Jetsettersblog

World Travel Holdings (WTH) today announced the debut of VillaRental.com, which provides a novel way to plan the world’s best villa vacations in more than 50 destinations. With a unique twist on the villa vacation planning process, the new site offers a fresh take on the way consumers search for and create the perfect vacation, customized to their vacation style and specific reasons for traveling.

“Villa vacations are rising in popularity not only because they offer affordable luxury, but also because it’s the ideal vacation for anyone seeking a truly customizable, private vacation with more amenities and space than at a hotel or resort,” said Steve Lassman, Vice President and General Manager of VillaRental.com.

“When planning a vacation, consumers usually begin with a purpose for travel – whether for a multi-generational family reunion or honeymoon escape – so we’ve developed this site to create a truly personalized vacation planning experience.”

Unlike other sites, VillaRental.com lets travelers narrow down their vacation options based on personal interests or “theme vacations,” rather than solely relying on destination searches. On the new site, villas are categorized by vacation types, so that travelers who know what they’d like to do – but not where they’d like to go – can search with more ease and flexibility.

“Themed Vacation” option searches available on VillaRental.com include, among others:

• Spa Retreat (Virgin Gorda’s Baraka Point or Tuscany’s Villa Lucia)
• Eco-Friendly (Costa Rica’s Mariposa or Oahu’s Villa Soluna)
• LGBT (Tuscany’s Casa Marcando or Anguilla’s Tequila Sunrise)
• Corporate Retreat (Hacienda Santa Ines in Costa Rica and Nandana Private Resort in the Bahamas)
• Kid-Friendly (Coral House in Turks & Caicos and Knockando at Round Hill, Jamaica)
• Wine Region (Sonoma’s Tin Cross Winery House or La Maison Blanche in Loire Valley)
• Golf or Tennis Hotspots (Maui’s Azure or St. Martin’s Sandyline)

Complementing its innovation in design and functionality, VillaRental.com boasts a team of specialists who work behind-the-scenes to leverage their own personal knowledge of the site’s properties. Guest Arrival Concierges can arrange a variety of deliveries and services before travelers ever arrive – including car rentals, pre-stocked groceries, private chef services, tours & excursions, and more. In most destinations, the VillaRental.com team can also arrange for butlers, maids, chefs, babysitters and other special services.

“With VillaRental.com, we are harnessing our expertise and commitment to personal service, redefining how consumers plan travel,” said Lassman. “We utilize the knowledge of our villa specialists to offer travelers not only personal service and expertise, but an entirely new way to plan the vacation of a lifetime.”

VillaRental.com also makes it easier than ever for travelers to find added value in booking the vacation of their dreams – whether that means offering more privacy, more amenities or more service – never sacrificing affordability. The site’s “Hot Deals” section features real-time promotions that are available in many destinations and may include a 40% savings, 7h night free, free car rental and dining credit offers.

For more information or to sign up for the new company’s e-newsletter – including villa rental tips, deals, news and more – visit www.VillaRental.com.

About World Travel Holdings
Co-founded by Brad and Jeff Tolkin in 2005, World Travel Holdings (WTH) is a multi-brand travel distributor with executive offices in Port Washington, New York and corporate offices in Wilmington, Massachusetts. World Travel Holdings’ owned brands include CruiseOne, Cruises Inc., Cruises Only, Cruises.com, Rooms.com, Vacation Outlet, Villas of Distinction, Island Hideaways and the new VillaRental.com. WTH’s portfolio of licensed partner brands includes BJ’s Travel, Orbitz Cruises, Priceline.com Cruises, American Airlines Cruises, Continental.com cruises, and many others.

Ultimate Golf Vacation Offers Unlimited Golf at Cabo del Sol for a Limited Time Only

Los Cabos, Mexico – For a limited time, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort in Los Cabos is giving golfers the chance to play two of the world’s top courses for an unlimited number of rounds, as well as enjoy the ambiance and flavors of the luxurious resort.

