Jetsettersblog

This year Festival Cairns begins a new chapter in its 47 year history.

For the first time in many years it will be managed and directed by its founding organisation, Cairns Regional Council; who have unveiled details of its vision to deliver a reinvigorated, brighter and bolder event program.

Taking its cue from this year’s theme, “Telling Our Stories”, Festival Cairns’ will start with a bang and end on a high – rolling out over 16, action-packed days from Friday 21 August to Sunday 6 September 2009.

Festival Cairns top five highlights will be its Grand Parade and Tropic Wave Festival with special guest headliner, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (one of the largest regional indigenous art fairs in Australia), Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival, Reggaetown and Father’s Day favourite, Carnival on Collins.

A stylised sun inspired by the licuala palm of Cairns Regional Council’s logo is the basis for this year’s ‘look’.

A bright palette of colour gives life and movement to this graphic device while relating to the sensory feel of Festival Cairns.

“Our new identity has been chosen to be a fun and fresh representation, symbolising the revitalisation of Festival Cairns and the vibrant new programming our in-house ‘Festival’ team is creating.

While at the same time, being respectful to the city’s event tradition - dating right back to the original grand parade and Fun In the Sun,” said Councillor Schier, Mayor of Cairns Regional Council.

According to Festival Cairns Coordinator, Belinda Griffin this year’s ‘look’ and ‘theme’, have evolved from community engagement undertaken last year as part of Cairns’ new Regional Cultural Plan.

“Over 1000 members of the community gave us a good dose of local perspective on their thoughts about many issues, including Festival Cairns – and this reinvention is our response to that feedback,” said Mrs Griffin.

The opening of a new Green Island jetty on 26 May, 1962 was established as the first annual Cairns Tourist Festival, and renamed ‘Fun In The Sun’ the following year.

Since then Tropical North Queensland’s most significant annual celebration, now in its 47th year/

It has experienced a number of changes including its re-launch in the early nineties as ‘Reef Festival’ before its dynamic incarnation in 2002 as ‘Festival Cairns’.

Variety is the spice of life and the new menu at Shoal Bay Resort & Spa’s iconic Promenade Dining Room will leave you spoilt for choice with four irresistible buffets to choose from every night of the week!

The exciting new menu offers the very best in fresh local produce as well as absolute value for money. There’s something for everyone, choose from over 25 dishes and as many courses as you like including tea and coffee. The new look buffets consist of:-

Seafood & Salads
Home Cooked Favourites
Chefs Theme of the Day
Decadent Desserts

The popular seafood & salads buffet showcases the freshest catch of the day including sumptuous local prawns and complimented with creative salads. Feel like something warm and hearty on a cool night and you don’t feel like cooking? Then sit back and let our renowned Chefs prepare your favourite roast meats, fresh crumbed fish and delicious roast vegetables from the “Home Cooked Favourite” buffet.

Escape in international flavours as Chef prepares his theme buffet of the day – a culinary experience not to be missed:
Monday ~ Arabian Nights
Tuesday ~ Flavours of the World
Wednesday ~ Chinese

Thursday ~ Thai
Friday ~ Deluxe Seafood
Saturday ~ Italian
Sunday ~ Carvery & Grill

Just when you thought you couldn’t fit another thing in your drawn to the decadent desserts buffet and just have to try them all. You’ll find a wonderful selection of individual desserts such as sticky date puddings, strawberry shortcake with mousse, mini lemon meringue pies, crème caramels and also gourmet gateau including baked cheese cake, pecan pies and many more. Believe it or not there’s still the Australian cheese platter to be sampled.

Enjoy this amazing array of local cuisine at affordable prices from just AUD$32 per adult, children at half price and seniors discount is also available. The staff at the Promenade Dining Room pride themselves of quality food, fantastic value for money and their friendly service.

The Promenade Dining Room is the original dining room of the Shoal Bay Country Club since 1934. Rekindle the spirit of this local dining icon and revisit an old favourite with breathtaking views across Shoal Bay to the Tomaree Headlands.

