Jetsettersblog

Cancun’s Underwater Museum, a project that was put into place to help conserve natural reefs, is experiencing beautiful, rapid coral growth, just in time for spring.

The first 100 sculptures of the “Silent Evolution” are nearing completion and the museum’s underwater garden is quickly blooming with colorful corals.

These life-size figures, which were molded from various members of the local community, will form a large artificial reef aiming to draw visitors and sea life to this uninhabited area of the park.

The first set of 200 sculptures is scheduled to go underwater in June 2010; the museum will have 400 sculptures by the end of the year.

The first three sculptures have already been a big draw, showing the growth of corals in only three months.

The museum, located in the National Park on the West Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc, will feature more than 400 concrete sculptures making it the world’s largest underwater museum.

The project began in November 2009 as three sculptures were sunk under the supervision of prominent artist and creator of the underwater sculptors, Jason de Caires Taylor; the sculptures included the “Dream Collector,” “Man on Fire” and “The Gardener of Hope.”

For more information, visit www.underwatersculpture.com

NAIROBI, Kenya -The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a groundbreaking partnership between private investors, conservation tourism organizations, and the Maasai community in Kenya that balances luxury travel and economic development with ambitious conservation and community development programs.

There are four private, full-service, fully staffed houses.

The Chief’s House has three double bedrooms, sitting and dining rooms, and kitchen.

The sitting room has a charming open fire, as well as a plunge-pool on the outdoor deck.

The Sultan’s House has one enormous double bedroom, a huge sitting/dining room and a kitchen. The Colonel’s House has two double bedrooms, sitting and dining rooms, and kitchen.

Each bedroom has a dressing room and a sunken bath.

The courtyard has a plunge-pool.

Finally, The Eyrie has one bedroom, a sitting and dining room with open fire and kitchen.

It is seductively furnished and perfect for honeymooners.

For more information or to book a trip, contact Bush and Beyond, www.bush-and-beyond.com

As soccer fans begin to descend on South Africa for World Cup, it is a good time to remind you of the special passport requirements for non-South African passport holders traveling to South Africa. To ensure that your clients have a pleasant and uninterrupted travel experience, please be aware of the passport and visa requirements for travelers entering South Africa.

All non-South African passport holders are required to have at least one, entirely blank (unstamped) visa page in their passport, each time entry is sought into South Africa.

These pages are in addition to the Endorsement / Amendment pages that are found at the back of the passport. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding passengers without the required blank visa page. South African Airways is required to enforce these visa requirements and unfortunately, customers not processing the proper documentation will be denied boarding at point of origin.

Eco Paraiso
CONTACT: Denaly Barrera
TEL: + 52 (55) 51 35 13 39 ext 13
E-MAIL: sales@ecoparaiso.com
WEB: www.ecoparaiso.com

CELESTUN, Mexico— Hotel Eco Paraiso, located within the Special Biosphere Reserve of Celestun on the remote northern Gulf of Mexico, in the State of Yucatan, offers a secluded, secure beach vacation for friends and families.

Besides the beautiful, 3-mile shell-filled, sandy beach, guests can experience the diverse wildlife which inhabits the entire Celestun Inlet and the North area of the Reserve where Eco Paraiso Hotel has become established as one of the ecological lodges of more relevance in the Peninsula.

A Special Biosphere denotes a zone of one or more eco-systems unaltered by man. The area is a main feeding ground for the Pink Flamingo and many other sea birds as well as a breeding ground for sea turtles.

The turtles come to nest on the beach during the spring months and the resulting babies make a rush for the sea between June and August.

The hotel, which features 24 individual cabanas all with private terraces complete with hammocks, providing expansive views of the Gulf of Mexico, was carefully created within the ecologically sensitive area.

Of the 62 acres owned by the Hotel, only 1.2% is developed. The rest, including the pristine, shell-filled beach, remains untouched.

The property includes the newly constructed Restaurant Xixim and bar El Santuario plus a fresh water pool overlooking the Gulf.

The chef, Elia Cordova, prepares a selection of local specialties in a simple but exciting unique ‘new’ Mexican style. For night action – clubs and discos – there are none; guests are encouraged to lie in their hammocks and watch the sun set over the Gulf.

The resort offers multiple choices of local tours which allow guests to explore the archaeological wealth including the Mayan ruins at Uxmal as well as the unique ecosystem of the Yucatan.

Hotel Eco Paraiso is best accessed through the international airport in Merida, which has flights direct from the U.S. as well as through Mexico City with arranged transfers.

