Jetsettersblog

PORT ANGELES, Wash. –In Washington State’s stunning Olympic Peninsula, Clallam and Jefferson Counties combined have over 400 miles of saltwater coastline.

The inland waters of the 61-mile glacial fjord of the Hood Canal, the glacier-carved Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Dungeness Spit and the wild, rugged Pacific Coast comprise differing habitats and nearly endless opportunities to explore.

Tide pooling, beach hikes and days-long backpacking excursions are a grat way to experience the calming rhythms of waves and tides and the view the wildlife and sea creatures of the tidal zone.

Interpretive opportunities abound! Starting from the east along the Hood Canal, one can learn of the lifecycle of geoducks, clams and oysters at the shellfish labs near Brinnon and Quilcene. Look for marine science centers in Port Townsend and Port Angeles.

Kayaking companies can be found in most communities. Olympic National Park offers ranger-guided interpretive walks during low tides near Rialto Beach and Kalaloch.

www.VisitOlympicPeninsula.org

In Four Days On the Mighty Colorado

This is the perfect course for anyone wishing to become a proficient whitewater kayaker in a very short time.

Go from “zero-to-hero” in the span of four days of river kayaking on the Colorado River under the competent instruction of the Renaissance Adventure Guides’ staff.

Their certified ACA instructors will take you from the skills that you learned on the lake or pool to running rolling rapids with a big smile on your face. Start off with the basics of peel-outs, ferries, catching eddies and ready current.

Moving flat-water is followed by small rapids, and the whitewater just keeps getting bigger.

Expect to be on class III whitewater for at least part of the time.

An introduction to basic play boating moves like front surfing is also covered.

The Colorado River is one of the premier places to learn how to kayak – come spend four days with the best instructors around and hit the river running.

www.raguides.com

ROW Adventures
CONTACT: Peter Grubb
TEL: 800-451-6034 Cell 208-755-6824
E-MAIL: peter@rowadventures.com
WEBSITE: www.ROWadventures.com

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – In its final print edition before moving everything over as an online magazine, National Geographic Adventure named its 25 Best New Trips in the World – 2010, including ROW Adventures’ “Bitterroot Bonanza” multisport that features biking, lake kayaking and whitewater rafting in Washington, Idaho and Montana.

“As the co-owner of ROW Adventures, Peter Grubb has spent the better part of the past three decades scouting trips around the world. But until recently, he had all but ignored his own backyard, the Bitterroot Mountains straddling the Montana-Idaho border.” Explains National Geographic Adventure. Peter Grubb adds

“Idaho isn’t well known, perhaps because we don’t have any National Parks within our State, but North Idaho’s scenery, wildlife and world-class bike trail system makes this a spectacular travel destination.”

The trip starts on the Washington Centennial Trail, a 37-mile path named after Washington State’s centennial anniversary.

It continues on to the Idaho Centennial Trail leading to the lakeside resort town of Coeur d’Alene.

On the second day a three-hour kayak paddle on Lake Coeur d’Alene visits nesting sites of osprey and a forested shoreline.

Then it’s on to the crown jewel of the nation’s Rails-to-Trails system, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. This 72-mile path travels through forests, along both Coeur d’Alene Lake and River, and then through the Silver Valley, the richest mother lode of silver in the world.

The fourth day is spent rafting the intermediate class III rapids of the Clark Fork River in Montana and the grand finale is a day on the Trail of the Hiawatha.

This one-of-a-kind trail along the route of the old Hiawatha railroad takes riders through 10 tunnels and seven trestles through the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains.

ROW Adventures is the only outfitter permitted to guide tours on the Hiawatha Trail. They are also the only company with all required permits and licenses to conduct this history and culture-filled active journey.

Two itineraries are offered. One spends nights at various lodges or motels along the way while the other is a camping trip.

Meals are served on the trail as well as in various local restaurants such as the Enaville Resort Snake Pit—in operation since 1880.

Five departures are scheduled in July and August.

The five-day camping trip is $1395/person and the lodge version is $1595/person. Trips begin and end in Spokane, Washington.

To learn more about ROW Adventures’ new award-winning trip, Bitterroot Bonanza, please visit: www.ROWadventures.com  call 800-451-6034; or e-mail info@rowadventures.com

The value-priced CoCo Key Water Resort-Orlando is set to debut April 15 offering a fun and affordable option for families.

The Key West-themed property combines a casual tropical hotel setting with a water park that features four pools, eight water slides and poolside entertainment designed for children ages 2-12 in a safe and friendly environment.

Bookings open for the 386-room resort, with rates ranging from $99 to $149 per room per night, and water park amenity access for just $19 per room per day (for up to four people).

