Jetsettersblog

The Cheltenham Jazz Festival will feature the likes of Jamie Cullum, Kit Downes and Roots Manuva.

CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND — A diverse line-up of musicians and plenty of family entertainment lies in store at this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Jamie Cullum has been appointed guest director for the event, which will take over the Gloucestershire town from Wednesday April 27th to Monday May 2nd.

The jazz-pop pianist is an enthusiastic supporter of the festival and is due to perform live in Cheltenham on May 1st, although tickets for that show are already scarce.

However, the programme includes plenty of other highlights for contemporary jazz fans, including several of Cullum’s favourite acts.

The headliners this year are American jazz supergroup the Overtone Quartet, Grammy-nominated guitarist James Hunter, UK saxophonist Andy Sheppard and Tord Gustavsen, the Norwegian pianist.

Elsewhere, visitors can look forward to shows from electronica duo Lamb, acclaimed British rapper Roots Manuva and 2010 Mercury Prize nominee Kit Downes, who will perform with his new acoustic sextet.

As the festival coincides with the royal wedding on April 29th, there will also be a day of free entertainment and outdoor fun with a “best of British” theme.

All events are individually priced and tickets can be purchased online.

Jazz fans planning a Cotswold hotel stay will find a range of nearby accommodation at LateRooms.com, which features the Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel.

Visit http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/whats-on-jazz  or contact the box office on 01242 505444 for more information on this event.

www.southexpeditions.com

QUITO, ECUADOR – Galapagos Endurance, a tour operator offering exclusive custom-designed adventure travel programs in the Galapagos Islands, has introduced a revolutionary sea kayaking system that is poised to open up Galapagos sea kayaking to a broad new audience. Galapagos Endurance’s ‘Cataquilla’ sea kayak is a patent pending dual-hull design that allows two or four kayakers to enjoy greater stability, easier paddling, simple maneuverability and a greater sense of on-the-water safety than is offered by traditional sea kayaks.

Sea kayaking is one of the most popular ways to explore the Galapagos Islands because of the maneuverability, speed, and low environmental impact of kayaks, but they can also be intimidating and difficult for young children, elderly, or handicapped individuals to use on their own. The Cataquilla’s superior stability, ease of entry, and canoe-like paddling allows anyone to confidently kayak the waters of the Galapagos with the help of a partner. Even paraplegics, who are generally unable to pilot sea kayaks, are able to use the cataquilla because it does not require the user to stabilize the kayak with their hips.

The name Cataquilla is derived from cata meaning double hull, and quilla, a type of canoe used by the natives of the Ecuadorian rainforests. The guides from Galapagos Endurance designed the Cataquilla to meet the needs of multigenerational family travelers that would otherwise be unable to experience sea kayaking in the Galapagos. The patent pending design utilizes horizontal struts that connect two normal single or double person kayaks, and substitutes traditional dual bladed sea kayak paddles with single bladed raft paddles.

Galapagos Endurance specializes in designing and operating completely custom tour programs for their distribution partners, enabling their partners to provide exclusive travel experiences for their clients in the Galapagos Islands. Juan Rodriguez, founder of Galapagos Endurance, has been conceiving, planning and operating high-quality custom trips throughout the Galapagos and South America for over 18 years. Juan has always preferred to work with North American tour operators and travel companies, which allow him to focus on creating amazing, exclusive experiences (like the Cataquilla) that meet the high standards of his partners and their clientele.

Galapagos Endurance is part of South Expeditions, a leading travel group with over 18 years of experience arranging a wide array of high-end customized trips and excursions for individuals, families and groups in Latin America. Their three companies, Travel Ecuador, Chile Expeditions and Galapagos Endurance are committed to designing and providing unique and wonderful experiences that will create lasting memories for their guests.

From May 20th – June 5th the City of Reykjavik is transformed into a living stage of unforgettable moments in performance and visual arts. The Reykjavik Arts Festival is best desribed as a feast of art, music and dance, brimming with exiting concerts of all kinds, striking dance performances and colorful theater experiences for all ages.

Guests of this year’s festival will be among the first to attend events in the brand new Harpa Concert and Conference Center, which opens its doors just in time for the 2011 Festival. www.artfest.is

Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc.
CONTACT: Terry Prichard
TEL: (800) 616-1943
E-MAIL: info@seakayakadventures.com
WEB: www.seakayakadventures.com

Why this location: Whale sightings, snorkeling and kayaking uninhabited islands of one of Mexico’s newest national parks; a third of whales live in Gulf of California; pristine – “Mexico’s Galapagos”; perfect for novices age 11 and up.

