Wyndham Blake Chicago

The city of Chicago offers spectacular backdrop to a variety of year-end cultural and sporting events, plus a soaring city skyline that include the Willis Tower (i.e. The Sears Tower)and the John Hancock Center.

If you are looking for a place to stay in the “Windy City”, we highly recommend the Wyndham Blake Chicago, a landmark luxury hotel with an ideal South Loop downtown location that puts you conveniently close to city’s best recreation, culture, shopping, dining and entertainment.

The Wyndham Blake Chicago is a landmark boutique hotel located in the city’s South Loop, Ideally situated near Chicago’s best summertime fun. The luxury hotel’s location conveniently places you close to city’s best recreation, culture, shopping, dining and entertainment.

Wyndham Blake Chicago is housed in the lavishly restored, 19th-century Morton building at 500 S. Dearborn Street within the distinctive Printer’s Row neighborhood.

Each of Wyndham Blake Chicago’s spacious guest rooms is elegantly appointed with warm, jewel-toned hues; richly finished wood furnishings; 12-foot vaulted ceilings and large, expansive windows providing sweeping views of Chicago.

Key Wyndham Blake Chicago hotel amenities include an on-site business center, 24-hour fitness center, dedicated concierge, oversized rain showerheads, sumptuous Egyptian cotton linens and plush bathrobes, complimentary continental breakfast and high-speed Internet access, valet parking, Wyndham’s True Blue® Spa Bath & Body Works® amenities and Wyndham Blake Chicago’s Personal Services Retreat Cart, which offers relaxing in-room spa services, including massage treatments, facials and nail care.

You can enjoy easy access to the best of Chicago’s summertime fun from your luxurious home base at the Wyndham Blake Chicago including:

• Explore the eclectic array of shops and restaurants in the surrounding Printer’s Row area, including the acclaimed Custom House Tavern, located right off Wyndham Blake Chicago’s lobby. Also right nearby are the famed State Street and Mag Mile shopping areas.

• Take in the spectacular view from the top of the Willis Tower, just blocks away, or visit Chicago’s number one attraction: the 3,300-foot-long Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, which features shops, restaurants, rides, entertainment and the Chicago Children’s Museum.

• Stroll to Grant Park, where you can take in the stunning lakefront, explore the award-winning mix of modern art, architecture and landscape design at Millennium Park, and explore the latest exhibits at the city’s premier museums. See the limited-engagement “Body Worlds” exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry, for example, or learn how the human-equestrian bond has altered history at the Field Museum’s new “Horses” exhibit. Admire one of the world’s largest collections of Monet paintings at the Art Institute, dive into the fascinating world of sea creatures at Shedd Aquarium, or gaze at the stars at Adler Planetarium.

• Enjoy a show at Chicago’s world-class theater venues, including the Goodman Theatre, Cadillac Palace, the Oriental Theatre, The Chicago Opera Theater, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

• For baseball fans, catch a Sox or Cubs game–U.S. Cellular Field and Wrigley Field are each a short ride away from Wyndham Blake Chicago.

For additional information about Wyndham Blake Chicago, please visit www.hotelblake.com or call (312) 986-1234.

King Pacific Lodge

The luxury King Pacific Lodge is a magnificent 17-room floating, wilderness lodge that can be found in the heart of the mighty Great Bear Rainforest.

King Pacific Lodge, a Rosewood Resort, was proud to have received the award – North America’s Leading Green Hotel 2010 by the World Travel Awards.

The World Travel Awards were held in London, England and the awards event is widely recognized worldwide, as the ultimate travel accolade. In fact, the Wall Street Journal, has deemed the World Travel Awards as “The Oscars of the Travel Industry.”

The King Pacific Lodge is anchored off Princess Royal Island and located approximately 380 kilometers north of Vancouver, Canada.

The luxury lodge is open from June to September. King Pacific Lodge offers its guests a one-of-a-kind experience, including: guided hikes, fly fishing, wildlife watching and sea kayaking.

King Pacific Lodge resides in the Great Bear Rainforest, which is the world’s largest remaining tract of temperate rainforest.

The recent award from the World Travel Awards, follows another prestigious award received by King Pacific Lodge. As part of the 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards, readers of Condé Nast Traveler’s magazine once again voted King Pacific Lodge the No. 1 resort in Canada for the third consecutive year.

President of King Pacific Lodge, Michael Uehara was quoted, “King Pacific Lodge has long been noted for its luxury and quality, but it is in equal measure our commitment to sustainability and conservation that has generated a loyal following for the lodge. We know that today’s travellers are looking for more authentic experiences and a deep connection to the destinations they visit. A visit to the lodge provides an opportunity to see a world they could easily have missed.”