The resort’s Ultimate Golf Vacation includes unlimited golf at Cabo del Sol Golf Courses (Ocean and Desert) for two guests; transfers between the hotel and golf course; deluxe accommodations featuring the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed and a whirlpool tub; daily buffet breakfast for two at Tomates Restaurant; and a late 4 p.m. check out based on availability. A minimum three-night stay is required. Rates start at $259 USD per night (two people) through September 30.

The Cabo del Sol Ocean Course is one of the 100 best courses in the world according to Golf Magazine. It is a 7,103-yard, par-72, Jack Nicklaus-designed resort course set on the tranquil shores of the Sea of Cortez. The course traverses rocky coastline and cactus-filled arroyos on its journey down to the beach. On the final two holes, players hit over crashing surf in the Bahia de las Ballenas (Whale Bay), invariably prompting comparison to Pebble Beach.

In addition, the Cabo del Sol Desert Course is an 18-hole, par-72, Tom Weiskopf-designed course featuring mountain-style play in a seaside location. The course varies in length with five sets of tees making it comfortable for all levels of play. The design takes advantage of natural river washes, subtle changes in elevation and dramatic bunkering. Golf Digest has rated The Desert Course is rated sixth in all of Mexico.

For more information on the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort’s Ultimate Golf Vacation, including any package restrictions, or to make reservations, please call 52-624-145-8000 or visit www.sheratonloscabos.com, using promotion code GOLFPK.

About Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos

Situated on 28 acres overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, with 270 guest rooms each featuring the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, whirlpool tubs and private terraces, is impeccably reminiscent of an upscale seaside village. The sprawling, Hacienda-inspired resort is home to five restaurants and five bars, four infinity and cascading swimming pools, the acclaimed Cactus Spa and Fitness Center (part of the Starwood Spa Collection) and a broad selection of outdoor activities. Boasting Los Cabos’ largest meetings facility with more than 18,000 square feet of function space, Sheraton Hacienda del Mar welcomes meetings and special events of all sizes. A small chapel and beachfront locations are also available for weddings and the staff has extensive experience with multicultural wedding planning. For more information, please visit www.sheratonloscabos.com  or call (011) 52-624-145-8000.

The Sentosa Buskers Festival is to take place on the Singapore island resort.

The Singapore island resort Sentosa is to play host to the Sentosa Buskers Festival 2011

Running from September 3rd to 11th, the event is returning by popular demand and will see 12 international performers entertaining visitors between the hours of 16:00 and 22:00 local time.

Billed as an experience for the whole family, the Buskers Festival will include stunts, tricks and displays from clowns, jugglers and puppeteers, who are travelling to Sentosa from more than five different countries.

The performances will be taking place at the Merlion Plaza, Imbiah Terrace, Songs of the Sea Forecourt and Siloso Beach, and will be free to those who have already paid for entry to the island.

Located 15 minutes from the city, Sentosa has become one of the most popular tourist spots in Singapore, offering beaches, rainforests and a yachting marina, as well as spa retreats, golf courses and themed attractions.

Among them is a Universal Studios theme park, which is the first of its kind in south-east Asia.

A large selection of Singapore hotels can be viewed at AsiaRooms.com for those keen to visit, including The Fragrance Hotel.

Find out more information about the festival at http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/whats-on/events

A variety of jazz acts from around the world will perform in the Hong Kong International Jazz Festival starting next month.
Visitors to Hong Kong will be able to enjoy varied musical entertainment at the Hong Kong International Jazz Festival, which commences next month.

The programme of events will kick off on September 29th with a concert at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and will run until October 2nd, during which a wide range of acts from around the world will perform.

Among the musicians in the lineup are the Freddy Cole Quartet, Chico & the Gypsies, Ted Lo & the Jazz Strings Ensemble, Emil Viklicky and many more.

