Stafford London by Kempinski

The Stafford London by Kempinski is located in heart of St James’s The Stafford. The luxury London hotel was originally built as private residences. The buildings that comprise the hotel (number 16-18 St. James’s Place) were home to many tenants including Lord and Lady Lyttelton.

As The Stafford London by Kempinski celebrates its centennial, the luxury hotel is offering an year-long celebration, including its £100,000 VIP Experience.

Long defined by luxury, The Stafford London by Kempinski prepares for a diamond jubilee and the upcoming Olympic Games in London.

Although the exact opening date of The Stafford Hotel as it stands today is highly debated, research indicates that it took place in either spring 1911 or early 1912. With this in mind, the hotel opted to use 2011 as its preparation period for a year of festivities in 2012.

General Manager Leon Baum was quoted, “In 2011, we were inspired by our rich heritage and embarked on a renovation program that made the hotel better than ever; we launched our rustic British restaurant The Lyttelton and began pulling together new one-of-a-kind experiences for our guests. This year, we celebrate it all. Each initiative highlights our quintessential British character, while also illustrating how we continue to evolve and exceed our guests’ wildest expectations.

Stafford London by Kempinski

Hotel guests can find numerous opportunities to learn of The Stafford London by Kempinski’s rich history, including: VIP experiences, historic exhibits, new epicurean offerings, and much more!

To kick-off the celebrations, the hotel is unveiling the ultimate London VIP experience. Drawing on its long-standing relationships with iconic U.K. brands, The Stafford’s £100,000 Anniversary Package celebrates the finer things in life. The luxury hotel package includes:

– Luxurious London pied a terre for three nights at The Stafford in either the duplex Guv’nor’s Suite or more contemporary Penthouse of The Stafford Mews; plus a £10,000 dining credit to spend on epicurean experiences in the hotel’s American Bar, The Lyttelton, or in-room dining throughout the stay
– Effortless airport experience including private waiting lounge, escort through customs/immigration, transfers and more through Heathrow by Invitation
– Chauffeur driven Bentley, Jaguar or Rolls Royce limousine at guests’ beckon call throughout their stay
– Private butler to attend to every need and desire
– Feast fit for the most discerning foodies consisting of a private dinner party in The Stafford’s 380-year-old wine cellars for up to ten guests; a choice of three-course or five-course tasting menu prepared by Executive Chef Brendan Fyldes; and wine pairings by Master Sommelier Gino Nardella
– Bespoke fashions courtesy of famed tailor Henry Poole and hatters Lock & Co; a heirloom-worthy piece of custom jewellery by London’s top designer Patrick Wyatt; fittings and consolations can be conducted in-suite or at the designers’ shops
– A private portrait photo-shoot with internationally renowned photographer Alistair Morrison (Morrison has shot celebrities from Sir Anthony Hopkins to Helen Mirren to Twiggy and has 82 photographs in the National Portrait Gallery)
– Exclusive London experiences to fill the itinerary including: traditional afternoon tea in an exclusive British setting of either the Royal Academy, Highgrove House or Kensington Palace; a private Champagne or Wine Capsule experience on the London Eye; a half-day spa retreat at a neighbouring establishment; a speedboat tour of The Thames River; and a chance to try the indulgent Mahiki Armada Treasure Chest concoction

The incredible £100,000 Anniversary Package is priced at £100,000, excluding taxes and gratuities. It is available now through December 31, 2012 and is subject to availability.

To book, contact reservations at: +44 (0) 207 493 0111.

Machine Guns Vegas

Las Vegas is known for its over-the-top luxurious dining, partying, entertainment, and gambling.  Now it can add over-the-top luxurious gun range ultra lounge to its credit.

Every detail of the new Machine Gun Vegas is meticulously cared for to ensure the highest-class gun range experience, in the true Las Vegas fashion.  The ultra lounge is staffed with fully trained “Gun Waitresses” that offers a cocktail of gun cocktails.  In addition, they also give you the opportunity to try out a million dollars’ worth of guns.

