Jetsettersblog

Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony will feature South American flavors on its Feb. 7 cruise, both on and off the ship.

Sailing from Buenos Aires to Miami, Brazilian and Argentinian culinary and wine experts will spice up the Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery itinerary with tastings, demos, and specially crafted menus.

Among the guests will be Neriton Vasconcelos, owner and head chef of The Galley restaurant in São Paulo; Matias Kyriazis and Estefania di Benedetto, owners and chefs at Paraje Arevalo in Buenos Aires; Eugenio Jardim, a Brazilian native and wine expert, now the wine director at San Francisco’s Jardiniere; and the “Modern Mixologist,” Tony Abou-Ganim, who will offer onboard cocktail making sessions and tips and techniques on creating local concoctions.

Crystal’s chefs will lead hands-on instruction; guests can opt for hands-on cooking lessons at a local Brazilian restaurant.

Per-person, promotional two-for-one cruise fares for the 16-day voyage start at $5,220, double occupancy, and include $1,000-per-person shipboard credit.

Crystal’s Family Memories program offers groups and families a host of perks, including a complimentary berth for every 10 full-fare guests.

As a bonus, travelers can save $2,000 per couple off Penthouse and Verandah staterooms for bookings made by Dec. 31.

The Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass will be staged June 20-26, welcoming 144 rising stars bidding for LPGA Tour selection.

HARRIS, MI – - Sweetgrass Golf Club will hold its first professional championship next June, just three years after the Upper-Peninsula public course opened.

The Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass will draw a field of 144 rising stars on the LPGA Futures Tour June 20-26. The links-style layout, designed by Michigan-native Paul Albanese, is located near Harris, Michigan and is situated on the site of the Island Resort & Casino.

“It is a great honor to host this tournament,” says Tony Mancilla, championship chairman. “Sweetgrass provides a true test of golf that places a premium on shotmaking, an ideal layout for competitive play.”

The 7,275-yard, par 72 course was named to Golfweek’s “Best New Courses” list in 2009, and GOLF Magazine’s Top 20 “Best Courses State by State” listing in 2010. Opened in 2008, it is owned and operated by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation.

Named for the sacred Indian plant known to bring energy and healing, the layout includes the signature 15th island green; par-3 12th biarritz style green, and long par-5 finishing hole that ends on a shared green beyond a cascading waterfall. Water comes into play on seven holes, and the challenging back nine incorporates several recovered classic DOT bridges.

“Sweetgrass is a golf course that was designed in a way that would provide golfers an opportunity to test their skills, without being overly penalizing,” says Albanese.

“The idea was to locate features, such as bunkers, water features, rock and grasses, so golfers would have to contemplate how much risk they wanted to undertake, in exchange for a commensurate reward.”

It will be the first time in six years that an Upper-Peninsula course has hosted a professional championship, drawing an international field vying for the $110,000 purse. The event hopes to provide significant economic impact to the region.

The LPGA Futures Tour announced the addition of its 2011 schedule today, at a press conference at the Island Resort & Casino. The championship will be held at Sweetgrass for three years.

“We are thrilled to add the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass to our official 2011 schedule and to provide many of the most talented young women professionals in the world a chance to experience this challenging test of golf,” said Zayra F. Calderon, CEO of the LPGA Futures Tour.

The Island Resort & Casino will keep the public course opened for play until early June 2011, allowing guests to play Sweetgrass both before and after the championship. For more information, see http://www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com

About Sweetgrass and the Island Resort & Casino

Owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community, a band of the Potawatomi Nation, Sweetgrass Golf Club and the Island Resort & Casino are located in the unspoiled beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The Sweetgrass Golf Club was designed by Michigan-native Paul Albanese. It was named a Top 20 Courses You Can Play in Michigan by GOLF Magazine in 2010, and Best New Course by Golfweek magazine in 2009.

Boasting more than 1,400 slot machines and 24/7 Vegas-style gaming, the Island Resort & Casino offers Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, Poker and more.

The Island hosts top musical acts from a variety of musical genres.

