Jetsettersblog

Villas of Distinction Best Value Promotion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continental Airlines Vacations Launches Riu Sale

Continental Airlines Vacations has launched a sale on Riu Hotels & Resorts, offering savings of up to 37 percent on packages to a choice of 17 all-inclusive Riu properties in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Bookings are being accepted now for travel throughout summer 2008.

Savings of 30 percent or higher are available on packages to eight Riu Resorts, including Riu Tropical Bay Negril (37 percent), Riu Paradise Island (35 percent), Riu Bambu Punta Cana (32 percent), Riu Santa Fe Cabo San Lucas (31 percent) and Riu Caribe Cancun (30 percent) where kids also stay free. Savings of 20 percent or higher are available on packages to seven Riu Resorts, including Riu Palace Riviera Maya (27 percent), Riu Jalisco Vallarta Nayarit (23 percent), Riu Cancun (23 percent) and Riu Tropical Bay Negril (20 percent).

This promotion is valid on new bookings of air-inclusive packages to select Riu Hotels & Resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. Effective travel and booking windows vary by resort. Fly/drive packages and group bookings are not eligible, and additional booking, ticketing and travel restrictions may apply.

Westjet Canadian adds Mexico flights

WestJet will increase its operations by expanding routes to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cancun in order to cover 14 new destinations on Aztec soil in 2008 and 2009. WestJet will immediately begin arriving at the new destinations with 7 new routes.

Funjet Vacations Launches Mexico Sale

Funjet Vacations secured special rates on destinations throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. Book now and save up to $800 per couple, plus receive special hotel bonuses at select hotels. All-inclusive packages start at $449.99, which include roundtrip flight, hotel, drinks and meals. Special hotel bonuses include: kids stay free and free nights at select properties. A free cash card is also available with new air/hotel bookings to Cancun, Los Cabos, and Vallarta. The sale applies for travel through Aug. 31.

Travel Impressions Offers Free Golf, Spa Treatments

Travel Impressions is offering a special promotion for golf and spa aficionados with its Back Nine & Spa Time package available at participating hotels and resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Arizona, California, and Central and South America.

Clients who book four nights or longer at a participating resort, such as the Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos, receive amenities that may include (depending upon hotel selected): a free round of golf; free golf equipment rental; a complimentary massage; 50 percent off spa treatments; free use of spa facilities.

The promotion is offered in addition to standard packages which feature roundtrip airport and hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, hotel tax and service. Clients who book an all-inclusive property will also enjoy all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, non-motorized watersports, daily activities and nightly entertainment.

For more information, call 800-284-0044/631-845-8000, or visit www.travelimpressions.com

Top Honeymoon Resort Recommendations for 2008

Corona, CA - Ron Haller, President of Honeymooner’s Review Guide, states that “although there are many fine hotels and resorts for couples to choose from, our mission is to report the very finest based upon what returning honeymoon couples report.” Their latest survey is not intended to be a complete list of all the top honeymoon hotels and resorts, but does provide guidance for couples planning their honeymoon travel. Haller states that, “in addition to our surveys, we check each provider to ensure that they are indeed considered the ‘best of the best’. For 2008, results reveal that the following are very highly regarded by couples based upon completion of a survey of 25 detailed questions regarding the quality of their experience.

Top destinations remain Hawaii, Jamaica, St.Lucia, and Mexico. However, some of the top rated resorts are also in the Maldives, Grenada, Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Italy.

Michelle McKenzie states, “Based upon our ongoing surveys, the following top 25 honeymoon resorts can be considered as places for couples to enjoy a quality romantic honeymoon and destination wedding.” The resorts are listed randomly and are not in priority order.

Le Taha’a Private Island & Resort & Spa
Tahaa, Society Islands

Casa Chameleon
Mal Pais, Costa Rica

Amore By The Sea Bed and Breakfast Inn
Victoria, BC

Aventura Spa Palace
Tulum, Mexico

Four Seasons Resort Lana’i
Lana’i City, Hawaii

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Maldives

Royal Plantation
Ochios Rios, Jamaica

Couples Negril
Negril, Jamaica

Sandals Royal Carribean
Montego Bay, Jamaica

Secrets Excellence Punta Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Rep.

Spice Island Beach Resort
Grenada

Stonefield Estate
Soufriere, St. Lucia

Aloha Cottage
Makawao, Maui, Hawaii

Hilton Los Cabos Beach
Cabos San Lucas, Mexico

Couples swept away
Negril, Jamaica

Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino
Curacao

Marriott Bangkok Resort & Spa
Thailand

El Dorado Royale
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort
Ochios Rios, Jamaica

Sandals Regency St. Lucia Golf Resort and Spa,
St. lucia

Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Nassau

Luna Convento Hotel
Amalfi, Italy

Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Maui

Sandals Regency St. Lucia Golf Resort and Spa,
Castries, St. Lucia

The Fairmont Orchid
Hawaii - Big Island

Ratings are based upon 25 factors and stress ambiance, activities, customer service and romance. Honeymooners Review Guide offers couples online access to 350+ planning pages of tips, articles, ideas on romance, destinations, and a database with over 3,000 hotels and resorts, with direct access to select honeymoon travel agents and destination wedding specialists.

