Jetsettersblog

De Website `van de Reis van het avontuur van de Radar

Off the Radar travels far and wide to bring readers information about unusual and difficult-to-find adventure destinations and tour operators. In three short years of operation, it has become an invaluable resource for adventure travelers, travel writers, and tour operators.

Off the Radar is establishing a reputation for “breaking” the news about emerging operators and destinations in the media - some examples include:

• In May 2008, Off the Radar featured a range of itineraries and operators in Assam, India; later this year this remote NE Indian state will likely be the subject of a PBS television show

• Protect the Earth, Protect Yourself (www.PEPYride.org) non-profit organization and adventure tour operator offering cycle trips and volunteering in Cambodia was featured in Off the Radar’s Aug 2006 issue; by April 2007 PEPY was gracing the pages of National Geographic Adventure magazine

Sample advertising opportunities with Off the Radar include: mention of the company and its product or service in the ‘Try This’ feature column, sponsorship of the monthly photo contest, banner ads, and sponsored ads in the Off the Radar newsletter which is sent to over 600 subscribers each month. Bundled advertising packages are available.

Please contact paigestringer@xolaconsulting.com for a full menu of options, rate cards and further details.

In 2005, Xola Consulting (www.xolaconsulting.com) launched Off the Radar (www.travelofftheradar.com) to bring passionate, independent travelers reliable information about entrepreneurial adventure companies around the world – those who provide guests with a genuine, personal experience; who believe in sustainable, environmentally sensitive travel; and who believe in incorporating the local people and traditions of the places where they operate.

Rent Your Own Private Luxury Resort In Australia

Voyages Hotels & Resorts is offering holidaymakers the ultimate in travel bragging rights with the option to exclusively rent an entire luxury resort at any one of Voyages’ six premium properties in Australia.

Introduced due to popular demand, guests are seeking the indulgence of booking an entire private island or luxury resort all to themselves, complete with all the trimmings, indulgence and celebrity status.

Not only for the rich and famous looking to escape the paparazzi’s camera, hiring a whole luxury resort is ideal for celebrating special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays or corporate group incentives.

Anna Guillan, Executive General Manager Sales & Marketing, says: “With resorts boasting luxury accommodation in breathtaking locations, personal housekeepers, world-class chefs and privacy that most A-list celebrities crave, it is no wonder that many of our guests are opting to keep their holiday all to themselves and just a few close friends.”

Guests can choose their own travel adventure at any one of Voyages multi-award winning resorts, including tropical Lizard, Bedarra and Wilson Islands; outback beauties El Questro Homestead and Wrotham Park Lodge and Australia’s first luxury camping experience Longitude 131°.

For those searching for the ultimate tropical island abandon with 12 close friends, look no further than Wilson Island. This tiny coral cay located on the Great Barrier Reef is available exclusively from just £3,947(A$7800*) for 2 nights, including 6 designer tents, sumptuous cuisine, a premium range of selected beverages and a selected range of activities.

Wrotham Park Lodge is an adventurous disconnect from the urban jungle, a life that many city folks yearn for but few are privileged to experience. Located on a property in Queensland’s outback over a million acres in size, guests will have free rein to enjoy classic cattle station life with just 9 couples or special friends. From only £9,007 (A$17,800*) for 2 nights including 10 rooms, all meals, a premium range of selected beverages and a selected range of activities.

For more information on the ‘Exclusively Yours’ Voyages properties, view:

http://www.voyages.com.au/experiences/exclusive

To check rates and availability, contact your local UK travel agent or the Voyages Contact Centre on email: conferences@voyages.com.au

* Based on an exchange rate of 1.9762.

