Jetsettersblog

Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis
www.bayblues.org

The blues are back in town for the 11th time at Sandy Point State Park. Recognized as one of the premier blues festivals in the world, the festival features an all-star line-up that jams on the shores of the Chesapeake in the name of good fun and even better deeds. Net proceeds go to charity.
Last year, the festival raised more than $52,000 for local charities.

WITH CELEBRATORY DINING AND MUSIC EVENTS THROUGHOUT ITS LANDMARK VENUES

West Hollywood, California’s THE SUNSET STRIP: the incomparable mix of its history, glamour, cutting-edge style, pure entertainment and exciting nightlife makes it the favored destination for travelers, locals, rockers and everyone in between. As 2012 approaches, THE STRIP invites you to ring in the New Year with special fare planned by its top restaurants–which include Asia De Cuba, Eveleigh, Nonna of Italy and Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood–or with music and comedy events at the Viper Room, The Roxy, Whisky A Go-Go, The Comedy Store, House of Blues and The Standard. The range of events and options fit a range of budgets and reveling plans. Also, the City of West Hollywood has announced it will launch a “holiday shuttle” during the NYE weekend (Dec. 29 –31). It will run in a continuous loop throughout West Hollywood from 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. on these nights. Log on to

http://www.weho.org/index.aspx?page=23&recordid=1099
 for more information.

DINNER AND SPECIAL MENUS:

Family Style Dinner @ Asia de Cuba

Asia de Cuba will serve a “family style” four-course New Year’s Eve dinner. Appetizer choices include Serrano ham and spiced quince, chili crispy onion albacore, or Cuban oxtail tamale, followed by Asia de Cuba’s signature calamari salad and intermezzo of mojito sorbet. Entrée choices include sake and sweet miso marinated filet of salmon and butterfish, char sui boneless beef short ribs or Asia de Cuba “surf and turf” with chili lime glazed rock lobster tail and grilled filet of beef. End your meal with rum glazed pineapple coconut tapioca. Dinner is $80 per person before 8 p.m., and $100 for seatings after 8 p.m. All dinners include a half bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne for every two guests. For reservations, contact mondrianasiadecubare@morganshotelgroup.com .

Prix-Fixe Dinner + DJ @ BOA Steakhouse

BOA will host a pre-fixe menu with live entertainment provided by a DJ. First seating available at 6:30/7:00 p.m. for $95 per person and second seating available at 9:00/9:30 p.m. for $165 per person. www.boasteakhouse.com

New Year’s Eve @ Cabo Cantina

Start the night off right by taking advantage of a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and the best happy hour on The Strip! All drinks are two-for-one prices from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. – midnight. We will be open normal business hours, from noon – 1:30 a.m. www.thecabocantina.com

Dinner + Foundation Room Access @ Crossroads Restaurant

Enjoy a four-course dinner at Crossroads Restaurant at House of Blues, Foundation Room access with live entertainment, champagne toast at midnight for $150 per person. www.hob.com

Dinner + Live Jazz @ Eveleigh

Eveleigh will host two three-course dinner seatings with champagne toasts. The first is from 5-7:15 p.m. ($75 per person), and the second starts at 9:30 p.m. ($95 per person). Second seating also includes access to the NYE Soiree with live music from a brass jazz quintet starting at 9:30 p.m. If you are heading out later, join us for drinks and dancing. Call to hear about special New Year’s drink packages or to reserve a table, 424-239-1630. www.theeveleigh.com

Three-Course Dinner + Live Entertainment @ Foundation Room

Enjoy a three-course dinner and champagne toast at midnight. Live entertainment will be provided until 10 p.m. followed by a DJ from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Price for members is $75 per person and $105 per person with wine pairing. For questions or reservations, call the box office at 323-848-5100. www.hob.com

Three Different Ways To Ring In 2012 @ The London West Hollywood

The holiday celebration continues on New Year’s Eve with three different ways to ring in 2012. From 5-8pm guests may enjoy a three-course meal from Gordon Ramsay, with menu selections including Maine Lobster Gratinée, Roasted Colorado Lamb Loin and Chocolate Hazelnut, as they enjoy a performance by Gill Crooner. ($95 per person.)

