Jetsettersblog

Keauhou Beach Resort on Hawaii Island invites music lovers and Hawaiian cultural enthusiasts to a weeklong Aloha Music Camp on July 1-7. Guests can enjoy classes in ukulele, slack key guitar, hula, oli (chant), lei making, and instrument crafting. Instructors include world-class musicians and performing artists like:

Alan Akaka, steel guitar
Kaliko Beamer-Trapp, Hawaiian language and ukulele
Dr. Samuel Gon III, oli (chant)
Uluwehi Guerrero, hula
Ozzie Kotani, slack key guitar
Dennis Lake, ukulele building
Herb Ohta, Jr., ukulele
Anakala Philipo Solatario, storytelling and kukakuka (discussion)
For more information and registration, visit www.AlohaMusicCamp.com.

Looking for a new way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? Renew your marriage vows at Outrigger Hotels and Resorts on the most romantic day of the year. A non-denominational kahu (priest/officiate) will conduct complimentary vow renewal ceremonies for hotel guests registered at any Outrigger Hotel in the Hawaiian Islands. Couples will receive a certificate and a photograph memento to commemorate the special day. For more information, visit www.Outrigger.com.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Guests can now enjoy a newly renovated Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach featuring $13 million of updated public spaces, restaurants, meeting rooms, lobby, and recreational amenities. Highlights of the renovation, which was completed in January, include a reconfigured pool, new jacuzzi, expanded fitness center, family game room, and an eLounge with the latest technology for guests to stay connected with friends and families while on the island. The ocean-view restaurant, Voyager Grill, is also offering new menus featuring Hawaii Regional Cuisine with fresh ingredients from local farms. For more information, visit www.Marriott.com.

TRANSPORTATION

On June 7, United Airlines will launch a new daily route between Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport and Honolulu International Airport (Oahu), providing the only nonstop service between the two points. United is currently the largest carrier servicing Hawaii from the mainland U.S. For more information, visit United.com.

ACCOLADES

Five Hawaii establishments have been awarded with the AAA Five Diamond Award and 28 others have earned the Four Diamond Award for 2012.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (Maui), Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu (Hawaii Island) earned the Five Diamond status in the lodging category while Oahu’s Chef Mavro and La Mer at the Halekulani both earned Five Diamond designations for the restaurant category.

For more information and to see a complete list of the Five Diamond and Four Diamond winners, visit www.NewsRoom.AAA.com.

TripAdvisor’s 2012 Traveler’s Choice Awards honors several Hawaii hotels in various categories voted on by the website’s readers. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea led the pack, earning the most honors including No. 3 for Best Hotels in the US, No. 12 for Best Hotels for Service in the US, and No. 16 for Best Luxury Hotel in the US. Other highlights for Hawaii include:

St. Regis Princeville (Kauai): 6th for Best Luxury Hotels in the US

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu (Hawaii Island): 16th for Best Hotels in the US

Koa Kea Hotel and Resort (Kauai): 23rd for Best Hotels in the US

The Kahala Hotel and Resort (Oahu): 25th for Best Luxury Hotels in the US

Travaasa Hana (Maui): 25th for Best Relaxation/Spa Hotels in the US.
For more information, visit TripAdvisor.com.

If Midnight in Paris gets your vote for best movie of the year, here’s a package made for you. TourCrafters’ Spring Break in Paris and Nice package not only gives you three nights in the City of Light, but also three nights on the exciting French Riviera—all for the amazing starting price of $665 until March 31.

Included in the land-only price are three nights’ accommodation in the All Seasons Paris Bercy, three nights at the Mercure Marché aux Fleurs in Nice, daily buffet breakfast, a Cityrama tour of Paris and a ticket on the super-fast TGV train to Nice. Transatlantic air fare is not included. You can use frequent flyer miles or ask TourCrafters’ reservationists for the lowest round-trip fare to France.

The 3-star All Seasons Paris Bercy is a modern, comfortable hotel with a large terrace overlooking Bercy Park. It is close to a metro station and the Gare de Lyon railway station. The Hotel Mercure Marché aux Fleurs, also 3 stars, is just across the street from the beach and Mediterranean Sea and close to the fabulous Cours Saleya flower and food market, the Old Town and lots of restaurants and nightlife. (Note that the hotel does not have an elevator.)

