Jetsettersblog

The Terrace Restaurant at The Denman Hotel & Spa has just been named “Australia’s Alpine Restaurant of the Year” in the 10th Annual Skiwatch Awards.

For some years now The Denman Hotel & Spa has presented Thredbo’s premier fine dining. In 2007 the intimate Terrace Restaurant was acknowledged as the ‘Restaurant of the Year’ for the Southern Region of NSW
 in the Restaurant & Caterers Association Awards for Excellence.

Earlier this year, with the arrival of talented Executive Chef Hayden Ellerton, The Terrace Restaurant started gaining a reputation as not only the pinnacle of fine dining in Thredbo, but as the top fine dining venue throughout the entire Australian alpine region.

“The 10th Annual Skiwatch Awards is simple recognition of Ellerton’s new modern Australian menu inspired by Australian alpine produce and our extensive cellar”, enthuses Ed Denny, The Denman Hotel & Spa’s proprietor.

“I have held chef positions with legend Peter Doyle at his restaurants Cicada, Celcius and Est, learning how to combine delicate flavours and excite the palette through great visual presentation”, comments Hayden Ellerton. Hayden’s first Executive Chef position at Hungerford Hill winery’s Terroir Restaurant in the Hunter Valley earned him an Australian Gourmet Traveller Star.

With a rating of 14/20 in the Sydney Morning Herald Food Guide 2011, gained just a week after his arrival at the Terrace Restaurant, a Chef’s Hat will be just around the corner for this aspiring new talent.

Terrace diners can expect such menu staples as beetroot raviolo, asparagus and chevre with shallot vinaigrette, sunflower and walnut brittle or pork belly with artichoke barigoule, tart tatin vanilla, radish and apple sorbet.

Add his famed vanilla spiced strawberry consommé with strawberry sorbet, marscapone and raspberries plus a chocolate Sicilian pave with terrine of jellies, olive oil ice cream and chocolate sorbet.

Ellerton’s nightly degustation menu option has also got locals, hotel and restaurant guests raving.

Recently two-chef’s-hat-winning restauranteur Giovanni Pilu was spotted at the Terrace three nights running and celebrity chef Pete Evans applauded Hayden’s amazing raviolo.

The Terrace Restaurant at The Denman Hotel & Spa is now a must eat destination for travelling gourmands.

Lantern is a stylish rooftop bar and pool oasis with enthralling panoramic views of the Marina Bay waterfront and the world-famous Singapore skyline.

Located on the rooftop of The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, this urban oasis with breathtaking views of the Lion City, is the coveted destination for the sophisticated chic where one can relish delectable gourmet snacks and tantalising grilled meats, accompanied with fine champagnes, signature cocktails, wines and beverages.

For an idyllic afternoon respite, take an invigorating swim in the pool while enjoying the tranquil waterfront sea breeze or the sultry cocktails conjured by the bar’s mixologist.

View the beautiful sunset at Lantern with your partner or friends as it transforms into a dazzling rooftop bar illuminated by glittering lights, ideal for a romantic tête-à-tête, glamorous cocktail parties or fashion launches.

Set amidst the resplendent skyline of the Marina Bay waterfront, Lantern is the launch pad for ultimate picturesque moments.

Framed by a luxuriant backdrop of greenery, Lantern adds to its captivating atmosphere with vibrant and sensual beats from the ‘live’ Latin band. Mr Giovanni Viterale, General Manager of The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore says “Lantern derives its name from Clifford Pier’s historical Chinese name – “Red Lantern Pier”.

It was a landing point for Singapore’s first immigrants and red lanterns used to hang from the pier as a guide to seafarers.”

One of three food and beverage destinations at the hotel conceptualised by Asia’s highly sought-after design wunderkind Andre Fu, Lantern’s turn-of-the-century charm caters to the trendy chic and promises an inviting décor in hues of rustic sienna and olive green.

