A FIVE-STAR CHRISTMAS AT ASHFORD CASTLE

County Mayo, Ireland - October 16, 2009: This December, Ashford Castle offers a special three-night Christmas Package that includes luxurious accommodations for the entire family, a wide range of holiday activities and a visit from Mr. Claus himself:

• Christmas Eve:  Niall Rochford, General Manager, welcomes guests with an Irish tradition of mulled wine and mince pies.  The evening then unfolds with a cocktail reception and dinner in the George V Dining Room as Ireland's West Quartet plays in the background. After dinner, Santa Claus arrives with presents for everyone, followed by a performance of the St. Mary's Children's Church Choir.  Then, warmed up and spirited, guests dance the night away to the music of the Avengers Show Band.  

• Christmas Day:  After a hearty Irish breakfast in the George V Dining Room, Christmas morning options include golf on the estate grounds, a cruise on Lough Corrib, the annual Christmas Treasure Hunt or simply a rest by the nearest fireplace. Cocktails, a Gala Dinner and more dancing round out the holiday, and the night wouldn't be complete without a midnight snack of mulled wine and mince pies.

• St. Stephen's Day:  After breakfast with the Larry Hingerton Jazz Band in the George V Dining Room, guests set off for a cruise along Lough Corrib.  Afterwards, some of Ashford Castle's culinary secrets will be revealed in a cooking demonstration, and a range of activities are available for the afternoon, including a guided walk on the castle grounds with local historian Mick May. Dinner in the George V restaurant and entertainment by The Molloy Brothers round out the night.

Rates for the Christmas Package start at €2,950 (approximately US$4,405) for single occupancy, and €1,850 (approximately US$2,760) per person for double occupancy.  

For more information and to make reservations, visit www.ashford.ie.
 
About Ashford Castle:
Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres in County Mayo, on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong, with a spectacular backdrop of woodlands, lake, river and mountains.  It features 83 guestrooms and suites and is renowned for a range of country sports including horseback riding, fly fishing, golf on an exclusive nine-hole course and Ireland's first school of falconry.

THE HOTEL DE CHARME LES AIRELLES IN THE FRENCH ALPS DEBUTS THE PRIVATE AND LUXURIOUS CHALET ORMELLO

The Exclusive Nine-Bedroom Chalet Opens December 11

The Hotel de Charme Les Airelles, the five-star ski resort in one of the world’s most exclusive winter destinations, announces the addition of the new Chalet Ormello, a private ski villa. The recently acquired chalet underwent a million Euro renovation and will debut with the 2009/2010-winter season reopening on December 11.

Just steps from the Bellecôte slopes amidst a breathtaking mountain setting, the 3,000 square-foot chalet offers guests five floors of secluded luxury, comfort and a multitude of modern amenities including a private Valmont Spa, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, steam room, fitness room, and film screening room. Chalet Ormello is the perfect holiday destination for large groups or families, comfortably accommodating up to 15 guests complete with seven double bedrooms, two master bedrooms and ample lounging areas.

Each of the five floors is decorated with finely appointed furnishings in a traditional style with an emphasis on modern comfort. Textured wood accents contribute to the chalet’s rustic but elegant feel, complimenting the soft lighting and rich fabrics. The ground floor features a spacious ski room, professional kitchen and three en-suite double bedrooms, while the above first floor houses the two master bedrooms with fireplaces. The main second floor is home to an expansive lounge area with fireplace, a second kitchen and dining room, a perfect spot to gather after a day on the slopes. On these floors, guests can enjoy picturesque views from multiple balconies, over looking these legendary mountains. 

Directly below the ground floor guests will find two en-suite bedrooms, and two bedrooms with personal shower rooms. The bottommost floor features the luxurious swimming pool and outdoor Jacuzzi steam room, as well as a fitness and massage room providing the perfect opportunity for utter relaxation and privacy. Large parties will enjoy the expansive and well-stocked bar, and families will appreciate the spacious playing room for kids, who also have their own Children’s Kingdom facility as part of the main hotel. All guests are sure to be entertained by the in-house cinema, complete with cushy chaise lounges and a theatre-sized screen. 

