Jetsettersblog

Peregrine has released its program of dedicated family adventures for 2012, venturing into North America for the first time. The holidays are designed to strike a balance between exciting kid-friendly adventure, learning experiences – and taking the travel hassles out of the family holiday for harried parents.

From tracking big game with Masai warriors to camping with nomads in Morocco, to visiting wonders like the Pyramids, Angkor Wat and the Great Wall, the trips offer opportunities for families to meet the locals and experience other ways of life. Most are suitable for children aged six and above, and consider child-friendly practicalities as minimising travelling times and ensuring family-friendly accommodation.

New for 2012, the Cowboys and Indians Discovery adventure explores America’s wild west, starting with Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, where the pink, orange and white sandstone spires known locally as the ‘Hoodoos’ form a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Kids – and adventurous parents – can try horse riding on a ranch in Utah’s high country, and enjoy some home-cooked ‘cowboy’ food, before continuing to Monument Valley, the setting for countless westerns and heart of the Navajo Nation. The trip includes a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour with a Navajo guide, followed by a swim at Lake Powell – parents can relax while kids can burn off energy with a range of watersport options.

The climax of the trip is the Grand Canyon, where there is a full day to walk the trails, watch the IMAX film and take the optional helicopter ride over the canyon.

The 10-day Cowboys and Indians Discovery adventure begins and ends in Las Vegas and costs $1979 per person, twin share, including all accommodation and transport, tour leader and entrance fees. There are departures in April, July and August, 2012.

Also new for 2012 is the Canada Discovery family adventure, which gets underway in Yoho National Park in British Columbia with a full day to try canoeing on Emerald Lake or white water rafting on the legendary Kicking Horse River.

There’s plenty to do over three days in Banff National Park, from taking the cable car to the top of Sulphur Mountain, to walking the trails, relaxing in the hot springs or spotting some of the 260 local bird species – as well as hiking around Lake Louise to a teahouse renowned for the best chocolate cake in Canada!

The Icefields Parkway tracks beneath the towering, jagged peaks of the Rockies, leading to Jasper National Park, where there is a guided walk on the Athabasca Glacier, and time to rent a bicycle for a ride through a landscape of mountain lakes and meadows.

There are more adventures en route along the scenic Yellowhead Highway and at Wells Gray Provincial Park, before the penultimate stop in Vancouver. There are guided activities and free time to explore the city before the crossing the US border to where the trip ends in Seattle.

The 11-day Canada Discovery family tour starts in Seattle and costs from $1809 per person, twin share, including all accommodation and transport, some meals, tour leader and entrance fees. There are four departures over July and August, 2012.

For further information, contact your travel agent or Peregrine Travel Centre on 1300 854 500, or visit www.peregrineadventures.com

Celebrate New Years Eve amongst Sydney Harbour’s festivities and fireworks on one of Captain Cook Cruises New Years Eve cruises. Offering a range of cruises across its fleet and even discounts for booking now, there is a cruise to suit everyone and every budget.

Be on one of the select number of vessels in the Harbour Lights Parade and cruise inside the fireworks exclusion zone on Captain Cook Cruises Show Deck cruise or Seafood Buffet Dinner and Fireworks cruise.

The prestigious Sydney 2000 Show Deck is perfect for groups of friends or family. Passengers will enjoy a delicious 4 course meal, an open bar of premium still and sparkling wines, beers and spirits and can dance the night away to a live band.

The Show Deck cruise is priced at only $699 per person and departs No.6 Jetty Circular Quay on Saturday 31 December 2011 at 8.00pm with boarding from 7.30pm and disembarks at 12.45am.

The Seafood Buffet Dinner and Fireworks cruise onboard the Captain Cook III includes a scrumptious deluxe seafood buffet, an open bar of still and sparkling wine, local and imported beers and soft drinks, a glass of Moet & Chandon at midnight and a DJ to entertain guests all night long.

