Jetsettersblog

With its crystal clear blue alpine water and stunning mountain scenery, Lake Tahoe has long been a favorite of travelers for outdoor adventure and lakeside R&R. Zephyr Cove Resort, a collection of rustic lakefront studios and cabins situated in a wooded area of the South Lake Tahoe shoreline, is the perfect hideaway for an adventurous summer retreat.

This summer at Zephyr Cove Resort, travelers can save nearly twenty percent while taking in all that Lake Tahoe has to offer with The Wet Fun in the Sun package.

Starting at $564*, the package includes two nights’ accommodations in a studio cabin or lodge room, tickets for two on the M.S. Dixie II Emerald Bay Sightseeing Cruise, and a double jet ski rental for one hour and a tandem parasailing flight.

The package is available through September 10 for stays Sunday through Thursday.

Up to two additional nights can be added at a discounted rate of $159 per night.

For more information on Zephyr Cove Resort and Lake Tahoe Cruises, or to book the package,

visit www.zephyrcove.com

 or call (866) 761-6240 using promo code: WETFUNSUN.

Schmidt-Curley Design — one of the world’s most active and innovative golf course design firms — announces the front nine and practice facility at Mexico’s Amanali Country Club have opened for play.

Located less than one hour north of Mexico City in Tepeji del Rio, the course is routed through a high-desert landscape of cactus and Mesquite.

Dramatic bunkering, spectacular elevation changes, shots over rugged canyons and sweeping, ever-present views of Lake Tepeji are highlights from Brian Curley and Lead Designer Grant Haserot. Hybrid-Bermuda grass was used on the tees, fairways and roughs, while putting surfaces are bentgrass.

The drivable par-4, 352-yard ninth embodies the above attributes. With the lake as a backdrop, the gambling golfer can risk a downhill, 285-yard carry over a vegetation-filled gorge to reach the well-bunkered green for a putt at eagle.

A more prudent approach, however, may be to drive down the fairway on the right and take bogey out of play.
“Amanali is a strong example of our firm’s global reach and emphasis on creativity and shot values,” says Curley.

“We have several exciting ongoing projects in Mexico, a country poised for future growth and easily accessible from our Scottsdale headquarters.”

Other current Schmidt-Curley Design projects in Mexico include Ventanas de San Miguel (San Miguel de Allende), Kanai Golf Resort (Playa del Carmen) and Maravia Golf Club (La Paz).

Amanali is a luxury, master-planned community. The back nine of the 18-hole, par-72, 7,100-yard golf course is currently under construction, as are a clubhouse, tennis and fitness center, and marina.

For more information about completed and current projects, visit www.schmidt-curley.com  or call 480.483.1994.
About Schmidt-Curley Design

Founded by partners Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona; Haikou, Hainan Island, China and Kunming, China, Schmidt-Curley is a full-service, international golf course architecture and master-planning firm with more than 100 layouts in 24 countries, including the U.S., Thailand, China, Vietnam, Mexico, Egypt, Sweden and Korea.

The tandem is responsible for crafting 10 of the 12 courses at storied Mission Hills Shenzhen — the “World’s Largest Golf Club,” as accredited by Guinness World Records.
Schmidt-Curley teamed with Pete Dye, Nick Faldo, Jose Maria Olazabal, Ernie Els, David Duval, Annika Sorenstam, Vijay Singh, David Leadbetter and Jumbo Ozaki to create a golf experience unlike any other globally.

High profile, award-winning projects from Schmidt-Curley include Bali Hai and Siena Golf Clubs (Las Vegas), Amata Spring Golf Club (Chonburi, Thailand, four-time host of the PGA European Tour’s Royal Trophy), Terra Lago Golf Club (Indio, California, site of the Skins Game from 1999 – 2002), Twin Creeks Golf Club (Cedar Park, Texas) and Crosby National Golf Club (Rancho Santa Fe, California).

Schmidt-Curley has also worked extensively with golf’s biggest names — including Dye, Faldo, Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples on numerous high-profile projects — and boasts four ASGCA members (Lee Schmidt, Brian Curley, Grant Haserot and Andy Raugust).