For the upcoming 2011 travel season, King Pacific Lodge will be open from June 3rd to September 23rd. To learn more, visit: http://www.kingpacificlodge.com/

Magellan Jets

Magellan Jets is clearly a leader in private jet travel, offering its clients over 30 years of professional aviation experience.

At the forefront is Magellan Jets’ stellar reputation and offering superb quality of service along with a high level of safety.

Magellan Jets is proud to provide an array of services and amenities that can’t be found anywhere else in the private jet industry.

As a front runner in both domestic and international private jet travel, Magellan Jets has distinguished itself in the private jet travel industry for its commitment to meeting client’s preferences and demands, providing superior safety and security.

For example, the company offers exclusive amenities that include – no fuel surcharges, gourmet catering, and with no time-specific contracts. In addition, Magellan Jets offers a variety of flexible private jet membership programs as well as point-to-point services.

As Magellan Jets continues to provide its customers premium services, they are the first in the industry to be immersed in the virtual world. They recently launched a One Way Leg Search (OWLS) feature, the first ever of its kind for iTunes.

Magellan Jets – iTunes app

They have frequently partnered with top websites such as Jetsetter.com and UrbanDaddy.com to offer potential clients amazing deals, while increasing their awareness amongst this new era of frequent flyer.

Magellan Jets offers four different types of charter services, including:
– The 25 Hour Getaway Card is the only one of its kind in the industry, giving clients the simplicity and flexibility of fixed price charter flights. This charter flight concept is currently available for a total of ten aircraft and offers travelers the chance to optimize their savings according to the type of charter they typically fly.

– Travelers who fly less frequently or require supplemental jet aircraft or helicopter charter are invited to take advantage of Magellan Jets’ On Demand Air Charter service. Their On Demand air charter team is ready to help clients choose the appropriate size jet for their trip, assist in planning or changing aircraft itineraries, order catering and arrange ground transportation.

– As a Voyager Member Jet Card holder, clients can enjoy the service, flexibility, and safety of private jet travel with top of the line aircrafts.

For additional more information on Magellan Jets, visit www.MagellanJets.com or call (617) 328-JETS or 877-550-JETS.

Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand

Las Vegas is currently presenting seven different Cirque du Soleil productions, including KÀ the MGM Grand, O at Bellagio, Mystere at Treasure Island, Zumanity at New York-New York, The Beatles Love at the Mirage, Criss Angel Believe, and the new Viva Elvis at the Aria Resort & Casino.

KÀ is definitely one of the must-see Cirque shows in Las Vegas, and likely the most elaborate and spectacular theatrical presentation you will ever see, anywhere!

The KA story is a simple, but riveting one. It tells the trials of a prince and princess and how their idyllic kingdom is attacked by the ruthless forces of another, rival empire.

Cirque du Soleil has been presenting amazing shows in Las Vegas for several decades. KA is special, Ka is mesmerizing, KA is a once in a life-time experience.

Cirque du Soleil’s KA opened its successful run in February of 2005. It’s been reported that cost of the massive construction project at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino ran about $220 million.

Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand

The theater is massive and holds 1,950 seats, all offering terrific views of the gigantic stage. The seats are very comfortable and equipped with surround sound speakers so you can enjoy all the show’s music and sounds.

KA delivers an intense display of breathtaking acrobatics, blended with unbelievable theater stage mechanics. What makes KA stand out from other shows, is the unique stage. It’s a living stage, with two giant platforms in addition to five smaller ones.

These movable platforms provide the appearance of floating. As the centerpiece of the show, everything else literally revolves around it.

KA is an Asian-inspired production and the storyline of KA follows the lives of imperial twins who were separated in their youth. The two then begin a journey of discovery.

Along the way, the twins have to survive violent ocean storms, battling an array of evil enemies and amazing creatures.

A strong trait of any Cirque show, is how blending of unbelievable choreography with compelling music. But the true star of the show is the stage.

It’s quite amazing how the set changes occur seamlessly, particularly since it’s so massive in size. One moment it’s a warship or rotating beach, then a warrior hut, or an incredible horizontal wall where the actors engage in an acrobatic battle that defies words.

Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand

There are several stunning scenes. Early in the show, a floating stage appears covered in sand. A human-sized crab and turtle arise to begin playing and dancing. As the scene ends, the Sand Cliff Deck slowly tilts forward. You then realize that sand starts to fall off the edge. The audience is entranced as the sand accelerates until every grain is gone and the stage ends up completely vertical!

