Jetsettersblog

The inspiration for YOGI, one of the newest superyachts to join the BURGESS charter fleet, was to build a boat that would offer all the amenities of a resort property, including a pool, beach club, panoramic al fresco dining room, media and play room, full array of leisure equipment, as well as a wellness center. All of this is in addition to the most luxurious accommodations. Hitting the water for the first time in 2011, YOGI is an impressive 197.52ft and accommodates 12 guests in six extremely spacious cabins.

Designed by Jean Guy Verges, tranquility permeates all YOGI’s interior spaces with a flowing and simple layout of large open spaces, and oversized windows to bring in vast amounts of natural light, offer amazing views on each of the four decks, and mimic the feeling of being at the edge of the sea. The contemporary interiors reflect strong influences of Balinese and Asian design in earthy tones with detailed artisanship evident in the fine inlay and carving and use of natural materials, such as wood marquetry and leather-paneled walls, Thai silk and fine linen, stone and lacquer.

On the main deck, there is a show-stopping pool with a glass overflow panel where water cascades to a glass-bottomed reservoir, creating an aquarium-like effect with iridescent light streaming through the water to the beach club below. A set of sun pads, separates the pool area from the adjacent intimate relaxation lounge filled with plush sofas. Surrounded by oversize windows to create the feeling of floating over the water, the spectacular sundeck features a six-person Jacuzzi that overlooks the sea, built-in adjustable sun pads, which is a fantastic setting for an evening movie, and a raised dining area that seats up to 14.

Guests are spoiled for choice with al fresco dining options, including a Teppanyaki bar, a table on the forward deck providing privacy, and more formal dining on upper deck that offers beautiful views. There is also a choice of two beach clubs. Aft, the club offers a bar and massage room, paneled in teak, creating a warm, cabana-style place to relax after a swim. There is a centralized entertainment system, where guests can connect their iPhone or iPod, and also provides a vast library of music and movies. The multimedia play lounge provides computer stations, video games and a cinema.

Enjoying her inaugural charter season this summer, YOGI is available for charter through Burgess with rates of € 378,000 per week in the high season and € 357,000 per week in the low season. For more information, visit www.burgessyachts.com.

Founded in 1975 with ten international offices, BURGESS is the global superyacht industry leader, uniquely specializing in yachts of over 130-feet. Renowned for its professional yachting services, the company leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including sale and purchase, technical consultancy services, charter and operational management. The superyacht credentials of Burgess are unmatched in the industry, ensuring that clients enjoy the highest levels of customer service. More information on Burgess can be found at www.burgessyachts.com.

Hotel Celebrates the Launch of its New Attraction with an Exclusive 40% Savings

[ORLANDO, Fla. – July 25, 2011] – Splash and play in the new R Aqua Zone water playground at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. The interactive water area is a thrilling new addition to the fun, family friendly amenities already afforded at the hotel in Orlando.

Now Open, R Aqua Zone features an energetic teen and tween play area with two twisting, turning water slides – one more than 120 feet long – periscope guns, a gyroscope spinner, shooting water jets, a water windmill and more. Toddlers will enjoy their own pint-sized R Aqua Zone inclusive of a tot pool, a small slide, more than 20 mini water jets and a rain tree.

To commemorate the grand opening of R Aqua Zone, the hotel has launched its exclusive family travel package, “Splash & Stay.” Featuring a flat rate of $89, families not only have the opportunity to experience the hotel’s new water playground, but they also save more than 40% and kids eat free throughout their stay.*

Aside from the exciting additions to the pool, it also boasts an expansion to the lawn area where scheduled games and activities will take place on weekends through Labor Day at the Orlando luxury hotel. With activities such as pancake making, cookie decorating and breakfast with Shamu, the kids will be thrilled and engaged. Movie nights, hair braiding and face painting are also part of the fun. For the journey back home they will receive their own Discovery Journal with stickers and crayons to keep them entertained.