Producing demanding yet beautiful and enjoyable courses, Schmidt-Curley strives to create golf experiences that stir the senses and elevate golfers’ appreciations for the land and the game. By balancing classic golf course architecture with ever-changing contemporary technology, Schmidt-Curley places an emphasis on site-adaptive courses, memorable and enjoyable for all levels of play and always designed for cost-efficient maintenance and operations.

Solmar to Solidify Position as Top Choice Among Anglers with Tournament Sponsorships and Broadcast Opportunities

Los Cabos, Mexico – Los Cabos has long been considered a haven for sport fishing enthusiasts, many traveling from around the globe to fish the azure waters of the Sea of Cortes and the majestic Pacific Ocean.

Solmar Hotels & Resorts shares this history with the destination as the home to Los Cabos’ largest sport fishing fleet and a rich tradition of offering anglers a spectacular and comfortable “home away from home” as they explore the “Marlin Capital of the World.”

“Since the original Solmar Suites, our hotel group is proud of its long-standing heritage in the sport fishing world and is committed to offering anglers a state-of-the-art fishing fleet and luxurious accommodations,” says Ricardo Orozco, Managing Director of Solmar Hotels & Resorts.

“Built on the rich history of sport fishing started by our founder and visionary Don Luis Bulnes, Solmar Hotels & Resorts will continue to pursue opportunities that further position our group as the top choice for sport fishing in Los Cabos.”

This year, Solmar Hotels & Resorts will act as an official sponsor of the 12th Annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, taking place from October 12-16th.

Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa, one of the impressive resorts within the Solmar family, will serve as the host hotel for tournament participants and their families. The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament continues to attract teams from around the world, competing for a total purse approaching $1 million.

The tournament strictly enforces a CPR Rule – catch, release and photograph, which allows participants to enjoy the area’s spectacular conditions year after year.

Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa recently hosted the cast and crew of Versus Channel’s new series, Fish the Baja that is scheduled to premiere on December 28th and highlight the acclaimed fishing grounds throughout Baja California Sur.

Located on Baja California’s most exclusive and private beach, Solmar Hotels & Resorts offers guests privacy while still being able to enjoy the excitement of downtown Cabo San Lucas. The collection of five all-suite resorts offers guests the highest quality of service and hospitality.

In 2010, AAA awarded the prestigious Four Diamond Award to Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa and The Ridge Luxury Villas at Playa Grande, further solidifying Solmar Hotels & Resort’s commitment to excellence.

For more information about Solmar Hotels & Resorts, visit

www.solmar.com

follow us on Twitter @SolmarResorts and visit our Facebook page.

Free room accommodation plus $150.00 worth of dining and adventure- an amazing offer from Sedona’s fabulous El Portal Luxury Inn!

SEDONA, AZ — Free room accommodation plus $150.00 worth of dining and adventure. Yes, that’s the amazing offer from Sedona’s fabulous El Portal.

Stay two nights Sunday through Thursday during the month of August and get the third night absolutely free. In addition, you will receive a $50. dining credit plus a $100. credit toward an exciting Sun Country Jeep Adventure.

Room availability is limited so book early. For details, call 800.313.0017 and ask for the August Special.

It’s a mini-vacation offer at Sedona’s premiere hotel where you can beat the heat and get relief from the Valley sizzle amidst the cooler, beautiful red rock mountains. And don’t forget. Your pet is always welcome at El Portal, Sedona’s original pet friendly hotel.

There so much that’s cool about Sedona. Take your pick of refreshing outings. The lovely gardens at El Portal are in full bloom and gentle breezes offer a wonderful, relaxing environment.

Stroll along scenic Oak Creek with its lush shade trees. Walk through Tlaquepaque, just adjacent to El Portal, with it’s upscale shops, art galleries and award-winning restaurants.

Or drop by next door at Los Abrigados, a sprawling resort complex where El Portal guests have full use of their spa and pool facility.

So indulge in a spa treatment or refreshing swim.

You can also take an memorable day trip to the Grand Canyon.
Built as a historically accurate 100-year-old Spanish hacienda, El Portal offers all the luxury, comfort and personal service that make guests return time after time.

With 18-inch thick adobe walls constructed by hand, as in the original manner, El Portal is designed with turn-of-the-century antique lighting; 200-year-old recycled wood, vintage stained glass and furnishings authentic to the period 1900-1930.

