Jetsettersblog

For the price of your morning coffee, you could see the coffee beans for yourself in Costa Rica.

G.A.P Adventures, the world’s leading adventure travel company, expands its range of tours to South and Central America.

G.A.P Adventures is offering its travellers 10% off all new South and Central America 2009 trips booked by November 15, 2008 with travel completed by April 30, 2009.

“South America is a continent of contrasts: from the idyllic shores of Mexico to the glaciers in Patagonia, it offers more variety of culture, wildlife, and natural beauty than any other continent. This, combined with the liveliness and the warmth of its people, makes it an all-time favourite destination.” says Bruce Poon Tip, CEO of G.A.P Adventures.

“G.A.P Adventures is now launching a brand new range of small group tours that will allow travelers to experience this intriguing continent in a new way,” adds Mr. Poon Tip. “Our tours have an excellent value for money. For the price of their morning coffee, our customers could see the coffee beans for themselves in Costa Rica.”

G.A.P Adventures’ new South and Central America trips include:

Peru on a Shoestrin

Everything you imagined Peru would be and more! During this two-week adventure travellers will fly over the desert to see the mysterious Nazca lines and visit Cuzco, heart and soul of the Inca empire, with the opportunity to choose among rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking. The major highlight of the trip is a four-day Inca trail hike, a once-upon-a-lifetime journey across the Andes, which culminates with an unforgettable sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Patagonia Experience

The perfect tour for mountain lovers! Imposing glaciers, unique wildlife and breathtaking scenery are found at every turn in this amazing 11-day trip in the Patagonian Andes. Travellers will have the opportunity to hike within Glacier National Park, home to the third largest ice field on Earth, witness one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, the Moreno Glacier, and travel by boat amongst the icebergs of Torres del Paine National Park.

Ecuador in Style

This 8-day trip is a great way to see and experience Ecuador while travelling in style. Wonder around the pre-Inca handicraft markets of Otavalo, and take a guided tour to Cuenca with its charming cobblestone streets. After exploring the ancient Inca ruins of Ingapirca, relax at the natural hot springs of Baños. Finally, once in Quito, take advantage of a range of activities ranging from hiking to rafting.

Active Yucatan Jungle and Ruins

Get active and see the Yucatan peninsula from a different perspective! During this 10-day adventure, travelers will visit the world famous ruins of Tulum and Chichén Itza, and spend four days in the less-visited Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve. Surrounded by breathtaking landscape, they will take snorkelling trips, swim and paddle through caves, before heading up to Playa del Carmen for a final stroll down the beach.

This two-week tour stretches from southern Costa Rica to western Panama. After a scenic boat tour through the mangrove delta of Rio Sierpe, visitors will explore Corcovado National Park’s wildlife and then reach the mountain retreat of Boquete, the ideal location for white water rafting and other outdoor activities such as hiking and horseback riding. Finally, they will snorkel, scuba dive or just relax on the top-notch beaches of the archipelago of Bocas del Toro and conclude their trip at the picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts announced the Winter 2008 Partners in Paradise Award recipients: Richard Poitras, strategic planner and founder of Horizons.com, and Carrie Plato, Caribbean strategy and buying leader of the Mark Travel Corporation.

Poitras was recognized with the Meeting Planner Partner Award and Plato received the Travel Industry Partner Award. The highly esteemed Partners in Paradise Awards are presented to the most extraordinary meeting and travel industry partners, recognizing their overall contributions to Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts.

“These two, dynamic professionals have been selected to receive Marriott’s top industry honor for displaying qualities that exemplify the ideal Marriott partner — organization, leadership, flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm,” said Steve Cook, area director of sales and marketing for Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts.

Launched in 2006, the bi-annual Partners in Paradise Award program is a way of recognizing individuals whose contributions to Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts properties go above and beyond the financial opportunities alone.

Twice a year, the sales team nominates one meeting planner and one travel industry partner to receive this prestigious award. Winners are not only featured on ParadiseByMarriott.com and in a newsletter that is distributed to travel and meeting trades, but they also receive a personal letter, an engraved plaque and a $500 American Express gift certificate.

