Jetsettersblog

World Extreme surfing champion Garrett McNamara reveals his secrets to big wave surfing at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com.

“Some of my friends think I’m a madman. But I like seeking out and surfing the most dangerous waves that I can find,” says McNamara, speaking to Peggy Hall at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com.

From Hawaii to Alaska and everywhere in between, big-wave charger Garrett McNamara puts himself in such heavy situations that we mortals can only look at him in awe — not even envy — unless that is, you like wondering if you’re going to make it through your next surf session alive.

How does he do it? What in nature’s name gives this extreme surfing world champion such laser focus, drive, tenacity, toughness and sheer I-Know-I-Can-Do-This confidence? Just exactly what does he do to stay in such amazing shape for big-wave surfing?

Now you can find out. McNamara himself lays it all out in a just-released video clip right at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com

Listen in as he tells Peggy Hall his secret weapon for feeling “confident and secure” in life-threatening surf.

The good news is that even if you can’t surf the unfathomable waves that Garrett does, at least you can benefit from one of his training tools.

More secrets to better surfing are revealed at http://www.YogaforSurfers.com

Eighteen leisurely days cruising the islands of the South Pacific from Sydney to Hawaii is selling aboard the luxury Dawn Princess from just $2899pp twin-share – a saving of $800 per person over previously advertised prices if booked through ecruising.travel, and including a night post-cruise in Waikiki and air from Honolulu back to Sydney*.

The 77,500 tonne Dawn Princess will cruise out of Sydney on April 18 next year for four laid-back days at sea before visiting Nuku’alofa and Vava’u in Tonga, Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, a day and a night in Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Christmas Island, and two final days at sea before arriving in Honolulu where there’s a night at the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel.

Dawn Princess, that’s the length of three football fields, offers Princess Cruises’ Anytime Dining with dishes created by chef-members of the famed Chaine des Rotisseurs gastronomic society, and a choice of a Traditional Dining Room, a specialty Steakhouse, 24-hour bistro, a poolside hamburger and hot dog grill, patisserie, pizzeria, and an ice-cream bar.

There’s also an extensive choice of bars and lounges, two nightly live-stage showrooms, late-release movies, four pools, a sports court, spa with ocean-view gym, and a “listening library.”

For full details phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

 * Air taxes and fuel surcharges applicable at time of booking are additional

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Hanseatic is offering a South Pacific adventure from April 20 to May 12. Stops include Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia (Bali). Passengers meet the ship in Noumea, New Caledonia, and disembark in Benoa, Bali. With the discount now running, guests purchasing a category 1 outside cabin will get automatically upgraded to a category 3 or higher cabin, for a savings of at least 25 percent, and will also receive a $420 onboard credit.

The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are isolated in the Pacific. Highlights of this trip include a welcome ceremony on the Island of Tuam by local villagers, hiking through caves on Loh Island, Zodiac landings on the Solomon Islands, snorkeling off of the Shortland Islands, a flight over Papua New Guinea (an additional cost), and Zodiac trips on the narrow Sepik River and through the rock labyrinth off Gam in Indonesia.

The Hanseatic accommodates up to 184 guests in outside cabins that measure 237 square feet and suites of 474 square feet. Each cabin features a complimentary TV information network with private email, movies on demand and radio and cruise information.

Internet is available in the business center at an additional charge. The ship also has a swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool and fitness center. Onboard lecturers include scientists, expedition leaders and specialists who guide landings. The lecturers also offer pre- and post-excursion recaps, onboard seminars and individual meetings throughout the cruise. The voyage is priced from $12,156 per person, double occupancy, for a guaranteed outside cabin in category 3 or higher.

Not included in the cruise fare are airfare to and from the ship, transfers and excursions.

For more information, call 877-445-7447 or visit www.hl-cruises.com

Aurora Expeditions offers travellers the chance to experience the rich cultural heritage and unspoilt nature of Papua New Guinea with a special offer for families on their two voyages departing April 2009.

For each full paying adult, one child between 10 – 18 years of age Travels for FREE*.

