Jetsettersblog

What could be more appealing than an early spring Mediterranean cruise and a long weekend in Barcelona—all for the amazing price of $695. TourCrafters is offering this package on one date, and one date only: Wednesday, March 20, 2013.

The package includes all transfers, a 4-day/3-night all-inclusive cruise aboard the Sovereign of Pullmantur Cruises (inside cabin), three nights’ accommodation in the 4-star Condes de Barcelona Hotel, three breakfasts and a Hop On Hop Off Tour of Barcelona. It does not include air fare. Cabin upgrades are possible: an outside cabin costs $765 and a deluxe cabin costs $955. Babies sail free and there are special prices for children and for families.

The Spanish-flavored Sovereign sails from Barcelona, arriving the next day in Corsica’s main city. You can wander the narrow, picturesque streets of the old part of Ajaccio on your own, seeing the cathedral where Napoleon was baptized, Napoleon’s birthplace, the town hall, Market Square and Fesch Museum., or you can take a shore excursion and see even more.

The next day brings arrival in Villefranche, one of the most charming towns on the French Riviera, close to resort towns like Beaulieu and St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and even Nice and Monte Carlo. Here, too, you can purchase a shore excursion, or take the local train along the coast, or just relax and enjoy Villefranche.

Day four means back to Barcelona and a transfer from the pier to the deluxe Hotel Condes de Barcelona. The included Hop On Hop Off Tour is a great way to see Barcelona’s main sights: Plaça de Catalunya, the gracious boulevard Passeig de Gracia, Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece La Sagrada Familia and the fanciful Park Güell. Another day you can roam around the Gothic Quarter, a tangle of medieval streets, or ramble along Las Ramblas to see the famous market La Boqueria.

All prices quoted are per person, double occupancy, are subject to availability and do not include air fare, port charges of $111 or service. For additional information visit http://www.tourcrafters.it/tour.lasso/?ID=174. For reservations, call 800-482-5995.

With daily flights from major markets, a wide variety of hospitality options and the most gorgeous beaches in the world, the destination is a safe and enjoyable option for spring travel.

With travelers from around the world seeking refuge from the cold of winter, Cancun is the ideal locale for spring travel.  As the #1 international destination for American tourists and a top pick for Canadian travelers, Cancun’s powdery white-sand beaches, its culturally-immersive experiences, world-renowned gastronomy and thrilling offerings for adventure seekers make this seaside retreat the spring break hotspot for. In addition to Cancun’s unique blend of offerings, tourists can rest assured the destination takes every precaution to ensure the utmost in security for all its visitors. So much so, that Cancun boasts an enviable safety record that keeps families, couples and singles returning year after year.

As the preferred destination among North Americans attracting on average 20,000 visitors in the spring, Cancun encourages guests to keep in mind the following tips to ensure they have a flawless vacation:

• Keep passports in a safe place
• Remember to save $23 for the airline departure tax
• Drive responsibly, and never under the influence of alcohol
• Life jackets are mandatory in certain water activities such as snorkeling

“Last year Cancun welcomed almost four million visitors, and while none of our tourists were victims of violent crimes, we understand that safety is always a concern when traveling to a foreign country. In response to that concern, and in an effort to dispel any misconceptions about the destination, we always amplify our security protocol during peak travel times to ensure the safety of every single person visiting us,” said Jesus Almagauer, CEO, Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau.

One of the most highly-anticipated events taking place in Cancun this Spring is the 2013 Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival featuring world-renowned chefs Massimo Bottura and Enrique Olvera. Taking place March 14-17 under the title “Europe Meets the Americas,” this second installment of the inaugural CRMFest offers a true taste of authentic Cancun cuisine, as well as epicurean delights from around the world.

Tourists heading down to Cancun this Spring should not miss the recently-opened Maya Museum located on the famed Hotel Zone. The largest museum built by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the museum’s collections take a look at the ancient Mayan roots that make up the destination’s Mayan culture.

Sunny Isles Beach, FL  – Sometimes you have to switch up the routine—a resolution shared by many during the New Year.

Trump International Beach Resort kicks off 2013—and its 10th anniversary year—with the launch of a new, resort-wide activity program that revamps the Resort’s routine with interactive daily fun and a plethora of action-packed pursuits that promise to add extra excitement to the guest experience.

