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[ International Travel
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Global Getaways
A Unique Mountain Experience
Quebec, Canada—You don’t have to be a mountain climbing expert to enjoy a truly unique, new experience being offered in the Mont-Tremblant National Park in the scenic Laurentians. This vast territory with beautiful lakes, mountains, rivers, and hiking trails is a favorite with naturalists, hikers and climbers. “La Diable Via Ferrata,” a new guided tour on the Diable River, offers Via Ferrata tours and yurt (a Mongolian tent) stays in this scenic wonderland from July 7 to September 1, 2008, Monday to Sunday, and September 6 to October 13, Saturdays and Sundays. A “via ferrata” is a climbing path with a fixed protection based on the Dolomites Mountains in northeastern Italy. A beginner’s course teaches the basics and trained guides lead the way. For details go to www.laurentians.com.
Geo-Thermal Energy in Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland—A five-star luxury city resort is welcomed back with open arms in Zurich as The Dolder Grande reopened April 3 after an extensive four-year restoration. This major work added 173 new guest rooms and brought the luxury hotel back to its former glory as well as updated it for modern times. Originally a “CurHaus,” or health spa, when it first opened in 1899, the grand hotel now has a new life with a new spa, dining rooms, banquet rooms, and a geothermal energy concept. Seventy probes, 564 in length, were buried underneath the foundation of the hotel to draw one million kilowatt hours of energy per year from the natural heat-storage system in the earth. Add to that the location in a naturally green zone, the views of the city, lake and Alps, and you have a special city oasis in one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. Visit www.thedoldergrand.com or call (800)745-8883.
Getting to Know Marie Antoinette
Paris, France—Here’s a rare opportunity to peek into the private life of a fascinating historical figure and enjoy the lovely city of Paris with a good deal at Concorde Hotel & Resort’s Paris locations. Experience this spring’s major artistic event through June 30, 2008 as the hotel package includes free admission for two to the exceptional Marie Antoinette exhibition at the Grand Palais. Complimentary breakfast and a special limited edition tea box dedicated to Marie Antoinette are also included with a stay at Concorde’s grand hotels including Hotel du Louvre, where the interior design in inspired by the Napoleon era. The exhibit traces the taste and life of Marie Antoinette, patron of the arts and one of the country’s most famous historic figures. The objects range from paintings, sculptures and decorative pieces and have been assembled from all over Europe. The hotel package starts at 200 euros with a minimum of two nights and is available at www.concorde-hotels.com.
Madrid Goya Exhibit Opens
Madrid, Spain—A major exhibit devoted to more than 200 works by Goya focusing on the last 25 years of his life will open April 16, 2008 in Madrid’s Museo del Prado and run through July 13, 2008. Two major canvases, The 2nd and 3rd of May 1808, have been cleaned and restored and are on view for the first time. The museum contains the world’s largest collection of Goya works, including paintings, drawings and sketches. Check www.spain.info for information on visiting Spain and www.museodelprado.es for museum news.
Swiss Luxury
Lake Lucerne, Switzerland—Set with a breathtaking view of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps, the 53-room Park Hotel Weggis reopened in July 2007 to showcase its original 1875 Art Nouveau structure, a Tibetan spa and wellness center, luxury accommodations, and three fine dining culinary venues. Ten new suites were added with spacious terraces overlooking Lake Lucerne, marble soaking tubs, in-room wine coolers, and state-of-the art technological services. The village of Weggis has been known for centuries as a summer holiday retreat and visitors included Mark Twain and Queen Victoria. The Park Hotel Weggis is a five-star member of Relais & Chateau. More information is available at www.parkhotelweggis.com or 011-41(0) 41 395 05 05.
A Romantic Adventure Above and Below
Puerto Playa, DR—A five-star resort on the Dominican Republic’s north coast offers guests a romantic escape with a hint of adventure, including a private helicopter ride, sunset cruise and luxurious spa treatments. Casa Colonial Beach & Spa Resort’s new Helicopter Escapade package provides vacationers the opportunity to take a private ride over the white sand beaches and blue waters of the north coast, with a gourmet lunch, private butler and champagne. In addition, guests will receive a private romantic sunset tour on a catamaran followed by private candlelight dinner on the beach. Also included in the package are three nights’ luxury accommodations in a Junior Suite with a tropical view, breakfast served daily on the private suite terrace, a variety of spa treatments, and a visit to Ocean World, featuring an encounter with the dolphins experience. The Helicopter Escapade package is available through December 26, 2008 and is priced at $4,270 per couple, based on double occupancy. For reservations or more information, call (800) 847-0291 or visit www.casacolonialhotel.com.