These distinct 11-day voyages go in search of the unexpected. On board the 100-passenger expedition ship Marina Svetaeva, spacious viewing decks and a fleet of Zodiacs make her an excellent vessel for an in-depth exploration of PNG’s hidden bays and striking coral reefs. Next year Aurora has added options for their guests to kayak and scuba dive in PNG’s azure waters or taking exhilarating helicopter rides to explore inland.

Voyage 1 – Alotau to Rabaul (Lost in Paradise)
Departs – 10th April 2009 (11 days) – Easter School Holidays!
‘Lost is Paradise’ is a broad exploration of the eastern New Guinea coastline and islands of the Bismarck Archipelago including Admiralty and New Hanover Islands. From walking in the vast tropical jungle to cruising along the tropical fjords of Tufi, this voyage will take in a staggering variety of pristine environments.

Voyage 2 – Rabaul to Alotau (Islands of Smiles)
Departs – 20th April 2009 (11 days)
‘Islands of Smiles’ begins with an in-depth look at the southern coast of New Britain where you will experience expedition cruising at its best as we go in search of adventure. We then explore the tranquil isles of Milne Bay province, a group of dramatic volcanoes and coral atolls where ancient traditions flourish.

Prices: Starting from AU$5,290per person, includes all meals on board and Zodiac excursions.

* Offer is inclusive of the cruise component only and does not include; airfares, transfers, tours or accommodation, other than onboard the ship.

For more details on this special offer, or to obtain a copy of the new Papua New Guinea 2009 brochure, contact Aurora Expeditions on 1800 637 688, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or email auroraex@auroraexpeditions.com.au

 The Qantas Frequent Flyer program today announced the introduction
of the new NAB Qantas Gold and NAB Qantas Platinum credit card range* from National Australia Bank (NAB).

The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas Frequent Flyer Simon Hickey said the new NAB Qantas card products allowed NAB customers to accelerate points earn as each account came with the benefit of two cards - a NAB Qantas American Express® Card and either a NAB Qantas Visa card or a NAB Qantas MasterCard®# card.

“With these direct earn cards, members can maximise the benefits of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program by seamlessly earning points on every day purchases and building points in their Qantas Frequent Flyer account,” Mr Hickey said.

Mr Hickey said features of the new cards offered by NAB include (see below for more details):

1.5 points for every $1 spent on the NAB Qantas Platinum American Express® Card;
 no points cap on the NAB Qantas Platinum card account; and
automatic crediting of points to a member’s Qantas Frequent Flyer account each month. “Members can accelerate their points earning to redeem their desired Qantas Frequent Flyer Awards sooner.”

He said that by making a purchase using the new NAB cards from any of the 350 plus Qantas Frequent Flyer program partners, members could earn points twice from the one transaction - once by making the payment on their card and once with the partner when they present their Qantas Frequent Flyer card. “Members have an impressive array of reward choices that include Qantas and Partner Classic Awards and Qantas and Jetstar Any Seat Awards.

 “The new Qantas Frequent Flyer program also gives members the choice of more than 1,000 products, including over 100 retail and travel vouchers from the Qantas Frequent Flyer Store,” he said.

NAB General Manager, Cards and Personal Loans, Sam Nickless, said the new cards were a welcome addition to NAB’s credit card portfolio.

“We are delighted to be launching our new range of Qantas credit cards as they allow our customers to continue to take advantage of Qantas Frequent Flyer program benefits.

“We know many of our customers are serious about points earn, and a key feature of the new range is it enables customers to accelerate the number of points earned by giving them two cards that are part of one simple account – with one statement, one credit limit and one monthly repayment.”

For more information, go to www.qantas.com/cards

Features of the new cards offered by NAB include:

NAB Qantas Platinum Card account

 1.5 points for every AUD$1 spent on the NAB Qantas Platinum American Express® Card.

 two points for every AUD$3 spent on the NAB Qantas Platinum Visa card. NAB Qantas MasterCard® card not available with the NAB Qantas Platinum Card account.

 one additional point per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services, conditions apply.

 up to 44 interest free days.
 complimentary NAB insurances including: Overseas Travel Insurance; Interstate Flight Inconvenience Insurance; Transport Accident Insurance; Purchase Protection Insurance; and Extended Warranty Insurance and more.

