Jetsettersblog

Key Tours is offering savings on Greece vacations booked and paid for by Feb. 28.

A $500 savings is offers on the 11-day Best of Greece, with an Athens stay; four-night Greek Islands cruise with ports of call of Mykonos, Patmos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Heraklion (Crete) and Santorini; and two-night Classical Mainland Greece tour including Olympia and Delphi.

A $100 savings is offered on the seven-day Treasures of Greece, with three nights in Athens, private airport transfers, Athens city tour, some meals and three-night Classical Mainland Greece tour including Olympia and Delphi.

A $100 savings is offered on the 12-day Best of Greece and Turkey and $200 in the 17-day Glories of Greece and Turkey.

For information, call 800-576-1784 or visit www.keytours.com

Los Angeles’ resorts and hotels combine championship play with stunning views and state-of-the-art event facilities.

Located just a mile from the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Los Angeles, the historic Rancho Park Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-71 championship course. Rancho has been host to numerous Los Angeles Open, PGA Senior Open, and LPGA tour events.

The concierge at the 726-room Hyatt property can help coordinate golf outings for guests.

For those short on time, but who still want the experience of championship golf, Terranea Resort encompasses 102 ocean-front acres on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, 30 minutes from Downtown.

The Links at Terranea features breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island and a championship-caliber, 9-hole course that was listed as one of the “Best New Courses of 2009″ from “Links Magazine.” Perched on its own private hilltop, the 650-acre Pacific Palms Hotel & Conference Center in Industry Hills, 25 minutes from Downtown, has a 36-hole championship golf course voted 2010 “Best Golf Course in the USA” by NGCOA. Golfers enjoy 360-degree views of LA and the San Gabriel Mountains. Beach boys and girls can tee off at the Manhattan Beach Marriott Golf Club on 26 landscaped acres just a mile from the ocean in surf-centric Manhattan Beach.

Its premier executive 9-hole course challenges players with gently rolling greens, water features and swaying palms. In Downtown, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles can arrange play at any of LA’s numerous golf courses.

Two of the most popular include the Malibu Country Club, a scenic 18-hole championship course carved from the Santa Monica Mountains in the celebrity enclave of Malibu, 45 minutes away; and the Brookside Golf Club, a 36-hole championship course (it’s hosted the Los Angeles Open), adjacent to the world famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena, 15 minutes away.

New Airline Blows Some Fresh Competition into the Windy City – with Upscale Flights and Low Fares from $99*

Chicago-based Groupon Helps Launch the Airline with a Featured Deal on Virgin America’s New ORD Flights

San Francisco – Virgin America, the California-based airline that is reinventing domestic travel, today announces it will bring its low-fare, upscale service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), with daily nonstop flights from both Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) starting May 25, 2011.

Known for its beautifully designed cabins and high-tech amenities, Virgin America has been winning over consumers and sweeping the major travel awards since its August 2007 launch – including capturing the “Best Domestic Airline” title in both Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for the past three consecutive years.

With legacy airlines representing 98 percent of domestic departures at ORD, Virgin America hopes to inject some healthy competition into the market.

“Until today, travelers flying from O’Hare to SFO or LAX had little choice and few low fare options.

With unrivalled service and new planes that look like nothing else in the skies, we hope our flights will be a breath of fresh air for Chicago travelers,” said Virgin America President and Chief Executive Officer David Cush.

“When more airlines compete, consumers tend to win – with lower fares and better service. Mayor Daley and the airport have shown tremendous vision by investing in ORD’s future and by helping to open up access to new competition.”

Virgin America originally announced its intent to serve ORD in 2008, but its plans were delayed due to gate availability. Through the leadership provided by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and ORD Airport Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino, the airline reached an agreement to occupy gate space at ORD’s now vacated Concourse L.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Virgin America to Chicago O’Hare,” said Mayor Daley.

“O’Hare is one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, and our air transport infrastructure continues to play a critical role in our region’s economic future.

New airline service stimulates travel demand and job growth – and is a powerful economic driver, especially when linking major business centers like Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Our investment to help bring new airline competition to ORD will not only stimulate economic growth, it will directly benefit travelers by lowering fares and improving service.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Virgin America to O’Hare,” said Airport Commissioner Andolino. “Our passengers will see a big benefit from the increased competition and from Virgin America’s low fare, innovative service.”