Over the course of the eight days, in excess of 300 artists from 24 countries will take part in more than 60 performances and workshops, making the festival the biggest of its kind in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong International Jazz Festival has been run by the Hong Kong Jazz Association since 2008 and has grown in scale and international prestige since.

Events will be held at a wide variety of venues in the city, including West Kowloon Cultural District, Tom Lee Academy Hall, Hong Kong City Hall and Citywalk 2.

Jazz lovers can take their pick of a range of Hong Kong hotels at AsiaRooms.com, including the Kings De Nathan.

A full set of details about the jazz festival can be located at http://www.hkijf.com/en

The annual Phichit Long Boat Races will be taking place in Thailand at the beginning of September 2011.

PHITSANULOKE, THAILAND — Holidaymakers travelling to Thailand next month will have an opportunity to witness the Phichit Long Boat Races on the Nan River.

Races of this kind are a fixture of Thai culture each September in various provinces, with the Phichit event known as one of the oldest and most famous examples.

Taking place on September 4th and 5th in front of Wat Tha Luang temple, attendees will be able to see 40 traditional long boats taking part in different types of race, including competitions for 41 to 55 paddlers and events with 30 or less.

Participants will be striving to claim the prestigious Royal Trophy, the presentation of which can also be seen by visitors.

In addition to the races themselves, various stalls will be set up in the vicinity, selling locally-produced handicraft souvenirs, as well as regional delicacies.

Among them are guava, tamarind sweets and other organically-grown fruits and vegetables from the area.

The Phichit Long Boat Races will be taking place all day and will be free to attend.

Those interested in witnessing the event can browse a large selection of Thailand hotels at AsiaRooms.com, including the Pattara Resort & Spa, Phitsanuloke.

Further details about this festival can be found at http://www.tourismthailand.org/ .

Book your skiing holiday before the 31st October 2011 with VIP SKI, the luxury chalet operator, and save £100 per person on seven special Saver Weeks! The £100 discount applies for bookings at all VIP SKI chalets for departures on 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th January, 5th February, 18th & 25th March. But book early to avoid disappointment.

Here is a taste of VIP SKI’s Saver Week prices…

Altitude Lodge – Les Gets (sleeps 18-29)
Brand new for the 2010 / 11 season, the Altitude Lodge offers ski in / ski out accommodation, family rooms, twin rooms, terrace and piste side bar. With hot tubs, sauna, massage room, children’s play room, hotel bar and separate living and TV rooms, the Altitude has been a hugely popular addition to the VIP SKI collection.
SAVER WEEK PRICE – £869 per person for departures on 15th January 2012 if booked before the 31st October 2011.

Chalet Mariefleur – Meribel (Sleeps 8-10)
Mariefleur is a substantial detached wooden chalet nestling in VIP SKI’s exclusive private enclave at the entrance to Meribel. Situated close to its sisters, Brioche, Marielaine and Altair, Mariefleur has 5 spacious en suite rooms, hot tub and sauna, and a cosy sunken snug next to the fireplace.
SAVER WEEK PRICE – £819 per person for departures on 8th January 2012 if booked before the 31st October 2011.

Le Village, Chalet La Ferme – Alpe d’Huez (sleeps 10)
Chalet La Ferme sits within VIP SKI’s exclusive development of five chalets in Alpe d’Huez. Built around an atmospheric cobbled courtyard at a giddying altitude of 2000m, and surrounded on two sides by piste, offering ski-in ski-out convenience. Stone walls, slate roofs, vaulted ceilings, solid timber floors, hi-tec entertainment, snappy chic en-suite bathrooms, hot tub, sauna… all the ubiquitous toys that have become the company’s trademark can be found at Chalet La Ferme.
SAVER WEEK PRICE – £859 per person for departures on 18th March 2012 if booked before the 31st October 2011.

