Jetsettersblog

ST. AGUSTINE, Fla. — You can experience the beautiful course at Royal St. Augustine Golf and Country Club for only $45 which includes golf, lunch, and practice balls.
The course is located only minutes from, St. Augustine, Florida’s oldest city which was established in 1565, and like this great city, Royal St. Augustine is certain to stand the test of time.
Royal St. Augustine Golf and C.C. meanders through lush foliage and exotic wetlands. Designer J. Christopher Commins protects par with undulating greens, shapely bunkers, and rolling terrain. The course puts a premium on accuracy as you negotiate the moguled fairways, well placed bunkers and lakes. The greens are large with gentle undulations.
After your round, enjoy and meal or drinks in the Royal St. Augustine clubhouse tavern, which boasts a wrap-around wooden bar, cathedral ceilings, and gas fireplace.
Dates: Offer valid through Dec. 31, 2011
Price range: $45

01 December will see the opening of Plage Bleue, a brand new luxury oceanfront development of private apartments and villas in Trou aux Biches for rental on the north west coast of Mauritius.

The property comprises of 12 x 3-bedroom apartments and 2 pool villas decorated in fresh contemporary style with all home comforts. All balconies are furnished with outdoor furniture and glass railings. Each apartment has its own Weber barbecue. The complex is right next door to Veranda Pointe aux Biches with its bar, restaurant and spa. Trou aux Biches is a popular beach resort with water -sports, scuba diving, island excursions and Grand Bay with its restaurants and shops just 10 minutes away. “After the success of our other luxury apartments this past year perfectly complementing our villa portfolio, we are delighted to add Plage Bleue with its clean and elegant style in this popular beach location” says Julie Gauthier Director and Co-Founder of Villas De Maitre

Accommodation

There are 12 apartment units and 2 villas in total:

๏4 Beachfront 120 m2 (3 bedrooms)

๏6 Premium 120m2 (3 Bedrooms)

๏2 Superior Apartments/Penthouses 170 m2 (3 bedrooms all en-suite)

๏2 villas 170 m2 (3 bedrooms all en-suite)

Highlights

-Beachfront location with stunning views
-Luxurious bathrooms

-Free WIFI

-Technologies such as docking station and DVD player in lounge accompanied by a 40″ mounted TV
-Open Plan kitchen with plenty of appliances
- Close to shops, bars and restaurants

-Dedicated villa manager and concierge

-Parking

About Villas De Maitre

Villas De Maitre is a leading luxury private villa company providing access to some of the most beautiful and exceptional villas in Mauritius and Seychelles. Villas De Maitre directors personally inspect and evaluate each villa guaranteeing that passion for excellence and quality expected by their clients. As well as providing accommodation and destination information, Villas De Maitre can organise extra services to suit every client’s needs, whether these are chefs, nannies, catamaran trips or excursions.

Villas De Maitre, market leader in Mauritius luxury private villa rental, has over 18 years experience of representing some of the most exclusive private luxury villas on the islands.

The acclaimed Foyle Film Festival, one of only a handful of festivals with the honour of being Oscar® affiliated, gets underway in November in Derry, Northern Ireland’s second city.

Now in its 24th year, the festival has become one of the most important in Europe. It has recently been recognised by BAFTA, further enhancing its reputation as a key annual event for filmmakers and film aficionados alike.

Derry is fast becoming one of Ireland’s most popular destinations and is set to raise its profile further in 2013 when it will take on the mantle of the UK City of Culture and host a year-long programme of major cultural events.

The city’s Foyle Film Festival offers an impressive line-up of screenings and premieres together with events, educational and outreach activities, and workshops.

Central to the festival is the Light in Motion competition.

Competition Manager Eavan King says: “We’re very excited about this year’s competition and look forward to viewing a high standard of work from a range of film-makers and artists from all corners of the world.

“Winning at the Foyle Film Festival can really launch a film to international attention. Short films that participate in the Festival are eligible to qualify for the Short Films category of the annual Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, while films that screen at Foyle can also submit their film to BAFTA.”

The Light in Motion competition categories are Best Irish Short, Best International Short, Best Animation and Best Documentary.