The Seafood Buffet Dinner and Fireworks cruise is priced at $690 per person but book now and be one of the first 50 bookings and receive 20% off the normal cruise price. The cruise departs at 7.30pm, with boarding from 7.15pm from No.1 King St Wharf Darling Harbour and returns at 12.45am. Guaranteed window seating is available for an additional $59 per person.

For front row seats to all the fun of the fireworks, a Matilda Rocket Fireworks cruise is the place to be! Grab your party dress, comfortable shoes and bring your own drinks and picnic dinner for a New Years Eve to remember.

The Matilda Rocket Fireworks cruise departs from No.2 King Street Wharf Darling Harbour at 8.00pm with boarding from 7.30pm and returns at 12.30am on Saturday 31 December 2011 and is priced at $399 per person.

For further information visit www.captaincook.com.au

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free from Australia on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206 1111, Email: sydney@captaincook.com.au  or visit www.captaincook.com.au

Sharri Whiting, a feature writer for Luxury Travel Advisor, who every November can be found up in an olive tree filling her basket with fruit, has taken her first-hand knowledge of growing, harvesting and pressing olives in Umbria, Italy, and written the definitive app on olive oil for foodies and culinary tourists:

OLIVE OIL IQ. http://sutromedia.com/apps/Olive_Oil_IQ

Olive Oil IQ not only tells the historic tales of the olive trade in the Mediterranean, from the Phoenicians to modern-day producers, it offers tips on choosing, buying, tasting, and using Extra Virgin olive oil to its best advantage.

The app includes recipes and cooking tips, conversational tidbits (olive oil and sex, olive oil and superstitions), and everything a culinary pilgrim needs to know to travel Italy’s Olive Oil Routes, from producers to farm holidays in agriturismi to cooking classes to museums. Italy’s oil production is tied to high quality extra-virgin oils, so it’s the perfect place to begin to explore the Mediterranean olive oil culture.

Other entries in Olive Oil IQ include how oil is categorized and labeled, tips on using olive trees for landscaping, how to avoid fraudulently labeled oils, how to set up an oil tasting and how to judge the oils you taste, spa and beauty treatments and olive oil-based products, olive oil’s healing powers, what happens to the leaves and cuttings, religion and olive oil, health and olive oil, olive oil in myth and legend, sports, how to transport and store oil, olives in art and literature, and more.

There are 450 photos. The app was published for iPhone and iPad by Sutro Media.

60 Yachts, 500 people, five destinations, one week

- The only fun, affordable international sailing holiday company to hit Europe & The Caribbean

- Celebrating new routes to Turkey and Italy, and collaborations with Pioneer and CR2 Records

The Yacht Week, the only company in the world to organise offshore chartered yachting holidays, is proud to announce the addition of two further destinations to its portfolio – Turkey and Italy.

The Yacht Week, catering to travellers between the ages of 22 – 35 from over 40 countries, offers an outstanding holiday at competitive prices to some of the world’s most sought after destinations in Europe and the Caribbean. With an array of modern yachts to choose from, ranging between 38ft to 59ft, and with a skipper commandeering the journey across the Mediterranean, Aegean and Caribbean Seas by day and private island parties by night, it makes for the ideal holiday for those looking for a sun and sea filled adventure.

The Yacht Week was founded in 2006 by Erik Biörklund and William Wenkel, two students from Sweden. They decided to challenge and rejuvenate the traditional yachting market. Typically regarded as a sport for the retired, they brought forth the concept of young, fun, affordable sailing. Within five years, it has gone from strength to strength. Previously only available in Croatia with 25 yachts, today holidays are available to The British Virgin Islands, Greece, Italy and Turkey with a flotilla consisting of 700 yachts.

Every minute of the week is taken care of without having to follow a choreographed itinerary. From touchdown, there are no tickets to arrange, no baggage to wrangle or transport to worry about, making it a truly one of a kind experience.

