Jetsettersblog

Germany Events in August and September

Potsdam Palaces by Night, Aug 16
www.potsdam.de

Hanse Sail, Rostock, Warnemuende, Aug 7 - Aug 10
www.hansesail.com

Moritzburg Festival, Moritzburg, Aug 9 - Aug 24
www.moritzburgfestival.de

Luther Festival, Eisenach, Aug 22- Aug 24
www.luther-das-fest.de  (German only)

Museum Bank Festival, Frankfurt/Main , Aug 29 - Aug 31
www.frankfurt-tourismus.de

Beethoven Festival, Bonn, Aug 29 - Sep 28
www.beethovenfest.de

Oktoberfest, Munich, Sep 20 - Oct 5
www.oktoberfest.de

Cannstatter Wasen Festival, Stuttgart, Sep 27 - Oct 12
www.stuttgart-tourist.de

Costa Smeralda on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast

Whether you choose to land in Sardinia by private jet or commercial airliner, your unforgettable journey to Costa Smeralda begins the moment you touch down in this magical island destination off Italy’s coast. The breathtaking emerald-hued waters of the Mediterranean shores here simply demanded its Italian name, Costa Smeralda.

Punctuated by bright white, sugar sand and unique granite outcroppings, this family of four ultra-exclusive Starwood Luxury Collection resorts offers the complete range of getaway personalities. Upon your desire or whim, choose from complete and secure seclusion, private pools and beaches, and every imaginable amenities brought chair or bedside … to the “see and be seen” excitement of haute couture, world-recognized entertainment, chic shopping and elite gastronomic adventures on the beach, by the pool or aboard the world class yachts that dot the harbor.

Climatic wind conditions permit picture perfect enjoyment of the island’s sun, sea and surf for only a few brief months per year, which helps keep Costa Smeralda’s secret safe with those in the know. Early fall is the perfect time to take advantage of idyllic weather at a more relaxed pace, after the rush of the traditional European vacation month in August.

Golf, sail, hike explore historical sites, browse Hermes, Gucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Vuitton and more or merely disappear for a week or two into a refuge of complete indulgence.

These extraordinary resorts, a 1960’s inspiration of Karim Aga Khan IV, have hosted the yachting and polo set for generations, where the boating highlight comes each September with the Sardinia Cup. The equestrian life will always be an integral part of Costa Smeralda life, culture and visitors, as the Aga Khan owns Ireland’s Gilltown Stud Farm, Haras de Bonneval breeding farm in France and the famous Calvados stud farms.

Savin Couelle, “the father of the Costa Smeralda’s architects” supervised the creation of this visceral architecture, blending the intense Sardinian light with natural and created shade. While melding Moorish and rustic design, he carefully orchestrated a recipe of elegance and intuition. His father Jacques Couelle working in concert with the Aga Khan, created the 5 star luxury hotel and private marina known as Cala Di Volpe and added his signature hand-made glass colored blocks which appear above the spacious dining room and unique spaces. Couelle’s designs gave rise to a host of worldwide imitators, none of whom have duplicated his inspired, timeless creation here. Drawing on three thousand years of the island’s inhabited history, its indigenous materials, natural and architectural forms, he strived that “The visitor must never know for sure that a building hasn’t always been there.”

Many opt to view the stunning, granite rock formations and natural beauty from the water. Every year, more and more megayachts call the Costa Smeralda their year round home, due to the recent initiation of new tax advantages. Some of these extraordinary craft are available for short term contract, and, of course, Starwood’s attentive yet unobtrusive staff graciously charter available water craft or arrange gourmet picnics for their celebrity guests, villa residents, and international sailing teams.

The journey of a lifetime begins with touchdown at Costa Smeralda. Allow the Starwood Hotels and Resorts staff to fulfill your every vacation desire, and join the many repeat elite who make next year’s reservations while still enjoying this year’s resplendent stay. Cala di Volpe, the 124 room epitome of resort luxury can be found along the idyllic road to Porto Cervo and shares the center stage with Hotel Pitrizza, Hotel Romazzino and Hotel Cervo. Starwood guests are able to enjoy extraordinary gourmet cuisine and Sardinian local specialties among multiple dining locations and play the well-groomed Pervero Golf course which is nestled within the gentle rolling hills in close proximity to all four unique hotel properties.

