Jetsettersblog

No Man’s Land No More – The Great Limpopo of Southern Africa

New flights have opened up this remote no-man’s land of the trans-frontier region of Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and Wildland Adventures is ready to get you there. Ecological diversity, stunning wildlife and landscapes mix with major conservation endeavors across all these countries.

Explore the remote trans-frontier wild lands of Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique. At Mashatu Private Game Reserve, venture into the bush with wildlife researchers to learn about the Tuli Elephant Research Project and the Northern Tuli Predator Project.

Walk among dinosaur footprints and skeletons of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve.

This reserve protects significant paleontological sites as well as rock art and remnants of Stone Age tools that are still found here, one of the longest inhabited places on earth. Visitors will also make connections with the local Makuleke people who are hosts in a community-based conservation program within the private Pafuri Reserve — part of Kruger National Park. Compliment this journey in the wild lands of Africa with a visit to uniquely cosmopolitan Cape Town.

A personal Wildland host in the Cape will share the cultural and natural history of the region while guests enjoy wine tasting in the Cape Winelands and have an opportunity to partake of a few rounds of golf at some of the Cape’s most beautiful and challenging courses.

South Africa’s sunny temperate climate makes this an ideal safari adventure any time of year. Trip begins in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, 10 days/9 nights, per person sharing $5695.

www.wildland.com

Mormon Lake, Ariz –– When the original Mormon Lake Lodge burned to ground during a raucous roping event in July 1974, area ranchers banded together to rebuild the local institution.

They had it up and running by Labor Day the same year- just in time for another roping event.

The new structure was dedicated the best way the ranchers knew how- by branding the walls for protection. Those brands remain to this day and provide the décor for the Lodge’s famous steakhouse.

The steakhouse is home to one of the few authentic open-pit grills still in operation in Arizona. The open pit-grill adds a distinctive flavor to food — because the mesquite wood adds a smoke flavor that cannot be achieved with charcoal.

Since 1924, the Steakhouse has been serving up savory grilled beef, chicken and fish entrees. Today, the Steakhouse offers these traditional items, as well as wild tastes like mountain elk, buffalo, and even Rocky Mountain Oysters. Mormon Lake Lodge was Arizona’s first “green” restaurant, and the menu includes all-natural, organic, or sustainably grown choices.

The restaurant is one of nearly 200 Certified Green Restaurants — one of only 20 in the “Resorts and Retreat Centers” category.

For more information, call 928-354-2227 or visit www.MormonLakeLodge.com

There are few places in nature that are completely unbounded, but this six day tented safari to Tanzania will get you about as close to nature as you can possibly be.

Highlights of this African safari include exploring the great wildlife regions in northern Tanzania like Manyara, Ngorongoro, and the famed Serengeti.

Descend into the most unique caldera in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eden of Africa”, observe the subtle nuances of wildlife behavior on a guided safari walk, and fall asleep under the stars to the sounds of Africa as your evening lullaby while you rest comfortably in your luxury tent.

This trip is an incredible value and includes all accommodation, activities, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners and takes you into the heart of the African wilderness as you search for the “Big 5”.

Dates and prices:

Dec-March, 2010: $3995 PPDO;
June 2010: $3495 PPDO;
July-Oct, 2010: $3995 PPDO, land costs only.

Single supplement and airfare extra.

www.africantravelinc.com

ROSCOE, Mont—A stay at the Lazy E-L Ranch means the most unparalleled views of the Montana wilderness and majestic mountains.

In 1901, the president of the New York Stock Exchange and his son went looking for a ranch. With their financial wherewithal, they had their pick of the best lands in the West. Their choice: 12,000 acres right outside of Yellowstone Park, nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Beartooth mountains.

They named this little bit of heaven, the Lazy E-L.

The Beartooth Mountains boast some of the highest elevations in the lower 48 states, and have 20 peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation.

Nearby Paradise Valley was not named on a whim and the scenery of the greater Yellowstone area is the inside secret that all the locals keep to themselves. Although the East Gate into Yellowstone Park is only 1.5 hours away in Cody, WY, coming to the Lazy E-L means that you get all the natural beauty of Yellowstone without the ridiculous crowds that flood the park every summer.

All the wildlife, except the Buffalo, have taken up residence on the ranch and since the reintroduction of the wolf, the Lazy E-L hosted the only wolf den that existed on private land.

At the E-L, we let you in on the secret and give you the horses necessary to explore our slice of heaven.

www.lazyel.com

BOISE, Idaho—

To the north of Boise lie mountains; to the west are fertile farmlands; to the south, high desert plateaus and rugged canyons and to the east, more farmland and volcanic wonders of the Snake River Plain.

Whether traveling to Boise for a road trip or while in Boise, visitors will find multiple, sights and activities.

Families can make the most of the available road trip opportunities because Boise is a destination that avails itself year-round to photo-perfect settings, plenty of outdoor activities, unique cultural sights and plentiful shops and eateries.

