Jetsettersblog

Now through Nov. 30, fall travelers can experience all-inclusive luxury and savings of up to 50 percent at the Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa in Guanacaste. All-inclusive rates at Hilton Papagayo start at $209 per night double occupancy, a savings of up to 50 percent on current high season rates.

On Dec. 1, as part of a $12 million makeover, the resort will convert to a traditional F&B plan. Hilton Papagayo opened in January with a new spa and kids club, and a complete renovation including upgrades to all guestrooms and restaurants. The resort is spread over 82 acres on gardens overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo, with individual guest bungalows having mountain and water views.

Beginning Dec. 1, the resort will offer the traditional options associated with a full-service Hilton property, instead of the all-inclusive package available now.

The change is part of an extensive multimillion-dollar makeover covering almost every aspect of the property, including a new open-air lobby, new Kidz Paradise club, a new world-class spa, and complete upgrades to the resort’s 202 guest rooms, restaurants and swimming pool area.

The resort will also introduce an innovative “gourmet picnic” room service concept that celebrates the privacy and romance of the resort’s natural setting. Room service will be delivered in a basket.

 Additionally, travelers will only pay for the food and beverage services they consume and have more freedom to explore the resort, its surroundings and local restaurants. Hilton Papagayo will implement a no additional charge for children policy as well as dining discounts for children at on-property restaurants.

New rates start at $179 per room per night based on double occupancy. Guests will still have complimentary access to all non-motorized watersports, fitness center, karaoke, dance lessons, and live music at the bar.

Ruta de los Conquistadores, the four-day, 240-mile, 48-hour competition through the most scenic roads of Costa Rica will take place Nov. 12 to 15. Costa Rica has enough mountain biking routes that transport bikers through rough ecosystems such as tropical rainforests, subalpine paramó and cloud forests.

Ruta de los Conquistadores started 16 years ago when Roman Urbina, a Costa Rican athlete and adventurer, was inspired by the readings of Spanish Conqueror Juan de Cayallon and his exploration trip across the mountains of the country. Urbina and a group of mountain bikers decided to start their own journey and together they traveled the country from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Coast.

This year, more than 500 athletes from all over the world will compete in this challenging event.

For more information, call 866-267-8274 or visit www.visitcostarica.com

Peregrine Adventures’ new Latin America programme for 2009 includes a spectacular 34-day journey around the South American continent, from Quito in Ecuador to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, via Peru, Chile and Argentina. Peregrine’s local leaders ensure you’ll see all the best bits and much more – they’ll point you in the right direction whether you’re after the best Pisco Sours in town, or you want to Tango till dawn - it’s their home after all! For those who really want to push the boat out, why not combine the tour with a 10-day Galapagos in Depth cruise, for the ultimate South American exploration?

South America in Depth: 34-days departing Quito 14th July (later dates also available).

Let Peregrine’s local leaders show you around their home, during an extraordinary journey commencing on the Equator in Quito, Ecuador. Kick off with a tour of the old city and a visit to the Equator line at Mitad del Mundo. Continue to the Amazon lowlands for a jungle stay, then head for the hills and the small mountain village of Banos.

Here there’s time for some great optional outdoor activities before moving south to Cuenca and the Ingapirca Inca ruins, the most important Inca site in Ecuador. Crossing into Peru, fly from Tumbes to Lima, with time to soak up the colonial atmosphere of the city. Next, Cusco, the centre of the Inca Empire and gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
At Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, travellers visit the Uros Indians’ floating islands and the ancient burial chamber at Sillastani, en route to the lofty heights of La Paz. The Chilean capital of Santiago is next, home to some of the country’s most famous wineries, and further south the beautiful ‘Lakes District’ provides some of the most stunning mountain and lake scenery in South America.

Peregrine travels the ‘Lakes Crossing’ by boat and bus from Chile to Argentina, before arriving in the popular ski resort of Bariloche, set on the shores of Nahuel Harpi Lake. Transfer to lively Buenos Aires and join the 11 million portenos (the inhabitants of Buenos Aires) – spend two full days here soaking up the city’s Latin vibe. At the border with Brazil, discover the magnificent Iguazu Falls, 20 metres higher than Niagara and without the tacky commercialism. Round the adventure off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s holiday capital, with stunning beaches, towering mountains and its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer.
The holiday costs £3,370 p/p including arrival transfer, Peregrine’s local tour leader in each country visited, local guides, sightseeing, all transportation, all accommodation, all breakfasts and some lunches/dinners plus entrance fees to parks/reserves/sights as per itinerary.
Flights from the UK and flights within South America are not included in this price but can be arranged through Peregrine Adventures.