As with the architecture and construction, the interior design of each of the 12 spacious rooms is full of individual character and uniquely warm and inviting.

All guest rooms include television, radio, DVD, free broadband cable high speed internet as well as free wireless access throughout the hotel and free local telephone calls.

Room linens include featherweight cashmere blankets, luxury Egyptian cotton sheets and bath towels, and premium down pillows and comforters for the ultimate in restful comfort.
El Portal is located at 95 Portal Lane in Sedona, Arizona. The website is www.ElPortalSedona.com

To get available dates and make reservations for the August Special offer, please call (800) 313.0017. Some restrictions apply. Please call for details.

El Portal Inn is one of the finest Sedona Arizona hotels. Luxury awaits at Sedona’s luxury hacienda, redefining the inn experience, offering a private retreat of exceptional quality. This historically authentic 1910 adobe architecture has 18-inch walls appointed with genuine 1900-1930 furnishings. Voted one of the best places to stay in Sedona, Arizona.

Europcar has announced it is the first car hire company to introduce cutting edge interactive tool.
Europcar, the European leader in car hire, continues to show the way in customer experience by adding to its series of innovative products, such as weDeliver and its recently released iPhone App, with the introduction of state-of-the-art touch-screen technology at its Heathrow Terminal 5 station.

The touch-screen, which allows customers to plan their trip, is the first of its kind for any car hire company in Europe or the world.

From August, travellers arriving at Heathrow T5 will hit the ground running thanks to the Microsoft Surface – a 30-inch touch-screen inbuilt to an interactive table and unique software designed especially by Europcar to give customers a virtual guide to their location, allowing users to draw routes – whether around a small town or across continents, using highly detailed maps provided by search engine, Bing.

Europcar customers will be able to zoom in on locations, flip between screens and mark out a variety of points of interest, including hotels and museums, festivals, music venues and theme parks, all of which can be added to their itinerary.

For customers looking for particular attractions, the touch-screen also enables users to map out themed routes, whether that be wine buffs planning a tour of vineyards, or history lovers developing a route through castles, museums and other historical places. They can then print their itinerary, or send it direct to their smart phones or PDA using Bluetooth or wireless.

Danny Higgins, Head of eCommerce at Europcar, commented:

“We are constantly looking for ways of putting ourselves at the vanguard of the ultimate customer experience and this is just the start for Europcar embracing this exciting new technology.

“We pride ourselves on innovation and look forward to adding the Surface to our range of cutting edge products and services that all go toward helping make the customer’s journey as enjoyable as possible.”

The Surface-tables are being rolled out across Europe as well as in the UK, and will steadily appear across all of Europcar’s locations in the coming months.

In addition to the Surface, Europcar have also introduced an iPhone and iPad App*, allowing users to book a car hire and any additional equipment in real-time and to locate their nearest hire station, wherever they are. The App is available now at http://itunes.com/app/europcar.

* The App is available for the iPhone or iPad. Upon booking, the confirmation number of the reservation is sent to the customer either by email or SMS. Customers can also follow, modify or cancel their reservation using the application. It is possible to hire a vehicle from any Europcar station in the world and to locate their closest station via GPS using the application

There is plenty of entertainment on offer at the Lungo il Tevere Roma, which is taking place in Rome this summer.

Tourists wanting to take break from seeing the ancient architecture and stunning art on display in the Italian city, can set off from their 5 star hotels in Rome to check out this peculiar but brilliant festival.

It runs all summer long until August 30th and incorporates arts, crafts and entertainment in its programme.

People will be able to find all sorts of items for sale at the market stalls, which are found along the banks of the River Tiber and specialise in a variety of areas such as movie stars, regions of Italy and toys.

Among these stalls will be a miniature soldier show, which will display hundreds of tiny models for the viewing pleasure of attendees.

“It provides a bizarre mixture of things to see and do, including jazz, dance, cabaret, theatre, drag queen shows and more,” explained travel listings website What’s on When.

The organisers claimed the aim is to get as many people as possible to check out the festival, which is why it is free to get in and wheelchair friendly.

It is not just shopping and entertainment that people can enjoy at the occasion, since outlets serving a variety of food will be present as well, including sushi, Libyan cuisine and meat dishes.

