Jetsettersblog

Albuquerque inn praised for authenticity, character and architectural heritage

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Set among 25 acres of lavender fields, enormous cottonwood trees and formal gardens, Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm is emerging as one of the world’s best kept secrets.

The historic property was recently selected by Condé Nast Johansens Guides as a “Recommended Property.”

Johansens Guides, used by international travelers for 28 years, features properties spanning 65 countries. Their collection includes luxury, boutique and country house hotels; inns; resorts; luxury spas; and venues for meetings and events. The old farm in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque joins the ranks of castles in Scotland and exotic spas in the Indian Ocean.

“Los Poblanos was specially selected for its dedication to the highest standards of comfort, unique personality, warmth and service, impressive facilities and surroundings,” read the Condé Nast press release.

This prestigious recognition has been given to only four properties in New Mexico – with Los Poblanos being the only recipient in Albuquerque.

“Guest rooms within the Inn are beautifully designed with fireplaces, carved ceilings and antique furnishings,” the Guide reports. “The cuisine is both sophisticated and hardy, created from the farm’s organic garden, and is often served without a menu highlighting the best New Mexico has to offer.”

To view the Guide: http://www.johansens.com/usa/new-mexico/los-poblanos-inn–organic-farm.

About Los Poblanos: Designed in 1932 by the region’s foremost architect, John Gaw Meem, the “Father of Santa Fe Style,” Los Poblanos combines 20 guest rooms, a working organic farm and the ideal setting for meetings and special events. The natural beauty, comfort and privacy of Los Poblanos offer our guests a truly relaxing environment. Find Los Poblanos online: www.lospoblanos.com. Follow them on Twitter: @LPInnABQ /travmedia.com/
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The mission of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a visitor and convention destination. For information, call 505.842.9918, visit www.ItsATrip.org, Facebook http://www.facebook.com/visitAlbuquerque or Twitterhttp://twitter.com/see_albuquerque

Spanish shipping company Balearia group will begin a high-speed transport service from Port Everglades to the Bahamas on Dec. 9.

The 463-passenger Bahamas Express transport will operate daily, except Wednesdays, departing from Port Everglades at 10 a.m. to Freeport and returning at 10 p.m.

This route will be operated by the fast ferry Pinar del Rio and will take two to three hours.

“There has been a high demand for this daily service to the Bahamas since Discovery Cruises ceased operations in September,” said Port Everglades Director Phil Allen. “Bahamas Express is a good fit for Port Everglades because the company has an excellent reputation and is growing, and the market for a daily Bahamas service from Broward County/Greater Fort Lauderdale is already established.”

The Bahamian government has approved an agreement with Bahamas Express. While other companies have shown an interest in establishing daily cruise services from Port Everglades, none have indicated their readiness to begin service this year, Allen added.

The Bahamas Express will be operating from Cruise Terminal 1 near the Broward County/Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center where parking is available in the Northport Parking Garage. The fast ferry Pinar del Río, which sails at a speed of 32 knots, has a bar, duty-free shop, pet cages and family-friendly baby changing areas.

For more information, call 305-370-2323 or visit www.ferryexpress.com  or www.porteverglades.net.

Century Cruises, which operates a fleet of Yangtze River ships in China used by many tour operators, next fall will introduce two new vessels — the 398-passenger Century Paragon and Century Legend. The ships will have two Executive Decks with extra amenities.

Connected by a private staircase, the two Executive Decks have an exclusive a la carte restaurant, a private reception area, bar, sun deck area and 24-hour concierge service for food and beverages. The 366-square-foot Executive Suites are furnished with an LCD TV, DVD player, mini bar, Italian coffee machine, and in-room Wi-Fi. Guests can also use butler service and free laundry service.

Daily in-room snacks and fruits are also included. Executive Suite guests receive a welcome bottle of red wine and one Western dinner in the Executive Club Restaurant.

The standard staterooms are 301 square feet. All have balconies, direct-dial phone, LCD satellite TV, air conditioning and a bathroom with a separate bathtub.

The two ships also will each have a 2,150-square-foot heated indoor swimming pool and spa with bar, fitness center, private relaxation area and two dressing rooms with shower.

The Grand Atrium lobby will be seven stories high. An auditorium-style HD cinema seats up to 150 guests and features multi-lingual translation equipment for international meetings.