LORETO, BAJA Calif.- USA-based Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc. reports that February and March 2011 the volume of whales and close whale sightings are the best in Loreto in decades – both gray whale mom & babies in Magdalena Bay on the Pacific coast and blue and fin whales in Loreto Bay National Marine Park/UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Company co-founder Nancy Mertz exclaims “I just got back from a week of whale watching in Baja – we spent hours eyeball to eyeball with the gentle gray whale moms and babies in Magdalena Bay and along side 4 pairs of fin whales in the Sea of Cortez off Loreto, from motorized skiffs (the local fishermen’s boats) – I’ve been guiding sea kayak tours in Loreto since 1988 and this is the most extraordinary year.” Locals report the whales have been very numerous and close to shore – this is the first time they can see the spouts of the mighty blue whale from downtown Loreto.

The company offers several whale watching and sea kayaking tours, suitable for novices, in Loreto Bay National Marine Park October through April each year. The New York Times recently named Loreto #8 on “Best Places to Visit 2011″
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/travel/09where-to-go.html?_r=2&src=me&ref=general

Beaming, Nancy Mertz added, “I grew up in Hawaii and have explored the Galapagos Islands, and I find Loreto Bay in the Sea of Cortez (also known as Gulf of California) absolutely on par with those exquisite locations. Loreto Bay National Park is truly a world-class sea kayaking and wildlife destination. A renowned whale researcher told me recently that one third of the world’s whale species call Gulf of California home and the ecosystem is still remarkably intact – truly a national treasure”.

Nancy went on to state: “Loreto is unique and vital for ecotourism visitors because:

1) Loreto has the closest jet airport to the best whale hot spots in Baja California (gray whales of Magdalena Bay; blue & fin whales in Gulf of California). Whale watching is very popular world-wide and people will spend significant time and money to get to the best whale-viewing destinations. Just a short direct flight from Los Angeles to Loreto.

2) Loreto Bay National Marine Park islands have also been called “Mexico’s Galapagos” enjoying strict federal protection for future generations. Fantastic snorkeling available.

3) The park and our tours are suitable for novices age 11 and up – spring break is perfect.

4) Sea kayak companies in the park are limited in number and strictly regulated for the protection of the park – this is beneficial to visitors and locals alike. The park is a world-class sea kayaking destination (because of uninhabited islands, protected camping, intact and diverse ecosystems, many species of plants, animals, birds in the water and on land)

5) Loreto is special because of its unique history, being the first capital of Baja California and the historic mission built in 1697 is still in use today.

6) Loreto is a small quaint town where visitors feel safe and relaxed. The locals have huge hearts and are immensely proud of their fishing heritage and town history. We are honored to be running tours in Loreto, introducing visitors to the magic of Loreto Bay.

Loreto is truly a jewel in the crown of natural wonders that Mexico should be very proud of owning. We hope Loreto will stay the most unique place that it is. The visitor can go anywhere for hotels, beaches, golf courses and tequila bars. Loreto has a sprinkling of those, but it is definitely the “Un-Cabo”. It is the unique natural wonders and history that sets Loreto apart from all the rest of Mexican coastal destinations.

For further information or reservations, contact Sea Kayak Adventures Inc. at (800) 616-1943 or go to www.seakayakadventures.com

Adventurous families seeking unique activities and fascinating cultures will be exhilarated by the wonders of Morocco. With an eye on intrigue appealing to children as well as adults, Thomson Family Adventures will take travelers on a multi-dimensional exploration through this intriguing country. On the Morocco: Family Trek, travelers will sweep through the narrow, red passages of Marrakesh, with its markets and medina. Trek in the High Atlas Mountains, with breathtaking views of landscape from barren rock to lush groves with even a visit with a local family to learn about village life. Finish the adventure in a seaside fishing town bustling with local color and beautiful beaches, with a unique option to ride a camel along ocean’s edge. Throughout the journey nights are spent at both traditional inns and 5-star hotels. A family friendly multi-lingual guide leads the adventure with in-depth knowledge of the people and places. Thomson Family Adventures personal attention to detail along with Morocco’s history, culture and landscape are sure to give the entire family the adventure of a lifetime.

