Jetsettersblog

The annual Iceland Food and Fun Festival will be held in Reykjavik, Iceland, Feb. 24 to 28, 2010.

This year’s sponsors include Icelandair, Reykjavik Pure Energy, Icelandic Agriculture and Iceland Naturally along with 14 of the top chefs from around the world as they compete for the 2010 Food & Fun Chef of the Year award. Chefs from the U.S., Canada and Europe will be teamed up with the most prestigious Icelandic chefs and given the finest Icelandic ingredients to create their masterpieces.

Each team will prepare one lamb dish, one fish dish and one dessert.

These meals will be served at the finest participating restaurants across the city of Reykjavik until the grand judging.

To close the weekend’s festivities, a gala awards event will be held on Feb. 28 featuring a recap of Food and Fun 2010 and the top chefs of the year.

An international jury of 10, made up of chefs, journalists and industry people, will judge the competing dishes to give out four awards for 2010.

In addition to the grand prize of “Food and Fun Chef of Year,” prizes will also be awarded for the best fish dish, best meat dish, and best dessert.

While in Iceland, the chefs, guests and participants will enjoy all the fun Iceland has to offer as well. Riding snowmobiles, hiking glaciers, taking in the breathtaking sights along the Golden Circle Tour, and nightlife will all be on the menu.

For more information, call 877-I-FLY-ICE or visti www.icelandair.us

In sync with a growing client interest in luxury travel, CIE Tours International launched three new luxury escorted tours of Ireland, led by the 14-day Emerald Supreme vacation, priced from $3,798 for land only, or from $4,378 with airfare.

The tours feature Ireland’s top deluxe and castle hotels including Dromoland Castle and Ashford Castle, and emphasize luxury, exclusivity, unique experiences, and personalized attention. There are just nine departures, starting April 1 and running through Nov. 11.

“This vacation is all about luxury,” said Brian Stack, managing director. “All overnights are provided at castles and deluxe hotels, plus gourmet meals including epicurean restaurants and castle dinners — and everything else is included, too — no hidden extras.”

Stack adds that the Emerald Supreme is ideal for discerning couples planning a first or second honeymoon, wedding anniversary, or an extra special vacation. Capacity is limited to 26 persons per tour.

The itinerary, which starts and ends in Dublin, explores the whole island of Ireland including Cashel, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, Galway, Connemara, Cong, Drumcliff, Donegal, Derry, Antrim Coast, Belfast and Downpatrick.

The crux of the vacation is the selection of all prestigious award-winning hotels and castles: Merrion Hotel, Dublin (first two nights and final night); Killarney Park Hotel (two nights); Dromoland Castle Hotel, Newmarket-on-Fergus (one night); Ashford Castle Hotel, Cong (two nights); Harvey’s Point Hotel, Donegal (two nights); and Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle (two nights).

These hotels pamper guests with state-of-the-art spas and leisure centers; and Dromoland, Ashford and Slieve Donard provide golfing opportunities at their own championship golf courses.

Men can devote as much time as they want to play golf at a leisurely pace and women can relax in the spa — or vice versa. Unique experiences on this itinerary include a performance at the Abbey Theatre, national theater of Ireland, or the legendary Gate Theatre; and dining at gourmet castles and epicurean restaurants such as Killeen House in Killarney as well as a private dinner with local entertainment and Irish dancing at Burke’s Pub in Clonbur, County Galway; and a farewell dinner at the Loft restaurant in Dublin with a traditional show at the Abbey Tavern.

In addition to deluxe accommodations and 11 superb dinners, the price covers 12 full Irish breakfasts; lunch at the legendary Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast; walking tours with local guides of Georgian Dublin, Ennis and Derry, and a “Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong; ferry rides across the River Shannon and Strangford Lough; catamaran cruise of Killary Fjord with Irish coffee; and admissions to over a dozen esteemed attractions including the National Gallery, The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery, Museum of Country Life, the Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek Pottery Factory, Giant’s Causeway, Mount Stewart House & Gardens; Battle of the Boyne Centre; and more.

For clients with less time, this vacation can also be split into a choice of two modules — the seven-day or nine-day Southern Supreme, starting at Dublin and ending at Shannon, or the nine-day Northern Supreme, starting at Shannon and ending at Dublin.

Both of these tours also run from early April through mid-November.

The Southern Supreme’s itinerary goes to Dublin, Cashel, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, Galway, Connemara, and Cong, and includes the experiences and attractions as outlined in the Emerald Supreme.

