Jetsettersblog

With a 3,000 year old tradition of wave worship, Samoa offers a unique combination of authentic surfing at the most affordable prices.

Shallow reef breaks and waves – with names like ‘Dragon’s Breath’, ‘Pudding Rock’ and ‘Devil’s Island’ makes the Treasured Islands of the South Pacific a world class destination for experienced surfers.

Upolu and Savaii, Samoa’s two main island’s, offer unbeatable year round surf breaks, only a frisbee throw from simple beach huts costing as little as £14 per night (including breakfast and dinner).

Those in need more comfort and facilities can book into hotels like the Sa’monana Resort on the south western coast of Upolu.

The Sa’moana Resort caters almost exclusively to surfers and offers high quality bungalows designed in an authentic Polynesian style, suitable for single travellers, couples, families or groups of friends.

The resort is located on a pristine beach, set in a tranquil coconut grove.

The perfect place to chill out over a sundowner, or two.

Special Offer until 31 July:

Sa’moana Resort is offering 7 nights for the price of 5 – or 10 nights for the price of 7*.

Book via www.samoanaresort.com

Surf the latest wave news on the web, visit the official Samoa Tourism Authority,
www.samoa.travel/surfing

Tourists visiting South Korea this year during ‘Visit Korea Year’ can take advantage of a free shuttle bus to take in the sights of the thousand year old Silla capital of Gyeongju or visit the traditional Korean food city of Jeonju. A free bus will also run between Gyeongju and Korea’s port city of Busan.

Tourists can virtually take a free tour around the country with this special shuttle bus service.

Gyeongju is the number one tour destination outside of Seoul with its many historical and cultural relics including UNESCO World Heritage Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto Buddha.

Jeonju is a very popular place for visitors as well with its 400 year old traditional hanok (house) village as well as the best bibimbap (Korea’s most famous mixed rice and vegetable dish) in the country.

The free shuttle bus will operate until 31 December, 2010 giving tourists the chance to visit three of Korea’s highlight tourist destinations.

Free shuttle bus tickets are limited to two per person and there will be a limit of (28) free tickets per day, in the case of more than 28 applications a draw will take place to decide the winners.

The buses will depart daily for Gyeongju and Jeonju from downtown Seoul and drop off at major hotels in Bomun Lake Resort, Gyeongju and Riviera Hotel in Jeonju.

For visitors it’s a great way to take in a side trip during a stopover visit to Seoul.

Application is via the website www.visitkoreayear.com and click on ‘Free Shuttle Bus’. Applicants for the free tickets also receive booklets on the culture and tour information of each destination as well as a Visit Korea Welcome kit and souvenirs.

One free night’s accommodation is also available at certain hotels when you book online at hotels mentioned via the website www.visitkoreayear.com

A free colour guidebook to Korea can be obtained by contacting the Sydney office of Korea Tourism Organization Email: visitkorea@knto.org.au  or phone: 02)9251-1717

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Fairmont Zimbali Resort, a 154-room property, located along the eastern coast of South Africa.

Fairmont Zimbali Resort joins the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, a 76-room property set nearby along the beach.

Nestled between a 700-hectare forest reserve and the beaches of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Dolphin Coast on the Indian Ocean, Fairmont Zimbali Resort is 15 minutes from the brand new King Shaka International Airport (KSIA).

Soccer fans will appreciate being just a short drive away from Durban, one of the nine host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup that kicks off in mid-June.

The hotel features private verandas, soaking tubs and guest rooms styled with stone, wood and the natural materials of the African environment, in addition to a beach club offering wood-fired pizza and barbecue, a sensual wine and tapas bar, pool and beach side cocktail bars and a relaxing tea and coffee lounge featuring strong African roasts and Fairmont teas.

The ballroom can accommodate 180 guests.

Game-viewing expeditions, safari outings, animal and crocodile farm tours, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, micro-light flying, boating, fishing, shark and dolphin tours are all within easy access.

The Willow Stream Spa offers eight treatment and steam rooms. There are also five outdoor swimming pools onsite, including a freshwater pool and saltwater pools overlooking the Indian Ocean. For golf aficionados, an 18-hole golf course is currently under construction, designed by golf champion Gary Player.