Aspen Lodge, Suite 6 – Val d’Isere (sleeps 6)
Aspen Lodge is VIP SKI’s flagship property in the centre of Val d’Isere and represents a revolutionary concept in catered ski holidays. Suite 6 features 3 en suite bedrooms, private living and dining area and kitchen. Aspen Lodge also has a large reception area on the ground floor along with a concierge desk giving you the ultimate in location, style and comfort. All Aspen Lodge Suites will open for the 2011/12 season with a re-design to strip out the chintz and ladle on some contemporary urban cool. Watch this space! All suites have a south facing terrace or balcony and the ski lifts and piste are just a short stroll away.
SAVER WEEK PRICE – £879 per person for departures on 15th January 2012 if booked before the 31st October 2011.

Summit View, Garda Suite, La Plagne (sleeps 6-8)
Offering a killer combination of stylish comfort and cutting edge décor, Summit View is set in an unbeatable on-piste location at 2,000m altitude! This property has a boutique-hotel vibe thanks to luxurious soft furnishings, original works of art, solid oak floors, recessed flat screens and BOSE audio systems. All suites have balconies overlooking the spectacular Grand Rochette mountain and the Front de Neige slopes.
SAVER WEEK PRICE – £779 per person for departures on 15th January 2012 if booked before the 31st October 2011.

VIP SKI prices include;
Return flights from Gatwick, coach transfers, accommodation, catered chalet board of cooked breakfast, afternoon tea, three course evening meal on 6 nights followed by cheese board and coffee and mints, house wine, ski and snowboard hosting, daily newspapers and complimentary toiletries.

Additional VIP services;
Guests can also choose to book; valet parking, private transfers and private VIP SKI nannies.

For more information about VIP SKI ring 0844 557 3119 or visit www.vip-chalets.com.

Great Ideas for a ‘WOW’ Wedding Celebration at Millennium Hotels and Resorts
Not every bride needs an elephant in her wedding party but some who celebrate at Millennium Hotels and Resorts do. Or maybe they want Elvis, girls on trapezes, or cakes shaped like the Stanley Cup. And, some prefer Tiffany stained glass and illuminated dance floors, or mint juleps, magnolias in bloom and white-gloved butlers serving Champagne.

The days of traditional “one size fits all” weddings are long gone. Bridal couples today want a celebration that expresses who they are, what they love – aside from one another – what they value, even what makes them laugh. Particularly as America grows more diverse ethnically and culturally, wedding planners and the facilities and services they use are increasing challenged to be creative, imaginative, flexible and multi-talented. Several examples from Millennium showcase not only the hotel company’s extraordinary capabilities and versatility, but serve as great ideas for planners seeking new ideas for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

The Millennium Broadway, for example, offers not only the cosmopolitan excitement of being in the heart of New York City’s theatre district but a historic theater itself as a very classy setting. Backlit Tiffany stained glass ceilings and mosaic tiles, gorgeous chandeliers, balconies and the thrill of dancing on a real Broadway stage help create a uniquely memorable celebration. Built in 1903 and lovingly restored, the Hudson Theatre has been home to everyone from Barbara Streisand, Louis Armstrong, Robert Duvall, and Elvis to Bob Hope, Tina Fey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Maher. Popular with a broad mix of bridal parties, the Millennium Broadway is also one of the premier kosher wedding destinations in New York.

On the subject of Elvis, he is just one of several stars impersonated for weddings at the Millennium Hotel Minneapolis. Others include Michael Jackson and Darth Vader. The hotel’s WOW factors include a roof-top wedding space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass geodesic dome, complimentary upgrades, even to the Presidential Suite, for bride and groom, and a gift attendant to watch over the bridal treasures. The Millennium Minneapolis has hosted Russian, Indian, Korean, Somali and Ethiopian weddings with style and appropriate specialty menus.

Not surprisingly, given its location, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles is no stranger to spectacular weddings. One couple requested a girl swinging from a circular trapeze pouring wine for the guests; another had an enormous willow tree as decoration. In addition to Jewish orthodox and kosher weddings, the Biltmore has helped organize the groom’s arrival by horse for Indian weddings, Persian and Muslim weddings, even themed henna parties prior to the big event. The hotel’s magnificent Crystal Ballroom, with its own Tiffany ornamentation, hosted the founding banquet of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in 1927 when the design for the “Oscar” was drawn on a dinner napkin.