Two castles are featured in this program, along with two other five-star hotels — Merrion Hotel, Dublin (two nights); Killarney Park Hotel (two nights); Dromoland Castle Hotel, Newmarket-on-Fergus (one night); and Ashford Castle Hotel, Cong (two nights for the nine-day tour).

Prices start at $1,798 for land-only, or from $2,378 for air and land.

Clients interested in seeing Northern Ireland from a luxury perspective can join the Northern Supreme, starting the tour at Shannon and experiencing County Mayo and then around the coast of Donegal and through the North.

Accommodations are Ashford Castle (one night), Harvey’s Point Hotel, Donegal (two nights); Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle (two nights), and the Merrion Hotel, Dublin (two nights). Prices start at $2,368 for land only, or from $3,048 for air and land. Prices and departure dates are guaranteed for 2010.

For more information, call 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com

For more information about Ireland visit http://www.discoverireland.com or for a free vacation planning kit call the NY office at 800/223-6470. Read Ireland feature stories from Jetsetters Magazine at this link:

or independent clients on a limited budget, CIE Tours International launched its Go-As-You-Please Ireland self-drive programs for 2010 featuring bed and breakfast home stays, with land-only prices starting $398 for travel in February or from $460 in March and April.

Prices for four people traveling together start lower at $363.

The package provides open vouchers for six nights’ accommodations at a choice of over 1,100 B&B homes.

A room with private bathroom (at no extra cost) is provided at each home, as well as a full Irish breakfast, service charges and all taxes. B&Bs can be pre-booked each night on a complimentary basis on the B&B Ireland website.

Clients pick up a self-drive current standard shift model car from Hertz at Shannon or Dublin Airports and then create their own itinerary at their own pace with unlimited mileage.

Arrangements are for a minimum of six days/six nights, but can be for longer. The price includes collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection (TP) insurance, as well as government tax (VAT). Larger cars and minibuses are also available, and GPS navigation systems can be reserved at a cost of $12.50 per day when pre-booked.

In addition to car and accommodations, the price includes added-value extras such as a copy of the “Definitive Irish Bed & Breakfast Guide”; a 100-page Ireland guidebook with map (one per car); and a copy of “Ireland at a Glimpse” discount booklet, providing two-for-one admissions to attractions. CIE Tours is offering a number of other self-drive arrangements with pre-booked hotels so that clients can mix and match.

The hotels, which range from first class to five-star castles and manor houses, can be interspersed with B&Bs.

For instance, clients can upgrade to Ashford Castle for as little as $68 per person per night.

For more information, call 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com

Treat your loved one to a weekend of fun in stylish Dublin and stay at The K Club – Ireland’s leading golf and spa resort from just £265 per person for two nights.*

The K Club resort, set amidst 550 acres of breathtaking Kildare countryside yet just half an hour from Dublin city centre, is an ideal destination for the ultimate extravagant weekend.

Having attracted the likes of David and Victoria Beckham, Richard Gere, Justin Timberlake and many more, you’ll feel like a star in this spectacular hotel.

With the luxurious Valentines’ package you can enjoy two nights in a superior room including full breakfast each morning and a dinner in the award-winning River Room restaurant, including a glass of Champagne and a red rose for each lady.

Active couples can tee off on one of the two championship golf courses, or go fishing together on the Liffey,

whilst for those who want to unwind, full use of the fabulous K Spa is also included where couples can enjoy a his’n’hers massage in a private suite for two and choose from a selection of relaxing treatments and therapies, including Rasul treatments – based on traditional Oriental principles.

To top it off, romantics will enjoy a dip in the outdoor hot tub for the ultimate treat.

To book call 00353 1 601 7200 or visit www.kclub.com

*Valid for arrivals on the 12th & 13th of February and option to have dinner on either evening

Insight Vacations launched a follow-up to its Fly for Free promotion which allows companions to fly to Europe for $99, beginning Jan. 30.

Under terms of the deal, book two clients traveling together on an air-inclusive 2010 Insight Vacations European and the second traveler flies for $99. Booking and full payment for entire vacation package must be made by Feb. 26.

The offer is valid for new bookings made from Jan. 30 to Feb. 26. Travel must be completed by Oct. 21.

The companion rate to Cairo, Egypt, is $399. Offer applies to new bookings only. Not valid for travel from/to LAX in July or Chicago in May and June.

Offer not valid on Israel, Jordan or Morocco tours.

The offer is valid on British Airways, out of British Airways U.S. gateways only.

Fuel surcharges are included in quoted rate, additional taxes and fees are additional and cost approximately $80 to $200.

For more information about taxes and fees, visit www.insightvacations.com/taxesandfees

“We have seen a tremendous surge in bookings since October,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Insight Vacations.