Galpagos in Depth: 10-days departing Quito on selected dates throughout 2008 & 09.

All aboard the Peregrine Endeavour, accommodating just 16 passengers in eight cabins, for the ultimate Galapagos adventure, designed to showcase the remarkable flora and fauna that makes this World Heritage archipelago unique. Due to the extreme isolation of the islands, nearly a quarter of all wildlife is endemic. Wildlife explorations reveal giant Galapagos tortoises, land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, dolphins, whales and blue-footed, red-footed and masked boobies alongside pelicans and frigate birds.
The tour costs from £1,775 p/p plus US$100 Galapagos NP fee paid locally, including an experienced English-speaking naturalist, return Quito-Baltra flights, accommodation, arrival transfer, cruise transfers, 7-night cruise, most meals and activities.

Peregrine Adventures
01635 872 300
sales@peregrineadventures.co.uk
www.peregrineadventures.co.uk

Represents First Property to Win from Mexico, Central America or South America

La Fortuna, COSTA RICA – Known for its spectacular setting amid lush rainforest and volcano-fed hot springs, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is the first Costa Rican resort to garner awards from Seven Stars and Stripes. The resort won three awards: one for its hotel, one for its fine-dining restaurant, and an award of global distinction for its Grand Spa, the highest award given for a spa. Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort received a high Six Stars and Five Stripes overall, a Five Stars and Six Stripes rating for Los Tucanes, its fine dining, open-air restaurant, and the Spa award. This global authority travels the world reviewing fine establishments, ranking them with a measurement of stars and stripes – four stars and four stripes is the minimum (a merit level), while seven stars and seven stripes is the maximum, with a status of “World Level Perfection.” Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort stands in the company of other international award winners including the world-renowned The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow; Raffles Vier Jahreszeiten, Hamburg; Carlton Hotel, St. Moritz; The Grand, Amsterdam; and The Oberoi, Mauritius.

In addition to the Seven Stars and Stripes award, Tabacón’s Grand Spa was selected the “Favorite Spa in Central America” and one of the world’s “Top 10 Best Mineral Spring Water Spas” in the Luxury SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards. The resort was also recently voted among the International Hotel and Resorts Awards as the property with “The Best Water Feature.”

About Seven Stars and Stripes

Seven Stars and Stripes® was founded as the only global award system of its kind that goes beyond the established norm, carefully perceiving and discerning the proper level of quality in luxury hospitality and cuisine – on location only. The organization’s reviewer teams are backed up by the highly respected expertise of the Seven Stars and Stripes Advisory Board which draws on decades of experience in the hospitality industry.

www.sevenstarsandstripes.com

About Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Recently completing a three-year renovation of all guest rooms, swimming pool areas, and the addition of a new Spa set among the hot springs and gardens in the rainforest, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is now a member of Leading Hotels of the World, as well as the recipient of the Five-Star Four Diamond Award and the four-leaf designation for Sustainable Tourism.

 The only “Leading Spa of the World” in Central America and a repeat winner of Luxury SpaFinder’s Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Spa in Central America” and “Top Ten Mineral Spring Spas in the World,”

The Grand Spa has 11 outdoor treatment bungalows, each with private Jacuzzi; a Yoga bungalow; and an extensive menu of indigenous treatments including Watsu and others in outdoor thermal river pools.

A three-unit Temazcal surrounded by the energy of the nearby Arenal volcano is overseen by the resort’s own shaman. Individual bungalows; couples bungalows; and a special “all-day bungalow” for adults or families, including meals and treatments, are offered. The 114-room resort’s Mexican chef shines with his signature Gala Dinner in a private rainforest bungalow with private chef and server.

The award-winning Los Tucanes presents fine dining in an open-air setting. Ayurvedic spa cuisine is a new offering. Guest services can arrange adventure activities ranging from ziplining to nature tours, canyoning, caving, and hiking to the nearby Arenal volcano.

 www.tabacon.com    www.lhw.com  011-506-2519-1900, 877-277-8291 (toll-free).

 

TROPICAL ADVENTURES
CONTACT: Scott Pralinsky
TEL: 800-832-9419
E-MAIL: info@tropicaladventures.com
WEB: http://tropicaladventures.com

CARTAGO, Costa Rica—Multi-tasking is a part of everyone’s daily life. Trying to spend time together and also learn life lessons can happen on family voluntour vacations. Tropical Adventures offers ready-to-go itineraries or customized volunteer vacation packages. Families will spend a portion of their trip living and volunteering in a community and the rest of their time traveling the country sightseeing, participating in adventure activities and relaxing on the scenic beaches.

