Jetsettersblog

The new “Get 2 Moreton Island” passenger ferry service is providing another way to get to the pristine island from Brisbane this summer.

Operating five days a week, the ferry departs from Newport Marina, Scarborough, 30 minutes north of Brisbane and lands at the northern end of the island at Bulwer.

Operated by Reality Cruises, the ferry trip takes two hours each way, departing 8am from Scarborough and 4pm from Bulwer (Moreton Island) every Wednesday to Sunday.

A return trip costs $50 for an adult and $35 for children under 14 years.

Season passes are also available. Reality Cruises is also finalising details of a new day tour and snorkelling trips to be offered over the summer holidays.

Trips will include boom netting, tour of Tangalooma wrecks, snorkelling, encounters with dolphins and turtles and much more.

www.get2moretonisland.com

Delta Air Lines will start nonstop service from New York-JFK to the Cayman Islands on June 12.

Flights will operate once a week on Saturdays using the 160-seat Boeing 737-800.

The new service is launching at the same time that the Caymans is offering a family-oriented summer promotion.

The Cayman Islands 2010 summer promotion will be valid for travel May 15 to Sept. 6, 2010, and includes discounted accommodations, activities, meals, car rentals, attractions, and more.

Booking updates will be available soon. For more information, visit www.delta.com  or www.caymanislands.ky

Young Island Resort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ seven-night Lover’s Package includes ocean view accommodations, three meals per day, a foot massage per couple valued at $70 and 10 dives with Dive St. Vincent.

The package with 10 dives is $3,880 per couple, for travel through March 31.

Young Island Resort is located off the southern coast of the main island of St. Vincent, a three-minute water taxi ride away.

For more information, call 800-223-1108 or visit www.youngisland.com

Thailand’s Tusita Resort & Spa Chumphon has its original Thai word root from “Dusit,” which means the fourth heaven.

The resort’s design seeks a balance between Indian and English style.

The resort offers 17 rooms and five modern Mediterranean style beachfront rooms.

Tusita is offering a variety of packages in the coming summer season.

For those who favor outdoor activities, they can select snorkeling packages to see the coral reef at Tao & Nang Yuan Island or take a snorkel at Rang Bang Thad & Maprao Island, which is the snorkeling point, situated nearest the resort, with numerous baby coral reefs.

For those who prefer mountains and canals, they can choose rafting at Pa-toh canal.

For those who prefer relaxation the hotel offers a spa.

These package’s prices start at 8,400 THB ($254).

The offer is valid through April 30.

For more information, email reservation@tusitaresort.com  

or visit www.tusitaresort.com

Adventure Eye Video Systems, which allow tour and resort operators to rent wearable cameras to their clients or film them participating in an activity and provide a customized DVD or jump drive with a recording of the experience within minutes of completion, can now be found at specialty sports ventures in Colorado, at ski schools, on major cruise lines, dive and ski shops.

For more information, view a demonstration movie at www.adventureeyevs.com  or visit www.adventureeye.net

Mondrian in South Beach, part of Morgan’s Hotel Group, announced the company’s first condo-hotel offering, presenting boaters with a destination at the Mondrian Marina on Biscayne Bay.

One of only three marinas located on Miami Beach, Mondrian’s Marina offers 26 boat slips that hold up to 65-foot yachts and luxurious onsite services.

To compliment the marina, Mondrian introduces an array of water activities including jet skis and kayaks available for hotel and marina guests.

In a prime location overlooking views of the downtown Miami skyline, guests will have access to surrounding waters such as Government Cut, North Miami Beach, and the serene natural landscape of Key Biscayne, all while being footsteps away from the action of Mondrian’s own Sunset Lounge.

Monthly and seasonal marina packages are available.

Mondrian also offers marina guests special rates for guest rooms. For the dock master, call 305-514-1500.

For hotel reservations or more information,

call 800-606-6090

or visit www.morganshotelgroup.com

The recent acquisition of world heritage listed Dunk Island by Hideaway Resorts marks the beginning of a new era for the popular Australian island paradise. Already a perennial favourite with sun seekers and holidaymakers, Dunk Island is set to re-establish itself as Queensland’s premier tourism destination thanks to a planned makeover of facilities and services.

Newly appointed CEO Darren Cann is overseeing the work that will cement Dunk Island’s position at the top of holiday maker’s wish list.

“It is a very exciting time on Dunk Island, as we make changes to uphold our position as a market leader. Without giving the game away, we will be involved in local projects and will continually improve and develop the customer experience,” he said.

Whatever the changes involve, Dunk Island will remain the ideal island for a tropical getaway.

Aptly named the Isle of Peace and Plenty by the first Aboriginal inhabitants, Dunk Island is nestled in the azure waters of the Coral Sea, just 50 minutes by boat from the Great Barrier Reef, 30 minutes from idyllic Mission Beach, approximately two hours from Cairns and 30 minutes by air.

The first non-indigenous visitors were author E.J. Banfield and his wife, who moved to the island in the late 1800s upon hearing that he had just six months to live. Banfield chose to live out his remaining days close to nature on Dunk Island – where he defied the odds and lived a full and healthy life surrounded by the romance and allure of Island life.