Bookings for The Promenade Dining Room’s exciting new four nightly buffets can be made by calling 1800 18 18 10.

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa, your unique local dining experience.

About Shoal Bay Resort & Spa

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa is the ultimate beachfront resort for couples and families alike. Including 200 luxurious self-contained beachfront, waterview, pool view and executive style apartments, 4 restaurants, 5 bars, the iconic Country Club Hotel and the exclusive Aqua Spa.

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa overlooks the pristine white sandy beaches to Port Stephens volcanic Tomaree headland. Shoal Bay boasts walking and cycling tracks, flat water beaches perfect for families as well as three pristine unspoilt National Park surf beaches.

For the more energetic a paved pathway to the top of Tomaree affords unparalleled views of Port Stephens, all within sight and a 10 minute stroll of the resort. Port Stephens is the largest Marine Park in NSW with over 160 resident dolphins and 7000 Humpback Whales passing within sight on migration each year.

Dining options range from the award winning Catch at Shoal Bay, the casual alfresco dining of Sandyfoot Café, the iconic Promenade Dining Room and the family friendly Mermaids Bar & Grill. The legendary Country Club Hotel still remains one of the most popular watering holes on the East Coast of Australia.

Aqua Spa includes the unique thalassotherapy mineral spa pools, twelve treatments rooms, group room and an extensive menu of treatments from hydrotherapy to massage.

For further information please call T: 1800 18 18 10 or visit www.shoalbayresort.com

Summer never really ends in the Whitsundays, and the region is currently enjoying the best sail & cruise season of the year.

Now is the perfect time to go explore this magical island group and its abundant nature on a sea based getaway onboard the 20-meter luxury cruiser DescaradA.

To get the full feel of the great many things that the area has to offer, why not combine a range of experiences with your exclusive cruise and discover the best of the Whitsundays all in one holiday.

The island escape may start from Airlie Beach which is considered the mainland gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

You can stay in a pleasant, fully serviced hotel conveniently close to the town centre or one of the luxurious holiday apartments that offer great views from the hillside over the ocean, before heading for your DescaradA cruise the next day.

The DescaradA crew take guests around the amazing island areas on scheduled two-day and three-day tours as well as extended stays on private charter.

The cruises take in some of the most beautiful areas of the Whitsundays, such as Nara Inlet with its extraordinary rock faces, pure white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, stunning scenery of Hill Inlet from Tongue Point lookout and fabulous snorkelling spots off northern Hook Island.

While basking in the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays the guests are treated to wonderful service with fine food, fun activities and moments of sweet relaxation.

Speed boat trips to beaches, walks in the nature, snorkelling, jet skiing and kayaking are all included activities within the DescaradA cruise package.

On request, scenic flights over the marvellous Great Barrier Reef can be organised directly from the vessel with the thrilling seaplane landing as part of the fun. Guests get the best views of the reef area high from the sky on an hour’s flight, and then return back to their private ocean oasis on DescaradA.

Once the vessel returns to the marina and the unforgettable cruise comes to an end, your holiday can still continue with a relaxing stay in one of the exquisite Whitsunday Island resorts.

Whether you want to experience something private, secluded and romantic or something social, fun and active, you can always find the right island to suit your preferences. Poolside daydreaming, rejuvenating spa treatments, candle lit dinners, and waking up in fresh ocean air that one more last time really do seem like the best ways to take your Whitsundays holiday to an end.

Airlie Beach is the departure and arrival point of all scheduled DescaradA cruises. Proserpine airport is only 25km away and has daily flight connections from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Hamilton Island Airport has daily direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane and regular flights from Cairns and Melbourne.

There is a convenient ferry connection from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach several times a day. DescaradA Charters organise transfers from local accommodation to the vessel and private charter pick ups directly from island resorts. Contact the DescaradA team for great Whitsunday package ideas and start dreaming of the perfect island escape in one of the renown boating destinations of the world.

