Jetsettersblog

Citadel Outlets announces two innovative ways to include shopping — the #1 activity for international visitors — while in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES—Citadel Outlets, “LA’s Choice for Outlet Shopping,” has partnered with Karmel Shuttle to offer two new shopping packages for visitors wanted to squeeze in some shopping on their departure day.

Citadel Outlets’ “Shop Until you Drop-Off…at LAX with VIP Lounge” and “Shop Until you Drop-Off…at LAX Shopper’s Delight” are packed with special touches to appeal to the international visitor. Each package includes Citadel world-class customer service amenities, complimentary shopping baggage check, foreign currency exchange, complimentary strollers and wheelchairs, free Wi-Fi in the Citadel Cafes, and Family Restrooms & Mother’s Lounge. These packages provide shoppers with a unique experience to stop at Citadel Outlets on their way out of town and experience great deals at 120 of the hottest designer outlets.

Whether visitors are staying in Anaheim or Los Angeles, daily shuttle service is available seven days a week to transport shoppers to Citadel Outlets. Karmel Shuttle offers shuttle service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Anaheim.. Citadel Outlets provides its own Outlet Express Shuttle service between Los Angeles and Anaheim to Citadel Outlets. Shoppers can store luggage at the Citadel Outlets VIP Lounge while shopping. Also, Citadel Outlets store roster conveniently includes a few luggage stores for that extra bag to bring home designer items at significant savings.

“Citadel Outlets is excited to offer these new shopping packages to visitors,” said Cynthia Schmitt, Director of International Tourism & Sales at Citadel Outlets. “So often international visitors have to check out of their hotel early, but have a late evening flight. Our Shop Until you Drop Off at LAX programs gives visitors a chance to do some last-minute shopping and savings before heading home.”

The “Shop Until You Drop – Off……at LAX” with VIP Lounge includes the following amenities:
LAX to Anaheim hotel transfer (provided by Karmel Shuttle)
Pick up from key Anaheim area hotel to Citadel Outlets
(provided by Outlet Express Shuttle)
Spacious seating and bag storage on shuttle
VIP Savings Card and Citadel gift bag
Complimentary secure luggage storage for the day
Access to Citadel’s VIP Lounge which includes:
Free Wi-Fi
Light Snacks and beverages
Flat screen televisions
Electronic converters
Concierge Service
Private lockers
Citadel to LAX transfer (provided by Karmel Shuttle)
The “Shop Until You Drop – Off……at LAX” Shopper’s Delight includes the following amenities:
LAX to Anaheim hotel transfer (provided by Karmel Shuttle)Pick up from key Anaheim area hotel to Citadel Outlets
(provided by Outlets Express Shuttle)
Spacious seating and bag storage on shuttle
VIP Savings Card and Citadel Gift BagComplimentary Luggage storage for the day$20.00 Gift Card/Voucher (adult, $10.00 for child) to use at any of the Outlet Stores or RestaurantsCitadel to LAX transfer (provided by Karmel Shuttle)

“Since many of our international customers have those evening flights, we think this is a perfect way to spend their last day,” says Mike Afram, president of Karmel Shuttle. “Our next step will be to add service from the Beverly Hills/Hollywood area as we are already receiving demand for it.”

The price varies depending on location, but is projected to be in the range of $100 USD. Key resellers will be able to sell the packages, and they will also be available on Karmel Shuttle’s website, at www.karmel.com.

ABOUT KARMEL SHUTTLE SERVICE

KARMEL SHUTTLE SERVICE and SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COACH offers the best in airport transfers, tours and private charter services. With a large fleet of vehicles including vans, town cars, limos, mini and full size coaches, the company services the greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas including all of the major airports (LAX, SNA & LGB). Transportation to Catalina island terminals, cruise ship terminals, beaches, area attractions, and “hotel to hotel” transfers are all easily accommodated by Karmel, the “One Stop Shop” for all transportation needs. Vehicles are newer models, well maintained, clean and comfortable. Drivers are professionally trained, knowledgeable and courteous.

