Jetsettersblog

When a visit to Los Angeles calls for posh accommodations, LA hotels from Downtown to the Pacific Ocean are at the ready with luxury-laden suites. Among the newest is the lavish “The Ritz-Carlton Suite,” on the 25th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles in Downtown.

Panoramic mountain and city views, executive study, living area, formal dining for 10, wet bar, a butler’s pantry (with separate service entry), and luxurious bedroom suite including walk-in shower with rain shower head are among the highlights.

If you need a Hollywood connection, the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa’s 3,500-square-foot rooftop “Panorama Suite,” is the ultimate in luxe, with floor-to-ceiling windows delivering bird’s eye views of Hollywood and all LA, and amenities including an over-sized Jacuzzi in the master bedroom.

The Renaissance Hollywood is conveniently adjacent to the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards®. The “Royal Suite” atop the 16-story InterContinental Los Angeles Century City, pampers visitors in 3,300 square feet of luxury living including gorgeous urban views, private dining, a butler’s kitchen, and master bedroom luxuries including a whirlpool bath.

Movie studio creativity combines with luxury at the Sheraton Universal Hotel (adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood), which offers both a lavish “Presidential Suite,” with formal dining for six, two marble baths, and stunning Hollywood and San Fernando Valley views — and a luxe “Shrek Suite,” themed after the loveable ogre’s hut.

A woodsy décor including a king canopy bed adorned with moss and vines, a breakfast nook with tables made of twigs, pictures of Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey, and an emerald-hued bath, provide a fairytale-like stay.

For ocean-front luxury, the views are endless from the 2,200-square-foot “Vanderlip Suite” at the pet-friendly Terranea Resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Perched on a cliff above the sea, its sumptuous appointments include living and dining areas, a fireplace, in-suite pantry and kitchen, master suite with separate dressing room, and expansive ocean-facing balconies.

www.ritzcarlton.com 
www.renaissancehollywood.com
www.intercontinentallosangeles.com
www.sheratonuniversal.com
www.terranea.com

Visit the notorious Alcatraz prison this Halloween, maybe you’ll bump into Al Capone’s ghost. Through CheapOstay, the four-star Sofitel San Francisco Bay is available at a discounted rate starting at $135 per night.*

Plan a trip to the Rhode Island Area and visit The Belcourt Castle

As a haunting ground for paranormal phenomenon, this French Renaissance style château, is filled with possessed statues and ghostly armor. Through CheapOstay, the Westin Providence is available for a cheap rate starting at $195 per night.*

Plan a trip down South and visit the Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Kentucky

As the inspiration for many horror movies, the Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a hospital with a gruesome past. Through CheapOstay, the Brown Hotel is available for a low price starting at $202 per night.*

Plan a trip to Massachusetts and visit Salem

Learn the history of Salem, known for its witch-hunts at the Salem Witch Museum, or feel like you were back in the 1600’s at a re-enactment of a Salem Witch Trial. Through CheapOstay, the Nightingale Inn is available for a cheap rate starting at $213 per night.*

**Sample hotel rate listed for travel from October 28, 2010 through November 1, 2010, and is based on availability; additional dates and locations available.

Taxes and service fees not included.

For reservations, please call 866-466-8827 or visit www.CheapOStay.com

WASHINGTON, DC – This Fall, visitors to the nation’s capital will get to experience the vast adaptability and wide range of habitats of geckos with the overnight “Geckos: Tails to Toepads” package at The Madison, a Loews Hotel.

As the official hotel sponsor of the NationalGeographicMuseum and to celebrate their partnership, The Madison will offer a series of overnight packages through 2011.

The first offering, The “Geckos: Tails to Toepads” package is available September 24, 2010 through January 5, 2011 as the exhibit at the National Geographic Museum showcases more than 75 live geckos from around the world.

A five minute walk from The Madison Hotel, the NationalGeographicMuseum offers visitors the chance to experience geckos in re-creations of their diverse habitats to draw visitors into the geckos’ realm.