Further adding to its intrigue, the Machine Gun Vegas has several gun themes.  The most notable ones being the MOB, The Femme Fatale, SEAL Team VI, World @ War, and The Elite.  The MOB is a blend of weaponry used by the Mafia in Las Vegas, including the Thompson, an Amphibian S pistol suppressor, and the Mossberg 590A1 12 gauge shot gun.  All of which has been seen at one time or another on mob movies.

The Femme Fatale consists of the Uzi and different types of handguns, all light in weight and easier to control.  In the late 1940’s, Major Uziel Gal created the first Uzi sub machine gun. The gun was utilized as a personal defense weapon for tankers, artillery troops, and officers.  It was also used as on the frontlines by elite infantry assault forces.

The SEAL Team VI gives the guests a chance to live the fast-paced dangers of the famed military squad.  This package includes a pistol with suppressor designed to be lightweight, improved accuracy, and extended service life.  The Amphibian S, featured in this package has 13 variations spanning 29 years, making it the most advanced and sought after integrated .22 caliber suppressor system in the world.

Next featured in the SEAL Team VI is the MR556A1, a premium level commercial and civilian semi-automatic rifle.  This class of firearm has been made popular as the civilian version of the gun that was used in the recent, high profile Operation Neptune Spear.  The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) machine gun and the M60 rounds out the SEAL Team VI weaponry pack.

World @ War features close and long-range firearms mainly used in military combat.  This includes the M1911, a single, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, and recoil-operated handgun designed by John M. Browning.  It was commonly used in both World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  The MP 40 (the “Schmeisser”) is the successor of the MP 38 and is a submachine gun created in Nazi Germany to be used during the second World War.  You may recognize it from movies like “Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private Ryan”.

The Elite is one of the most premium packages Machine Gun Vegas has to offer.  It includes the M249 SAW, handguns, semi-automatics, and full automatics for a complete shooting experience.  It covers firearms used by the United States armed forces as well as military forces from around the world.

Machine Guns Vegas offers complimentary transportation to and from your Vegas hotel.  But be forewarned that this new kind of ultra lounge is definitely not for the weak of heart. They don’t do single shots, but round after round of pure guns. It is truly Las Vegas on Full Auto.

Hungary is a former Eastern Bloc country but has emerged as a popular European travel destination, offering a return to magical Renaissance, ancient folk traditions, and quaint rustic villages.

Perhaps the single most underrated city in Europe, Budapest is a city for lovers and dreamers.

Although London, Rome, Paris and Madrid continue to be hot spots in Europe, there does exist other wonderful and magnificent cities and locations that are often overlooked.

One of those hidden gems is definitely Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is located in the heart of Europe, and is one of Europe’s most splendid cities.

A mention of Budapest, Hungary brings to mind the meandering blue Danube River. The famed and gently flowing Danube River splits the city of Budapest into two.

In Budapest, one can view both breathtaking natural beauty or exquisite architecture. This “City of the Spas” and “Queen of the Danube” is undoubtedly one of the most amazing cities in the world.

Budapest is also a tourist’s dream. The city provides a wide range of activities to keep you busy on your European vacation or holiday.

Museums stand in the streets, rich with history. The Aquincum Museum and Roman ruins house the 2,000 year old remains of the Roman town of Aquincum.

You can learn more about the Roman Empire at the Budapest History Museum and Castle Museum. These hold archaeological remnants from that formative era.

A visit to the Transport Museum offers insight behind the well known railway system in Budapest. In addition, this transportation museum holds one of the earliest collections of transport-related articles in Europe.

A significant piece of Budapest’s diverse history is the story its Jewish people and heritage.

Budapest was severely devastated by the Holocaust during World War II. More than a half million of its men were deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp.

A popular location in Budapest is the hot springs. These natural resources of warm water are believed to contain powerful healing capability. World travelers regularly come to Budapest to use the healing thermal baths.