Bedarra Island - 16 Villas, maximum of 32 guests, located off the tropical coast of Cairns and with direct access to the Great Barrier. Must do: Discover the azures of the Great Barrier Reef from your private reef fishing or sailing charter, feast on a gourmet picnic lunch on your own private beach, set sail in a catamaran or discover hidden beaches by motorised dingy. Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, a premium range of selected beverages and a selected range of activities. From A$85,000 for 2 nights.

 www.bedarraisland.com/exclusive

Wilson Island - 6 designer tents, maximum of 12 guests. This tiny coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef is surrounded by pristine waters and is host to an unimaginable variety of beautifully coloured fish and coral. Must do: Guided nature walk of the island with your very own naturist, snorkel straight of the beach over a garden of coral, watch the sun set over the Great Barrier Reef and be host to your own barefoot dinner. Do not miss: Turtle nesting season December to April, Humpback Whales migrating June to August. Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, a premium range of selected beverages and a selected range of activities. From A$7,800 for 2 nights. www.wilsonisland.com/exclusive

Lizard Island - 40 Villas, maximum of 80 guests. Great Barrier reef’s most northern island resort, Lizard Island’s divine turquoise bays, surrounded by fringing reefs, are renowned for their clarity and amazing variety of coral species and marine life. Must do: Take a gourmet picnic to one of the 24 powdery white sand beaches, venture to the famous ‘Cod Hole’ for diving and snorkelling trip, step aboard the MV Fascination for a session of private game fishing, indulge in a treatment in the tranquillity of the Azure Spa. Not to miss: Marlin fishing season - August to December. Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, a premium range of selected beverages and a selected range of activities. From A$197,000 for 2 nights. www.lizardisland.com.au/exclusive/

Wrotham Park Lodge - 10 Quarters, maximum of 20 guests. An authentic cattle station in the heart of Queensland’s outback with individual, beautifully appointed quarters on the edge of a spectacular escarpment overlooking the river. Must do: Experience the beauty of this vast landscape on a station tour and learn your way around a working cattle yard, venture on a quad biking trail through the rugged outback landscape, fish for barramundi, bream, cod or catfish on the Mitchell River, chill out by the pool and enjoy the sights and sounds of the park. Not to miss: Cattle mustering May to September. Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, a premium range of selected beverages and a selected range of activities.

From $A17,800 for 2 nights. www.wrothampark.com.au/exclusive/

Longitude 131° - 15 designer tents, maximum of 30 guests. In heart of Australia, this five-star award-winning luxury wilderness camp offers a deluxe outback adventure like no other, with unadulterated views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) from each tent and an exceptional touring programme designed exclusively for Longitude 131° guests.

Must do: Journey to the massive ochre domes of Kata Tjuta as you journey to Walpa Gorge, witness Uluru ablaze with the light of the setting sun from you private viewing area at Kantju Gorge, experience the remarkable changing colours of the desert landscape and the spectacular sight of Uluru and Kata Tjuta at dawn.

 Do not miss:

Dining out on sumptuous outback fare under a canopy of stars at Table 131°. Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, a premium range of selected beverages and a selected range of activities. From A$72,000 for 2 nights. www.longitude131.com.au/exclusiv e

El Questro Homestead: 6 rooms, maximum of 12 guests. The Homestead is an exclusive retreat cantilevered over the magnificent Chamberlain Gorge, in Western Australia’s Kimberley Region where the new Nicole Kidman and High Jackman film ‘Australia’ was shot. Must do: Catch the elusive Barramundi on a 4WD fishing tour, take a bird’s eye view by helicopter of the unique sandstone formations of the Bungle Bungle Ranges, rejuvenate at the Zebedee Thermal Springs, your natural day spa for the afternoon. Not to miss: Ord Valley Muster - two week festival in May. Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, a premium range of selected beverages and a selected range of activities. From A$28,500 for 2 nights.

www.elquestrohomestead.com.au/exclusive 

2. Voyages is an Australian travel company, providing experience-based holidays in spectacular wilderness locations including the Red Centre, Queensland, the Kimberley Region of Western Australia and Tasmania. Voyages operates award-winning properties such as El Questro Wilderness Park, Bedarra Island, Wrotham Park Lodge, Lizard Island and Ayers Rock Resort.

www.voyages.com

Polynesia And Elegant Escapes Resort For Summer 2009

Thomson launched its latest brochure collection, featuring a range of destinations and tailored holiday experiences to suit all tastes. The latest addition to the company’s summer holiday collection includes the all new Polynesia resort on the Costa del Sol, and Elegant Escapes hotels in Madeira.

