Jetsettersblog

Visitors can be Super Man or Wonder Woman for a day at Comic-Con International, July 23 – 26, at the San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con has become a signature summertime event for San Diego; it is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture. For more information, call 619-491-2475, or visit www.comic-con.org .

San Diego’s culinary community joins forces during September 13 – 18 for San Diego Restaurant Week. More than a hundred of the region’s top restaurants offer prix-fixe, three-course dinner menus at just $20, $30 or $40 per person, so visitors can sample the signature cuisine and sophisticated style that make San Diego’s dining scene one of the region’s top attractions.

For more information, call 858-523-9020, or visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com .

The “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack where home racing fans flock each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, July 22 – September 9.

The races run six days weekly, except Tuesday. Every Friday, guests can catch 4 O’Clock Fridays, a free headliner concert following the day’s last race.

On September 6, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Grade 1 Pacific Classic treats guests to a prestigious event with a race between the nation’s top thoroughbreds and $1 million purse. For more information, call 858-755-1141, or visit www.dmtc.com

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

In April 2009, the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park opened Flightline, a new zip-line adventure that transports guests more than 400 feet across the park at speeds up to 60 mph.

The 1.5-hour experience begins at the top of a mountain in Nairobi Village and features a brief training lesson, behind-the-scenes narration and an aerial adventure that soars across the Asian and African field exhibits, and ends at Kilima Point. Participants must be 10 years of age or older and weigh between 75 and 200 pounds; the cost is $70 in addition to regular park admission.

For more information, call 619-231-1515, or visit www.sandiegozoo.org/wap

On May 23, 2009, the San Diego Zoo unveiled a journey through time with the opening of its newest exhibit, The Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey. Highlighting animals of the past, present and future, the $44 million, seven-acre habitat features Asian elephants, a California condor, sloths, snakes and rodents, as well as life-sized replicas of animal species that dotted the Southern California landscape more than 10,000 years ago.

A herd of eight elephants roam a 2.5-acre exhibit that includes a 120,000-gallon pool, gentle rolling hills and the Conrad Prebys Elephant Management Facility, where visitors can see keepers and veterinarians at work with the animals.

Additional highlights of Elephant Odyssey include a tar pit replication, fossil dig, children’s play area and much more. For more information, call 619-231-1515, or visit www.sandiegozoo.org

On May 29, 2009, SEA LIFE Aquarium in Carlsbad launched a new exhibit, Sharks Revealed.

The new display will replace the Kelp Forrest exhibit and provide an up-close look at the evolution, development and lifestyles of sharks, including how they eat, breathe and sleep. Several unique shark species will roam through the exhibit like the brown banded bamboo shark, white spotted bamboo shark and coral catshark.

Sharks Revealed will also showcase a number of educational displays and interactive opportunities for guests.

For more information, call 760-918-5346, or visit www.sealifeus.com

NEW HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS

In August 2009, Hotel Indigo San Diego, a new alternative to traditional hotels, will open in the East Village neighborhood of downtown San Diego.

Catering to the style-conscious traveler, the hotel will offer personalized service, affordable luxury and intelligent design to create a one-of-a-kind, welcoming environment.

The 12-story, 210-room property will feature open spaces, bold colors, unique textures, natural imagery and spa-inspired touches throughout the property.

In addition, public spaces and guestrooms will undergo seasonal transformations so that aromas, music, artwork, murals and more correlate to match the four seasons.

Hotel Indigo San Diego will also offer a bistro-style Golden Bean restaurant and Phi bar, each offering seasonal gourmet fare for breakfast and dinner.

A 24-hour “Phi”tness Studio, rooftop terrace with a reflection pool and fire pits, business center, 6,200-sq. ft. of meeting space and free wireless internet will round out the amenities.

Hotel Indigo will be San Diego’s first LEED-certified hotel, and green building practices will be seen throughout the property, including green roofs on its 9th and 12th floors.

For more information, visit www.hotelindigo.com

HOTEL RENOVATIONS AND NAME CHANGES

Renovations and upgrades to the historic 1906 Lodge in Coronado were completed in May 2009.

The building was originally built in 1906 as a boarding house, and now serves as a charming 17-room hotel.

Six of the hotel’s guest rooms are located in the mail lodge and feature queen beds, period furniture and original leaded glass windows that provide gorgeous views of Coronado.

