Jetsettersblog

� �ess 2009 Ver�ld Skemmtisigling, Kristall Skemmtisigling er kynna the V�xlverkandi B�kmenntalegur Rifja upp, a b�kakl�bbur mi�juma�ur vi� bestur- selja rith�fundur og b�kmenntalegur gagnr�nandi Skikkja Adams. � hvor af the sj� hluti, Adams og gestur vilja kafa � inn � �r�r sk�ldsaga. Adams, rith�fundur af “A �st af Reading,” lektorssta�a eing�ngu fyrir Kristall og er klappa fyrir fyrir hans leikh�s- “performance reviews” af b�k. The program er skotpallur � gegnum the line’s Skapandi L�rd�mur Stofnun, hver �enja �t �ess forritun � hvor hluti af the 106- dagur “Pacific Hringur H�t��ahald Ver�ld Skemmtisigling, fara Los Engill � Jan. 21.

“Crystal’s n�r B�kmenntalegur Rifja upp var af �settu r��i til �rva umr��a, halda samkv�mi, f�stur- f�lagsandi og afla ��kve�inn greinir � ensku menntama�ur fyrir sameiginlegur interests,” Me�br��ur Uxi, Crystal’s l�stur forseti fyrir skemmtun. “Robert hefur herkvaddur ma�ur a fj�lbreyttur safn af the world’s sannf�randi, efstur � baugi sem skiptir m�li b�k. Ganga � gar� al�j��legur sta�setning fr� Papua N�r G�nea til Afganistan, the multi- lag e�li og saga l�numa�ur bj��a discussion.”

The sk�ldsaga, veifa vi� ritst�rf fr� fleiri en 10 land, fela � s�r svo sem titill eins og “A ��sund Lj�mandi S�lsetur vi� Khalid Hosseini, “Cat’s Eye” vi� Smj�rl�ki Atwood, “Palace Ganga vi� Naguib Mahfouz, og “Birdsong” vi� Sebastian Galli.

Allur titill fyrir hvor skemmtisigling hluti ert hlusta � www.crystalcruises.com. Onboard, �eir ert laus fyrir innkaup � the Captain’s Val sm�sala b��.

Og nokkrir af the verksmi�ja, eftir me� fleiri en 1,500 annar, ert laus � Kristall Serenity’s b�kasafn. Kristall Serenity’s Ver�ld Skemmtisigling vilja heims�kn 45 h�fn � 22 land �t � gegn the Su�ur Fri�s�ll, As�a, Afr�ka og Evr�pa. �tta hluti svi� fr� 11 til 17 sem minnir � g�mlu dagana). � samlagning til the V�xlverkandi B�kmenntalegur Rifja upp, kennsla er tilbo� � gegnum a brei�ur svi� af Kristall f�lag, a� me�t�ldum Yamaha, Berlitz, Tai Chi Menningarlegur Sent,

The Cleveland Heilsug�slust�� og The �j��f�lag af L�ttv�n Kennari.

Markgreifi Los Cabos’ Bl�r Cabo F��a, L�ttv�n og Mex�kanskt brenniv�n Undankoma, farfuglaheimili vi� fremstur f��a og l�ttv�n s�rfr��ingur Kirkjus�ngur Dias Bl�r, vilja taka sta�ur fr� Desember. 11 til 14, 2008. The �r�r- n�tt “Blue Cabo” er $495 � n�tt, � manneskja, og fela � s�r f�runeyti h�sn��i � Markgreifi Los Cabos, morgunver�ur daglega, einn nudd � manneskja, umfer�- fer�alag flugst��/ h�tel flutningur og fj�rir einstakur veitingavagn reynsla.

Fyrir fleiri uppl�singar e�a p�ntun, kalla 877-238-9399 e�a heims�knwww.marquisloscabos.com

Alls the bars � the ver�ld, there ert svo margir fur�ulegur bar bl��ur og einkennileg tilviljun hanast�l laus. H�r vi� hafa setja saman fimm af the bestur til blautur �inn lyst. Haka haka!

The Lending M�l

The Lending St Sk�r, a l�xus- fimm- stjarna RockResorts eign, er tilbo� gestur The Lending M�l! Sta�settur � 19 tilkomumikill beachfront ekra � Rodney Fl�i, n�l�gur the nor�ur- �j�rf� af St Sk�r, there er neitun betri vegur til slaka � en me� this lj�ffengur hanast�l.

