Jetsettersblog

Beginning now guests of Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua, one of the most recent additions to the Sandals Resorts International portfolio, can stay in the newly renovated and renamed Tropical Waterfront rooms, offering views of Long Bay, with balconies and patios overlooking the sea.

Guests of Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua will also be rewarded with up to 60 percent off regular adult and child rack rates for select dates throughout 2010.

The Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua recently completed extensive refurbishments to the Tropical Waterfront rooms, including fully upgraded and expanded bathrooms; new, eco-friendly air-conditioning systems; and completely retiled floors. In addition, the rooms feature soft furnishing upgrades with new upholstery and local artwork, as well as rattan furnishings.

Located on the northeast coast of Antigua, the resort features 180 rooms; four restaurants, and offers water sports; and a variety of local tours.

In addition to the newly renovated oceanfront rooms and up to 60 percent off rates, a stay at Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua also includes fine dining options, premium brand liquor, water sports, nightly entertainment, and all taxes and gratuities.

For more information, call 877-846-3290

or visit www.grandpineapple.com

The Condominium Connection, a Hawaii and Mexico wholesaler, is now electronically linked to Dollar Rent A Car to offer the most current pricing, values and availability.

The Internet-based technology offers real-time access to Dollar Rent A Car rates and inventory and can confirm rentals with a single key stroke.

The seamless connection also allows pre-payment of all taxes and airport fees related to renting a car.

For more information, call 800-423-2976 or visit www.condoconnection.com

With the increased activity by the Soufriere Hills Volcano on the island of Montserrat, now is the time to get a first-hand look at the geological phenomenon.

All businesses and ports are open and operating normally, including scheduled flights into the John A. Osborne Airport and ferry service from Antigua into the port at Little Bay.

Leisure travelers have the opportunity to safely see the volcano from several vantage points including the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) and Jack Boy Hill.

“We would like the traveling public to know that Montserrat remains open for visitors and is still a safe destination,” said the Montserrat Tourist Board’s Director of Tourism Ernestine Cassell.

“In fact, we are encouraging travelers to visit Montserrat and marvel at the activity taking place at the Soufriere Hills Volcano.”

The Soufrière Hills Volcano became active in 1995, and increased activity in 1997 led to the establishment of an exclusion zone around the volcano, which includes the former capital city, Plymouth.

All residents now live in the northernmost third of the island, which has been declared a safe area.

The recent increased volcanic activity is closely monitored by the experts at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and visitors to the island can now see the glowing dome at nights from safe vantage points in the north of the island.
Current information on volcanic activity, including images and videos, can be found at

www.mvo.ms.

For destination information, visit

www.visitmontserrat.com

The monthly “Maunakea Skies” planetarium program returned to Imiloa Astronomy Center, a part of the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

The program takes place at 7 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month and replaces the center’s previous Directors’ Lecture Series, which was held for the International Year of Astronomy in 2009.

The “Maunakea Skies” format begins with the traditional tour of the night sky featuring stars, constellations and planets visible with the unaided eye.

Following is a guest presenter from one of the Maunakea observatories, who will share the latest research in astronomy using the 3D stereo planetarium technology.

The program takes place in the astronomy center’s 120-seat planetarium.

Admission is $5 for Imiloa members and $8 for non-members.

To pre-purchase tickets, call 808-969-9704.

For more information, visit www.imiloahawaii.org

Chukka Caribbean Adventures’ Jamaica Dogsled Experience was voted the “Best Caribbean Shore Excursion” in Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Editor-In-Chief Awards.

The annual Editor-In-Chief Awards, which honor the best in the travel industry, were announced in the magazine’s January/February 2010 issue. Porthole Cruise Magazine is one of the leading U.S. consumer cruise magazines. Said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism John Lynch, “Jamaica has over 150 attractions, more than any other Caribbean island, and many of which are new or have been improved to provide visitors with a diverse offering.

We look forward to continuing our relationships with attractions partners, such as Chukka Caribbean Adventures, that create memorable experiences for travelers.”

Visitors to Jamaica can try out a dog sled ride by visiting Chukka Caribbean Adventures’ Jamaica Dogsled Experience in Ocho Rios.

Once onboard the sled, experienced mushers will guide guests through the scenic Jamaican countryside.

Riders will learn the history and art of mushing and assist with harnessing the dog team.

With locations in Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Chukka Caribbean Adventures also offers Zipline Canopy Tours, River Tubing Safari, River Kayak, Horseback Riding and many other adventure tours.

For more information, visit www.visitjamaica.com or www.chukkacaribbean.com

The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on Hawaii’s Big Island has debuted a farmer’s market on its front lawn.

The market is open from 8 a.m. until noon each Wednesday.