In addition to these world-class amenities, the Chalet Ormello also offers an array of services designed to meet guest’s every need. A concierge and private chef are available free of charge, as are housekeeping, shuttle and security services. Services available upon request include ski instructors and equipment, passes to the slopes, babysitting, and beauty care Valmont treatments, such as massages, a hairdresser or a personal trainer for those guests wishing to be pampered in privacy.

About Les Airelles

Known for its old world charm in the heart of the Jardin Alpin, the five-star Hotel de Charme Les Airelles has recently undergone a 37 million Euro renovation debuting in December 2009. Designed in the spirit of the grand chalets of the past, it is ideally situated at the foothills of the mountain with effortless access to the pistes via Gloriette and the Relais des Skieurs. The hotel’s 37 guestrooms, 14 suites and a 5,900 square-foot private apartment, offer guests en-suite amenities including flat screen TV’s and built-in DVD players, sound dock, video-on-demand service, jukebox and wireless high-speed Internet access. Additional offerings include the 7,000 square-foot Valmont Spa; a Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant and three other dining options; an elaborate Kid’s Kingdom providing entertainment for children under the supervision of a capable nanny; a skating rink and carousel offering timeless fun; and an exclusive Valentino boutique. The property is located five minutes from Courchevel Airport, thirty minutes from Moûtiers Rail Station and is a two-hour drive from Geneva and Lyon International Airport. For more information, please visit www.airelles.fr.

AIRJAMAICA.COM LAUNCHES ‘TICKET-A-DAY GIVEAWAY’

Enter to Win Airline Tickets and More Prizes through November 7, 2009

 Get Ready, Set, GO!  Today, Air Jamaica kicks off its most exciting online promotion yet!  Visitors to www.AirJamaica.com can enter each day for a chance to win airline tickets through Air Jamaica’s Ticket-A-Day Giveaway now through November 7, 2009. Plus, Air Jamaica will also select five daily winners to receive Lovebird Executive Class upgrades and five daily winners to receive a one-day pass to its Lovebird Executive Lounge in the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay or Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

 “We are thrilled to give our passengers a chance to win the best deal of all – round-trip tickets on Air Jamaica,” said George W. deMercado, Air Jamaica’s Senior Director, Global Sales. “We encourage everyone to visit AirJamaica.com for a chance to win and also experience the ease and convenience of online check-in, to purchase tickets up to two hours before flight departure, see our latest sale fares and our new fall schedule.”

The lucky ticket winners may use their ticket to visit any of Air Jamaica’s Caribbean gateways, including Curacao, Grenada and Jamaica. No purchase is necessary. Consumers can simply click on the Ticket-A-Day Giveaway link on Air Jamaica’s website and complete the entry form.  Passengers who purchase tickets through www.AirJamaica.com or who check-in for their flight online will automatically be entered into the promotion.Everyday could be your lucky day from October 8 through November 7, 2009.  A total of 31 roundtrip tickets in Lovebird Economy Class, 155 one-day Lovebird Executive Lounge Passes, and 155 one-way upgrades to Lovebird Executive Class will be awarded over the duration of the promotion.

To learn more about Air Jamaica’s Ticket-A-Day Giveaway or to make reservations, visit www.AirJamaica.com.

NEW ATTRACTIONS, TOURS, HOTELS, EXHIBITIONS AND WORLD RENOWNED THEATER MAKE CHICAGO A PREMIER DESTINATION IN 2010

With its stunning architecture, acclaimed museums, lakefront parks and vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, Chicago is a city of world-class status and unsurpassed beauty. In 2010, new tours, exhibitions and hotels, and an array of Tony award-winning theater productions make Chicago the perfect year-round destination.

Explore Chicago’s 31 miles of lakefront, 48 museums, 77 neighborhoods, more than 200 theaters, and over 6,000 restaurants. For more information about planning a trip, call 1.877.CHICAGO or visit www.explorechicago.org. Here is what to look for in 2010.