The exhibition also includes a series of computer and hands-on activities for visitors to experience: gecko night vision, learn unusual facts from gecko experts, listen to gecko voices, activate video clips of geckos in action, try to spot camouflaged geckos and build a custom gecko for various environments.

The “Geckos: Tails to Toepads” package includes:
Overnight luxurious accommodations at The Madison, a Loews Hotel

Admission to the “Geckos: Tails to Toepads” exhibition at the National Geographic Museum
Free in-room internet access
Complimentary valet parking

A one-year subscription to the National Geographic Kids magazine
20 percent discount at National Geographic Museum Store

The “Geckos: Tails to Toepads” package rate starts at $204 and is available through January 5, 2011.

The rate is subject to availability and change and is per room, per night and does not include tax. For information about The Madison, or to reserve a room, call (800) 424-8577 or visit on-line at www.loewshotels.com

The National Geographic Museum, at 1145 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed December 25.

For additional information the public should call (202) 857-7588 or visit www.ngmuseum.com

About The Madison, a Loews Hotel

The 353-room Madison, a Loews Hotel, is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. at the corner of 15th and M Streets, just off Massachusetts Avenue. A few blocks from the NationalGeographicMuseum,

The White House, Embassy Row and National Mall monuments, the hotel is named after the country’s fourth president, James Madison. The hotel plays home to Palette restaurant and Postscript, a bar and lounge that evokes an insider’s ambience.

Having hosted countless heads of state, international business leaders as well as some of Washington’s most notable figures, the staff of The Loews Madison Hotel, specializes in personalized service.

Tired of being left behind by more advanced friends or held back by your lagging family? Are your friends coupled up for the winter leaving you out in the cold?

Or perhaps you’re fed up of being stung by single supplements. Whether you’re looking to join a lively group for some hillside banter, share in a pleasant après-ski chocolat chaud with new friends (who knows – romance could blossom!) or meet up with likeminded fearless adrenaline junkies for a morning’s heli-skiing, Ski*Pals is the answer!

Ski*Pals is a new and exciting website and social networking tool dedicated solely to the slopes. Solo skiers and boarders can now easily find new friends to spread the costs and share the fun of winter sports holidays with a friendly face by your side.

Some recent solo Ski*Pals buddies:

Richard Clark, North Yorkshire

“My name is Richard Clark, I am from North Yorkshire, aged 55 and an intermediate ski-er. I like to ski in Europe and am particularly keen on Megeve.

I normally ski with family or friends but this year am currently on my own and looking for a ski pal.

I enjoy cruising down blue and red runs, no blacks as I have a dodgy hip. I would be happy for someone to join me ski-ing on the slopes either in December 2010 or January 2011 to ski in Europe. Any takers?”

Chidders, UK

“I am visiting Verbier with friends in February 2011, the group I am travelling with are of beginner to intermediate ski level however I am at more of an expert level. I am looking for a ski partner who is interested in taking more risks- black runs/ off piste skiing and even extreme activities such as heli-skiing.”

Snowsearcher, UK

“Anyone keen to do the Tarentaise tour? If so I would be interested in seeing if we could perhaps share the costs of transfers/accommodation/guides etc.

Thinking March 2011 would be a good time but fairly flexible on dates. Let me know!”

So kiss goodbye to costly single supplements and get more out of your winter sports holiday by posting for free on Ski*Pals and seeing who you might meet!

Membership of Ski*Pals is free and members can post their requests and details online free of charge.

To sign up for your free membership visit

www.skipals.co.uk

for the Far East, South America and North-Eastern Europe

Trustive celebrates its growing international presence with the launch of three regional WiFi passes, aimed specifically at travellers heading to the Far East, South America or North-Eastern Europe.