Dining options include the Firekeeper’s Restaurant, Beachcomber Restaurant & Bar, Coral Reef Grille and Bingo Snack Bar.

Live music in the lounge, the Club Four One nightclub, a swimming pool and conference center are other popular resort offerings.

The property is easily accessible via a pair of regional airports in Escanaba and Marquette.

BERMUDA —This year, enjoy a holiday escape with The Fairmont Hamilton Princess and The Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda.

Although only two hours from the east coast, Bermuda is a world apart, and each hotel offers picture perfect getaways to make the most of the rich island culture, warm climate, pink sand beaches and picturesque landscape. And, with the Compliments of Bermuda Third Night Free offer, there’s no better reason to plan a getaway to Bermuda.

Over the holiday season, stay at one property and play at two with reciprocal signing privileges, access to each hotel’s programs and amenities and complimentary ferry service between the two resorts.

The Fairmont Southampton offers guests a wide array of festive activities, many of which are complimentary. From cookie making, crafts in Santa’s workshop and family sandcastle competitions to wine tasting, Christmas carols, seasonal spa experiences, golf and world-class dining, the hotel offers something for every member of the family.

Juxtaposed between old world charm and modern paradise, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess is the quintessential Bermuda experience. Splash in the hotel’s fresh or saltwater pools, enjoy the traditional holiday Teddy Bear Tea at Heritage Court or explore city-life Bermuda style in the capital city of Hamilton.

With the Compliments of Bermuda offer, book a long weekend as a winter getaway for yourself or as holiday gift for a friend, and receive the third night free. Available through April 30, 2011 at The Fairmont Southampton and through March 15, 2011 at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess. Rates at each hotel start from $249 per night.

All packages and rates are double occupancy and based upon availability and do not include tax, gratuity, or resort levy.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The renowned Westin St. Francis is the ideal luxurious escape for the holiday season, certain to create timeless memories and lasting traditions with loved ones.

Guests will delight in the dazzling decorations, a magnificent 12-foot sugar castle, traditional holiday tea service and delicious meals and festive cocktails.

With a superb location directly on Union Square in the heart of the city’s glamorous shopping mecca, nightlife, culture and the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink are just steps outside the door.

Below is a selection of holiday packages. For reservations, call (888) 627-8546 or visit www.westinfrancis.com

Extraordinary Holiday Savings

This holiday season spend a luxurious vacation in the heart of San Francisco at remarkable savings.

Enjoy rates from $170 for a one night stay, or plan to stay two nights and save even more with rates from $161 per night.

Offer valid November 18 through January 8, 2010.

Rates exclude tax and are subject to blackout dates.

Macy’s Shop ‘Til you Drop Package

With a $100 gift certificate to the West Coast’s largest Macy’s, located just across the street, guests will be able to shop and then spend the night in luxurious comfort at The Westin St. Francis.

Rates are from $250 for a one night stay, $201 per night for a two night stay, and from $187 per night for a three night stay. Valid through January 7, 2010.

Rates exclude tax and are subject to blackout dates.

Glide into the holidays

Skate around the sights and sounds of holiday cheer at Union Square’s annual Safeway Holiday Ice Rink.

Guests will enjoy an overnight stay, admission for two to the ice rink and complimentary skate rentals for two.

Rates are from $180 for a one night stay, $166 per night for a two night stay and from $164 per night for a three night stay.

Valid through January 8, 2010.

Rates exclude tax and are subject to blackout dates.

Opened more than a century ago on March 21, 1904, The Westin St. Francis on Union Square still today maintains its preeminence as San Francisco’s center of social, theatrical and business life.

Renowned for luxury accommodations and excellent service, the hotel completed an extensive $40 million transformation in late 2009 that preserves its rich history and elegance while enhancing the guest experience with fresh, innovative concepts.

The only hotel located on San Francisco’s famous Union Square, The Westin St. Francis is located right on the classic cable line and is just steps from first-class shopping, world-renowned dining, award-winning theater and a bustling arts district.

