Jetsettersblog

United’s Mileage Plus frequent flyers can use their miles for hotel stays worldwide and car rentals in the United States and Canada.

Other recently announced opportunities for Mileage Plus members to more easily use their miles include the elimination of last-minute booking fees for award tickets and other previous award sales that reduced the amount of miles required for award tickets in the U.S and several international destinations.

In addition to having no blackout dates on United itineraries, United Mileage Plus members have the flexibility to fly any time seats are available using a Standard Award, which does not have any capacity controls. Mileage Plus members can redeem their miles for any available hotel stay or car rental at www.united.com/hotelandcarawards

Styled after the grand architecture of the Moghul era, Amanbagh pays homage to Rajasthan’s golden age through its elegant interpretation of a grand haveli, or nobleman’s palace.

It sprawls over grounds once used by the Maharajah of Alwar as mobile hunting camps in his search for the elusive tigers known to roam the nearby hills.

Lavish interiors incorporate floors of softly-hued pink marble or makrana, and domed cupolas and inner courtyards of pale smooth sandstone. Amanbagh’s 24 Haveli Suites and 16 Pool Pavilions are set in a lush oasis of verdant foliage, and there is a pool, heated in the cooler months, along with a spa where yoga and Ayurvedic treatments are on the menu.

Tip: Amanbagh’s organic garden provides most of the resort’s herbs and vegetables, so salads are deliciously fresh. Guests should request a tour of the garden with one of Amanbagh’s chefs.

www.amanresorts.com

In an effort to build awareness and to combat the destruction of its lush tropical marine landscape and spectacular coral reefs (Fiji is the soft coral capital of the world), many of Fiji’s top resorts, retailers, travel operators and environmental societies have teamed up and launched proactive environmentally-conscious initiatives, making the Pacific Island destination one of the most unspoiled visitor vacation destinations in the South Pacific.

Regional Director of the Americas for Tourism Fiji Ili Matatolu commented: “Fiji’s top travel partners across the board have made a great attempt to preserve an ecosystem rich in sea life and tropical foliage for future generations.”

For example, Beqa Adventure Dive located in Pacific Harbor has worked closely with the government of Fiji and the owners of “Shark Reef” to have it designated as a protected Marine Park. Featuring up to eight regular species of sharks and close to 300 different species of fish, Beqa Adventure Divers has been hailed as “The best shark dive in the world” by shark diving pioneers, Ron and Valerie Taylor.

Divers who visit the area can witness blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, silvertip sharks, tawny nurse sharks, sicklefin lemon sharks, bull sharks and the occasional tiger shark.

Bull sharks have a worldwide distribution in coastal and freshwater habitats with frequent sightings in some areas, yet many aspects of their behavior and ecology remain a mystery. With a lack of knowledge about local population structures, reproduction sites and the migratory routes to and from these areas, it has been impossible to draw up any meaningful conservation plans.

An international team of scientists works around the clock to monitor Shark Reef in order to better understand the bull shark population of Shark Reef Marine Reserve, with the aim of learning more about this endangered species in hopes of contributing to their long-term survival.

Information: www.fiji-sharks.com

Mana Island Resort in the Mamanuca Group has embarked on a new coral planting project in hopes of regenerating life in their coral reefs that have been severely affected by crown of thorns starfish infestations, recent cyclones, coral bleaching and sedimentation.

The program, initiated in December 2008, involves the transplantation of corals onto the affected areas of the reef where live coral cover is at a minimum. The reefs of the Mamanuca region have been under stress for a long time. Most are still in recovery from a major coral bleaching disaster in 2000 and a crown of thorns outbreak that followed in 2005. Global temperature rise, pollution, inadequate waste disposal systems, unsustainable development practices, careless execution of water sports activities, unsustainable use of marine resources and careless boating all contribute to added trauma for the reefs.

Information: www.manfiji.com

Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) in Fiji celebrated World Environment Day with Malolo District School and Namamanuca Primary School. The students performed skits, gave speeches, wrote essays and drew posters that were inspired by the theme “Your planet needs you, unite to combat climate change.” To kick off the event, MES gave a brief speech on climate change and its effects, evidence of climate change in Fiji and the Pacific and ways in which we can all contribute to combating climate change.

The day was filled with activities for the students that included the planting of 50 seedlings in the community and awards for the best student performances, essays and artwork.

Conservation efforts at the resort level are evolutionary, not revolutionary. This means the Jean Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort located in Savusavu is constantly refining well-established initiatives and procedures, such as recycling biological and non-biological matter and composting.