Take a 12 Day Classic Rwanda and Uganda Safari

Kampala, Uganda –In Western Uganda lies the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park (QE), with the ice-covered peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains as a backdrop.

This Classic Uganda and Rwanda safari, offered by great ape tourism experts Volcanoes Safaris, starts in Entebbe and finishes in Kigali 12 days later.

This adventure traces the western Rift Valley in the heart of Africa, starting with game viewing on the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park with elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard.

Visitors will track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge and soon see the new eco-lodge created by Volcanoes Safaris near the Kyambura Gorge.

In Ishasha, guests will go on the hunt for the tree-climbing lions lounging on old fig trees, see the rich wildlife and array of birds on the Kazinga Channel, and spot some of the last remaining 700 mountain gorillas in the world.

This trip offers an opportunity to track gorillas five times, twice in Bwindi, once in Mgahinga/Nkuringo, and twice in PNV.

This region is rich in wildlife, including the tree lions at Ishasha, and is a haven for bird-watchers.

The combination of volcanoes, volcanic lakes and steeply terraced hillsides make this a dramatic area. Accommodation takes place in Volcanoes Safaris’ own distinctive eco-lodges, which offer an unforgettable respite after a day of animal tracking.

www.volcanoessafaris.com

BC Canada- Have Your Gourmet Food, Hot Showers and Whales Too!

Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc.
CONTACT: Terry Prichard
TEL: (208) 765-3116
E-MAIL: info@seakayakadventures.com
WEB: www.seakayakadventures.com

GOD’S POCKET, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc. has pioneered offering exclusive, wilderness lodge-based sea kayak trips in this area, designed for those who wish a true vacation from stressful urban life, surrounded by nature yet with creature comforts.

A stay at God’s Pocket Resort in BC Canada’s new park God’s Pocket Provincial Park is the perfect mix of quiet, relaxation, superb whale viewing from a kayak while feasting on the chef’s gourmet preparations of local organic produce and local freshly caught seafood.

The hot tub and hot showers are the icing on the cake. We have exclusive use of this lodge – the only one in the park.

If you want to try kayak touring but have no desire to camp out, you’ll find God’s Pocket Resort’s quaint accommodations appealing.

You will stay in a private room complete with ensuite bathroom at a rustic 7-room lodge, located on a remote uninhabited island in the heart of God’s Pocket Provincial Park just off the northern tip of Vancouver Island.

From Port Hardy, a boat takes us there on an unforgettable cruise through breathtaking scenes of rugged mountains, forested islands, and the pristine waters of Queen Charlotte Strait.

People of all experience levels will find this an excellent introduction to sea kayak touring and a great way to truly experience the wonders of paddling on Canada’s Inside Passage. It’s also the perfect place to celebrate special birthdays, anniversaries, multi-generational family reunions, all women’s trips, retreats, etc. We’ve had couples become engaged there, and celebrate anniversaries there – weddings, too!

Paddling this area combines the adventure of exploration by sea kayak with the amenities of lodged accommodation. Daily excursions take you into the intricate network of waterways surrounding the many islands that make up the park.

From a kayak you will have the opportunity to see humpback and fin whales, sea otters, porpoises, seals, sea lions and bald eagles frolicking in their natural habitat.

Hiking trails take you into the island’s lush rainforest. This area is also famous for its diving and fishing.

After a day of kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching, you will be back at the lodge to enjoy a hot shower in your room, wine and appetizers on the deck and a delicious dinner.

The meals are outstanding; featuring locally caught seafood and local wines – prepared fresh daily by the resort’s private chef. Enjoy fresh baked whole grain breads, cookies and cinnamon rolls – all baked daily at the lodge. Indulge in the warmth and hospitality of your hosts around the communal table and after dinner watching the sunset and stars fireside from a spacious deck above the water.

Then sleep blissfully in a comfortable bed in absolute quiet. The quiet alone is fantastically rejuvenating.

God’s Pocket is also ideal for simply relaxing. You set the pace; a day off from kayaking is always your choice, and motorboat excursions always an option.

The price of the tour is offered to your readers at just US $2,095/person – which is $200 off if booked by May 1, 2010.

Five or six-day trips depart every Monday June and July from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island June 21- July 30, 2010.

Trips fill fast – call soon to book your space on these unique trips.

Includes: all kayaking and safety equipment, neoprene booties, water taxi transport to God’s Pocket Resort, lodgingandmeals, basic kayaking instructions, professional guides. Not included: breakfast on the first day, accommodations or meals in Port Hardy, transportation to airport, airfare to BC Canada.