For more information on this event visit the Lungo il Tevere Roma website.

Newmarket Holidays Has Launched its Latest Range of ‘No-Flying’, Ex-UK Cruises On Board Sister Ships Marco Polo and Ocean Countess

The new programme features sailings from late summer 2010 through to August 2011, with Marco Polo departing from London’s Tilbury while Ocean Countess sails from a variety of regional UK ports.

The new programme features sailings from late summer 2010 through to August 2011, with Marco Polo departing from London’s Tilbury while Ocean Countess sails from a variety of regional UK ports including Glasgow’s Greenock, Tilbury, Hull, Newcastle, Edinburgh’s Leith and Liverpool.

Tailored for British cruise holidaymakers, both ships offer a traditional cruising experience with excellent food and a friendly crew. A first-class entertainment programme and guest lecturers are also included on the Marco Polo Cruises.

Highlights of Marco Polo’s schedule include an autumn sunshine Mediterranean cruise, a New Year Caribbean voyage, several sailings to the Norwegian fjords and beyond the Arctic Circle, and a selection of ‘Round Britain’ cruises.

Ocean Countess continues to build on her growing reputation after a successful first season with a Christmas Canaries cruise, a month-long West Indies voyage and a six-week odyssey to the Amazon and Orinoco. In 2011 she begins a new programme of cruises from regional ports, which will explore the fjords, the British Isles and the Baltic cities.

Marco Polo’s short-duration ‘taster’ cruises, which include a mini-cruise to the Dutch Bulb fields, give the novice cruiser a chance to sample life at sea.

Prices start at GBP249 for a four-day ‘Taster Cruise’ on Marco Polo, with the Norwegian Fjords cruises beginning at GBP499, while Ocean Countess offers prices starting at GBP299 for a five-day Christmas Market cruise from Tilbury and GBP399 for a six-day Fjords cruise from Newcastle.

Commenting on the new programme, Newmarket Ocean Cruise Director Andy Jones said “We are glad to be continuing our successful association with these two excellent ships, and look forward to building on the great success of the last couple of years, bringing good value, high quality cruising to more folk than ever before.”

Newmarket Holidays is one of the UK’s largest privately owned tour operators, with nearly 30 years’ experience of providing value for money and high standards of customer care.

Website: http://www.newmarketholidays.co.uk

A long-distance bike trail has been opened in Jihlava, taking riders all the way to the Austrian city Raabs an der Thaya.

The trail runs from Jihlava through Luka nad Jihlavou, Třebíč, Moravské Budějovice and Jemnice.

The new bike trail is partly comprised of asphalt roads off limits to motor vehicles.

In-line skaters also have quickly taken to the 22 kilometres of new asphalt roads.

Approximately the same proportion is comprised of reinforced paths through forest and fields.

Additional roads intended only for cyclists and pedestrians are still to be added to the route.

The trail leading from the regional capital through Luka nad Jihlavou, Třebíč, Moravské Budějovice and Jemnice up to the Austrian border measures about 110 kilometres.

Previously impassable locations have been repaired and two new bridges have been built on this section.

An affiliation of 25 towns is building the trail, and the first phase of construction has already been completed.

From the border, the trail continues on to the Austrian city Raabs an der Thaya.

BELFAST, IRELAND — Stena Line has announced that the Stena Express Fastcraft has returned to the popular Fishguard to Rosslare route.

The Stena Express vessel, which caters for up to 520 passengers and up to 120 cars, has returned to service on the Fishguard to Rosslare Irish Sea route.

The vessel has been significantly upgraded following a GBP2m refit and boasts a new extended Stena Plus lounge, Metropolitan and Barista coffee bar, free Wi-Fi and an onboard shop which offers a wide range of gifts, jewellery, spirits, confectionery and fragrances.

This means that Stena Express Fastcraft travellers across the Irish Sea can forget about cramped leg room, baggage charges and putting the contents of their hand luggage in a plastic bag and enjoy the freedom of sailing with Stena Line like being able to pack as much luggage as they want into the car.

Once on board, customers can sit back, relax and enjoy the great choice of restaurants and bars, take in the panoramic views of the Irish Sea or pick up some savings in the onboard shop.

