Jetsettersblog

Holland America Line is offering new World Cruise tours and Overland Adventure tours in South America, Africa and India. Overland Adventures allow guests to extend their holiday or world cruise with an in-depth exploration of regions such as India, the Far East, Africa and South America.

The adventures range from two- and three-day tours to eight-day explorations.

The 2010 “Grand World Voyage” guests can take an eight-day train tour from Mumbai. The “Palace on Wheels Overland Adventure” stops in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and Delhi, and concludes with a flight to Kuala Lumpur.

The adventure also includes a sunset camel ride through the Great Indian Desert and a four-wheel drive in the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, known for tigers and leopards. In Udaipur, guests will explore the city of lakes and then journey to Bharatpur and the National Bird Sanctuary.

From there, it’s a short train ride to Agra and the Taj Mahal.

In Africa, the three-day Ngala Overland Adventure from Port Elizabeth to Durban, South Africa, flies guests to the Ngala Private Game Reserve.

The safari offers accommodations and several game-drives in an open, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Guests catch a return flight to Durban to board the ship.

Other Overland Adventures trips in Africa and the Far East include the “Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls Overland Adventure,” a five-day tour from Cape Town to Durban; the “Cambodia and Angkor Wat Overland Adventure,” a three-day tour from Singapore to Sihanoukville, Cambodia; the “Terra Cotta Warriors, Great Wall and Beijing Overland Adventure,” a four-day tour from Shanghai to Xingang, China; and the “Kyoto and the Shinkansen Bullet Train Overnight Tour,” a two-day adventure from Kobe to Yokohama, Japan.

On the other side of the world, guests sailing South America in 2010 also have enticing new adventures: the “Galapagos Islands Cruise Overland Adventure” and “Mendoza: Land of Wine.”

From Manta, Ecuador, to Callao, Peru, the four-day Galapagos adventure takes guests by motorcoach to Guayaquil, Ecuador, to board a plane to the easternmost Galapagos Islands.

From there, guests will board the Galápagos Explorer II, a 293-foot vessel for 100 guests. A naturalist guides shore expeditions to search wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, whimbrels and sanderlings, Darwin’s finches and yellow warblers.

In Argentina, the “Mendoza: Land of Wine” begins with a flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, Argentina, for a city tour in the heart of the Argentine wine country. Guests visit a vineyard and sample acclaimed local wines before returning to comfort of their ship.

Priory Country Lodge, Tasmania; W Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Park Hyatt Shanghai, Shanghai; and Six Senses Destination Spa, Phuket; are among the 45 resorts named in Travel+Leisure’s It List 2009 of best new hotels around the globe.

This year, the It List focuses on destinations closer to home with several hotels located in the Asian and South Pacific region, including one in Australia.

The It List, chosen by Travel+Leisure’s editors, is one of the most influential directories of the world’s best new hotels. It will be featured in the annual hotels and resorts issue of Travel+Leisure, out June 22,

Anthony Dennis, editor of Travel+Leisure, says: “It’s a great achievement for Tasmania’s The Priory to make the list.

Featured recently in the Australian Travel+Leisure edition, this small hotel is owned by the same operators of the acclaimed Islington in Hobart, who have a clear and ongoing commitment to quality.”

“The inclusion of only one Australian winner on this year’s list may be reflective of a quieter period for local tourism. However, there are a number of exciting new projects underway in Australia due to open over the next year such as Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa and Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania.”

“With Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island and Hamilton Island’s Qualia featuring on the 2008 list, the challenge for the Australian tourism industry is to keep producing these world-class hotels which appeal to the affluent international traveller and will put us in a strong position for the eventual upturn in the global economy.”

The 45 Best New Hotels in 2009 are:

ASIA

+ Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing, Beijing, China
+ Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Hainan Island, China
+ W Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
+ Park Hyatt Shanghai, Shanghai, China
+ Aman New Delhi, New Delhi, India
+ Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, India
+ Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand
+ Six Senses Destination Spa, Phuket, Thailand

AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC

+ Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana
+ Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, Mauritius, Botswana
+ Molori Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
+ Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Zighy Bay, Oman
+ Atlantis, The Palm Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
+ Priory Country Lodge, Tasmania, Australia

EUROPE

+ Rough Luxe, London, England
+ Le Couvent des Minimes, Provence, France
+ Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Florence, Italy
+ LaVilla Hotel, Piedmont, Italy
+ ME Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
+ Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland
+ Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey
+ Park Hyatt Maçka Palas, Istanbul, Turkey

