Jetsettersblog

Tee Off in Tahiti with a Great Value Deal

Tahiti has opened its first resort golf course on the spectacular island of Moorea and is inviting golfers to tee off in paradise with an introductory package offered by Tahiti specialists, Tahiti Travel Connection.

Designed by golfing great Jack Nicklaus’s design company, the Moorea Green Pearl Golf Resort runs along a white sandy beach in the north-east of the island within easy reach of the airport, ferry port and several over water resorts that give Tahiti its luxury edge.

On offer are slender fairways, challenging water features and sand traps, lushly-grassed islands and magnificent views of Moorea’s legendary mountains on one side and azure waters on the other.

Work is already underway on an integrated luxury resort to be managed by US-based Warwick International Hotels, which operates 40 prestigious hotels and resorts in the US, Europe, Asia and Africa and is expanding into the Pacific.

To be known as the Warwick Moorea Golf and Spa Resort when completed, it will feature 154 stylish villas and rooms as well as a pool, fine dining restaurant, horse riding facilities, spa and fitness centre in a picturesque hillside setting behind the golf course.

The island of Moorea itself, thought to be the inspiration for the mythical Bali Hai in the hit musical South Pacific, is only a eight-minute flight or 30-minute ferry ride from Tahiti main island.

The 18-hole, par-70 championship Moorea Green Pearl Golf Resort is only the second course to be built Tahiti. It joins the par-72 Olivier Breaud International Golf Course, built on the neighbouring main island in 1968 and home to the annual Tahiti Open on the South Pacific circuit.

Priced from $3410 per person from Sydney, the seven-night package includes a round of golf at the new Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course as well as return international flights on Air Tahiti Nui, two nights’ accommodation at Sofitel Tahiti Resort in a mountain view room, five nights accommodation at Moorea Pearl Beach Resort & Spa in a beach bungalow with daily breakfast and dinner included, all return land transfers and return ferry to Papeete with Aremiti. Other prices start from $3605 pp from Brisbane or Melbourne and $3815 pp from Adelaide. For more information or to book call 1300 858 305, visit www.tahititravel.com.au  or email info@tahititravel.com.au

For more information on Tahiti and her islands call Tahiti Tourisme on 1300 655 563 or visit www.tahitinow.com.au

Epoque Hotels Discount Program in Europe

Epoque Hotels is introducing “Go Europe,” a summer 2008 promotion tailored to Americans seeking a European holiday. Travelers need to book beginning now and through June 30 for a vacation that takes place during the July 1 through Aug. 31 timeframe.

Participants in the promotion will receive 25 percent off the best available room rates at select Epoque Hotel Pan European properties. To illustrate the value of “Go Europe,” consider that a one-night stay at the Duquesa de Cardona hotel in Barcelona may cost 265 euros ($416). With the discount, the nightly rate is reduced to $312. A two-night minimum stay is required; restrictions and cancellation policies vary per property.

Participating hotels include the Duquesa de Cardona and Grand Hotel Central in Barcelona; the EME Hotel and Inglaterra Hotel in Seville; De Las Letras in Madrid; Hotel Miro in Bilboa; UNA Bologna in Bologna; UNA Hotels Tocq in Milan; Palazzo Viviani Montegridolfo in Rimini; Una Vittoria in Florence; Sofa Hotels and Bentley Hotel in Istanbul; Ventana Hotel, Maximilen Hotel and Josef Hotel in Prague; and 27 Hotel in Copenhagen.

Call 866-376-7831 or visit www.epoquehotels.com

Bermuda Prepares PGA Grand Slam

Just a few days ago, Masters Champion, Trevor Immelman not only won the green jacket and became the first to qualify for The PGA Grand Slam of Golf, the season-ending showcase featuring golf’s premier foursome. Returning to Bermuda for its second time, the high-stakes tournament will once be held at the Mid-Ocean Club and hosted by The Fairmont Southampton Oct. 13 to 15.

