Jetsettersblog

The accolades continue for Brisbane’s Emporium Hotel - the boutique property has won the Best Small Luxury Hotel title in the prestigious Gourmet Traveller Awards announced last night.

Emporium Hotel topped the best in the country to take the title including The Lyall and The Adelphi in Melbourne, the Islington and The Henry Jones Art Hotel both in Hobart and The Lake House in Daylesford Victoria.

The award is the latest in the Emporium Hotel’s string of prestigious titles and will take pride of place alongside the recent Queensland Tourism Award for “Best Luxury Accommodation”; the two Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence 2008 for “Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation Five Star” and “Best Marketed Hotel”; the 2008 HM Award for Hotel & Accommodation Excellence for “Best New Hotel” and of course the prestigious title as one of the world’s best hotels in the International Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2008.

The Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards, now in their third year are a tribute to the finest operators in the country. Gourmet Traveller’s award winners are not decided solely by industry experts or by members of the public. Instead, knowledge of both camps is drawn on to get the broadest perspective possible.

The judging panel includes dozens of travel writers, editors, photographers, TV types and industry heavyweights. They nominate their favourite new and enduring Australian holiday experiences, a high-calibre shortlist is developed and then readers are asked to vote.

Emporium Hotel General Manager, Mr Peter Savoff said the award was a tribute to the staff of the hotel, and to the vision of the owners.

“This award is especially significant for the team of dedicated staff at the Emporium Hotel, many of whom have been with the property since it opened two years ago. Current economic trends have made the hotel industry even more competitive and it is a huge tribute from the readers of Gourmet Traveller, who continue to recognise the outstanding service our entire team aspire to provide.”

The Emporium Hotel was developed by the Anthony John Group, driven by the architect/design team of Tony and Fran John. A second Emporium Hotel is in the planning stages, part of the $650million Southpoint at South Bank. It is scheduled to open in 2011. Brisbane’s only boutique luxury hotel, has made an important mark on the Brisbane and the Australian leisure and corporate travel market over the past 18 months, cementing itself as a benchmark in design and service and launching a number of innovative packages and products.

Emporium Hotel - 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006

PO BOX 2600, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 - Phone: (07) 3253 6999 or 1300 883 611 Fax: (07) 3253 6966

www.emporiumhotel.com.au

Winner: Best Luxury Accommodation, The Australian Travel & Tourism Award 2008

Winner: Best Luxury Accommodation, Queensland Tourism Awards 2008
Winner: Best New Hotel, HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence 2008

Winner: Best Marketed Hotel (1-99 employees), Queensland Hotel Association Awards for Excellence 2008

Winner: Best Deluxe Accommodation Five Star, Queensland Hotel Association Awards for Excellence 2008

Finalist: Award for Business Innovation, Lord Mayor’s Business Awards 2008

Finalist: Best Luxury Accommodation (100 rooms and over), The Australian Travel and Tourism Awards

Named one of the world’s best new hotels in the International Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2008

MAZATLÁN, Mexico – Mazatlán rolls out the grand welcome for travelers, offering savings on accommodations throughout the summer and beyond. Travelers can book now for steep discounts, as well as perks like free nights, complimentary upgrades and resort credits for dining, spa treatments, sightseeing cruises and entertainment.

Sweetening the deal, unique hotel offerings spotlight the destination’s rich cultural offerings, with historic tours of Old Mazatlán, ecological excursions, authentic Mexican cuisine and more.

“We are delighted to extend Mazatlán’s warm hospitality in welcoming travelers to our beautiful city,” says Carlos Berdegue, vice president, Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board.

“With its picturesque setting and deeply historic core, Mazatlán offers a vibrant destination immersed in authentic Mexican heritage. We invite visitors to discover all that our city has to offer while enjoying world-class accommodations at great value.”

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific,’ Mazatlán is framed by golden-sand beaches that stretch for 16 miles along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Travelers in this coastal city find options for any budget, from charming colonial villas and boutique hotels to new, high-rise luxury resorts. Oceanfront accommodations offer breathtaking views of Pacific sunsets from private balconies, as well as gourmet restaurants, luxurious spas, golf and nightlife. The destination greets guests with a variety of deals and packages, including:

– El Cid Resorts offers savings of 30 percent off summer rates at each of four premier resorts in Mazatlán, plus a complimentary upgrade to next available room category.

Guests who book a minimum of three nights also receive a Resort Credit coupon book with $300 in savings throughout this coastal city on upscale dining, scenic city tours, boating excursions, spa services and more.