Ringing in 2008 with 007
Weggis, Switzerland—The five-star Park Hotel Weggis, a member of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux brand, invites guests to ring in 2008 in true "James Bond-style" with its exclusive New Year’s offers. Following in the classic spy movie themes, guests can participate in individually priced special New Year’s Eve events that include an elaborate seven-course gourmet dinner at the hotel’s Restaurant Annex, a "Diamonds are Forever" gala ball where special Bond-themed décor will adorn the hotel’s Aquarius Hall; and for New Year’s Day, there is the "Tomorrow Never Dies" brunch where guests will enjoy a live broadcast of the New Year’s Day concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra as they dine. Prices for each of the James Bond-style offerings are $175 per guest for the New Year’s Eve dinner, $242 per person for the gala ball, and $72 per person for the New Year’s brunch. The recently refurbished Park Hotel Weggis is situated on the banks of Lake Lucerne one hour from Zurich and offers 53 guestrooms and suites, and features Tibetan private spa cottages and treatment rooms, plus award-winning fine dining options. For more information and reservations, contact Park Hotel Weggis at www.parkhotelweggis.com or call (41) 2 41 392 0505.
A Grand Expansion in China
Xiamen, China—The Xianglu GRAND Hotel, Xiamen has joined WORLDHOTELS, China’s leading global group for independent hotels, as a member of the Deluxe Collection. The Xianglu GRAND Hotel is highlighted by hints of French Renaissance style architecture and is located in the heart of the city, overlooking the main Huli district and scenic areas of Hubin, offering convenience for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers 1,525 guestrooms, which include 374 suites, extensive conference facilities and business travel amenities, plus a wide choice of restaurants and cafes, and state-of-the-art fitness and spa facility. The Club at the GRAND presents an expanded Club Lounge that serves as an exclusive retreat for frequent business travelers to experience a higher standard of accommodation, personalized service and a host of special privileges and amenities. For more details, visit www.worldhotels.com.
Authentic Aussie Experiences
Vancouver, BC—Fresh Tracks Australia is inviting travelers down under to discover some of Australia’s off the beaten path locations for an authentically local experience with a selection of new package offers. Visits to locations that include cattle ranches, private islands and rainforest resorts combine with luxury lodging for what is a uniquely Outback experience. The Eastern Escape combines a private yacht cruise in the Sydney Harbour with a stay at an exclusive five-star cattle ranch and a private beach retreat; Rainforest, Reef and Beach offers a private 4x4 tour of the Blue Mountains from Sydney and a stay at a luxury rainforest resort; the Authentic Outback, Blue Mountains and Sydney tour takes visitors from a beach side resort to a working cattle ranch with stays in deluxe safari bungalows in the Outback. To learn more, visit www.freshtracksaustralia.com/resorts.php or call (800) 667-4744.
An International Connection
London, England—One of the UK’s leading luxury hotels, The Lanesborough, a St. Regis Hotel, is providing guests with an exclusive new amenity that will have people talking. The Lanesborough is the first hotel in the UK to provide guests with complimentary, limitless landline telephone calls to the United States and European Union countries. The Lanesborough’s complimentary services are available to all guests and include 24-hour butler service, a NEOS digital interactive television system outfitted with the latest audio/visual features, and complimentary fitness trainers in the fitness studio on weekday mornings. In-room, guests are provided with a private telephone line, dedicated fax machine, personal business cards, and international mobile phones for the duration of the stay, as well as tea and coffee served with daily wake-up calls. Located in elegant Knightsbridge, the residence is minutes away from the exclusive shopping of Harrods and Sloane Street. The complimentary landline telephone calls to the U.S. and EU countries are limitless; however, a nominal charge will be applied in 30 minute increments for calls to cellular telephones. For additional information, visit www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis or call (44) 20 7259 5599.
Cancun’s Cultural Connection
Cancun, Mexico—Travelers to Cancun can have the rare opportunity to experience one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the ancient Mayan civilization of Chichen Itza. While most of Cancun’s fanfare originates from its popular beach and resort offerings, there is the added appeal for visitors to discover a true piece of history and celebrate Mexico’s culture and heritage at the once-hidden Mayan ruins.
A three-hour day trip away from Cancun, the millennia-old Chichen Itza has enticed explorers and adventure seekers since its reemergence nearly 200 years ago. The world’s greatest examples of Mayan architecture are showcased within such iconic structures as the famous El Castillo pyramid structure, The Temple of a Thousand Warriors, Great Ballcourt, and the High Priest’s Temple. For more information about Chichen Itza and the New 7 Wonders of the World, visit www.new7wonders.com. Cancun is situated on the northeastern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, renowned for its miles of white sandy beaches, world-class hotels and proximity to historic Mayan archeological sites. For more about Cancun, visit www.cancun.travel.