After diving into R Aqua Zone, guests can head across the street to SeaWorld to experience everything from shark dives and thrill rides, to polar bears and penguins. The Orlando business hotel recently became an official hotel partner with SeaWorld, an alliance that comes with a long list of perks availed only to patrons of the world-class hotel. Take advantage of the SeaWorld benefits which include early entry to SeaWorld on select days during peak seasons, complimentary front-of-the-line access to SeaWorld and much more!

The “Splash & Stay” must be booked by August 31 and is available on stays from August 7 through October 1. To book, visit www.RenOrlando.com and use the rate code SUM or call 800-327-6677 and request the “Splash & Stay” package.

*Offer is based availability. Complimentary breakfast is valid for kids ages 12 and under accompanied by an adult dining from regular menu, one complimentary kid’s meal per adult. A limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Promotion is valid for stays August 7 – October 1, 2011. Offer must be booked by August 31, 2011. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms and cannot be combined with any other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Advance reservations are required. Other restrictions may apply. Rate is per room, per night. Tax is additional.

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – Can’t get enough fun in the sun? Round Hill has made extending the life of a tan AND vacation easier by offering their incredible ’Linger for Longer’ package from now until October 31st. Guests who book a seven-night stay receive three nights free, guests who book ten nights receive four nights free, and guests who book 14 nights receive six nights free. This offer is available for the Ralph-Lauren designed Oceanfront Hotel Rooms in the Pineapple House, the Villa Suites with semi-private pool, or complete Villas ranging from two to six bedrooms. Villa Suite reservations for seven nights will receive two complimentary 50-minute Tranquility Massages. Complete Villa reservations for seven or more nights will receive complimentary breakfast in the Villa, made-to-order for up to two people per room.

Now booking is easier than ever with Round Hill’s new and improved website. Along with new features including stunning property images and easier navigation tools, a special section called ‘My Round Hill Experience’ has been created which allows guests to personalize their experience and book spa treatments, excursions, dinner reservations and more. For the latest packages and deals, or for more information, please visit www.roundhill.com  or call 1-800-972-2159.

NAPA, Calif. – In conjunction with Preferred Hotels Group, The Meritage Resort and Spa has teamed up with the Clean the World campaign to help save the lives of children around the world. Every day in the United States alone, one to 1.5 million bars of soap are thrown away along with other bathroom amenities like shampoo. These unused soaps and bathroom amenities can be sanitized and distributed to millions around the world to help stop the spread of and deaths from diarrheal disease and acute respiratory infections.

Every year 3.5 million children under the age of five die because of two deadly diseases: acute respiratory injection (pneumonia) and diarrheal disease (cholera). The most tragic part of this statistic is that up to 65 percent of these deaths could be prevented through simple hand washing with a bar of soap. Clean the World has teamed up with more than 260 hospitality partners across the nation to recycle their unused soap and bathroom amenities. Once collected and sanitized they distribute them to those in need in more than 50 countries worldwide, including some of the poorest regions in Africa, the Caribbean and Central America.

The Meritage Resort and Spa’s partnership with Clean the World will initially support 131 children with enough soap and 65 children with enough bottled amenities for an entire year. When the resort’s 165 room expansion is complete in Spring 2012 those numbers are expected to more than double. Soap will be provided to an estimated 266 children and 132 will receive bottled amenities each year. Not only will this effort help children around the world, but it will also help to remove approximately two tons of waste from our landfills each year.

“This program doesn’t just protect the environment, it saves lives,” said Sheri Thomas, director of sales and marketing for The Meritage Resort and Spa. “We are proud to be able to partner with Clean the World to help prevent needless illness and death around the world.”

This is part of The Meritage Resort and Spa’s continued effort to be a more environmentally-friendly resort. In addition to recycling soap and bathroom amenities, the resort utilizes compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout the property and places recycle bins next to every trash can on the premises – including guest rooms. It has also replaced all paper products with recycled paper products where possible, including facial tissue, toilet paper and paper towels. The resort also uses reusable tote bags and compostable to-go containers, biodegradable silverware and greenware plastic cups and plates rather than traditional plasticware.