As a treat for families, children 12 and under stay and eat free when accompanied by an adult. Visitors enjoy private beach access, signature dinning, free-form pools, water sports and more. El Cid’s Pronatours offer guided tours of the colorful historic district, Old Mazatlán, as well as excursions to nearby picturesque colonial villages located on nature preserves in the Sierra Madre foothills.

Rates start as low as $68 per night for stays booked before June 30, and are available for travel through December 20, 2009. Blackout dates may apply. For reservations and details, call toll-free 1-866-306-6113 or visit the El Cid Resorts website at http://www.elcid.com .

– Travelers save 35 percent on seaside accommodations as part of the yearlong Stimulus Package at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay and Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán, available now through December 31, 2009.

Families can also enjoy added value with Pueblo Bonito’s Kids Stay and Eat Free program, as well as the action-packed Kid’s Club at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay. Little ones enjoy fully supervised beach activities, sand sculpting contests, cooking lessons and authentic Mexican arts and crafts.

The all-suite Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay and Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán offer luxurious accommodations with private balconies or terraces overlooking golden-sand beaches, as well as full-service restaurants, oceanfront pools, spa services, children’s activities and more. Visitors can book toll-free at 1-800-990-8250 or by visiting http://www.pueblobonito.com  Mention Stimulus Package at time of reservation.

– At Hotel Playa Mazatlán, the Free Nights package invites travelers to stay three nights and get the fourth night free. The package starts at $309 total plus tax. For more time on the shore, visitors can also opt for seven nights for the price of five, with the sixth and seventh nights free, starting at $519 total plus tax. Hotel Playa Mazatlán offers 408 guestrooms and suites nestled in a lush, tropical landscape along more than a quarter-mile of private beach. Accommodations feature garden or ocean views from private terraces.

Located in Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), Mazatlán’s tourism hub, the hotel houses three open-air dining options, beachfront pool, fitness center and the new EduVentura Center – a three-wall climbing and zip line circuit, Temascal ancient steam bath and hands-on classroom activities.

The Free Nights At Hotel Playa Mazatlán offer is valid for travel Aug. 17 through Oct. 31, 2009. To book, call toll-free 1-800-762 5816 or visit http://www.hotelplayamazatlan.com

– Stay three nights for the price of two at Las Flores Beach Resort in Mazatlán’s Golden Zone, where travelers stay two nights in a private, ocean view studio with kitchenette and get the third night free, now through Dec. 23, 2009. Rates start at $70 per night plus tax, based on double occupancy. Studio accommodations include two double beds, oversized bath, kitchenette with refrigerator and coffeemaker, as well as a private balcony overlooking the Pacific.

The charming, family owned resort offers 119 rooms and suites, featuring two beachfront pools with waterfalls, spa and fitness center, restaurant, beach bar, wireless Internet and more. To take advantage of this offer, travelers can book now through Sept. 30, 2009. Call toll-free 1-800-452-0627 or visit http://www.lasflores.com.mx

About Mazatlán

Mazatlán is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. As Mexico’s second largest coastal city, Mazatlán has nearly 600,000 inhabitants.

The city is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatlán and Zona Dorada or Golden Zone, with a seven-mile coastal road between the two. Mazatlán has an international sport-fishing reputation.

Sites of interest include: the Angela Peralta Theater, Archeological Museum, Republic Plaza, Ocean Museum, Botanic Garden, San Jose Chapel and the world’s second-tallest lighthouse. Transportation is available via the local “pulmonías” or four-person open-air vehicles that have become a symbol of the city.

Visit Mazatlán on the World Wide Web at http://www.gomazatlan.com

Sway to the Vibe of Three Unique, Affordable Jazz Travel Experiences for Singles in 2009!

BOCA RATON, FL – Jazz lovers can’t miss with Singles Travel International’s three unique and affordable travel opportunities for jazz lovers in 2009 – the Smooth Jazz Charity Weekend in August, Chicago Jazz Festival in September, and a five-star Jazz Cruise experience to the Caribbean this November. Party to the sounds of the best jazz artists in a variety of venues with single adults who love to travel, too!

Smooth Jazz Children’s Charity Weekend Featuring Jazz Artist/Saxophonist Mindi Abair, Melbourne, Florida, August 7 – 9, 2009, starting at only $399.

