Jetsettersblog

Looking for the ideal place to escape with your Valentine to make your summer sizzle without breaking the bank?

Hamilton Island is synonymous with luxury, glamour and above all exceptional quality making it the perfect place to fall deeper in love this February 14… and to sweeten the deal, Hamilton Island is offering couples two complimentary nights accommodation.

The ‘Pay for 5 Nights, Stay for 7’ package includes two free nights for every five paid consecutive nights when staying at Hamilton Island’s Palm Bungalows, Whitsunday Holiday Apartments or Reef View Hotel.

Couples will also enjoy unlimited use of catamarans, paddle skis, windsurfers and snorkelling equipment plus free use of the island shuttle service and return airport / marina - resort transfers.

Hamilton Island is the perfect destination for couples and honeymooners alike.

For the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience, in partnership with Aviation Tourism Australia, take to the skies in a helicopter for the breathtaking flight to Whitehaven Beach where a champagne picnic awaits.

Other experiences for romantics include the Captains Table dinner on the luxury cruiser Denison Star, where couple dine on the upper deck under a canopy of stars, or share an intimate sunset sail on Banjo Paterson, take a scenic flight over Heart Reef or indulge in a dual spa treatment at Hamilton Island’s Relaxation Centre.

Hamilton Island is perfectly situated on The Great Barrier Reef, amongst the 74 Whitsunday Islands and offers Australia’s most diverse island-holiday experience.

Jetstar, Virginblue and Qantaslink flights arrive and depart from Hamilton Island’s airport every day from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns while the Hamilton Island Marina provides a convenient gateway to the mainland and other Whitsunday Islands.

A seven night package starts from just $737.50* per person twin share. Bookings can be made by calling Hamilton Island on 13 REEF (13 7333) or visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au  for more information.

*Subject to availability. Offer valid for travel 18 January 2009 – 31 March 2009

THE REGENT MALDIVES FACT SHEET The Regent Maldives is surrounded by white-sand beaches, lush vegetation and the wonders of nature in Thaa Atoll. The island compromises 50 individual beach and over-water accommodations, rich with natural wood, stone and indigenous materials that reflect the flavour of the Maldives. This is the place to kick off your shoes and do exactly what you want.

We, at The Regent Maldives are uncompromising in our commitment to quality and to providing luxury for all the senses. Guests become engaged by sincere personal attention and discreet service gestures, which transform their visit to an experience - The Regent Experience.

All accommodations, the most spacious in the Maldives, feature a private landscaped terrace with sun loungers and plunge pool, a semi open bathroom with deep soaking tub and a private exotic outdoor garden shower. High-tech comforts include 42” and 37” LCD televisions in the living and bed rooms, Bose Lifestyle System featuring DVD/CD player with iPod docking station, a N’espresso coffee machine and a fully stocked private bar. A well-defined work area features wired and wireless high-speed Internet access.

14 Beach Pavilions (265sqm) and 9 Beach Villas (310sqm)

Facing the azure lagoon, the stand-alone beach pavilions and villas are spacious and surrounded by lush tropical gardens with a private plunge pool and a covered day bed. Featuring a foyer, spacious living and dining areas including a comfortable sofa bed and tasteful teak furniture.

The beach villas offer more space with a separate bedroom while the smaller pavilions have the bedroom adjoining the living area. The bedroom overlooks the lagoon and features a four-poster bed, a comfortable sofa and a 37” LCD television. All bedrooms have a dressing room area with extensive hanging space, deep drawers and dressing table. The separate dressing area leads to a large semi open bathroom that is an experience on its own. A deep soaking tub - big enough for two - is an invitation to romantic preludes. The outdoor rainforest shower beneath the sky or alternative indoor shower overlooking the private garden offers a true Maldivian experience.

12 Ocean Pavilions (230sqm) and 13 Ocean Villas (245sqm)
From the private over-water pavilions and villas built on stilts, guests may peer directly below into the waters of the turquoise lagoon and be inspired by the sea life swimming beneath them.

The ocean pavilions and villas are perfectly located for memorable sunrises and romantic sunset’s offering unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean. Out on the water with private sundecks, staircases lead to the turquoise waters offering guests direct access to the lagoon. Adding Maldivian flair to style, each pavilion and villa features endless views.

Outdoor lounging areas have extensive decks for basking in the sun, a covered pool side day bed and outdoor shower. The spacious interior features tasteful living and dining areas, overlooking the plunge pool.