Trustive’s strategy has long been to provide seamless mobile internet access to travellers via a single click. Trustive’s WiFi network, which has undergone significant expansion in recent months, currently includes 180,000 WiFi hotspots in 130 countries (combining the hotspot locations of more than 80 leading WiFi operators into one unified network), making it not only No1 in Europe, but also No1 in Asia, and probably the leading international WiFi access provider as well.

It is this premium network expansion in the Far East (i.e. India, China, Japan & Australia), South America (i.e. Brazil & Columbia) and Eastern Europe (including Russia & Scandinavia), which has been the impetus for Trustive’s new regional passes.

The regional passes are available exclusively via Trustive’s website (www.trustive.com ) for a limited period (until 31/12/2010) and at just 35 Euros for 30 hours WiFi access (the equivalent to just 0.02 Euros per minute), they represent great value for money for travellers heading to the Far East (Asia & Australasia), South America or North-Eastern Europe.

As one would expect, these regional WiFi passes benefit from all of the usual advantages associated with Trustive’s renowned WiFi service:

WiFi software to detect and connect to Trustive hotspots, access to Trustive’s secure web browsing facility, secure online payment facilities and easy online top ups to name but a few. Trustive’s no download quota policy will of course be of prime interest to any travellers wishing to share their photos and HD videos, watch TV replays or check their e-mails and favourite social networks whilst they are away.

Christian VanGhelder, managing director of Trustive commented “Trustive is very proud not only of its increasing presence outside of mainland Europe (in key cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Manila, Hong Kong, Narita, Bangkok, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Rio de Janiero, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Moscow and St Petersburg) but also of its commitment to providing customers with maximum control over their budgets, with great value for money passes and easy to use online tools so that customers can control their budgets and monitor their usage real-time, 24/7.”

Full details about each of Trustive’s regional passes, including the countries & hotspots included in each one, are available on Trustive’s website: http://www.trustive.com/pages/travel-to

Trustive gives travellers extensive WiFi coverage by combining the hotspot locations of more than 80 leading WiFi operators into one unified, global network of 180,000 premium WiFi hotspots in 130 countries and allowing Trustive customers access to these locations through a single click (single username and password plus a WiFi client that automates the log in process).

Discover what makes these private estates on the Island of Pangkor Laut feel like the Rolls Royce of paradise, as YTL Hotels offers guests the ultimate package perfect for a seven-night getaway – including a ride on the newly acquired AgustaWestland 139 twin-engine helicopter that will take you direct to the island, relax at one of our eight Estate homes, and be pampered with a host of activities on land and sea.

Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island located three miles off the west coast of Malaysia along the Straits of Malacca.

In a small secluded cove on Pangkor Laut Resort rests eight stylishly designed Estate homes, which blends beautifully into the natural island environment.

Each Estate offers a private infinity-edge pool, pavilions and total privacy – a de rigueur for many celebrities who regard this their private island sanctuary.

The Estates at Pangkor Laut Resort is offering a week of luxed-out indulgence.

Enjoy a scenic two-way ride by helicopter from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which will take you direct to the island.

With butlers at your service throughout the entire stay, enjoy the daily aromas of fresh baked breads, exotic tropical fresh fruit, fresh herbs being dressed on fish and seafood literally just caught, and a gourmet adventure from Thai, Malaysian, to Chinese and Western cuisine – whatever your heart’s desire. Experience a variety of dining options around the island, an overnight stay at sea on the YTL Lady, a day filled with spa treatments at the award-winning Spa Village, deep sea fishing expedition or a leisurely cruise on our two newly purchased Flybridge Princess Yachts.

Venture in the virgin rainforest with resident naturalist and turn up at Emerald Bay for a private breakfast spread on the beach. Or spend your day kayaking, snorkeling or sailing. For those feeling ‘in the zone’, try your hand at Tai Chi, or perhaps combining it with a spot of yoga.

This seven-night package for up to six guests is at the special price of US $35,000 per Estate, which includes all food and beverage, private bar and use of all the facilities at Pangkor Laut Resort.