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, a leading developer, designer and operator of top-tier hotels, resorts, spas, residences and retail galleries worldwide, announces the opening of new resorts for 2009.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba – March 2009

Mayakoba, an exclusive village-style resort haven, has recently opened on a pristine stretch of land between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba, one of four new resorts, will bring a touch of exotic luxury to the location as the only all pool villa resort in the Maya Riviera. It will blend Mexican flavour and style with Banyan Tree’s renowned Asian influences. The 132 free standing villas all include private pools, outdoor jet-pools, meditation pavilions and spacious poolside terraces. Outdoor spa pavilions line the lagoon and Banyan Tree’s signature Saffron restaurant hovers over a free form pool. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy a game at the Greg Norman-designed championship golf course and beach lovers can soak up the sun on Banyan Tree’s 1km private beach and club.

The resort is surrounded by lush tropical mangroves, natural low jungle, reefs and rich diverse wildlife which will all be protected by Banyan Tree’s conservation efforts. Each area of the resort will be seamlessly connected by the natural freshwater canals and lagoons and visitors will be transported by thatched roof boats.

For those wanting to explore, the Riviera Maya offers the world’s second largest coral reef, shimmering beaches, lush jungles and ancient ruins. Key attractions for those interested to learn more about the native culture and natural landscape include archaeological treasures and Mayan Civilisation ruins such as Tulum, Coba & Chichen Itza (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

www.banyantree.com

Banyan Tree Cabo Marques, Acapulco – (June – August 2009)

Perched atop a dramatic cliff that cascades into the Pacific Ocean, this all- pool villa resort is the first of its kind in Acapulco. The hotel will comprise striking villas boasting an eclectic union of modern design and indigenous influences with floor to ceiling windows that showcase the awe-inspiring vistas from the cliff top retreat.

Each villa will include private swimming pools bordered by flourishing landscaped gardens and timber sundecks. It will also boast an award winning Banyan Tree Spa complex, three restaurants, a bar, a banquet hall and four meeting rooms.

A private beach sits at the foot of the cliff top resort and guests can enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Acapulco Bay before catapulting themselves into adventure activities like deep sea fishing, kayaking and whale watching in the Pacific Ocean.

www.banyantree.com

Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai (April - June 2009)

Angsana Hotels and Resorts is poised to bring its refreshing blend of Asian hospitality with a touch of contemporary chic to the bustling city of Dubai. This new property will add a boost of 417 residential suites and 364 hotel rooms to the dynamic hotel industry in the UAE. Guests will enjoy natural Asian spa treatments from the lofty heights of the 45th floor with spectacular views of the city and Persian Gulf. Two rooftop swimming pools, two outdoor tennis clubs and a Health Club will complete the skyline experience. Angsana Dubai also presents an eclectic mix of restaurants and cuisines - ranging from Indian to Middle Eastern and fusion - to tempt even the most discerning of palates. Dine in Middle Eastern style at Bab al Sharq, or enjoy a relaxing aromatic shisha experience at Nara Lounge. www.angsana.com

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, United Arab Emirates (April – June 2009)

The desert resort Banyan Tree Al Wadi will be situated in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah offering an exclusive dune camp experience. The camp will be nestled in the fertile plains and shimmering blue waters of the Arabian Gulf set against the backdrop of the Al Hajjar Mountains and the rolling dunes of the desert.

The elegant façade of the resort emulates an ancient Arabian fortress leading to 70 pool villas and 31 tented pool villas dotted seamlessly across the landscape. Each villa showcases elaborate Arabic touches of lattice woodwork and intricate carvings and will transport guests to an authentic Arabian desert experience. Ideal for eco-explorers, spa enthusiasts and those just seeking a tranquil and spiritual retreat, the resort will offer adventure activities from dune safaris, camel riding and archery to desert pampering with an extensive spa with hydrothermal circuit, hammam and vitality pool.

For those wanting to explore, the resort is 20 km away from the bustling city of Ras Al Khaimah and 10km from the beach where guests will enjoy the seclusion of a private off shore island for sun, sea and sand.

www.banyantree.com

Banyan Tree Ungasan, Bali (April - June 2009)

Perched 73 metres above sea level on the cliffs of Bali’s southernmost peninsula, Banyan Tree Ungasan will be located near the sacred site of Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple. The resort is designed to offer absolute privacy and seclusion but is just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport and the thriving beaches of Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur. The resort’s location offers unrestricted panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and a pristine white-sand beach sits at the foot of the cliff top resort.