Set foot at the rooftop and be welcomed by the stunning five-metre bar positioned at the far end of the 2 swimming pool. Tastefully crafted with swirling bronze fins in the shape of a glowing lantern, the sleek iconic bar acts as the focal point of the venue.

Surrounding the bar and pool is an eclectic collection of bespoke luxurious outdoor vintage-inspired furniture, in discreetly positioned alcoves amidst lush tropical landscaping.

Prominently positioned in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District and arts and cultural precinct,

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore caters to well-heeled travellers and jetsetters. The luxury design hotel is the latest addition to the sparkling Marina Bay with a prime waterfront location, offering breathtaking architecture and stunning interiors alongside spectacular views of the Marina Bay and Singapore skyline.

Lantern is open daily from 12.00pm to 2.00am and for enquiries, please call (65) 6597 5299.

For more information on The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, please visit www.fullertonbayhotel.com

Visit Mudgee Region for a new food and wine lovers trail, award-winning organics, live music at Roths Wine Bar, the Huntington Music Festival in November, hotspots for a Long Lunch, and new self-contained accommodation to bed down in for the weekend.

‘The Food and Wine Lovers Trail’

Four of Mudgee’s wineries and producers have devised a ‘Wine and Food Lovers Trail’ to encourage people to head to their hidden valley for a 2-hour journey. Located just a few minutes drive from Mudgee on the Hill End Road, Thistle Hill, Burnbrae Wines, Blacklea and Mudgee Honey Haven offer over 30 wines and a selection of food and produce. Start at Mudgee Honey Haven which sells over 30 seasonal and gourmet honeys and learn about this superfood.

At Thistle Hill taste award-winning organic wines and quality fine food from the new Gourmet Pantry, it features a $15 ‘design your own’ cheese-tasting platter; Burnbrae Wines offers tastings in a historic winemakers cottage with lunches by the river; and at Blacklea enjoy wines with estate grown olives, oils and tapenades.

’21st Huntington Estate Music Festival’

Classical music lovers must not miss The 21st Huntington Estate Music Festival to be held in Mudgee from Wednesday 24th to Sunday 28th November 2010.

This annual event in the atmospheric Barrel Room of the winery offers “one of the greatest acoustics on the planet” (Richard Tognetti).

All concerts include generous interval refreshments and are followed by gourmet meals and a selection of the best Huntington wines. Multiple ticket options are available from two to five days. Ph: 02 6373 3825 or go to www.huntingtonestate.com.au

‘Pioneering The Organic Movement’

The Mudgee Region predicts it will double the number of organic wineries in the next five years, cementing its place as the home of organic wine in Australia. Currently there are five certificated organic wineries with a number under certification.

Visit the oldest certified grower at Botobolar, Thistle Hill (winner of Australia’s best organic wine), plus Lowe Family Wines, Martins Hill Wines and Broombee Organic Wines. Thistle Hill will host its new ‘Organic Feast’ event in October with a range of organic food and wine.

At Lowe Family Wines you can join the regular Farm Walks and learn about the sustainable nature of viticulture. www.thistlehill.com.au  and www.lowewine.com

‘New Lease of Life at Roths Wine Bar’

Australia’s longest running wine bar and Mudgee’s place for a drink has a new lease of life with big name musical acts now performing in a newly converted and atmospheric space.

The new owners want to share their love of ‘good food, wine and music’ with live shows by Sarah J Hyland, Tim Finn, James Reyne and Mark Seymour (29 October).

Also new are movie night every Wednesday, trivia on Thursday, a tapas menu and wood-fired pizzas. Roths has been in operation since 1923 and is the best place in Mudgee to meet the locals, try a range of wines, or stretch out on cushion-strewn sofas with a book. Complete with candles, local art and photography, Roths has cemented its place as the best night spot in the Central West. www.rothswinebar.com.au

‘New Wineries at Skimstone and Bunnamagoo’

Joining Mudgee Region’s 50 cellar doors are Skimstone (boutique, fanily run and Italian varietals) and Bunnamagoo (from Paspaley Pearling Family). Skimstone is a family affair, named by winemaker Josh Clementson’s children who skim stones on the dam that sits beyond the cellar door.

