Auberge Adventures were inspired by the culture, natural environment and history of each Auberge property.

Programs range from culinary experiences to fitness and cultural explorations. Created exclusively for Auberge guests, many of the programs are led by local experts and leaders in their field. Auberge Adventures programs last from two hours to one full day, depending on the experience. Prices vary, and some activities are complimentary to guests, while others range up to $2,000 per person. All programs can be arranged directly through the concierges at each Auberge resort.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.