Tuesday, March 9, 2010

JAMAICA CHARITIES TAKE CENTER STAGE AT A FESTIVE WEEKEND AT THE LEGENDARY ROUND HILL

Montego Bay, JAMAICA (3/10) Over 300 diplomats, socialites, and business leaders from the US, Europe, and Jamaica gathered at the world-renowned Round Hill Hotel & Villas recently for a weekend of festivities to raise a record-breaking amount of funds for Hanover Charities, the largest charitable organization in Western Jamaica.

Round Hill, located in the Hanover Parish, has been a major fundraiser for the Hanover Charities with its annual Sugar Cane Ball every February since 1957 when the charity was founded. Last year, a Polo Invitational on the day following the Ball was introduced so successfully with additional fund raising and conviviality for the participants that it was included again this year. Hanover Charities plays a major role in the Parish and covers a wide range of projects for its citizens from very young to old. It includes the provision of reading and computer skills, funding a soup kitchen and health clinics, supplying basics to the disabled and elderly and contributing scholarships to local deserving students.

The theme of the Sugar Cane Ball this year was “The Moroccan Kasbah.” Guests decked out in Moroccan attire or Black Tie sampled a Moroccan menu as they danced the night away and put in their bids for 155 fabulous silent auction items provided by very generous international supporters. The following day, the group gathered at the Chukka Blue Polo Club for the Hanover Charities Polo Invitational, also hosted by Round Hill.

Among the notables attending these events were former US Ambassador Brenda La Grange Johnson and husband Howard, Nicole Miller and husband Kim Taipale, Bob and Veronique Pittman, Michael Smith and partner James Costos, Lennox and Violet Lewis, Daisy and Paul Soros and Vanessa Noel, co-chairperson of the fundraising committee.

Katrin Casserly, chairperson of Hanover Charities Board, said: “The money raised on these two days makes an enormous difference to the needy in our parish. Last year’s events raised nearly $200,000 and this year when the final tally is in, that amount will be increased.”

Some of the extraordinary silent auction items included a week for eight ski package at Sun Valley, a gift certificate of a pastel portrait by Barbara Hamilton, a Vaness Noel gift certificate, a white gold diamond bracelet from Tropicana Jewelers, tickets to Broadway Shows, many fashion accessories, and other travel packages.

BAOBAB LEADS BELIZE TRIBAL TREK

Belize City, BELIZE (3/10) Trek through Belize in the footsteps of the Mayan people, with a unique 12-day adventure from Baobab Expeditions, offered from May 9th to the 20th, 2010.

The adventure begins in Belmopan. While here, explorers will visit the Belize Zoo (filled with all the country’s native animals); discover the local Mennonite community, users of modern methods to sustain their community; and travel to the Green Iguana Farm, hidden on an Indian Reserve, which has sought to bring back the Green Iguana from the brink of extinction.

The next day, adventurers will trek to the famous Mayan ruins of Caracol, the largest Maya archeological site in Belize. At its peak, Caracol had a radius of 10 km, larger than modern Belize City, with a central acropolis, three plaza groups, and two ball courts. While in the deep high-canopy jungle surrounding Caracol, adventurers will receive basic jungle training to prepare them for the days ahead.

Travelers will then make their way along the coast to the Toledo District, stopping at Nim Li Punit to admire the views of the Caribbean islands and at Lubaantun to discover striking jungle-backed Mayan ruins. They will spend the night at the Sun Creek Lodge, a premier eco-adventure lodge nestled between the Mayan mountains and the Caribbean Sea.

From here, adventurers will hike along the Cacao Trail to a local village, where they will learn about the medicinal properties of the local jungle flora, before going cave swimming at Blue Creek. Next, they will travel onwards to discover the non-excavated Uxbenka site (estimated to be 600 to 700 years older than either Lubaantun or Nim Li Punit), the waterfalls at Santa Elena, and the unexcavated Kayuko Cave and Mound Group. The group will camp out overnight, where they will enjoy open-air evenings by the camp fire and sleep under the jungle’s thick canopy in hammocks, bashas and mozzy nets.

After several days, travelers will reach the Sun Creek Jungle Lodge from where they will explore the Mayan village of Santa Cruz, the Pusilha Acropolis and the Maya Bridge, before proceeding on to several days in the sun at either the stunning diving destination of Caye Caulker or the beautiful beaches of Placencia.

Explorers will return to Belize for their return flights home. Please note that there must be a 24-hour layover between diving and flying.

Baobab’s 12-day tribal Belize journey is set for the 9th to the 20th of May, 2010. Pricing begins at $4,444 per person for double occupancy and includes accommodations, all meals on expedition and breakfasts at hotels, local experienced guides, drinking water, all transportation and excursions, and Royal Geographic Society membership. A luxury camp upgrade is also available, which provides higher quality hotels (where available), vehicle upgrades, faster boats (where available) and the use of tents on expedition. The expedition, available to groups of up to ten, will require moderate to difficult physical effort.