“We know that affordability remains the driving factor for most families when it comes to vacation planning, so we’ve purpose-built this CoCo Key resort as an alternative that not only addresses value but also delivers a comprehensive resort experience that’s memorable and fun for the whole family,” said Frank Fry, general manager of the property.

CoCo Key features brightly colored cabanas, swaying palms, fragrant hibiscus, native artwork and thatched roofs

. The 54,000-square-foot canopy covered and outdoor water park features eight adventure water slides; CoCo’s Beach; Parrot’s Perch, an interactive play island; Minnow Lagoon featuring a zero-entry pool for younger children; Coral Reef Cove, a teen pool; and an outdoor splash pad.

Families also can enjoy a 6,500-square-foot video arcade; snack bar; outdoor lounge; Parakeet’s Playhouse, a 4,800-square-foot activities room for kids; and a function space for a variety of celebrations.

A separate grotto area can be found towards the front of the resort for adults. Biscayne Bay offers a private pool, hot tub/spa with a waterfall, fire pit and four spa cabanas for massages.

The resort has 12 buildings all themed to the Florida Keys, including eight two-bedroom suites, four junior suites, and a combination of rooms that connect not only side-by-side but back-to -back.

It also offers a $30 price break on those connecting rooms, making CoCo Key an option for larger families and groups.

Guestroom amenities include 37-inch, flat-screen TVs with high-def feeds; Wi-Fi, room service; granite showers and countertops; lighted vanities with large mirrors; and plenty of accessible outlets to charge electronics.

There is also a 1,000-square-foot fitness center featuring the latest in workout equipment; Gators Grab ‘N Go, a convenience store offering specialty coffees, ice cream treats, souvenirs and pool toys; and a business center.

For dining, CoCo Key has TradeWinds, a full-service restaurant serving breakfast and dinner; a food court including the Callaloo Grill that offers burgers, wraps, chicken fingers and soft serve ice cream; and a Pizza Hut Express.

The property is located in the heart of the Orlando vacation corridor at 7400 International Drive – a five minute-drive from Universal Orlando; five minute-minute drive from Sea World/Aquatica, and a 10-minute drive from the Walt Disney World.

CoCo Key also is a Destination Universal Resort offering guests free transportation to and from the Universal Orlando theme parks and Universal CityWalk entertainment complex, as well as to and from SeaWorld and Aquatica and Wet n’ Wild.

There also is free vacation planning assistance and access to tickets and information at the Destination Universal Desk in the hotel lobby, as well as golf reservations and complimentary transportation to select area courses offered through the Golf Universal Program.

CoCo Key-Orlando, created in partnership with Wave Development LLC, Sage Hospitality Resources and CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc., is the 10th CoCo Key Water Resort in the U.S. Managed and developed by Sage Hospitality Resources, other CoCo Key Water Resorts can be found in

Rockford, Ill., Omaha, Neb., Kansas City, Mo., Cincinnati, Columbus, Ohio, Danvers, Mass., Fitchburg, Mass., Waterbury, Conn., and Mt. Laurel, N.J.

Book CoCo Key-Orlando by calling 407-351-2626

or by selecting the Orlando tab at

www.cocokeywaterresort.com

Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Los Angeles-Westwood is offering the Sweet Tax Relief package for stays throughout the month of April.

As part of the package, the hotel will pay guests’ room tax, as well as the tax on a meal at Blvd 16.

In addition, the package includes treats such as Payday, 100 Grand and Sugar Daddy candy bars and late check out when available.

Package rates start at $139 per room, per night.

For more information, call 310-475-8711 or visit www.hotelpalomar-lawestwood.com  and enter PTAX in the rate code box.

The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nev., is offering spring room packages starting at $39 per night.

From April 15 through June 30, guests can book a standard room starting at $39 and get the second night free and receive a $15 credit that can be used for bowling, the health club, FunQuest, dining or free play.

Guests may also choose to stay a third night for free and receive a second $15 credit.

Visitors can upgrade from a standard room to a luxury suite inside the Summit at Grand Sierra Resort for $50.

Each suite comes with a butler’s pantry, suede furnishing and marble bathrooms. Guests be at least 21 years old and present a valid ID to redeem.

For more information, call 800-648-5080 or visit www.grandsierraresort.com  and use offer code SPRING.

The Keauhou Beach Resort on Hawaii’s Big Island will mark its 40th anniversary on March 28 with a celebration in the hotel’s Royal Luau Grounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Festivities will include made-in-Hawaii arts and crafts, Hawaiian makahiki games, a cultural tent, Hawaiian plate lunches and non-alcoholic beverages for sale, and a full array of entertainment. Visitors who want to spend more than the day at the resort can book a room from $139 per night.