The Szechenyi Bath in Budapest provides hot water that ideally makes it a popular refuge even in the icy cold winter air.

For nature lovers, Budapest also boasts many beautiful caves. Carved by the natural springs, these caves offer another amazing opportunity to explore.

Visiting Budapest is nothing short of visiting paradise. A trip to Budapest will surely be one you will never forget.

Courtesy of: Royal Kaanapali Course

The beautiful Ka’anapali Resort on tropical Maui is home to two championship golf courses. The golf resort is situated on about 1,200 acres of land that’s home to ancient Hawaiian royalty. Golfers will enjoy endless panoramic views of both the Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountains.

The Royal Kaanapali Course opened its lush fairways in 1962. The golf course offers 6,700 yards and a par 71 course. The Royal Kaanapali Course was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest in 2008. The scenic golf course is the perfect choice for an avid golfer.

In addition to its breathtaking scenery, the Royal Kaanapali Course is well recognized as a world-class golf facility. Even the easiest holes here are a challenge.

In addition, the Royal Kaanapali Course is one of only two courses anywhere in Hawaii, designed by Robert Trent Jones.

The Royal Kaanapali Course layout takes full advantage of the lush rolling landscape. The course offers gentle, sloping fairways along with large, contoured greens. This combination makes the Royal Kaanapali Course both distinctive as well as demanding.

The greens here are expansive, yet contoured. It’s difficult to decipher the varying slope and pitch of greens. The high sun angle along with the Bermuda grass make putting quite a challenge.

Courtesy of: Royal Kaanapali Course

The Royal Kaanapali Course was previously named the Tournament North Course. The challenging Course begins at sea level, then works its way through the resort out to the Pacific Ocean’s edge at the 5th hole.

The world championship course has been host to many major golf tournaments including the Champions TOUR Ka’anapali Classic, LPGA Kemper Cup, Senior Tour’s Ka’anapali Classic and Wendy’s Champions SKINS GAME.

For more information please visit Royal Kaanapali Course

The luxury Shops at Wailea has become some of the most popular attractions in all of Maui.

This upscale shopping and dining complex is quickly becoming a flourishing tourism site. The Shops at Wailea opened for business in 2001 and has become a popular destination for Maui vacationers and locals.

The impressive, tropical complex boasts sixteen acres and more than fifty shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. There is a generous mix of local retailers as well as larger conglomerates that are well-known worldwide.

The Shops at Wailea (sometimes called the Wailea Shopping Village) is located near Maui’s famous and luxurious Wailea Resort, adjacent to the Wailea Beach Villas resort fronting Wailea Beach.

The shopping center offers the Maui tradition of a relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful setting. You’ll find treasures from internationally renowned designers like Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton to local artisans by leading artists from Maui.

A few of the many luxury shops are Betsy Johnson, Vendi, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Guess, Cache, Coach, Cos Bar, St. John Boutique and Tori Richard.

While searching for fine fashion and casual clothing, some of the favorites are Banana Republic, Billabong, Chico’s, Crazy Shirts, Enchantress Boutiques, Gap, Honolua Wahine, Maui Water Wear, Quicksilver, Sgt. Leisure, Sisters & Co. Boutique Salon, The Walking Company and White House/ Black Market.

For the perfect gift or jewelry, check out Elephant Walk- A Gallery of Life, Martin & MacArthur, Sand People, Black Pearl Gallery, Dolphin Gallery, Folli Follie, Na Hoku, Tiffany & Co and Wailea Jewelry.

If you seek fine dining options, enjoy a variety of choice ranging from typical American foods to Pacific Rim cuisine. Some options include Longhi’s, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe and Cheeseburger Island.

For entertainment options, sip a cocktail while you listen to Hawaiian music and dance at WOW! Wailea on Wednesdays. Other events include gallery receptions, artist appearances, retail and restaurant specials and free live entertainment every Wednesday.

The Shops at Wailea
3750 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, HI 96753
phone:(808) 891-6770
fax:(808) 891-6772

The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the only tropical zoo in the United States and shouldn’t be missed during your Big Island vacation.