The giant clam project has been underway for years to restock and repopulate these vulnerable coral reef dwellers. The world’s largest living bivalve mollusk, giant clams can weigh more than 500 lbs. and have an average lifespan in the wild of over 100 years. Because the giant clams are considered a delicacy throughout the Pacific, they have become over-harvested and increasingly scarce. The resort has acquired new clams and now has 50 in total, near the resort dock and in the bay. When the clams reach a certain size, they are moved to remote areas. In this way, by husbanding these resources and educating the locals, over-fishing of these shellfish is minimized and new stock is reintroduced to the reef systems. For more information, visit www.fijiresort.com

For more information on Fiji’s Islands green initiatives, contact Tourism Fiji at 310-568-1616, email infodesk@bulafiji-americas.com  or visit www.fijime.com

Fit-2gether.com, the Professional Longboard Association Webcasting Sponsor, Connects Active Lifestyle Community

fit-2gether.com, a localized social networking community for individuals who are dedicated to an active and healthy lifestyle, is running full speed ahead out of beta mode and onto the bookmark list of San Diego’s sports and fitness community.

From medical professionals and pro surfers to surf instructors and novices, fit-2gether.com is “where fitness meets,” connecting like-minded individuals to form surf teams, find a nutritionist or instructor, or access workout tips from blogs and articles on the all-inclusive fitness site.

“I created fit-2gether.com as a social platform that extends beyond the Internet to bring together fitness-oriented individuals,” said Scott Bowen, CEO and founder of www.fit-2gether.com

“Surfing is a major part of Southern California’s lifestyle and a great way to stay fit. fit-2gether.com helps connect this community online, from groms to seasoned locals. This fall, we’re also sponsoring the Pro Longboard competitions in Ocean Beach and Oceanside to bring the Webcast to everyone who can’t get out to watch it.”

fit-2gether.com features:

• Member profiles: List favorite sports, hobbies and interests and communicate directly with other members via private message or on other profiles
• Search: Find a surf instructor, nutritionist, physical therapist, surfer or other members to connect with
• Blogs: Post blogs to share information and beach experiences

• Fitness forums: Ask questions, get advice, or find locals, clubs, or teams to hit the waves with

• Fitness groups: Join or create groups focused on favorite surf spots, events, interests, etc.

• Upcoming events: Post events for free, from competitions and tournaments to classes and seminars, to get fitness enthusiasts involved in new activities

fit-2gether.com officially launched in summer 2009, with 1,000 members already signed up.

To create a free profile and dive in, visit http://www.fit-2gether.com

About fit-2gether.com:

Founded by Scott Bowen, an IT veteran who values fitness, fit-2gether.com is a fitness social networking site based out of San Diego, Calif.

Instead of connecting members with their past, fit-2gether.com is dedicated to introducing members with future friends in the form of a fitness trainer, activities partner, team or healing arts professional to encourage and support an active lifestyle.

Find it all “where fitness meets” at http://www.fit-2gether.com

For adventurers seeking a unique island experience, Cruise West has introduced a new 6-night Cocos Island cruise, roundtrip Los Suenos, Costa Rica (transfers from San Jose, Costa Rica are included) on board the 100-guest Pacific Explorer.

This rarely visited UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts prolific bird life with some 90 species, unusual caverns to explore, the world’s largest hammerhead shark population and more.

This itinerary offers three full days of land and sea exploration including guided walks, Zodiac tours, snorkeling and kayaking opportunities. In addition, onboard naturalist, shark and tropical ecology specialist Stephen Weston will share his passion for studying marine life while bringing awareness to the importance of the conservation of our tropical ecosystems.

Weston operates a marine research station and has pioneered methods in identifying and documenting single individual sharks.

His videos and photography have been featured on numerous television stations including the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

Guests may choose from two departures dates: January 24 and April 12, 2010. Prices start at $2,799 per person, before savings. Save $200 per person when you book and pay in full by October 16, 2009.

The itinerary may be combined with the January 15, January 30 or April 3, 2010, 9-night Between Two Seas departures traveling from Los Suenos to Panama City or reverse and makes a full transit through the Panama Canal.

By the end of a pandemic, about 30% of the world’s population will have been affected. Though most people don’t believe they or their families are likely to be affected, the probability for contracting the flu is high.

By the end of a pandemic, about 30% of the world’s population will have been affected. Though most people don’t believe they or their families are likely to be affected, the probability for contracting the flu is high.

Since home isolation and care of some patients may be likely, try to minimize contact between the ill person and others and implement personal protective measures such as hand hygiene and use of facemasks. A recent study in the Annuls of Internal Medicine found that hand hygiene and facemasks can reduce influenza virus transmission if implemented early after symptom onset.

If you are caring for an ill person at home, try to minimize contact between the ill person and others. Remind everyone of the importance of covering coughs and sneezes and good hand hygiene if close contact with the sick person is unavoidable.