Join Singles Travel International for a great jazz experience that benefits Children with Disabilities, too! Enjoy a beach weekend in Melbourne, Florida, party with smooth jazz lovers and raise money for a great cause. Stay 2 nights and golf, see Kennedy Space Center, or simply relax at the spa.

Features include your own room, preferred seating at the Mindi Abair Concert, a luncheon buffet, photo and autograph session with Mindi, singles-only welcome dinner, and other singles-only special events.

Chicago Jazz Festival Weekend, Chicago, September 4 – 7, 2009, starting at only $599.

Whether you are a jazz aficionado or don’t know Miles Davis from Fats Domino (unlikely!), a jazz weekend in Chi-town will be the perfect ending to summer. Join Singles Travel International for an insider’s tour of one of America’s most vibrant cities with world class architecture, gourmet restaurants, incredible nightlife and one of the country’s outstanding jazz festivals featuring jazz artists from around the world. The tour includes deluxe accommodations at the Fairmont Hotel, only steps from Millennium Park, home of the 31st Annual Jazz Festival

This trip includes entry to the festival, 3-course dinner at the Palm Seafood & Steakhouse with sweeping views of Lake Michigan, VIP passes to Rush Street bars, After Dinner Party at Jilly’s Piano Bar, special city tour, VIP Beach Party at “Beachstro,” ranked in the Top 10 Beach Bars by the Travel Channel, and more!

Jazz Cruise to the Caribbean, November 8 – 15, 2009, starting at only $2,080.

Singles Travel International provides the backstage pass to “Where the Legends have Played and the Tradition Continues.”

Wrapped in the luxury of a 5-star cruise experience by Holland America, single travelers will sail the Caribbean with an intimate experience with your favorite Jazz superstars including Johnny Mandel, Bill Charlap, Freddy Cole, The Four Freshman, Ann Hampton Callaway, Houston Person, Johnny O’Neal, Jeff Hamilton, and many more.

This cruise includes nightly live concerts, late night jam sessions, pool parties and theme nights, artist seminars and autograph sessions, and Anita’s Idol Contest whose winner will perform on the next jazz cruise. Singles Travel International includes singles-only events and dinners.

Check out the entire list of entertainers at http://www.singlestravelintl.com/trip_packages/58-jazz-cruise

About Singles Travel International

With over 25 years experience in travel consulting, Singles Travel International (STI) is an industry leader in providing worry-free travel for single travelers. STI offers age-specific excursions, short and long trips to close-by destinations and distant and exotic locations for all budgets — from frugal to luxury.

Trips include themed cruises (food & wine, jazz, volunteer, dancing) as well as adventure travel. Hallmarks of STI trips are personalized service, special singles events, and flexibility.

People may choose to participate in group activities or spend time relaxing and exploring on their own. www.singlestravelintl.com

LOS ANGELES – It’s never been a better time to visit Los Angeles than now through the end of summer with the unveiling of LA Inc.

The Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau’s new “Top 100 Vacation Deals.”

The sizzling summer offers are available through August 31, 2009.
For a complete listing of hotel offers, visit this  link

Stay in the middle of the action and save up to 40 percent with a Hollywood Getaway at Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel or Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa.

Choose from online exclusive getaway packages including two nights of accommodations, a seven-day unlimited ticket to enjoy all the new entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood, complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary parking and roundtrip transportation between your hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Wind down with a midweek or weekend stay at a choice of 16 Westside hotels.

Escape to The Sofitel Los Angeles, where visitors who book a guestroom by July 5, 2009 get their fourth night free, in addition to a sumptuous picnic basket. If performing arts or a studio tour is on your travel itinerary, visit Inter Continental Los Angeles Century City, where guests who stay a minimum of two nights receive breakfast for two, complimentary parking and a tour of Sony Studios or two tickets to Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

Rates start at $269.

In Beverly Hills, The Residence Inn treats travelers to an American Express gift card valued at $50, complimentary AMC movie tickets for two, free WiFi and complimentary breakfast for two starting at $229. At the Holiday Inn Century City, travelers who book two nights obtain the third night free.

For the ultimate ocean-side retreat, take advantage of beachside getaways at Hotel Casa Del Mar with rates starting at $395 per night based on space availability, Le Margot, A JW Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa highlighting two Swedish massages with guestroom rates starting at $459 based on space availability, or Shutters On the Beach which offers a $50 hotel credit and guestroom rates starting at $525 per night based on space availability.

