Jetsettersblog

Featuring the Canadian Rockies by the Rocky Mountaineer Trainand VIP Tickets to the Toronto International Film Festival Americans looking for the perfect summer getaway can find a unique vacation close to home with four distinctive tours to Canada offered by Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program. Whether interested in a cruise, train trip or the performing arts, travelers can travel to Canada with top experts who add insight, fascinating daily programs and great value. Full details about Canada vacations, including tour itineraries, background on each of the experts, destination articles and reading lists and slide shows are available at http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/travelcanada

A journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains provides an ideal summer vacation. “A Canadian Rockies Adventure” (Aug. 5-12) is a land-and-train adventure where travelers enjoy magnificent landscapes both up close and from the comforts of a luxury train. Spectacular snowcapped mountains with glaciers, rushing rivers and alpine lakes serve as backdrops to a variety of wildlife. Beginning in Edmonton, participants will explore Jasper National Park, the renowned Icefields Parkway and charming Banff and stay at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and baronial Banff Springs Hotel. Travelers then spend two full days aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer , where they can enjoy panoramic views from a 360-degree view dome car during this Canadian Rockies tour, en route to Vancouver. An expert in Canadian history and nature provides insight along the way. Vacationers looking for a unique summer cruise that’s close to home will find “Canadian Splendors” (July 25-Aug. 3) a great value cruise, aboard the small ship 96-guest Grande Mariner. Starting at just $4,701, the cruise in Canada takes travelers on an exploration of three of the Great Lakes-Ontario, Erie and Huron. Travelers will experience Native American traditions at Manitoulin Island, stop at picturesque Blueberry Island and Goderich, attend theater at the Stratford Theatre Festival, explore wildlife sanctuaries and enjoy a relaxing day cruising Lake Huron. Other highlights include a visit to Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village and a choice of visiting the Cleveland Art Museum or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, followed by a stop at the world-famous Niagara Falls. If booked by April 15, travelers can save $200 per person. Travelers interested in the performing arts can enjoy five days in the gracious Victorian town of Stratford, Ontario, attending six plays at the Stratford Theatre Festival, which is renowned for its productions of Shakespearean plays as well as modern classics. This year’s roster of plays includes Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, Twelfth Night and Richard III, plus Camelot, Molière’s The Misanthrope and the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. During “Stratford Theatre Festival” (Aug. 3-7), travelers will attend lectures by an expert who provides insight, as well as VIP receptions with cast members and theater staff, and a backstage tour. The cost of $2,495 includes prime seating at performances, all activities mentioned, four nights of accommodations and many meals. Smithsonian Journeys also features an exciting late summer insider’s getaway focused on the best upcoming films. Participants of “Toronto International Film Festival ” (Sept. 7-12) receive the coveted “industry” pass, which whisks holders past long lines to attend multiple film screenings each day. Other highlights include private lectures with industry insiders, filmmakers and film critics and attendance at a premiere gala screening. Space is limited at $2,995 per person, including five nights accommodation at the Intercontinental Toronto Centre. About Smithsonian JourneysSmithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, with more than 40 years dedicated to life-enriching experiences worldwide. The Smithsonian is known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is central to Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 150 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences. The Smithsonian Journeys collection includes small-ship luxury and value cruises, private-jet tours, custom designed private travel options and small-group, air-inclusive tours worldwide. For more information, call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit http://www.SmithsonianJourneys.org. About Smithsonian InstitutionFounded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists, and more than 6,500 volunteers. There were approximately 30 million visits from around the world at the Smithsonian in 2009 with more than 188 million visits to the Smithsonian websites. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.

Canadian premiere event to showcase renowned performers in Whistler Village

September 2-4, 2011

Whistler, B.C. – Whistler will play host to the newest jazz festival in Canada, September 2-4, 2011. Set in the resort’s pedestrian Village, with free and ticketed indoor and outdoor shows, visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience performances and interact personally with jazz greats such as Kevin Eubanks – leader of the NBC Tonight Show Band for 18 years.

