Jetsettersblog

One of the ultimate ways to experience the reef is aboard Reef Encounter, a luxury floating hotel featuring 21 state rooms with ensuites, air-conditioning, dining room and bar, sundeck, helipad, snorkel and dive platform, glass bottom boat and heated spa.

Reef Encounter’s Top Deck Club provides excellent service with guests greeted upon arrival with delicious local fruit platters and sparkling wine.

The vessel has access to five spectacular reef locations where guests can dive underwater canyons, discover gardens of corals, visit a sand clay, and swim with sea life including manta rays, turtles, tame reef sharks, Wally the Giant Wrasse, huge cod and inquisitive moray eels on a snorkel or dive adventure.

With boat and helicopter transfers departing Cairns daily, guests can experience Reef Encounter for the day or stay several nights.

www.reefencounter.com.au

Visit south-east Queensland’s best craft breweries with Thirsty Critters Brewery Tours.
Brisbane based Thirsty Critters offer customised tours to a range of top quality breweries including Mount Tamborine Brewery, Tamborine Distillery, Burleigh Brewing Company on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast Brewery and Brisbane’s Brews Brothers.

You can even stop in at the famous Beared Dragon Pub for a pint on the way home.

Tours include morning tea and lunch, beer tastings, guided brewery tours and air-conditioned transport from Brisbane’s CBD and surrounding suburbs. Prices depend on group size (up to 10) and bookings are essential. http://thirstycritters.com.au

Urban Adventures are Brisbane day tours with a difference, perfect for visitors wanting to explore the city with minimal impact on the environment.

Taste Trekkers will take visitors on a local shopping trip in Brisbane with a delicious Asian twist.
Named Best Travel Startup at the 2010 Travel Distribution Summit Asia, Intrepid Brisbane Urban Adventures provide a range of tours for every budget and itinerary taking in Brisbane heritage trails, contrasting city environments and the city’s indigenous culture. All tours are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment and are operated using local transport. Take in heritage trails past colonial buildings, stop for a refreshing cup of tea at Old Government House, soak up the arts scene at the Brisbane Cultural Centre, wander through an urban rainforest, enjoy panoramic views from the top of Mt Coot-tha and learn about local indigenous art and culture.

www.brisbaneurbanadventures.com

Accommodation providers of Australia’s Gold Coast are astutely mindful of the requirements of the Middle East Arab community, and pride themselves on an ability to provide first class service to all international visitors during their traditional holiday periods.

An extensive range of accommodation options are available throughout the fun filled beachside city, allowing visitors to choose the style, location and level of accommodation to suit their needs.

In particular many Gold Coast resorts and hotel complexes are geared towards ensuring all cultural and religious requirements are easily satisfied.

The provision of the Koran, prayer rooms or prayer mats are offered by many of the Gold Coast’s major providers.

In 2010 there is the vital acquisition of an evening lounge at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Surfers Paradise.

This facility is offered free of charge for use by local and visiting muslims to gather and meet following each day of traditional fasting during the Ramadan period.

Within the lounge facility, a range of Iftar food and beverage plus shisha pipes will be available in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Middle Eastern visitors are encouraged to indulge at any one of the many luxury hotels of the Gold Coast, stay for a while in one of Australia’s best apartment resorts or forget about the world in a hinterland retreat.

As Australia’s favourite holiday destination there are literally thousands of places to stay, it’s just a matter of deciding upon your own special space.

Choose memorable Gold Coast locations situated alongside pristine beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, or succumb to nature as you unlock the secrets of World heritage listed rainforest from the vantage point of your own cottage style hinterland accommodation.

The Gold Coast offers the greatest assortment of theme parks in the southern hemisphere, 70 kilometres of pristine coastline, 100,000 hectares of world heritage listed rainforest, numerous private islands plus more than 600 restaurants and cafes. For Middle Eastern visitors in particular, there really is no better place to plan your next holiday or short term getaway.