Baobab Expeditions has been ranked by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth 2009,” with a client satisfaction rating of 100 percent. For more information on Baobab Expeditions, please call 516 622 2279 or visit www.BaobabExpeditions.com.

RENOWNED JAMAICA INN IS OFFERING EASTER DEALS

Ocho Rios, Jamaica (03/2010) The exclusive Jamaica Inn is offering special rates on stays beginning March 28 through April 15, 2010. The savings range from $100 to nearly $300 per night on the hotel’s luxurious suites and cottages.

The Easter specials apply to the following suites and cottages: a Balcony Suite, usually $590, is now $490; a Deluxe Veranda Suite, usually $715, is now $594; a Premier Veranda Suite, usually $885, is now $735; the Cowdray Suite, usually $920, is now $764; the Blue Cottage, usually $960, is now $797. In addition, Cottages 3 and 4, along with the White Suite, are $1,606 instead of $1,935; Jamaica Inn Cottage without pool is now $1,192 instead of $1,435; and Jamaica Inn Cottage with pool is now $1,378 instead of $1,660. All rates are per room per night. Meal plans are not included and the special rates cannot be combined with any other specials or packages. The offer is also only applicable to new bookings and to bookings that both arrive and depart during the special dates.

Situated on a private cove on the outskirts of Ocho Rios, the Jamaica Inn provides everything desirable in a Caribbean vacation. The 47- suite hotel is designed for maximum comfort and privacy. A lush green lawn, which incorporates a croquet lawn and swimming pool, edges the hotel’s perfect 700- foot beach, often cited as one of the best in the Caribbean. Meals are served in an open-air or outdoor dining room, prepared by world class chefs who create delectable menus. There is also a main bar, lounge, beach bar, and room service. Combined with a staff who genuinely wishes to please, spacious accommodations and delicious dining, it is easy to see how the Jamaica Inn lends a sense of profound contentment.

Jamaica Inn’s full-service KiYara Spa is like being in a rain forest and is totally connected to nature. Two treatment rooms are set on the Cliffside among verdant tropical plants and a third room juts out over the sea as if it were a house boat. All feature open air thatch roof huts to put the client in total harmony with the environment. The outdoor spa showers are made of bamboo and are also set in prodigious plantings. All treatments are holistic, combining the use of fresh Jamaican herbs and fruits.

For additional information or reservations please call 1-800-837-4608 or fax 876-974-2449. Email is reservations@jamaicainn.com and the web site is www.jamaicainn.com.

BLISS IN THE BUSH - GLAMOROUS WEDDING PACKAGE OFFERED BY CAMP JABULANI, THE ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE

Hoedspruit, SOUTH AFRICA (03/2010) Camp Jabulani, a luxury safari camp close to Kruger National Park in South Africa, is offering a glamorous wedding package for brides- and grooms-to-be looking for a remote and romantic destination to tie the knot.. Known as “the Elephant Experience,” Camp Jabulani is the only safari camp in Africa where guests can take elephant-back safaris under the stars. Imagine the Milky Way as the glittering backdrop of an unforgettable ride atop a gentle beast as he tramps single file into the bush.

Camp Jabulani’s main lodge is a perfect expression of the African bush. An open-plan dining room and lounge merge with a wooden deck which lies in the shade of a gigantic leadwood tree. A hanging bridge connects these spaces to the free-standing suites which flank the river bed.

Each suite is fronted by massive wooden sliding doors which open to stylish and comfortable interiors. Rooms are appointed with enormous stone tubs, an outdoor glass-enclosed shower, a fireplace with separate lounge area, and a private plunge pool. During the day the “walls” of the suites are rolled away to bring the bush just that bit closer.

Facilities include a therapy Lapa and a Bush Gym. Guests are also able to enjoy game drives and visits to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.

With its luxury and glamour and romance, Camp Jabulani is an ideal setting for a wedding. The Camp will provide the services of a local pastor to conduct the ceremony and details such as flowers, photography, cake, videography or special requests can all be handled by the camp.

The $4500 wedding package includes:
- An exclusive photographic session with one of the Camp Jabulani elephants
- Overnight accommodation for bride and groom in a luxury suite
- Beautiful honeymoon turndown
- Bottle of sparkling wine and fruit basket
- Special honeymoon gift
- Private dinner or breakfast

It excludes:
- Beverages
- Additional photographic sessions with elephants; available at a rate of US$390 per session
- Additional elephant-back safaris available at a rate of US$162 per person per safari
- Photographer/Videographer/ Flowers (quotes available on request)
- Entertainment (quotes available on request)

Valid April 1, 2010 – March 31, 2011
For reservations: Tel 012-460-7348/5606 or email: reservations@campjabulani.com
Visit: www.campjabulani.com

SUBLIME MOTHER'S DAY PACKAGE AT LONDON'S DRAYCOTT HOTEL

London, ENGLAND (03/2010) Children or spouses of Moms who need a break, listen up!. The small but charming Mantis-owned five-star Draycott Hotel, situated in one of London’s most elegant enclave between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, is offering a Mother’s Day package for those Americans who want to give Mom a special treat – a stay at one of London’s finest boutique hotels and a body treatment at the city’s most exclusive Day Spa.