Polynesia

Featuring in the 2009 Summer Collection brochure, Polynesia is a brand new themed resort hotel which brings the South Seas to the Costa del Sol. Exclusive to Thomson customers in the UK, the 4T+ all-inclusive resort is perfect for couples and families looking for a stylish holiday in Spain. Rope swing-style bridges, an eight meter high waterfall and massive palm trees all help to give the feel of a Pacific castaway island. With prices starting from £545 per person*, accommodation is in contemporary and spacious rooms, with suite upgrades available that feature garden-sized terraces complete with sun-loungers and hammocks.

Facilities at the hotel include a spa offering individual hot tubs and rain showers and the ‘Mini Monoi Spa’ where children can enjoy their own bubbly pool. There will also be a man-made cave for diving and a state-of-the-art ten pin bowling alley. Dining options include two a la carte restaurants, offering top-quality Far Eastern and Polynesian cuisine, and a buffet restaurant featuring a variety of international food each day, as well as regular ‘show cooking’ sessions.

Alan Pugh, Head of Product, TUI UK, said: “Following last year’s successful launch of the Sensatori Resort in Crete, Polynesia is the latest example of Thomson’s continued committed to offer its customers new and exciting holiday experiences and concepts that are different from anything else available on the high street.”

Elegant Escapes

As a further example of Thomson’s increased differentiated product offering, a new selection of Elegant Escapes hotels are showcased in its Premier Collection for Summer 2009. These sophisticated, luxury hotels in Madeira shy away from the tourist trail, offering customers the chance to sample the local way of life. All of the hotels in this collection feature spas facilities and pride themselves on their attention to detail, their quality of service and fine dining. The hotels, featured in the Platinum and A La Carte brochures and costing from £585 per person**, are the Hotel Porto Santa Maria, Vila Porto Mare Resort and the Cliff Bay.

For further information visit www.thomson.co.uk  or call 08712313234.

* Prices start at £545 per person for a seven night holiday at the Polynesia, Costa del Sol, on an all-inclusive basis based on two sharing. Departing on 8th May 2009 from London Gatwick, price includes return flights, accommodation, taxes and charges and fuel supplements.

** Prices start at £585 per person for a seven night holiday at the Hotel Porto Santa Maria, Madeira, on a bed and breakfast basis based on two sharing.

Departing on 4th May 2009 from London Gatwick, price includes return flights, accommodation, taxes and charges and fuel supplements.

The brochures launched were:

Family Collection; Gold; Thomson Villas with Pools; Small & Friendly; Beachclub – Summer 2009 1st Edition

Summer Collection; Greece & Cyprus; Turkey – Summer 2009 2nd Edition

A la Carte; Platinum; Florida; Thomson Cruise – Year round – July edition

Sunwear Sale Right Now

Outdoor Gear Autumn Garage Sale

Diet Pleasur At Banyan Tree Phuket And Banyan Tree Bintan

When did holidays stop being about fun and start becoming about losing weight, getting fit and detoxing? Banyan Tree brings back the pleasure principle with a tempting package designed to invigorate even the most jaded of travellers.

The Diet of Pleasures, available exclusively at Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand and Banyan Tree Bintan, Indonesia and puts the fun and relaxation back into a spa holiday — no diet restrictions, no tedious exercise regime and no uncomfortable treatments — just pure pleasure and indulgence with a series of signature spa, fitness and dining experiences sure to take the weight off your mind.

5- Night Diet of Pleasures at Banyan Tree Phuket

This six-day, five-night stay at a luxurious Pool Villa includes all meals and allows guests to dine at any of the restaurants or cafes at Banyan Tree Phuket as part of the package.