Each ship will have a main restaurant featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, two bars, Wi-Fi throughout, shops, a game room, a library, a card room, and children’s playground. The ship will host lectures about the Three Gorges, cooking demonstrations about traditional Chinese and “hot pot” cooking, and Tai Chi classes every morning.

Evenings will feature performances of a professional folklore entertainment troupe.

The new Century Paragon and Century Legend were designed by Yran & Storbraaton, noted Norwegian cruise ship designers, and supervised by EMS and Schiffstechnik Buchloh, two German ship-building firms.

The ships’ engineering and green technology features include a propulsion and propeller system designed to substantially reduce vibration and noise, while significantly increasing the ships’ maneuvering capability. They also will have an Internet-based remote control surveillance system for passenger security and safety.

The current Century fleet is comprised of the Century Star, Century Sky, Century Sun, Century Diamond, and Century Emerald. Century cruises are featured in the programs of many internationally known tour operators. For more information, call the company’s senior U.S. representative, Jeff O’Rourke, at 888-980-8747, email him at jeff@centuryrivercruises.com , or visit www.centuryrivercruises.com.

Travel in Style with this Brand New Eastern Europe Vacation

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and remains one of the last genuine travel frontiers of Europe. At its heart is the awe-inspiring capital of Kiev, with the autonomous republic of Crimea on its striking southern shores.

The Ukraine and Crimea lie slightly off the beaten track of European travel, so Insight uses a mixture of flights and coach transport to keep the pace easy going. Although this area is still relatively undiscovered by Western travelers, rest assured Insight’s local expertise will smooth your way.

Ukraine and Crimea—13 days. This tour has many included highlights and shows you the best of this fascinating region.

In Moscow, you’ll visit the glorious metro stations and tour Red Square, seeing St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s tomb. Visit one of the Cathedrals inside the Kremlin walls.

In Kiev, see the domed churches, the Opera House and Golden Gate. Climb Vladimir Hill then travel via the Andriyivskyy Descent to the Podol district.

Visit the Monastery of the Caves and Patriotic War Museum with its Motherland statue. Visit St Sophia’s Cathedral and enjoy a relaxing Dnieper River cruise.

In Odessa, you’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of this beautiful coastal city followed by a visit to the catacombs in the village of Nerubaiskoye.

You’ll see all the main sights on a city tour of Kherson. In Yalta, enjoy a cable-car ride to Darsan Hill and the Mound of Glory Monument. Visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, see the former Ministry of Defence Hotel, and visit the Chekhov House museum.

You’ll visit Livadia Palace, site of the 1945 post war conference, as well as the Alupka Palace and see the Swallow’s Nest.

In Balaklava, visit the small port which served as a secret Soviet submarine base and see the Crimean War battleground. In Sevastopol, you’ll tour the harbor, Nakhimov Square, and visit the Panorama Museum.

Prices start at $5988 per person, land only, based on double occupancy .

And book between now and December 1, 2011 and SAVE UP TO $1200 per couple on 2012 European Vacations !

Insight Vacations has accumulated an international following by providing outstanding service and quality tour packages to the savvy traveler who seeks better accommodations, choices in dining, and smaller group sizes all while staying in the most desirable locations. For over 30 years, Insight Vacations has been the leader in premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico, Canada and the United States.

For more information, contact Insight Vacations at (714) 937-4990 or visit Insight Vacations at www.insightvacations.com

+1 646.723.4338

Midtown Manhattan Hotel Creates Special Offer for Ice Skating and Winter Activities

The hint of another season begins to unveil itself as the crisp autumn air arrives in New York City.

The stage is set to kick off an exciting partnership between Cassa Hotel and Residences and Citi Pond℠ at Bryant Park, New York City’s premier winter wonderland destination.

Together they have created a special offer that includes VIP admission that allows you to skip to the head of the line to pick up your skates and begin spinning and swirling your way through the magical setting.

Enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate at Ice Bites, and if hunger strikes, or if you wish to have a cocktail, flash your Cassa room key card at Celsius, the indoor-outdoor restaurant, bar and lounge, where you’ll enjoy a 10% discount on all food and beverage purchases.

Citi Pond serves as the center of festivities which transforms Bryant Park into an enchanting village with ice skating, an open-air retail market called The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, and various themed events and activities throughout the season.