For more information, call Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc. at (800) 616-1943, or access their website at www.seakayakadventures.com  Email address: info@seakayakadventures.com

This SCUBA diving conservation volunteer holiday created by Biosphere Expeditions will take you to the United Arab Emirates and from there to the remote and mountainous Musandam peninsula of Oman.

There you will study the diverse coral reefs fringing the areas where the mountains plunge into the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

This is a pioneering study to map this currently unprotected underwater environment.

The reefs boast a rich mixture of beautiful corals and a multitude of fish and other animals.

Data on the current biological status of the reefs and of population levels of key indicator species are therefore crucial for educational purposes and to be able to put forward ideas for future marine protection areas.

Data collection follows an internationally recognized coral reef monitoring program, called Reef Check, and will be used to make informed management and conservation decisions within the area.

The expedition includes training as a Reef Check EcoDiver.

With this you are also eligible to apply for PADI or NAUI Reef Check Speciality Course certification.

Participants must be fully qualified divers to take part in the expedition. Oct 10-16, 17-23, 2010.

www.biosphere-expeditions.org

New Kyambura Eco-Lodge

To Open In 2010

KAMPALA, Uganda —Volcanoes Safaris new eco-lodge near the Kyambura Gorge, facing the Rwenzori Mountains, is part of the Volcanoes Kyambura Eco-tourism Partnership Program.

In addition to housing guests of Volcanoes Safaris’ award-winning safaris, the lodge will help to protect an isolated community of chimpanzees, and create a buffer zone between the gorge and the surrounding communities.

The Volcanoes Trust is working with local people to help promote the conservation of chimpanzees and the benefits of tourism to the area.

On the savannah plains below the Kyambura Gorge Lodge is being built near the Kyambura Gorge at the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The Gorge is almost at the geographical center of the Greater Virunga Landscape, at the heart of the Albertine Rift that straddles Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC.

This landscape is one of the most important areas for avian, primate and wildlife biodiversity in Africa.

Like their other ecolodges the Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge will continue to build on Volcanoes Safaris philosophy of being ecologically sensitive and working closely with communities.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge will initially have 8 bandas (rooms) overlooking the Gorge and rolling savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is expected to open in June 2010.

The original site for the lodge, adjoining the gorge, had about 25 acres.

They have since increased it to about 60 acres to protect the neighboring areas of the gorge by creating a buffer zone between them and the gorge, as well as purchasing the site of an illegal brickworks, which will be reconverted back to wetland.

For more information visit www.volcanoessafaris.com

www.volcanoessafaris.com

OSA PENINSULA, Costa Rica –Tucked away in the jungle of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, El Remanso Lodge beckons both adventurers and people looking for a relaxing getaway in a natural paradise.

The 185 acres of private reserve offer endless possibilities to discover the magic of a tropical rainforest acting as a buffer zone to the famous Corcovado National Park. Travelers can enjoy activities like waterfall rappelling, zip lining, guided hikes in the reserve, or simply relaxing on the terrace of the luxurious cabins while watching monkeys swing through the surrounding trees.

The Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the world’s most biodiverse areas with over 700 species of trees, 380 species of birds, 4 species of monkeys, 6 species of wildcats, and much more. The lodge is close to the famous Corcovado National Park, connected to it via a biological corridor, which teems with the indigenous wildlife of Costa Rica.

The nearby Golfo Dulce is one of 4 tropical fjords in the world and attracts an immense variety of wildlife.

By staying at El Remanso Rainforest Wildlife Lodge, visitors also help to preserve the fragile ecosystem that they encounter while experiencing the natural world in its most pristine form. Since its creation, El Remanso has also been a pioneer in sustainable practices.

www.elremanso.com

Bring your conference, and family, to Boise to tack adventure and culture to an otherwise boring business trip.

Why not hold your meeting in a historic theater or gain inspiration from nature in Idaho Botanical Gardens.

After work take the family and explore all the city has to offer. Boise is many things but boring is not one of them!

Meeting Spots: From hotels to arenas to theaters all types of business needs can be met in Boise. For example the trendy Hotel 43 offers over 2500 sq ft of meeting space starting at $300-$500.

Adventure: It’s hard to be bored in Boise with rafting, kayaking and ziplining in the summer and a slew of winter sports in the colder months.

Cultural Study: Catch a show by Ballet Idaho after wandering the Boise Art Museum or Basque Cultural Center.

Kid-Friendly: The little ones will have plenty to do between visiting ZooBoise, Discovery Center of Idaho or even biking the various city parks.

www.boise.org