Played for the first time out of the United States, The PGA Grand Slam of Golf concluded its 25th edition, Oct. 17, 2007 with U.S. Open Champion Angel Cabrera defeating British Open Champion Padraig Harrington in a three-hole playoff at Mid Ocean Club. The remaining three spots for this year’s competition will be determined at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego June 12 to 15; British Open at Royal Birkdale in Lancashire, July 17 to 20; and the 90th PGA Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Mich., Aug. 7 to 10.

PGA Grand Slam Week begins Oct. 13 with the Champions Clinic and Pro-Am. The Champions Clinic features the major Champions demonstrating various golf skills and insight on how they execute their shots. The clinic will be televised by Golf Channel. The Pro-Am features amateur groups composed of Officials, VIPs and guests of The PGA of America, TNT and Bermuda, who play alongside the major Champions.

Tickets for the 26th PGA Grand Slam of Golf are available now and may be purchased at 800-742-4653 or by visiting www.PGA.com  or call Bermuda Tourism at 800-237-6832 or visit www.bermudatourism.com

Nassau’s Sheraton Cable Beach Girlfriends Escape

The Sheraton Cable Beach Resort is offering a special Girlfriend Getaway Package for mothers, daughters, sisters and girlfriends seeking a female-friendly trip to the beaches of Nassau, Bahamas. The Sheraton Cable Beach Resort’s special Girlfriend Getaway Package offers: an ocean view room; breakfast daily at the Bimini Market Restaurant; one welcome cocktail at the Telegraph Bar (per person); one snorkeling trip at Stuart Cove (per person); and an amenity of wine and cheese delivered to room day of arrival. The Girlfriend Getaway Package starts at $309 per night based on double occupancy and requires a minimum three-night stay.

For more information or reservations, call 866-716-8106 or visit www.sheraton.com/cablebeach

Aruba Hotels Summer Specials

Hotels and resorts across the island Aruba are offering summer vacation deals for families, couples and others. Guests at the Westin Aruba Resort Spa & Casino (877-822-2222, www.westin.com/aruba) will receive a fourth-night-free on a minimum five-night stay, plus $100 food and beverage credit. Stays of six nights or longer, receive $200 food and beverage credit.

The rates start at $289. Agents should use the promotional code SUNFREE. Other properties offering specials include: the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino’s (800-333-3333, www.radisson.com/arubaspavacations)  the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino’s (800-421-8188, www.renaissancearuba.com)  the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives’ (800-554-2008, www.diviaruba.com  and www.tamarijnaruba.com)  the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino’s (800-55-HYATT, www.aruba.hyatt.com)  the Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba’s (888-4-BUCUTI, www.bucuti.com)

For more information, call 800-TO-ARUBA or visit www.aruba.com .

Phoenix, Scottsdale Resorts Summer Deals

Several resorts in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas are offering packages and other deals for the summer. Among them are the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa’s ( www.arizonabiltmore.com) nightly room rates starting at $169 and inclusive of a daily food and beverage credit of $50 through Sept. 13, 2008.

Other properties offering special deals include: the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (www.kierlandresort.com ; the recently renovated Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale)  the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa (www.wildhorsepassresort.com ) the Royal Palms Resort and Spa (www.royalpalmshotel.com)  and the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center (www.thescottsdaleresort.com)

Jolly Hotels Europe Fixed Room Rates

JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts launched JDB’s Rate Fix, a new discounted fixed U.S. dollar (USD) rate program for American travelers. Participating European hotels have agreed to exclusively offer JDB clients USD rates with a fixed rate of exchange of €1 = $1.30, an exchange rate parallel to 2006 levels.

This program will make travel affordable for more Americans to JDB destinations in Europe. Over 45 hotels currently offer USD rates through JDB, many with starting nightly rates under $250, and management expect at least another 20 participants to join the program in the coming weeks.

Current JDB’s Rate Fix participants include Member Properties in Italy such as the 12-suite Florentine palazzo, Palazzo Magnani Feroni; Venice’s new Ca’Sagredo Hotel; Villa Spalletti Trivelli, a former noble residence converted to an hotel with spa in Rome; Il Falconiere, located outside of the Tuscan town of Cortona; and Albergo Terminus on Lake Como. Other member properties include: Perryville House, in Kinsale, Ireland and Can Bonastre Wine Resort, a 12-room spa hotel located 45 minutes outside of Barcelona, Spain.

