Jetsettersblog

OPENS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the opening of Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, California, just north of San Diego. Park Hyatt now has 25 properties worldwide.

A true California retreat, designed in the Spanish colonial style, Park Hyatt Aviara is set off by palm trees, expansive gardens, rolling hills, and views of the Pacific Coast.

First opened in 1997, the resort spans 205 acres set on the northern shore of the Batiquitos Lagoon, which is one of California’s most precious, untouched wetlands with more than 130 species of birds and 24 varieties of flowering plants.

“We are thrilled to be managing one of California’s most beautiful resorts,” said Chuck Floyd, chief operating officer, North America, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “Park Hyatt Aviara Resort will be a wonderful addition to our luxury Park Hyatt portfolio and Hyatt Resort properties worldwide.”

Four restaurants, ranging from a poolside café, an airy bistro, a contemporary steakhouse, and an elegant dining room serving a regional Italian menu offer guests exceptional cuisine.

All guestrooms are beautifully appointed and feature a marble bathroom with a commodious bathtub. Of the 329 rooms, 44 are suites and all rooms have a private balcony or a landscaped terrace.

The resort is perfectly situated for active and leisurely retreats, as well as social mingling.

A signature spa spans 15,000 square feet and includes 20 treatment rooms and fitness centre. A year-round destination for golf and tennis, the resort boasts an 18-hole championship golf course ranked as one of the top courses on the West Coast.

The course, designed by Arnold Palmer, features exceptional practice facilities and a two-storey Spanish colonial clubhouse. Club-fitting and instruction are offered at the acclaimed Kip Puterbaugh Aviara Golf Academy and TaylorMade Performance Lab.

The six tennis courts, managed by Peter Burwash International, include two clay courts and four hard courts. There are 78,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.

“The resort’s outstanding natural beauty is a rare find, and the property comes with many traditions that are already beloved,” said Mark Stiebeling, General Manager, Park Hyatt Aviara. “We are excited to bring these strengths into the next era, with this opening at the beginning of the summer season.”

Park Hyatt Aviara also features a Beach Butler who provides complimentary transportation to the beach (a 10-minute trip) and all the necessary amenities: chairs, beach umbrella, towels and blankets.

The Beach Butler can also recommend locations and contacts for kayaking, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and other aquatic activities, and bring along ingredients for a morning coffee or afternoon picnic.

For those guests choosing to remain on property, an arcade game room features traditional billiards, foosball, ping pong tables, video games, air hockey and more.

An expansive recreation centre features open space for sports activities including sand volleyball, lawn bowling, horseshoes, croquet and half-court basketball.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort and Spa joins the culturally authentic collection of Hyatt Resorts worldwide where instinctive architecture blends seamlessly with nature, where locally grown ingredients enhance traditional spa treatments and where gourmet regional cuisine excites the palate. From romantic getaways to family holidays, the exceptional service and world-class amenities at Hyatt Resorts offer something for everyone.

There are 46 Hyatt Resorts worldwide offering signature programmes such as Camp Hyatt, Hyatt Pure spas, as well as cultural and sporting activities. Recent Hyatt Resorts openings include Park Hyatt Jeddah Marina, Club and Spa in Saudi Arabia, Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa in South Africa, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa in Clearwater, Fla., and Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Mariana in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort joins a growing portfolio of luxurious Park Hyatt properties around the world, including Park Hyatt Tokyo, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, and Palacio Duhau- Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, and three other Park Hyatt properties in Beaver Creek, Colo., Washington D.C. and Chicago. Park Hyatt hotels and resorts are known for their rich local culture, elegant sense of design, and outstanding culinary programmes. Many properties showcase their own collection of blue-chip contemporary art.

For reservations and more information about Park Hyatt Aviara Resort and Spa, please visit www.parkaviara.hyatt.com

Expert Instruction and Individualized Attention – The Perfect Match

Black Point Inn is located at the tip of Prouts Neck at 510 Black Point Road in Scarborough, Maine.

This landmark property boasts 25 guestrooms, a fine dining restaurant, and 3000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and banquet space.

PROUTS NECK, ME — Guests will have a chance to improve their game and perfect their Ace this fall at Black Point Inn’s exclusive Tennis Camp.

