Jetsettersblog

The aquarium takes an innovative direction in the new Ocean Travelers gallery
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is known to be a trendsetter among zoos and aquariums worldwide, and its newest renovated exhibit galleries, The Open Sea, are once again pushing the envelope in exhibit design. In The Open Sea’s final gallery, Ocean Travelers, visitors are introduced to three artists – Chris Jordan, Alison McDonald and Bryant Austin – who have devoted their work to conserving the world’s oceans.
In a first for the aquarium’s permanent galleries, each live animal exhibit in Ocean Travelers is paired with an art installation to raise awareness about the threats facing those animals. Visitors learn what they can do to ensure safe passage for the unique fishes, sharks, sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals that live in the open ocean. Nearby, short video clips of the artists explain the motivation and passion behind their work.
Visitors first encounter Chris Jordan’s art piece, Shark Teeth. A lifelong photographer, Jordan’s work pairs challenging abstract statistics with staggering visuals to help viewers understand the true extent of their personal consumption. Shark Teeth represents the thousands of sharks killed each year for their fins. Viewed from afar, visitors see a ying-yang image of two species of sharks encircling a mercury symbol. As they get closer to the art piece, thousands of fossilized shark teeth that create the image became more apparent.
Alyssa Irizarry is a featured researcher visitors will learn about near the new juvenile sea turtle exhibit in Ocean Travelers. The Tufts University student researched the impact of several sea turtle murals in Mexico on their effectiveness in changing both attitudes and behaviors toward sea turtles. In 1996 a group of artists set out to create a series of sea turtle murals along the 1,000 mile-long Baja Peninsula. Most of the artists were self-taught and in collaboration with the conservation group, El Grupo Tortuguero, agreed to create beautiful sea turtle murals if given paints, brushes and food. Irizarry was curious if the murals – which visitors will see one example of – helped turn the tide in local communities away from consuming sea turtles to protecting them. Her findings showed the murals did indeed help change attitudes and behaviors about endangered sea turtles. Her admonition: “Keep on painting!”
Across the way visitors will encounter artwork by native Australian Alison McDonald. Message in a Bottle is a series of a dozen sculptures that evoke questions about the relationship humans have with plastic. McDonald’s installation features meticulous cutwork using recycled plastic to create delicate algae. The piece invites viewers to re-shape their thinking about plastic and its often disastrous effect in the open sea and on land.
The final artist visitors meet in the Ocean Travelers gallery is Santa Cruz-based photographer, Bryant Austin, who is inspiring change worldwide with his life-size photographs of whales. Visitors come eye-to-eye with a black-and-white composite photograph of the face of an endangered humpback whale calf. Austin captured the photograph on a Hasselblad portrait camera while free diving in the Kingdom of Tonga. After composing a series of photographs he digitally stitches them together and produces a profound, life-size representation of an animal. Through his creations, Austin and the group Marine Mammal Conservation through the Arts hope to inspire change within countries that continue to hunt or harm whales.
Each artist featured in the Ocean Travelers gallery uses different materials to create their pieces, but the common thread throughout their inspiring artwork is an awareness of environmental issues affecting the oceans and a clear message of how visitors can help conserve the oceans and ensure safe passage for transoceanic animals.
Details about the aquarium’s Open Sea galleries can be found on the aquarium’s newly redesigned web pages at www.montereybayaquarium.org/efc/open_sea.aspx.  For the entire Open Sea press kit and photos, please visit http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/aa/pressroom/
The mission of the nonprofit Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans.

Hurtigruten’s “Hall of the Mountain King” theme cruise this fall centers on Norway’s best-known classical composer, Edvard Grieg.

The two available departures — a seven-day northbound voyage on Oct. 9 and a six-day southbound on Oct. 15 — sail between Bergen and Kirkenes. Soloist Rune Alver will perform recitals. Guest lecturer is Eilif Løtveit, who has spent 35 years working closely with the Troldhaugen estate, Grieg’s former home. Optional excursions, including a visit to the home, are available. Fares range from $1,218 to $2,822 per person, double, for the southbound itinerary, and $1,550 to $3,592 for the northbound. Members of the 1893 Ambassador Program, a loyalty club for those who have sailed on Hurtigruten in the past three years, receive an additional 10 percent off the voyage and a range of complimentary benefits. For more information, call 877-301-3117 or visit www.hurtigruten.us

If you’re looking for a last minute Italian getaway, Citalia (0844 415 1956, www.citalia.com ) is offering reduced price trips to Venice, Florence and Sorrento, in July, August and October.