The property is equipped with high-speed Internet access and video-on-demand, ensuring that even along this unspoiled shoreline, guests never need be out of touch with the latest news, movies and games.

Amid the deserts of the United Arab Emirates lies the new exclusive resort of Banyan Tree Al Wadi.

The first desert resort in the UAE to offer an all-pool villa concept, Banyan Tree Al Wadi brings an oasis of indulgence to guests complete with an Asian-inspired hydrotherapy spa and fitness facilities, a dedicated nature reserve, a private beach club and an 18-hole championship golf course.

In honor of its opening, Banyan Tree Al Wadi is offering “Summer of Indulgence,” a special pay two/stay three promotion. Guests who book a two-night stay will receive a third night free.

In addition, guests who book the “Summer of Indulgence” package will receive complimentary daily breakfast (for up to two people) at Al Waha restaurant, complimentary welcome drink (for up to two people), complimentary use of Hydrotherapy Spa-Rainforest Experience, and subsequent nights at best available rate with breakfast.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi will also offer one of the following activities for all confirmed reservations for stays through Sept. 30:

one round of golf at Al Hamra Golf Club (for up to two people), one three-course dinner at Al Waha or Saffron restaurants (for up to two people), one 90-minute massage session (for up to two people), and one private falconry show (for up to two people).

The package is bookable now through Sept. 28, valid for stays until Sept. 30 (all dates inclusive, no black-out dates apply).

A two-night paid minimum is required to receive one complimentary night.

Rates begin at $580 per night for a Deluxe Pool Villa.

For more information, call 800-591-0439 or www.banyantree.com

NAIROBI, Kenya – Rekero Camp is situated at what is recognized as the prime site within the Masai Mara Game Reserve, close to the confluence of the Mara and Talek River , ten minutes from the main Wildebeest crossings during the migration.

The camp overlooks large pools populated with hippo and crocodile, and offers some of the finest big cat viewing in Africa.

The camp is set up seasonally (June-October, December-March) and caters to a maximum of eighteen guests.

Gerard and Rainee Beaton and Jackson Ole Looseyia own and host this unique camp. Their team of Professional Masaai Safari Guides and camp crew have worked together for years providing guests with an indepth and truly memorable Masai Mara experience.

Accommodation is in 8 spacious tents, all with ensuite bathrooms.

www.bush-and-beyond.com

Educates Travelers About the Pygmy Batwa Culture
Volcanoes Safaris
www.volcanoessafaris.com

Uganda—Mgahinga National Park in Uganda recently announced the opening of the Mgahinga Batwa Trail, a hike through the forest to the Garama Cave which gives travelers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the local Pygmy Batwa culture.

Visitors that are on safari with award winning safari company Volcanoes Safaris can experience this unique activity as part of their stay at Volcanoes Safaris Mount Gahinga Lodge.
The Pygmy Batwa people are a hunter-gatherer group, who traditionally lived within the forests and survived off small mammals and plants.

When Mgahinga National Park was gazetted in 1991, the Batwa were forced to leave the forest and were no longer able to enter the park to gather food.

Given their traditional way of life and their dependency on the forest for food, this resulted in various socio-economic problems and the Batwa communities remain largely marginalized and are one of the poorest communities in Uganda.

This activity gives the Batwa people an opportunity to re-enter the forest in coordination with the park authorities while creating awareness about their culture among the travelers that participate in the hike.

The hike starts at a base camp 30 minutes drive from our Mount Gahinga Lodge, also the starting point for those setting out on the stunning hike up the sides of the Muhavura or Gahinga volcanoes.

Members of the Batwa community and guides from the Ugandan Wildlife Authority take travelers through the dense forest and educate travelers by teaching them about the Batwa way of life.

This walk offers a great example of local communities and park authorities in Uganda working together to ensure local people earn a livelihood from tourism.

Volcanoes Safaris are supporting this project and others like it by including it in the activities offered from our Mount Gahinga Lodge.