                                SEABORN YACHTING LIFE

Join us on a Spring Europe voyage to an alluring array of Mediterranean hideaways and jet-set resorts. Choose Seabourn Spirit's Italian Mosaic including Sicily and the stunning Amalfi Coast. Cruise aboard Seabourn Legend to the yacht-spangled harbors of Sardinia and the French and Italian rivieras. Or sail the new Seabourn Odyssey to isles of myth and legend: Santorini with its turquoise bay and cliff-top Taormina in Sicily. It's the perfect opportunity to experience Seabourn Yachting Life, now at spectacular Spring fares.

Greek Isles & Turkey • Seabourn Odyssey

MAY 8 or JUN 5, 2010 • 7 days 
Athens (Piraeus), Greece to Istanbul, Turkey

Special Fares from $3,499

Aegean Odyssey • Seabourn Odyssey

MAY 15 or JUN 12, 2010 • 7 days 
Istanbul, Turkey to Athens (Piraeus), Greece 

Special Fares from $3,499 

Italian Mosaic • Seabourn Spirit

MAY 1, 29 or JUN 26, 2010 • 7 days 
Round-trip Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Special Fares from $2,999

Rome, Florence & Rivieras • Seabourn Legend

MAY 9 or JUN 12, 2010 • 7 days 
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy to Monte Carlo, Monaco

Special Fares from $2,799

The Yachting Collection 2010.11

THAI AIRWAYS WELCOMES NEW GENERAL MANAGER OF AMERICAS

Thai Airways USA has a new General Manager to lead the airline’s USA market. Mr. Sutsveta Svetasobhana brings 20 years of senior management experience in the airline industry.

Mr. Svetasobhana officially assumed the office on September 1, taking over from Mr. Manit Chaisukumara, who retired this October. Coming from his latest post at Thai Airways office in Korea office, Mr. Svetasobhana is a seasoned manager and marketing professional with experience across the world. Prior to his post in Korea, he was stationed in Hong Kong where he oversaw all sales and marketing.

“This is a new market for me, but one that I am excited to experience and learn about. My goal is to continue to provide the legendary service of Thai Airways to all our customers in America. With that, I’m thrilled to announce beginning December 1, we will resume our daily, nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Bangkok. Passengers will now be able to fly any day of the week. They will have the opportunity to visit our newly designed USA website or contact our travel partners to book a ticket,” said Sutsveta Svetasobhana, Thai Airways General Manager, USA Central and South America. Committed to service excellence throughout his career, Mr. Svetasobhana has been with Thai Airways for 26 years. His wife and daughter have relocated to Los Angeles. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his family.

For more information on Thai Airways, please visit www.thaiairwaysusa.com or call THAI USA Reservations at 1-800-426-5204 or your local travel agent.

About Thai Airways:

Thai Airways (THAI) is the national carrier of Thailand with service to more than 74 destinations in 36 countries and five continents.  THAI operates the fastest services to Southeast Asia from the U.S with its direct, non-stop service from Los Angeles to Bangkok and beyond.

Explore Grand Canyon Tours Sees More Grand Canyon Tours Leaving Las Vegas

Explore Grand Canyon Tours offers tour routes ranging from helicopter to bus to hiking to jeep. But recent tour scheduling activity indicates that visitors to Las Vegas are looking for an alternate way to spend their time…away from the poker table and slot machines. The company has seen a noted increase in the number of Grand Canyon Tours scheduled out of Las Vegas recently.

Phoenix, AZ (Vocus/PRWEB) October 10, 2009 – Explore Grand Canyon Tours (www.ExploreGrandCanyonTours.com) obviously offers tours of the Grand Canyon. But in recent months a new trend has occurred: more Grand Canyon tours are being scheduled leaving out of Las Vegas, Nevada. While numbers for Grand Canyon tours leaving out of Arizona are consistent, the number of tours scheduled with Las Vegas as the departure point continue to increase.