His novel “Confessions of a Beachcomber”, published in 1907, helped to spread the word about Dunk Island’s exotic appeal; and the island paradise has attracted holidaymakers for generations since, including luminaries like Sean Connery, Henry Ford and Gough Whitlam.

Careful management has ensured that the islands breathtaking flora and fauna remain protected. Visitors can explore diverse rainforest and vegetation environments, seeking out many species of birds, harmless reptiles and the startling Ulysses butterfly.

Dunk Island is closer to the Great Barrier Reef than northerly locations like Port Douglas, and takes visitors to more pristine, untouched examples of the Reef environment. Its close proximity to the mainland also opens up options for guests seeking activities like white water rafting on the mighty Tully River.

Today, Dunk Island offers visitors a truly memorable experience. It is the only Australian resort that combines prehistoric pristine rainforest with exhilarating water sports and reef activities in a tropical island setting, with all of the benefits of a premier resort.

Appealing to families, romantics and thrill seekers alike, it is a destination where visitors can choose to do as much or as little as they desire.

Dunk Island is renowned for its outdoor activities, in particular its water sports.

Guests start their day with the Daily Dunk newsletter over breakfast, planning the day ahead. The friendly Dunk Island activity team is always on-hand to prepare individual or family programs to ensure that maximum fun is had by all.

There’s so much water lovers can choose from: jet skis, water-skis, wakeboards and tube riding for adrenaline seekers; there is snorkeling and sports fishing for fish-lovers; or a flotilla of motorised dinghies, catamarans and paddle skis for those that want to explore the picturesque bays.

Then there are the two alluring swimming pools, beckoning those who simply want to relax.

On land and above, activities range from extreme tandem skydiving to mountain biking; from tennis or golf to team sports like indoor hockey and volleyball. On Dunk Island, there is something for everyone.

After a day’s adventure, guests can visit the Spa of Peace & Plenty for a rejuvenating massage, body scrub or facial. Using Elemis products, the professional spa experts have the magic healing touch and deliver well-deserved pampering in a breathtaking setting.

Dunk Island offers guests a mouthwatering array of dining destinations, so that there is a different menu to select from and new views to enjoy at every meal.

The Beachcomber Restaurant offers either sumptuous buffets on special nights of the week (for example, seafood on Tuesdays and roasts on Sundays), or a three-course table d’hôte menu that changes daily.

The Plantation Bar serves up delicious snacks and sandwiches during the day; as does the contemporary Asian Noodle Café, serving up quick and tasty stir fries, spicy rice and succulent noodle dishes.

The Terrace is al fresco dining at its best – guests can sip an aperitif Limoncello cocktail and enjoy the view over the cascade pool, while working up an appetite for fettuccine or gourmet pizza.

Finally, the Jetty Café is a must-visit destination. Situated at the tip of the island, the Jetty Café has a casual atmosphere and seafood so fresh, it almost jumps off the plate.

Individual picnic lunches can be made to order for those wishing to explore. With 663 hectares of national parkland adjacent to the Dunk Island resort, sightseers can climb Mt Kootaloo, visit the impressive 20 metre Callophyllum tree, or spot the iconic Ulysses Butterfly, which is the emblem of Dunk Island.

Dunk Island rooms are spacious and accommodating. With 90 palm-fringed beachfront suites and 70 garden view suites, guests can choose from three different types of accommodation, all offering modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

• Beachfront Suites – Spacious split-level interiors with sleeping above and stylish living downstairs. The suites boast a relaxed coastal feel with double glass doors onto a large balcony, and feature a king-size bed and luxurious bathroom.

• Beachfront Rooms – Upstairs rooms have a balcony and downstairs a deck leading out to gardens and the beach. Each room is split level with separate living and sleeping areas, and an ensuite with combined bath and shower. All have one king and one single bed, or a family configuration of one king and two singles.

• Garden Rooms – Each room has one queen and one single bed, separate ensuite with shower, and private outdoor area. Configurations with one queen and two singles are available for families.

With the array of choice available – coupled with flawless service and impeccable styling the Island is renowned for – Dunk Island is a popular choice for weddings and honeymoons, with brides’ whims catered for and every romantic touch applied for a memorable experience.

Other amenities at Dunk Island include a nine-hole golf course with timber boardwalks through the rainforest, a friendly and professional kids club, gymnasium, basketball courts, archery field, and conference centre.

Hideaway Resorts, based in Cairns, took over ownership of Dunk Island, as well as nearby Bedarra on 21 September 2009 and remain committed to introducing more facilities and activities in 2010, to create an island Utopia in Australia.

www.dunk-island.com

Hotels and resorts in Panama City Beach, Fla. are offering a variety of Valentine’s Day specials, including the following value-added hotel packages.

Shores of Panama is offering the “Shore Thing Romance Package” which includes two-night accommodations, special Friday night bonfire on the beach, couples’ massage, bottle of sparkling wine, $50 gift card for dinner at Boatyard or Schooners restaurants and unlimited access to indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center.

Rates begin at $249 per person, based on double occupancy.