The Coast-to-Coast itinerary encompasses two whirlwind weeks of fun and good community work. Among the experiences is the chocolate tour, where travelers will meet an indigenous woman who makes organic chocolate based on her family’s indigenous traditions. Taste 10 flavors of chocolate and hear incredible stories.

 Cycle south of Puerto Viejo, stop for scenic views and beautiful beaches. Explore an Iguana Refuge on the Kekoldi Indigenous. Take a kayak tour in Punta Uva and see iguanas, different kinds of sloth, many birds, turtles and other incredible wildlife. Journey to the tropical Talamanca Indigenous Reservation and the Bambu Cultural Center, built using ancient traditional Bribri methods, with notable architecture.

Take a Panama waterfall tour, visit an indigenous organic banana farm, an Arenal Volcano Hike and Baldi Hot Springs Tour and see the Arenal Hanging Bridges, all just a few highlights of the vacation. Taking the family to an international, un-commercialized locale that will excite and leave a positive and profound impact on not just the travelers, but the destination as well.

Included in all voluntour vacations: private transportation to-and-from the airport and each destination, accommodations, three meals daily when with a host family, in-country support, medical insurance, assistance in booking excursions and activities, 24 hour in-country emergency service, regional airline transportation (when applicable), and a personal guide.

For more information on exciting learning vacations, contact Tropical Adventures at 800-832-9419 or log on to the web at www.tropicaladventures.com

Occidental Hotels & Resorts is holding a fall sale. Travelers must book by Oct. 15, 2008, to take advantage of these low rates for travel through Dec. 19, 2008.

All rates are per person, per night based on double occupancy at these participating resorts: Allegro Playa Dorada, Dominican Republic, starting from $48; Allegro Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, starting from $61; Allegro Cozumel, Mexico, starting from $67; Allegro Playacar, Mexico, starting from $70; Allegro Papagayo, Costa Rica, starting from $61; Occidental Grand Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, starting from $67; Occidental Grand Xcaret, Mexico, starting from $87; Occidental Grand Cozumel, Mexico, starting from $94; Occidental Grand Papagayo, Costa Rica, starting from $122; and Occidental Grand Aruba, starting from $196.

Occidental Grand and Allegro vacations are all-inclusive and include unlimited meals and snacks, drinks, sports, scuba classes, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing sports pool volleyball, beach soccer, ping pong, darts, tennis, basketball, horseback riding and dance classes. Supervised Kids Club, daily entertainment and activities are also part of the package as well as nightly shows and live entertainment and all taxes and gratuities. Occidental Grand vacations also include access to the sauna, whirlpool and steam room at the spa.

For more information, call 800-858-2258 or visit www.occidentalhotels.com

RÍOS TROPICALES
WEB: www.riostropicales.com

COSTA RICA—Rivers crisscross and snake their way across Costa Rica, and many of them lend themselves to whitewater rafting. Ríos Tropicales offers rafting and adventure trips along ten of these rivers that range in difficulty from mild to wild — Class I up to Class IV rapids, making them the perfect outfitter for beginners or pros. The trips range from a half day float trip to multi-day kayak and paddling trips for two to nine days.

First time rafters and families can choose from day trips on the Corbici, Reventazon, Sarapiqui, and Penas Blancas rivers. Introduction to white water tours are offered on the Reventazon, Sarapiqui, Naranjo and Savegre rivers. Guests can expect a guest-to-guide ratio of six to one, ensuring that even beginners will receive personalized instruction. These trips are designed for beginners and families, and feature Class I and II rapids that consist of fun waves, easy rapids, and wide, clear channels, making these trips perfect for a family adventure:

Corobici, Cañas Section; Class I-II; $50.00/person
Reventazon; El Carmen Section; Class II; $75.00/person
Safari Float on Rio Penas Blancas; Class I-IIl; $55.00/person
Sarapiqui, Chilamate Section; Class I-II; $75.00/person
Reventazon, Florida Section; Class III; $75.00/person
Sarapiqui, La Virgen Section; Class II-III; $75.00/person
Savegre River (Full day); Class II and III; $98.00/person

Seasoned pros will love the variety of multi-day and Class III-IV rapid trips, including options on the Pacuare River, ranked as one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. Day trips on the Tenorio Pozo Azul and Sarapiqui are also offered:

Pacuare River (2 Days); Class III-IV; $225-285/person
Pacuare River (3 Days); Class III-IV; $295-355/person
Tenorio Pozo Azul; Class III-IV; $90/person
Naranjo River Rafting; Class III-IV; $70.00/person

Ríos Tropicales has offices and tour locations throughout the country, including offices in the capital city of San Jose, operations center in central Costa Rica, and outposts in La Fortuna, Canas, and Quepos, which means that guests can hit the water even if they choose not to stay at the Ríos Tropicales Lodge. Custom itineraries and multisport packages are also available for those that want to spend more time on land than on the water.