The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago has had its share of unique weddings as well. After a bride-to-be was proposed to during the Chicago Blackhawk’s winning the Stanley Cup, the couple married at the hotel, complete with Blackhawk rally towels for the guests and a wedding cake in the shape of the famous trophy. With its elegantly illuminated dance floor, the historic Knickerbocker is also popular with New Year’s Eve wedding celebrations, with their own countdown clock, Champagne and streamers shot from the balconies.

Situated in one of America’s most rabid sports towns, the Millennium Bostonian, no surprise, has seen a Boston Red Sox-themed wedding or two, as well as casual celebrations featuring such food presentations as lobster rolls, mac and cheese and French fries in newspaper cones. The hotel’s Seasons Ballroom, with panoramic, atrium-style windows overlooking the historic heart of Boston is also a favorite for 4th of July celebrations featuring the city’s brilliant fireworks display.

The Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville offers something a little different: an all-inclusive Signature Southern Wedding package. The party begins with greeters, male and female, dressed in southern antebellum attire and features trellises and archways, gardens, magnolia, hydrangea and white roses, mint juleps, of course, and a string quartet. The hotel also provides a bride and bridesmaid hospitality room, a groom and groomsmen hospitality room, butler service, customized catering, and even white parasols as take-home gifts for the guests. In a fitting finale, bride and groom are transported away from the festivities in a horse-drawn carriage through the city’s Centennial Park.

And the elephant? That was at the request of an Indian bride-to-be at the Millennium Hotel Cincinnati. The hotels’ wedding specialists have helped plan numerous ethnic celebrations, even bringing in an Indian chef to ensure that the wedding feast was authentic. The hotel also uses kosher providers for Jewish celebrations. Among requested WOW wedding reception themes have been a Winter Wonderland, a South Beach party, and a complete Fairy Tale wedding in which the bride arrived on a horse.

The recent winter blast couldn’t have arrived soon enough, with New Zealanders keen to hit the slopes this winter, latest research shows.

According to the latest Fly Buys/Colmar Brunton Mood of the New Zealand Traveller Survey, released by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA), one in five Kiwis (19%) plan to go skiing or snowboarding this winter.

Fly Buys chief executive Lance Walker says the snow may have been delayed this season, but our eagerness to get up the mountain hasn’t waned.

“While seasoned pros are returning to the ski-fields this season, the poll found that just over 80,000 Kiwis will be giving skiing or snowboarding a go for the first time.

“When it comes to the fierce rivalry between skiing and snowboarding, skiing is still proving to be the most popular, favoured by almost twice the number of Kiwis – 11% of us are going skiing, 6% snowboarding and 2% are doing both,” he says.

TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says a strong ski season is just what is needed after a challenging few months in the South Island.

“It hasn’t been an easy time for South Island tourism, and a delayed start to the ski season hasn’t helped. But with the ski-fields starting to open and more snow forecast we’re hoping the South Island tourism industry receives a much-needed boost,” Mr Cossar says.

“South Island ski fields are a clear favourite with Kiwis. Coronet Peak, followed by Cardrona are voted the best places to ski or snowboard by mountain-goers. But for most of us the North Island fields are closer to our major population centres, so that’s where the majority of us will actually visit,” Mr Cossar says.

Despite people hunting out snow, two urban hotspots top the list of destinations to visit in winter. Wellington remains at number one, Auckland second and Queenstown third. Colmar Brunton Chief Executive Harry Pappafloratos says these results aren’t surprising.

“These cities were the top three in March this year when we conducted our last survey, but what is surprising is that Rotorua has moved into 4thplace – up from 8th place in March. Rotorua has always been a hotspot for international tourists. It’s interesting to see Kiwis are heading there too.

