Jetsettersblog

The new “Get 2 Moreton Island” passenger ferry service is providing another way to get to the pristine island from Brisbane this summer.

Operating five days a week, the ferry departs from Newport Marina, Scarborough, 30 minutes north of Brisbane and lands at the northern end of the island at Bulwer.

Operated by Reality Cruises, the ferry trip takes two hours each way, departing 8am from Scarborough and 4pm from Bulwer (Moreton Island) every Wednesday to Sunday.

A return trip costs $50 for an adult and $35 for children under 14 years.

Season passes are also available. Reality Cruises is also finalising details of a new day tour and snorkelling trips to be offered over the summer holidays.

Trips will include boom netting, tour of Tangalooma wrecks, snorkelling, encounters with dolphins and turtles and much more.

www.get2moretonisland.com

Ramada Worldwide announced its return to Hawaii with the opening of the 198-room Ramada Plaza Waikiki in Honolulu.

Owned and operated by California-based Cal-Dynasty International, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of China Airlines Ltd., the hotel is the second Wyndham Hotel Group property to open in Hawaii in the past six months and gives the Ramada brand a presence in 48 states.

Located at 1830 Ala Moana Blvd., just a short walk to local beaches, shopping and restaurants, the Ramada Plaza Waikiki is a newly renovated, 16-story hotel featuring 196 guest rooms and two junior suites.

Property highlights include free high-speed wireless Internet access, on-site business and fitness centers, outdoor swimming pool, gift shop, conference room, room service, Chinese and American buffet restaurant and bilingual tour and travel concierges.

For reservations or more information,

call 800-272-6232 or visit www.ramada.com

The Royal Kona Resort on Hawaii’s Big Island is offering a third night free for travel through Dec. 21.

Rates start at $320 for a three-night package in garden view accommodations in the recently remodeled Alii Tower or the Lagoon Tower.

For more information, call 800-222-5642 or visit www.royalkona.com

Funjet Vacations launched a Sunsational Sale with vacations starting from $239.99.

All destinations from all departure cities are on sale for bookings through Feb. 18 for travel Jan. 30 to Aug. 31.

Special hotel offers may include free nights, free value-added inclusions and free guaranteed room upgrades, in destinations like Cancun/Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, Jamaica, Puerto Vallarta, Hawaii, Las Vegas and Orlando.

In select destinations, Funjet Vacations is offering buy one get one free tours and excursions and 20 percent off National and Alamo car rentals.

Sample vacation package and pricing include: Cancun — Flamingo Cancun Resort, all-inclusive, three stars, suitable for families, three nights reduced from $799.99 to $499.99, kids stay, play and eat free; Riviera Maya — Gran Bahia Principe Coba, all-inclusive, four stars, suitable for romance, three nights reduced from $964.99 to $579.99 with honeymoon inclusions; Punta Cana — Iberostar Punta Cana, all-inclusive, four stars, suitable for families, three nights reduced from $799.99 to $529.99. Jamaica — Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, all-inclusive, four stars, suitable for beach lovers, three nights reduced from $999.99 to $579.99; Oahu, Hawaii — Aston Waikiki Beach, three and a half stars, suitable for families, three nights reduced from $709.99 to $659.99, including two-for-one Luau and kids stay free; and Las Vegas — Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, three stars, suitable for active travelers, three nights reduced from $299.99 to $239.99.

Funjet Vacations Mexico and Caribbean hotel-only and air/hotel vacations include roundtrip/airport hotel transportation and in Cancun/Riviera Maya, Vallarta, Los Cabos, Jamaica or Punta Cana. Vacationers will receive a free “Experience More” Card with exclusive discounts and offers at participating retailers.

Funjet Vacations is the flagship brand of the family-owned Mark Travel Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee.

Funjet Vacations is celebrating 36 years of business in 2010.

Individual and group Funjet vacations are via nonstop charters and scheduled airlines to hundreds of destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Las Vegas, Hawaii, California, Florida and Europe.

Travelers can choose from air-inclusive, hotel-only or air-only vacations and add tours, attractions and shows to their vacation package for added value and convenience. For reservations click the Funjet banner above.

Tahiti Tourisme North America is promoting the world premiere of “The Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D” film for IMAX theaters, which features nine-time world champion Kelly Slater and Tahitian surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer surfing one of the most challenging waves, Tahiti’s Teahupo’o.

The night will kick-off with an invited guest screening of the film and a Tahitian-style after party.

There will be a live performance by Mason Jennings and DJ Chris Holmes in addition to multiple performances by Nonosina, a Tahitian dance troupe based in Southern California.

The event will take place at Los Angeles’ California Science Center on Feb. 8.

“An IMAX theater film in 3D is the perfect vehicle to showcase how spectacular our beautiful islands are,” said Al Keahi, managing director of Tahiti Tourisme North America.

