Jetsettersblog

Windstar to sail from Venice

Luxury yacht cruise operator Windstar is to run fly-cruises from Venice next summer as part of deployment plans for 2009-2010.

Return sailings from the Italian city will be run by each of the company’s three vessels, 312-passenger Wind Surf and 148-passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit.

The voyages will take in destinations in Croatia such as Rovinj, Split and Dubrovnik.

New ports to feature in the line’s new Voyage Planner include L’lle Rousse in France and Ischia in Italy.

Mediterranean departures next summer will run from Barcelona, Lisbon, Nice and Rome (Civitavecchia) in addition to Venice. Itineraries of between six and eight nights have been scheduled.

Greek island fly-cruises on Wind Star lead-in at £2,279 per person for seven nights between Athens and Istanbul departing the UK on July 9, 2009.

Wind Surf will operate seven-night Caribbean sailings from Barbados and Wind Spirit from St Thomas this winter. Wind Star winter itineraries cover the Panama Canal, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

The company has also re-established its Signature Collection Series featuring guest lecturers on selected cruises next year covering subjects such as wine, art, food and sports.

Algarve Golf Apartments

E-Quity is excited to announce the pre-launch of an exceptional project in the Algarve with a pre-launch discount of 8% until 6th July 2008.

Situated in a quiet countryside location surrounded by vineyards, Porches, in which the development is located, is a beautiful small town on the Western Algarve. It is easily reached from UK and the rest of Europe with the closest airport only 25 minutes drive away.

The warm winter and the cool breeze in the summer makes Algarve Europe’s premier golf region with more than 40 courses in clusters along the coast. Porches itself is surrounded by dozens of well designed courses, of which three are only 5 km away from the site.

Algarve is not only famous for its golf, but also for its many magnificent beaches with golden sand and the spectacular cliff backdrops. Whether you prefer to people watch or if you want privacy and seclusion, you will easily find the perfect beach for you.

The full development will consist of 88 units, with 22 being built in phase 1. All units will be 2 bed, 2 bath apartments of approximately 65 m2 plus external area, either a garden or a terrace. The apartments are design by renowned architects Arquedi, in a clean, modern Portuguese style. All apartments will be equipped with Italian kitchens complete with white goods and there will be a high standard of finishes throughout. In addition, air conditioning, alarm and solar heating will be pre-installed.

Please visit http://www.E-Quity.com  or call David White on 0207 952 7201 for more information about this project.

Egypt Top Hot Spot For Property Investors

While the strength of the Euro against the pound has prompted a slowdown in people purchasing properties across Europe, Egypt appears to be fast becoming a major investment hot spot.

More than 275,000 people from the UK already own property overseas according to the Office of National Statistics. Sales figures from J&JA Overseas Property show that the stability of the Egyptian pound has created good growth investment opportunities in the Land of the Pharaohs.

The impact that fluctuating exchange rates can have on the cost of buying overseas property is significant and taking advantage of favourable rates can save property investors large sums.

Egypt’s proximity to Europe makes it ideal to take up the mantle of overseas growth. The increase in sales is also fuelled by low running costs, excellent year round flight links from the UK, unique climate, high capital growth and strong rental demand.

Julie Aristidou, managing director of J&JA Overseas Properties isn’t surprised that Egypt is fast becoming a sought after investment destination commenting; “The current state of the UK economy has meant many people are looking abroad to invest. The pound is weak against the Euro so investors are looking outside the EU and Egypt is a prime location.”

About J & JA Overseas Properties (http://jjaoverseasproperties.com)

J&JA Overseas Properties are an English owned and managed overseas property investment company, offering an unparalleled service to clientele by providing customised packages based on their individual requirements. Top of the range investment property is available in Egypt, Bulgaria, Cyprus and the UAE, amongst many others.

Working with their established partners J&JA Overseas Properties offer a full range of overseas property services including, access to the most exclusive properties on the market, dedicated after sales support system, intermediary service between client and developer and one-to-one viewing tours of property overseas to name.

Monte Carlo Fireworks Competition

Monte-Carlo International Musical Fireworks will run on July 25 and Aug. 11 and 22. This free event attracts thousands from the area to view some of the most beautiful and original fireworks around.