The Amara Collection is delighted to announce the opening of their boutique property in the Selous Game Reserve, The Amara Simbazi.

Nestled along the Great Ruaha River, lies a hidden gem, The Amara Simbazi, a luxury boutique property in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve. Our premier property offers our guests the gift of lavish comfort in the middle of the African bush.

12 Spacious accommodation suites overlooking the African wilderness, deluxe size beds, air conditioning, freshly pressed linen, personal butlers and beautiful outside seating areas featuring cooling natural plunge pools ensure that our guests experience the very best of wild Africa in the lap of luxury.

Additionally attached are private outdoor secluded showers where you can safely enjoy the snorts and antics of the resident hippos in the river.

Our lounge and dining areas are located discretely, in order to afford superb wildlife viewing opportunities whilst relaxing in luxurious surroundings – the wild animals can be witnessed quenching their thirst and satisfying their hunger whilst our guests enjoy ice cold drinks and mouth watering meals prepared over traditional African bush fires and served by personal butlers.

Off the beaten track, Amara Simbazi offers guests an experience to remember. The essence and location suggests one stays a minimum of 2 nights so that guests can relax and enjoy untamed Africa at its best.

Activities include game drives in open game driving vehicles led by professional guides, where one can enjoy bush breakfasts and picnic lunches. Walking safaris that bring you close to nature and boating safaris coupled with sundowners are truly exhilarating.

The Simbazi Spa offers guests a range of treatments and massages where one can simply lie back and enjoy the activities of river life.
At Amara we truly understand the African bush and how to harmonize it’s beauty with real luxury. Let us be the point of commencement for not only experiencing Africa, but also truly living Africa.

Experience true opulence and extravagant luxury with The Amara Collection …..Live Africa.

For more information please contact Veronica on info@amara-tanzania.com  or visit www.amara-tanzania.com

Luxury alcohol-free hotel opens in Abu Dhabi

Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the opening of the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana in Abu Dhabi, 1 June 2010.

The hotel is the third opening under the alcohol-free brand, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts, respecting the beliefs and culture of the company’s guests and delivering world-class standards true the existing reputation of Rotana.

Set on its own private white sand beach, the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana offers guests the ultimate in opulence within an alcohol-free environment.

Guests can look forward to 443 luxurious rooms, suites and serviced apartments with stunning views from the private balconies overlooking the beach, making it an ideal destination for leisure and business travellers alike.

Features and amenities include mini bar, modern bathroom and shower, guest toilet, hairdryer, LCD IPTV with a wide variety on international satellite channels and services individually controlled A/C, in room safe.

“Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana is the first property to open in Abu Dhabi under the new brand Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana, which is an alcohol-free option reflecting our respect for the culture and beliefs of our guests and our dedication to fostering a new Arabia in today’s world.

“I am privileged to be part of the opening team of this magnificent property and we have been working hand in hand to ensure the opening is perfect” said Mr. Alain Kropf, General Manager of Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana.

“The city resort caters to those who seek a greater level of relaxation and comfort. Accommodating both leisure guests and MICE business, from around the world in consummate style and comfort ensures our dedication to making Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi the number one destination“

The property offers six fully equipped sea view meeting rooms for small to medium size conferences, as well as the latest state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.

The resort offers outstanding recreational facilities allowing guests to enjoy creative team challenges and outdoor adventures. In addition to outdoor conferencing and a banqueting service for small gala dinners, facilities for cocktail parties and wedding receptions.

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana boasts a private beach, a state-of-the-art Bodylines health & fitness centre with the latest in cardio and strength equipment, a temperature controlled swimming pool, which is one of the largest in the United Arab Emirates, water sports and a children’s playground.

Guests can take advantage of the range of Food & Beverage venues including; Horizon, the all day dining restaurant serving authentic cuisine from around the world, The Beach: a speciality a la carte Beach Restaurant, The Lounge: located in the main lobby and serving drinks with a wide selection of tea, coffee and healthy snacks, Sunset Bar: located at the pool and offering refreshing drinks and cocktails accompanied by a selection of delicious and light snacks.