Discover culture in the heart of downtown Los Angeles with Millennium Biltmore Hotel’s “I Love (Downtown LA)! Package for two which highlights a one night stay priced from $179 per night based on space availability, breakfast and tickets to the Museum of Contemporary Art, tickets to the Grammy Museum and vouchers to visit the ESPN Zone.

Other attractive downtown hotel deals include Wilshire Grand Los Angeles’ “Beat the Heat,” whereby the guestroom rate is based on the high temperature of the day of your stay with a $20 room upgrade and 20 percent off hotel dining.

At the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, guests relax in a deluxe guestroom, savor a three-course pre-fixe dinner for two at LA Prime Restaurant and obtain complimentary overnight parking.

In addition to these exclusive packages, travelers can obtain up to 50 percent off on LA’s top cultural, dining, entertainment and other top attractions.

Head to Hollywood for a night at the theatre with 35%-50% off theatre tickets to Dirty Dancing at the Pantages Theater, Hollywood. While in the area, enjoy $5 off regular Adult/Child admission to Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood Wax Museum, or treat yourself to a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée when dining at the renowned Geisha House on Hollywood Boulevard.

While in downtown, embark on a larger-than-life feature film adventure with $2 off Adult admission and $1 off Children’s admission to an IMAX movie at the California Science Center IMAX Theater, or enjoy $3 off admission to the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live. Stop for lunch at Zucca Ristorante, an upscale Italian establishment, currently offering a $19 lunch special and $5 parking for guests of the restaurant.

Chill out on the Westside with a complimentary appetizer while dining at Crustacean, one of Beverly Hill’s finest eateries, or experience 2-for-1 general admission to the Skirball Cultural Center.

Soak in the sun at the city’s top seaside eateries with offers including 15% off the total bill at I Cugini’s in Santa Monica, or a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée at Geoffrey’s Malibu.

Take in the sites and sounds of the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk with 15% off an unlimited-ride wristband at the popular weekend beachside destination, Pacific Park.

The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for leisure travel, meetings and conventions. Though not part of city Government, LA INC. is recognized as the city’s official tourism marketing organization.

For more information about “Los Angeles Top 100 Vacation Deals,” visit the official visitors information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com

Beachcomber Launch Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise

Beachcomber Hotels is delighted to announce the launch of their fabulous new Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen Weddings in Paradise packages, offering couples the chance to plan for a wedding simply exuding elegance and sophistication in their very own tropical paradise!

Each wedding has been glamorously designed in association with the renowned interior designer and his wife Jackie, author of Debrett’s wedding guide and acclaimed spokesperson on the history of weddings.

The couple, who are both exceptionally well-travelled designers and stylists have recently become great friends of Mauritius after experiencing the warm welcome, exceptional service and fantastic facilities the island has to offer, citing it as the perfect place to get married.

Beachcomber offers a host of beautiful settings for weddings in Mauritius and Seychelles. A one wedding a day policy to ensure it is the couples unique special day and to maintain the high standards of privacy, service and hospitality. Each hotel has their own dedicated wedding co-ordinator with fabulous contact books with a host of florists, photographers and musicians to help make the wedding day special.

For many couples an elegant wedding in Mauritius may seem a million miles away; but this need not be so. Beachcomber Hotels are true to their motto “dream is a serious thing”. For those Brides who are looking for something fresh, stylish and not over-priced, the new Beachcomber weddings could be the answer.

Laurence has designed a new wedding gazebo and his wife Jackie, wedding etiquette author, has provided the operational guide for Beachcomber with some fun new tips for weddings.

Laurence and Jackie are firm believers in the institution of marriage - especially in the strength and support it can provide in more trying times, such as the recession today. Laurence said: “Marriage is the greatest tool that we have at our disposal to tackle these difficult times. It is vital that couples are given the opportunity to begin their commitment to each other in the manner that it is sure to continue in, brimming with style and adoration surrounded by the people closest to their hearts.

“The Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen Weddings in Paradise at Beachcomber Hotels offer exactly this at a fraction of what it would cost in the UK but with the addition of the outstanding service and beautiful tropical surroundings for which Mauritius and Seychelles are famous.”

For Beachcomber Hotels the exclusive packages mark an exciting partnership with the Llewelyn-Bowens. The weddings will be available at seven of Beachcomber Hotels in Mauritius including Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Shandrani Resort & Spa, Le Victoria, Le Mauricia and Le Canonnier in Mauritius and Sainte Anne Resort & Spa in the Seychelles.