Virgin America’s Main Cabin ORD fares start from $99*(restrictions, taxes and fees applying) and are on sale today on the airline’s Web site (www.virginamerica.com ) and at 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN (1.877.359.8474).** To kick off its new Windy City service, the airline is teaming up with the Chicago-based Groupon for today’s Featured Deal that will give Groupon subscribers in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco the chance to purchase a $7 Groupon good for $77 in air fare for a roundtrip purchase on Virgin America’s new ORD routes.

When more than 25 people accept the offer, thousands of Groupon customers will score an incredible deal on the airline’s new ORD flights.

The offer for travel on the tech-forward new airline is the first Featured Deal that Groupon has launched solely for air travel.

For more, visit:

www.groupon.com/deals/virgin-america-chicago

With outstanding service and a host of inventive amenities, Virgin America has captured a loyal business and leisure travel following.

The airline’s new Airbus A320 Family aircraft feature beautifully designed mood-lit cabins, standard power outlets near every seat and comfortable leather seating. The Red™ in-flight entertainment platform offers every guest their own seat-back touch-screen with 30 on-demand films, live TV, Google Maps, videogames, seat-to-seat chat, music videos, a 3000 MP3 catalog and an on-demand menu – so flyers can order a cocktail or meal right from their seatback any time during a flight.

In May 2009, the airline became the first to offer Gogo™ WiFi on every flight – via its partnership with the Illinois-based Aircell.

The carrier marked that milestone with the first air-to-ground SKYPE chat from a plane at 35,000 feet to Oprah Winfrey and her studio audience.

In addition to a Main Cabin that offers every traveler a personal touch-screen entertainment platform, power outlets and custom-designed leather seating with a deeper, more comfortable pitch, the airline’s First Class offers plush white leather seating with 55 inches of pitch, 165 degrees of recline and lumbar massagers. Virgin America’s Main Cabin Select option offers 38-inches of pitch, free food and cocktails, an all-access pass to the Red system’s countless media options, dedicated overhead bins and priority check-in/boarding.

“Travelers deserve more options than just the off-chance they will be able to upgrade from poor to average on a legacy airline. On Virgin America, across every class of service – everyone has a great seat, their own seatback entertainment and status – right out of the gate,” added Cush.

Visit Virginia April 16-23 for blooms and beauty at more than 250 sites statewide-

(Richmond, Va.) Virginia will put more than 400 years of historic architecture and blooms on display April 16-23, 2011 for the state’s 78th annual Historic Garden Week.

The week-long touring event is the oldest and largest statewide event of its kind and is dubbed “America’s Largest Open House”. April is the one time of year when nearly 250 of Virginia’s grand southern homes open the doors to visitors to showcase beautiful gardens, stunning architecture and a love of history.

Select hotels and historic inns have created special travel packages to help loved ones completely connect with each other while visiting for Historic Garden Week.

Travel packages as well as more information on regional garden week tours and special events are found on www.Virginia.org/gardenweek  and include the following:

Garden Week in Virginia at the Apple Blossom Inn
Spend Historic Garden Week in Virginia at the Apple Blossom Inn and enjoy privacy, delicious breakfasts and beautiful gardens that are blossoming with over 400 tulips and daffodils. Visit nearby featured gardens of Garden Week including the Warrenton locations, City of Staunton or Jefferson’s Little Eden in Charlottesville.

For $325 per couple (tax excluded), the package includes two night accommodations at the Apple Blossom Inn, two breakfasts, two tickets for the Garden tour and two guidebooks.

Package is valid April 16, 2011 through April 22, 2011.

James River Plantation Garden Week Lodging-Touring Package
Located near historic Williamsburg, the James River Plantation is home to the Piney Grove at Southall’s Plantation historic B&B Inn.

Packages start at $176.50 per couple for two nights or $313 for three nights and include mint juleps or cider upon arrival, and two tickets to the “James River Plantation Garden of Architectural Delights Progressive Tour”.

