Jetsettersblog

Autumn and winter are perfect for those looking to discover Ibiza’s unique identity away from the crowds.

The island offers a year-round mild climate, long sunny days and with two new state-of-the-art spas, Ibiza has now emerged as a firm contender as a top spa break destination.

For a truly rural experience, Can Curreu is great for couples that are looking for a bit of solitude. The location is ideal, situated just outside San Carlos, towards the North-East of the island.

Drive one way and there are forested valleys; turn the other, and you can see as far as Formentera in the watery distance.

This rural ‘agroturismo’ combines traditional architecture with modern amenities and the surrounding orchards and well-kept gardens create a true Mediterranean feel.

At Can Curreu, the recently opened spa offers guests a range of facilities including a hammam, sauna, indoor pool and Jacuzzi.

The treatments range from an Anti-aging Facial Lift to strengthen the facial muscles and combat the weakness of the skin to a full body Energy Ritual involving a full mud body wrap to re-mineralise the skin, followed by a relaxing body massage to nourish and loosen tired muscles.

Guests at Can Carreu can also take advantage of the property’s own horse stables for a great way of discovering the idyllic countryside and nearby beaches.

In the evenings, sample the Mediterranean cuisine of Toni Rodríguez, one of the lures at this elegant and inviting hotel or relax on the private terraces or next to the open fire.

As well as brand new spa facilities, the hotel also has seven new rooms, each with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with hydro-massage bath and a private terrace area with wonderful countryside views.

Doubles are from priced from €220 per night including breakfast. Suites are priced from €295 per night. The anti-aging facial lift is priced at €140 and the Energy Ritual is priced at €160.

For more information or to book visit www.cancurreu.com

For a sophisticated ‘city’ break, Aguas de Ibiza is a new and exclusive waterside hotel located by Ibiza’s Santa Eulalia Marina.

This hotel was built by local architect Juan de los Ríos and designed by Barcelona-based Triade Studio combining eco-friendly materials with energy saving techniques.

Positioned as Eco Luxury, Aguas de Ibiza is built from local sustainable materials with a clear environmental focus whilst not comprising on standards of service or design ethos.

Raising the bar in the Eastern side of the island, its cool credentials have recently been further endorsed by the opening of a new roof top chill out area complete with pool and loungers and a state of the art Revival Wellness Club.

The hotel’s Revival Wellness Club oozes elegance and is chic Ibiza at its absolute finest.

The body treatments include a range to soothe, cleanse, relax and nourish.

The Puree de Papaya Radiance Scrub combines the natural extracts of papaya, coconut, vitamin E and essential oils leaving the skin illuminated and radiant. The Plantar Reflexology stimulates reflex points on the feet to mirror the body’s major organs and glands promoting deep relaxation and healing of tired bodies and feet. For the ultimate pampering treat, the Bodyna Indulgence package can be taken over a one or a two day period and includes a back massage, ayurvedic massage, facial massage, plantar reflexology and an aromatherapy massage.
Rates start from €150.87 per night not including breakfast.

Puree de Papaya Scrub treatment starts at €50, Plantar Reflexology starts at €90 and complete spa packages start at €165. The Bodyna Indulgence package is priced at €370.

For more information or to book, visit www.aguasdeibiza.com

Other top of the range spas in Ibiza can be found at the Ibiza Gran Hotel (www.ibizagranhotel.com ) just minutes away from Ibiza’s Old Town and favoured for its minimal and contemporary styles and Cas Gasi (www.casgasi.com), another rural gem offering a range of spa treatments and yoga packages near the small and quaint village of Santa Gertrudis.

With the summertime crowds dispersed and the landscape bathed in the season’s last warm rays, autumn is the perfect time to visit northern Denmark.

In particular, Aalborg (the country’s northernmost city) makes a wonderful base for a relaxed break at this time of year. In addition to the city’s quaint cobbled streets, sensational shopping and vibrant nightlife, the surrounding countryside contains some surprising discoveries from the less peaceful times of long ago.

