Jetsettersblog

Southern Ocean Lodge is excited to announce its inaugural Yoga Retreat on Kangaroo Island from Friday November 18 to Sunday November 20.

Skye Lifestyle has partnered with Southern Ocean Lodge to present a weekend of wellness tailored to all levels, from beginner yoga students to advanced practitioners.

Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia’s first true luxury lodge experience. Sensitively designed to float amongst the untouched coastal drama of Kangaroo Island’s South West coast and commanding spectacular ocean, beach and wilderness views, the celebrated world-class lodge offers a unique fusion of nature and luxury.

The two night package aims to offer participants a range of benefits including a calmer mind; healthier sleeping patterns; release of tension; increased flexibility and boosted energy to enjoy the natural delights of Australia’s own Galapagos, Kangaroo Island.

A signature itinerary of selected guided island experiences are included and yoga and meditation classes will complement the relaxed luxury of Southern Ocean Lodge while dining experiences will delight the senses

The Southern Ocean Lodge yoga retreat is priced from $1,980 per person twin share and includes

• 2 nights luxury accommodation

• All dining

• Open Bar with selected wines and spirits

• In-Suite Bar

• Selected guided Kangaroo Island experiences

• Island airport transfers

• Six mixed yoga and meditation classes with Skye Baird

Further details on the pacakge are available from Skye Baird on 0400 647 236 or skye@skyelifestyle.com.au

Focus on Fall Foliage Travel by Bike

SHERBORN, MA,– The tour operator who promotes independence on two wheels, Great Freedom Adventures (http://www.greatfreedomadventures.com/), announces that two iconic arts / crafts festivals coincide with fall bike tours of the Hudson Valley and Vermont.

The first is the annual Vermont Fine Furniture and Woodworking Festival Sept. 24-25 in Woodstock, VT, in tandem with a Sept. 25-30 tour “Best of Vermont”. The second is the Oct. 7-10 Art’s Walk in Hudson, NY, the region’s largest arts festival, that begins on the day an Oct. 2-7 Hudson Valley tour ends.

In both locations cyclists will ride high on seasonal sights and scents under fall foliage canopies that make these two regions best bets for autumn travel.

In tandem with the showcase in Woodstock of some of the world’s finest handmade furniture, the nearby Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park presents its annual Forest Festival that sheds light on the birthplace of the environmental movement in America and the fact that George Perkins Marsh and Frederick Billings were among the first men in the country to realize that deforesting land would ruin it.

“When Billings returned from the California Gold Rush to the barren hills of Vermont he did something about it by reforesting his Woodstock hills and building a farm that would serve as a model of wise stewardship for future generations,” said Rummel.

“Our tour guests hike the hillsides through this managed forest to a viewpoint which once again radiates with colorful autumn foliage.”

The Hudson Valley arts festival includes literary and music events and an Artist’s Marketplace at the waterfront in Hudson along the Hudson River.

Scheduled departures and per person double occupancy rates for all of Great Freedom Adventures’ late summer / fall programs are:

-Best of Vermont Fall Foliage Bike Tour – 6 Days/5 Nights; Sept. 25-30 at $2,395, single supplement $450

www.greatfreedomadventures.com/vermont-bike-tours.html.

-Magnificent Hudson Valley, New York Fall Foliage Bike Tour – 6 Days/5 Nights; Oct. 2-7 at $2,350, single supplement $425

http://www.greatfreedomadventures.com/new-york-bike-tours.html

-Enthralling Block Island, RI Tour – 4 Days/3 Nights; Sept. 11-14 at $2,195, single supplement $500

http://www.greatfreedomadventures.com/block-island-ri-vacations.html

Note: This is also offered as a 3 Day/2 Night tour, Sept. 11-13 for $1,225, single supplement of $350.

