Jetsettersblog

Star Alliance has introduced a “Brazil Airpass,” offering air travelers access to TAM Airlines’ entire domestic network, totaling more than 45 destinations.

Passengers can freely select routes, which must cover between four to nine flight coupons.

Each city may be visited once, and connecting flights through the same airports are permitted. Fares vary according to the number of coupons purchased and available booking class, and range from $ 133 to $212 per coupon.

“We are now in a position to provide a great value for money fare product to all customers travelling on Star Alliance member carrier flights to Brazil,” said Christopher Korenke, vice president commercial, Star Alliance.

In addition to TAM, Star Alliance member carriers Air Canada, Air China, Continental Airlines, Lufthansa, South African Airways, Swiss, TAP, Turkish Airlines, United and US Airways all provide flights to Brazil. Star Alliance now offers a total of 14 different fare products, ranging from the popular Round-the-World fare to circle fares and regional air passes.

For more information, visit

www.staralliance.com/en/fares/regional-fares/brazil-airpass

Just two days before the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans has announced major new funding to build a new destination attraction as part of the Museum’s ongoing $300 million expansion, “The United States Freedom Pavilion: Land, Sea & Air.”

“The United States Freedom Pavilion will be our largest building, a dramatic architectural statement anchoring the entire Museum campus,” said Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller, museum president and CEO.

“It will further our mission to tell all generations the epic story of the war that changed the world — every service, every campaign, every hero.”

In a ceremony on the museum campus, Mueller announced a $20 million congressional grant through the Department of Defense and a $15 million gift from the Boeing Company.

“These commitments represent the largest federal grant and the largest private contribution the National World War II Museum has ever received.

“As the country’s only congressionally designated World War II Museum, it serves to recognize and showcase the significance of World War II and its veterans,” said Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.).

“It is with great pride that we dedicate the site of the United States Freedom Pavilion that will serve as a new centerpiece of honoring our veterans and educating our young people.

The Freedom Pavilion will bring new and engaging exhibits to museum visitors, helping to increase tourism to New Orleans and bolster the local economy. Just as Louisiana’s Higgins boats were instrumental in our World War II victory, the continuing growth of The National World War II Museum is instrumental in Louisiana’s recovery.”

Once open in early 2012, the new Pavilion also will showcase large artifacts integral to the Allied victory, including a restored Boeing B-17G “Flying Fortress.”

Nearly 13,000 B-17s were produced for the war effort.

Together, the companies that make up the heritage of Boeing, including Douglas Aircraft and North American Aviation, contributed 98,965 aircraft to the “Arsenal of Democracy,” nearly 28 percent of the total American aircraft production during the war.

Other iconic aircraft to be mounted aloft in the Pavilion are the B25J Mitchell Bomber, representing the Burma Bridge Busters, the TBM Avenger, the P51, and the SBD Dauntless.

The Boeing Center will have elevated visitor “catwalks” for closer viewing of the aircraft, and dramatic LED screens will be programmed with historical films and other presentations.

Galleries in the United States Freedom Pavilion will pay tribute to all branches of U.S. Armed Forces active during World War II — the Army, Army Air Corps, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.

Interactive experiences will bring to life how all the service branches worked together both strategically and tactically in this global conflict to win many of the most critical battles such as Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, Okinawa and more.

Another highlight of the United States Freedom Pavilion will be an immersive and interactive submarine experience based on the last war patrol of the USS Tang in the Pacific Theater.

Visitors will man the positions and perform the battle actions of actual crewmembers as the sub engages the Japanese Imperial Naval Forces.

New Orleans Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu noted the significance of the announced funding and the growth of the museum:

“These extraordinary gifts represent an investment of $35 million dollars in The National World War II Museum, in our city and in our state,” he said. “It’s a concrete expression of our recovery and the continuing renaissance of our cultural tourism economy.”

In addition to the United States Freedom Pavilion, expansion plans call for the construction of the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion (summer 2011), the Campaigns Pavilion (2012) and the Liberation Pavilion (2014), as well as an expansive special exhibits gallery and proposed hotel and conference center.

The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world. Dedicated in 2000 as the National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front.

For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org

Launches New Web Site
Leading Idaho outfitter Shepp Ranch celebrates the centennial of the property by launching a new web site showcasing the beauty of Shepp Ranch and the wilderness surrounding this destination Idaho guest ranch.

BOISE, ID — Few things in the United States have been around for a century.

The Boy Scouts celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2009.

One of the country’s leading cereal companies reached the achievement in 2006.

In 2010, one of the leading Idaho outfitters celebrated the centennial of the homestead by launching a new web site.

