Jetsettersblog

EPIC’s “Summer Like a Local” Program Adds Flair, Fun and Savings
Just in time to kick off the official start of summer, Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel in downtown Miami announces a new guest program to kick-up the fun factor called “Summer Like a Local.” From secret passwords that lead to special upgrades, to afternoon cocktails that delight and quench the palette on a steamy summer afternoon, travelers are sure to have an epic summer in the heart of Miami.

From May 26 to Sept. 5, EPIC is celebrating the unique culture of Miami by offering travelers the insider’s scoop for how to embark on a one-of-a-kind true Miami adventure. Tips from the hotel’s concierge will help guests discover the “Magic City” like a true Miamian – uncovering the local art scene, where to shop for hidden gems, find the best café con leche or hot new Zumba classes. “Summer Like a Local” includes:

The Scene: A tailored, in-the-know recommendations newsletter suggesting how to explore Miami like a local, from staff picks on where to eat, play, shop and drink, to recommendations for incredible one-of-a-kind experiences that can’t be found in a tour book.

Summer of Sangria: In addition to offering red and white wine at the hosted evening wine hour, guests can cool down with refreshing summer sangria, and snack on complimentary bites by award-winning Executive Chef E. Michael Reidt of Area 31.

Wii Want to Play: Guests can unleash their inner child during wine hour with nightly Wii competitions and board games.

• Afternoon Delight: After a day of exploration, guests can sip complimentary Summer Reviver concoctions made with chamomile citrus berry tea and fresh apple juice, available in EPIC’s lobby from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

• Perks for Passwords: Travelers that are fans of EPIC’s Facebook page will have access to a different secret password each month that can be whispered at check-in to receive complimentary extras, from room upgrades to tickets for local events around town.

• AREA 31 Picnics: Nothing makes visitors feel more like a local than finding a spot to relax and take in Miami’s natural beauty such as Bayfront Park, Biscayne Bay or South Beach. With the new Picnic Promotion, EPIC guests lay down a blanket and enjoy a specialty picnic basket from Area 31. The Fun in the Sun basket ($60) includes an adult kite, Cuban Pork sandwich, calabaza slaw, grilled corn & jicama salad, whole fruit, plantain chips, guacamole, shrimp ceviche, bottled water and a PBR Tall Boy.

• Breakfast Fit for Kids: Whether pint-sized patrons are traveling tots or local to the city, they can enjoy free breakfast all summer long at Area 31. Families with children under 12 years of age can enjoy the “Breakfast Fit for Kids” program. Offer is limited to one meal per child.

For just $10 more than the Best Available Rate, travelers can book the EPIC “Summer Like a Local” travel package and receive:

• Deluxe overnight accommodations

• $25 credit for use at Area 31

• Complimentary organic coffee, iced coffee and tea in the hotel lobby each morning

• Complimentary refreshing beverage in the lobby each afternoon

• Summer sangria at Kimpton’s hosted evening wine hour

Managed by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, EPIC is located at the edge of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, and combines the timeless style of a cosmopolitan boutique hotel with the amenities of a resort to create a sophisticated recreation oasis for guests amid the energy and pulse of Miami. EPIC provides a distinctive lifestyle experience from its personalized service and attention, style and design, to its top-rated pool deck, restaurants and Exhale spa. EPIC is located just a short distance from area beaches, local shopping districts and a thriving arts and culture scene, with many museums, restaurants, shops and theaters within walking distance. The hotel’s 411 rooms and suites are high on style, artfully designed by Cheryl Rowley, with furnishings that convey an understated sense of cool sophistication. All rooms and suites feature private balconies that provide breathtaking views of the city and bay.

EPIC is located at 270 Biscayne Blvd Way. For more information on EPIC and/or reservations, please call (866) 760-3742 or (305) 424-5226 or visit www.epichotel.com

The Westin Playa Bonita Panamá will open in October with views of the Pacific Ocean through the lobby’s massive floor-to-ceiling windows. The beach hotel will feature seven restaurants, four bars and an unprecedented 65,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces comprised of 22 multi-purpose spaces.