For reservations and more information, please call (415) 397-7000, toll free (800) 917-7458 or visit www.westinstfrancis.com

WITH ‘RHUMBASH 2011’

LAS VEGAS – RHUMBAR, the stylish cocktail lounge at The Mirage, will host RHUMBASH 2011, an exotic New Year’s Eve bash under the stars.

Set to the high-energy vibe of RHUMBAR’s sizzling Havanatone Latin night, RHUMBASH will offer an unparalleled New Year’s Eve experience featuring lively Latin music, dancing and all-inclusive drink packages.

RHUMBASH 2011 will thrill partygoers with fiery dancers and heart-pounding, live music, transforming RHUMBAR’s outdoor patio oasis into the Strip’s sexiest dance floor.

The best location on the Strip to catch the famed New Year’s Eve fireworks show, RHUMBAR will captivate guests with excitement for an unforgettable evening.

Guests will enjoy an unlimited bar package featuring premium cocktails, wine and beer from
9 p.m. to 1 a.m., priced at $125 per person.

Guests can also upgrade to RHUMBAR’s VIP experience, which includes premium Strip-view seating and a bottle of Stolichnaya Elit® vodka or Veuve Clicquot champagne for parties of two or more, available for $225 per person.

Tickets are available for purchase at The Mirage concierge desk or by calling 702.791.7416.

Tickets will also be available for purchase at RHUMBAR daily from noon to midnight.

RHUMBAR is a highly-stylized cocktail and cigar lounge located near the main entrance of The Mirage, owned and operated by Drive This! Entertainment.

The plush outdoor patio is reminiscent of a tropical retreat offering an accessible, picturesque location for guests to mingle, sip cocktails, and smoke cigars.

The lounge and patio are open from 11 a.m. until midnight Sunday through Wednesday, and 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

For more information, call 702-792-7615 or visit www.RhumbarLV.com  or www.DriveThisEntertainment.com.

The perfect weekend getaway for New Yorkers, the Southampton Inn invites you to experience this exclusive year-round enclave, in the heart of it all. Nestled on over five acres of manicured lawns and lushly landscaped grounds, the perfect Hamptons home-away-from-home is steps away from designer boutiques, art galleries, parks and museums. The casual-yet-chic Inn is home to ninety cozy, recently-renovated guestrooms, each reflecting the effortless charm of the Hamptons.

Southampton Inn’s CEO & Managing Partner Dede Gotthelf invites guests to enjoy such amenities as Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, tennis court, library with fireplace, and an outdoor heated fifty-foot pool, adjacent al fresco dining and complimentary shuttle service to Coopers Beach during the summer season.

Let the Southampton Inn Concierge plan exciting weekend excursions for you such as fishing trips, hiking at surrounding nature conservancies, horseback riding, tennis lessons, surfing and sailing lessons, golf tee times, bicycle rentals, tours of local museums and artists’ studios, galleries, local historic sites and vineyards, as well as restaurant reservations, vineyard wine tastings and boating expeditions.

Standing apart from other Hamptons locations, the Southampton Inn is the ideal venue for special events—

from weddings and charity events to corporate meetings and conferences, the seven private meeting spaces, 6,000-square-feet indoor meeting space and 2,300-square-foot ballroom are available to accommodate any type of event.

We would be delighted if you would join us for an East End getaway!

Please let us know your availability for a one or two-night stay—

(SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY WITH OWNER’S APPROVAL)

The trip will include:

One or Two-Night accommodation at Southampton Inn.
Complimentary coffee, tea, juice and pastries in the library.
Complimentary lunch or dinner at 75 Main.

I hope you will consider joining us for the chance to explore this quintessential Hamptons haven.

Seniors Can Wine and Dine with a $50 Food & Beverage Credit

Vancouver, BC,— If there’s ever a reason for a Fall getaway, The Fairmont Waterfront may just be the place.

Things get even better for those who are 55+ and love to stay, sip and savour. So, run away to Vancouver and take advantage of a daily $50 food & beverage credit for some delicious savings while drinking in the spectacular city and harbour views from a home-away-from-home.