Try a boutique range of wines that Josh loves to match with food at home, Italian varietals such as Sangivoese and Berbera.

At Bunnamagoo the family is applying the same sort of discrimination and patience to wine-making that brought them success with their pearls. The wines are made under the passionate supervision of another young winemaker from the Region, Robert Black. www.skimstone.com.au  and www.bunnamagoowines.com.au

New Hotspots for a Long Lunch…

olive.a.twist (food.wine.science) at Oakfield Estate – join chef Rebecca Sutton and olive grower Belinda Moon in the grove at historic Oakfield Estate for olive picking, tasting and lunch in the grove.

Includes sampling a range of estate grown varietal olives and oils, picking vegetables and herbs from the garden and selecting olives to be brined, processed and later sent to participants.

After preparing the ingredients for boned leg of lamb on the BBQ, discuss appropriate wine companioning and enjoy lunch at long tables in the grove with fabulous fresh food and local wines by Robert Stein Winery. Cost from $190. Ph: 0408 416 396.

‘Fork It Lunches’ at Burnbrae Wines – these new monthly lunches offer a three-course meal prepared by well known local chef, Rachael McCarthy. Dine on the verandah with Burnbrae Wines and enjoy the rustic charm of this cellar door and its quaint country setting. Held monthly on Sundays, cost from $45.00pp and includes a glass of wine. www.burnbraewines.com.au

Di Lusso Estate ‘Winemakers and Pizza’ lunches – fresh, hot pizzas straight from the outdoor pizza oven are served with a range of Italian varietal wines, olive oil and farm-made fig products. This authentic Italian long-lunch is enjoyed under the pergola and overlooking ‘Lago di Lusso’. Held every weekend and open for casual lunches daily except Tuesdays. www.dilusso.com.au

New Accommodation…

‘A Range of New Self-contained Accommodation Opens’
Self-contained accommodation is the trend in Mudgee with a range of new properties opening in 2010, the perfect place to ‘relax in’ with your wine and regional produce at the end of the day.

There is ‘Aston House’ (free-standing terrace), ‘Elington Manor’ (large self-contained house with six en-suite bedrooms), ‘Colliers Cottage’, ‘Cumquat Cottage’ and at Rylstone there is ‘Fermoy Cottage’. Ph: 02 6372 1010 or www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au

‘Elington Manor offers a six bedroom retreat in town’

The newest accommodation by Mudgees Getaway Cottages Elington Manor is an early 1900 Federation home, transformed from a two-bedroom one-bathroom family home to a magnificent heritage fully self-contained bed and breakfast with 6 en-suite bedrooms. The home is ideal for friends to holiday together or as a corporate retreat. Elington Manor is adults only.

Enter via 7 Market Street, Mudgee
Ph: 02 7372 7272
www.mudgeesgetaway.com

For all bookings and enquires – contact Mudgee Region Tourism Inc for more information 02 6372 1010 or www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au

The Mudgee Region is a 3.5 hour drive from Sydney in the Central West of NSW.

Best Western has unveiled another property in Queensland – the Best Western Caboolture Central Motor Inn.

The property boasts a combination of studio style units, family studio units, two bedroom family units, honeymoon & spa suite and wheelchair accessible facilities.

With a fantastic location in central Caboolture, the motel is close to restaurants, shopping, bars and Caboolture Hospital.

It also makes the perfect base for a getaway to the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

All suites are air-conditioned and have ensuites, kitchenette with cooking facilities including hotplate and microwave, TV with Foxtel cable TV, wireless broadband internet access, iron and ironing board and complimentary drinks on arrival.

The motel also features an outdoor swimming pool, laundry room facilities, BBQ, safe deposit facilities, and cooked breakfast and dinner meals delivered to rooms (available everyday).

