Jetsettersblog

Premier Golf And Spa Resort

One of the world’s most famous five-star golf and spa resorts, The K Club has announced a partnership with leading global co-ownership specialist Firstlight, to offer shared ownership of luxurious properties set within this outstanding 550-acre resort in County Kildare, just south of Dublin.

The K Club, which celebrates its 18th anniversary this year, was founded by Sir Michael Smurfit and boasts two championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer; famously hosting the Ryder Cup in 2006, in addition to 14 European Opens. As well as attracting the world’s greatest golfers to its fairway – from Tiger Woods to Darren Clarke – many of the world’s most famous faces have visited the legendary retreat, from Bill Clinton and Daniel Craig to David and Victoria Beckham, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.

The magnificent 18th century chateau-style hotel, which has received endless accolades, was the first resort in Ireland to attain 5-AA red star rating, and was voted Egon Ronay Irish Hotel of the Year 1997 whilst also enjoying European and global recognition with Conde Nast’s Top Resort in Europe 2005, Robb Report Top 100 Resorts in The World.

Firstlight will be offering the opportunity to truly be a part of this idyllic Irish estate with shared ownership of a sumptuous property on the Ladycastle development with a choice of houses, apartments and duplex residences on offer. With easy access from Dublin airport, The K Club offers a retreat in the breathtaking Kildare countryside coupled with the delights of Dublin city centre just 30 minutes away.

Sir Michael Smurfit commented, “We are incredibly proud of our achievements over the past 18 years and look forward to continued success.

The project with Firstlight is an exciting opportunity to welcome more visitors and guests to The K Club, with all the delights it has to offer. The current trend toward fractional ownership within luxury resorts offers a real opportunity for The K Club to enhance its position as one of the world’s leading destinations and to entice visitors from across the globe thanks to the option for exchange amongst the world’s most exclusive residences.”

Firstlight managing director Matt Spence added, “We’re thrilled to have partnered with The K Club and to bring this remarkable offering to the marketplace.

Shared ownership of these two, three and four-bedroom luxury properties will entice a new audience to experience this truly outstanding authentic Irish resort, as well as discovering other premier destinations through the exchange facility.

“The properties at Firstlight The K Club are an ideal lifestyle retreat, finished to the highest standards and offering unrivalled luxury that will appeal to a broad international audience, as well as the domestic market.”

Benefits of fractional ownership will include full family membership to The K Club, with use of its two championship golf courses, a dedicated concierge service and 5-star luxury facilities; such as a deluxe golf cart for internal transportation, a private locker in the clubhouse, airport transfers to ensure that the Firstlight experience starts as soon as you land, plus full housekeeping service, property maintenance and a luxury welcome hamper on arrival each visit.

Owners will enjoy six weeks of usage per year, with two of those available at short notice, and a title deed which is undivided, giving you the chance to own a luxury holiday residence at a fraction of the total property price, with a greater market for resale.

It’s also a hassle-free option, with owners enjoying all the benefits of their own property when they need it without the need to sublet when unoccupied or be concerned with maintenance and upkeep, plus the unique ability to exchange with more than forty other luxury resorts throughout the world.

Residents of Firstlight The K Club will have access to all amenities of the resort including the chic and award-winning K Spa; an oasis of contemporary calm with a host of treatments and facilities on offer, whilst other activities include fly fishing on the private river, fishing and golf lessons, horseriding, clay target shooting, archery, falconry, Celtic games, art tours, wine cellar tours, cookery demonstrations and cycling. Families can also benefit from nanny and babysitting services, children’s activity club, outdoor playground, swimming lessons and indoor activities.

For enquiries customers should call Firstlight on +353 1 610 7111 or visit www.firstlightkclub.com

The ski and spa retreat, Hotel Aurelio joins the ranks of the finest design-led boutique hotels in Europe, featuring 19 unique and individually-designed rooms combining modern chic with classical design.

The Hotel is found in the beautiful ski resort of Lech, near Alberg in Austria perfectly embracing its tranquil and luxurious ambience.

This is a secret gem, ideal for discerning guests seeking a stylish ski retreat of the five star variety. The main influence of its design concept can be seen outside from every window – the visually stunning mountain scenery that surrounds the Hotel. Aurelio Lech was designed by s+s architektur ing.

Sibylle Schaschl in co-operation with one of today’s leading interior architects, Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi (MHZ). “Every room and suite was individually designed and refers to the culture of the alpine village and its special qualities such as the friendly hospitality and healthy lifestyle”, says Tino Zervudachi.