Guests are also invited to indulge in 11 hours of decadent spa treatments and participate in the daily fitness and wellness programme whenever it suits them:

• Choice of 90-minute Massage, Body Treats (Body Scrubs and Conditioners) or Hand and Feet treatments

• Choice of two-hour Luxury Facial

• Choice of three-hour session Thai Traditions packages featuring traditional Thai treatments where local Thai herbs and spices are used in Body Treats to showcase a unique sense of place

• Choice of two-hour Rejuvenation packages (combination of massages and Body Treats)

• Three-hour signature Rainmist experience (combines Body Treats with Rainmist and Rainshower and massage)

• Banyan Tree Gallery Home Spa Kit to take away at the end of the stay

In addition guests will also be able to book:

• One ‘Sanya Rak’ (which means ‘Promise of Love’ in Thai) dinner cruise: A two-hour private cruise for two around the lagoon with the finest cuisine prepared and served by attentive staff

• A 30-minute in-villa massage lesson per couple

• One Intimate Moments experience: the villa is magically transformed with a bath prepared with fragrant flower petals, bedroom dressed with twinkling, scented candles, orchids and wine for a romantic evening for two

This package is available from 01 August 2008 to 15 December 2008 and prices start from US$4,000+++ (approx £2,000 plus 18% tax and service charge) single occupancy in a Pool Villa.

3- Night Diet of Pleasures at Banyan Tree Bintan

This four-day, three-night stay at one of Banyan Tree’s signature villas includes daily breakfast at Treetops restaurant. Guests are also invited to experience over six hours of decadent spa treatments and participate in the daily yoga programme whenever it suits them:

• Choice of two-hour Luxury Facial

• Choice of 90-minute Massage

• Three-hour Indonesian Traditions packages featuring traditional Indonesian treatments where local herbs and spices are used in Body Treats to showcase a unique sense of place

• Banyan Tree Gallery Home Spa Kit to take away at the end of the stay

In addition guests can also book any one of the below options during their stay:

• Dining Credit equivalent to USD168, that can be redeemed at any of Banyan Tree Bintan’s food and beverage outlets

• An exclusive “Fisherman’s Table” Destination Dining experience for two per stay, where diners enjoy fresh seafood specialities on the beach while seated in a traditional fisherman’s boat with the sand between their toes

• One Intimate Moments experience: The villa is magically transformed with a bath prepared with fragrant flower petals, bedroom dressed with twinkling scented candles, orchids and wine for a romantic night for two

This package is available to 15 December 2008 and prices start from US$2,035++ (approx £1,000 plus 20% tax and service charge) single occupancy in a Valley Villa.

For reservations, please call Banyan Tree Bintan on +62 770 693 100,

Banyan Tree Phuket on +66 76 324 374

or the Singapore reservations office on +65 6849 5800

or Hong Kong Regional Sales Office at +852 2312 1815.

One–stop reservations at the best rates can be made on the award-winning website, www.banyantree.com

Ramadan at The Park

Enjoy a feast of Ramadan specialties in a stunning waterfront location

Park Hyatt Dubai presents “Ramadan Nights at The Terrace”, an opportunity to share with family and friends a variety of gourmet delights as you relax adjacent to the beautiful waterfront. A full Ramadan menu is available, with cold and hot mezze, including such traditional favourites as Mohamra, Moutabel Badenjan, Fatoush, Loubia and Warek Enab, and a variety of freshly baked Saj bread (Zaatar and Olive Oil, Akawi and Haloumi Cheese, and Minced Meat with Pine Nuts and Labneh, Tomato, Olives and Rucola), as well as Shawarma and Falafel sandwiches. For main courses, select from the Iranian Mixed Grill, the Grilled Seafood Platter or the Grilled Lamb Chops with Oregano, Tomatoes and Peppers.

Also available is an extensive dessert menu, including Um Ali, dates and seasonal fresh and dried fruit, to name a few, a beverage list featuring all the Ramadan favourites, such as Laban, Kamar Eddine, Tamr Hindi and Jellab, as well as mocktails made especially for the occasion, such as the Simple Colada, the Merry Mary, and iced coffees and teas in a multitude of flavours. “Ramadan Nights at The Terrace” also offers a large variety of shisha flavours for guests to choose from, priced between Dhs45 and Dhs55, as they relax and listen to the Arabic lounge-style music.

