Jetsettersblog

Waldorf=Astoria hotel in Sarasota

Waldorf=Astoria luxury 225 room hotel to be key component of The Proscenium, a mixed-use project in downtown Sarasota 

NEW YORK, NY, - Lion’s Gate Development, along with the Hilton Hotels Corporation’s Waldorf=Astoria Collection, have unveiled plans to build a luxury 225 room Waldorf=Astoria hotel as a key component of The Proscenium, a mixed-use project in downtown Sarasota, Fla. The project is presently in the city review process and is expected to begin construction in the fourth quarter 2008 with an anticipated year-end 2010 completion. An affiliate of Hilton Hotels Corporation will manage the hotel.

We are thrilled to be able to make this announcement,” remarked Gary Moyer, who is developing The Proscenium along with his wife Karen Cook, and partners Zeb Portanova and Allen Ostroff. “Having a world-renowned luxury brand like the Waldorf=Astoria will draw international attention, not only to The Proscenium, but to the Sarasota/Manatee area as well. Our association with a high-end luxury hotel was a critical part of our plan. The prestige and panache that a Waldorf=Astoria hotel brings surpasses our expectations.”

The Waldorf=Astoria Sarasota will be part of The Waldorf=Astoria Collection, launched by Hilton Hotels Corporation in January 2006. As one of America’s grand hotels, The Waldorf=Astoria name is synonymous with luxurious elegance and service. Creating The Waldorf Collection was a way to extend its cachet, which previously was only available at the exclusive Waldorf=Astoria New York City Park Avenue location.

“We are simply delighted to share in the announcement with Lion’s Gate Development that The Proscenium will include a Waldorf=Astoria Sarasota,” said Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president - Americas Operations, East US, Canada, Caribbean and Central America, for Hilton Hotels Corporation. “We considered many prestigious locations, but the scope and quality of The Proscenium truly complemented the characteristics of a Waldorf=Astoria Hotel and vice versa. In addition, we have been watching the Sarasota market for years and the timing was right to consider a presence there. We look forward to being a part of this sophisticated, culturally rich city.”

The elements of discovery and unique experiences that characterize The Waldorf=Astoria Collection experience will be brought to life through the hotel’s and The Proscenium’s distinct offerings. In addition to the 225 luxury hotel rooms, the hotel will include 38,000 square feet of ballroom, meeting and exhibition space, the iconic Peacock Alley Lounge, signature restaurants, a roof-top pool overlooking downtown Sarasota and the bay front, and a 12,000 square foot spa.

Within the 18-story hotel tower, there will be 67 Waldorf=Astoria Residences, complete with daily 24-hour concierge services and all hotel amenities. Direct access from the hotel’s ballroom and meeting space floor will be provided via a bridge to the VIP lounge of the 800-seat Nederlander performing arts hall. Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment is a division of the Nederlander family of businesses known for over 100 years as a leading worldwide performing arts presenter.

Lion’s Gate Development is also developing a 59-unit annex, on Sarasota’s Lido Beach. Guests at The Proscenium will have use of its luxurious beach amenities. The hotel accommodations will be marketed by Waldorf=Astoria, adding a beachfront property to their offerings.

10 REASONS TO VACATION IN THE CARIB in SUMMER

Divi Resorts Offers Summer Fun at a Discount

Chapel Hill, NC (May 6, 2008) - Summer in the Caribbean? Absolutely! Though many travelers think of the Caribbean as a winter-only destination, summer is a good time to visit and explore these amazing islands! People presume that the Caribbean is too hot to be enjoyed during the summer months, but due to constant trade winds, temperatures remain pretty consistent year-long. Summer is just a few degrees warmer. See below for 10 reasons to vacation in the Caribbean this summer:

1. Great beaches. Some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world are in the Caribbean. From lively to remote expanses of sand, the Caribbean has them all.

2. Cheaper airfare. Airline tickets are usually less expensive and easier to secure during summer months.

3. Direct flights. There is easy, non-stop access from major cities to certain locales. For example, fly direct from Houston and Atlanta to Bonaire, New York or Boston to Aruba, Chicago and Newark to St. Maarten, Miami to Barbados, or Atlanta to St. Croix. Other cities also offer direct flights, giving the most vacation time possible.

