Jetsettersblog

KAMPALA, Uganda—Volcanoes Safaris, an organization that offers unique great ape safaris in Africa recently announced the refurbishment of Virunga Lodge in Rwanda, one of the only eco-lodges in the world that is located near mountain gorilla parks.

Virunga Lodge has been called one of the finest in Africa, set on a hilltop surrounded by the Virunga volcanoes and the volcanic Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera.

The refurbished Virunga lodge will remain in the organic bush-chic style of Volcanoes Safaris but the bandas are being upgraded to provide greater elegance and comfort for guests.

Volcanoes Safaris is the only company in the world to have its own properties near three mountain gorilla parks.

While providing high levels of comfort and elegance, the company has remained committed to ecofriendly principles. The team believes that providing western standards of comfort in remote areas of Africa needs to be balanced with the impact that international travelers generally have on the environment.

The company makes their contribution to minimizing environmental disturbance by using a variety of natural energy sources- especially solar power- reducing water consumption, and controlling waste disposal.

Most of all they respect and work with local populations and recruit staff from their communities to manage the properties. The refurbishment of the Virunga Lodge is expected to be complete in 2010.

www.volcanoessafaris.com

As one of the most elusive predators in North America, the wolf is a creature worthy of fascination.

And study. Winter in Gold Bridge, west of Lillooet, provides ample opportunity for up-close-and-personal views of these fearsome packs: each season Chilcotin Holidays, an adventure operator with over 19 years in the wild, showcases the landscape, along with its furry residents as part of their popular Wolf Viewing Safaris.

Beginning in November, outings, on foot, four-wheel and even snowmobile, are mapped out by guides, each offering insight into the nature of resident wolf packs.

(The vast wilderness between the Coast Mountains and the Chilcotin Plateau is a favoured wintering ground for moose and mule deer, common wolf prey.)

A highlight?

Call to the pack; a lone cry in return is sure to make the spine tingle. Celebrated for their focus on the great outdoors, Chilcotin Holidays also offers ice fishing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing and more – plus cosy accommodations, perfect for bunking down for the night.

Time to heed the call of the wild.
www.chilcotinholidays.com

To read more story ideas from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region,

visit www.hellobc.com

Five ways to say “Happy Birthday” with a fun-filled visit-

Montrose, Colo. – The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located just outside of Montrose in southwest Colorado, is celebrating 10 years as a national park.

From scenic vistas to hikes, fishing, flora and fauna, there are many ways visitors can mark the park’s 10 year anniversary.

Here are just five suggestions for things to do on your visit to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

1. The Black Canyon is home to The Painted Wall, the tallest vertical wall in the state of Colorado. At a height of 2,250 feet, The Painted Wall is 1,000 feet taller than the Empire State Building! The adventuresome may
choose climb the canyon walls to get an up close and personal look. But be warned: the Black Canyon is not a place for the beginning climber.

Hiking, however, is an activity that can be enjoyed by those at all ability levels. Marked trails along the north and south rims give way to breathtaking views of the Gunnison River and the sheer, steep cliffs of the canyon.

Unmarked trails can be found in the inner canyon for the more practiced outdoor explorers.

Located on the south rim, the Cedar Point Nature Trail is an easy, two-thirds of a mile round trip hike with guideposts describing the local flora. At the end of the trail, two overlooks offer amazing views of the river and the famous Painted Wall.

On the north rim, consider North Vista Trail, which boasts some of the best scenic views and bird watching in the park. This trail can be customized based on your experience level.

For a more moderate hike, take the three-
mile round-trip trail to Exclamation Point. Or, for a more challenging trek that’s four miles longer, take the route to Green Mountain.

The trail begins at the North Rim Ranger Station (a great place to start any trip to the park) and includes several overlooks, including Exclamation Point – one of the best inner-canyon views available.