Wooden features on the walls and corridors provide a typical ambience of a comfortable winter chalet; however, that is as far as it goes to comparing with other chalets.

Each of the 19 rooms have spacious balconies with breathtaking views of the snow covered mountains; the two 110 m² Aurelio Suites feature a bedroom, a separate dressing room, a comfortable lounge area and a contemporary bathroom; French and African natural fabrics enhance the stylish Asian wooden furniture; creating a sophisticated and fresh warmth of home; whilst every room offers modern amenities including Internet access and a multi-media entertainment system.

This ‘modern meets chic’ objective was the major driving force behind the design from the beginning:

“We wanted to create a unique, contemporary and elegant interior that feels warm and welcoming. At the same time we decided to have individually designed rooms in order to avoid the typical ‘hotel’ feel.”

The choice of materials was influenced by natural elements such as wood, rough rock, calm colours and textiles.

“That is why we have succeeded in creating a comfortable yet luxurious surrounding in which guests can indulge after an exhausting skiing-day “, explains Tino Zervudachi.

One of the key highlights at the Hotel is The Aurelio Spa.

A lavish and complex light-installation created by the Zurich based designer label Lichtkompetenz, makes the 23m and 18m long Indoor pools dazzle like a star-filled sky.

The purist wellness area and its clear colours and forms communicate a feeling of calm and relaxation.

The 1,000 m² space offers a thermal suite, numerous heating cabins, a cooling experience, relaxing areas, a spacious sauna, a swimming pool with light and sound-therapy, an aroma steam bath, a Jacuzzi and hydro massage shower units and provides all guests with a stylish wellness treat.

The Great Inns of Britain has proudly announced the addition of a new member, The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk.

The 18th century coaching inn brings the membership of this collection of colourful collection of stylish, historic Inns to a total of 22.

The Rose & Crown enjoys a picture postcard setting in Teesdale where, since 1733, the Inn has overlooked Romaldkirk’s village greens, complete with medieval stocks, water pump, Saxon church and charming stone built cottages.

Welcoming the Rose & Crown’s membership, Sir Thomas Ingilby, Chair of the Great Inns of Britain, said:

“The Rose & Crown is a wonderful addition to the Great Inns of Britain. This fabulous country Inn shares the essential characteristics of The Great Inns – a real historical charm, coupled with first class food, excellent wines, real ales and a warm welcome.”

Stepping inside, the Inn effortlessly blends contemporary fittings and furnishings with the period interiors of polished panelling, old beams and gleaming brasses. The public bar is a popular watering hole for locals and residents and is completed with an oak settle, carriage lamps and open fireplace.

The twelve en-suite bedrooms are individually decorated and furnished with luxurious fabrics, Bose music systems and Molton Brown bathroom accessories. The seven bedrooms in the main house boast period features, exposed beams, antique furniture, with a couple having private sitting rooms; while the five bedrooms in the courtyard offer a modern, contemporary décor.

Guests can dine in either the Brasserie or the Restaurant and enjoy dishes that make the most of local and regional produce, some of which may have been prepared by owner and chef, Chris Davy. With oak panelling, white tablecloths, candlelight and sparkling silver, the Restaurant offers a fine dining experience, while the Brasserie provides a more intimate setting with its mixture of red walls, old prints and candlelight.

The Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk has won numerous accolades, most recently 2 AA Red Stars and 2 AA Rosettes (2009), as well as being Michelin ‘Pub of the Year’ (2006) and The Which? Guide to Good Hotels ‘Glorious Gastro Pub’ (2004).

Owner, Chris Davy Chris Davy is a life-long chef and hotelier; trained at the Westminster Hotel School in London, he later became Manager of the Chester Grosvenor Hotel, where he met his wife Alison. Together, they successfully ran the Black Swan at Ravenstonedale in the Eden Valley in Cumbria before settling at The Rose and Crown in 1993.

Chris, who is Vice Chair of the British Hospitality Association, is passionate about good food and great service and, commenting on joining the Great Inns of Britain, he says:

“’We are delighted to have been invited to join such a prestigious group. The Great Inns has a wonderful collection of historic inns and we are proud that the Rose and Crown is to be included.”

Chris is also passionate about his local area and is Chairman of the County Durham Area Tourism Partnership as well as being one of the ‘faces’ for North East England’s Passionate people, Passionate places campaign.

Teesdale is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which offers a land of contrasts, from high fells, lush meadows and dramatic waterfalls. The surrounding countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and Pennines offer excellent game shooting, mountain biking, fishing, bird watching and walking, much of which can be explored by the various footpaths that lead from the Inn.