Eleven of the hotel’s guest rooms are located in newly built bungalows and feature king beds, spa tubs, private entrances and private balconies or porches. Additional upgrades to the building include renovated common areas like the parlor, dining room and veranda.

The 1906 Lodge also boasts meeting space that can accommodate up to 40 guests.

For more information, call 866-435-1906, or visit http://1906lodge.com

The Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay recently unveiled a complete brand re-launch featuring a new look and feel throughout the 14-story property.

The hotel’s 600 rooms now feature comfortable beds with crisp linens and a selection of pillows that range from soft to firm.

Guestroom bathrooms have been enhanced with superior showerheads, a curved shower rod for a more spacious feel and premium bath products. Enhanced lighting and landscaping designs offer a warm arrival experience, while just inside the lobby, new stylish touches, signature sounds, scents and an efficient guest check-in round out the welcome experience.

For more information, call 619-232-3861, or visit www.hisandiegoonthebay.com

In May 2009, Pala Casino Spa and Resort in San Diego’s North County completed a $100 million expansion, which includes major improvements to the dining and gaming areas and a new parking garage.

Pala Casino’s buffet area was expanded to 20,000-sq. ft. and renamed Choices, providing guests a world-class, interactive dining experience featuring eight live-action cooking stations, seating for more than 625 guests, an area for private parties and great views of the neighboring scenic mountains.

Pala Casino also opened two new restaurants — Amigos, an authentic Mexican eatery with quick-style service, and Sushi Sake, a Japanese restaurant. Within Pala’s casino area, a Poker Room with 15 tables, private cage windows and tableside dining was also added. Additionally, the casino’s private High Limit Area features three redesigned, Feng Shui-inspired rooms.

For more information, call 877-946-7252, or visit www.palacasino.com

Continue reading UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS in San Diego…

RODNEY BAY VILLAGE, St. Lucia - Bargain travel deals to the Caribbean and beyond for the summer and fall are unlikely to be repeated for a very long time, says Feolla Chastanet, a leading hotel executive on the island of St. Lucia.

Announcing an unprecedented US$55 nightly room rate for the hotel’s lead-in and recently upgraded Kreole room category, Chastanet said the promotional Coco Palm rates are to counter the traditional challenging slow summer and fall seasons which are compounded by the global recession, and “incredibly high” intra-regional airfares that have negatively impacted the travel industry.

“We want to encourage summer travel, to assure our guests that they will qualify for bargains and that they can continue to take a holiday despite high air fares,” said Coco Palm’s managing director, who expressed her delight about JetBlue’s promotional US$99 one-way fares from New York in October and November.

“Combine that (JetBlue) airfare with our rates and we are offering the value vacation of a lifetime,” she said, confessing that she could not promise these rates would return in 2010.

The special hotel rates, which also include discounts on Coco Palm’s higher room categories, are available for travel through December 15, 2009.

Rates are room only, double occupancy (maximum of two people), and do not include tax (8 %) and service charge (10 %).

Coco Palm’s Kreole Rooms are a short walk from a wide selection of attractions in the popular Rodney Bay Village.

These include St. Lucian bars and restaurants, offering French Creole, Thai and tapas themed cuisine. The rooms were recently upgraded and include complimentary wireless internet access.

Located in the heart of St. Lucia’s entertainment capital, the award-winning Coco Palm caters to the savvy traveler looking for a chic boutique hotel with affordable rates and excellent standards of style and service.

For further information or reservations, visit www.coco-resorts.com  or call toll free 1 877-655-COCO (2626) or +1 758-456-2800.

If you’re thinking about what to do and where to go over the long stretch of the Summer Holidays, then why not consider Saint Lucia - one of the most picturesque islands in the Caribbean.

The striking lush rainforests, crystal cerulean waters, palm-fringed beaches, dramatic waterfalls, enviable all-round weather conditions and beautiful bays create the perfect place to enjoy a break whatever your age or bank balance.

Saint Lucia boasts a variety of accommodation, from simple Saint Lucian style guesthouses and boutique hotels to spacious villas and family oriented all-inclusive resorts. During the summer months, most hotels offer attractive discounts and offers, making vacationing on the island even more affordable.

Getting to Saint Lucia is easier than ever, with direct flights three times a week with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways and summer prices starting at a reasonable £470.00 return. British Airways has also just announced two new flights from London on Wednesday and Friday in effect from October 2009, adding to the existing three flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Why not try Bay Gardens Beach Resort ideally situated on the golden sands of Reduit Beach and minutes from the bustling Rodney Bay area.