Gestur geta kuldi �t � The Snekkjusigling H�li Veitingah�s, me� tilkomumikill �ts�ni yfir the hei�bl�r litur bl�r Caribbean Sj�r, hlusta til lag fr� a heimama�ur st�l tromma band, � me�an sipping The Lending M�l. �hrif vi� Caribbean efni, a� me�t�ldum bl�r cuacao, kokonut romm, kristall romm, ananas safi og appels�na safi, the innihald ert hrista saman og bera fram � a k�koshneta skel og skreyting me� a l�knak�lfur bl�m.

The Gl�pama�ur Fylgikona b�fa

The Purpurarau�ur L�fi � the N�lenda L�fi H�tel, � L�fi Vor Ey�im�rk �rr��i, var upphaflega the s�gufr�gur undirheimar greni hvar gl�psamlegur framtak var�lfur framkoma vi� gl�pama�ur Al Wertheimer af the alr�mdur Purpurarau�ur Kl�ka � me�an the 1930s Bann t�mabil, ( �ess vegna the nafn af the Purpurarau�ur L�fi Veitingah�s).

The N�lenda L�fi H�tel hefur undanfari� ver�a fyrir a USD16 millj�n* (GBP 9,117,660) refurbishment og been endurvekja til �ess uppskerut�mi Hollywood t�fralj�mi, spun me� Sp�nska og Marokk�b�i �hrif, og er a glamorous enn gera l�ti� �r l�til t�skuverslun af 21st �ld kaldur me� a mj��m n�r veitingavagn blettur – the Purpurarau�ur L�fi Veitingah�s

The Gl�pama�ur Fylgikona b�fa skapa me� Kampav�n og St �j��verji, og skreyting me� a jar�arber er bera fram til gestur lifa � vellystingum � the �ti- bar, hvar the �ts�ni af the laug er grind vi� yndisfagur fjall s�n, og t�fra me� the hreinn mun�� af the stilling �essi upphaflega draga a� s�r Wertheimer og hans cohorts.

Gat � Einn

� kring the hn�ttur, the Fairmont nafn er f�lagi me� sumir af the world’s spennandi golf reynsla. � the Skoska sveit, the Fairmont St Andrews tilbo� gestur the her�a �skorun � the r�s og the f�gun ver�laun til halda h�t��legan the mikill leikur – the Gat � Einn!

The 17th Gat � the Kittocks r�s, Fairmont St Andrews, er fr�gur fyrir tilvera a ska�legur fj�lkynngi �essi byrjun me� a blindur teigur skot og doesn’t f� allir au�veldlega, �vingunar- kylfingur til vi�urv�ri �eirra wits ��ur � ��. Me� hr�fandi �ts�ni yfir the sj�r og gullinn fjara af St Andrews, the r�s g�rskaft �t dj�fullegur �skorun svo sem eins og �s��ur vandr��i blettur og dj�pur eldsneytisgeymir. Bl�sa � brj�st vi� The Devlin’s illr�mdur undirskrift gat, the Gat er Einn bera fram upp Glenmorangie, einn af Scotland’s f�gun einn- malt Uppr�ta, ‘on the velti�s ( golf bolti af �s) og er the hugsj�n endir til a h�r- r�s�na umfer�!

Veronica’s Smj�rl�ki

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A R�savi�ur �rr��i � Los Cabos, � the �j�rf� af Mex�k�’ Baja Skagi, er skammtur Veronica’s Smj�rl�ki � �ess Mex�kanskt brenniv�n & Ceviche bar. Nafndagur eftir � the h�fileikar�kur f�lagi af starfsf�lk hver skapa the hanast�l samsu�a, Veronica’s Smj�rl�ki er using the Nopal kaktus ��kve�inn greinir � ensku �tr�legur planta, innf�ddur ma�ur til the Baja sv��i – og mex�kanskt brenniv�n.

Innf�ddur ma�ur af the sv��i hafa langur nota�ur the Nopal kaktus, eins og snemma Baja gr��ari knew �a� var a gjafmildur planta me� fr�b�r l�knandi qualities. �eir geta vera stofna � Lat�na f��a marka�ur �t � gegn Mex�k�. The Nopal kaktus innihalda 17 am�n� s�ra, �tta af hver ert frumskilyr�i � the mannlegur megrunark�r, trefjaefni, steinefni, og v�tam�n. Nopal geta einnig hj�lpa stj�rna offita vi� sem koma m� � veg fyrir e�a afst�ra feitur byggja- upp og minnka frumu- og v�kvi var�veisla, ekki til umtal �a� gefa ��kve�inn greinir � ensku orka upp�rvun og lyfta �inn skap og hj�lpa afeitra the lifur og the l�kami � almennur.