Explore Grand Canyon Tours management suggests that the reason for the change could be the downturn. Most people are less likely to gamble when they are tight on cash; especially those who don’t make a regular habit of gambling. So tourists and business visitors to the Las Vegas area are spending less time visiting the craps tables and slot machines in the casinos and instead they are looking for other activities to spend their time on. One activity that many are turning to are the tours scheduled out of Vegas heading out to the Grand Canyon.

Tyson Bailey of Explore Grand Canyon Tours said, “It’s strange. I would never have pointed towards the tours based out of Vegas as our most popular until maybe a month or two ago. And now I’d have to say it’s pretty obviously one of our top sellers. The bus tour to the South Rim takes 13 hours and the West Rim helicopter landing takes 3 hours…they’re both great choices and experiencing equal increases in popularity recently.”

Explore Grand Canyon Tours offers tours departing out of: Phoenix and Page, AZ as well as Las Vegas, NV and the Grand Canyon itself. The Grand Canyon is under the direction of Superintendant Steve Martin and information regarding park statistics can be obtained by contacting Maureen Oltrogge at (928) 638-7779. The Grand Canyon was first recognized as a “forest reserve” by President Benjamin Harrison in 1893. It has since been named a national monument in 1908 and finally a national park in 1919. On October 26, 1979 it was designated as a World Heritage Site. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.

www.ExploreGrandCanyonTours.com

Arundel Villa, a luxury estate on the north shores of the island of Tortola, is now available for rental. Formerly the home of noted international lawyer, political advisor and Washington, D.C. resident Lester S. Hyman, Arundel Villa has been used to entertain influential world leaders and dignitaries.  Nestled high above the Cane Garden Bay, Arundel offers guests privacy in an idyllic island setting.

The secluded hillside location, together with its proximity to pristine beaches, world renowned diving and snorkeling, and the easy charm of Tortola’s enticing shops, galleries, and fine dining, makes Arundel Villa an ideal destination for today’s traveler. Guests can enjoy the finest amenities and state-of-the-art technology in any one of the villa’s three lavish pavilions or spacious outdoor terrace. With a total of three bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, Arundel can comfortably accommodate up to six guests.

The palatial master bedroom features an exquisite marble bath with indoor/outdoor shower, and boasts an adjoining tatami room for reading and meditation. The two queen-sized guest suites each include a private balcony with picturesque views of the bay. Each bedroom comes complete with modern comforts, including DVD players and iPod docking stations. For those guests wishing to remain connected to the office, Arundel provides a workspace complete with computer, answering service and fax. For convenience, wireless Internet is accessible throughout the villa.

The main pavilion features a gourmet kitchen, indoor dining room and large living area. Complete with a wet bar and baby grand piano, this vast expanse is an ideal gathering spot for large parties and a romantic setting for couples. This space opens into a massive outdoor terrace with a swimming pool, hot tub and sheltered outdoor dining area. Bordered by lush, tropical gardens of orchids and herbs, the terrace provides a wide array of beach lounges and seating for rest and relaxation.

In addition to its intrinsic natural beauty, Arundel is also home to an extensive art collection with pieces from around the globe. Owner Lester Hyman amassed these works, which adorn the pavilions and gardens of the villa, as a result of his many friendships with world leaders from all over the globe.  His collection includes a ceramic vase gifted to him by former South Korean president Kim Young Sam, and a painting from former Haitian president Prosper Avril.

Mr. Hyman developed these important relationships through his many years of service in the federal and state governments. During this time, he acted as an advisor and confidant to eight presidential candidates. While he currently lives in Washington, D.C., Arundel Villa has been Mr. Hyman’s private residence for many years. He used this property to entertain colleagues and friends, including the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

Arundel Villa also offers a number of special services designed to meet guests’ every need. Beginning with airport pick-up, guests can expect unparalleled service throughout their stay. Gourmet catering, in-house spa services and a personal chef are available to all guests upon request. A large collection of music, films, books and games provides easy entertainment for every member of the family. For those guests desiring to venture beyond the villa, the staff will arrange any number of exciting outdoor activities. These activities range from private island tours and day sails, to snorkeling and windsurfing.