At the Lindholm Heights Museum, which opened just last year, archaeologists have solved the mystery of an Iron Age tragedy that unfolded here around 2,000 years ago. Working alongside fire technicians and forensic scientists like a kind of “Iron Age C.S.I”, the team have established exactly how a total of 14 people and their livestock lost their lives in a devastating house-fire that took place at Nørre Tranders, just outside Aalborg.

Following the site’s discovery in 2000/2001, the team painstakingly sifted through the charred bones and broken pottery found among the building’s foundations and found enough evidence to establish if the tragedy was the result of accident or arson.

The outcome of their investigations is revealed in a new exhibition at Lindholm Heights, alongside other displays explaining how local people actually lived during the Iron Age and Viking periods.

Lindholm Heights’ flagship attraction, however, is its Viking burial ground, where over 700 graves (dating back to at least 1000AD) have been unearthed. The site is considered to be one of Scandinavia’s most impressive ancient monuments and contains many stone circles to mark the actual burial sites.

Another popular attraction at the Museum is the 3D animated installation that provides visitors with a taste of what life was like aboard a Viking ship as it sailed down the nearby Limfjord.

Aalborg also acts as a gateway to northern Denmark’s mile upon mile of unspoiled, sandy coastline, where great swathes of glorious beach stand empty, without even a footprint, at this time of year.

There are cycle trails through meadows and forests to discover and further afield lies the artists’ colony at Skagen, at Denmark’s far north-easterly tip, where the Skagen Museum houses a wonderful collection of more than 1,800 works of art.

With such a wonderful choice of man-made and natural attractions to discover this autumn, Aalborg offers a world of possibilities – whatever the weather.

Getting to Denmark from the UK has never been easier. Norwegian (www.norwegian.com/en ) flies direct from London Gatwick to Aalborg each day. Alternatively, DFDS Seaways (www.dfds.co.uk) sails from Harwich to Esbjerg, while Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) flies to various Danish gateways from several UK airports.

For more information on Aalborg go to: www.visitaalborg.com
For more information on Denmark including the latest offers go to: http://www.visitdenmark.com

Industry experts predict space holidays before 3038

World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, is this year celebrating its 30th event.

The industry has changed dramatically since World Travel Market first opened its doors way back in 1980, and its set to evolve at an even quicker pace over the next 30 years.

World Travel Market has asked some of the worldwide travel industry’s most senior executives to predict the next three decades of the travel and tourism industry.

Here, we ask if the final frontier of space travel will be achieved in the next 30 years.

World Travel Market Chairman Fiona Jeffery said: “After countless false dawns, space travel will be a reality with people escaping to away-from-it-all holidays in space hotels located above the earth.

“It is not a question of if, it’s just a matter of time and money – but it’s definitely coming.”

Car hire broker Holiday Autos Managing Director Stuart Nassos said:

“Space travel is a big ticket item, but who hasn’t dreamed about going into space? There are people who would pay for the chance.”

Cunard Managing Director Carol Marlow agreed: “Space travel will be a niche market of the market in 30 years. I’m sure once it has been proved to be safe the market will begin.

It will be expensive – probably around $200,000 for a three or four hour experience, but there will be people who want it and will pay for it.”

Airline Monarch Group Overseas Operations and Purchasing Director Hugh Morgan believes space travel could be a lot cheaper.

“I recently saw a presentation by Virgin Galactic and have never been so impressed,” he said. “It will be expensive, but they (Virgin Galactic) have made so much progress already I don’t think it will be as ridiculously expensive as I first thought – maybe tens of thousands of dollars rather hundreds of thousands.”

Thomas Cook Chief Executive Manny Fonenla-Novoa revealed Thomas Cook took reservations for the first passenger service to space way back in 1950.
“We did warn there may be some delay,” he said.