The package is designed to spoil Mom. She can luxuriate in a room overlooking a beautiful, private garden square lined with flowering fruit trees. If she loves the outdoors, you can special order from the hotel a gourmet picnic for her to take in the garden. At four pm she can enjoy afternoon tea in the drawing room and at six pm a complimentary glass of bubbly before a sparkling fire. Then, to assure a solid night’s sleep, she’ll be served soothing hot chocolate just before bedtime.

The following day she can completely mellow out at Ushvani, the luxe day spa in the heart of Chelsea providing an oasis of tranquillity, a much-needed antidote to the stress of 21st century metropolitan life. Here, therapists take a holistic approach to authentic South East Asian treatments, and it’s here Mom will receive a complimentary Balinese Massage and a Bespoke Foot Treatment.

The powerful Balinese massage derives from the Spice Islands of Indonesia and effectively balances the body, restores vitality, releases tension, and boosts circulation – leaving Mom feeling uplifted and recharged. The Bespoke Foot treatment is an invigorating jojoba scrub containing peppermint oils used to thoroughly exfoliate the feet, before they are nourished with Ushvani’s Coconut and Kemiri Blend, a rich body butter fragranced with natural essential oils. Reflex zones are worked while the feet are massaged, putting a spring back in Mom’s step.

Now Mom’s ready to step out. She can take in the sights and sounds of the Chelsea/Knightsbridge area where the vibe is all about shopping, dining, theatre and museum-going.

Rates for the Draycott Mother’s Day package are US$662 + VAT for a double room per night. This includes an English Breakfast and the 120-minutes Ushvani Balinese Massage and Bespoke Foot Treatment.

The offer is valid from April 30 through May 9, 2010, and is subject to availability.

For reservations please email: reservations@draycotthotel.com or call 020 7730 646. For more information on the Draycott Hotel, visit www.draycotthotel.com

FROM CAPE TOWN TO KIGALI

Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA (3/10) Discover Africa in style, with Baobab Expeditions’ exclusive Cape Town to Kigali adventure. This fifteen-day expedition combines the most luxurious accommodations in Africa, convenient private air transport, and some of Africa’s finest safari guides (Lynne Leakey and Gavin Ford) for the trip of a lifetime.

Explorers begin their adventure with three days in Cape Town, where they will stay at the super swank Cape Grace hotel, right on the waterfront. While here, they will explore the Cape Peninsula, climb Table Mountain, wander along the bustling Victoria and Albert Waterfront and wine and dine through the best of the Winelands.

Adventurers then delve into the South African bush for three days at the world-famous Sabi Sabi Game Reserve in greater Kruger National Park, where lions, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, and elephants abound.

Travelers jet off to Zimbabwe to discover one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Victoria Falls, where they will enjoy walks alongside the mile-wide chasm, helicopter rides over the Falls, elephant-back safaris, boat cruises, and bungee jumping from the Falls bridge. At day’s end, guests will retreat to the lush tropical surroundings of the Victoria Falls Hotel, a Leading Hotel of the World.

The next stop is Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, another of the world’s natural wonders. The crater is the largest intact caldera in the world at about 100 square kilometers. Travelers will venture out on safari through this unique ecosystem (which boasts over 30,000 animals) and soak in the views from the one of East Africa’s most luxurious properties, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, perched on the edge of the Serengeti overlooking the imposing crater.

Travelers then journey upstream to the Serengeti National Park, which hosts the largest migration of large animals worldwide. Over three million animals live in the Serengeti, half of which migrate between Tanzania and Kenya’s Masai Mara according to a unique oval migration pattern determined by the area’s seasonal rain. Adventurers are certain to catch glimpses of this amazing wildlife during their stay at the luxurious Serengeti Under Canvas tented camps, which offers a classic 1920s safari experience.

Finally, travelers arrive in Rwanda, where they will spend three nights at the plush Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge at the foot of the awesome Virungas peaks. While here, they will also spend two days trekking through the Parc National des Volcans, where over half of the world’s surviving Mountain Gorilla population still resides.

Baobab’s fifteen-day “Wings Over Africa” journey is set for the dates of October 1st to 22nd, 2010 and October 1st to 22nd, 2011. Pricing begins at $19,690 per person for double occupancy based on a group of 14. The pricing includes all accommodations, local experienced guides, two gorilla permits, and laundry as well as meals, refreshments, transportation and excursions as specified in the itinerary. The expedition, available to groups of up to fourteen, will require moderate to difficult physical effort.

For more information or to book, please call 516 622 2279 or visit the website at www.baobabexpeditions.com.