Jetsettersblog

with Kelly Slater on 3D IMAX Big Screen

Join surfing champion Kelly Slater to see Tahiti and her islands like they’ve never been shown before in the new big screen film Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D.

Opening at IMAX cinemas in Sydney and Melbourne from February 19, Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D sees the world’s most famous surfer set out to conquer the world’s most dangerous wave, Teahupoo on Tahiti Iti (little Tahiti).

Slater teams up with Tahitian big wave surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer to depict the power, majesty and danger of waves reaching their crescendo, providing viewers with a mix of thrills and intense beauty never before seen on the giant screen.

Directed by award-winning IMAX filmmaker Stephen Low, Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D uses extreme surfing to explain where waves come from, their essential make-up and their effect on the ecology and culture of island life.

Tahiti Tourisme Regional Director Robert Thompson said Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D was the first full-length IMAX film to feature the islands and culture of Tahiti.

“Experiencing Tahiti in 3D on an IMAX giant screen is the closest experience to actually holidaying in Tahiti and her beautiful islands,” he said.

“Australians already know Tahiti is one of the world’s most stunning and romantic holiday destinations but we hope Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D will show moviegoers that islands like Bora Bora, Rangiroa and Tahiti itself have so much more to offer as holiday destinations.”

Kelly Slater said filming Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D while surfing Teahupoo was an amazing experience, using new photographic techniques to take the viewer into the very heart of the giant wave.

“The technology used to create this film is going to help audiences understand the incredible power behind waves and will further educate future generations to protect the world’s oceans,” he said.

For more information on Tahiti and her islands, contact Tahiti Tourisme on 1300 655 563 or visit www.tahitinow.com.au. To see more about the movie, go to www.ultimatewavetahiti.com

Hong Kong’s annual sevens rugby tournament attracts top teams from around the world.

HONG KONG — The 2010 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens, one of the biggest annual sporting events in the region, is fast approaching.

Founded in 1976, the rugby tournament is now considered to be the premier event in the IRB Sevens World Series, which also features stops in locations such as Dubai, South Africa and London.

People using hotels in Hong Kong can expect three days of high-quality rugby from March 26th to 28th, with 24 international teams taking part.

As well as the 12 core sides participating in the IRB Sevens World Series, the tournament will feature six international teams and six outfits representing Asian rugby.

The 12 core teams are Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Kenya, New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, USA, Wales and South Africa, the reigning series champions.

In addition, a change to the tournament structure for this year’s event will provide more action for spectators at the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium to enjoy.

Instead of dropping out, teams that lose in the quarter-finals of the cup competition will now proceed to the semi-finals of the plate contest.

“The new structure creates three additional matches involving some of the top teams,” explained Warrick Dent of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union.

“We also can look forward to an additional final, which is certain to ramp up the excitement of ‘Sevens Sunday’ in Hong Kong even further.”

Standard tickets are priced at HK$1,250 (GBP102), while children can see the action for HK$300.

Orion Expedition Cruises, an Australian expedition cruise line, will increase the size of its fleet with the addition of the Orion II, which will join the 106-passenger Orion in May 2011.

Orion is chartering the Clelia II, a 100-passenger, all-suite luxury expedition cruise ship, which will be renamed Orion II.

Orion II will be based in Southeast Asia, offering expeditions to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Indonesian archipelago, Japan and Borneo.

Details of destinations and itineraries will be released in 2010. The ship recently underwent a $19 million refurbishment with emphasis on technical enhancements and upgraded environmental systems, but it will undergo additional cosmetic enhancements before joining Orion.

Until April 2011, Clelia II will continue to be marketed and operated by Travel Dynamics International, New York, a U.S. expedition cruise company serving the American educational and cultural non-profit groups.

The ship was originally launched in late 1990 as Renaissance 4. It accommodates 100 guests in 50 ocean-view suites that measure 215 to 285 square feet. Accommodations include a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds, closets, and air conditioning.

For more information, call 877-ORION-US or visit www.orionexpeditions.com

Savings of up to 50-per cent on cruise prices, free upgrades from Inside Cabins to Outside with Ocean Views, deposits from as little as $99pp, and up to $100 per cabin in Onboard Spending Credits, are amongst highlights of super-enticements from ecruising.travel aboard P&O’s Australian-based Pacific Sun in 2011.

