Jetsettersblog

Provides Another Reason to Check-In

Recent changes at The Pillars Hotel in Fort Lauderdale now make the dining experience a key reason for choosing the Pillars as a preferred place to stay in South Florida.

Chef Youssef Hammi

Dining Room

Wine Bar and Lounge

Dockside Dining

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, December 09, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ — The Pillars Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, one of South Florida’s most exclusive boutique hotel properties, is pleased to announce that its remodeling project is completed and the hotel is now able to offer a wider range of culinary options. Guests of the hotel and its private dining club members are now able to enjoy refined cuisine with an eclectic wine list indoors in the property’s smart new dining and lounge area or on dock with its luscious garden surroundings and stunning views across New River Sound.

The new dining room and lounge area offer travelers another reason to select The Pillars as the place to stay when visiting Fort Lauderdale. “While we have always enjoyed great food, guests dined with us as much for the great waterside view as for the food. We wanted to push the envelope and offer guests an exiting fine dining experience,” says owner Michael Landry. “Of course we are delighted that diners appreciate our special location but at the same time we want the Pillars to become known as a destination dining hotel.”

Well known Miami designer Zeke Fernandez used The Pillars Hotel’s combined classic and art deco style architecture as his inspiration for the new dining and lounge theme.

He describes the result as “relaxed modernized 40s/50s architecture.” Features include dark wood flooring contrasted with off white paneled walls, and bold millwork, containing inserts of hand woven bleached raffia wall covering, stepped ceiling details with recessed cove lights. 40s-style polished nickel, and frosted glass, fluted light pendants are mixed with hand blown, convex mirror, and linen drum shades.

To add an additional level of sophistication the dining and lounge area’s walls are graced with architecturally inspired three-dimensional reliefs of skyscrapers, cityscapes and historic buildings created by rising star Christina Lihan. These works are a perfect complement to the combined classic and art deco style design of the new space.

The Pillar’s kitchen is led by Chef Youssef Hammi’s who’s mentors include famous New York chefs Michel Bourgignon of L’Absinthe and Terence Brennan of Picholine and Artisanal. Chef Hammi focuses on seasonal menus with an emphasis on a back to basics approach, blending cross-cultural ingredients with elegant presentations and clean bright flavors.

The Pillars Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and a Conde Nast Johansen selected hotel. The property is an elegant and sophisticated 18 room and suites hotel ideally located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, and only a few short steps from the beach. The Pillars offers its guests an outstanding dining experience and an exceptional level of personal service and upscale amenities.

Website: http://www.pillarshotel.com

with Airport Transfer Providers

Private and shared-ride ski transfers from airports to Alpine destinations and ski resorts by ground transportation service

PERRYSBURG, OH – World-Airport-Transfer.com connects ski transfer-seekers directly with airport transfer providers operating out of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. The website announces that it has private and shared ride transfers covering all Alpine destinations and ski resorts through its network of service providers. Transfer vehicles are based at major airports and can be reserved in advance via online booking or hotline number +852 8127 7525.

“Ski transfers bring vacationers straight from the airport to ski stations or resorts, making ski transfers convenient and low-cost options for travelers,” notes Emmanuel Issaurat, president of World-Airport.Transfer.com. “Vacationers can save time and money because there is no need to line up for a taxi or wait for a pick-up. On World-Airport-Transfer.com ski transfers are available by shuttle or shared vans alongside making them even cheaper for customers.”

English vacationers to the French Alps have options for five major airports. From Chambery – Aix les Bains Airport, Grenoble-Isere Airport (IATA: CMF), and Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (IATA: LYS) shuttles and private cars bring passengers to most of the big ski destinations, including Courchevel, Moutiers (access point to the Les Trois Vallees), Tignes, Val D’isere, Les Gets, and Chamonix; and ski resorts of Meribel, Avoriaz, and Les Arcs.

From Chambery or Grenoble, transportation is also available for these ski towns: Brides-les-Bains, Les Avanchers-Valmorel, Doucy-en-Bauges, Cellier-du-Luc, Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, as well as for Briancon, ski station of the Serre Chevalier ski resort.

Meanwhile Bourg-St-Maurice, St-Francis-Longchamp, Montgenèvre, and Bonneval-sur-Arc are additional options for travelers arriving in Lyons.

Toulouse-Blagnac International Airport (IATA: TLS) has ski transfers to the Pyrenees ski towns including Andorra la Vella, Bagnères-de-Luchon, Baqueira-Beret, Canillo, Encamp, Ordino, Pas de la Casa, and Soldeu. The Pyreenes can also be reached from Barcelona International Airport (IATA: BCN).