For more information, go to www.rotana.com

Opens For The Summer Season

After a six-month winter break, Swissôtel Göcek Marina & Resort has opened its doors again for the summer 2010 season. Located right on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, the picturesque fishing village of Göcek has long been recommended by those in the know as a perfect place to spend an undisturbed holiday away from the masses.

The hotel overlooking the bay, which is excellent for sailing, thanks partly to the ideal wind conditions, offers crystal-clear water, idyllic Mediterranean scenery and a private sandy beach.

Swissôtel Göcek Marina & Resort is the only hotel in the village, and boasts its own 280-metre-long private beach along with a marina with berths for 400 yachts.

The hotel, which has just 57 bedrooms, provides a superb setting for a restful holiday in a peaceful location.

The modern rooms are equipped with every amenity and all have a balcony or terrace with a stunning view of the turquoise sea or the surrounding mountains.

Water sport options of every kind are available within nearby, from diving and parasailing to sailing excursions and windsurfing.

White water rafting, cycling and walking tours can also be arranged through the hotel.

Guests who prefer something a little more relaxing can take advantage of the outdoor pool, sauna, massage and beauty treatments. Moreover Swissôtel Göcek Marina & Resort got the “Blue Flag” for a maritime and freshwater recreational beach.

There are two restaurants and bars at Swissôtel Göcek Marina & Resort offering tempting cuisine.

The Sundowner restaurant and bar, located directly adjacent to the hotel’s private beach, serves drinks, snacks and light meals as well as lunches and evening meals freshly prepared every day in a relaxed ambiance.

The Sundowner offers the best and most beautiful view of the bay of Göcek and during the season is open daily from 10.00am to 11.00pm.

From the terrace of the Olive Tree restaurant on the other hand, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the village of Göcek. Breakfast is served here from 7.00 to 10.30am daily, and light meals and snacks from 11.00am to 11.00pm.

However, the Turkish Riviera has much more to offer than sun, sea and fine cuisine: for art and culture enthusiasts, Swissôtel Göcek Marina & Resort organises numerous excursions to the historical sites in the area, such as the fascinating Lycian ruins in the Xanthos valley or the historical harbour town of Caunos.

Göcek is just 25 minutes from Dalaman International Airport and can be reached easily by public transport. Its mild climate means that even in the autumn, Göcek is the ideal place to enjoy a few days of sun on the Turkish Mediterranean coast.

Further information about Swissôtel Göcek Marina & Resort can be found at the banner below.

Viewers inspired by BBC2’s must-see, ‘The Story of Science’: Proof, Power and Passion, which this week highlighted the unique geographical formation and awe-inspiring landscape of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, can capture some of its majesty themselves – in glorious watercolour.

UK-based ‘Art Safari’, the world’s only tour operator to offer adventurous painting holidays around the globe, is running a 14 day sketching and painting safari at the height of the Masai Mara animal migration from 18th – 31st August 2010.

All trips are led by Africa travel expert and professional artist, Mary-Anne Bartlett who, as great-great grandaughter of botanist and doctor, Sir John Kirk, Dr David Livingstone’s co-explorer beween 1859 -63, has ‘adventure in her blood.’

“This is a colour and adrenaline-rush safari, with wonderfully luxurious evenings and nights. As well as exploring the colours of the Great Rift Valley and animal sketching at the height of the animal migration across the Masai Mara, where huge herds of wildebeest and zebra gather to cross the Mara Rivers in full view of hungry crocodiles and lions, we’re a stone’s throw from Lake Nauru’s shimmering pink flamigoes and abundant game,” she says.

“Rich in culture, landscape, mountains, lakes and wildlife, August is undoubtedly the best time to visit Kenya, whilst visually speaking, it’s an artists’ and photographers’ dream.”

It’s not all about one-to-one art tuition, though, with three nights spent at Malindi on the Indian Ocean enjoying legendary white sand beaches, extreme comfort, fabulous food and relaxation.

The trip costs from £3185 per person sharing – single supplements on request.

Travellers wanting to book the Kenya safari can do so by calling 01394 382235.

For more information about Art Safari click on www.artsafari.co.uk