For those who choose to spend the evening enjoying a later dinner and celebrating at the hotel, Gordon Ramsay will offer a five-course menu boasting delicacies such as grilled Kingfish sashimi, prime beef wellington and an asseitte of Pastry. The night will top off with a midnight champagne toast and tunes spun by DJ Chris Carter. ($145 per person.)

Finally, for the ultimate in New Year’s Eve celebrating, let The London host a night to remember with a Gordon Ramsay dinner party for up to 12 of your closest friends.

Guests will enjoy an eight-course dinner, paired with the best in bubbly, as well as a midnight toast with a magnum of Dom Perignon Rose ’85. As the night winds down, guests will retreat to one of their six luxurious guest suites for the ideal holiday sleep-over.

The party continues New Year’s Day with breakfast at Boxwood Cafe Breakfast Table and a day of fun in the sun in a rooftop poolside cabana. (Package is $20,000 for 12.) www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

Dinner + Frank Sinatra Tribute @ Nonna of Italy

Nonna of Italy will host a four-course dinner. The dinner will also feature a live performance paying tribute to legendary crooner and former Sunset Strip staple Frank Sinatra. Seatings are available after 8 p.m., and the live music begins at 9:30 p.m.

Dinner is $125 per person, plus tax and gratuity. www.nonnaofitaly.com

NYE Dinner @ Rosa Mexicano

A special New Year’s Eve a la carte menu will be available as well as premium holiday cocktails and DJs. For more information and to make reservations, visit www.rosamexicano.com

PARTIES & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT:

“Shaken Not Stirred” Party @ Skybar

“Shaken Not Stirred” James Bond-themed New Year’s Eve party featuring special guest DJs. Admission includes champagne toast at midnight and open bar. 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. Ages 21 and older, only. Tickets are $175 ($150 for hotel guests and Asia de Cuba guests). For more information and reservations.

Champagne + Comedy @ The Comedy Store

Ring out 2011 and ring in 2012 with an all star cast of comics, champagne, party favors and free gifts, including two VIP passes worth up to $40! Main Room show is $50 (9 p.m. start), and the Original Room is $40 (10 p.m. start). Ages 21 and older, only. Tickets and additional information.

Jenny and Johnny + Cults @ The Standard, Hollywood

Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9:30 p.m. Tickets range from $75-$125. This event is ages 21 and older, only. Purchase tickets.

Semi Precious Weapons & Warner Drive @ The Roxy Theatre

Local favorites Semi Precious Weapons and Warner Drive battle it out on New Year’s Eve at The Roxy. Beta Wolf, Benvenue, Open Air Stereo and Life Down Here round out the bill. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $45 for VIP (must be 21 or older to purchase VIP). www.theroxyonsunset.com

Dirty Nasty, Andre Legacy & Beardo @ The Viper Room

Doors open 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Purchase tickets. www.viperroom.com

Musiq Soulchild @ House of Blues Sunset Strip

In addition to general admission tickets, special NYE packages are also available. Purchase a music hall table package (four tickets, one bottle, Foundation Room access and a champagne toast at midnight) for $750, a rails/balcony package (six tickets, four-course dinner, open bar, Foundation Room access and a bottle of champagne for the table at midnight) for $1,500, or an open bar package (access to the balcony with open bar) for $150 per person. General admission tickets are $67.50 in advance and $72.50 day of show.

For questions or reservations, call the box office at 323-848-5100. www.hob.com

DJ Quik @ Key Club

Legendary DJ Quik headlines with Toni Monroe opening. Tickets are $40-$75.

Full details and to purchase tickets, www.keyclub.com.

LA Guns featuring Dilana @ Whisky A Go-Go

Miserable End, LA Scuffle, Heavyness, Rebelmann and Advocators of Fun are also on the bill. Tickets are $20, doors open at 7 p.m. www.whiskyagogo.com

Party hosted by Cisco Adler @ Rock & Reilly’s

An unlimited open bar for $100 per person. Table service available upon request. For reservations, contact Matt@RandRPub.com  www.randrpub.com

About The Sunset Strip:

The Sunset Strip is a 1.6-mile stretch along Sunset Boulevard that runs through the heart of West Hollywood. From its beginning as an unregulated “strip” of land along Sunset Boulevard outside Los Angeles’ city limits, The Sunset Strip has served as a notorious entertainment destination for celebrities, tourists and California residents. It is an iconic locale where fashion, music, architecture and a unique history combine. The Sunset Strip has birthed countless music and entertainment careers, and it continues to blaze its own path as a leading destination with a vibrant and entertaining landscape made up of more than 150 restaurants, shops, nightclubs and hotels. The Sunset Strip became part of the City of West Hollywood when it was incorporated in 1984.