The Venice deal starts at GBP379pp, which includes four nights B&B at the 3* San Giorgio, including flights from Gatwick, a saving of up to GBP185 per couple (based on 6th October departure and including one free night). Regional departures from East Midlands (based on 5th October departure) costs GBP465pp- a saving of up to GBP190 per couple.

The Florence holiday trip costs from GBP299pp, including three nights B&B at the 4* Brunelleschi Hotel -with one free night and a 10% early booking offer – a saving of up to GBP215 per couple (based on 21st Aug departure).

The Sorrento break starts at GBP599pp, and includes seven nights Half Board at the 3* Hotel Capri – a saving of up to GBP165 per couple, with a 12% discount and one free night (based on 29th July departure). All offers include flights departing from London Gatwick, online discount, and are based on two people sharing. Flights from Manchester (based on 25th July departure) costs GBP689pp – a saving of up to GBP170 per couple.

OTHER DATES AND DESTINATIONS AVAILABLE.

Website: http://www.citalia.com

Tweet: Brendan Moore Brings 30 Years of Wine Expertise to the Bespoke Culinary Holidays of Frelon’s Fabulous France; www.frelonsfabulousfrance.com

What does actor Colin Firth have in common with the Queen of England’s first cousin? They are counted among the lucky travelers who have delighted in a tour of the Burgundy vineyards with renowned wine expert Brendan Moore – an opportunity available on bespoke culinary holidays with Frelon’s Fabulous France. Guests at ‘La Ferme de la Lochere,’ a private estate with accommodations for up to ten, enjoy exclusive access to wineries and private tastings – afforded by Moore’s nearly 30 years of experience in the region – that perfectly complement the professional culinary instruction provided by host Katherine Frelon. Described as “education that becomes an unforgettable experience,” Moore’s tour brings guests to the small family wineries of Chablis for the chance to sample decades-old wine; to Cote de Beaune, where the welcoming owners offer access to rare wines and barrel tastings; and to Cote de Nuits, a mecca for pinot noir enthusiasts. Prices for the seven-day holiday range from 1,895€ ($2,646)* to 2,300€ ($3,212) per person, double.

At the heart of each holiday are the easy-to-learn, hands-on cooking demonstrations provided by Katherine Frelon, who uses her training in the award-winning kitchens of Marc Meneau to create menus that incorporate fresh seasonal ingredients from her own garden as well as the local market. Venturing outside the state-of-the-art kitchen at La Ferme de Lochere, guests explore the gastronomic culture of Burgundy which includes a croissant making class with a renowned local baker and dinner at the three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Bernard Loiseau. Other highlights are a privately guided tour of the 15th-century Hospice de Beaune; a tour of the vineyard of Flavigny, the town of which hosted the filming of Chocolat; visits to the colorful markets of Dijon; and trips to the medieval village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. Optional excursions ranging from a hot air balloon ride accompanied by a bottle of champagne to a cooking demonstration with award-winning chef Laurent Peugeot at Michelin-starred Le Charlemagne, start at only 100€ ($142).

Rates for the holiday include accommodation; all meals prepared on the property; culinary instruction and ingredients; transfers to and from the Montbard train station; attractions specified in the itinerary; set menus designed with seasonal ingredients by the head chef, complimented with wines especially selected by the sommelier, at both Michelin restaurants; and a complimentary cookbook from chef and host Katherine Frelon.

La Ferme de la Lochere is a 400-year-old private estate in the heart of Burgundy, conveniently located four hours from London and one hour from Paris, by train, and has been meticulously restored to reflect the rich history of the area while providing guests with modern amenities. The property includes several charming courtyards, an extensive library, mezzanine lounge area, heated swimming pool, a spacious state-of-the-art kitchen and five individually-designed, airy bedrooms with gorgeous views of the mountains – each with private bath, fresh flowers, L’Occitane products and Wi-Fi. Each itinerary offers free time for guests to lunch on the rolling hillsides, bike along the Canal de Bourgogne, stroll through the scenic countryside or shop in the unique towns.