For more information or, to book accommodation at the Best Western Caboolture Central Motor Inn, call 131 779 (from Australia), 0800 237 893 (from New Zealand) or log on to

www.bestwestern.com.au/caboolturecentral

The new ride AquaLoop begins when the trap door is released and the rider plummets, accelerating into a massive vertical free fall drop and then up into a full looping slide!

The slide is gut wrenching, heart-pounding and gravity-defying and takes riders to speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour!

Riders’ anticipation begins the moment they start climbing the steps of the tower, and enter the door to the capsule at the top. The capsule is a vessel containing a trap door within the floor which creates the ultimate thrust start.

Facing forward with looks of anticipation and a view overlooking the spectators below the excitement builds as riders place their arms across their chest and then wait for the countdown.

3 * 2 * 1

The trap door is released and the rider plummets while accelerating down a 10 metre vertical free fall drop with maximum force into the full looping slide of speed and exhilaration. AquaLoop will leave crowds and riders breathless!

Product Features:

*0 to 2.5 g’s in less than two seconds

*Highly accelerated start takes riders into the looping slide
reaching speeds up to 60 kph

*The first attraction of it’s kind in the world to have four full looping slides

Wet’n'Wild Water World is set in 16.6 hectares of lush sub-tropical gardens with a slection of over 36 slides and attractions. Located on the sunny Gold Coast and provides the perfect setting for a fun filled day out the whole family will enjoy this school holidays.

Now with even more reasons to visit Wet’n'Wild why not look at purchasing an unlimited VIP Pass? This awesome new pass gives you unlimited entry to Wet’n'Wild, Movie World and Sea World until June 30 2011 for only *$99.99 per person – that means huge savings for the whole family.

With fully qualified lifeguards throughout the park, Wet’n'Wild Water World also provides one of the safest forms of aquatic recreation available.

Let’s make this the National Year of Fun!
Visit www.myfun.com.au  for more information or call 133 FUN

* conditions apply

In time for the start of the walking season (Spring – mid-Autumn), five of Tasmania’s best tourism operators have come together to create an exciting new tourism initiative called the Great Walks of Tasmania, helping potential travellers and adventure-seekers choose the best guided walks to be found on the island.

The Great Walks of Tasmania website www.greatwalkstasmania.com  includes the Maria Island Walk, Bay of Fires Walk, Freycinet Experience Walk, Cradle Mountain Huts, South Coast Track, Tarkine Rainforest Track and the Walls of Jerusalem Experience Walk – each renowned for their iconic and quality offerings.

The combined walks cover over 300 of the most beautiful kilometres on earth, and are acclaimed as being among the best in the world. Visitors can find out which walk suits them best at the Great Walks website, which includes links to each of the individual experiences.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of the Great Walks of Tasmania website, which brings together the very best guided walks Tasmania has to offer,” Felicia Mariani, CEO of Tourism Tasmania said.

“Each of these world class walks provide visitors with unforgettable experiences, and the variety of walks available mean that there is something to suit everyone – from amateurs seeking light adventure to adventure-lovers who want a bit of a challenge.”

The Great Walks of Tasmania will offer visitors a uniquely Tasmanian experience; with the chance to see wildlife, wilderness, striking landscapes and rich heritage that are in most cases not found anywhere else on earth.

There is a strong focus on providing a personalised experience, and as such, walks are conducted in small groups with a maximum group size of twelve and a guide to guest ratio of 1:5. All walks conducted under the Great Walks of Tasmania are run by professional, expertly trained guides with extensive knowledge of the wilderness and a true passion for their vocation.