Arnold Schwisberg, founder and producer of Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler, today announced the exciting performer line-up of the inaugural event for the Labour Day weekend in September as well as the launch of the Festival’s official website www.whistlerjazzfest.com.

“Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler will have something for everyone, not just jazz fans,” says Schwisberg. “All visitors to Whistler will be able to enjoy the free street festival components with acoustic musicians, face-painters, jugglers and acrobats. And ticketed shows will provide access to some of the world’s best jazz artists performing in an intimate setting at spectacular Whistler facilities.”

The three-day festival will showcase 22 performers and 33 shows. Street entertainment is being programmed in conjunction with the Whistler Arts Council, free performances will be featured throughout Whistler Village, and ticketed events will take place indoors at Maurice Young Millennium Place and outdoors at one or more of the many spectacular venues in Whistler . Tickets go on sale April 5.

Guitarist Kevin Eubanks, the first Artist-in-Residence for Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler, will perform solo, with his Quartet, and will be “up close and personal” with festivalgoers in Whistler Village all weekend. In addition to Eubanks, American guitarists Stanley Jordan and Russ Freeman, as well as seasoned Canadian jazz guitarists and educators Stan Samole, Lorne Lofsky and Greg Lowe are scheduled to perform. Other greats confirmed to appear include established contemporary jazz groups Spyro Gyra and The Rippingtons, and jazz veterans vibraphonist Gary Burton from Boston with his New Quartet and Montreal pianist Oliver Jones with his Trio. Additional shows will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Festival also includes a unique educational element, giving aspiring young musicians the opportunity to attend a Jazz Master Class Series for guitar at Maurice Young Millennium Place in the heart of Whistler Village.

“Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler is setting the stage to be regarded as one of the most innovative jazz festivals in the country,” says Schwisberg, a lawyer whose passion for jazz has also led to a career as a radio and TV host, a record producer for Universal Music, and a consultant with jazz festivals in Montreal and Toronto.

Unlike urban jazz festivals, Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler will be offering a very different experience. The pedestrian-only Village, with its stone pathways connecting the resort’s plazas and squares, is an ideal setting for a more intimate and highly interactive jazz festival. The Festival aims to attract thousands of visitors to Whistler over the Labour Day weekend.

To more broadly deliver the experience, plans are underway to mount high-definition video cameras at each major act – and to produce streaming video to the internet, satellite and for mobile applications. “Those who can’t attend in person can watch highlights from their computer, tablet or phone,” says Schwisberg. “Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler represents the next generation of jazz festivals. It’s really about bringing the music – and the vibe of Whistler – to the people.”

Mayor Ken Melamed of the Resort Municipality of Whistler says the Festival is an exciting new addition to the growing calendar of outstanding events in the resort. “We’ve been impressed with the planning process, the program and the professionalism of Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler. Visitors to Whistler are in for a real treat this September.”

For more information about the concert and events schedule, artist bios, and details about ticket purchasing, promotions, and merchandise visit www.whistlerjazzfest.com

Sponsors of Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler so far include: The Globe And Mail, North Shore Credit Union, Indigo Books & Music, Heineken, Appleton Rum, WineOnline, Shaw TV and charity sponsor CNIB. More sponsors will be announced as the Event approaches.

With more than 200 retail shops, 90 restaurants and bars, and a vast range of accommodations, visitors to Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler can enjoy the music, an amazing array of amenities, and the endless choice of activities provided by a mountain playground. For information about accommodation and activity options call our local travel consultants at 1.800.WHISTLER or logon www.whistler.com

Sugar Ridge in Antigua goes nautical with its Stay & Sail package, just in time for Antigua Sailing Week this April 24-29. Priced from US $295 per person, per night (plus accommodations, includes breakfast), the package invites guests on deck for sail training in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Can’t make Sailing Week? Stay & Sail is valid at Sugar Ridge through October 22, 2011.

