Jetsettersblog

An eco-tourism project on the shores of a marine sanctuary in tropical Vanuatu is defying the world-wide economic slow-down with expressions of interest to buy into this luxurious resort at Havannah Harbour, on the main island of Efate, exceeding expectations.

The brain child of prestigious property development company Sunset Beach Creations, the resort is now targeting a joint venture partner interested in being a part of the development of the exotic Frangipani Beach Pavilions Resort and Day Spa.

Sunset Beach Creations director, Ros Linguard, said the resort which has all plans and approvals in place, combines two must haves to attract buyers interested in the high-end investment market – complete luxury and cutting edge environmental sustainability.

“Add to that an island that remains untouched by industry and commercialism, and Frangipani is something not only very different but very special,” Ms Linguard said.

“The development offers an extremely rare opportunity to invest in or even own a prestigious piece of paradise in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

All building approvals have been secured for The Frangipani Beach Pavilions Resort and Day Spa at Havannah Harbour.

“We are now looking for a joint venture partner to be part of this prestigous development that is very much ready to go,” Ms Linguard said.

“We have had overwhelming interest from investors. Now we are seeking a joint venture partner to bring to reality the more than five years of planning, negotiating and the establishing of diplomatic relationships with this South Pacific island.

“Sunset Beach Creations has ensured that the land for the resort is securely leased and that all approvals, permits, plans and permissions are in place for a resort that will include both all the six-star finishes and the sustainability initiatives that discerning buyers are looking for,” Ms Linguard said.

“The decision to include sound, state-of-the-art environmental practices in an industry which is usually primarily focused on offering only high-end luxury, will strike a chord with commercial and residential investors.

“Frangipani’s point of difference is that it has been engineered to reduce its reliance on potable water by more than 30 percent of normal usage for a resort of this size and quality.

“Not only will the resort be using less water but what it does use will be available for reuse with an on-site water recycling facility to treat water to a level beyond the world recognised Class A Standard before being reused for the landscaped gardens.

The Frangipani resort would take advantage of the new ring road currently underway on the island. The road will reduce travel time, from the capital Port Vila and its
international airport, to 20 minutes – giving the resort its edge – close enough to make a long, arduous journey unnecessary but far enough away to ensure easy access to a very special, very luxurious and very private slice of paradise.

To find out more visit www.vanuaturesort.com  and www.jewelinthesouthpacific.com
 email ros@frangipanivanuatu.com

Please note this release has been submitted on behalf of Ros Linguard director of Sunset Beach Creations. Please contact Ros Linguard not the Vanuatu Tourism Office for any enquiries.

Australia’s spa culture is set for a big boost with the launch of Australia’s only online day spa magazine, www.dayspaguide.com.au.

Day Spa Guide lists every day spa and spa resort in Australia in an easy-search format, which includes a fully integrated Google Maps system.

Some of Australia’s top spa and travel writers have been signed up to contribute news, reviews, spa stories and blog entries to the site.

Day Spa Guide caused a buzz in the industry when several major spa resorts, hotels and day spas signed up even before the site was launched. These included Crown Spa at Crown Towers, in Melbourne; the Sofitel Werribee Hotel & Spa in rural Victoria; the Richardson Hotel & Spa in Perth; Arajilla Retreat, on Lord Howe Island; and the mobile massage specialists Ripple Massage.

‘We aim to be a one stop shop for people seeking information on day spas and spa resorts in Australia,’ said Marc Llewellyn, Day Spa Guide’s Managing Editor.

‘For the first time in Australia we have an online day spa magazine spa catering to both Australian spa lovers and international visitors.’

Day Spa Guide also features reviews and articles about overseas spas, as well as a popular Facebook page and a ground-breaking industry group on LinkedIn, called the Australian Day Spa Network,

‘The day spa culture is very strong in certain places in the world, particularly Asia, where getting a massage is a regular ritual rather than a one-off pampering session, ’ Mr Llewellyn said. ‘But, the latest Australian figures show that day spa listings in Yellow Pages have increased by 2,780 per cent in the past 30 years. Australia looks like it’s well on track to catch up with its spa-loving neighbours.’

Vanuatu is a proving a popular destination for active holidays and the dates for the signature event of the Vanuatu sporting calendar, the Vanuatu Ocean Swim series, have been announced.

The two swims that make up the event will be held in Port Vila on June 12 and Espiritu Santo on June 15 and offer the perfect holiday for those looking for a fulfilling way to explore this tropical paradise.