The bedroom, adjacent to the living room has floor-to-ceiling glass and wood doors that slide back to reveal the private deck. The ocean villa’s living area is slightly larger and features a separate and more spacious living room. The semi open bathroom unites the best in architecture and nature. Rejuvenate in a deep soaking tub and experience a sensuous and intimate mood. The outdoor rainforest shower beneath the sky or alternative separate glass-enclosed shower offer a sensuous experience.

2 Ocean Residences (655sqm)

The two-bedroom ocean residences offer one of the finest Maldivian over-water experiences. Located on the North West tip of this island, vistas are unobstructed and inspiring in all directions of the amazing lagoon. Perfect for privacy and relaxation, the residences are overlaid with a sense of peaceful seclusion in tranquil décor. The spacious living room opens onto a furnished deck that is ideal for entertaining or relaxing on the oversize daybed. Ample living space is offered with two bedrooms, dining facilities that seat 8, guest toilet, a library office, and full kitchen. The master bedroom features its own private living area and sun deck. The ocean residences have two full bath suites, each with a separate rain shower and an exotic outdoor shower. For added convenience, the ocean residences offer an option of gym and massage facilities within the residence.

Category Available units Occupancy based on Rates
Beach Pavilion 14 2 adults
Beach Villa 9 2 adults
Ocean Pavilion 12 2 adults
Ocean Villa 13 2 adults
Ocean Residence 2 4 adults

Each category also includes the following features:
• Two satellite LCD televisions
• Bose Lifestyle System featuring DVD/CD player and iPod docking station
• Complimentary high-speed wired and wireless internet access
• Multi-line IDD telephone with voice mail
• Electronic safe
• Fully stocked private bar
• N’espresso coffee machine
• Tea making facility
• Dedicated sun lounges on the beach and deck
• Private veranda
• Private plunge pool
• Covered pool side day bed
• Direct lagoon access
• Spacious semi-open bathroom with dual vanities and indoor and outdoor shower
• Individual climate control for lounge, bedroom and bathroom
• Ceiling fans

Floor plans of each category are available upon request.

The Maldivian Package offers nightly accommodation in a choice of luxury room categories, daily breakfast, and complimentary dinner. To make travelers stay even more memorable this package include an exclusive Sunset Fishing Trip and the opportunity to have your freshly caught fish prepared as a tantalizing meal by our creative F&B team (for a small fee).

Rate starts from USD560++ from December 1, 2008 and USD375 ++ from May 1, 2009 for the BeachFront Deluxe Room. Valid until August 31, 2009. Minimum of 7 nights stay is required. Terms & Conditions apply.

Feel the welcoming touch of Sheraton. Because you don’t just stay here. You belong.
Reservations at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is now open, bookings can be made via www.sheraton.com/maldivesfullmoon

About Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Re-branded as Sheraton Maldives Full Moon on December 1, 2008, the resort enjoys a premium location on its own private island. Furanafushi in the North Malé Atoll with its pristine white-sand beach is just a short speedboat ride from The Malé International Airport.

JENNER, Calif. — Timber Cove Inn, www.timbercoveinn.com, perched on a majestic cliff along the ruggedly scenic Sonoma Coast, has just completed a $2.5 million renovation that includes new carpet, drapes, bedding, linens and furniture in all of the rooms. The lobby, bar and restaurant have also been refurbished, and an outdoor patio and fire pit have been added to overlook the Pacific Ocean. The idyllic Inn, located 14 miles north of Jenner where the Russian River meets the ocean and one hour drive west of Santa Rosa, features stunning views, a massive stone fireplace, and spa tubs and fireplaces in most rooms to create an atmosphere of total relaxation.

Also new to the Inn is celebrated Chef Jon Mortimer, most recently executive chef and owner of Mortimer’s/Franco Latino, whose frequent media appearances included a recent interview and culinary demonstration on The Today Show. Before joining Timber Cove Inn, his restaurants garnered numerous national and local awards.

Mortimer will head the kitchen of the Hotel’s restaurant, Alexander’s at Timber Cove.
Alexander’s features an innovative menu with sumptuous Tuscan cuisine. The Fall 2008 Tasting Menu includes culinary delights along the lines of the Mushroom Cappuccino, with local wild mushrooms, truffled milk foam and fresh nutmeg, and the Hazelnut crusted pork with pinot noir reduction.

The Hotel, which originally opened in 1963, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Most of the 50 guest rooms feature decks that overlook stunning ocean views. All have been refurbished to feature flat screen TV, robes, and new bed treatments.

The public is invited to watch for the debut of Timber Cove Inn’s grand opening packages that will be featured at www.timbercoverinn.com - as well as special event dinners, including wine pairings.

