Jetsettersblog

Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa

Brentwood Bay Lodge Ltd. is launching the sales of six new oceanfront condominium residences just steps away from its award-winning five-star boutique hotel, Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa.

The resort is located in the heart of Victoria’s wine-country on Vancouver Island, just 10 minutes from Victoria International Airport. The owners of the new OceanVillas will have direct access to the resort’s spa and fitness club and a private 40’ boat slip in its full-service marina.

Each of the six ultra-luxury OceanVillas will be 1850 square feet with two bedrooms plus den media room and a great room with designer finishes such as natural stone and hardwood floors. The West Coast contemporary design includes a gourmet kitchen and a double-sided fireplace on the large oceanfront balcony. “Lanai” style patio-doors fold completely open providing a seamless sense of inside- outside space with spectacular sunsets views over the Malahat Mountains and across the pristine Saanich Inlet.

The developer has committed to green building practices designing to “LEED for Homes” standards ensuring energy-efficient systems and environmental sustainability. Each OceanVilla will also include a private garage with a “green roof” with storage for bikes, golf clubs and kayaks.

Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa is Victoria’s only five-star oceanfront resort. The culinary and spa destination has 33 luxuriously appointed OceanSuites, an award-winning wine cellar, SeaGrille & Pub, spa with a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, executive conference facilities and Marina & Eco-Adventure Centre.

Set on a pristine inlet at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa is close to the scenic capital city of Victoria, BC offering recreational activities, heritage attractions, shopping, wineries and The Butchart Gardens. Ten minutes from Victoria International Airport and BC Ferries terminal, the resort has convenient access by land, air and sea.

Sales inquiries: Lisa Williams, Century 21, Royal Victoria Realty Ltd. Phone 250-514-1966 email lisa@lisawilliams.com  or go online to www.brentwoodbaylodge.com

Intrepid Travel Canada Arctic Dog Sled Adventure

Inspired to find more offbeat adventures, Intrepid Travel’s new research and development division, The Travel Lab, announces its newest trip: the Canadian Arctic Dog Sled Adventure.

Traveling by dog team in the region north of the Arctic Circle, this Canada dog sled adventure tour offers an unmatched cultural experience and the opportunity to learn of the Inuit Eskimo lifestyle. This Canada adventure tour is for nature lovers, wildlife photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The traveler will be immersed in the Arctic and experience of the excitement of mushing on this remarkable dog sled adventure.

Adventurers will drive a dog sled guided by local Inuit Eskimo mushers, giving them an unparalleled opportunity to explore the magnificent ice and snow-locked landscape, including the region’s towering cliffs and gigantic icebergs. This Canada adventure tour is a chance to witness Arctic wildlife firsthand, including polar bear, seal, ptarmigan, and in late spring, the flurry of Arctic avian that fly north to nest. Adventure travelers on this Canada adventure tour can also try ice fishing Inuit-style for grouper, or for the famous Arctic Char in the inland lakes.

Adventurer travelers on Intrepid’s Canada Dog Sled Adventure will:

• Dogsled across Canada’s breathtaking Northwest Territories, pulled by 15 to 20 dogs

• Travel on historic trappers’ trails over snow and sea ice

• Spend nights in an igloo

• Visit an Anglican Cathedral and several galleries displaying and selling traditional Inuit crafts

• Explore the lakes to the north of the Great Slave Lake

Adventure travelers will experience this once in a lifetime opportunity to drive their own dog sled across the Canadian Arctic. Intrepid Travel’s Canada Arctic Dog Sled Adventure lasts for 9 days and costs $6,095. For more information about this opportunity visit: www.thetravellab.com/trips/tlcds

To learn more about Intrepid Travel’s Travel Lab and its new Antarctic adventures please visit: http://www.thetravellab.com

About Intrepid Travel

With over 19 years of experience, Intrepid Travel is one of the world’s leading small group adventure tour operators. Intrepid offers over 400 adventure itineraries in more than 90 destinations worldwide. Intrepid trips are designed to go off the beaten track, meet the locals and travel in an unconventional way, joining locals on their transport, in their markets and even in their homes. www.intrepidtravel.com

Urban and Hip Gear Half off

Toronto Upcoming Sporting Events

A special block of tickets to the August 14 game between the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers is now on sale only through Tourism Toronto.

Sports fans can get in on the NFL action with packages including one night accommodation, breakfast for two and game tickets-all starting from $175 per person at www.torontotourism.com. Make it a powerhouse football weekend by catching the Toronto Argonauts on Aug. 15 as they play the rival Montreal Alouettes.

This summer Toronto also hosts the All Star spectacle as Major League Soccer (MLS) All Stars take on the West Ham United Football Club of the English Premier League.

Sports fans can book their July 24 seat at BMO Field with an MLS package from Tourism Toronto including one night accommodation, breakfast for two, game tickets and access to the sold-out MLS All-Star Official Player’s Party including two complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a limited edition commemorative keepsake, starting from $250 per person at www.torontotourism.com.