The first swim is held in Vanuatu’s cosmopolitan capital Port Vila where swimmers can spend time sampling fresh seafood and produce in the array of great restaurants, sailing, snorkelling, diving, exploring the island or just relaxing in one of the many comfortable resorts before taking on the 3.2Km or 1.5Km swim around Iririki Island in Port Vila Harbour.

Next stop Espiritu Santo to take on the 2.6Km swim across the Segond Channel to Aore Island. In Espiritu Santo swimmers can explore the beautiful white sand beaches made famous in Tales of the South Pacific, kayak between small islands, dive on the famous SS President Coolidge and swim crystal clear blue holes.

Vanuatu Tourism Office Australian representative Georgia Ditton says that the swims are becoming more and more popular with visitors.

“Each year the number of international entrants to these swims is increasing, particularly from Australia. Vanuatu is just so close, three and a half hours flight from Sydney and two and a half hours from Brisbane, which makes it a great destination for sporting events because it is affordable and accessible for a whole range of travellers,” Georgia said.

“The swims are a great way for visitors to discover Vanuatu and really feel like they have achieved something at the same time.”

Other upcoming events for active visitors include an international kite surfing competition, a half marathon, a team long distance running relay around Efate Island and there are also plans for Vanuatu’s first Adventure Race in 2010.

Vanuatu Escapes is offering seven night combo packages to Port Vila and Espiritu Santo starting from AUD $1720.00. The package includes resort style accommodation, all airfares with Air Vanuatu and transfers, entry into the swims, breakfast daily and all taxes and surcharges.

Go to www.vanuatuescapes.com.au  or contact 1800 622 523

or info@vanuatuescapes.com.au for more details.

For more information on Vanuatu Tourism visit

www.vanuatu.travel

With something for every week of the year, Greater Port Macquarie has launched a new brochure and website ’52+ Things To Do’, with ideas on tours and attractions in this diverse and beautiful region of NSW.

Perfect for return visitors, and families booking longer stays, the listing will challenge any notion – or whining from the kids on a grey day – that Port may be short on things to do.

“Greater Port Macquarie is far more diverse then people realise and has lots of new tours and unique things to do, especially in the hinterland,” said Linda Hall, Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Manager.

“When visitors come to Port they hit the beaches and relax, but our research says ‘74% of them plan to explore and tour the region’, so this is a useful brochure to have in the glove-box, or read online, along with the official visitor guide,” said Linda.

Some of the ideas include:

* a short drive to Dunbogan Boatshed and Marina in the Camden Haven to swim and fish off your own hire boat
* head inland to Comboyne Culture to learn how cheese is made and join a cooking class at The Company Farm

* book a water-skiing lesson with a champion at Stoney Park Recreation Centre

* take a Coast and Country Trike Tour on a three-wheeler Harley

* join a Pub-Ride on horse-back at Bellrowan Valley

* learn about convict history and sites on a new Heritage Walking Tour

* go sky-diving from 10,000 feet with amazing ocean views

’52 + Things To Do’ has six categories including food and wine, action and adventure, water activities, family fun, sporting and tours.

It has been produced by the Tours and Attractions Group (TAG) and is supported by Greater Port Macquarie Tourism.

TAG spokesperson, Mark Ennor from Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding, says “In the true spirit of networking and word of mouth, this guide will help educate visitors that there is a wide variety of things to do in Greater Port Macquarie. We have a vast number of tours and attractions for all demographics.”

Go to www.52things2do.com.au or collect the brochure from the Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre.

For accommodation and touring call 1300 303 155 or go on-line at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

Greater Port Macquarie is a 4.5 hour’s drive north of Sydney and is serviced by regular Qantaslink, Brindabella Airlines and Virgin Blue flights.

Hamilton Island (www.hamiltonisland.com.au) offers many different, compelling reasons to be included in an Australian itinerary no matter what time of year. The next 12 months are particularly suited to the following activities with suggested tour operators:

- FEB – getting married
- MAR – The Great Barrier Feast with Tetsuya Wakuda 12th -14th March
- APR – activity sports
- MAY – scuba diving
- JUN – The Australian Ballet 11th – 13th June and outrigger racing
- JUL – family holidays
- AUG – Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 20th – 28th August
- SEP – whale watching
- OCT – cooking classes
- NOV – the Hamilton Island Triathlon 28th November – 4th December
- DEC – game fishing

FEBRUARY – More than 250 weddings take place on Hamilton Island each year and there is no more romantic month than February to take vows.

The island’s chapel is non-denominational so couples from all faiths are welcome.

