Jetsettersblog

Ireland’s Dromoland Castle features a School of Falconry where students learn falcon and hawk husbandry under the tutelage of Dave Atkinson.

The school offers a range of programs for experiencing falconry, including the Hawk Walk, during which the instructor explains the natural history of the birds and their role in the environment and then assists willing students in handling and flying one of the Harris’s hawks; falconry courses of varying durations ranging from one hour to three full days; corporate outings tailored to the particular sponsor’s requirements and desires; and birds of prey appearances, which provide an opportunity for photographing the range of raptors under the school’s care.

Atkinson has even arranged for wedding rings to be delivered to the altar by a falcon.

Dromoland Castle was built in the 16th century on the shores of Lough Dromoland and is surrounded by over 410 acres of scenery, including a championship parkland golf course.

For more information, call 800-346-7007, email sales@dromoland.ie or visit www.dromoland.ie

For more information about Ireland visit http://www.discoverireland.com or for a free vacation planning kit call the NY office at 800/223-6470.

Read Ireland feature stories from Jetsetters Magazine.

Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges, a company that is pioneering responsible, multi-island, land-based touring in the Galapagos, has secured PADI Dive Resort certification for its lodge operations.

Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges is the life work of native Ecuadorian Hernan Rodas.

Until Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges began offering multiple island hospitality in 2007, the Galapagos was primarily a cruise-only destination. Today the company is the leading lodge-to-lodge operation in the region, setting standards for quality and responsible tourism.

“The PADI programs give us yet another way to help our guests immerse themselves in the natural world here,” said Rodas.

He noted that the dive environments close to the company’s lodges are as diverse as the islands themselves.

“We encourage our visitors to island hop among our three lodges to experience the magnificent diversity of nature, scenery and, of course, people,” he said, noting that his is the only company in the Galapagos that can welcome guests to its doors on multiple islands while maintaining consistent quality and service throughout.

Guests of Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges may choose from a selection of set itineraries of varying lengths or create their own private bespoke adventure.

Daily activities include naturalist tours, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, mountain biking and more.

Red Mangrove’s certified PADI Dive operations offer the latest equipment, expert instructors and safety features.

For divers, novice to advanced, Red Mangrove offers a wealth of options and packages

(www.divingingalapagos.com) .

Prices vary per length of stay, party size and chosen itinerary.

Rates for 2010 for the eight-day/seven-night Full Adventure in Galapagos program start at $2,602 per person, double occupancy and include 10 percent service charge, all meals noted in the itinerary, excursions with English-speaking naturalist guides, boat transfers between lodges, free use of bikes when in Puerto Ayora and Isabela and all snorkeling gear.

There is a 25 percent discount for children under 10 years old.

For more information, call 888-254-3190 or visit www.redmangrove.com

Mickey Federmann, chairman of the Dan Hotels Corporation, recently opened the group’s newest hotel, the 505-room Dan Jerusalem.

The hotel, the largest in Jerusalem, is situated on Mt. Scopus and has views of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas.

Purchased at a cost of $47 million, this property has become the Dan’s fourth Jerusalem hotel.

The Dan’s flagship is the King David, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and home to all visiting dignitaries and celebrities from overseas.

Dan Hotels now has 1,161 guest-rooms in the country’s capital.

Ami Hirschstein, the company’s president, said, “We are planning to invest another 20 million NIS ($5.25 million) over the next couple of years to renovate and upgrade the hotel so that it meets the Dan’s high standards.”

The Dan Jerusalem is situated on the slopes of Mt. Scopus near the Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical Center and is a seven-minute drive to the city center and a 40-minute drive to Ben-Gurion International Airport.

It is within easy reach of major tourist attractions and entertainment venues in both the old and newer parts of Jerusalem.

Within the hotel is Jerusalem’s largest spa facility. Open daily, with the option for men and women hours only, there are two swimming pools, one inside (open all year round) and one outside (only open during the summer months), a modern fitness room and a wide range of beauty treatments.

The Dan Jerusalem Hotel can provide different venues for conferences and banquets, ranging in size from 25 to 500 people.

The pool area and two terraces offer options for outdoor venues.

For more information, visit www.danhotels.com

The West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau has launched a new mobile app, WeHoKey, available for free download to help residents and visitors discover new businesses,redeem money-saving offers, connect with friends, and share tips and deals.