Sugar Ridge teams with Ondeck, the only RYA accredited school in Antigua, to offer a winning formula of accredited yacht or powerboat courses whilst enjoying the relaxing and sophisticated ambience of the island.

Stay & Sail courses include:

• Start Yachting: a two-day practical course suitable for complete or near novices. It’s a great introductory course, teaching basic knowledge of how to steer a yacht, hoist sails, handle ropes and winches and some basic rules of the road. Minimum age is 16 and there will be a maximum of 5 students. The qualification counts towards more advanced courses.

• Powerboat Level 1 & 2 are one- and two-day courses respectively which cover boat handling, safety, basic navigation, chart work and weather. Level 2 is the more advanced. Minimum age is 14 and there will be a maximum of 3 students per course.

The above courses finish at 5:30pm each day, allowing time to enjoy the other side of Antigua at Sugar Ridge.

Antigua Sailing Week, the Caribbean’s longest running and best-known regatta, attracts competitors from all over the world. The grand finale of the Caribbean yacht racing season, Antigua Sailing Week welcomes competitive sailors and those who want to experience fantastic shore activities. A number of International Dragons and RS Elite dinghies are available for charter at very competitive rates, allowing sailing aficionados of different levels to join in the fun at the Caribbean’s most famous regatta. www.sailingweek.com

At Sugar Ridge, rooms wrap around the property with panoramic views of beaches, Caribbean Sea, plus neighboring islands of Redonda, St. Kitts and Nevis. Interior décor fuses modern style with the region’s rich history. Rooms feature comfortable outdoor lounges, private decks, wireless Internet, LCD flat-screen televisions and iPod docking stations. Room rates begin at $260 per night. The offer is valid for the breakfast plan or all inclusive rates. Rates are subject to 10.5% government tax and 10% service charge.

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

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Celebrate the start of Costa Rica’s Green Season with new May specials to Parador Resort & Spa. A leader in sustainability and eco-tourism, Parador Resort & Spa in Punta Quepos is perched high above the Central Pacific coastline, famed for white sand beaches and Manuel Antonio National Park. In the spring, Manuel Antonio National Park explodes with color as vibrant flora and fauna come into bloom. New May packages to Parador give guests plenty of reason to go green.

Mother May I?

Moms get spoiled with a relaxing four-night Mother’s Day Package. This offer includes a Premium or Premium Plus room; welcome cocktail and fruit basket; daily breakfast buffet; one complimentary 50-minute massage for mom; and a babysitting service (if needed) for a romantic candlelit dinner with wine for mom and dad or without wine for a family of four. There’s also a guided wildlife observation tour of Manuel Antonio National Park and its private beaches. From $315 per night based on double occupancy with taxes included.

Colorful May

Eco-travelers celebrate Costa Rica’s famous green spring with the Colorful May Package at Parador Resort & Spa. This exclusive package offered throughout the entire month of May features: five nights in a Premium Plus room; daily breakfast buffet; dinner at Fume Sushi Bar or Quijote Restaurant; two sumptuous chocolate massages and cappuccino body scrubs in the spa; catamaran/snorkeling excursion; and roundtrip air or ground transfers from San Jose. From $400 per night based on double occupancy with taxes included.

Baby, Come Back

To show appreciation for former guests, Parador is offering a fourth-night free Memorial Day Package for repeat visitors. It’s a chance for guests to return to a resort they know and love. They’ll start with four nights in the luxurious one-bedroom, ocean/jungle-view Las Suites. The package continues with daily breakfast buffet; welcome tropical cocktail; complimentary bottle of wine and fruit basket; 50 minute couples spa treatment of choice; and a parasailing or jet ski adventure. From $400 per night, with fourth night free, based on double occupancy. Price includes taxes.