Nearby, art lovers will be inspired by Benjamin Bufano’s awesome obelisk sculpture titled “Peace.” The renowned Italian-American sculptor also created the iconic statue of St. Francis for the city of San Francisco.

Reservations at Timber Cove Inn can be booked online at www.timbercoveinn.com  or by calling Toll Free: 800-987-8319 or 707-847-3231.

For complete hotel descriptions, locations and reservations at Pacifica Hotels, call 800-720-0223, or visit www.pacificahotels.com. Nobody knows the coast like Pacifica. But, you’re invited to learn…

Just when we thought Amanyara had every possible desire covered, the secluded villa resort in the Turks & Caicos Islands has raised the bar even higher.

Now, in addition to a wide range of beauty, relaxation and wellness services available in the privacy of Amanyara’s accommodations, guests have the option of visiting a Serenity Villa where the surroundings, elegant in their simplicity, add to a total sense of comfort and well being.

Massages, scrubs, wraps and beauty treatments, along with yoga and Pilates classes, are the order of the day in the villa.

The Serenity Villa, wrapped around its own swimming pool, features a reception area and four separate treatment pavilions.

Guests are received in a spacious lounge pavilion where herbal tea and health drinks are served before and/or after treatments. Each treatment pavilion can accommodate one couple and features a changing area with double vanities, a soaking tub and a “rain” shower. Two of the pavilions feature sunken outdoor terrazzo bathtubs and showers set within the walls of a small garden. There is a separate sala providing shade from the sun and a studio equipped with a Reformer for private Pilates or yoga sessions.

“The Serenity Villa affords us an opportunity to bring the best wellness and fitness practices to our guests,” states Steve Harvey, Spa Manager of Amanyara. “Our luxurious treatments and personalized fitness classes are conducted in a stunning villa for an experience that is truly relaxing … and beautiful to boot.”

A menu of massages is available to restore balance, release muscle tension and increase circulation including a Deep Tissue Massage and exotic offerings such as the Shiatsu or Ancient Thai Massage based on teachings from the East. Luxurious body treatments incorporate Amanresorts’ custom-blended products made from natural and locally-sourced ingredients such as a Kaffir Lime Body Scrub and Massage and a Jojoba Bead Scrub and Wrap. Facials and therapeutic after-sun treatments are also available.

Fitness aficionados can focus on yoga and Pilates with complimentary yoga classes scheduled three times per week. Mat Pilates classes, conducted in a group or private setting, and individual Reformer classes are also an option. A knowledgeable “Master in Residence” is on staff to guide guests through the latest holistic healing practices.

For some, the most important Serenity Villa services of all are manicures, pedicures, hair styling, make-up and waxing, all of which can also be accommodated in the individual guest pavilions or villas.

For more information,please visit www.amanresorts.com

 

Opened in October 2008, Desert Islands Resort & Spa is situated on Sir Bani Yas Island the once-private Royal Nature Reserve established by the late ruler and founder of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The exclusive resort is surrounded by the wild vastness of the island, transformed into an ecologically-viable, wild-life rich natural preserve and scenic retreat.

At the Desert Islands Resort & Spa, experience a unique brand of service inspired by the local traditions of hospitality and culture. Situated along the resplendent coast line of Sir Bani Yas Island, the hotel-resort offers 64 luxuriously designed rooms with living quarters decked out in state-of-the-art amenities and styled with eye-catching Arabian touches like marble bath-fixtures. Here, wake-up to the alluring melodies of a thousand bird songs and the spectacular view of the distant sea and surrounding natural reserves; while your enclave slowly gets drenched in the warmth of the island’s natural sunlight.

For the ultimate royal indulgence choose one of Desert Islands Resort & Spa’s regal retreats - the two Royal Villas and two Beach Villas come equipped with the best standards of luxury services including a 24/7 butler. These airy abodes feature two bedrooms, living and lounge space, kitchenette, dining area, private splash pools and boast direct access to the beach.

The beautiful and supremely intimate Safaa Spa has four treatment rooms – two for couples and two for individuals - each of them spacious and all offering a wide range of world-renowned luxurious indulgences. Choose from an array of natural treatments - Thai massage, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic therapies, rich facials, and lavish body treatments and scrubs all using the finest ingredients – as well as treatments based on the healing and beautifying properties of gemstones and precious metals. Facilities include a private outdoor relaxation area, separate male and female changing areas, sauna and steam rooms.

Benefit from the well-informed local staff in scoping out pursuits of all sorts throughout the resort. For those with gastronomic adventures in mind, relish the joys of a delectable seafood menu and a waterfront view at Desert Islands’ signature restaurant Samak. Or sample the local cuisine and take the taste buds on a mouth-watering global trip at the tropically-inspired Palm Restaurant.