The diversity of offerings provides a value vacation.

Hiking, cycling, sailing, golf, Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the World Center for Birds of Prey, an open-air farmers’ market, kayaking trips and a zoo are just a taste of the many reasons a road trip to Boise would be a genuine value and worth the trip.

http://www.boise.org

SHERIDAN, Wyo —Downtown Sheridan, Wyoming, is home to two icons of cowboy culture.

The Mint Bar in the Historic Main Street District just celebrated its 102nd birthday. It has a very cool neon sign of a cowboy atop a bucking bronco outside and real cowboys and branded cedar and pine walls inside. Check out the photos of rodeo stars, western celebrities and ranch life.

Residents such as leather workers, cowboy clothiers and wilderness guides use the Mint as their office. The Mint doesn’t serve food; visitors go there for a whiskey or a beer and the authentic cowboy experience.
Right across the street from this ultimate cowboy bar is King Saddlery, known as the best saddle and rope maker in the country.

Don King (1923-2007) was a world famous saddle maker and the creator of Sheridan style leather tooling. He created the trophy saddles for the Rodeo Cowboys Association. King learned leather tooling from his father, a working cowboy.

Don King’s Museum in Sheridan showcases cowboy memorabilia, including saddles, wagons, chaps, spurs, guns, Indian artifacts, lariats and wild game.

Visitors here can see the production of their lariats and leather products. Each fall the town produces Don King Days, with rodeo events, horseshoe competition and polo at the Big Horn Events Center at the foothills south of town.

www.sheridanwyoming.org

One&Only Royal Mirage was honoured to welcome one of the Spa industry’s most influential voices, Susan Harmsworth, Chief Executive and Founder of ESPA International, to launch its eagerly awaited new Spa facilities.

One&Only Royal Mirage has partnered with world-renowned experts ESPA International to conceptualise its new Spa concept. ESPA exists at the most prestigious level of the spa industry and deep within its philosophy is the determination to combine the best of ancient and modern therapies with the finest quality ingredients and skincare advances.

Over the past six months, the Spa team has undergone an intensive post-graduate training program with ESPA, learning new techniques, advanced treatments, in-depth product theory and excellence in customer care.

Meanwhile, the Spa has undergone an aesthetic transformation, emerging as a warm, ambient and calming environment, reflective of the new holistic therapies available. A stunning new Spa boutique finishes this complete renewal.

The One&Only Spa mission is to recognise each guest as an individual, offering holistic, tailored spa experiences ranging from pure relaxation or skincare solutions to extended spa journeys with tangible outcomes.

In recognition of the many different ways each of us respond to the stresses of life, the entire spa philosophy pivots around three pillars, entitled Unwind, Restore and Elevate.

Guests can journey through the full One&Only Spa experience, commencing by unwinding mind and body to release nervous tension and improve sleep patterns.

Once relaxed, the body, mind and skin are ready to be restored through purifying treatments to cleanse and rebalance. Finally, the elevate collection of treatments focus on raising energy levels, resulting in a sense of renewed vitality and wellbeing.

The One&Only Spa and Oriental Hammam lie within the elegant courtyard of the Residence & Spa.

Architecturally impressive and reminiscent of the great buildings of the region, towering domes, carved arches and intricate design, it captures the essence of the surroundings and ensures each experience is totally distinctive.

The new One&Only Spa is located on the mezzanine level, whilst the lower floor features a private reception and authentic Oriental Hammam, state of the art fitness centre and ladies’ and gentlemen’s hair salon.

About One&Only Royal Mirage

One&Only Royal Mirage pays tribute to Arabian architecture and hospitality on a truly regal scale. Considered Dubai’s most stylish beach resort, it rests on a kilometre of private coastline nestled in 65 acres of landscaped gardens. The resort is composed of 3 distinctive environments – each flowing into the next to ignite the senses: The Palace, the Arabian Court and the Residence & Spa. Images are available on request.
Best in Dubai Awards 2009
Voted ‘Best Hotel’
Smart Travel Asia ‘Best in Travel Poll’ 2009
Top 20 Leisure Hotels & Resorts

• Assumes management of The Montgomerie Dubai clubhouse

• Now called The Address Montgomerie Dubai

• Troon Golf to continue to manage golf facility

Dubai, UAE – The Address Hotels + Resorts, the five star premium hotel brand of Emaar Hospitality Group, has strengthened its portfolio in the UAE with the addition of The Montgomerie Dubai golf club with effect from October 8, 2009.

The Address will now operate and manage the boutique styled clubhouse and focus on offering tangible guest benefits in line with the brand’s operational ethos.

This latest addition of The Address Hotels + Resorts will increase their ever-growing portfolio in the UAE to five, which includes the already opened properties of The Address Downtown Burj Dubai, The Address Dubai Mall, and The Palace – The Old Town and the soon to open hotel The Address Dubai Marina.

