Jetsettersblog

KOSRAE, Micronesia- In the South Pacific, the island of Kosrae asks volunteers to help protect their pristine reefs by capturing them with their camera. Just below the Pacific’s cerulean surface, tropical fish, pristine hard coral reefs, turtles, rays, even friendly sharks are ready to show their colors. Every fall Kosrae Village hosts an annual Coral Monitoring Project which looks at the health of some of the last remaining pristine fringe reefs in the world and their marine life.

The two-week long project attracts volunteer divers from around the world. New in the last year volunteer scuba divers will now be asked to take photos of the reefs as a way of detecting changes. Diving conditions typically include 150+ foot visibility with air and water temperatures around 84°F.

Kosrae Village, an eco lodge and PADI 5 Star Dive Center, is very active in the project and helps subsidize costs for volunteers. During the project, volunteers enjoy sleeping beneath the palm fronds of traditional Kosraen cottages and listening to the nearby waves calming crashing. Learn more about the history of the Coral Monitoring Project and other Reef Protection Projects on Kosrae at www.kosraevillage.com

www.kosraevillage.com

Tweet: Discover the Wonders of the South Pacific on two March 2012 Yacht Cruises with Award-Winning Compagnie du Ponant; http://tinyurl.com/3t5twa3

Miami, FL – White sand beaches in Fiji, volcanic peaks and lush rainforests in French Polynesia, the world’s largest lagoon in the Isle of Pines, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the wonders of the South Pacific are within easy reach for guests aboard Compagnie du Ponant’s newest mega-yacht, L’Austral. The two March itineraries are designed for the traveler who prefers visits to off-the-beaten­-path, unspoiled destinations, on a ship that is well-suited to sailing into the smaller, less-visited ports, especially one that has been rated as a “Cleanship” by Bureau Veritas. The 16-day “Papeete – Noumea itinerary,” departing March 2, visits 10 ports between French Polynesia and New Caledonia, including the stunning island of Moorea, named “the most beautiful island in the world” by Arthur Frommer, and Fiji’s capital city of Suva, home to a large expat community. On March 17, L’Austral sets sail on its 15-day “Noumea – Darwin” itinerary, exploring several French and Australian treasures, such as the Isle of Pines, nicknamed l’île la plus proche du paradis (“the closest island to paradise”), and the Great Barrier Reef. Stylish accommodations, elegant design, and discrete and attentive personalized service – assured by a staff to guest ratio of greater than 1:2 – all contribute to the guest’s “private yachting experience.” Prices range from $6,075 to $16,070 per person, double, for the “Papeete – Noumea” itinerary and $5,670 to $14,998 for “Noumea – Darwin.”

Guests on the “Papeete – Noumea” cruise visit several French Polynesian ports, including the capital city of Papeete, on the island of Tahiti; the pristine beaches of Moorea; Raiatea, an agricultural island producing vanilla, pineapple and coconut; and Bora Bora, a volcanic island surrounded by a veritable aquarium of whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles. After stops in Aitutaki and Rarotonga, two of the Cook Islands, the ship makes its way across the International Date Line to the Vava’u island chain in Tonga and the Fiji islands of Fulaga and Suva. The voyage concludes in the same port that the second cruise begins: the protected deep water harbor of Noumea, the capital city of the French territory.

The “Noumea – Darwin” itinerary sails to the fore mentioned Isle of Pines before continuing on and spending three days at the Great Barrier Reef, whose vulnerable and endangered species reside among 2900 reefs and 900 islands stretching more than 1,600 miles. On the mainland of Australia, the ship ports in Townsville, known for “The Strand,” a tropical beach and garden strip; Cooktown, with its rich biodiversity; and the tropical cities of Cairns and Port Douglas. L’Austral then stops at Australia’s most northerly town, Thursday Island, before making its final port of Darwin, the Northern Territory’s most populous city.

The 466-foot L’Austral mega-yacht instills a feeling of sailing on a private yacht while also providing guests all of the comforts of a true vacation. The “Cleanship”-rated ship boasts two restaurants with delicious cuisine – both haute and country French, several spacious lounges, theater, games area, two open-air bars, a swimming pool, library, fitness area, expansive sun decks, and comprehensive spa in partnership with Paris’s Sothys. The 132 well-appointed staterooms, 124 with private balconies, have king size or twin beds, desk, minibar, dressing table, marble baths with showers, L’Occitane products and all the latest technology, including flat screen satellite TVs and Wi-Fi. The “Cleanship” rating is given to vessels that exceed the MARPOL convention for waste treatment, antifouling or propulsion systems, a very select group.

Included in all sailings are all meals, accompanied by wine, beer and soda; Captain’s welcome aboard cocktail party and gala dinner; 24-hour room service; and all entertainment, events and shows as indicated within the itinerary. Port charges/taxes, gratuities, optional excursions and transfers are additional.

Established in 1988, Compagnie du Ponant is a member of both La Charte Bleue d’Armateurs de France and IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators). All of Compagnie du Ponant’s ships and cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments and local flora and fauna.