In November, the addition of a holiday tree creates a perfect setting for gift shopping, all of which is located just two blocks from Cassa. “Tourists from around the globe come to New York City and I wanted to create a package for our guests that delivers value and an authentic local experience,” says Solly Assa, CEO of Assa Properties.

Package Price and Inclusions

Starting at $329 for reservations made in December, and $269 for reservations made in January and February.

Room accommodations (based on double occupancy)
VIP admission
Skate rentals for two
Bag check service – to hold shoes and personal items
Two cups of hot chocolate
Dates of validity: Oct 28 – Feb 26
10% off of all F+B when presenting their guest room card at Celsius – the restaurant/bar/lounge

This offer is subject to availability

Discounts cannot be combined with other offers
Taxes are additional

To take advantage of this special offer, you may make your reservation at

www.cassahotelny.com/reservations/specials.php 

 or call 212.302.8700 / 888-53 CASSA (22772).

About Cassa Hotel and Residences

Cassa Hotel and Residences makes an identifiable mark in the New York City skyline with its elegant proportions, rising as an obelisk among its traditional neighbors. Envision by Solly Assa of Assa Properties, the project was conceived by Enrique Norte of TEN Arquitectos and CetraRuddy. Sited with a prime location, flanking the theatre district, world class shopping experiences of Fifth and Madison Avenues, and the excitement of Times Square, the 165 rooms and 57 residences are urban sanctuaries, contemporary in design, rich in texture, yet warm and inviting. Cassa Hotel and Residences delivers its discernable style and unrivaled service to the inspirational amenities. An exciting addition will be the BLT American Brasserie opening late fall 2011. Cassa Hotel and Residences, 70 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036 Tel: 212.302.8700 / 888.53.CASSA (22772) www.cassahotelny.com

Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk have announced holiday festivities, running through Dec. 31. Among them are the Universal CityWalk’s five 42-foot-high light tower sculptures, which will alternate from pulsing white strobe lights and giant twirling red and white colored candy canes, to ice blue glowing light pillars and a flashing white snowfall.

There will also be nightly tree lightings of the 40-foot-tall Christmas tree with 100,000 LED lights; visits from a rock ‘n’ roll Santa, free concert performances, DJ appearances and an array of street performers. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.

On Dec. 10 and 11 and daily from Dec. 17, 2011, through Jan. 1, 2012, “Grinchmas” returns to Universal Studios Hollywood with the Grinch, his dog Max, tons of fresh snow and nightly celebrity readings of the Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

A curving “Grinchmas” tree will tower 60 feet above the center of a snow-covered winter wonderland and will be lit in nightly ceremonies that will feature a costumed Who-ville choir.

Throughout “Grinchmas,” the Grinch, Max and the Who-ville Whos will meet visitors and take photos. “Grinchmas” will also display the original Who-ville film sets, which were featured in the “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” movie, aboard the Studio Tour. “Grinchmas” is included in the price of theme park admission.

G Adventures launched an international contest to find faces to appear in its 2013 brochures.

“We’ve already received a number of inspiring entries,” said Bruce Poon Tip, G Adventures’ founder. “However, in addition to encouraging their clients to enter, we’re hoping agents themselves will enter too. It would be fantastic to have one of our valued agent partners be one of the faces of G Adventures.”

To be considered, candidates must submit their “unforgettable travel moment” on www.youllneverforgetit.com.

Any format is welcome — written, video or photos. Written submissions must not exceed 420 characters including spaces.

Videos cannot be more than three minutes long.

The deadline for submissions is Dec. 31.

Twenty finalists will be shortlisted for public voting between Jan. 9 and Feb. 10, 2012.

Winners will be announced on Feb. 14, 2012, and must be available to travel between March 1 and Aug. 31, 2012.

Those who are chosen as photographic subjects will travel to one of G Adventures’ destinations to be filmed and photographed on location.

For more information, visit www.youllneverforgetit.com

Travelers who book stays at Puerto Rico’s Wyndham Garden Hotel and Casino at Palmas del Mar resort between Nov. 1, 2011, and Feb. 20, 2012, will save more than 15 percent off the published rate when staying two or more nights. The hotel is also featuring holiday season packages offering rates starting at $123 a night for a family of four, including a welcome drink, a free continental breakfast, a $20 match bet coupon for the resort’s Casino Real, and a 10 percent discount off all special events at the property during the stay.