The new property will boast 73 spacious pool villas all set in their own lush landscaped garden with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and will be complemented by the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa offering guests an extensive range of natural holistic massages, beauty and body treatments.

Guests will be able to take their pick from three restaurants. The Ju-Ma-Na restaurant, which means ‘white pearl’ in Arabic, overlooking the Indian Ocean, will offer a selection of international and Indonesian dishes. Tamarind, set in the tranquil surroundings of the Banyan Tree Spa will serve a variety of light organic dishes and Bamboo; the all day dining restaurant will present popular international and local specialties.

www.banyantree.com

Planner promotion, ideal for stress free holiday travel

WHAT: Just in time for the holidays, Azul Hotels by Karisma, a premier collection of Gourmet Inclusive® family-friendly properties located throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, announced the “Family & Friends Vacation Planner” promotion, offering personalized group itineraries and a Family & Friends concierge. As a part of the package, the Family & Friends concierge will create a comprehensive itinerary sure to satisfy individual as well as group interests and desires. Known for its unique family friendly environment, Azul Hotels’ Vacation Planner will take care of all the little details, creating a truly enjoyable vacation. The vacation planner offers:

Personalized Group Itinerary
Brochure Mailings to All Group Members
Pre-assigned Suite Categories and Special Request Handling
Welcoming and Farewell Four-Course Gourmet Dinner Reservation
Communication Updates from Family & Friends Concierge
Azul Beach Bag, T-Shirt and Hat

At Azul Hotels by Karisma, couples and families will savor every aspect of the Gourmet Inclusive experience, such as restaurants with complete a la carte service, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, full concierge, 24-hour room service, Fisher-Price Azulitos Kid’s Club for children under 5, and My Gym Fitness Center to keep kids 6 to 13 active.

WHEN: Azul Hotels by Karisma: Booking window applies from Nov. 25, 2008—March 31, 2009, for travel occurring Nov. 25, 2008—Dec. 22, 2009

ABOUT: Azul Hotels by Karisma are a premier hotel collection operating properties throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, where guests savor a Gourmet Inclusive experience that fosters togetherness. Properties have been honored with the industry’s top accolades including, Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 100 Hotels in the World,” Conde Nast Traveler’s “Gold List,” Forbes’ “Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels,” TUI Travel PLC’s “Hotel of the Year,” and AAA’s “Four Diamond Award.” Karisma has received worldwide recognition for its creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations including resorts with swim-up suites, Infinity balcony pools, beach butlers, and cash-free transactions. Premier Worldwide Marketing is the exclusive worldwide sales and marketing representative for Karisma Hotels & Resorts. For reservations, please call 1-866-527-4762 or visit http://www.karismahotels.com.

RATES: Rates at Azul Hotels by Karisma begin at $180 per person, per night for a Superior Room including the Gourmet Inclusive experience.

BOOKINGS: Hotel reservations can be booked through a GI Vacation Consultant, or by calling 1-866-527-4762 or visiting www.karismahotels.com  Booking code is “FFVPAZ.” Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

Aeromexico will expand its North American operations significantly with new service to Toronto, Canada, San Francisco and Denver in early 2009. Service in each market will include daily, non-stop flights to Mexico City with connecting service to 40 destinations throughout Mexico and cities in 12 other countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia.

The airline will offer the best value available on these routes with its combination of competitive fares and a distinctive, premier style of service. Attractively priced vacation packages, which include airfare, hotel accommodations and rental car, will also be available through Aeromexico Vacations.

Frank Galan, vice president, U.S. Division for Aeromexico, said that the carrier is capitalizing on growth opportunities that have arisen due to shifts other carriers have made in their service. He said that Toronto is an important part of Aeromexico’s growth strategy for 2009. Aeromexico will launch daily, non-stop flights between Toronto and Mexico City, between San Francisco and Mexico City and on February 2 and between Denver and Mexico City on March 2.

 For more information, call 800-237-6639 or visit www.aeromexico.com

El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, Azul Beach Hotel, and Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma, located throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, announced the Group Special promotion offering an assortment of amenities and special deals.