The new app is available for iPhone through the iTunes store. WeHoKey can also be accessed by any smart phone by texting “wehokey” to 313131. Users receive a text message with a link to the WeHoKey mobile website (which offers the same functionality as the iPhone app), where users can register, bookmark the URL and begin using.

The free WeHoKey app combines the latest features of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to help the West Hollywood community interact and share information.

WeHoKey utilizes GPS technology to pinpoint the users’ locations and allow them to browse special offers, look at videos, sample music and learn about events at more than 100 businesses, including RH Restaurant at Andaz, Train West Hollywood, Key Club and Alpha Man. The app and mobile website also incorporate social media features, which enable visitors to publish things they like on WeHoKey to Twitter and Facebook.

For more information, call 800-368-6020 or visit www.visitwesthollywood.com

ME Hotels, a collection of “experience-based” urban hotels and contemporary resorts operated by Sol Melia, said its Cancun property, ME Cancun, will shift to an all-inclusive business model as of Jan. 1, 2011.

ME Cancun will embrace the brand’s first “Complete ME” concept, which will break the mold of traditional all-inclusive resorts where non-guests are prohibited access to the property grounds and amenities.

In addition to welcoming hotel guests, this new business approach will embrace non-guests and local movers and shakers, allowing them to enjoy the property’s a la carte culinary offerings and revel in ME Cancun’s high style design and vibrant social scene. “We are excited to evolve the ME brand with the implementation of the Complete ME concept at our Cancun property,” said Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, the co-vice president and CEO of Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts.

“This dynamic model will allow the property to cater to a wide array of guests while meeting new consumer demands which have become increasingly driven by the desire for more qualitative value with freedom.

Thanks to this calculated business decision, ME Cancun will now become the area’s premier all-inclusive property, offering guests a superior product coupled with the high service standards our guests have grown accustomed to.”

ME Cancun’s 419 rooms will now allow its guests to choose from an array of packages part of the new “Complete ME” concept. The hotel’s basic offering will focus on traditional amenities found at all-inclusive resorts, such as unlimited food and beverage options, complimentary access to the pool, YHI Spa’s fitness center, “Chill Out Deck,” “The Beach Club,” the property’s WiFi and all in-room amenities including iPod docking stations, Aveda organic products and house mini bar. Guest rooms on “The Level,” the hotel’s premium collection of accommodations, will offer elevated privileges and amenities that will be part of “The Level” package.

Here, guests will enjoy services such as private VIP check-in, exclusive use of the 10th floor’s “Living Room” lounge, exclusive concierge services and 24 hour in-room dining at no extra cost.

The resort’s numerous restaurants & bars will remain unaffected with the transition to the new concept. Guests will be able to enjoy dining services from food and beverage outlets including Salt, Beachhouse Restaurant, Silk, e-space, in-room dining and The Water Grill, an Argentinean-style grill that will debut alongside the new model.

Other services such as private “barefoot dinners” on the beach, premium high-energy pool parties with special performances by guest DJs, treatments at the 11,000 square-foot YHI Spa and top-shelf liquor products, among others, will be available for an additional fee.

Unlike most all-inclusive properties where a bracelet identifies hotel guests during their stay, ME Cancun will offer a proprietary identification system allowing all outlets to quickly identify guests. ME properties in Cabo, Madrid and Barcelona will not adopt the “Complete ME” approach and will remain operating on an European Plan (EP) basis.

For more information, visit www.mebymelia.com

For more information about Sol Melia, visit www.solmelia.com

Hawaiian Hotels & Resorts (HH&R), which owns and operates the Royal Lahaina Resort and Royal Kona Resort, will start managing the historic Lahaina Inn on Maui.

Lahaina Inn’s 10 guest rooms and two suites feature handcrafted furnishings, hardwood floors and wooden rockers on the lanais.

The recently refurbished property is near Lahaina’s Front Street within easy walking distance of art galleries, restaurants, lounges, and shops.

Guests at the Lahaina Inn will also have access to the amenities at the full-service Royal Lahaina Resort on Kaanapali Beach, including swimming pools, beach and water activities, restaurants and lounges, tennis, and nearby golf.

Scheduled shuttle service to the Royal Lahaina Resort will be available during the day to guests.