Destinations range through the South Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Queensland’s tropical north, with bargains such as 8-nights from Sydney on January 10 2011 to Poum, Noumea and the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia – and including four fun-filled days at sea – from as little as $999pp quad-share, making for an ideal budget-saving family cruise holiday.

The same cruise for couples in a twin-share cabin begins from just $1499pp compared with an originally-advertised $2999pp, with the opportunity to upgrade to an Oceanview Cabin from just $100pp extra.

These and other Pacific Sun packages in 2011 through ecruising.travel – if booked and deposited by 31 March this year – include all meals in Pacific Sun’s main restaurants, nightly music, comedy and cabaret performances, use of two pools and two whirlpools, a gym, sporting and jogging track facilities, dedicated children’s clubs, and even an adult’s child-free spa retreat.

Pacific Sun also has a choice of “alternative” low-cost dining venues, a health spa, and duty-free onboard shopping; for full details, including packages with up to $100 in onboard spending credits in select cabin categories, phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

ADDITIONAL SHIPBOARD INFORMATION: Pacific Sun also has daily late-release movie screenings, a casino and nightclub, onboard art auctions, and an internet centre.

And for those looking for a snack between main meals, there’s an ice-cream bar and a coffee lounge (at which additional small charges apply.)

When she debuts in late 2010, Oceania Cruises’ new Marina will be the first ship to offer luxury suites completely appointed from furniture and fabrics to lighting and bedding using the acclaimed Ralph Lauren Home collection.

To accomplish this industry first, the cruise line tapped New York-based Tocar Interior Design because of the award-winning partners’ keen familiarity with the Polo Ralph Lauren esthetic. Susan Bednar Long, co-founder and president, previously oversaw the decoration of flagship retail stores for Polo across North America. Christina Sullivan, co-founder and vice president, began her career at Polo in the store design department, where she launched Double RL Collection Shops across the U.S.

“To appeal to discerning travellers we wanted the best suites on Marina to feel like a luxurious estate home. We thought out-of-the box, insisted on the finest craftsmanship and sought out the most talented residential designers,” stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president. “Tocar has designed the first suites at sea exclusively using furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home.”

A Grand Entrance

The three Owner’s Suites on board Marina are unlike any luxury suites at sea. Upon entering the foyer guests will be struck with a sense of awe, as though they have entered an opulent estate home. Walls of inset Georgian wood paneling are finished in an ivory gloss. Art niches on either side are framed with polished stone and mirrored to reflect the statuary.

An ivory marble entryway with a David Hicks inspired black and camel mosaic tile inset is surrounded by plush black carpeting trimmed with a polished nickel metal edge.

The foyer also contains a mahogany gloss bar with three ivory leather and chrome stools, stately burnished silver armchairs covered in faux crocodile and brown and white faux zebra skins and an oversized ivory brocade and black satin chaise in front of floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping ocean vistas. An ebony baby grand piano serves as the room’s focal point while a brilliant alabaster and polished nickel chandelier hangs overhead.

Luxurious Living & Dining

Guests will spend most of their time in the spacious living and dining room, which exudes the rich, clubby and refined elegance of a world-class yacht. Macassar ebony-veneered chests with silver hardware topped by faux Zebra-framed mirrors flank the entrance. Walnut herringbone wood flooring rings a field of camel carpeting with an inset chocolate border. A full wall of windows affords uninterrupted aft views.

A camel-colored, suede L-shaped Modern penthouse sectional is prominently positioned in the corner.

To its side is a mahogany Anglesey end table and oversized, Mayfair tufted armchair upholstered in coffee-brown velvet; the Planar brushed stainless steel and acrylic coffee table centers the seating area. A 42” flat-screen TV mounted atop a striking nickel and mahogany entertainment center is anchored by a black teak and nickel Aldgate étagère.

An elegant mahogany Mayfair dining table with smooth caramel leather Clivedon dining chairs affords seating for six topped with a classic candelabra chandelier finished in nickel complete the dramatic dining area.

Wraparound teak-covered verandas feature stylish pieces custom-crafted from Ralph Lauren in white marine lacquer suitable for outdoor living.