The Great Walks of Tasmania include:

Maria Island Walk [4 days]

* Award-winning four day walk in Maria Island National Park (Qantas Australian Tourism Award 2008; Australian Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards 2007, 2009, 2010; The Australian Travel & Tourism Awards, 2009)

* Accommodation at comfortable wilderness camps and the restored Bernacchi House, which is the recently listed World Heritage convict settlement of Darlington

* Walks through eucalypt and blue gum forests, secluded beaches and bays, and woodlands

* A swim in the azure sea and hikes up Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk

* Fresh Tasmanian food and wine

From $2,150 per person

Bay of Fires Walk [4 days]

* Named by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top 10 spots to visit (2009)

* Accommodation at Forester Beach Camp and the award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge

* Walks along secluded beaches and coves, marsupial lawns and fragrant heath and peppermint forests

* Kayaking expeditions down the Ansons River

* A swim in the stunning sapphire sea

* Fresh Tasmanian food and wine

From $2,050 per person

Freycinet Experience Walk [4 days]

* Best Eco-Tourism experience – Australian Gourmet Traveller (2008)

* Accommodation at the award-winning, eco-friendly Friendly Beaches Lodge

* A sea cruise down the stunning Peninsula to explore Schouten Island, the southernmost part of Freycinet National Park

* Walks along beaches of fine white sand and through forests of towering white gums

* Treks to the renowned Wineglass Bay and alongside the region’s iconic orange lichen rocks

* A swim in Freycinet’s crystal waters

* Hikes up the region’s pink granite mountains and hills

* Fresh Tasmanian food and wine

From $2,000 per person

Cradle Mountains Hut [3, 4 or 6 days]

* Three, four and six day walks through the acclaimed Overland Track in the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair National Park

* Accommodation at the comfortable and private Cradle Mountain Huts

* Walks through ancient temperate rainforests, along the edges of spectacular glacial cirques and over alpine plateaus.

* Visits to lakes (including a possible swim), and a hike up Barn Bluff (Tasmania’s fourth highest peak).

* The six day walk includes an optional climb up Mt Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak, a trek along the Mersey River, a visit to the spectacular D’Alton, Fergusson and Harnett Falls, and a 17km boat cruise along Tasmania’s deepest lake.

* Fresh Tasmanian food and wine

From $2,550 per person

South Coast Track [9 days]

* The most challenging of the great walks

* Accommodation in tents with an inflatable sleeping mat (provided)

* A flight to the remote airstrip at Melaleuca, followed by an 80km trek through untouched beaches, rugged mountain ranges and majestic rainforests, and alongside tannin-stained rivers

* The chance to camp, swim and relax on secluded beaches

* Fresh Tasmanian food and wine

From $2,395 per person

Tarkine Rainforest Track [6 days]

* Accommodation at various wilderness campsites

* Walks through rainforests linked to the ancient Gondwana continent, valleys of giant ferns, and button grass plains

* Raft across the Arthur River

* Visit and swim in waterfalls including the Shrine, Tarkine Falls and Heaven

* Fresh Tasmanian food and wine

From $1,799 per person

Walls of Jerusalem Experience Walk [4 days]

* Accommodation in tents (provided) at various comfortable wilderness camps

* Day walks within the heart of the ‘Walls’ exploring soaring dolerite peaks, alpine lakes, ancient pencil pine forests and abundant wildflowers

* Hikes up Mt Jerusalem, King David’s Peak and if time permits, Golden Gate and Zion Vale

* Fresh Tasmanian food and wine

From $1,095 per person

For more information on the Great Walks of Tasmania, visit www.greatwalkstasmania.com

Australia’s most successful cyclist, Phil Anderson and global sports innovator, Mummu Media are pleased to announce their new partnership and the establishment of Phil Anderson Cycling Tours (PACT).

Mummu Media will create, promote and sell cycling packages for the world’s most popular cycling events using Mr Anderson’s deep industry knowledge, expertise and relationships. PACT will offer a broad cycling product range from rider and non rider coach tours to exclusive VIP experiences and will initially focus on the European Cycling Season.

This new partnership will replace Mr Anderson’s previous travel and touring business. PACT will benefit from Mummu Media’s global reach, packaging expertise and buying power.