Eavan King adds: “Through the Foyle Film Festival, Derry serves as an international gateway for filmmakers and we are looking forward to once again welcoming both the local and international film communities.”

The Foyle Film Festival runs from 25 November to 3 December 2011.

www.discoverireland.com
www.foylefilmfestival.org

www.cityofculture2013.com

The Mariinsky Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet will perform at Madrid’s Teatro Real on December 5th.

MADRID, SPAIN,– Two of Russia’s most celebrated classical ballet companies are set to visit Madrid for a joint performance next month.

Taking place amid the splendour of the famous Teatro Real on Monday December 5th, the Russian Ballet Gala will combine the talents of the Mariinsky Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet.

Having only performed at the Spanish capital’s famous opera house for the first time in 2009, the Bolshoi dancers are due to return and provide a pre-Christmas treat for ballet fans in Madrid.

They will be joined by soloists from the Mariinsky Ballet, the world renowned St Petersburg troupe formerly known as the Imperial Russian Ballet.

People attending the show will also have an opportunity to visit one of Madrid’s most important cultural buildings.

Known locally as El Real, the opera house opened in 1850 and has hosted performances by many of the world’s finest ballet and opera companies.

Tickets for the Russian Ballet Gala can be purchased online, priced between EUR9 and EUR118 (GBP7.70 and GBP100.80). The show is due to begin at 20:00 local time.

For more information on this event, visit http://www.teatro-real.com

Johannesburg, South Africa, will host the 21st World Orchid Conference (WOC) at the Sandton Convention Center in September 2014. The conference is returning to South Africa more than 30 years after it was held in Durban in 1981. Lindiwe Kwele, CEO of Johannesburg Tourism, said, “An indication of the confidence that associations, PCO’s and events organizers have in Joburg as a destination is the impressive line-up of international events — with an estimated economic benefit to the city in excess of 200 million rand — set to take place in Joburg over the next three years.”

According to Kwele, Johannesburg is also seeing an increase in overseas incentive groups visiting in the city. During the past six months, JTC has hosted three large groups of medical professionals from India staying over in Joburg on incentive trips to South Africa.

“The increased business we’ve seen in the recent past gives credence to our positioning of Johannesburg as a sought-after lifestyle destination with diverse product appeal,” says Kwele. “Joburg is certainly making strides in its reputation and developments of this nature indicate that it is indeed on the radar as an appealing destination among DMC’s and international associations.” For more information, visit www.joburgtourism.com

Stena Line has been awarded the top ferry company for a record 19th time at the annual Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism Awards held in a glittering awards ceremony in Newcastle.

DUBLIN, IRELAND, November 19, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ — Stena Line has been voted the top ferry company for a record 19th time at the annual Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism Awards. The ‘Best Ferry Company’ award was presented to the ferry company at a glittering awards ceremony at the Slieve Donard Resort in Newcastle in October.

Northern Ireland Travel News has been organising the awards for the past 20 years. This year’s ceremony was hosted by TV personality Eamonn Holmes and was attended by over 450 VIPs from the local travel and tourism industry.

Paul Grant, Stena Line Route Director collected the award on behalf of the company. He commented: “I am absolutely delighted that Stena Line has won the Best Ferry Company title for the 19th time and all of us are very proud that our commitment to improving our services has been recognised once again.”

“Although this is our 19th win, it’s every bit as important as our first success in this prestigious ceremony. The travel industry is used to seeing innovation and high levels of customer service so when they say once again that we are the Best Ferry Company it underscores that the high standards we set ourselves lead the industry,” said Paul.

“We are moving into a very important time for Stena Line’s operation between Northern Ireland and Scotland. On November 21 we are scheduled to start our new Belfast to Cairnryan service which will also see the introduction of two new vessels, Stena Superfast VII and Superfast VIII, the largest ships every to have sailed between Northern Ireland and Scotland,” he continued.

“In the summer we also added the Belfast to Liverpool and Heysham services to our route network. Along with our purpose built Belfast Port in VT4 which was completed in 2008, the overall investment is in the region of GBP250M, a resounding endorsement of our confidence in the future of Belfast as the regional hub for both freight and passenger traffic,” he added.

