Jetsettersblog

Not Another Guide, LLC announces Jennifer Kumiyama as their Chief Editor for Disabled Travel Guides.

Not Another Guide, the leading website for intelligently navigated travel guides written exclusively by locals, is working to promote easy travel within the disabled community.

By having people with disabilities write travel guides for those with disabilities, we are bridging the gap between information that is relevant, helpful and fun and information that can often feed the social divide for the disabled community.

Jennifer was born with Arthrogryposis (AMC). AMC occurs once in every 3,000 births. At birth, doctors suggested that Jennifer’s limbs be amputated but her father refused. From birth through age 8, she went through several major surgeries to improve her mobility. She had already proven the doctors wrong by learning to write, stand to transfer and swim. Jennifer’s inabilities have never stopped her from breaking barriers, overcoming adversity and living her life to the fullest.

The list of her talents is exhaustive, besides being an advocate for the disabled community she is a public speaker, a singer (she performs on Stage at Disneyland in Disney’s ‘Aladdin – a musical spectacular), she has helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity and became the first runner up for Ms Wheelchair California, 2009.

They are proud to announce that she can now add to her list Chief Editor of Disabled Guides for Not Another Guide. You can read her guides to Long Beach & Las Vegas.

The wonderful thing about Jennifer’s guide style is that she doesn’t write just for visitors with disabilities.

Jennifer understands the allowances one has to make when living with a disability, but she doesn’t compromise on the quality of life as a result, which is so indicative of the way she lives.

A USA Today article stated: ‘By 2030, Open Doors estimates that nearly 24% of the U.S. population will be disabled, and 15% severely disabled, resulting in about 53 million more disabled people than in 1997. The group estimates that around a third of adults with disabilities fly at least once every two years.

It’s not just aging that contributes to the increase in travelers with disabilities. Medical technology allows people who have endured severe trauma from war, vehicle crashes and the like to travel with relative ease, says Kate Hunter-Zaworski, director of the National Center for Accessible Transportation at Oregon State University.

“We are facilitating living a fuller life, and air travel is essential to a full life,” she says.

At JetBlue, the growth in passengers who request wheelchair assistance has outpaced overall passenger growth consistently since 2004. Last year, about 262,000 JetBlue passengers, or 1.2%, requested such assistance when making their reservations.’

Not Another Guide Co-Founder; Lyn Girdler says “Travel should be available for everyone. It is through shared life experiences & introductions to new cultures and concepts that we see possibilities and within possibility, is the inspiration for us to break barriers both socially and personally.

To me, Jennifer embodies possibility and that’s precisely what is important to us. We are really excited to have her as part of our team.”

Jennifer’s role will be to encourage others with a disability to contribute as well document her own traveling adventures.
“We have great plans for amazing adventures for Jennifer, and we can’t wait to see them unfold.” Say Girdler.

Jennifer says: “I want to ignite the flame in others with disabilities to pursue a full & happy life regardless of their situation. With faith in yourself & determination, it can all happen.”

With fireworks and ceremony, Aria Resort & Casino opened its doors on Wednesday, Dec. 16, and welcomed its first guests. Located in CityCenter, Aria is the centerpiece of a new urban resort destination. Its debut signifies the official grand opening of CityCenter, a city-within-a-city, following two weeks of celebrations for the openings of the Vdara Hotel & Spa; Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas; and the Crystals retail and entertainment district.

Featuring a combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities, Aria dramatically alters the skyline the Las Vegas Strip.

“Aria and CityCenter reflect a combination of innovation, energy and visionary design that we believe will reshape how the world views the destination resort experience and attract visitors from around the globe as a landmark of taste and style,” said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage, which developed CityCenter in partnership with Infinity World Development Corp., a unit of Dubai World.

Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli, Aria features two breathtaking curvilinear steel and glass towers.

At 18 million square feet, CityCenter is the largest private sustainable development in the world, having received six LEED Gold certifications for its buildings. At an early morning press conference yesterday, company executives and other officials, including the president, CEO and founding chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council, were on hand to pay tribute to CityCenter’s sustainable design, construction and operations.

Among its sustainable distinctions, Aria commissioned the first fleet of clean-fueled CNG stretch limousines.

It also is the first resort on the Las Vegas Strip to generate its own electricity.

Also part of opening events, senior executives from both MGM Mirage and Infinity World had the honor of remotely ringing the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange, marking the project’s major contribution to Las Vegas. CityCenter is creating new jobs for approximately 12,000 people.

A grand opening gala capped the opening day’s activities, giving VIP guests an opportunity to sample Aria’s hospitality and array of amenities.

Finally, at 11 p.m. fireworks filled the sky, reflected in Aria’s curved glass curtain wall, as Las Vegas visitors and locals gathered below eager to enter the resort when the doors opened.

CityCenter is an urban metropolis on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.