Gold Coast Accommodation Options

Palazzo Versace (Quibla in rooms, Koran and prayer mats available upon request)
A waterfront setting, spectacular architecture, Italian furnishings, extraordinary service and an ambience of pure glamour. The hotel stimulates with three fabulous restaurants, Australia’s only ‘Water Salon’ around a stunning lagoon-style pool, a state of the art gymnasium, a sensual world class day spa and opulent meeting and conference facilities. A sensory experience – defined by the brand – fashion, glamour, and sexiness all delivered with the distinctive look, the flavour, the scent, the sound and the touch embodied by the vision, eminence and spirit of the House of Versace lifestyle. www.palazzoversace.com

Crown Towers Resort (Quibla in rooms, Koran available upon request. Prayer room available)
The charm of this Gold Coast holiday accommodation is it’s casual resort atmosphere, complete with extensive facilities and all the modern conveniences. A family getaway to Crown Towers Resort will appeal to all with its four different pool experiences, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, onsite cafe and restaurant, games room, lobby-based internet access and even a day spa onsite. This 4 ½ star resort in the heart of the Gold Coast is close to shops, restaurants, beaches and of course the nightclub strip. Like a home away from home, all the services and facilities are on hand to make travelling with the family even easier. Spacious and practical in design, most apartments feature fully equipped kitchens, washing machines, dryers and home entertainment needs like DVD players and stereos. www.thecrowntowers.com.au

Mantra Circle on Cavill (Quibla in rooms, Koran available upon request. Prayer room available)

Centrally located within Surfers Paradise, Mantra Circle on Cavill combines the very best in Gold Coast beachside living with spectacular resort facilities. Each apartment is stylishly appointed and taking centre stage in most are panoramic ocean or hinterland views.

Circle on Cavill’s ultra-modern Gold Coast apartments are located just two minutes from Surfers Paradise Beach and sit above Circle on Cavill Shopping Centre where you will find world famous brand boutique shopping and affordable luxury dining.

There are an abundance of fabulous facilities to take advantage of during your stay at Surfers Paradise’s Mantra Circle on Cavill. Children can play away the day in the games arcade or you can watch all the action on the Big Screen at the centre of Mantra Circle on Cavill from the viewing terrace. www.mantracircleoncavill.com.au

Mantra Sun City Resort (Quibla in rooms, Koran available upon request. Prayer room available)

Located in Surfers Paradise, the heart of the Gold Coast, Mantra Sun City offers luxury accommodation for couples and families looking for a relaxed beachside getaway.

With the beach just one block away and direct access to a variety of local attractions including famous theme parks and casual and fine dining restaurants, you want be short of things to do on your holiday.

Our four and a half star resort offers 190 Aztec inspired hotel, one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses most featuring private balcony’s with breathtaking ocean or hinterland views. All our apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen as well as laundry facilities and round the clock entertainment with in-house movies. www.mantrasuncity.com.au

Q1 Resort and Spa – The World’s tallest residential tower (Quibla in rooms, Koran available upon request. Prayer room available)

Five hundred and twenty-six elite and exclusive one, two, and three bedroom apartments rise up into the sky, capturing breathtaking ocean and hinterland views. Each elegant, state of the art apartment delivers an uncompromising, sense of space, freedom and a sleek, modern design. The design of Q1 is inspired by the spirit and lifestyle of Australia and its shape reflects elements of the Olympic torch and the Sydney Opera House. Q1 encapsulates world class recreational, dining and retail facilities with tropical landscaping, lagoon pools, Day Spa, meeting and conference facilities and a dining precinct. www.q1.com.au

Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa (Prayer mats available)
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and sparkling blue lagoons, Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa Gold Coast is a place where memories are made. Step from your room onto pristine white sands and dive into the rolling surf of the Pacific Ocean. An oasis of rare beauty, we are the Gold Coast’s only resort located right on the beach. Enjoy views of the abundant gardens, the surrounding lagoons, or the rolling surf from your beautiful guest room or private villa. Suites offer unmistakable style and the self-contained Pacific Mirage Villas provide enough room for the whole family to spend that long-awaited holiday together. Laugh, share, and dine with friends at one of four award-winning restaurants and bars or treat yourself at Queensland’s largest resort spa, The Golden Door Spa & Health Club at Mirage Resort. www.sheraton.com

Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa (Prayer mats available)
Five star elegance and Queensland charm combine to create one of the most memorable Gold Coast resort hotels. The Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa is situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, within easy reach of pristine beaches, fashionable shopping and picturesque hinterland valleys. Our Gold Coast hotel’s unique facilities, ideal location and award-winning service make this the perfect resort for an unrivalled Gold Coast holiday.

