Jetsettersblog

Introducing the newest addition to The Grace Hotel’s classic rooms collection – Neo King! Recently refurbished to provide a new level of comfort and convenience, Neo King offers guests fresher decor and greener amenities with The Grace’s signature dreamy king bed.

Located on Levels 5 to 8, The Neo King rooms are not only comfortable but also eco-friendly. Guests will be pleased to know that Neo King features energy efficient lighting, invigorating adjustable shower head and environmentally responsible body products.

Featured refurbishments include:

• New plush carpet
• Energy-efficient lighting
• New walk-in shower
• Fresh new colour schemes
• New amenities: Eco-fresh

All rooms on Levels 5 and 6 of The Grace Hotel will be completely refurbished during 2011 with new bathrooms, carpet, energy efficient lighting and more.

The Grace Hotel continuously improve guest’s experience and hotel comfort. The Neo King rooms are available from $280 per night, for reservation information visit www.gracehotel.com.au  or phone 02 9272 6888

Hamilton Island has increased the number of privately owned Yacht Club Villas available as luxury holiday properties. The new Villas have been beautifully decorated by internationally recognised Australian stylist Claire Delmar.

“The Yacht Club Villas have continued to receive strong demand from the luxury holiday market and will now be increasingly available to families and groups of friends looking to enjoy a unique, high-end holiday property,” said Glenn Bourke, CEO of Hamilton Island.

Designed by pre-eminent Australian architect Walter Barda, the Villas are exclusively linked to the iconic new Hamilton Island Yacht Club. Each Yacht Club Villa guest has access to a range of facilities including the landscaped lagoon swimming pool, the Hamilton Island Yacht Club gym, as well as priority tee times for the 18-hole championship Golf Club located on neighbouring Dent Island.

Guests also receive complimentary use of a four-seater golf buggy for the duration of their stay and families with children under the age of 12 can take advantage of the Kids Stay & Eat Free program. In addition, guests receive privileged access to premium island facilities and amenities via the Island Concierge including the restaurants, Spa qualia which is located at the exclusive qualia resort, and VIP Hamilton Island airport to villa transfers.

The Oatley family commissioned Australian interior stylist Claire Delmar to infuse her unique and minimalistic sense of style into the newly available holiday Villas. Her approach complements the look and feel of the other Villas which were decorated by Meryl Hare, Swinging Monkey and Coco Republic.

A well-recognised name in design, Claire has worked for an array of leading Australian women’s, lifestyle and interior magazines.

Tasked with creating a feeling of comfort and luxury while celebrating a destination that is quintessentially Australian, Claire took inspiration from the colours and textures of Hamilton Island’s diverse landscape to create a harmonising interior space that showcases the Island’s natural beauty.

“The key to achieving the additional new look on offer at these Villas was to make sure they complemented rather than competed with the beauty of the surroundings. I needed to ensure the Villas remained luxurious, yet casual, offering a ‘home away from home’ setting that guests look for in holiday accommodation,” said Ms Delmar.

Set over three or four levels, the Villas capture spectacular views of Dent Passage towards the Whitsunday Islands. All include a spacious open plan living/dining room, state-of-the art gourmet kitchen with Miele appliances, four bedrooms and four bathrooms, comprising master suite and walk-in robe and bathroom, two additional double bedrooms with ensuite, and a fourth bedroom/flexible space or media room. In addition, the Villas have separate laundries and fully ducted air conditioning.

The Yacht Club Villas are available from $1350 per night for a 3-night minimum stay.

For bookings, go to www.hamiltonisland.com.au or please contact the Luxury Specialist team by email: luxuryspecialist@hamiltonisland.com.au  or
tel: 1300 780 959.

Fancy a quick getaway in between matches during this year’s Rugby World Cup? Queenstown is only a 3.5 hours drive from host city Dunedin and the luxurious Hilton Queenstown has plenty of availability at great rates for rugby enthusiasts.

Dunedin’s Otago Stadium will host four RWC matches between 10 September and 2 October. With these games up to 8 days apart, what better way to spend your time than indulging in a short winter break at the recently opened Hilton Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Hilton Queenstown lead in rates for the month of September start from just AUD$250 (NZ$325) per night.