To learn more about the Clean the World program go to: http://www.cleantheworld.org/

To learn more about The Meritage Resort and Spa go to: http://www.themeritageresort.com/

The Meritage Resort
The Meritage Resort and Spa is an extraordinary Napa Valley luxury resort set within a private vineyard. The idyllic Napa Valley luxury hotel and resort is set against rolling hills of vineyards. A destination unto itself, it features Tuscan-inspired guestrooms and luxury suites, seasonal farm-to-table cuisine in Siena restaurant and wine tasting in the Estate Cave featuring Trinitas Cellars. Regain a healthful balance with curative treatments at Spa Terra – a lavish underground Napa luxury spa with steam grottos, soaking pools, treatment alcoves and tranquil walls of water. The resort boasts the most comprehensive event and meeting space in wine country. Far more than a place for expert relaxation, our unique property is an old world escape from the ordinary. Experience The Meritage Resort and Spa – an extraordinary Napa luxury resort perfect blending gracious hospitality, unrivaled amenities, and peerless personal care. We are Napa. www.themeritageresort.com.

About Clean the World Global LLC
Clean the World Global LLC is a social enterprise committed to saving lives and protecting our planet. It offers sustainable, socially responsible, and charitable programs and services to the international hospitality community. Clean the World Foundation Inc. is the 501 (c) (3) charitable arm of Clean the World. Clean the World Foundation Inc. executes its mission of saving millions of lives around the globe by leading a global hygiene revolution to distribute recycled soap and hygiene products to children and families suffering from high death rates due to the top two killers of children worldwide – acute respiratory infection (pneumonia) and diarrheal diseases (cholera). For more information visit: www.cleantheworld.org . Text CLEAN to 20222 to donate $10 to help Clean the World.

While each spring bikers, hikers, four-wheelers, and ATVers visit Moab in droves, the summer months are often thought of as too hot and most visitors come to enjoy the Colorado River. While rafting, kayaking and canoeing on the mighty Colorado River is good summer fun, you don’t have to leave your land toys at home. With trail names such as Hells’ Revenge, Porcupine Rim, Poison Spider, Hell Roaring Rim, Killer B and Fiery Furnace, conjuring up images of a hot, arid land with blowing sand and tumbleweeds, it may be hard to believe that all the activities popular in Moab can be done year- round.

The wide variety of the geological landscapes makes Moab very unique and it is perhaps the only place in the world that one can do a morning hike at a National Park located in the desert, and then bike or hike an alpine trail that same afternoon. Moab’s close proximity of the La Sal Mountains, whose Mt Peale is Utah’s second highest peak at 12,721 feet, makes it an ideal summer destination for all outdoor recreationists.

The La Sals are the second highest range in Utah and many of its highest peaks make challenging goals for peak baggers. Mount Wass, Mount Peale, Tukinikivatz, Mellenthin and Manns Peaks all exceed 12,000 feet in elevation. These are challenging climbs with unmaintained routes that involve substantial scrabbling over loose talus fields, but will reward you with amazing views.

From short trails to weeklong treks, the Manti LaSal National Forest offers up hundreds of miles of non-motorized trails for biking, hiking, and backpacking, as well as hundreds of miles of motorized roads available to four-wheel, ATV and yes, even snowmobile enthusiasts

Non Motorized Trails for Mountain Biking and Hiking, include the newly completed bike trail, “The Whole Enchilada” which takes you from Burro Pass to the Colorado River on an advanced-level downhill trail with an epic start high in the La Sal Mountains and ending at the Colorado River, descending 7,000 feet over 27 miles. It combines the following trails: Burro Pass, Hazard County, Kokopelli, the upper and lower Porcupine Singletrack, and Porcupine Rim. Shorter rides can be made on the various sections of the trail and the shorter portions are suitable for moderate hiking. With peak elevation of 11,200 feet, the season for this ride is mid-July through September only.

The popular “Moonlight Meadows Trail” is a wonderful opportunity for cyclists and hikers to get out of the heat and revel in the beauty of the alpine experience, while the “Warner Lake to Oowah Lake Trail” is a great family hike as it is 2 miles long and mostly downhill. While there are approximately 18 developed hiking trails on the La Sal Mountains, there are many undeveloped trails to be explored.