You will encounter a variety of rainforest animals and endangered Hawaiian animals, such as a white Bengal tiger, spider monkeys, lemurs, nene geese (the Hawaiian State bird), and over 80 other animal species.

The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is also considered a botanical garden covered with orchids, bamboos, 100 varieties of palms, and a water garden.

The Panaewa Zoo, about 4 miles from Hilo, is open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Admission is free.

Must-do’s are: the petting zoo (only on Saturday), the white Bengal tiger (Namaste) feeding at 3:30 daily, and the gift shop.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens

Spa Luana – Turtle Bay Resort

Close your eyes and listen … the pounding of waves is probably the first thing you’ll notice. Now, open your eyes and look out at the ocean. That’s easy to do, as the resort faces Turtle Bay on one side and Kulilima Cove on the other, which has a protected beach with a swimming and snorkel area.

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, take the drive to the other side of heaven. 5 1/2 miles of pristine beaches and 12 miles of ocean trails for strolls along the ocean, await you on 880 acres. If you take a stroll along the bay, you will probably have the opportunity to see the many turtles that make their home here. There are seven color-coded trails to follow.

There is something for everyone here. Tennis (10 courts), two championship golf courses (36 holes of Arnold Palmer and George Fazio Courses), horse-back riding stables (a wide variety of choices for beginners to advanced riders, including evening and horse-drawn carriage rides). They also have helicopter tours right on site, and much more!

The property can accommodate groups of up to 1,000 for meetings and has hosted concerts of up to 5,000. There was a wedding gong on during my stay and besides seeing guests all dressed up in their “Hawaii best”, one wouldn’t even know it was going on.

While I was working out in the fitness center, I was speaking with a nice gal. She was working out while her husband was taking advantage of the surfing school that they have on property. That makes sense as this is where the surfers live. Turtle Bay Resort is surrounded by little surfing towns, which lends to the very casual atmosphere at the resort. My new friend then left her work-out to join the yoga class, which was starting just outside on the patio. Another lady that I spoke with said that she and her family have been coming back to the resort every year since her two boys were young. One had just graduated from Cordon Bleu School and had even chosen to do his internship here.

The Turtle Bay Resort went through a $60 million renovation of the property. The rooms are spacious (ranging from 478 to 2000 square feet in size) and they also have cottages set away from the main hotel. They have Kallista (deep-soak) tubs, and you can enjoy your own exclusive butler (ho’okipa) service. Rub elbows with the locals as they make their way to the restaurants and partake in the yoga classes, golf and other activities at the resort. It lends itself to a very friendly atmosphere. If you like spinach and bacon, go to Lei Lei’s, their casual golf club dining restaurant and get their spinach salad with warm bacon dressing (it’s great, and loaded with bacon pieces!) and poke (marinated raw ahi tuna). Their poke is very popular, so get there early to get yours.

THE SPA LUANA
Spa Luana takes its meaning from the spirit of relaxation. ancient practices of healing and relaxation that incorporate mind, body and spirit. The Na Ho’ola’s (many healers) used Hawaiian plants, fruits, flowers, and the natural healing properties from the Honua (earth) and the Moana (ocean) to care for the islanders. Experience the collection of Hawaiian indigenous spa treatments that reflect the spirit of Malama (to care, serve and honor).

I arrived at the hotel after a long day in airports and airplanes, and then the 45-minute drive to the hotel. The drive is easy and easy on the eyes, as there are pineapple plantations (Dole) and many other farms and greenery. I checked in, opened the lanai (balcony) and heard beautiful island music playing. There was a function being held outside of my room, but if I hadn’t looked over, I would never have known they were all there, enjoying their early dinner. I just got to enjoy the relaxing music that was filling the air. I then headed down to the spa to get the last treatment of the day.