The competition has been held since 1966 and brings pyrotechnic specialists from around the world to show off their talent. Fireworks begin around 9:30 pm, or when it is dark.

There is good viewing from several locations: around the port sitting at a café, from the palace area or along the ramparts of Fort Antoine, and just off the Casino Terrace. The competition continues through the month of August and the winner returns Nov. 18 to create the fireworks display on the evening before the National Holiday.

Visit www.visitmonaco.com

Monte Carlo Summer Festival

The 2008 edition of the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival will take place until Aug. 23. Two guitarists will perform at the beginning and end of the summer: Eric Clapton will bring the Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival to an end on Aug. 22 and 23.

American rock bands ZZ Top (July 21) and Chicago (July 28)

Call 800-753-9696 or visit www.sportingmontecarlo.com

Tripwolf Free Guides to Europe

Tripwolf.com, a social travel guide that specializes in Europe but also offers content about other pats of the world, is targeting the U.S. market. It combines professional editorial content with user-generated content from travelers worldwide. Tripwolf is backed by MairDumont, Europe’s largest publisher of travel guides, including Baedeker, Dumont and Marco Polo. Through collaboration with tripwolf, MairDumont has put all of its content - covering more than 200,000 destinations and points of interest - online for free.

For more information, visit www.tripwolf.com

Al Johara Marrakech’s First Family Development

Whilst unashamedly five star marrying high qualities with extensive facilities and property designs inspired directly from the ancient walled city of Marrakech in Morocco, Al Johara is also the first resort in the area to cater to family living.

MALAGA, SPAIN - Al Johara - meaning simply ‘the Jewel’ - is a residential masterpiece from the drawing board of award-winning architect, Elie Mouyal, set on 156 acres of land just 20 minutes from the centre of the Rose City of Marrakech. Whilst unashamedly five star marrying high qualities with extensive facilities and property designs inspired directly from the ancient walled city, Al Johara is also the first resort to cater to family living.

Marrakech has now become synonymous with the well-heeled trendy set looking for chic nightclubs, world-class restaurants, pavement bartering and centuries-old culture within easy reach of northern Europe, but rarely has it been labeled as a ‘family-friendly getaway’. Al Johara is eyeing this target audience without compromising on unadulterated luxury.

Adam Cornwell, MD of GEM Estates comments, “Central Marrakech could be a little daunting for those with young children, labyrinths of noisy crowded streets, restaurants serving traditionally Moroccan dishes and no amusement park to speak of, but it doesn’t mean that parents should forgo the magic of Marrakech. Al Johara has a mammoth eleven communal swimming pools, the centerpiece with a wave pool and sandy beach, there’s an equestrian centre offering treks into the nearby Atlas Mountains, an amphitheatre for live entertainment, open-air cinema, computer games room and a selection of fast food, family and gourmet restaurants to suit each palate. The children can partake in all of these, will certainly enjoy the Moroccan horse and carriage ‘taxi’ service to their property and the icing on the cake is a crèche and children’s club available at all times so the adults can let their hair down.”

In fact Al Johara has plenty within its boundaries to amuse that the free air-conditioned shuttle bus service to the city centre is in danger of being underutilized. A 150-room five star hotel combines with a full Spa facility and clubhouse with gym and fitness centre whilst a par three 9-hole golf course with driving range and practice greens will help prepare for a round of 18-holes at one of Marrakech’s three fine courses - the Royal Golf Club established in the 1920s, the new Cabell Robinson designed Amelkis or the Robert Trent Jones Palmeraie Golf. The sporting theme continues with tennis, beach volleyball, cycling, boules and a jogging track plus the option to dance the night away in an underground soundproofed nightclub. A business centre, Moroccan Cookery and Art & Craft school plus retail outlets from a supermarket to a banks and a patisserie complete the vision.

Elie Mouyal’s properties themselves have exotic sounding names - Riads, Ramparts, Pavilions, Villa Palais and Borjs (possibly the only new-build Borjs in Marrakech, a Borj being a tower property with a walled courtyard garden) - and are almost cookie cut from Marrakech’s ancient cityscape.