For more information about The Sunset Strip, please visit www.thesunsetstrip.com

world class cuisine meets cutting edge truffle science

January 13-16, 2012
announcing…

Host Wineries: Raymond Vineyards and Robert Mondavi Winery

Plus – Truffles & Wine Dinner à la Carte!

Napa, CA – The second annual Napa Truffle Festival, January 13-16, 2012, is pleased to announce…Raymond Vineyards and Robert Mondavi Winery will host the Festival lunches. Plus, the Truffles & Wine Dinner at La Toque is now being offered à la carte.

The Festival will focus primarily on black truffles—specifically the winter Périgord truffle (Tuber melanosporum), which will be discussed, examined, probed, prepared, demonstrated and, finally, paired with wines and feasted upon for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

PROGRAM/SCHEDULE

Friday – Reception at La Toque
6:00-7:00pm – meet the hosts, keynote and Michelin Star Chefs (media reception precedes at 5:00pm)

Saturday – Scientific-Grower Programs at Westin Verasa, Lunch and Tour at Raymond Vineyards, Truffles & Wine Dinner at La Toque

7:30-9:30am – Breakfast and Keynote with Barbara Fairchild

10:00-11:30am – Seminar: Science-based Truffle Cultivation

12noon-1:30pm – Lunch at Raymond Vineyards prepared by Chef Michou Cornu

1:30-2:00pm – Winery Tour & Tasting at Raymond Vineyards

2:30-3:30pm – Truffle Orchard Tour and Dog Training Demo at Sinskey Vineyards

4:00-5:30pm – Seminar: The Economics of Truffle Cultivation

7:00pm – Truffles & Wine Dinner at La Toque

Sunday – Culinary Programs, Lunch and Tour at Robert Mondavi Winery

10:00-11:30am – Cooking Demo with Michelin Star Chef

11:30am-1:30pm – Lunch at Robert Mondavi Winery prepared by Chef Jeff Mosher

1:30-3:30pm – Winery Tour & Tasting at Robert Mondavi Winery

Monday – Napa Truffle Festival Marketplace at Oxbow Public Market showcasing local wineries, artisanal vendors and specialty food products

10am-2:00pm – Cooking Demos, Wine & Food Tastings

The Festival launches Friday night with a reception for guests to hobnob with hosts Robert Chang and Dr. Paul Thomas of the American Truffle Company, and Chef Ken Frank of La Toque; with keynote speaker Barbara Fairchild, and the Michelin Star Chefs  – sans toques – who have come from as far as Chicago and Italy to prepare the truffles!

Saturday begins with a breakfast and keynote address by distinguished food and travel writer and former editor of Bon Appétit, Barbara Fairchild, followed by scientific-grower programs, a foray to Raymond Vineyards for a tour, tasting and lunch by Chef Michel Cornu, and finishing with a truffle orchard tour at Sinskey Vineyards (truffle dogs will be on hand to sniff things out).

Saturday night, truffles will be celebrated at the grand Truffles & Wine Dinner at La Toque, featuring a multi-course truffle menu and wine pairing – each course prepared by a Michelin Star chef: Michael Cimarusti of Providence in Los Angeles; Suzette Gresham-Tognetti of Acquerello in San Francisco; Marco Gubbiotti of La Bastiglia in Spello, Italy; and Andrew Zimmerman of Sepia in Chicago.

Sunday is devoted to all things wine and culinary at Robert Mondavi Winery: a cooking demo with Michelin Star chef, followed by a tour and tasting, and lunch prepared by Chef Jeff Mosher.

The Festival concludes on Monday with a lively Napa Truffle Festival Marketplace at Oxbow Public Market—from farm, orchard and vineyard to kitchen, table and glass—showcasing local wineries, artisanal vendors and specialty food products.

The beautiful Westin Verasa in downtown Napa will again serve as the host venue, offering a special rate for the Festival weekend.