For more on Parador Resort & Spa’s May specials, visit www.hotelparador.com

Romance, Pampering and Entertainment Abound On the Beaches of Los Cabos, Mexico
– There’s never been a better time to escape to the beautiful golden, sandy beaches of Los Cabos for the perfect Mexican getaway at Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe. From their luxurious and innovative suites to the limitless culinary adventures and gorgeous Mexican scenery, Los Cabos Palace Deluxe is an adult-friendly oasis with tailor made options for romance and entertainment. Nestled on one of the widest stretches of beach in the destination at 650 feet wide and half of a mile in length, this five-star, all-inclusive, all-suite resort on the Sea of Cortez and nearby to picturesque San José del Cabo, Mexico, is composed of three towers of 619 well-appointed suites, including 34 swim-up suites, the first and only swim-up suites for both the hotelier and the destination. Additionally, Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe features an 18,000-square-foot spa with salon, steam room, sauna and hydrotherapy room for unmatched pampering and relaxation. At Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe, there are limitless ways to relax or play all day. With an adults-only pool, get away for a relaxing swim, quietly read a book or lounge poolside with no distractions. For the adventure and sports enthusiast, take a short trip over to Cabo San Lucas for a day of snorkeling in the clear ocean waters or deep-sea sport fishing. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful and historic San José del Cabo for sight-seeing and great shopping locations. After the sun goes down on a day of fun in the sun, the resort is just heating up. Enjoy a world-class meal at one of the resorts eight on-site themed restaurants including both casual and gourmet dining establishments. From authentic Spanish cuisine to seafood and Japanese cuisine, the options are limitless. After dinner guests are invited to the grand theater for Broadway-style, live, high-energy entertainment offering a capacity of up to 526 guests, including a large bar area with additional seating. With an array of bars and nightlife spaces, guests can enjoy a game of pool or cigars and martinis. For a romantic night under the stars, head down to the beach to cozy up by a crackling fire pit. Enjoy sultry one on one time paired perfectly with a drink in hand, the sounds of the ocean and the flicker of the flames. As the temperatures rise, get down to Los Cabos, Mexico for the getaway experience of a lifetime. Book your stay today for your spring or summer escape. For a more detailed look or for reservations, visit http://www.barceloloscabos.com or contact your travel agent or preferred tour operator. # # # About Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe Conveniently located just ten minutes from picturesque San Jose del Cabo and 12 miles from Los Cabos’ international airport, the all-new, all-inclusive Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe opened its doors with 619 well-appointed suites, including 34 swim-up deluxe junior suites. The resort additionally boast five specialty restaurants, specializing in Spanish, Italian, French and Japanese cuisine as well as mouth-watering steaks; an international buffet; a traditional Mexican buffet; and numerous bars and nightclubs. Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe features a world-class, full-service spa that includes 16 private treatment cabins as well as three beachside palapas for private outdoor treatments. About Barceló Hotels & Resorts Barceló Hotels & Resorts is among the world’s top 25 largest hospitality and travel companies. Barceló was established in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in 1931, first as a transportation provider and then as a hotel and travel company. The family-owned, privately held company has been world-renowned for more than 75 years for its excellence in service and its innovation within the tourism industry. The hotel company owns or manages more than 180 properties in 17 countries. Barceló’s hotels and resorts are found in key destinations and cities throughout Europe, North America, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The company offers a large variety of hotels and resort types to accommodate all travelers, from budget-minded to upscale guests seeking luxurious accommodations. Barceló specializes in all-inclusive resorts that make vacation planning both convenient and affordable, offering one upfront, all-encompassing price. For more information or reservations, visit http://www.barcelo.com .

Hotel Launches New Programs Inviting Travelers to ‘Live Like a Local’

CHICAGO, IL,– In time for the spring travel season, Kimpton’s Monaco Chicago, unveils a $3 million guestroom refresh and an array of new programs designed to encourage world travelers to ‘live like a local.’ With its coveted location overlooking the Chicago River in the heart of the city at 225 North Wabash Avenue, the 191-room hotel has undergone a transformation, becoming a stylish new window on the Windy City.