A joint venture between MGM Mirage, and Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World, CityCenter features Aria, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; two non-gaming hotels, including Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental and Vdara Hotel & Spa; Veer Towers, the development’s only residential buildings; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. Vdara, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Veer Towers include roughly 2,400 residences total.

In addition, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010.

CityCenter also features a resident Cirque du Soleil production celebrating the musical legacy of Elvis Presley; and a Fine Art Collection with works by acclaimed artists including Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, among others.

CityCenter is a design collaboration between MGM Mirage and eight top architectural firms, including Pelli Clarke Pelli, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Helmut Jahn, RV Architecture LLC led by Rafael Vinoly, Foster + Partners, Studio Daniel Libeskind, David Rockwell and Rockwell Group, and Gensler.

At the forefront of sustainability, CityCenter is one of the world’s largest green developments. Aria, Vdara, Crystals, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Veer Towers have all have received LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This marks the highest LEED achievement for any hotel, retail district or residential development in Las Vegas. The Harmon also is pursuing LEED certification.

For more information about CityCenter, visit www.citycenter.com

The 311-room Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center, Hotel & Spa at 10 North Broadway Avenue, located one block from the Bricktown Canal Entertainment District in Oklahoma City, is now offering the area’s only complimentary airport shuttle service for hotel guests.

Formally a $46 value roundtrip, $23 one way, the recently renovated, luxury hotel is offering a convenient, free shuttle option for guests.

No reservations are required for the airport shuttle. Guests can simply contact the hotel at 405-228-8000 upon arrival at the Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, or request the shuttle service 20 minutes prior to departing the hotel. For more information, visit www.renaissanceoklahomacity.com

THE CREGGANS Inn on Loch Fyneside in Argyll has won a second AA rosette for the quality of its food.

The Inn already had a single rosette, and both chef Gordon Smillie and owners Archie and Gill MacLellan are delighted that the Automobile Association has now awarded a second prestigious rosette to the famous Strachur establishment.

The AA say that two rosettes are awarded to: “The best local restaurants, offering higher standards and better consistency. Greater precision is apparent in the cooking, and there is obvious attention to the quality and selection of ingredients.”

To give an example of the quality on offer, the dining room menu at the Creggans offers a five-course meal, typically starting with canapés followed by a choice of starter (Hand-dived Loch Fyne scallops with soft herb salad, parsley oil and crispy artichokes is often on the menu).

The main, preceded by a soup course, might be roast loin of Scotch lamb with rosemary braised potatoes, roast shallots, butternut squash puree and a port and basil jus, or baked fillet of halibut with a fennel and citrus crumb on a fine vegetable, fennel and new potato sauce.

Dessert might be Vacherin of strawberries with lemon and lime cream, or dark chocolate and coffee torte with home-made fresh mint ice-cream.
The sumptuous dining room and attentive waiting staff add to the quality of the Creggans eating experience.

Head chef Gordon Smillie has been in the trade for some 16 years. He said: “This award is a great recogntion for the Creggans and for the staff and their future careers.”

Owner Archie MacLellan also praised the kitchen staff, saying: “This is a reflection of genuine quality and hard work from the kitchen. It also points to a greater attention to detail.”

Need seclusion or a double dose of romance for your St Valentine?

Need seclusion or a double dose of romance for your St Valentine? Well, bolt-holes don’t come any better than this boutique gem.

Situated in the heart of Modica in one of the most spectacular corners of Baroque Sicily, the Hotel Palazzo Failla combines effortless chic and fine dining with the warm hospitality of a family-run venture.

An original baroque palazzo of the 17th century, it’s got a wonderful old-world grandeur, while the sumptuous rooms are furnished with the latest comforts such elegant modern style double Jacuzzi and steam shower box.

The hotel’s St valentine package doesn’t stint in luxury: champagne and chocolates await in your room, while in the evening there’s a six course extravaganza conceived by Michelin star Accursio Craparo.

If you can tear yourself away from the luxury, a 30 minutes drive will take you through the wonderful towns of Ragusa, Noto and Scicli all Unesco listed for their baroque architecture.

Two nights at the Hotel Palzzo Failla costs £ 469 per person including a michelin dinner, a guided walk of Modica, flights with British Airways and fully comprehensive car hire.

See www.laiholidays.co.uk  or call 0207 520 3100

Mountain Exposure, Zermatt’s luxury chalet specialist, has expanded its portfolio into the neighbouring village of Saas Fee.

The addition of Chalet Chloe, a five-bedroom property set in an exclusive hill near a forest, marks Mountain Exposure’s coming of age with its 21st chalet and the company’s first property outside the famous resort of Zermatt.

“Chalet Chloe represents a new phase in our business plan,” says Donald Scott, co-director at Mountain Exposure.

“Its stylish furnishings and unique exterior gel with the rest of our portfolio and we’re excited to extend our passion for good skiing and great accommodation to another area of Switzerland.