PACKAGES/TICKETS

GRAND TRUFFLE WEEKEND PACKAGE

complete truffle, wine, science and cultivation package (includes Truffles & Wine Dinner)
Friday-Monday, January 13-16

EPICUREAN TRUFFLE WEEKEND PACKAGE

foodie and cultivation package (does not include Truffles & Wine Dinner)
Friday-Monday, January 13-16

SCIENTIFIC GROWER TRUFFLE PACKAGE

science and cultivation focus (lunch is optional)
Saturday, January 14

NEW OFFER!
TRUFFLES & WINE DINNER

prepared by Michelin Star Chefs – now available à la carte (all inclusive)
Saturday, January 14

NAPA TRUFFLE FESTIVAL MARKETPLACE

at Oxbow Public Market
cooking demos, local wines, artisanal vendors, specialty food products
Monday, January 16, 10:00am-2:00pm
FREE to the public to browse and purchase truffle goodies
$25/person – food tasting ticket
$40/person – food and wine tasting ticket

The second annual Napa Truffle Festival is hosted by the American Truffle Company.

Winery Hosts
Raymond Vineyards │ Robert Mondavi Winery

Partners
AIWF, Legendary Napa Valley, Napa County Farm Bureau, Napa River Inn,
Napa Valley Grapegrowers, Oxbow Public Market, Platypus Wine Tours, Westin Verasa

SONOMA VALLEY, CA– It’s all about romance in Wine Country! And the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has this Valentine’s Day unwrapped- inspired overnight packages, soothing spa treatments and amorous dining adventures are sure to send any relationship into over-drive.

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa celebrates your love with the “Romance in Wine Country Package”. Romantics will bubble over our unparalleled romance-inspired accommodations, (2) 60-minute spa treatments, sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberry amenity, rose petal turndown and sparkling wine tasting passes at Gloria Ferrer Winery. Package priced from $429 per night.

Santé (Michelin star-studded) Chef de Cuisine, Andrew Cain has created an unbeatable Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu (available Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 19, inclusive) which is sure to spark a desire (or two!) A food lovers’ aphrodisiac menu will be served in the resort’s handsome dining room. Tasting menu available from $125 per person exclusive of tax and service.

Brilliantly selected wine pairings available. Reservations are highly suggestive! 707 938 9000.

The couple that spas together stays together- Begin the day with a private couple’s yoga instructional session. Lovebirds will learn techniques that enhance both mind and body. Seduce the afternoon with a couple’s wine and roses massage. Soak in a romantic aromatic bath sprinkled with rose petals, while you toast one another and savor locally produced chocolate wine truffles.

Author your own unabridged evening of romance this Valentine’s Day at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa; our romance experts are available at (707) 938-9000. This “love” season celebrate in luxe style at California’s classic destination, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.

Renowned for natural mineral waters, unparalleled charm and gracious service, The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, is located 40 miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. in Sonoma Valley, the heart of Northern California’s wine country. A recipient of the AAA-Four Diamond and Mobil-Four Star Awards as well as the lauded Michelin Star- the resort consistently provides the country’s finest European spa experience.

For reservations please phone 1-800-441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit the Inn’s website at www.fairmont.com/sonoma

IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Warner Bros. and Smithsonian to Co-host Four Public Film Festivals throughout 2012
The new Warner Bros. Theater at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will have its Grand Opening February 2012. The theater project, made possible by a grant from Warner Bros., marks a unique collaboration between two iconic institutions that will showcase the art and history of film in American culture.

Following a gala event, Warner Bros. and the museum will co-host film festivals and screenings in the theater throughout the year. In addition, one-of-a-kind displays of classic studio memorabilia on loan from the Warner Bros. Museum will be featured. The announcement of the four public film festivals slated for 2012 was made today by Barry Meyer, Warner’s Chairman & CEO.

Scheduled programs are as follows:

Humphrey Bogart

This festival begins on February 3 with a tribute to Humphrey Bogart and a screening of “Casablanca,” which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. The film will be introduced by Stephen Bogart, the son of Bogart and Lauren Bacall. The Feb. 3 screening will be a special event ticketed through the Smithsonian Associates. Additional films that weekend include “The Maltese Falcon,” “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” and “The Big Sleep.” There will be an accompanying display highlighting costumes and artifacts related to these classic films and the history of Warner Bros.