“The hotel’s refresh marks an exciting era for Monaco Chicago, with fully renovated guestrooms and programs designed to meet the needs of today’s traveler; chief among those needs is the ability to connect with a destination in a meaningful and unrehearsed way,” said Marco Scherer, general manager, Hotel Monaco Chicago. Like many of the changes at the hotel, Scherer is a new addition, joining the team in March after two posts as general manager at other Kimpton hotels, including Washington, D.C.’s Hotel Madera and Florida’s Vero Beach Hotel & Spa.

New Rooms

For the room refresh, renowned interior designer Susan Caruso blends a bold, yet modern flair, including a collection of objects that nod to the world traveler. A modernized steamer trunk nightstand in rich earth tones displays a red Moroccan lamp. Helix patterned carpets in chocolate and lipstick red create an exciting stage for the African grass cloth inspired walls. A curvaceous mahogany table rests near a comfortable European styled chaise, upholstered in a luminescent pearl-toned pony hair. Ivory sheers and raspberry treatments frame the oversized windows and emblazon the room with bold colors. An ornate mirrored headboard of ivory faux crocodile panels rests against a cream and silver walls covered in damask. Cream and gridlines of gold set off the turquoise bed throw and skirting, while refreshing blue and green shapes dance across a festive boudoir pillow.

Newly appointed picturesque window seats, also known as “Meditation Stations,” beckon guests to reflect on the views of Chicago’s towering buildings, complemented by the calming Chicago River below.

Monaco Chicago is also home to a true urban oasis: the Tranquility Suite, a sumptuous sleep sanctuary. This lavish two-room suite inspires unreserved relaxation with its peaceful design, soothing textures, serene colors, in-room water fountain, plush furniture, luxurious bedding and restful amenities such as in-room massage rollers, sound machines, sleep masks and towel warmers. A “black-out” option is also available. Guests can experience ultimate seclusion by voluntarily forfeiting all methods of electronic communication at check-in.

Monaco Chicago’s luxury amenities include: 37-inch LCD HD flat screen televisions; wireless high-speed Internet access, complimentary for Kimpton InTouch guest loyalty members; gourmet honor bar with organic and healthy options; healthful In Room Dining options created for Kimpton in collaboration with Kimpton chefs and celebrity nutritionist, Joy Bauer; Aveda bath and spa products; plush animal print robes; Jacuzzi spa tubs in suites; and in-room spa services.

Originally built as a hat factory for D.B. Fisk & Co. in 1912, the building was converted later to the Oxford House Hotel in 1958. In 1998, Kimpton completely renovated the building as an adaptive reuse project, unveiling it as the stylish Monaco Chicago.

New Programs – ‘Let the Monaco Be Your Compass’
The new spring room refresh also provided an opportunity to showcase the hotel as a virtual compass within the heart of the city. Within a moment’s walk, guests can reach the waters of Lake Michigan to the east; world class shopping on Michigan Avenue to the north; Millennium Park and the storied museums to the south; and the bustling streets of the theatre and Loop districts to the west.

Additionally, inspired by his own travels abroad, the Brazilian-born general manager sought to create a variety of programs to encourage guests to discover the city’s hidden gems to truly ‘live like a local.’ Launching May 1, 2011, new initiatives in the hotel’s ‘Let the Monaco Be Your Compass’ program include:

Glide with GM –Hop on board and glide on a manager-hosted Segway tour through the Windy City. In partnership with Bike and Roll Chicago, the hotel will offer a two-hour guided tour at? the Monaco Chicago every Tuesday evening at 6 pm (as seasons and weather permit). All Monaco Chicago hotel guests receive a $10 discount for these tours, which are priced originally at $59, and include Segway training and various points of interest, such as the city’s bold skyline and graceful lakefront.

Flipping Out – With Monaco Chicago’s ‘Flipping Out’ Flip Camera loan program, guests are encouraged to ‘Go ahead and flip out on us.’ Monaco Chicago will provide guests with a complimentary loaner Flip Camera to take home videos. Once back at the hotel, staff will upload and email the video directly to the urban adventurer.
Got 5? – In search of last-minute exploration minutes from the hotel? Look to the staff, who will offer their top five daily picks for the most current activities located within five minutes of the hotel.