For more information, visit Ríos Tropicales at www.riostropicales.com

# # #

With the 2008 Olympics drawing to a grand finale, it seems that Team Costa Rica won’t be returning with extra golden hand luggage – but with a host of record-breaking highlights and top-of-the-league performances back home, why should they worry?

Observe an alternative winning combination in the world’s most bio-diverse nation, where 25% of the country’s land is protected - the world’s highest proportion, home to some of the world’s largest (Goliath Beetle) and smallest (Fairyfly) insects, the world’s third-largest feline (Jaguar), the world’s most poisonous frog (Blue Poison Arrow Frog), and site of one of the world’s most active volcanoes (Arenal). Wildlife Worldwide offer a 13-day Costa Rican Odyssey tour, going for gold amongst lush rainforests, active volcanoes and unique wildlife, including nesting Atlantic Green Turtles throughout September - departing London daily!

An initial night is spent at San Gildar Hotel located in an historic and picturesque area of San Jose. Next day, travellers are driven to Braulio Carrillo National Park where the Aerial Tram offers a different perspective on to the expanse of rainforest below, home to over 340 bird species, together with Howler and White-faced Monkeys, Tapir, Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot and Paca. Continuing by road and boat to Tortuguero National Park, 2-nights are spent exploring the vast area of untouched tropical rainforest on foot and by boat.

Between July and September, night tours allow for observation of nesting Atlantic Green Turtle. Next, after collecting their 4WD, travellers head to Arenal National Park and one of the world’s most active volcanoes. On a clear night, observe magnificent views of Arenal Volcano from the hotel – with possible explosions and flowing lava. Continue to the protected Monteverde Cloud Forest, a reserve of some 4,500 hectares.

Here, the Resplendent Quetzal, sacred bird of the Mayans, considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the world, may be seen, together with Emerald Toucanet and both White-faced, and Howler Monkeys. Drive onwards to the Pacific Coast and the Gulf of Nicoya where guided birding tours amongst tropical dry forest and seasonal marshes provide excellent opportunities to see vast concentrations of heron, duck and spoonbill gathering during the dry season. Return to San Jose to drop off the jeep, spending a night at the San Gildar Hotel before homeward flights next day.

The tour costs from £1,595 p/p including scheduled flights, private transfers, lodge and hotel accommodation, most meals, 4WD vehicle hire (days 5 to 11) and expert wildlife guiding.

Wildlife Worldwide
0845 130 6982
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Windstar Cruises is hosting winemaker Gary Eberle on a Costa Rica sailing aboard Wind Star, departing Feb. 21 from Puerto Caldera.

Windstar’s Signature Collection Host Series features guests and lecturers throughout the 2009 season, including Eberle, who will host wine tastings and lectures for guests about his wines and wine regions.

Eberle is a winemaking pioneer in the Paso Robles region in California.

His career began in 1973 heading the family’s Estrella River Winery (currently Meridian Vineyards). By 1980, Eberle had co-founded the Paso Robles appellation, opening his own winery three years later.

Eberle’s 1999 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and 1996 Sauret Vineyard Zinfandel earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast.

 The seven-day Puerto Caldera roundtrip visits San Juan del Sur, Playas del Coco, Quepos, Bahia Drake, Curu and Tortuga Island.

Cruise rates start at $2,599 per person, based on double occupancy.

For more information visit www.eberlewinery.com

The executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Terestella González-Denton, inaugurated the Rainforest and Ocean View Inn, the first lodging development in the Hacienda Carabalí de Luquillo theme park, located in the East Central tourist region.

The hotel complex will contribute to the East Central region with a restaurant, activities salon, and a pool with a panoramic view. It will also offer other Hacienda Carabali’s entertainment activities such as horseback riding, bicycle rides, ATV adventures, go-karts, and meals at a cowboy style restaurant.

The East Central region is home to the Flamenco beach in Culebra Island. The region also has two bioluminescent bays, two Blue Flag beaches, and one of Puerto Rico’s most visited tourist attractions, El Yunque Rain Forest.

The area also has the most gastronomic trails for traditional food, including Las Croabas, Los Kioskos de Luquillo, Kioskos de Piñones, Naguabo and Guavate. It is also considered Puerto Rico’s best resort destination, with hotels including Wyndham Río Mar Beach Resort & Spa, Palmas del Mar and the El Conquistador Resort. The region is also the site of a recent $600 million investment by Donald Trump at Coco Beach, which will be home to the Trump Golf Villas.

For more information, visit www.gotopuertorico.com