Renowned California artists are offering outdoor painting workshops in Costa Smeralda overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. One Southern California artist and muralist, Moira Love, selected Costa Smeralda since rich earth tone colors and dramatic granite forms cast a moving contrast to emerald waters, tranquil skies and picturesque coastal villages.

For visitors seeking less privacy and private beach front access overlooking an expansive breathtaking view and lush landscaping, then Hotel Romazzino will satisfy cravings. Prefer to nest in tranquility, the waterfront dining, or a sparking pool by the enchanting ocean? Then perhaps the villas at Hotel Pitrizza will suit your desires. On the other hand, if you prefer a “fashion runway” where even the celebrities dress up and every day is a show, then Cala Di Volpe maybe the answer. Sheraton’s Hotel Cervo in Porto Cervo is tucked away in a beautiful natural harbor, adjacent to a shopper’s paradise including all the finest Italian fashion and retail outlets. All four luxurious properties provide a beautiful backdrop for relaxation and exceed any notions about service and hospitality since the staff is so polished and cordial. The immensely talented piano player Paolo at Cala Di Volpe entertained guests until 1:00 am while guests danced the night away under the macchia-scented midnight air.

What better way to recharge the spirit in Costa Smeralda and create life long memories.

The Italians say it best “Un’oasi di quiete tra cielo e mare nello smeraldo della costa” … A tranquil oasis set between the sea and sky on the emerald coast.

For more information, please call 1-800-325-3589 or book this season easily online at http://dgrp.reachlocal.com or http://www.costa2008.com

Four Seasons Istanbul, Florence Properties

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts has opened two new European properties, both in restored historic buildings: a 19th century Ottoman palace in Istanbul and a Renaissance palazzo in Florence.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Bosphorus is the company’s second property in the city, in an idyllic location on the European banks of the legendary Bosphorus strait. The hotel reflects both the historic past and modern vibrancy of its waterfront setting, with a contemporary elegance that typifies the changing face of modern Istanbul.

The hotel has 166 rooms within the original palace building, complemented by two new wings. Light, understated interiors reflect the coastal location, while decorative Turkish touches and traditional artworks reference the Bosphorus setting as the former summer retreat of the Ottoman elite. Extensive outdoor amenities — including heated pool and whirlpool, bar pavilions and the Wedding Garden - are located along a 190 m (623 ft) waterfront terrace, framed by the Bosphorus and its ever-changing landscape of boats, yachts, cruise-ships and ferries. Beneath the terrace is a 2,100 sq m (22,605 sq ft) spa, sky-lit from above, featuring three hammams (Turkish baths).

Function facilities include two ballrooms, which can accommodate receptions for up to 1,000 people. The hotel’s main restaurant, Aqua, takes its inspiration from the Bosphorus, accenting dishes from Mediterranean, coastal territories with rich, local elements. The restaurant is relaxed and unpretentious, designed to maximize the languid enjoyment of the waterfront location.

There is also an al fresco Pool Bar and Grill and contemporary and comfortable Lobby Bar and Lounge. The Hotel marks a distinct change from the company’s first property in the city, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet — a converted neo-classic prison in the heart of the city’s Old Town.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze also has opened, following seven years of meticulous restoration. The hotel is located on the edge of Florence’s historic centre and occupies two protected Renaissance palaces, the 15th century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the Conventino, a 16th century Palazzo, which was once a convent. Between them lies Florence’s largest private garden — the 11 acre (4.5 hectare) Giardino della Gherardesca - one of the most beautiful and undiscovered green spaces on the right bank of the River Arno.

The palace’s ornately painted and crafted interiors offer guests the rare opportunity to view 15th - 19th century artworks in their original context. Frescoes, bas-reliefs, stuccoes and silk wallpapers have been carefully restored to reveal vivid detail dating back over five centuries. Original Florentine art and craftsmanship can also be found in several of the hotel’s 117 bedrooms, suites and bathrooms. In addition, each bedroom and suite has individual dimensions and window-sizes and many also showcase idiosyncratic original features such as skylights, staircases, fireplaces and stoves.

