Jetsettersblog

Re-opening to guests this month, the Paradise Bay Island Resort in Australia’s Whitsunday Islands, will unveil a new day spa and new swimming pool, as well as refurbished beach bungalow accommodation.

With a maximum of just 18 guests at any one time and no children, day visitors, mobile phones or internet, the resort positions itself as an exclusive island getaway. Guests arrive by helicopter, feast on gourmet meals with wines to match, relax by the infinity edge pool or explore the Whitsundays on the Resort’s private catamaran or fast rib boat with the private skipper.

“Catch a Wave” at The Oitavos Hotel and Spa on Portugal’s Atlantic Coastline

The Oitavos, luxury hotel and spa on Portugal’s Atlantic coastline near to Lisbon, is embracing its dramatic oceanic surroundings with the opportunity to learn to surf from the best this spring 2013.

The Oitavos embraces their natural surroundings and the importance of sports with surfing lessons from renowned surfing champion Ruben Gonzalez (a leading Pro-surfer in Portugal, and four times National Champion in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008) at nearby Guincho beach.

After a morning on the waves, those feeling adventurous can head to the north of Portugal’s Silver Coast, where American surfer Garrett McNamara broke the Guinness World Record for the largest wave ever surfed by catching a 90-foot tall wave last November.

Internationally-recognised as one of Europe’s top surfing destinations, with excellent conditions throughout the year, both amateur and surfing professionals have long flocked to the region to discover the famous beaches of Estoril and Cascais. Nestled beneath dramatic cliffs and edged with natural sand dunes, these beaches have hosted many international surfing competitions, including the six-star Estoril Billabong Girls’, Estoril Coast Pro and Quiksilver Pro Portugal events, attracting some of the world’s best professional surfers.

Located just 30 minutes from Lisbon city centre and the airport, the brand new “Surfing Break” package offers guests the chance to combine the adventure of learning to surf for the first time, with the relaxation and luxury of a two-night weekend escape to The Oitavos.

Miguel Champalimaud (a former junior national champion himself), General Manager at The Oitavos says; “We are delighted to be launching our surf package this year with Ruben Gonzalez at the world-famous Guincho Beach. We look forward to welcoming guests to discover this most celebrated surfing region in Europe.”

The “Surfing Break” package has an all year rate at €1,080 for single occupancy and €1,140 for double occupancy, including:
A two-night stay at The Oitavos in a Superior Room, with a balcony and sea vistas
Complimentary daily buffet breakfast at Ipsylon Restaurant
Surf Lesson for one or two (two hours) with Ruben Gonzalez at nearby Guincho beach where the iconic James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was set
Complimentary wetsuit and surfboard
Transportation from the hotel to the beach
Two individual massages (50 minutes each) in the acclaimed Spa at The Oitavos
Rates include taxes and service. Surf lessons may be assigned to other surfing professionals subject to Ruben Gonzalez’s availability and may be transferred to other beaches in the Estoril Coast, if the sea conditions or students require it.
Opened on 1st September 2010, The Oitavos is a new five star luxury hotel in Portugal. Located just 20 minutes west of Lisbon and the airport, over-looking the West Atlantic coastline, the contemporary designed hotel is set within the Sintra Cascais National Park. Designed with sleek lines and elegantly simple interiors the hotel embraces rather than competes with its natural surroundings. The ultimate destination hotel for both leisure and business travellers the hotel offers numerous dining experiences, a full service destination spa and conference facilities. Set within the Quinta da Marinha estate, the exceptional sporting resort boasts a leading equestrian centre, health and racket club and the Oitavos Dunes golf course, ranked 68th on GOLF Magazine’s 2011 Top 100 Courses in the World.

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.

A spring getaway to Long Beach Lodge Resort is a steal with a 40% discount for singles

Travelling alone often means incurring additional charges on accommodation and activity rates, but this spring Long Beach Lodge Resort is welcoming on-their-own travellers with a discount for going solo.

From now until May 31, 2013, Long Beach Lodge Resort is offering solo travellers 40 per cent off room rates in the Lodge. “Solo Rates” start at $119 Cdn per night plus taxes.

Targeting the “solo economy” also means good business. CNN reported in 2012 that a record number of North Americans are living alone and in the US, this economy is worth over $1.9T. Travel website Trip Advisor offers a forum for solo travellers where one of the most asked questions is about how to avoid the single supplement.