Weddings can also be held anywhere – in tropical gardens, on the beach, underwater!

www.freedomaustralia.co.uk/weddings-honeymoons.asp

MARCH- Enjoy the ultimate food and wine weekend – The Great Barrier Feast featuring renowned Australian chef, Tetsuya Wakuda, takes place from 12th – 14th March. Beachside cooking master classes are just some of the highlights of this prestigious food and wine festival.

Visit this link.

APRIL – Visitors have over 85 activities to choose from including go-karting, bushwalking, scuba diving, parasailing, squash, tennis, fishing, sailing, kayaking, target sports and windsurfing, not to mention the opportunity to play golf on Australia’s only 18-hole championship course situated on its own island and designed by champion golfer and five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson.

Visit this link.

MAY – Scuba diving is one of the world’s fastest growing sports with the Whitsunday Islands providing one of the best locations for divers of all levels of ability. Hamilton Island offers one to five-night diving trips to the Great Barrier Reef. With the PADI Professional 5 Star Training Instructor Development Centre located at H20 Sportz, guests can complete a number of different diving courses from 4 days to 2 weeks.

www.scottdunn.com/accommodation/qualia.html

JUNE – The Australian Ballet returns for a third time to give an intimate outdoor performance at Hamilton Island’s luxury resort, qualia. ‘Pas de Deux in Paradise’ will be staged from 11th – 13th June.

Visit this link.

The island also plays host to the annual Pure Blonde Hamilton Island Outrigger Cup from 24th – 27th June, one of the world’s largest canoe regattas and one with the richest prize purse attracting crews from Hawaii, California, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Guam, Tahiti and Australia. www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk

JULY – This is an ideal time for family travel – Australia’s winter is mild and comfortable for younger members of the family. Excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling safaris and a trip to see the island’s koalas, emus, possums and wombats make holidays for children both educational and fun.

Accommodation and meals in selected restaurants are free for children up to the age of 15, whilst the Clownfish Club offers complimentary activities for children up to 14 years.

Visit this link.

AUGUST – This is the month that Hamilton Island hosts one of Australia’s largest and most prestigious off-shore yachting events – Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 20th – 28th August with the brand new state-of-the-art Hamilton Island Yacht Club taking centre stage, providing a hub for spectators and participants alike.
http://www.carrier.co.uk/#/accommodation/529

SEPTEMBER – is whale watching season when visitors can see baby humpbacks that have been born in the warm waters of the Whitsundays, travelling past the coast in pod sizes of between eight and ten whales. Whales, which can vary in length from five to 18 metres, can also been seen in their migrating season (June to September) from Hamilton Island itself.

Visit this link.

OCTOBER – Learn a new skill. Painting, Photography and Cooking classes are regularly held on Hamilton Island with a resident artist conducting specially designed “Artist Retreat” courses focusing on land and seascapes, portraits and still-life using pastels, acrylics and watercolours; a series of year round five-day photography courses whose studio and field classes include sessions on digital photography, marketing, lighting and aerial photography; and various classes and chef’s table evenings taking place.

Visit this link.

NOVEMBER – Forget ‘I’m a Celebrity’, the best way to test your metal down under is by taking part in the Hamilton Island Triathlon, 28th November – 4th December. Comprising of three events over eight days this event includes a five-day workshop with some of the world’s top triathlon facilitators and The Whitehaven Beach 2km and 750m Ocean Swim, before culminating in the Tri Hamilton Island Triathlon.

Visit this link.

DECEMBER – Game fishing is a particularly popular Whitsunday activity as the region is rich in billfish, sailfish and the legendary marlin. Deep sea fishing charters are available, whilst reef fishing for coral trout, sweetlip, red emperor and queenfish is also possible.

http://www.elegantresorts.co.uk/qualia/p

Hamilton Island is located off the Queensland coast of Australia, within the Whitsunday Islands and at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here visitors can experience everything that is great about Australia – natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, fascinating coral reefs, diverse flora and fauna.

Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants, bars, pools and shops, not to mention over 40 activities and all within a short direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. There are also great connections from other Australian cities.

Tourism Australia and Flavorpill have teamed up to search for the managing editor of the soon-to-launch Flavorpill Melbourne edition.

The winner will be responsible for running the new edition, compiling event listings, meeting influencers and writing about the culture and happenings in Melbourne.

The job starts Sept. 1 and includes airfare to Melbourne and 12 nights’ accommodation.

For those who aren’t selected for the job or who may be interested in other work opportunities Down Under, Tourism Australia has announced deals to help Americans ages 18 to 30 work and play in Australia.