Groups that book 10 or more suites will receive private check-in with welcome drinks and gourmet snacks, complimentary welcome reception, complimentary welcome petit fours and sparkling wine in each suite, and complimentary welcome dinner and farewell dinner. In addition, for every 10 to 15 suites books, guests will receive $150 toward suite upgrades per suite.

 For every 16 to 25 suites booked, guests will receive $150 toward suite upgrades and $50 in resort credit per suite. For 26 suites and up, guests will receive $200 toward suite upgrades and $100 in resort credit per suite.

The booking window applies from Nov. 25, 2008, to March 31, 2009, for travel occurring Jan. 3, 2009, to Dec. 22, 2010. The booking code is “GRPPROMO.” All groups traveling from Dec. 23, 2009, to Dec. 22, 2010, that book before March 31, 2009, will have the 2009 contracted rates honored.

This applies to new bookings only. Groups larger than the maximum seating will receive 25 percent on all private event fees (except third party and outsourced services). This offer is not combinable with any other promotions including the Free Wedding Packages.

 For reservations or more information, call 866-527-4762 or visit www.karismahotels.com

Occidental Hotels & Resorts is offering up to $500 in air credits at Royal Hideaway Playacar, kids free offers at all Allegro properties, free nights at Occidental Grand locations and low nightly rates across the board. All Occidental vacations are all-inclusive, meaning meals, snacks, beverages and most resort activities are included.

The resorts are located in the Dominican Republic, romantic getaway to Mexico’s Rivera Maya or holiday escape to Aruba, Occidental Hotels & Resorts makes it possible for a wide variety of travelers to take a vacation, even in this economy. At the Royal Hideaway Playacar the Holiday special features no minimum stay for guests arriving Dec. 20 to 25 with rates starting at $319 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. A $500 air credit plus night of romance is targeted at couples booking a five- to seven-night stay by Dec. 21 for travel through March 31.

They will receive a $500 air credit and a night of romance including chilled champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and one-hour couple’s massage. Couples booking a three to four night stay by Dec. 21 for travel through March 31 will receive a $300 air credit and a night of romance including chilled champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and one-hour couple’s massage.

The Occidental Grand Cozumel’s holiday special also features no minimum stay at Occidental Grand Cozumel and a reduced minimum stay of three nights at Occidental Grand Xcaret for guests arriving Dec. 24 to 31 with rates starting at $150 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

All Occidental Grand properties (excluding Occidental Grand Papagayo) are offering a fifth night free plus up to $100 spa credit for guests booking Royal Club accommodations for travel now through Dec. 18. Travelers who book their vacations by Dec. 21 for travel Jan. 2 to 31 can take advantage of low nightly rates at all Occidental Grand properties. All rates are per person, per night based on double occupancy at these participating resorts: Occidental Grand Punta Cana, Dominical Republic starting from $67;

Occidental Grand Xcaret, Mexico starting from $107; Occidental Grand Cozumel, Mexico starting from $147; Occidental Grand Papagayo, Costa Rica starting from $179 and the Occidental Grand Aruba starting from $247.

Allegro’s Holiday special also features no minimum stay at all Allegro properties for guests arriving Dec. 24 to 31 with rates starting at $85 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

Travelers who book their vacations by Dec. 21 for travel Jan. 2 to 31 can take advantage of low nightly rates at all Allegro properties. All rates are per person, per night based on double occupancy at these participating resorts: Allegro Playa Dorada, Dominican Republic starting from $68; Allegro Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico starting from $73; Allegro Cozumel, Mexico starting from $93; Allegro Playacar, Mexico starting from $100; and Allegro Papagayo, Costa Rica starting from $127. Kids vacation for free at all Occidental Allegro properties now through Dec. 18. Rates are based on one child (age 3 to12) free for each paying adult guest and vary by Allegro property selected.

For more information, call 800-858-2258 or visit www.occidentalhotels.com

NWA WorldVacations launched a new sale to all destinations. With the recently launched NWA WorldVacations 20th Anniversary Sale, customers save up to $300 to any NWA WorldVacations destination with no blackout dates.

To take advantage of the savings, travel must be booked by Dec. 27 for travel Jan. 1 to May 31, 2009.

Packages are available through NWA WorldVacations to many of the world’s most popular leisure destinations, including Hawaii, Las Vegas, Amsterdam, London, Cancún/Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit, Jamaica, Hong Kong, and many other destinations serviced by Northwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and other airline partners.