“It can be difficult travelling on your own when everything is based on double occupancy or family groups of four,” says Tim Hackett, owner of Long Beach Lodge Resort. “With our Great Room, Surf Club, intimate dining room, and pet friendly policy, Long Beach Lodge Resort works hard at being welcoming to solo travellers.”

As Tofino’s luxury adventure resort, Long Beach Lodge Resort was designed and built to resemble a grand West Coast style home set on Cox Bay, a beach made for dog walking and long strolls; the lodge’s cedar board and batten shingle exterior, metal roof and stone chimney are all traditional elements of West Coast design; the lodge’s interior creates a feeling among guests that they have just arrived at a friend’s home.

Known as “the Lodge that surfs,” the spa-like Surf Club at Long Beach Lodge Resort is the place for solo travellers to meet new people and try new activities. All lessons through the Surf Club are private, customized, and available for beginners to experts. Solo travellers can book into the Surf Club for one-on-one instruction, or choose to participate in a lesson with other guests. For those guests that aren’t ready to attempt surfing but would still like to get out on the water, the Surf Club is now offering stand-up paddle boarding lessons. And, in late spring a new deluxe tour boat and series of marine adventures are being launched at the resort.

After the lessons and on the water explorations, guests are welcome to relax and share their on-the-water stories in the outdoor hot tub, in the sauna, or fireside in the club’s café. Spa-like showers and change rooms with lockers are also available.

In the evening, all the lodge’s solo guests are invited to the iconic Great Room to watch the sunset and enjoy the uninterrupted vistas of the ocean while eating a distinctively West Coast meal. After dinner solo travellers can find company in the Great Room as people gather to share their experiences of the day and watch the surf pound in, or they can curl up on a comfortable couch beside the Great Room’s massive granite fireplace with a good book and a warm drink from the lodge’s Fireside Collection, like the Long Beach Lodge coffee with grand marnier and brandy or Italian Surfer’s coffee with sambuca and Bailey’s (Fireside Collection drinks are all $9 Cdn).

If solo travellers are looking for a little solitude, the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of the lodge is continued in its rooms, the majority of which have spectacular ocean views and stone-faced fireplaces. Guests will find all the lodge rooms have the deluxe comforts necessary for a relaxing break including a television and DVD/CD player; a fridge, coffee-maker and tea kettle; an oversized soaking tub with separate shower; and a fluffy bathrobe.

All guests staying at the lodge are welcome to enjoy the complimentary breakfast buffet in the Great Room each morning including a selection of in-house baked goods, assorted pastries and breads; hearty oatmeal with vanilla cinnamon cream; in-house made granola and cereals; fresh fruit salad; Lavazza coffee and an assortment of Tofino tea bar teas; and fresh orange and grapefruit juice. For an additional cost, guests are also able to enjoy hot items from the buffet, or order a hot breakfast from the breakfast menu.

For more information on Long Beach Lodge Resort “Solo Rate” Traveller discount, visit www.longbeachlodgeresort.com.

About Long Beach Lodge Resort
Famous for its iconic Great Room, where guests are welcome to relax and enjoy the incredible views, Long Beach Lodge Resort is home to one of the best surfing beaches in the area. Having celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2012, Long Beach Lodge Resort is set right on the ocean in Cox Bay, Tofino, BC and provides beautifully appointed accommodations in a private, wild Pacific West Coast setting. The resort offers 41 lodge rooms, 20 two-bedroom cottages and a full service dining room, the Surf Club and Adventure Centre, fitness room, outdoor hot tub, as well as meeting space and instant beach access. For more information, visit www.longbeachlodgeresort.com

Condominium Connection is sharing tips to help travel agents book more Waikiki vacations. Among them is planning ahead and booking early, since Hawaii travel is projected to be up again this year.

One of the most common requests agents receive is for families or small groups of five or six traveling together and wanting two-bedroom condominiums in Waikiki.

With a finite inventory, nightly rates that can be more than twice the cost of two one-bedroom units, and the fact that some two-bedroom units have only one bathroom, Condominium Connection suggests booking multiple units for groups of five to eight people.

Another common request is for a beachfront condominium with full cooking facilities.

The Waikiki Shore is the only condo on the beach in Waikiki, so booking early is essential as the Waikiki Shore sells out earlier than other condos in the area.

Another tip is to rent a car only if you are exploring the island of Oahu, as parking in Waikiki can run $15 to $35 per day.

If you are staying in Waikiki you can walk to many of the attractions.