Trip takes place June 17 – 28, 2011; price $4490 adult, $4490 teens & children. For more information about rates and trip options, contact Thomson Family Adventures at 800-262-6255, or visit www.familyadventures.com

www.familyadventures.com

HOPKINS, Belize- Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort calls couples to experience the Best of Belize on and offshore. When taking advantage of Hamanasi’s Seaside Romance package, couples can start their first night with a bottle of Champagne on a private terrace and fall into a luxurious king canopy bed, complete with floral turndown. Guests can choose from a honeymoon suite or treehouse accommodations.

Perhaps the first day will be spent on a Mayan history tour, canoeing a jungle river, or hiking to the Mayflower Waterfall. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy watching for tropical and coastal birds and visiting the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve. Of course there are many thrills to be found below the Caribbean’s surface as well. Near the resort, three Belizean atolls and the Southern Barrier Reef offer divers views of exquisite marine life. During certain times of the year it’s even possible to snorkel or dive with whale sharks. For a relaxing afternoon, there’s always an empty hammock available for snuggling.

At meal times, guests will delight in “Fresh meets Fusion” cuisine. Hamanasi’s chefs are dedicated to creating delicious meals that cater to the needs of their guests. Love-birds can even enjoy a private 3-course meal set up beachside, poolside, in-room, or on a secluded terrace. This year fall back in love and let Hamanasi create the perfect romantic vacation.
www.hamanasi.com

ANGELS CAMP, CA – O.A.R.S. has been offering classic multiday floats down some of the American West’s most iconic rivers, including the Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon, the Salmon River, the Rogue River, and the Yampa River, for more than four decades. By their very nature, these river trips are all-inclusive. Once you are on the river, there is nowhere else to eat, nowhere else to sleep, nowhere else to go, and there’s no reason to have it any other way. The classic American river trip is all about wilderness experiences. It’s about losing track of what time it is, or even what day of the week. It’s about leaving email and texting and Facebook at home, and instead sharing stories around a fire. It’s about drifting off to sleep on a beach under an endless canopy of stars and waking to watch the sun rise over the canyon rim. Sure, river trips include meals, accommodations, and daily activities, but the unique experiences and relationships made during a river trip are worth the price of admission alone.

O.A.R.S. offers world-class multiday river trips throughout the American West, Canada, Alaska, Fiji and Latin America. More info at http://www.oars.com

www.oars.com

The Maya Underworld, Lush Jungle, Cave Tubing and the World’s Second Largest Barrier Reef

My Exclusive Journeys, known for its unsurpassed adventures in Central America, offers “Adventuring Belize,” a journey that combines the mysteries of the ancient Mayan people with the exploration of the second largest barrier reef in the world and beautiful beaches.

The seven-night journey begins with a night in Belize City before transferring to the historic Cayo District for four nights. Explore the Maya Underworld as you travel by canoe into the eerie five-mile limestone cave with a guide and powerful flashlights. You’ll learn the archeological significance of the cave which was used for ceremonial purposes and as a funeral site by the ancient Mayans.

Travel through the jungle to Tikal, Guatemala, once the most powerful city in the Americas. Tikal is still a world of magic with a huge complex of temples, altars, pyramids and palaces peeking out above the lush jungle. Today you’ll see monkeys, aracaris, motmots and maybe a jaguar. Catch an outstanding view of the jungle from the top of a temple.

Explore the quaint town of San Ignacio and go cave tubing in a subterranean river past unusual rock formations, Maya pottery and artifacts. Placencia, a sleepy fishing village with posh boutique hotels, is your last stop on this expedition. Head to the Belize Barrier Reef for snorkeling or scuba diving or relaxing on 16 miles of beach.

Rates for the seven night expedition start at $1857 and include accommodations, breakfast daily, a massage, some lunches, cave tubing and airport transfers per person, sharing. For more information or reservations, visit www.myexclusivejourneys.com  or email ba@myexclusivejourneys.com  The toll free number is 1-888-334-6905.

Note to editors: My Exclusive Journeys rates do not include international or domestic flights.