The price quoted is subject to availability and is per person, double occupancy, though triple and even quadruple rooms are available. For additional information on this and other Spring Break packages to Italy, Spain and Turkey, visit www.tourcrafters.it  and click “Deal of the Week.” For reservations, call 800-482-5995.

Are you a professional basketball fan? Do you have an Arizona hunting or fishing license?

The Phoenix Suns are offering discounted ticket prices for two games in February to people who have a current Arizona hunting or fishing license. If you haven’t already purchased your license for 2012, this is a great incentive to do so.

Discounted tickets will be available for the following games:

February 15 vs. Atlanta Hawks
100 level baseline (regularly $79.95) for only $50
200 level sideline (regularly 29.75) for only $25

February 19 vs. L.A. Lakers
100 level baseline (regularly $194.75) for only $175
200 level sideline (regularly $115.75) for only $112

This unique group package includes a discounted Suns’ ticket, a FREE Suns’ drawstring backpack with each ticket purchase, and a special group welcome on the Jumbotron.

For an informational flyer, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/h_f/fishing/12ST%20-%20AZGFD%20FINAL.pdf

Tickets can be ordered online at http://tinyurl.com/azgfdtix (use Promo Code: AZGFD), or by filling out the order form on the flyer and faxing to (602) 379-7873.

If you have questions, contact Kyle Pottinger at the Phoenix Suns at kpottinger@suns.com or call (602) 379-7506.

Sanibel Harbour Marriott Launches Limited-Time Book-By Offer

Ft. Myers, Fla.– This winter, snowbirds set their sight on both sunshine and savings, as Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Florida launches its limited-time “20/20” sale. Travelers who book between January 19 and February 2, 2012 can trade the 20 degree chills for 20% off rates on stays through April 1, 2012.

Located on a private 85-acre peninsula overlooking Sanibel and Captiva islands, and quite easy on the eyes, the AAA Four-Diamond Sanibel Harbour Marriott had a vision – offering guests a peak season special that they can’t resist.

Based on a minimum two-night stay, the 20/20 sale features 20% off accommodations and complimentary breakfast for two, with rates starting from $199 per night (regular rates from $249).

Visitors will shovel sand instead of snow this winter while indulging in luxurious amenities for less, such as sunset dinner cruises aboard the resort’s private, 100-ft yacht; lavish sea-inspired treatments at the award-winning spa; on-site water sports; three pools; six restaurants; and a Kids Club that focuses on water sport activities like jet skiing, fishing, kayaking, Ecological Boat Excursions and more.

To take advantage of the special “20/20” sale, valid on travel through April 1, 2012, guests must book between January 19 and February 2, 2012.

Starting rates after the savings range from $199 – $271. For reservations visit www.sanibelmarriott.com and use the rate code WNT or call 1-800-Marriott and mention Sanibel Harbour Marriott’s “20/20” book-by offer.

Package is based upon availability. Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

About Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa

Located on the southwest coast of Florida, on a private peninsula overlooking Sanibel and Captiva islands, the Sanibel Harbour Marriott® Resort & Spa is an AAA Four-Diamond property that beckons travelers with a haven of gracious hospitality and relaxed luxury. Resting on an 85-acre waterfront escape, its world-class amenities include well-appointed accommodations with captivating views; three sparkling outdoor pools; the Sanibel Harbour Princess, a private 100-foot yacht for dining and sightseeing; a 40,000-square-foot award-winning spa; six distinctive restaurants and lounges; family programs; and an array of outdoor activities like tennis, kayaking, fishing, biking, swimming and nearby golf.

Take the worry out of your beach vacation with Trip Cancellation Insurance from Seven Corners, at www.sevencorners.com

Thomson Family Adventures is offering special spring break vacations with an emphasis on personal engagement and cultural immersion. The programs are targeted to families with children age 6 and up. The itineraries are designed to give children and their parents a chance to spend quality time together while enjoying enhanced learning and cultural experiences in the countries they visit.

The tours are designed to accommodate both younger children and teenagers. Thomson Family Adventures’ popular teen vacations include ample time for teen-parent bonding. As with all Thomson Family Adventures tours, travel insurance is always included, group sizes are limited to no more than 20 people, and departures are guaranteed.