Karmel Shuttle is a “reservation only” based system utilizing an automated flight tracking system to provide the best in customer service. Vans do not park curbside waiting for additional clients, nor do they loop the airport several times hoping to fill the van. A minimal number of stops ensures an easy, fast and direct transfer.

MORE ABOUT CITADEL OUTLETS
Citadel Outlets is owned and operated by Craig Reality Group, a shopping center development and management firm founded by Steven L. Craig. His vision of a world-class shopping environment at Citadel Outlets and retail outlets in six states includes an intense focus on the international market. The company’s destination centers are present at major international tourism, travel and trade shows throughout the world to support to growing inbound tourism numbers into Los Angeles. Craig Realty Group operates and manages 4.3 million square feet of retail development, and Citadel Outlets is planning to unveil its fourth phase of shopping in October, 2013.
HOW TO GET THERE
In Los Angeles, Citadel Outlets is located on Interstate 5 at the Atlantic Boulevard North exit, ten minutes from downtown Los Angeles and easy reach from the Greater Los Angeles area and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX.) Downtown shuttle service from several Los Angeles hotels is complimentary and daily shuttle service from Anaheim is available four times a day, seven days a week. For complete details, go to www.citadeloutlets.com.

Capitalising on its reputation as a shopping paradise the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will host a series of fun events, fantastic shopping offers and delectable dining delights during the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular, from June 21 through August 31.

Throughout the event shoppers will be enticed by the latest and hottest products when everything from trendy fashion and shoes, fine jewellery and beauty products, to the latest watches, electronics and traditional Chinese artefacts and souvenirs go on sale across the city’s popular shopping districts.

Shoppers will be spoilt for choice by the substantial discounts and privileges[i] offered in the city’s popular shopping districts from the high-end shopping malls to local designer shops and international brands. Hong Kong’s must do shopping experiences include the luxury mega malls, such as, Harbour City, Pacific Place, IFC, The Landmark, Times Square, Elements, iSquare, The ONE; the department stores including Lane Crawford and Sogo; the local fashion shops and trendy designer boutiques; the street markets including those in Wanchai, Causeway Bay, Mongkok and Stanley, the Temple Street Night Market; and the themed shopping streets.

For fashionistas seeking the latest designs Hong Kong’s inventory of shops will expand even further next month when TOPSHOP and Victoria’s Secret open their stores. This follows on from the recent openings of the Korean brand Forever 21 and the French labels Maje and Sandro.

The series of fun events during the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular will see the return of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival from June 21 – 23, staged on Victoria Harbour and, the Lan Kwai Fong Music and Beerfest from July 13 – 14.

Information on the special offers, activities and entertainment during Hong Kong Summer Spectacular can be found at the HKTB’s website: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/au/see-do/events-festivals/highlight-events/summer-spectacular
and for the latest Hong Kong travel packages visitors can contact their local travel agent or visit: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/au/plan-your-trip/latest-promotion/index

Shopping is an increasingly important component in travel to Southeast Asia as the booming Chinese market is having its impact on developments in destinations. The Chiang Mai – Promenada Resort Mall Chiang Mai opened with a three-day-long festival of musical performances.

The first resort-style shopping mall in Thailand opened with the presence of VIPs, celebrity guests and a throng of shoppers and people from Chiang Mai. The second phase of Promenada is due to open on July 12, with the official Grand Opening event scheduled for September. When the mall is fully open, Promenada’s tenant mix and entertainment offering will include the debut of many brands coming to the North of Thailand for the first time.

SF Cinema City’s 8-screen theatre will be available from the opening weekend, with the 720 square meter ice rink to open with phase two in July.

SIMON Property Group celebrates the highly-anticipated opening of its 76th Premium Outlets Centre® with a four-day event featuring live entertainment, in-store promotions and more.

Residents and visitors tothe Phoenix and Scottsdale areas will enjoy a new shopping experience as Phoenix Premium Outlets® celebrates its highly-anticipated grand opening The new centre features 90 designer and name-brand outlet stores, offering savings of 25 to 65 percent every day.