Situated within a 20-minute drive from the metropolitan capital of Panamá City, the beach hotel is also in close proximity to various attractions, historic landmarks and national parks. Accommodations include 611 guest rooms, including 64 suites and three deluxe Royale suites, all with ocean or tropical rainforest views. Relaxation is guaranteed with Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed, a luxurious 10-layer comfort bed with plush bedding, and Heavenly Bath, featuring a customizable showerhead. Rooms will also be equipped with an LCD TV, high-speed Internet access and ergonomic workspace to enhance guests’ stay.

The Westin Playa Bonita Panamá will boast an open-air VIP Lounge on the 19th floor. Seven fine dining restaurants will feature a variety of haute cuisine. Oceanfront restaurants will include Oceánica, an international buffet; Café Pacífica, featuring Pacific Rim cuisine; Starfish Grill, a la carte seafood; Tierra y Fuego, fine Latin steak house; and Asiana, offering a multitude of Asian fusion menu options. On the beach, guests can enjoy Mediterranean tapas and wine at the Soléo restaurant or refreshing cocktails at the swim-up pool bar or beach bar. In room dining is also available to guests 24-hours a day. Additional facilities will include a Westin WorkOut gym, three freshwater infinity edge pools, children’s pool, and Westin Kids Club. For more information, visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Shirley Alphonse, sous chef at St. Lucia’s Bay Gardens Hotel, will participate in the 2011 “Taste of the Caribbean” competition at Miami’s Hyatt Regency hotel from June 22 to 26. Alphonse won the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association’s selection competition in April, competing with an elite group of Saint Lucian chefs.

“Taste of the Caribbean,” an annual food and beverage event and competition sponsored by the Caribbean Hotel Association, offers participants opportunities to showcase their culinary skills to industry peers and consumer enthusiasts. National teams comprised of three chefs, one pastry chef and one bartender compete to determine which Caribbean island’s culinary offerings are most impressive. Alphonse has won several awards and through her experimentation with a variety of local ingredients and Caribbean flavors. For more information on Bay Gardens Resorts, visit www.baygardensresorts.com. For “Taste of the Caribbean” program information or to register online, visit www.caribbeanhotelassociation.com

Costa Rica’s Residence Inn San Jose Escazu has partnered with CIMA Hospital to offer special packages to guests traveling for medical purposes. Rates start at $84 per room, per night for CIMA Hospital patients and their families as they recuperate from medical procedures. The hotel also offers a daily hot buffet breakfast, high-speed Internet, grocery and laundry service, plus bi-weekly evening social hours with hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Residence Inn San Jose Escazu offers 109 studio, one- and two-bedroom suites equipped with modern kitchens and separate living areas. The property is located 15 minutes from downtown San Jose and 20 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International airport. For more information, call 800-22809290 or visit www.marriott.com/sjori

Barbados’s Mango Bay Hotel Group opened the Waterside Restaurant in the island’s St. Lawrence Gap district. The eatery features the cuisine of award-winning Chef Michael Hinds, and focuses on local delicacies prepared with simple ingredients.

The restaurant also offers a private dining area available to accommodate up to 28 persons for private functions. Waterside Restaurant is open for dinner from Tuesdays through Sundays from 6 p.m., and for lunch and brunch on Sundays during the winter. For more information, call 246-418-9750 or visit www.watersiderest.com

Experience the Best of the Fests in Savannah—a Fabled American City Steeped in Arts, Culture, and a Luxurious Collection of Historic Homes

Savannah, Georgia – Experience the Old South where it is very much alive— in the culturally rich and architecturally stunning playground of Savannah, where, now through early autumn, visitors are invited to attend one of several area festivals. Round out an enchanting escape with a refined stay at one of five mansion collections from Luxury Living Savannah, a boutique vacation home company that restores historic homes to their original splendor, adding to them modern amenities expected by today’s discerning traveler.