UNITED STATES

+ InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona
+ Montage Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills, California
+ Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California
+ SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills, California
+ Miami Beach Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, Florida
+ Mondrian, Miami Beach, Florida
+ Viceroy Miami, Miami Beach, Florida
+ The Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel & Residence, Atlanta, Georgia
+ Mandarin Oriental, Boston, Massachusetts
+ Encore Wynn, Las Vegas, Nevada
+ Encantado, Santa Fe, New Mexico
+ The Standard, New York, New York
+ The Nines, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland, Oregon

SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARRIBBEAN

+ Firefly Bequia, The Grenadines, Caribbean
+ Geejam, Jamaica, Caribbean
+ Banyan Tree Mayakoba Resort & Spa, Mayakoba, Mexico
+ Distrito Capital, Mexico City
+ Legado Mítico, Salta, Argentina
+ Uxua Casa Hotel, Trancoso, Brazil
+ Las Casitas del Colca, Colca Canyon, Peru
+ Inkaterra La Casona, Cuzco, Peru
+ Estancia Vik, José Ignacio, Uruguay

Planning your honeymoon escape? Check out Bales Worldwide’s ultimate Honeymoon Collection for the latest in romantic inspiration. From sunset drinks in the desert beauty of India’s Rajasthan, to the breathtaking scenery of Canada’s wilderness, a wildlife extravaganza in South Africa, to the natural wonders of New Zealand – a range of stunning honeymoon locations await! Visit THIS LINK

New Zealand – Top to Bottom in 20 days
Check out the best of New Zealand with this 20 day itinerary. Variety is the key – journey from idyllic Waiheke Island, to the bustling streets of Auckland and through a land steeped in colonial and Maori culture. Experience the sulphurous springs of Rotorua, enjoy Napier’s Art Deco elegance, and sip a tipple or two at Hawkes Bay vineyards. Head to the South Island for whale watching off the Kaikoura Peninsula, adrenaline filled adventure in Queenstown and the rich majesty of Milford Sound.

The deluxe accommodation throughout allows in you to relax in style, from the chic boutique style of the Boatshed on Waiheke Island, to the secluded retreat that is Treetops Lodge near Rotorua.

Prices start from £4,825 per person based on two sharing, including return flights, accommodation, car hire, transfers, most meals and a number of honeymoon special offers including wine and food hampers, a 4WD safari, Michelin star cookery courses and wine tasting.

South Africa – Wildlife Safari to Beach Paradise
This ten day extravaganza starts with a chance to unwind at The Long Beach Hideaway outside Cape Town.

Be pampered at this beautiful beachside location overlooking eight miles of unspoilt white sand, with uninterrupted views of Hout Bay and Table Mountain. On day four fly to Port Elizabeth and the Shamwari Game Reserve, for wild game viewing and luxury lodge accommodation. After two days of game drives, it off to the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean and the Oceana Beach and Wildlife reserve for a 5-star food and spa experience. Finally, head to the Art Deco masterpiece that is Shamwari Townhouse in Port Elizabeth.

Savour a drink in the Champagne Lounge, indulge your taste buds with fine foods and be pampered with a spa treatment or two.

Prices start from £3,119 per person based on two sharing, including return flights, transfers, most meals, free lodge upgrade at Shamwari Game Reserve and free spa experience at Oceana Beach.

Canada – Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is a truly unique hideaway, located near Tofino on Vancouver Island. Arrive in style on a float plane from Vancouver, before settling into one of 20 luxury tents and enjoying a private candlelit dinner. The white tents, set under the rainforest canopy, are raised on platforms and are beautifully furnished, complete with queen sized bed.

Gourmet meals are created by highly skilled chefs in the main building’s open kitchen, and wonderful fresh picnics can also be provided – why not head off to a secluded glade for a romantic meal al fresco? Enjoy a free two hour massage, wallow in one of the three wood fired hot tubs, try your hand at kayaking, fishing and rock climbing, or head off on a peaceful horse ride through the unspoilt landscape.

Prices start from £4,500 per person based on two sharing in September, including flights, transfers, accommodation and most meals.

India – Romantic Rajasthan

Escape the tourist trail in romantic Rajasthan and stay in a series of luxury camps that surpass all expectations. Your honeymoon starts in Jaipur, at the stunning Samode Bagh camp located in the beautiful Mughai gardens near the Samode Palace. From here, head to rural Rajasthan to stay at Chhatra Sagar tented camp. This tranquil haven has 11 exquisite tents overlooking a lake teeming with wildlife - marvel at the hand painted floors and enjoy some of Rajasthan’s finest cuisine.