Set amidst lush tropical gardens, this Gold Coast, Australia beach resort hotel is renowned for its Pacific Ocean views, $8.5 million saltwater lagoon and contemporary resort restaurants. Enjoy a delicious seafood buffet, dine al fresco at our poolside bar or indulge at our day spa. Conveniently located near popular Gold Coast attractions such as Dreamworld, Movieworld, Seaworld and Wet n Wild, we look forward to welcoming you to our award winning beach resort and luxury hotel. www.marriott.com.au

Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise (Prayer mats available, Koran available upon request)

Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise is located on the Gold Coast in the heart of Surfers Paradise; surrounded by shops, restaurants, cafes, nightlife, attractions and only 100 metres to patrolled beaches.

The hotel offers guests modern facilities in a fun, fresh and vibrant atmosphere. All of the hotels 406 refurbished accommodation rooms boast space and style and feature a large flat screen television with selected free Foxtel channels, a generous work area with high speed internet connection, pillow menu, free in-room safe and a private furnished balcony with Surfers Paradise or ocean views.

The hotels restaurant Sirocco, offers an innovative marriage of flavours with distinctive Mediterranean and seafood influences, in both a la carte and buffet dining. The hotels 24 hour room service menu gives you the flexibility to dine in the comfort of your room. www.holidayinn.com

Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise (Prayer mats available, Koran available upon request)

Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is set amongst lush tropical gardens, situated on the southern tip of Surfers Paradise and within walking distance to Broadbeach, surf beaches, Jupiter’s Casino and some of the best shopping in Queensland. The majority of rooms boast Pacific Ocean views which can be appreciated from your hotel room balcony. Facilities include two restaurants and two bars, featuring Queensland’s only revolving restaurant, Four Winds, 26 floors above the glittering Gold Coast. Two swimming pools with hot spas and sundecks, tennis court, gymnasium and Day Spa. Whether you’re looking for fun and adventure or simply want to relax and soak up the sun that the Gold Coast is so famous for, you’ll find it when you experience Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise. www.CrownePlaza.com.au

Sorjourn and Beyond are two new luxury charter yachts added to the Fraser Yachts fleet, one of the largest crewed charter fleet in the world. Sorjourn is based in Southern California, and Beyond is available in the Caribbean.

Fraser Yachts is delighted to announce the addition of M/Y Sojourn and M/Y Beyond to its prestigious fleet of luxury charter yachts. M/Y Sojourn is based in Southern California and is available for charter at a rate of $70,000 per week during summer and $75,000 during winter, while M/Y Beyond is available for Caribbean yacht charter at a fixed rate of $50,000 per week.

M/Y Sojourn is a 39.62m (130’00″) motor yacht with a capacity for eight overnight guests serviced by a crew of eight.

She was designed by the naval architect Jack Sarin and was built by Gambol Industries. Following her launch in 1999 she has travelled extensively and has visited the shores of both Alaska and the Mediterranean. She received an extensive refit as recently as 2007.

Her interiors were designed by Renee Brown, who has achieved an elegant old world feel by combining plush carpeting with European steamed beech paneling.

She is decorated with a magnificent collection of artwork and features original sculptures by Anthony Quinn.

If she seems familiar then it may be due to the fact that she appeared in the 2003 season finale of the popular television sitcom Will & Grace.

Motor Yacht Sojourn boasts four sumptuous staterooms and her decks come equipped with two separate spas, one located on the aft-deck, which has a capacity of eight persons, and the other located on the fly bridge, which has a capacity for four persons. She is well equipped for both fishing and diving and has storage for 10 to 12 scuba tanks. M/Y Sojourn is powered by three CAT 3412 engine and has a cruising speed of 14 knots and a range of 3,500 nautical miles.