A vast expanse of porches and plantations, meandering streets lined with oak trees and Spanish moss, and impeccable hospitality are the hallmarks of a stay in Savannah, home to one of the nation’s largest historic districts. Experience the uniqueness of this fabled American city through one or more of Savannah’s upcoming festivals:

- Fourth of the July on the Waterfront (July 4). This celebrated event features artisan wares, live music, gourmet edibles and a fabulous fireworks display over the Savannah River.

- Savannah Gay Pride Festival (Sept. 10). Members of the LBGT community converge in the city for parties, concerts, parades and other festivities.

- Savannah Jazz Festival (Sept. 18-25). This weeklong event attracts both jazz and blues enthusiasts and coaxes the genre’s top acts to perform at marquee venues throughout the city.

- Oktoberfest (Sept. 30-Oct. 2) This international romp by the riverfront features fine arts and crafts, delicious staples of German cuisine, live entertainment, Weiner dog races and more!

- Savannah Greek Festival (Oct. 13-15). Celebrate Mediterranean culture at this three-day event featuring authentic food, music, and performances.

- Savannah Film Festival (Oct. 29-Nov. 5). Staged by the Savannah College of Art and Design, this event—a favorite among cinephiles—showcases the work of top talent working in independent film throughout the world. Also featured are panel discussions and presentations from visiting artists.

Extend the celebration at Luxury Living Savannah, a splendid showcase of five historic mansions that offer a collection of rental options designed to accommodate parties of all sizes, offers ideal proximity to the best of the fests and attractions of its namesake city. Each of these aging Grand Ladies has been lovingly restored to its original splendor, the result of multi-million dollar renovations completed in accordance with historic guidelines. The homes incorporate bold, rich colors with modern amenities (gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances, luxe bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, flat-screen TVs,) yet have retained original details that make these posh getaway options unique. The mansions display an extraordinary attention to detail, with antiques that tell their own story tucked into every corner.

Further separating Luxury Living Savannah properties from their character-less counterparts is a menu of customized in-house services that cater to an unforgettable girls get-together. Among the services that a hostess and her guests can use to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood, families, and wedding parties are comfortable airport transfers, on-site spa services, and private chefs who are available to teach cooking classes and create gourmet meals tailored to the dietary specifications of the group.

Guests can choose among several accommodation options:

The Wedding Cake Mansion: The Wedding Cake mansion earned its name for its elaborate white bay window with ornate stained glass and white ornamental ironwork. This award-winning mansion, which has undergone a three-million dollar renovation and has earned historical certification, is located on Savannah’s Monterey Square, made famous by the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This 1869 2nd Empire Baroque home features a main house with four- to five-bedrooms, five-and-a-half ornate, lavish bathrooms, a formal living and dining room a gourmet kitchen and lovely courtyard with fountain. There is also a two-bedroom, two-bath garden suite and a one-bedroom, one-bath carriage house. This gives you the option of eight bedrooms and eight-and-a-half baths to accommodate up to 20 guests.

The Forsyth Park Mansion: Located a block from one of the country’s most beautiful parks, the Forsyth Park Mansion has undergone a painstaking renovation, which restored the home to its original grandeur, created one of Savannah’s finest and largest private gardens, and earned the mansion its historic certification. This four-bedroom home also has five spectacular bathrooms, a formal living and dining room, a gourmet kitchen, rambling side porches, and garden with a soothing fountain. There is also a two-bedroom, two-bath garden suite and a two-bedroom, one-bath carriage house. This gives you the option of eight bedrooms and eight baths to accommodate up to 20 guests.

The Washington Square House: Just two blocks from the popular River Street, the circa 1790 Washington Square House retained much of its original details throughout its renovation, such as the original staircase, heart pine floors and plaster ceiling medallions. Conducted in accordance with stringent federal preservation guidelines, this award-winning home has earned historical certification. The Washington Square House has four bedrooms and four luxurious bathrooms, a formal living and dining room, a gourmet kitchen, sunroom, and a courtyard with fountain. There is also a charming two bedroom, two-bath Carriage House. This gives you the option of six bedrooms and six baths to accommodate up to 16 guests.