4. Terrific deals. Deals abound across the Caribbean. Divi Resorts (www.diviresorts.com), which specializes in the Caribbean with nine resorts on six islands, offers a “Summer Fun” sale with room rates reduced 30 percent until August 31 at most of its properties. At the Aruba property, the Divi Golf and Beach Resort, kids stay free in Divi’s all-inclusive summer program with a starting rate of $220 per night, per adult, with a maximum of two kids up to the age of 17. The special includes meals, drinks and non-motorized sports and golf for adults after 3:00 p.m. Divi makes summer last longer in Aruba, extending this deal through December 23. Booking has to be by May 30. Many of the Divi resorts are all-suites properties, making them ideal for family vacations.

5. Cultural multiplicity. Once high tourism season comes to a close in April, Caribbean islands host many festivals such as the Crop Over Festival in Barbados and jump-ups (street fairs) that celebrate local heritage and lifestyle. There are also a slew of water sport competitions to entertain locals and visitors alike under the azure skies.

6. Try something new. Learn to landsail in Aruba, dive in Bonaire, see how rum is made in St. Croix or visit a plantation in Barbados. Take golf lessons at the Divi Golf and Beach resort in Aruba. The excursions, whether they are adventure based or just for leisure, are innumerable!

7. Entertainment for every whim. In many cases, you won’t even have to leave the resort. Beachside activities, delicious meals and live cultural entertainment are often right at the vacation property. However, duty-free shopping, rolling the dice at a casino, dancing at a nightclub, a glass-bottom boat tour, or a hike through a rain forest are only minutes away. Kids will be entertained morning until night.

8. No passport needed. Visitors get a taste of both island life and Danish culture in St. Croix. No passport required to this island, which is part of the US Virgin Islands.

9. Relax. After April, the crowds die down, which means shorter lines, if any, to swim with the dolphins and more available lounge chairs by the pool!

10. Island hopping. Take a boat or a plane to another island for a delightful day trip and a chance to see yet another island culture.

Divi Resorts is the vacation expert of the Caribbean with a collection of nine premium resorts on six stunning Caribbean islands. With vacation stays as well as full and fractional ownership, the resorts provide myriad vacation pleasures from relaxing on white sand beaches and indulging in spa services to embarking on scuba diving adventures and perfecting one’s golf swing. For more information on Divi Resorts call 1-800-367-3484, or visit www.diviresorts.com. The Divi Resorts logo is the Service Mark of Divi Hotels, Inc.; its use represents the group of resort companies owned by the registrant or operating under the registrant’s Divi Resorts brand.

Contiki Alumni 5% Discount

Contiki now encourages its past travelers to experience even more with a 5% discount on any additional trips booked. With Contiki, 18-35 year old travelers can enjoy the convenience and confidence that comes with an all-inclusive travel package without the typical tourist trap activities, itineraries and restrictions. Travelers return having seen and explored the world through a new perspective and want to experience more! Now Contiki’s exclusive Alumni deal encourages just that.

Past Passenger Discount: Save 5% on the next Contiki!*

For more information, visit www.contiki.com/alumni

*Offer valid from 2/20/08 - 12/31/09. Mention promo code C5OFF3 when booking. Verification required.

Contiki has also created a loyalty program called Refer-a-Friend in which past travelers can tell their friends about Contiki and earn up to $100 in cash and $100 Contiki Excursion Voucher for each of their friends. Contiki Excursion Vouchers can be used during their trip for optional activities like the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret show, a gondola ride, 4WD quad biking, bungee jumping, dinner cruises and much more.

Refer-a-Friend Rewards: Pass on the Contiki! You earn $100 and your friend receives $100 in Excursion Vouchers for their trip.*
Sign up and start earning at www.contiki.com/refer

*Trip booked must be 8 days or longer. Referrer must be named at time of booking in order to redeem.