Signature Treatements:

Hawaiian Ti-Leave Body Wrap
I was greeted by my therapist, Sonia and led to the wet therapy room. I laid down on the treatment bed and she spread an application of fresh coconut pulp all over my body and then followed it by patting my body with a warm pure kukui nut oil. She then wrapped me in a cocoon of ti-leaves on my underside and mylar wrap over my body. During the relaxation period, she placed soothing ti-leafs, held on with small cooled stones eye pillows, and an aromatic essential oil of your choice. During the wrap, Sonia rubbed my head and neck with her great, strong hands, and then massaged my feet. Once complete, she then rinsed my body down with a long overhead Vichy Rain Shower bar. After the rinse, she rolled the sheets and towels out from under me, to provide a clean surface to work from so that she could then apply a natural body moisturizer made with pure, hydrating Aloe Vera gel and coconut juice. She recommended that I let it soak into my body overnight. This treatment alternated from cool to warm and then cool again. They say that this treatment is meant to cool burned skin, prevents peeling and is the ideal spa treatment for those who spent a little too much time in the sun.

Spa massage treatments range from hot stone therapy to Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massages. The Lomi-Lomi originally known as lomi ka’ ala hoku, “massage journey to the stars”, is an ancient Hawaiian Massage system. It has been passed down from one generation to the next. Native Hawaiians believed that all nature is replete with the same energy or spirit which they called aloha ‘aina. This system of massage was kept secret from the West until the 1970’s.

It is meant to revive the body, to move blood and lymph, release muscle spasms, and facilitate waste product removal from muscle and connective tissue. The concepts of unconditional love, grace, beauty and spirituality are inherent in Lomi.

The most distinctive movement of Lomi is a kneading motion done toward the heart. However, a full range of massage strokes are also used. Special attention is paid to the na ‘au, the lower abdomen, which ancient Hawaiian philosophy considers the center of all emotion and power.

The practitioner will predominantly use the soft part of the forearm coupled with a dancing motion to create the long, gliding strokes intrinsic to Lomi. Finger tips, hands, knuckles and elbow may also be used.

I spoke with two different women who had this massage and both were extremely relaxed and pleased with their treatments.

Pineapple Pedicure
For lack of time, I was not able to experience this luxurious treatment, but I was able to speak with a lady having it done.

First, this treatment is performed out on the patio, facing the pounding waves. This was also just before sunset so the atmosphere was enhanced by the sun setting. She said that she was loving the total experience and her pedicurist was a delightful young lady, also.

A truly pampering tropical foot treatment that began with a warmed coconut milk footbath soak, filled with fresh orchids, followed by a Hawaiian Sea Salt exfoliation and lava rock buff. Next her feet were wrapped with a mask of crushed pineapple and island honey for deep conditioning. During that period, she enjoyed a soothing kukui nut oil hand massage. Then she had an invigorating foot massage, and ended with a moisturizing application of kukui oil.

The locker room and spa itself is small, with a steam room, a couple of showers and limited amenities, but the trip to your room is short. They even have a spa floor, on the second floor above the spa. The elevator misses the ground floor traffic, so you won’t be running into lobby guests. For larger groups, they convert suites into treatment rooms. Guests can enjoy the sound of the waves from these private suites. The Jacuzzi is located just outside the spa doors

Needs improvement:
The sitting area was very well lit, with only one large comfy chair and another two-person backless bench.

All in all, everyone that I spoke with truly enjoyed the property and the spa. If you’re looking to get away from it all and relax, on Oahu, this is the place.

Review by: Sherrie Strausfogel “Hawaii’s Spa Experience”

The Alaloa Lounge at the luxury The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is a favorite locale for lounging at sunset and watching picture perfect Hawaiian sunsets.

The readers of Maui No Ka Oi Magazine have named The Alaloa Lounge as the “Best Lobby Lounge” on Maui.

This upscale resort lounge is the ideal place to watch the sunset, have an informal lunch, begin a magical romantic evening on Maui, or just get gather with friends and enjoy your Hawaii experience.