The Hotel honours the city’s culinary and cultural heritage. Il Palagio, the main restaurant, uses Tuscan ingredients sourced direct from local producers; the two-storey Spa features bespoke natural products created by Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (one of the world’s oldest herbal pharmacies, dating back to 13th century Florentine monks) and room amenities have been custom-made by Florence-based Lorenzo Villoresi. The Hotel also has an outdoor pool, fitness centre, library/reading room and vast, sun-lit Atrium Bar.

At the far end of the gardens, the Conventino, (opening in September 2008) provides an arrangement of 37 rooms and suites — a “hotel within the hotel” — served by its own reception, concierge, breakfast room and business centre. The garden location offers a restful alternative to the main Palazzo building. The hotel is the company’s second property in Italy; the first, Four Seasons Hotel Milano, is an intimate retreat within a converted 15th century convent, just steps from Milan’s couture houses and financial district.

Silversea Resident Artist on Prince Albert II

Silversea Expeditions kicked off its new Resident Artist and Photographer Program aboard Prince Albert II’s inaugural sailing from London to Tromso, featuring Sharon K. Schafer as its first artist-in-residence.

An award-winning designer, Schafer’s background also includes wildlife biologist, naturalist, photographer and writer. As a self-employed artist, she combines her love of nature and art as she sketches and photographs the polar expedition.

Camille Seaman has been selected as the resident photographer for the following series of expeditions, starting from Tromso on June 30 and concluding in New York on Aug. 25. Seaman is a photographer best known for her polar images. Her work has been exhibited and published in magazines internationally.

As hosts of the Resident Artist and Photographer Program, Schafer and Seaman will lead art and photography workshops and lectures aboard Prince Albert II and accompany guests ashore to share their perspectives and offer photography advice. Using a camera and hydrophone, they will record the underwater environment and share these images with guests during evening presentations.

The photographers will also photograph and videotape each expedition. Guests will receive a complimentary collection of these photos on a CD. A special DVD will be available for sale containing a digital slide show, interactive map and video footage of the voyage. All proceeds from the sale of the DVDs will be contributed to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to support work in environmental conservation.

Travel Impressions Offers Gay & Lesbian Travel

The TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program offered through Travel Impressions features vacations to Canada and Europe to coincide with gay pride celebrations taking place this summer.

Package rates start at $319 per person double occupancy. Through the TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program, three-night Canada packages feature accommodations, three-day Hertz rental car (excluding Toronto and Halifax, where roundtrip airport/hotel transfers will be provided) and hotel taxes and service.

Following are corresponding gay and lesbian festivals taking place throughout Canada. Sample packages with rates quoted per person double occupancy, include:

Vancouver, until Aug. 4: Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina — from $499; The Fairmont Waterfront — from $565; The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver — from $579. Halifax, July 20 – 27: Delta Halifax — from $399; Delta Barrington — from $405; Westin Nova Scotian Halifax — from $459.

Montreal, July 27-Aug. 3: Novotel Montreal Centre — from $365; Hyatt Regency Montreal Centre-Ville — from $419; Omni Mont Royal — from $425; Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth — from $509.

Ottawa, Aug. 15 – 24: Delta Ottawa Hotels & Suites — from $319; Lord Elgin — from $325; Fairmont Chateau Laurier — from $405.

The TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program’s European packages include five nights hotel accommodation and taxes.

Sample packages to European festivals, quoted per person double occupancy, include:

Gay Pride Madrid, July 3 – 6: Intercontinental Hotel Madrid — from $835; ME Madrid — from $1,169.

London Pride London, July 5: MyHotel Bloomsbury — from $859; The May Fair Hotel — from $1,435.

Amsterdam Gay Pride, Aug. 1 – 3: Swissotel Amsterdam — from $859; The Dylan — from $1,495.

For more information about the TI Gay & Lesbian Travel program, visit www.travelimpressions.com/gaytravel. For more information on Travel Impressions, call 800-284-0044 or 631-845-8000, or visit www.travelimpressions.com

Villas of Distinction Best Value Promotion

Villas of Distinction, one of the largest villa rental companies in the U.S., launched its “Best Value in Luxury Villa Rentals” promotion featuring exclusive discounted stays at private luxury villas in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe.