Vacationers heading for the Mercantour area from Nice Cote D Azur Airport (IATA: NCE) has options for Auron, Isola 2000, and St Dalmas.

From Munich International Airport (IATA: MUC) transfers are available for vacationers in the ski towns of Berchtesgaden, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Lenggries Mittenwald, Oberammergau, and Oberstdorf.

Transfers from Malpensa Airport (IATA: MXP) can take travelers directly to Aosta, Champoluc, La Thuile, Chur, Lugano, Pinerolo, Sestriere and other ski resorts. Ski transfers are also available from Orio Al Serio Airport (IATA: BGY), and Linate Airport (IATA: LIN).

Transfers from Geneva Cointrin International Airport (IATA: GVA)and Zurich Airport (IATA: ZRH) in Switzerland reach most of the major ski stations in Valais, Vaud, Bernese Oberland, Central Switzerland, Graubünden, and Eastern Switzerland.

About World Airport Transfers

World Airport Transfer offers economical and hassle-free transport options in major airports worldwide since 1997. Travel agents, corporations, Internet users, hotels, and airline passengers can book airport-ground transportation at over 400 major airports by booking online.

The website is translated into 15 international language versions (English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Dutch, and Greek) and features online-booking and 24-hour toll-free phone reservation centers.

Its full range of transportation options, including shared-ride shuttle vans, private vans, sedans, limousines, mini coaches, and deluxe motor coaches, can be customized for all kinds of needs and to complement any type of travel experience.

World Airport Transfer is managed by Tours and Co Associates Inc, which also operates City-Discovery.com, an international leader in the Tours and Activities industry. The company has offices in the USA, France, Greece, Italy, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Sedona, Arizona offers some of the most spectacular hiking anywhere in the world.

Visitors to Sedona who are interested in hiking; whether beginners or experienced trekkers, will benefit from a stay at El Portal Sedona Hotel.

SEDONA, AZ — Sedona, Arizona offers some of the most spectacular hiking anywhere in the world, and now is the perfect time to take advantage of the cool, clear weather and gorgeous views while out on the trail. Nowhere else can you find hikes that offer everything from Indian ruins to wooded hikes near Oak Creek, natural stone bridges, towering red rock canyon walls, and mysterious energy vortexes.

Visitors to Sedona who are interested in hiking; whether beginners or experienced trekkers, will benefit from a stay at El Portal Sedona Hotel.

This luxury boutique hotel specializes in accommodating those who want to take advantage of everything Sedona has to offer.

El Portal owner, Steve Segner, is an avid outdoorsman who has hiked extensively in the Sedona area for years.

He and the staff at El Portal personally sit down with guests and assist them in mapping out the ideal hiking routes based on ability and what they most want to experience. El Portal staff can send guests off on their own with a picnic lunch, or arrange for guided combination jeep and hiking tours.

Sun Country Jeep Tours allow guests to connect with the Sedona landscape in a unique way, exploring seldom seen parts of the area.

Sun Country tour guides work with visitors to incorporate yoga or Qi Gong, meditation and ceremony if desired on customized hikes. Guests can experience full moon hikes, sunset hikes, hikes to high places, exhilarating and challenging hikes, as well as gentle hikes suitable for beginners.

One of the most popular hiking destinations in the area is Sedona’s majestic Red Rock State Park.

The park is a 286-acre preserve and environmental education center with breathtaking scenery of red rock and flowing water.

There are many trails to choose from, winding through Manzanita and juniper to the banks of Oak Creek. El Portal staff can help you choose a selection of hikes to fill whatever time you’d like to spend.

Another favorite trail in the area leads to Devil’s Bridge, which is considered the largest natural arch in the Sedona area.

It is fifty-four feet high, has a thickness of five feet and spans over 45 feet. From atop the cracked and fractured sandstone arch are dramatic views of the canyons, mountains and red rock cliffs. The trail utilizes natural rocks as stairs to the top of the arch, making the trail suitable for hikers of most abilities.

For those who want a longer day on the trail, Segner recommends the Wilson Mountain trail, which provides excellent views from its higher elevation of 7,122 feet.

This is a strenuous hike of at least 10 miles and an elevation gain of 2,200 feet, but is a great choice for a less populated trail with spectacular views.

These are just a few of the trails available to Sedona visitors. Hiking enthusiasts staying at El Portal can return at the end of the day to their well appointed suite and relax on the patio with a glass of wine, or perhaps take advantage of a spa treatment or soothing massage at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa, located just steps away from the hotel.