NAB Qantas Gold Card account^

AUD$0-AUD$3,000 account spend per month (i.e. total spend across all cards on the card account):

 one point per AUD$1 spent on NAB Qantas Gold American Express® Card.
 two points per AUD$3 spent on the NAB Qantas Visa Gold card or the NAB Qantas Gold MasterCard® card.

AUD$3,001-AUD$10,000 account spend per month:

 one point per AUD$2 spent on NAB Qantas Gold American Express® Card.
 one point per AUD$3 spent on the NAB Qantas Visa Gold card or the NAB Qantas Gold MasterCard® card.

 Above AUD$10,001 account spend per month: no further points earned.

^Points earn is tiered based on total monthly eligible purchases across all cards on the NAB Qantas Gold card account. And Points are calculated first on eligible purchases made with the NAB Qantas Gold American Express® Card, then on eligible purchases made with the NAB Qantas Visa Gold card or NAB Qantas Gold MasterCard® card. See worked examples in the NAB Qantas Credit Card Account Reward Terms and Conditions.

*Cards and points are offered by NAB. Card issuer and credit provider is NAB. Card features information supplied by NAB and is current as at 29 October 2008. Other fees and charges, conditions, lending and eligibility criteria (including age restrictions) apply. For details refer to NAB.

 GOGO Worldwide Vacations launched a Hawaii/South Pacific sale titled Enchanted Islands of the South Pacific for travel Oct. 15 to March 31, 2009, with Hawaii packages up to 50 percent off.

The packages include Oahu, $379, includes a lei greeting and three nights at the Sheraton Waikiki, with a bonus 50 percent off on oceanfront rooms;

Hawaii’s Big Island, $545, includes midsize rental car, lei greeting and four nights at the Hilton Waikoloa Village;

Maui, $649, includes midsize rental car, lei greeting and four nights at the Wailea Beach Marriott, with a bonus fourth night free, buffet breakfast for two daily and guaranteed room upgrade;

Kauai, $749, includes midsize rental car, lei greeting and four nights at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, with a bonus fourth night free and buffet breakfast for two daily;

Fiji, $1,215, includes four nights at Crusoe’s Retreat on Viti Levu’s Coral Coast and three nights at the Mana Island Resort & Spa on Mana Island;

French Polynesia, $1,259, includes two nights in Papeete at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort and five nights in Moorea at the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa; and Cook Islands, $1,315, includes four nights at the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa and three nights at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa.

For more information,

visit www.gogowwv.com

 Surfing made its first appearance on an Olympic sport calendar of events, compliments of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the organizing Committee of the Bali Asian Beach Games in Indonesia.

It was fitting that the Open division started the program and the surfing standard didn’t disappoint. Fast and powerful, aerials and floaters entertained the large crowd. The man-on-man final, in one metre waves, was an Indonesian affair with Made Raditya Rondi facing off against Made Widiarta. After a slow start Widiarta eventually got to the lead and wasn’t headed.

Third place was Shigenori Suzuki (Japan) with Carlito Nogalo (Philippines) in fourth. Widiarta was mobbed by the crowd as he left the water, a popular win on his home beach. In a variation of event format, a discipline will be decided each day. The longboards are up tomorrow (Monday), then Women’s shortboard, Men’s Aerial and finally the team event to finish proceedings later in the week.

So far the experiment has been a great success. Surfing athletes competing represent Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam and The Maldives. It is a big achievement for surfing to appear here, with the Philippines only recently forming their national Association and affiliating to their National Olympic Committee and The Maldives and Vietnam surfers being represented in such a major event for the first time.

Mohamed Irishad was the highest scorer for the Maldives and Dinh Nguyen Van making the highest wave score for Vietnam. Facing up to the powerhouse Asian surfing nations was a hard but exciting way to enter international competition and great experiences were gained. The medal presentation will take place at a formal ceremony at the conclusion of the whole program.

As an innovation of the OCA, the Beach Games have brought together seventeen (17) sports, competing for Olympic medals around the Bali locations of Sanur, Nusa Dua, Serangan Island and Kuta Beach. Most sports are new to the Olympic family of sports.

Entry is only through National Olympic Committee nomination and within Asia surfing is a new and very underdeveloped sport in terms of organisation, but the OCA see it as a major youth sport and have been willing to give it a chance to shine in its arena.