Frelon’s Fabulous France provides tailor-made, luxury vacations in Burgundy from April through October. Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Frelon’s Fabulous France, 6 Rue de la Lochere, 21150 Marigny le Cahouet, France; +33 672 865 609; or, visit www.frelonsfabulousfrance.com

Tweet: Connoisseurs Scotland’s MV Hebridean Princess Releases Brochure with Special Prices on Expanded Cruise Offerings; http://tinyurl.com/44rvbso

Edinburgh, Scotland – Hebridean Island Cruises, whose luxurious small ship cruises have attracted loyal guests such as Queen Elizabeth, has released a new North American brochure with a bevy of four- to 10-day all-inclusive cruise options for 2012 – including 20 brand new itineraries – and savings up to 15% on 2012 itineraries booked by Sept. 30, 2011. This news follows the successful launch of the company’s North American sales office based in Florida and a new website featuring a number of great resources, from virtual tours to webinars. The brochure features exclusive savings offers of 10% off all 2012 itineraries, including new additions such as the decadent “Gastronomic Tour of Skye,” which offers the best of locally-sourced Scottish cuisine served against a backdrop of stunning scenery. Guests booking select cruises – “North to Kintyre,” “Gardens of the West,” “North to Orkney,” “Gaelic Explorer,” “Lochs and Isles,” “South from Oban” – receive an additional 5% savings. The five-star itineraries sail to remote coastal villages, picturesque islands, and inaccessible locations in bays and lochs, normally visited by only private yachts, and afford guests an exceptional level of service with 38 crew members for up to 50 passengers. Reduced fares for the cruises, offered March through November, start at $1,548 per person, double.

“We are delighted to offer this exclusive cruise brand to the North American market,” says Steve Novello, President of All Discovery Cruising, North America. “This is a time in our industry when avid cruisers and mature travelers are seeking a one-of-a-kind vacation experience.”

Since its inception in 1989, Hebridean Island Cruises has earned a reputation for capturing the unique cultural and rich history in each port of call with innovative itineraries – and their collection of new itineraries for 2012 is no different. Travelers can visit the privately owned Isle of Eriska, tour the 13th century Kelburn Castle and get magnificent panoramic views of the Emerald Isle on “South from Cork” and “Gaelic Explorer,” both departing from Cork, Ireland. Other highlights for the coming year include the 7-night “Hebridean Jewels,” uncovers the pleated columns of Kilt Rock and the Baronial façade of Glenborrodale Castle as it navigates the Northern and Southern Hebrides; “In the Wake of Boswell and Johnson,” a 7-night tour featuring guest speaker Professor Peter martin, an expert on the two explorers; and “Away Westward,” which spends seven days immersing guests in the wildlife and prehistoric sites of the Atlantic Chain of the Western Isles. The Hebridean Princess’s signature “Footloose” cruises combine their spectacular cruises with walking adventures along the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and are suited for everyone from seasoned walkers to those who enjoy a casual stroll; new additions include “Footloose in Ireland,” the company’s first walking tour in Ireland.

The all-inclusive fares encompass all meals, including picnics ashore and black-tie gala dinners; beverages and select wines, spirits and champagne; exclusive, privately escorted tours; a distinguished guest speaker program; and all port charges and gratuities, emphasized by the company’s strict “no tipping” policy. In addition, a variety of activities – such as the use of the ship’s bicycles to explore ashore, fishing, bridge, speedboat rides – are readily available for no additional fee.

Designed with luxury in mind, the interior of the Hebridean Princess is more reminiscent of a five-star hotel than a cruise ship. The ship’s 30 spacious cabins – 10 of which are purpose-built for solo travelers – are individually decorated and lavishly furnished; features include ample hanging space, refrigerator, tea and coffee making equipment and television with video, iron, trouser press and built-in hair dryer. Other shipboard amenities include a well-stocked library, the Look-Out lounge, Conservatory, Columba Restaurant and the Tiree Lounge, featuring large panoramic windows that afford incredible views.