The battle on the vertical stage (above) was another highlight. The actors engage in a nail-biting fight, maneuvering on climbing pegs. Not only does the stage go fully vertical but is also rotates. The chase ensues as both combatants and creatures fly all around the revolving platform, banging into each other like a pinball machine, then falling off the edge into oblivion.

But my favorite scene was The Wheel of Death in the Slave Cage (below). I wasn’t alone, as the crowd ooh’d and ahh’d in unison. It’s comprised of five performers and two separate sets of circular cages, which rotate on a common axle. In an incredible moment, one of the performers climbs out and on top of one of the rotating cages. To our amazement, he begins jumping rope as it spins around at a fast rate. What a sight!

Courtesy of: Cirque du Soleil, MGM Grand

The entire stage production is so innovative and authentic. The attention to detail, acrobatic performers, Capoeira dance, the incredible costumes, martial arts, gymnasts and puppets, heart pounding music, symbolic use of fire …. all overwhelm your senses.

But together, they make KA a truly memorable show.

For additional information, please call (877) 264-1844, (702) 796-9999, or go to www.cirquedusoleil.com

Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club

Kauai “The Garden Isle” is a tropical Hawaii oasis, so make sure the hotel you select for your vacation or business stay matches that level of allure. The incredible Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach definitely exceeds the high standards one expects in a luxury hotel … and more!

Kauai Marriott Resort is paradise unleashed, set amidst 800 waterfront acres and residing on one of the island’s most picturesque beachfronts. This high-end, luxury hotel is truly the epitome of what Hawaii stands for.

In 2010, the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach completed a nine-month long, $50 million renovation that makes it one of the elite vacation properties anywhere in the world.

Located on the east coast of Kauai near Lihue, the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach overlooks beautiful Kalapaki Bay. This premier resort is surrounded by lush landscaping, consisting of large trees & palms, colorful tropical flowers and mature native bushes.

Marriott Kauai Resort tropical garden & pond

The entrance to the hotel is incredible. As you descend down a long escalator (the only one on Kauai) you feel like you’re leaving all your worries behind. The open lower area is stunning. In the middle is a beautiful tropical garden with waterfalls, foot paths and bridges, as well as a large pond with koi fish and beautiful swans.

The lower area is also ringed with a variety of high-end shops offering clothing, jewelry, art, general sundries, and island activities. For the ultimate luxury experience, get pampered with a massage, hair or beauty treatment at Alexander Day Spa and Salon.

Checking in was efficient, as we were greeted by a polite and professional reception staff. The lobby is surrounded by massive, pink-marble columns which showcases a large wooden Koa Canoe named “The Princess” in the grand atrium.

Koa Canoe – lobby

Offering its guests 356 elegant rooms and suites, the Kauai Marriott Resort features luxury rooms with a variety of sweeping ocean, mountain and garden views.  The Marriott Kauai Beach Club, located within the resort, offers spacious two-bedroom timeshare units for those interested in vacation ownership.

Each guest room plus the amazing Presidential Suite were completely transformed last year. The decor is modern and stylish yet retains its timeless island elegance. All rooms also offer a large lanai (balcony) to relax and take in the lush Kauai island views.

For a casual dining experience, the Kauai Marriott Resort offers several excellent restaurant choices. The open-air Kukui’s Restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner and features a permanent buffet plus a wide selection of Exotic Pacific Rim cuisine and mainland entree choices. Enjoy your meal overlooking a lush poolside setting.

For sushi lovers, you’ll enjoy the new Toro-Tei sushi restaurant featuring local ingredients, in addition to handcrafted specialty rolls. Other resort and nearby dining options include: Kalapaki Grill, Duke’s, and Cafe Portofino.

Toro-Tei sushi restaurant

Be sure to relax on the mezzanine overlooking the expansive swimming pool area. Aupaka Terrace lounge offers continental breakfast service and an espresso bar. At night enjoy your favorite cocktails, socialize with others and listen to the sounds of local musicians. During the day, you will see local vendors offering native jewelry, art, wood carvings, etc…

Of course, the main feature of the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach is the signature 26,000-square-foot outdoor swimming pool. It is a terrific place to relax, swim or just lay out under the warm Hawaii sun. There are also five hot tubs that make for a perfect way to end your day.

Marriott Kauai Resort pool

For families, you can’t beat the newly built children’s pool. The scenic pool area features a long slide and various water spout features.