Standing Tall Down Under
Melbourne, Australia—One of Melbourne’s newest icons also became one of its newest tourist attractions recently when Eureka Tower officially opened its doors to the public. Considered the world’s tallest residential tower at a height of 984.3 feet, it is also home to the Eureka Skydeck 88, which is thought to be the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere, and offers spectacular views of Melbourne and its surroundings. In addition to 360-degree views, the skydeck also features state-of-the-art technology in a changing program of sound and light, as well as the unique “Edge” experience, where passengers are carried from the inside of the tower to the outside in a huge moving glass cube. For additional information, visit www.eurekalookout.com.au.
Open for Business at Bay Gardens
St. Lucia—Bay Gardens Beach Resort, a four-star beachfront property, is currently offering summer specials for travelers to the island of St. Lucia. The resort is located in Rodney Bay Village, and combines a blend of French Caribbean and Georgian Plantation style architecture, while incorporating traditional elements of timbered balconies and verandas for a true Caribbean feel. The modern boutique property provides guests a mix of natural charm and contemporary comfort, plus luxurious accommodations and a variety of outdoor activities. The first phase of the resort offers 72 rooms, including deluxe, one- and two-bedroom suites, all fitted with modern amenities, including high-speed Internet access. Room rates begin at $140 and vacation specials through November include free daily breakfast and five nights for the price of four. All-inclusive packages are optional. The resort’s grand opening will be in December, when a number of additional facilities are expected to open. For further information, visit www.baygardensbeachresort.com or call (877) 620-3200.
A Rebirth along the Adriatic
Venice, Italy—A former 19th century flour mill has been transformed into one of Venice’s most architecturally rich hotels and area landmarks with the opening of Hilton’s Molino Stucky Venice. The 13-building complex, which underwent a 200-million-Euro restoration, features 380 rooms, Venice’s first rooftop pool, the city’s largest spa, and two new restaurants. The Molino Stucky was Venice’s first Neo-Gothic structure built at the turn of the last century and today remains as one of the city’s tallest structures at nine stories high and offers unprecedented aerial views of the city for the general public. Located on the western end of Giudecca, a gondola-shaped group of islands, it benefits from a proximity to the mainland, as well as offering visitors an emerging destination for fashion and the arts. Room rates will begin at 295 Euros during low season and 750 Euros during high season, inclusive of tax and service charge. For additional information, visit www.hilton.com/venice.
An Ayurvedic Experience in South Asia
Bangkok, Thailand—Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok now features a new wellness facility, The Oriental Ayurvedic Penthouse, a holistic center of tranquility, located above The Oriental Spa. The Penthouse is the first of its kind in Bangkok and offers the most exclusive selection of healing and natural rituals in the city. Originating in the ancient traditions of India, Ayurveda is the science of healthy living and promotes well-being and longevity. All of the equipment in the Penthouse is imported from India to provide an authentic setting for the variety of body treatments available. Treatments include the Keraleeya Abhyangam, a four-handed synchronized massage performed by two therapists, the Udwatanam, a dry herbal massage treatment, and Pizhichie, a luxurious rejuvenation therapy. The Oriental Spa and Ayurvedic Penthouse is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information about special package offers or to make reservations, visit www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok.
Serenity in Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, Brazil—Caesar Park Sao Paulo Faria Lima offers guests a taste of Brazilian tradition with modern sophistication. The 18-story boutique hotel provides a respite from the downtown hustle, yet is only steps away from the city’s commercial district of Vila Olimpia, as well as a choice of tourist pursuits, shopping and dining options and nightspots. The hotel features 130 spacious guestrooms with wall-length windows for picturesque views of the downtown skyline, as well as modern interior design and amenities to accommodate business travelers or vacationers. The hotel is connected to an office tower, convention center and the acclaimed Reebok Sports Club, and is equipped with a rooftop helicopter landing pad for VIP guests. To learn more, visit www.caesar-park.com.
Egypt’s Global Connection
Cairo, Egypt—The Egyptian Tourism Authority has unveiled a host of innovative new features on its international Web site, www.egypt.travel. The latest enhancements are part of an ongoing effort to provide visitors to Egypt the best available information and resources to assist them in their travel plans. New features include a revamped portal to reflect the ETA’s new branding, an updated layout with more detailed content and extensive information on 15 key destinations, plus an increased number of attractions and activities placed on-site. Site visitors will also discover unique interactive elements, including a new sound-enhanced Egyptian dictionary. The online Arabic lexicon, www.lexicon.egypt.travel enables travelers to learn some essential words and phrases likely to appear in daily situations. The Web site also presents important travel-related information such as visa requirements and useful phone numbers. Having launched nearly one year ago, the site has welcomed more than two million visitors, and is part of the "Gift of the Sun" campaign designed to double Egypt’s global visitor numbers from eight million to 16 million by 2014.