Hilton Queenstown is set within Kawarau Village, offering glorious lake and mountain views. The Village incorporates Kawarau Hotel, managed by Hilton, the atmospheric Stacks Pub, the highly acclaimed eforea Spa at Hilton with its 10 treatment rooms, and a range of shops.

Marlene Poynder, Hilton Queenstown General Manager adds: “We know that our signature restaurant Wakatipu Grill, headed up by iconic New Zealand chef Peter Thornley and his team, will be a big hit with visiting rugby fans.”

Wakatipu Grill is situated lakefront with vast windows framing captivating views of Lake Wakatipu and Coronet Peak. An open kitchen and rotisserie, along with two circular slate fireplaces, central chef’s table, striking black chandeliers, leather banquettes and an outdoor fire pit and terrace seating, lend even more drama to the room.

The Grill joins Kawarau Village’s other food outlets Me & Mee Noodle Bar, The Lake Counter cafe, grocery & deli and Stacks Pub.

Treatments at eforea Spa at Hilton include a 90-minute melt away tension facial or 60-minute rest & restore body wrap. Every type of treatment at the spa focuses on organic and natural results-driven practices to give Rugby weary guests a world class spa experience.

For booking enquiries, please visit www.queenstown.hilton.com

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) and its highly anticipated new lifestyle brand, aloft SM hotels announce the grand opening of aloft Nanhai, Foshan. The 245 room, new-built hotel owned by Chamen Enterprises Co. Ltd, is the second
aloft hotel in China and the first aloft to open in South China. The grand opening ceremony included special guest such as Mr Chen Runchang, Chairman of Chamen Hotels Group, Mr Chen Li Ming, Managing Director of Chamen Hotels Group and Frits Van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood.

Infused with the DNA of W Hotels, aloft’s signature loft-inspired design, accessible technology and stylish urban attitude is not lost in translation as it arrives on the scene in China. While meeting space and food service offerings were increased to cater to local market demand, the design, style and service of the aloft Nanhai, Foshan stays true to the brand’s vision.

“We’re delighted to celebrate the grand opening of Aloft Foshan Nanhai which is the first international brand in Nanhai, it will provide a modern escape for leisure and business travelers alike. Visitors to Nanhai can now experience a brand that can deliver quality service, world class cuisine and safe and clean environment. Aloft Nanhai provides a unique lifestyle lodging alternative in the area,” said San Amalan, General Manager of the hotel.

aloft Nanhai, Foshan is conveniently located near the Nanhai Science and Technology Park. Surrounded by numerous high-tech businesses, research centres and leading universities, the hotel is just 30 minutes from Peach Garden Fontaine Golf Club which offers leisure golf activities for the guests. Many of Foshan’s most prized attractions are a short drive from the hotel, including the Foshan Ancestral Temple, the Nanhai County Hill and the Nan Fung Chan Cheng ancient stoves which reflect the traditions and cultures of Foshan. The new hotel will be part of an exciting, new mixed-use complex including the Foshan International Convention and
Exhibition centre, offices and residential buildings.

Guest rooms feature oversized windows and the ultra-comfortable bed, as well as oversized walk-in showers and amenities created by Bliss® Spa. Each aloft room is also a combination of high-tech office and entertainment centre equipped with wireless internet access and plug & play, a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry all linked to a 42” flat-panel, HDTV-ready television.

Designed in conjunction with world-renowned David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, aloft offers atmospheric public spaces where guests can mix and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the
re:mix SM communal lobby area and w xyzSM bar. The re:chargeSM fitness centre and splash pool give travellers options to de-stress and re-energize, while re:fuel by aloftSM offers sweet, savoury and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24-hours a day.

OPENHOT Promotion
Aloft Nanhai Foshan is offering OPENHOT rate at RMB 288 until September 30, 2011. For reservations, please call 4008-688-688.

Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island, 2 hours off the coast from Sydney, is hosting the island’s first Food and Wine Week 25-29 July, showcasing the island’s popular and one’s of Australia’s best table fish, Lord Howe Kingfish to food loving guests.