Motorized trails are also plentiful and make it possible to traverse the mountain range in nearly every direction on a maze of forest roads. The scenic Lasal Mountain Loop road is the starting point for many routes with side roads leading to Warner and Oowah lakes and the Geyser Pass road which goes up and over the range. Geyser Pass is a maintained dirt road that is passable by most vehicles during the summer months. However, summer storms can cause this, as well as other mountain roads, to become impassable or require high clearance vehicles and even four-wheel drive. Geyser Pass road gives access to numerous motorized trails for ATV’s and four-wheel drives as well as the non-motorized hiking and biking trailheads in the summer and cross country ski trails in the winter.

Beautiful mountain lakes are scattered across the mountain range, offering excellent trout fishing and great camping locations for car, tent, RV and motor home campers. The wind whispering in the aspens and peaceful bubbling brooks, create an unbelievably relaxing atmosphere and an unforgettable experience. Whether it is for a few hours or a few days, by car, foot or bike, the beauty and solitude of the La Sal Mountains should top your summer adventure list.

For more information contact the Moab Area Travel Council at 800-635-6622, visit the Moab Visitor Center at the corner of Main and Center streets or their website: www.discovermoab.com

It’s summer in the mountains – time for hiking, biking, river-rafting, swimming, sunning and, of course, lots of R&R. Whether visitors are gearing up or winding down, the line up of special events and promotions at Four SeasonsResort Whistler is sure to make any getaway even more enjoyable. Fun, family and friends paired with great food, drink, spa and entertainment are top priority for Four Seasons Resort Whistler this summer.

Backyard BBQ Thursdays

Now in full swing, Sidecut’s weekly outdoor BBQ is easily one of the Resort’s most popular events with locals and visitors alike. For just CDN 29.00, this all-you-can-eat affair is full of delicious crowd favourites largely prepared on Sidecut’s huge custom BBQ. Enjoy a selection of salads and sides and a wide range of entrees such as seafood paella, grilled salmon, house-made sausage, baby back ribs, suckling pig, chicken and bacon-wrapped bites. Save room for a feature home-made dessert. Reservations recommended, free parking for diners.

Fifty Two 80 Bistro and Bar’s 7 Days 7 Events

Fabulous food, drink, music and cheer – all kinds of reasons to pay a visit to Fifty Two 80 Bistro and Bar all week long, all summer long.

• Fish Fry Mondays – Choose from oysters, black cod, calamari, rockfish or shrimp; featuring CDN 7.00 glasses of Inniskillin Cabernet Sauvignon and CDN 6.00 glasses of Red Rooster Pinot Blanc.

• Taco Tuesdays – Grilled steak, crispy fish or roasted pork with four kinds of salsa; featuring CDN 5.00 margaritas and CDN 5.00 Mexican beers.
• Wild Wing Wednesdays – Sidecut-style wings with a choice of six rubs and four sauces; featuring: CDN 5.00 beers and CDN 20.00 pitchers.
• Backyard BBQ Thursdays – All-you-can-eat summer BBQ is the best value going. Enjoy unlimited baby back ribs, suckling pig, seafood paella, BBQ chicken, sirloin bites, sides, salads and dessert for CDN 29.00; featuring CDN 5.00 beers and CDN 20.00 pitchers. Live Music by The Hairfarmers from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
• Fat Dog Fridays – Chicago and bacon wrapped kobe dogs with all the fixings. Pair with a choice of double D onion rings, mac n’ cheese, spicy fries or slaw; featuring CDN 5.00 beers and CDN 20.00 pitchers. Live Music by Big Mountain Rhythm from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
• Bling Burger Saturdays – Delicious kobe, lamb, bison and vegan burgers stuffed to the brim with over-the-top flavour combinations; featuring CDN 6.00 Jack Daniels drinks made to order. Live Music by Chad Oliver from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
• Spiked Sundaes – Sophisticated ice cream creations for adults. Dig into boozy sundaes including Nutty Bourbon Fix, Lemon Twister Bananarama and Fuzzy Cherry Bomb.
Summer Passport Promotion

Four Seasons Resort Whistler launches the Summer Passport promotion this month. “Like” Four Seasons Resort Whistler on Facebook and gain access to some serious deals in the Resort’s spa and restaurants. Fans can print, complete and submit the monthly coupon and redeem the offer as many times as they like, all month long – all summer long.