Thomson’s Spring Break collection of tours includes trips to the Galapagos Islands, which can be experienced in a variety of ways, combined with Inca ruins or as a multi-sport adventure, with camping, kayaking, snorkeling and wildlife exploration. Other spring break itineraries travel to Peru, Costa Rica, Baja, Belize, Panama, Tanzania, Egypt and Thailand. For more information, call 800-262-6255.

DEFROST YOUR SWIMSUIT

Greater Fort Lauderdale is taking the “Defrost Your Swimsuit” campaign to Toronto, NYC and London.

In November 2011, ten ice blocks with bikinis and board shorts made an appearance in Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square during the Santa Claus Parade. And in January 2012 to NYC’s Times Square and London’s financial district. Television, radio, billboards, retail promotions and street teams handing out ice scrapers, with opportunities to win beach getaways to Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Greater “Fork” LAUDERDALE

Casually sophisticated new additions to Las Olas Boulevard include Las Olas Wine Bar with 40 wines by the glass and live music, as well as Cheese Culture, a whey of life.

M Bar Global Tapas features “master cocktailians” and small plates. The coolest restaurant to hit the scene, Tundra, serves crystal clear “chilling spheres” in drinks and “Tundratizer” small plate options with ice flatware.

Pl8, a new restaurant in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District features small “plates.” The latest addition to Fort Lauderdale beach is East End Brasserie, a new traditional French bistro from NYC Chef Steve Zobel, at The Atlantic Resort.

For the love of art

“Offering of the Angels: Old Master Paintings and Tapestries from the Uffizi Gallery” from Florence, Italy, makes its American debut at The Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, November 19, 2011-April 8, 2012. Broadway Across America returns to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts with Beauty and the Beast (Nov.), Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Dec.) Jersey Boys (Jan.), Billy Elliot The Musical (Feb./Mar.), South Pacific (Apr.), and La Cage Aux Folles (June). Alice Cooper and Paul Simon appear at Hard Rock Live in December. BankAtlantic Center welcomes back Andrea Bocelli (Feb. 14) and Roger Waters (June 15).

Kid Lauderdale

The EcoDiscovery Center debuted at the Museum of Discovery and Science on 11/11/11 with an exciting outdoor otter habitat, simulated Everglades airboat ride and interactive prehistoric dig pit, highlighting the fragile Florida environment.

In Spring 2012, Young At Art Museum unveils its new $26.5 million, 57,000 sq. ft. gold-LEED certified facility with galleries including CultureScapes, GreenScapes WonderScapes and ArtScapes. For the adventurous kid at heart, the new Wonderdome indoor, activity-based, family fun center fuses modern play technology and kid-friendly fun.

FIT LAUDERDALE

Get, feel and stay fit on your Greater Fort Lauderdale getaway. With Blue Wave beaches as your outdoor fitness center, it is easy to keep that New Year’s resolution and get swimsuit ready in Fit Lauderdale.

Yoga-board on the Atlantic.

Bike by the beach.

Workout at a Lauderdale Luxe spa.

Run February’s A1A marathon.

Paddleboard or surf, golf or salsa dance and savor healthy fare.

Broward’s new B Cycle bike sharing program, lets riders from Hallandale Beach to Pompano Beach access public bicycles for short trips around town.

VERY ACCOMMODATING

From luxury beach resorts to Superior Small Lodgings, Greater Fort Lauderdale boasts 34,000 hotel rooms from Hallandale Beach to Deerfield Beach. Book online at sunny.org or on Facebook.com/VisitLauderdale and receive a FREE “Beach Starter Kit,” including a beach towel, beach ball and flip flops.

New hotels and recent renovations include:

Coming soon to Hollywood Beach, a new $130 million, 349-room, Margaritaville Resort along the Broadwalk at Johnson Street. Opening in 2014, it will include a 15,000 sq. ft. Margaritaville Café, rooftop pool as well as pools at beach level, meeting space of 35,000 sq. ft. that can accommodate 800 people, a 1,000 car parking garage, boat dock and more. A revamp of the Broadwalk’s famed Bandshell amphitheater and a new lawn for events and concerts are planned.