For over 30 years, My Exclusive Journeys’ team has provided travelers with optimum personalized service and the finest accommodations available throughout South America and the Iberian Peninsula. Everyone who works with us has a thorough knowledge of each destination. They share our philosophy of taking pride in the services they provide and want to share their experience with our customers. Every step of your journey is carefully and methodically considered to provide an extraordinary one-of-a-kind experience.

DENVER – Art endeavors of every kind paint Colorado’s landscape this summer. With happenings ranging from local artisans to internationally recognized collections and live theatre to music events and film festivals, cultural opportunities abound across the state. Below is a sampling of some of the many ways visitors can experience Colorado’s cultural scene.

The Mile High Arts Scene

The Denver Art District on Santa Fe is a unique, nationally known art and cultural district with more than 60 galleries, restaurants and shops located a few short blocks from downtown. The Art District opens its doors to lively crowds for popular events such as the First Friday Art Walk, held every first Friday of the month. http://www.artdistrictonsantafe.com

The Denver Performing Arts Complex is the second largest performing arts complex in the world, just behind New York’s Lincoln Center. It offers a diverse array of Broadway shows, professional theatre, symphony, opera and ballet in dazzling venues. Upcoming shows include Ah Wilderness (April 6-23), Billy Elliott (May 11-29) and Les Miserables (August 31-September 10). http://www.denvercenter.org/

Museum of Contemporary Art is Denver’s first contemporary art museum. Inspiring contemporary art that excites and challenges all audiences, the Museum of Contemporary Art is spread across five distinct galleries throughout Denver. http://www.mcadenver.org/

The Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art is Denver’s nationally recognized display of 20th century decorative arts showcasing more than 3,500 works on view ranging from Arts & Crafts to Modern and Pop Art. http://www.kirklandmuseum.org/

The Denver Art Museum recently debuted “Blink! Light, Sound & the Moving Image” (March 13 – May 1), the museum’s first large-scale exhibition devoted entirely to electronic and time-based media. The newly remodeled American Indian Art exhibit highlights individual artists, their creations and their inspirations. Bonus: General admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. http://www.denverartmuseum.org/

Downtown Denver Arts Festival (May 27-30). Dedicated to supporting and showcasing Colorado visual artists, the Downtown Denver Arts Festival features the work of more than 130 of Colorado’s best artists each Memorial Day Weekend. www.DowntownDenverArtFestival.com
Cultural Events Across the State
The Durango Bluegrass Meltdown (April 8-10) is a weekend dedicated to bluegrass music as an American art form. The Meltdown features three unique, intimate main stages, a super jam, barn dance (Durango style), Saturday night Celtdown and music flowing from bars, restaurants, coffee houses and downtown streets and sidewalks–all within walking distance. www.DurangoMeltdown.com

Salida Art Walk (June 24-26). Named one of the “100 Best Small Art Towns in America” by John Villani, Salida is renowned for its annual arts celebration where the public is invited to stroll Salida’s historic downtown streets and enjoy the sights and sounds of the visual and performing arts. http://www.salidaartwalk.org/

Open Arts Fest (July 16-17) will showcase the finest artists from around Colorado and the nation. Artists will showcase their work along the historic Pearl Street Mall while performances from Boulder’s finest performing arts organizations and musical groups will be scattered throughout the streets. http://www.boulderdowntown.com/

39th Annual Crested Butte Arts Festival (August 5-7). The streets of Crested Butte’s historic district will be lined with more than 175 artists from around the world, including an “Art Alley” for kids ages 2-12. The festival features an artists’ demonstration tent as well as live entertainment, an art auction and culinary demonstrations throughout the weekend. http://www.crestedbutteartsfestival.com/

Sculpture in the Park (August 13-14). Loveland’s Benson Sculpture Garden will be transformed into one of the greatest exhibitions of three-dimensional artwork in the country. With the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop, Sculpture in the Park features 20,000 pieces of sculpture created by 170 sculptors from around the world. http://www.sculptureinthepark.org/

New West Fest (August 20-22). Fort Collins will be bursting at the seams with music for their Bohemian Night New West Fest celebration. The free event will showcase more than 70 Colorado bands, 20 dance companies, children’s performers, street performers and three national music headliners across nine stages. http://www.downtownfortcollins.com/

Telluride Film Festival (September 2-5). Each Labor Day weekend, Telluride swells three times the size with passionate film enthusiasts to celebrate the best in film. Last year’s festival included sneak previews of Black Swan and 127 Hours as well as appearances by the likes of James Franco and Colin Firth. http://www.telluridefilmfestival.org/
Colorado Art Attractions