-Maritime New England Bike Tour, Boston’s Fabled North Shore – 6 Days/5 Nights; Aug, 21-26 at $2,295, single supplement $500

http://www.greatfreedomadventures.com/new-england-bike-tours.html

On all trips, guests may use their own bikes or take advantage of a complimentary helmet and bike offer from Great Freedom Adventures.

While biking is the main daily activity, none is a bike-compulsive itinerary. Company founder Jeanne Rummel has sleuthed out artisanal cheese-making farms, micro breweries, sunset sails, hiking trails, iconic homesteads, mansions, gardens and more to engage the curious in ways that allow them to discover new worlds.

Rummel has selected upscale lodges that mirror their locales and that also bring a diversity of proprietors into each regional and cultural mix.

The programs include some lunches and all but one dinner so that guests can explore local eateries on their own now and then. Lodging, all breakfasts, most meals, guides, van support, entrance fees where required and other region-specific costs are included in the tour rate, with the exception of alcoholic beverages and guide gratuities.

About Great Freedom Adventures

Great Freedom Adventures offers road bike tours with hiking and kayaking in New England and New York in regions distinguished by possessing a unique diversity of natural and cultural interests. The tours are three to six days in length and are fully guided and supported. Please see the website for additional information and for specific information on each tour. For information please call (508) 545-1864 or (877) 545-1864 or visit: http://www.greatfreedomadventures.com

HOPKINS, Belize — It doesn’t have to be a white Christmas to be a good one.

In fact, many young couples are getting as far from snow and mistletoe as they can this Yuletide season and jetting off to Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort in Belize. Specially designed for romantic getaways, Hamanasi provides extravagant tree houses and ocean front rooms to guests, along with the best of Belize on and offshore. Visitors can dive along Belize’s vibrant reefs, trek through the rain forest, or climb the pyramids of the ancient Maya. The resort offers more opportunities for adventure than even the most ambitious tourist can squeeze into a single trip, all while keeping one eye on the local environment.

The health of the reefs and rainforests that surround Hamanasi are essential to the mission and philosophy behind the resort, so visitors are treated to an experience that puts them in harmony with a part of the world still teeming with life.

Hamanasi is also offering a special package in anticipation of December 21, 2012, when the Mayans predicted the end of the world.

Reservations are available now for adventurers who want to see some of Central America’s most pristine sights before the lights go out for good.

After all, this Christmas just might be the last.

www.hamanasi.com

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to take part in a volunteer vacation or a volunteer wildlife conservation program? Biosphere Expeditions, a volunteer wildlife conservation organization, is announcing brand new Sampler Days that will take place in select US state and national parks in 2012.

These one day events will offer people the chance to be “scientist for the day” as they find out what it’s really like to be a part of a team of volunteers, assisting scientists with wildlife research and conservation.

The Sampler Days will take part in Minnewaska State Park in New York, Lory State Park in Colorado, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in California. Participants will see what it’s like to be part of a small team, working alongside park rangers, expedition leaders, and fellow volunteers while learning about wildlife research and conservation skills.

Skills include things like working with a map, a GPS and compass, collecting important animal data, reading animal tracks and signs, using telemetry equipment, and setting up wildlife camera traps.

Volunteers also get to learn about the flora and fauna, history, and conservation work happening within the various parks.

The Sampler Days are a perfect way for potential volunteers to find out whether or not they are interested in participating in a longer volunteer wildlife program, which Biosphere Expeditions offers in fascinating locations around the world. www.biosphere-expeditions.org

Lions, Hippos and Rafts, oh my!

The world’s premiere river outfitter, O.A.R.S., is introducing a brand new African safari and river expedition for 2012. O.A.R.S. financed the first decent of Africa’s legendary Zambezi River over 30 years ago, and they are going back to Africa with this eight-day expedition, combining four days of exhilarating Class IV-V rafting on the Zambezi River with three days on Safari in Botswana.

The Zambezi is one of Africa’s most famous and daunting rivers, and is considered one of the ten classic rivers of the world.