Located in the exclusive enclave of Sunny Isles Beach, the oceanfront Forbes 4-Star Resort is encouraging guests to refocus their minds and re-energize their bodies with an activity program geared toward all ages and exertion levels, from toddlers and teens, to parents and grandparents.

Scheduled to change monthly, the program offers both complimentary and fee-based options—including blood pumping physical activities, innovative arts and crafts, and family bonding experiences—that transform travel.

Heath Assurance

There is no need to forgo staying fit when vacationing. With Trump International Beach Resort’s new activity program, guests discover fun fitness alternatives that outperform average exercise routines

. From high energy “Aqua Fit” water-based workouts and “Teen Xtreme Water Sports” like skim boarding and body surfing, to “Beach Yoga,” “Beach Bocce Ball,” and “Paddleboard Racing,” the active options are both endless and exhilarating.

Additionally, those looking to fine-tune their forehand can enjoy the resort’s tennis program which was launched in tandem with the activity program.

The new tennis program features both private lessons and high-energy clinics for all experience levels, and is led by renowned tennis pros, Audrey Bañada and Charles Golphin II.

Let’s Get Creative

Exercising the mind is also part of the Resort’s new program with its array of innovative and artsy activities. Guests can enjoy painting works inspired by famed Miami artist, Britto; designing their own pair of “Surf Style Shades;” and creating mini 3D sandboxes filled with seaside memories, among other crafty creations.

Family Tested, Kid Approved

Families and kids are Trump Miami’s biggest fans, which is why many of the activities in the new program revolve around them. On “Family Fun Fridays” loved ones can participate in a variety of games and adventures that promise to create lifetime memories. Pool deck dancing allows families to explore the multicultural spirit of Miami as they move to the beat using a variety of dance styles featuring a Latin flair.

And with “Picture it!” families embark on a resort-wide adventure using picture clues to earn points that lead to the ultimate treasure.

Plus, Planet Kids, the Resort’s innovative children’s program, has added new activities specially-designed for its pint-sized guests, such as ocean rescue, Trump Tots and special holiday events, which complement the program’s existing green-initiatives and “Enviro-Adventures”-themed curriculum.

Ensuring that guests enjoy stimulating their body and minds and not their bank accounts, Trump International Beach Resort is offering these value-added activities at an alluring seasonal starting rate of $275 per night.

For more information or reservations call 866-628-1197 or visit www.trumpmiami.com.

San Diego is a year-round travel destination offering a plethora of annual events. No matter what time of year, visitors can travel to San Diego and find an extraordinary range of colorful street festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, specialty fairs and much more. For up-to-the-minute event listings and changes, visit www.sandiego.org/eventcalendar.

JANUARY

Jan. 13-18
San Diego Restaurant Week

More than 180 of San Diego’s finest restaurants participate in a celebration of the local dining scene with prix fixed menus.

Jan. 27
Carlsbad Marathon and Half-Marathon

The second-oldest marathon on the U.S. West Coast also features a Kids’ Marathon Mile on the day before the big race, as well as a Health and Fitness Expo.

Jan. 21-27
Farmers Insurance Open

The annual PGA Tour men’s golf tournament is played at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, home of the 2008 U.S. Open.

Jan. 26
Big Bay Whale Days & Festival

This free family event offers a wide variety of interactive and hands-on displays to learn about the annual winter migration of the California gray whale along San Diego’s coastline.

FEBRUARY

February-April
Wildflowers Bloom in the Desert

Depending on the timing and amount of winter rainfall, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego’s East County turns into a wonderland of color when the spring wildflowers bloom.

Feb. 12
Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter

This is the biggest Fat Tuesday celebration on the U.S. West Coast. Parades, music and beads take over downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Feb. 16-17
31st Annual Chinese New Year and Cultural Fair
Festivities in downtown San Diego include Asian cuisine, martial arts and cooking demonstrations, cultural exhibits and traditional Lion and Dragon dances.

MARCH

Mar. 1 – May 12
Flower Fields Ranunculus Season

Fifty acres of beautiful Tecolote Giant Ranunculus come into bloom every spring at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

Mar. 7-17
20th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival

San Diego’s proximity to Mexico makes it a natural venue for this prestigious film festival, focusing on works by Latinos or about the Latino experience, held at the UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center in Mission Valley.