Located in the heart of Sedona, El Portal Sedona Hotel is a luxurious twelve suite, pet friendly bed and breakfast.

Each guest suite includes a private entrance, patio, fireplace, whirlpool bath, entertainment center with DVD, wifi, telephone, fax and more. Experience the dramatic views, relax in our romantic courtyard, shop the gift shops and galleries of the renowned Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village, or hike the red rocks. Guests at El Portal have access to uniquely personalized concierge services throughout their stay Come to El Portal for your memorable Sedona Arizona vacation.

Great Hotels of the World announced the opening of a new hotel, Dom Pedro Laguna Beach Villas, Golf & Spa Resort, on Dec. 17, 2010, following two years of development at a cost of 20 million euros. The newly built resort is 40 kilometers from Fortaleza International Airport in the state of Ceará, Brazil.

Situated between a beach and a golf course, the resort boasts 102 rooms including deluxe rooms, water villas, presidential water villas and royal villas.

The hotel currently has a nine-hole ocean golf course which is shortly to be expanded to 18 holes; a luxury spa and fitness room; various sports facilities including beach volleyball, kite surfing, surfing and beach football; and a selection of restaurants and bars. Dom Pedro Laguna has three meeting rooms with capacity for up to 130 delegates and a wide variety of group incentive activities.

For reservations or more information, call 44 (0) 20 7380 3658 or visit www.ghotw.com

Adventure cruise specialist Cruceros Australis is welcoming its new ship, the 210-passenger Stella Australis, on Dec. 18. The ship was commissioned in celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary.

The Stella will have 100 cabins, each 177 square feet, with a double bed or two twin beds. Cabins have picture windows, independent climate controls, private bathrooms and a satellite phone.

The Patagonia Deck includes a galley and the dining room, which has tables that can accommodate four, six and eight people. The Magallanes Deck includes a reception area and a gift shop. The cabins on this deck feature large picture windows that are more than three feet wide and four feet tall.

The Tierra del Fuego Deck includes the Yamana Lounge with a bar and a game room. The cabins on this deck feature slightly larger picture windows that are nearly five feet wide and five feet tall. The Cabo de Hornos Deck includes the Sky Lounge.

The cabins on this deck feature even larger picture windows that are more than five feet wide and nearly six feet tall.

The Darwin Deck includes the Darwin Lounge, bar and gym.

The gym has glass panels for views while working out.

The three lounges are equipped with audio-visual equipment for educational presentations.

Cruceros Australis also operates the Via Australis and the Mare Australis. Both the 2005-built Via and the Mare, built in 2002, have 64 cabins, each with panoramic windows.

The five decks of both ships include two lounges and a dining room.

Cruceros Australis explores the southernmost regions of South America including Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn.

Additional highlights include Ainsworth Bay and Glacier Alley, as well as small group excursions including a trip to Magdalena Island to visit the Magellanic Penguins.

Expedition leaders prepare and present daily lectures in both English and Spanish to complement the educational component of the expeditions.

The talks take place both on the ship (with audio-visual support) and on land during excursions.

While the average temperature in Tierra del Fuego is 50°F, passengers should be prepared for two- to three-hour walks in changeable weather. Suggested equipment includes a cap, sunglasses, sun block, waterproof parka, sweater, waterproof gloves, waterproof pants and trekking boots.

From September to May, Australis offers four-night itineraries from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina, with rates starting at $1,120 per person, and three-night reverse voyages starting at $840. The all-inclusive experience includes meals and open bar for wine, beer, liquor and other beverages. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes. Local Chilean and Argentinean wines also are served.

For more information, call 877-678-3772 or visit www.australis.com

Hotel Unique will be the first to bring sustainable cycle tourism to the city of São Paulo. In partnership with Green Mobility, Hotel Unique developed U-Bike, an innovative and green way to explore the city of São Paulo.

The U-Bike project was conceived by Green Mobility, an advisory company specializing in developing sustainable transportation in cities.

Hotel Unique is spearhearding the U-Bike pilot project and will be the first hotel in Brazil to receive the U-Bikes.

Hotel Unique offers access to the U-Bike rental service, safety equipment, and dedicated cyclist guides to take guests on customized itineraries around São Paulo and show them the city through this sustainable alternative.

Guests will have the chance to experience São Paulo street art, explore Liberdade’s diverse Asian community and its gastronomy scene, circuit boutique shops showcasing young designers or visit renowned artists in their studios—all while using one of the greenest modes of transportation.