The accolades continue for Brisbane’s Emporium Hotel - the boutique property has won the Best Small Luxury Hotel title in the prestigious Gourmet Traveller Awards announced last night.

Emporium Hotel topped the best in the country to take the title including The Lyall and The Adelphi in Melbourne, the Islington and The Henry Jones Art Hotel both in Hobart and The Lake House in Daylesford Victoria.

The award is the latest in the Emporium Hotel’s string of prestigious titles and will take pride of place alongside the recent Queensland Tourism Award for “Best Luxury Accommodation”; the two Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence 2008 for “Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation Five Star” and “Best Marketed Hotel”; the 2008 HM Award for Hotel & Accommodation Excellence for “Best New Hotel” and of course the prestigious title as one of the world’s best hotels in the International Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2008.

The Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards, now in their third year are a tribute to the finest operators in the country. Gourmet Traveller’s award winners are not decided solely by industry experts or by members of the public. Instead, knowledge of both camps is drawn on to get the broadest perspective possible.

The judging panel includes dozens of travel writers, editors, photographers, TV types and industry heavyweights. They nominate their favourite new and enduring Australian holiday experiences, a high-calibre shortlist is developed and then readers are asked to vote.

Emporium Hotel General Manager, Mr Peter Savoff said the award was a tribute to the staff of the hotel, and to the vision of the owners.

“This award is especially significant for the team of dedicated staff at the Emporium Hotel, many of whom have been with the property since it opened two years ago. Current economic trends have made the hotel industry even more competitive and it is a huge tribute from the readers of Gourmet Traveller, who continue to recognise the outstanding service our entire team aspire to provide.”

The Emporium Hotel was developed by the Anthony John Group, driven by the architect/design team of Tony and Fran John. A second Emporium Hotel is in the planning stages, part of the $650million Southpoint at South Bank. It is scheduled to open in 2011. Brisbane’s only boutique luxury hotel, has made an important mark on the Brisbane and the Australian leisure and corporate travel market over the past 18 months, cementing itself as a benchmark in design and service and launching a number of innovative packages and products.

Emporium Hotel - 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006

PO BOX 2600, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 - Phone: (07) 3253 6999 or 1300 883 611 Fax: (07) 3253 6966

www.emporiumhotel.com.au

Winner: Best Luxury Accommodation, The Australian Travel & Tourism Award 2008

Winner: Best Luxury Accommodation, Queensland Tourism Awards 2008
Winner: Best New Hotel, HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence 2008

Winner: Best Marketed Hotel (1-99 employees), Queensland Hotel Association Awards for Excellence 2008

Winner: Best Deluxe Accommodation Five Star, Queensland Hotel Association Awards for Excellence 2008

Finalist: Award for Business Innovation, Lord Mayor’s Business Awards 2008

Finalist: Best Luxury Accommodation (100 rooms and over), The Australian Travel and Tourism Awards

Named one of the world’s best new hotels in the International Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2008

Animal surf girl Easkey Britton is joining a 10-day surf trip around Sumatra and the surrounding atolls in search of surf, adventure and sunshine.

Great travel piece for the more adventurous reader - with strong imagery/video footage.

Surfing in Sumatra: Easkey Britton swaps Ireland for Indonesia

Exploring the Indonesian Atolls is not your average trip away in the sunshine, but Animal surf girl Easkey Britton, current Irish Champion, swaps her native Ireland for Indonesia each year to explore the islands around Sumatra aboard the 84ft Mangalui sloop yacht on the hunt for perfect waves.

The 10-day trip takes you round some of the least explored areas of the world searching out and surfing new waves, snorkelling on untouched coral reefs and spending the evening on deck sampling what the ocean has offered up to the boat’s chef that day.

The trip is for the adventure-hungry and offers a chance to push yourself, experience a whole new world and return to the UK with some amazing experiences under your belt.