The Jones Street Suites: Five luxurious, renovated suites comprise the Jones Street Collection, which is conveniently located on a street dubbed as “America’s Prettiest” by Southern Living. This 1860’s Victorian home is located within walking distance to all restaurants, shopping and historical monuments. Lovingly restored, each unique suite within the home is adorned with modern kitchens, baths and decorated with Persian rugs, antiques and interesting art, side porches and a quaint courtyard with fountain. The Jones Street Suites offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites that can be rented separately or take the entire property to accommodate up to 22 guests.

The Cathedral Inn: This historic masterpiece sits peacefully on Lafayette Square in the heart of Savannah’s Landmark Historic District. The Cathedral Inn is located directly across from The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, one of Savannah’s most popular tourist attractions. Beautifully decorated, each of the three suites that comprise the Cathedral Inn feature spacious living areas with flat screen TVs, working fireplaces and romantic views of the cathedral spires. One- and two-bedroom suites can be rented individually or take the entire Inn to accommodate up to 14 guests.

Guests who book a five-night stay at Luxury Living Savannah will receive 10% off the rate of their reservation year-round. Those who book the Mid-Week Special (Mon-Thurs) will receive 20% off the rate of their reservation (offer does not include accommodation in the Wright Square Suite).

Luxury Living Savannah is the perfect collection for girlfriend getaways, weddings, family reunions, corporate events, graduations, and short-term housing. Guests can rent the entire home, or choose from several, smaller rental options within an individual home of their choice. For more information, or to make a reservation, visit us online at www.luxurylivingsavannah.com  or call (866) 886-0809.

One of the Nation’s Largest 4th of July Celebrations will Feature the World’s Most Exciting and Spectator-Friendly Sailing Events, Red Bull Air Force, Boston’s Premier Chefs and Several Family-themed Activities During Extreme Sailing Series.

BOSTON, MA, – The Extreme Sailing Series at Fan Pier headlines the 30th anniversary of Boston Harborfest, the largest Fourth of July celebration in the United States. This fast-paced, highly competitive stadium sailing Act comes to North America for the very first time in its five year history and runs from Thursday, June 30 through Monday, July 4, 2011 at Fan Pier.

Boston’s waterfront will showcase close combat racing on high-tech, high-speed catamarans raced by some of the world’s best skippers. This 11-month global tour spans three continents with eleven top-class teams from eight nations. The award-winning circuit brings together sailors from fifteen different nationalities, including Olympians, America’s Cup winners, world champions and two-time Olympic Gold medalists who race against each other on identical boats along the heart of Boston’s inner harbor. Previous stops for the Extreme Sailing Series included Muscat, Oman; Qindao, China; and Istanbul, Turkey and will conclude with races in the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Spain before their final stop in Singapore.

“Boston is proud to be the first U.S. city to host the 2011 Extreme Sailing Series to our waterfront for the city’s July 4th celebration – one of the largest in the nation,” said Thomas M. Menino, Mayor, City of Boston.

There will be a maximum of eight races every afternoon, lasting up to fifteen minutes each, with live commentary on location at Fan Pier. The dynamic stadium seat viewing will bring spectators right along the edge of Boston Harbor to watch the 11 catamarans (also known as Extreme 40s) racing in close proximity, sometimes coming within yards away from land. Each sailboat in the Extreme 40 fleet are 40 feet in length, weigh 2,645lbs and carry a 62-foot mast. They are raced by 4-man crews with an additional 5th man guest spot available for a media member, VIP guest or lucky person chosen from the crowd.

“Fan Pier is the perfect place for spectators to experience this up-close-and-personal extreme water sport,” said Joseph Fallon, CEO and President of The Fallon Company. “We plan to make this the most spectacular event in the circuit with fireworks, a race village filled with activities for families, on-site television coverage and a fun-filled, five-day event for Boston area residents and visitors.”