A route is suggested, skipper provided and dinners, clubs and beach parties all organised.

By day yachts can voluntarily sail as part of a 60 yacht flotilla with equally minded, fun loving professionals to a private island party or beach club where an event awaits to impress; by night there are parties at open air-clubs.

The Yacht Week’s attention to detail and dedication to making this concept achievable is what makes each week so successful..

Last year saw the launch of a Skipper Academy, the largest academy of its kind in the world to provide training for every Yacht Week skipper, as well as event staff.

Erik Biörklund & William Wenkel, The Yacht Week Co-Founders comment:

‘We are extremely thrilled with the way the company has grown and the support we have received from all 36 markets. We are now doing to sailing what happened to skiing in the 1970′s – we’re make yachting accessible and appealing to the young generation. We strongly believe in delivering a full experience and provide as much of it as possible to create the best product. Launching the Skipper Academy is one effort that reflects this ambition’.

In addition to the new routes, 2012 will also see The Yacht Week expand in to the music industry with support from Pioneer and CR2 Records.

THE SKI ALTERNATIVE – The British Virgin Islands

Half the price of a ski holiday and gain a full body tan – do something different this year and spend New Year and Easter sailing the clear warm Caribbean Ocean. The 8 day trip consists of visits to Peter Island & The Baths, Jost Van Dyke, Marina Cay, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Norman Islands.

29th December – 5th January 2012 & 3rd – 23rd March 2012. Rates start from £456 per person per week, sleeping 2 – 12 pax

THE PARTY RIVIERA – Croatia

The origin of the Yacht Week, Croatia is one of the best areas for sailing in the Mediterranean. Few places, if any, can compete with Croatia, with its mix of climate, prices, culture and beautiful surroundings. With speedboat rides to an evening dinner, a casual sailing regatta with 50 other yachts and the opportunity to make new friends there’s no wonder why this route has always been a hit. There are now two route concepts in Croatia due to popular demand.

June – September 2012. Rates from £256 – £690 per person per week depending on yacht model, sleeping 2 – 12 pax

PLAIN SAILING ISLAND HOPPING – Greece
The Saronian Islands are far away from the main tourist spots and offer a Greek experience that can’t be found at many other places in the whole Aegean Sea. Party as Mick Jagger and Onassis did in their hay day on Hydra, know for it’s stunning location, night life and food. The eight day trip also consists of visits to Palea Bay, Poros, Dokhose, Plaka and Spetses.

July – August 2012. Rates start from £256 – £690 per person per week depending on yacht model, sleeping 2 – 12 pax

CHASING THE COVES & GROVES – Turkey (NEW)

The Carian coast between Bodrum and Marmaris has recently become the most popular yacht charter and gulet cruise area in Turkey. Sailors are attracted by the gentle sailing conditions, the beautiful bays, sparkling waters and fine, white sand Cleopatra herself is said to have transported to the area.

The Yacht Week flotilla of 20 boats will sail to Ciftlik, Buzukkale, Bozburun, Detca, Serce, Gerbekse Cove and Marmaris.

16th – 23rd July. Rates start from £256 – £690 per person per week depending on yacht model, sleeping 2 – 12 pax

PARTY ON PANAREA – Italy (NEW)

The beautiful Aeolian Islands off Sicily are now worshipped for their glittering nightlife and smouldering volcanoes. Still virtually unknown to the European traveller, the flotilla of 25 boats will sail to Lipari, Stromboli, Portorosa, Panaria, Salina and Filicudi.

17 July – 7th August. Rates start from £256 – £690 per person per week depending on yacht model, sleeping 2 – 12 pax

New Flights: KLM Returns To Aruba

Year-round access to Aruba has now become easier for UK visitors, with the introduction of new KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ flights. Launched earlier this month, KLM’s service to Aruba increases from 2 to 5 times per week.