Travellers can enjoy a seven day holiday for the price of five, or a 14 day holiday for the price of nine up until 30th November 2009.

The breathtakingly beautiful Jalousie Plantation, located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is extending a fantastic all-inclusive deal which promises to be great value for families with children under the age of five.

For just £194 per couple per night, you can reside in one of the resorts ‘Sugar Mill Rooms’ – just steps away from the beach and swimming pool, and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, wine by the glass and many premium alcohol brands. Children under the age of five can happily stay and eat at Jalousie for free.

The deal is for travel up to 18th December 2009.

Discovery at Marigot Bay, a contemporary and stylish luxury boutique and spa hotel, set in a bay described as ‘the most beautiful in the Caribbean’ has Summer offers to tempt couples and families alike. If you book any one-bedroom suite by 15th August 2009 you will receive a free upgrade to a 2 bedroom suite and up to two children (0-15yrs) can stay free. Couples looking for ultimate pampering experience can book seven nights and get thoroughly spoilt by receiving 10 free spa treatments – worth a staggering £845!

Cotton Bay Village, a world-class destination resort on Saint Lucia’s striking and rugged Atlantic side has exceptional summer savings of up to £2,300 for couples and families.

The Village is an oasis of peace and combines exceptional levels of service with a wide range of facilities including the Hummingbird Kid’s Club, weekly Jazz sessions and the tranquil haven of the Heaven Spa. Cotton Bay’s ‘Couples Summer Saver’ from £939 per person includes; seven nights accommodation in a one-bedroom Tamarind residence, direct return economy flights with Virgin Atlantic and return private airport transfers.

The ‘Family Summer Saver’ from £5,325 per family includes seven nights accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis in a three-bedroom Chateau Mango villa, a private butler service and direct return economy flights with Virgin Atlantic from London.

Saint Lucia is not only famous for its natural beauty, but for the island’s warmth and friendliness. There are endless activities and events to truly become immersed in the Caribbean way of life, from watersports and adrenalin-fuelled activities to cultural explorations and cookery lessons; the majestic natural scenery provides an ideal playground for every family member or romantic couple to enjoy. Travellers can try their hand at jungle biking, horse riding and zip wiring through the rainforest, while whale and turtle watching and day trips on the famous Brig Unicorn pirate ship prove very popular for younger family members.

Why not plan your trip around July, when the annual Saint Lucia Carnival (20th & 21st 2009) descends upon the island. This colourful and vibrant event includes a medley of activities everyone regardless of age or nationality; from street parades and dancing to outstanding musical performances and revellers enjoying the Caribbean party – a must see event on the summer calendar.

Ditch the ‘stay-cation’ and come to Saint Lucia to enjoy an unforgettable vacation and at prices that can rival Euro destinations you can chill with the Caribbean vibe.

Free baggage allowance increased by more than 10%

In these times of cutbacks and hidden charges, isn’t it refreshing to find an airline that wants to give its passengers something extra.

Air Europa has increased hold baggage weight restrictions from 20kg to 23kg, which adds up to a whole lot of shopping in Madrid’s bustling shops and markets.

The increase in baggage allowance comes completely free of charge and demonstrates Air Europa dedication to exemplary customer service.

The airline is also known for its UK based reservation staff, complimentary assigned seating and fleet of modern aircraft.

“With fares to Madrid starting from £16 one way excluding taxes, Air Europa offers great value to passengers with no hidden charges and plenty of extras,” says Colin Stewart, UK General Manager.

Air Europa, Spain’s second largest airline, is still flying high after the successful launch of its new London Gatwick to Madrid route.

The company’s belief in the UK market led to the launch of a twice daily service in March 2009 on a brand new Embraer 195 aircraft.

The London Gatwick to Madrid services are timed to connect with onward flights to South America and the Caribbean.

Fly from London Gatwick to Madrid at 10.25 and you can be in Havana, Caracas, Cancun, Punta Cana or Santa Domingo by the evening. Catch the 17.40 flight from London Gatwick to Madrid for the night flight to Buenos Aires.

For more information on Air Europa and to speak with a UK based reservation agent, go to www.aireuropa.com or call 0871 423 0717.

Virgin Blue is underway with new flights direct from Melbourne to Darwin and Darwin to Perth. The nonstop services commenced on 28 April 2009. Qantas has also announced that it will increase capacity in the Northern Territory, adding additional services on its Darwin-Perth and Darwin-Adelaide routes commencing mid-June. Both routes will see an additional three weekly services bringing the total to ten.