Each afternoon from Monday 25 July to Friday 29 July, Executive Chef Warren Farrugia and his chefs will host a 2 hour cooking workshop and demonstration. Warren’s knowledge of European and Asian cuisine is exceptional, and his blending of flavours and textures creates dishes that are relaxed, clean and fresh. Warren spent many years at the exclusive Gleneagles Resort in Scotland, where he refined his knowledge of classic European cuisine. He then worked for the 6 star luxury cruise line, Crystal Cruises, before returning to Australia and Lord Howe.

“Hosting Pinetrees at Lord Howe’s first Food & Wine week will be a great opportunity to talk to food lovers who come back to Pinetrees year after year for the great menu in its stunning location. Our workshops will highlight everything from making our stocks and sauces to demonstrating how best we fillet and cook our most popular Kingfish.

Supporting our ‘Sea to Plate’ focus is our local fishermen who supply Pinetrees everyday with top quality kingfish from what is the world’s most southern coral reef ecosystem. We expect many of our guests that week will be out catching the fish themselves!” said Warren.

Pinetrees Food & Week will culminate in a ‘secret box’ of ingredients and 30 minute challenge for guests to test their cooking skills and take home the coveted ‘Island MasterChef’ title.

Pinetrees is serious about food and wine and guests will be able to indulge in a selection of wine tastings every evening by the open fire. Guests will taste a range of James Halliday’s favourite wines and explore variations in style and character from different Australian wine regions.

The Pinetrees Food and Wine Week includes:
2 hour cooking workshops and demonstrations every afternoon with Executive Chef Warren Farrugia and his chefs
MasterChef style secret-box, 30 minute challenge for guests selected fireside wine tastings every evening
10-20% discounts on snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking, boat tours and bus tours every morning
Full buffet breakfasts, lunches (either at Pinetrees, gourmet BBQ hamper or packed lunch by the beach) and afternoon teas
3 or 4 course dinners
Use of all lodge facilities
Island airport transfers

World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island is one of Australia’s most beautiful holiday destinations; perfect for nature lovers, couples and families. With no mobile coverage and limited cars on the island, it’s the ultimate sea change for travelers who want to get away from it all. Lord Howe Island offers great activities for the whole family, including bush walking, golf, swimming, surfing, fishing, snorkelling, diving and bird watching.

With family members Rachael and Jim McFadyen, 6th generation islander, Dani Rourke, and her husband Luke Hanson, are bringing a fresh vision and energy to Pinetrees Lodge, which is renowned for personalised service, great food and wine and a relaxed family atmosphere. With a new team of chefs at the helm, upgraded rooms and a social media presence, Pinetrees Lodge is opening up to a new market of food and wine lovers who have never visited Lord Howe Island before.

The Pinetrees Lodge Food and Wine Week in July 2011 is the first of many tailored events the Lodge will host for food and wine lovers. A special celebrity chef event is planned for Spring 2011.

A five night package for Food and Wine Week starts at $1065 per person, excluding flights. To book, call Pinetrees Travel, 50 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000, (02) 9262 6585.

For more information please visit www.pinetrees.com.au  and www.lordhoweisland.info .

SeaWorld San Diego debuted “One Ocean,” an all-new killer whale show over Memorial Day weekend 2011. The show connects guests with majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea and immerses the audience in the colors and sensations of the underwater world. At the core of the show is the message that both animals and humans are part of one world, with one ocean, and its future is in our hands to cherish and protect. Sea Turtle Bay, opening in June 2011, is a new attraction offering an up-close look at more than 60 threatened or endangered sea turtles and the challenges they face in the wild.

The attraction’s highlight is Turtle Reef, a 300,000-gallon aquarium, with a massive, underwater viewing window where visitors can watch as many as 60 green and hawksbill sea turtles. The attraction also includes thousands of tropical fish; a touch-screen map, called Turtlelink, where guests can track sea turtles in the wild, and Riptide Rescue, a ride for tweens who can spin in boats on their own rescue mission. For more information, visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.