Compagnie du Ponant’s North American sales office is located at: 2 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2000, Miami, Florida 33131. For reservations and further information, call: 1-305-398-9849 or toll free: 1-888-400-1082; fax: 1-877-533-3043; email: USreservations@ponant.com  or go to www.en.ponant.com

KOSRAE, Micronesia- Looking for a new winter vacation spot away from the cold and snow?

A place where you can wander through underwater gardens, race through tropical rainforests in search of hidden ruins, paddle through mysterious mangrove channels and fall asleep in a cottage on the beach?

Kosrae Village in the South Pacific has an adventure for everyone after stepping off the plane.

Underwater Playgrounds- Ever wonder what it would be like to swim with Nemo? Scuba dive or snorkel at sites like Hiroshi Point or Walung Coral Gardens and watch colorful fish and invertebrates play. Keep a look out for turtles, rays, urchins, and anemones.

Diving classes and all gear are available with Sleeping Lady Divers.

Mangroves Paddle outrigger canoes or kayaks through Kosrae’s mangroves where trees appear to be walking through water. A local guide can show you the way, and maybe the next day you can strike out on your own.
Ancient Ruins Search for signs of ancient civilizations on the island.

When hiking through the rainforest, watch for ancient ceremonial sites or artifacts.

You can even visit a manmade island, which was once home to Kosraen royalty. Modern historical relics are also sprinkled around the island. Take a trip to a WW II bunker or search for a Japanese radio.

All of these adventures and others such as beachcombing, surfing, fishing, weaving, and tidepooling can be found on Kosrae. Kosrae Village’s Family Fun package includes 6 nights and 7 days for less than $550 per person. Kids under 12 stay free.
www.kosraevillage.com

One ticket for round trip airfare to the Micronesian island of Kosrae!
On this unspoiled island you’ll experience true eco-adventure and a diver’s island paradise. Kosrae is a 42-square-mile island located 1,418 miles southeast of Guam and 2,960 miles southwest of Hawaii.
Create a video – 5 minutes or less, telling how you would spend your time on this small tropical paradise.
Make us giggle, make us think, impress us with your fish or coral knowledge, film or graphic skills (i.e. Don your scuba gear and sing us through a day on Kosrae!) The deep blue ocean is the limit, but creativity is key!
SELECTING THE FINALISTS

The finalists in our video contest will be selected by participants’ friends. family, coworkers and anyone else who votes for a video during the judging period. People can vote for each video submission once per day. The Kosrae Visitors Bureau will select the grand prize winning video from the five videos that get the most votes.
IMPORTANT DATES
Submit Videos: October 17 – October 31
Voting period: November 1 – November 15
Jury selects winner: November 16 − 18
Winner Announced: November 21

KOSRAE, Micronesia- In parts of the world fall brings golden aspens, ruby maples, and terracotta maples front and center. This autumn after you’ve had your fill of pretty leaves and the winds turn cold, head to the South Pacific for a new interpretation of fall colors. Kosrae Island is a diver and snorkeler’s paradise. Just below the Pacific’s cerulean surface, tropical fish, pristine hard coral reefs, turtles, rays, even friendly sharks are ready to show their colors. Novice divers can watch for octopi, shrimp, and reef fish amongst the Walung Coral Gardens. Nearby the Walung Drop Off showcases resident schools of rainbow runners and barracuda with surprises hidden between the coral heads. World class snorkeling is to the east at Hiroshi Point where schools of parrotfish and eagle rays swim amidst the large hard corals. Technical divers are invited to help with a 150 ft. deep island circumnavigation goal and discover new wonders.

On the island Kosrae Village, a local eco-lodge and dive shop, offers a Divers Delight package. The package includes 6-nights, 7-days accommodations, 4 days diving- including 1 night day, and Nitrox (training included if needed) for under $1000! For those new to diving, the dive shop also provides PADI certification. If planning to visit in October, find out about the annual Coral Monitoring Project where volunteers collect data about the health of local fringing reefs. This fall experience the colors and adventures of the South Pacific and Kosrae Village.

www.kosraevillage.com

The Star Alliance has introduced the Micronesia Airpass. Passengers an purchase up to 10 flights on the Continental Airlines and United network across Micronesia, all in a single ticket at an attractive price.

Travel on the Micronesia Airpass can commence from any Star Alliance destination in Japan, as well as from Cairns, Guam, Hong Kong, Manila, Nadi, Palau or Saipan and is available only in conjunction with an international Star Alliance flight into any of these destinations.

Micronesia consists of more than 2,000 islands scattered across the North Pacific and is an ideal location for many types of water sports, such as scuba diving, surfing, kayaking or fishing.

Star Alliance member carriers Continental Airlines and United offer the most comprehensive airline network in Micronesia.

In addition to Guam, customers can choose to travel to: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia; Kwajalein Atoll and Majuro in the Marshall Islands; Rota and Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands as well as Palau.

For more information, visit www.staralliance.com

The new Ngellil Nature Island Resort has made its debut in Palau, Micronesia.

The eco-resort is the brainstorm of Palau Plantation Resort’s Saburo Ishige, who designed a similar resort on the more populous destination in Palau’s capital, Koror.

