Jetsettersblog

The accolades continue for Brisbane’s Emporium Hotel - the boutique property has won the Best Small Luxury Hotel title in the prestigious Gourmet Traveller Awards announced last night.

Emporium Hotel topped the best in the country to take the title including The Lyall and The Adelphi in Melbourne, the Islington and The Henry Jones Art Hotel both in Hobart and The Lake House in Daylesford Victoria.

The award is the latest in the Emporium Hotel’s string of prestigious titles and will take pride of place alongside the recent Queensland Tourism Award for “Best Luxury Accommodation”; the two Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence 2008 for “Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation Five Star” and “Best Marketed Hotel”; the 2008 HM Award for Hotel & Accommodation Excellence for “Best New Hotel” and of course the prestigious title as one of the world’s best hotels in the International Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2008.

The Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards, now in their third year are a tribute to the finest operators in the country. Gourmet Traveller’s award winners are not decided solely by industry experts or by members of the public. Instead, knowledge of both camps is drawn on to get the broadest perspective possible.

The judging panel includes dozens of travel writers, editors, photographers, TV types and industry heavyweights. They nominate their favourite new and enduring Australian holiday experiences, a high-calibre shortlist is developed and then readers are asked to vote.

Emporium Hotel General Manager, Mr Peter Savoff said the award was a tribute to the staff of the hotel, and to the vision of the owners.

“This award is especially significant for the team of dedicated staff at the Emporium Hotel, many of whom have been with the property since it opened two years ago. Current economic trends have made the hotel industry even more competitive and it is a huge tribute from the readers of Gourmet Traveller, who continue to recognise the outstanding service our entire team aspire to provide.”

The Emporium Hotel was developed by the Anthony John Group, driven by the architect/design team of Tony and Fran John. A second Emporium Hotel is in the planning stages, part of the $650million Southpoint at South Bank. It is scheduled to open in 2011. Brisbane’s only boutique luxury hotel, has made an important mark on the Brisbane and the Australian leisure and corporate travel market over the past 18 months, cementing itself as a benchmark in design and service and launching a number of innovative packages and products.

Emporium Hotel - 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006

PO BOX 2600, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 - Phone: (07) 3253 6999 or 1300 883 611 Fax: (07) 3253 6966

www.emporiumhotel.com.au

Winner: Best Luxury Accommodation, The Australian Travel & Tourism Award 2008

Winner: Best Luxury Accommodation, Queensland Tourism Awards 2008
Winner: Best New Hotel, HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence 2008

Winner: Best Marketed Hotel (1-99 employees), Queensland Hotel Association Awards for Excellence 2008

Winner: Best Deluxe Accommodation Five Star, Queensland Hotel Association Awards for Excellence 2008

Finalist: Award for Business Innovation, Lord Mayor’s Business Awards 2008

Finalist: Best Luxury Accommodation (100 rooms and over), The Australian Travel and Tourism Awards

Named one of the world’s best new hotels in the International Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2008

MAZATLÁN, Mexico – Mazatlán rolls out the grand welcome for travelers, offering savings on accommodations throughout the summer and beyond. Travelers can book now for steep discounts, as well as perks like free nights, complimentary upgrades and resort credits for dining, spa treatments, sightseeing cruises and entertainment.

Sweetening the deal, unique hotel offerings spotlight the destination’s rich cultural offerings, with historic tours of Old Mazatlán, ecological excursions, authentic Mexican cuisine and more.

“We are delighted to extend Mazatlán’s warm hospitality in welcoming travelers to our beautiful city,” says Carlos Berdegue, vice president, Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board.

“With its picturesque setting and deeply historic core, Mazatlán offers a vibrant destination immersed in authentic Mexican heritage. We invite visitors to discover all that our city has to offer while enjoying world-class accommodations at great value.”

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific,’ Mazatlán is framed by golden-sand beaches that stretch for 16 miles along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Travelers in this coastal city find options for any budget, from charming colonial villas and boutique hotels to new, high-rise luxury resorts. Oceanfront accommodations offer breathtaking views of Pacific sunsets from private balconies, as well as gourmet restaurants, luxurious spas, golf and nightlife. The destination greets guests with a variety of deals and packages, including:

– El Cid Resorts offers savings of 30 percent off summer rates at each of four premier resorts in Mazatlán, plus a complimentary upgrade to next available room category.

Guests who book a minimum of three nights also receive a Resort Credit coupon book with $300 in savings throughout this coastal city on upscale dining, scenic city tours, boating excursions, spa services and more.

As a treat for families, children 12 and under stay and eat free when accompanied by an adult. Visitors enjoy private beach access, signature dinning, free-form pools, water sports and more. El Cid’s Pronatours offer guided tours of the colorful historic district, Old Mazatlán, as well as excursions to nearby picturesque colonial villages located on nature preserves in the Sierra Madre foothills.

Rates start as low as $68 per night for stays booked before June 30, and are available for travel through December 20, 2009. Blackout dates may apply. For reservations and details, call toll-free 1-866-306-6113 or visit the El Cid Resorts website at http://www.elcid.com .