The annar lykill efni � Veronica’s Smj�rl�ki er mex�kanskt brenniv�n. fr� the Bl�r Agave planta, mex�kanskt brenniv�n er innf�ddur ma�ur til Mex�k� og the upp�hald drykkur af the land.

Kv�ldkaffi Kokkteill

The H�tel Ney�a til- S�ngheiti t�ns vilja vera skammtur upp the kostna�arsamur Kv�ldkaffi Kokkteill hanast�l til gestur, skapa using the efni; Gera sprengju�r�s � Saf�r Gin, Jarl Grey Te, Cointreau og Dundee Marmalade.

The or� Ney�a til- S�ngheiti t�ns stinga upp � the myndm�l af framandleiki � the Stilla af. H�tel Ney�a til- S�ngheiti t�ns, the helgimynda- h�tel � Santa Einhyggja, kynna �ess undirskrift drykkur, a Kv�ldkaffi Kokkteill �essi kalla fram the merkissta�ur, lykta og finna brag� af af the go�sagnakenndur Ney�a til- S�ngheiti t�ns me� �ess samsetning af Austur- og Bretar efni og brag�mikill. The Kv�ldkaffi Kokkteill einnig uppfylling the sem �r�ir li�na t�� t�nn og gufuhvolf �essi the H�tel Ney�a til- S�ngheiti t�ns holdtekja. Gestur geta feel eins og ef �eir ert heims�kn the sk�ldskapar- jar�neskur parad�s hven�r sipping this appels�na-hued drykkur � me�an gazing � a t�frandi s�lsetur � the H�tel Ney�a til-La’s m�nis�s bar, F�runeyti 700, sj� yfir the fagur Kyrrahaf.

Uppruni Wellness & Heilsulind �rr��i Sj�setja til Tilbo�

�vi�jafnanlegur L�xus, Au�ga Reynsla, Heildarkerfis- Wellness og Gr�nn H�nnun

PHILADELPHIA, PABBI – A n�r l�r�ttur fl�tur af l�xus lifestyle �rr��i hefur sj�setja undir the v�rumerki Uppruni Wellness & Heilsulind Resorts, and Mexico’s famed Paraíso de la Bonita Resort, a Leading Small Hotels of the World, Virtuoso member and four-time winner of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award, will be the first Origin property. Origins Wellness & Spa Resorts will offer guests luxurious indulgence without the guilt. The announcement was made by Alex Zozaya, president of AMResorts, provider of sales, marketing and resort brand management services.

Situated on 14-acres of private beach and lush gardens, the ultra-luxury boutique beachfront Paraíso de la Bonita Resort is considered the most exclusive property in its category in Cancun’s Riviera Maya region.

The first Origins Wellness & Spa Resort

Origins Paraíso de la Bonita Riviera Maya will open in December 2008 under the management of AMResorts.

Since opening in 2000, Paraiso de la Bonita has been sought out by discerning travelers, celebrities and honeymooners seeking the ultimate in romance, serenity and service. Over the years, Paraíso de la Bonita also has been recognized with numerous awards for its outstanding culinary offerings which include three restaurants, a 5,000-bottle Wine Cellar with Private Dining Room and a distinct Water Cellar with a selection of 15 different brands. Other prestigious accolades include Conde Nast Traveler’s “One of the 50 Hot Hotels in the World” and “One of the Coolest Places to Stay,” “Best Spa of the Year” by Islands magazine, and a AAA Four Diamond Culinary Award, among others.

Paraíso de la Bonita Resort fuses authentic Mexican architecture with exquisite designs from around the world, creating a beautiful, peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere. Each of the 90 lavish oceanfront suites is uniquely decorated with hand-picked treasures and features private terraces, luxurious bathrooms with Bvlgari bath amenities, Frette robes and towels and spacious living rooms and bedrooms with the finest linens. For an added measure of intimacy and romance, a selection of rooms also offers access to private plunge pools and outdoor showers.