Mar. 16
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

‘Tis the luck of the Irish for San Diego when the St. Patrick’s Day Parade sets off from Juniper and 6th Street by Balboa Park. An Irish festival with traditional dancers, music, a beer garden and Celtic village follows the parade.

Mar. 17
ShamROCK 2013

With 40,000 sq. ft. of Astroturf, downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter turns into the rolling hills of Ireland from 4 p.m. to midnight. This St. Patrick’s Day party includes Irish rock bands and pints of green beer; guests must be 21 years or older to attend this ticketed event.

Mar. 23-24
Spring Busker Festival

Seaport Village along San Diego Bay comes alive with a celebration of street performers in a battle of entertainment and one-of-a-kind performances by jugglers, sword swallowers, comedic stuntmen and more.

Mar. 30
Ford California Half-Ironman Triathlon

Athletes from all over the world swim 1.2 miles in Oceanside Harbor, bike 56 miles through neighboring Camp Pendleton and run 13.1 miles back to the finish line at Oceanside Pier in the San Diego North County city of Oceanside.

APRIL

April-October
San Diego Padres Season

The San Diego Padres step up to the plate and begin another exciting, six-month season of Major League Baseball, played in PETCO Park in downtown San Diego.

Apr. 5-7
La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Motor Car Classic

Paying tribute to some of the world’s finest automobiles, the Motor Car Classic highlights over 30 juried classes of automobiles; vintage auto aficionados and collectors compete against the best vehicles in automotive history.

Apr. 6-7
49th Annual San Diego Crew Classic Regatta

Rowers from across the country come to Crown Point Shores on Mission Bay to participate in one of the most distinguished rowing competitions in the U.S.

Apr. 18 – May 5
Annual Del Mar National Horse Show

The most prestigious horse show in Southern California offers more than $300,000 in prize money and attracts more than 3,000 horses to the equestrian complex at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in coastal Del Mar.

Apr. 19-21
49h Annual Lakeside Rodeo

Bareback bronco rides, calf roping and other traditional rodeo competitions, along with food and crafts, bring the Wild West to life in Lakeside in San Diego’s East County.

Apr. 20-21
88th Annual Coronado Flower Show

The nation’s largest flower show under a tent takes place in Spreckels Park in Coronado. Flower exhibits are placed around a central gazebo, which becomes the stage for live entertainment and trophy presentations.

Apr. 21
Fallbrook Avocado Festival

Since the 1960s, tens of thousands of avocado lovers converge in Fallbrook, located in San Diego’s North County, to sample avocados, check-out the crazy cooking contest entries, buy funky avocado-themed gifts and enjoy bands, live entertainment and friendly beer gardens.

Apr. 21
Annual San Diego Earth Fair

Set in Balboa Park, the celebration of planet Earth features a children’s parade, booths, educational exhibits, music and earth-friendly food.

Apr. 27-28
Mission Federal ArtWalk

The free visual and performing arts celebration takes place in downtown San Diego’s colorful Little Italy neighborhood and is the largest art event in San Diego.

Apr. 27-28
40th Annual Adams Avenue Unplugged Festival

The free, two-day festival features 180 musical performances of acoustic music, held on four outdoor stages and 22 indoor stages along a two-mile expanse along Adams Avenue, from the neighborhoods of Kensington to North Park.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAWAII BECOMES A SPORTS MECCA IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
GOT GLUTEN-FREE?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.mauibrickoven.com

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

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

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

www.sweetmarieskauai.com

Continue reading The Holidays in Hawaii…

The Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, is now offering a new luxurious St Barth’s Chill Out spa treatment at the Cavalieri Grand Spa Club to combat the stress and tension of everyday life.

The new St Barth’s Chill Out spa treatment is an intensely relaxing 80 minute body treatment created especially for those who need to de-stress and rejuvenate.

This unique body treatment uses a particular type of clam shell with self-heating properties and cold-pressed avocado oil, which gently releases tension from the body.

This treatment enhances circulation, moisturises and nourishes the skin with precious minerals and vitamins and stimulates tissue metabolism and lymph flow.

Guests will immediately be whisked away into a state of deep relaxation by the pleasant warmth of the shells and the delicate perfume of precious oils as they are massaged with soothing movements.

