentine: Be Mine 4 Ever,” a new, multi-sensory maze, will be part of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights this year, which runs 16 nights beginning Oct. 2.

The attraction is based upon the 2009 theatrical re-make of the original 1981 Canadian slasher movie.

The maze will bring to life the events that take place in the town of Harmony, which is crippled by a series of horrific murders. It will recreate the film’s bloody massacres in realistic scenes with sight, sound, smell and touch. Guests entering the maze will smell the dank, stale air of the film’s mineshaft, feel the spray of spattering blood and will pass closely through scenes of carnage. Updates on “Halloween Horror Nights” are available at www.halloweenhorrornights.com/hollywood, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/horrornights , and on Facebook at Halloween Horror Nights — Hollywood (Official).

For general park information, visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com

The Greenbrier resort broke ground on new casino, retail and dining areas, slated to debut in April 2010.

The completed project will not only add additional guest amenities to the resort, but also create a more aesthetically pleasing and accessible green space for all guests to enjoy. Clancy & Theys Construction Company’s Virginia Division was chosen as the general contractor and construction manager for the project. The construction of the new casino, retail and dining areas will encompass an area of approximately 80,000 square feet.

The front lawn, under which the casino will be built, will keep the main flower bed but feature changes including a reflecting pool, pedestrian walkways, benches and leisure area. The space is also designed to improve guest arrivals and departures.

The casino will be unlike anything guests have seen before, boasting approximately 320 slot machines and 38 full-variety table games including craps, roulette, black jack, mini-baccarat, poker varieties and poker tables.

Champagne will be passed around nightly at 8 p.m., offering a toast of luck to all of the gaming guests. The casino will be open to overnight guests, members of The Greenbrier Sporting Club and members of other on-property clubs and attendees of an event or convention with more than 400 rooms sold. Beginning on Oct. 1,

Greenbrier guests and members will be able to enjoy this new amenity, including slot and table games, in a temporary casino, located in the resort’s Virginia Wing.

For more information, call 800-624-6070 or visit www.greenbrier.com

The Chongwe River Camp lowered rates for 2010 with all-inclusive prices suited to a wide range of budgets. The Chongwe River Camp provides guest with an authentic safari experience, with al fresco showers and private tented rooms with twin and double beds.

Prices for the Chongwe River Camp have been reduced to $610 shared  to October and $510 from April to June and Nov. 1 to 15.

These prices are all inclusive, per person, per night.

The Cassia Suite, originally the home of Chongwe River Camp owner Chris Liebenberg, offers the seclusion, exclusivity and romantic setting prized by honeymoon couples. Prices for the Cassia Suite have been reduced to $710 shared to October and $610 from April to June and Nov. 1 to 15.

These prices are per person, per night and are all-inclusive.

The two-bedroom Albida Suite, designed by Neil Rocher, is newly priced at $710 shared single f to October and $610 from April to June and Nov. 1 to 15.

Prices are all inclusive, per person, per night. The Chongwe River House, also designed by Rocher, is built around the trunks of trees, integrating branches and roots into the architecture.

The four-bedroom house is suited for families, with a nanny available at request. Prices for the Chongwe River House now range from $190 for children under 12, from $275 for children between 12 and 16, and from $560 for adults, depending on season.

Prices are per person, per night and are all-inclusive.

Located at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, the Chongwe River Camp borders on the Lower Zambezi National Park, a 4,000-square-kilometer sanctuary, teeming with game.

From plush and comfortable accommodations, guests will witness a complete safari, with a wide range of wildlife wandering the grounds freely. Guests can also seek out elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, hippos and zebras in day or night game drives and walking safaris or by canoe or motorboat.

All prices include accommodations, meals and drinks, laundry, all game viewing, National Park fees and transfers to and from the local airstrip.

For reservations or more information, e-mail reservations@chongwe.com  or visit www.chongwe.com

Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s privately owned collection of luxury retreats, now includes Necker Bell, http://vlog.virginlimitededition.com/?cat=136  a 32 meter (105 foot) catamaran that can reach a top cruising speed of 20 knots.

Necker Belle has spent the last two years in Australia undergoing a refit, following her former years as Lady Barbaretta.

With a crew of seven, she will then set sail for the Caribbean. Necker Belle will be available for tailor-made weekly charters starting in February 2010.

She will spend the winters in the Caribbean and summers in the Mediterranean.

The catamaran will feature such activities as water skiing, game fishing, scuba diving, or sunbathing. Gourmet dining can be inside or outside, themed or traditional.

Guests can also experience an open air cinema in the evenings. Accommodating eight guests in four double cabins,

Necker Belle is 14 meters wide. To keep abreast of Necker Belle’s progress in the run up and during her sea trials, visitors can see the “Captain’s blog” at http://vlog.virginlimitededition.com

The seven-night weekly charter rate for the remainder of the 2009-2010 winter Caribbean season will be $88,000.

This rate includes the charter of Necker Belle with a full crew. In addition, clients will pay an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) usually a sum equivalent to 25 percent of the total charter fee.

This amount covers the operating expenses of the charter such as, fuel, food, port fees, harbor and marina dues; customs clearance; water and electricity; personal laundry; all provisions, wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and consumables for the charterer’s party; telecommunication costs.

Virgin Limited Edition is a collection of unique retreats chosen for their stunning locations, magnificent surroundings and offering a sense of fun, style, luxury and exceptional personal service. The group includes Necker Island in the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa, Sa Terra Rotja in Mallorca; The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant in London; Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco; and The Lodge in Verbier.

For more information or to book, call 011-44-(0)208-600-0430 or visit www.virginlimitededition.com