On day 6 transfer to the wonderfully peaceful Deogarh Khayyam camp, set on the shores of a beautiful lake in the Arvalli Mountains. From this tranquil waterside location, head to the heart of the desert and the Manvar Desert Camp.

Set amidst the sand dunes between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, this camp offers spectacular sunsets, fabulous local dancers and musicians, plus the opportunity for a camel ride or jeep safari. Your final location is the fabulous Wilderness Camp west of Rohet, which comprises of just six exclusive tents surrounded by dunes and scrubland.

Prices start from £1,995 per person between 1st October and 10th December based on two sharing, including return flights, accommodation, sightseeing, excursions, transfers and most meals.

Romantic Indochina

A journey through wonderfully scenic Vietnam and Cambodia is great honeymoon option. This 14 day itinerary takes you from the elegant French-colonial Hanoi in Vietnam to the majestic temple complex of Angkor in Cambodia, via a myriad of wonderful locations.

The trip includes a two night traditional junk cruise of Halong Bay, a visit to Vietnam’s former capital of Hue, a river tour to Minh Mang’s tomb, an excursion to the Forbidden Purple City, and a chance to relax on the white sands of Hoi An.

Visit awesome UNESCO World Heritage Sites and reserves, stay in luxury accommodation such as The Residence Hotel and Spa in Hue, savour world class cuisine, explore temples and pagodas, and take in the stunning scenery throughout.

The itinerary includes two full days to explore the breathtaking Ankgor Wat and its surrounding temples and monuments.

Prices start from £2495 per person based on two sharing, for travel between 1 April and 30 June 2009, including return flights, transfers, accommodation and most meals. This also includes free room upgrades at all hotels.

Boutique Peru

This 13 day holiday offers Peruvian highlights, coupled with exceptional boutique accommodation.

Luxurious and eco-friendly, these exceptional hotels present a new range of boutique options that offer all meals and a full range of services. Kick off with a day exploring historic Lima, before flying to Puerto Maldonado and the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica – reached by a 1 hour canoe ride!

Stay in your own thatched cabin set on a raised platform, complete with private bathroom and hammocks on the terrace.

Enjoy two days of activities and excursions from bird watching and photography, to wildlife observation and even astronomy! Day 6 and 7 take you to the Andes and the awe-inspiring remains of Machu Picchu – staying at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu. Your journey carries on to take in Cusco, before you fly to Juliaca for a stay on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Relax at the wonderful Hotel Titilaka which enjoys 270º views of the lake and offers pampering spa facilities.

Prices start from £3995 per person based on two sharing, including return flights, transfers, accommodation, sightseeing/excursions and most meals.

For reservations please call 0845 057 0600 or look online at
www.balesworldwide.com/honeymooncollection

Cox & Kings is planning an exclusive group departure to Madagascar Sept. 10 to 25 with special guest guide, Edward Tucker Brown, managing director of Madagascar Classic Camping (MCC), and Cox & Kings’ Indian Ocean specialist and photographer, Megan Bryant. Brown, who will join the group Sept. 10 to 17, has pioneered sophisticated accommodation and service in Madagascar’s south after nearly a decade of working in the luxury safari circuit of East Africa. MCC’s six-tented Mandrare River Camp represents new life in an area long dominated by one very basic lodge.

His meru-style camp and glowing lanterns enliven an East African ambience.

The service and cuisine — imagine freshly caught lobster — qualify as first class.

His rapport with the local Ifotaka community will add a fresh, cultural encounter that few have had the opportunity to experience. Bryant’s work with Cox & Kings has included travels throughout Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, from the remoteness of Namibia and Botswana to snorkeling the waters of northern Madagascar.

Her fine arts background in photography will bode well for focused photographic outings during the trip.

Madagascar is still not widely commercialized.

Small villages and communities offer unique, uncontrived cultural encounters.

As the fourth-largest island nation in the world, Madagascar boasts a signature biodiversity in its 86-plus varieties of lemurs, its 365 endemic reptile species and its 51 percent of endemic birds. Geographic marvels, such as the rare spiny forest of the south and tsingy rock formations of the north, create an otherworldly allure.

Cox & Kings’ journey will cover many ecosystems. The arid south offers an intimate encounter with the Antandroy people and the endemic plants and creatures of the spiny forest, such as octopus trees and endemic orchids and palms.