The heat from the shells provides further therapeutic effect, by allowing free calcium ions to migrate and penetrate the skin, resulting in a toned and healthy complexion.

To provide the perfect finish to the treatment, guests will be massaged with a moisturizing cold-pressed avocado oil body lotion, which is available in three different scents for guests to choose from: the discrete scent of pure Bourbon vanilla, Caribbean tiare blossoms or the very refined refreshing scent of the lily.

The St Barth’s Chill Out spa treatment immerses guests from tip to toe in a profoundly relaxing space, where lingering sensations of daily stress are wiped away in a matter of minutes; leaving guests feeling rejuvenated, energised, and ready to take on the world again.

The St Barth’s Chill Out spa treatment at Rome Cavalieri’s Grand Spa is €140 (£112) per person.

For further information or to make a reservation at Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, please call +39 06 3509 1 or visit

www.romecavalieri.com

Club Med announced its Semi-Annual Sale Event where more than 60 resorts worldwide are offering deep discounts including Club Med’s ski resorts in France, Italy and Switzerland, and exotic resorts in Malaysia, Brazil and Thailand.

Families, friends and couples are invited to enjoy the savings and hassle-free getaway with Club Med with limited-time rates starting at $749 per person for families and $999 per person for couples for a seven-night all-inclusive getaway.

November 12 ~ December 20, 2012

North Shore of Oahu, HAWAII

•$1MILLION Cash Purse
•SLATER & FLORENCE Will Battle for 2012 Triple Crown Title

•$100,000 Cash + $30,000 Harley Davidson + $10,000 Nixon Watch to Triple Crown Champion

•Largest GLOBAL BROADCAST in Surfing History – 200 Million Households

•Hawaiian Airlines AIRSHOW Offers 250,000 Miles to Top Aerialist

HONOLULU — The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing hydrated by vitaminwater celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with $1Million in prize money, and 11-time world champion Kelly Slater (Florida) has signed on for the 3-event series, as has defending champion John John Florence (Hawaii). Slater last won the title in 1998. This year, there will be a one-time $100,000 winner-takes-all cash bonus for the Triple Crown champion. The largest global broadcast of professional surfing in history will take the Vans Triple Crown into more than 200 million homes worldwide.

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is the world’s premier series of professional surfing events that runs from November 12 through December 20 in the famous winter waves of Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii. The final event of the 3-event series — the Billabong Pipe Masters — is the final event of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour and will crown the ASP World Surfing Champion.

The Vans Triple Crown champion title is awarded to the top performing surfer after all three of the events of the series:

THE REEF HAWAIIAN PRO

Nov. 12-24, Haleiwa Ali’i Beach

ASP Prime Prize Purse: $250,000

Defending Champion: Taj Burrow (Australia)

THE VANS WORLD CUP OF SURFING

Nov. 25-Dec.6, Sunset Beach

ASP Prime Prize Purse: $250,000

Defending Champion: John John Florence (Hawaii)

THE BILLABONG PIPE MASTERS

Dec. 8-20, Banzai Pipeline

ASP World Tour Prize Purse: $425,000

Defending Champion: Kieren Perrow (Australia)

Defending Vans Triple Crown champion John John Florence is a Pipeline prodigy who is comfortable at every break on the North Shore. He competed in his very first Triple Crown at the tender age of 12. Last December, aged 19, he became the youngest surfer to ever win the Triple Crown title. He will be hoping for a repeat this winter given the unprecedented bounty up for grabs: $100,000, a $30,000 Harley Davidson motorcycle from JN Automotive, and a custom $10,000 jewel encrusted Nixon watch.

But he is just one of 25 of the top 32 ranked surfers in the world who is entered into the series this winter, guaranteeing an epic battle.

Above: John John Florence en-route to his Vans World Cup of Surfing victory last year. Photo ASP/Kirstin

“When I think back, it’s pretty crazy,” says Florence of his early childhood years growing up watching the world’s best surfers compete in the Vans Triple Crown.

“I used to sit all day watching guys like (Kelly) Slater and Andy (Irons) battling it out. Then there’s all the crazy heats that have happened and the world title moments. Growing up and and actually being a part of it when I was really young, and then surfing it over and over and finally winning it last year – that’s been a crazy, crazy, build up. There was a lot that happened building up to that moment, and then all of sudden I was winning it.”