Email travelcentre@ytlhotels.com .my to book.

NEWBERG, OREGON,– When The Allison Inn and Spa opened a year ago in the midst of an economic downturn, no one could have predicted its star would rise so far or so fast. But Willamette Valley’s first luxury resort, which enjoys many sold-out dates, seems to have exceeded the expectations of everyone – the owners and executive team, foodies and wine-lovers, spa-goers, travel agents and journalists, restaurant reviewers, corporate executives, meeting planners/attendees, brides and their entourages, local vintners and neighbors alike – but especially the hotel industry.

Now widely recognized as Oregon wine country’s premier destination resort, The Allison has been honored with a variety of accolades since it opened its doors in time for the 2009 harvest season:

Conde Nast Traveler’s 2010 Hot Hotels and Hot Spas list
LEED Gold certification (one of only a handful of luxury hotels in the world to receive this honor for green building initiatives)

AAA Four Diamond Rating – recognized as Oregon wine country’s top-rated resort

Food & Wine Magazine named The Allison’s Food & Wine Director as one of America’s Top 7 Sommeliers
CNN named Oregon’s Wine Country & The Allison one of the Top 9 Spots in the World for Savvy Luxury Travelers – the only US mention

Top raves have also been received from The New York Times, The Wine Spectator, Bon Appetit, The Oregonian, Hemispheres, SPA Magazine, Northwest Palate, American Spa, Sunset Magazine, The Seattle Times, Smart Meetings, Celebrated Living, Elle Décor, Alaska Airlines Magazine, etc.

The Allison appreciates the prestigious awards and media coverage, but what individual guests have to say perhaps means the most:

5-Star TripAdvisor review of The Allison: “My wife and I are fortunate to have traveled to many fine resorts, none better than the Allison…

We only wished we had stayed another night. We’ll be back and will bring a host of friends.” –

StockbrokerCharlotte, NC, Sept. 1, 2010
5-Star Yelp review of The Allison: “If you are visiting Oregon wine country, you simply must stay here. If you made reservations someplace else, change them. If the Allison is sold out when you want to come, change the dates of your trip…The Spa:

“This place is awesome. I had a massage there immediately after checking in and the spa facilities rock and the staff is the best ever (it is apparently the only destination spa in this part of the Northwest so they were able to hand-pick the very best masseuses and masseurs).” – Tom J., Washington, DC, August 8, 2010
5-Star Yelp review of JORY:

“After that meal, I asked to see the chef to personally thank him for the meal. Something I’ve never done before.” – Kent M., Newberg, OR, Sept. 1, 2009
5-Star TripAdvisor review of JORY:

“Two members of our party who have eaten at some of the finest restaurants said the New York steak was the best they have ever had. The salmon I had was exceptional. The service was absolutely impeccable from start to finish. First-class dining experience.” – IrishWoman97333, Corvallis, OR, August 9, 2010
5-Star Yelp review of JORY:

“Stellar farm-to-table cuisine.” – Dan G., Chicago, IL, July 22, 2010

The Allison Inn’s success has been a boon to the entire Willamette Valley and its more than 200 wineries, too. According to TripAdvisor’s latest poll, Willamette is second only to Napa and Sonoma Valleys as a wine region destination.

The Allison, thoughtfully placed on 35 hillside acres, is independently owned and operated, has 85 deluxe guest accommodations, inclusive of eight suites, and guest rooms span four levels. All accommodations have fireplaces, window seats, a balcony or terrace and spa-like bathrooms. Room rates are reasonable by California luxury resort standards while delivering a similar quality guest experience: $295 – $1,100 based on single/double occupancy.

JORY, The Allison’s 100-seat signature restaurant, offers Oregon Wine Country Cuisine with an emphasis on a seasonal menu and fresh, local ingredients, many from the Chef’s Garden. The wine cellar boasts 700 wines and 50 wines by the glass.