Clint Eastwood

This series, running from June 22 to June 24, will highlight several major Eastwood films, including Academy Award®-winning “Unforgiven,” “Pale Rider,” “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and the documentary, “The Eastwood Factor.”

Sound in Early Film

The birth of motion picture sound will be the focus of the third festival, to be held July 13 to 15, with “Singin’ In The Rain” (celebrating its 60th anniversary), “The Jazz Singer,” “The Broadway Melody” and “Don Juan.”

Civil War Sesquicentennial

To mark the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War, the final series of 2012 will open on October 19 with “Gone With The Wind,” followed by “Glory,” “Gettysburg” and “Gods & Generals.” Series continues through October 21.

Most film screenings will be free, with admission on a first come/first served basis. Tickets for the “Casablanca” screening can be reserved by contacting the Smithsonian Resident Associates at 202-633-3030 or online at http://residentassociates.org. Admission information for all the film screenings will be posted in January on the museum’s website at: http://americanhistory.si.edu.

Warner Bros. Entertainment made a $5 million donation to the National Museum of American History in September, 2010 to transform the Museum’s 46-year-old auditorium into a modern facility, renamed the Warner Bros. Theater, with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, including 3-D capability.

This gift from Warner Bros. allows the National Museum of American History to bring to both Washingtonians, as well as global visitors, new and exciting opportunities to celebrate the art of film. In addition to the screenings, Warner Bros. will open its archives to provide loans of artifacts and memorabilia that will be on display for museum visitors. The goals of the historic collaboration are to educate, entertain and enlighten audiences.

Barry Meyer, Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros., has long had an appreciation for the arts as well as for American history. Meyer visited the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in 2009, and began to forge a relationship with the Smithsonian and the then director of the National Museum of American History.

“Warner Bros. has a rich legacy of entertaining audiences for almost 90 years and truly realizes the importance and value of that history,” said Meyer. “This partnership with the Smithsonian, whose very name signifies the gold standard for the preservation and presentation of all things with historical significance, is a great step towards reminding people that movies and television shows are an important part of our shared culture. The Warner Bros. Theater will be a state-of-the-art venue for highlighting filmed entertainment and programs that are important to people.”

For more about the Museum of American History, visit: http://americanhistory.si.edu

About Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. Entertainment was founded in 1923 by the four Warner brothers, Albert, Sam, Harry and Jack, from Pennsylvania. Today, the Studio stands at the forefront of every aspect of the industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, Blu-ray, digital distribution, animation, comic books, product and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting. A Time Warner company, Warner Bros. maintains operations around the globe and its iconic WB shield logo is recognized everywhere as a symbol of world-class entertainment. The Studio will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2013.

Publicity Contacts

Warner Home Video, Ronnee Sass, 818/977-6439 / Janet Keller, 818/977-7831

Carl Samrock Public Relations, Marie Remelius marie@cs-pr.com, Karen Penhale karenpenhale@cs-pr.com 818/260-0777

National Museum of American History, Melinda Machado machadom@si.edu, 202/633-3129

Las Vegas, Nev. – The UNLV Performing Arts Center welcomes the Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ), which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 7 as part of the Charles Vanda Master Series. Comprised of four uniquely accomplished musicians – John Dearman, Matthew Greif, William Kanengiser, and Scott Tennant – each bring a new, distinctive sound and energy to the concert stage. Their electrifying programs range from Bach to Bluegrass.

Winner of a 2005 Grammy Award, their Guitar Heroes CD released on Telarc is a brilliant follow-up to their Grammy nominated LAGQ Latin. Spin (Telarc, Spring 2006) continues their explorations of jazz and contemporary music. LAGQ Brazil (2007), including collaborations with vocalist Luciana Souza, was released to rave reviews, and their newest recording of the Rodrigo “Concierto Andaluz” and Sergio Assad’s “Interchange”, written specifically for them, was released on Telarc in Spring 2010, and quickly climbed to top spot on the Billboard charts.

Tickets to the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet are $35, $50, and $75 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting pac.unlv.edu. Student rush tickets are $13 each and available one hour prior to each event, based on availability and with valid student I.D. UNLV faculty and staff discounts also are available.

A $1.25 facilities fee, in addition to the ticket price, is charged on all Performing Arts Center tickets. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Information about all of the season’s performances can be found on the Performing Arts Center website, located at pac.unlv.edu.