The Hawaiian Airlines AirShow returns again this year, offering 250,000 Hawaiian Airlines miles to the surfer who executes the most spectacular aerial maneuver of the series. California’s Nat Young netted the miles last year.

Last winter the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing set an action sports webcast record with more than 10.4 million live streams during the contest. This year a global television distribution agreement with IMG will see the series broadcast around the world to more than 200 million homes.

A list of networks and stations by country will be posted to www.vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com as soon as it is available.

Each of the three events of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing has a two-week holding period within which to run, requiring just 3-4 days of excellent surf to be completed. To find out when the event is running, log on to:

www.VansTripleCrownOfSurfing.com

facebook.com/vanstriplecrownofsurfing

Twitter @vanssurf using #VTCS

Instagram @vanstriplecrownsurf

Click here to download 30th Anniversary Program

There are many treasures of this Mediterranean-style village that make La Jolla one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in Southern California: luxurious and historic hotels and resorts; fine dining with breathtaking ocean views; retail shopping that rivals northern neighbors Rodeo Drive and South Coast Plaza; sophisticated, world-class arts and culture, and a strikingly beautiful setting complemented by endless outdoor recreational activities. Add to this extraordinary mix a rich history with numerous famous residents, from Gregory Peck to Ted Giesel (aka Dr. Seuss), and some of the nation’s leading scientific research centers, including the internationally renowned Salk Institute and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and visitors can experience an unparalleled leisure holiday. The following are just some of the diverse offerings of La Jolla (pronounced “La Hoya”; translated from Spanish as “the jewel”) that guests can experience throughout the year.

BEACHES AND WATER ACTIVITIES

La Jolla’s beaches and coastline are considered to be some of the most beautiful settings in the world; its aqua waters provide endless options for fun and relaxation.

Lifeguards watch over families splashing in the rocky shallows off La Jolla Cove, a small patch of sand tucked between weather-sculpted sandstone cliffs. This area’s breathtaking views are a favorite subject of photographers and painters from around the world.

The Children’s Pool, a small picturesque beach with a panoramic view that is partially protected by a large seawall, is just south of La Jolla Cove. The Pool’s original intent was to be a protected swimming area for children, but sand has filled in much of the area inside the wall. Today, the beach is a popular home for hundreds of seals, and Seal Rock, a reserve for these marine mammals, is located just offshore.

South of La Jolla Village, Windansea Beach is best known for its beautiful scenery and hard-breaking surf due to huge underwater reefs. Sunbathing is popular here, as large sandstone rocks create a secluded setting. Windansea is also home to a legendary Polynesian-style surf hut, built in 1947 by pioneer Windansea surfers and registered as a San Diego Historic Site. Today, the hut provides an excellent vantage point for watching the surfers and sunbathers below.

North of La Jolla Village, La Jolla Shores was once recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the most family-friendly beaches in San Diego County. A wide boardwalk, which separates the beach from a large grassy park ideal for picnicking and volleyball games, parallels its mile-long sandy shore.

Kayaking is popular along La Jolla Shores, as guests can paddle during low tide to La Jolla Caves to the south and Scripps Pier to the north. Rentals are available and daily guided tours are provided by a number of companies including Hike Bike Kayak Inc and OEX Dive and Kayak. www.hikebikekayak.com, www.oeexpress.com

The world’s first all women’s surf school, Surf Diva promotes, teaches and supports surfing for women (and men) of all ages with surf camps and private and coed lessons. www.surfdiva.com

La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Preserve is a popular recreational area for scuba divers and snorkelers who can encounter the protected marine life in some of California’s clearest coastal waters with visibility often exceeding 30 feet.

Blacks Beach, a two-mile long, sandy strip situated at the base of majestic cliffs, is north of La Jolla Shores and part of Torrey Pines State Beach. Because the cliffs tower up to 300 feet high, access to the beach is limited and difficult. The beauty and privacy of Blacks Beach have made it popular for nude sunbathing, a practice that is not officially sanctioned but prevalent.

For more information on La Jolla’s beaches, visit: www.lajollabythesea.com/beaches.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Recreational enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities in La Jolla, from paragliding above the blue Pacific to golf on an internationally recognized golf course.