PACT is launching with arguably the most famous annual sports event in the world, the Tour de France (2011), an event Mr Anderson knows intimately. Phil Anderson was the first non European to ever secure the iconic ‘yellow jersey’ and is truly a pioneer of Cycling. He wore the coveted ‘yellow jersey’ on eleven occasions.

Mr Anderson is enthusiastic about the launch of PACT and said, “I am excited to lend my years of experience and understanding to grow a business that creates the best cycling experiences for the events that mean so much to me and millions of cycling fans throughout the world.”

“Partnering with someone of Phil Anderson’s iconic status and deep expertise is a tremendous opportunity for Mummu Media and we are very confident that Phil Anderson Cycling Tours will prove to be a wonderful addition to our investment into the cycling community” said Adam Jacoby, Managing Director of Mummu Media.

PACT tours will be launched on October 1 via www.philandersoncyclingtours.com . There will also be a direct link from www.mummumedia.com

Mummu Media is part of the Sportsnet group of companies, recently awarded the BRW/ANZ Fastest Growing Private Business.

Ribeira’s website ribeirasurfcamp.com has been updated with new content, visuals, video, photo gallery and heaps of information. Also of note is the live beach webcam trained on the surf at Ribeira.

In their third Surf Newsletter of 2010, Ribeira selected some premium shots from passed autumn’s swells at our home break in Ribeira d’Ilhas and hopefully this year you will be able to enjoy some excellent waves we expect to start hitting our coast soon.

To make things easier for you, we created “Swell Trips” – check out further down where to find cheap flights, why to leave your board at home and how to get an e-mail alert when a swell is about to hit Ericeira.

Our camp has calmed down from the summer rush and provides a nice relaxing atmosphere to realize “Coaching Trips” for the ever improving amateur surfer and professional athlete alike. Find out how we provide a professional coach for free or how your coach will stay for free at our surf camp.

Exciting, isn’t it? More exciting news are the new look of our website and a Live Beach Webcam with information on wave size, water temperature, wind and weather. And if you LIKE this, join in at our facebook page!

Ribeira, November 2009 : photo Herwig Brunar

Swell Trips (leave your board at home and get a free rental)

More and more intermediate and experienced surfers try to find the best way to the best waves.

If you live in Europe, Ericeira is such an ideal location (35 minutes from the Lisbon airport, which is not more than 2.5 hours from most major cities).

Air and water temperatures are mild throughout the end of fall. And the waves… well just get better and bigger.

Search for “cheap flights to Portugal” to find the cheapest flight. AND: leave your board at home – we invite you to be part of the Swell Trip Crew, send us the measurements of the board you’d leave at home, we’ll make a reservation of the closest match we have in our quiver, and it’s for FREE for the length of your Swell Trip.

To top the whole thing up: breakfast and dinners are included… All for amazing 35€/day *).

And last but not least, we offer a Swell Trips Crew special shuttle deal from and to the airport (20€/person/way)

Check these links
www.edreams.com
www.checkfelix.com
http://www.monarch.co.uk/portugal/flights
www.cheapflights.co.uk/flight-guide-to-Portugal/
www.travelsupermarket.com/c/cheap-flights/portugal/
www.skyscanner.net/flights-to/pt/cheap-flights-to-portugal.html

* standard shared bungalow, minimum stay 3 nights, drinks not included, from 01.10.-30.11.2010, only for returning customers, availability of boards depending on stock

Coaching Trips (bring your own coach or hire one of our coaches for free)

We also have been thinking how to make your surf trips more efficient, how to get you on bigger and better waves more quickly.

That’s why we created “Coaching Trips”. Take advantage of this great package and invite a coach from your surfing community, we pay for his halfboard accommodation or optionally you could also hire one of our experienced technical stuff and we take care of his fee **).