Additional summer sporting events taking place in Toronto include:

the Rogers Club, July 19 to 27; RBC Canadian Open, July 21 to 27;
Toronto Blue Jays Baseball, throughout the summer; and the Toronto Argonauts at the Rogers Centre on July 20, Aug. 1 and Aug. 18, 2008.

For more information, visit www.torontotourism.com

Future Vacations New Price Match Policy

Future Vacations launched a new Price Match policy. Under terms of the new policy that will match any competitor’s price on comparable vacation packages within three hours, ensuring that travelers always receive the best value for their vacation dollar.

Travel agents or consumers who book a Future Vacations package and find a lower price on a comparable package elsewhere can call Future Vacations’ new Price Match Hotline – 800-373-7801 – and speak directly to a Price Match Specialist for immediate service.

Comparable packages must feature the same airline, hotel, room category, travel dates and inclusions (e.g.: rental car, ground transfers, theme park/show tickets, etc.). For the fastest service, calls must be made during the following Price Match business hours: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 7 pm EST and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm EST.

Calls made outside of these hours will receive a return call the following business day. If Future Vacations is unable to match the price of a package, travelers will receive a $25 travel credit for future use.

The Price Match Policy is effective now and until further notice on all packages in the Future Vacations portfolio, which spans the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.

For telephone reservations, call 800-456-2323.

Austin-Lehman Adventures Travel Credit

Austin-Lehman Adventures is offering a $300 per person rebate toward the travel costs of getting to its gateway cities for three of its North American itineraries aimed at active travelers.

To receive this benefit a guest must book by Aug. 1 2008 and travel by Oct. 12, 2008.

The destinations are: Okanagan Valley – Canada’s Wine Country; gateway city Kelowna, BC; departures for a five-night trip take place on Sept. 7 and Sept. 14.

Rates, per person, based on double occupancy, start at $2,998. A single supplement of $880 is also available. The five-night Bryce Zion – Red Rock Wonders trip has available departures on Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 and 12.

Rates start at $1,898 per person, based on double occupancy. A single supplement of $525 is also available. The five-night Poblanos, Peaks and Pueblos trip to New Mexico has departures available on Sept. 7 and 14. Rates start at $1,998 per person, based on double occupancy. A single supplement of $680 is also available.

For more information, call 800-575-1540 or visit www.austinlehman.com

Luxury New Zealand Resort Ski Season

At the foot of New Zealand’s Southern Alps sits Terrace Downs, a unique destination resort nestled in at the base of Mt Hutt. Canterbury’s Mt Hutt is a winter paradise offering superb slopes and breathtaking views that stretch across the Canterbury Plains, from the Pacific Ocean to Mt Cook.

Now locally owned and operated, Terrace Downs offers a luxury New Zealand getaway just one hour’s drive from Christchurch International airport. The resort boasts deluxe accommodation, two restaurants and award winning chefs, an 18-hole championship golf course and stunning views to Mt Hutt – all in the pristine high country setting of the Canterbury region.

In partnership with Mt Hutt Helicopters, Terrace Downs has announced the launch of a new Heli-Taxi service between the resort and the car park at the Mt Hutt Ski Area for just NZ$65 each way – the ultimate in value for money and convenience for winter sports enthusiasts looking to make the most of their holiday in New Zealand’s undoubted ‘capital’ of skiing!

The service is available to both in-house guests and Park’n'Ride visitors. The stunningly scenic trip takes just five minutes by helicopter – so you’ll be enjoying a hearty breakfast at the Terrace Downs Clubhouse one minute, and within a matter of minutes you will be arriving like royalty at the Mt Hutt ski field ready to hit the slopes. For added convenience, Mt Hutt lift passes can also be purchased at Terrace Downs.

As the largest ski field in the South Island and the closest field to Terrace Downs, Mt Hutt is renowned for some of the best snow in Australasia, offering 472 hectares of diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders.

Mt Hutt opened this season on June 15th and the mountain typically averages a four-five month ski season on groomed slopes that cater for beginners through to experts.

Terrace Downs CEO Jonathan Hendriksen says the new Heli-Taxi service in partnership with Mt Hutt Helicopters is the ultimate in convenience, fun and affordable luxury for ski and snowboard enthusiasts this season!

“It’s a unique way to get up the mountain in style and in a matter of minutes for a very affordable price,” he says.

For those non-skiing days – you’ll be spoilt for choice with the exciting and ever-expanding range of activities on offer at Terrace Downs. From a thrilling “Discovery Jet” boating adventure or a horse safari to ice-skating, blokarting (land yachts), golf or an indulgent massage, there is something for everyone at Terrace Downs.

In the evening, treat yourself to award-winning cuisine in Avoca Fine Dining or relax at Tilley’s Bar & Brasserie.