The two and three bedroom Riads arranged around inner courtyards feature vaulted ceilings, rooftop solariums and are built directly alongside the large swimming pools. The Rampart area offers a variety of options from studios to three bedroom duplex townhouses all blending the classical with the contemporary. One, two and three bedroom Borjs all have rooftop solariums whilst the Villa Palais and Pavilions range from one to three bedrooms, have their own gardens and are set on or around the golf course with Atlas mountain views. Some sensational four bedroom Luxury Villas are also on offer each within extensive private grounds. Finally single suite rooms are available in the five star hotel on a freehold basis. Air-conditioning, satellite TV, wireless broadband and 24-hour gated security come as standard.

Pre-release prices average 1,500 euros per square metre (gross living space), undervalued compared to nearby Samanah Country Club at 3,500 euros per square metre.

This discount of around 30% guarantees immediate and instant equity, meanwhile the Elie Mouyal stamp is known to add a further 20% in value.

Various payment terms are available to buyers. If paying in full upon contract list prices are discounted by 30% and therefore start from 97,300 euros for a studio Rampart, from 156,730 euros for a two bedroom Pavilion, from 227,500 euros for a two bedroom Riad, from 201,530 euros for a two bedroom Borj and 471,800 euros for a four bedroom Luxury Villa.

If paying on a 50%-50% stage payment basis list prices are deducted by 10% with the most affordable studio Rampart priced at 125,100 euros and finally if paying across five stage payments initial list price applies i.e. from 139,000 euros for the most affordable studio Rampart.

All prices are inclusive of Moroccan VAT levied at 20% and completion is scheduled for 2013.

Contact GEM Estates on info@gem-estates.com visit http://www.gem-estates.com or call UK Freephone 0800 036 0068,

Irish Freephone 1800 211 462 or call the Spanish office on 00 34 952 799 286.

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.

Sol Melia Announces Me Barcelona

Spanish hotel and resort operator Sol Melia announces the opening of ME Barcelona, the fourth hotel of the “experience based” brand of personality hotels, Me by Melia.
Planned to open at the end of August 2008, the hotel is housed in a 29 floor high rise located in area 22@, the Innovation District of Barcelona.

The 30-story building will feature 259 rooms and suites, all with views of the mountains of Barcelona or the Mediterranean. The lobby area will feature world music, the works of local art and a fresh scent developed exclusively for Me Barcelona. Standard room amenities will include a 32-inch interactive plasma television, CD/DVD, surround sound speakers, WiFi Internet access, MP3 docking stations, 300-thread count linen, a down pillow top mattress and organic products by AVEDA to be enjoyed under oversized rainfall showerheads.

“The Level”, ME by Melia’s signature VIP floor, will have 14 deluxe room accommodations and 23 suites. Level guests will enjoy aromatherapy products, complimentary cocktails, breakfast, a separate check-in area and private access to the lounge “The Living Room.” ME Barcelona’s Presidential Suite, also located on The Level, features the opportunity for an exclusive floor with an additional Junior Suite.

The Presidential Suite covers the entire floor with restricted access.Me Barcelona’s bar and dining venues will include the Sky Restaurant & Lounge and Dos Cielos, a restaurant with 360 degree views and an expansive outdoor terrace. Dos Cielos is the creation of Chefs Javier and Sergio Torres. The hotel’s 6th floor offers a pool and deck as well as the Chocolate Bar and Penthouse Pool Lounge.

For more information, visit www.mebymelia.com or www.solmelia.com

Uniworld Cruises Early-Booking Incentives

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is offering travelers who pre-plan their cruises additional savings.

With Pay-In-Full and early-booking discount programs, travelers reduce their costs by booking and paying for all or a portion of their Europe cruises in advance. Couples who book a 2009 Uniworld Europe river cruise and pay in full before Sept. 30 can save up to $1,000 per person on select itineraries in Europe. By paying before this date, travelers are protected from any currency fluctuation. Those who place a deposit on a 2009 river cruise can save up $300 per person by booking and depositing by Nov. 30.

For more information, call 800-733-7820 or visit www.uniworld.com