July’s offer is a complimentary order of sliders with the purchase of two cocktails at Fifty Two 80 Bistro and Bar (CDN 18.00 value). In August, the sommelier at Sidecut will select a complimentary glass of wine for every guest in the coupon holder’s party (CDN 12.00 value per person); or, book at 50-minute massage in the Spa and receive an upgrade to an 80-minute treatment (CDN 70.00 value). September is customer’s choice of any of the offers from July or August.

Visitors who enjoyed free sliders, wine and upgraded massages all summer long will be entered into a grand prize draw. One lucky winner will be rewarded for treating themselves with a CDN 2,000.00 credit atFour Seasons Resort Whistler to be used towards rooms, dining and spa.

Luxury yacht Safari Quest explores wildlife rich Sea of Cortés

An off-the-beaten path destination, Baja Mexico’s Sea of Cortés is a secluded and protected UNESCO World Heritage biosphere reserve and a favorite yachting destination for American Safari Cruises. As an enticement, the company is offering a $200 per person travel credit for new bookings made between July 20 and September 30, 2011.

The 22-guest upscale yacht Safari Quest sails weeklong adventure cruises from La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico from November through April. On 13 select departures, each guest will receive a $200 travel credit. The travel credit may be used on an individual stateroom or a private charter for a family or group getaway to the welcoming warmth and remote wilderness of the Sea of Cortés.

Families interested in a holiday cruise may also take advantage of a $400 travel credit for teens aged 12 to 19 on the December 24 and December 31 departures.

“The Sea of Cortés is not as well-known as other destinations, but it’s a gem,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “By adding an extra incentive to help with travel, we hope to introduce more travelers to the beauty of this Sea.”

Sailing roundtrip from the picturesque town of La Paz, the yacht explores amidst the hundreds of islands and islets in this place author John Steinbeck found “ferocious with life” and described by Jacques Cousteau as “the aquarium of the world.” A flexible and unhurried cruising philosophy promises time to seek out wildlife including many different species of whales, dolphins and sea lions—all prevalent in the wildlife rich waters of the Sea of Cortés.

The inclusive cruise itinerary includes exploration of Isla Partida, Isla San Jose, Isla San Francisco and Isla Espíritu Santo. A visit to Bahia Agua Verde includes a mule ride into the arroyos of the peninsula guided by a local ranchero. At Isla Coyote, guests meet the Cuevas fishing family and tour the village and whale bone yard. Snorkeling with playful sea lions at Los Islotes is often a highlight of the trip.

Anchoring in quiet coves, the crew brings water toys out to play. The yacht transforms into a waterborne adventure platform for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, sailing, skiff rides, snorkeling, swimming, swinging off the rope swing and tubing. Expert naturalists lead kayaking and hiking excursions to explore the beauty of the sea, the coastline and into the desert landscape to see giant Cardón cacti, red rock cliffs and white sand dunes.

The 13 select departures available with the $200 per person travel credit include: November 26; December 24, 31; January 14, 28; February 4, 11, 18; March 3, 17, 24, 31; April 7.

Cruise fares start at $3,995 per person based on double occupancy. The inclusive cruise includes all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. The 22-guest Safari Quest features a hot tub, Tempur-pedic mattresses, heated tile floors in all bathrooms and upper category balconies. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1. Yachts can be booked as a private charter or by individual stateroom. To book a yachting adventure or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or American Safari Cruises at 888-862-8881 or email sales@americansafaricruises.com.

–www.americansafaraicruises.com–

Editor’s note: Photos available in the image gallery or through Sarah Scoltock at sarahs@InnerSeaDiscoveries.com.