If you choose to continue to Green Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with picture-perfect vistas of not only the Black Canyon, but also the San Juan Mountains, West Elks, Grand Mesa and UncompahgrePlateau.

2. Life in the Black Canyon is for the birds, quite literally! Bring your camera and binoculars to capture the sights of the many flora, mammals, and birds that call the park home. The canyon atmosphere is particularly appealing to flying creatures who perch on the canyon rims and feed in the river below.

The park is home to the great horned owl (resident), mountain bluebird (migratory), Steller’s jay (resident), Peregrine falcon (migratory), white-throated swift (migratory), canyon wren (migratory), and American
dipper (resident).

3. For a unique perspective, consider exploring the canyon from the bottom up. The Morrow Point boat tour is a 42-passenger pontoon boat ride that glides along Morrow Point Reservoir through the upper canyon.

During the one and a half hour tour, a park ranger will interpret the story behind the
beautiful scenery. Tours launch from the Pine Creek Boat Dock at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. every day (except Tuesdays) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Reservations are required and walk-ons are not
permitted. To secure your spot, please call 970-641-2337, ext. 205 beginning in May.

4. Ready to slow it down? Try your hand (or reel!) at fly-fishing in the Gunnison River, which winds through the Black Canyon and is designated Gold Medal Water and Wild Trout Water. Special regulations are required to
maintain gold medal quality experiences.

In fact, of the more than 9,000 miles
of trout streams in Colorado, only 168 miles are designated as Gold Medal Water.

5. When the seasons change, so does the scenery and the list of activities offered at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Wintertime
in the Black Canyon offers a fresh menu of outdoor activities, including snow-shoeing and back country camping.

Unplowed roads along the south rim
become cross country ski trails. During the summer wildflowers cover the area in a blanket of bright colors. And, come fall, hues of gold take over.

No matter what time of year you visit the park, the visitors center is the perfect place to start your trip. Check out the video explaining the natural phenomenon that created the canyon, or talk with one of the knowledgeable and friendly rangers about how to map out your day at the Black Canyon.

About Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park www.nps.gov/blca

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National park is located 250 miles southwest of Denver.

The south Rim is 15 miles east of Montrose and the North Rim is 11 miles south of Crawford.

It was proclaimed a national monument in 1933 and was designated a national park through a congressional bill and a presidential signature in 1999. The Black Canyon is aptly named – it is so deep, sheer and narrow that very little sunlight reaches the canyon floor.

Activities in Black Canyon National Park include fishing, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, nature walks and camping in the summer, and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and backcountry camping in the winter.

About Montrose (www.visitmontrose.com

Montrose, located in southwest Colorado, is a uniquely-authentic town that has carved out a place for itself in the landscape and culture of Colorado.

A multi-faceted town, Montrose serves up layer upon layer of discoveries, each more unique than the last.

Whether you are looking for adventure,
agritourism, history, culture, shopping, fine dining or anything in between, Montrose has a little something for everyone.

Breckenridge Resort Chamber
CONTACT: Carly Grimes
TEL: 970-453-5064
E-MAIL: cgrimes@gobreck.com
WEB: http://www.gobreck.com

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo.— It won’t be long before Colorado’s high country is a winter wonderland. With plans to open their 2,208 acre, world-renowned ski resort in the second week of November,

Breckenridge is ready for the big season. Winter sports enthusiasts will traverse the passes from all over to hit the slopes in the next couple of months – but the masses of amateurs that visit this hip mountain town are yesterday’s news.

Celebrities, extreme sports, packed bars, and fresh powder are what get this town going.

The Alliance of Action Sports Winter Dew Tour will kick off its second season again in Breckenridge on Dec. 18-20, 2009.

The tour comprises three major multi-sport events held across the country, with a cumulative points system and a $1.5 million purse.

Each stop includes men’s and women’s snowboard and men’s freeskiing competition in both superpipe and slopestyle. There is a Festival Village, specialty competitions and live music and the events are broadcast on NBC Sports, MTV, MTV2, USA and internationally.