Available from September 10-12, these three days of rigorous instruction promise to improve a player’s game by adjusting current technique, improving efficient court movement, and developing a winning approach to match play. The camper to instructor ratio never exceeds four to one, which ensures everyone is given the individual attention necessary for improving their game.

Black Point Inn’s tennis camp will be held at the exclusive Prouts Neck Country club, just steps away from the historic Inn and will be divided into a morning session from 9am-12noon and an afternoon session from 2pm-4pm.

Tennis Camp Package includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at Black Point Inn, four days of luxury accommodations, opening night meet and greet cocktail party, two camp sessions each day for three days, and fruit, snacks and water provided while at camp.

Double occupancy rates are $1500 plus a $1200 camp fee.

Single occupancy rates are $1350 plus $600 camp fee. *

For more information on the Tennis Camp at Black Point Inn visit

www.blackpointinn.com/inn/bpi54.html.

To make reservations please call 207.883.2500 or visit

http://www.blackpointinn.com .

*Rate does not include tax service charge and beverages.

Open spring through fall, Black Point Inn is a member of Migis Hotels, a collection of luxury hotels and resorts dedicated to creating an unparalleled world of relaxation, recreation, and welcome in extraordinary waterfront settings in Maine.

The Big “M” Casino, a Dinner Cruise Ship, is debuting their new Web site as well as a new blog.

LITTLE RIVER, SC, — Myrtle Beach’s Dinner Cruise Ship, The Big “M” Casino, has launched their newly revamped Web Site and Blog:

* http://www.BigMCasino.com/myrtle-beach
* http://www.GamblingCasinoCruise.com

The site gives users the ability to make reservations for future cruises and features a monthly printable calendar of cruise activities so that passengers may plan their trips; weekly photos of the most recent jackpot winners, a free online slot machine, and directions to guide you to Little River, SC.

The site also offers chances to win free cruises, allows new members to join the “Best Players Club in South Carolina” online, and groups may submit inquiries for special packages for up to 100 passengers.

The focus of the Big M Casino blog is to draw players to join the “Best Players Club in South Carolina,” though those who join must be at least 21 years old.

The blog advertises Big “M” slot machines as “the loosest slots in South Carolina.” It promotes the fact that players may earn points faster than any other casino and redeem those points for cash- the same day -something no other South Carolina casino allows.

The Big “M” Casino is offering free boarding to all Big “M” Players Club members; Silver Plus, Preferred Plus or Gold Plus Members qualify for direct mail rewards and free meals on every cruise. The Big “M” Casino also offers free drinks while gaming and everything from special events to private VIP Only Events.

About Big M Casino:

Aboard the NEWEST & MOST luxurious 186′ Myrtle Beach Casino gaming yacht you can enjoy Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Let-It-Ride, 3 Card Poker, Texas Hold’em Poker & the Newest and Loosest Slots including Wheel of Fortune, Pot O’Gold, Video Poker & MORE!

Superb All You Can Eat Buffet on all cruises, plus, Fantastic Live Entertainment on every Cruise, you’ll find it all right here;

You Can Bet On It! The Big “M” Casino sails year round departing from Little River.

All Cruises begin boarding 1 hour prior to departure. Reservations are guaranteed up until 30 minutes prior to each departure.

Plenty of FREE parking. Please allow for traffic in your travel plans; the parking lot and ticket office close 5 minutes prior to each scheduled departure.

While sailing aboard the Big “M” Casino Gaming Yacht, please remember dress appropriately, arrive early and remember “It Pays To Play On The Big “M” Casino”!

Veteran Hospitality Developer, Eric DeBlasi, Introduces New Concept

LAS VEGAS – Veteran hospitality developer, Eric DeBlasi of The Medusa Group, debuts a new concept in Las Vegas.

Lolita’s Cantina & Tequila Bar, an 11,500 square foot restaurant and nightclub, set to open July 9, 2010 at Town Square, is the company’s first foray in the Las Vegas market.

“Las Vegas is a vibrant and exciting city which makes it the ideal location for The Medusa Group to launch our newest concept,” said Eric DeBlasi, Founder and CEO of The Medusa Group.