While luxury villa rentals are often perceived to be out of reach for the typical family, this promotion clearly shows that it’s not necessary to sacrifice value in order to have luxury. Travelers can have both this vacation season. Making luxury travel affordable to families this summer is one of the primary goals of the “Best Value” promotion. Effective immediately and running through fall, travelers can receive exclusive deals on select villa rentals in top luxury travel destinations like Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. From 20 percent discounts off the normal rates to free nights, these offers will allow traveling families to have the luxury experience they want at an exceptional value.

For instance, Bajacu, a magnificent five-bedroom estate surrounded by lush, tropical gardens and a breathtaking view of the sea in Turks & Caicos, is offering a “Pay-for-6-Nights, Get-1-Free” promotion through December 2008. Luxury villas in Mexico are gaining popularity for families seeking white-sand beaches and close proximity to the U.S. mainland. In Los Cabos, Villas del Mar is also offering a “Pay-for-6-Nights, Get-1-Free” promotion. Each of the villas at this resort is staffed with a private butler who will discreetly cater to a vacationer’s every whim, from drinks by their villa’s private pool to dinner reservations in nearby San Jose del Cabo.

The complete, and growing, list of exclusive offers included in the “Best Value in Luxury Villa Rentals” promotion can be found on the Villas of Distinction homepage as well as on the “Villa Specials” page. The booking dates for most of the deals in the “Best Value” program run through Dec. 31, 2008, excluding major holidays.

For more information on the “Best Value in Luxury Villa Rentals” promotion, contact Maya Offenbach, Villa Product Manager, at 617-587-6829 or moffenbach@worldtravelholdings.com 

 For more information, call 800-289-0900 or visit www.villasofdistinction.com

Rail Europe Presents Anywhere Anytime France

Rail Europe launched Anywhere Anytime France, a pre-paid electronic ticketing system for European train travel.

Travelers simply create an Anywhere Anytime France account online on www.raileurope.com to purchase prepaid train trips at a flat fee of $199 for the first trip, with all subsequent train trips costing just $50.

Anywhere Anytime France trips include first-class rail accommodations for the lowest possible price and with no hidden costs. When travelers are ready to begin their train journey, they log onto their account to let Rail Europe know their travel dates and receive seat confirmations for their pre-purchased train trips. Travelers can then retrieve and print their ticket at any ticket office or self-service kiosk located in the train stations in France.

At the time of the launch of Anywhere Anytime France more than one thousand destinations are on offer to travelers, and beginning July 23, Rail Europe will debut additional routes, giving travelers access to more than 4,000 destinations in France and ensuring that seats will be available for them on virtually any TGV train in France.

Anywhere Anytime France is for travelers who wish to explore more than two cities in France. Whether visiting wineries in Bordeaux or silk vendors in Lyon, Anywhere Anytime France presents passengers with the opportunity to explore the rich culture and history of multiple French cities.

Anywhere Anytime France guarantees convenience, control, flexibility and access to more seats on more trains. Tickets can be purchased up to three months in advance or one hour before train departure, offering spontaneous travel planning for groups of up to nine or for individuals.

Rail Europe, the largest distributor of European rail products in North America, encourages travelers to make train travel a part of their European travel experience. The company celebrates over 75 years as a leader in European travel and believes that the spirit of train travel is about enjoying the simple pleasures, respecting the environment and connecting with people, places and cultures. For more information or to book Anywhere

Hotel Concorde Berlin Offers French Package

Hôtel Concorde Berlin this summer is offering guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in French culture and language in Germany’s capital city with the “Luxury French Lesson” package.

This five-star hotel, a member of Paris-based Concorde Hotels & Resorts, is located directly on the Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard and features luxury hotel service with a distinctly French flair.

The package runs through Aug. 24 with rates starting at approximately $371 per person (for two nights) and includes: Two overnight stays in an executive room with a sumptuous buffet breakfast served in the hotel’s St. Germain restaurant; Two-hour French language class at Berlitz Language School; Guided city tour focusing on French history in Berlin. Sites include the French Dome church, Galeries Lafayette, the French Embassy on Pariser Platz, and one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, Brandenburg Gate; and Three-course dinner at the French brasserie le Faubourg.