Sumptuous Sleeping Quarters

For restful nights at sea the Tocar designers used ivory wainscoting and plush silvery grey carpeting to set the stage for the high-style and luxurious bedrooms of the Owner’s Suites. The walls above the wainscoting are covered in Austyn cashmere and all windows and balcony doors are dressed with ivory wool sheers and silver drapery panels in a shimmering, silk/cotton blend.

The bedroom’s centerpiece is the distinctive, Bel Air bed in a deep, library mahogany – its headboard, footboard and side rails upholstered in steel-blue mohair with polished nickel nail-head accents. To its left and right are City Modern bedside chests with stainless trim and hardware, finished in rosewood mahogany. Night-stands are topped with Faceted Crystal Prism lamps with white silk shades.

A custom ceiling fixture in polished nickel with teardrop glass balls provides overhead boudoir lighting.

A Mayfair mirror with a burnished silver-leaf frame and beveled glass adorns one wall, framed by polished nickel sconces with white-pleated silk shades. Across the room is the Ralph Lauren Highbridge desk featuring stainless steel sawhorse base with glass top and Noble Estate side chair upholstered in camel wool seat base with contrasting ivory ribbed seat back and polished nickel nail heads. A Noble Estate settee upholstered in taupe leather with polished nickel sabos and two Hasley slipper-chairs upholstered in a light gray cashmere wool blend provide additional seating.

Throw pillows upholstered in both silver textured fabric with contrasting ivory cord and ivory brocade pattern with contrasting blue double-fringe trim add to the elegance.

The finishing touch on this grand boudoir is a marble, six-fixture master bathroom with both a separate shower and large soaking tub. The whimsical mahogany double vanity is topped with double portholes and accented with nickel ceiling-mounted round pivoting mirrors and Ralph Lauren’s classic small sconces with silk fabric shades.

Casual Elegance Meets High Style

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina has been purposefully designed to carry 1,258 guests to the world’s most alluring ports in elegance and style. Rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leathers adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, swimming pool and hot tubs.

Information about Marina itineraries will be revealed in the coming weeks. Reservations can be made now.

For more information or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com.au or call Oceania Cruises on +61 2 9959 1370

Virgin Atlantic Airways has announced that Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold and Silver Card members will now be able to receive additional benefits when flying on V Australia and Virgin Blue.

The airlines’ frequent flyer programs first joined forces in July last year when they launched an agreement which allowed Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club Members and V Australia’s Velocity Members to earn Velocity Points or Flying Club Miles on both V Australia and Virgin Atlantic flights.

In addition to earning miles and tier points, this new agreement will allow Virgin Atlantic’s Gold and Silver Card members to receive various benefits including priority check-in, priority baggage and lounge access for Gold Card members when traveling with V Australia and Virgin Blue.

Cruise West is offering five new South Pacific voyages this winter.

Starting in November, the five voyages explore Easter Island to Tahiti, the Tahitian Islands to Fiji, the Fijian Islands to New Zealand, the Maori Coast and a New Year’s Eve discovery of Australia. Shore excursions are included at every port and each voyage will be enhanced by an “Ultimate Explorers Experience” (UEE), designed to bring guests into direct contact with people, cultures and natural wonders.

The South Pacific voyages will be operated by the 120-guest, all-suite Spirit of Oceanus. Guests will save up to $2,900 per cabin when booking and paying in full by March 26.

Voyage 19 sails from Easter Island to Papeete, visiting Henderson and Ducie Islands and Fakarava, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

A highlight is a visit to Pitcairn Island, where Fletcher Christian brought the HMS Bounty following a mutiny against Captain Bligh. Accompanying the cruise will be anthropology expert Dr. Charlie Urbanowicz, a Life Member of the Polynesian Society, and the Association for Social Anthropology of Oceania.

The 17-night voyage departs Nov. 1 and is priced from $11,895 per person before savings.

Voyage 20 sails from Papeete to Lautoka, Fiji, and visits Maupiti, Atiu, Palmerston and Vava’u.

Joining Urbanowicz on this voyage as co-lecturer is Dr. Aldona Jonaitis, an expert on arts and culture of aboriginal people.

This 15-night voyage departs Nov. 17 and is priced from $7,895 per person before savings.