Step into Chicago –Teaming up with the Chicago Office of Tourism’s Chicago Greeter program, Monaco Chicago will offer complimentary iPods with customized, self-guided walking tours narrated from an enthusiastic local’s perspective. All walking tours highlight a variety of neighborhoods, hidden finds and popular attractions.

Chicago Proud – Trained by the Chicago Office of Tourism’s Chicago Greeter Program on vital facts and fun tidbits about the city, Monaco Chicago’s team proudly boasts ‘Born and Raised’ pins. Resembling the Chicago flag, these pins identify the Chicago natives on staff, always a great resource for any traveler looking to truly live like a local.

New Spring Package
As a ‘refresh-ing’ start to the season, Monaco Chicago is offering a wallet-friendly way to celebrate its brand new, beautifully appointed guest rooms. Any guest that books the ‘Now That’s Refresh-ing!’ package receives:

Deluxe accommodations in a recently refreshed room by noted interior designer Susan Caruso
A $50 resort credit after a minimum two-night stay. Then, following the first two nights, guests receive a $25 credit for each additional night, with a total value up to 250 per stay. Guests can apply the credit toward a memorable meal at South Water Kitchen, the adjacent restaurant featuring bold Chicago cuisine, a soothing in-room massage treatment, in-room dining, movies or minibar, as well as on-site parking, among other amenities.
Late 2 p.m. checkout
Morning coffee and tea service in living room, hosted evening wine reception in living room, 24-hour access to in-house fitness room, standard high speed wired and wireless internet access
Guests can book the ‘Now That’s Refresh-ing!’ package online with rate code FRESH or by calling 866-610-0081 and mention rate code FRESH. A two night minimum stay is required. Rate is valid through April 30, 2011 and must be booked 24 hours prior to arrival.

Monaco Chicago is located at 225 North Wabash, Chicago, IL, 60601. For more information or reservations, please call (312) 960-8500 or visit www.monaco-chicago.com

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ABOUT KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011, Bill Kimpton founded the company in 1981 and today it is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through intuitive and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and having a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Adjacent to the hotels are locally-loved, top-rated, destination Kimpton restaurants. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Market Metrix, a recognized authority and leader in feedback solutions, consistently ranks Kimpton above other hotel companies in luxury and upper upscale segments for customer satisfaction. Privately held Kimpton operates 51 hotels and 54 restaurants in 24 cities. For more information visit www.KimptonHotels.com  or call 1-800-KIMPTON.

The culinary event takes place at restaurants throughout the city in late April and early May.
The Springalicious food festival gets underway in Hong Kong for the first time at the end of next month.

Eateries across the city are participating in the event, with many of the restaurants located in the Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai districts.

Each of these establishments will lay on a Springalicious menu from April 27th to May 3rd 2011. In order to enjoy the delicacies on offer, visitors are reminded to book in advance and ask for the special bill of fare.

Popular haunts such as Arun Thai, Busy Suzie, China Coast Bar & Grill and Xiao Nan Guo at One Peking have already signed up, with the list set to grow as the event approaches.

Prices will vary depending on the restaurant, but meals should cost from HK$100 to HK$300 (GBP8 to GBP24) per person for lunches and between HK$200 and HK$600 for dinners.

Tickets will be available from April 1st.

Eager foodies thinking of booking Hong Kong hotels for the festival can visit AsiaRooms.com and choose from a wide and varied selection of accommodation in the city.

One option, the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, is located on Harbour Road, just a few minutes’ walk from areas such as Wan Chai, Admiralty and Causeway Bay.

For further details, head to http://www.springalicious.com.hk.

Editors Notes:

www.AsiaRooms.com is a leading online accommodation site in Asia offering deals in over 36,000 properties worldwide, including 7,000 hotels in the Asia-Pacific region ranging from individual beach huts to 5-star hotels and sprawling villas.