An option of two Sohour Set menus will also be available, priced at Dhs180 and Dhs200, including cold mezze, hot cuisine such as Shawarma and Mixed Grills, a selection of sweets and an assortment of soft beverages.

“Ramadan Nights at The Terrace” overlooking the picturesque Dubai Creek will operate from 8:00pm to 3:00am. A minimum consumption charge per person will apply.

For reservations, please call 04 317 2222, or the hotel on 04 602 1234 and ask to speak to Alok Kukreti.

Arabic sweets and cookies will be on offer from Park Hyatt Dubai’s chic pastry boutique, Pistache.

“RAMADAN TENT BY THE MARINA”

Park Hyatt Dubai presents its Ramadan Tent, over looking the marina at The Thai Kitchen Balcony. A specially constructed see through and air conditioned tent will allow guests to relax and enjoy their Ramadan and Sohour cuisine. A lounge style set up, to include rich colour sofas, cushions, candles, games and shisha ensures a unique experience.

“Ramadan Tent by the Marina” overlooking the picturesque Dubai Creek will operate from 8:00pm to 3:00am.

A minimum consumption charge per person will apply.

For reservations, please call 04 317 2222, or the hotel on 04 602 1234 and ask to speak to Alok Kukreti.

“RAMADAN NIGHTS AT TRAITEUR BALCONY”

If you are looking for a unique area to enjoy spending time with family, friends and colleagues, or simply to collect yourself and unwind, what more peaceful and tranquil setting could there be than the Traiteur bar outside terrace, overlooking the beautiful marina and skyline of Dubai? Here, a Ramadan seating area is recommended for groups of up to 30 people. An option of two Sohour Set menus will be available, priced at Dhs180 and Dhs200, including cold mezze, hot dishes, such as Shawarma and Mixed Grills, a selection of sweets and seasonal fresh fruit, and an assortment of soft drinks.

“Ramadan Nights at Traiteur Balcony” will operate from 8:00pm to 3:00am.

For reservations, please call
04 317 2222, or the hotel on 04 602 1234 and ask to speak to Alok Kukreti.

IFTAR ARABESQUE
Enjoy an Iftar buffet in a stylish setting, with spectacular views overlooking Dubai Creek.

Café Arabesque celebrates the culinary delights of the Levantine region, and offers a truly rich Arabic Iftar buffet featuring more than 40 different kinds of cold and hot mezze, (including Kibdet Dajaj, Roubian Bil Salsa, Lesanat, Ferri and Jawaneh Dajaj), two soups, (Freekieh and Shorbet Adas), Ouzy served with Oriental rice, rotisserie dishes, carvings, kebabs and more than 10 different main courses (including Shish Barak, Baziella Bil Lahem, Sapandh Bil Lahmeh, Kousa Ablama and Daoud Basha), all baked in a wood-fired oven and accompanied by the finest hot Arabic bread. Home-made Syrian Baklawa, and a large selection of dates, fruit and international desserts provide a sweet ending to this special time of the day.

Iftar Arabesque is available daily from sundown to 7:30pm and is priced at Dhs170 per person, including soft drinks, or Dhs 85 for children aged six and up, including drinks. A choice of five Iftar menus will be offered on a rotational basis. For reservations, please call 04 317 2222.

GROUP AND CORPORATE IFTAR AND SOHOUR

Share Iftar and Sohour with family, friends and colleagues, with menus available in a variety of stunning locations. For group bookings, delight in the choice of two Iftar banquet menus, priced at Dhs170 or Dhs195 per person, including soft drinks. Hot and cold mezze, Ouzy, a variety of more than 10 different main courses and desserts can be enjoyed. Choose from a variety of locations to host your dinner, from the ballroom (for both large and small groups) to Café Arabesque or the Traiteur Bar outside terrace overlooking the Creek. For reservations, please call Karim or Karen in the Banquet Department on 04 602 1930/1618.

PARK HYATT DUBAI RESTAURANTS AND BAR RAMADAN SCHEDULE:

Café Arabesque: Open all day. Breakfast is served from 6:30am to 11:30am; lunch from 12:30pm to 4:00pm; Iftar from sundown to 7:30pm; and dinner from 7:30pm to 12:00 midnight. The Ramadan menu is priced at Dhs170 per person; no alcohol will be served.