The centre is part of Wild Horse Pass, located on the ancient Tribal lands of the Gila River Indian Community. Phoenix Premium Outlets®, adjacent to the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, offers an upscale outlet shopping experience, with stores including Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Coach, DKNY, Elie Tahari, Gap Factory Store, Hugo Boss, Lucky Brand, Michael Kors, Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Tommy Bahama, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and more. Additional stores will open in coming months including Armani, Cole Haan, J.Crew, Kate Spade New York and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Phoenix Premium Outlets offers discerning shoppers an impressive variety of merchandise including designer and name-brand fashions for women, men and children, shoes, accessories, high quality leather goods, housewares, jewellery, gifts and more. Shoppers will enjoy its village style setting which has a contemporary, sophisticated design that will be in harmony with its Wild Horse Pass neighbors. The centre is rich in landscaping and natural elements.

“Savvy shoppers desire high-quality, name-brand merchandise, but don’t want to pay a fortune,” said Kathy Frederiksen, General Manager of Simon Property Group’s Phoenix Premium Outlets. “Phoenix Premium Outlets provides shoppers with the finest brands at impressive savings every day, all in an upscale shopping atmosphere. We feel shoppers will appreciate the impressive mix of brands we have brought together and we anticipate the centre becoming a popular shopping destination for both residents and visitors to the area.”

Phoenix Premium Outlets features a centrally located food court, which includes a full service Information Centre providing a wide range of customer services including area and merchant information, international size charts, stroller and wheelchair rentals and gift cards. The centre offers special benefits to tour groups and also offers a free online VIP Shopper Club, providing members with added savings. The centre also features free WiFi and a children’s play area.

Phoenix Premium Outlets is located on Interstate 10, south of Loop 202 – Santan Freeway at Exit 162, Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ. The center covers 360,000 square feet of gross leasable area. Complete information about Phoenix Premium Outlets is available online at www.premiumoutlets.com/phoenix. Shoppers are encouraged to register for the online VIP Shopper Club at www.premiumoutlets.com/vip  to receive exclusive savings offers.

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) is an S&P 100 company and the largest real estate company in the world. The Company currently owns or has an interest in 326 retail real estate properties in North America and Asia comprising 242 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S. For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.

Simon’s Premium Outlets portfolio features 76 Premium Outlet Centres® including 63 in the United States, one in Puerto Rico, eight in Japan, two in Korea, one in Malaysia and one in Mexico. Its industry-leading properties include Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (New York City), Orlando Premium Outlets, Desert Hills Premium Outlets (Palm Springs, California), Las Vegas Premium Outlets and Wrentham Village Premium Outlets (Boston). Simon’s value centre Arizona Mills® is located in Tempe, Arizona.

Adventure tour company Encounters Travel offer tours to shopping destinations with a difference. Pick from Morocco and Thailand – both for under £600pp!

SUNSHINE AND SOUKS IN MOROCCO
For independent travellers wanting to embark on a shopping adventure like no other, and barter in bazaars brimming with fabrics, house ware, leather, spices, medicines, etc, Encounters Travel (www.encounterstravel.com / 0800 088 6002) offers an eight-night group adventure tour of Morocco from £599 per person. Valid for selected departures in June, July and August 2013, the price includes transfers from/to Marrakech airport, varied accommodation in four-star hotels and a traditional Berber camp on a mixed-board basis, all entrance fees to monuments, as well as an expert local guide throughout. International flights excluded.

The Moroccan Mosaics tour begins with two days in Marrakech to explore its mosques, minarets, souks and the bustling bazaars around the Djemaa el-Fna square where intrepid shoppers will find a souk to fulfill every need, before embarking on an exciting drive through the Atlas Mountains, visiting local Berber villages, stopping off at roadside stalls and impressive gorges and canyons. The trip culminates back in Marrakech with two further days to enjoy the city’s exotic delights.