The resort is home to North America’s first certified Thalassotherapy Spa, which combines the ocean’s most beneficial elements with state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. In addition, the property’s private 48 ft. Catamaran, “La Bonita,” treats guests to a delightful experience on the beautiful waters of the Mexican Caribbean.

Origins Wellness & Spa Resorts Brand Concept

With select planned destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean, Origins Wellness & Spa Resorts represents the highest level of luxury and is characterized by unequaled romantic and holistic experiences combined with socially responsible practices, expressive architecture and exceptional service in natural and enriching environments.

According to Zozaya, Origins Wellness & Spa Resorts will offer an unparalleled vacation experience that will be forever etched in visitor’s minds. ‘Guests’ pleasure and consummate luxury will be the brand’s key points of differentiation. We will foster a sublime energy within the resorts that, combined with the most discriminating amenities and activities, will enhance every guest’s emotional and physical well-being,” he said.

Each Origins Wellness & Spa Resort will be an original, one-of-a-kind property offering the utmost attention to detail, unmatched luxurious accommodations filled with unique design elements and exceptional views, the finest linens and bathroom amenities, award-winning dining and wine collections, and an array of personalized services including, but not limited to, direct airport transfers, concierge-style check-in, and dedicated hosts and vacation planners for scheduling activities.

All Origins Wellness & Spa Resorts, offerings guests luxurious indulgence without the guilt, will incorporate a balanced combination of key attributes to deliver an exceptional holistic guest experience, all in original, one-of-a-kind AAA Five Diamond Award-winning settings:

Romance: Breathtaking settings and customized in-room experiences are offered prior to arrival with select amenities and an array of activities designed specifically for couples to ensure a heightened sense of romance;

Wellness: A combined balance of fitness, nutrition, spa and self-improvement is encouraged through customized menus, cuisine, trainers, exercise, rejuvenating therapies, Asian treatments and guided meditation;

Gourmet cuisine: ‘Culinary’ is defined with signature and celebrity chefs, recognizably branded restaurants, chef tables, show cooking and wine tastings;
Enrichment: Arts are emphasized through engaging musician and artist visits, photography and art instruction. Education of eco­-system sustainability is derived through coral reef exploration, mangrove discovery and turtle release programs;
Culture: Specific local sites will be explored from cacao farms to agave groves;
Entertainment:

Live musicians, soft music through the resort, underwater pool acoustics and music lounges provide daily and evening entertainment;

Soft adventure: Active guests can select excursions such as nature hikes, canoeing, zip lining, private jungle lunches and bike tours to local cenotes;
Volunteerism: Strong bonds are initiated with local communities through guest volunteerism and development of community self-help projects;
Green: Socially responsible & environmentally-friendly practices, will conserve natural resources and advocate awareness of the surrounding communities.

Additional brand features include oversized guest rooms and suites with ocean views and private terraces, wireless internet access, flat screen TVs with surround sound systems, multi-functional rechargeable outlets, non-smoking rooms, in-room espresso machines, gourmet dining and state-of-the-art spa facilities.

“Origins Wellness & Spa Resorts will bring both guests and surrounding communities an exceptional hospitality product designed to give back. Origins epitomizes the ideal of luxury, providing guests with everything they have come to expect from a five star property along with enriching holistic experiences,” said Zozaya

Zozaya is confident that the time is right to introduce Origins. “Our success with other brands, from major awards and recognition to high occupancies and repeat guest ratios, encouraged us to expand. Significant positive awareness among agents and consumers and strong distribution channels should be key factors in our continued success,” he said.

To learn more about Origins Wellness & Spa Resorts, please visit www.OriginsResorts.com or call toll free at 1.866.751.9175.

If the idea of nearly a third of a year off to go cruising sounds like your sort of a holiday, consider an amazing 101-nights from New York to Sydney and back to New York aboard Cunard’s grand Queen Mary 2 in 2010.

This ultimate in special anniversary, birthday or even retirement gifts to yourself (or an employee,) will visit 32 ports in 21 countries between January 4 and April 15 2010 and is selling through ecruising.travel at over 30-per cent below previously advertised prices.

A hotel night in New York pre-cruise, all 5-star onboard dining throughout the 101 nights cruise, a special World Cruise Celebration Dinner and complimentary World Cruise Gift, nightly Broadway-style shows and late-release movies, complimentary room service, gratuities, port charges, and transfers in New York are all included.

As well, an onboard spending credit of up to US$1000pp (depending on cabin category) is included in the price that starts from $24,999pp twin-share – a saving of $10,750pp – with free cabin upgrades on select cabin categories, and an additional 5% off for past Cunard guests.