“Saas Fee is under an hour from Zermatt, meaning we are able to ensure Chalet Chloe is run to the high levels of service our clientele expect from their holidays with Mountain Exposure. The village is a smaller version of Zermatt and ideal for those who prefer cosiness to grandness.

It’s young and family friendly, with large snow parks popular with teenagers. Importantly, it also one of the few resorts with a several glaciers which guarantee fresh snow skiing at all times.”

Just finished, the luxurious and family friendly Chalet Chloe is set on the exclusive Lengi Muru hill near a wooded forest with stunning views, yet only 3 minutes from the village centre.

Guests will receive a champagne welcome from their chalet host, who will also be on call to recommend and book activities throughout the stay.

An experienced chef will prepare a full cooked breakfast and afternoon tea daily, with a three course meal six of the seven nights, accompanied by a carefully selected wine menu.

Guests will also enjoy an open bar throughout their stay.

Sleeping between eight and ten guests, Chalet Chloe has extensive facilities, guaranteed to make guests feel cosy and relaxed.

A large south-facing terrace with parasol, tables and chairs is a fabulous place to take afternoon tea during one of the many days of sunshine the ‘snow sure’ resort of Saas Fe offers. Inside, get your ski boots ready with heated boot racks, or unwind after a day on the slope with a sit in the private sauna.

The three-storey chalet combines contemporary design with traditional materials including Alpine larch on the walls, unburnished Norwegian slate for the floors, and translucent mosaics in the bathrooms and sauna.

The second floor drawing room is furnished with two large comfortable Roche Bobois sofas, a Dominic Imbert rotating black iron fireplace and digital TV with a selection of English channels.

The guide price for Chalet Chloe is 1,490 CHF (approximately £889) per person per week, based on a party of eight, including full catering, open bar and a dedicated experienced chef and chalet host.

Week long breaks at Christmas (week commencing 20 December 2009; from £840 per person) and New Year’s (week commencing 27 December 2009; from £1,230 per person) are now available.

To make your reservation in a Mountain Exposure chalet, call 0845 425 2001, visit www.mountainexposure.com  or email bookings@mountainexposure.com

Glacier Express Tour

Family holiday village specialist Sunparks has officially launched in the UK market.

Sunparks operates eight holiday villages based in Belgium, the Netherlands and western Germany.

The villages offer villa and hotel accommodation and are specifically aimed at families with young children. They are also easily accessible from the UK via Eurostar, ferry and air.

The Sunparks brand has been running for over 20 years in Europe and has recently become part of the European accommodation specialist Pierre & Vacances Group.

Sunparks is well known throughout Europe for operating all-weather, year-round holiday villages that offer a wide range of outdoor activities and indoor facilities for the whole family. Four of the villages are located in Belgium, two in the Netherlands and two in Germany.

The villages all act as a good base for exploring the surrounding regions. For example, the De Haan aan zee village in Belgium is only 20 kilometres from Bruges, whilst Zandvoort aan zee village is located on the Dutch coast just 40-minutes from the centre of Amsterdam.

Each village also has a dedicated tourist information centre, the ‘Tourist Guide’, which provides in-depth information and event listings for each region, including top tips for cultural, gastronomic, shopping and recreational activities.

Some of the holiday villages, including De Haan aan zee in Belgium and Sunparks Nordseeküste in Germany, have also recently been refurbished.

All Sunparks properties offer flexible arrival dates and holiday lengths ranging from two nights to two weeks. Twenty percent discounts apply for young families with children under twelve years of age, and those aged 55 and over. Early booking discounts also apply. Prices start from €399 per week for a four person villa, or €239 for a four night midweek break.

For more information on Sunparks, please visit: http://www.sunparks.co.uk

To celebrate its refurbishment, the South Marston Hotel & Leisure Club, a small, exciting property within easy access of the Wiltshire countryside, is offering fabulous value all inclusive breaks.

Guests staying for two nights or more will pay from just £49.50 per person based on two sharing, including overnight accommodation in a stylish twin or double room, complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day in the hotel lounges, complimentary evening drinks, a three-course meal each evening and full English breakfast each morning.

This perfect getaway is in a fabulous location on the Cotswolds borders, the hotel, previously known as the Nightingale, has been totally renovated with an investment of one-million pounds. In addition to stylish décor and improved facilities thorough the whole hotel, each of its spacious en-suite bedrooms now feature plasma televisions, rain showers and free Wi-Fi access and many of the rooms are now fitted with air-conditioning.

Ideally located for a host of countryside walks as well as attractions such as Bourton-on-the-Water (the “Venice of Cotswolds”) and historic Barbary Castle, there is also plenty to keep guests busy inside the hotel, including a 23 meter swimming pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, state of art gym, 4 gold-rated squash courts and an array of fitness classes.