FLOATING MARKET MAYHEM IN THAILAND
A treat for all the senses, Thailand’s bustling streets and shopping districts offer a truly alternative and authentic experience. Encounters Travel (www.encounterstravel.com / 0800 088 6002) offer a Thai Spice tour which gives travellers the chance to delve further in to this country’s local delicacies. It includes a trip to Mahachai, the largest seafood market in the country, as well as the world famous floating markets at Damnoen Saduk where savvy shoppers can try out bartering skills and hunt for souvenirs or just admire the bustling mayhem of this colourful market.

The exciting six-night Thai Spice tour starts from £499 per person. Valid for departures throughout 2013, the tour comprises two nights at the start and two nights at the end of the tour in Bangkok, visits to the historical cities of Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya and the beautiful Erawan Falls National Park. The price includes airport transfers from/to Bangkok, varied accommodation in hotels and home-stays on a mixed-board basis, all entrance fees as well as a local tour guide during sightseeing and activities. International flights excluded.

Norwich, a unique city destination with thriving award-winning independent businesses, UNESCO City of Literature status and an exciting cultural 2013 ahead. As Norwich heads towards the busiest retail time of year in the run up to Christmas, the latest VENUESCORE 2011-12 survey from Javelin Group cites Norwich as among the UK top 10 shopping venues. The city has performed extremely well to maintain its number nine spot, the only East of England destination in the top 10, by far, and is forecast to move up to eighth position over the next five years.

The survey also highlights Norwich in a strong position as a truly dominant city centre with a score of well over 50%, meaning retail represents a relatively large part of the city’s total offer. Another interesting fact shows Norwich has a good mix of malls and high street. Also in Norwich’s favour is its accessibility. Shoppers can travel easily on foot from All Saints Green to Magdalen Street via The Norwich Lanes and The Cathedral Quarter in a day.

The city offers a huge choice of major department stores (John Lewis), premier variety stores (Marks & Spencer), department chain stores (House of Fraser) plus local anchor, clothing destination and multiple retailers. The independent offer of the city is very strong with many local retailers selling unique one-off products, locally produced merchandise, art, books, vintage and lifestyle, all excellent quality too. They are also award-winning.

Jarrold, Norwich’s only independent department store recently won at the 2012 Excellence in Housewares Awards and received the Best Department Store, Independent -beating Harrods who were also shortlisted in the same category. This all comes as great news especially when VisitEngland, in reports earlier in the year, announced that ‘Special Shopping’ was number 7 in the top ten of activities of day visitors with 74 million day trips in England spent shopping. Along with ‘Visiting friends or family’, ‘Special shopping’ was joint top in spend in the list of activities at 15%. Norwich was also found to be the 6th most popular day visits destination in England.

In addition to being a shopping hot spot, culturally, Norwich ‘punches above its weight’ in terms of its vibrant cultural scene which is outstanding in both range and quality. Earlier in the year Norwich was awarded UNESCO City of Literature status – the first city in England to achieve this. The wonderful news is to be celebrated and will promote Norwich to a global audience. Norwich has an immense literary background; Julian of Norwich (C12th), Henry Howard (C14th), Sir Thomas Browne (C17th) and author of Black Beauty, Anna Sewell (C19th) – fifty million copies sold and one of the bestselling books of all time, plus an enthralling future building upon Norwich’s growing reputation as a literary city.

2013 for Norwich is going to be an thrilling year on many levels; top 10 UK shopping, UNESCO City of Literature, the University of East Anglia’s 50th anniversary and an exciting major exhibition at the superb Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts; Masterpieces – Art and East Anglia, celebrating the rich and unique artistic heritage of the region, with works from across the visual arts – paintings, sculptures, architecture, ceramics, glass, jewellery, photography, textiles and design – from the prehistoric period to the present day.

Nick Bond, Head of Tourism at VisitNorwich said “Venuescore research confirms what we already know, the shopping experience in Norwich is amongst the very best and that’s even more the case by virtue of what research can’t put a value against; where else is the quality of the shopping set amongst such extraordinarily handsome surroundings and so comfortable a place to buy and browse? ”

More good news for Norwich continues with the launch of the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) on the 1st November. The Norwich City Centre BID will invest £3m over five years aiming to; ensure visiting Norwich is an enriching, enjoyable and safe experience, that Norwich businesses have a strong voice and that Norwich is promoted to encourage new visitors and investors.