Ascending
an International Icon
Sydney, Australia—Travelers heading "Down
Under" can expect to climb new heights in adventure tourism when
they visit the City of Sydney. BridgeClimb Sydney allows visitors
to see the city from a unique perspective from within the inner-workings
of the Sydney Harbor Bridge as they travel along the inner arch,
mesh catwalks and finally ascend to the top of the bridge, 134 meters
above sea level. BridgeClimb Sydney offers two tours: the original
Bridge Climb, which allows climbers to traverse only the top of
the bridge, and Discovery Climb, which permits climbers to explore
the bridge from the inside and out, accessing previously unavailable
locations and gaining a history lesson along the way. Both tours
last 3.5 hours and climbers receive commemorative certificates and
a photograph of their group at the summit of the bridge. For more
information, visit www.bridgeclimb.com
or call (61) 2 8274 7777.
Cooking
in Cancun
Cancun, Mexico—The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun is
offering guests a unique form of entertainment that lends a new
significance to the idea of tasting the Caribbean with its recently
opened $500,000 Culinary Center, a recreational kitchen facility
overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Culinary Center combines culinary
talent with state-of-the-art equipment where guests can participate
in a variety of special cooking sessions, attend classes, learn
new recipes and about wine pairings, prepare an outdoor barbecue
overlooking the ocean, and enjoy the social atmosphere. The Culinary
Center is open six days a week with classes held Mondays through
Saturdays. The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun features 365 guestrooms with
sea views, a 1,200-foot beach, full service spa, award-winning restaurants,
and is located near many popular attractions. For more information,
call (800) 241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.
Tradition and Tranquility
Seoul, Korea-Visitors heading to the Far East with
designs on taking in some Korean-style culture can opt for a unique
experience through Templestay. Just as the name indicates, this
is a program that allows guests to experience a traditional style
Korean temple through an overnight stay while participating in several
daily programs, which may include a Pre-dawn Ceremonial Service,
Meditation, Lotus Lantern Making, Buddhist Martial Arts, informational
tours, and more. Currently there are 43 temples participating in
the program nationwide. Programs and length of stay can be tailored
accordingly. Most temples participating in the program are all located
either in national or provincial parks that feature well preserved
natural environments allowing visitors a pleasant, relaxing experience.
Prices range from app. $50 to $80 per person, per stay. To learn
more, visit www.templestaykorea.com
or call (82) 2 732 9925.
A Discovery of Biblical Proportions
Jerusalem, Israel-The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem
offers a unique opportunity to experience this historic region through
a collection of objects from the time and place of the Bible. Prominently
situated on Jerusalem's Museum Row, the Bible Lands Museum is a
universal cultural institution where people of all faiths can view
Biblical history through ancient art. The Museum houses a chronological
collection of artifacts with 20 galleries that span the millennia
from the beginning of civilization in the region, with each artifact
representing an era of historic importance and aesthetic beauty.
In addition to the museum's permanent fixtures, a number of special
exhibits on view include "Glories of Ancient Greece," a rare collection
of fine Greek gold and ceramics, "The Roman Fresco," which displays
examples of Roman wall paintings dating from the first century C.E.,
and "Sweet as Honey," documenting the sources of honey and its significance
during ancient times. The Museum provides scheduled lectures, gallery
talks and concerts, as well as daily multi-lingual guided tours.
For more information visit www.blmj.org
or call (972) 2 561 1066.
Feast Your Eyes and Move Your Feet
Seville, Spain-The birthplace of Flamenco dancing
is now home to Museo del Baile Flamenco, a museum and dance
school recently opened in Seville in the Andalusia region in the
South of Spain, where visitors can get their feet moving while learning
about the history of flamenco. The $4.8-million three-story museum
is located in a restored 18th century building in the city's historic
district and surrounded by centuries-old Gothic architecture amidst
a backdrop of magnificent scenery. The museum includes galleries
for exhibitions and space for music and dance courses, as well as
an evening stage for flamenco performances. To learn more call the
Tourist Office of Spain at (212) 265-8822 or visit www.andalucia.org.
A Taste of "Spring" in Southeast Asia
The vibrant Asian nation of Taiwan, located off the
southeastern coast of China, boasts more than 100 hot springs, second
only to Japan, and offers much to visitors seeking rest and relaxation.
In the past several years a number of resorts around the hot springs
have emerged. The Sheraton Yilan Resort, located on Taiwan's picturesque
northeast coast recently opened a 180-room property set amid tea
plantations and features a health club, spa and 39 hot spring houses.
In Taroko National Park is the Wenshan Springs, or "source of wisdom"
and known for its hydrotherapeutic benefits, houses the 212-room
Grand Formosa Regent Hotel in Tienhsiang, offering indoor and outdoor
pools, an aromatherapy spa, sauna and steam rooms. In scenic Wulai,
the Pause Landis is a distinctive hot springs resort that features
30 rooms, all with private hot springs tubs. To learn more about
travel opportunities to Taiwan, visit www.taiwan.net.tw
or www.go2taiwan.net.
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