For the most updated list of JDB Member Properties offering USD rates, as well as program details, visit www.jdbhotels.com

Sun Valley Resort Names New Golf Course

Iconic Resort Unveils Eye-Catching Logos, Keeping in Step with Glorious Tradition while Ushering in a New Era at the ‘American Original’

(SUN VALLEY, Idaho) – Close to Sun Valley Resort, the Sawtooth Mountains rise thousands of feet above the headwaters of the Salmon River, like saws set on edge. Just to the east of the Sawtooths above wrinkled, wooded foothills the White Cloud Mountains soar in summits which seem covered in vanilla ice cream.

These majestic peaks and their beauty are the inspiration for and namesakes of the new courses at Sun Valley Golf Resort, which will debut this summer.

The new, championship 9-hole layout – designed by Donald Knott of Knott, Brooks, Linn Golf Course Design Group of California – is named White Clouds Course and complements the original, highly regarded 18-hole course which sits amid towering Cottonwoods in the valley below. Likewise, the new, 18-hole putting course is named the Sawtooths because its layout and mounding resemble the adjacent Sawtooths mountain range.

The original 18-hole course at Sun Valley, which was redesigned by Knott in 1978-79 while with Robert Trent Jones Jr., has been renamed the Trail Creek Course. Trail Creek traverses the course seven times and along with narrow fairways bordered by beautiful Cottonwood trees and out of bounds, are the primary, and formidable, defenses of the course.

The new course names at Sun Valley pay homage to the breathtaking mountains which have silently and elegantly stood sentinel over the area for time immemorial.

“White Clouds is the perfect name for our new 9-hole course because it sits high above the valley with 360 degree panoramic views – one feels among the clouds on it and can literally be so on occasion,” says Sun Valley Resort General Manager Wallace Huffman. “Sun Valley Resort Owner Earl Holding has always prioritized keeping Sun Valley pristine and not overdeveloped. Hence, he could have used this premium, elevated acreage with incredible views to build real estate, which would have been snapped up immediately. Instead, he wanted the course to be here and his vision was impeccable – the vistas, the seamless flow of the course and the hiking trails on the surrounding ridges have conserved the beauty and utility of the area for our guests and generations to come.”

Similarly, the new, 18-hole putting course draws its inspiration from the area’s unspoiled natural beauty and surrounding peaks. Additional inspiration for its name was derived by an experience General Manager Huffman had while at Scotland’s St. Andrews, golf’s hallowed birthplace. The 18-hole putting course there is named the Himalayas, also because of the mounding and design which resembles the namesake. And like at St. Andrews, the new Sun Valley putting course is for everyone – from accomplished golfer to beginner, individual to families.

“People who don’t play golf and shouldn’t play our championship courses can participate in the golf experience via the Sawtooths Putting Course,” says GM Huffman. “Simultaneously, accomplished players will find the challenge to be top-notch as this is a true course and not simply several holes cut into a relatively flat, constricted putting green. I can see people enjoying cocktails and a round of putting before dinner on the Sawtooths.”

The putting course is located by the new golf clubhouse which is currently being constructed and part of the expansive, new 25-acre practice facility which is also scheduled to debut this summer.

Also under construction and set to unveil later this year at Sun Valley is the Symphony Pavilion, which, like the outdoor ice rink, offers spectacular entertainment under the summer stars. Whereas the ice rink is home to legendary outdoor, summer ice shows that feature Olympic medalists and greats such as Scott Hamilton, Nancy Kerrigan, Sasha Cohen and the Canadian team of Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, the Symphony Pavilion shows are performed by top symphony orchestra members from around the country who come to Sun Valley for the season.

Back to the golf, the White Clouds Course rises up more than 350 vertical feet from the first tee to its highest point and ultimately affords 360-degree views. While other courses in the world have such panoramic views from on high, course architect Knott says he’s never seen any as unspoiled or “less impacted” by man-made objects like power lines, development, etc. This is high praise indeed considering Knott, who was the longtime chief architect in the Trent Jones Jr. firm, has designed a multitude of courses around the world.