Stefan Gurney, Norwich BID Director said “Norwich continues to deliver a completely unique shopping offer that is reflected in our Venuescore Top 10 UK retail ranking. Our vibrant city centre offer has retail at its heart, from the boutique independent of Norwich Lanes & Timberhill to the two shopping centres to the major department stores; Norwich is as far from a generic high street as you can find in a city. Once people visit the city and see our diverse retail, cultural and heritage offer, they come back time and again.”

The Minister of Tourism, YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen has launched the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale (1MYES). The 1MYES, which will be held until 01 January 2013, aims to encourage shoppers from all over the world to come to Malaysia to celebrate the last two months of the year with a fabulous shopping experience.

One of three major shopping seasons in the country, 1MYES is the end-of-year shopping event that ends the year in style. The 1Malaysia GP Sale coincides with the Formula One Grand Prix in KL in March and the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival is held during the summer holidays.

Shopping is a lucrative sector of Malaysia’s tourism industry. It holds the second biggest share of tourist expenditure after accommodation. Last year, tourists spent RM17.5 billion on shopping which constituted 30% of the total receipts of RM58.3 billion. It recorded a growth of 8 percent against the figure in 2010 (RM16.2 billion). In 2000, when the first Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival was organised, shopping only constituted 23.1% of total tourist expenditures.

Foreign tourists and locals alike have 55 days to take advantage of the great discounts and special offers put together by various shopping malls nationwide. The shopping malls will host numerous exciting events to make Malaysia the place to go for shopping, fashion and food throughout November and December.

In Kuala Lumpur, the Sungei Wang Plaza shopping mall will offer its visitors a chance to win a pair of Yoga Lin Concert tickets while the Kenanga Wholesale City will organise a treasure hunt to challenge its shoppers. The Mines shopping mall in Seri Kembangan, Selangor will run a competition to win a 2 day, 1 night stay for four at the Golden Palm Villa in Sepang, a gold set from Poh Kong and other prizes. In Penang, a Garfield and Friends Meet & Greet will take place at the Queensbay Mall while the 1st Avenue mall invites shoppers to participate in a kolam design competition to get into the spirit of Deepavali. The East Coast Mall in Kuantan, Pahang has workshops for Christmas clay doll painting, Christmas card decoration, Christmas origami and New Year card design for its visitors. The Boulevard shopping mall and the Imperial mall in Sarawak will entice its visitors with the “Buy & Fly!” Lucky Draw Contest which offers return tickets to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

MasterCard cardholders will get the opportunity to walk away with instant redemptions and exciting competition prizes at participating malls in Malaysia.

The KL Fashion Weekend will be held on 21 and 22 November 2012 at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. The two-day fashion showcase will present fashion shows featuring new trends for hair, make-up and fashion from the Autumn-Winter 2012/2013 collection. The participating departmental stores include Debenhams and Metrojaya. For more information and to register for free seats, log onto http://www.klfashionweekend.com Walk-in guests are required to turn up an hour before the show.

Kuala Lumpur has been ranked the second best shopping destination in Asia Pacific – as reported by the latest Global Shopper Index, cementing its position as a shopping paradise. The report stated that Kuala Lumpur’s specific strength is its ability to combine low prices with a good range of products in a large number of stores. It also took note of the Government’s mammoth investments in developing KLCC and Bukit Bintang as a “premier shopping precinct in Malaysia”. Twenty five cities in the region were assessed under five categories in the Globe Shopper Index which was created by the Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Switzerland-based shopping tourism company Global Blue.

Positioning Malaysia as a duty-free shopping destination for tourist goods is one of the three Entry Point Projects (EPPs) undertaken to increase shopping receipts to 35 percent by 2020, under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan (MTTP).