Other highlights at the Extreme Sailing Series at Fan Pier will include the Race Village, open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day during this historic event. In addition to all of the previously mentioned racing activities, the Race Village will also include Red Bull energy stations and Red Bull Air Force displays, fireworks displays, live entertainment and dancing, oyster shucking from Legal Sea Foods, additional samplings provided by Lydia Shire and Shrine, and an interactive family friendly area.

For the most up-to-date information and full schedule of events for the Extreme Sailing Series at Fan Pier in Boston, visit us at http://facebook.com/ESSFanPier  and follow us at http://twitter.com/extremesailing.

About the Extreme Sailing Series : The Extreme Sailing Series is a unique concept, pitting some of the very best professional sailing teams in the world against each other on identical Extreme 40 catamarans, on challenging, tactical courses, but close to shore to provide spectacular, stadium-style entertainment for the public. The award-winning circuit will visit Muscat (Oman), Qingdao (China), Istanbul (Turkey), Boston (USA), Cowes (UK), Trapani (Italy), Nice (France), Almeria (Spain) and, finally, Singapore starting in February until December 2011. The on-the-water action will, once again, be complimented by bespoke VIP corporate hospitality and attracts international media attention including a TV-series distributed in over 100 countries. The Extreme Sailing Series has been granted “Special Event Status” by ISAF, the sport’s governing body, and is a strong supporter of promoting sailing in to new markets and to new audiences.

About Fan Pier:
Fan Pier is a 21-acre site on Boston’s waterfront spanning nine city blocks with over three million square feet of planned mixed-use development. Currently, the luxury waterfront property is home to the internationally acclaimed Institute of Contemporary Art, famed Boston retailer LOUIS, Salon Mario Russo and restaurants including Sam’s and Strega Waterfront. Fan Pier’s first office building at ONE Marina Park is already occupied, and the destination includes a new public park, a Harbor Walk, and a state-of-the-art marina. When complete, Fan Pier will have a five-star hotel, luxury condominiums, additional offices, retail and restaurants. The Fallon Company is owner and developer.

About Boston Harborfest:
Boston Harborfest 2011 is a six-day long Fourth of July festival that showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: the historic City of Boston. The award-winning festival strives to honor and remember the past, celebrate the present, and educate the future with reenactments, concerts, historical tours and much, much more. Now in its 30th year, Boston Harborfest is considered to be the largest patriotic celebration in the nation with visitors enjoying more than 200 activities during the festival.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ popular Becoming an Outdoors Woman three-day, summer workshop is set for Aug. 5-7 at the Lubrecht Experimental Forest camp near Missoula.

Registration is now open and women are encouraged to sign up with a friend and learn a new activity or improve existing skills.

Participants choose four classes from a variety of topics including basic gun handling, rifle, shotgun, fishing, map and compass, outdoor cooking, canoeing, plant identification, outdoor survival, and more.

New classes this year include horse packing, butterfly identification and fishing from float tubes. Anyone 18 years of age or older may participate. The fee is between $170-230, including meals and lodging.

Women who have attended the BOW summer workshop in the past or who hope to attend this year for the first time should register now to reserve their place and classes.

For more on the BOW and Beyond BOW workshops scheduled this summer go to fwp.mt.gov. Click “For Educators & Students.”

For more information on the three-day summer workshop, call Liz Lodman at 406-444-9940, or by email: llodman@mt.gov

NEW YORK – Families visiting New York City this summer are invited to “Have a Hoot” at The Benjamin (www.thebenjamin.com) with a special Winks’ Kidzzz Club package. Renowned for having the country’s first and only Sleep Concierge, The Benjamin, a boutique luxury hotel centrally located on Lexington Avenue and 50th Street, drew from its 11 years of “perfect sleep” expertise to create Winks’ Kidzzz Club, a sleep program specially tailored to its youngest guests.