About American Safari Cruises
A division of InnerSea Discoveries, Seattle-based American Safari Cruises (www.americansafaricruises.com) pioneered yacht cruising in Alaska in 1997 and since has expanded into Mexico’s Baja, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Hawaiian Islands, and Washington & British Columbia. The company’s second brand, InnerSea Discoveries (www.InnerSeaDiscoveries.com), was introduced in 2010 and offers moderately priced adventure cruises in Alaska. Its two expedition ships began sailing active, adventure cruises in Alaska in summer 2011. InnerSea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises as a company is a member of Trusted Adventures, dedicated to the highest standards of small-group travel and to giving back to the places visited. For more information call 888-862-8881. Connect with American Safari Cruises on Facebook and Twitter.

Tweet: Trek Himalayas w/Adventure Center’s Everest + Annapurna programs – book by 7/31 for 10% discount; contact @adventurecenter for details

The Himalayas entice thousands of adventure-seeking explorers each year, whether for a steep climb on Everest or a trek through the ever-changing scenery of the Annapurna mountains – and now, hikers joining Adventure Center in these two popular areas can save 10% on new bookings made by July 31. Priced with savings at US/Cdn $1,263 per person, double, the 12-day “Everest Adventure,” reaches an altitude of 3790m and is a lodge-based trek that presents dramatic mountain panoramas as it winds through the Khumbu Valley, an area inhabited by the Sherpa people and instilled with the strong spirituality of its Buddhist roots.

The 12-day “Annapurna Mountains & Wildlife”, priced at US/Cdn $1,514, combines a gradual ascent through terraced rice fields, oak and rhododendron forests and dense jungles – offering insight into local communities – with a stay in Chitwan National Park, home to elephants, great Indian rhinos, and exotic birds. Both trips begin and end with two days in Kathmandu, where travelers can visit the Buddhist shrine of Bodhnath Stupa and the famous Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, with free time to try Nepali cuisine or a range of optional excursions.

For further details contact Adventure Center at U.S. (800) 228-8747 or Canada (866) 338-8735.

Included in both itineraries are a local tour leader, local guides, porterage on the trek, airport arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance bus fees, accommodation, meals where indicated in the itinerary, and basic personal trek equipment. A portable altitude chamber is included on the “Everest Adventure.” Insurance, visas, gratuities, any optional tours and activities and international air – including taxes and departure transfer – are extra.

Everest Adventure

Guests travel from Kathmandu to Lukla by plane, enjoying stunning mountain scenes while flying parallel to the Himalayan range. After landing in the hillside town, the trek begins with a descent towards the Dudh Kosi River, continuing through beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest to Monjo. A steep ascent to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, a prosperous village where Tibetan traders vend their wares, is rewarded with postcard views of Khumbu and Everest. Travelers are encouraged to watch the sunrise, take an optional excursion or visit Thami while they acclimate to the elevation. Rare wildlife such as Danfe pheasant and Himalayan Thar are often spotted as the trek continues to Thyangboche, a tranquil area looking out towards the peaks of Kantega and Ama Dablam. A visit to Thyangboche Monastery in Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of “outstanding universal value,” affords a panoramic view of the dramatic landscape, and then it is off to Khumjung. Shopping opportunities are available in the bazaar of Phakding, before returning to Lukla, where guests are can take part in a celebration with their Sherpa companions before flying back to Kathmandu.

Multiple departures offered starting September 17, 2011; Priced at US/Cdn $1263 per person per person, double

Annapurna Mountains & Wildlife
After departing Kathmandu for Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurnas, participants transfer to Nayapul to begin the trek. The trail follows the Modi Khola upstream through Chettri and Brahmin settlements to the small hamlet of Shyauli Bazaar and the village of Ghandruk, a large Gurung village with captivating views of the sacred Machapuchhare Mountain. Guests trek through terraced fields, alpine forests and several small settlements – Landruk, Tolka, Bichok, Dhampus, Phedi – to their hotel in Pokhara, close to the lakeside. Two days in the lakeside town provide plenty of free time to tour the historic old area, visit the International Mountain Museum, hire a boat to explore Phewa Tal Lake or shop in the lakeside area. Though exact activities in Chitwan National Park vary, possibilities include a visit to the elephant camp, an afternoon elephant safari, a dance performance by a local Tharu troupe and a trip by dugout canoe on the Rapti River – with the chance to see mugger crocodiles and various birds. After an optional early morning bird safari in the park, guests return to the Nepalese capital.