UK travellers planning to connect to Aruba can catch flights to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from 15 UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

Offering the option of travelling in economy or business class and allowing plenty of time for connecting flights to/from the UK, the flights will depart from Amsterdam on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 12:35 hours and will arrive in Aruba at 17.50 hours on the same day. The return flight will depart from Aruba on the same days at 19:10 hours, arriving in Amsterdam the next day at 11:10 hours.

New Authentic Farmers’ Market With A Traditional Touch

A new authentic farmers’ market has been introduced in Aruba earlier this summer, offering top quality produce at affordable prices.

Supporting local farmers’ efforts, the market introduces local producers to the community and provides the venue for traditional products to be showcased and sold. Increasingly popular with locals and visitors alike, they can find a variety of Aruba’s fruit, vegetables, meat, fresh pork and fish.

At the moment the farmers’ market takes place once a month, however following an initial pilot period Santa Rosa plans to increase the frequency so that it takes place every week.

Further projects in the area include the creation of agricultural tours of local farms.

Walk This (Brand New) Way In Aruba

Work is well underway in Aruba to create the longest linear park in the Caribbean, with the first phase of the project completed last month. The park welcomes visitors to Aruba with a fully landscaped corridor along the coastline, which includes green zones, walking and bike paths and supreme ocean vistas.

The first phase extends from the Las Americas traffic circle near the airport to Wilhelmina Park, with the second – and final – phase scheduled to continue later this autumn.

Upon completion, Aruba’s linear park will be the largest in the Caribbean, stretching for 10 miles from Queen Beatrix International Airport along the resorts of Eagle Beach, concluding at the end of the high-rise hotel corridor on Palm Beach.

New Personalised Stamps by Post Aruba
Whether you are looking for that special extra touch for your wish-you-were-here postcards or just for a unique souvenir from your holiday, Post Aruba has now launched a new personalised service.

The new Personalised Stamps series consists of a souvenir sheet with a design of Aruba’s map and distinctive objects of the island, such as its history culture and nature. Each souvenir sheet contains 6 decorated stamps with a blank space where you can place your picture (you can bring your own digital photograph or you can have it taken at the post office for free).

The Personalised Stamps service is available only at the Postal Office located at Palm Beach Plaza Mall.

www.postaruba.com

COMING SOON

Thomson Adds New Aruba Properties For 2012 Season

The 2012 Summer Season will see Thomson adding two new properties to its growing portfolio in Aruba. With the addition of the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa and The Mill Resort and Suites, Thomson is now offering more hotels than ever before.

Manchebo Beach Resort is one of Aruba’s most intimate beach resorts and is located on Eagle Beach, the island’s widest stretch of beach. The two-storey hotel is a luxury boutique style resort, featuring just 71 newly refurbished rooms with contemporary décor and top-range amenities.

The Mill Resort is conveniently located just steps across the famous white sand strip of Palm Beach. A cosy compact low rise resort, The Mill offers spacious, comfortable, fully equipped rooms with easy access to the facilities, beautiful free form swimming pools and friendly staff.

In addition to the two new properties, Thomson’s Aruba portfolio already includes: Tamarijn Aruba on Druif Beach; Bucuti Beach Resort and Divi Aruba All Inclusive on Eagle Beach; Occidental Grand, Riu Palace and Westin Resort on Palm Beach; and Renaissance Aruba in Oranjestad.

www.thomson.co.uk
www.manchebo.com
www.millresort.com

Contemporary Art Biennial Encounter Comes To Aruba

The Caribbean contemporary artistic scene will experience a new and vibrant impulse through a series of events of the ‘Prome Encuentro Bienal Arte Contemporaneo di Caribe, Aruba 2011-2012′.

The biennial encounter is a platform to integrate communities in the Caribbean through contemporary art and enrich cultural identities.

A series of activities will run over several months, with more than 30 local and Caribbean contemporary artists scheduled to exhibit new artworks in July 2012.