The San Diego Zoo is updating exhibit spaces that will open Summer 2011, moving the takins, red pandas and pit vipers to newly built homes in an area called Panda Trek. This giant panda reserve includes six species of bamboo as well as other Chinese plants including camellias and azaleas. The Zoo’s renovated Wegeforth Bowl features “Camp Critters,” a new show based on summer camp, where animals rule the roost. For more information, on the San Diego Zoo, click here. http://www.sandiego.org/article_set/Media/25/1094

Entertainment, activities and animals that embrace the spirit of Africa will be part of Summer Safari-An African Extravaganza at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, July 2- August 21. Acrobats, artisans and Ethiopian circus performers will entertain in the Safari Park’s village. African acrobats of Tanzania will dance, pole climb and hula hoop in a high-energy show, which includes juggling, contortionism and balancing acts. Guests can join African artisans to create beaded necklaces and decorate safari hats in the African Activities Plaza. Children can interact with Robert the Zebra, a digitally animated equine, and animal puppets, and guests also have an opportunity to make African music from 4 to 7 p.m. each day. For more information, visit www.sandiegozoo.org.

NEW HOTELS AND NAME CHANGES
The former Best Western Inn by the Sea Hotel in La Jolla is now the Best Western Plus Inn by the Sea Hotel La Jolla. The new descriptors, launched in 2011, give Best Western hotels the opportunity to earn the “Best Western Plus” designation by meeting specific design and amenity guidelines. The hotel’s recent lobby remodel complete with new water feature, Sealy bedding, flat screen televisions, microwaves and refrigerators in some rooms, helped earn this distinction. “Best Western Plus” indicates an upper midscale hotel with well-appointed rooms and modern amenities and an enhanced level of comfort for guests looking to get the most out of their stay. For more information, visit www.lajollainnbythesea.com .

The newly christened San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina, formerly known as the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina, becomes one of only four “Marquis” designated hotels in the country. The San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina, located next to the San Diego Convention Center in downtown San Diego, is currently undergoing an extensive $195 million, hotel-wide renovation that will be completed in stages over the next three years. Distinguished by their exceptional offerings and iconic locations, Marquis hotels boast over 1,000 guest rooms, expansive meeting facilities, multiple restaurants and grand public spaces. For more information, visit www.marriott.com/sandt.

HOTEL RENOVATIONS
Beginning in May 2011, the Doubletree by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley will renovate its 300 guest rooms with inspiration from San Diego’s beaches. Bringing the outdoors in, warm tones of the beach, ocean and sunset are incorporated to comprise the new color palette. This project is slated to be completed July 4, 2011. For more information, visit www.sandiegomissionvalley.doubletree.com.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa is the new name for what was formerly the Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort in Carlsbad. The Spanish Mediterranean-style resort, built in 2008, features studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom vacation villa suites. In April 2011, two brand new buildings opened as part of an ongoing expansion of this 41-acre resort property on the hillside above LEGOLAND California. The new buildings offer views of the Pacific Ocean from 44 modern family condo-style units. Fully equipped kitchens, a robust activities schedule for both hotel guests and rental owners, and a private “back door” entrance to LEGOLAND, make this a family friendly property. For more information, visit www.hiltongrandvacations.com.

For more information on Hotel Renovation news, click here.

MAJOR EVENTS
San Diego Beer Weekend, June 16-19, 2011, previews San Diego Beer Week, the non-profit San Diego Brewers Guild series of events held throughout San Diego County, November 4-13, 2011. The weekend includes a beer and food pairing event at the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla on June 17 along with more than 35 brew houses county-wide creating special events for the weekend. The 3rd Annual San Diego Beer Week features 10 days of events promoting local craft beer. Its two capstone events are the San Diego Brewers Guild Festival kick-off on November 5 at Liberty Station in Point Loma and the closing event, a beer and food pairing at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, on November 13. In 2010, Beer Week featured more than 475 events across the county, ranging from beer festivals to beer and cheese pairings to opportunities to meet the brewers. For more information, visit www.sdbw.org.

Residents and visitors alike show their pride at the 37th Annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade and Festival, July 15-17, 2011, one of the most popular events of its kind in the country. Highlights include a mile-long parade through Hillcrest and two-day festival in Balboa Park. For more information, visit www.sandiegopride.org.