Founded in 1976, the Performing Arts Center at UNLV continues to be Southern Nevada’s premier performing arts venue. Located on the north end of the UNLV campus, the PAC hosts a variety of performances each year in three distinct series – the Charles Vanda Master Series, the New York Stage & Beyond Series, and the UNLV Classical Guitar Series.

Fiji, an archipelago of 333 islands in the South Pacific, offers some of the best cruising in the world, and this year for enthusiasts that want to get truly off the beaten track Blue Lagoon cruises have launched the first ever cruise to the remote Lau Island Group.

The Lau group are the most easterly of the Fiji islands and up until now have been inaccessible to all but the most intrepid travellers.

Visited by Captain Cook in 1774, The Lau are culturally and historically significant and the cruise gives a rare insight into four unique cultures, Melanesian, Micronesian, Polynesian and Lauan. Highlights of the cruise include Qilaqila Island, the jewel in the crown of the Lau group’s ‘Bay of Islands’, and the ship’s passengers will have a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture when they visit local villages, many of whose inhabitants have never met people from beyond their island chain.

For further details visit www.bluelagooncruises.com

Blue Lagoon’s new cruise adds to their already impressive portfolio of small boat cruises around the Fijian islands and along with Captain Cook Cruises (www.captaincook.com.au ) offer something for everyone with an interest in cruising.

Captain Cook offers a range of holiday options in Fiji, all guaranteeing passengers will get a taste of true Fijian culture visiting remote Fijian villages and schools and experiencing the beauty of the Fiji Islands. Three, four and seven night cruises around the Yasawa Islands operate weekly and special seven night Heritage and Cultural cruises operate throughout the year, all onboard the small ship MV Reef Endeavour. . Captain Cook also offer a 7 night Northern Fiji Dateline Discovery Cruise, an amazing cruise that reveals the unique history, art and culture of the Northern Fiji Islands and allows passengers the ultimate experience of standing’ on the International Dateline.

Cruise enthusiasts looking for adventure should also consider the Tui Tai (www.tuitai.com) , an impressive luxury 140-foot sailing schooner with a crew of 16, accommodating up to 24 guests.

The ship offers finely appointed staterooms with ensuite bathrooms, beautiful beds and linen, a private balcony for romantic evening star gazing, five star food, an on board pool and luxury spa.

Based out of Savusavu and sailing the waters of Fiji’s Northern Group of Islands the Tui Tai’s cruises are geared toward active outdoor enthusiasts, diving is offered daily, with up to 11 dives over the course of the 5-night Adventure Cruise.

Other activities include snorkeling over an underwater rainbow of soft-corals and fish, river kayaking through mountain rivers, discovering hidden waterfalls, night fishing, dinner on the beach and cultural visits to local villages.

Big ship cruises also stop off in Fiji. Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com)  has an itinerary which takes in the hustle and bustle of Lautoka and the capital Suva with its interesting markets and museum, contrasting with the ultimate relaxation and stunning scenery to be found at Malolo Island in the Mamanucas and Savusavu in the Northern Islands. P&O Cruises (www.pocruises.com ) also offers a cruise out of Southampton on the Aurora which takes in the port of Lautoka in Fiji where guests can take part in a range of on-shore excursions including diving, sailing, and village visits.

Cruising in Fiji isn’t just for the luxury traveller either, Awesome Adventures (www.awesomefiji.com) offers a hop on, hop off cruise around the Yasawa Islands for travelers wanting to combine a cruise with a stay in budget accommodation. And for dive enthusiasts the Sere-ni-Wai (www.sere.com.fj) and Aggressor Fiji (www.aggressor.com) offer dive cruises visiting the many fantastic dive sites throughout the Fijian islands.

For more information on cruising in Fiji go to www.fijime.com/cruiseme

Orlando, Florida is not just Mickey Mouse ears, exhilarating rides and six foot animated creatures, there is so much more to this stunning state, especially for the more affluent traveler looking for that something extra.

Situated over 500 acres of lush, tropical landscape, the quietly secluded Grande Lakes Resort is home to two world-class hotels. Stylish, elegant and sophisticated both the JW Marriot hotel and The Ritz Carlton set a new standard of luxury with state of the art amenities, 11 dining options including a Four-Diamond award winning restaurant, a Greg Norman designed, 18-hole championship golf course and exquisite spa.