“More than one hundred people from all over the world booked seats on Thomas Cook’s inaugural lunar tour within a matter of months. The waiting list finally closed in 1996 with 10,000 names on it.”

\Get your best girlfriends together for some serious pre-Christmas shopping at Mall of America in Bloomington, America’s largest retail and entertainment complex.

With over 520 stores all under one roof – from designer shops to artisan treats – you are spoilt for choice to fill your suitcase with tax free clothing and shoes.

Bloomington also offers an array of speciality stores, shopping centres and malls which cater to a variety of tastes and styles. Nearby shopping destinations like 50th and France Mall, Grand Avenue and the Eden Prairie Centre, provide numerous speciality stores and fun boutiques. Bloomington truly is a shopper’s paradise; and most stores are open seven days a week.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase a Super Savings Coupon Book, online or at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. The coupon book features over 200 offers from stores, restaurants and attractions with $1,500 in combined savings!

Visit www.bloomingtonmn.org  for information about Mall of America or visit the Great Lakes of North America (Booth NA2000) at World Travel Market 2009.

America As You Like It has a four night break to Bloomington from £550 per person including direct flights to Minneapolis – St. Paul and accommodation in 3* or 3*+ hotels with free shuttles to Mall of America.

Call 020 8742 8299 or visit

www.americaasyoulikeit.com/Bloomington?path=950

Machu Picchu Mountain Lodges Luxury Trek is a physical, cultural, and spiritual journey along ancient footpaths through the Andes en route to the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu.

Trek to Machu Picchu in style from lodge to lodge hiking along a spectacular route in the Cordillera Vilcabamba under towering snow-capped peaks dominated by Mt. Salcantay (20,574), the sacred Apu of local Quechua communities we encounter along the way. Like Inca royalty travelers overnight in the comfort of luxury mountain lodges featuring exquisite Peruvian cuisine, Jacuzzi, lounge, and cozy fireplaces.

This less traveled route is a more spectacular high Andean trek than the popular Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. Sign up by Dec 31, 2009 for remaining 2009 departures or 2010 departures from March through April 15, 2010 and save $500 per person on a booking of 2 people.

Bring a group of 4 along and the savings increases to $650 per person.

www.wildland.com

BOISE, Idaho—Southwest Idaho makes the case for the all-American road trip. Camping, hiking, cycling, arts and culture, nature and wildlife viewing, wineries, and plentiful good eats all along the way combine to form an ideal vacation.

Solo travelers, couples and families (extended families too) will find adventure taking the long way home.

The Heartland Scenic Loop is a classic Idaho experience with roaring white water and pristine mountain lakes through charming small-towns and sweeping valleys with spectacular views.

It can be completed in a single long day (approximately six hours); however, with a minimum of two days, it is a genuine long weekend.

The Lowman Loop is a great opportunity to enjoy fresh air, historic towns and jaw-dropping scenery from Boise north along the Payette River Scenic Byway through stunning Garden Valley, then through the South Fork of the Payette canyon to Lowman. The great finish is south to the historic mining town of Idaho City and then back to the Boise area.

The Oregon Trail Loop begins with a tour through the Snake River Appellation wine county and along the Snake River to Glen’s Ferry, where Oregon Trail pioneers traversed the mighty Snake River.

Along the way are broad vistas, canyon views and numerous opportunities to stop at historical markers for education and scenery.

http://www.visitsouthwestidaho.com

http://community.priorityclub.com

Sometimes when leaving for a trip, whether business or simply family vacation, you are forced to rush out the door, hoping you managed to grab everything you need.

After some experience with this type of situation people tend to develop a packing list and easy to grab bags of frequently used items they know they will need.

Some items of vital importance include money, your wallet and your passport. These are a MUST to pack for your vacation, especially when traveling abroad.

Your passport and wallet should be the first things you pack, because without them you really won’t have a travel experience.