Stena Line is the market leader on the Irish Sea, offering the biggest fleet and the widest choice of routes from Ireland to Britain, including Belfast to Cairnryan (launching 21 November), Belfast to Liverpool, Dublin Port to Holyhead, Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard. The company carries approximately two million passengers on its Irish Sea routes each year, more than its rival ferry operators combined.

About Stena Line:
Stena Line is the market leader on the Irish Sea, offering the biggest fleet and the widest choice of routes between Ireland and Britain, including Belfast to Cairnryan (launching 21 November), Belfast to Liverpool, Dublin Port to Holyhead, Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard. The ferry company carries over two million passengers on its Irish Sea ferry routes each year, more than its rival ferry operators combined.

Website: http://www.stenaline.co.uk/

The eighth Dubai International Film Festival will feature a diverse line-up of regional and international movies.

DUBAI, UAE, — Movie-makers and fans from around the world will come together for the latest edition of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), which is due to begin on Wednesday December 7th.

Established in 2004 as a new platform for the Arab film industry, the event has grown into the biggest festival of its kind in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

It now serves as a leading showcase for movies from the region and international productions, with a wide variety of features due to be screened over the seven days.

The festival’s Cinema of the World programme will include Spanish film Las Acacias by Pablo Giorgelli, who won the Camera d’Or award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Attendees will also have a chance to see George Clooney star in The Descendants, Alexander Payne’s adaption of the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings.

“The films in our Cinema of the World selection deliver on our promise to bring the best of world cinema to UAE audience,” said Masoud Amralla Al Ali, artistic director at DIFF.

All festival films are due to be screened at VOX Cinemas, the Mall of the Emirates or the Madinat Jumeirah. The box office for ticket purchases will open on November 22nd.

Film fans planning to visit hotels in Dubai will find plenty of options at LateRooms.com, which recommends the Golden Sands Hotel Apartments.

Visit http://www.dubaifilmfest.com/index.php/en/  for more information on this event.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced the addition of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athens to its portfolio of European hotels.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM,– The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, announces the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athens. The existing Athens Park Hotel will be rebranded as Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens by mid-December 2011. The 152 room property is Rezidor’s very first hotel in Greece – the company is now present in 65 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“Despite the recent crisis and still challenging times in Greece, hotels in the capital city Athens perform well. We are glad to arrive in the country and that we are able to further strengthen the development of our core, upper upscale brand Radisson Blu in South East Europe,” said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor.

“Our hotel is a leading deluxe property in Athens, operating for 35 years. The unique, modern and innovative design is inspired by an urban nature concept. We look forward to joining the Radisson Blu family and to starting a fruitful international cooperation,” commented Vassilis and Mary Deverikos, owners of the hotel.

The future Radisson Blu hotel was fully renovated in 2009/2010. Further renovations are also planned for 2012. Currently, the property comprises 152 guest rooms, Gallo Nero restaurant, The Oak Room bar, St’ Astra rooftop restaurant, and two conference rooms. It also features a rooftop swimming pool with stunning views across Athens and its famous Acropolis.

The location of the hotel is in the northern part of the city centre, on Alexandras Avenue, which is one of the city’s main avenues and offers excellent access to the airport and surrounding area. The hotel is situated opposite “Pedion Areos”, Athens’ largest park, and next to the National Archaeological Museum. The immediate neighbourhood was redeveloped for the 2004 Olympics and is home to many offices and embassies. Athens’ old centre, the Acropolis, numerous museums and Kolonaki Square are all within walking distance.

About The Rezidor Hotel Group:
The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world. The group features a portfolio of more than 415 hotels in operation and under development with 90,000 rooms in over 60 countries including hotels in Berlin, Hamburg hotel, hotels in Stockholm, hotel Dubai and a hotel Abu Dhabi.

Rezidor operates the brands Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts and Park Inn by Radisson in Europe, Middle East and Africa, along with the Club Carlson loyalty programme for frequent hotel guests. Under a worldwide licence agreement with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, Rezidor also operates and develops the new lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni.