Membership of the Great Inns of Britain is by invitation only from the existing members.

The collection of independently owned Inns was first established eleven years ago by Paul Whittome, owner of The Hoste Arms at Burnham Market in Norfolk, and Sir Thomas Ingilby, owner of The Boar’s Head in Ripley, North Yorkshire.

PUNTA DELLA DOGANA

http://www.palazzograssi.it

The magnificent area of Punta della Dogana is now open to the public.

Overlooking the lagoon, this dependence of Palazzo Grassi for contemporary art and former industrial building from the XVII century is rich in history and set in a magical place that has been masterfully restored and maintains its historic integrity.

Punta Dogana, together with Palazzo Grassi, is a large new museum that enhances Venice cultural offer with the creation of the most incredible “Art Mile” along the Grand Canal.

“CA FOSCARI” TOUR. THE UNIVERSITY OPENS THE PALACE

http://www.unive.it/visita

The University of Venice, located in the historic palazzo Ca ‘Foscari, opens to the public for the first time.

The magnificent building in Venetian Gothic style, which overlooks the Grand Canal, now reveals its gardens, the beautiful Aula Magna, the frescoes of Sironi and De Luigi and other treasures recently found during its restoration to the public.

Guided tours in Italian and English will allow a new path between art and history of a city jewel that continues to give surprises.

Intrawest and Sprint have announced a new strategic alliance that will put Sprint’s mobile devices, voice plans and air cards in the hands of Intrawest’s staff at Copper Mountain and Steamboat Resort in Colorado.

The new three-year agreement also gives Sprint the exclusive rights to promote, advertise and market their wireless products and services at all of Intrawest’s mountain resorts in the United States, including Mountain Creek in New Jersey, Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont, Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia and at Intrawest’s three Colorado resorts (Copper, Steamboat and Winter Park Resort).

Sprint will also serve as a presenting-level sponsor and associate-level sponsor at several key events throughout the year at Copper Mountain, Steamboat and Winter Park.

These event sponsorships will provide Sprint with the opportunity to educate and inform resort guests on the benefits of Sprint’s wireless products and services through on-site promotions, event signage, print collateral and an online presence on each resort’s website.

For more information,

visit www.intrawest.com

 or www.sprint.com

Travel Oregon has introduced a new website that features Oregon’s cycling culture.

The site, www.RideOregonRide.com works to put Oregon on the map as the premier bicycling destination in North America.

It is offers a one-stop, interactive trip planning resource for bicycle enthusiasts.

It features Oregon’s trails, road routes, bike-related events, services for cyclists (including bike shops, tour companies, hotels, restaurants and attractions), and information on how to travel to and around Oregon by bike.

Contributing partners include Cycle Oregon, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, the City of Portland, the International Mountain Bicycling Association, the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association, Travel Portland, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

For general destination information, call 800-547-7842 or visit www.traveloregon.com

Hilton Worldwide has entered into a franchise license agreement with Proma srl to operate an upscale Doubletree by Hilton in Olbia, Sardinia. Anticipated to open later this autumn, the signing represents the company’s first hotel on the popular Italian island, underlining the continued growth of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands across Italy.

Doubletree by Hilton, Olbia-Sardinia will become the company’s third Doubletree by Hilton property in Italy in 18 months, following the brand’s debut in Milan in autumn 2008, and the recently opened Doubletree by Hilton, Acaya Golf Resort Lecce.

When it opens, the new build Doubletree by Hilton, Olbia-Sardinia will offer a total of 124 rooms, a full-service restaurant and bar with outdoor terrace and a dedicated fitness center complete with outdoor swimming pool.

Four fully equipped meeting rooms, a state-of-the-art business center and Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the property will establish the hotel as one of Sardinia’s leading choices for domestic and international business travelers.

Located on the northern coast of the island, Olbia is the gateway city for discovering the beaches and islands of the Smeralda Coast.

Situated in a prime location a few hundred meters from the city centre, the Doubletree by Hilton, Olbia-Sardinia is well positioned close to the historic port and only five kilometers from the city’s international airport.

With new day-trip specials available to the island of Montserrat from Antigua, vacationers can visit two destinations for the price of one.

Regional carrier Winair has teamed up with five local tour operators to offer travelers affordable one-day tours to the island.

After a 15-minute jaunt from Antigua to Montserrat, visitors will have the chance to experience the mix of Caribbean charm and the majestic views of the active Soufriere Hills Volcano.