The award winning Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin Resorts are perfect for those looking to be in the heart of the action but still indulge in first-class facilities and opulent service. Surrounded by tranquil waterways and a tropical landscape, the two imaginative and distinctive resorts have everything for a luxury holiday, from tennis and volleyball to the relaxing Mandara Spa and sandy beach.

Orlando, Florida is a shopper’s paradise. With the Mall at Millenia offering high-end fashion retailing and streets laden with luxurious boutiques and intimate shops around, Orlando challenges some of the top fashion capitals.

Complete Orlando are currently offering return non-stop flights from London Gatwick on the 31st January 2012 and a 7-night stay in the JW Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando for only £1009 per person based on two adults sharing. Book by 30 Nov 2011.

For more information or to book contact Complete Orlando on 0800 294 8844 or visit www.completeorlando.com

For Orlando tips and best deals follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/completeorlando

Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) Compares the Cost of Travelling with Golf Equipment-

Recently updated research by Airport Parking and Hotels (APH), the UK’s leading airport parking specialist, into the costs of travelling abroad with golf equipment has revealed a number of ‘hazards’ to watch out for. In order to help golfers plan ahead, Airport Parking and Hotels has published the survey of 21 major airlines’ golf bag policies on the Know Before You Go section of their website, available at www.aph.com/golfbaggage.

The research provides a guide to airline baggage allowances, excess baggage fees, golf bag weight limits and costs of travelling with golf bags on flights from the UK to Europe and the US.

When travelling economy class with airlines such as British Airways, American Airlines or United Airlines, passengers’ currently only receive an allowance of one piece of luggage and need to pay excess charges in order to transport both one suitcase and one set of clubs.

Airlines such as Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and Air France however, were found to allow one golf bag per passenger at no extra charge and surprisingly, the research also found KLM now offers this service, provided the entire journey is operated by KLM or Air France (including Martinair).

The no-frill carriers, such as Ryanair and Easyjet, may offer the attractive flight ticket prices up front but golfers need to be particularly careful when checking-in golf equipment. In addition to charging for checked-in bags, the low-cost airlines were all found to charge additional fees for golf baggage. Ryanair, for example, charge £40 per single flight for a golf bag in addition to their standard charges for other baggage. Easyjet were found to charge passengers for a weight allowance of 12kg for sporting equipment, costing £25 per item, per flight when pre-booked or £30 per item, per flight when booked at the airport. It’s easy to see how these baggage charges can mount up for golfers, so it pays to be prepared and Know Before You Go, with golfers possibly finding it more cost effective to hire clubs at their destination.

Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is the UK’s award winning airport parking operator and booking agency, after winning the Best Airport Parking Company for a second year running at British Travel Awards 2011. This year APH also celebrates its 31st year as a retailer and operator of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. APH offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels packaged with parking and airport lounges. APH is also a carbon balanced company and has, through support of the World Land Trust, helped purchase more than 1,000 acres of endangered rainforest.

For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) visit,
http://www.aph.com/  or call 01342 859515.

The PlaneTalking Group have launched a new website www.VisiteatStay.com to provide a unique platform for any business, service, venue or destination to promote their company, news, events and offers.

Along with offering a platform for each business the website will also promote the regular news, events and offers for each company across its growing Internet network.

All listings are uploaded by the PlaneTalking crew saving time for the client.

Everything published will also also appear in news portals, social media and other travel related websites increasing each listings web presence, brand awareness and driving traffic to their websites.

VisitEatStay.com can display every listing on its Home Page, at the smae time, showing its geographical location. Foor each listing a company can have unlimited text and images and even embedded video.

Their full contact information, directions and a review section are also available.

Also included with a VisitEatStay.com listing is the publicaiton of news, events and offers throughout the year.

These are also regular published across the internet through search engines and social media.

PlaneTalking is currently in talks with several restaurant and hotel chains to be included on the listing maps on VisitEatStay.com and their MotoringChat.com and PlaneLocations.com websites.

With the additional service of being able to promote job vacancies through the PlaneTalking job boards these new websites provide a simple platform to use to promote businesses around the world.

Prices are just £199 per year for a listing inlcuing:
Unlimited copy
Unlimited images in gallery
Up to 10 news, offers or events published per year
Discounts available for muliti site and mulit locaiton listings.