The website encourages couples who return from their honeymoon to complete a short survey on their experience at their website survey page.

Jumping Cow Tours Mexican Tour

Food and History tour to visit the cradle of Mexican independence in September 2008.

PORTLAND, OR, - Jumping Cow Culinary Tours, a boutique tour group specializing in small group travel experiences for food lovers, announces its Mexican Independence Day Tour, scheduled for September 14 through September 19, 2008. Because tours are limited in size to help ensure satisfaction and personal attention, early reservations are encouraged.

Unlike other tour packages and vacations that focus only on Mexican resorts and beaches, the Jumping Cow Tours package will enable travelers to experience the “real” Mexico by staying in the historic and beautiful colonial central highlands.

The tour will begin in San Miguel de Allende, a historic town founded in 1542 and called the City of Eternal Spring, where you will explore the cobblestone streets and outdoor markets, as well as take ethnic cooking classes. You will learn to make such regional specialties as mole, a dish that requires nearly 30 ingredients.

One highlight of the tour is bound to be joining with locals in celebrating el Grito - the Cry - that began Mexico’s long fight for Independence. Tour members will meet for a special dinner and then take a short walk to the main plaza to hear the cry, yell “Viva La Mexico” and watch fireworks.

“el Grito is a celebration not to be missed,” said Arlene Krasner, co-founder and tour director. “And San Miguel is one of the world’s great travel destinations, with beautiful stone streets and houses that look like brightly colored paintings. We are telling tour members to bring their cameras as well as their appetites.”

In addition to San Miguel, tour guests will also visit Dolores Hidalgo, considered Mexico’s Cradle of Independence and a town known for its ceramics industry, and Guanajuato, a UNESCO world heritage site carved out of mountains and celebrated as the birthplace of Diego Rivera.

“Your stay in Mexico will include enough non-scheduled time to allow you to experience the incredible arts and crafts scene, as well as the history and beauty, on your own,” added Mary Norquist, co-founder and tour director. “We like to make sure our tour members get a chance to kick back and relax.”

Mexican Independence Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive; reception at Casa Luna
Day 2 - A Walking Tour and Cooking Class
Day 3 - Market Tour and Cooking Class; evening independence celebration
Day 4 - Tour of Dolores Hidalgo, Santa Rosa and Guanajuato
Day 5 - Cooking Class; shopping at the Aurora Design Center
Day 6 - Depart for home

“Mexican Independence Tour” is six days and five nights priced at $1850 per person. Each tour includes hotel (double-occupancy), transportation to and from the Leon - Guanajuato Airport (BJX), a welcome cocktail party, three cooking classes, a tour day to Dolores Hidalgo, Santa Rosa and Guanajuato and two dinners.

For more information or images call (503) 747-2938 or visit: http://www.jumpingcowtours.com

Jumping Cow Culinary Tours, based in Hillsboro, Oregon, just outside of Portland, specializes in small group tours for food lovers. Each tour is designed to balance individual time with group activities, and to give the traveler an opportunity to experience the culture and history of a place through its food and art. The company focuses on special culinary and art tours to the central highlands of Mexico, as well as wine and organic farming tours in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information, please visit http://www.jumpingcowtours.com or call (503) 747-2938.

Capella Plans 10 Resorts Worldwide

Since opening its first two hotels to the public in 2007, Capella Hotels and Resorts has steadily increased market profile.

The creation of hotelier Horst Schulze, Capella Hotels and Resorts has plans for 10 hotels worldwide, including Breidenbacher Hof, a Capella Hotel in Düsseldorf, Germany, set to open on May 19. Additional openings are set for Capella Hotels and Resorts in Mexico, Singapore, Ireland and the United States.

Capella properties are boutique hotels that also offer the amenities and activities of a luxury hotel or resort. Capella is opening properties in gateway cities and high-profile resort destinations around the world, including: Breidenbacher Hof, a Capella Hotel (Düsseldorf, Germany); Capella Bahia Maroma (Riviera Maya, Mexico); Capella Castlemartyr (Cork, Ireland); Capella Dunboy Castle (Castletownbere, Ireland); Capella Ixtapa (Ixtapa, Mexico); Capella Niseko (Niseko, Japan); Capella Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico); Capella Singapore (Sentosa Island, Singapore); Capella Telluride (Telluride, Colorado); and Schloss Velden, a Capella Hotel (Velden, Austria).