Air travel and taxes are additional; for full information and a detailed itinerary phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

ITINERARY DETAILS: Queen Mary 2 will sail 7-nights across the Atlantic to Southampton, then Lisbon, Civitavecchia for Rome, Port Said (Cairo,) Safaga for Luxor and Karnak, Muscat, Dubai, Mumbai, Phuket, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hong Kong where she will overnight.

From Hong Kong she sails on to Shanghai, Nagasaki, Yokohama for Tokyo, Guam, Rabaul, the Whitsunday Islands, Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Sydney (overnight,) Adelaide, Perth, Port Louis in Mauritius, Durban, Cape Town (overnight,) St Helena, Rio de Janeiro, Barbados, Fort Lauderdale and New York.

……………………………………

Whether you are seeking the tranquility of a city sanctuary hidden amidst the vibrant atmosphere of bustling streets or the idyllic waterfront setting of a picturesque Mediterranean retreat, the latest offering by Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ will be sure to inspire you.

‘City Sanctuaries by Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ and ‘A Taste of the Mediterranean by Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ have been designed to meet the increasing demand by ‘cash rich, time poor’ travellers for short, exclusive getaways. Based on two nights ‘bed and breakfast’*, the programmes include offers from more than 100 of Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s city centre properties and over 70 Mediterranean retreats. From Seattle to Singapore and Sotogrande to Santorini, the diversity is endless.

While there is much to be said for immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of a buzzing metropolis, there is nothing more reassuring than the knowledge that a luxurious and inviting bolthole awaits you after a hectic day. In response to this, the ‘City Sanctuaries by Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ programme has been designed to make it as easy as possible to track down that elusive ‘oasis of calm’ amidst the frenzied pace of city life. Here you will find hotels that cater to both the business traveller and those in pursuit of the perfect weekend escape.

Whether it is in Asia, where hospitality is deeply ingrained in the culture, the rich and colourful heritage of Europe, or the vitality and energy of America, Small Luxury Hotels of the World is guaranteed to have a retreat to suit your needs. From the exceptional décor and style of Ca’Sagredo Hotel (www.slh.com/casagredohotel), a historical palazzo in the centre of Venice, to the elegance of The Iroquois New York (www.slh.com/iroquois) in the heart of Manhattan, or the sophistication of Mansion Hotel (www.slh.com/themansion), a stunning colonial residence in Shanghai’s French Concession. With a choice of over 100 hotels in major cities around the world, from the traditional to the more exotic of locations, the eclectic mix of Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s city sanctuaries will undoubtedly tempt you.

Alternatively, you may wish to escape to the peace and serenity of a Mediterranean hideaway, in which case, ‘A Taste of the Mediterranean by Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ offers the perfect solution. One of the greatest appeals of this captivating region is the vastly differing landscape from rugged mountains to picturesque villages and hidden coves. It is amongst this rich tapestry that you will uncover an unrivalled selection of Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties. From Gran Hotel Elba Estepona & Thalasso Spa (www.slh.com/elbaestepona), a quiet coastal resort in Spain, to the style and glamour of Hôtel Belles-Rives (www.slh.com/bellesrives) along the Côte d’Azur, or the stunning Lyrian architecture of San Giorgio (www.slh.com/sangiorgio) in Portofino in Italy. Travelling further east you will find the enchanting waterfront setting of Riva, Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel (www.slh.com/rivahotel) on the island of Hvar, in Croatia. Equally tempting is the myriad of Greek islands with seemingly endless sunshine, where on the island of Mykonos, the classic whitewashed buildings of Porto Mykonos (www.slh.com/portomykonos) beckon.

Both ‘City Sanctuaries by Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ and ‘A Taste of the Mediterranean’ support the existing ‘Experiences by Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ programme, which was launched late last year. Focusing on the themes of culture, spa, culinary and active adventure, the ‘Experiences’ programme was developed to meet the increasing demands by discerning travellers for hotels to provide something over and above just a room to sleep in. The latest programmes are the perfect complement to this.

For full details, and to book ‘City Sanctuaries by Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ and ‘A Taste of the Mediterranean by Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ packages, visit www.slh.com/inspirations. Details of ‘Experiences by Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ can be found on www.slh.com/experiences.html.