Guests can wiggle their toes in the sand and view hundreds of sand sculptors at work during the annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition, July 22-24, 2011, at Imperial Beach Pier. For more information, visit www.usopensandcastle.com.

For more information on Major Event news, click here.

RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE
Chef William Bradley of Addison restaurant in The Grand Del Mar was recently designated a Grand Chef of the Relais & Châteaux; he is now one of 160 chefs on five continents to have the Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef designation. There are only 17 Grand Chefs in the U.S., including six in California; Bradley is the only member in San Diego. All restaurants included in this membership are recognized by Relais & Châteaux as some of the best restaurants in the world and listed in the Relais & Châteaux 2011 Guide. For more information, visit www.thegranddelmar.com/san-diego-dining-addison.

Opened April 2011 in downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, AIRR Supper Club and Night Club features an eclectic menu created by HJL Consulting Chef Scott Leibfried. Chef Leibfried creates international menu items in larger portions for two to three guests to share including wagyu beef sliders, lobster tempura and tuna tacos with guacamole, crème fraiche and micro cilantro. AIRR features seductively themed lounges with Givenchy-inspired decor and custom furniture by interior designer and AIRR owner, Amy Noel. For more information, visit www.airr.us.

Brian Malarkey , former contestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and chef behind the downtown hotspot Searsucker, and hospitality development partner James Brennan are opening a second restaurant, Burlap. Opening in Summer 2011 in the coastal city of Del Mar, Burlap’s offerings will have an Asian influence that Malarkey describes as “Asian cowboy” cuisine, focusing on meats, seafood and bold sides. The menu will be divided into simple categories including: Land, Ocean, Rotisserie, Raw, Bowl and Stick. Dishes will be paired with local craft beer, handcrafted cocktails and a selection of one-of-a-kind wines from around the world. Burlap’s interior will showcase reclaimed wood, Asian influences, and of course, burlap, as envisioned by designer Thomas Schoos, who, in addition to Searsucker, designed Koi Restaurant, Tao Las Vegas, O-Bar and Huntley Hotel in Los Angeles. Burlap will feature indoor and outdoor seating, multiple Koi ponds, fire pits and a large outdoor bar. For more information, visit www.searsucker.com.

For more informaiton on Restaurant and Nightlife news, click here.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
In Fall 2010, completion of the Del Dios Gorge Trail below the Lake Hodges Dam in San Diego’s North County connected 23 continuous miles of the San Dieguito River Park’s Coast-to-Crest Trail for hikers, bikers and equestrians. In addition to the Coast-to-Crest trail, the San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar, next to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, offers visitors a variety of hiking trails with over 20 different migratory birds, interpretative displays, a boardwalk and two miles of gentle trail. For more information, visit www.sdrvc.org/current/san-dieguito-lagoon-boardwalk-trail.

In March 2011, The Grand Del Mar’s Equestrian Center opened on the grounds of the luxury resort in Del Mar. The 20,000-square-foot center features eight-stalls, tack and feed rooms and an expansive riding area. Equine-related programs and packages include Happy Trails, which takes riders off the beaten track to traverse a spectacular 4,100-acre natural preserve, riding lessons, day camps for different age groups, pony rides for tots and a picnic ‘n’ ride package. For more information, visit www.thegranddelmar.com/Equestrian-Center.

The Grand Del Mar also recently opened The Golf Performance Academy, encompassing seven acres of practice area and cutting-edge golf techniques and interpretive tools such as a SAM Putt Lab, K-Vest 3-D technology and online digital video analysis to help golfers perfect their game. For more information, visit www.thegranddelmar.com/san-diego-golf-instruction-fitting.

SPA NEWS
The Spa at The Del in the Hotel del Coronado recently debuted new spa offerings including a “That’s S’more” package, featuring a couples massage, followed by a private bonfire with s’mores and champagne on the beach; a “Get Lifted” facial using NuFace microcurrents to provide instant toning, and a “Celebration of Life” treatment, benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego, which helps boost circulation and release toxins from the lymphatic system. For more information, visit www.hoteldel.com/spa.aspx.