“It’s so important to keep the momentum going. I believe our outstanding product sells itself but the air promotions certainly help to close the sale. The more an agent has to offer their clients, the better their chances are of making the booking. It’s important for agents to have a tool that enables them say to their customer — book now for the best deal.” Insight groups are limited to 40 passengers.

For more information, call 800-582-8380 or visit www.insightvacations.com

The Celtic Manor Resort, host of golf’s 2010 Ryder Cup and less than two hours from London, had a record year for leisure visitors in 2009.

The five-star resort sold more than 20,000 room nights to leisure visitors, bucking worldwide economic trends.

It also enjoyed significant revenue increases across its golf, spa and restaurant amenities.

The upturn resulted from a combination of Celtic Manor’s increased international profile as host of the 2010 Ryder Cup, and a new leisure strategy to compensate for the global downturn in corporate and conference business.

This year’s golf and leisure bookings also look strong.

“As evidenced by our recognition as the U.K.’s Top Conference Hotel three of the last four years, corporate guests have always been a key market,” said Ian Edwards, Celtic Manor’s vice president of operations.

“But grim forecasts for 2009 business meetings galvanized us to focus more on leisure travelers and improving our appeal to families.

The strategy included offering different packages to attract a range of guests, such as groups of golfers and families.

This has brought our overall room occupancy up to record levels, while the golf courses, bars and restaurants have never been busier.”

Rounds on its flagship Twenty Ten Course by visiting golfers almost doubled from 2008, and 81 percent of all available visitor tee times were booked.

Corporate and individual memberships for the Twenty Ten Club have steadily grown as people join to receive Ryder Cup season tickets.

This membership benefit expires in March. 2009 also saw an additional 22,000 rounds played on the three championship golf courses; golf visitor green fee income up by 58 percent; 45 percent increase in overseas visitors; overall room occupancy up by 8 percent, despite the downturn in conference business; bar and restaurant revenue up by 26 percent to record levels; and spa revenue elevated by 18 percent. Plans for 2010 include the improvement of guest suites and many public areas in the Resort Hotel to ready for the Ryder Cup. Flat-screen TVs will be installed in every bedroom and the Olive Tree restaurant and Rooftop Garden barbecue terrace will both be expanded.

For more information, call 011-44 (0) 1633 413 000 or visit www.celtic-manor.com

CIE Tours International is offering a six-day/four-night fully escorted Taste of Ireland trip, priced from $698 for land-only or $1,038 with airfare from New York-JFK.

Departures are slated from Feb. 13 through Dec. 4.

The tour is targeted to “clients with limited time who want to experience Ireland for an affordable price,” according to Brian W. Stack, managing director.

Focusing on the sightseeing highlights of Ireland, the itinerary starts in Dublin, and then goes to Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and Bunratty.

The program provides superior and first-class hotel accommodations with private bath/shower for four nights; full Irish breakfasts daily; four dinners including a medieval banquet and entertainment at Bunratty Castle and a dinner/traditional entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Pub in Dublin; welcome get-together drink; Dublin tour with local guide; sheepdog trials on the Ring of Kerry; ferry ride across the Shannon River; admissions to Dublin Castle, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, Skellig Experience, Muckross Gardens and the Cliffs of Moher; fully escorted sightseeing via luxury motorcoach; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; all taxes, hotel service charges and porterage for one suitcase per person.

Accommodations are at the following three hotels or similar alternatives:

Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin (one night); Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre (two nights); and Bunratty Castle Hotel Hotel, Bunratty (one night). Longer five- and six-night versions are also available with one or two more nights in Dublin plus an open top bus tour of Dublin and visit to the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens.

For more information, call 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com

To celebrate a new beginning for the world’s most famous crystal brand, WWRD Holdings Limited plans to open a new Waterford Crystal Prestige Manufacturing Facility, Retail Outlet and Visitor Centre in June 2010.

Located in the brand’s namesake city of Waterford, Ireland, the high-tech facility will exclusively produce 40,000 hand-crafted crystal pieces using traditional artisan methods.

In addition to serving as a brand laboratory for innovation and modern design, Waterford Crystal Factory Tours will be open to the public seven days a week and all year round.

The Waterford Crystal factory tour features a visual journey of over 225 years of glass making.

Visitors will also be able to see a replica of the Waterford Times Square Ball and other exhibitions themed to Sport, Statement Design or the Faces and Places exhibit which showcases specially commissioned Waterford Crystals pieces that have been presented to famous Celebrities, Presidents and dignities.

The world’s largest display of Waterford Crystal will be showcased in the Retail Experience, including pieces from world famous designers such as John Rocha, Michael Aram and Jasper Conran.

The Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre is located two miles from the city center on the N25 Cork Road in Waterford.

Factory tours are open to the public all year round, Monday to Sunday. Guided Tours are also available seven days a week.

For more information, visit www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

For more information about Ireland visit http://www.discoverireland.com  or for a free vacation planning kit call the NY office at 800/223-6470. Read Ireland feature stories from Jetsetters Magazine at this link:

Highly regarded fishing magazine Trout & Salmon has published a list of the top mail order suppliers for flies.

Highly regarded fishing magazine Trout & Salmon has published a list of the top mail order suppliers for flies.

The magazine carried out an undercover survey of a number of sellers in the hope to offer their readers an unbiased and informative result as to who were the better suppliers.

Whether you tie your own flies, or buy readymade ones, quality is high on the agenda for the serious fisherman, as it can make the difference between a satisfying day on the river or an empty net.

Trout & Salmon chose a number of key factors to think on when ordering their flies. Staff knowledge, politeness and helpfulness as well as the delivery time on orders were all taken into consideration alongside the quality and correctness of the fly itself.

Three types of fly were chosen:

Ally’s Shrimp http://www.johnnorris.co.uk/shop/ty_410-salmon-shrimps-doubles-and-trebles/

Dunkeld http://www.johnnorris.co.uk/search/2808-dunkeld.html

Adams http://www.johnnorris.co.uk/search/2286-whiting-farm-winged-adams.html

These were then scrutinised to ensure faithful reproductions of original dressings as well as quality and good choice of materials, neatness and proportions.

One of the online retailers that were targeted was John Norris of Penrith (http://www.johnnorris.co.uk  ).

Based in Penrith in Cumbria, and with over 35 years experience of selling fishing equipment from top brands and manufacturers, John Norris has an extensive showroom only a couple of minutes travel from junction 40 of the M6 on the edge of the Lake District stocked with their great range of fishing products, including all kinds of fishing flies.

Trout & Salmon’s comments regarding John Norris’ customer service stated:

“Order processed without any problem. Very helpful, efficient and knowledgeable”

The fishing flies sent by John Norris were all well received despite the smaller order, each were well proportioned and used a good range of materials.

A spokesperson for John Norris commented on the magazine article by saying:

“We are very pleased with the outcome of Trout & Salmon’s findings”

“Here at John Norris, we have a full range of flies and fishing tackle with significant reductions on RRP.

Those interested in taking advantage of these special offers can visit us at http://www.johnnorris.co.uk

Experience a romantic break like never before at Ireland’s stunning Castlemartyr Resort where you and your loved one can enjoy five-star luxury together for £100 per person per night* in a deluxe room along with a full Irish breakfast each morning.

Set amidst 220 acres of breathtaking countryside in County Cork, Castlemartyr Resort boasts meandering streams and rolling meadows, yet is just half an hour from the buzzing city centre and Cork airport, offering loved-up couples the perfect haven for relaxing and spending quality time together.

Featuring an 18th century manor house steeped in history, this leading resort has attracted celebrity guests including newlyweds Beyoncé and Jay-Z and boasts a host of amenities, from a championship golf course to a state-of-the-art spa which overlooks the formal gardens.

Valentines will love the hotel’s stylish rooms, where they will find a red rose and chocolates on arrival and enjoy an exclusive gourmet dinner on the Saturday in the Bell Tower restaurant. Early bookers will even receive a complimentary upgrade** to one of the resort’s fabulous junior suites.

Indulge your sweetheart with a pampering spa treatment such as the hotel’s signature Gaelic escape; a deep massage for the back, feet and legs along with anti-stress back therapy, finished with a hot-stone back, neck and shoulder massage, for the ultimate relaxation.

Or if you prefer to sit back and simply enjoy the stunning scenery of the resort, then take a romantic carriage-ride around the beautiful grounds together.

There are plenty of attractions nearby too; whether you want to visit The Jameson Distillery at Midleton for a spot of whiskey tasting, take a stroll through nearby Fota Island Wildlife Park, do the Titanic Tour in Cobh where the famous ship last docked or simply shop ‘til you drop at Brown Thomas; Ireland’s most exclusive lifestyle store – you’ll find that County Cork has more to discover than you ever imagined.

Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork offers guests the St. Valentine’s package from 12 – 14 February from £200 per room per night, including a full Irish breakfast.

For bookings call 00 353 214 219000 or visit www.castlemartyrresort.ie

*Based on two adults sharing. Minimum two-night stay
**The first 15 bookings made directly through the resort will receive the complimentary upgrade