NWA WorldVacations packages include round-trip air, choice of accommodations, hotel taxes and up to 2,500 WorldPerks Bonus Miles in addition to credited flight miles. Certain destinations, specifically those in Mexico and the Caribbean, include round-trip transfers between airport and hotel, luggage handling, maid and/or bellman gratuities, and in-destination assistance. Sample prices include Minneapolis/St. Paul to Las Vegas, three nights, air and hotel from $332; New York to Riviera Maya, three nights air and hotel from $519; Seattle to Honolulu, five nights, air and hotel from $533; and Memphis to Jamaica, seven nights air and hotel from $904.

NWA WorldVacations is a product of MLT Vacations and one of the largest providers of vacation packages in the United States. NWA WorldVacations offers vacation packages via scheduled air service on Northwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and its airline partners, with convenient connections from many US and Canadian cities, to destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. NWA WorldVacations also offers luxury vacation packages with personal service and attention and romance vacation packages for destination weddings or honeymoons.

For more information, visit www.worldagentdirect.com

in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Riviera Nayarit, Mazatlan and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. New properties include the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort; Villa La Estancia Nuevo Vallarta; Capella Ixtapa; Capella Pedregal; Azul Fives Hotel, by Karisma; Grand Velas All Suites & SPA Resort Riviera Maya; Capella Bahia Maroma;

The Tides Riviera Maya; Gran Porto Real Resort & Spa and Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Riviera Maya. Pleasant Holidays features 162 hotels and resorts in addition to the 14 new hotels for 2009. The company also offers 26 hotels and resorts in Los Cabos and 26 properties in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.

Travelers may save even more with Pleasant Holidays’ exclusive $100 per person savings on Mexicana Airlines, which is combinable with early booking incentives offered by many hotels. The Mexicana Airlines offer must be ticketed by Dec. 10 for travel through March 10, 2009. For information on Mexico Destination Weddings, contact the Pleasant Holidays Wedding Travel Desk at 800-818-9080.

Sightseeing, soft adventures, dining and more can be booked by travel professionals in advance for their Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit-bound clients by visiting www.PleasantActivities.com, with these optional activities fully commissionable. Pleasant Holidays and Distinguished Resorts are official sponsors of the Cancun Tourism Institute.

Pleasant Holidays is one of the leading travel companies to Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Europe, Las Vegas, Costa Rica, Tahiti, Asia and the South Pacific, serving over 9 million travelers since 1959. The company provides vacation packages through its portfolio of five brands: Pleasant Holidays, Hawaii World/Distinguished Resorts, Pleasant Activities, Air By Pleasant, and Singapore Airlines Vacations.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Caribbean and Mexico are offering wedding couples a twist on the traditional first anniversary gift of paper — a certificate for a complimentary three-night stay. Couples can plan a second honeymoon at the hotel at which they were married or they can celebrate by exploring another Ritz-Carlton hotel in the region.

When booking a wedding on the Reconnect package, for a minimum of three nights and 25 rooms or more, couples will receive a complimentary three-night stay for their first anniversary, redeemable at any of five Caribbean and Mexico Hotels — The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun;

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica; The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas; and The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino. Reconnect at The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Caribbean & Mexico includes nightly accommodations, daily breakfast for two, and $110 to $200 daily resort credit for use at F & B outlets, spa and for recreation activities.
On-site wedding planners and wedding concierges will work with couples to create unforgettable experiences, such as the Wedding and Anniversary in Cancun, for instance, that allows couples to receive the blessing of a Mayan priest as they exchange vows on a Caribbean beach. For their first wedding anniversary, they can return to the same beach for a secluded, romantic cabana dinner at Casitas.

Reconnect Rates for Winter 2008/2009 include the Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, $539 with $130 credit; the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica, $465 with $120 credit; the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, $659 with $130 credit; the Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino, $475 with $110 credit; and the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, $745 with $200 credit. Prices are based on winter rates, valid Jan. 1 to April 30. Rates are valid per room/per night, based on double occupancy, exclusive of taxes, gratuities, resort fees, and other charges; do not apply to groups; and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Rates are based on availability. Advanced reservations are required.

For more information, call 800-241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com