In addition the Oahu bus system covers much of the island and its attractions; and Condominium Connection offers roundtrip transfers from the airport for $35 per person.

This service takes visitors to their condos or hotels and includes a fresh lei greeting for each guest at the airport.

JUPITER BEACH, Fla. – January 2013 – Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is taking stand-up paddleboarding to the next level by adding GoPro cameras and direct accessibility to the natural mangroves of the Jupiter Inlet Aquatic Preserve.

With the new Get Up, Stand Up package, guests can paddle board just steps from the resort and capture the process from learning to board to becoming an expert, along the beautiful surroundings, on tape with a waterproof professional GoPro camera mounted to their board, catching all the action.

From sunrise to moonlight tours, guests of any age and experience level can enjoy an instructor-led trip down the serene, environment-protected waters from the resort property or at the nearby Jupiter Outdoor Center.

Rates for the Get Up, Stand Up package start at $372 per night (February 1 – April 30), based on double occupancy, and include the following:

• Deluxe room accommodations • Full breakfast for two, daily • $80 voucher (USD) to use at Jupiter Outdoor Center for paddleboard or kayak rental (9 p.m. – 6 p.m., daily) • GoPro camera rental

To book a reservation, please call (866) 943-0950 or visit www.jupiterbeachresort.com  and use promotional code GUSU.

“Our Get Up, Stand Up package gives guests an up close look at Jupiter Beach’s lush mangroves and the historic Jupiter Inlet lighthouse only strokes away from their hotel room,” said Jeff Castner, general manager of Jupiter Beach Resort. “Whether it’s a full moon paddleboard outing or a sunrise kayak, they’ll be able to capture their adventure on tape with a GoPro and we’ll email them the video. Now that’s a souvenir!”

Paddle boarding tours are held at Jupiter Beach Resort and Jupiter Outdoor Center, located five minutes away from the resort.

Suggested sunrise and full moon paddleboard tours are offered on select days. Kayak tours are also available.

Visit www.jupiterbeachresort.com  for calendar dates.

ABOUT JUPITER BEACH RESORT & SPA

Located at the northern tip of Palm Beach County, Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is renowned for its barefoot elegance and tailored, classic style.

The 168-room resort recently completed a $750K renovation and resurfacing. Rooms of mahogany furnishings, marble tile and extended balconies with tranquil ocean views make for a luxurious and relaxing environment.

This Preferred Hotel Group property and AAA Four-Diamond establishment also boasts an indulgent spa, exquisite Caribbean-fusion cuisine at Sinclairs Ocean Grill and The Sandbar – Jupiter’s only oceanfront dining.

Just minutes from Palm Beach International airport the resort is centrally located for easy access to the best golf courses, soft adventure activities, local culinary hot spots and beach bars. For more information visit www.jupiterbeachresort.com  or www.facebook.com/jupiterbeachresort.

RIVIERA NAYARIT – Riviera Nayarit is pleased to host the 4th Annual Punta Sayulita Classic taking place March 8 – 10, 2013.

Having welcomed thousands of spectators in the past, now in its 4th year, the Punta Sayulita Classic is regarded as one of the premier international surfing and stand-up paddle (SUP) events in North America that attracts a deep pool of international professional athletes competing in longboard and stand-up paddle surfing contests.

Unlike other similar competitions, the Punta Sayulita Classic does not offer monetary rewards to participants; instead, the primary consideration is to raise awareness on the importance for environmental protection as well as to raise funds for the Reef Check Foundation’s area Eco-Diver Program and the Punta Sayulita Foundation’s children’s educational and sports development programs. Founded and organized by the Punta Sayulita resort community, the event is made possible by the generous support of the event’s sponsors, professional athletes, the Sayulita community and the event volunteers.

“The growth of SUP – welcoming thousands of spectators and top caliber professional athletes – has certainly propelled the region, especially Sayulita, into becoming a top surfing destination,” said Kevin Roberts, the event host of Punta Sayulita and Event Director of the Punta Sayulita Classic.

“Moreover, given the region’s miles of pristine coastline offering excellent conditions for an array of outdoor pursuits coupled with year-round events and attractions, it’s no surprise that many have chosen to vacation in Riviera Nayarit or even call the destination their second home.”

In addition to the surfing and SUP race competitions held over the weekend, on Friday, March 8th, the festivities kick-off with a surfing clinic for special needs and underprivileged children under the supervision of renowned Malibu, CA longboard surfer, Jimmy Gamboa, and members of his TheraSURF Foundation along with other participating professionals and instructors from local Sayulita surf schools.