AsiaRooms.com offers customers a saving of up to 70 per cent off the normal room rate for a variety of independent and branded hotels. Customers can book online or by phone 24/7, whether booking 12 months or 12 minutes in advance – whatever time, whatever day.

The contemporary and inspirational online platform is styled for those seeking more interesting hotel options over the bland, obvious choices. Users can read from over 150,000 true hotel reviews, written by customers who have booked through AsiaRooms.com and actually stayed at the hotel.

To view more information about AsiaRooms.com, please visit http://www.asiarooms.com/about-us

Bed and breakfasts help commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War

This year is the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, but you don’t have to go back to school to study its history. Inns and bed and breakfasts across the country are getting involved in the commemorative events. For many, it’s their history, too; they were involved in the original events.

Whether inns were built near important battlefields and landmarks, are themselves living history, or were important stations on the Underground Railroad, B&Bs are participating in the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

Everyone remembers Gettysburg for its famous address, but the first shots of the Civil War were actually fired of the coast of South Carolina at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. This April 12, 150 years later, Union re-enactors will portray Companies E & H, 1st US Artillery Regiment and the regimental band. Living history programs will be offered to visitors arriving on each tour boat. Within walking distance of the tour boat, in the historic Market in downtown Charleston, is Palmer’s Pickney Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/PalmersPickney), a pet friendly bed and breakfast built in 1868, just after the war ended.

Also in Charleston, the 1843 Battery Carriage House Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/1843Battery) doesn’t just boast a legacy that predates the war; it also has its very own Civil War ghost. Guests have sensed and even seen a headless torso, likely a man from the Civil War era.

The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the Battle of Manassas, was a turning point in the Civil War. This July 21 – 24, Prince William County will commemorate the battle complete with a reenactment on the 23rd and 24th of July. Events in Manassas will continue all year long. If you’re looking for a place to stay, just 12 minutes down the road is the Manassas Junction Bed and Breakfast (www.BnBfinder.com/Manassas) . This B&B is located within easy walking distance of Old Town Manassas, museums and the train station.

The first major battle west of the Mississippi, the Battle of Wilson’s Creek led to the secession of southern Missouri. On August 10, it will be 150 years since that event and Springfield, MO will be the place to be and the place to stay in Springfield is the Walnut Street Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/WalnutStreet)  Located in the Nationally Registered Historic District of Springfield, this Queen Anne Victorian Inn is less than 10 miles away from the Wilson’s Creek battlefield, where a reenactment will take place August 12-14.

Although the Battle of New Market wasn’t fought until May 1864, the Mayne View Bed & Breakfast of Luray, VA (www.BnBFinder.com/MayneView) was a part of the historical events surrounding the Civil War. This 1865 hunting lodge was a historic station on the Underground Railroad.

About BnBFinder.com

BnBFinder.com is a comprehensive bed and breakfast directory, providing site visitors with more than 130 search categories, including availability, price, location, and local attractions. Founded in 1998, BnBFinder.com was the first directory to offer advanced interactive technologies, including RSS feeds, a blog, downloadable content for mobile devices, and guest reviews. BnBFinder.com is a 5-Star Rated directory with thousands of B&Bs, inns, and small hotel listings from all over the world.

NORTHBRIDGE, Mass. — Shining Rock Golf Club, the award-winning daily-fee Massachusetts golf course in the historic Blackstone Valley Corridor, is now part of a new circuit called the “Freedom Golf Trail.” Shining Rock has linked with four other well-regarded facilities: the private Sterling National Country Club in Sterling, MA; private Hopkinton Country Club in Hopkinton, MA; semi-private Norton Country Club in Norton, MA; semi-private Hickory Ridge Country Club in Amherst, MA; and private Quidnesset Country Club in Kingston, RI.

By enrolling as a Full or Associate Member at Shining Rock, golfers will have the ability to play other “Freedom Golf Trail” courses on a weekday (Tuesday through Thursday) for a nominal fee. Reservations are made through the Shining Rock golf professional 5 days in advance of a requested tee time.