Over the past 45 years Contiki has worked to ensure that each and every one of their vacation packages is a great value, making traveling less expensive than going it alone. With a world of experience and relationships, Contiki knows what 18- to 35-year-old travelers are looking for in a vacation, and each trip includes the perfect balance of adventure, well-informed sightseeing, and plenty of free time.

Additionally, travelers looking to paint the town red can feel good about more than the green they’re saving. Contiki Travel is on the forefront of great green initiatives, undertaking many new programs to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment. From reducing overall company resource consumption and waste to applying recycling and energy reduction programs at all offices and operational facilities, Contiki is dedicated to the fight against climate change and reducing carbon emissions. In honor of their commitment Contiki has joined The World Conservation Foundation and is contributing to a $1 million per year donation to fund sustainable tourism projects across the globe. For more visit www.contiki.com/sustainabletravel

For full details of savings and conditions, see a travel agent, call 1-866-CONTIKI or visit www.contiki.com

ADVENTURE IN PUERTO RICO’S WEST COAST

RINCON, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico’s west coast jumped to prominence when the town of Rincón hosted the 1968 World Surfing Championship.

Four decades later, Rincón is famed for boasting some of the world’s great areas and beaches for surfing, scuba diving and deep sea fishing, as well as seasonal whale watching and nesting of leatherback sea turtles.

Meanwhile, the town’s secluded location and spectacular sunsets have positioned it as a top destination for romantic getaways and weddings.

At last, they come together with Rincón Beach Resort’s new 2008 packages – the Romantic Adventure Package and the Friends in Paradise Surfing Package, valid through December 21, 2008.

The Romantic Adventure Package is “Simply Perfect” for couples who love a bit of a challenge.

It includes three-nights’ accommodations for two in a romantic oceanfront Junior Suite, plus a fourth night at no extra cost; two full-day surfing lessons with a professional from Rincón Surf School; a post-lesson massage in the room; and daily full American breakfast. 

In addition, couples are received with a welcome cocktail and a stylish tote bag.  The package is $399.00 per night, per couple and all taxes, gratuities, and service charges are included in the rate.

The Friends in Paradise Surfing Package features three-night’s accommodations in a comfortable and stylish one-bedroom villa with the option to stay for a fourth night at no additional cost.

The package also offers two full days of surfing lessons with a pro from the Rincón Surf School. 

Like the Romantic Adventure Package, Friends in Paradise also includes a post-lesson in-room massage, daily full American breakfast, a welcome cocktail and tote bag.

The rate for the package is $589.00 per night, based on double occupancy; all taxes, gratuities and service charges are included.

Two additional adults may stay in the villa for $125.00 per night, per person.  The villas at the Rincón Beach Resort feature dining room and living room areas, fully equipped kitchens with refrigerator, four burner stove, microwave oven, and coffee/tea maker.Guests may opt to stock their kitchens with their favorite drinks and snacks by ordering in advance.

 Rincón Beach Resort is an intimate beachfront property nestled in the sleepy town of Rincón, “town of a thousand sunsets.” The resort has 112 rooms with 24 suites and features an infinity freeform pool with Jacuzzi overlooking the Caribbean Sea and a swim-up bar; boutique wine bar; mini golf putting green; and two restaurants – Brasas, with Caribbean Contemporary Cuisine; and Pelican Grill, featuring lighter fare such as Yellow Fin Tuna in Garlic Pita Bread and ‘peel and eat’ shrimp, as well as hamburguers and wraps.

For more information, call Rincón Beach Resort at telephone 787-589-9000, toll free 866- 589-0009 or visit www.rinconbeach.com

Outrigger Condominium Collection in Hawaii go green

HONOLULU, WAIKIKI, OAHU – Ushering in the green of spring, starting May 1, 2008, the Outrigger Condominium Collection will present guests with a free amenity—a reusable “green” travel tote—providing an earth-friendly alternative to single-use paper and plastic bags. The new complimentary tote will be presented to guests staying a minimum of two nights at any of Outrigger’s resort condominiums in Hawaii, allowing them to explore the islands in style while protecting and preserving the state’s resources.