This time Easkey is ready to rock the boat in the company of seven other surf girls in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The actual route of the trip is loose, however they will go where the waves take them – planned destinations include Sumatra, Nias Island, the Mentawi Islands and a look-in at Banda Aceh (one of the worst places hit in the 2004 tsunami ), which has some of the best waves in the world.

Easkey, born into Ireland’s oldest surfing family, has made a name for herself by reaching a number of milestones in her 23 years. Named after an Irish surf reef, Easkey became the first woman to surf big-wave surf spot ‘Aileen’s’ off the coast of West Ireland last year, and lists Kelly Slater as one of her surf companions.

She’s also recently starred in her own section (surfing Aileen’s) in a surf film, Waveriders, alongside Mr Slater himself, that is currently showing in UK cinemas.

The Mangalui is fully equipped with everything you need – from the local Indo beer ‘Bintang’ to internet access and satellite phone.

For a 10 day trip the cost is approx £1,600 depending on your trip, which includes all food, drink and transfers.

4-10 September

Perth gives Sydney and Melbourne’s fashionistas a run for their money with the annual Perth Fashion Festival. A week-long celebration of WA’s glamour and creativity, the festival will showcase the latest Spring/Summer collections.

www.perthfashionfestival.com

MAZATLÁN, Mexico – Mazatlán rolls out the grand welcome for travelers, offering savings on accommodations throughout the summer and beyond. Travelers can book now for steep discounts, as well as perks like free nights, complimentary upgrades and resort credits for dining, spa treatments, sightseeing cruises and entertainment.

Sweetening the deal, unique hotel offerings spotlight the destination’s rich cultural offerings, with historic tours of Old Mazatlán, ecological excursions, authentic Mexican cuisine and more.

“We are delighted to extend Mazatlán’s warm hospitality in welcoming travelers to our beautiful city,” says Carlos Berdegue, vice president, Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board.

“With its picturesque setting and deeply historic core, Mazatlán offers a vibrant destination immersed in authentic Mexican heritage. We invite visitors to discover all that our city has to offer while enjoying world-class accommodations at great value.”

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific,’ Mazatlán is framed by golden-sand beaches that stretch for 16 miles along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Travelers in this coastal city find options for any budget, from charming colonial villas and boutique hotels to new, high-rise luxury resorts. Oceanfront accommodations offer breathtaking views of Pacific sunsets from private balconies, as well as gourmet restaurants, luxurious spas, golf and nightlife. The destination greets guests with a variety of deals and packages, including:

– El Cid Resorts offers savings of 30 percent off summer rates at each of four premier resorts in Mazatlán, plus a complimentary upgrade to next available room category.

Guests who book a minimum of three nights also receive a Resort Credit coupon book with $300 in savings throughout this coastal city on upscale dining, scenic city tours, boating excursions, spa services and more.

As a treat for families, children 12 and under stay and eat free when accompanied by an adult. Visitors enjoy private beach access, signature dinning, free-form pools, water sports and more. El Cid’s Pronatours offer guided tours of the colorful historic district, Old Mazatlán, as well as excursions to nearby picturesque colonial villages located on nature preserves in the Sierra Madre foothills.

Rates start as low as $68 per night for stays booked before June 30, and are available for travel through December 20, 2009. Blackout dates may apply. For reservations and details, call toll-free 1-866-306-6113 or visit the El Cid Resorts website at http://www.elcid.com .

– Travelers save 35 percent on seaside accommodations as part of the yearlong Stimulus Package at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay and Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán, available now through December 31, 2009.

Families can also enjoy added value with Pueblo Bonito’s Kids Stay and Eat Free program, as well as the action-packed Kid’s Club at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay. Little ones enjoy fully supervised beach activities, sand sculpting contests, cooking lessons and authentic Mexican arts and crafts.