Imported goods that are not subject to custom duty at all are readily available all over the country and not limited to duty-free zones. Aside from 5 categories of products – cars, glasswares, cigarettes, alcohol and chocolates – all other products are tax exempted in Malaysia. Shoppers can look forward to more varieties of imported goods at better prices. This move is part of the Malaysian Government’s efforts to enhance the country’s position as a destination for duty-free shopping. Through this effort, Malaysia hopes to attract a wider range of principal brands to invest in the country. It also facilitates lower and more competitive pricing of imported merchandise, giving Malaysian retailers a competitive edge over retailers in other countries.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS HAWAII-STYLE
(Cue the Christmas carols.) It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas….even in the Hawaiian Islands. While it may not be the white Christmas you’re dreaming of, here (in Hawaii) the holidays are just as merry and bright and celebrated in a unique way.

Here are 10 reasons that make Christmas in the islands one-of-a-kind:

12 Days of Christmas, Hawaii Style: This Christmas classic gets a local twist and trades your true love for your tutu (grandparent) and starts with numbah one day of Christmas. For lyrics, visit 12 Days of Christmas Hawaiian Style.

A Golden Sunny Christmas: Ditch the snow shovel for a sand shovel and build a sandman on the beautiful golden sand beaches of Hawaii. While the cold winter weather typically keeps folks across the country confined indoors, with a year-round warm climate in the Hawaiian Islands you can enjoy the holidays’ outdoors.

All About Family: A critical part of any Hawaii gathering or celebration is family, with Christmas being no exception. Local families get together for potluck style parties to celebrate the holidays and reconnect with friends and family. For visitors, the Hawaiian Islands are also a great family-friendly location to spend the holidays with activities for the young, old, and young-at-heart.

Local Cuisine: Hawaii is known for its diverse ethnic population and cuisine, so it’s no surprise to find Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, American, Filipino, Korean, and many other ethnic foods sitting side-by-side on the same table.

Hawaii-style Santa: In Hawaii, Santa has been known to surf his way to shore aboard an outrigger canoe, where he greets the keiki (children) and hands out gifts on the beach at several locations including the Outrigger Waikiki and Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki (Oahu) and the Makena Beach and Golf Resort on Maui.

Mele Kalikimaka: This is the Hawaiian way to say Merry Christmas and is also a popular Christmas song, with versions by Bing Crosby, Bette Midler, Don Ho, and countless others.

Honolulu City Lights: Featuring Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele, Honolulu Hale on Oahu is decked out in Christmas decorations for this annual light display. Outside, Santa sits and throws a shaka, while the inside of Honolulu Hale showcases uniquely decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. For more information, visit HonoluluCityLights.org.

Festive Events: Celebrate the holidays with a variety of holiday events across the Hawaiian Islands, including parades, festivals, craft fairs, concerts, and more. For a listing of events, visit GoHawaii.com/event.

Hawaiian Christmas Trees: Helemano Farms on Oahu’s North Shore grows Norfolk pine trees for Oahu residents looking for a traditional tree, while some residents opt to decorate small palm trees as their Christmas tree.

Save Big on Shopping: Christmas shopping can put a serious dent in your wallet, but with a four percent sales tax statewide, you’ll save big when stocking up on gifts in Hawaii. From national retailers like Macy’s or Prada to small local boutique shops, there’s something to satisfy every budget and style. Give your friends and family something different with unique Hawaii gifts like a handmade ukulele or a gift basket filled with Mauna Loa macadamia nuts and Waialua Estate chocolates.
GOLF AND SPORTS

HAWAII BECOMES A SPORTS MECCA IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY

As most of the nation prepares for a cold and snowy winter, the Hawaiian Islands becomes the hottest sports destination in the United States. Fans looking to get their fill of surfing, football, and golf, will find Hawaii to be a sports mecca in December and January when elite professional and collegiate athletes gather across the Aloha State to compete in some of the most esteemed sporting events. Here’s a sampling of world-class competitions that sports fanatics will definitely want to add to their winter calendar:

Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (Oahu) – November through December 20 – Three exhilarating events held on the famous North Shore of Oahu. Top surfers from across the globe ascend on the warm Pacific Ocean to ride some of the best monster waves found on the planet. http://www.vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com /

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl (Oahu) – December 24 – As the country waits for Santa Claus to arrive in his reindeer sleigh, football fans in Hawai‘i celebrate Christmas Eve cheering on the top team in the Mountain West Conference and Conference USA at Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium. http://sheratonhawaiibowl.com

Hyundai Tournament of Champions (Maui) – January 4-7 – The PGA TOUR’s season opening event welcomes a winners-only field to Kapalua’s Plantation Course for four challenging days of tournament action. With more than 80 golf courses across the Hawaiian Islands and warm tropical weather year-round, it’s no wonder why the best golfers love visiting Maui in January. http://kapalua.com/golf/hyundai-tournament-champions

Sony Open in Hawaii (Oahu) – January 10-13 – The PGA TOUR’s first full-field event of they year tees it up at the venerable Waialae Country Club on Oahu’s south shore. This course is fan friendly in the sense that it’s easily walkable and located just 15 minutes east of Waikiki. http://sonyopeninhawaii.com

Mitsubishi Electric Championship (Hawaii, the Big Island) – January 18-20 – Golf takes a swing to the largest Hawaiian Island where emerald green fairways are surrounded by jet black lava rock. The PGA Champions Tour season gets underway at the award-winning Hualalai Golf Course with three days of tournament action on the famed Kohala Coast.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
GOT GLUTEN-FREE?

Travelers looking for healthier and gluten-free dining options will find more choices starting to pop up in Hawaii. Whether you’re a pizza connoisseur and haven’t been able to find the perfect gluten free pizza, or miss eating fluffy muffins for breakfast, the Hawaiian Islands are about to blow your gluten-free mind with a plethora of the most delectable restaurants.

Chrysalis Foods (Oahu) – Looking for a gluten, dairy and nut-free spot to eat while shopping at Ala Moana Center? Break away from the food court and visit the Vim ‘N Vigor store for the Chrysalis foods counter. The menu changes every week, offering local favorites such as mochiko chicken and mochi treats. www.chrysalisfoods.com

Whole Foods Kahala (Oahu) – If you need options, look no further. This Whole Foods is home to a sandwich bar, brick-fired pizza bar, sushi and seafood bar, salad bar, olive bar, and wine bar. Several snacks, including gourmet cheeses, crackers and fruits are also readily available. www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/honolulu

Up Country Bakery & Cafe (Hawaii Island) – Satisfy your breakfast taste buds with gluten-free mixed berry muffins, gluten-free banana bread slices or gluten-free pancakes. On your way to see the volcano? Grab a sandwich on gluten-free bread and take it on the road. www.facebook.com/upcountry777

Maui Brick Oven – Maui Brick Oven restaurant, located in Kihei, initially gained popularity for the most phenomenal gluten free pizza.

Now Maui locals and visitors constant this eatery for its impeccable service and vast menu selection that ranges from pasta to pizza and salads.

Maui Brick Oven has a healthy and tasty choice for anyone who comes through their doors.

www.mauibrickoven.com

Sweet Marie’s Hawaii (Kauai) – Looking for a local cake bakery for your destination wedding, anniversary or birthday?

Sweet Marie’s is a hometown favorite bakery and restaurant on the Garden Isle, boasting a 100% gluten free menu consisting of breakfast, lunch, desserts, and even catering.

Menu items are made from fresh and organic locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

www.sweetmarieskauai.com

Continue reading The Holidays in Hawaii…

If you are planning on stopping over in Korea this winter then the Korea Grand Sale 2013 is a shopping extravaganza like no other. Hosted by the Visit Korea Committee this shopping festival for foreign tourists will run from January 11 to February 28, 2013.

The Korea Grand Sale 2013 will offer foreign visitors huge discounts and special offers on shopping, lodging, food, beverages, art performances and more. Free hotel room nights will also be part of the event allowing visitors a ‘free night’s stay’ when they book three or four nights stay at designated hotels.