**) valid for: minimum group 3 person (excluding coach), minimum stay: 1 week, standard bungalow, halfboard, from 01.10.-30.11.2010, price per person, flights not included: just 245€

Facebook
Follow us at our fanpage at

www.facebook.com/pages/Ribeira-Surf-Camp/119677498056363

www.ribeirasurfcamp.com

Disney Parks & Resorts, in coordination with its new “Let the Memories Begin” consumer campaign, is adding to the experiences those guests receive at Disney parks by developing new and updated attractions in California and Florida, new vacation opportunities on Disney Cruise Line, a new luxury resort in Hawaii, and new ways to explore the world with Adventures by Disney.

At Disneyland Resort, “World of Color,” the new nighttime spectacular presented in Disney California Adventure, brings classic Disney and Disney-Pixar animation to life with nearly 1,200 powerful fountains, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, music and special effects.

Next up for the continuing expansion of Disney California Adventure is the first major attraction based on the modern Disney classic, “The Little Mermaid.”

The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will treat guests to a musical retelling of the classic motion picture. Guests will get to visit Trident’s world under the sea.

The attraction represents the next big milestone in the ongoing expansion of Disney California Adventure. Disney California Adventure also now features Silly Symphony Swings, a Disney-flavored version of the traditional swing ride themed to the tornado finale of the classic Mickey Mouse cartoon “The Band Concert.”

Also at Disney California Adventure, Goofy’s Sky School will join the fun along Paradise Pier in 2011.

The coaster attraction is inspired by the 1940 cartoon short “Goofy’s Glider,” and the theme is a flying academy with Goofy as the instructor. Guests will enjoy all the dips, twists and thrills as Goofy tries to teach a group of novice pilots how to soar through the sky.

At Disneyland Park, Disney characters will stomp down Main Street, U.S.A. in a new parade called “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade,” which brings to life some of the most beloved melodies from Disney films.

Live musicians will amplify the fun and colorful dancers will entertain guests to the tune of a syncopated drum line, twinkling cymbals, steel drums and more.

Mickey Mouse and some favorite Disney characters will encourage members of the crowd to join the giant jam session.

Also at Disneyland Resort, renovations continue at the Disneyland Hotel, including a new pool and water play area, enhancements to the existing pool, a new restaurant and bar, and a re-theming of the hotel’s three guestroom towers.

Two themed suites opened in 2010, the Fairy Tale and Big Thunder suites, and a third new suite is under development. They join the existing Mickey Mouse and Pirates suites.

At Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, a revamped Star Tours 3-D Adventure, bridging the period between the two “Star Wars” trilogies, will make its debut. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue will take flight in 2011 and take guests to thrilling destinations throughout the “Star Wars” galaxy using 3-D technology.

Also at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Animal Kingdom in early 2011 will feature a new add-on experience, Wild Africa Trek, which will take small groups of adventurers on personalized, guided excursions that include a bushwalk through unexplored areas of the forest, home to many species of wildlife, along with over-landing in customized vehicles across an animal-filled savanna.

To complete the journey, guests will experience a taste of Africa while viewing wildlife from a specially designed observation station.

At Epcot, new dining venues at the Italy and Mexico pavilions opened in August and September. In August, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria called Via Napoli opened in the Italy pavilion. Operated by Patina Restaurant Group, the same restaurateurs who run the pavilion’s Tutto Italia restaurant, the 300-seat pizzeria features wood-burning ovens named for volcanoes in Italy.

The 14,000-square-foot space includes indoor and outdoor dining. Meanwhile, the Mexico pavilion this month welcomed guests to La Hacienda and La Cantina de San Angel – two restaurants under one roof.

La Hacienda is a 250-seat restaurant serving romantic dinners beside World Showcase Lagoon while La Cantina is a 150-seat quick-service restaurant serving both lunch and dinner.

At Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney Channel Rocks! is set to debut this fall as a live, rock-concert-style show that celebrates great music and great friends through hit songs from popular Disney Channel original movies and series.