The new event aims to bring together critics, curators and art historians from all over the world and will feature exhibitions on specific themes, as well as educational projects and workshops that will involve the local public.

www.encuentroartaruba.org

HOTEL UPDATE

More Upgrades For Hyatt Regency Aruba
Located on the white sand of Palm Beach, the five star Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino will soon be unveiling its latest overhaul.

The upgrades include a series of improvements, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year. These include the hotel’s tennis courts, the Balashi Bar, the Shoco Market and an extensive spa renovation.

The current upgrades are an extension of the hotel’s multi-million dollar renovation that was completed in 2008.

www.aruba.hyatt.com

Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club Undergoes A Face Lift

Situated opposite Surfside Beach and just a few minutes’ walk from Oranjestad, the intimate Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club has just completed a major renovation of its facilities and guest rooms.

The superior rooms, painted with warm colours, now feature new mattresses, sofas and chairs, as well as 32-inch flat screen television screens and new air conditioning system. Wireless Internet access at the hotel is now free of charge.

The lobby and the bar areas of the hotel also have new furniture, including comfortable sun loungers placed around the pool area.

www.tottaruba.com

Bucuti Beach Resort Expands Adults-Only Policy

In keeping with its goal of providing a tranquil environment for all guests, Bucuti Beach Resort has now upheld its adults-only policy for diners at its restaurant.

Serving fresh local ingredients and a fusion of delicious flavours, Bucuti’s dining terrace boasts a unique beachfront setting.

The menu encompasses an extensive American buffet breakfast as well as à-la-carte options for lunch, while in the evenings diners can expect from fresh seafood to juicy prime steaks, complemented by an eclectic wine list.

Bucuti’s peaceful atmosphere and location set it apart from Aruba’s larger resorts, which are more family orientated. Already popular with couples from the UK and recognised by TripAdvisor as one of the top 10 most romantic resorts in the world, the hotel introduced an adults-only policy at the end of 2010.

www.bucuti.com

AIR NEWS

Aruba shortlisted in world’s most stunning airports
Aruba’s Queen Beatrix Airport has been shortlisted by private jet charter marketplace PrivateFly as one of the most stunning airport approaches in the world.

PrivateFly chose airport locations that offer passengers a truly inspirational view on the approach – whether it be over a world-famous cityscape, stunning coastline or beautiful mountain views. Planes to Aruba hover low just above the sparkling blue sea before landing to the airport, with beautiful views of the lush green Renaissance Island.

Queen Beatrix Airport is just a five-minute drive from Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, and facilities include a terminal for private aircraft and US Border Pre-clearance facilities.

www.privatefly.com

More options for day trips to Bonaire and Curaçao
Visitors to Aruba now have more options for day trips to Bonaire and Curaçao with local airline Tiara Air.

Also part of the Dutch Caribbean, Bonaire is quainter and less developed than Aruba and is known for its world-class scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkelling and nature. Curaçao is the largest and most populous of the three ABC islands and home of the sweet blue liqueur of the same name.

The trips operate twice a week (Monday and Wednesday to Bonaire, Tuesday and Thursday to Curaçao) and prices start $270 (£168) per person.

www.tiaradaytrips.com

LATEST OPENINGS

Española Way
Palm Beach 17, Noord

Located in a rustic 70-year-old house, Española Way is a cozy al fresco eatery on Palm Beach Road that features authentic Spanish cuisine, including Serrano ham and chorizo, fruity sangria and the restaurant’s steaming signature paella.

Yalla Yalla
South Beach Mall, Palm Beach

Specialising in tasty and exotic Middle Eastern food, the just opened Yalla Yalla offers ample servings of beef shish kebab, shrimp kebab, lamb shoarma and chicken shoarma, as well as tabouleh and hummus served with freshly made pita bread.