All services on the Darwin-Perth and Darwin-Adelaide route are operated by Qantas’s 68- Seat B737-800 aircraft.

Qantas has announced additional services on its Darwin-Perth and Darwin-Adelaide routes commencing mid-June, increasing air capacity in the Northern Territory.

This follows on the launch of a new three times a week service between Alice Springs and Adelaide with Tiger Airways back in March, providing an additional 1080 additional seats into and out of Central Australia.

A NEW ERA IN EXECUTIVE AND LEISURE PRIVATE TRAVEL HAS ARRIVED

Exclusive Membership Club Offers Unparalleled Service and Value-Added Amenities ~

MIAMI,– Private air travel for executive and leisure passengers has never been as easy or comfortable or more of a value proposition than with Air Platinum Club, a totally new concept in the category. Launching July 6, 2009, this exclusive members-only club not only offers the finest in air travel in well-appointed Gulfstream GIV SP corporate jets, which can accommodate 12 people for flights up to 10 hours, the Miami-based company also provides use of its spacious luxury watercraft, self-driven exotic sports vehicles, beachfront condominium and personalized concierge services, among other offerings.

Air Platinum Club’s member rates are well below standard charter prices, yet inclusive of services and benefits.

Annual membership packages begin at $163,000.

As an incentive for charter club members, Air Platinum Club is offering a Founder’s Program, which features 10 percent free flight time for those who join by July 31, 2009.

This new era in executive and leisure private travel was conceived by Air Platinum Club Founder and CEO Mickael Cohen, a pilot who has been involved in the private air industry since 2001.

“Private air travel is here to stay. It is efficient and practical,” said Cohen.

“Air Platinum Club goes a step further – we provide the kind of personalized services and amenities on an exclusive membership basis that makes the entire travel experience truly premium and stress-free, while still delivering value to the bottom-line.”
Headquartered at the Opa-Locka Executive Airport (KOPF), the largest of Miami-Dade County’s general aviation airports, Air Platinum Club offers morning and evening round-trip jet service between major city pairs in the continental U.S. and transatlantic flights to Paris from any major U.S. city.

What’s more Air Platinum Club facilitates all additional transportation needs for members in any given destination.

Air Platinum Club owns it own fleet of planes, yachts and cars and employs a full-time staff of seasoned pilots, yacht captains, crew, chauffeurs and maintenance technicians. All 10 Air Platinum pilots are full-time and gold-rated.

Premium Travel at its Best

Reservations can be made with as little as 24 hours notice and from the moment they are greeted at the airport’s exclusive Turnberry Aviation facility, a world-class hangar with state-of-the-art amenities and benefits,

Air Platinum Club members enjoy the comfort, privacy and efficiency typical of privately owned business aircraft – with none of the hassles, delays and congestion of bustling airports. Members are required to arrive only 30 minutes prior to their scheduled departure and can wait in a private lounge or meeting room.

An Air Platinum Club representative attends to luggage at all times and takes care of the requisite formalities, including check-in process. A hostess remains at travelers’ disposal throughout the flight to accommodate requests. The planes feature fully reclining seats, flat-screen televisions, sofas, desks, club tables, galleys and large windows. Complete onboard communication facilities are offered as well.

Limousine service is provided upon arrival and prior to departure for all flights. In South Florida members can choose to be chauffer-driven in the club’s Rolls Royce Phantom or Cadillac Escalade ESV or, in a high-adrenaline alternate, drive themselves in a Ferrari, Lamborghini or other exotic sports car. Private and secure parking is available at all airports. Helicopter transport for connecting flights at major airports can be arranged.

Luxury yachts like the Doral Alegria 50 and the Lazzara LSX Quad 75, which accommodates 16 people, are also offered to members in South Florida as is a three-bedroom, three-bath condominium at the plush Acqualina Resort & Spa situated on four and a half beachfront acres in Miami Beach.

The Acqualina boasts two acclaimed restaurants, three oceanfront swimming pools and an innovative marine biology-based children’s program.
Safety First

Air Platinum Club is an Aero Air Charters partner.

Corporate shuttle flights are operated under Department of Transportation regulation Part 135 by Aero Air Charters as a direct air carrier and Air Platinum Club as an indirect air carrier. Commitment to best practices in pilot training and experience, progressive aircraft maintenance and flawless safety histories are requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified Part 135 operators serving the clients of Air Platinum.