For lighter bites stop by The Deli and indulge in an outstanding variety of gourmet coffee. Enjoy your favourite beverage and the rich and colourful sea views in the tranquil and private Lounge Bar , situated on the Mezzanine level.

After a day of exploration, enjoy a refreshing beverage from Al Shams Pool Bar over-looking the cerulean waters of the Arabian Sea or relax in the one of the shaded quarters of the hotel pool – cool, private nooks sheltered and divided by exotic plants for visitors to unwind in privacy. For those with extra energy, other facilities include tennis courts equipped with night-playing technology and a health club that’s open around the clock.

The Desert Islands Resort and Spa tastefully merges a luxurious lifestyle experience with a memorable life experience. Combining the beautiful natural reserves of Sir Bani Yas Island and the demand for quality destination activities, the resort is at the forefront of environment based tourism featuring guided tours along some of the region’s most exciting trails and snorkeling into the pristine reefs. Desert Islands Resort & Spa can arrange a number of pursuits ranging from snorkeling to mountain biking to kayaking, tailored to each guest’s specific physical and recreational requirements.

Discovery, Adventure, Culture and Luxury define the Desert Islands experience

 

Yasawa Island Resort and Spa has extended its three-for-two offer until the end of March, giving a tempting excuse to stay a little longer at one of Fiji’s most exclusive island retreats.

Plus, the resort will continue to offer special rates for Australians in Aussie dollars, providing a further saving of more than 25 per cent on standard US dollar rates*.

Yasawa’s offer of three nights for the price of two is available until March 31, 2009 (except December 15 to January 15) and can be taken in any multiple – six nights for the price of four, nine nights for the price of six, and so on.

Yasawa Island Resort and Spa is one of Fiji’s most remote luxury retreats, with just 18 contemporary thatched bungalows hidden among the palms along a stretch of pristine white beach.

The resort is home to Fiji’s first beachfront spa centre, the Baravi Spa, offering indulgent treatments and massages just a few steps from the ocean’s edge. Its signature massage is the Baravi Rhythm, performed by two therapists working in time with the sound of the waves.

Yasawa’s three-for-two offer is for new bookings only, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with other specials. Rates at Yasawa start from A$970 per couple per night (plus 17.5% taxes) and include all meals, non-alcoholic drinks and all activities except spa treatments, scuba diving and sportsfishing.

For bookings, full details and conditions contact Yasawa Island Resort and Spa by phone on +679 6722 266 or email reservations@yasawa.com.fj  See also www.yasawa.com

*Calculated at November 24 exchange rate, A$1 = US$0.63.

The latest episode of the BBC’s Oceans series investigated the depths of the Atlantic from a group of islands in its western reaches - the Bahamas. To experience a diver’s paradise of pristine reefs, historic wrecks, spectacular walls, blue holes, fantastic caves along with the opportunity to dive with diverse sea life, join Dive Worldwide on its NEW 10-day Riding Rock Resort & Marina dive holiday based on San Salvador – the Bahamas’ most south easterly island. Holidays depart London daily throughout the year.

Just twelve miles long and five miles wide, San Salvador is quiet, friendly and unspoilt, with endless deserted beaches and over 50 internationally renowned dive sites! With shallow reefs, stunning water clarity and more than 20 miles of dramatic vertical walls, beginning in as little as 40ft, the island offers a wealth of attractions.

Divers are based at Riding Rock, a custom designed, oceanfront diving resort perched on a pinnacle washed by warm breezes and clear azure waters - ideal for watersport enthusiasts, complete with onsite dive centre. Also on offer is an impressive trio of custom dive boats with deep V-hulls, walk-through transoms, dive platforms with extended ladders, camera rinse stations and plenty of shaded deck. Back on land, enjoy freshly prepared Bahamian cuisine in the resort’s restaurant then relax in the Driftwood Lounge – taking in the magnificent ocean view. For time out of the water - visit San Salvador’s other local attractions - ‘Blackbeard’s Castle’ (he may once have held court here!), Dixon Hill Lighthouse - one of the last hand-operated, kerosine-lit lighthouses in the world, or Columbus Monument, commemorating the landfall of Christopher Columbus in 1492…

The holiday costs from £2,005 p/p including international flights, taxes, 7-nights full board hotel accommodation at Riding Rock Resort and 1-night (RO) on Nassau, plus 10 dives package with tanks and weights.

Dive Worldwide
0845 130 6980

sales@diveworldwide.com 
www.diveworldwide.com

A one week holiday to the Red Sea coast of Egypt is now available from Explorers for £199 per person, a saving of £250 on the brochure price. Available on Sunday 14th December from London Gatwick or Manchester to Sharm El Sheikh.