Apply a $50 credit to dining in Herons Restaurant, morning, noon or night; experience a leisurely breakfast-in-bed or just enjoy a night cap or two before taking the elevator home.

Book a Fairmont room for just CAD$199 plus taxes or upgrade to Fairmont Gold for CAD$269 plus taxes based upon double occupancy and receive a daily $50 food & beverage credit.

This offer is valid until December 17th for stays up to February 28, 2011.

For reservations or more information regarding additional package offerings, please call 1-888-270-6649, contact your travel professional or visit www.fairmont.com/waterfront

ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS

With over 60 distinctive hotels, including the iconic Fairmont San Francisco and Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an unrivalled collection of properties located in some of the world’s most coveted destinations.

Known for its warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences, this global hospitality brand features classic hotels that imbue a sense of heritage, sophistication and social importance and are often considered destinations in their own right.

Fairmont is also committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 95 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded residences, estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information visit the banner below.

This winter and spring, Sugar Ridge is hosting a series of FitEscape fitness retreats designed to challenge, rejuvenate and inspire.

Utilizing the beautiful landscape of Antigua, each eight-day session combines indoor and outdoor activities that activate the mind and body.

Guests will feel revitalized after participating in this health program that focuses on the core fitness areas of cardiovascular health, weight training, flexibility, stability, balance and stretching.

Rates start at $382 per person, per night for a seven night/eight day stay in a deluxe king room with a plunge pool including full breakfast, lunch and dinner served in either Sugar Club or Carmichael’s restaurants.

Guests will begin their fitness vacation by receiving a postural alignment and Polar body assessment to capture overall health and establish a fitness baseline.

The eight-day FitEscape program features daily activities such as; hiking, kayaking, pilates, yoga, swimming, scuba diving, and windsurfing offered at a variety of skill levels.

Guests will also enjoy an amazing zip line tour through the lush Antigua Tropical Rainforest.

Throughout all forms of recreation, guests can track their overall physical fitness condition through heart monitors and F2 Polar watches.

After participating in physically demanding activities, guests can choose from four special spa treatments from the Aveda Concept Spa throughout the duration of the FitEscape stay. Guests will learn how to eat and cook healthy through a series of cooking classes for a healthy lifestyle.

FitEscape retreats will be held at Sugar Ridge on the following dates:

•  January 15-22, 2011 – Rates start at $3,599 per person based on double occupancy in a deluxe king room with a plunge pool and $4,179 based on single occupancy

• April 16 -23, 2011 – Rates start at $3,329 per person based on double occupancy in a deluxe king room with a plunge pool and $3,809 based on single occupancy

For reservations, call U.S. toll-free 1-866-591-4881 or +1 268-562-7700; email: reservations@sugarridgeantigua.com

 or visit www.sugarridgeantigua.com

ABOUT SUGAR RIDGE

Sugar Ridge is Antigua’s most anticipated resort, opened in December 2009.

Perched upon its namesake hillside bordered with sugar cane and lush flora and fauna, the resort features 60 rooms that wrap around the property, featuring panoramic views to the south and west of palm-lined beaches and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, plus the neighboring islands of Redonda, St. Kitts and Nevis.

Interior décor fuses modern contemporary style with the rich history of the region, while all accommodations feature comfortable outdoor lounge areas, private decks and modern conveniences such as wireless Internet,
LCD flat-screen televisions and iPod docking stations.

Sugar Ridge entertains guests with three swimming pools, the island’s first-ever Aveda Concept Spa, salon, fitness center and pilates/yoga studio. The property is the ideal base for exploring everything that Antigua has to offer, while beach facilities, a marina and an 18-hole golf course are a three-minute drive away and accessed by the hotel’s private shuttle.

Two restaurants, Carmichael’s and Sugar Club, serve the finest in both contemporary and traditional cuisine. www.sugarridgeantigua.com

We’ve trolled the country for the best women-only Canada fishing tours out there.

Fishing for northern pike on Great Slave Lake on a brisk, early summer day in Canada’s Northwest Territories turned me into a sport fisher.