The Ngellil Nature Island Resort is a one-of-a-kind, eight-room property that is only accessible by boat transfer and is ideal for couples or those that want to truly get away from it all.

The full-service property features accommodations made of natural products from the islands; barbecued meals made on site; private beach for hotel guests only; private hiking trails, which wend through a lush jungle; sea kayaking; snorkeling; and fishing.

A 10-minute boat ride from the main island of Airai, guests will find the Rock Islands.

As the only commercial entity on its own piece of the island, guests have complete privacy and autonomy. Designed to harmonize with nature, the resort has only two buildings, one housing the eight guest rooms and the other serves as lobby and restaurant.

The exclusive resort has its own private beach as well as an outdoor dining area where guest are served set menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Although menus can be customized according to each guest’s dietary restrictions, it is recommended that visitors enjoy the wide array of fresh, local fare, which is prepared on the outdoor grill.

The “Bai-inspired” building that houses the eight guest rooms is made entirely of local products, including local wood; bamboo; interior walls that are designed with banana mat and pandanus mat; and a roof layered with “Tuechl” (a Palauan word for Nipa leaves). Suited for no more than two guests per room, each of the guest rooms are designed so that the natural breeze of fresh air and the evening starlight can embrace guests.

To add an air of elegance, daily housekeeping services include fresh flowers strewn across the bed in an artistic and romantic fashion. Room rates start at $150 per night with a $50 surcharge/per person for meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

For more information, call 680-587-1059, email ngellilnaturalisland@yahoo.com  or visit www.visit-palau.com

KOSRAE, Micronesia- Kosrae Island is a diver and snorkeler’s paradise.

Just below the Pacific’s cerulean surface, tropical fish, pristine hard coral reefs, turtles, rays, even friendly sharks are ready to show their colors.

Novice divers can watch for octopi, shrimp, and reef fish amongst the Walung Coral Gardens.

Nearby the Walung Drop Off showcases resident schools of rainbow runners and barracuda with surprises hidden between the coral heads.

World class snorkeling is to the east at Hiroshi Point where schools of parrotfish and eagle rays swim amidst the large hard corals. Technical divers are invited to help with a 150 ft. deep island circumnavigation goal and discover new wonders. Divers interested in a bit of history can explore plane, whaler, and pirate ship wrecks in Utwe and Lelu Harbors.

On the island Kosrae Village, a local eco-lodge and dive shop, offers a Divers Delight package.

The package includes 6-nights, 7-days accommodations, 4 days diving- including 1 night day, and Nitrox (training included if needed) for under $1000! For those new to diving, the dive shop also provides PADI certification.

This fall experience the colors and adventures of the South Pacific and Kosrae Village.

www.kosraevillage.com   Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about diving in Kosrae.

Love and Beauty on the Micronesian Shores of Kosrae
KOSRAE ISLAND, Micronesia- Lovers beware one trip to Kosrae Village and you may be scrambling to leave the urban chaos of the real world forever. Owners Bruce and Katrina fell for the lush rainforest covered cliffs and sparkling cerulean-colored waters of Kosrae Island and never looked back. Kosrae Village is an eco-adventure resort boasting ocean-front cottages, a dive shop and the delicious Inum Restaurant all created in the style of pre-contact Kosrae and built using traditional Micronesian materials and methods. Not to worry modern amenities have been added for the comfort of today’s travelers.

Lovebirds can take advantage of their many packages including the 6-day 7-night honeymoon delight deal for under $1000. Adventurous couples can snorkel stunning coral reefs, wreck dive sunken ships or trek the rainforest in search of ancient Menka and Lelu ruins. Couples wanting to give back are invited to volunteer during the annual coral monitoring project in October. In more of a laid-back relax in the sun mood? The beaches promise days full of sun, surf and relaxation, minus the crowds found in the Caribbean. This is just a taste of the beauty and adventure waiting for guests at Kosrae Village.

Don’t let the distance deter, Continental Airlines offers a special Visit Micronesia fare which commences from Hawaii and Guam. For instructions on finding this fare, stop by the Kosrae Village website or email Katrina at katrinakvr@gmail.com . Fall in love all over again at Kosrae Village.

www.kosraevillage.com

KOSRAE, Micronesia- Travelers looking for thrills look no further than Micronesia’s Kosrae Island. Traditional eco-lodge and dive resort, Kosrae Village has a 6-day 7-night Kosrae Island Exploration package for under $1000. Adventure enthusiasts can kayak the mangrove channels, dive and snorkel the stunning coral reefs, and trek through island rainforests to discover ancient ruins. For those new to scuba, or wanting to expand their skills, PADI and DSAT training are available. Additional activities such as blue fishing, with local fishermen of course, paddling outrigger canoes, and mountain climbing are offered for additional fees, $20-$50 USD. Kosrae Village also boasts the top restaurant on the island, Inum Restaurant, which serves up traditional Micronesian dishes with a few American staples mixed in. Top chefs can accommodate most dietary requests, including vegan and vegetarian options. After a day full of excitement, guests can follow the candlelit pathways to thatched cottages and fall asleep to the sounds of waves crashing nearby.
www.kosraevillage.com