For reservations or more information, please visit the website at http://www.hebrideancruises.com ; call the toll-free number, (877) 600-2648; or email info@hebrideancruises.com. Travel agents can become a discovery cruising expert on Hebridean Island Cruises and her sister brands by accessing All Discovery Cruising’s easy-to-follow video-based training site www.discoverycruisingexpert.com .

Connoisseurs Scotland’s 23 members include three of the world’s finest golf resorts, Gleneagles, Turnberry and Old Course; Inverlochy Castle, recently voted the best hotel in Europe; several outstanding city centre properties including Prestonfield, Edinburgh’s only 5 Red Star hotel, and recently refurbished Sheraton Grand; a 19th-century castle health spa; a collection of intimate country house hotels; the ultimate luxury train; the finest hotel afloat and an exclusive use property. Five of the members boast Michelin-starred restaurants. Information on Connoisseurs Scotland, its member resorts, partners and special offers can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk

Continuing its ongoing commitment to supporting local community projects, Siem Reap’s iconic Hôtel de la Paix has teamed up with Cambodian non-profit NGO, ABOUTAsia Schools, to announce a new ‘Share Your Shirt’ campaign. With the humidity of Cambodia’s rainy season making short work of once-good clothing, this new campaign invites people from around the world to send their unwanted shirts and t-shirts to the hotel, to be distributed to the neediest rural communities in Cambodia.

Working with ABOUTAsia Schools, which provides immediate, targeted aid to Cambodian children and schools, Hôtel de la Paix’s aim is to collect donated clothing, and distribute it to those who need it most. All donations are welcome, but especially smaller sizes as the need is greatest amongst rural children.

Hôtel de la Paix’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Christian de Boer, comments: “In our Western world, we often have unwanted or out-of-style T-shirts lying around, and I am pleased that Hôtel de la Paix can assist in finding a good and deserving home for those clothes. In simple terms, the effort is minimal but the results are big!” ABOUTAsia Schools coordinator Christopher Smith adds: “This partnership between ABOUTAsia Schools and Hôtel de la Paix makes an enormous difference in the lives of so many.”

The hotel will regularly update its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hoteldelapaix) regarding progress made, and how many people have received new clothes. Anyone wishing to help make a difference can simply send their shirts to: Hôtel de la Paix, Sivutha Boulevard, Siem Reap, Cambodia. For further information on Hôtel de la Paix, visit www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com  or call tel: +855 63 966 000. For further information on ABOUTAsia Schools, visit www.aboutasiaschools.org.

Notes to editors:
Voted as no. 1 hotel in Cambodia by Travel + Leisure U.S. and 101 Best Hotels in the World by TATLER UK, Hôtel de la Paix is an oasis of modern tranquillity with a blend of Khmer culture. Located in the centre of town just footsteps from the colorful markets and vibrant night life of the bustling community, yet it is only seven kilometers from the famous UNESCO world heritage site of Angkor. Tastefully designed with Khmer influence and a touch of art deco, every room features an iPod pre-loaded with self-guided temple tours and a selection of music, LCD TV, terrazzo bathtub and a separate rain shower.

It’s not all about indulgence though at Hôtel de la Paix, there is a genuine sense of corporate social responsibility that is at the heart of the hotel, summed up by its philosophy ‘Respecting the past, embracing the future’. Encouraging responsible tourism from its guests, the hotel has five community partners it works closely with, which enables its quests to gain a true understanding of Cambodia, by visiting these organizations and connecting with its beautiful people, in their community and diverse environment.

Enjoy a feast for the fingertips with this delectable one-stop guide to the capital’s food culture – which includes restaurant reviews, an extensive shopping guide, recipes from chefs from Mark Hix to Fergus Henderson, and even advice on dressing for dinner.” Independent on Sunday UK.

A holistic notebook that seeks to embrace the full atmospheric experience of food, from what’s on your table to the surroundings you are in and the memories made.