The montane rainforests of the central highlands showcase the largest lemur species and world-class riding horses. Moving north, the coastal town of Antsiranana, or Diego Suarez, gives way to the northern mountains and tsingy rock formations.

The tropical islands of the northeast rival the world’s best beach retreats while hosting nesting sea turtles, seasonal whale migrations and charming local life.

The journey tops off at Anjajavy, the only Relais & Chateaux property in the country, set along the coast in a lush forest reserve.

Founded by Richard Cox in London in 1758, Cox & Kings is the longest-running travel company in the world.

Specialists in both small group and private, customized tours, their Exquisite Cultural & Wildlife Adventures cover Africa, Indian Ocean, Asia and Pacific, India and Beyond, Latin America, and Arabia and Northern Africa. For more information, visit www.coxandkingsusa.com

Crystal Cruises has published its 2010 Cruise Guide, the line’s first publication of next year’s entire schedule, featuring new itineraries, new ports of call and the World Cruise.

A preview to the 150-plus-page Crystal Cruises Worldwide Atlas available later this summer, the 32-page brochure lists the 66 cruises, ports and fares for Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

In addition to itineraries and information about Experiences of Discovery theme cruises, the guide invites guests to “Join the Celebration” and take advantage of the many promotional offers and special programming in conjunction with the line’s 20th anniversary.

Among the offers are special anniversary pricing, onboard spending credits and a birthday bonus.

Color-coded by destination, the Cruise Guide provides a first look at Crystal’s 2010 roster of journeys ranging from seven-day voyages on both ships to the 108-day World Cruise aboard the 1,070-guest Crystal Serenity.

New for 2010 will be a seven-day British Isles cruise; nine-day Mediterranean and Canary Islands cruises; a 10-day Mexico itinerary featuring the Sea of Cortez; cruise series in Australia/New Zealand and Mexican Riviera; and expanded choices in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, allowing guests to combine several itineraries without repeating ports.

In addition to attractions like the Black Sea, North Cape and Panama Canal, the line has increased its maiden calls with Middle Eastern stops in Manama, Bahrain; Bandar Abbas, Iran; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Al Fujairah, UAE; Khasab, Oman; and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the World Cruise, plus Topolobampo, Mexico; Holyhead, Wales; Portland, England; Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Sevastopol, Ukraine; and Almeria, Spain. The 2010 Cruise Guide can be downloaded at the line’s newly redesigned website.

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, announced the planned opening of the Park Inn Sandton in South Africa.

The 270 rooms-property is scheduled to open in 2010.

Sandton is a suburb of South Africa’s largest city Johannesburg and already home to two Radisson Blu properties — the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton (opened in early 2009) and the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton Central (opening in early 2010).

The new Park Inn Sandton will be located on a prime sit on Katherine Street within “Africa’s Richest Square Mile”, as this part of the city is known. Besides 270 rooms the property will feature an outlet of Park Inn’s signature restaurant RBG Bar & Grill.

Meeting facilities include seven conference rooms.

For leisure, guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool (with terrace and bar) and a fitness facility.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. launched its Eternal Summers promotion, which offers travel deals of up to 30 percent on hotel rooms at Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, St. Regis, Le Méridien, Four Points by Sheraton, and The Luxury Collection.

To qualify, travelers simply have to stay for two or more nights at one of the hundreds of hotels and resorts throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East, belonging to the company’s portfolio of distinctive and compelling brands.

These travel deals on hotel rooms are available for stays up to Sept. 30, 2009 and bookings must be made prior to July 31, 2009. Guests who book at one of Starwood’s city hotels can save 20 percent if they stay for two nights, or as much as 30 percent for visits lasting three or more nights. A three-night stay at one of Starwood’s resorts (be it for golf, beach or spa), meanwhile, qualifies for a 20 percent saving, rising to 30 percent for bookings of five nights or more. Eternal Summers bookings must be made online, where travelers can also find the terms & conditions of the promotion.

In addition, existing and new members of the Starwood Preferred Guest program qualify for an extra bonus. With every two Eternal Summer nights booked, they will also receive one free weekend night (Friday, Saturday or Sunday).

The nights are redeemable without blackout dates through the end of September 2009. Travelers can to register for this hotel promotion and enroll in the program.

Marrakech’s La Mamounia Hotel will re-open its doors on Sept. 29 following an extensive restoration project led by interior designer, Jacques Garcia.

The hotel has expanded with 136 guest rooms, 71 suites including seven Signature Suites, and three Riads each with three bedrooms, private terraces, Moroccan salons and a private swimming pool.