– Travelers save 35 percent on seaside accommodations as part of the yearlong Stimulus Package at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay and Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán, available now through December 31, 2009.

Families can also enjoy added value with Pueblo Bonito’s Kids Stay and Eat Free program, as well as the action-packed Kid’s Club at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay. Little ones enjoy fully supervised beach activities, sand sculpting contests, cooking lessons and authentic Mexican arts and crafts.

The all-suite Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay and Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán offer luxurious accommodations with private balconies or terraces overlooking golden-sand beaches, as well as full-service restaurants, oceanfront pools, spa services, children’s activities and more. Visitors can book toll-free at 1-800-990-8250 or by visiting http://www.pueblobonito.com  Mention Stimulus Package at time of reservation.

– At Hotel Playa Mazatlán, the Free Nights package invites travelers to stay three nights and get the fourth night free. The package starts at $309 total plus tax. For more time on the shore, visitors can also opt for seven nights for the price of five, with the sixth and seventh nights free, starting at $519 total plus tax. Hotel Playa Mazatlán offers 408 guestrooms and suites nestled in a lush, tropical landscape along more than a quarter-mile of private beach. Accommodations feature garden or ocean views from private terraces.

Located in Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), Mazatlán’s tourism hub, the hotel houses three open-air dining options, beachfront pool, fitness center and the new EduVentura Center – a three-wall climbing and zip line circuit, Temascal ancient steam bath and hands-on classroom activities.

The Free Nights At Hotel Playa Mazatlán offer is valid for travel Aug. 17 through Oct. 31, 2009. To book, call toll-free 1-800-762 5816 or visit http://www.hotelplayamazatlan.com

– Stay three nights for the price of two at Las Flores Beach Resort in Mazatlán’s Golden Zone, where travelers stay two nights in a private, ocean view studio with kitchenette and get the third night free, now through Dec. 23, 2009. Rates start at $70 per night plus tax, based on double occupancy. Studio accommodations include two double beds, oversized bath, kitchenette with refrigerator and coffeemaker, as well as a private balcony overlooking the Pacific.

The charming, family owned resort offers 119 rooms and suites, featuring two beachfront pools with waterfalls, spa and fitness center, restaurant, beach bar, wireless Internet and more. To take advantage of this offer, travelers can book now through Sept. 30, 2009. Call toll-free 1-800-452-0627 or visit http://www.lasflores.com.mx

About Mazatlán

Mazatlán is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. As Mexico’s second largest coastal city, Mazatlán has nearly 600,000 inhabitants.

The city is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatlán and Zona Dorada or Golden Zone, with a seven-mile coastal road between the two. Mazatlán has an international sport-fishing reputation.

Sites of interest include: the Angela Peralta Theater, Archeological Museum, Republic Plaza, Ocean Museum, Botanic Garden, San Jose Chapel and the world’s second-tallest lighthouse. Transportation is available via the local “pulmonías” or four-person open-air vehicles that have become a symbol of the city.

Visit Mazatlán on the World Wide Web at http://www.gomazatlan.com

LOS ANGELES – It’s never been a better time to visit Los Angeles than now through the end of summer with the unveiling of LA Inc.

The Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau’s new “Top 100 Vacation Deals.”

The sizzling summer offers are available through August 31, 2009.
For a complete listing of hotel offers, visit this  link

Stay in the middle of the action and save up to 40 percent with a Hollywood Getaway at Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel or Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa.

Choose from online exclusive getaway packages including two nights of accommodations, a seven-day unlimited ticket to enjoy all the new entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood, complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary parking and roundtrip transportation between your hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Wind down with a midweek or weekend stay at a choice of 16 Westside hotels.

Escape to The Sofitel Los Angeles, where visitors who book a guestroom by July 5, 2009 get their fourth night free, in addition to a sumptuous picnic basket. If performing arts or a studio tour is on your travel itinerary, visit Inter Continental Los Angeles Century City, where guests who stay a minimum of two nights receive breakfast for two, complimentary parking and a tour of Sony Studios or two tickets to Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

Rates start at $269.

In Beverly Hills, The Residence Inn treats travelers to an American Express gift card valued at $50, complimentary AMC movie tickets for two, free WiFi and complimentary breakfast for two starting at $229. At the Holiday Inn Century City, travelers who book two nights obtain the third night free.

For the ultimate ocean-side retreat, take advantage of beachside getaways at Hotel Casa Del Mar with rates starting at $395 per night based on space availability, Le Margot, A JW Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa highlighting two Swedish massages with guestroom rates starting at $459 based on space availability, or Shutters On the Beach which offers a $50 hotel credit and guestroom rates starting at $525 per night based on space availability.

Discover culture in the heart of downtown Los Angeles with Millennium Biltmore Hotel’s “I Love (Downtown LA)! Package for two which highlights a one night stay priced from $179 per night based on space availability, breakfast and tickets to the Museum of Contemporary Art, tickets to the Grammy Museum and vouchers to visit the ESPN Zone.

Other attractive downtown hotel deals include Wilshire Grand Los Angeles’ “Beat the Heat,” whereby the guestroom rate is based on the high temperature of the day of your stay with a $20 room upgrade and 20 percent off hotel dining.