Motor Yacht Beyond is a somewhat different proposition and she was designed principally as an explorer yacht. She has a length of 30.48m (100’00″) and features a steel hull and aluminium superstructure that was designed and built by the Brazilian shipyard Inace.

She has been delivered to her owner fully equipped for world cruising and has been built to both ABS and MCA classification. She is now available for luxury yacht charter in the Caribbean.

M/Y Beyond has a capacity for 10 overnight guests and Michael Kirchstein who has combined classic American Cherry mouldings with a white eggshell finish has designed her elegantly styled interiors. Her master stateroom is located on the main deck, while the remaining guest cabins, which include a VIP suite, a double bedroom and two twin bedrooms, are located on the lower-deck.

Despite sporting a rather utilitarian exterior M/Y Beyond is well equipped for both fun and relaxation. She features a sky lounge with a full entertainment system and her aft deck has plenty of space for lounging and sunbathing. She is powered by twin Caterpillar C-18A 587bhp engines and has a cruising speed of 8-10 knots and a maximum speed of approximately 12 knots.

Fraser Yachts is a full service yachting company offering super yacht charter and mega yacht charter, luxury yacht sales and construction, as well as yacht management and crew-placement services.

For further information, please visit www.fraseryachts.com

Ideally located on the tip of Fort Myers overlooking the beautiful Sanibel and Captiva Islands, the Victorian-style Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa is an AAA Four-Diamond resort since 1992.

The Resort, which joined the Marriott International family in December 2009, is set on an 85-acre waterfront escape, and offers a haven of gracious hospitality and relaxed luxury.

Its world-class amenities include three sparkling outdoor pools; the Sanibel Harbour Princess, a private 100-foot yacht for dining and sightseeing; a 40,000-square-foot award-winning spa; six distinctive restaurants and lounges; family programs; and an array of outdoor activities like tennis, kayaking, fishing, biking, swimming and nearby golf.

Featuring an “Old Florida Beach House” feel, accommodations are located in two resort towers and decorated in warm earth tones of sand, melon and olive hues with burgundy accents that compliment the natural wood and bamboo furnishings.

The Sanibel Tower, the larger of the two resort buildings, offers 240-rooms including the Elite Suites located on the top floor, which provide the best views.

The 107-room concierge-style accommodations located in the smaller Captiva Tower provides an exclusive enclave for resort guests with a private pool and residential-style check-in.

100-ft private yacht, the Sanibel Princess, for sunset dinner cruises, parties, corporate meetings and events, weddings, bridal showers and more;

• Award winning spa featuring a BETAR (Bio Energetic Transduction Aided Resonance) bed, one of only 16 such structures in the world;

• 85-acre waterfront escape with tennis, kayaking, fishing, dive-in movies (movies in the pool), sailing expiditions, three outdoor pools, six dining options and more;
• 45,000-sq-ft of meeting/event space.

As a response to the growing interest in both health tourism and personalized service, leading hotelier Barceló Hotels & Resorts announces the international debut of U Spa, a new spa concept providing specialized treatments based on each client’s specific needs.

Separate treatment cabins offer privacy and solitude in each of the expansive, 5,000-square-foot spas.

Treatment rooms are personalized based on the resort’s unique surroundings, from mountain vistas to urban, city settings to beach destinations.

Clients can further customize their experience by choosing their own ambiance through various types of music and aromatherapy. U Spas may be found at the following 22 Barceló resorts and hotels:

Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe, Los Cabos, Mexico; Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe, Riviera Maya, Mexico; Barceló Cala Vinas, Mallorca, Spain Barceló Pueblo Menorca, Menorca, Spain; Barceló Fuerteventure, Canary Islands, Spain; Barceló Jandia Mar, Canary Islands, Spain; Barceló Santiago, Canary Islands, Spain; Barceló La Bobadilla, Granada, Spain; Barceló Sancti Petri, Cadiz, Spain; Barceló Costa Ballena, Cadiz, Spain; Barceló Punta Umbria Beach Resort, Huelva, Spain; Barceló Cabo de Gata, Almeria, Spain; Barceló Aranjuez, Madrid, Spain; Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña, Huesca, Spain; Barceló Jaca, Huesca, Spain, Barceló Royal Beach, Sunny Beach, Bulgaria; Barceló Eresin Topkapi, Istanbul, Turkey; Barceló Tat Beach, Istanbul, Turkey; Barceló Mediterranea Saidia, Saidia, Morocco; Barceló Marina Smir, Marina Smir, Morocco; Barceló Carthage Thalasso, La Marsa-Gammarth, Tunisia.

For more information or reservations, visit www.barcelo.com

Amtrak said it is implementing the first step in a long-term fleet renewal plan with the purchase of 130 new single-level rail cars to support its long-distance train services.

The five-year, $298.1 million contract is being awarded to CAF USA which is creating 575 jobs to perform manufacturing and final assembly work at its plant in Elmira, N.Y. The first car is scheduled to roll off the assembly line in October 2012.

“This major equipment purchase demonstrates our strong belief in the future of intercity passenger rail in America and Amtrak’s leading role in meeting this critical national transportation need,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman.

Amtrak Chairman Thomas Carper added: “We are replacing and renewing our fleet to improve reliability of our operations, to meet passenger expectations for quality service and to be in a better position to handle the growing demand for more passenger rail service. Addressing Amtrak’s equipment need is long overdue.”

Boardman said the 130 single-level passenger rail cars are similar to the Viewliner model and include 25 sleeping cars, 25 diners, 55 baggage cars and 25 baggage/dormitory cars for use primarily on long-distance trains.

They will replace and supplement the existing fleet, improve financial and on-time performance, and foster a more modern, positive image of Amtrak. In addition, Amtrak can begin to retire some of its oldest cars still in service that date back to the 1940s and 1950s.

The first year of the five-year contract will be paid for with $29.8 million from Amtrak’s current revenues which are running above budget estimates due, in part, to ridership that is on a record-breaking pace. Amtrak will seek to fund subsequent years of the contract with other sources such as loans or direct Congressional appropriations. Amtrak said this equipment purchase is the first step in a multiyear Fleet Strategy Plan to replace its entire fleet of passenger rail cars and locomotives over the next 30 years and help support the growth of a domestic rail manufacturing industry.

Amtrak is currently reviewing bids to replace many of the electric locomotives used along the Northeast Corridor and may make a contract award yet this summer. For more information, call 800-USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com

The nation’s river guides tackle these frothing currents like concert maestros. You can have the best seat in the house.
Navigating a chur
ning mess of a river through Canada’s wildest regions always seemed like the perfect job. Since employment as a river guide isn’t in the cards for me, I entrust my safe passage to the nation’s river elite and dream about my next whitewater journey. Below, some river rafting destinations on my must-do list. Now it’s your list, too.

Nahanni River, NWT

I might as well put this on the table right away: the Nahanni tops my list. The namesake of a treasured national park reserve, a Canadian Heritage River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unparalleled Virginia Falls and a recent six-fold park expansion easily win a spot for this iconic destination.

Kicking Horse River, BC

Carving through Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies, the Kicking Horse River is a classic glacier-fed mountain river popular for whitewater rafting. Trips are short—half- and full-day excursions—and the icy water is a constant reminder of the river’s frozen origins. Yee-haw!

Shubenacadie River, NS

Instead of standing on the shore watching Bay of Fundy’s world-famous high tides come in, I’d rather ride this surprisingly turbulent phenomenon. Who knew there was such a thing as tidal bore rafting?

Tatshenshini/Alsek River, YT/BC

The storied Tat-Alsek river system punches through a giant coastal mountain range and crosses the largest international protected area in the world. Icebergs calve into the river, while grizzlies and mountain goats are common sights. Oh, did I mention that the surging Lowell Glacier threatens to dam the Alsek once again? Could be a unique year to go.