To cater for all budgets and tastes Beachcomber Hotels offer two styles of Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise Packages:

Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise, Classic Wedding from £380
The Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen Weddings in Paradise Classic Wedding incorporates everything couples could wish for on their Big Day including a dedicated wedding coordinator, transfers to and from the registrars office, bridal hair and make-up (and trial session to make sure it is just right), celebratory in-room breakfast and a stunning bridal bouquet.

Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise, Luxury Wedding from £850
Couples wishing for a slightly more extravagant affair can opt for a Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise, Luxury Wedding and will be whisked to the registrar’s office in a stylish BMW X5 (for guests staying at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club and Shandrani Resort & Spa) and pampered with a selection of spa treatments. The luxury wedding also guarantees that the romance will continue at the end of the Special Day with chilled Champagne, scented candles and petals scattered across the newlywed’s bed.

Both options include use of the exclusive Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Wedding Gazebo, a luxury gazebo designed by Laurence especially for Beachcomber Hotels which can be easily adapted to accommodate different sized weddings and can be positioned in a selection of wonderful locations.

Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Wedding in Paradise, Classic Wedding includes: a dedicated wedding coordinator, decoration and styling of the wedding location, celebratory in-room breakfast, bridal bouquet and Groom’s button hole, bridal hair and make-up including a trial session, a separate room for the bride before the ceremony (subject to availability), wedding cake for 10 people, wedding music, transfers to and from the registrar General Civil Status Office, legal costs (Affidavit & Supreme, Civil Status, Administrative charges), one wedding per day. The Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Classic Wedding costs from £380 at Le Victoria, Le Canonnier and Le Mauricia and £460 at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa and Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Shandrani Resort & Spa and Sainte Anne Resort & Spa. Prices include all government taxes.

The Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise, Luxury Wedding includes: all inclusions from the Classic Wedding, BMW X5 transfers to and from registrar (only at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club and Shandrani Resort & Spa), pressing and framing of bouquet and button hole floral arrangements, bridal spa treatments (luxury manicure, pedicure and massage), Groom’s spa treatments (body polish and massage), champagne and canapés following the service for two people, special four course wedding dinner in a private location, romantic room escapade (champagne, candles, petals on Newlyweds bed and luxury bubble bath), framed congratulatory certificate on behalf of Beachcomber hotels and 50 wedding photographs and album.

The Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Luxury Wedding costs from £850 at Le Victoria, Le Canonnier and Le Mauricia and £1200 at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Shandrani Resort & Spa and Sainte Anne Resort & Spa. Prices include all government taxes.

Make an early escape plan if you book by 31st October 2009 for travel from 4 January to 30 November 2010 and receive a 20% special saving and a 10% honeymoon offer, allowing you to save a total of 30%. With this special offer prices start from:

Le Mauricia – Prices from £1149 per person for 7 nights in a Standard Room on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and transfers.

Le Canonnier – Prices from £1175 per person for 7 nights in a Standard Garden Facing Room on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and transfers.

Le Victoria – Prices from £1265 per person for 7 nights in a Superior Room on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and transfers.

Shandrani Resort & Spa – Prices from £1529 per person for 7 nights in a Superior Room on Serenity Plus, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and transfers.

Paradis Hotel & Golf Club – Prices from £1515 per person for 7 nights in a Deluxe Room on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and private transfers.

Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa – Prices from £1709 per person for 7 nights in a Junior Suite on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and private transfers.

Sainte Anne Resort & Spa – Prices from £2479 per person for 7 nights in a Garden Villa on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Seychelles and private transfers.

To book simply call Beachcomber Tours on 01483 445 685 or visit www.beachcombertours.co.uk

Mediterranean breaks needn’t all be about huge resorts and coach tours. Travellers wanting a more personalised holiday should look into staying at one of the boutique hotels on the Greek island of Rhodes.

Some of the best-kept secrets in the Medieval Old Town are the small luxury boutique hotels, which are hidden away in the winding streets. Many are in keeping with the architecture and style of the old town, which was founded 700 years ago.

For history-focused travellers, the Avalon Boutique Hotel is located in the fortress walls of the Medieval Old Town.

It offers intimate breaks in one of its six suites, each of which has a different interior decoration focusing on a medieval theme with a modern twist. Flat screen televisions, Jacuzzi baths and wi-fi internet connections can be found in each of the rooms along with private verandas overlooking the harbour or old town.

The Avalon hotel is currently offering five nights for the price of four. For more information and reservations visit www.avalonrhodes.gr

Fashion conscious travellers should head to the Nikos Takis Fashion Hotel.