(*Terms and conditions apply)

*** Ends ***

About Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Small Luxury Hotels of the World is an exclusive brand of more than 450 independent, luxury hotels offering an infinite variety of memorable experiences in 70 countries.

Whether guests are seeking a blissful spa retreat, the rustic charm of a country villa, a secluded beachside resort, the refined splendour of an old English country house or a sanctuary hidden amid the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling city centre, Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers only the very best. Reservations can be made at any Small Luxury Hotel of the World by calling toll-free 1 800 251 958 (Australia) or +65 6232 5060. Travel agents need only remember the GDS code LX for LuXury.

Hotels interested in applying to be part of the brand of Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ may visit www.joinslh.com for further information and details

Country Walkers, a small-group walking tour provider, is offer many adult education opportunities on its 2009 adventures. Here are some examples: Egypt — The Legendary Nile à la Carte:

Country Walkers’ 10-day land and river excursion through Egypt explores the heart of Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor Valley and the Nile in the company of an eloquent and expert Egyptologist.

 The package is priced from $6,598 per person.

Nepal — Annapurnas & Chitwan Safari à la Carte: A 10-day journey that visits shrines, Buddhist temples and Royal Chitwan National Park, a wildlife sanctuary where endangered species of elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, monkeys, and a myriad of birds are protected.

The package is priced from $3,998 per person.

Mexico — The Real Baja à la Carte: Journey deep to discover Baja, Mexico’s unique history on this seven-day adventure – now available à la carte for guests who want to customize their experience with more cultural options. Walk the Sea of Cortez, explore ranchero life, and enjoy Pacific Coast beaches by horseback.

The package is priced from $3,198 per person.

Panama — The Canal, Highlands & Islands à la Carte: Now available à la carte, this eight-day tour is a journey of wonder and discovery. Take walks in varied ecosystems, including rainforests and volcanic hills, snorkel among coral reefs, and identify exotic wildlife in the Chiriqui highlands.

The package is priced from $3,298 per person.

For more information, call 800-464-WALK (9255) or visit www.countrywalkers.com

The traditional Tulum Sea Turtle Festival will take place on Oct. 17 and 18. The event is organized by the Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico organization (FFCM) and other companies as well as the public and government organizations of Tulum and Solidaridad. The Sea Turtle Festival is a free event for the whole family, and encourages the participants to learn about sea turtles that are considered to be endangered species, and to familiarize themselves with the various organizations that are trying to protect them. Many artistic, environmental and cultural activities will also be a part of the festival. On Oct. 17, in the Culture House of Tulum, the results of different sea turtle conservation programs will be presented, accompanied by a series of artistic and cultural activities. During the opening of the festival, awards will be given to children’s paintings and about 1,500 children from Tulum’s elementary schools are expected to participate.

Other participating public organizations will be responsible for various environmental awareness education programs, including the Ecology Center of Sian Ka’an, Xcaret Park, Xel-Ha Park, Global Vision International and the University of Quintana Roo, together with the Urban Development and Environmental Secretariat, the Commission of Natural and Protected areas and the public organization of Quintana Roo as well as Tulum and Solidaridad’s municipalities.

On Oct. 18, starting at 7 a.m., the Playa Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) will be decorated and ready to commence the beach cleaning activities, sand sculpture and kite flying competitions. These activities are organized by various associations and institutions dedicated to environmental and cultural work, such as the Ecological Center of Akumal, the Eco Bahia Foundation and the Environmental Management Department of Tulum and Solidaridad’s municipalities. Also on Oct. 18, at 5:30pm, the Sea Turtle Sanctuary Xcacel-Xcacelito will recreate a collective experience through a symbolic liberation of the baby sea turtles. Each participant will be able to be a part of this project, which is a tribute to the oldest inhabitants of our beaches and sea. As a part of the ceremony, everyone attending is requested to bring a candle, a flower and to dress in white. On Oct. 18, the Xcacel Sanctuary will be closed until 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.rivieramaya.com

Ride well-trained horses through spectacular Mexican scenery along trails, paths, dirt roads and old ‘Caminos Reales’, relax in a luxurious hacienda and witness the natural spectacle of millions of Monarch Butterflies gathering to over winter (end of October). Equine Adventures’ 8-day Cabalgatas la Sierra horseback adventure departs Mexico City throughout October and November 2008.