Voyage 21 sails from Lautoka to Auckland, New Zealand, visiting Waitangi and Kerikeri. Highlighting this voyage is ascending the slopes of Mt. Yasur on Tanna Island, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. With Jonaitis continuing as guest lecturer, this 14-night voyage departs Dec. 2; prices start at $7,195 before savings.

Voyage 22 sails from Auckland to Sydney, Australia, visiting Rotorua, Napier, Christchurch, Stewart Island for Christmas, Rakiura National Park, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, and Sydney Harbor for the firecracker spectacle on New Year’s Eve.

Accompanied by guest speaker Dr. Kirt Kempter, an expert in plate tectonics and related volcanism, this 17-night voyage departs Dec. 15; prices start at $14,395 before savings.

Voyage 23 sails from Sydney to Darwin, Australia, cruising up the Brisbane River, visiting a koala sanctuary, exploring the Kuranda rainforest, and delving into Aboriginal culture through art, music, and dance.

Also on the itinerary are heritage sites Hamilton and Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef via a glass-hulled, semi-submersible coral viewer or by snorkeling.

Guest speaker is Clyde Roper, a senior emeritus zoologist in the Smithsonian’s Department of invertebrate zoology.

This 19-night voyage departs Dec. 31; prices start at $10,695 before savings.

The five voyages mark the fifth chapter of the Voyages of the Great Explorers — a series of 24 cruises that combine to form a 335-day circumnavigation of the world along the major routes inspired by history’s great ocean explorers.

Beginning March 5, the world voyage will sail ever westward, returning to Singapore on Feb. 3, 2011. Price per voyage includes a pre-cruise hotel night, all excursions and transfers and a tour of the embarkation city.

Guests who book more than one voyage will save an additional 5 percent. For more information, call 800-689-1783 or visit www.cruisewest.com

Virgin Blue Airlines Group’s new boutique international long-haul airline, V Australia, and the world’s largest airline, US-based, Delta Air Lines, are pleased to announce that from today members of each carrier’s frequent flyer programmes will enjoy reciprocal points accrual for travel with both airlines and reciprocal lounge access within Australia and the US.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group’s Velocity Members can now begin earning points to even more global destinations with the addition today of the Delta Air Lines route network.

Having the ability to earn points for travel across the US with the addition of Delta, means Velocity Members can now enjoy the benefits of a truly global loyalty programme with airline partners covering the world.

Delta Air Lines is the only U.S. global airline that flies to six continents and offers customers the world’s largest network of destinations and the world’s largest frequent flier program with more than 70 million members.

Velocity Rewards is the award-winning loyalty program of the Virgin Blue Airlines Group.

In 2009, at the annual Freddie Awards in Florida, Velocity was named Program of The Year among all airlines in the Asia/Pacific Airline category.

The program also won five of the other eight awards this year including Best Award, Best Award Redemption, Best Web Site, Best Member Communications and Best Affinity Credit Card.

Complementing the reciprocal points accrual agreement for Velocity and SkyMiles Members, the two carriers have also implemented a reciprocal airport lounge sharing agreement, allowing Velocity Gold Members and VA Business Class Guests access to more than 50 Delta Air Lines Sky Club locations. Delta’s BusinessELite travelers as well as Delta Sky Club members also will benefit from access to Virgin Blue’s domestic lounge network within Australia.

As part of the ongoing strengthening of the co-operation agreement between Virgin Blue Airlines Group and Delta Air Lines, the carriers have also announced the first phase of their expanded code-share agreement, signaling V Australia’s commitment to expanding its reach beyond Los Angeles and confirming Delta Air Lines as V Australia’s latest code-share partner.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Brett Godfrey, said these new agreements are a huge step forward in the airline group’s commitment to making travel between Australia and the United States easier.

“Our aim is to make trans-Pacific travel as affordable and hassle free as possible; delivering seamless domestic and international connections between V Australia and Delta Air Lines.

“Our Guests can now seamlessly book their V Australia and Delta Air Lines flights at the same time through their travel agent, or via one of our Guest Contact Centres, from their origin port in either the USA or Australia all on one ticket.

“These agreements are also incredibly significant for our Velocity Members, because until now the USA has been the glaring missing piece to our global frequent flyer programme.

” Our Guests can now earn and redeem their Velocity Points when flying with us and our partner airlines right around the globe,” Mr Godfrey said.