The group will put in on the Zambezi at the base of Victoria Falls, a breathtaking waterfall and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Over the course of four days of rafting, the group will tackle rapids like “Morning Glory,” “Stairway to Heaven,” “Oblivion,” “Gnashing Jaws of Death,” and “Ghostrider.”

After the final rapids have been run a scenic helicopter ride will take the group back up the magnificent Batoka Gorge to Victoria Falls, and back to civilization.

The group will then head from Zambia into Botswana for three days of safari in Chobe National Park.

Daily game drives will provide a chance to see Botswana’s diverse wildlife, including lions, hippos, giraffes, impala, water buffalo, crocodiles, and one of Africa’s largest populations of elephants.

O.A.R.S. is offering two departures of this brand-new trip in September 2012, specific dates are still to be announced. The trip is priced at $2895 per person based on double occupancy and includes skilled professional guide service, transfers, all meals, all activities and equipment, park fees and permits, three nights of catered camping, and four nights of comfortable lodge accommodations.

To learn more visit oars.com or contact O.A.R.S. Private & Charter Trips Manager, Carrie Aronson at 1-800-346-6277ext. 4786.

GENEVA – Cyclomundo’s shoulder season discounts give cyclists a chance to save big while experiencing the exquisite sights, smells and tastes of the French wine country.

Cyclomundo’s award-winning self guided cycle touring vacations allow cyclists to ride at their own pace, experiencing what they want to experience and seeing exactly what they want to see. Cyclomundo takes care of all route planning, accommodations, meals, and luggage transfers, allowing vacationers to relax and focus on enjoying the ride.

Cyclists visiting France during the shoulder season, usually late September through November, will enjoy generous discounts, typically 5-10% off the high season rates.

Burgundy: Cycling Through Wine Labels

Featuring one of France’s longest greenways, Burgundy is a cyclist’s paradise.

As the route winds through the countryside you’ll pass charming farms and hamlets, centuries-old castles and abbeys, and of course the famous vineyards.

There is plenty of time to stop and savor the famous Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Burgundies of big name wineries like Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanee, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Cote de Beune.

Departures October 1 – November 5 enjoy a €50 discount off the high season rate, with pricing from €715 per person, additional info and full itinerary at http://www.cyclomundo.com/p_burgundy_dijon_8_days.htm

Bordeaux: A Short Escape

This short 4 night bicycling tour through Bordeaux, one of France’s most prolific wine making regions, provides just a taste of Bordeaux’s 500+ vineyards and wineries. After departing the town of Bordeaux you will ride through the famous wine making region of Entre-Deux-Mers, stopping for tastings at wineries and tours of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the hilltop village of Saint Emilion and the medieval abbey of La Sauve Majeure.
Departures October 1 – November 5 enjoy a €30 discount off the high season rate, with pricing from €590 per person, additional info and full itinerary at

www.cyclomundo.com/p_burgundy_dijon_8_days.htm  

Provence: Cycling Through the Vineyards of Cotes du Rhone
This 7-night route through the Cotes du Rhone region of Provence will make any participant an expert in the region’s wine culture.

As you cycle north from Avignon you will pass through the vineyards of Lirac, Vacqueryras, Gigondas, Beaumes-de-Venise, and Cotes du Ventoux, as well as the world-renowned wine making town Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Departures October 1 – November 5 enjoy a €95 discount off the high season rate, with pricing from €820 per person, additional info and full itinerary at

www.cyclomundo.com/p_vignobles_cotes_rhone_eng.htm

www.cyclomundo.com

HOPKINS, Belize- As the summer crowds retreat home in time for school, Belize becomes the perfect place for an affordable grown up getaway.

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Reosrt’s central location provides easy access from the reef to the rainforest and knowledgeable guides to share local information. Imagine learning to scuba dive on the Southern Barrier Reef, snorkeling along the coral reefs of Belizean atolls, or fishing for barracuda and king mackerel with local anglers.