Two fashion designers – Nikos and Takis - own the hotel and their style is reflected throughout.

The hotel has seven suites; each individually designed offering the utmost luxury. It is located just a stone’s throw from the Grand Master’s Palace and the Street of the Knights.

For more information and reservations visit www.nikostakishotel.com

For eco-conscious travellers, the recently opened Spirit of the Knights boutique hotel should be considered. The building was restored with the help of the Greek archaeology department to retain its original qualities – it was built by the Crusaders and later altered by the Ottomans, giving it a mix of archaeological influences.

Spirit of the Knights is a family run hotel with a commitment to the environment, which includes the use of natural materials where possible during the restoration. There are only six suites, each of which is designed using inspiration from aspects of the medieval town.

For more information and reservations visit www.rhodesluxuryhotel.com

Rhodes Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe.

Attractions in Rhodes Old Town include the Street of the Knights, the most important and imposing avenue of the town that includes the former residencies of the various nationalities of the Order of the Knights of St John.

The Street of the Knights leads up to the Grand Master’s Palace, which today serves as a museum containing important archaeological finds from ancient and modern Rhodes.

Boutique hotels offer a more intimate personalised experience and being in the heart of the Medieval Town allows for a unique stay. As well as being steeped in history the Medieval Old Town is full of cafés, shops, bars and restaurants, all built within the original walls surrounding the city. It is easy to get lost in the narrow, winding alleys, but this is part of the fun and the best way to uncover one of Rhodes’s hidden gems.

For information about Rhodes visit www.rodosisland.gr

Luxurious Irish hotel and spa resort The K Club is offering the ultimate girls’ weekend with pampering at the exclusive K Spa, a lavish dinner in the River Room restaurant, a VIP night out and superior accommodation at this stunning 5-star hotel, just half an hour from Dublin airport.

Pack your Temperley party dress and you best PJs for a girls’ weekend to remember at Ireland’s most luxurious resort, The K Club.

Situated in County Kildare amidst 550 acres of countryside by the River Liffey, The K Club offers a breathtaking getaway whilst still being just half an hour from Dublin airport and you can enjoy some great low airfares this summer with Aer Lingus, making it the ideal time to treat yourself.

On arrival at the magnificent hotel, designed in the style of a French chateau, you and your girlfriends will enjoy a Cosmopolitan and some decadent handmade chocolates to get you in the mood, before visiting the hotel’s sophisticated K Spa.

The stunning spa boasts an infinity pool, poolside jacuzzi, outdoor hot tub, experience showers, sauna, steam rooms and a vast selection of treatments from Aromatherapy Associates and Carita. As part of your package, you’ll enjoy an express facial or massage and Rasul therapy; based on authentic oriental treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind and body.
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Feeling renewed and refreshed and dressed to impress, you’ll be treated to a champagne reception before dinner in the River Room restaurant and afterwards you’ll get to dance the night away at nearby nightclub Time Venue, with VIP tickets, champagne on arrival and complimentary transport.

When you’ve worn out your Jimmy Choos, you’ll be able to relax in your sumptuous superior room for a great night’s sleep on Frette linen sheets, with a room service breakfast to complete the pampering before you return home.

The Ultimate Girls Weekend Break costs £240 per person, based on two sharing.

Customers should call 00 353 1 601 7200 or visit www.kclub.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:

It’s official, summer is here! VisitBritain, the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales highlights summer events happening around the U.K. Travellers can enjoy a myriad of activities from bog snorkelling to jazz festivals. There’s something for everyone this summer, and to top it off, Britain’s on sale!

VisitBritain and Virgin Atlantic Airways have launched an exclusive partnership to offer trans-Atlantic travelers irresistible value packages for their summer vacation in Britain. Consumers can explore fabulous deals and more at the website www.getmorebritain.com where savvy travelers can take advantage of the strong dollar which makes Britain more affordable than a year ago.

The ‘Get More Britain For Your Buck’ campaign extends now through Fall 2009.