Along with local farm-fresh fruit, produce, coffee and flowers, vendors also offer craft products with primary ingredients or materials that come from the island’s land or waters.

When not shopping at the market, Eric Lelinski, the resort’s executive chef, or one of his culinary team members, may be demonstrating to market-goers how they might prepare some of the produce found there.

For more information, call 866-716-8109 or visit www.sheratonkeauhou.com

Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester in London’s Park Lane Hotel has been given three Michelin Stars.

This award totals 11 Michelin Stars across the Dorchester Collection hotels, the highest ratio of Michelin stars among any hotel group.

The Dorchester Collection also has three Michelin Stars each at Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée and Yannick Alléno at Le Meurice in Paris, and two Michelin Stars at GILT restaurant at The New York Palace.

Located within the famous Park Lane hotel since November 2007, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is led by Executive Chef Jocelyn Herland, Restaurant Director Christian Laval, and Head Sommelier Mathias Negro.

The restaurant has recently been named “Best Newcomer” by the 2009 Zagat guide and Herland, who trained under the multi award-winning French Chef Alain Ducasse, has developed a menu which consistently respects and champions current seasonal produce — many sourced from the British Isles.

For more information, call 800-650-1842

or visit www.dorchestercollection.com

The Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire, featuring cottages at Ivy Tower Village in England’s Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, is offering cottages that sleep six people from £388 ($634) per week through March 20, excluding February Half Term.

Ivy Tower village is set in the historic village of St. Florence, a few miles from Tenby’s beaches and fine restaurants, and Manorbier, with its fine Norman castle and beach.

The private cluster of 19 cottages has been bought individually and has now undergone a transformation and achieved a four-star status.

A wide range of facilities includes a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, fully equipped gym, communal Wi-Fi access, children’s play area and tennis court.

The stone posted entrance leads to the private parking area, where there is plenty of room to park after your journey.

The houses and apartments themselves sleep two, four, five, six and 12 people.

For more information,

visit www.coastalcottages.co.uk

Acapulco, Mexico, is welcoming an array of new hotels and resorts. Among the current roster of upscale activities and cultural offerings, various ambitious hotel updates and new projects are also underway in Acapulco.

In November 2009, Acapulco welcomed Hotel Encanto, a unique boutique hotel and spa located in the Brisas Marques areas of Acapulco. A $20 million investment, Hotel Encanto is the vision of Mexican architect Miguel Angel Aragones. The hotel features 44 rooms, 22 of which feature a private pool on the balcony, and a full-service with spa eight treatment rooms.

Also coming this spring is the Hotel Boca Chica, a new project from Grupo Habita, the Mexican hotelier. Partnering with Mexican architects Frida Rojas and Jose Escobedo as well as Fernando Romero, owner of the hotel located in the Traditional Zone of Acapulco, Grupo Habita has fully renovated and restored the property’s 36 guest rooms back to it’s original 1950′s glamour. Boca Chica is slated for completion in March 2010 and is currently accepting reservations.

Currently in development in the exclusive Diamante Zone is the new cliff-top Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués hotel, scheduled to open in February 2009. As the first luxury, all-villa spa resort in the region, Banyan Tree Cabo Marques will offer stunning accommodations, world-class amenities and a Banyan Tree Gallery of arts and crafts from around the world.

The property will also feature the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Complex, consisting of seven spa treatment pavilions.

The Grand Hotel Acapulco & Convention Center, formerly known as the Hyatt Acapulco, began the first stages of an extensive renovation and remodeling project this past May. Renovations will include new room categories, 200 of which will be completed and opened in December 2009.

The remodeling will ultimately include renovations to the hotel lounges, restaurants and pools, as well as include the construction of a new, exclusive spa.

The Fairmont Acapulco Princess recently introduced the Pearl. Located on the Fairmont Princess property and following a $30 million renovation, this hotel offers luxurious accommodations and world-class services along with private pool exclusive to Pearl guests.

For more information, visit www.visiteacapulco.com

The London Sightseeing Pass gives access to many top London attractions such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower of London and The Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms.

Users have priority access at the busiest sites to avoid queues, a free guidebook and over 40 additional deals and discounts.

A one-day London Pass costs £39 ($64) for adults and £26 ($42) for a child. A two-day London Pass costs £54 ($88) for adults [£40 ($65) for children aged between five and 15 years], three-day passes are £65 ($106) for adults and £45 ($73) for children and a six-day option costs £89 ($145) for adults and £62 ($101) for children.

Plus, for a limited time only get free delivery and save £2.95 ($4.80) (£5.95 ($9.68) for international travelers) on all London Sightseeing Passes bought at the ad above.