The newly renamed Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel is an iconic, oceanside retreat undergoing an enhancement program of its 296 guest rooms and suites and signature 8,200 sq. ft. Commodore Ballroom.

Renovated rooms will feature a light and airy décor with floor-to-ceiling water views and splashes of citrus color accents.

WE LOVE CRUISERS

Cruise passengers can stretch their vacations and their budgets with Greater Fort Lauderdale’s cruise and play deals.

Discover complimentary transfers from hotels, hotel deals, and special prices on excursions to the Everglades.

Sawgrass Mills launched a premier bag storage and shipping program, allowing shoppers to drop off their purchases at one of three convenient locations throughout the mall to either send their bags directly to the airport or have them shipped home. A new pre-post cruise video is available to see why Greater “Port” Lauderdale is your first port of call. www.sunny.org/cruiseandplay

FREE E-BOOKS FOR VISITORS

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport has paired with Broward County Libraries to offer travelers free access to 15,000+ downloadable e-books for smart phones or e-readers, with a scan of a Quick Response (QR) code displayed on screens in baggage claim areas. The e-books are a gift and never expire. Happy reading!

JUST FOR GROUPS: LAUDERDALE CONVENTION COLLECTION

Book any of the six hotels of the Lauderdale Convention Collection, and enjoy the attention of Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB’s Sunsational Service Team to coordinate transportation, marketing and beyond. Hotels include: Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale, Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades, Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Visit sunny.org/lcc for sunny savings when booking June 15-Oct 15, 2012-2014.

Added benefits: Free event space at the Convention Center; one-hour welcome reception at Convention Center; one-hour Board of Directors reception; 10% discount off services such as F & B, electric, a/v, internet and security staffing; advance marketing assistance at the previous year’s event.

GET SOCIAL WITH US

Put Greater Fort Lauderdale in the palm of your hand with the new Sunny.org mobi site. Find hotel and dining deals, maps and virtual Vacation Playbook and Meeting Planners Guide for iPad. Like us on Facebook.com/VisitLauderdale or follow our tweets on Twitter.com/Visitlauderdale and find tips on Foursquare.com/VisitLauderdale  to stay in the know.

Visit California, the official travel resource for the state, will release the 2012 California Official State Visitor’s Guide this month. The guide will feature articles, trip ideas, photography, maps and travel planners, and will be available for free.

The 204-page guide features Rob Lowe on the cover and opens with an introduction by the actor in which he shares his favorite California travel memories. Debuting in this new edition are offerings like California Dreamers, a selection of travel ideas from California celebrities such as surfing legend Jack O’Neill, food-truck entrepreneur Roy Choi and climber Beth Rodden.

Also new for 2012 are local tips and getaway ideas culled from the suggestions of Visit California’s Facebook fans.

The guide also includes 12 feature articles that highlight natural wonders including the California deserts, giant redwoods, north coast and mountains.

Also featured are off-the-beaten track road trips through the state’s river towns, urban finds like California’s microbrew revolution, and experiences ranging from theme park holidays to only-in-California cultural and historical fare.

Other highlights include a large-format, tear-out state map dotted with urban must-sees and destinations like movie locations, shopping hotspots and new theme park attractions.

Also included are events, 32 regional trip ideas and a statewide travel planner with hundreds of resources, destinations, and details on lodging.

Region on the north coast home to island’s first 6-star hotel, opening in December 2012
Region famed for Rio Camuy Cave Park and Arecibo Observatory

Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) has published plans to launch a new tourism region, named Porta Atlantico, on Puerto Rico’s north coast.

The region will capitalise on its major tourism attractions, the Rio Camuy Cave Park, the third-largest cave system in the world, and the Arecibo Observatory, home to the planet’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope and a filming location for Bond movie Goldeneye.

It will also be home to the island’s first 6* hotel, the Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton Reserve, which opens in December 2012.

Announced by the Executive Director of PRTC, Mario Gonzalez Lafuente, the tourist region comprises of the Camuy, Hatillo, Arecibo, Barceloneta, Manatí, Vega Baja, Vega Alta, Dorado and Toa Alta municipalities.

“The process of launching a Tourism Region like Porta Atlantico was a coordinated effort between the municipalities.