Highlights of festivals and events happening around the UK, include:

ENGLAND

Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 3-5) - A world famous car event for racing aficionados, celebrating everything about car performance in Chichester, West Sussex. www.goodwood.co.uk

Glyndebourne Opera Festival, East Sussex (until August 30) - The country’s most exclusive opera festival. www.glyndebourne.com

The Festival of History (July 25 – 26) - A two-day event taking place on the grounds of 18th-century Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire, celebrates 2,000 years of English history with more than 1,000 costumed interpreters re-enacting historical events. There will be over 50 shows a day during the festival. www.festivalofhistory.org.uk

Glastonberry Music Festival (June 24-28) - Also known as Glasto, is the largest Greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world, famous for its contemporary music, but also dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and many other arts. Now part of the Cultural Olympiad preceding London 2012, the four-day event takes place in South West England at Worthy Farm, located six miles east of the town of Glastonbury. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

14th Leeds Shakespeare Festival (July – August 2009) - Two of Shakespeare’s most popular plays will be performed in the idyllic setting of Leeds, the only English city outside London with its own repertory theatre, opera house and ballet companies. http://www.visitleeds.co.uk

Manchester Pride (August 21-31) - One of UK’s premier gay event, features a flamboyant celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life through a series of more than 40 events covering art, film, debate and entertainment, as well as other fantastic parties. www.manchesterpride.com

The Cotswold Show & Country Fair (July 4-5) - Features a full two-day program of action-packed, family fun at Cirencester Park. www.cotswoldshow.co.uk

Henry VIII 500 years celebrations (around Britain, 2009) - Highlights of the calendar include the opening of the Tudor Garden at Hampton Court Palace this month and a jousting tournament at Eltham Palace. Henry’s many women also get a look in August when their portraits will be displayed at a fascinating exhibition hosted at Hampton Court. www.visitlondon.com

LONDON

The British Music Experience at the O2 in London – An exciting, new permanent interactive exhibition dedicated to the history of popular music in Britain. www.britishmusicexperience.com

BBC Proms, London (July 17 – Sept 12) - Represents a massive showcase of live music and performances at the Royal Albert Hall, including a string of 76 concerts with world class orchestral music and solo performances in the heart of London. www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (April 23 – Oct 10) - London’s iconic venue that boasts some of the finest history known to theatre, features performances throughout the summer. www.shakespeares-globe.org

Regents Park Open Air Theatre (May 25 – Sept 12) - Allows you to enjoy exciting new shows while making the most of the weather. www.openairtheatre.org

The National Theatre Goes Outdoors - The area outside the theatre, beside the Thames on London’s South Bank, will be used as a stage for theatre, circus, dance, music and spectacle. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

SCOTLAND

Homecoming Scotland (throughout 2009) - A year-long celebration filled with events focusing on whisky, golf, and ancestry poet Robert Burns. August highlights include the piping music festival in Glasgow, Piping Live and the iconic Military Tattoo music and military theatre event in Edinburgh. www.homecomingscotland.com

16th Annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (July 2-5) - In Portsoy Harbour in Aberdeenshire, celebrates all aspects of Scottish maritime heritage. www.visitscotland.com

The Highland Games (around Scotland, Summer 2009) - A unique mix of sporting, cultural and social events, including field and track events, piping, Highland dancing competitions, and ‘heavy events’ like the tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber. One of the largest Highland games in history, The Gathering (July 25-26) will be hosted at famed Edinburgh locations like Holyrood Park, Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. www.visitscotland.com

Whole in One Golf Exhibition (Rozelle Estate, Ayrshire, June 8-August 31) - Charts the history of open golf, incorporating a wealth of unusual and rarely seen exhibits. Scotland is widely acknowledged as the ‘Home of Golf’ and boasts some of the best, most challenging and most beautiful courses in the world. www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Return to the Ridings (June 1 – August - The annual Border Common Ridings are a stunning mounting spectacle packed with heart stirring music. Each participating town has its own distinctive history and ceremony providing a unique Return to the Ridings experience. www.visitscotland.com

T in the Park (July 9 - 12) - Scotland’s biggest outdoor music festival held in Balado, Kinross will feature over 170 artists playing across 11 stages and will welcome 80,000 music fans this year. www.tinthepark.com

WALES

Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival (July 10 – 12) - Highlights food from around Wales, France, Germany and Italy, along professionals demonstrating seasonal recipes. Enjoy the walkabout street and bandstand entertainment as you relax with a drink and world-class cuisine. www.cardiff-festival.com

National Eisteddfod (August 1-8) - The largest and oldest celebration of Welsh culture dating from 1176, invites visitors to meet bards dressed in druidical robes and green-clad elves dancing to trumpeters. www.eisteddfod.org.uk

Brecon Jazz Festival (August 7-9) - A world-famous jazz event, features more than 90 concerts in the picturesque market town of Brecon. www.breconjazz.org

Bryn Terfel Faenol Festival (Faenol Estate, August 28 - 31) - Will host three star-studded concerts with the mountains of Snowdonia as their backdrop.