Further results support the use of these nonpharmaceutical interventions in public health control measures against interpandemic influenza in annual epidemics.

While it is difficult to estimate infection rates, now is the time to get informed and plan ahead with simple steps to help keep you and your family healthy.

Consider wearing a facemask or respirator like the NT-V mask from Redbird Armor (www.redbirdarmor.com  866-292-6903). Redbird Armor recommends that you say “No” To Viruses this fall with the New NT-V Mask. The NT-V Masks is a NIOSH approved N95 Respirator with a proprietary coating that neutralizes viruses and bacteria on contact

Redbird Armor distributes pandemic preparedness products including the new NT-V mask.

Website: http://www.redbirdarmor.com

Wein Anti-Viral FitSeal N99 Flu Face Mask 5-  Don’t Catch Flu on an Airplane Wear an N99 face mask. Package of 5 Wein N99 anti-viral face masks offers substantial protection against flu such as bird flu and swine flu and airborne particles like the Vira masks. This is first consumer antiviral adhesion mask that offers substantial inhalation protection against airborne flu and viral particles. The new FitSeal TM N99 NIOSH adhesion respirator face mask is the next generation in personal respiratory protection. The FitSeal TM N99 adhesion respirator face mask will provide unsurpassed respiratory protection against biological agents that is hundreds of times more effective than standard conventional strap type masks. Fitseal TM is the first and only one-size-fits-all conforming to almost all facial contours adhesion filtering facepiece respirator approved by NIOSH under rule 42 CFR Part 84 and it has met the additional testing requirements for new technology as part of respirator certification. Fitseal TM provides unsurpassed respiratory protection from toxic dust particles disease-causing bacteria and viruses including H1N1 swine flu H5N1 avian flu and TB. In fact the FitSeal TM respirators are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control CDC against TB under our NIOSH certifications. Even if we are fortunate enough never to worry about a bird flu pandemic the Viramask offers a very high level of personal germ protection when and where your family needs it. Problem The FitSeal TM respirator does not require exhalation valves that can spread disease from the wearer coughing or sneezing to those nearby. Two-way multi-layered advanced filtration media captures toxic allergenic and infectious airborne particles Extremely low particle penetration of 0.3 micron-sized particles at an airflow rate of 85L/min CDC recommended against M. tuberculosis Puncture- crush- tear- and fluid-resistant Synthetic Blood Penetration tested ASTM F1862 ; no penetration observed in 32 samples Flame-resistant

First Tcherassi Hotel + Spa Set To Open in Cartagena, Colombia Fall 2009
Renowned Fashion Designer Silvia Tcherassi Turns Her Vision From Haute Couture To Hotels

Early this Fall, Silvia Tcherassi will become the first Latin fashion designer to turn her attention from dressing women to dressing rooms with the opening of her namesake hotel, The Tcherassi Hotel + Spa, in Cartagena de Indias along Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

After a meticulous two year restoration and renovation, a 250 year old colonial mansion will come to life in the heart of Cartagena’s old city reflecting the spirit and elegance of a bygone era, while providing all of the contemporary comforts and luxurious amenities discerning travelers expect today.

For Tcherassi, bringing glamour to hospitality is a natural extension of her brand.

As she explains, “Fashion and hospitality are both businesses totally committed to the creation of new experiences and new sensations; trying to awaken the inner senses of each person, whether through a new style of clothes or a perfect stay in a beautiful environment. The process is almost identical. It is the search of a balance between form and function.”

For the operational part of the project, Tcherassi has teamed up with Miami-based Club Federation, LLC to develop and manage the property, bringing the hospitality industry expertise to match her creative and fashionable vision. The luxurious, home-like hotel will offer seven oversized guestrooms and suites (all named after elegant fabrics used in Tcherassi’s collections) featuring dramatic high ceilings, private balconies, rich wood floors and open bathrooms.

Original, restored walls sparkle with a hint of gold dusting adding a rich texture to the rooms that are filled with natural light as a result of the open and airy layout. In keeping with the residential feel (as well as being eco-friendly), custom-made amenities with Silvia’s fragrance will be offered in large glass containers in lieu of the traditional travel size options. His and her private label Tcherassi bathrobes will also be available to guests making them true “designer robes.”

Comfort translates outside of the bedrooms as the hotel will feature a full service spa including state-of-the-art treatment rooms and a pool for water-based therapies.

For those who wish to indulge themselves by pleasuring their palates instead of their bodies, the hotel will house “VERA,” a 40-seat indoor/outdoor restaurant and lounge serving authentic Italian cuisine.

Diners sitting in the air-conditioned patio will overlook one of the hotel’s four pools, as well as a stunning vertical garden consisting of more than 2000 lush local plants.

For guests seeking privacy, calm and relaxation, options abound at The Tcherassi Hotel + Spa.