Ramadan Nights at The Terrace”: Open-air terrace. Open from 8:00pm to 3:00am; no alcohol will be served.

The Lounge: Open from sundown to sunrise, serving a Ramadan menu; no alcohol will be served.

Pistache: Open from sundown to 3:00am.

Traiteur: Open from 7:00pm to 12:00 midnight serving the regular menu and all beverages; closed for lunch and Friday Brunch.

Traiteur Bar: Will serve all the hotel’s licensed beverages throughout Ramadan from 7:00pm to 2:00am.

Traiteur Bar Outside Terrace: Open from 8.00pm to 3.00am, serving Sohour Set menus for groups.

The Thai Kitchen: Open from 7:00pm to 12:00 midnight, serving the regular menu and all beverages; closed for lunch and Friday Brunch.

About Park Hyatt Dubai

Park Hyatt Dubai is a luxury waterfront retreat adjacent to the world-famous Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Situated just minutes from the city centre, world-class shopping and prime business districts, Park Hyatt Dubai is a haven of tranquil elegance in the vibrant city of Dubai.

Ramadan Jewels of Arabia at Amara, Park Hyatt Dubai

Amara will be open until 12:00 midnight every Friday and Saturday during Ramadan.

Ramadan is a period for contemplation and spending time with family and friends, to collect oneself and unwind, and what more peaceful and tranquil setting to do this than Amara, Park Hyatt Dubai? A magnificent tribute to the ancient Moorish palaces, the white exterior and royal blue domes of Amara offer a welcoming entrance into this private and secluded spa, where exotic rituals have been created to stimulate the senses, soothe and rejuvenate.

The Amara concierge will customise your experience using the ancient healing philosophies of Diamond, Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire. These precious jewels, each with its own physical and spiritual benefits, combined with the finest products, Arabian teas and authentic delicacies, ensure a quality and personalised experience.

Alternatively, you can enjoy one of our unique Ramadan Packages and, as Ramadan is the time to relax and take more time for yourself, complete your spa experience either poolside or in the Amara lounge.

Package 1: Diamond Clarity - Dhs 680 (105 minutes)

Inhalations of specially selected essential oils and a stimulating body brushing prelude an aroma-pressure back massage. A recharging gel body masque rich in minerals and plant essences is applied, while an acupressure foot and scalp massage with frankincense, and an eye massage with chilled lava stones invigorates … also perfect for pre- or post-travel.

•Spa cuisine - enjoy a complimentary selection of spa cuisine from the menu

•The 25 m swimming pool with four whirlpools, a fragranced steam room and a gymnasium are also at your disposal.

Package 2: Ruby Indulgence – Dhs 680 (105 minutes)

Bursting with sensations, Carita’s signature exfoliation prepares you for a luxury mineral body masque with soft cotton wrappings. A massage of the hands and feet soothes as the masque works its magic, while a hot stone full-body massage with mineral-enriched emulsion will leave your skin radiantly smooth and velvety.

•Spa cuisine - enjoy a complimentary selection of spa cuisine from the menu

•The 25 m swimming pool with four whirlpools, a fragranced steam room and gymnasium are also at your disposal.

About Amara

Set in idyllic surroundings on the north bank of the Dubai Creek, Amara, the day spa at Park Hyatt Dubai, is an exquisite sanctuary of luxury and tranquillity. Amara’s treatments promise to take you on a journey of the senses, with the finest spa rituals and products available.

Amara features eight spacious luxury suites, each with its own private outdoor terrace, lounge area, and indoor and outdoor rain showers. Amara also offers a stunning 25 m swimming pool featuring a series of palm islands. At Amara, privacy is of the essence and the spa has its own enclosed private entrance, giving guests access without having to go through the hotel.

A unique sense of place is provided by the exquisitely designed Park Hyatt Dubai hotel and its breathtaking views of the Dubai Creek. With its adjoining private courtyards and cascading water features, Amara is in perfect harmony with the sophisticated retreat atmosphere of the hotel.