The Shepp Ranch, located in the Gospel Hump Wilderness on the Salmon River in central Idaho, started thanks to homesteading efforts in 1909-1910 by Charles Shepp and Pete Klinkhammer.

In fact, the land’s primary ranch house was built by the two men early in their homesteading years.

Forty years later, Klinkhammer sold the property but it continued to be named for his partner, Charlie Shepp.

The new owners added additional features, such as a saw mill, and used the property as the base for their operations as successful Idaho outfitters.

To celebrate the history of this Idaho guest ranch, the newest owner, Tim Turnbull, launched an all-new web site to showcase all the beauty of Shepp Ranch and what his special corner of Idaho has to offer.

“When people think of Idaho, they think of potatoes. But there’s a lot more than that available. We want more people to experience the beauty of this state by coming to the ranch and experiencing it for themselves firsthand.

“The updated web site is a great way to preview before a trip to Shepp Ranch,” says Turnbull.

Vacationers at the Idaho guest ranch have many activities to enjoy. The adventure starts with an incredible jet boat ride upriver to the ranch- a great preview of more adventures to come.

Horseback riding is available from spring through the start of fall.

Archery, horseshoe, volleyball, and croquet equipment makes for family fun on the sprawling lawn.

Hiking trails, shooting ranges, river swimming, and jet boat tours provide guests with entertainment, or they can simply sit in a lounge chair with a book from the ranch’s library.

Guests enjoy family style meals three times a day, with accommodations in one of six private cabins on the property.

Spring and fall hunters can choose from guided hunts for bear, cougar, elk, and deer, sheep, and great chukar wing shooting. Because of their years of experience, these Idaho outfitters have a near 100% success rate in bear hunting.

And Shepp Ranch is ideally positioned fantastic spring and fall steelhead in the Salmon River, located right out the front door, plus great trout fishing all season.

With nightly campfires, beautiful scenery, and relaxing activities, Shepp Ranch is a great family guest ranch destination in a spectacular setting. More information about all of these activities, including photographs of the property and a first person account of a bear hunting expedition, can be found on the ranch’s newly launched web site.

Contact:
Shepp Ranch
P.O. Box 9858
Boise, Idaho 83707
Telephone: (208) 866-4268
Web Site: http://sheppranch.com

Shepp Ranch is located on the Salmon River in central Idaho, near McCall and Riggins.

As one of the leading Idaho outfitters, the ranch offers spring bear hunts, steelhead fishing packages, and winter mountain lion hunting adventures. Because of its location deep in the wilderness, guests can only reach the Idaho guest ranch by jet boat. Leave your cell phone and laptop behind for this incredible wilderness adventure.

To celebrate the bicentennial of Mexico’s independence from Spain and the centennial of the Mexican Revolution, Mexico has created eight commemorative tourism routes that pass through 100 different destinations and 17 states, highlighting the historical settings and emblematic monuments of the country.

The routes can be covered between one week and 10 days and because of their circular paths, travelers can start from any point on the circuit.

The country’s fascinating history truly shines in the following eight commemorative routes, with the first four celebrating the bicentennial and the latter celebrating the revolution.

The tourism routes include: La Ruta de Hidalgo Centro (The Hidalgo Route — Center); La Ruta de Hidalgo Norte (The Hidalgo Route — North); La Ruta de Morelos (The Morelos Route); La Ruta de Guerrero y el Ejercito Trigarante (The Guerrero Route); La Ruta de Zapata (The Zapata Route); La Ruta de Villa (The Villa Route); La Ruta de Madero y Carranza (The Madero and Carranza Route); and La Ruta de las ciudades de la Revolucion (The Revolution Cities Route),

La Ruta de Morelos celebrates the life of the “Servant of the Nation,” Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon.

Born in Valladolid and passing in San Cristobal Ecatepec, this route recounts the many miles that Morelos traveled in his five military campaigns, and during his civil and religious life.

The route takes travelers through the emblematic sites of his career and the regions where he lived and fought, such as Acapulco, Taxco, Iztapa, Uruapan, Morelia Charo and Jantetlco, just to name a few.

La Ruta de Guerrero y el Ejercito Trigarante recounts the life of revolutionary general Vicente Guerrero and his army as they fought against Spain for Mexico’s Independence.

The route manages to gather key sites of the life and work of Guerrero and many of the places where army head, Agustin de Iturbide, carried out crucial military and political actions.

The route welcomes visitors to travel to destinations where they can both discover the exploits of Guerrero, as well as the multitude of natural beauties along the path. The extensive route passes through Oaxaca, Santa Cruz, Huatulco, Acapulco and Veracruz, just to name a few cities.