This guide embraces every aspect of food culture – from taste, quality and service, to recommendations for creating a handsome dinner party, including what to wear by the best British designers, and dressing your home for that occasion. (Kate Moss for Longchamp, Issa dresses as worn by The Duchess of Cambridge, Classical British China by Thomas Goode, Modern pieces by The Royal College and designers such as Thomas Heatherwick). Markets to see and time to be inspired distilled into one pocket bible.



One of the key purposes of this guide is to provide the home cook with recipes from some of London’s finest chefs, including John Torode, Fergus Henderson, Anna Hansen, Mark Hix, Peter Gordon and Sam and Sam Clark.

Curated by Charmain Ponnuthurai – author of ‘Midnight Feasts’ and an alumnus of London recipe vault ‘Books for Cooks’ (a Portobello Road institution started by Two Fat Ladies’ Clarissa Dickson-Wright) – this app is regularly updated, advertising-free and independently curated.

A 10% donation from each app sale is made to the surplus food charity Fareshare.

http://onaplateapp.com

In an effort to support the Travel Industry in Japan, The Real Japan on the 6th of July launched a Worldwide Online Contest to win a 100+1 day trip to Japan, called TRAVEL VOLUNTEER.

The idea for this project came from one of the employees at The Real Japan, while brainstorming how to bring Tourism back to Japan. After seeing the coverage about Japan from international media, The Real Japan felt a big part of information was missing: although the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear issue are terrible disasters, Japan as a country was NOT entirely destroyed or irradiated. All other places outside the evacuation zone are totally safe, but the media never mentioned it. This had severe consequences for many businesses in the travel & tourism industry, so in turn decided to create this project to promote Japan amongst the world’s travellers and show that it still is a safe & wonderful country to visit

Starting the journey on September 15, 2011, the selected TRAVEL VOLUNTEER will visit all of Japan’s 47 prefectures and share impressions through a dedicated travel blog and through social networks. All travel and accommodation expenses, including international airfares will be covered by the project.

Candidates are invited to apply by July 31, 2011 and international support is also sought for this non-profit initiative, whether in the form of a financial or non-financial contribution.

There has been an overwhelming response to the project, within three days of the announcement 200 people from 20 different countries applied.

Detailed information is available on the projects website: http://www.travelvolunteer.net and www.facebook.com/travelvolunteerproject

Please support our project by spreading the word via the Internet and visiting The Real Japan website’s support section.

Viceroy Hotel Group has been selected as operator of the renowned Yas Hotel on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the Emirate’s leading leisure and entertainment destination. The hotel, owned by Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi’s leading property development, investment and management company, will officially transition to Viceroy management immediately.

The Yas Hotel boasts 499 rooms, with 75 suites, each at 531 square feet and above. The spaces are contemporary, fitted with custom-built pieces of furniture and specially made fabrics. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels are installed throughout the guest accommodations, allowing for superb views of the water in the bedroom and natural light to filter in to the rain showers in the bathroom. Located at the heart of the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Yas Hotel welcomed its first guests for the inaugural race in 2009. At that time, the property unveiled its unique design with LED shroud, programmed to change colors and shades in different parts of the hotel. The property’s amenities include a gym, spa, two rooftop pools, eight international restaurants, two bars and 10 meeting and board rooms. For more information, visit www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

A thick snowfall came to New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region over the past week, leaving its six ski fields in superb shape for the winter season. Snow storms have dumped up to two meters of fresh powder on the region’s six ski fields in just a week, and now blue skies are in the forecast for the start of the New Zealand school holidays.

Queenstown’s closest ski field Coronet Peak has received approximately 0.9 meters of snow in the past week, while sister ski field The Remarkables has notched up 0.8 meters and has just opened its Shadow Basin terrain. Cardrona Alpine Resort has received 1.15 meters of accumulated snow fall since opening day and launched its new Valley View Quad chair. Snow Park NZ has received 1.2 meters since opening on June 30, while cross-country ski area Snow Farm has also been blanketed with 1.2 meters of white gold. Treble Cone ski area has been inundated with snow, receiving at least two meters in the last week (1.8 meters fell in the car park alone), and ski area staff are grooming and opening up new terrain daily. For more information, visit www.queenstownnz.co.nz