VISUAL ART AND MUSEUMS
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla is presenting a new exhibit, Boundless Energy, an outdoor, interactive experience that explores how natural forces are used to power our lives, July 9, 2011 through 2016. Boundless Energy will showcase innovative ways to harness renewable energy from the sun, wind and ocean. It will also feature highly educational, interactive elements that encourage learning through play and will deepen visitors’ understanding of how renewable energy sources can produce clean electricity, the benefits and challenges of deriving energy from these sources, and the innovations to make this energy increasingly available in the marketplace. For more information, visit www.aquarium.ucsd.edu.

Upcoming exhibits at the Maritime Museum of San Diego include Cook, Melville and Gauguin: Three Voyages to Paradise, May 27, 2011-Janauary 1, 2012. Featuring over 110 pieces showcasing the three distinct voyages to the South Pacific made by James Cook, Herman Melville and Paul Gauguin, the collection includes original paintings, engravings, whaling artifacts as well as the U.S. debut of the newly rediscovered wood sculpture, Nave Nave Faruru. Opening June 24, 2011, the San Salvador living-history exhibit offers a historically-accurate reconstruction of the ship that first breached the San Diego harbor in 1542 under the helm of Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo sailing under the Spanish flag. In addition to observing construction of the full-size replica, visitors can engage in demonstrations of blacksmithing, woodcarving, sail-making and rigging. They can also view an active Kumeyaay village and historical reenactments of the era when Cabrillo first sailed into San Diego Bay. Construction of the ship is ongoing and slated to conclude early 2013. For more information, visit www.sdmaritime.org.

PERFORMING ARTS
Broadway/San Diego announced its 2011-2012 season with a variety of new productions including Mary Poppins, Blue Man Group, Come Fly Away and The Addams Family. All shows perform at the San Diego Civic Theatre in downtown San Diego. In its 35th season, Broadway/San Diego also welcomes the return of Memphis, the 2010 Tony Award®-winning musical produced at the La Jolla Playhouse before its current Broadway run, and extended return runs of Wicked and Cats. For more information, visit www.BroadwaySD.com.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps will feature bands performing at sunset this summer for its sixth annual Green Flash Concert Series. These monthly concerts are held from 6-9 p.m. for guests ages 21 and older and named for a real “green flash,” a rare optical phenomenon caused by refraction of light as the sun sets on the horizon. The concert series combines live music with panoramic ocean views on the aquarium’s outdoor tide-pool plaza, happy-hour appetizers, craft beers and wine for purchase. All concerts are standing-room only. Admission includes the concert, entrance to all aquarium exhibits and parking. The schedule is as follows: Donavon Frankenreiter, June 15; Fitz and the Tantrums, July 20; Steve Poltz, August 17, and Brett Dennen, September 21. For more information, visit www.aquarium.ucsd.edu.

The Tony Award®-winning Old Globe theatre in Balboa Park presents Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone, July 1-10, 2011. First presented at The Old Globe in 2006, actor, playwright and Steinway concert artist Hershey Felder returns with a special limited engagement of his celebrated work about the legendary American composer. George Gershwin Alone incorporates Gershwin’s best-known songs, leading audiences through the fascinating rhythms of Gershwin’s songbook, while telling the tale of his tragically short life. Hershey Felder is also starring in Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein, July 15-August 28, 2011. With a story spanning the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein, one of America’s greatest musicians, broke through barriers to become the world’s musical ambassador. Also coming to The Old Globe is the West Coast Premiere of Engaging Shaw, July 29-September 4, 2011. This new comedy follows the battle of wits and the real life romance between socialite Charlotte Payne-Townshend and playwright George Bernard Shaw. When wealthy heiress Charlotte Payne-Townshend sets her sights on the famed author, the challenge of romancing this confirmed bachelor, philanderer and unromantic man is more complicated than in any of his stories.

TRANSPORTATION AND TOUR COMPANIES
Adventure Rib Rides offers year-round whale watching tours aboard high speed Navy SEAL Rigid Inflatable Boats (R.I.B). Daily excursions are limited to six passengers to create an intimate on-the-water experience. Guests can expect to see gray, humpback and fin whales in winter and spring and blue, humpback, fin and minke whales in fall and summer. Year-round sightings of bottlenose, pacific white-sided and common dolphins are frequently part of the trip. For more information, visit www.adventureribrides.com.