Major department stores, duty-free shops, retail outlets and convenience stores across the country are participating. Run for the past two years The Korea Grand Sale 2013 is planned to be the largest in scale so far and will provide a wide variety of discount benefits and special gifts.

For the Korea Grand Sale 2013, leading department stores such as Galleria, Lotte, Shinsegae and Hyundai, and duty-free shops such as Dongwha, Lotte, Shilla, Walkerhill and the Korea Tourism Organization will participate. Also, representative shopping malls such as Doota, Hello apM, Gimpo Airport Outlet, and Yeoju & Paju Premium Outlets will join the festival to expand the variety of shopping.

In addition, a wide range of benefits including discounts for major Korean attractions and performances, will also be offered. The festival will be providing a variety of shopping and tourism information online as well as offline and will hold events allowing foreigners to enjoy the various attractions of Korea.

The Visit Korea Committee will be operating a special event stage in Myeong-dong, providing shopping and tourism information and will hold various experience programs, including traditional Korean food tasting and makeup tutorials. An opening ceremony will be followed by various events, including a K-POP concert, theme weeks of each participating vendor, and other interactive events to promote the participation of foreign tourists and elevate the festive atmosphere.

Also, 50 top-class hotels across the country will offer “3+1″ or “4+1″ accommodation benefits where foreign visitors will be provided with a free additional nights stay. The participating hotels will also offer various discounts on foods and beverages to foreign guests during the Korea Grand Sale period.

“The Korea Grand Sale 2013 will celebrate the achievement of 10 million foreign tourists visiting Korea each year. In celebration of this achievement, the festival will offer various shopping conveniences and benefits to foreign visitors and will establish links with local government events. The festival will be a great opportunity to refresh the awareness of visiting Korea,” said Han Kyung-Ah, Executive Director of the Visit Korea Committee. Han added, “The Committee will do its best to build the Korea Grand Sale as the leading shopping and tourism festival of Asia.”

Watch the Korea Grand Sale website www.koreagrandsale.co.kr for detailed information coming soon and for more information on shopping and travelling in Korea details visit www.visitkorea.or.kr

Leading luxury brand, Sonya Dakar Skincare, launches five new Jet Set travel kits just in time for holiday travel. Each Jet Set kit includes three of Sonya Dakar Skincare’s bestselling products in travel-friendly sizes, available in their Ultraluxe for anti-aging, Clear, Maintenance, and Irritation lines.

Complete with a convenient satin carrying case, these FAA approved Jet Set travel kits ensure a smooth landing for every skin type.

“Climate changes, low humidity, and stress are all factors that make skin increasingly vulnerable during travel. However, packing your entire skincare regimen is not always possible, nor is it convenient,” says Nate Dakar, Co-Founder of Sonya Dakar Skincare.

“We created our Jet Set kits to include our bestselling product essentials, so a busy travel schedule and beautiful, glowing skin never have to be mutually exclusive.”

Each Jet Set travel kit contains a specialized wash and two treatments designed to support aging, acne-prone, sensitive, or normal skin types and, for less than $100 a set, they are affordable too.

“We wanted to give our customers something that is convenient, but still luxurious,” says Dakar. “We’ve handpicked what we consider the most crucial products to have while traveling and created mini regimen sets in a practical size for individuals on-the-go.”

For decades, Sonya Dakar Skincare has made its name a leading luxury brand. Combining elements of nature and science, the celeb-coveted brand merges the best of both worlds for absolutely stunning skincare results. With 60 plus products and counting, Sonya Dakar Skincare continues to pioneer new treatments and regimens to suit nearly every skin type and lifestyle.

Now, whether in need of a quick refresher while on the go or prepping for a major vacation, Sonya Dakar Skincare’s Jet Set travel kits ensure travel plans are always smooth.

For more information or to purchase a Jet Set travel kit, visit http://www.sonyadakar.com/shop/products/jet-sets