The new La Mamounia, under the management of Didier Picquot, will feature a 27,000-square-foot La Mamounia Spa; three signature restaurants headed by two Michelin Star chefs, Alfonso Iaccarino of the Don Alfonso 1890 in Sant’ Agata, Italy, and Jean-Pierre Vigato, owner of Apicius in Paris, France, as well as Fabrice Lasnon, executive chef of La Mamounia; a pool restaurant; five bars; and 20 acres of historic gardens noted for its ancient olive groves and wide array of flora.

Situated on the edge of the walls of the old city of Marrakech, La Mamounia is named after its legendary 200-year-old gardens, originally given as an 18th century wedding gift to Prince Moulay Mamoun by his father, King Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah.

Today, the gardens at La Mamounia cover almost 20 acres with an enviable variety of flora and fauna.

Since the hotel originally opened in 1923, La Mamounia has been symbolic of traditional Moroccan hospitality and a classic example of the great age of grand hotels.

For over 85 years, La Mamounia has been a beloved destination for travelers from around the globe, including royals, heads of state, filmmakers, musicians, actors and fashion designers.

Sir Winston Churchill recalled La Mamounia as “the most lovely spot in the whole world” when inviting Franklin D. Roosevelt to visit him, and Alfred Hitchcock chose La Mamounia as the site to film “The Man Who Knew Too Much” with James Stewart and Doris Day.

Others guests have included luminaries such as Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Nelson Mandela, Jacques Chirac, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, Tom Cruise, Yves Saint Laurent and Julio Iglesias.

The list is long and inside the hotel lives a prized guestbook, chronicling the guests’ emotional reactions to the magic of La Mamounia and their love of Marrakech.

For more information, visit www.mamounia.com

General Tours World Traveler announced $1,200 per couple savings on its popular 14-day small group escorted tour, On Safari in Kenya & Tanzania. The trip features leisurely two- and three-night stays at luxury camps in East Africa’s premier wildlife parks.

Clients enjoy morning and afternoon game drives complemented by unique cultural excursions in renowned areas like Lake Manyara National Park and the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

These $1,200 per couple savings are available on six guaranteed departures between now and November. During this time, the Lemala Luxury Camp Serengeti has been moved from its winter and spring location in Ndutu to a rocky outcrop in the Northern Serengeti.

General Tours clients are positioned to witness the Great Migration as it winds its way south from the Masai Mara.

In their never-ending quest for food, the great herds ford the Mara River just a few minutes from the Lemala Camp, affording guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these spectacular river crossings.

General Tours clients also visit Olduvai Gorge before spending two nights at the Lemala Luxury Camp perched on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.

The Lemala Crater Access is just minutes away from camp, making it possible to avoid the long lines of safari vehicles that queue up at the main entry on the other side of the crater.

With less time spent in transit, travelers enjoy richer, more extensive wildlife viewing on the floor of the crater. General Tours World Traveler is a select AARP Travel partner and travel agency clients who are AARP Members save $210 per couple anytime they book a Small Group Escorted Tour or Privately Guided Journey. This Member Benefit can be combined with these Safari savings for a total discount of $1,410 per couple.

For more information, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.GeneralTours.com

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, and its Aloft Hotels brand announced the launch of the “Aloft Explore, Amuse + Win” sweepstakes. To celebrate its newly expanded website, visitors can enter the sweepstakes for the chance to win a grand prize of one million Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints, enough for over 25 roundtrip airline tickets, more than 140 free nights at Aloft Hotels, or adventures and getaways at participating Starwood properties around the world.

Playing “Click-to-Win” offers a chance at winning cool daily prizes, including the very latest tech and travel gadgets such as laptops, digital cameras, GPS systems, MP3 players, Aloft hotel getaways and more.

The new microsite, www.alofthotels.com/explore

showcases a range of interactive features, including a guided insider’s tour of the hotel, maps and city guides for each location which engage visitors through a series of original, branded games that bring the Aloft Hotels experience to life.

“Created to inject style and energy into the staid, traditional select service segment of the hotel industry, Aloft delivers urban-influenced, open and vibrant design, and a buzzing social atmosphere at an affordable price point,” said Brian McGuinness, senior vice president of Specialty Select brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

“In the same way that W Hotels broke through the clutter of conformity in the upscale hotel arena a decade ago,

Aloft is shaking up the industry for the next generation of traveler.” Aloft has 25 hotels now open and expects more than 40 open by the end of the year.