When it comes to international travel, the poll found 43% of New Zealanders are planning an overseas trip in the next six months and Australia, US and UK are our top three international hot-spots respectively.

“Interestingly, Thailand has moved into 5thplace this time around, knocking Fiji out of the top five,” Mr Pappafloratos says.

For the full report visit www.tianz.org.nz/main/mood-of-the-traveller

Friday, October 28 at 8 p.m.

Tickets on-sale on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at 10 a.m.

LAS VEGAS – Country music icon Martina McBride is set to perform at the Grand Events Center inside Green Valley Ranch resort on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at 8 p.m. This will mark the first time McBride has performed at a Station Casinos’ property in her dazzling career, bringing the show to the heart of the valley’s locals.

Dubbed the “Céline Dion of country music,” McBride has established herself as one of music’s most successful musicians, with five platinum-certified albums, 2 multi-platinum certified albums and one gold-certified album, all of which have resulted in over 18 million albums sold worldwide.

In addition, McBride has been awarded the Country Music Association’s “Female Vocalist of the Year” award four times and the Academy of Country Music’s “Top Female Vocalist” award three times, in addition to 10 Grammy nominations.

Beginning with her breakthrough 1997 album, Evolution, McBride has released a string of major hit singles including, “Wild Angels,” “A Broken Wing,” “Wrong Again” and “Blessed.” McBride has reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country chart five times and the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart once with her 2003 release, “This One’s for the Girls.”

McBride’s most recent album, I’m Gonna Love You Through It, was released in 2010 and features the singles, “Teenage Daughters” and “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” both of which broke into the top 50 on the Billboard Hot Country chart.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and show time is 8 p.m. This is an all ages show and those under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $42.50, $55, $65 and $75 plus tax and applicable fees and go on sale Saturday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center and The Fiestas, by calling 702.547.5300 or logging onto www.stationcasinos.com.

About Green Valley Ranch

The AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Green Valley Ranch Resort opened in 2001 as the first luxury resort built off the Las Vegas Strip, in Henderson, just minutes away from McCarran International Airport and the Las Vegas Strip. It boasts nearly 500 guest rooms and suites, a 30,000-square-foot spa, eight restaurants, exciting casino action and the hottest nightlife. Green Valley Ranch Resort is located at 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway. Please call 702.617.7777 or visit www.greenvalleyranchresort.com  for more information.

FANTASY Dancers Host the Ultimate Day-life Party on Thursday, August 18

LAS VEGAS – Summer days in Las Vegas just got hotter as the gorgeous ladies of Luxor’s hit show FANTASY, The Strip’s Biggest Tease, host at Liquid Pool Lounge, at Aria Resort & Casino Thursday, August 18 from 1-5 p.m.

The FANTASY cast will bring their knock-out bodies and sultry moves to The Strip’s sexiest pool party destination. The lovely ladies will mix and mingle poolside with guests while giving away and signing their 2011 calendar as well as ticket vouchers to the steamy adult revue.

Celebrating its 11th successful year on The Strip, FANTASY has shaped itself into one of Las Vegas’ leading adult shows. Dynamic lead singer Lorena Peril adds an exciting and unforgettable element with her amazing powerhouse vocals as she takes center-stage alongside a talented cast of beautiful dancers.

Great for singles and couples alike, the sexy production showcases 17 high-energy numbers set to a variety of today’s top music genres. While the gorgeous dancers lure guests into their wildest fantasies, comic relief Sean E. Cooper keeps audiences on their toes with his spot-on impressions of some of pop culture’s most recognizable personalities.

FANTASY performs nightly at 10:30 p.m. in the Atrium Showroom at Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Tickets start at $39, plus taxes and handling fees. Guests must be 18 years of age or older. Tickets can be purchased at the Luxor box office, online at http://www.Luxor.com  or by calling (800) 557-7428 or (702) 262-4400.