Spanglish
Renaissance Marketplace, Oranjestad

The recently opened Spanglish restaurant offers a menu true to the Caribbean-Latin culinary traditions of the owners.

The creative fusion menu features authentic dishes, with the parrillada for two being the highlight, served tableside on a mini charcoal grill.

Sky Lounge
J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 186, Oranjestad

Ringing around the heart of Paseo Herencia, Sky Lounge is Aruba’s latest cocktail bar: a relaxing outdoor venue, here guests can enjoy a drink at the sparkling blue bar, in their own canopy lounge or at a comfortable chair on the open-air terrace.

Carambola
J.E.Irausquin Boulevard 64, Eagle Beach

Opened earlier this year, the chic Carambola Restaurant located at Paradise Beach Villas specialises in seafood and international cuisine. The chef’s signature dish is the freshly made Peanut Soup, which is served in a mashed plantain bowl.

Segafredo
South Beach Mall, Palm Beach

Segafredo, an Italian franchise known for its great coffee, now presents a diverse tempting menu of Italian specialties. Prepared by its award-winning chef, it includes antipasti, panini and thin-crust pizzas, as well as imported Italian beers and after-dinner liqueurs.

Cuba’s Cookin’
Renaissance Marketplace, Oranjestad

Marking its 12th year, Cuba’s Cookin’ has now relocated to Renaissance Marketplace. Still serving up the best mojitos and Cuban food outside Cuba, the restaurant is a new Havana circa 1960 Resto/Bar with a new splash of nostalgia.

For general information on visiting Aruba please go to www.aruba.com

TAUCK are pleased to announce the release of their new brochure highlighting the best selling itineraries of North America and Europe for 2012!

Tauck journeys reveal the essence of each destination through first-hand experience, “insider” access, and exploration of the area’s history, culture, cuisine with the added convenience of having all your travel needs handled by a friendly, knowledgeable Tauck Director.

Departures North American

Most popular itineraries for North America:-

America’s CanyonlandsCalifornia’s Gold CoastNew Mexico: Land of EnchantmentNew Orleans: Bayous and the Big EasyCharleston & SavannahWilliamsburg & Washington DCCanada’s Capital Cities plus Niagara Falls **Great new epicurean and routing enhancements The Best of Hawaii Most Hallowed Ground – Historical US Civil War Spirit of the Dessert

Available – Year round departures

Departures Europe

Most popular itineraries for Europe:-
Classic ItalyItalian Lakes, Venice, Florence & Rome (featuring Culinary Departures)A Week in… ItalyVenice, Florence & RomeNEW: Sicily: Culture Through the Ages (amazing 10-day experience)Barcelona to Paris: the Art of Living WellA Week in…Spain

Available – Year round departures

For further information on TAUCK Spring Departures please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

What’s the way to a traveller’s heart? According to recent Contiki research, food glorious food! In fact, 97% revealed that experiencing local cuisine is the most important element of an overseas travel.

The findings were released by Contiki Holidays as part of its annual independent Travel Trends Research Report, carried out by Lonergan Research. This year’s report, Style Miles, took a comprehensive look into how popular lifestyle pillars (food, fashion, music and the arts) influence young Australians when travelling.

With food the most important lifestyle element young Australians want to tuck into while away, Contiki Holidays will seek to satiate the hungry adventurers by even further extending the authentic cuisine experiences and adding a range of NEW meals at specially located restaurants in its 2012/13 Europe program.

Fiona Hunt, Managing Director, Contiki Holidays said “At Contiki, we believe travel and food go hand in hand and that experiencing traditional local foods really helps you get to the heart of a destination.

“Contiki offers incredible food experiences across all of its six travel styles. For example, on our Time Out In-Depth Regional tours, we’ve hand-picked some of our favourite local places, ranging from quaint Greek tavernas to boisterous Italian trattorias.

Our Concept tours are packed with traditional feature meals and those on our Camping trips experience market-fresh home cooking daily.