At the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, guests relax in a deluxe guestroom, savor a three-course pre-fixe dinner for two at LA Prime Restaurant and obtain complimentary overnight parking.

In addition to these exclusive packages, travelers can obtain up to 50 percent off on LA’s top cultural, dining, entertainment and other top attractions.

Head to Hollywood for a night at the theatre with 35%-50% off theatre tickets to Dirty Dancing at the Pantages Theater, Hollywood. While in the area, enjoy $5 off regular Adult/Child admission to Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood Wax Museum, or treat yourself to a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée when dining at the renowned Geisha House on Hollywood Boulevard.

While in downtown, embark on a larger-than-life feature film adventure with $2 off Adult admission and $1 off Children’s admission to an IMAX movie at the California Science Center IMAX Theater, or enjoy $3 off admission to the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live. Stop for lunch at Zucca Ristorante, an upscale Italian establishment, currently offering a $19 lunch special and $5 parking for guests of the restaurant.

Chill out on the Westside with a complimentary appetizer while dining at Crustacean, one of Beverly Hill’s finest eateries, or experience 2-for-1 general admission to the Skirball Cultural Center.

Soak in the sun at the city’s top seaside eateries with offers including 15% off the total bill at I Cugini’s in Santa Monica, or a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée at Geoffrey’s Malibu.

Take in the sites and sounds of the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk with 15% off an unlimited-ride wristband at the popular weekend beachside destination, Pacific Park.

The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for leisure travel, meetings and conventions. Though not part of city Government, LA INC. is recognized as the city’s official tourism marketing organization.

For more information about “Los Angeles Top 100 Vacation Deals,” visit the official visitors information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com

Beachcomber Launch Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise

Beachcomber Hotels is delighted to announce the launch of their fabulous new Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen Weddings in Paradise packages, offering couples the chance to plan for a wedding simply exuding elegance and sophistication in their very own tropical paradise!

Each wedding has been glamorously designed in association with the renowned interior designer and his wife Jackie, author of Debrett’s wedding guide and acclaimed spokesperson on the history of weddings.

The couple, who are both exceptionally well-travelled designers and stylists have recently become great friends of Mauritius after experiencing the warm welcome, exceptional service and fantastic facilities the island has to offer, citing it as the perfect place to get married.

Beachcomber offers a host of beautiful settings for weddings in Mauritius and Seychelles. A one wedding a day policy to ensure it is the couples unique special day and to maintain the high standards of privacy, service and hospitality. Each hotel has their own dedicated wedding co-ordinator with fabulous contact books with a host of florists, photographers and musicians to help make the wedding day special.

For many couples an elegant wedding in Mauritius may seem a million miles away; but this need not be so. Beachcomber Hotels are true to their motto “dream is a serious thing”. For those Brides who are looking for something fresh, stylish and not over-priced, the new Beachcomber weddings could be the answer.

Laurence has designed a new wedding gazebo and his wife Jackie, wedding etiquette author, has provided the operational guide for Beachcomber with some fun new tips for weddings.

Laurence and Jackie are firm believers in the institution of marriage - especially in the strength and support it can provide in more trying times, such as the recession today. Laurence said: “Marriage is the greatest tool that we have at our disposal to tackle these difficult times. It is vital that couples are given the opportunity to begin their commitment to each other in the manner that it is sure to continue in, brimming with style and adoration surrounded by the people closest to their hearts.

“The Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen Weddings in Paradise at Beachcomber Hotels offer exactly this at a fraction of what it would cost in the UK but with the addition of the outstanding service and beautiful tropical surroundings for which Mauritius and Seychelles are famous.”

For Beachcomber Hotels the exclusive packages mark an exciting partnership with the Llewelyn-Bowens. The weddings will be available at seven of Beachcomber Hotels in Mauritius including Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Shandrani Resort & Spa, Le Victoria, Le Mauricia and Le Canonnier in Mauritius and Sainte Anne Resort & Spa in the Seychelles.

To cater for all budgets and tastes Beachcomber Hotels offer two styles of Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise Packages:

Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise, Classic Wedding from £380
The Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen Weddings in Paradise Classic Wedding incorporates everything couples could wish for on their Big Day including a dedicated wedding coordinator, transfers to and from the registrars office, bridal hair and make-up (and trial session to make sure it is just right), celebratory in-room breakfast and a stunning bridal bouquet.

Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise, Luxury Wedding from £850
Couples wishing for a slightly more extravagant affair can opt for a Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise, Luxury Wedding and will be whisked to the registrar’s office in a stylish BMW X5 (for guests staying at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club and Shandrani Resort & Spa) and pampered with a selection of spa treatments. The luxury wedding also guarantees that the romance will continue at the end of the Special Day with chilled Champagne, scented candles and petals scattered across the newlywed’s bed.

Both options include use of the exclusive Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Wedding Gazebo, a luxury gazebo designed by Laurence especially for Beachcomber Hotels which can be easily adapted to accommodate different sized weddings and can be positioned in a selection of wonderful locations.

Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Wedding in Paradise, Classic Wedding includes: a dedicated wedding coordinator, decoration and styling of the wedding location, celebratory in-room breakfast, bridal bouquet and Groom’s button hole, bridal hair and make-up including a trial session, a separate room for the bride before the ceremony (subject to availability), wedding cake for 10 people, wedding music, transfers to and from the registrar General Civil Status Office, legal costs (Affidavit & Supreme, Civil Status, Administrative charges), one wedding per day. The Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Classic Wedding costs from £380 at Le Victoria, Le Canonnier and Le Mauricia and £460 at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa and Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Shandrani Resort & Spa and Sainte Anne Resort & Spa. Prices include all government taxes.

The Laurence & Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen’s Weddings in Paradise, Luxury Wedding includes: all inclusions from the Classic Wedding, BMW X5 transfers to and from registrar (only at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club and Shandrani Resort & Spa), pressing and framing of bouquet and button hole floral arrangements, bridal spa treatments (luxury manicure, pedicure and massage), Groom’s spa treatments (body polish and massage), champagne and canapés following the service for two people, special four course wedding dinner in a private location, romantic room escapade (champagne, candles, petals on Newlyweds bed and luxury bubble bath), framed congratulatory certificate on behalf of Beachcomber hotels and 50 wedding photographs and album.

The Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Luxury Wedding costs from £850 at Le Victoria, Le Canonnier and Le Mauricia and £1200 at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Shandrani Resort & Spa and Sainte Anne Resort & Spa. Prices include all government taxes.

Make an early escape plan if you book by 31st October 2009 for travel from 4 January to 30 November 2010 and receive a 20% special saving and a 10% honeymoon offer, allowing you to save a total of 30%. With this special offer prices start from:

Le Mauricia – Prices from £1149 per person for 7 nights in a Standard Room on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and transfers.

Le Canonnier – Prices from £1175 per person for 7 nights in a Standard Garden Facing Room on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and transfers.

Le Victoria – Prices from £1265 per person for 7 nights in a Superior Room on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and transfers.

Shandrani Resort & Spa – Prices from £1529 per person for 7 nights in a Superior Room on Serenity Plus, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and transfers.

Paradis Hotel & Golf Club – Prices from £1515 per person for 7 nights in a Deluxe Room on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and private transfers.

Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa – Prices from £1709 per person for 7 nights in a Junior Suite on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Mauritius and private transfers.

Sainte Anne Resort & Spa – Prices from £2479 per person for 7 nights in a Garden Villa on a Half Board basis with Honeymoon lunches, return economy flights with Air Seychelles and private transfers.

To book simply call Beachcomber Tours on 01483 445 685 or visit www.beachcombertours.co.uk

Luxurious Irish hotel and spa resort The K Club is offering the ultimate girls’ weekend with pampering at the exclusive K Spa, a lavish dinner in the River Room restaurant, a VIP night out and superior accommodation at this stunning 5-star hotel, just half an hour from Dublin airport.

Pack your Temperley party dress and you best PJs for a girls’ weekend to remember at Ireland’s most luxurious resort, The K Club.

Situated in County Kildare amidst 550 acres of countryside by the River Liffey, The K Club offers a breathtaking getaway whilst still being just half an hour from Dublin airport and you can enjoy some great low airfares this summer with Aer Lingus, making it the ideal time to treat yourself.

On arrival at the magnificent hotel, designed in the style of a French chateau, you and your girlfriends will enjoy a Cosmopolitan and some decadent handmade chocolates to get you in the mood, before visiting the hotel’s sophisticated K Spa.

The stunning spa boasts an infinity pool, poolside jacuzzi, outdoor hot tub, experience showers, sauna, steam rooms and a vast selection of treatments from Aromatherapy Associates and Carita. As part of your package, you’ll enjoy an express facial or massage and Rasul therapy; based on authentic oriental treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind and body.
.
Feeling renewed and refreshed and dressed to impress, you’ll be treated to a champagne reception before dinner in the River Room restaurant and afterwards you’ll get to dance the night away at nearby nightclub Time Venue, with VIP tickets, champagne on arrival and complimentary transport.

When you’ve worn out your Jimmy Choos, you’ll be able to relax in your sumptuous superior room for a great night’s sleep on Frette linen sheets, with a room service breakfast to complete the pampering before you return home.

The Ultimate Girls Weekend Break costs £240 per person, based on two sharing.

Customers should call 00 353 1 601 7200 or visit www.kclub.com  For more information about Ireland visit http://www.discoverireland.com  or for a free vacation planning kit call the NY office at 800/223-6470. Read Ireland feature stories from Jetsetters Magazine at this link:

East meets west in a fusion of Asian cultures at the chic 5 star Barceló Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, which was completed in February 2009. Bringing a new class of hotel to the Costa Blanca, the luxury eastern style property with its traditional Thai spa and blend of Asian cuisine offers an exotic oasis in the heart of the Mediterranean for the first time.