The World Bog Snorkelling Championship (August 31) - The unusual event held annually in UK’s smallest town - Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales, involves contestants battling through a peat bog using a mask and snorkel. www.worldbogsnork.com

Legendary Singing Couple Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. Bring Timeless Hits to the Suncoast Showroom July 3-5

Las Vegas—Grammy Award-winning entertainment duo Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., with more than four decades in show business, will perform the hits that defined their careers in a musical tribute at the Suncoast Showroom, July 3-5.

The wife-and-husband recording artists have earned seven Grammy Awards over their storied careers, as well as 15 gold and three platinum records. As lead vocalists of The 5th Dimension, a chart-topping group popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s, McCoo and Davis Jr. recorded such classics as “Up, Up & Away,” “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In,” “Wedding Bell Blues” and “Stoned Soul Picnic.”

Following their decade-long run with The 5th Dimension, McCoo and Davis Jr. established themselves as a duo act and had immediate success with “You Don’t Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show),” a No. 1 hit single that earned a Grammy.

The couple’s singing success led to television fame, and in 1977, The Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. Show premiered as a prime-time series on CBS. In the 1980s they played at sold-out concerts around the country, were sought-after guests for major television shows, and won the prestigious grand prize at the international Tokyo Music Festival. Later, McCoo and Davis Jr. had recurring roles on The Jamie Foxx Show, a television series on the WB network.

Defined not just by their shared career, McCoo and Davis Jr. have also each achieved solo fame. McCoo hosted the popular television music series Solid Gold in the 1980s and later starred on Broadway in the revival of Show Boat. Davis Jr. recorded a religious album with gospel great Rev. James Cleveland and starred in the musical Blues In The Night at the prestigious Old Globe Theatre.

Celebrating 40 years of marriage this year, McCoo and Davis Jr. revealed the secrets of staying happy and committed in their 2004 book Up, Up and Away…How We Found Love, Faith and Lasting Marriage in the Entertainment World. Having achieved fame as recording artists, performers and authors, this celebrity couple’s star power continues to be irresistible.

Tickets are now available starting from $29.95, plus tax. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.636.7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com

About Coast Casinos

The Suncoast Showroom is a 500-seat venue featuring booth and table seating. Coast Casinos is a division of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD). Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming is a leading diversified owner and operator of 16 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana and Louisiana.

Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com

Picnic inside for lunch or dinner throughout the summer

LAS VEGAS – Station Casinos invites BBQ lovers to picnic inside by offering special BBQ stations at all Feast and Festival buffets now through the summer season.

The BBQ stations feature a variety of meats, tasty BBQ sauces, side dishes and desserts available during lunch and dinner.

The main course choices include BBQ chicken, pork ribs, smoked brisket and sausage which can be topped with one of several BBQ sauces including sweet, caramelized onion and roasted tomato, South Texas spicy and sweet Tennessee.

A host of side dishes are offered to complement the main course including cheddar cheese mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, black eyed peas, Texas BBQ beans, roasted corn on the cob, potato salad, macaroni salad, corn bread muffins and much more.

Several tasty treats are available for dessert such as strawberry shortcake, fresh strawberries with whipped cream, apple cobbler and fruit parfaits.

The special BBQ menu is offered in addition to the regular items available at the Feast and Festival buffets.

In celebration of summer, there is also a daily raffle at each buffet at 6:30 p.m. for a Weber grill. One raffle ticket will be given to each paying guest 21 years and older and at the end of the day, raffle ticket holders can check at the Rewards Center to see if they have won. Winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize. A complete set of rules is available at the Rewards Center.

Prices for the buffets range from $6.99 to $17.99 with a Boarding Pass and $7.99 to $19.99 without a Boarding Pass.

For more information about the BBQ station, Weber grill giveaway and complimentary BBQ recipes to make at home, please visit www.stationcasinos.com/bbq

The Feast and Festival Buffets are one of Southern Nevada’s most popular buffets and a signature staple throughout many Station Casinos’ properties that features a variety of live cooking stations of the freshest prepared food in a buffet environment. The Feast menu features flavors from around the world including Asian, Tex-Mex, American and Italian as well as an extensive soup and salad bar and a wide array of dessert selections that include fresh hand-packed ice creams.