Mr. Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Hotels & Resorts, said: “To operate and manage The Montgomerie Dubai is a logical move forward for The Address Hotels + Resorts.
By integrating this luxury retreat under The Address umbrella, we are building on the strong platform of growth that we have already created for the brand.

The Address Montgomerie Dubai, thus, becomes the first retreat hotel in our portfolio, a unique positioning that we will further build on.”

He added: “In line with the new brand identity and positioning, The Address Montgomerie Dubai will also focus on offering tangible guest benefits through a one size fits one strategy. Among the signature services that will be implemented with immediate effect are the 24-hour stay check-in policy and free Internet access across the hotel which are sure to add to The Montgomerie’s already existing world-class reputation. A retreat hotel is the ultimate in personalised service and that is what we assure our guests.”

The Address Hotels + Resorts will manage all operational aspects of the property.

The golf course and adjoining golf academy, which have been immensely successful since their launch in October 2002, will continue to be managed by the world’s foremost luxury Golf brand, Troon Golf.

Mr. Colin Montgomerie said: “The association of The Address brand is a great added benefit for The Montgomerie in Dubai.

The Montgomerie has achieved numerous milestones and accolades since its opening in 2002 and is certain to further strengthen its appeal under this new management agreement in the foreseeable future.”

The ongoing expansion strategy of The Address Hotels + Resorts includes an international outlook having already signed management contracts to oversee the Jnan Amar Polo Retreat in Morocco.

The brand has also marked its entry into Europe with a management contract for Domaine de Lavagnac, a luxury award winning resort in South of France. Other destinations for The Address brand include Egypt, Morocco, Lombok in Indonesia, Budapest, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Kuwait, Shanghai, London, Los Angeles and New York.

Adina Apartment Hotels will welcome its fourth property to the group in October 2009 – Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Neue Oper.

This is the second Adina Apartment Hotel to open in Germany after the successful performance of Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin which opened in December 2007.

Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt is a brand new development perfectly positioned along the banks of the river Main – just a few minutes from the city centre.

The property offers stylish 5-star accommodation perfect for both leisure and business travellers.

Adina Frankfurt has 134 rooms including one and two bedroom apartments and studios. The apartments feature separate lounge and sleeping areas with fully equipped kitchens, laundries and facilities including a gymnasium and indoor pool.

Alto Tapas Bar is also located within the hotel, serving delicious meals complimented by an impressive wine list.

Many of Frankfurt’s main sightseeing attractions such as the historic Romer, Frankfurt Cathedral, St Paul’s Church and the Goethe-House are within easy walking distance and the strip of eleven well known museums along the Main “Museumsufer”, the popular ‘Zeil’ shopping area and the financial district are also close by.

Prices start from just EUR129 a night (AUD $218).

Rachel Argaman, CEO of Toga Hospitality said, ‘We are very excited to be opening Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Neue Oper, our fourth Adina Apartment Hotel. The apartment hotel concept is still relatively new in Europe and we are looking forward to continuing our expansion in Germany with another Adina Apartment Hotel opening in Berlin next month.’

Adina Apartment Hotels are also located in Copenhagen, Budapest and Berlin and offer stylish and spacious five-star apartment accommodation, hotel service and excellent lifestyle facilities.

Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Neue Oper
Wilhelm-Leuschner-Strasse 6
60329 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Tel: +49 30 200 76 70
Email: afra@adina.eu

Visit www.adina.eu  for more information.

The Tschuggen Express, the futuristic mountain railway belonging to the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, Switzerland, looks forward to its first full winter season. Transporting guests onto the slopes in just 2½ minutes, the private ‘ski taxi’ is the first of its kind in Europe.

Arosa, 7 October 2009 (IB) – Waiting for the ski bus in the freezing cold or standing around in uncomfortable ski boots for the cable car are now distant memories for guests of the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa (Switzerland).

Winter visotirs at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel can now be on the slopes in less than 2½ minutes each morning thanks to the new Tschuggen Express.

Opening for the start of the winter season on 27 November, the futuristic mountain railway – exclusively for the use of hotel guests – begins its first full winter season which runs until mid April 2010.

The Tschuggen Express is the only private ski train of its kind in the Alps.

The Tschuggen Express successfully completed its final winter test in February 2009, and opened over the summer for hiking guests of the hotel. The management and staff of the five-star establishment are now turning their attention to the official start to the first full winter season of the hotel’s own rail taxi.

The two-cabin train operates at the touch of a button, transporting 12 hotel guests directly to the skiing area of Arosa with each trip. While guests enjoy the view over the snow-clad mountain peaks from the comfort of their leather seats, the train gains 150 metres in altitude over a stretch of 528 metres of track.

The maximum incline is 52 percent. The Tschuggen Express travels at a speed of 4 metres per second, allowing the journey to be completed in less than two and a half minutes.