This winter, Terrace Downs will also be introducing a shuttle bus between the resort and Methven in conjunction with local transport operators. The new service will be great for those staying in Methven who are keen to experience Terrace Downs’ offering and for house guests wanting a ‘night on the town’ in Methven village.

Weather permitting, the Terrace Downs Heli-Taxi service will operate on the weekends from the Terrace Downs Clubhouse (bookings essential). Flights will depart from 8.30am during the Mt Hutt ski season (first lifts operate from 9am, base lodge opens at 8.30am). Flights can operate with prior notice from Monday to Friday, weather permitting also and depending on numbers.

For more information on this unique destination please see www.terracedowns.co.nz

Quebec celebrating 400th anniversary

Preparations for a summer of celebration are underway at Espace 400e, the official site of the 2008 festivities to celebrate 400 years of French presence in Quebec City.

A whirlwind of shows, entertainment, and free activities for the whole family will be offered every day as artists, singers, musicians, dancers, acrobats, historians, and conference speakers light up Grande Place, the wharves, the Ephemeral Gardens, Petite Place, and all around the pavilion for 17 weeks.

The celebration will include mega shows, productions and expositions — with more than 130 activities.

The Image Mill, the world’s largest multi-media projection show created by Robert Lepage and Ex Machina, started lighting up Quebec City’s Old Port grain silos as part of the celebration.

The 81 grain silos are transformed into a huge screen of almost 2000 feet long. This multimedia experience featuring the city’s history will be presented until August 24th — from 10 to 10:40 pm regardless of the weather, say the event organizers.

The entire south side of the Louise Basin from Pointe-à-Carcy to the western extremity of the basin is wired for sound with speakers. A total of 329 speakers, 27 video projectors, 20,000 lumens each, and 238 spotlights are being used around the site.

The work consists of four movements corresponding to the city’s four centuries of history: waterways, the age of exploration and discovery; road building, clearing and developing the land; the railroad and industrial expansion; and finally, the age of air travel and the development of communications.

DHS Improves Entry for International Travelers

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched three initiatives – the Global Entry pilot program, the Passenger Service Program, and an expanded Model Ports Initiative – intended to strengthen customer service at U.S. ports of entry.

They are designed to create a more welcoming environment for international passengers, said Michael Chertoff, Homeland Security secretary. Global Entry is a customer service and security program designed to expedite the screening and processing of pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the U.S.

Currently only U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) are eligible to join. The pilot started last week at George Bush Intercontinental, John F. Kennedy International and Washington Dulles International airports. Global Entry applicants will voluntarily provide their biographic and biometric information, undergo a background check and complete an interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. Once accepted, Global Entry travelers can use a kiosk at any of the three pilot airports to verify their identity electronically and make any needed customs declarations. CBP has been accepting applications at www.cbp.gov/travel since May 12.

Under the new Passenger Service Program, CBP Program Service Managers will serve as a dedicated point of contact for identifying and resolving passenger issues. The initiative promotes customer service techniques in officer interactions with the traveling public, and includes joint efforts with the private sector and industry stakeholders to reduce wait times through the use of improved signage and technology. The program will be established at CBP’s top 20 Model Ports.

The department also is expanding the Model Ports Initiative to 18 additional airports. Originally established in 2006 as part of the Rice-Chertoff Initiative, Model Ports has enhanced border security with the use of the new technology while streamlining security processes and facilitating travel for legitimate visitors. In addition to brochures and increased signage, a new video, currently available in Spanish, French, German and English, will assist travelers through the customs and immigration process by providing practical information about the entry process and required entry documents and forms. In a related effort, CBP is providing wait times online at www.cbp.gov for 16 of the busiest international airports and pedestrian wait times for 12 land border crossings in Arizona, California, and Texas.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov

VIA Rail’s Canadian New Schedule

VIA’s flagship western transcontinental Canadian will depart at a new time starting on Dec. 2.

A new evening departure time from both Vancouver and Toronto will enable passengers to make connections in Toronto to/from eastern Canada, as well as provide more daylight viewing through the Rockies.

The cross-country journey will move from a three-night trip to a four-night schedule and will also include additional time at select en-route stations for possible touring. The new schedule comes into effect Dec. 2. The operating departure days from Vancouver and Toronto remain unchanged.

There will be thrice-weekly departures from Toronto on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and thrice-weekly departures from Vancouver on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. One additional night is added to the schedule in each direction, thus changing the arrival days in Toronto and Vancouver.

The departure times at both originating terminals move to an evening departure. Train No. 1 will depart Toronto at 10 pm and arrive in Vancouver four days later at 9:42 am. Train No. 2 departs Vancouver at 8:30 pm and arrives in Toronto four days later at 9:30 am. The new schedule will mean a change in train operations for some communities. For example, in the Prairies and British Columbia (Saskatoon, Kamloops) the new eastbound operation will make daylight train travel a viable option.

For more information, call 888-VIA-RAIL or visit www.viarail.ca