It guarantees job creation and long-term economic development for the region,” indicated Gonzalez Lafuente. “The municipal support, in partnership with the private sector, represents millions of dollars invested into new hotel projects and tourist attractions.”

The private sector has also committed to investing in Porta Atlantico, with the Holiday Inn Travel Plaza in Arecibo investing $18 million,

The Hyatt Place in Manati a total of $37 million, the Wyndham Barceloneta close to the Premium Outlets an investment of $35 million. These investments have been further boosted by the development of the Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton Reserve, the first six star hotel in Puerto Rico.

“The Ritz Carlton Reserve represents an investment of $342 million and will be one of the largest hotel developments in Puerto Rico, further improving the tourism offer for the municipal of Dorado,” indicated Gonzalez Lafuente.

In regards to the overall attraction of the island to visitors, he continued, “Puerto Rico offers travellers a unique proposition in comparison to other Caribbean islands, it has a variety of activities that can be experienced across the island that cannot be found anywhere else.”

Porta Atlantico’s key attractions

Two thriving luxury resort centres of Dorado and Hatillo

Stunning Atlantic coastline with world-renowned surfing beaches

The Zona del Karso/Karst Country, an area of coastline famed for its dissolved limestone formations, part of the Puerto Rico forest preserve and full of hiding holes historically used by pirates

Arecibo Observatory, home to the planet’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope and a filming location for Bond movie Goldeneye

Rio Camuy Cave Park, the third-largest cave system in the world

British Airways flies to Puerto Rico twice-weekly from London Gatwick, with return fares starting from £477. Visit ba.com for bookings.

New Flights: KLM Returns To Aruba

Year-round access to Aruba has now become easier for UK visitors, with the introduction of new KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ flights. Launched earlier this month, KLM’s service to Aruba increases from 2 to 5 times per week.

UK travellers planning to connect to Aruba can catch flights to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from 15 UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

Offering the option of travelling in economy or business class and allowing plenty of time for connecting flights to/from the UK, the flights will depart from Amsterdam on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 12:35 hours and will arrive in Aruba at 17.50 hours on the same day. The return flight will depart from Aruba on the same days at 19:10 hours, arriving in Amsterdam the next day at 11:10 hours.

New Authentic Farmers’ Market With A Traditional Touch

A new authentic farmers’ market has been introduced in Aruba earlier this summer, offering top quality produce at affordable prices.

Supporting local farmers’ efforts, the market introduces local producers to the community and provides the venue for traditional products to be showcased and sold. Increasingly popular with locals and visitors alike, they can find a variety of Aruba’s fruit, vegetables, meat, fresh pork and fish.

At the moment the farmers’ market takes place once a month, however following an initial pilot period Santa Rosa plans to increase the frequency so that it takes place every week.

Further projects in the area include the creation of agricultural tours of local farms.

Walk This (Brand New) Way In Aruba

Work is well underway in Aruba to create the longest linear park in the Caribbean, with the first phase of the project completed last month. The park welcomes visitors to Aruba with a fully landscaped corridor along the coastline, which includes green zones, walking and bike paths and supreme ocean vistas.

The first phase extends from the Las Americas traffic circle near the airport to Wilhelmina Park, with the second – and final – phase scheduled to continue later this autumn.

Upon completion, Aruba’s linear park will be the largest in the Caribbean, stretching for 10 miles from Queen Beatrix International Airport along the resorts of Eagle Beach, concluding at the end of the high-rise hotel corridor on Palm Beach.

New Personalised Stamps by Post Aruba
Whether you are looking for that special extra touch for your wish-you-were-here postcards or just for a unique souvenir from your holiday, Post Aruba has now launched a new personalised service.

The new Personalised Stamps series consists of a souvenir sheet with a design of Aruba’s map and distinctive objects of the island, such as its history culture and nature. Each souvenir sheet contains 6 decorated stamps with a blank space where you can place your picture (you can bring your own digital photograph or you can have it taken at the post office for free).

The Personalised Stamps service is available only at the Postal Office located at Palm Beach Plaza Mall.

www.postaruba.com

COMING SOON

Thomson Adds New Aruba Properties For 2012 Season

The 2012 Summer Season will see Thomson adding two new properties to its growing portfolio in Aruba. With the addition of the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa and The Mill Resort and Suites, Thomson is now offering more hotels than ever before.