The all-suite Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay and Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán offer luxurious accommodations with private balconies or terraces overlooking golden-sand beaches, as well as full-service restaurants, oceanfront pools, spa services, children’s activities and more. Visitors can book toll-free at 1-800-990-8250 or by visiting http://www.pueblobonito.com  Mention Stimulus Package at time of reservation.

– At Hotel Playa Mazatlán, the Free Nights package invites travelers to stay three nights and get the fourth night free. The package starts at $309 total plus tax. For more time on the shore, visitors can also opt for seven nights for the price of five, with the sixth and seventh nights free, starting at $519 total plus tax. Hotel Playa Mazatlán offers 408 guestrooms and suites nestled in a lush, tropical landscape along more than a quarter-mile of private beach. Accommodations feature garden or ocean views from private terraces.

Located in Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), Mazatlán’s tourism hub, the hotel houses three open-air dining options, beachfront pool, fitness center and the new EduVentura Center – a three-wall climbing and zip line circuit, Temascal ancient steam bath and hands-on classroom activities.

The Free Nights At Hotel Playa Mazatlán offer is valid for travel Aug. 17 through Oct. 31, 2009. To book, call toll-free 1-800-762 5816 or visit http://www.hotelplayamazatlan.com

– Stay three nights for the price of two at Las Flores Beach Resort in Mazatlán’s Golden Zone, where travelers stay two nights in a private, ocean view studio with kitchenette and get the third night free, now through Dec. 23, 2009. Rates start at $70 per night plus tax, based on double occupancy. Studio accommodations include two double beds, oversized bath, kitchenette with refrigerator and coffeemaker, as well as a private balcony overlooking the Pacific.

The charming, family owned resort offers 119 rooms and suites, featuring two beachfront pools with waterfalls, spa and fitness center, restaurant, beach bar, wireless Internet and more. To take advantage of this offer, travelers can book now through Sept. 30, 2009. Call toll-free 1-800-452-0627 or visit http://www.lasflores.com.mx

About Mazatlán

Mazatlán is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. As Mexico’s second largest coastal city, Mazatlán has nearly 600,000 inhabitants.

The city is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatlán and Zona Dorada or Golden Zone, with a seven-mile coastal road between the two. Mazatlán has an international sport-fishing reputation.

Sites of interest include: the Angela Peralta Theater, Archeological Museum, Republic Plaza, Ocean Museum, Botanic Garden, San Jose Chapel and the world’s second-tallest lighthouse. Transportation is available via the local “pulmonías” or four-person open-air vehicles that have become a symbol of the city.

Visit Mazatlán on the World Wide Web at http://www.gomazatlan.com

ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd Regatta, Alice Springs: A boat race with a difference on the dry sands of the Todd River, which has been running since 1962, when a local man decided to start a regatta based on the famous Oxbridge UK boat race. Have fun and enjoy the hilarity as you watch seemingly sane people race in bottomless ‘eights’, ‘oxford tubs’, ‘bath tubs’ and ‘yachts’ through the deep coarse sand in Outback Alice Springs. http://www.henleyontodd.com.au

Excitement is Growing for the 50th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

October 29 – November 2, 2009

The world’s largest boat show is turning 50 this year and will celebrate with an extravaganza of more than $3 billion worth of boats, yachts, superyachts, electronics, engines and thousands of accessories from every major marine manufacturer and builder worldwide. The show encompasses more than 3 million square feet of space, both on land and in water, at six sites and are all connected by the official Show Transportation Network.

Six Locations:

Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center
(Hilton) Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel & Yacht Club
Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Hotel & Marina
Hall of Fame Marina
Las Olas Marina

Admission is valid for the same-day entrance at all show sites.

E-Ticketing Available for Advance Purchase: Avoid the lines and get your tickets in advance online. Just visit www.showmanagement.com, and then click on the “Buy Tickets ONLINE” link box on the main page.

Box Office Purchase: Purchase tickets on site during the show from the box offices at:

Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Broward County Convention Center
Las Olas Marina
Las Olas Riverfront Docks

Shuttle Buses: Free. Transportation routes between all six show sites, War Memorial Auditorium parking and downtown Riverfront parking.