After spending the day touring gardens, unwind with a relaxing dinner at any of the nearby restaurants including Charles City Tavern, Courthouse Grille and the Blue Heron Restaurant. Packages are valid April 1, 2011 through April 30, 2011.

Garden Week Package at The Jefferson Hotel
At the historic Jefferson Hotel, guests can celebrate Garden Week touring the Richmond gardens or visiting nearby historic sites.

In addition to tours, the Jefferson Hotel’s central location makes it convenient for guests to also enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment. Starting at $245, guests will have the choice of superior or deluxe accommodations, traditional Southern breakfast, breakfast gratuities, Garden Week guidebook, valet parking and a signature spring floral arrangement from Blooms at the Jefferson. (Taxes are additional).

Package is valid April 15, 2011 through April 24, 2011.

Historic Garden Week is sponsored by members of The Garden Club of Virginia to benefit the restoration of historic gardens and grounds across the Commonwealth.

Tickets for each tour, ranging from $10 to $40, may be purchased day of or in advance on www.vagardenweek.org. Statewide passes are available for $175 per person or $300 per couple.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org for more trip ideas or call 1-800-VISITVA for a free Virginia is for Lovers travel guide. Stay connected at www.facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers  or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VisitVirginia

Baseball Package Includes Tickets to a Pittsburgh Pirates Home Game Pittsburgh, PA,  –

As baseball season approaches, Fairmont Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Pirates have teamed up to create the Grand Slam Package for sports fans and families alike.

The Grand Slam Package includes overnight accommodations in a PNC Park-view guest room, tickets to a Pirates home game with complimentary baseball hats, parking, homemade Cracker Jacks, a baseball glove to take to the game and use of an in-room Wii baseball game.

The Grand Slam Package is available from April 8 – September 25, 2011.PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is rated one of the country’s best ballparks and is a quick walk from Fairmont Pittsburgh.

It also boasts a family-friendly atmosphere and sweeping views of the city skyline and rivers. Fairmont Pittsburgh’s Grand Slam Package includes overnight accommodations in a PNC Park-view guest room, two outfield box tickets (with the option to purchase more) and two complimentary Pirates baseball hats, hotel parking, homemade Cracker Jacks, a baseball glove to take to the game and use of a Wii baseball game in the guest room.

The Grand Slam Package is available Thursday-Sunday from April 8 – September 25, 2011 (certain blackout dates apply).

Rates start from $275 per night based on availability and double occupancy, exclusive of tax and gratuity.

A seven-day advance purchase is required.

To reserve this package, please call (888) 270-6647 or visit www.fairmont.com/pittsburgh

For information regarding the Pirates’ schedule, please visit www.pirates.com

Located at 510 Market Street, Fairmont Pittsburgh is situated in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh and within walking distance to the city’s thriving Cultural District, the newly renovated Market Square, eclectic shopping and world-class sporting venues. The Four Diamond, 185-room property is LEED certified at the Gold level and features a contemporary art and industry design theme.

ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS

Located in world-class destinations around the globe, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of hotels that includes landmark locations like London’s The Savoy, New York’s The Plaza, and Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel.

With more than 60 hotels, Fairmont is known as much for its warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences, as its classic hotels that imbue a sense of heritage, sophistication and social importance and are often considered destinations in their own right.

A community and environmental leader, Fairmont is also regarded for its responsible tourism practices and award-winning Green Partnership program.

Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 100 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded estates and luxury private residence club properties.

St. Regis Hotel Announces Holt Renfrew Shopping Package

Vancouver, BC – The St. Regis Hotel Vancouver is proud to announce the launch of the ultimate getaway; one that combines the peerless style of Canada’s finest fashion retailer, Holt Renfrew, with the unmatched personal service of Vancouver’s premiere downtown boutique hotel. You’ll be in shopping heaven.

The package starts with a stay in a suite at the St. Regis Hotel, recently named Vancouver’s #1 Hotel for “Best Service” by tripadvisor.com. Your sleek and stylish suite features cosmopolitan design by Vancouver icon Elaine Thorsell with multiple flat screen TVs, an opulent bathroom with deep soaker tub and complimentary plush robes and slippers for your relaxing times. You’ll also be spoiled by an extensive range of complimentary inclusions like free worldwide long distance dialling, free internet throughout the hotel, free in-room FIJI bottled water, complimentary full breakfast and 24-hour free business centre access so you can leave your laptop at home.