V Australia will code on Delta-operated flights between Los Angeles and New York (JFK); Salt Lake City (SLC); Orlando (MCO) and Cincinnati (CVG), placing a VA flight number on Delta Air Lines operated domestic flights, to connect with V Australia flights to/from Los Angeles and to/from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. These flights are available for sale now, for travel effective from 18 January 2010.

“Delta and Virgin Blue make exciting partners for travel between the United States and Australia and we look forward to welcoming Virgin Blue customers onboard our flights to and from L.A.,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive vice president – Network and Revenue Management. “The launch of codesharing between our two airlines is the first step in our collective efforts to make it easier for Delta customers to travel throughout Australia and the South Pacific.”

Delta, in this first phase of the joint code-share agreement, will code on Virgin Blue operated flights between Sydney and Melbourne (MEL) and Brisbane (BNE) placing a DL* flight number on Virgin Blue (DJ) operated domestic flights to connect with Delta flights to/from Sydney. These flights are available for sale now, for travel effective from 15 February 2010.

Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, operates more than 60 flights a day into Los Angeles International Airport connecting this West Coast gateway to 25 destinations across the America, Australia and Asia. Delta is the biggest US airline and the largest trans-Atlantic carrier, serving 368 destinations in 66 countries. Delta continues to expand its presence in Los Angeles and will provide a good interline feed for V Australia flights in Los Angeles.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group, headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, includes the nation’s second largest carrier, multi-award winning Virgin Blue; international subsidiary airline Pacific Blue; Polynesian Blue, a joint venture airline with the Government of Samoa; V Australia, Australia’s newest international airline; plus its holiday operation, Blue Holidays, and loyalty programme, Velocity.

Together, Virgin Blue, V Australia, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue provide Australian domestic and international services to 45 destinations across New Zealand, the Pacific and also to and from North America, South East Asia and South Africa.

Samoa is located in the heart of Polynesia and is often referred to as ‘The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific’. The Samoan islands offer lush green rugged landscapes, deserted beaches, pristine turquoise waters and a fascinating culture to explore.

A wealth of natural attractions ensure a varied and unforgettable experience for any visitor to the Samoan Islands. If the dramatic landscape of the ten islands is not tempting enough, there are plenty more reasons to visit for the active geography enthusiasts, divers, surfers, cyclists, hikers to the more passive seekers of pure rejuvenation and relaxation.

Island hopping…Samoa consists of ten dramatically different unspoiled tropical islands, only four of which are inhabited. Upolu, where most visitors start their journey flying into the thriving capital Apia, which teems with tropical island life.

Straying from Apia there are lush green valleys, natural wonders and welcoming remote villages to experience. Savaii, the largest of the Polynesian islands boasts equal beauty and is even more unspoiled. The only other two inhabited islands are Apolima, a magnificent volcanic tip jutting out of the ocean and Manono, a road-free haven of tranquility that sits between the two main islands of Upolu and Savaii. The remaining six are preserved in their natural flora and fauna and are home to an abundance of wildlife sealed with fringed coast lines of coral reef.

An underwater playground…The waters and lagoons surrounding Samoa have over 900 different species of fish. Samoa’s snorkeling and scuba diving attractions are enviable and suit both the novice as well as the advanced diver. 

The waters that surroun the islands of Samoa are pristine and calm with entrancing coral reefs keeping the force of the Pacific at bay, ideal for snorkellers.

Good spots for divers include ‘Turtle Minefield’ home to an abundance of green turtles nestling amongst the reef fish and soft coral as well as schools of bat fish, and ‘Namua Garden’ a haven of soft and hard wall coral home to starfish, eagle rays, white tip sharks and barracuda. For an adrenaline rush try shark spotting on the northern side of Nuulua Island.

Surf’s up… hotspot beaches such as Siumu, Coconuts and Salani where waves can gather heights of up to 20 feet. December to February is the best time for Savaii to catch the northern swell, and the best breaks in the South Pacific. The shallow reefs close to the shore are surf free so surf guides are employed to take surf enthusiasts out to the surf hotspots to fine the best breaks.

Cycling and Hiking…A great way to experience both Upolu and Savaii is on two wheels with off the beaten track dirt roads for the more adventurous and over 1,800 kilometres of sealed roads drifting round the circumference of both islands for a more leisurely cycle.