Asia Gardens, built on three levels into the foothills of the striking Sierra Cortina Mountains, is set in an acre of pine forest. Its lush fragrant gardens, which include over 60 varieties of plants and meandering water features, cascade down through the resort, creating an idyllic Asian ambiance with soothing sounds and eastern scents.

The hotel’s Asian inspired architecture comprises a series of pyramid shaped pavilions with traditional style thatched roofs that contrast with its striking red walls and verdant grounds and are offset by a number of intricately carved wooden doorways that once graced Indian and Thai palaces.

On entering the hotel guests are met by an open plan lobby area with its 20 metre high wooden beamed thatched roof and glass wall that floods the atrium with natural light and leads the eye through to the sea view. Asian artefacts, antique carvings and subtle lighting add interest to alcoves and a gentle waterfall provides a cool, relaxing feature to the lower part of the lobby area.

The 312 Balinese style guest rooms and suites are shared between three interconnecting main buildings and all enjoy a private terrace or balcony with picturesque views of the mountains, sea and gardens.

The spacious and elegantly appointed rooms combine cream walls and oriental black lacquered woodwork with eastern style furniture that has been sourced in a variety of colours, adding warmth of personality to the interiors. Squashy king sized beds add a further element of luxury and are complemented by cutting edge sound systems that include iPod dock, DVD, 32 inch plasma screen televisions and Wi-Fi in all the rooms.

The sumptuous bathrooms have Japanese inspired sliding glass screen doors. Double washbasins, baths and black slate and glass walk in showers, featuring cymbal-sized shower heads, whilst luxurious bathroom amenities include kimono style robes and slippers.

On the top level of the hotel the large Presidential Suite has a spacious sitting room area and separate bedroom where chandeliers hang either side of the four poster bed. The bathroom has an enormous bath and large walk in shower. The suite also has its own Jacuzzi on the large covered terrace, with panoramic sea and mountain views.

Asia Gardens offers a wealth of dining options with three a la carte restaurants. ‘In Black’ is the resort’s international gourmet restaurant, which open for dinner and where dishes include ‘Oven roasted Monkfish medallions with root vegetables caramelised chicken and oregano sauce’ and ‘Roasted rack of lamb with vegetables tajine and lavender sauce’.

Alternatively, ‘Koh Samui’ is open for dinner to offer a mouth watering menu of Asian dishes including ‘Tiger King Prawn sautéed with onions, leek, garlic, ginger and a hoisin-pepper sauce’ and ‘Roasted Duck breast accompanied with sautéed spinach, soya beans and sauce of five different spices’. At the pool area guests can also choose the ‘Palapa’ restaurant with its Mediterranean menu and ‘La Isla’ area for al fresco summer dining. For an informal buffet style menu and for breakfast, ‘Udaipur’ restaurant has an interior and exterior seating area.

In addition there are plenty of places to relax with a drink during the day and after dark. The most stylish is the glittering champagne bar, in the main lobby area, where a selection of champagne cocktails are served. The ‘Bonsai Bar’ and ‘Bonsai Terrace’ also offer the perfect meeting point during the afternoon, and at night this is also the venue for evening entertainment.

Winding paths meander through the gardens and guests can choose to relax on rattan sun loungers by a series of infinity swimming pools. There are seven pools (three of them heated), with one specifically located near to the family rooms and kids club, which has been designed for families with young children. There is also a fitness centre and a running course for different ages and levels of fitness. Bicycles can be hired for use around the resort and to explore the local area. There is also a heliport and two spectacular 18 hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, all within an easy distance of the resort.

The delightfully calming Thai spa offers a haven of relaxation with four private cabins where couples can unwind together and therapists are on hand to provide a series of traditional Thai massage techniques. Each of the cabins has direct access to its own private balcony, as well as a petal strewn spa bath and separate shower.

Two of the cabins having Tatami style beds for Thai massage and reflexology and two have raised beds where scrubs, wraps, hot stones and aroma massages, as well as Ayurvedic treatments, can be offered. In addition the spa has a hydrotherapy pool with outdoor swimming area and a Turkish steam bath. An exterior raised platform has a further four covered treatment pavilions where Thai massage and yoga sessions can be enjoyed by guests as they look across the gardens to the mountains beyond. A Jacuzzi bath in the spa garden has views across to the mountains and the sea.

Asia Gardens is a short distance from Alicante and its airport, as well as the picturesque Costa Blanca towns of Altea and Villajoysa.

A two night stay at Barceló Asia Gardens costs from £170 (196 Euros) per person based on two sharing a Double Deluxe room on a room and breakfast basis. A 60 minute spa treatment cost from £78 (90 Euros) per person. To book call Barceló Asia Gardens on 00 800 4 227 23 56 or book via the website at www.barceloasiagardens.com

Deals and Free or Low-Cost Activities and Attractions

Across Colorado, Discover Free Bicycle Programs, Beer and Tea Factory Tours,
Gondola Rides, Guided Nature Walks, and Hotel Deals Starting at $52.80

DENVER - Travelers adopting a more austere budget for summer travel will find plenty of free and inexpensive activities and attractions across the state of Colorado, as well as amazing lodging deals starting at just over $50 per night.