West Magpie River, QC

Plunging from the Labrador Plateau across boreal forest to the Saint Lawrence River, the Magpie is one of those wild gotta-see Canadian rivers. This year, the seldom-paddled West Magpie is available for a commercial rafting expedition.

Chilko River, BC

Glaciers in the Coast Mountains feed turquoise Chilko Lake and its crystalline river in British Columbia’s Cariboo-Chilcotin. Known for lengthy stretches of whitewater, salmon runs and a lava gorge, the Chilko can be a day trip or a longer expedition continuing on the Chilcotin and Fraser rivers.

Firth River, YT

Flowing north through Yukon’s Ivvavik National Park, the Firth River winds for 130 km (81 mi) through taiga forest, canyons and expansive tundra to the Beaufort Sea. The Porcupine caribou herd migrates across the Firth, and grizzlies, wolves and muskox are often seen. If there’s room on your list for an Arctic river, this is it.

Ottawa River, QC/ON

The legendary Ottawa River, known for its adrenalin-pumping rapids and impressive whitewater, is the granddaddy of rivers east of the Rockies. They say spring is the time to go, when snowmelt fuels the flow. But autumn can be just as much fun, with the potential for flashes of fall colour.

Stikine River, BC

One of these days, I’ll descend the mighty Stikine with its abundant wildlife, eye-popping scenery and the impassable Grand Canyon. Glacial melt fuels the upper river, and the lower stretch is lined with valley glaciers. If I were a mountain goat, this is where I’d want to live.

Read more on paddling in Canada.

video:
Slave River Kayaking Beginner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTE5vEcOwJU
Class V Kayaking on the Slave River
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VZXEeL1nLw
Rafting at its Best in the Ottawa River
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Rm6Pmx-HE

Tour operator members of the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) are offering programs that emphasize a variety of special interests, including ancient Egypt, Italy’s culinary arts, and South Africa’s recent history.

The eight-night/10-day A Taste of Tuscany & Umbria, the Eurochocolate festival in Perugia offered by Go Ahead Tours includes a private, small group cooking class where participants learn how to make Tuscan regional specialties and then sit down to enjoy the meal together, in turn gaining insight into the Tuscan way of life and the role of wine and cuisine in local culture.

The program is available Oct. 13, 2010, and Oct. 15, 2011, for $3,099 per person, including air fare from New York, entrance to and a tour of the Eurochocolate festival in Perugia, three regional wine tastings, a private Tuscan cooking class and dinner, plus four gourmet dinners featuring local specialties. Call 888-GO-AHEAD or visit www.goaheadtours.com

South Africa’s Freedom Fight – where guests learn about South Africa’s fight for freedom, the era of apartheid – and its abolishment, from the people who lived it. African Travel’s locally hosted tour, “In the Footsteps of Mandela,” provides an opportunity to meet with guides from the area who were involved in the fight for freedom as they escort guests into modern ethnic suburbs, to the prison site that once incarcerated Nelson Mandela and to the famous township of Soweto.

The guides will often take travelers into their own homes, shebeens (pubs) and churches, introducing them to friends and family. The 10-day/seven-night package must be booked by Dec. 10 for travel by Dec. 31. The program is priced from $2,495 per person double. Call 800-421-8907 or visit www.africantravelinc.com

Ancient Egypt comes alive on SITA World Tours’ nine-night/10-day Land of the Pharaohs vacation package, featuring international air, deluxe hotels, meals, transfers, Cairo sightseeing, tours of the Pyramids, Memphis and Sakkara, as well as a four-night Nile Cruise on the Amarante.

Priced from $2,615 per person, the package is available for departures on Nov. 30 and Dec. 31, saving travelers hundreds of dollars over booking it separately, according to SITA.

For reservations and more information, call 800-421-5643, or visit www.sitatours.com

All prices are based on double occupancy. Selected meals are included on all above itineraries. Prices may vary by date. Restrictions and additional fees, departure and local taxes and fees may apply. USTOA members have met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, which, among other things, requires each member company to set aside $1 million security to help protect consumers’ payments in case the company goes out of business. For information, visit www.ustoa.com