The Alaloa Lounge can be found just inside the main entrance of the incredible Ritz Carlton Kapalua on the west shore of Maui.

This beautiful lounge provides indoor and outdoor seating, in addition to sweeping Pacific ocean views, including both Molokai and Lanai islands.

The Alaloa Lounge offers a wide variety of thirst quenching specialty cocktails, both imported and domestic beers, plus premium spirits and incredible appetizers and desserts.

You can enjoy light fare throughout the day, as The Alaloa Lounge now offers a casual lunch menu.

The Alaloa Lounge was formerly named The Lobby Lounge.

Sit in the newly-expanded spacious lanai for an whale watching experience. You can enjoy the amazing views between the months of December and April.

Hours of operation:
– Light Fare Appetizers: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
– Appetizers: 5:30 to 10 p.m.
– Cocktails: 4 p.m. to Close

Alaloa Lounge
One Ritz-Carlton Drive
Kapalua, HI
96761
(808) 629 6200

Photo: New York-New York Hotel & Casino

There’s an exciting sports bar in Las Vegas that is definitely becoming the place to be for the ultimate sports bar and entertainment experience – Sporting House Bar & Grill

The Sporting House Bar & Grill opened 10/10/10 and is located in the luxury New York-New York Hotel & Casino, featuring 12 New York-style skyscrapers showcasing 2,023 guest rooms and suites.

The goal of the Sporting House Bar & Grill is to become Las Vegas’ premier destination for year-round sports action an dit looks like it’s on schedule.

The interior of the Sporting House Bar & Grill is a sports and gamers dream including more than 130 video monitors. Patrons can easily see the exact game they want to watch in a fun environment designed exclusively for sports fans.

Sporting House is a two-story restaurant and bar, featuring a tasty menu designed by Ark Restaurant Corporation’s newly hired Executive Chef David Waltuck, celebrated chef/owner of four star Chanterelle in New York City, and Damien McEvoy, Ark’s Executive Chef for the past 14 years in Las Vegas.

Bringing his unique style, Chef Waltuck offers a variety of dishes,including Maine lobster club wrap, Wagyu Kobe flat iron steak and smoked meatloaf. You will also find classic sprts favorites, such as Philly cheese steak, wood roasted BBQ chicken pizza, honey hoisen chicken wings, and a wide variety of juicy burgers. Top off your meal with your choice of 12 beers on tap and a wide variety of both premium and crafted bottle beer.

On the first floor is The Screening Room with tiered seating, so all guest can have a perfect view and enjoy the year’s biggest games on two 16-foot, high-definition screens and a dozen 36-inch, high-definition video monitors.

Senior vice president of Ark Vegas Restaurant Corp, Paul Gordon was quoted, “Fans in Las Vegas are always looking for a great spot to watch their favorite team and we designed The Sporting House to provide those fans with a one-of-a-kind experience every time they visit. When guests come to The Sporting House, they are going to know right away that this is the premier place in town to watch the game.”

On the second story of Sporting House Bar & Grill, fans can play in the All-Star Arcade. There is more than 10,000 square feet of interactive and competitive sports-themed attractions including Daytona racing, Pop-A-Shot and much more.

The Sporting House bar and restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hours may changes due to seasonal sports schedules, such as during football season, The Sporting House will open at 9 a.m. on weekends.

Compagnie du Ponant

For golf and travel enthusiasts who are looking to combine their two passions, Compagnie du Ponant invites has just the package for you.

Compagnie du Ponant introduced its nine-day “Nice–Nice” voyage that sails to eight ports and visits five stunning courses in Italy and France aboard the three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant.

The 290-foot Le Ponant is a luxurious 64-passenger yacht that cruises the Mediterranean Sea. The yacht features intimacy and luxury with a full roster of high-end amenities that are sure to deliver a memorable sailing experience.

During port stops, golf lovers can play rounds at popular courses including La Pevero, considered one of the world’s “best kept secrets,” and Cannes-Mougins, nestled within the protected lands of the Valmasque Forest.