Boasting some of the same talent that competes in the X-Games, this is a great free opportunity to see Olympic hopefuls from around the world before the Winter Games in February.

This season is the 25th anniversary of snowboarding in Breckenridge, with the Breckenridge Ski Resort being one of the first to embrace snowboarding.

It hosted the World Snowboarding Championships back in 1986 and today supports emerging stars through the Breckenridge FreeRide Team. The resort features four terrain parks and three pipes, including the top-ranked Freeway Terrain Park/Pipe. It also offers a park progression system for beginners and intermediates.

White gold isn’t the only thing that Breckenridge offers. With thousands of skiers and boarders, a hoppin’ nightlife and a slew of attractive resort condominiums to rent, “Breck” is the wintertime place to be.

Whether you’re grabbing grub and a beer at the local microbrewery or shaking a tail feather on the dance floor of a local nightclub, a good time will be had by all. 12 spas offer a much needed rest and relaxation from a weekend of shredding powder and a stroll through the historic downtown Arts District lends a break from the crowds on the mountain.

For more information on lodging packages and the many special activities planned for the weekend, visit www.gobreck.com or call 877-593-5260.

Pheasant season brings family and friends together for exciting and fun memories, and the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department offers some reminders to make sure all hunters have safe and legal outings.

The daily limit for pheasants is three, with a possession limit of 15; however a hunter cannot possess 15 [BN1] pheasants until after the fifth day of the season.

It is illegal to allow a firearm to protrude from a motor vehicle or conveyance attached to it while on a public highway during the hunting season. This includes hunters riding to and from fields in the back of pickups.

It is illegal to shoot from a motor vehicle, including an ATV while hunting pheasants. This also includes hunters riding in the back of pickups to and from fields.

When riding in an ATV, firearms must be completely enclosed in cases and unloaded. Landowners on their own land and those who have concealed pistol permits and carrying pistols are exempt from this provision.

It is illegal to shoot pheasants and other small game from ATVs, except for properly permitted disabled hunters.

When small-game animals, such as pheasants, are lawfully shot from road rights-of-way and fall onto private land, those animals may be retrieved by unarmed hunters.

Don’t forget your license. While hunting, you must be in possession of your hunting license; those 16 and older must also have a valid form of identification for the purpose of verifying identity.

The use of nontoxic shot for small game is required on most public lands, but not all. Lead shot is not required on U.S. Forest Service National Grasslands, state school lands or on most GFP-managed and leased properties designated at Walk-In Areas when hunting small game, such as pheasants or grouse.

Respect the land, landowners, and people in your hunting group.

Safety and enjoyment of friends and the outdoors leads to a successful hunt.

Leave your vehicle and your cares behind. Take the perfect walk in nature.

Space Port invites you to celebrate the opening of its new location in Paterson, NJ on November 20, 2009. Space Port is an entertainment venue which caters to an array of fun activities such as bowling, laser tag, paintball, and much more!

Space Port is opening the doors to its new location in Paterson, NJ. Space Port located in Center City Mall in Paterson, New Jersey is a state of the art, “Members only” Entertainment Venue.

Created by the founders of Space Odyssey USA in Englewood New Jersey, Space Port takes family entertaining to a whole new level!

The spectacular 2-level, 32,000 sq. ft. space is pure energy & excitement! Attractions include an indoor 3-level playground, train ride, basketball court, glow in the dark bowling alleys, paint less paint ball, laser tag, large arcade, all POSH VIP rooms – 2 suites with access to an outside patio and 3 penthouses available for private parties.

Space Port – Family Entertainment Venue offers the best games & attractions and is designed for those who expect the very best!

For more information or to become a member log on to http://www.spaceportnj.com  or call 888-81-space.