Twelve championship tennis courts are available to visitors at The La Jolla Tennis Club, nestled in the village of La Jolla and host to tournament play since 1917. Also, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club resort offers championship tennis courts available to guests and members. www.ljbtc.com

Set above Blacks Beach to the north of the Village, the Torrey Pines Gliderport has been the learning place for aviation greats including the Lindberghs, Boyles and many more. The Gliderport was first established as a soaring site in 1928 and has defined the history of motorless flight. Today, the Gliderport offers hang gliding, paragliding, scale models and sailplane flight. www.flytorrey.com

At Torrey Pines Golf Course, home of the prestigious 2008 U.S. Open, golfers marvel at the views of the coastline atop cliffs towering above the Pacific Ocean just north of La Jolla. Long recognized as one of the nation’s foremost municipal golf facilities, it is truly a golfer’s paradise. Torrey Pines hosts the annual Famers Insurance Open every January. www.torreypinesgolfcourse.com

Torrey Pines State Reserve is a 2,000-acre reserve dedicated to preserving its namesake, the Torrey Pine tree, and other indigenous wildlife in its native environment. Visitors hike the 8 miles of trails encountering native chaparral plants, wildflowers, birds, reptiles and butterflies. The reserve includes a visitor center and is host to guided nature walks on weekends and holidays to a vista point overlooking Peñasquitos Lagoon and the ocean. www.torreypines.org

Visitors and locals alike enjoy a walk through the Village of La Jolla any time of day. A car is not required to experience different aspects of this enchanting coastal community. Shopping, galleries, dining, museums, hotels, beach activities and breathtaking natural beauty can all be found within the five-mile radius of the Village proper. Guided, historic tours and hikes are available from local companies.

RESORTS AND HOTELS

La Jolla is home to world-class resorts, luxurious boutique properties and historic hotels and inns.

Set on six-and-a-half acres in La Jolla overlooking the Pacific Ocean and adjacent to the 18th green of the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course, the Lodge at Torrey Pines is a AAA Five Diamond luxury resort that combines the elegance of Craftsman-style design with exceptional amenities, such as guaranteed tee times for guests, which are
almost impossible to secure otherwise. The resort features 175 luxury guestrooms, a full service spa, the acclaimed A.R. Valentien restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool with trellised cabanas. www.lodgetorreypines.com

Nestled on the coastal cliffs of La Jolla, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa boasts 210 luxuriously appointed rooms tucked away on a secluded estate. The spa’s lush features include a sanctuary garden of eucalyptus, lavender and citrus trees, which create a peaceful environment to stimulate the senses, as well as an outdoor fireplace, salt-water Jacuzzi and moisturizing eucalyptus steam room. Three ranch-inspired restaurant and lounge options offer farm-fresh menus, hand-crafted cocktails and an extensive wine library of California wines. www.estancialajolla.com

Often called “The Jewel of La Jolla,” the historic La Valencia Hotel overlooks La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean.
Designed with European flair, the hotel’s 113 rooms and ocean villas are richly appointed and provide spectacular ocean views. La Valencia is a member of Preferred Hotels Worldwide and features an outdoor heated pool, fitness center and three popular restaurants, including the award-winning Sky Room, La Valencia’s intimate fine dining restaurant. www.lavalencia.com

The Grande Colonial, a 2011 AAA Four Diamond winner, is an elegant European-style boutique hotel with 93 rooms and suites located one block from the ocean on renowned Prospect Street. Amenities include an outdoor, ocean-view swimming pool surrounded by gardens and terraces, a rooftop deck with a library and board-room and the award-winning Nine-Ten Restaurant. www.thegrandecolonial.com

The 29-suite boutique Hotel Parisi in the heart of La Jolla is a health-conscious getaway with Feng Shui design, Zen
décor and Pacific Ocean views. Guests can also enjoy a diverse spa menu, featuring 40 holistic treatments performed in the privacy of each guest’s room. www.hotelparisi.com

The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is an oceanfront resort located on La Jolla Shores that combines the charm of Old World Mexico with modern day luxuries. The property offers a private beach, championship tennis courts, par three golf course, massage services and world-class dining at its seaside Marine Room restaurant. www.ljbtc.com

The 108-room Hotel La Jolla features contemporary design with state-of-the-art amenities, a fitness center, in-room spa services, pool area and pet-friendly accommodations. On the hotel’s 11th floor, guests can dine at Clay’s La
Jolla where Chef Clay Bordan serves upscale Continental and New American cuisine. www.hotellajolla.com

Continue reading La Jolla The Jewel of San Diego…

September is not only back to school month but also when business travelers hit the road again after a summer slowdown.