La Ruta de Hidalgo Norte retraces the footsteps of independence leaders Hidalgo, Allende, Aldama, Jimenez and their army, as they desperately attempted to reach the United States to buy arms and mount an offensive that never came.

To travel this route is to travel the same distances and view the same scenery that these men did in Mexico’s fight for independence.

This route passes through several important cities including Monterrey, Matehuala, Real de Catorce and Monclova.

Although each route is special for several reasons, a “must-see” is La Ruta de Hidalgo Centro.

This route celebrates the life of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, “the father of the nation.” Born in Costilla and executed in Chihuahua, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla traveled heavily between these two locations in his struggle for Mexico’s independence.

This historic route takes travelers through the states of Guanajuato, Queretaro, and Michoacan, which house many of the sites that represent his career as a priest, philosopher and military leader. Of particular interest is the city of Chihuahua, where travelers can visit the Palacio de Gobierno de Chihuahua (Government Palace of Chihuahua), where Hidalgo was executed by a Spanish firing squad.

Today, the Altar of the Motherland stands in the exact spot where the father of the nation died, allowing visitors to step into Mexico’s history.

Although the country has been celebrating since the beginning of the year, the bicentennial will come to a head on Sept. 15, 2010, 200 years after revered Mexican hero Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla first rang the revolutionary bell that sparked Mexico’s independence movement. Across the country, cities will erupt into joyous festivities, celebrating what has truly been an exciting year for Mexico, one which also saw two new UNESCO World Heritage sites being added to the country’s already-long list.

For more information about Mexico’s bicentennial and centennial celebrations, as well as the eight commemorative routes, visit www.bicentenario.visitmexico.com  (For non-Spanish speakers, the website may be translated into English using Google.)

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, which opens Dec. 15, has entered into a distribution agreement with the Autograph Collection, Marriott International, Inc.’s portfolio of upper-upscale and luxury independent hotels and resorts.
The Cosmopolitan, a design-focused independent luxury brand, will be the Autograph Collection’s first member resort in Las Vegas.

The partnership will provide the hotel with access to one of the largest databases in the hospitality industry while offering established relationships in the group and convention markets.

The Cosmopolitan will introduce a new category in the Autograph Collection and will be the brand’s largest property as well as the first casino resort.

Through this partnership, the hotel will benefit from full participation in the Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program.

In addition, as part of the Marriott family of brands, the property will be featured as a partner hotel on The Ritz-Carlton website.

For more information, call 877-551-7778

or visit www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

SuperClubs officially opened the Breezes Búzios Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive property in Búzios, Brazil, north of Rio de Janeiro.

The 329-room resort features one of Latin America’s largest swimming pools, plus accommodations featuring private pool access, balconies and Jacuzzi-equipped wet decks overlooking the sea.

Located on the 155-mile long Tucuns Beach, the resort also features a three-lane bowling alley, an archery center, a climbing wall, an aquatic pool cinema, a circus trapeze, a treetop walk, and a roller-skating park.

Water sports include surfing, body boarding, sea fishing, snorkeling, water polo, water volleyball and aqua aerobics.

The resort also features a concert stage, kids’ and teens’ clubs, a music bar, a nightclub, a game center, an eight-hole mini-golf course, a fitness center with Reebok equipment, an outdoor gym, a beach volleyball court, a paddleball court and a soccer field.

The resort also offers a shopping street featuring upscale stores and beauty services, plus international dining options including Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean and tropical cuisine options.

The resort will work exclusively with environmentally friendly suppliers, recycle organic waste and train employees to save energy and preserve the environment.

For more information, call 877-BREEZES or visit www.breezes.com

Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., has launched the Wavelengths guest loyalty program. Wavelengths was designed with the individual in mind, providing members with information, special offers and promotions solely based on personal interests and preferences. Guests are invited to opt in to the complimentary program via the web at www.terraneawavelengths.com

During the sign-up process, guests are asked to share their interests. Communications from the resort are then based their selections.

In return for signing up for Wavelengths, participants receive a $75 resort credit toward their next stay, as well as an entry into a monthly drawing for a free stay at Terranea or other properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection.

Members also receive special birthday and anniversary offers such as a free round of golf, room upgrades and spa treatment discounts.

For more information, call 866-802-8000

or visit www.terranea.com

Westin Hotels & Resorts continues the global expansion of its signature spa brand, the Heavenly Spa by Westin, with the debut of two new Spas — The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket and The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Georgia.