Moreover, in conjunction with honorary ambassador, James Pribram of the Eco Warrior Foundation and members from Project Save our Surf, a community-wide beach cleanup event is scheduled with an interactive-educational program following thereafter with a children’s interactive Reef Day art camp with local artist TrevaDea of Sayulita Art Camps.

The event culminates with a festive performance by Mishka, the international recording artist, which will be free and held on the beachfront on Saturday, March 9th.

This year’s field for the 4th Annual Punta Sayulita Classic is filled with some of the biggest names in the sport of longboard and SUP surfing and racing including surfing legend Gerry Lopez, defending SUP Surf Champion Zane Schweitzer, defending SUP Men’s Elite and Distance Champion Connor Baxter, two-time defending women’s SUP elite race champion Candice Appleby, defending Women’s SUP Distance Champion Jenny Kalmbach, two-time defending men’s longboard champion Darren Eudaly, women’s defending longboard champion Karina Rozunko as well as past champions, Chuck Patterson, Slater Trout, Sean Poynter, Mary Osborne, Patricio Gonzalez and many more top pros including two-time SUP surfing world champion, Kai Lenny, Roxy team riders Vanina Walsh & Jen Smith, Anthony Vella, Mo Freitas and Sayulita locals Ryan Helm and Mexican SUP National Champion Fernando Stalla.

Alaska Airlines, the official event airline sponsor, is offering a special airfare discount code ECMU117 to anyone travelling to Sayulita to compete or to simply take part in the weekend festivities.

Proceeds raised at the 4th Annual Punta Sayulita Classic will be donated to the Reef Check and Punta Sayulita Foundations.

About Riviera Nayarit

Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of accessible Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit including the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages, miles of serene beaches and spectacular Banderas Bay. Riviera Nayarit offers countless activities, such as:

PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle release, zip lining, surfing, bird watching, international cuisine, and the local artwork from the traditional Huichol tribe. This year, as a testament to Riviera Nayarit’s luxury offerings, the destination garnered two impressive awards: the top spot for “Best Luxury Beach Destination in Mexico” from Travelocity’s Battle of the Destinations III and the “Best Destination Crystal Apple Award” by Apple Vacations. The region attracts and satisfies vacationers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range of accommodations including chic luxury resorts, eco-tourism boutique hotels and quaint B&B inns. For more information, visit www.RivieraNayarit.com  or follow Riviera Nayarit’s Fan Page on Facebook.

About Punta Sayulita

Punta Sayulita is a private oceanfront club and residential community that rests on an extraordinary 33-acre private peninsula adjacent to the quaint seaside village of Sayulita is located in Riviera Nayarit Mexico approximately 40 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Punta Sayulita has been carefully designed to be an intimate, low-density community that will embrace only 62 detached homes whereby residents will have access to a full-service private Beach & Surf Club. The tropical design for the beach club and the custom homes at Punta Sayulita is by the boutique architecture firm of de Reus Architects of Hawaii. The developer of Punta Sayulita is Contact Development Company, LLC (CDC) of Sausalito, CA. See www.puntasayulita.com.

About Reef Check & Punta Sayulita Foundations

Reef Check- (www.reefcheck.org)
The Reef Check Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. With headquarters in Pacific Palisades, California and volunteer teams in more than 90 countries, Reef Check works to create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profits. Reef Check goals are to: educate the public about the value of reef ecosystems and the current crisis affecting marine life; to create a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check’s scientific methods who regularly monitor and report on reef health; to facilitate collaboration that produces ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions; and to stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide.

Punta Sayulita Foundation

The Punta Sayulita Foundation (“PSF”) is a non-profit organization focused on supporting various community initiatives for the community of Sayulita and the Bay of Banderas area. Initiatives include educational programs for environmental awareness and protection, community organized beach cleanup events as well as supporting programs for underprivileged children to allow them the opportunity to enjoy various water sports such as surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, etc., that they otherwise would not have the opportunity to pursue.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is offering several romance amenities and packages. Couples staying at the resort from Jan. 27 through March 15 will receive complimentary treats from the resort’s pastry chef upon arrival, champagne delivered poolside, an Epicurean Papaya Pineapple Lotion gift when they visit the Waihua Spa, a lei-making session followed by a traditional ceremonial exchange, and Couples Putting at the Kapalua Golf 18-hole putting course.