For weekly stays from April 18-December 18, 2009, rates start at $4,000 USD per week. A high season rate of $7,100 per week applies for stays from January 1-April 18, 2010. There are slightly higher rates and minimum night stays for holiday bookings. For more information about Arundel Villa, including a full list of amenities and rates, please call 866.206.1332 or visit www.arundelvilla.com.

LOEWS HOTELS WELCOMES FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS WITH OPEN PAWS

“Houndly Holidays” Package Includes Special Pet Menu:

“Dog Nog” and “Lassie Latkes” Featured

 

  

Loews Hotels, the first national hotel brand to recognize the importance of pets in their guests’ lives with its innovative “Loews Loves Pets” program, rolls out the red carpet for four-legged guests this holiday season with its “Houndly Holidays” package. Designed for canine and feline family members, the program features a special rate on a one-night stay, an in-room holiday meal for pets, Loews Loves Pets amenities, and a Bow Wowzer toy from West Paw Design®.

The package is available at 17 Loews Hotels throughout the U.S. and Canada from October 19, 2009 to January 10, 2010; prices vary by date and location. Examples of starting prices are $134 for the Loews Denver and Loews New Orleans hotels. Package prices are based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. 

The Houndly Holiday menu items were specially developed by Loews Hotels Executive Chef Marc Ehrler, an award winning Master Chef from France, a country known for their fondness of pets. Festive menu items include Dog Nog, Turkey Rolls a la Pug, Spaniel Stuffing, Persian Pumpkin Pie, Lassie Latkes and more.  A sampling of holiday recipes is listed below and can be found on Loews Hotels’ Facebook page. Standard pet menu items are available at all Loews Hotels, but vary at each location. Most include bow wow burgers, chicken and rice and grilled filet for dogs.  All menu items were approved by a licensed veterinarian.

“Our aim at Loews Hotels is to offer our guests a ‘home away from home’ whether they arrive on two legs or four,” commented Jonathan Tisch, CEO of Loews Hotels and proud owner of Minnie a Maltipoo puppy. “For many, the holiday season means spending time and traveling with our loved ones. We designed this program to help make our guests and their pets feel especially welcome at our hotels.”

Purr-fect Perks

            As part of Loews Loves Pets program, all animals are “Very Important Pets” (VIPs). Each is welcomed with a Loews Loves Pets brochure, which includes a listing of pet services available at the hotel, including dog-walking routes and information on nearby veterinarians, pet shops, groomers, pet attractions, pet-friendly restaurants and other resources. Guests also receive a special amenity that includes pet placemats with food and water bowls, dog tags, treats, scoop bags and a “Do Not Disturb” sign that lets housekeeping know when a pet is in the room. Pet walking and pet sitting services are available through the hotels’ concierge desks. Loews Hotels also offer a “Puppy Pager” service, which equips pet-owning guests with a pager or cell phone to allow hotel staff to contact them immediately if there is a pet-related emergency.

            Loews turned to a licensed veterinarian to help develop pet room service menus, specially designed to provide proper nutrition to help pets deal with travel stress such as jet lag and altitude adjustments. Pet room service varies at each hotel; most include items such as roasted salmon for finicky felines and grilled filet and roasted chicken and rice for dogs. Selections of premium dry and canned pet foods are also available for in-room delivery.

            Loews Hotels also loans its guests pet necessities such as dog and cat beds in different sizes, leashes and collars. Kitty litter boxes and litter, pooper-scoopers, and a selection of pet toys (such as rawhide bones, catnip and scratch poles) are also available for purchase.

            To ensure that guest rooms are ready for non-pet owners, each hotel has established special cleaning procedures for pet stays, including the use of HEPA-filtered vacuums so that all traces of pet allergens are removed in preparation for the next guest. 

Loews Hotels selected West Paw Design to supply the toys because the company creates products with minimal environmental impact by using nontoxic, organic or recyclable materials for all canine products. The Bow Wowzer toys are a perfect fit for dogs of all sizes and are strong enough to last through endless hours of fetch or rough housing. 