From bicycling and bird watching to free tours and tastings for beer and tea, there are scores of activities that cost little-to-nothing to enjoy. Below is a sampling of free or low cost activities across Colorado.

Visitors can also visit a newly launched website, www.HOTDEALSCOLORADO.com, a one-stop-shop website for great packages, deals and promotions available throughout the state. Travelers can search for Hot Deals, print them out, add them to an online MyColorado trip planner, and share them with family and friends.

It’s Tea Time in Boulder. Celestial Seasonings, the largest specialty tea company in America, offers free tours seven days a week, showing the fascinating process of assembling tea.

The tour begins with a short film shown in an Art Gallery featuring the original paintings that were used as illustrations for Celestial Seasonings’ colorful and whimsical boxes. Along the way, visitors can see, taste and smell the many flavors and spices that make Celestial Seasonings so special. Near the end of the tour, visitors can enter The Peppermint Room, where the powerful aroma of peppermint and spearmint can clear your sinuses and breathe more clearly for days. www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us

It’s ‘Brews’ and Ahhs in Fort Collins.

Each year, thousands of visitors descend upon the 100 percent wind-powered New Belgium Brewery, looking to sample its award-winning brews.

Fort Collins’ New Belgium Brewery offers one-hour guided tours Tuesday through Friday, leaving every half hour 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

On Saturday, tours run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the half hour. The tours are limited to 20 people and are offered on a first come first serve basis and the brewery recommends showing up early for tickets, especially on Saturday. Want less of a crowd? Try visiting on a Tuesday. www.newbelgium.com

Long Walks with No ‘Footprints’ in Aspen

Visitors can commune with nature on free guided nature walks led by naturalists from the Aspen Center for Environmental Services (ACES). The free 45-minute walks meander along Richmond Ridge atop Aspen Mountain, where participants can learn about the native trees, birds and animals that thrive in the high-alpine environment.

Tours meet at the top of the gondola on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. www.aspennature.org

Effervescent Experiences in Central Colorado

Hike through eight miles of trails, both paved and unpaved, at the Garden of the Gods, a 480 acre park known for its 20 stunning sandstone rock formations, sculpted through time by erosion over 320 million years.

Then cool off in the nearby historic town of Manitou Springs, which features several fountains offering natural mineral water, direct from mineral springs throughout the area. www.experiencecoloradosprings.com www.manitousprings.org

Sleep Under the Stars in South Central Colorado.

At the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, travelers can see the largest sand dunes in North America (and slide down them on skis, snowboards, sleds, etc.) or watch local wildlife such as mule deer, pronghorn, and coyotes. You can also camp underneath the stars - all for less than $20 a night. www.nps.gov/grsa

Denver on the Cheap.

There’s plenty of ways to enjoy Colorado’s capital city of Denver without breaking the bank. McCormick’s Fish House & Bar (1659 Wazee Street) offers a happy hour every day from 4-6 p.m with items like a half-pound cheeseburger and fries for $1.95.

Head on down to Coors Field and get a pair of “Rockpile” tickets in center field for just $4 apiece; if you’re 55 and older, you can get one for just a dollar.

After the game, grab a couple of slices at Two Fisted Mario’s Pizza, which usually has some kind of wacky, free offer. (One recent offer: if you can eat a whole slice in one bite, you get one slice for free). There’s also the popular 5280 promotion, which returns to Denver through the summer. The mile high city, 5,280 feet above sea level, offers deals on lodging, dining and attractions starting at just $52.80. www.visitdenver.org

Pedal Power in the Mile High City

Denver’s new - and free - “B-Cycle” program was launched to reduce pollution from residents and visitors to the city.

The city offers free bikes docked at more than 30 stations throughout the city - just return the bike to the same station by 10 a.m. the next business day. Bring a license and credit card. Visit www.bikedenver.org  before you pick up your bike so that you can plot your rides.

Try the 14.6 mile Bear Creek Trail, which offers parkland and mountain views. Stop off at Bear Creek Lake State Park for a little rest and enjoy the views.

Free Stuff in a Box in Telluride.

The “Free Box” appeared sometime in the mid-1970s, back when Telluride was simply a small mountain town.

Those who had an item they no longer needed would drop it off in the “Free Box” for others to use.

It’s still that simple.

Most of the items in the “Free Box” are clothing and small housewares, but you never know what you might find.

The 10 gallon hat might belong to a celebrity resident like Tom Cruise! The Free Box is located on North Pine, just off of Colorado Avenue (Main Street). www.visittelluride.com

Summer Gondola Rides in Vail

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4 - 9 p.m. (mid-June through Labor Day), Vail’s Eagle Bahn Gondola offers free rides up Vail Mountain. Don’t miss the F.A.C. (Friday Afternoon Club) featuring live entertainment at 10,000 feet. www.visitvailvalley.com

Southeast Colorado:

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise. With hundreds of diverse habitats and species, Southeast Colorado has long been considered a bird watcher’s paradise. The Comanche National Grasslands near La Junta is a favorite spot for birdwatchers.