Each Heavenly Spa by Westin features signature treatments and experiences aimed at mind-body wellness and revitalization, including unique programs that reflect local culture and customs.

The company has plans to continue aggressively expanding its spa portfolio to nearly 50 Heavenly Spa by Westin properties by 2011 in key destinations around the world including Mexico, India and China.

Currently available at 20 Westin Hotels & Resorts worldwide, the spa will expand to more than 28 additional properties by 2011, and is built upon two of the Westin brand’s core philosophies — preserving wellness on the road and helping guests feel better when they leave than when they arrived.

The expansion of the Heavenly Spa by Westin brand is part of the brand’s aggressive global growth strategy. Westin’s hotel openings this year span China, Greece, Japan, India, Mexico, the United States and Canada, including The Westin Nanjing in Shanghai, China and The Westin Santa Fe in Mexico City, Mexico.

The Heavenly Spa by Westin at the Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket opened its doors Aug. 11, 2010.

Six spa treatment rooms and two spa suites include Thai style massage beds, Ayurveda wellness rooms, Vichy showers, and custom made treatment beds, incorporating elements of sight and fragrance into the face cradle allowing guests to slip into deeper relaxation. Local products and methods are incorporated into spa treatments like the “Luk Pra Kob,” a steamed Thai herbal ball with bergamot, pandan, tamarind leaf, camphor and turmeric used to relieve muscle tension and stress, as well as virgin coconut oil known for its nourishing properties for the hair and scalp.

Visitors to the new Heavenly Spa by Westin at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa are welcomed by the beauty of historic Savannah combined with the Westin brand’s modern classic design.

Guests can relax over a suspended dish of orchids in one of 20 treatment rooms named after Savannah’s historic “squares.”

Each treatment room features images of these “squares,” or urban parks, as captured by local photographer Ricky Willis.

The room styles reflect the range of treatment options, including a brand new deluxe couples’ suite complete with a tub for two and a pair of heated massage tables; numerous “wet rooms” featuring Vichy showers and Scotch Sprays; and “traditional” treatment rooms, which are personalized to reflect the needs of each guest. Westin hotel’s commitment to renewable resources is evident in the choice of bamboo flooring and treatments that use natural ingredients.

The Vail Cascade Resort in Vail, Colo., has launched an online Trip Planner application tool.

The tool offers users the ability to browse a variety of activities and amenities available during their visit, as well a chance to create a personalized itinerary for their stay.

An additional benefit is the ability to work with “experience planners,” Vail Cascade associates who live and work in the area and speak with future visitors to help customize their vacations.

In other news, the hotel is offering an Elevate Your Experience package, featuring nightly room rates from $81.50 — the hotel is located at an elevation of 8,150 feet — and a choice of a three-course dinner for two in Atwater restaurant or a 50-minute Swedish massage at Aria Spa.

Travel must be booked by Nov. 23 for stays from Oct. 4 through Nov. 23.

After booking online, an “experience planner” will contact the guest to confirm the treatment or dinner reservation.

For more information, call 800-420-2424

or visit www.vailcascade.com

Has the latest Robin Hood film taken your fancy? Practice your bow and arrow skills at the new Olympic sized indoor archery range at Eaton Manor in Shropshire.

The new range was built following a specific request from members of the Commonwealth and UK Olympic Archery Teams. It compliments other facilities which include a heated covered swimming pool and large private gardens.

Set within 500 acres of estate land, Eaton Manor provides a peaceful escape for individuals or groups, meaning that the property is suited to both business and leisure travellers.

A total of five, four star cottages make up Eaton Manor, the smallest of which offers cosy accommodation for just two guests while the largest can sleep 14 in six bedrooms.

Eaton Manor is the perfect venue for that special celebration or business break and offers visitors a host of additional services designed to make the most from their stay. Whether visitors are arriving for a conference, business event or leisure break there are some great additional extras to make it a truly memorable break.

For example, hire a professional chef to create gourmet evening meals, where up to 18 guests can be seated around The Manor House’s huge oak table or for larger groups Toad Hall can be set up so up to 50 guests can dine together. Murder mystery evenings, magicians and wine tastings are also available on request.

Alternatively guests can relax with massages and beauty treatments in the privacy of each individual property.

Other services include delivery of fine wines and local ales, party balloons and banners or hire of a professional photographer or florist.

For active visitors archery lessons and Nordic walking classes can be arranged on request.

Week long breaks at Eaton Manor start from as little as £250 for the smallest property, rising to £1,400 for the largest property.

For more information including reservations please contact, Eaton Manor on 01694 724814 or email nichola@eatonmanor.co.uk . Alternatively visit www.premiercottages.com