If golf is not your game, you are in luck. Enjoy stops in Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome; Viareggio, a placid Tuscan seaside resort town; and Calvi, home to the Genoese Citadel.

Compagnie du Ponant is offering three differenet “Nice-Nice” Golf Themed Cruises, departuring May 6, 17 and 25.

These luxury golf themed cruises are designed for the golfer looking for a little adventure and the traveler looking to exceed the bounds of traditional cruising — unspoiled destinations, less-visited ports and out-of-the-way locales.

Cruise fares are priced from $4,841 to $5,453 per person, double occupancy. Golfers pay an additional $760 per person for golf course fees.

· Acquabona Golf Club – set in hilly countryside bordered by oak pines and eucalyptus trees, this nine-hole course with double starting ground challenges guests with uphill and downhill shots complicated by crosswinds from the sea. Situated on the Island of Elba, halfway between Portoferraio and Porto Azzurro, the course offers stunning panoramic views of the gulf and inland landscape.

· Le Pavoniere – the former playground of Lorenzo de’Medici, this relatively flat course in the old Tavola Farmhouse Estate Park is surrounded by holm-oak woods, cluster pines and Tuscan cypresses. Designed in 1986 by Arnold Palmer, the course suits golfers of all skill levels.

· Pevero – a creation of Robert Trent Jones Sr. is renowned for the beauty of its tree-covered hills and rocky coastline and has been ranked in the top 50 courses in the world by Golf Magazine. The innovative layout incorporates the natural challenges in the landscape, from the Mistral – the northern wind that shaped the rocks in the area – to vegetation, lakes and 70 bunkers that dot the 6,688-yard course.

· Sperone Golf Club – comprised partly of rocky scrubland and partly linked, this 18-hole course is considered to be one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s masterpieces – and is ranked 6th in all of France. The course offers three signature holes: the 10th, where your drive must carry the water; the 15th, which has a cliff-top green; and the 16th, named one of the world’s most stunning Par 5 holes by Golf Magazine.

· Golf Country Club de Cannes-Mougins – nestled within the heart of the Valmasque Forest and traversed by the Boullide River, this 6,906 yard, 18-hole course offers a round that is as breathtaking as it is complex. Founded in 1923, the course was rebuilt in 1977 by golf architects Peter Allis and Dave Thomas and has since organized the Cannes Open, serving as a highlight on the European Tour.

All of Compagnie du Ponant’s ships and cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments and local flora and fauna. For additional information or to make reservations, please contact us at:

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy and get up close to the fabulous undersea life in Maui’s blue waters, but don’t want to get wet – the Reefdancer is your answer.

Uncover Maui’s amazing underwater world from the Reefdancer’s comfortable, air-conditioned cabin.

The Reefdancer is a 57 foot semi-submersible boat that remains on the surface of the ocean waters. Half of the boat is on top of the water, with the other half  below.

This flexibility allows the Reefdancer to easily maneuver around  the shallow reefs where the majority of the marine life is.

You descend down an easy stair case down to the boats below-water cabin. The Reefdancer holds up to 34 people so everyone has a front row seat, with direct viewing out your over-sized window.

What makes the Reefdancer tour unique is they offer Maui’s only underwater dive show. Professional divers search the reefs and bring various sea-life (octopus, sea urchins, sponges, mollusks, etc…)  to your window for close viewing.

Your tour includes an experienced reef diver in the cabin, who narrates about the fascinating undersea world outside your window.

All passengers receive a free, color postcard and fish chart to make it easy to match and identify the fish you view.

As you cruise around the ocean floor you discover an amazing world with abundant reefs and marine life.

What amazed me was how blue the water was. There is no artificial lighting, so what you see is the sun’s natural rays illuminating the ocean depths.

As you return to the Lahaina Harbor, make your way to the spacious upper deck for wonderful views of Old Lahaina Town and West Maui mountains.

Reefdancer
Lahaina Harbor Slip 6
Lahaina, HI
96761
808-667-2133