The offer is valid Valentine’s Day weekend.

For more information or to book the package, call 877-808-4323 or visit www.OaseasResorts.com

By the Sea Resorts is offering gulf-front rooms starting at $59 per couple per night and complimentary breakfast for the long Valentine’s Day weekend.

The offer is valid Feb. 11to 13; three-night minimum on Feb. 12 arrivals.

For more information or to book a stay, call 888-627-0625 or visit www.bythesearesorts.com  

Hidden Dunes is offering a Valentine’s special which includes a three-bedroom, three-bath Gulf front room with rates beginning at $180 per night; third night is free.

The offer is valid Feb. 6 to 20.

For more information or to book a reservation, call 877-377-7707 or visit www.hiddendunescondo.com

Other Panama City Beach properties with Valentine’s Day and romantic getaways include: Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach Pier Park (www.panamacitybeachpierparkareasuites.hamptoninn.com ); The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort (www.hipcbeach.com ) ; Chateau Motel (www.chateaumotel.com ) ; Majestic Beach Resort (www.MajesticBeachResort.com ) ; Reflections Resort and Spa (www.sterlingresorts.com ) ; and Sterling Resorts (www.sterlingresorts.com ) .

For general destination information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

Wildlife Vacations Inc, the premier travel adventure company of the Galapagos region, welcomed back its luxury vessel, the Galapagos Explorer II, to the waters today after several upgrades.

Wildlife Vacations Inc, the premier travel adventure company of the Galapagos region, welcomed back its luxury vessel, the Galapagos Explorer II, to the waters today after several upgrades.

The main dining room, coffee station, and Jacuzzi bar of the Galapagos Explorer II underwent two months of refurbishment.

“Upgrades and remodeling of our vessels excite our cruisers and enhance the entire Galapagos vacation for them,” commented Jon Pinto, CEO of Wildlife Vacations Inc. “We’re excited to see the response we’ll get.”

The main dining room now features hand-painted images by renowned local artist Mr. Saidel Brito who recently won the “Biennal” in Cuenca, Ecuador.

The wall panels of the coffee station and Jacuzzi bar highlight more modern wood panels, while the dining room showcases a classic wood finish.

The Galapagos Explorer II visits up to ten islands in the Galapagos archipelago on a typical seven-night cruise.

Bookings are arranged by Wildlife Vacations Inc.

About Wildlife Vacations Inc.

Since 1976, Galapagos Cruises and Vacations from Wildlife Vacations, Inc. has offered exceptional upscale adventure cruises and soft- adventure vacation travel packages to Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Peru, the Amazon and the highlights of South America. From custom cruises for families, to group charters for corporations, Galapagos Cruises and Vacations facilitates entire trips for individuals, private parties, families, special interest, corporate travel and incentive travel for groups of almost any size.

Learn more by visiting: http://www.toursgalapagos.com  or calling 877. 385. 1433

The 2010 Dive Odyssey Packages (number of diving days varies per package) include gear and range from 4 nights/5 days to 7/nights/8 days, with pricing that starts, during the Winter, at $1035 US pp, and during the Summer, at $862 US pp.

The 2010 Whale Shark Dive Packages (4 nights/5 days and 7nights/8 days) , available April 25- May 9; May 24-June 7; and June 23- July 4 — the peak Whale Shark sighting periods — start at $1286 US per person in April and May ; and $1203 US pp in June.

Divers have often referred to Belize as one of the seven underwater wonders of the world due to the country’s proximity to the world’s second largest Barrier Reef.

Placencia, where The Inn at Robert’s Grove and its Dive Center are located, is an especially unique and pristine diving destination. As the Barrier Reef’s edge comes along the southern coast of Belize, it begins to separate itself further from the mainland, thereby resulting in a broad expanse of coral reef with channels that go down 90 to 110 feet in the inner reef, then rising abruptly into shoals and cayes.

The Outer Reef is home to some of the most spectacular walls that start from around 40 feet and drop off to approximately 3000 feet. With a minimum of 20 named dive sights in the southern waters, untouched coral and abundant fish life abound for underwater adventure guests of the Inn at Robert’s Grove.

The 52-room Inn at Robert’s Grove, which was awarded “Hotel of the Year 2008″ by The Belize Tourist Board, is owned by Risa and Bob Frackman, transplanted New Yorkers who place an emphasis on great food, hospitality and ease of travel.

In addition to the top PADI dive operation in southern Belize, the Inn features two restaurants; two private islands; a fly fishing center, Sea Spa; marina; internet center; and a host of complimentary activities that include tennis, three 50-foot swimming pools, rooftop Jacuzzis, gym, a fleet of kayaks, windsurfers, canoes, hobie cats, sailboats and bicycles. An in-house tour operation arranges excursions to the Mayan ruins, Barrier Reef, Cockscomb Jaguar preserve and Monkey River.

For additional information about The Inn at Robert’s Grove and it’s PADI 5-Star Dive Center, or to request brochures and make reservations, call 1-800-565-9757,

E-mail info@robertsgrove.com  or access their websites at http://www.robertsgrove.com  and http://www.diverobertsgrove.com