Visit www.capellahotels.com

Women’s Only Kayaking Adventure In Baja

BIG SKY, Montana—AdventureWomen Inc, a pioneer in women’s travel for active women over 30 is offering an adventure vacation for solo women travelers who want to explore exotic Baja by land and sea. This pre-holiday vacation is the perfect way for ladies to relax, unwind, and have a little adventure by paddling the warm, pristine waters of the Sea of Cortez from Espiritu Sancto Island.

Sea kayaking, a remarkably easy sport, offers a great option for active women who want adventure that isn’t too taxing—sea kayaks are easier to maneuver and more stable, especially for women, who typically have lower centers of gravity.

These travelers will enjoy kayaking into beautiful bays, hiking canyons adorned with hanging wild figs, and go snorkeling in a sea lion rookery. The trip includes knowledgeable local guides, a comfortable safari-style beach camp, and fresh American and traditional Mexican food that make this Baja sea kayaking trip a great antidote for the pre-winter, pre-holiday rush. As a splendid finale, visitors will return to La Paz for an additional night to wander through the gift shops and street vendor stalls, stroll along the waterfront area of this tranquil Mexican port, and gather together for a traditional Mexican farewell dinner.

Highlights of this trip:

Sea kayak in Baja, Mexico, during October’s warm water and pristine weather. Explore deserted beaches, hike, and snorkel and swim with sea lions.

• No sea kayaking experience is necessary for this trip and the knowledgeable guides will help along the way.

Includes round-trip air from Los Angeles, 2 nights hotel in La Paz, “catered” camping at a remote safari-style beach camp, plus a Mexican cooking class.

Guided sea kayaking excursions each day with expert naturalist-guides to outlying islands, through sea arches, and along deserted cliffs and beaches.

Celebrate Halloween with a beach party, complete with piñatas and margaritas. Travelers are encouraged to bring their costumes.

Dates: October 29th-November 3rd, 2008. Cost: $2495 all inclusive from Los Angeles ($600 deposit). For more information, contact Susan Eckert at 406-587-3883 or visit the website.

Adventure Women, Inc.
CONTACT: Susan Eckert
TEL: 406-587-3883
advwomen@aol.com
www.adventurewomen.com

50 FREE SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN SAN DIEGO

Having fun during the summer in San Diego doesn’t require a lot of money. In fact, many things to see and enjoy in San Diego are absolutely free. With 70 miles of beautiful beaches, near-perfect weather and a variety of summer street fairs, concerts and arts and cultural events, San Diego offers a fun and inexpensive summer getaway.

Following is a list of 50 fun and free activities that guests can enjoy during San Diego’s summer months:

Put on your bathing suit, grab your towel and head to one of San Diego’s 33 beaches, all open to the public, and perfect for body surfing, boogie boarding, building sandcastles, collecting seashells and basking in the sun. www.sandiego.org/article_set/Visitors/5

Bring a picnic and listen to Coronado’s Summer Concert Series in Spreckels Park on Sunday evenings throughout the summer. On the first and third Sunday of the month, come early and browse the work of more than 50 artists from San Diego County during the Coronado Art Association’s bi-monthly Art-In-The-Park event. www.coronadovisitorcenter.com

Soak up the international flavor at the House of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park with the International Cottages’ Lawn Programs. Held each Sunday throughout the summer, these free performances feature ethnic song and dance. www.balboapark.org

Head to the historic Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside on June 14 – 15 for the 12th Annual Inter-Tribal Pow Wow. Hosted by the San Luis Rey Luiseno Mission Indians, this event draws tribe members from all over the United States for contest dancing, Native American arts and crafts, games and food. www.slrmissionindians.org

Catch a magnificent Pacific sunset and watch sea lions play along the shoreline at La Jolla Cove, one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world. www.lajollabythesea.com

Visit Seaport Village during the weekends for free entertainment and hours of leisurely strolling and window-shopping. Guests can also walk along the bay-front or sit in the grass and gaze at passing yachts and ships along San Diego Bay. www.seaportvillage.com

Listen to live bands lined along the 26.2-mile marathon route of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on June 1. The course begins in Balboa Park, runs through various popular locations around the city and ends at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Visitors can also stop by the Marathon’s free Health and Fitness Expo, May 30 – 31, at the San Diego Convention Center. www.rnrmarathon.com

Stroll through the 16½-block historic Gaslamp Quarter’s turn-of-the-century Victorian architecture in downtown San Diego. Once the stomping grounds of the legendary Wyatt Earp, the Gaslamp Quarter is now home to unique stores, numerous restaurants, nightclubs and bars. www.gaslamp.org