In November 2006, Rezidor was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, based in Minneapolis (USA), is the majority shareholder.

One word: elevation. At 1,128 metres (3,700 feet), North Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain promises high-flying festivities that include sleigh rides through the forest, glides along the 743-square-metre (8,000-square-foot) outdoor skating rink, Christmas classics at the Theatre in the Sky and a visit with Santa and his reindeer during the Peak of Christmas, November 26 – December 24. www.grousemountain.com

A hop, skip and a canyon walk away, you’ll find festive fun at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Another favoured North Vancouver draw, Canyon Lights at Capilano, December 2 – January 1, promises plenty of thrills with their winter chills: thousands of streaming lights illuminate the Suspension Bridge, the Treetops Adventure and the new CLIFFWALK, a thrilling 213-metre (700-foot) walkway comprised of viewing platforms and staircases. Beyond the heart-thrumming views, gingerbread cookie decorating, sing-a-longs and more round out the fun. www.capbridge.com

In Richmond, the village of Steveston welcomes St. Nick (by boat!) to Fisherman’s Wharf, and showcases an array of festivities to entertain the troops with horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping and dining in the village and a tree lighting ceremony at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, December 3. www.exploresteveston.com

Head north for the 16th annual Prince Rupert Winterfest, December 2 – 3, and take in the Lighting of the Trees at the Court House, followed by a Saturday pancake breakfast with Santa, a boisterous parade and an evening on the harbour capped with fireworks and views of ships dressed in festive finery. www.prspecialevents.com

Near Victoria on Vancouver Island, The Butchart Gardens provides a flourish of festive bloom during their 25th anniversary of The Magic of Christmas. Tens of thousands of twinkling lights, an outdoor skating rink, a year-round Rose Carousel in the Children’s Pavilion and festive décor spread over 22 hectares (55 acres) will delight, December 1 – January 6. www.butchartgardens.com/christmas

Welcome to Torontoland – This holiday season experience Toronto transformed
Share the spirit of Torontoland with your friends on Facebook and Tourism Toronto will donate to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada

TORONTO (October 28, 2011) – This holiday season get ready for Toronto’s transformation from buzzing big city to a magical holiday place. The streets of Toronto will sparkle with savings on hotels, attractions and restaurants. Merry and jovial seven foot snowmen will line the sidewalks. This is Torontoland, where you can visit to catch the holiday spirit. And every time you share the festivities with your friends through your pictures and videos on Facebook, Tourism Toronto will make a donation to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada charity.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Getting to Torontoland is a piece of fruitcake. Before your trip sign up on seetorontoland.com, ‘like’ Torontoland on Facebook and share the promotion with your Facebook friends. Then Santa Claus will mail a Torontoland wristband to you, worth 15% savings in more than 50 participating attractions, restaurants and retail locations throughout Torontoland. More than 30 participating hotels are offering packages including parking and other treats (in-room movies, tasty breakfasts, discount spa treatments, etc). As a Torontoland visitor you can choose between four hotel package levels: $99, $119, $139 and $179 plus taxes.

You will also unwrap your holiday map, detailing all the dazzling discounts, events and festivities like the Cavalcade of Lights presented by Scotiabank, The Santa Claus Parade and Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market happening throughout the holiday season in Torontoland.

Meet the Snowmen
On November 1, twenty sculpted snowmen — each massive, at more than seven feet tall — will appear throughout the downtown core personally designed by one of 16 acclaimed Toronto artists. Snap a photo or video of yourself with one of them, post it to Torontoland’s Facebook page, and Tourism Toronto will donate $2 for every photo or video uploaded to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The more snapshots the merrier!

The artsy snowmen are created in collaboration with Lunch and Narwhal. Lunch, a creative production network founded by Executive Producer Amy Miranda, who represents and manages production for companies, artists, directors and independent creative resources including Alex McLeod, Mark Gervais, Ben&Julia, and Narwhal. Lunch’s relationship with Narwhal enables many internationally renowned artists to pursue non-traditional and commercial work like the Torontoland campaign and its beautiful and unique collection of Toronto snowmen.