When it’s time to go shopping, you’re only steps away from Holt Renfrew, where you’ll be greeted by a Holt Renfrew Personal Shopper with a glass of champagne and a welcome gift in one of the luxurious Personal Shopping Suites.

With the ultimate insider’s view of the season’s most coveted new arrivals, you can shop with expert advice for the greatest names in fashion for men and women. Giorgio Armani, Prada, Gucci, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang are but a few of the countless designer names you’ll find at Holt Renfrew.

After your welcome and consultation, you can shop at your leisure or perhaps book an appointment at holts salon & spa. Your parcels will be picked up from Holt Renfrew and dropped off in your suite at the St. Regis Hotel. Should you have evening plans in Vancouver, you’ll be able to take advantage of a complimentary makeup application at one of your favourite beauty counters.

Combining attentive, personal service, cosmopolitan accommodations and the finest brands in the world, the St. Regis Hotel’s Holt Renfrew Shopping Experience offers Vancouver’s finest shop and stay.

Available by booking through stregishotel.com, the cost is $349 and includes a night in an executive suite along with a $100 Holt Renfrew Gift Card. Additional nights in an executive suite are available for $249. The Shopping Experience price rises to $399 in peak season from June-September with additional nights remaining $249.

About Holt Renfrew:

Celebrating a 174-year heritage, Holt Renfrew is recognized worldwide for its inspired shopping experience.

Holt Renfrew locations across the country include: Toronto (three), Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.

For additional information about Holt Renfrew please visit our website www.holtrenfrew.com

HARRIS, Mich. — The Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass is now offering several value-based sponsorship opportunities for its June 20-26 LPGA Futures Tour event that include VIP tent tickets, golf rounds and entry into “meet the players” gatherings.

Packages range from an official program sponsorship to Gold title sponsor, giving corporations and groups the opportunity to participate with clients, reward staff members and support Michigan golf and tourism.
“Sponsorship allows for VIP access to the players, the event, and Sweetgrass Golf Club in a unique way,” said Championship Co-Chair Tony Mancilla.

“It also shows the LPGA Futures Tour that our golf community chooses to support the future of this event, and golf, in a very meaningful way.

The corporate exposure value is also strong.”
Those interested in sponsorship can contact Fawn Clement-Laroche at the Island Resort & Casino/Sweetgrass Golf Club at 906-723-2005.
Corporate Packages are as follows:

Gold Sponsor: Includes entry of three teams into Thursday’s Sponsor Pro-Am (June 23; four amateurs plus one LPGA Futures Tour player), 12 VIP tournament tickets with access to VIP tents during the tournament, 24 general admission tickets, access for 20 people to the VIP “Meet the Players” dinner, major sponsorship of either the driving range or putting green, signage on the main scoreboard, recognition at awards ceremony, and 20 rounds of golf at Sweetgrass Golf Club, rated “best-in-kind” by multiple national publications.

Silver Sponsor: Entry of two teams entered into Thursday’s Sponsor Pro-Am, 8 VIP tournament tickets, 12 general admission tickets, access for 12 people in the VIP “Meet the Players” dinner, major hole sponsorship (such as the 18th green), scoreboard signage and 12 rounds of golf at Sweetgrass Golf Club.

Bronze Sponsor: Entry of one team entered into Thursday’s Sponsor Pro-Am, six VIP tournament tickets, 12 general admission tickets, access for eight people in the VIP “Meet the Players” dinner, minor hole sponsor, and eight rounds of golf at Sweetgrass Golf Club.

Pro-Am Sponsor: Entry of one four-person team into Wednesday’s Public Pro-Am; all proceeds benefiting the YMCA of Delta County.

Program Sponsors: Rates vary based on size, from short corporate listing to full-page ads in the official program.
“We’ve already received great response on these great values from the corporate community,” reports Susan Harris, Championship Co-Chair and Marketing Director. “We encourage all those interested to contact us as soon as possible, before the opportunities are sold out.”