Fly a kite along the grassy field in the Tecolote Shores of Mission Bay Park, a 4,600-acre aquatic playground for all ages. Here, away from trees and overhead wires, families gather to launch colorful kites high into the clear-blue, breezy skies. www.aboutmissionbay.com

Check out gnarly international and U.S. body surfers competing in the 32nd Annual World Body Surfing Championships at the Oceanside Beach and Pier on August 23 – 24. www.worldbodysurfing.org

Visit Old Town State Historic Park to experience San Diego’s rich Mexican heritage. Guests can view festive folkloric and flamenco dancers, stroll through a variety of international shops and wander free through the Park’s historic buildings, including Casa de Estudillo, Casa de Machado y Stewart, the blacksmith shop, San Diego’s oldest schoolhouse and San Diego’s first newspaper office. www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com
Sample some of the more than 200 varieties of fresh produce grown in San Diego at one of the region’s many Farmer’s Markets, held daily at locations throughout the county: Tuesday afternoons in Coronado, Escondido and the UCSD campus in La Jolla; Wednesday mornings in Temecula, afternoons in Carlsbad and evenings in Ocean Beach; Thursday mornings in Oceanside and downtown San Diego, evenings in Chula Vista, North Park and Tierrasanta; Friday mornings at Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo and Borrego Springs, and afternoons in La Mesa; Saturday afternoons in Del Mar, Pacific Beach, Carlsbad, Poway, Scripps Ranch and Temecula; and Sunday mornings in Hillcrest, downtown San Diego, Leucadia and Solana Beach. www.sdfarmbureau.org

Enjoy free organ concerts on Monday evenings, June 16 – August 25, during the 21st Annual International Summer Organ Festival at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, featuring the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ. Also enjoy the Organ Pavilion’s Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, June 17 – August 28. www.serve.com/sosorgan

Bike or jog along Mission Bay Park’s many trails. Joggers and walkers share more than 20 miles of scenic running paths winding through sunlight and shade near the shoreline with workout courses at planned stations along the route. www.aboutmissionbay.com

Visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center, the nation’s first warm weather, year-round Olympic training facility located in Chula Vista, for free daily tours of the 150-acre lakefront facility. Tours begin at the Copley Visitor Center. www.usoc.org

Attend the 29th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off on June 28, featuring more than 200 vendors, local artists, food, a children’s area and entertainment on five stages. www.obstreetfair.com

Cross the international border into colorful and exciting Tijuana, Mexico where the entrance is free and a plethora of shops offer unique gifts and apparel, and restaurants offer the finest in Mexican cuisine. www.tijuana.com

Rollerblade, skateboard, bicycle or people-watch along the Mission Beach Boardwalk, a scenic three-mile boardwalk along lively Mission and Pacific Beaches.

Turn your attention towards the sky during the Annual Ramona Air Fair on May 31 – June 1 with aerial fire fighting, aircraft demonstration flights, military aircraft flights, World War II aircraft, aerobatic planes, airplane rides, carnival rides, hot air balloons, music, fireworks and numerous vendor and food booths. www.ramonaairshow.com

Stargaze outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center on the first Wednesday of every month during “Gazin’ with the Experts” as members of the San Diego Astronomy Association set up huge telescopes and offer guests a great view of the moon, planets and brighter stars. www.rhfleet.org

Join the festivities at San Diego’s many Fourth of July celebrations, held in communities throughout the county. Coronado’s popular Independence Day Celebration features a two-hour parade followed by a family concert in Spreckels Park and spectacular fireworks over Glorietta Bay on July 4.

Take a scenic drive to Mt. Laguna to hike, bike or picnic while enjoying the fresh mountain air whispering through the pines. www.julianca.com

Climb the bluffs of Torrey Pines State Reserve and watch daring hang gliders and paragliders sail the air currents along the coastline from the Torrey Pines Gliderport. www.torreypine.org

Wiggle your toes in the sand at the Annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition at Imperial Beach Pier on July 12 – 13. View hundreds of sand sculpting artists at work; the event also features a children’s sandcastle contest. www.usopensandcastle.com

Visit Mission Trails Regional Park featuring a state-of-the-art Visitors Center where guests explore and learn about the wonders of nature and the native people who once lived on the land. The park also offers over 40 miles of natural and developed hiking and biking trails. www.mtrp.org

Go scuba diving or snorkeling off San Diego’s shores to see spectacular creatures of the sea. La Jolla Shores and Cove offers some of the clearest waters on the California coast, as well as miles of protected underwater preserve to explore. www.lajollabythesea.com

Watch the 54th Annual World Championship Over-the-Line Tournament, San Diego’s original boisterous beach softball event, on July 12 – 13 and July 19 – 20 at Fiesta Island, Mission Bay. www.ombac.org

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