“Like the world-class cities of Berlin, London, New York and Paris, we believe that São Paulo is able to provide a healthier and more natural lifestyle to its residents and visitors.

” We embrace the Green Mobility cause and are proud to be the first hotel to offer a program that will make São Paulo a more sustainable city ahead of the 2014 World Cup”, says Melissa Oliveira, managing director of Hotel Unique.

Since its opening, Hotel Unique has always been closely involved in the cosmopolitan scene of São Paulo. Its modern architecture and special amenities, coupled with its mission of offering guests a new experience in accomodation and superior service, have made Hotel Unique a leading hotel in São Paulo and the perfect choice for this sustainable initiative.

For more information on Hotel Unique, please visit www.hotelunique.com.br  or call +55 11 3055-4700.

Further details on U-Bike, including itineraries, may be found on www.u-bike.com.br.

Beginning in 2010, Google Maps has offered routes specifically for bikes. Now, cyclists can use their computers to plot the best route from point A to point B, including the topography and traffic conditions.

Beginning in 2010, Google Maps has offered routes specifically for bikes.

Now, cyclists can use their computers to plot the best route from point A to point B, including the topography and traffic conditions.

Starting with major cities, such as New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, and Portland, but continuing to 150 cities nationwide, Google Maps will be a great resource for cyclists.

Cycling advocates, many of whom had been petitioning Google for years to add this feature, were ecstatic.

As reported by Mary Catherine O’Connor at http://www.wired.com

Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists stated “This new tool will open people’s eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding. . . . It is a game changer, especially for those short trips that are the most polluting.”

To create the mapping tool, Google developed an algorithm that uses several inputs – including designated bike lanes or trails, topography and traffic signals – to determine the best route for riding. Bike trails are indicated in dark green.

Streets with dedicated bike lanes, like those in New Haven, are light green.

Streets that do not have a bike lane, but that are still a decent route because of their topography, light traffic or other factors deemed friendly to cycling are indicated by dotted green lines.

Unlike auto routes, Google Maps for bikes does not provide precise directions like a GPS system that provides turn by turn guidance.

Nevertheless, this new mapping capability offers great information for cyclists, and makes planning new rides that much easier and safer.

Continental Airlines has announced that all of its Boeing 777 long-haul, international flights now feature new flat-bed seats in its BusinessFirst cabin. Continental currently operates the 777-200 on international routes between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Beijing, Delhi, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London/Heathrow, Mumbai, Shanghai, Tel Aviv and Tokyo, and between its Houston hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport and London/Heathrow and Tokyo.

The BusinessFirst flat-bed seat reclines 180 degrees and provides 6 feet 6 inches of sleeping space in the fully extended position on the Boeing 777. It is one of the widest business-class seats in the air, measuring up to 27 inches. Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are conveniently tucked above the customer’s shoulder.

Alaska Airlines has announced that Gogo Inflight Internet service is now available on flights from Southeast Alaska north to Anchorage and Fairbanks, expanding its in-flight Wi-Fi service nearly statewide.

Customers traveling on Wi-Fi-equipped planes are currently able to use Gogo at no cost, courtesy of American Honda Motor Co.

After Dec. 9, Gogo will be offered to customers at an introductory cost of $4.95 per flight to, from and within the state of Alaska.

Within the Lower 48 United States, Gogo will be available for $4.95 and up, based on length of flight and device used.

Gogo also offers 24-hour in-flight Wi-Fi passes and monthly subscriptions.

For more information, visit

www.alaskaair.com/wifi

Dan Hotels Corporation was named one of the Superbrands in Israel.

Superbrands was founded in the U.K. in 1994 and designed to promote the branding profession and pay tribute to managers and brands who demonstrated exceptional activity in their country.

The Superbrands organization has been identifying and honoring brands and managers who have demonstrated brand excellence for over a decade.

It began operating in Israel in 2009 in conjunction with The Marker daily newspaper, the Tel Aviv University and the Israeli Marketing Association.

After a lengthy process that included a team of consumer research experts, the Dan Hotels was named as one of 53 Superbrands of Israel.

Ami Hirschstein, the Dan Corporation’s president, accepted the award.

“We’ve had so much to be proud of over the years since the Dan Hotels was established and once again we are gratified to know that our all efforts and hard work are appreciated and rewarded.

“These awards are determined by the consumers themselves — in other words our guests — and there can be no better tribute than that,” Hirschstein said.

The Dan Hotels Israel is the country’s leading luxury hotel chain with 14 establishments located in prime tourist areas around the country, all offering excellent service, luxury accommodation and fine cuisine. For more information visit www.danhotels.com