Explorations off the main roads will take you through National Parks, past waterfalls, secluded coves, deserted beaches and tropical rainforests. On foot, the National Parks of Samoa offer incredible hiking tracks that traverse dramatic waterfalls, cliff faces, volcanic craters, lava tubes and steep gorges. On Upolu the best hike is at O Le Pupu-Pu’e National Park.

The trail begins opposite the Lava coast and heads up through the rainforest of the national park to Pe’ape’a Cave and for real walkers, on to the Ofa waterfall near the dizzy heights of Mount Fito.

Waterfall Crawl…The waterfall crawl is a half day trail that stops off at some of the best and most dramatic falls.

The first stop is Papapapai-Tai Falls that has a bird’s eye view 100metres high, accessible from Lanotoo road. Next is a refreshing dip at the pool of Togitogiga Waterfalls, which is in close proximity to Sopoaga Falls before heading north for the Fuipisia Falls and the Mu Pagoa Falls, where Samoa’s largest river flows meet the open ocean.

Lava lava lava….All the islands of Samoa boast the natural traits of past volcanic activity.

Savaii is a geography enthusiast’s dream with a 50km expanse of the Saleaula lava fields, the remains of Mt Matavanu’s eruption 100 years ago. The Lava Caves, a full day trip from the village of Paia are well worth exploring as is the Falealupo Lava Tube Trail, tubes that have formed from eruptions gone by and now form a natural shelter for nearby villages enduring passing cyclones.

Fa’a Samoa: The Samoan Way…Take away all the natural beauty and entrancing landscape of these islands and you will still be left with the most fascinating aspect of a trip to Samoa, the people. Samoans are rightfully proud of Fa’a Samoa, the Samoan life and culture, and the motto and centre piece of its existence is family.

Above all, Samoans have natural world class hospitality, journeying into a Samoan village you will find yourself the object of much attention and you will likely be lavished with fine food and a great deal of inquisition.

Learn to Siva…The Siva is the national Samoan dance, an art that you cannot leave Samoa without endeavouring to master or understand. Samoans boast that the Siva, performed by young maidens ‘is the most graceful dance you will ever see.’

The Siva Afi is a fire knife dance performed by young boys, and the equally mesmerizing Fa’ataupati performed by the men.

Artistic performances today mix tradition with contemporary influences, distinctive in its style the Samoan dance is an infectious entertaining art not to be missed.

Fall into a Fale…A fale is a wooden, often beach-side, hut that is open on two sides with posts and woven blinds that remain hidden but can be lowered at night or when it rains. Breathing natural air conditioning from the off shore breeze, a fale is a liberating experience and will leave you rejunvenated with one of the best sleeps you have ever experienced. A simple mattress and mosquito net, cocooned under a thatched roof caters to all your needs.

Relax and rejuvenate….island life is laid back and the ethos is to relax. Samoans have been practicing rejuvenation for the mind, body and soul before the word ’spa’ was even invented. The tropical flora and fauna has been used organically for herbal remedies, oils and treatments for centuries gone by. Be sure to experience a Koko Samoa Scrub, take advantage of the serene and tranquil setting and lose yourself in island life.

…and if that’s not enough, on a visit to Samoa, be sure to witness the final sunset of the day. The most westerly land point on earth sits at Cape Mulinu’u just off the Falealupo peninsula on Savaii, a reknowned spot for spectacular sunsets.

Air New Zealand fly direct to Apia via Los Angeles and Auckland daily from London Heathrow.

Samoa is also well served by local airlines such as Air Pacific and Virgin Blue with frequent flights from Sydney and Auckland plus inter-island connection throughout the South Pacific.

Visit Samoa visit www.samoa.travel

Australia Pacific Touring is offering reductions of $400 per couple on its 22-day Royal Escorted and 23-day Southern Explorer vacations if booked by Dec. 5. The Royal Escorted package is available Dec. 14, Jan. 4, Feb. 8, 15, March 8 and 15 and April 12.

The Southern Explorer is available Feb. 8 and March 15. APT is cutting $300 per couple from the price of its 15-day South Pacific Highlights, which is available Dec. 19, Feb. 6 and March 6.

For more information, call 800-290-8687 or visit www.aptouring.com