The CN Tower will come alive on December 20th as a “money meter,” alit to reveal the grand total Torontoland social media participants will have raised for the Starlight Foundation throughout the campaign’s inaugural year.

“Every year, Toronto glows for the holidays with everything from elaborate lighting in dozens of neighbourhoods to the most spectacular stage shows,” says Tourism Toronto’s Vice President of Communications, Andrew Weir. “The best part is every time visitors share the experience with their friends and family through social tools, they amplify holiday cheer and goodwill through the Starlight Children’s Foundation.”

More to explore in Torontoland includes:

Grace Kelly: From Movie Star to Princess at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, a North American exclusive exhibition;
Window shopping starting with terrifically festive holiday displays at The Hudson’s Bay Company on Yonge Street;
Ice-skating in the heart of the city at Nathan Phillips Square or in the Greater Toronto Area at Celebration Square in Mississauga or Gage Park in Brampton;
Celebrate the romance and magic of a traditional Christmas at Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market at the Historic Distillery District.

There is so much more to do in Torontoland, including holiday shows, dazzling lights and great neighbourhood shopping. Go to www.SeeTorontoland.com to plan your visit.

About Tourism Toronto
Tourism Toronto, Toronto’s Convention and Visitors Association, is an industry association of more than 1,200 members established to sell and market the greater Toronto region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travellers around the globe. Tourism Toronto operates in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture as Regional Tourism Organization 5, representing the cities of Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton. For more information please visit www.seetorontonow.com  Follow us on Twitter @SeeTorontoNow and Facebook.com/visittoronto

About Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada
For more than 20 years Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses and life-altering injuries. Through a broad array of in-patient, out-patient and online resources, Starlight works hard to support seriously ill children and their families from diagnosis through the entire course of medical treatment and beyond. Whether it’s a trip to the zoo, a toy-filled playroom or an exciting sporting event, Starlight’s mission is to bring fun, joy and giggles right where they are needed the most! To learn more visit www.starlightcanada.org

Thaw Out This Winter with a Free Night at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club
Escape the freezing temperatures and save on a sun-filled vacation at the Caribbean’s top-rated resort. This January, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club on Nevis is offering a free night on a relaxing, week-long getaway.

Available January 3 – 31, 2012, Nisbet Plantation’s January Thaw offer includes:

* A free night on a six-night stay in a spacious cottage-style accommodation for two
* Full daily breakfast served ocean side at Coconuts
* Daily afternoon tea
* Nightly three-course gourmet dinner at the AAA Four Diamond-rated Great House, c. 1778
* Airport transfers from Nevis (NEV) or sister island St. Kitts (SKB)

Package rates begin at $3,350 per couple and are subject to a service charge and government tax. The offer is not combinable with other promotions.

When not being pampered by the attentive personal service of the resort’s friendly, Nevisian staff, guests of Nisbet Plantation enjoy these complimentary resort services:

* Resort-wide Wi-Fi available in-room and throughout the 30-acre resort
* Flip digital video cameras to capture vacation memories
* Oceanfront pool and hot tub at the edge of the white sand beach
* Kayaks and snorkel gear to explore coral reefs right offshore

Nearby, guests can explore the island’s rainforests, rich history and scenic views from the top of Nevis Peak. There is something for everyone, 101 Things to Do in fact, at Nisbet Plantation and on Nevis.

Nevis is just a short water taxi ride away from sister-island St. Kitts. Direct flights into St. Kitts (SKB) are available from many gateway cities in the US, Canada and UK. At this time, connecting flights into Nevis (NEV) are available from San Juan (SJU), St. Maarten (SXM) and Antigua (ANU).

To book the January Thaw travel offer at Nisbet Plantation, call toll-free at 1-800-742-6008 or speak to a travel agent.

For more information, visit www.NisbetPlantation.com.

About Nisbet Plantation
One of the world’s best resorts according to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor.com, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club is an intimate hideaway with 36 cottage-style accommodations dotted among 30 palm-filled acres on Nevis. With an idyllic location along a pristine white sand shore, Nisbet Plantation is the Caribbean’s only historic plantation inn on the beach.