At the heart of the film is wave formation science that allows viewers to understand the genesis and growth pattern of waves such as Tahiti’s legendary Teahupo’o, that deliver the highest energy density of any renewable resource.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provided scientific consultation for the film and will be offering a series of film-related community activities about the care and protection of the world’s oceans.

The film officially opens to the public at the California Science Center’s IMAX Theater on Feb. 12.

For more information, visit www.ultimatewavetahiti.com  or www.tahiti-tourisme.com

Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk will continue its Moonlight Movies poolside with a showing of “The Proposal” at 8 p.m. Feb. 13.

Free and open to the public, guests can watch the romantic-comedy from inside the heated swimming pool on floating rafts or while enjoying cocktails and snacks on a chaise lounge.

Being the eve of Chinese New Year, the night will kick-off with a “Lion Dance” performance.

The movie will be shown on a 10-by-14-foot screen on the resort’s Grand Lanai. Space is limited. Movie title and showing times are subject to change.

For more information, call 800-EMBASSY or visit www.EmbassySuitesWaikiki.com

Adventure Eye Video Systems, which allow tour and resort operators to rent wearable cameras to their clients or film them participating in an activity and provide a customized DVD or jump drive with a recording of the experience within minutes of completion, can now be found at specialty sports ventures in Colorado, at ski schools, on major cruise lines, dive and ski shops.

For more information, view a demonstration movie at www.adventureeyevs.com  or visit www.adventureeye.net

Leading Surfers Paradise resort, Mantra Sun City, has taken relaxation to a higher orbit with the opening of a decadent new day spa.

Holidaymakers can now splash out on the ultimate in Gold Coast indulgence with leading massage and beauty company Calmertherapies opening its doors at the property.

Adding an extra dimension for guests looking to be pampered in paradise, the day spa offers a tempting range of body treatments and pamper packages to soothe the mind, body and soul.

Located in the resort lobby, the day spa offers rejuvenating deep tissue, relaxation, pregnancy and hot stone massages plus a choice of cleansing facials utilising the finest French marine-based products from Algologie.

Full body scrubs, deluxe pedicures and manicures, Mother’s Rewards and Men’s Treats is just a small example of what is waiting to be enjoyed, all in a serene and soothing setting.

Open for appointments seven days a week by phoning 07 5584 6000, the day spa has soul soothing spa treatments starting from just $75.

Offering an idyllic haven to rejuvenate in privacy and contemporary comfort, Mantra Sun City is the perfect choice for couples and families alike.

Featuring Aztec-inspired designs and architecture set amidst lush tropical gardens, Mantra Sun City, offers a range of luxury hotel rooms and one, two and three bedroom suites overlooking beaches, canal waterways or the surrounding hinterland.

Resort facilities include the popular Sayas Restaurant and Sayas Poolside Bar & Café, indoor swimming pool, outdoor swimming lagoon with sand beach, sauna and steam room, two tennis courts, gym, kids’ games room and two water slides.

For bookings or further information call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au

The recent acquisition of world heritage listed Dunk Island by Hideaway Resorts marks the beginning of a new era for the popular Australian island paradise. Already a perennial favourite with sun seekers and holidaymakers, Dunk Island is set to re-establish itself as Queensland’s premier tourism destination thanks to a planned makeover of facilities and services.

Newly appointed CEO Darren Cann is overseeing the work that will cement Dunk Island’s position at the top of holiday maker’s wish list.

“It is a very exciting time on Dunk Island, as we make changes to uphold our position as a market leader. Without giving the game away, we will be involved in local projects and will continually improve and develop the customer experience,” he said.

Whatever the changes involve, Dunk Island will remain the ideal island for a tropical getaway.

Aptly named the Isle of Peace and Plenty by the first Aboriginal inhabitants, Dunk Island is nestled in the azure waters of the Coral Sea, just 50 minutes by boat from the Great Barrier Reef, 30 minutes from idyllic Mission Beach, approximately two hours from Cairns and 30 minutes by air.

The first non-indigenous visitors were author E.J. Banfield and his wife, who moved to the island in the late 1800s upon hearing that he had just six months to live. Banfield chose to live out his remaining days close to nature on Dunk Island – where he defied the odds and lived a full and healthy life surrounded by the romance and allure of Island life.

His novel “Confessions of a Beachcomber”, published in 1907, helped to spread the word about Dunk Island’s exotic appeal; and the island paradise has attracted holidaymakers for generations since, including luminaries like Sean Connery, Henry Ford and Gough Whitlam.

Careful management has ensured that the islands breathtaking flora and fauna remain protected. Visitors can explore diverse rainforest and vegetation environments, seeking out many species of birds, harmless reptiles and the startling Ulysses butterfly.