The original, two-story structure that now houses the Lahaina Inn was built in 1938 as a general merchandise store.

Early in 1960, hotel rooms were added to the building’s second floor.

In the late 1990s, the property was totally restored over a two-year period, incorporating authentic antique furnishings, turn-of-the-century décor and modern amenities.

For more information, call 800-22-ALOHA or visit www.hawaiihotels.com

Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Maui has announced a new “Te Au Moana” luau show based on the sea, with contemporary songs and hula.

Held at the resort’s luau grounds, the show is performed every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, starting at 4:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, each guest receives a fresh flower lei. The evening begins with live music and interactive Hawaiian crafts such as lei making, coconut husking, hula dancing and kapa (bark cloth) printing.

The hour-long “Te Au Moana” show, which follows dinner, is told in three acts, from the legend of Maui to featured dances from Tahiti, Tonga and the Cook Island and ending with a celebration of contemporary song and hula including ukulele players and the fire knife dancers of Samoa.

Prices are $98 general, $53 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children under 5.

Complimentary self-parking for luau guests is available at the resort.

For luau reservations, call 877-827-2740.

For hotel information, call 800-367-2960 or visit www.waileamarriott.com

Borgo Finocchieto, in the rural Siena Province of Southern Tuscany, has been a gathering place for some of the world’s most accomplished individuals to discuss peace, politics, music, art, food and ideas.

Since the restoration of this ancient village was completed in 2008, Borgo Finocchieto has hosted groups of diplomats, business leaders, musicians, alumni of prestigious universities, chefs and wine aficionados.

The village of five residences surrounding a central piazza, features views of Tuscan hillsides and state-of-the-art facilities.

The Borgo encompasses 22 bedrooms and suites arranged around a central piazza.

The Manor and Village Houses offer a variety of accommodations for groupings of associates or colleagues or fellow conferees. Each house has its own common indoor spaces and private outdoor terraces.

The largest of the houses, Finocchieto Manor House, takes its cue from its past as an aristocratic country house, grand but comfortable.

It has nine suites. The two smaller houses, Colussi and Filippi, are cozy retreats with a rustic style; each has living and dining areas.

Santa Teresa was once the church of the village, as its shape recalls. Its two floors feature four bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an arched window looking over the hillside, an open living area with fireplace, and a dining room.

Fede is the largest of the village houses and, with three sets of French doors opening to a private outdoor terrace facing the hillside, takes full advantage of the vistas. Fede features five bedrooms on two floors, a large living area and dining area.

In addition to the gathering spaces in the Borgo’s five houses, there are numerous other places for small or larger congregations.

The Finocchieto Manor House has a living room, a library with fireplace and an extensive collection of works from the classics of literature to current bestsellers.

The manor house also features a bar, wine tasting room attached to the historic cantina, a small family dining room and a larger formal dining room, the salotto or living room with a grand piano, and a study. It also features an arcaded courtyard, a piazza, and extensive lawn and garden spaces with pergolas, gazebos and shaded benches.

Cuisine is an integral part of a stay at Borgo Finocchieto.

In fact, the Borgo enjoys an ongoing friendship with Alice Waters, the American pioneer of the Slow Food movement, in which cooking is based on the finest seasonal ingredients that are produced sustainably and locally.

Meals at the Borgo are an event, served on the terrace on balmy evenings or in the high ceilinged dining room with fireplace when the weather is cooler.

Menus are created by the owner’s venerated chef using regional ingredients accompanied by the fine local Tuscan wines.

The Borgo’s conference room, with a large stage and its own bar, is for larger group discussions, lectures on art, architecture, opera, presentations, performances or movie screenings. An impressive collection of film favorites and Italian classics are available for viewing. Recreational options in the Borgo’s vicinity include hiking with customized Borgo maps and detailed custom itineraries — biking on mountain bikes and road bikes, croquet on the extensive lawns, bocce ball, tennis and full-court basketball.

There is a 60-foot swimming pool, spa with Jacuzzi, cold plunge, steam room and sauna.

The large, professional-quality gym has a large number of weight and cardio equipment, all in full view of the Tuscan hillside.

For more information, call 800-225-4255 or visit www.borgofinocchieto.com

Special 90th birthday savings of $100 per night!

The iconic Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide is turning 90 this month and celebrating with a birthday special for its guests.