Water Shuttle: $10 all-day pass, unlimited usage. Waterfront location pick-up points are:

Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Broward County Convention Center
Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel & Yacht Club
Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Hotel & Marina

Shuttle busses and water shuttles run one hour prior to show opening and one hour after show closing.

Visit: www.showmanagement.com
or Call: 954-764-7642 or 800-940-7642.

Sway to the Vibe of Three Unique, Affordable Jazz Travel Experiences for Singles in 2009!

BOCA RATON, FL – Jazz lovers can’t miss with Singles Travel International’s three unique and affordable travel opportunities for jazz lovers in 2009 – the Smooth Jazz Charity Weekend in August, Chicago Jazz Festival in September, and a five-star Jazz Cruise experience to the Caribbean this November. Party to the sounds of the best jazz artists in a variety of venues with single adults who love to travel, too!

Smooth Jazz Children’s Charity Weekend Featuring Jazz Artist/Saxophonist Mindi Abair, Melbourne, Florida, August 7 – 9, 2009, starting at only $399.

Join Singles Travel International for a great jazz experience that benefits Children with Disabilities, too! Enjoy a beach weekend in Melbourne, Florida, party with smooth jazz lovers and raise money for a great cause. Stay 2 nights and golf, see Kennedy Space Center, or simply relax at the spa.

Features include your own room, preferred seating at the Mindi Abair Concert, a luncheon buffet, photo and autograph session with Mindi, singles-only welcome dinner, and other singles-only special events.

Chicago Jazz Festival Weekend, Chicago, September 4 – 7, 2009, starting at only $599.

Whether you are a jazz aficionado or don’t know Miles Davis from Fats Domino (unlikely!), a jazz weekend in Chi-town will be the perfect ending to summer. Join Singles Travel International for an insider’s tour of one of America’s most vibrant cities with world class architecture, gourmet restaurants, incredible nightlife and one of the country’s outstanding jazz festivals featuring jazz artists from around the world. The tour includes deluxe accommodations at the Fairmont Hotel, only steps from Millennium Park, home of the 31st Annual Jazz Festival

This trip includes entry to the festival, 3-course dinner at the Palm Seafood & Steakhouse with sweeping views of Lake Michigan, VIP passes to Rush Street bars, After Dinner Party at Jilly’s Piano Bar, special city tour, VIP Beach Party at “Beachstro,” ranked in the Top 10 Beach Bars by the Travel Channel, and more!

Jazz Cruise to the Caribbean, November 8 – 15, 2009, starting at only $2,080.

Singles Travel International provides the backstage pass to “Where the Legends have Played and the Tradition Continues.”

Wrapped in the luxury of a 5-star cruise experience by Holland America, single travelers will sail the Caribbean with an intimate experience with your favorite Jazz superstars including Johnny Mandel, Bill Charlap, Freddy Cole, The Four Freshman, Ann Hampton Callaway, Houston Person, Johnny O’Neal, Jeff Hamilton, and many more.

This cruise includes nightly live concerts, late night jam sessions, pool parties and theme nights, artist seminars and autograph sessions, and Anita’s Idol Contest whose winner will perform on the next jazz cruise. Singles Travel International includes singles-only events and dinners.

Check out the entire list of entertainers at http://www.singlestravelintl.com/trip_packages/58-jazz-cruise

About Singles Travel International

With over 25 years experience in travel consulting, Singles Travel International (STI) is an industry leader in providing worry-free travel for single travelers. STI offers age-specific excursions, short and long trips to close-by destinations and distant and exotic locations for all budgets — from frugal to luxury.

Trips include themed cruises (food & wine, jazz, volunteer, dancing) as well as adventure travel. Hallmarks of STI trips are personalized service, special singles events, and flexibility.

People may choose to participate in group activities or spend time relaxing and exploring on their own. www.singlestravelintl.com