For those who regret being away from family – and many do, according to a recent survey that says most business travelers “experience remorse about being away from loved ones” – the solution is to extend business travel with a bizcation add on.

“Work and play do mix in Greater Fort Lauderdale,” says Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our value-priced fall season hotel packages, combined with low airfares available this time of the year, put an end to separation anxiety for business travelers and keep them in touch with friends and family.”
Sample short-stay packages available at Greater Fort Lauderdale hotels and resorts now through the end of the year include:

· The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale’s “Discover with You Package,” starting at $559 per night, includes a daily breakfast for two, daily resort credit of $100, and tickets for two for a water taxi tour to explore “Venice of America.” (Available through Dec. 31)

· The Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa’s “Seaside Getaway Package,” rates from $299 – $569 per night, offers a fall special of a $50 daily resort credit and a complimentary upgrade to an ocean view room for business travelers to enjoy sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean. (Available through Oct. 31)

· The Atlantic Resort & Spa’s “Stay & Play” package, starting at $399 per night with a minimum two night stay, features one 18 round of golf for two at Jacaranda Golf Club including range balls, a continental breakfast for two, and 20 percent off spa services. (Available through Dec. 31)

· B Ocean Fort Lauderdale’s “B Productive, B Carefree… JUST B” package, starting from $179 per night with a minimum two-night stay, offers a complimentary ocean view room upgrade, $100 hotel food and beverage credit, two water taxi passes, a $20 wine card for use at B’stro on the Beach, and a B Ocean beach bag filled with special offers for nearby shopping. (Available now through Dec. 21)

· The W Fort Lauderdale’s “Good Start” package offers a daily $50 breakfast credit at STEAK 954, while the hotel’s Bliss Spa offers the busy business traveler a “Fab Four” spa treatment includes a hot cream manicure, pedi, set go, blissage 49 and Fab Facial for $255.

· The Pelican Grand Beach Resort features “Paddle Away” and “Sail Away” packages, with a minimum two-night stay, which teach standup paddleboard surfing or catamaran sailing excursion on the Spirit of Lauderdale. Each package is for two and includes tickets and transportation to either activity, plus an American breakfast each day. (Available now through Dec. 25)

· The Pillars Hotel, recently named 2012 Gold List “World’s Best Places to Stay” by Condé Nast Traveler, is offering an “Eat, Love, & Stay” package, with a minimum two-night stay, for two including a three-course dinner at The Secret Garden restaurant and a choice of either a Continental, American or Healthy breakfast along with a choice of accommodation – a savings of approximately $50 per day. (Available through Oct. 31)

· The Bonaventure Resort & Spa has two packages geared towards business travelers. The Jacaranda Golf package starts at &189 for two and includes breakfast at Banyan Restaurant and two rounds of golf on the Jacaranda Golf Club. The Relaxing Spa Package starts at $179 for two people and includes one $50 spa credit, a 2pm late checkout, and use of the fitness center, 3 resort pools and the sauna and steam room. (Availability ongoing.)

· The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa’s “Renewal Package,” starting from $219 per night, includes a full American breakfast for two, daily newspaper delivery and late checkout. (Availability ongoing)

· Hilton Worldwide’s group of Greater Fort Lauderdale hotels – including Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, GALLERYone – A DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel, Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, A DoubleTree by Hilton, and Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale – 17th Street – offers a $50 spending credit, with a minimum two night stay. (Available through December 19)

· Additionally, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s “Superior Small Lodging” (SSL) properties, a collection of intimate, high quality hotels, inns and bed & breakfasts located throughout the destination, are also ideal for post-business travel vacation stays. SSLs are distinguished by friendly personalized service, appealing prices, comfort and individual character and can be found throughout the destination’s eight beach communities.

For more information about Greater Fort Lauderdale hotels, please visit http://www.sunny.org/hotels/