Stay for just $90 per person per night and enjoy accommodation in a Deluxe Room, sparkling wine in your room on arrival, an in-house movie of your choice, breakfast for two in Federal Restaurant, with parking included.

That’s a saving of over $100!

For bookings visit www.mercuregrosvenorhotel.com.au  or phone 08 8407 8888 or toll free 1800 888 222.

The offer is valid until 30 December 2010, subject to availability (based on twin share).

For Adelaide locals, drop in to the Mercure’s Federal Restaurant and enjoy a hearty 1920′s inspired three-course meal for just $90 for two people.

The meal includes a soup of the day, a choice of two mains and two desserts and a glass of wine from the Grands Vins regional wine list featuring the finest South Australian wines.

The grand dame of Adelaide, Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide enjoys a prime position on North Terrace opposite Sky City Casino and the Adelaide Convention Centre and just minutes from of Rundle Mall shopping precinct.

About the Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide:

The Grosvenor Hotel officially opened its doors in 1920. To mark the opening, which coincided with the visit of the then Prince of Wales, the Grosvenor provided accommodation for over 300 people which made it the largest in South Australia and the fourth largest in Australia.

It’s prime position was realised early by radio announcers who began to relay commentary of cricket games at the Adelaide Oval by positioning themselves on the Grosvenor’s roof and looking north over Adelaide Oval with a strong pair of binoculars!

The Grosvenor endured the Great Depression throughout the 1930s.

Jobs were scarce and employment at the Grosvenor was considered an especially prestigious position.

Prime Minister John Curtin had a special place in his heart for the Grosvenor and stayed there whenever he visited Adelaide during this period.

When he died in 1945 the Grosvenor was even mentioned in his eulogy.

Around 1942 American soldiers were billeted on the first floor of the Grosvenor, en route to war in New Guinea and the whole atmosphere of the hotel changed – tap dancing in the foyer and silk stockings were plentiful again!

Since its very early days the Grosvenor catered for public dinners, balls and banquets including the Order of the British Empire Dinners attended by Dame Roma Mitchell. Adelaide born and bred, Dame Roma became Australia’s first female Queen’s Counsel and the first Commonwealth female Supreme Court Judge.

In 1977 the Grosvenor as we know it today started to take shape.

The entire first floor, which until this time had been permanent residential rooms, was converted to a convention and function floor at a cost of $2.5 Million.

This made the hotel one of the first to offer conference facilities into a market that was only just developing.

Today the Grosvenor still cherishes its rich heritage providing its guests with an authentic experience of Adelaide’s bygone era with modern day creature comforts and service.

Kayumanis Group takes great pleasure to announce that Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Estate and Spa is now open for guests of all ages.

The Kayumanis brand has always been marketed as an adult orientated collection of private villas. Catering to the needs of honeymooners and couples has been the main focus for of the three properties under the Kayumanis banner.

However, many of these travellers now have children with whom they would like to experience the island of Bali and enjoy a quality vacation that recaptures the spirit of a previous visit.

Therefore, Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Estate and Spa has been chosen to evolve with each growing family by welcoming young travellers to the property.

The concept of anticipating the needs of return guests and their family members at Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Estate and Spa will be phased in over the coming months and initially commence with a selection of added value privileges.

Guests will be entitled to complimentary tea, coffee, milk, juice and snacks at Tapis Restaurant and Lounge during the day.

There will also be complimentary sunset cocktails served at Tapis between 6pm and 8pm daily.

In addition, there will be complimentary laundry and dry cleaning for in-house guests and accompanying children. Each villa will have its own complimentary mini-bar filled with non-alcoholic refreshments that will be replenished daily.

Personalised transportation with child-friendly seating will also be available within the Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Kuta areas.

Over the ensuing months Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Estate and Spa will unveil a two bedroom villa category with age appropriate facilities.

There are also plans for a new restaurant with gallery and retail outlet as well as a spa centre with additional treatment rooms.

The sheer size of Kayumanis Jimbaran with its open grassed areas and shady coconut palms simply lends itself to family activities.

The gentle waters of Jimbaran Bay are also within easy walking distance offering a great day of sun, sea and sand for travellers with children.

Meanwhile, Kayumanis Ubud as well as Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villa & Spa will both remain adult targeted destinations for honeymooners and couples to enjoy a romantic escape.