Manchebo Beach Resort is one of Aruba’s most intimate beach resorts and is located on Eagle Beach, the island’s widest stretch of beach. The two-storey hotel is a luxury boutique style resort, featuring just 71 newly refurbished rooms with contemporary décor and top-range amenities.

The Mill Resort is conveniently located just steps across the famous white sand strip of Palm Beach. A cosy compact low rise resort, The Mill offers spacious, comfortable, fully equipped rooms with easy access to the facilities, beautiful free form swimming pools and friendly staff.

In addition to the two new properties, Thomson’s Aruba portfolio already includes: Tamarijn Aruba on Druif Beach; Bucuti Beach Resort and Divi Aruba All Inclusive on Eagle Beach; Occidental Grand, Riu Palace and Westin Resort on Palm Beach; and Renaissance Aruba in Oranjestad.

www.thomson.co.uk
www.manchebo.com
www.millresort.com

Contemporary Art Biennial Encounter Comes To Aruba

The Caribbean contemporary artistic scene will experience a new and vibrant impulse through a series of events of the ‘Prome Encuentro Bienal Arte Contemporaneo di Caribe, Aruba 2011-2012′.

The biennial encounter is a platform to integrate communities in the Caribbean through contemporary art and enrich cultural identities.

A series of activities will run over several months, with more than 30 local and Caribbean contemporary artists scheduled to exhibit new artworks in July 2012.

The new event aims to bring together critics, curators and art historians from all over the world and will feature exhibitions on specific themes, as well as educational projects and workshops that will involve the local public.

www.encuentroartaruba.org

HOTEL UPDATE

More Upgrades For Hyatt Regency Aruba
Located on the white sand of Palm Beach, the five star Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino will soon be unveiling its latest overhaul.

The upgrades include a series of improvements, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year. These include the hotel’s tennis courts, the Balashi Bar, the Shoco Market and an extensive spa renovation.

The current upgrades are an extension of the hotel’s multi-million dollar renovation that was completed in 2008.

www.aruba.hyatt.com

Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club Undergoes A Face Lift

Situated opposite Surfside Beach and just a few minutes’ walk from Oranjestad, the intimate Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club has just completed a major renovation of its facilities and guest rooms.

The superior rooms, painted with warm colours, now feature new mattresses, sofas and chairs, as well as 32-inch flat screen television screens and new air conditioning system. Wireless Internet access at the hotel is now free of charge.

The lobby and the bar areas of the hotel also have new furniture, including comfortable sun loungers placed around the pool area.

www.tottaruba.com

Bucuti Beach Resort Expands Adults-Only Policy

In keeping with its goal of providing a tranquil environment for all guests, Bucuti Beach Resort has now upheld its adults-only policy for diners at its restaurant.

Serving fresh local ingredients and a fusion of delicious flavours, Bucuti’s dining terrace boasts a unique beachfront setting.

The menu encompasses an extensive American buffet breakfast as well as à-la-carte options for lunch, while in the evenings diners can expect from fresh seafood to juicy prime steaks, complemented by an eclectic wine list.

Bucuti’s peaceful atmosphere and location set it apart from Aruba’s larger resorts, which are more family orientated. Already popular with couples from the UK and recognised by TripAdvisor as one of the top 10 most romantic resorts in the world, the hotel introduced an adults-only policy at the end of 2010.

www.bucuti.com

AIR NEWS

Aruba shortlisted in world’s most stunning airports
Aruba’s Queen Beatrix Airport has been shortlisted by private jet charter marketplace PrivateFly as one of the most stunning airport approaches in the world.

PrivateFly chose airport locations that offer passengers a truly inspirational view on the approach – whether it be over a world-famous cityscape, stunning coastline or beautiful mountain views. Planes to Aruba hover low just above the sparkling blue sea before landing to the airport, with beautiful views of the lush green Renaissance Island.

Queen Beatrix Airport is just a five-minute drive from Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, and facilities include a terminal for private aircraft and US Border Pre-clearance facilities.

www.privatefly.com

More options for day trips to Bonaire and Curaçao
Visitors to Aruba now have more options for day trips to Bonaire and Curaçao with local airline Tiara Air.