The beach infrastructure has been managed by the Indonesian Surfing Union national body, judges are all ISA accredited and the ISA appointed Head Judge is Mr Paul Young (Australia). ISA VP Alan Atkins is the ISA Technical Delegate. Contest Director is Mr Tipi Jabrik, supported by Mr Oom Arya and Mr Wayan Pica.

A great contribution “for a better surfing future.” The Bali Asian Beach Games 2008 are sponsored by Pertamina, Samsung, Swatch and “Visit Indonesia 2008”.

About International Surfing Association (ISA)
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing, bodyboarding and surfriding. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world championships since 1964 and the Junior World Championships since 1980.

To celebrate the launch of Qantas Airways’ A380 service between Los Angeles and Australia on Oct. 20, Qantas Vacations is offering a selection of Aussie experiences priced at $380.

Qantas Airways is promoting its new service with $380 one-way fares between Los Angeles and Sydney and Brisbane. Travelers to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane can snap up a three-night hotel stay, including airport transfers and sightseeing, as part of the Qantas Vacations $380 promotion.

“Australia has always been a good value for American travelers,” said Kieron Keady, vice president of sales for Qantas Vacations. “Our $380 packages, combined with the Qantas $380 fares, make traveling Downunder an even better proposition.”

In addition to the hotel stays, Qantas Vacations is promoting over 50 experiences throughout Australia all of which cost $380 or less. These include scenic flights over the Outback, snorkeling excursions at the Great Barrier Reef, luxury wine tasting tours in Victoria and a chance to swim with wild dolphins in South Australia. “At the current exchange rate, $380 is equal to over 500 Australian dollars,” said Keady. “In these uncertain times, driving home the value of travel to Australia to U.S. consumers is essential.”

The Qantas Vacations website (www.qantasvacations.com) also features a “Do the Math” widget which allows visitors to compare the relative value of Australia versus Europe. Both the Qantas Vacations and Qantas Airways $380 specials must be booked and paid in full by Oct. 31.

For more information, call 800- 641-8772 or visit www.qantasvacations.com/A380

Luxury accommodation marketing brand, Select Hotels & Resorts International offers sensational package deals this Spring from several Member Properties across Asia-Pacific. See below for packages from a diverse range of Select experiences including the family friendly Couran Cove Island Resort, Queensland, Spring skiers choice Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka and Thailand jewel Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket.

Couran Cove Island Resort, Sth Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia
Couran Cove Island Resort, located just 40 minutes by ferry from the Gold Coast mainland, is an idyllic holiday destination where you can find your space… your time… to escape, explore, relax and unwind.

Select Special:
Stay for 3 nights and receive a AU$150 cash-card to spend at the resort.

Package Inclusions:
3 nights accommodation in a Marine Deluxe Room
Full buffet breakfast daily
Return ferry transfers
Daily Bike Hire
AU$150 cash-card to spend

Valued from AUD$555.00 per person/twin share.

Terms and conditions:
Promo valid from 01 April - 26 December 2008 and 05 January - 31 March 2009.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
AUD$150 cash-card is non-transferable and can not be redeemed for cash

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
The days are longer, sunnier and warmer, just perfect for a September ski holiday in Wanaka. Enjoy the spaciousness of our one-bedroom suites for almost a week. Check the snow reports daily from the comfort of your phone and choose where to ski. Not a skier? No problem in Wanaka with its choice of attractions, boating, walks, golf and fun activities.

Select Ski Package

Package includes:
Six night’s accommodation in a one bedroom suite
2 continental breakfasts per day package
Children 12 and under stay FOC when using existing bedding.

Price: NZ$1,600.00 per suite includes GST

Terms and conditions:
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com  or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand
The elusive pleasures of traditional Thai calm and elegance are often advertised and rarely found. But cordoned off from the crowds of Phuket is an exception, a true sanctuary of Thai style: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Platinum Royale Package

Package includes :
8 days 7 nights Accommodation in our Beach Wing Suite
Airport round trip transfer by a private limousine
A complimentary Villa Royale selection Wine in suite
Daily Royale breakfast
Two Thai set dinner per Guest at Mom Tri’s Kitchen
Two hours of Villa Royale Thai massage per Guest at Mom Tri’s Spa Royale

Price: THB 48,500 (double)

Terms and conditions
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

For Media Information:

Kate Gilfillan
kate@davcomm.com.au
+61 (0)2 9907 0020

Celebrate Spring with Select Hotels and book today!