For more information, call 866-326-6803 or visit www.keauhoubeachresort.com

Joie de Vivre has announced that it has the largest number of certified green hotels in San Francisco, according to standards set by San Francisco Green Business, the certifying body recognized by the city.

In December, the Hotel Del Sol and the Galleria Park hotel achieved certification, joining a list that also includes Hotel Vitale, Hotel Carlton, and Hotel Drisco. With the addition of the Galleria Park and the Del Sol, five out of 10 of the hotels to achieve certification from San Francisco Green Business are Joie de Vivre properties.

To be awarded green certification from San Francisco Green Business, each hotel had to complete the program’s in-depth standards, which require measures in a number of categories, from energy conservation to pollution prevention.

The Carlton made news in 2009 for achieving LEED-Gold certification in the existing buildings category, effectively making it the greenest hotel in San Francisco by U.S. Green Building Council standards.

Joie de Vivre is also rolling out biocompostable bath amenities from California-based Lather at its hotels.

The new Bamboo Lemongrass amenities are packaged in materials made from biodegradable cornstarch rather than petroleum-based plastic and is made of 85 percent post-consumer recycled materials.

A number of the hotels take their sustainability efforts one step further, opting to use Lather’s products in bulk dispensers in their guestrooms. 

For  more information, call 800-738-7477 or visit www.jdvhotels.com

Vail Resorts is offering the Epic Pass for the third season offering unlimited unrestricted skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and Arapahoe Basin for $599.

The New Epic 7-Pack Gives Skiers and Snowboarders seven days of unrestricted skiing and riding at any one of Vail Resorts’ five mountain resorts plus Arapahoe Basin anytime during the season for a price of $449, or almost 35 percent off of a single day lift ticket price.

A $49 down payment now guarantees the lowest price through May 31 with the remainder due in the fall.

The Summit Pass is available for $409 and provides unlimited lift access at the top Summit County resorts — Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin — with no date restrictions.

New for 2010-11 is a Keystone and Arapahoe Basin pass, providing unlimited and unrestricted access to both resorts for $359.

Prices on all pass products are guaranteed through May 31, and are available to purchase on www.epicpass.com  starting March 15.

For more information, visit www.epicpass.com  or www.snow.com

Pleasant Holidays expanded its Hawaii “Kids Fly for Less, Stay for Free” sale to include two more islands: Kauai and Hawaii’s Big Island.

Under the terms, kids fly to Oahu or Maui for $299 roundtrip, and now to Kauai and the Big Island for $399 roundtrip.

Pleasant is offering Kids stay free deals at a number of resorts on all four islands.

“Kauai and Hawaii’s Big Island are great for families looking for outdoor adventure,” said Jack E. Richards, president and CEO.

The Kids Fly for Less fares apply to children 17 and under are valid for new bookings through May 15 from Los Angeles or San Francisco. The $299 to Oahu and Maui and $399 to Kauai applies on select flights departing June 1 to 9 and Aug. 16 to 31.

The $399 Big Island fares apply on select flights departing Aug. 16 to 31. Pleasant is also offering a $399 kid’s fare to Oahu and Maui and a $499 kid’s fare to Kauai valid on select flights departing June 10 to Aug. 15, and a $499 kid’s fare to Hawaii’s Big Island valid on select flights June 12 to Aug. 15.

Fares are valid for one child under 18 years per each full-paying adult with a maximum of two children per booking.

Booking must include a minimum five-night hotel stay. Applicable air taxes, surcharges and fees apply. Kid’s fares must be booked by May 15.

At Aston Hotels & Resorts, kids 12 and younger stay, play and eat for free. Kids 17 and younger stay for free at Castle Resorts & Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hawaii, Hyatt Resorts & Spas of Hawaii, Marriott Resorts Hawaii, Ohana Hotels & Resorts, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Prince Resorts Hawaii and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii. Families can save with Pleasant Holidays’ Hot Deals that feature up to $100 off a Hertz car rental with a five-night stay.

Pleasant offers Hawaii activities and sightseeing tours online at www.PleasantActivities.com

Pleasant Holidays is one of the leading travel companies to Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Las Vegas, Costa Rica, Tahiti and the South Pacific, serving more than 10 million travelers since 1959. The company provides vacation packages through its portfolio of four brands — Pleasant Holidays, Hawaii World/Distinguished Resorts, Pleasant Activities, and Air By Pleasant.

For more information and reservations, call 800-448-3333.