Dunk Island is closer to the Great Barrier Reef than northerly locations like Port Douglas, and takes visitors to more pristine, untouched examples of the Reef environment. Its close proximity to the mainland also opens up options for guests seeking activities like white water rafting on the mighty Tully River.

Today, Dunk Island offers visitors a truly memorable experience. It is the only Australian resort that combines prehistoric pristine rainforest with exhilarating water sports and reef activities in a tropical island setting, with all of the benefits of a premier resort.

Appealing to families, romantics and thrill seekers alike, it is a destination where visitors can choose to do as much or as little as they desire.

Dunk Island is renowned for its outdoor activities, in particular its water sports.

Guests start their day with the Daily Dunk newsletter over breakfast, planning the day ahead. The friendly Dunk Island activity team is always on-hand to prepare individual or family programs to ensure that maximum fun is had by all.

There’s so much water lovers can choose from: jet skis, water-skis, wakeboards and tube riding for adrenaline seekers; there is snorkeling and sports fishing for fish-lovers; or a flotilla of motorised dinghies, catamarans and paddle skis for those that want to explore the picturesque bays.

Then there are the two alluring swimming pools, beckoning those who simply want to relax.

On land and above, activities range from extreme tandem skydiving to mountain biking; from tennis or golf to team sports like indoor hockey and volleyball. On Dunk Island, there is something for everyone.

After a day’s adventure, guests can visit the Spa of Peace & Plenty for a rejuvenating massage, body scrub or facial. Using Elemis products, the professional spa experts have the magic healing touch and deliver well-deserved pampering in a breathtaking setting.

Dunk Island offers guests a mouthwatering array of dining destinations, so that there is a different menu to select from and new views to enjoy at every meal.

The Beachcomber Restaurant offers either sumptuous buffets on special nights of the week (for example, seafood on Tuesdays and roasts on Sundays), or a three-course table d’hôte menu that changes daily.

The Plantation Bar serves up delicious snacks and sandwiches during the day; as does the contemporary Asian Noodle Café, serving up quick and tasty stir fries, spicy rice and succulent noodle dishes.

The Terrace is al fresco dining at its best – guests can sip an aperitif Limoncello cocktail and enjoy the view over the cascade pool, while working up an appetite for fettuccine or gourmet pizza.

Finally, the Jetty Café is a must-visit destination. Situated at the tip of the island, the Jetty Café has a casual atmosphere and seafood so fresh, it almost jumps off the plate.

Individual picnic lunches can be made to order for those wishing to explore. With 663 hectares of national parkland adjacent to the Dunk Island resort, sightseers can climb Mt Kootaloo, visit the impressive 20 metre Callophyllum tree, or spot the iconic Ulysses Butterfly, which is the emblem of Dunk Island.

Dunk Island rooms are spacious and accommodating. With 90 palm-fringed beachfront suites and 70 garden view suites, guests can choose from three different types of accommodation, all offering modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

• Beachfront Suites – Spacious split-level interiors with sleeping above and stylish living downstairs. The suites boast a relaxed coastal feel with double glass doors onto a large balcony, and feature a king-size bed and luxurious bathroom.

• Beachfront Rooms – Upstairs rooms have a balcony and downstairs a deck leading out to gardens and the beach. Each room is split level with separate living and sleeping areas, and an ensuite with combined bath and shower. All have one king and one single bed, or a family configuration of one king and two singles.

• Garden Rooms – Each room has one queen and one single bed, separate ensuite with shower, and private outdoor area. Configurations with one queen and two singles are available for families.

With the array of choice available – coupled with flawless service and impeccable styling the Island is renowned for – Dunk Island is a popular choice for weddings and honeymoons, with brides’ whims catered for and every romantic touch applied for a memorable experience.

Other amenities at Dunk Island include a nine-hole golf course with timber boardwalks through the rainforest, a friendly and professional kids club, gymnasium, basketball courts, archery field, and conference centre.

Hideaway Resorts, based in Cairns, took over ownership of Dunk Island, as well as nearby Bedarra on 21 September 2009 and remain committed to introducing more facilities and activities in 2010, to create an island Utopia in Australia.

www.dunk-island.com

The Aston Shores at Waikoloa and the Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas on Hawaii’s Big Island have announced a Beach Boys Concert package in conjunction with the Feb. 14 Beach Boys performance during the Waikoloa Nights Concert Series.

The package includes concert admission for two.

Rates start at $236 per room, per night at the Aston Shores at Waikoloa and $243 at the Aston Waikoloa Colony Villas.
Rates are valid Feb. 10 to 17 and may not be combined with other programs, specials or discounts.

Concert tickets will be provided upon check-in.

To purchase additional tickets, call 800-745-3000 or visit www.waikoloanights.com.

 To book the package or for more information, call 866-774-2924 or visit www.astonhotels.com