Several amenities also are available for an additional fee. For example, couples can rent a private sea kayak, with snorkeling, refreshments, snacks and photos of the tour included for $278 per couple. Or they can hike though Maui’s forested uplands with trained naturalists and plant a native Hawaiian tree together for $158 per couple. Packages also are available.

A new iPhone app, the Kaua‘i Beach Guide, is making it easy for anyone to find his or her perfect
beach when visiting the Garden Isle. The app provides a wealth of information on Kaua‘i’s beaches,
including location, activities, safety, and facilities offered, as well as color-coded designations as to a
beach’s safety level. Other tools include a fully interactive GPS-enabled map, detailed beach information,
area history, ocean and weather reports, along with information on water safety, child-friendly beaches, marine life, and how to “go green” while staying on Kaua‘i. The Kaua‘i Beach Guide is available for 99¢
and on iTunes for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, or by visiting www.BeachToolz.com

This oceanfront resort is going green with the installation of 2,400 photovoltaic panels and has made enhancements to its recycling, waste removal and LED lighting programs. Guests can also enjoy Wi-Fi access throughout the property along with new pool umbrellas and menu items at Naupaka Terrace and Shutters Lounge. www.KauaiBeachResortHawaii.com

Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa Introduces Refreshed Keiki Menu

Earlier this year the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa launched Food. Thoughtfully Sourced.

Carefully Served.

As part of this initiative, the resort has now unveiled a completely revamped keiki (children’s) menu called “For Kids By Kids.”

The Hyatt food and beverage team worked closely with a youth group to ensure that the new menu not only met Hyatt’s standards for nutrition and quality, but also was fun
and tasty. In addition,

Tidepools restaurant offers a three-course organic menu for children exclusively developed by renowned food pioneer and chef, Alice Waters. www.GrandHyattKauai.com

The Parrish Collection and The Club at Kukui’ula – A Luxury Partnership in Po‘ipū

The Parrish Collection and The Club at Kukui‘ula are working together to provide unique 5-Star accommodations and service on the island. The Club at Kukui‘ula, Kaua‘i’s only private Club, is home to a luxurious Plantation House with restaurant, bar, game rooms and series of pools and outdoor activities.

In addition, there is a state of the art fitness facility and world-class spa, along with an 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course recently named Best New Private by Golf Magazine and Best New Golf Course by Robb Report‘s “Best of the Best.”

The new Club Cottages at Kukui‘ula, which can be rented on a nightly basis through The Parrish Collection, are located within walking distance to the Club and included with the stay is complete access to this private club community and their amenities.
www.Kukuiula.com

Photo Safari Hawaii Announces New National Tropical Botanical Garden Tour

Photo Safari Hawaii introduces “A Walk in Queen Emma’s Garden,” the first private photo ecotour of the Allerton and McBryde National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Lāwa‘i Valley.

This four-hour tour helps to enhance photography skills while focusing on landscape design with an exclusive access to the McBryde Waterfall. Both gardens showcase the botanical importance of native plants and provide a stunning photography canvas for any skill level. www.PhotoSafariHawaii.com

Outfitters Kauai Introduces New Tandem Ziplines

Outfitters Kauai is excited to announce the addition of three new tandem ziplines this fall. The new lines will pass over three separate waterfalls on the pristine Kipu Ranch and will range between 800 feet and 1,200 feet. Incorporating Outfitters Kauai’s existing zipline course, these new lines will highlight the spectacular views and thrilling adventure as guests soar over lush valleys side by side.
www.OutfittersKauai.com

Koloa Zipline, Kaua‘i’s Newest Zipline Course

Koloa Zipline has debuted with eight ziplines on its course located on the south side of the island in Kōloa. Koloa Zipline’s “Waita” line is the longest on the island coming in at 2,500 feet and glides across the Waita reservoir, which is the largest reservoir in Hawai’i.

The entire course is 1.5 miles long and is located on the beautiful Grove Farm land that offers marvelous views of a variety of ecosystems. Koloa
Zipline is committed to the preservation of the natural beauty and rich history of the land.
www.KoloaZipline.com

New Executive Chef for Sheraton Kauai Resort

Roger Liang has been appointed the new executive chef for Sheraton Kauai Resort. He is overseeing all of the resort’s food and beverage operations, including one of the south shore’s newest hotspots, RumFire Poipu Beach. Liang previously served as the resort’s executive sous chef, and had an integral role in revitalizing its culinary program. www.Sheraton-Kauai.com