Some sites, such as Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site near La Junta, which has recorded over 135 species of birds, charge a nominal entry fee ($3). Bent’s Bird Sanctuary, located behind the Bent’s Fort Inn near Las Animas is an ideal setting for bird watching.

There are five trails and feeding stations, taking you along picturesque waterways. Other popular bird-watching areas include Lake Henry and Lake Meredith near Ordway and John Martin Reservoir State Park and Lake Hasty near Las Animas. www.exploresoutheastcolorado.com

Have a Jurassic Time at Dinosaur Ridge

Take a self-guided tour of Dinosaur Ridge to view Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as allosaurus, apatosaurus and stegosaurus fossils as well as more than 300 cretaceous dinosaur footprints. Stop by the visitor center for a free trail map that will lead you through viewing stops that feature stegosaurus bones, Iguanodon tracks and prehistoric ripples preserved in this unique outdoor setting where the first dinosaur skeletons in Colorado were discovered. www.dinoridge.org

ABOUT COLORADO

Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and renowned ski resort areas.

The state’s breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 10 national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.

For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit www.COLORADO.com

Affordable airline and hotel values make Hawaii a bargain for travelers –

HONOLULU – Travelers planning a summer vacation will find that Hawaii is one of the nation’s most affordable destinations this year, thanks to special savings and value-added bargains being offered by major airlines, hotels and resorts, and activities and attractions.

“Hawaii is historically one of the world’s most popular summer vacation destinations and this year is an exceptionally good time to visit with the deals and specials in the marketplace for travelers to take advantage of,” said John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB).

Because of Hawaii’s enduring popularity, summer vacation deals to Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii’s Big Island are in abundance, which also makes it a challenge in keeping up with the latest offers and savings opportunities.

Following are six tips from HVCB as to where travelers can find the special offers to save money and add value to their Hawaii vacation experience.

Travel Wholesalers – Numerous wholesalers are creatively packaging a variety of affordable Hawaii experiences for summer, such as All About Hawaii, American Airlines Vacations, American Express Vacations, Apple Vacations, Classic Vacations, Liberty Travel/GOGO Worldwide Vacations, Pleasant Holidays, and United Vacations.

For a listing of the wholesalers offering travel bargains, visit HVCB’s website – www.GoHawaii.com/Value – for more information.

Airline, Hotel and Activity Websites – Frequent business and leisure travelers will find that their favorite airline, hotel and activity websites are increasingly offering “best rates” for customers wanting to book their own vacations.

These customer-based reward programs provide great incentives for booking vacations, with some offering complimentary Internet access, reduced baggage check-in fees, and other valuable perks.  check www.jetstreams.com and www.beachbooker.com for deals

Social Media – Blogs and social networking sites like Twitter have become great tools for finding travel deals fast. Suppliers are posting offers daily and consumers are helping each other to find the best values. For Hawaii specific deals on Twitter, use the hashtag – #hideals – for current offers.

Newspapers and Magazines – Sunday newspaper travel sections and travel magazines continue to be useful vacation planning resources. However, with the majority of them now available online, consumers can access destination deals and news 24/7. As travel journalists are blogging their analysis and opinion throughout the week for these outlets, travelers can find the best bargains for Hawaii quicker than ever before.

For information about Hawaii and to begin planning a vacation to the Islands of Aloha, visit  www.GoHawaii.com.

Experience all that Mexico has to offer at Barceló’s all-inclusive resorts

Now is the best time to visit Mexico, thanks to never-before-seen deals offered by leading all-inclusive hotelier Barceló Hotels & Resorts. With more than 75 years of experience in the travel and leisure resort industry, this Spain-based hotelier knows what it takes to make a great vacation, and with an extensive portfolio of resorts in some of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations, Barceló can provide something to suit every traveler’s taste and at an all-inclusive, upfront price that cannot be beat.

Best of all, each Barceló property infuses the unique characteristics of the destination into its architecture, style and amenities, guaranteeing that guests will enjoy a more authentic cultural travel experience in colorful, vibrant Mexico.

With fun to be had by all–whether you choose to relax by the beach, practice your golf swing or partake in exhilarating water sports–Barceló Hotels & Resorts is ready to welcome you with warm, authentically Mexican hospitality in a friendly, inviting setting, found at each of the hotelier’s thirteen properties in Mexico.

For couples and families seeking the best of the Mexican Riviera, the all-inclusive Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe, a luxurious five-in-one resort complex in the dazzling Riviera Maya, offers a postcard-worthy backdrop of lush, tropical landscapes and white sands bathed by the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Ideally located on Mexico’s eastern coast between the sizzle of Cancun and the intriguing ruins of Tulum, this Club Premium Barceló resort boasts a family entertainment program, two kids’ clubs, a 16,000 square-foot spa and wellness facility and an extravagant array of dining options, from delectable à la carte restaurants to exquisite buffets.

On-site activities include seven lit tennis courts, in-pool aqua aerobics, snorkeling, kayaking, diving, mini golf, beach volleyball, sailing and windsurfing.

For those who would like to discover the tempting flavor of Cancun, Barceló Tucancun Beach, located on the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and encircled by the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean, is a great fit.