Trail Creek Course and White Clouds Course couldn’t be more different and therefore more complementary for avid golfers who covet diversity and high quality. Whereas Trail Creek Course sits amid tall trees and tight, enclosed fairways and offers small greens via traditional or “parkland” style routing, White Clouds Course offers long-range sight lines, elevation changes, forced carries and large greens – an Alpine Links design, as Knott refers to it.

In conjunction with naming the resort’s championship layouts, Sun Valley has introduced a pair of eye-catching logos, each of which captures the essence of the resort with the iconic Sun Valley sun, while incorporating the inaugural seasons – 1937 and 2008.

An example of what awaits golfers at White Clouds Course is hole No. 5, which could also be called “685 yards of distant golf future.” One of the longest par 5s in Idaho – and North America for that matter – from the back tees golfer can see the green over native desert sage though pine trees and sitting well down in a little bowl-like area. Then they must conjure a strategy which will take them safely to their destination while negotiating a serpentine-shaped path which wends its way home amid all sorts of peril.

White Clouds Course is full of dramatic views on every hole – no more so than standing on the eighth tee – a par 4 which measures an intimidating 520 yards from the back tee. The distance is made manageable by the added 7 percent carry provided by the elevation, plus an awe-inspiring 160-foot drop from tee to fairway below – creating an illusion of a golf ball being suspended in time.

The resort expects to break ground on another nine holes to complete White Clouds Course in the near future – bringing the total number of holes at Sun Valley Golf Resort to 36.

For more information about Sun Valley Golf Resort, please call 800-894-9941 or visit www.sunvalley.com

About Sun Valley Resort

There can only be one original ski resort and since 1936 Sun Valley has held that distinction. Born out of a desire to bring the mystique of the European ski resorts to America, Sun Valley quickly became a phenomenon without peer on this continent or any other. America’s first destination resort, where the world’s first chairlift was engineered, Sun Valley was built to enchant the nobility and celebrity of the day. Today the patina of old world charm blends beautifully with everything modern, easily accessible with non-stop daily air service.

Long known for the world-class skiing on Bald Mountain’s 9,150-foot summit and the beginner-friendly Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley was originated in 1936 by Union Pacific Railroad. In addition to skiing and golf, Sun Valley is flush with activities including ice skating, horseback riding, hiking/biking, tennis, target shooting at the Gun Club, spa, summer outdoor symphony series, and many others.

It is located in the Northern Rockies region of south central Idaho and is open year-round with four distinctly beautiful seasons. There are more outdoor recreations here than any other destination resort in the U.S. Sun Valley Resort is privately owned by the R. Earl Holding family, owners of Sinclair Oil Corporation. Sister properties include Snowbasin Ski Resort, Grand America Hotel, Little America Hotel and Towers, all SLC, UT., Westgate Hotel, San Diego, CA, Little America Flagstaff, AZ, Little America, WY, and Little America, Cheyenne, WY.

Waldorf=Astoria hotel in Sarasota

Waldorf=Astoria luxury 225 room hotel to be key component of The Proscenium, a mixed-use project in downtown Sarasota 

NEW YORK, NY, - Lion’s Gate Development, along with the Hilton Hotels Corporation’s Waldorf=Astoria Collection, have unveiled plans to build a luxury 225 room Waldorf=Astoria hotel as a key component of The Proscenium, a mixed-use project in downtown Sarasota, Fla. The project is presently in the city review process and is expected to begin construction in the fourth quarter 2008 with an anticipated year-end 2010 completion. An affiliate of Hilton Hotels Corporation will manage the hotel.

We are thrilled to be able to make this announcement,” remarked Gary Moyer, who is developing The Proscenium along with his wife Karen Cook, and partners Zeb Portanova and Allen Ostroff. “Having a world-renowned luxury brand like the Waldorf=Astoria will draw international attention, not only to The Proscenium, but to the Sarasota/Manatee area as well. Our association with a high-end luxury hotel was a critical part of our plan. The prestige and panache that a Waldorf=Astoria hotel brings surpasses our expectations.”