“Las Vegas locals are looking for a fun, festive atmosphere, off the Strip, where they can get a delicious meal and then really let loose. We’re filling that niche with Lolita’s Cantina & Tequila Bar in Town Square, by offering great tasting food and a unique nightlife scene.”

Eric DeBlasi got his start in the hospitality and nightlife industry at the age of 22. A real estate developer by trade, he purchased a building in California that housed a nightclub and restaurant.

DeBlasi built a team of savvy industry experts and after running both venues, fell in love with the hospitality industry.

Now, more than 20 years later, Eric DeBlasi has become one of the most prominent hospitality developers on the West Coast. Marrying his background in real estate with his love for the hospitality and nightlife industries, DeBlasi has owned more than 35 high-end restaurants, nightclubs and hotels across the United States, making him one of the most prolific single hospitality owners in the country.

“The Medusa Group has a number of projects in development with several new restaurant concepts set to debut nationally in the next two years,” said DeBlasi.

“I’m pleased to present Lolita’s Cantina &Tequila Bar to Las Vegas and showcase what The Medusa Group is capable of accomplishing. We are bringing the best of your favorite party destinations, Cabo, Mazatlan and South Beach, to your backyard. The Medusa Group is looking forward to the grand opening and anticipate Lolita’s Cantina & Tequila Bar to be the first of many future successes.”

About The Medusa Group

The Medusa Group is led by nightlife/hospitality veteran Eric DeBlasi, who has owned more than 35 restaurants, nightclubs and hotels across the United States over the past two decades.

The Medusa Group is currently responsible for various hospitality development projects and several new restaurant concepts set to debut nationally in the next two years.

About Lolita’s Cantina & Tequila Bar

Owned by Medusa Group, Lolita’s Cantina & Tequila Bar features traditional, regional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Wholesome dishes are prepared with only the best in organic ingredients with proprietary sauces and salsas made fresh daily.

Award–winning celebrity chef and mixologist, Carlo Cavallo has created a diverse menu of authentic Mexican specialties, regional classics and a margarita and cocktail menu that is unmatched in the area.

Each margarita will be handcrafted straight up, blended or hand-shaken. Using only fresh fruits, made-to-order mixers and specialty ingredients, Lolita’s Cantina will offer more than 100 different tequilas including a wide selection of 100% agave tequilas, a specialty cocktail menu and what promises to be the city’s most talked-about happy hour.

With non-stop energy, Lolita’s will feature live performers, dancers and DJs to establish Lolita’s as Sin City’s newest party spot.

Lolita’s Cantina & Tequila Bar is located at 6605 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nev., 89119 at Town Square.

For more information, please visit www.lolitascantina.com

As home to the world’s major networks and movie studios, as well as nearly countless arts organizations, the San Fernando Valley – known simply as “The Valley” to those in the know – will soon be adding another world-class performing arts venue to the mix.

The new Valley Performing Arts Center, at the California State University, Northridge Campus is on track for a January 2011 inauguration, with a sneak peek preview in late fall featuring a performance by the Moscow State Symphony orchestra.

Arts in the valley, however, range well beyond Northridge.

Home to three major motion picture studios — Universal Studios Hollywood, NBC Studios and Warner Bros., all of which offer access to the public – the Valley’s diverse entertainment talent provides a solid base for the performing arts venues located throughout the region.

The NoHo (North Hollywood) Arts District, in particular, has more than 20 theaters presenting live performances ranging from the classics to improve.

Art galleries add to the bohemian vibe along Lankershim Boulevard, interspersed with cafés that often feature live music. Universal CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood also comes alive with free live music on the CityWalk Stage every Friday and Saturday through the summer.
www.discoverLosAngeles.com

The breathtaking art of the South Pacific is as close as Long Beach, at the new Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (PieAM), which opened June 12 in Long Beach, near the Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA).

Like entering an island village, the museum features a traditionally peaked building and lush sculpture garden with native South Pacific plants.

A mural (by Long Beach native Art Mortimer) recreates a traditional Men’s House from the Island of Yap on the building’s exterior; while inside sculptures, textiles, paintings, wooden tools, jewelry and carvings from across the Pacific showcase the arts of the Marshall, Samoa, Guam, Fiji and Tongan islands.