Disney Channel Rocks! will feature music from a variety of Disney Channel hits, including the “High School Musical” series, “Camp Rock” and “StarStruck.”

The show – at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – will follow a format that is similar to “High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now!”

In the Magic Kingdom, Rapunzel, along with Flynn Ryder from the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated feature “Tangled,” will begin greeting guests of all ages in a new interactive “play and greet” offering in Fairytale Garden this October. The movie opens Nov. 24 in theaters nationwide.

The newly relaunched ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort continues to add more athlete enhancements in 2011 with the addition of the new Hewlett-Packard Photo Creation Center inside the renamed HP Field House at the complex.

The creation center will allow athletes, coaches and fans to create and design an assortment of uniquely customized posters, photo albums, and materials to commemorate their sports experience.

Meanwhile, as previously announced, Disney Cruise Line will introduce Disney Dream, its newest and largest ship, set to launch in January 2011. The Disney Dream, slated to set sail on its revenue cruise on Jan. 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Fla. The 4,000-passenger ship will feature three-, four- and five-night Bahamian itineraries.

Meanwhile, the Disney Wonder in early 2011 will feature new West Coast itineraries, including, for the first time, Alaska cruises sailing from Vancouver. Disney Wonder also is scheduled for cruises out of the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera, before and after the summer Alaska cruises.

On the island of Oahu, Disney is building Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii that includes traditional hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas.

The property is located on 21 acres of oceanfront property in Ko Olina, 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki.

Aulani draws its inspiration from the traditions and heritage of the people of Hawaii. Walt Disney Imagineers, with the help of local architects, artisans and historians, are weaving Hawaiian stories into the buildings, interiors, art and gardens of the resort.

Upon completion, Aulani will include 359 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas with views of the ocean, mountains and the lush grounds.

In 2011, Adventures by Disney, Disney’s family tour operation, will debut new seven- and nine-night Egypt itineraries to its existing programs covering such destinations as Italy, South Africa and China. The pyramids and the sphinx in Giza, a Nile River cruise, and days and nights in Cairo are all part of the experience. In 2011, Adventures by Disney will offer 25 itineraries, six to 13 days in duration, on six continents.

Beyond 2011, Disney Parks has already announced new attractions for its parks and cruise line, including Cars Land, a 12-acre expansion themed to the Disney-Pixar blockbuster “Cars,” and scheduled to open in 2012 at Disney California Adventure. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, at Walt Disney World Resort, is scheduled to open in late 2012 with family suites themed to Disney and Disney-Pixar animated films. Disney Fantasy, the sister ship to the Disney Dream, scheduled to set sail in 2012. Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom is in the midst of a multi-year expansion that is the largest in history of the flagship park at Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort.

This month saw the opening of Nikki Beach in Cabarete in the Dominican Republic.

Founded on Miami’s South Beach in 1996 by Jack Penrod, Nikki Beach is the ultimate beach club concept that brings dining, fashion, music and entertainment together earning itself, as quoted by the London Observer, the undisputed reputation as being the “The Sexiest Place on Earth”.

Among the first nights guests were Richard Branson’s family and friends celebrating his son Sam Branson’s 25th birthday.

For further information on the destination please contact: ESP: esthercsmith@hotmail.com  Tel/fax: 01962 711239 – Mobile: 07768901197 -Website: www.godominicanrepublic.com

About Dominican Republic:

Rich in history, the Dominican Republic’s first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492.

Since then, it has developed into a diverse and luxurious destination offering both Dominican Republic and European flavours to more than 220,000 British visitors each year.

A leader in eco-tourism, the Dominican Republic created the world’s first Whale Sanctuary and has established protection zones for more than 20 percent of its land and coastal areas.

The country boasts some of the world’s best golf courses and beaches, the largest marinas in the Caribbean and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families.

Visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official Web site at: www.godominicanrepublic.com  or call +44 (0)20 7242 7778.