“Many people assume that when overseas young Australians would prefer to stick to safe options when it comes to cuisine, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The majority of travellers we welcome onto Contiki are extremely enthusiastic and adventurous when it comes to trying traditional dishes, even it is very different to what they are used to back home.

“In fact, our recent research report, Style Miles, revealed that these authentic food experiences have a lasting effect on young travellers, well beyond the last bite. Half (50 per cent) of young Aussie travellers surveyed had tried to recreate dishes they ate overseas when back home, 45 per cent have frequented restaurants which makes food from the places they travelled to and 23 per cent had even altered their diet to incorporate meals that tap into memories from their travels.

“By integrating these international food influences into their everyday lives back home, young Australians are able to remain connected to their travel experiences. This demonstrates how firmly entrenched travel is becoming in the day to days lives of 18-35’s.”

Contiki’s 2012/13 Europe brochure is out now! For more information see www.contiki.com.au or to make a booking see your travel agent or call 1300 CONTIKI (1300 266 845). For view the full results from Contiki’s Style Miles, visit www.contiki.com/stylemiles

The thriving city of Toronto is set to welcome Canada’s first Trump Tower property in January 2012. Toronto is the largest city in Canada and as the nation’s economic capital is the perfect city to welcome the iconic Trump brand.

The Trump International Hotel and Tower Toronto has a prime financial district location and is close to the CN Tower and moments away from the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Sony Centre for Performing Arts and the Distillery Historic District.

The hotel will thrust sixty five stories skyward and feature two hundred and sixty one rooms and suites with Nespresso machines, iPod docking stations, deep soaking tubs, rainshowers, oversized windows and high ceilings.

The Spa at The Trump International Hotel and Tower Toronto covers two levels on the 31st and 32nd floors, offering twelve thousand square feet of old Hollywood glamour style pampering.

Personal Spa Attaches will cater to each guest’s individual needs.

Add a juice bar, whirlpool, saunas and Technogym Fitness Equipment plus a lap pool and yoga studio for those who like to keep in shape while on the road.

The luxury doesn’t stop there either. The twenty four hour Trump Attache™ service is akin to having a personal butler where every wish is their command.

Kids will be catered for with kiddie cocktails, games, no tears bath amenities, kid’s robes and slippers, kid’s business cards and even swimming lessons and nanny services.

But wait, Toronto, there’s still more. Twelve thousand square feet of function space with a Grand Ballroom and Grand Salon for corporate events and special occasions.

Ontario foodies won’t be disappointed either. The signature restaurant, STOCK, will be a must do hotspot in this cosmopolitan city with a destination bar, city views and Todd Claromo menu.

The two and a half million residents of Toronto have been warned – put on your Sunday best because Trump is coming to town.

Carnival ships are built with one goal in mind: to make sure everyone in the family has fun on board.

Just about everything is included: delicious meals in a variety of onboard restaurants; comfy accommodation with the complimentary 24-hour stateroom service;

beautiful and exciting destinations;

the award-winning youth programs for kids of all ages;

entertainment galore and the casino for those who want to try their luck… topped off with some of the friendliest service at sea.

Family Fun at Sea – Carnival Spirit 2012

Coming to Australian waters in 2012 is one of Carnival’s newest and most exciting family fun ships, Carnival Spirit.

With innovations such as a two-level promenade, delicious dining, endless entertainment and activity options, Carnival Spirit offers complete a cruise experience for the whole family.

This ship also has all the aquatic fun the family can take, featuring pools, Carnival’s Twister Waterslide, and even the Sliding Sky Dome, which instantly brings all the comfort of an indoor space to the outdoor aft pool.