Nationalities represented include Micronesian, Hawaiian, Ni-Vanuatu, Maori, Polynesian, Melanesian, Palauan, and the I-Kiribati.

Permanent and rotating exhibits as well as continually commissioned new works will be enhanced with traditional dance performances, interactive cultural demonstrations and learning programs.

PieAM was created by the late Dr. Robert Gumbiner, who died in January 2009, and includes his personal collection of Pacific Island ethnic art.

PieAM also is available for small-sized meetings and banquets.

www.pieam.org

Boulder, Colorado is world-renowned as the home for many of America’s top bike rides, thanks to incredible scenery and great proximity to amazing biking terrain.

This summer, experience the city’s enthusiastic biking culture with the Millennium Harvest House Boulder’s Biking Through Boulder Package, which includes:

Standard accommodations for two (with available room upgrade to a Superior room for inspiring mountain views)

Full Buffet Breakfast for two to fuel the day’s explorations
Professionally guided road or mountain bike tour lasting from 1 ½ to 2 hours (depending on the type of ride chosen and travel time to/from the starting point)

Free transportation, as well as helmet and bike rental

From the front door of the hotel, your professional guide from Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides will take you through a mountain or a road bike tour that provides guests with a safe, educational and uniquely Colorado experience.

Your guide will tailor your ride distance and difficulty blending challenge, exertion, and enjoyment to your fitness level and scenery preferences. There are many options that offer grand vistas and terrain ranging from easy to challenging.

Available from $289*. To book, please call the Millennium Harvest House Boulder at (303) 443-3850, or book online at

www.millenniumhotels.com/boulder

 and use the code GBIKET.

Recently rated the #1 Sports Town in America and the Happiest City in the U.S., the Millennium Harvest House Boulder is an active vacationer’s dream, due in part to the property’s gorgeous indoor and outdoor pools, 16 acres of gardens, location within walking distance to over 25 restaurants and bars, and the property’s famed Friday Afternoon Clubs – an outdoor summer concert series that runs from May through August.

Must reserve at least 48 hours prior to arrival and cancel at least 48 hours prior to arrival.

Package is based on double occupancy, availability and is non-transferable. Guide gratuity is not included. Bike tours may be scheduled in groups with a minimum guide ratio of 1 guide for 6 participants. Once package is reserved; we will contact you to schedule your ride with Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides.

Offer expires November 20th, 2010.

Tauck is expanding its European river cruise portfolio for 2011 with two new cruises on the Rhone River, a new riverboat and an increase in river cruise departures by more than 30 percent.

“European river cruising continues to be among the fastest-growing segments of our business, and we’re boosting capacity and expanding our offerings to better serve our guests and our agents,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar.

For the coming year, Tauck will operate 12 itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Rhone, Main and Saone rivers aboard a fleet of four luxury ships designed and built to Tauck’s specifications, including the Swiss Jewel (launched in 2009), Swiss Sapphire (2008), Swiss Emerald (2006) and a new vessel set to launch in summer 2011. Mahar said Tauck will be announcing additional details on the new build in the coming months, as well as enhancements to its other riverboats for next year.

Tauck’s two new Rhone River itineraries are the 10-day French Waterways & Vineyards (from $4,490 per person double occupancy, plus air) and the 14-day French Escapade: Monte-Carlo to Paris (from $5,990 per person double occupancy, plus air).

French Waterways & Vineyards begins with an included two-night stay in Paris at The Westin Paris, complete with guided local sightseeing. Guests then board the high-speed TGV train to Lyon to begin their seven-day cruise, with highlights including Vienne, Tournon, Valence, Viviers, Avignon, Roussillon, Arles, and a dinner at Provence’s Pont du Gard.

The French Escapade is a Monte-Carlo to Paris itinerary that begins with a guided exploration of Monte-Carlo and Nice during a two-night stay at the Fairmont Monte Carlo. Guests then travel to Arles to begin their nine-day cruise on the Rhone and Saone rivers. The cruise explores Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, Lyon, Macon, Chalon-sur-Saone and Beaune. The trip concludes in Paris with guided sightseeing and two-nights at the Westin Paris. All of Tauck’s 2011 cruises are highlighted in the company’s new 76-page European river cruising brochure, which mailed recently to agents and past and prospective Tauck guests.