FAA-certified Part 135 air carriers providing service to Air Platinum Club members are carefully reviewed by leading safety programs.

One-time “Experience Package”

Air Platinum Club offers a one-time “experience” package for interested members that includes a single, round-trip flight to any destination in the continental U.S.

Membership and Reservations

For more information on Air Platinum Club, please call toll-free 1 (877) 681-7215 or send an e-mail to info@miamipc.com  Visit www.airplatinumclub.com

Jet-It-Together announced the launch of www.jet-it-together.com , the online community where members experience significant cost savings on private jet travel by matching their itineraries with other members who have the same travel plans.

By aggregating individual trip itineraries, Jet-It-Together members can save up to 70% on private jet travel as compared with a traditional whole plane charter.

Jet-It-Together provides a cooperative approach for its members to share in the cost of private jet charter. When a member initiates a trip, or decides to join a trip that has already been initiated by another member, the website displays the cost of the trip one way.

If the member is initiating a new trip, Jet-It-Together notifies other members to give them the opportunity to join the shared trip. Once there is sufficient interest to cover the estimated trip cost, Jet-It-Together negotiates the exact pricing with a FAA Part 135 charter operator.

The final cost of the trip for each member is then adjusted, based upon the final number of travelers and the negotiated cost of the trip. Members can also secure the whole plane if they do not wish to share with other Jet-It-Together members. As with the shared trips, Jet-It-Together will negotiate the most competitive cost from a range of operators.

Jet-It-Together members can also use the Going My Way? feature to build a “wish list” of trips. These are trips that a member would like to take, but are open-ended and would only be scheduled if other members shared in the cost of the private jet charter.

The technology powering Jet-It-Together.com allows members to control the complete process for shared private jet travel. Members can map trips, receive cost estimates, initiate new trips, review and join existing trips, manage their personal profiles, receive email updates and confirmations, and, through links to other suppliers, purchase travel insurance. Jet-It-Together has an instructive online demo and web-based customer support.

“Jet-It-Together is building an online community that will redefine the private jet experience, providing greater affordability and convenience for travelers.

This new online service gives members the option to have an enjoyable travel experience for a fraction of the cost of traditional private jet charters.

When you join the online community, you gain access to a wide choice of regional, as well as hub airports, and the ability to truly control your travel time in the air and on the ground,” said John Ackermann, one of the founders Jet-It-Together, LLC.

Since Jet-It-Together is not a charter operator, nor does it have any investment in or from charter operators, the company has the flexibility to continually review and manage a pool of pre-screened Part 135 operators that the company believes meet the highest standards for offering the safest and best service to its members. Having that independence allows Jet-It-Together experts to negotiate the best pricing and services for its members.

Visit www.jet-it-together.com  for more information.

Montserrat’s newest airline company, Fly Montserrat, was granted its Air Operators Certificate on May 28th 2009 by the UK overseas Civil Aviation Authority Air Safety Support International (ASSI).

With this certificate, Fly Montserrat is now fully operational and ready to fly private charters for travellers between Montserrat and neighbouring Caribbean islands including Antigua.

Operated by Montserrat Airways Ltd, Fly Montserrat’s first official charter took place on Saturday May 30th 2009.

Until the new service began, Winair flights from Antigua were the only way to access Montserrat other than by private vessel, so this additional flight service lends more capacity to welcome visitors from neighbouring islands. The charter service also opens up others islands including St Lucia and St Kitts as hubs for UK tourists travelling to Montserrat.

Fly Montserrat can offer on-demand charters to provide additional capacity at peak periods, urgent freight movements and day trips both on and off island at short notice.

Fly Montserrat’s nine-seater Britten-Norman Islander plane will be based in Montserrat and operate services across the Eastern Caribbean. The website currently advertises routes to 14 Caribbean islands – Tortola, Anguilla, St Maarten, St Barths, St Eustatius, Barbuda, St Kitts, Nevis and Antigua to the north of Montserrat and Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia and St Vincent to the south.

For more information and reservations visit www.flymontserrat.com or call 00664 491 5690.

For more information about Montserrat see www.visitmontserrat.com  or follow the island on Twitter http://twitter.com/VolcanoIsland

Alaska Airlines will offer four flights a week from Oakland, California, to Maui’s Kahului airport starting November 9. Three weekly flights to Kona from Oakland will also be added. Starting in July, additional flights from Portland to Maui and from Seattle to Honolulu will also be available.