Multiple departures offered starting September 18, 2011; Priced at US/Cdn $1514 per person, double

Optional tours and activities allow even more depth to the tours, including scenic flight that grant unforgettable birds-eye views of Mount Everest; a half-day tour to Bhaktapur and Patan, two of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley; and passes to explore Bhaktapur or Patan individually. Guests in Everest can immerse in local lifestyle and culture at the Sherpa House Museum, while Annapurna trekkers are able to experience Chitwan with a canoe trip or jeep safari, or take a boat ride on Phewa Lake in Pokhara. Pre- or post-tour extensions in Kathmandu can also be arranged.

Booking information, brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Adventure Center’s visitor-friendly web site, www.adventurecenter.com ; or by phone: U.S. (800) 228-8747; Canada (866) 338-8735. Canadian travel agents needing bulk orders of brochures can order them at www.hippoexpress.com in Canada while U.S. agents should call Adventure Center.

Adventure Center has provided world-class, affordably priced adventure travel experiences with one-on-one advice for more than 35 years. Adventure Center’s Travel Specialists have personally traveled to more than 130 countries and offer knowledgeable guidance to guests in selecting an “adventure of a lifetime.”

Adventure Center’s $1,263 per person double, 12-day “Everest Adventure,” reaches an altitude of 3,790 meters and is a lodge-based trek that presents dramatic mountain panoramas as it winds through the Khumbu Valley, an area inhabited by the Sherpa people and instilled with the strong spirituality of its Buddhist roots.

The 12-day “Annapurna Mountains & Wildlife,” priced at $1,514, combines a gradual ascent through terraced rice fields, oak and rhododendron forests and dense jungles, offering insight into local communities, with a stay in Chitwan National Park, home to elephants, great Indian rhinos, and exotic birds. Both trips begin and end with two days in Kathmandu, where travelers can visit the Buddhist shrine of Bodhnath Stupa and the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, with free time to try Nepali cuisine or a range of optional excursions.

Included in both itineraries are a local tour leader, local guides, porterage on the trek, airport arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance bus fees, accommodation, meals where indicated in the itinerary, and basic personal trek equipment. A portable altitude chamber is included on the “Everest Adventure.” Insurance, visas, gratuities, any optional tours and activities and international air — including taxes and departure transfer — are extra. For more information, call 800-228-8747 or www.adventurecenter.com

Design Hotels launched a new website, Made by Originals

(www.MadeByOriginals.com ), that pays tribute to the “Originals — the driving forces and creative spirits behind its member hotels.” The online magazine takes readers into the worlds of these “Originals.” Image galleries, films and stories reveal the inspirations that led them to create their one-of-a-kind hotel concepts.

Individuals featured include hoteliers, architects, designers and other artists, who together make up the Design Hotels creative community. Sir Terence Conran, for example, transformed a neighborhood of East London with his Boundary hotel, now a hub for lovers of art, design and good food.

Blurring the boundaries between art, design and lifestyle, Carlos Couturier and Moises Micha believe that going local is the best way to penetrate a neighborhood. These Mexican entrepreneurs integrate the surroundings and local traditions into each of their projects, thus increasing the connection and intimacy between the neighborhood and guests. After expressing their deep affection for Mexico, they have moved on to new ground in New York City and, inspired by the rough Chelsea neighborhood, created Hôtel Americano, opening in September 2011.

For those looking for insider tips from Singapore to Berlin, the travel guides section includes recommendations from the “Originals” on the hot places to visit in their home cities. For example, Loh Lik Peng, who’s behind Singapore’s New Majestic Hotel and Wanderlust, recommends the live music venue TAB, the art space Tyler Print Institute and the restaurant Wild Rocket. For more information, visit www.MadeByOriginals.com