The “Having a Hoot in NYC” package, starting at $394 a night and valid through September 5, 2011 features a “good night’s sleep” in a double bed deluxe studio; a plush mascot named Winks the Owl; a delicious sundae from The National, the award-winning restaurant by Food Network Chef Geoffrey Zakarian located within the hotel; four tickets to the Central Park Zoo to meet Flaco, the zoo’s only Eagle Owl; a list of NYC family-friendly attractions and activities taking place this summer and a disposable digital camera to capture all the fun.

Winks’ Kidzzz Club is led by Winks the Owl, who serves as the fictional mascot and ambassador for the program. He teaches children the importance of a good night’s sleep so they can wake rested and ready to take on Manhattan, and provides families with the latest information on family friendly restaurants and activities in the city. The Winks’ Kidzzz Club, available to kids ages two to 12, includes:
§ Kid-sized robes, available for use at the hotel
§ Use of iPod pillow programmed with lullabies and audio bedtime stories
§ Lending library of family favorite bedtime books
§ Official Winks’ Kidzzz Club Sleep Certificate awarded upon check-out

If kids need further assistance getting to sleep, the hotel’s Sleep Concierge Anya Orlanska is on-hand to offer tips and other sleep enhancements. “The excitement of being on summer vacation can make it challenging for kids to fall asleep,” says Orlanska. Suggestions for parents to help ensure a good night’s sleep for children include: allowing time after sightseeing to wind down before bedtime; giving the kids a soothing, warm bath before going to bed; offering The Benjamin’s 12 different pillows to select one that is most like a child’s pillow at home; and avoiding caffeinated drinks, like soda, after lunchtime, cited Orlanska.

For kids that may need an extra 40 Winks while the rest of the family goes sightseeing, The Benjamin also offers babysitting service.

To book the “Having a Hoot in NYC” package or view more of the Sleep Concierge’s Sleep Tips, visit www.thebenjamin.com/hoot or call 1-888-4-BENJAMIN.

The Benjamin, located in the heart of midtown Manhattan at the corner of Lexington Avenue and 50th Street, provides an experience of true luxury and supreme comfort in an intimate, boutique-style setting. Classically elegant accommodations, world-class amenities, premier technology and seamless, anticipatory service are the hallmarks of The Benjamin. Known for its comprehensive sleep program, The Benjamin features the industry’s first and only Sleep Concierge, a 12-choice pillow menu and custom Benjamin Bed. The Benjamin brand is operated by Denihan, a nationally recognized, independent owner and operator of boutique hotels with more than 100 years in the hospitality and service industries. For more information, visit www.TheBenjamin.com  or call 1-888-4-BENJAMIN.

CARY, NC, — SDC Swingers Date Club announced its 2012 swingers cruise in February and it is already more than 50% sold out! This luxury lifestyle event is taking place on the beautiful Azamara “Quest” and will visit Greece, Italy and France.

“Our 2011 cruise was a huge success and many of the people who attended were so happy that they booked next year before they left the ship. We provide an exceptional experience that you just can’t get on any swinger cruise. The planning and detail that goes into our cruise is second to none.” says Dave Vandewouw CFO/President of SDC Media Inc.

The level of service is much better on a ship like the “Quest” because it is mid size and is literally a floating five star resort. You can expect plenty of fun and games during the day and spectacular theme parties at night. Not to mention all of the excursions that are available at every port.

The SDC Swingers Cruise will last for 8 days and 7 nights with ports of call that include Athens, Mykonos, Toarmina Sicily, Amalfi, Capri, Elba (Portoferraio) and ending with Nice, France. Rates for this cruise start at $1,750 USD per person and go up, and with only 350 cabins on the ship it will sell out fast.

SDC is the industry leader is the swingers lifestyle with members in more than 50 countries around the world. SDC events have an international crowd with swingers representing all corners of the globe. The 2011 cruise was a huge hit and 2012 is going to be even better.

Website: http://www.sdc.com