Ivan Stewart Electric Bike Center in the Little Italy neighborhood of downtown San Diego helps bridge the gap between the wallet and high prices at the gas pump. Owning or renting an electric bike brings the operational costs of transportation down to pennies, literally. With a two cent charge on a lithium polymer battery, these state-of-the-art bikes travel a range of 20 to 40 miles at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. For more information, visit www.iselectricbikecenter.com.

So Diego Tours is offering a new walking tour in downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter called the Brothels, Bites and Booze Tour. While the main focus of the tour is the diverse sampling of food, craft beer and signature cocktails that guests can sample at five restaurant stops, the real highlight of the tour are the stories guests hear en route about what really took place on the downtown streets during the late 19th century when a flourishing red light district, filled with gambling halls and brothels, once thrived in what is now the Gaslamp Quarter. The tour is offered at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. For more information, visit www.sodiegotours.com

Where You Want to Be Tours has created new tours and added news scavenger hunt locations for its team-building tour experiences. The new tour, San Diego’s Amazing Adventure Race, allows participants to explore hidden San Diego spots while executing physical challenges like obstacle courses, football throwing and pool shooting tasks. Along the way, teams also solve clues testing their knowledge of San Diego trivia, pop culture and current events. Where You Want to Be has added La Jolla, The Grand Del Mar resort and Old Town to its list of scavenger hunt sites, and now offers the option of touring on bicycle. For more information, visit www.wheretours.com.

AIRLINE NEWS
The San Diego International Airport welcomes new flights:

Beginning June 2011, British Airways will offer daily, nonstop flights between London’s Heathrow Airport and San Diego. For more information, visit www.san.org. (2/11)

Starting July 15, 2011, Volaris Airlines will offer daily non-stop flights from Guadalajara (GDL) and Mexico City (MEX) to San Diego. Volaris is the leading low-cost carrier in Mexico. For more information, visit www.volaris.com.mx and www.san.org.

Happy happens in San Diego. For more information on San Diego offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website, www.sandiego.org , or call 619-236-1212. In San Diego, visit the International Visitor Information Center, located along the Embarcadero at the corner of West Broadway and Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego; the La Jolla Visitor Center, located at the corner of Herschel Avenue and Prospect Street in La Jolla, and the California Welcome Center, located in the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine.

Barceló Hotels & Resorts is offering vacationers an extension of the Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free deal at its all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and a first-time opportunity for kids to stay free at all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic as part of it’s All-Inclusive Summer Adventure promotion.

When guests book a stay at Barceló resorts now through Oct. 31, 2011, every parent in the family will receive additional savings — as much as 40 percent off the entire reservation.

The popular Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free promotion is also available through Oct. 31 for children 12 and under, and includes free nightly rates, daily meals and planned activities for up to two children staying with two adults. These two offers combined make for an unbelievable value on an all-inclusive beach getaway packed with fun for the whole family. For more information or reservations, call 800-BARCELÓ or visit www.barcelo.com

Historians believe that the reason Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day is an amalgam of superstitions involving Fridays and superstitions involving the number 13. Whatever the reason, with the movie franchise that began in 1980, it has definitely become a spooky day. For those thrill seekers who love to live on the edge, here are some eerie getaway ideas for Friday the 13th.

Visit a haunted mansion. When a house has been around long enough, it’s bound to amass a specter or two. These inns have carefully documented ghosts right on the premises:

1859 Historic National Hotel (www.BnBFinder.com/1859Historic) in Jamestown, CA has been housing weary travelers more than 130 years. Enjoy the stellar cuisine and friendly service. Jamestown is a gold-rush town and is only 45 minutes from Yosemite National Park. While at the hotel, be sure to say hi to Flo, their resident phantom. Flo came to the National Hotel in the late 1800s to elope with her beloved Henry. When Henry was shot and killed by a drunkard, Flo died of a broken heart in her wedding dress, sitting in her hotel room. Today, guests report that they can see Flo in the second floor front rooms and sometimes hear her lovelorn tears.