Also part of the Dutch Caribbean, Bonaire is quainter and less developed than Aruba and is known for its world-class scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkelling and nature. Curaçao is the largest and most populous of the three ABC islands and home of the sweet blue liqueur of the same name.

The trips operate twice a week (Monday and Wednesday to Bonaire, Tuesday and Thursday to Curaçao) and prices start $270 (£168) per person.

www.tiaradaytrips.com

LATEST OPENINGS

Española Way
Palm Beach 17, Noord

Located in a rustic 70-year-old house, Española Way is a cozy al fresco eatery on Palm Beach Road that features authentic Spanish cuisine, including Serrano ham and chorizo, fruity sangria and the restaurant’s steaming signature paella.

Yalla Yalla
South Beach Mall, Palm Beach

Specialising in tasty and exotic Middle Eastern food, the just opened Yalla Yalla offers ample servings of beef shish kebab, shrimp kebab, lamb shoarma and chicken shoarma, as well as tabouleh and hummus served with freshly made pita bread.

Spanglish
Renaissance Marketplace, Oranjestad

The recently opened Spanglish restaurant offers a menu true to the Caribbean-Latin culinary traditions of the owners.

The creative fusion menu features authentic dishes, with the parrillada for two being the highlight, served tableside on a mini charcoal grill.

Sky Lounge
J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 186, Oranjestad

Ringing around the heart of Paseo Herencia, Sky Lounge is Aruba’s latest cocktail bar: a relaxing outdoor venue, here guests can enjoy a drink at the sparkling blue bar, in their own canopy lounge or at a comfortable chair on the open-air terrace.

Carambola
J.E.Irausquin Boulevard 64, Eagle Beach

Opened earlier this year, the chic Carambola Restaurant located at Paradise Beach Villas specialises in seafood and international cuisine. The chef’s signature dish is the freshly made Peanut Soup, which is served in a mashed plantain bowl.

Segafredo
South Beach Mall, Palm Beach

Segafredo, an Italian franchise known for its great coffee, now presents a diverse tempting menu of Italian specialties. Prepared by its award-winning chef, it includes antipasti, panini and thin-crust pizzas, as well as imported Italian beers and after-dinner liqueurs.

Cuba’s Cookin’
Renaissance Marketplace, Oranjestad

Marking its 12th year, Cuba’s Cookin’ has now relocated to Renaissance Marketplace. Still serving up the best mojitos and Cuban food outside Cuba, the restaurant is a new Havana circa 1960 Resto/Bar with a new splash of nostalgia.

For general information on visiting Aruba please go to www.aruba.com

Wroxton House Hotel near Banbury is offering a truly uplifting Spring Break from 9th – 11th March 2012 with entertainment from Elgar and the Orchestra.

The event has been arranged in conjunction with Arts in Residence, a specialist promoter of cultural breaks in the UK. You are invited to get away from it all at this quintessentially English Hotel whilst enjoying some of Elgar’s most rousing works and learn more about ‘the man behind the music’.

The package includes 2 night’s dinner, bed and breakfast, 2 lunches and an afternoon tea before departure on the Sunday for £275.00 per person (twin/double room), £299.00 (single room). The price includes all meals, wine, beverages, course fees and accommodation.

Terry Barfoot, Director of Arts in Residence said:

‘We offer music courses in country hotels that have been picked for their superbly appointed positions. Wroxton House is a fine example of that as it will allow us to enjoy the experience of music and the arts in comfort and style.

Our courses are open to everyone and offer a friendly house party atmosphere with people who have plenty in common.’

Wroxton House Hotel near Banbury is a beautiful ‘chocolate box’ hotel dating back to 1649 and complete with thatched roof and inglenook fireplace. The hotel is privately owned by Gill and John Smith who have completely refurbished the property with a great deal of love and attention. This beautiful hotel has impeccable style which makes it the perfect setting for the works of Elgar – one of the great masters of the romantic era.

To book please telephone 02392 383356 or email: info@artsinresidence.co.uk  You can also visit www.artsinresidence.co.uk

For further information on the hotel please visit
www.bw-wroxtonhousehotel.com  or call 01295 730777.