The Aspen Art Museum offers a variety of opportunities for visitors to experience thought-provoking art, culture and society through an array of activities, exhibitions and programs. Upcoming exhibits include “The Anxiety of Photography” (May 13-July 17) and work by Cathy Wilkes (May 20-July 17). http://www.aspenartmuseum.org/

The Western Colorado Center for the Arts offers a collection of nearly 300 historic and contemporary works, highlighting an array of work from historic Native American artifacts to pre-Columbian ceramics to contemporary work by some of the state’s most talented and reputable living artists. http://www.gjartcenter.org/

Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is the cultural center of the community, offering year-round programs featuring professional and children’s theater, curated art galleries, art walks and a variety of activities for people of all ages. A selection of concerts will rock the Arvada Center’s outdoor venue this summer including Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra featuring Wynton Marsalis, Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys and the Gipsy Kings. http://www.arvadacenter.org/

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is celebrating its 75th anniversary by featuring the Martha Graham Dance Company throughout the season in honor of Martha Graham, who first danced on stage in 1936. The Dance Company will perform Lamentation Variations, a series of vignettes by contemporary choreographers that interpret the theme of the classic Graham piece, Lamentation, among other numbers. http://www.csfineartscenter.org/

Colorado Chautauqua in Boulder aspires to become the most environmentally sustainable National Historic Landmark in the country. Boasting amazing scenery and a calendar packed with lectures and concerts, Colorado’s Chautauqua strives to bring communities together through educational, cultural and social activities. Planned events include the Colorado Music Festival (June 25 – August 5), and a variety of music and dance offerings. www.Chautauqua.com

If you aren’t sold yet, Colorado is bursting at the seams with a complete arts and culture experience largely as a result of the Arts in Public Places Program (AIPP). This act integrates art with architecture by requiring that one percent of all construction funds go toward the acquisition of art for the project site, allowing locals to combine work with play.

ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state’s breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 10 national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the 2011 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.co  or call 1-800-COLORADO. Visitors and media can follow Colorado’s social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and Foursquare, on the Colorado Connect page at www.COLORADO.com/connect .

“Mud & Maple Getaway” Offers 30% Savings; Plus Mud- & Maple-Inspired Spa Treatments

STOWE, VT – For a fun spring trip to one of the New England’s top spa resorts, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa (www.stoweflake.com ), offers a “Mud & Maple Getaway” package in honor of maple sugaring and mud season. Early spring is when maple sugaring occurs and Vermont’s famous maple syrup is made. Meanwhile, while skiers get in their last runs down the slopes through mid April, the area slowly begins to embrace “mud season” as the snow melts.

Stoweflake’s “Mud & Maple Getaway” offers a value-added savings of up to 30 percent, with package rates starting at $197, per person, per room, based on double occupancy. Available April 3 – May 27, 2011, the package includes:

§ Two night accommodations for two people

§ Breakfast daily for two

§ $50 Mud & Maple Bucks per person toward Mountain Man Mud Massage or Vermont Maple Sugar Body Polish

§ Sports & Wellness Center access

§ Fitness class access

For information or reservations, readers can visit www.stoweflake.com or call 1-802-253-7355. For spa reservations, call the Stoweflake Spa: 802-760-1083.

To enjoy mud & maple season outside the resort, guests can take a tour of one of the local sugaring houses, or hit the rivers for adventurous kayaking and canoeing, when the waters are high.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa (www.stoweflake.com) is a AAA Four-Diamond resort with one of the country’s top destination spas, a AAA Four-Diamond award-winning restaurant and endless activities for couples, friends and families alike. The 50,000-square-foot Stoweflake Spa features 120 spa treatments including massages, facials, wraps, body masks, and energy work. Its sports and wellness center offers approximately 40 different classes, ranging from Pilates for Ski classes to Nordic Walking, Ashtanga Yoga and Balletone.

Stoweflake is located approximately 2.5 miles from the slopes at Mt. Mansfield, VT’s highest peak, and 2.5 miles from charming downtown Stowe Village which features a picturesque main street, complete with quaint boutiques, a general store, restaurants and white church steeple marking its center. A shuttle bus runs all day from the resort to the mountain and village.