Our goal is to help reduce the millions of plastic and paper bags headed for Hawaii landfills while at the same time creating a more convenient vacation experience for our guests,” said Tim Alex, director of sales and marketing for the Outrigger Condominium Collection. “We’re excited to offer this environmentally-conscious amenity and hope it motivates our guests to bring their own reusable bags when shopping.”

Outrigger Condominium Collections’ new travel totes come in green and are graphically designed with a large Monstera leaf. The bags are spacious, 16” wide x 16” high x 4” deep inches, double-handled, made of biodegradable material making it durable, strong and easy on the environment. There is a two-night minimum stay required to receive the complimentary tote.

To continue to foster environmentally responsible vacation habits, Outrigger will sell additional travel totes for $2.99 each – ideal when making large shopping purchases or for gifts to give friends back home.

Here are just a few ways that guests are encouraged to use their eco-friendly travel bags throughout their vacation:

For Outrigger guests who want to experience Hawaii’s native cuisine first-hand, local produce stands and farmer’s markets are within close proximity to many of the Outrigger Condominiums. Guests can say “no thanks” to plastic bags and instead fill their complimentary travel bag with island fresh foods and prepare a feast in their fully equipped kitchen for a delicious, intimate meal.

• The reusable travel bags are also convenient for packing light lunches, drinks and snacks while exploring the islands. Outrigger Condominiums are situated in prime locations ideal for experiencing Hawaii’s world-renowned beaches and countless recreational activities including championship golf, horseback riding, hiking trails and ocean adventures.

• During trips to and from laundry facilities, guests can use the travel totes to make sure no clothes are left behind. The majority of Outrigger Condominium units have in-unit washers and dryers or on-site laundry facilities, where guests can launder all their personal items at their leisure without waiting to return home or relying on housekeeping.

Travelers looking for a more private, independent way to visit the Hawaiian Islands stay at properties of the Outrigger Condominium Collection, the ultimate accommodation choice that combines the privacy and spaciousness of a vacation rental with the customer service of a traditional hotel. Outrigger’s 14 resort condominium properties are located in some of the most unique and scenic spots on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii’s Big Island. These resort condominium properties offer both studio rooms as well as apartment-style suites with living rooms and complete kitchens — perfect for honeymooning couples, families with children, or large groups of friends.

For reservations or information, call your preferred travel professional or Outrigger Hotels & Resorts toll-free at 1-800-OUTRIGGER (688-7444). For online information or reservations, visit http://www.outriggercondos.com

About Outrigger’s Condominium Collection

Outrigger’s Condominium Collection is a special product line within the Outrigger Enterprises Group comprised of 14 deluxe resort condominium properties offering studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom units. These fully furnished accommodations are located in some of the most desirable locations in Hawaii, with properties available at both well-known resorts as well as at some truly unique and “out of the way” places. Outrigger’s Condominium Collection offers visitors a true sense of discovery when exploring Hawaii. For more information, visit http://www.outriggercondos.com

Divi Flamingo Beach Resort New Dive Package

Chapel Hill, NC – For Atlantans looking to escape the insanity that is I-85 gridlock, Divi Resorts – the Caribbean vacation expert – has an enticing proposal: hop onboard Delta Air Lines’ new nonstop flight from Atlanta to Bonaire and kick back at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort.

A getaway to The Divi Flamingo Beach Resort on Bonaire is a seamless four-hour flight from Atlanta.  The premium resort is a gateway to Bonaire’s world-class snorkeling and scuba diving with a PADI five-star dive operation with custom dive boats, gear, and an experienced dive crew.  The resort has created a new summer dive package, called Create-Your-Own (CYO), enabling guests of all dive levels to experience Bonaire underwater.

The Divi Flamingo’s CYO Dive Package offers morning, afternoon and night dives, as well as 24-hour shore dives, along with certification courses for both advanced and beginning divers.  With the famed Calabas Reef just 20 yards off the resort’s shoreline and 24-hour access to tanks, the CYO Dive Package allows divers the flexibility to decide how much and which kind of diving they want to do, making for an easy dive vacation

Rates for the CYO Dive Package start at $656 per person for a seven-night stay and include standard accommodations, breakfast daily, airport/hotel transfers, and taxes & service charges.