Those more intent on relaxation can simply enjoy the attractive surroundings and make the most of complimentary tea and coffee in the hotel lounges throughout the day.

After working up an appetite, guests can enjoy complimentary evening drinks in the bar (available 6pm – 11pm) followed by dinner in the contemporary and relaxed setting of the restaurant. The menu features locally sourced, simply prepared dishes: starters could include caramelised shallots and mushrooms in white wine and garlic served on toasted brioche or king prawn, avocado and roasted red pepper salad with mango and mint crème fraîche.

Main dishes feature lamb rump steak with herb mash, roasted winter vegetables and rosemary and red wine jus, or salmon fillet with leek, bacon, and a lemon and thyme beurre blanc topped with pickled cucumber ribbons.

Those with a sweet tooth can choose from dishes such as chocolate and Amaretto terrine or banana and cinnamon crème brûlée.

A full English breakfast each morning rounds off a great value package.

Ideally located in beautiful countryside but only a short drive from Swindon, the M4 and the Cotswolds, and a good base for exploring Bath and Bristol, the South Marston Hotel & Leisure Club provides good value accommodation with bright, modern décor whilst retaining individuality and character to offer a comfortable ‘home from home’ break.

South Marston Hotel and Leisure Club is offering an all inclusive break from £49.50 per person based on two sharing.
The package includes:

Minimum of two nights’ stay in a double or twin bedded room

• complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day in the hotel lounges

• complimentary draught beer and lager, house selection wines by the glass and soft drinks between 18:00 and 23:00

• a three-course meal every evening from the à la carte menu

• full English breakfast every morning • early check in from 12:00 and late check out by 16:00 (Subject to availability)

• full use of all leisure facilities including 23 meter swimming pool, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, state of art gym, 4 gold rated squash courts and classes

• free car parking.

Valid until 28 February 2010. Over 25’s only.

Offer excludes Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

No single occupancy. Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply.

To book telephone 01793 833700 or visit www.southmarstonhotel.com

Taiwan’s latest luxury hotel has recently opened for a slightly different clientele – of the four-legged variety. Dogs can now enjoy a pampered stay at an exclusive hotel in Taipei, which comes equipped with pools, salons, classes and playrooms.

Two Taipei proprietors have recently launched Pet’s Dream Park as an alternative to pet owners who lack the time or space to look after dogs. Pooches can stay at the hotel from just £8.50 per day, plus food.

A range of extra services are available for dogs at Pet’s Dream Park to enjoy, including grooming sessions at a beauty salon and a paddle in the indoor pool. Nervous dogs can also get their own VIP rooms at no extra cost.

www.taiwan.net.tw

Located on the vibrant island of Bali, Banyan Tree Ungasan is scheduled to open on 1 January 2010. Boasting panoramic ocean views, the hotel will offer guests the largest infinity pools in Bali and award-winning spa treatments.

Just a short drive from the thriving beaches of Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur the luxury resort is designed to offer absolute privacy and seclusion.

Perched 70 metres above sea level on the cliff-top of the island’s southernmost peninsula, the five star resort offers stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean.

Each of the 73 pool villas is set in its own landscaped garden with a private infinity pool, marble bathroom with sunken baths, and a Balinese balé (outdoor pavilion).

Ideal for couples, families and friends, each of the 11 Sanctuary Villas and three triple-bedroom Presidential Villas features a 12-metre and 25-metre-long infinity pool respectively.

The landscape gardens are perfect for private celebrations and the Presidential Villa even comes with a dedicated spa treatment room and dedicated fitness area.

Guests will be able to take their pick from three restaurants – Ju-Ma-Na restaurant will offer gourmet seafood menus where guests can watch the chefs at work in the display kitchen, or choose to dine overlooking dramatic cliff-edge scenery.

The adjacent Ju-Ma-Na Bar offers sundowners along with Arabic finger food and Moroccan shishas (water pipes). Tamarind, set in the tranquil surroundings of the Banyan Tree Spa, will serve a variety of organic dishes, alongside a menu of Jamu herbal drinks, and Bambu will present popular international and local specialties.

For the ultimate relaxing getaway guests can treat themselves at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa offering treatments delivered by professional spa therapists, trained at the exclusive Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand.

Designed to reflect unique Indonesian healing traditions the treatments incorporate natural, indigenous ingredients.

Signature treatments include Ayurvedic treatments and Rainmist therapies such as the 180-minute Javanese Lulur treatment, which includes the Serenity Massage, Lulur Scrub, and Honey Avocado Conditioner.

Tropical Locations (0845 277 3310 / www.tropical-locations.com)  is offering seven nights at Banyan Tree Ungasan from £2,129 per person.

This price includes bed and breakfast accommodation in a garden view villa, return economy class flights from London Heathrow to Denpasar, Bali and private transfers.