A group rate package includes two-night stay for a rate of $450, double occupancy. The offer also includes breakfast, lunch and dinner for two guests and a $20 match bet coupon. The rate will increase to $499 during the January high season. F

or more information, call 787-850-6000 or visit www.wyndham.com/specialoffers/special_offers/details/sjuwg_holiday2011.wnt 

ST PETE BEACH, FL – As the holidays approach, many travelers are considering travel insurance to cover medical expenses while overseas. According to Squaremouth.com, a site for comparing and purchasing travel insurance, it’s important for travelers to understand how much coverage their health insurance provides before traveling. “Many travelers are unaware their health insurance doesn’t cover them once they leave the U.S.,” says Sarah Byrne, Marketing Manager at Squaremouth. “Understanding what coverage they may or may not have prior to buying travel insurance will ensure the right amount of protection while saving them money.”

Travelers who do not have health insurance while traveling have the option of choosing between a primary or secondary medical travel insurance policy. “A secondary plan means that if no other coverage is available, the secondary plan becomes primary,” explains Bill Dismore, Executive Vice President of iTravelInsured, a travel insurance provider.

Since they are not restricted to the type of coverage they can buy, Squaremouth encourages travelers to look for travel insurance policies with the best coverage for the lowest price.

While comparing travel insurance policies, don’t assume a secondary policy is inferior to a primary policy. The only difference between the two is the order in which a travel insurance claim can be filed with the travel insurance provider. Primary policies allow claims to be filed directly with the travel insurance provider, eliminating any involvement of a traveler’s health insurance company, while secondary policies require filing the claim with any existing insurance before filing with the travel insurance provider.

Although a secondary travel insurance policy can require more paperwork during the claims process, travelers usually find more coverage in a secondary policy for the same value as a primary policy. However, if someone wants the convenience of only filing with one insurance provider, Squaremouth recommends buying a primary travel insurance policy.

Primary policies are available from travel insurance providers including Travel Guard, Travel Insured International, Travelex Insurance Services and USA Assist.

If a traveler’s health insurance covers them overseas, Squaremouth recommends checking how much coverage is available. “If someone has a large deductible with their primary health care, they can purchase a secondary travel insurance policy to pick up any deductibles or out of pocket expenses,” says Chris Harvey, CEO of Squaremouth.

“Secondary travel insurance policies are available with smaller amounts of medical and medical evacuation for this reason.” Choosing secondary coverage is a good way to save money on the premium without sacrificing a lot of coverage.

About Squaremouth
Squaremouth is America’s fastest growing travel insurance comparison site, helping customers instantly quote, compare and buy policies from every major carrier. Squaremouth has web sites in the US and UK, and an extensive network of partner sites worldwide. The company is headquartered in St Pete Beach, FL., with offices in Fort Wayne, IN. Visit www.Squaremouth.com or www.Squaremouth.co.uk

About our Zero Complaint Guarantee

The cornerstone of our commitment to customers is Squaremouth’s guarantee to remove any company from our website if there is a customer complaint that cannot be resolved to our satisfaction. Squaremouth offers the broadest selection of insurance with an emphasis on quality and follow-up care in companies featured. We also factor in independent evaluation from the insurance industry watchdog AM Best.

Squaremouth offers products from the following travel insurance carriers:
Air Ambulance Card, CSA Travel Protection, Global Alert Admin, Global Rescue, Global Underwriters, HCC, HTH Worldwide, IMG, ITravelInsured, Medex, Medjet Assist, MH Ross, On Call International, Seven Corners, Travel Guard, Travel Insurance Services, Travel Insured, Travelers Liberty, Travelex, TravelSafe and USA Assist.

The Reefs Hotel in Bermuda is offering vacationers a free Christmas Day stay in any of the resort’s ocean view rooms, suites and club condos.

The offer is available on any stay of five nights or more between Dec. 15 and 27, 2011.

Under the offer, rates include ocean view accommodation for either two people in a room or suite, or four to six people in a two- or three-bedroom club condo; daily full-service breakfast; afternoon tea; and nightly dinner. Daily rates start at $410 per couple for a poolside room, and $999 for four people in a two-bedroom club condo accommodation.

For more information, call 800-742-2008.