About the Championship

Welcoming the world’s brightest new talent in women’s professional golf, the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass is an LPGA Futures Tour event held at Sweetgrass Golf Club in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The inaugural 54-hole stroke-play event will be held June 20-26, 2011, the first of a three-year commitment by the LPGA. Located in Harris, Michigan, Sweetgrass is situated at the Island Resort & Casino, and is owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community of the Potawatomi Nation. See sweetgrassgolfclub.com for more information.

About Sweetgrass and the Island Resort & Casino

The Sweetgrass Golf Club, site of the 2011 Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass (an LPGA Futures Tour stop), was designed by Michigan-native Paul Albanese and opened in 2008.

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.

For more information, see http://www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com  or at facebook.com/sweetgrassgolfclub

Boasting more than 1,400 slot machines and 24/7 Vegas-style gaming, the Island Resort & Casino (www.islandresortandcasino.com) 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.

MAKAHA, OAHU, Hawaii — Makaha Resort & Golf Club will celebrate the reopening of the course’s par 4 seventh hole and unveil its newly renovated golf facilities on March 7 with a $7 green fee and a variety of other special offers.

The 18-hole championship course closed its 429-yard 7th hole in December 2008 due to flood damage and has been using a temporary par 3 hole in its place.

The green, bunkers, and surrounding areas have now been restored on the 7th hole, with the bunker shapes slightly modified and the area behind the green built up to prevent future flooding.

The 7th hole is widely considered to be the best par 4 on the course, providing a challenging uphill dogleg right layout sure to test any golfer’s skill.

In addition, the course has recently completed a half million dollar refurbishment of its golf facilities including: an extensive Golf Shop renovation; 80 new EZ-GO golf carts with windshields and beverage coolers; new computerized irrigation control system for improved water efficiency; driving range upgrades; and replacement of on-course amenities such as flags, cups, and ball washers.

Additional improvements are underway to the on-course restrooms and front-nine cart paths.

The 7-7-7 celebration on March 7th includes a $7 golf rate for an 18-hole round (ordinarily $130).

Reservations for tee times for the March 7th special will be accepted beginning on February 28 via phone only, with each call limited to one tee time for up to four players.

The course will host a putting contest, as well as a prize for the longest drive on the 7th hole.

Throughout the day, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the resort will provide entertainment, giveaways, and food and beverage specials.

In addition, for those who want to extend the celebration into an overnight getaway, Makaha Resort will offer a $47 room rate for the nights of March 6 and 7. (Rate is subject to resort fee and applicable taxes.)

The tranquil Makaha Resort & Golf Club is nestled on 300 acres at the base of the mountains in beautiful Makaha Valley, offering spectacular views of Oahu’s western coast. The resort facility is made up of 173 rooms in low-rise cottages, with an ocean view restaurant and lounge, swimming pool, meeting rooms, spa services, and a sports court offering basketball, tennis, volleyball, hockey, and a batting cage.

The classic 7,040-yard golf course, considered one of Oahu’s best, was designed by William F. Bell, architect of the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego.

For more information on Makaha Resort & Golf Club, visit www.MakahaResort.com . For golf tee times, call direct (808) 695-7520. For toll-free hotel or golf reservations, call 866-576-6447.

Beachfront Riviera Maya resort invites guests to tap Latin rhythms for fitness and fun at Zumba® event April 14-17

Puerto Morelos, Mexico — Riviera Maya’s beachfront Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort will host its first-ever Zumba®® retreat April 14-17, 2011, providing the perfect setting for this fast-growing fitness movement powered by festive Latin music and dance steps that takes the “work” out of “workout.”

Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort is a luxurious, award-winning boutique resort ideally situated on a half-mile of private, white-sand beach in the Riviera Maya district of Mexico that combines beautiful Mexican and Mayan architecture and warm hospitality with vibrant blue Caribbean waters and a stunning tropical landscape. Ceiba offers 88 spacious suites and guest residences, seven of which are penthouses, each with a breathtaking ocean view.