A private dining room, JORY Bar, a Chef’s Table and an Open Kitchen complete the culinary offerings, along with 24-hour in-room dining. Live jazz performances take place in the Living Room on Friday and Saturday evenings. Thursday nights, the Celebrity Wine-Tender events showcase local vintners. (Consult the calendar on the website for other special events.)

The Allison Spa, nearly 15,000 sq. ft., the largest in Oregon, features 12 treatment rooms, three lounges, outdoor, landscaped garden terraces and fire pits, organic spa products complemented by ingredients grown in the garden, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms, Fitness Studio and a retail boutique.

Additionally, The Allison boasts 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting and catering facilities on one level with a separate entrance, Grand Foyer for receptions, a ballroom, two conference rooms and a dedicated Board Room, all with terraces and hillside views.

Estate and meadow gardens are ideal for outdoor ceremonies and gatherings.

For information or reservations, phone toll-free 1-877-294-2525 or 503-554-2424.

Please visit www.theAllison.com  as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

The Allison Inn & Spa is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Boutique segment and is located at 2525 Allison Lane, Newberg (Willamette Valley) , Oregon 97132 (less than an hour from downtown Portland and two hours from the Oregon Coast)

Freedom Trail Foundation offers daily walking tours of historic Freedom Trail and specialty tours.

Boston, Mass. – The Freedom Trail Foundation announces that they are offering their most popular Walk Into History tour of the Freedom Trail throughout the winter beginning December 1, 2010. Costumed guides will lead the 90 minute tours from the Boston Visitor Information Center at 12:00 noon daily from the Visitor Information Center on Boston Common.

Tours cost $13 for adults, $7 children; and $11 for students and seniors and can be purchased online at TheFreedomtrail.org  (10% off), at the Visitor Information Center on Boston Common or at Bostix Booth, Faneuil Hall. All tickets include a $1 donation to the Freedom Trail Preservation Fund. Some fees may apply for on-location purchases.

“Last year, the winter months were very popular times for visitors to walk on the Freedom Trail,” said Mimi LaCamera, president of the Freedom Trail Foundation.

“The sites are open and we found an enthusiastic audience who wanted to experience the American Revolution in the seasons when 18th century patriots were struggling to resist British law.

Visitors and residents want to revisit those days when people just like them were challenged with almost insurmountable problems. Trouble was everywhere, and somehow they managed to figure out the solutions.

It took hard work and was dangerous, but they did it.

It’s back to the future in today’s economic climate, too, for we have taken the economy into consideration this year. Freedom Trail tours are Affordable Fun for residents, families, and visitors.”

Other events and specialty tours currently offered by the Freedom Trail Foundation between November and March are:

HISTORIC HOLIDAY STROLL – The Historic Holiday Stroll is offered Thursday through Sunday in November through January and begins at the Faneuil Hall Bostix Booth at 3:30pm* The cost is $29 for adults and $19 for children and includes a 90 minute tour, and refreshments at the Omni Parker House.

Led by a costumed tour guide dressed in 19th century Dickensian garb, visitors learn how holiday traditions evolved in Boston and experience highlights of the American Revolution.

The tour ends with visitors warming their bones with hot chocolate, tea, or wine and Boston Crème Pie at the historic Omni Parker House Hotel.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN PATRIOTS TOUR – At 1 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays during February, 2011, the Freedom Trail Foundation is celebrating Black History Month with the popular African-American Patriots guided tour, taking visitors through historic events of the American Revolution and the contributions of African-Americans who played a significant role in the shaping of America.

Tales of intrigue and bravery, poetry and defiance by black Bostonians will unfold during this critically acclaimed 90-minute walking tour of the Freedom Trail. Led by a costumed guide, visitors view history through the eyes of revolutionaries such as Attucks, Phillis Wheatley, Prince Hall, Peter Salem and others. Tickets $13 adults, $7 children, $11 seniors and students.