It is also important to always have at least some cash with you in case of emergency situations. These items should also be easily accessible to you.

One of the most common travel necessities is a toothbrush. Sure you can buy one once you get where you need to be, but it is very convenient to have your own toothbrush with you when traveling so make sure you don’t forget it.

Another popular item to grab is clean underwear. You almost can never have enough, and why not grab extra even if you think you already packed it.

A few other things you might want to grab that will provide entertainment throughout your travel experiences include books, an iPod or other music devices.

These can help make your travel experiences more comfortable and entertained on a flight or in the car. It might be a good idea to always have a travel book readily available so you can grab it as you run out the door.

Your cell phone and laptop are also items that should be readily available. The key things to remember with these items and your mp3 players are their chargers so their batteries won’t die while you are traveling.

If you are someone who travels a lot be sure to keep these items in a safe spot and easily accessible so you will always be able to grab them on your way out if you are rushed.

Priority Club Connect is an online community for Priority Club Rewards members. It provides a forum for members to connect and engage with other travelers and to learn about the Priority Club Loyalty program and the InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands.

Topics of discussion range from exotic travel destinations and special offers to packing tips and financial travel information helpful for any traveler. To join the community and contribute your travel tips and experiences, please visit: http://community.priorityclub.com

FRANKFORT, KY–Few places in the world exist where visitors can enjoy such an impressive collection of miniature buildings, rooms and artifacts. Maysville,

Kentucky ranks right up with Chicago and England as a premier destination for miniature replicas.

See for yourself at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, located in this charming, historic river town. Experience a new way to look at the world by traveling through an unrivalled collection of thousands of 1:12 scale miniatures, each specially commissioned by Maysville native, Kaye Browning.

The collection features hundreds of limited-edition or one-of-a-kind homes, room boxes, vignettes and individual works of art that tell charming stories or exude historical significance—all created with incredible artistry and craftsmanship.

From glorious mansions to small apartments, these exquisite miniatures offer a detailed glimpse of how people lived in other times and other cultures.

Each one captures the essence of life, whether it was lived in the distant past, in some faraway place, or in the here-and now.

Visitors will be delighted and impressed by the intricate skills needed to create the exhibit and will want to experience the museum again and again to enjoy this small but impressively large collection as it changes with the seasons.

www.kentucky.gov

LUNEL, France —Although France is the most visited country on the planet, travelers may be a bit shy of making the trip due to current exchange rates, but self-guided travel may give them cause to reconsider.

Discover France, the leading specialist in bicycle, hiking, walking, and specialty travel services throughout France, offers travelers an incredible value with their special brand of self-guided tours.

Most of the tours are priced under $1700—much less than group tour prices—and this cost includes accommodation in top quality hotels and ample support to travelers who don’t want to deal with the hassle of planning.

The concept of self-guided touring applies to bicycle touring as well as walking tours, and many other activities.

Self-guided travel is a growing trend due to the flexibility it presents and the extraordinary price that accompanies it. Offering support and independence, guests don’t have to put forth much effort in order to generate a relaxing and memorable vacation.

Best of all, dreamers who have longed to visit France don’t have to miss any of it—

Discover France offers over 30 itineraries to all regions of the country with a variety of activities.

www.discoverfrance.com

JUNEAU, Alaska- Heli-skiing is all about experiencing the rush of snow beneath skis flying down the mountainside in the natural environment at its finest, no groomed trails here. In Alaska heli-ski opportunities are truly unique- stretching across many miles of mountainous terrain in very remote areas; the opportunities are endless for huge terrain and first descents into powder.

This immense area creates vastly different micro climates which offer many different weather conditions to test a wide range of skiing ability.

Many reputable heli-skiing operations outside of Juneau offer day trips with guides and pilots who are trained and experienced in evaluating snow conditions, snow stability, and risk management to make this adrenaline pumping activity as safe and enjoyable as possible. Come experience it for yourself.

www.traveljuneau.com