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 GERMANY IN WINTER IS WUNDERBAR!

"Munich nestles between art and beer like a village between hills." Originally written by Heinrich Heine some 150 years ago, these words remain true today. With the oktoberfest and opera, Hofbräuhaus beer hall and Pinakothek art galleries, BMW and Bayern Munich, the city manages to marry old Bavarian tradition with vibrant modern life. It really is a dream city come true. Visit: www.muenchen-tourist.de

THE HOTEL DE CHARME LES AIRELLES IN THE FRENCH ALPS DEBUTS THE PRIVATE AND LUXURIOUS CHALET ORMELLO

The Exclusive Nine-Bedroom Chalet Opens December 11

The Hotel de Charme Les Airelles, the five-star ski resort in one of the world’s most exclusive winter destinations, announces the addition of the new Chalet Ormello, a private ski villa. The recently acquired chalet underwent a million Euro renovation and will debut with the 2009/2010-winter season reopening on December 11.

Just steps from the Bellecôte slopes amidst a breathtaking mountain setting, the 3,000 square-foot chalet offers guests five floors of secluded luxury, comfort and a multitude of modern amenities including a private Valmont Spa, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, steam room, fitness room, and film screening room. Chalet Ormello is the perfect holiday destination for large groups or families, comfortably accommodating up to 15 guests complete with seven double bedrooms, two master bedrooms and ample lounging areas.

Each of the five floors is decorated with finely appointed furnishings in a traditional style with an emphasis on modern comfort. Textured wood accents contribute to the chalet’s rustic but elegant feel, complimenting the soft lighting and rich fabrics. The ground floor features a spacious ski room, professional kitchen and three en-suite double bedrooms, while the above first floor houses the two master bedrooms with fireplaces. The main second floor is home to an expansive lounge area with fireplace, a second kitchen and dining room, a perfect spot to gather after a day on the slopes. On these floors, guests can enjoy picturesque views from multiple balconies, over looking these legendary mountains. 

Directly below the ground floor guests will find two en-suite bedrooms, and two bedrooms with personal shower rooms. The bottommost floor features the luxurious swimming pool and outdoor Jacuzzi steam room, as well as a fitness and massage room providing the perfect opportunity for utter relaxation and privacy. Large parties will enjoy the expansive and well-stocked bar, and families will appreciate the spacious playing room for kids, who also have their own Children’s Kingdom facility as part of the main hotel. All guests are sure to be entertained by the in-house cinema, complete with cushy chaise lounges and a theatre-sized screen.    

In addition to these world-class amenities, the Chalet Ormello also offers an array of services designed to meet guest’s every need. A concierge and private chef are available free of charge, as are housekeeping, shuttle and security services. Services available upon request include ski instructors and equipment, passes to the slopes, babysitting, and beauty care Valmont treatments, such as massages, a hairdresser or a personal trainer for those guests wishing to be pampered in privacy.

About Les Airelles

Known for its old world charm in the heart of the Jardin Alpin, the five-star Hotel de Charme Les Airelles has recently undergone a 37 million Euro renovation debuting in December 2009. Designed in the spirit of the grand chalets of the past, it is ideally situated at the foothills of the mountain with effortless access to the pistes via Gloriette and the Relais des Skieurs. The hotel’s 37 guestrooms, 14 suites and a 5,900 square-foot private apartment, offer guests en-suite amenities including flat screen TV’s and built-in DVD players, sound dock, video-on-demand service, jukebox and wireless high-speed Internet access. Additional offerings include the 7,000 square-foot Valmont Spa; a Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant and three other dining options; an elaborate Kid’s Kingdom providing entertainment for children under the supervision of a capable nanny; a skating rink and carousel offering timeless fun; and an exclusive Valentino boutique. The property is located five minutes from Courchevel Airport, thirty minutes from Moûtiers Rail Station and is a two-hour drive from Geneva and Lyon International Airport. For more information, please visit www.airelles.fr.