Recently featured on the Biography Channel, Prosperity School Bed and Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/ProsperitySchool ) in Joplin, MO is near the Civil War battlefield in Carthage, features spacious grounds with flowers and humming birds, and houses multiple ghosts. Built as a schoolhouse in 1907, guests and innkeeper alike have noticed a number children’s ghosts. A night-vision camera captured video of a small figure sliding over the stairs. Sisters taking photos of the magnificent hall developed a photo of a disembodied head floating in a gilt framed mirror. Visit for the historical charm, but be on your guard, furniture there has been known to move of its own accord!

Burn Brae Mansion (www.BnBFinder.com/BurnBrae) in Glen Spey, NY has documented paranormal activity. Besides having an outdoor pool and Olympic coaches available, Burn Brae features ghost tours through the house and along the moonlit trail to the cemetery.

If you prefer to do your ghost hunting closer to the beach, St. Francis Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/StFrancisInn), a historic bed and breakfast in the Old City of St. Augustine, FL, is the place for you. This inn features a breakfast buffet, complimentary bicycle use, beach access, WiFi, and the ghosts of long dead lovers. These ghosts are harmless, if mischievous, waking guests with kisses, watching them in their sleep, turning off the televisions, and in one case, moving a guest under the bed while he slept.

Or if you are a movie buff, stay near Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco, the site chosen to be Camp Crystal lake in the Friday the 13th movies. Just ten miles away from the Camp and right near the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is The Wooden Duck Bed and Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/WoodenDuckInn ), the perfect place to pull the covers over your head and sleep soundly … if you dare!

For more haunted getaways, go to www.BnBFinder.com/Haunted.php or use the advance search and choose “Haunted B&B” under Accommodation Types.

About BnBFinder.com

BnBFinder.com is the world’s most comprehensive independently owned bed and breakfast directory. Founded in 1998 by author and B&B guru Mary White, BnBFinder.com was the first bed and breakfast directory to offer RSS Feeds, a blog, downloadable content for handheld devices, and guest reviews. In 2011, BnBFinder-Mobile was launched – the first mobile bed and breakfast directory to offer location based searches (LBS). BnBFinder.com is a top-rated directory with thousands of B&B, inn, and boutique hotel listings from all over the world. Featuring the most extensive advanced search function of any B&B directory, visitors can modify results using over 130 search options.

Scottsdale’s roots took hold at the famed intersection of Scottsdale and Camelback roads more than a century ago when Chaplain Winfield Scott made a down payment of 50 cents per acre for a section of land in this area back in 1888. On June 25, 1951, the town of Scottsdale was incorporated with a population of about 2,000 living within an area of less than a square mile, and the city’s first mayor, Malcolm White, was appointed. “The West’s Most Western Town” became the town’s official motto as a way to attract more visitors. Today, in the shadows of former citrus tree farms and cotton fields, the famed intersection is a bustling epicenter of activity rich with history and filled with the spirit of both the contemporary and Old West.

On June 25, 2011, Scottsdale will celebrate its 60th anniversary , commemorating the city’s Western heritage and history. Leading up to the anniversary celebration are more than 60 events over 60 days highlighting what makes Scottsdale a unique place to visit and live including an old fashion cowboy campfire, rededication of prominent public art, historic tour of Scottsdale with the city’s historian, a family scavenger hunt and the debut of the Scottsdale Spring Training History Exhibit at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

The grand soiree will be at the W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences on the evening of June 25 where the hotel will transform into a chic Wild West party where guests will go back in time in their cowboy chic attire with a Western photo booth and classic country hits spun with hip tunes by a local deejay. And Scottsdale’s 60th anniversary is just the beginning of significant milestones as the state of Arizona celebrates its centennial on Feb. 14, 2012.

Jennifer Hudson Takes The Stage At This Year’s Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival
Join soul music lovers from around the world and take part in amped-up nightclubs, sizzling beach parties and music concerts over five days.

Taking place from 25-30 May, the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival celebrates its eleventh anniversary this May with multi award winning Jennifer Hudson and ‘supergroup’ Heads of State (featuring Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill) heading the star-studded event.

Grammy winner Chrisette Michele is also confirmed to perform, while comedian Mark Curry will be the host of the festival, making sure the crowds keep laughing!

www.soulbeach.net