For information, call 800-468-2825 or visit www.tauck.com

Windermere cruise company Sailaway has launched a range of cruises from White Cross Bay, where passengers sit back, relax and enjoy the exquisite landscape pass by.

Climb aboard ‘M/V Frivolity’ for either ‘A Picnic Lunch’, ‘Afternoon Tea’ or ‘A Sunset Cruise’ and indulge in delicious home baking or glass of wine and fine local cheeses.

Each cruise caters for up to 12 passengers with a £5 discount for South Lakeland Park visitors, normally £35 per person.

Cruises last 1.5 hours starting at 12:00pm, 3:30pm and 7:30pm respectively, with the journeys taking passengers across the waters of the UK’s most famous lake.

The company also offers special occasion or celebration cruises.

These can be arranged to your taste and style offering exclusive use of the boat.

Suggested themes include Champagne, Strawberry and Chocolate Cruises with prices from as little as £45 per person. Minimum numbers apply.

For further information please contact Victoria Sewell on 07920 575261 or alternatively email

sailawaybm@hotmail.com

In fact, the award winning specialist Scottish cruise operators The Majestic Line have experienced an appreciable increase in ‘whole boat charters’ during their current sailing season.

Dates for hiring your own cruise ship for 2010 have all been snapped up; bookings for the 2011 season are selling like hot cakes and even the 2012 season charters is starting to fill up.

However, due to a cancellation on 14th August there is a late availability for whole boat charter leaving from Holy Loch. So if you fancy a special birthday of anniversary celebration, or just want a totally different holiday experience with your mates, you can hire your own cruise ship with a 10% saving on normal prices.

Whole boat charters now account for about 25% of the Majestic Line’s business and are generally booked by groups wanting something absolutely unique and exclusive. Special occasions such as major birthdays, anniversaries or even house parties with a difference are often why guests are attracted to Majestic as a party of 11 can literally sail off into the sunset.

There is a crew of 4, including a chef on board to ensure everyone’s needs are catered for. Cruises are fully inclusive of sumptuous freshly cooked meals and wine.

The Majestic Line was recently re-awarded the coveted Three Rosette Good Food Award by Saga.

There is also a fully stocked bar with malt whisky being a speciality. Guests can make up their own itinerary with a huge number of unspoilt and rarely visited places easily accessible by the Majestic boats.

The Majestic Line operates two traditionally built wooden vessels, The Glen Massan and Tarsan.

All the six cabins are fully en suite.

There is a large indoor deck saloon which is ideal for hosting exclusive lunches or dinners and whilst the boat is under steam watching some of the most stunning scenery that Scotland has to offer. At the stern there is a large sun deck which is ideal for sipping a cold glass of champagne whilst building up an appetite.

Guests are able to hire one of the boats for a 3-night or 6-night cruise starting either from the Holy Loch about an hour from central Glasgow or from Oban on the north west coast of Scotland.

Every day is different and there are literally thousands of shore excursions available ranging from visiting a historic castle, a distillery, a deserted beach or a picturesque fishing village. Or simply relax aboard and watch some of the world’s most stunning scenery pass slowly by.

Wildlife watching is also extremely popular with nosy dolphins often following the boats. Basking sharks are often seen along with an array of rare birdlife such as sea and golden eagles and even the elusive osprey.

In addition to the special August offer, bookings for next year and 2012 are being held at 2010 rates for a limited period. Marie Thoms, Sales Manager said ‘To hire your very own cruise ship for a special occasion has proved to be spectacularly successful with previous guests having had parties to end all parties.

However, I’d strongly advise anyone looking for something completely unique and exclusive to book now as whole boat charters are extremely limited.

We will welcome you aboard for the celebration of a lifetime and everyone at Majestic will ensure that this is something that you will never forget’.

As the Matheson family said of their recent trip ‘It was an unforgettable holiday and an utterly amazing way to celebrate a very special occasion. The scenery, the food, the wildlife, the crew, the shore stops and the lovely Glen Tarsan were all superb’.

High praise indeed.