Call 800-888-4747 or visit www.berlin.concorde-hotels.com

OpenSkies Launches New York JFK-Paris flights

OpenSkies, the new premium transatlantic airline from British Airways, yesterday launched its first daily passenger flight from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). OpenSkies held an inaugural celebration beginning with a send-off reception in Paris featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from prominent officials and dignitaries.

Upon arrival this afternoon in New York, the aircraft received the traditional water cannon salute, followed by a welcoming ceremony at JFK Terminal 7 where guests were greeted by local officials and airport executives. In addition, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued a proclamation from the city in honor of OpenSkies’ inaugural flight. Its business class has 24 seats, with 73 inches of legroom, that convert into the only fully lie-flat beds in the Paris-New York market. Its PREM+ is completely new category of service between Paris and New York that offers 28 reclining leather seats, each with a 52-inch seat pitch.

It has just 30 economy class seats. Services in all classes include personal entertainment units with 50+ hours of programming. For more information, visit www.flyopenskies.com

Rejuvenating Portugal’s historic spas

Very little is often heard in the news about Portuguese tourism. Except for the unfortunate circumstance about the disappearance of toddler Madeleine McCann, there is hardly ever any mention of Portugal in the global tourism arena. This may soon change.

Armed with a product that is full of promise, Portuguese tourism is now reaching out to the media with one very clear message: Portugal wants spa aficionados to consider Portugal as their next destination. Historic spa resorts across Portugal are being reborn for the modern traveler, the Portuguese National Tourism Office (PNTO) has claimed. As part of this effort, new luxury spas are dotting up across in the country that has always been thought of as “a garden by the sea,” with green inviting landscapes, and in some places the waters are known to be therapeutic.

The PNTO has compiled some information for those seeking to retreat to Portugal’s spa destinations.

“Now spa towns like Luso, Curia and Porto Santo island, are attracting a new generation of spa-goers with upgraded facilities and the latest spa treatments, all amid beautiful, natural settings,” PNTO said.

The PNTO claims that the water in Portugal since Roman times has been used for therapeutic purposes, healing the sick and helping people to relax. “Today’s spa resorts also offer the chance to relax outdoors with a game of golf, bicycling and hiking, canoeing or swimming.”

Here are some recommendations from PNTO:

Monfortinho Spa: Some 2000 years ago, the Romans enjoyed the therapeutic properties of the Monfortinho springs. Today the spa, which sits on a wind-protected plateau, has its own micro-climate. Hydro-treatments are offered year-round. Visitors can drop in to the historic village of Monsanto, considered one of the prettiest and best-preserved in all of Portugal.

LusoSpa:through December is spa season at the Luso Spa, located at one of the most well-known springs in Portugal. Located at the foot of the Serra do Buçaco hills, the spa offers visitors healing waters and a great location in the ancient settlement of Luso. In the Serra nearby, Portuguese and British generals joined forces to fight Napoleon’s invading armies.

Curia Spa: Pure waters are the hallmark of this spa, which also happens to have an ideal location for travels between the town, Curia, and Luso and Buçaco, a mountainous region in central Portugal. The spa is located within Curia Park and is surrounded by rich gardens. A nearby lake is used for relaxing boat trips. The Palace Hotel da Curia serves guests with an Art Deco style.

Porto Santo Sands: Porto Santo’s island is rimmed with fine golden sand beaches. The water is clean and warm. The waters of Porto Santo are rich in iodine, calcium and magnesium. Porto Santo offers the only Thalassotherapy clinic in Portugal. In addition to beauty treatments, visitors can opt for treatments that are said to prevent and cure bone and muscle ailments and to help with stress and fatigue. The island now has three new spas.

Caldas de Monchique Spa: Located in the green valley of the Serra de Monchique hills, this spa is still unknown in this part of the Algarve region because it’s off the beaten track. Romans used the Serra waters, which they called sacred, to treat bodily and spiritual fatigue. The spa is an excellent location from which to explore the region’s traditional architecture and its abundant fruit trees and gardens. In the nearby town of Silves, guest can visit a castle made of red sandstone in a region that was once the Moorish capital.