Ceiba’s Zumba® Retreat will be led by Kim Stover a certified Zumba® instructor who has helped more than 500 devotees in the Chicago area shed countless pounds, inches and stress. A professional dancer-turned-fitness-instructor, Stover has earned the highest levels of Zumba® certification, including Zumba® Gold, Zumba® Toning, Zumba® in the Circuit and Aqua Zumba®.

The popular dance-fitness technique mixes body sculpting movements with easy-to-follow dance steps derived mainly from Latin music and utilizes a variety of styles in its routines, including cumbia, meringue, salsa, reggaeton, mambo, calypso, and belly dance, to name a few. The routines feature aerobic interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms to tone muscles, targeting areas such as the gluteals, legs, arms, abdominals, and the heart.

“Participants do not have to know how to dance to do Zumba®,” Stover said.

“The move combinations and Latin rhythms create a party-like atmosphere-a more ‘feel happy’ workout than may be experienced in other group exercise class types,” she added “ZUMBA® is exercise in disguise, it really works because you have so much fun you don’t realize you are exercising until you notice the results in terms of how much better you look and feel!”

Stover says she can’t wait to bring her high-energy sessions to sunny Ceiba del Mar. “We will have so much fun dancing on the pier, getting our groove on in the water with the beautiful views outside or just kicking back together talking about how Zumba® fitness has changed our lives.”

In keeping with the international dance flavor of the retreat, it will also include a Polynesian dancing session with Kim, who was a professional hula dancer for 10 years. Like Zumba®, Stover says, Polynesian dancing is “exercise in disguise.”

Despite its gentle, fluid movements, Polynesian dancing delivers a tremendous upper and lower body workout that builds lean muscle, strengthens balance and coordination, and packs a powerful cardiovascular punch.

The ZUMBA® package includes:

- Six ZUMBA® sessions, including both ZUMBA® Fitness and Aqua ZUMBA®, Polynesian dancing and seaside meditation sessions;

- Three nights of luxury accommodation;

- All meals and beverages by the glass, including beer, wine and liquor, as well as a special Tequila-tasting event;

- A Temezcal Ceremony, a contemporary spa therapy inspired by an ancient Maya cleansing ritual;

- Use of land and sea sports equipment, including bicycles and tennis courts, kayaks and snorkel equipment;

- Access to the fitness center at the Spa at Ceiba del Mar;

- Wireless high-speed Internet;

- Airport transfers to and from the resort;

- All taxes and gratuities.

Rates for the Zumba® retreat start at $1,059 for double occupancy, per person and $1,449 for single occupancy.

Adventures for an additional cost include snorkeling, cave diving, scuba diving and golf.

Call 877-545-6221 to register. Use group code “ZUMBA®” and specify dates of retreat.

Ceiba del Mar is located just 20 minutes from the Cancun airport and a short distance from the Riviera Maya’s most popular sites, including the world-famous Mayan ruins at Tulum.

For more information about Ceiba Del Mar Beach & Spa Resort, which was included on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2010 Gold List, earning perfect scores of “100” in “Best Rooms” and “Best Service” categories for Mexico, visit www.ceibadelmar.com  or call 1-800-490-0483.

Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort is an oceanfront boutique property in the Riviera Maya district of Mexico.

Situated on half-mile of a private, white-sand beach, the resort offers 88 deluxe Ocean-View suites, seven of which are penthouses; two restaurants; a swimming pool; the Spa at Ceiba del Mar with gym, and indoor/outdoor event spaces.

For more information visit www.ceibadelmar.com , or call 1-800-490-0483.

Whether your tastes run to ziplining through a lush forest, exploring authentic farmers markets or sitting down to a true Maui meal, the Magic Isles have something special to offer you this Spring. In this issue, we’ll even show you how to take a little bit of Maui Nui home with you courtesy of a recipe for Hula Shores Sweet Potato Crepes from the Hotel Molokai. Enjoy.

Zip Trip: A Maui Zipline Overview

It’s not surprising a number of zipline outfitters have popped up on Maui in the last few years: the island’s many peaks and valleys create a terrain that lends itself beautifully to the increasingly popular outdoor activity. Luckily for you, while each of Maui’s five zipline tours provide a custom experience, they all deliver the adrenalin spiked thrill of flinging yourself into the hands of gravity.