Tourism Australia has partnered with V Australia and STA Travel to offer some incredible rates and deals for excursions or even job leads tied to Australia’s Work and Holiday Visa. Some examples include roundtrip airfare from LAX to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane on V Australia from $735,

book by March 31;

the Live, Work & Play package includes roundtrip air, one-year work and holiday visa, two nights’ accommodations, orientation, job leads and more from $1,301.

Different vacation options (with land and air) including: Surf Melbourne from $1,080, Cairns Reef and Rainforest Adventure from $1,393, and Western Explorer from $1,768.

Australia’s two-year-old work and holiday visa program allows Americans ages 18 to 30 to live and work in Australia for up to a year.

Australia is the only country with which the U.S. has entered into a work and holiday visa arrangement.

For more information, visit www.australia.com/workandplay  or www.Australia.com

Zen-Zen Restaurant Pacifica opened at the Makena Beach & Golf Resort on Maui on Jan. 14, helmed by Master Chef Tom Yasuji Kamijo.

The Pacific Rim menu draws on fresh, local ingredients, including Hawaiian fish and shellfish, as well as a sushi and sashimi bar and premium beef and poultry selections.

Highlights include grass-fed filet mignon steak served with creamy Yukon gold cassoule, and Sato San’s Maui onion, a crispy fried onion with soy vinaigrette and dried bonito flakes.

A selection of cocktails, sake, shochu, beer and wines also are available. The restaurant’s design is in Japanese style, with elements like a shoji screen, a cherry blossom wall, black stone tile flooring and soft lighting. Hours of operation are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

For restaurant reservations, call 808-874-1111 or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com . For hotel information and reservations, call 800-321-6284 or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com

Safari Surf School, a Costa Rica-based surfing school and camp, is presenting Surf Fit Camp with fitness trainer, writer and video star Pete Estabrooks, March 22 to 29.

The package includes fitness activities such as daily cardiovascular beach workouts, poolside balance and muscular endurance sessions, surf specific yoga classes and the surf lessons from ISA (International Surfing Association) certified instructors.

Estabrooks, founder of Canada-based Fitness Guy Inc., is a personal and group fitness trainer who has authored a number of publications and produced and starred in a series of exercise videos.

He will lead Safari Surf School guests in the program of fitness activities.

“Imagine a holiday where you leave fitter and smarter than you arrived,” said Tim Marsh, co-owner of Safari Surf School. “And you learn the coolest lifetime skill of them all, surfing.”

Safari offered its first Surf Fit Camp last year, and is presenting it again March 22 to 29 due to great response and demand,

Marsh said. Surf Fit Camp from Safari Surf School guest packages also include roundtrip transportation from Liberia or San Jose; ground transportation in and around Nosara; lodging for seven days and seven nights; breakfast and dinners daily; two surfing classes and equipment daily (maximum three students per instructor); one hour-long massage; professional photos and videos of guest surfing session; and Safari Surf School T-shirts.

Safari Surf School was founded by brothers Tim and Tyler Marsh in 2000. In addition to surf lessons from ISA-certified instructors, Safari offers complete vacation packages including a range of accommodations, dining, transportation and numerous other activities such as fishing, zip-lining, nature tours, yoga, massage, horseback riding and more.

The school is located at Playa Guiones near Nosara on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Business and administrative operations are based in San Diego, CA, U.S.A.

For more information, call 866-433-3355 or visit www.safarisurfschool.com

Scrub Island, a newly opened resort located on a 230-acre private island in the British Virgin Islands, is reaching out to families.

The resort offers complimentary snorkeling gear or use the complimentary sea kayaks.

The resort offers picnic lunches stuffed with food that will appeal to children and adults.

The Scrub Island Marina offers scuba diving lessons.

Chartered boat are available for fishing and sight-seeing around Scrub Island.

From the Marina, families can plan an excursion to nearby islands or daily snorkel trips to nearby islands.

Historical tours of Tortola are available.

Room rates for the family-friendly, two-bedroom suite start at $959.

For more information, call 877-890-7444 or visit www.scrubisland.com

Christy Sports, one of the largest ski and snowboard retailers in the Rocky Mountain region, announced that it has expanded its ski and snowboard rental delivery service, Door 2 Door (D2D), to include retail purchases.

The company is first rolling out this program in the Steamboat market and plans to further expand the service to other locations in the future. Customers of D2D, the company’s rental delivery business, will now be able to purchase ski apparel, accessories and ski/snowboard equipment online.

Purchases can then be delivered along with ski and snowboard rentals.

For vacationers, the service will also include the option of having the purchase mailed home to avoid airline baggage fees. D2D by Christy Sports is the first to offer this online shopping experience in the ski industry, setting itself apart from the competition.

For more information, visit www.store.christysports.com