WHAT: Space Port will be opening its doors to the public on November 20th. Families can take advantage of the special pre opening annual membership for $99 (reg. price $150 and enjoy the exciting arcade room, bowling alley and laser tag.

Space Port
301 Main Street
Paterson, NJ 07524
888-81-space

NICOLA VALLEY, British Columbia, Canada — The ScoreGolf Magazine national panel of distinguished golf course rankers has named the Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club as the Best New Course in Canada for 2009.

“The ScoreGolf panel was clearly very impressed as it voted overwhelmingly in favour of Sagebrush as Best New Course,” said Bob Weeks, Editor of ScoreGolf Magazine. “It’s a great honour for what has been a labour of love for Richard Zokol.”

The ScoreGolf Magazine Best New Course Award will be officially announced by host Bob Weeks on ScoreGolf TV on TSN August 30th at 8 am PDT.

“This is a tremendous honour for our entire team at Sagebrush,” said Richard Zokol, chairman and co-designer of Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club. “ScoreGolf is the leading golf publication in the country, and to receive this recognition from such a prestigious magazine and respected panel of experts is very gratifying. This Award is a tribute to co-founder Terry Donald, my co-designers Rod Whitman and Armen Suny, and everyone else who has worked so hard to make this dream a reality.”

Overlooking beautiful Nicola Lake just outside Merritt in south central British Columbia, a three-hour drive from Vancouver, Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club offers a truly unique golfing experience. Faithful to the spirit and origins of the game, while incorporating modern-era minimalist design philosophies and state-of-the-art agronomy, Sagebrush harkens back to the finest links courses of the British Isles in a spectacular, one-of-a-kind North American setting.

“We knew from day one that ours was a different approach, but one that we strongly believed in,” said Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club co-founder Terry Donald. ” We have enjoyed tremendously positive responses from the golfers who have experienced Sagebrush this season, and to have the ScoreGolf panel recognize our effort and our vision is very satisfying.”

About the Sagebrush Golf and Sporting Club:

Set in the spectacular and rustic Nicola Valley, Sagebrush commands panoramic views of Nicola Lake and the surrounding rolling ranch land that stretches as far as a cowboy can ride in a day.

The wide sweeping fairways (where #11 and #14 pass each other, they span 150 yards); rugged fescue-topped bunkers (like original links courses, there are no rakes); massive greens (up to 22,000 sq. ft.); multiple tee boxes stretching the course from 4,934 yards to 7,372 yards (but no tee blocks, as the winner of the previous hole chooses the tee off spot), and no posted par (holes are rated against a Standard Scratch Score), combine to create a place where the game can be played as it was intended.

The Sagebrush experience is truly unique, from the seclusion to pausing to fly fish during the round to the variety of options to become part of the Sagebrush Posse.

To experience Sagebrush contact:

Richard Zokol – cell (604) 787-0310; or rzokol@sagebrushclub.com
Terry Donald – cell (604) 551-5000; or tdonald@sagebrushclub.com

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, prominently situated at the entrance of CityCenter, the extraordinary new urban resort destination, will introduce the award-winning 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 innovative menu will infuse the simplicity of 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 signature restaurant, seating 74, will feature a dramatic, 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 spectacular Vegas skyline, the 82-seat Mandarin Bar will redefine Las Vegas nightlife. Appealing to locals as well as leisure and business travelers alike, this chic venue will provide an elegant respite from the bustling bars of the Las Vegas Strip.

Decorated with plush furnishings, the Mandarin Bar will offer creative 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 reservations and more information on the dining options available at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, please call +1 (702) 590-8888 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas

About Pierre Gagnaire

In a distinguished career that spans more than 35 years, Gagnaire has gained the highest acclaim for his restaurants in Paris, London, Tokyo, Seoul, Dubai and his namesake restaurant, “Pierre” at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Gagnaire is well-known for being at the forefront of the fusion movement. Beginning his career in St. Etienne, where he won three Michelin Stars, Gagnaire tore at the conventions of classic French cooking by introducing radical juxtapositions of tastes and textures. His influence on cooking has been recognized worldwide.

Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality group and member of Dubai Holding, has recently signed an agreement with SGTM Immobilier, a subsidiary of Société Générale des Travaux du Maroc (SGTM), to manage the Jumeirah Marrakech Golf & Polo Resort, a new luxury golf and polo resort located seven kilometres to the south of Marrakech, in the lee of the Atlas Mountains.

The entire negotiation and consultancy process has been conducted by Business Experts.

Scheduled to open in three stages from January 2013, Jumeirah Marrakech Golf & Polo Resort will include: a five star deluxe golf hotel and 18 hole golf course, complete with clubhouse and academy; a five star polo hotel with two polo fields and one practice course; and a third five star hotel, spa, souk and residential villas.

The golf hotel will be comprised of 230 rooms and suites as well as 50 luxury villas. The boutique polo hotel will offer 100 rooms, while the largest of the hotels will offer approximately 300 uniquely-designed rooms and suites.

This mixed-use development will cover 177 hectares of land and in addition to the facilities listed above, will also offer a variety of restaurants, bars and lounges (some located in a purpose built souk), a 2,500 square metre Talise spa, and ballroom conference facilities for up to 900 people.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of this unique development; Jumeirah Marrakech Golf & Polo Resort is a welcome addition to Jumeirah Group’s diverse portfolio as we continue to expand around the world,” commented Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group. “Marrakech is truly the heartbeat of Morocco and possesses a rich and varied cultural inheritance. Jumeirah Group is proud to have our roots in the Arabian culture and we look forward to offering our guests a unique and authentic, world class, luxury experience within Morocco.”

Ahmed Kabbaj, CEO of SGTM Immobilier added: “Marrakech is the jewel of our Kingdom and as such, we felt duty-bound to associate a world leading operator to our project.

We are therefore honoured to be working in partnership with Jumeirah on this one-of-a-kind resort. With their world class expertise and knowledge of Middle Eastern culture, Jumeirah will ensure that our guests get the best out of the Red City’s magic.”

ABU DHABI, UAE – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ latest addition – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, was officially recognized as a five star property, the highest category in standardization, from the Licensing and Classification Division of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) on Wednesday 30 September 2009.

“As the first Fairmont flagship property in the capital, it is our sincere privilege to accept this top rating from a governing body that has provided consistency and transparency to the hotel classification process,” said Michael Kaile, General Manger, who the recipient of the five star plaque from Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Kuwaiti from the ADTA.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, meaning ‘Gateway to the Sea’, boasts 369 elegantly appointed guestrooms, a variety of world-class restaurants and over 2,500 square metres of function space, a private sandy beachfront, two outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre and a 2,500 square feet Willow Stream Spa (opening early 2010).

As part of a classification system that was unveiled two years ago, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) aims to establish standardization for the hospitality industry, set a benchmark for tour operators selling the emirate, manage the expectations of visitors to the city, and ensure a quality performance level in line with the development of a world-class destination.

Properties are rated on a scoring system that includes accommodation, infrastructure, guest service and dining and entertainment facilities.

Quick Facts on Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

… Meaning ‘Gateway to the Sea’, the hotel’s building design was inspired by the Arabian Sea, the translucent glass exterior represents the water and the white symmetrical lines reflect the waves and sea crests.

… This superstructure is approximately 60,000 square metres and is 210 metres long and approximately 45 metres high.

…The facade of the building is approximately 19,000 square metres and consists of high performance glass and LED lighting modules.

…Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is owned by the Al Fahim Group (80%) and the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) (20%).

… A Middle East first, the hotel will debut Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill. The first British chef to earn three Michelin stars at the age of 33,

Marco Pierre White is synonymous with contemporary international cuisine and has been dubbed as the first celebrity Chef and the ‘Godfather’ of modern cookery.