A private lounge on the third floor provides guests with an outdoor bar and sumptuous daybeds to soak up the Caribbean sun while the stunning rooftop pool deck boasts 360 degree views of the historical city and the sea.

For the hotel, Tcherassi has not only called upon an education in interior design, but utilizes her fashion expertise wherever possible.

Do not disturb signs will be made from elegant fabrics, specially made fabric flowers will be gifted to guests and artistic pendant lamps designed particularly for each room using special fabrics are all sure to become collector’s items.

Taking another cue from her fashion experience, hallways and interiors will be enhanced by strategic lighting and music geared to enhancing the guest experience as if they are stars on the catwalk.

Opening rates for the hotel begin at $275 per night.

Reservations can be made as of September 15, 2009 by calling (888) 575-2799 or visiting www.tcherassihotels.com

The Tcherassi Hotel + Spa is a member of Luxe Hotels and is located at Calle del Sargento Mayor 6-21, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

“Private jet flights are down with CEOs under the gun from Congressional finger pointing, but for expanding into music and other entertainment, it is perfect timing.”

With large companies more sensitive to the current attention given to their executives traveling in private jets, there’s been a general industry decline in the revenues associated with chartering these aircraft. According to Martin M. Hazan, President of Philadelphia-based Private Jets VIP, “Our business took a hit with the negative media attention about auto company CEOs flying to Washington in their private jets.” Much of Hazan’s business has catered to corporate executives like those in the auto industry.

Like a true entrepreneur, Hazan has adjusted quickly and has diversified the jet chartering business by using its connections to the music business to launch a complementary new business venture called Coast to Coast VIP Productions. This venture is an initiative to provide new innovative artists with music production, song writing, marketing, corporate sponsorships, and movie deals. The services will also include a complimentary one hour consultation for executives who book flights with Private Jets VIP.

Hazan has positioned the combined venture to gain key information about new innovative trends from direct sources, and is wiling to share its insight to help executives rebuild our economy.

The new venture has already enlisted its first client from the hip hop music community – young and talented, 26-year old female artist aptly named, Brooklyn.

The artist was recently a successful hit song writer for Aftermath Records, whose roster of stars boasts such names as Eminem, 50 Cent and Dr. Dre. When asked why he expanded the mission of Private Jets VIP into the entertainment business, Hazan replied that “The synergy between private luxury air transportation and the entertainment industries makes perfect sense for us. With Fortune 500 companies currently facing the stigma of Congressional finger pointing regarding private travel, it is important that we continue to serve the broadest community possible that continues to need the portfolio of services we provide.

Coast to Coast VIP Productions will serve the needs of our entertainment industry clients, while also partnering strategically with experienced professionals who can not only transport these clients, but provide a range of marketing services designed to elevate their careers in a profound way.”

For further information, call Coast to Coast VIP Productions at 888-270-3954

Swim-up suites will be among offerings when the latest 616-suite Barcelo Palace Deluxe opens in San Jose del Cabo.

The chain says the hotel will offer the first swim-up suites at this destination.

”Most of Barceló’s Palace Deluxe resorts are newly constructed or recently renovated, providing modern luxuries like rain dance-style showers and in-room motion sensors to assure guest privacy.”

For traveling families, many of these properties offer specialized services and facilities, such as on-site, kids-only water parks; adult-supervised kids’ clubs; and family rooms, which offer two separated areas uniquely designed for kids and parents while allowing for up to six guests to gather under one roof.

In Mexico, the all-inclusive resorts start at $135 per person per night.

The lodging chain says guests booking before Oct. 31 receive 30 percent off and there are other special offers.

Barceló Hotels & Resorts was first established in Palma de Mallorca, Spain in 1931, first as a transportation provider and then as a hotel and travel company.

The hotel company owns or manages more than 180 properties in 17 countries, including North America, Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Caribbean.

Following the recent introduction of its booking engine, “Book and Fly,” Star Alliance has transformed its online presence from an informational site into a distribution channel.

The new www.staralliance.com  is now available, with its look and feel being the most obvious change.

A more personalized touch in the interactive area is one of the main additions to the look and feel of the site, with several bona fide customers greeting the users and also proposing areas where the user could navigate to next.

The link to the individual Star Alliance member carriers has also been modified. Instead of statically displayed, the member airline logos are now found in a rolling display on the right hand side of screen.

By clicking on the logos more information about that member carrier will become visible. This new format will allow an easy addition of future member carrier logos.

The site will continue to be available in nine languages — Chinese (simplified and traditional), English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish.

The overall navigation has been clearly defined and is split into several categories: About, Benefits, Fares, Booking, Services, Business Solutions and Press.

For more information, visit www.staralliance.com