Why not start our zip tour on the nation’s first-ever zipline? Created in 2002 by zipline pioneers Skyline EcoAdventures, the Haleakala Skyline Tour offers a gentle progression of five lines.

The slow, easy start and grand finale finish make a great entry-level zipline, especially for those who’s will for derring-do is a little more reserved.

The lines zigzag down a gulch so views are somewhat limited. The experience, which takes a little over an hour, is rounded out with a short five-minute hike and bit of education on native forestry and fauna.

At an hour and a half, this tour can be conveniently piggybacked on daytrip to Haleakala Crater.

As with most new adrenalin sports, the mantra quickly becomes bigger, faster, more.

Skyline EcoAdventures answered the call with a second 8-line zip tour traversing the ruggedly steep valleys above Kaanapali. Zippers bump, bump, bump their way up to the course in 4WD vehicles.

The reward is a half-day adventure with sweeping views of West Maui and the islands beyond. The tour includes a picnic at a valley overlook at a 1000 ft. elevation, providing a visit to an otherwise un-accessible pocket of paradise.

It is worth noting that the harness/ trolley system that Skyline EcoAdventures uses, which is different from other operators on Maui, allows for spinning while on the line. Though some amount of steering can be done with your leading hand (the guides will demonstrate the technique) beginners may find themselves executing a less-than-graceful backwards dismount on the landing platforms. Some, on the other hand, may enjoy the extra thrill.

Kapalua Resort fastened their carabineers next, taking off in signature high-end style. Upping the ante, Kapalua Adventures’ eight ziplines feature parallel lines so you can glide through the air side-by-side with your honey—or race your brother.

Their harness and pulley system offers more of a supportive seat and fixes you in a forward position.

The course sprawls over a scant two miles and come complete with ropes course tower and giant two-person free-fall swing. The fun starts at the mountain outpost at 1400 ft. elevation. It sits on the edge of a pristine nature preserve and overlooks Molokai and Lanai.

Warning: incredible views ahead! Kapalua has maximized the variety of their equipment into a handful of tailor-made tours from the 4.5 hour “Ultimate” to shorter experiences, and some combining the ropes course or swing.

Kapalua cleverly offers a sunset zipline and, for those zippers who’ve done it all, full moon tours are offered once a month. Hint: choose a tour that includes line #3, at 2,300 feet it is among the longest in the state.

One of Maui’s oldest ranching families recently got in the game, allotting a gorgeous stretch of their verdant upcountry land to building a state-of-the-art zipline course right outside of Makawao town at Piiholo Ranch. Similar to Kapalua, Piiholo uses the seat-style harness and four-point trolley system, and their entire course is parallel lines for side-by-side fun.

Their six different lines crisscross each other, playing off of the ranch’s rolling terrain and forestry.

The compact nature of the course lends itself well to walk alongs, which are available for those who’d feel more comfortable playing photographer.

But for those that want to streak down a cable like lightening, Piiholo delivers—and big.

This course boasts a 2,800 foot long finale line (line #5) and another that accommodate four side-by-side zippers (line #1). Now that’s togetherness!

Along with two different zipline tours, Piiholo offers their Tango Tower, a massive structure with a number of climbing challenges.

Ask about renting a helmet cam to record your experience.

Across the central valley is the island’s newest outfitter, The Flyin’ Hawaiian Zipline.

This massive five-hour tour scales over two miles of ridgelines from Waikapu to Maalaea.

Because the tour is located on the dryer side of the island, the topography is decidedly different. Expansive views are afforded in nearly all directions.

The course’s eight lines create a point-to-point tour and the experience comes complete with the opportunity to take part in a native reforestation initiative.

Get ready for a real leap of faith on the tour’s 3,200 ft “monster” line—you’ll barely be able to see the landing platform! More than the other tours, this tour requires a little more hiking and is more physically demanding. But don’t worry, you don’t have to hike back to the start, shuttles are provided.

Each of these zipline operators varies slightly on their age and weight restrictions and health requirements, so be sure to carefully to research thoroughly before booking. All recommend sneakers or lace-up shoes, comfortable clothing and dressing in layers. And of course, hats and sunscreen are always appropriate.