Bonaire is reminiscent of the Caribbean of 20 years ago with protected park land and a charming capital with one main street

After a day of exploring underwater or above, guests can relax at Chibi-Chibi, the Divi Flamingo’s open-air beachfront restaurant with sweeping views of the azure Caribbean Sea

For Atlantans interested in a Caribbean vacation that is not necessarily dive-centric, Divi Resorts offers a “Summer Fun” sale to all nine of its properties throughout the Caribbean, with 30 percent off with a minimum three-night stay (10 percent off Divi Carina Bay).

Rates start at $130 per night, based on double occupancy.

Divi Resorts Reservations is reached at 800.367.3484.

Singles Spring 2008 Excursion

Boston, MA - ImagineXpeditions, which specializes in indulgent trips to South Africa, today announced its 2008 season schedule of group trips.  Highlighting this year’s choices of adventures is the first-ever Singles-Only trip this spring.

ImagineXpeditions stands apart from other travel and tourism companies by making each African Safari journey first-class and truly all-inclusive.  Every detail of each trip is planned by incorporating each traveler’s personal taste and style, from the temperature of their hotel room to their favorite music playing in the background when they arrive.  Intimate group itineraries are limited to eight people or less with a host available for immediate service. While in South Africa, guests can choose from a variety of activities including cage diving with Great White sharks, hot air balloon rides and exclusive wild life viewing with twice-daily game drives or walking safaris.

This season, ImagineXpeditions is introducing a Singles-Only trip from May 17th to June 1st. This all-inclusive adventure begins with a luxury safari in a private game reserve and continues with a luxury railcar ride overnight to the Western Cape, where guests can take private tours and visit beaches or local craft markets.  Animal encounters include horseback riding, whale watching and viewing South African penguins, cape seals, ostriches and baboons.  Travelers can also ride the cable-car atop Table Mountain and visit Robben Island. 

“A Singles-Only trip puts a new twist onto the ageless dating scene and gives ImagineXpeditions the opportunity to branch out to a different kind of traveler, seeking a specific vacation destination and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” said ImagineXpeditions Founder and President Magi Guinane. “By offering a wide variety of traveling packages in addition to the Singles-Only trip during 2008, we feel we are truly able to cater to every type of adventurer. It’s all part of ImagineXpeditions’ commitment to serving our guests’ every desire.” 

ImagineXpeditions complete lineup of intimate group itineraries this season includes:

Singles Trip: Departure May 17th – Return June 1st

Great White Viewing Peak: Departure July 18th – Return August 3rd

Gay and Lesbian Trip: Departure August 19th – Return August 25th

Whale Watching Peak: Departure September 12th – Return September 28th

Reverse Route: Departure October 11th – Return October 25th

New Year’s Eve Trip: Departure December 26th – Return January 4th; this trip includes 6 nights lodging in Sir Richard Branson’s exclusive luxury private game reserve

Each offering is a uniquely all-inclusive package which includes exclusive lodging in a private game reserve. Travelers can take twice-daily game drives, daily walking safaris, hot air balloon adventures, local village tours, and indulge in spa treatments while experiencing gourmet cuisine, premium beverages and lavish accommodations.

ImagineXpeditions is a privately-owned New England-based travel agency founded to specialize in exclusive, first class travel to South Africa.  Founder and President Magi Guinane is an expert in South African Tourism and a member of the Africa Travel Association (ATA), Association for the Promotion of Tourism to African (APTA) and is certified as a FUNDI South African Tourism and Destination Specialist.  Located in Derry, New Hampshire, ImagineXpeditions promotes responsible tourism and supports several non-profit agencies committed to giving back to South Africa. 

For more information, please contact ImagineXpeditions at (603) 247-4904 or online at www.imaginexpeditions.com

Grand Hyatt Trinidad

The Hyatt Regency Trinidad hosted a formal Grand Opening gala on April 4, making it the first full-service hotel to open in the dual island nation of Trinidad & Tobago in 46 years. The 428-room Hyatt is situated in the Port of Spain International Waterfront Development.