Stena Line Communications Manager, Nigel Tilson said: “As the Stena Express rejoins the Fishguard to Rosslare route we look forward to providing customers with even more reasons to cross the Irish Sea during the summer months.

“The Stena Express offers excellent onboard facilities giving passengers the chance to sit back and relax as they travel.

“The vessel will complement our Stena Europe Superferry, offering customers three round trips daily on our Fishguard to Rosslare route.”

The Stena Express Fastcraft will be operating between Fishguard and Rosslare up until September 5th and will then return to service on the Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire route.

Stena Line is the Irish Sea’s leading ferry company, offering more routes and more crossings between Ireland and Britain.

About Stena Line:

Stena Line is the Irish Sea ferries market leader, offering the biggest ferry fleet and the widest choice of routes from Britain to Ireland, including Stranraer to Belfast, Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire and Dublin Port, Fishguard to Rosslare and Fleetwood to Larne.

The company carries over three million passengers on its Irish Sea routes each year, more than its rival operators combined.

Website:

http://www.stenaline.co.uk

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Asia announced today that it has signed an agreement with developer Vietnamese American Hotel and Resort Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of American company ITC Spectrum, LLC, to co design and manage a luxury resort to be built along the central coast of Vietnam.

The Outrigger Vinh Hoi Bay Resort and Spa will be part of the fully integrated Vinh Hoi Bay Golf Resort being constructed on 325 hectares with four other hotels along a 2.7 kilometer secluded white sand beach 29 kilometers north of Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh province .

The five-star Outrigger Vinh Hoi Bay Resort and Spa will offer 210 spacious and well-appointed guest rooms and themed suites, plus a collection of 46 private villas offering one- and two-bedroom accommodations, and a two-story Grand Villa. Six food and beverage outlets are planned, in addition to a cooking school, a Navasana wellness center, a kids’ and teenager amusement zone, fitness center, library, adventure center, and retail outlets.

“We look forward to being a part of what is sure to become Vietnam’s most recognized resort destination,” said Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger’s senior vice president-Asia.

“The spectacular setting, luxurious accommodations, expansive resort amenities, and Outrigger’s unique brand of hospitality will be a perfect mix ensuring all guests a relaxed, memorable, and satisfying holiday experience.”

Mr Edmonstone also noted that Outrigger’s special approach to hospitality – celebrating local cultures and customs – will be an important part of the Outrigger Vinh Hoi Bay Resort and Spa. “Vietnam has such rich and gracious traditions,” he said.

“We intend to celebrate and recognize the unique culture and environment of the area within the hotel design and amenities, while maintaining the highest level of service and standards for our guests,” he said.

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is a market leader in leisure resort hospitality services.

They have over 60 years of experience running their own highly-successful, multi-branded line of hotels and resorts, as well as managing, marketing, and developing new hotel properties and resort-related retail for others in Hawaii and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are delighted to have the Outrigger brand as an integral part of our Vinh Hoi Bay Golf Resort,” said Mr. Canh D Tran, Chairman and CEO of ITC Spectrum LLC.

“Vinh Hoi Bay is a world of peace and tranquility in an off-the-beaten-path area of rural charm,” said Mr. Canh.

“The pristine mountain and beach setting of the Vinh Hoi Bay Golf Resort offers a distinctive variety of environments and varied terrain to provide the basis for the most unique and memorable integrated resort experience in Vietnam.”

The Vinh Hoi Bay Golf Resort will include a total of five luxury destination hotels, as well as individual villas, with the centerpiece of the resort being an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II.

Other outdoor amenities will include an equestrian center, marina, and arboretum.

The resort will be completed in multiple phases.

Outrigger Vinh Hoi Resort and Spa will begin construction during phase one, with the hotel expected to accept its first guest in late 2013.

Vinh Hoi Bay Resort is located in Binh Dinh province on Vietnam’s central coast, between Danang and Nha Trang.

Its origins date back to the eleventh century and the Champa kingdom, whose legacy – the Cham culture’s temple complexes – can be seen throughout the province.

The topography of Binh Dinh province is diverse and attractive, offering visitors lush highlands, forests, alluvial plains, lakes and beaches – all in one destination.

The area is currently served by Phu Cat Airport from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The airport, which is located 21 minutes from Vinh Hoi Bay, is slated to offer direct international flights in the coming years.