The regional airline offers morning flights that depart Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport as early as 6:30 a.m. and arrive at John A. Osborne Airport in Montserrat at 6:55 a.m.

The early departures give travelers the chance to enjoy an entire day in Montserrat.

This special day-trip tour starts at $200 per person and includes: roundtrip airfare; a tour of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory; lunch at one of the island’s eateries; a guided tour of the island and ground transportation.

Visitors can also explore other key sites and attractions including the Montserrat Cultural Centre, for the chance to see Paul McCartney and Elton John’s bronze hand-casts on the wall of fame, Runaway Ghaut, where folklore promises one sip from the ghaut will guarantee a return visit to the island, and Air Studios, where music greats such as the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Phil Collins and Stevie Wonder once recorded.

In addition, travelers can take part in a rainforest mountain hike that offers panoramic views of Montserrat and neighboring islands Nevis and Redonda Island.

Tour operators that are currently offering the one-day special include Carib World Travel (info@carib-world.com  or 268-480-2999); D&J Forwarders (268-773-9766); Jenny’s Tours (davistrs@hotmail.com or 268-722-9092); RTT Travel & Tours (rtttraveltours@hotmail.com  or 664-491-4788); and Runaway Travel, Ltd (runaway@candw.ms  or 664-491-2776).

For general destination information, visit www.visitmontserrat.com

Archeologists discovered the largest collection of Roman-period coins from the Bar-Kokhba revolt during excavations in a cave in the Judean Hills north of Jerusalem.

The cache of 120 gold, silver and bronze coins was found in three batches in a deep cavern located in a nature reserve.

The coins, imprinted with Jewish religious images and texts, are believed to have belonged to a group of Jewish fighters hiding in the cave during the Bar-Kokhba rebellion against the Romans in the year 132.

“This discovery verifies the assumption that the refugees of the revolt fled to caves in the center of a populated area in addition to the caves found in more isolated areas of the Judean Desert,” said Professor Amos Frumkin of the Hebrew University.

“Bar-Kokhba coins of this quality and quantity have never before been discovered in one location in Israel.”

Also, weapons, pottery and other gold, silver and bronze Roman coins were discovered in the cave.

For more information, visit www.goisrael.com

Context, organizer of educational walking tours in the cultural capitals of Europe and the U.S., unveiled a new component of its “Made in Florence” program, centered on the traditions of local craftsmanship in Florence, Italy. “Saper Fare: Artisan Traditions of Florence” explores family-run artisan workshops in the maze of medieval streets surrounding the Duomo.

The walk, in the company of an urban crafts historian, not only highlights the technical skill and know-how (saper fare) of these artisans, but also underlines their symbolic presence as bastions of traditional craftsmanship in a historic center otherwise dedicated to modern tourism.

The walk, which launches this fall, begins in Piazza della Repubblica, a square central to the history of commerce in Florence, and visits three workshops, including a textile maker who has traditionally supplied the royalty of Europe and top fashion houses; a jewelry boutique that combines traditional techniques dating back to the Etruscans with modern technology; and a studio dedicated to inlaid stone, one of the finest arts of the city.

Along the way, participants gain a deep understanding of Florentine craftsmanship and its integral role in the city’s history.

Saper Fare is the second in a series of walking seminars Context organizes in Florence that focus on traditional crafts.

A counterpoint to the widely acclaimed Oltrarno Artisans walk, it rounds out the Made in Florence program and establishes Context as the definitive walking tour company for going beyond the main tourist sites in Florence and embracing the full history and cultural character of the city.

As with all of Context’s Florence programs, Saper Fare will be led by experts in social history, local crafts, and Florentine culture.

Groups are limited to six people and run weekly on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. (65 euros per person). Private groups can be scheduled on request (330 euro flat fee).

Both walks in the Made in Florence program raise funds for Context’s local sustainable tourism project, a co-op scholarship program at a local trade school that brings students into workshops to serve as apprentices.

Context’s sustainable tourism program recently won an “Urban Adventures” prize in National Geographic’s Geotourism Challenge 2009. Founded by National Geographic writer Paul Bennett and graphic designer Lani Bevacqua, Context is a network of English-speaking scholars and professionals — including art historians, writers, architects and gastronomes — who organize and lead didactic walking seminars in several world cities, including Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples, Paris, London, New York, Istanbul, and Philadelphia. Travel + Leisure has named Context one of the top European tour companies for its innovative approach to travel and the depth of its programs.

For more information, visit www.contexttravel.com