While the hotel welcomed its first guests on Jan. 29, the Grand Opening marked a celebratory occasion to announce its upscale accommodations, dining, Spa Esencia and business services to the world. Attending dignitaries included Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning as well as President George Maxwell Richards, Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Caricom Secretary General Dr Edwin Carrington, Prime Minister of the Bahamas Hugh Ingram, US Ambassador Roy Austin and the heads of Government and of State of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Call 800-233-1234 or visit www.trinidad.hyatt.com

Jamaican Mother’s and Father’s Day Packages

Jamaica’s villas, hotels, resorts and attractions have created a variety of packages and deals for both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Roaring Pavilion Villa & Spa ( www.lacurevillas.com) is offering special spa services as well as the Luxury All-Inclusive plan, which starts at $4,000 per night for four people and includes meals, non-alcoholic beverages and a chauffeur-driven car.

Nightly rates for five to eight people are $4,500. Island Outpost’s (www.islandoutpost.com) Jamaica properties also have Mother’s and Father’s Day specials as do Sandals Resorts (www.sandals.com) and Beaches Resorts (www.beaches.com) and Riu Hotels & Resorts (www.riu.com).

Additional offers for Mother’s and Father’s Days are available at the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort (www.ritzcarlton.com) and through Chukka Caribbean Adventures (www.chukkacaribbean.com).

For more information on Jamaica, call 800-526-2422 or visit www.visitjamaica.com

California’s Spa Villagio in Napa Valley

The new Spa Villagio, located on the landmark Four-Diamond Vintage Estate destination in Napa Valley — Yountville, Calif. — will open its doors today as Northern California’s premier luxury spa retreat. The new spa is available to both hotel guests and day spa goers.

The spa’s soothing fountains and serene reflecting pools lead along a limestone walkway to a grand entrance framed by mature olive trees and a profusion of flowering impatiens, white azalea, iceberg roses and hydrangea. Reminiscent of Early California design highlighting classic Mediterranean accents, including stone arched entryways and Spanish-style terra cotta clay tile roofs,

Spa Villagio features a 13,000-square-foot-sanctuary with 16 treatment rooms and five unique sumptuously-designed personal spa suites. Guests are enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and creature comfort from the moment of entry into the reception atrium, crafted in rich woods and native Napa Valley fieldstone. The intimate retreat, a nod to a relaxed and alluring sprit, strikes a perfect balance between classic and contemporary, offering luxurious antiques of European descent.

Separate men’s and women’s wings are designed for ultimate privacy and comfort. Open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., the new spa will pride itself on customizing spa escapes for couples with romantic interludes, guys and girls getaways, wedding party celebrations, and executive retreats.

Five spa suites (Aqua, Mayacamas, The Den, The Loft, and Stags Leap) create a one-of-a-kind respite with picturesque views of Napa Valley. Suites are appointed with fireplaces, daybeds dressed with luxurious linens, steam showers, wet bars, jetted infinity soakings tubs, outdoor decks, and private terraces.

Vaulted ceilings and Italian-style tile floors encompass the wet treatment areas, while polished marble counters, hardwood cabinetry and flat screen televisions with Bose surround sound systems create a warm and personal space. As part of the spa suite experience, Spa Villagio’s culinary team will present for the guest’s enjoyment a host of light refreshments, lunch and dinner that can be served throughout the day. The AAA-Four Diamond Tuscan-inspired Villagio Inn & Spa shares the 23-acre Vintage Estate with its sister hotel, Vintage Inn, a French country-style inn — and the retail centerpiece, V Marketplace, (www.vmarketplace.com/index.asp)  a lifestyle shopping collection housed in the former 138-year-old Groezinger Winery listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Vintage Estate (http://www.vintageestate.com) is a resort-like destination that presents Napa Valley’s every indulgence within strolling distance from its luxury accommodations.

For more information, call the spa directly at 707-948-5050 or visit www.villagio.com