Activities

Once the family is on board the Carnival Spirit, the possibilities are as vast as the water ways you’re cruising through: Swimming in any of the 4 pools, Nautica Spa with steam rooms and beauty salon, fully equipped gymnasium, jogging track, Chippendale Library with a huge selection of books for your reading enjoyment, shopping in on board boutiques,  The Fun House (HQ of the Camp Carnival programme), a huge 20 metre spiral water slide, kids’ pool, whirlpool and organized on board activities such as Ping Pong and Shuffleboard tournaments and much more.

Itineraries

The arrival cruise into Australia of Carnival Spirit in 2012 includes a unique 17 night Hawaii – Tahiti – Fiji – Sydney itinerary. Be the first to experience Carnival Spirit’s Australian family cruising with 17 fun-packed days and amazing Pacific destinations.

For further information on these value-packed family-fun Carnival cruises, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622

or www.traveltheworld.com.au

As fitness vacations rise in popularity, My Destination Wellness takes it a step further with the “Gym Rat Race” in Riviera Maya, Mexico, February 16-20, 2011. The Gym Rat Race is a combination of fitness challenges and relaxing vacation, bringing participants to the “destination” of whole-body wellness.

My Destination Wellness, a leading provider of fitness vacations and a partner of Funjet Vacations, offers the Gym Rat Race as a way for “gym rats” to stick to workout plans during the winter months while also enjoying a tropical vacation. Plus, with tough mud-and-obstacle runs gaining traction with fitness-minded Americans, the Gym Rat Race adds a unique dimension to this trend.

The Gym Rat Race is also ideal for those sticking to fitness-related New Year’s Resolutions, as it offers an incentive to get or stay in shape for the upcoming vacation. My Destination Wellness’ fitness challenges are appropriate for any level of fitness, from beginners to advanced “gym rats.”

The Gym Rat Race package includes exercise classes, personal training and evaluation sessions, along with healthy meals and cooking demonstrations with take-home recipes to encourage health beyond the fitness retreat. The Gym Rat Race schedule allows for plenty of time for entertainment and socializing, so competitors enjoy the benefits of a relaxing vacation while staying on track with fitness goals.

Reservations and registrations for the Gym Rat Race can be made individually or in teams of six (6). Registration forms can be found at www.MyDestinationWellness.com and include information on package rates based on room type at the Gourmet-Inclusive resort and airport transportation, as well as Gym Rat Race activities.

Registration forms should be emailed to GymRatRace@MyDestinationWellness.com. During the registration process, guests can easily add airfare to the Gym Rat Race package with Funjet Vacations, book pre- or post-event travel, or add excursions and tours for their time in Mexico.

About David Pritchard

A leader in the health and fitness industry for the last 20 years, David Pritchard’s clients have included professional athletes in the NBA, NFL and MLB, boxers, Olympians, and top-level executives. Pritchard owns and operates a private wellness and training center in Milwaukee, Wis., where he uses his skills as a certified strength, conditioning, exercise and nutrition specialist to work with individuals and groups. Pritchard earned his degree in exercise science and has certifications from the American Council of Exercise and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

About My Destination Wellness Vacations

With a customized approach that extends beyond the vacation, My Destination Wellness adds fitness and nutrition plans overseen by “Wellness Concierges” to stays at El Dorado Royale or El Dorado Casitas Royale, by Karisma. My Destination Wellness provides beach-side exercise classes, personal training and Chef-prepared healthy meals. My Destination Wellness vacations may be booked with www.funjet.com 

About the El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, by Karisma

The El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, by Karisma, in Riviera Maya, Mexico, offer Conde Nast Traveler “Readers’ Top 100 Hotels in the World” and AAA Four Diamond rated accommodations and personalized service. Featuring more than a mile of sandy beach and an unparalleled Gourmet Inclusive experience, the El Dorado Resorts provide an array of extraordinary restaurants, breathtaking views and exciting nightlife. Guests enjoy elegant suites with 24-hour room service and private Jacuzzis, as well as a variety of swimming pools and spas offering popular couples massage classes.

For more informaiton, visit

www.ElDoradoSpaResorts.com