About Park Hyatt Dubai

Park Hyatt Dubai is a luxury waterfront retreat adjacent to the world-famous Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Located just minutes from the city centre, world-class shopping and prime business districts, Park Hyatt Dubai is a haven of tranquil elegance in the vibrant city of Dubai.

Vanuatu reveals its hidden secrets

PORT VILA, VANUATU, - The tropical islands of the 83 island archipelago of Vanuatu, is the birth place of Extreme Sport. The Pentecost land dive was born in the mists of time in Vanuatu.

James A Michener found his inspiration for his book, the origin of the classical musical Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1958 film, South Pacific, in the islands of Vanuatu. The Television rehash of the original classic, in 2001, never found favor with the viewing public.

Vanuatu rose to the forefront once again, in 2006, when it was voted the Happiest Country on Earth.

The grave site of Chief Roy Mata, where it is believed more than 20 wives were buried live with the king, was recently granted world heritage status.

As world finance reels like a drunken sailor, parts of Vanuatu remain untouched. Specially grown pig tusks, intricately plaited ceremonial mats and even sacred stones, form the local currency.

Yet, Vanuatu is once again sitting in the world spotlight, with its recent release of unique and traditionally well hidden art work, from the northern island of Ambrym. The work could well be mistaken for contemporary pieces of art. There are no pieces like the Vanuatu art in the museums of Europe and America. Only one similar piece was found in a museum in Britain.

Towering high over the head of the tourist, the wooden carved slit gongs go virtually unnoticed. With up to tfive heads carved on the gongs, they are among the largest free standing musical instruments on earth.

Few visitors realize the connection of the impressive, sometimes four meter high gongs, to the secrets of Vanuatu society. The stylized carved form of the gong representing the people’s ancestors, The eyes representing the morning star of society that has traditionally kept its secrets well hidden from the eyes of the world.

Beating the lip of the gong with a small wooden club, informal village orchestras performed rhythmical ensembles of immense variety and complexity. The music beaten out through carefully coordinated actions by multiple drummers.

Not only were the carved gongs used in sacred ceremonies such as initiations, funerals and dances, but also to communicate between neighboring villages.

By releasing some of their secret and sacred artifacts to the world, the Chiefs of Vanuatu hope to bring about a renewed awareness of their ancient culture.

The Chiefs of Vanuatu are aware that education of the younger generation is the only way to preserve their ancient ways. Very few young people have any knowledge of the intricate art of the language of the gong.

It is hoped the beginning of the sharing of their secrets, will bring about a change in the desperate need to educate the next generation. You can take an active part in helping educate the next generation of these beautiful and ancient people. For further information contact Wendy at YouMe Support Foundation, (youmesupport.org) one of the foundations determined to help the people of Vanuatu move forward on the education front.

About YouMe Support Foundation

YouMe Support Foundation, Vanuatu, a non-profit making charity, was founded in 2007. YouMe Support Foundation provides non-repayable higher education grants to children from geographically and economically underprivileged areas. YouMe Support Foundation is offering a Blue Moon Opportunity on the Internet in order to assist these children.

Edgewater Resort & Spa opens 3 Bedroom Villas

The Cook Islands largest resort The Edgewater Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the opening of its brand new 3bedroom villas. The new villas are the ideal accommodation option for families or for friends travelling together with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen … your island home away from home.

Fitted with full self catering facilities including dishwasher & washing machine, these very spacious 3 bedroom houses offer all the modern comforts of home. The villas boast two bathrooms, a large covered verandah and carport, satellite TV with in-house movie channels and telephone with IDD service. With two queen rooms and one twin, each villa accommodates up to six people.

Set in their own village style environment, you can enjoy the privacy of the villas whilst still being able to enjoy all the on-site facilities & activities offered by an international resort.

Rates start from NZ$630 per night for the 3 Bedroom Garden Villas and NZ$825per night for the 3 Bedroom Beachfront Villas, per night inclusive of tax.

For bookings contact stay@edgewater.co.ck  or visit the resort website at www.edgewater.co.ck