Until then, I viewed fishing in the most utilitarian sense: practical food finding that ranked along with grocery shopping and gardening. Sixteen feisty pike and a delicious shore lunch later, I was hooked.

The only catch? Most of my fishing companions were men—and let’s just admit it, they approach the whole exercise differently. There’s something primal about fishing that brings out the, um, hunter-gatherer in men.

It’s not just me feeling the testosterone gap: turns out that fishing trips geared to the fairer sex are huge.

Women have always gone fishing, but now we’re ditching the boys in droves and taking it up a notch: think pink fishing rods, mojitos on the dock and après-fishing spa treatments.

Some lady-friendly Canada fishing tours from coast to coast:

McLennan Fly Fishing (AB) – Veteran fly-fishing instructor Lynda McLennan has taught and fished in southern Alberta for three decades. Check out the outfit’s women-only introductory and next-step fly-fishing schools.

Painter’s Lodge Women’s Salmon Fishing Derby (BC) – This popular Campbell River lodge hosts a women-only derby each June.

It’s four days of fishing and way too much fun, plus the lure of bliss-out time at the Aveda Concept Spa at April Point.

Women Sportfishing Adventures (BC) – An hour from Vancouver, GR&L Fishing introduces women to year-round sturgeon, salmon and trout fishing in the Fraser Valley.

Wild Women Expeditions (ON) – Wild Women has been leading women into the wilderness for almost two decades. WWE’s Fly Fishing Goddess offers fly-fishing workshops from its northern Ontario base camp.

Pond’s Resort on the Miramichi (NB) – Renowned Pond’s fishing lodge is the home of Broads with Rods, a women-only fly-fishing school on the famed Miramichi River.

Whistler Flyfishing (BC) – This fly-fishing school, specialty fly-fishing tackle shop and guide service in Whistler offers women-only casting lessons, fly-fishing instruction and fly camps.

Coastal Wilderness Adventures (BC) – Deluxe accommodation and a day at the Eden Street Salon & Day Spa in Campbell River turn a women’s fly-fishing package into a bona-fide retreat.

JourneyMakers (BC) – Bowen Island-based JourneyMakers specializes in golf and fly-fishing vacations throughout British Columbia, including ladies-only packages.

Grand River Rafting Company (ON) – Join a women’s fly-fishing course on the Grand River, just one hour from Toronto.
video:

Northern Life Fly Fishing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgEzM2Pi8O0

Flyfishing on the Miramichi River
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoMUQ6Lg_N8

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami has completed a significant refurbishment with the redesign of its public and private spaces.

The new design blends gold, blue and brown hues.

Guests can experience the new spa and reserve the “10th Anniversary Spa” package.

Designed by Robert D. Henry Architects, the spa’s public areas include a spa welcome reception and new retail boutique.

A gold beaded circular backdrop, resembling a golden blanket, welcomes and envelops guests at reception.

In the retail boutique, products are showcased in pristine retail displays set into rich zebrawood millwork that are reminiscent of the varying trunks of trees.

Soft sandalwood scents fill the air. The spa’s private areas include separate relaxation lounges for men and women, locker facilities and steam and sauna.

Here, lighting is dimmed and the sound of water soothes the senses.

Spa guests are encouraged to step into the steam room and sauna complete with inviting subtly glowing benches and decorative patterns of mosaic and indulge their senses in the rejuvenating experiential showers.

Soft chocolate drapery defines the relaxation area which is the perfect place to meditate, cool down and take a respite from the Miami scene on body-contoured wood loungers that have been ergonomically contoured to caress the body.

To enjoy the spa in its entirety, the “10th Anniversary Spa” package combines a variety of results driven treatments designed for detoxification, an energy boost and an overall therapeutic experience.

The program lasts five hours and costs $640 plus gratuity and includes a Contour & Firm body treatment, Time Reversal facial, Anti-Aging Manicure, Reviving Pedicure and a Bento Box lunch served poolside.

For more information or spa reservations, call 305-913-8332 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/miami