On land there are Mayan pyramids to be discovered, rainforests and caves to explore, tropical birds to be found, waterfalls to swim in, and rivers to canoe.

Travelers preferring a relaxing retreat will enjoy swinging in a private hammock, reading a book by the pool, chatting with the locals, or simply strolling sandy beaches.

Currently low season rates are available on customizable Reef and Rainforest and Maya End of the World Packages. Couples considering a destination wedding or honeymoon may opt for a romance or beach wedding package.

Travelers looking to experience Belize can take advantage of the quiet and value of the low season from now until mid-December.

www.hamanasi.com

CODY, Wyo.- Dude ranches are packed with excitement for families, couples, and singles. Typically a ranch stay lasts a week, but over Labor Day Weekend a number of ranches pack all the fun into four days. Here are a few ranch specials in Colorado over the long weekend:

• AAA four diamond Lost Valley Ranch celebrates with a four day, three night Family Roundup. The weekend starts with their famous BBQ and wild west entertainment and ends a fried chicken picnic and horseback ride.

In between there’s riding through the Pike National Forest, trapshooting in a meadow, Cowboy worship service, and square dancing beneath the stars.
• At Zapata Ranch the weekend is filled with horses, bison, gourmet meals, sand dunes, Cowboy musicians, campfires, and more. The Zapata Ranch is 103,000 acre bison and guest ranch owned by the Nature Conservancy and managed by a third generation ranching family

• Families looking for a spiritual retreat can sign up for Family Camp at Wind River Ranch. During the weekend guest speaker Bryan Scwartz, former NFL player who traded in his jersey to become an enthusiastic pastor, will be leading the activities. Guests can join Bryan and his family in everything from morning study and roasting marshmallows by the campfire to hiking in the mountains and fishing for trout.

To find more ranch deals and the best ranch fit for your family visit the Dude Ranchers Association website. The DRA has over 100 high quality member ranches across the Western U.S. and Canada from working cattle ranches to luxurious guest ranches and spas.

www.duderanch.org

ESTES PARK, Colo.- As the temperatures slowly creep back down to tolerable and the Aspens reward our patience with stunning golden scenes, two Colorado resorts prepare big travel savings.

Located on either end of Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road, the 870 acre Estes Park Center and 5,200 acre Snow Mountain Ranch prepare fall travel deals and family packages.

Larger groups and families can enjoy discounted Super Value and Value rates in cabins and lodge rooms.

An Autumn in the Rockies rate offers a free third night in 2-5 bedroom cabins, lodge rooms, and yurts.

Both properties are operated by YMCA of the Rockies and in addition to resort-style accommodations, offer guests numerous amenities, dining options, and activities.

While the weather is nice, travelers can go on guided nature hikes, photograph the changing seasons and active wild life, play through the disc and mini golf courses, practice archery skills, or visit the program office for ever-changing opportunities.

Guests can include their four-legged family members as well since both properties have pet-friendly accommodations and trails.

Learn more about YMCA of the Rockies Super Value, Value, and Autumn in the Rockies specials at

http://ymcarockies.org/specials.htm

The quality of trips offered by most travel companies changes with the ebb and flow of so-called “tourist seasons.”

Not so with Lake Tahoe-based company Myths and Mountains, which uses deep personal connections around the globe to provide its clients with life changing experiences all year.

In early November, when most destinations are either winding down or preparing for the start of their season, Myths and Mountains will offer one of its signature trips: READ Bhutan. Some of Bhutan’s most popular festivals take place in the first weeks of November, giving tourists an intimate look at one of Asia’s most vibrant cultures.

Travelers will spend 12 days touring the country, and will not only attend festivals but also visit local farms and villages.

Those who are handy in the kitchen can even learn to cook regional treats like Hontay or butter tea.

A portion of proceeds from the trip goes to benefit READ Bhutan, a non-profit devoted to teaching local children and adults to read.

A full itinerary is available here.

www.mythsandmountains.com