The colonial town of Valle de Bravo, located on the shore of Lake Avándaro, is surrounded by evergreen forest, meadows, valleys, rivers and streams offering horse and rider an incredible variety of terrain. Discover ‘old’ Mexican countryside and traditions while riding fit and well-trained horses along the ‘cabalgatas la sierra’ routes traversing the Sierra Madre Mountains. From the village of Los Saucos, ride to the valley of the butterflies to see millions of Monarch Butterflies congregating and weighing down tree branches after their migration from Canada and the USA.

Rides are based at the traditional five-star Finca Enyhe, for 7-nights, located on the outskirts of Valle de Bravo offering all the benefits of both town and country. The hacienda is set around a central courtyard with a beautiful established garden separating the house from the traditional stalls and riding arena.

After exhilarating rides, the hacienda’s grooms and wranglers un-tack and clean the horses, so you can slip on your sombrero and relax in one of the many shady hammocks strung from the veranda, or head for the outdoor Jacuzzi with a chilled ‘Margarita’! For time out of the saddle, take a wander along the narrow cobbled streets of Valle de Bravo, through its central plaza, exploring the food markets, bars and restaurants and searching out souvenirs in the art galleries and craft shops. Alternatively, enjoy a boat trip on the lake, visit El Pino park, home of a 695-year old Cyprus, or experience the 115ft Velo de Novia’s waterfall.

The holiday costs £1,440 p/p (ride only) including return transfers from Mexico City, 5-star hacienda accommodation, most meals, wine with evening meal, horse, tack and expertly guided activities. Flights are not included but are available through Equine Adventures.

Equine Adventures
0845 130 6981
sales@equineadventures.co.uk
www.equineadventures.co.uk

Orient Lines has revamped its rate structure in response to the current financial crisis. The line’s owner, entrepreneur Wayne Heller, has launched a new Leadership Pricing initiative, with 11-day Europe cruises priced from $1,799 per person, based on double occupancy. “The economy is still in a very, very precarious place,” Heller said.

“This is the time for Orient Lines to take a leadership position in the industry and truly do something that helps consumers. Our new Leadership Pricing translates to savings of up to $5,000 per cabin off brochure rates.” Heller purchased the assets of Orient Lines and is resurrecting the destination specialty line. Under the new rate structure, two 11-day Mediterranean cruises are priced from $1,799 per person, double, reduced from $2,999. Two 16-day Baltic cruise-tours, which include an overnight hotel stay and sightseeing in Berlin, are priced from $2,999 per person, double, reduced from $4,649.

The 11-day Aegean Odyssey departs Port Said, Egypt, on April 29, and visits Cyprus, Rhodes, Antalya, Didim and Kusadasi and Istanbul.

Overnights are scheduled for Cairo and Istanbul. Black Sea Explorer is an 11-day roundtrip from Istanbul departing May 9. Ports of call include Trabzon, Turkey; Batumi, Georgia; Sochi, Russia; Yalta, Sevastopol and Odessa, Ukraine; and Nessebar, Bulgaria.

The round-trip Istanbul voyage includes an overnight aboard ship before departure. The line’s 16-day Great Baltics I and II cruise-tours operate between Dover (London) and Szcezin, Poland, and include a one-night hotel stay and city tour in Berlin. The highlight of the cruise is three full days in St. Petersburg, Russia. Ports of call include Amsterdam; Travemunde (Lubeck), Germany; Copenhagen; Stockholm; Helsinki; Tallinn, Estonia; and Riga, Latvia.

Savings are also offered on fall voyages. The Passage to Rio, departing Nov. 8, 2009, is a 20-day cruise from Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro, priced from $1,799 per person, double. Ports include Malaga and Cadiz (Seville) in Spain; Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; Lanzarote, Canary Islands; Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands; and Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. An overnight is scheduled aboard ship in Rio de Janeiro.

As part of Orient’s Leadership Pricing initiative, the number of air gateways has doubled to 40 in North America. Round-trip economy class air add-on fares to Europe are priced from $695 from the East Coast, $795 from the Midwest and $895 from the West Coast. The maiden voyage of the Marco Polo II is set for April 15. The classic 650-guest Marco Polo II features four open-seating dining venues, six bars, a show lounge, cinema, casino, library and Internet center, card room, fitness center, spa with indoor pool and outdoor swimming pool. Experts from the fields of academia, politics, science and the diplomatic corps will be featured on every voyage.

On longer voyages, gentleman hosts will be along to dance and dine with unescorted female travelers. For more information, call 800-333-7300 or visit www.orientlines.com