About the Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is made up of 16 distinct, original historic sites related to the establishment of the country. It is a repository of some of the country’s most valuable historic and cultural artifacts. The Freedom Trail Foundation is charged to market the Trail and help restore and raise public awareness of these sites of exceptional cultural and historic significance. Established in 1958, the Freedom Trail is a national icon and
draws domestic and international visitors, resulting in nearly $1 billion in spending annually. The Freedom Trail was designated as a Millennium Trail in 2000 by First Lady Hilary Clinton. It attracts more than three million visitors, residents of Massachusetts, and school children each year.

The Freedom Trial Foundation and Freedom Trail sites offer educational programs for teachers and students.

Visit www.TheFreedomTrail.org for additional event and exhibit programming.

In response to increased numbers requesting travel arrangements in exotic parts of China, Far East specialists Bamboo Travel have created two ground breaking tours of the South West province of Yunnan.

“The Burma Road & Tropics of Yunnan” tour explores the historic town of Tengchong in the western corner of Yunnan province in an area blistered by volcanoes, hot springs and volcanic lakes. Located on the old Southwestern Silk Route the town was a gateway for traders from Sichuan destined for markets in Afghanistan and India.

Dotted around town are relics from the days of the “Flying Tigers,” a group of American fighter pilots who flew over the treacherous Gaoligong mountain range to protect the “Burma Road” military supply route from Japanese forces during World War II.

The tour includes a visit to the nearby Gaoligong Mountains Nature Reserve which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its immense biodiversity.

After visiting Dali and Lijiang the tour heads over the Tropic of Cancer to the Southeast Asian region of Xishuangbanna bordering Laos and Myanmar, an exotic area of China rich in colourful minority villages, bustling local markets and lush rainforests.

“Yunnan’s Passage to Shangri-la” travels overland from Yunnan’s modern capital of Kunming to the fabled land of Shangri-La.

The end point of Deqin is a time-forgotten corner of China bordering Eastern Tibet lying under the shadow of the Buddhist holy mountain Kawa Karpo, considered to be one of the most sacred mountains in the Himalayas after Mount Kailash. Highlights along the way include time in the Bai minority heartland of Dali, an overnight stay in a rural Yunnan village, foraging for the highly sought after Pine Mushroom (July to September only), exploring the beautiful cobbled town of Lijiang, and a spectacular two day trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge.

For further details of these tours please visit our website at www.bambootravel.co.uk  or contact Robin Ball, robin.ball@bambootravel.co.uk

This year, avoid the wintry Christmas weather and escape to Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in the Philippines, for a sunshine filled break in luxurious surroundings.

For ultimate privacy and luxury during the festive period, stay in theresorts exclusive Presidential villa and tuck into Christmas dinner next to the infinity pool, whilst being served by a private butler. The night before, on Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy a traditional cultural show and live band with fireworks at midnight to mark the arrival of Christmas Day.

Alongside the Presidential villa, the resort also has 14 other private, luxury villas set in 40 acres of lush tropical gardens on Panglao Island, Bohol, with 11 of the villas offering private swimming pools.

Guests at Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa can also indulge in the Handuraw spa which is based on the tribal healing traditions of the Eskaya tribe. The signature treatment is the Kahimsog Therapeutic Massage offering a 90 minute healing treatment, using heated medicinal leaves gently placed on the body to remove imbalances.

For those looking for a longer pampering session, the spa offers the six hour Handuraw healing journey including a foot ritual, massage, mud wrap, herbal soak, as well as lunch, access to a private swimming pool, steam and sauna and a seaside waterfall experience.

A seven night package from Bamboo Travel costs from £2,900 per person.

This includes international flights to Cebu departing on December 23rd 2010, return transfers from Cebu, return ferry crossing to Bohol, return transfers from Bohol to Eskaya Beach Resort, seven nights accommodation in a whirlpool bath villa and breakfast daily.

To book visit www.bambootravel.co.uk  or call 020 7720 9285.

For more information about Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, visit
www.eskayabeach.com