Package includes return flights, airport transfers and 7 nights bed & breakfast accommodation at the 3 star Ocean Club Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. All rooms are air-conditioned and en-suite and facilities at the hotel include 2 swimming pools, restaurant, pool bar and a PADI 5 star diving centre. Prices are based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room. Single supplement £63. Flight supplement payable of £22 for Gatwick or £32 Manchester.

Explorers, founded in 1980 – part of the Tui Travel group - are a specialist tour operator offering scuba diving holidays all over the world.

For availability and bookings call 01276 406 877

North Carolina Vacation Rental Firm Takes The Guess-Work Out Of Booking A Vacation

Now vacationers can search our website and know the price they see if the price they are charged. As a company, Outer Banks Blue believes that All-Inclusive pricing will not only be simpler for our guests, but will become the standard pricing model for the Vacation Rental Industry

Outer Banks Blue

Vacation Rentals and Real Estate in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
KITTY HAWK, NC, December 26, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ — Outer Banks Blue, a leading vacation rental and real estate firm headquartered in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina has announced that for the 2009 rental season they have implemented an ‘All-Inclusive’ pricing structure designed to help vacationers make easier and more informed decisions when renting a professionally managed vacation home. All pricing on vacation rentals on the Outer Banks Blue website (www.OuterBanksBlue.com) will now include all fees with the exception of taxes and optional travel insurance.

“In response to requests from our guests, our team at Outer Banks Blue has implemented an ‘All-Inclusive’ pricing structure. In light of today’s economic situation, more and more vacationers have a set budget for travel and our new pricing will make their search for the perfect vacation property easier and quicker. No longer will they have to worry about such items as: Administration/Handling Fee; Linen Charges;

 
Damage Waiver Fees or even Cleaning Fees as we have built them into our pricing structure. Now vacationers can search our website and know the price they see if the price they are charged. As a company, Outer Banks Blue believes that All-Inclusive pricing will not only be simpler for our guests, but will become the standard pricing model for the Vacation Rental Industry,” stated Tim Cafferty, President of Outer Banks Blue Realty.

Outer Banks Blue is a full service Vacation Rental Firm which serves vacationers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In operation since 2005, the family owned and operated Outer Banks Blue provides professionally managed vacation homes and condominiums in the Outer Banks of North Carolina including the towns of Corolla; Duck; Kill Devil Hills; Kitty Hawk; Nags Head and Southern Shores.

Vacationers with Outer Banks Blue are able to choose from Oceanfront to Soundfront and all areas in between and have numerous amenity options including private pools; hot tubs; high speed internet access and even pet-friendly properties. Outer Banks Blue provides all guests with needed linens including fully made beds and towels for all guests based on the advertised number of people a property will accommodate.

The Outer Banks Blue website (www.OuterBanksBlue.com)  offers vacationers the ability to search and book online with real-time availability by choosing location, type of property and amenities as well as of course check-in date. Last minute vacationers should review the online specials page to peruse properties offering discounts to vacationers.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina and the nearly two-hundred vacation rentals offered by Outer Banks Blue are convenient to many metropolitan areas including: Charlotte, NC; Washington DC; Richmond VA; Raleigh/Durham, NC; Columbia, SC and Baltimore, MD. Outer Banks Blue is currently accepting reservations for the 2009 rental season.

About Outer Banks Blue

Outer Banks Blue was formed by Tim Cafferty in 2005 after over 25 years in property management on the Outer Banks. With experience in both a smaller, family operated company that evolved into a leader on the Outer Banks in occupancy numbers and technology under his expertise and in the management of a nationally recognized, publicly owned corporation boasting one of the largest inventories of homes on the Outer Banks his vision of a more personalized management opportunity developed into the conception of Outer Banks Blue Real Estate Services.

Experience and reputation in the area for attention to detail and integrity along with a team of experienced and dedicated personnel has brought Outer Banks Blue into the forefront of rental companies. With an original goal of 50 homes easily surpassed in two months of operation, it became very clear it would be necessary to promote this vision with a dedication to their clients for responsible growth, and a dedication to their customers with quality homes. Therefore, the decision was made very early to be selective in the properties and areas they represent.

Today, Outer Banks Blue represents nearly 200 premier vacation rental properties in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

For more information on Outer Banks Blue Real Estate services and to experience a taste of their personal, quality service, visit the on the web at www.OuterBanksBlue.com  email them at info@OuterBanksBlue.com  or call 866.546.0596.