The Waldorf=Astoria Sarasota will be part of The Waldorf=Astoria Collection, launched by Hilton Hotels Corporation in January 2006. As one of America’s grand hotels, The Waldorf=Astoria name is synonymous with luxurious elegance and service. Creating The Waldorf Collection was a way to extend its cachet, which previously was only available at the exclusive Waldorf=Astoria New York City Park Avenue location.

“We are simply delighted to share in the announcement with Lion’s Gate Development that The Proscenium will include a Waldorf=Astoria Sarasota,” said Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president - Americas Operations, East US, Canada, Caribbean and Central America, for Hilton Hotels Corporation. “We considered many prestigious locations, but the scope and quality of The Proscenium truly complemented the characteristics of a Waldorf=Astoria Hotel and vice versa. In addition, we have been watching the Sarasota market for years and the timing was right to consider a presence there. We look forward to being a part of this sophisticated, culturally rich city.”

The elements of discovery and unique experiences that characterize The Waldorf=Astoria Collection experience will be brought to life through the hotel’s and The Proscenium’s distinct offerings. In addition to the 225 luxury hotel rooms, the hotel will include 38,000 square feet of ballroom, meeting and exhibition space, the iconic Peacock Alley Lounge, signature restaurants, a roof-top pool overlooking downtown Sarasota and the bay front, and a 12,000 square foot spa.

Within the 18-story hotel tower, there will be 67 Waldorf=Astoria Residences, complete with daily 24-hour concierge services and all hotel amenities. Direct access from the hotel’s ballroom and meeting space floor will be provided via a bridge to the VIP lounge of the 800-seat Nederlander performing arts hall. Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment is a division of the Nederlander family of businesses known for over 100 years as a leading worldwide performing arts presenter.

Lion’s Gate Development is also developing a 59-unit annex, on Sarasota’s Lido Beach. Guests at The Proscenium will have use of its luxurious beach amenities. The hotel accommodations will be marketed by Waldorf=Astoria, adding a beachfront property to their offerings.

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek special golf packages

BEAVER CREEK, Colo. — Visitors interested in playing some of the country’s premier golf courses while taking in the grandeur and beauty of the Vail Valley will welcome the opportunity to book a special golf package at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek for the summer and fall of 2008.

Golf at the Park

Stay in luxury at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek any time from June 7, 2008 to October 31, 2008 and enjoy all that Golf at the Park has to offer. The spectacular scenery, mountain peaks, meandering rivers, wildflower meadows and abundant wildlife make Colorado a picturesque golf getaway. Take advantage of preferred tee times available exclusively to Park Hyatt guests.

The package includes:

Overnight accommodations for two

Two 18-hole rounds of golf at Beaver Creek, Cotton Ranch, Eagle Ranch, or Eagle-Vail (Red Sky Golf Club is available for a surcharge of $150)

Resort fees

Valet parking

Package Details

The cost of the golf package starts at $229 per room per night. Rates are subject to availability and advanced reservations required. Prices do not include taxes or gratuities. Transportation to and from the golf course is not included.

Valid dates: June 7, 2008 through October 31, 2008

To book this package, please visit www.parkhyattbeavercreek.com  or call 866-471-7658.

About Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa

The centrepiece of the Alpine-style village of Beaver Creek, the ski-in/ski-out resort is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the 2008 Condé Nast Traveler Magazine’s Gold List and the 2008 Travel and Leisure World’s 500 Best Hotels. 2007 Condé Nast Traveler Top 50 Resorts in the United States, 2007 Travel and Leisure Top 500 Hotels in the World.

The Park Hyatt has also earned accolades from Gourmet Magazine’s #1 Hotel for Skiing/Winter Sports; Condé Nast Traveler Magazine’s Top 15 Ski Resorts and Top 50 Golf Resorts; and Travel and Leisure Magazine’s Top 50 Hotels in the World.

The hotel is surrounded on three sides by the majestic Rocky Mountains, providing spectacular views from its outdoor dining terrace and fire pit. Every winter and summer mountain activity imaginable is found at its doorstep or can be easily arranged through the Park Hyatt concierge.

The hotel features 23,000 square-feet of meeting and banquet space and an array of dining options including Bivans, the Café, Whiskey Elk Lounge and the skier’s cafeteria, McCoy’s.