Kalapaki Beach is one of the finest beaches on the entire island of Kauai. White sand and warm surf make it ideal for a variety of activities. There are three sand volleyball courts and plenty of beach chairs to soak in the island environment.

You’ll also find five seaside cabanas that you can reserve. They’re perfect for a romantic meal, cocktails or just escaping the Hawaiian sun. Whether it’s a girls-getaway, honeymoon, or social gathering, these cabanas are prefect for any occasion. The special meal dinners offer the ultimate dining experience as you gaze over picturesque Kalapaki Bay.

The Kauai Marriott Resort also offers a variety of services and amenities, including copy service, fax service, full-service business center, babysitting, cash machine/ATM, concierge desk, foreign exchange, housekeeping service daily, onsite laundry (coin operated), local restaurant dinner delivery, newspaper in lobby, room service 6:00 AM-11:00 PM, safe deposit boxes, plus valet dry cleaning.

The magnificent Kauai Ballroom is the largest on Kauai. The ballroom can be divided into three different sections and is perfect for receptions, meetings, banquets, in addition to other large gatherings.

For golf fans, you are in luck. Experience the return of the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club on May 23. After several years, the much anticipated re-opening of the Kiele ocean holes is near. The original Kiele course was designed by Jack Nicklaus in which he also oversaw the recent renovation work. The ocean nine will be paired with the original Kiele front nine holes, the Kiele Mauka Nine, to create a fabulous 18-holes of Jack Nicklaus inspired Kiele golf. When fully completed, Kiele will consist of three renovated nines and a total of 27 amazing holes of golf.

For a taste of true Hawaiian paradise, be sure to stay at the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach. It’s an experience you will never forget.

To make reservations or get additional information on the Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach, please visit: http://www.kauaimarriott.com

M Life Players Club – MGM Resorts International

Today’s modern traveler seeks one-of-a-kind adventures, insider privileges and bragging rights for enjoying exclusive offerings that money can’t buy.

These amenities can more often than not, be found in Las Vegas and L.A.  MGM Resorts International’s M life Players Club has teamed up with sbe, an industry-leading hospitality, real estate development and lifestyle company.

The exciting new joint venture now extends a global rewards platform to millions of guests, members and employees across each company’s respective properties.

Additional info on the new M life partnership includes:

• M life allows guests to earn privileges at 15 MGM Resorts in the U.S. including three non-gaming properties and enjoy exclusive access to the industry’s most spectacular gaming and hospitality resorts
• M life introduces Tier Levelsto MGM Resorts: Sapphire, Pearl, Gold and Platinum
• Tier Benefits provide guests special hotel offers, pre-sale access to entertainment tickets, priority reservations, upgrades, VIP services and more, based on the customer’s Tier Level
• Through the partnership, sbe’s Preferred Partners, Founders and VIPs as well as MGM Resorts’ M life members now have exclusive access, benefits and privileges that span each company’s portfolio of award-winning resort, hotel, casino, restaurant, spa and nightlife brands.
• The partnership marks the first time that two of the biggest brands in hospitality and entertainment have joined forces to connect two significant markets in Los Angeles and Las Vegas that share a celebrated history.

MGM Resorts plans to expand M life to include rewards for non-gaming activity by the end of Summer 2011.

Friendly Planet Travel is one of the Internet’s leading group travel providers.

The travel company just completed a survey to determine what destination their customers wanted to travel to next. The survey offered 12 different destinations and Madagascar won the ballot receiving 941 of the 6,780 votes.

As a result of the recent survey, Friendly Planet Travel launched their 12-day Magical Madagascar tour for $5,699 with an optional 4-day extension to gorgeous Nosy Be Island.

Savvy travelers on the Madagascar tour will visit Antananarivo, Toliara, Fianarantsoa, and Ambohitra. Included in the price are ground transportation and all transfers; accommodations in tourist and superior class hotels; 10 breakfasts, eight lunches, nine dinners; professional English-speaking tour guides; comprehensive touring program including entrance fees; and more.

Roundtrip flights from New York’s JFK airport via South African Airways (flights from other cities available on request for a little more) departure on: Sept. 14, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, and Dec. 7.

The Life of Luxury can help with your luxury travel reservations and plan your Madagascar tour. Expect a VIP experience and a trip of a lifetime.

Willow Stream Spas

Asia is a Continent known for its diversity and contrast. It’s a culture that is continually adapting new trends, regarding health and wellness, technology, fashion, cosmetics, and engineering.

Whatever it may be, Asia has their finger on the pulse and are commonly topping the latest and greatest.