Whether you are hoping to dance all night long at Cancun’s famous dance clubs or wanting to enjoy a more quiet holiday in a paradisiacal retreat, the choice is there.

Your kids will be well taken care of, as family entertainment is fully provided. Guests can also enjoy a variety of water sports as well as three outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa and beauty salon, five bars and four dining establishments, including international buffets and fine dining, a la carte restaurants.

A family favorite on the Pacific Coast, Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya, an all-suite, all-inclusive, Club Premium hotel, just minutes from historic downtown Puerto Vallarta, offers a multitude of activities that appeals to all.

This AAA Four Diamond hotel includes 317 one- and two-bedroom guest suites, decorated in a soft-contemporary palette of neutral tones, accented with tropical colors.

Each suite opens onto a large balcony with a panoramic view of Mismaloya Bay and the resort’s peaceful, surrounding gardens. Travelers can enjoy a variety of water sport offerings as well as four outdoor swimming pools with waterfalls and a children’s slide, Jacuzzis, an on-site shopping promenade, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center and five restaurants, ranging from resort casual to world-class cuisine.

For more information on Barceló Hotels & Resorts or any of its more than 180 properties, visit http://www.barcelo.com

About Barceló Hotels & Resorts

Barceló Hotels & Resorts is among the world’s top 25 largest hospitality and travel companies. Barceló was established in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in 1931, first as a transportation provider and then as a hotel and travel company.

The family-owned, privately held company has been world-renowned for more than 75 years for its excellence in service and its innovation within the tourism industry.

The hotel company owns or manages more than 180 properties in 16 countries. Barceló’s hotels and resorts are found in key destinations and cities throughout Europe, North America, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The company offers a large variety of hotels and resort types to accommodate all travelers, from budget-minded to upscale guests seeking luxurious accommodations.

Barceló specializes in all-inclusive resorts that make vacation planning both convenient and affordable, offering one upfront, all-encompassing price.

South Africa, Cape Town, Friday, 29th May 2009; TODAY, South Africa’s cherished and popular Vineyard Hotel & Spa celebrates her 115th year as a hotel concern.

It was in February 1800 that the famous Scottish historian Lady Anne Barnard and her Irish husband Andrew, moved into their new Cape residence “The Vineyard” which comprised of in today’s standards a humble home set on a farm of 20,000 vines.

In 1894 a Scottish Banker – James Mitchell, acquired ‘The Vineyard’. He decided to convert the property into a hotel, and a formidable Irishwoman named Mrs. O’Sullivan was appointed to run it as ‘The Vineyard Hotel’. Rudyard Kipling came out to the Cape in 1898 and stayed at the Vineyard for a while. He loved the surroundings and described the hotel as “a quiet place surrounded by oaks under the shadow of Table Mountain. He described Mrs O’Sullivan and her helpers:

“The hotel is kept by three thoroughly acid female devils, one with a moustache and no figure, who have made things just as unpleasant all around for the guests as the twelve hours of daylight would let ‘em, but in spite of it all, we all got on very well!”

The Anglo Boer War broke out in 1899, a bitter battle between the British and the Boers, but Cape Town was crowded and financially buoyant. During this time the Vineyard Hotel flourished, where every room and every inch of space was occupied.

The following years saw the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910 and during this time The Vineyard kept its place as one of Cape Town’s best-loved hotels. In 1948, after the Second World War, Mr and Mrs Turkstra bought the hotel. The Turkstra’s will be remembered as the people who brought the hotel’s now famous fountain to The Vineyard.

The tradition of The Vineyard, its history, its romance and elegance has been revised and extended by the Petousis family who came to the hotel in 1980.

The Petousis’ who had previously owned the Criterion Hotel in Johannesburg and in 1973 built the Townhouse Hotel in Cape Town saw the huge potential and redeveloped the Vineyard into what is today, one of the finest hotels in South Africa.

Giving herself a generous birthday milestone reward, the re-branded Vineyard Hotel & Spa is currently being lavished with a R25 million new wing, which is set to open in December 2009.

The 15-month project will see the addition of 31 new rooms, 2 paraplegic rooms and 1 suite as well as a multi-car underground parking area. The 34 new rooms increases the total room count to an impressive 209.

The Vineyard Hotel & Spa is a deluxe hotel with currently 175 rooms and suites, situated in 6 acres of attractive landscaped parkland, on the banks of the Liesbeek River, overlooking the forested slopes of Table Mountain.

It has two restaurants, The Square Restaurant a great favourite for breakfast and dinner, as well as a popular sushi bar and the award-winning Myoga Restaurant run by well-known Chef Mike Bassett renowned for his contemporary fusion style cooking.

It also boasts two heated swimming pools – one outdoors, surrounded by loungers, and one indoors.

The addition of an award winning Conference Centre, a Health & Fitness Centre and an outstanding international Angsana Spa contributes to its position as ‘The Perfect Setting’.

Sister properties are the new-look Townhouse Hotel & Conference Centre in the heart of Cape Town and the recently acquired and historic d’Ouwe Werf Hotel in Stellenbosch.