Select Member properties for 2008 are:

AUSTRALIA: Q Station, Sydney; The Observatory Hotel, Sydney, NSW: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Katoomba NSW; Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley, NSW; Kims Beach Hideaway, Toowoon Bay, NSW; Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island, NSW; Meadowlake Lodge, Milton, NSW; Hotel Lindrum, Melbourne, VIC; Select Burnham Beeches, Dandenong Ranges, VIC; Hotel Pension Grimus, Mount Buller, VIC; Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat, Kangaroo Island, SA; The Lodge at Tarraleah, Tarraleah, TAS; Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island, QLD; Paradise Bay Eco Escape, Whitsundays, QLD; Lindenwarrah, Milawa; Lindenderry

NEW ZEALAND: Carrington Resort, Karikari Peninsula, Northland; Kourawhero Country Lodge, North Auckland; Mangapapa Petit Hotel, Hawke’s Bay; Select Braemar Lodge and Spa, Hanmer Springs; Grasmere Lodge, Arthur’s Pass; Huntley House, Christchurch; Millbrook Resort, Queenstown; Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau; The Points Villas, Lake Taupo; Queenstown Park Hotel, Queenstown

PACIFIC ISLANDS: Toberua Island Resort, Fiji;

ASIA: Saman Villas, Bentota, Sri Lanka; The Regency Wing of Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand; Veranda Resort and Spa, Hua Hin, Thailand; Wanakarn Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand

CHINA: 88Xintiandi Executive Residences, Shanghai

MIDDLE EAST: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, UAE

The most widely heralded ship to enter the cruise market this year, Celebrity Solstice, departed Meyer Werft shipyard yesterday in Papenburg, Germany, as the largest ship ever built by the longtime shipbuilder. In a milestone event known as “The Conveyance,” the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice made its way down the River Eems, as tens of thousands of area residents lining the river banks cheered and photographed the historic event.

“This is a very momentous occasion for Celebrity Cruises,” said the brand’s President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “Celebrity Solstice is the perfect manifestation of what the Celebrity brand is all about: extraordinary service, spectacular dining, and fabulous style and design. And as the first in a series of five Solstice-class ships, it’s a vivid example of the growth and momentum of the Celebrity brand, and our commitment to meet our guests’ and travel agent partners’ demands for more vacation options with Celebrity.”

Among the wealth of attributes guests will find only on Celebrity Solstice are:
• The industry’s first Lawn Club, a lush, half-acre recreation area with real, growing grass.
• The industry’s first Hot Glass Show, with live glassblowing demonstrations presented in association with The Corning Museum of Glass.
• Larger staterooms, with design inspirations offered by a panel of five women, hand-picked for their unique travel and hospitality insights.
• 10 varied restaurants, ranging from the dramatic, two-level “Grand Epernay” main dining room with a sweeping wine tower, to four exquisite specialty restaurants, to several stylish, casual venues.
• An entirely new category of accommodations, “AquaClass,” designed to offer a spa vacation experience at sea rivaling the best of those on land.
• A state-of-the-art theater and stage design, with three new leading-edge shows custom-designed for Celebrity with Poet Theatricals, in their first cruise line partnership.

“There also is the intangible attribute which is consistent across the Celebrity fleet, and that’s the extraordinary, anticipatory service our phenomenal staff offer our guests every day,” said Hanrahan.
Celebrity Solstice will be berthed in Eemshaven, Netherlands, from September 29 to October 24, with two separate sea trials planned during that period, in addition to crew arrivals, training, provisioning and finishing work onboard. The ship will depart Eemshaven October 24 on a transatlantic voyage, with arrival in Fort Lauderdale planned for early November, followed by a series of promotional cruises for invited travel agents, press and other dignitaries. The ship will be named in formal ceremonies on November 14, and will begin its maiden season November 23, with a series of alternating 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, calling on San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Tortola during this Fall and Winter. Celebrity Solstice presents a series of romantic 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises from Rome beginning in Spring 2009.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top ten “Top Cruise Ships in the World” in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012.