“Gaining access to the fine clubs in the new ‘Freedom Golf Trail’ network is a great benefit for Shining Rock golfers who elect to take advantage of a Full or Associate Membership,” said club spokesman Tim Gordon. “We have attractively priced these packages and we believe we offer a golf value that is unbeatable in the region.”

GOLF Magazine recently rated Shining Rock #4 in the country in its “Best New Courses You Can Play of 2010″ prestigious listing. The publication also placed Shining Rock at #5 as one of the “10 Best Courses You Can Play” in Massachusetts. Shining Rock only opened in April 2010 and the course continues to receive national recognition.

For more information about the special Reciprocal Club Memberships, visit www.shiningrock.com or call (508) 234-0400. Golfers also can guarantee a round on the highly acclaimed New England golf course through the automated tee time system. Tee times may be reserved 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, up to 7 days in advance at the online Shining Rock Golf Club reservation system at www.shiningrock.com. All tee times booked online must be secured with a valid credit card. Tee times also can be made by telephone.

The “Freedom Golf Trail” concept was developed by Niblick Golf Inc., a Bolton, MA management firm. The network is looking to expand the number of clubs and interested courses should contact Tim Gordon at (508) 735-7540 for information.

For Southern California golfers, the “road most traveled” is the freeway to the fairway, thanks to the Faldo Golf Institute’s exciting new luxury golf getaway. Shadow Ridge Golf Club, home to the acclaimed Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott, one of the nation’s leading golf schools — created by legendary Six-Time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo — debuted the “Freeway-To-The-Fairway” Golf Getaway package, a dream “drive-time” golf excursion to Palm Desert.

The package includes a 3-hour short game or full swing session with a certified instructor from Faldo Golf Institute, a round of golf on the Faldo designed Championship golf course, and luxury villa accommodations. Located at Marriott’s famed Shadow Ridge Resort, in Palm Desert, Calif., golfers can enjoy a weekend excursion at one of the premier resort destinations in the region, overlooking the majestic desert mountains of the Coachella Valley. The “Freeway-To-The-Fairway” golf getaway is available through June 17, 2011 for $354 per person (double occupancy), offering more than 40 percent off retail value.

The curriculum at Faldo Golf Institute is based on the teaching philosophy of Six-Time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo. The Faldo Certified Instructors undergo an extensive certification process; and as part of their ongoing training, they spend time with Faldo as he reinforces his core values as a champion player and demonstrates how to effectively apply his winning techniques to help each individual reach their full potential.

Additionally, golf aficionados will experience a round of golf at Shadow Ridge Golf Club, the first Faldo-designed Championship golf course in the U.S. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the snow-capped Santa Rosa Mountains in Palm Desert, Shadow Ridge Golf Club was recently recognized as one of the top 20 courses in California, according to Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play State-by-State for 2011. In 2010, Shadow Ridge was named Desert Golf Magazine’s Best Resort Course in the Coachella Valley. This beautiful and peaceful valley is often referred to as the “golf capital of the world” because of its ideal playing conditions and abundance of courses.

About Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott

With locations in Orlando, Fla. and Palm Desert, Calif., Faldo Golf Institute, along with the world class service and hospitality of Marriott International, provides expert golf instruction, championship golf, custom club fitting, and luxury accommodations at two desirable Marriott Vacation Club destinations. For more information on all programs and packages offered by Faldo Golf Institute by Marriott, golfers should call 888-463-2536, or visit www.GoFaldo.com

About Marriott Golf

Marriott Golf manages 59 golf courses at 43 locations in 12 countries, offering more than 1,000 holes of championship golf. Marriott has been managing golf operations since 1970 and is one of the world’s premier golf operators. Marriott provides golf management and consulting services to a variety of operational environments including resort, private club, daily fee, golf school and franchises. For more information, visit www.marriottgolf.com