Asia has seen a surge of new developments in the hospitality industry, the symbiosis of Western customs and Eastern traditions are making countries like China the spot on everyone’s list.

Willow Stream Spas, the sanctuaries inside Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are one of the frontrunners driving this trend by bringing three brand new world class spas to China. Shanghai and Beijing debuted this year, and an additional new location has just been announced that is slated to open in late 2012 in Nanjing.

Asia-Pacific has the largest number of spas and hotels under development of any region in the world, with 77% of that regional hotel expansion in 2011 earmarked for China and India (56% and 21%, respectively).

Asian culture plays a huge role in today’s modern spa world incorporating many practices like yoga, shiatsu massage, Ayurvedic medicine, reflexology, acupuncture and many more into their services.

Some of the most famous hotel/resort spas brands have emerged from Asia. For instance, Willow Streams Spa at the Fairmont Peace Hotel combines Eastern and Western techniques in treatments, and draws inspiration not only from the region, but the hotel’s legacy and aspects of its original decor (more details can be found in the release pasted below).

With 64 hotels, Fairmont Peace Hotel are known as much for their warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences, as its classic hotels that imbue a sense of heritage, sophistication and social importance and are often considered destinations in their own right.

The Presidents Cup is a team match play competition that features 24 of the world’s top golfers. 12 golfers are from the United States and 12 are from around the world, but excluding Europe.

The Presidents Cup is held every two years. Since 1996, the Presidents Cup has alternated between United States and various international venues.

Since the event’s inception, nearly $22 million has been raised for charities around the world, including a record-tying $4.2 million in 2009.

This year’s Presidents Cup will be held in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. This scenic Australian city is known as the “Events Capital” of Australia.

Melbourne will host the 2011 President’s Cup beginning on November 18. Melbourne is home to more than 100 top golf courses, and has begun an ultimate golf vacation spot.

North America’s Goway Travel specializes in travel to Australia, has put together several travel tour packages to celebrate 2011 President’s Cup.

ON THE GREENS –
To experience The Presidents Cup in style, five- and seven-night packages tailored to golf fans are available from $2,739 double occupancy. Packages for witnessing the tournament firsthand include general admission tickets, a choice of hotels, private transportation to and from The Royal Melbourne Golf Club and entry to an exclusive spectator function at the Crown Towers on November 18.

OFF THE GREENS –
Beyond The Cup, visitors will have a hard time choosing from activities both in and out of the city. To narrow the field, Goway has created a selection of two, three and five-day post-golf touring options. Choose from the iconic rock formations along Victoria’s famed Great Ocean Road or the world’s smallest penguins on parade at Philip Island. Package rates range from $419 to $989, based on twin/double share.

Vacation packages can be booked online at www.thepresidentscuptravel.com or by calling 866-515-2878.

Learn more about the 2011 President’s Cup in Melbourne Australia by visiting: www.PresidentsCup.com

Hotel Vitale – San Francisco

Hotel Vitale, the Joie de Vivre luxury waterfront hotel in San Francisco has just announced an exciting new package.

Guests of the Hotel Vitale can now enjoy both a memorable stay and full-day bike ride across the Golden Gate to Marin or, for something a bit shorter, to Golden Gate Park.

This one-night getaway is ideal for Bay Area residents who want to take public transportation to the Hotel Vitale and leave the car at home.  Or the luxurious package is also a possibility for any traveler who simply wants to enjoy an eco-friendly stay at this “luxury, naturally” destination.

In addition, Hotel Vitale guests will receive a house-made picnic lunch from Americano Restaurant as well as a “San Francisco Treat” foot and leg massage at Spa Vitale upon returning from their ride.

Hotel Vitale circular suite – San Francisco

Hotel Vitale’s “Bike the Bay” package includes:

· Accommodations for one night in a deluxe city guestroom

· Bicycle rental for one day from Bike & Roll

· Picnic lunch prepared by Executive Chef Kory Stewart of Americano Restaurant, including backpack-style picnic basket

·  San Francisco Treat foot and leg massage at Spa Vitale

The cost for Bike the Bay is $659 and is a 15 percent savings off regular prices.  This incredible offer will be available from now until August 31^st, 2011.

The package is subject to availability and blackout dates may apply. To book the Hotel Vitale’s “Bike the Bay” package, please visit: https://booking.ihotelier.com/istay/istay.jsp?HotelID=5625&ProdID=333088

The dark, enchanting blue of the Mediterranean, white grains of sand from the beaches of the coast, and the serenity that murmurs quietly in distant city sounds.

These, mixed with the fresh air, tinged slightly with salt from the sea, and a gentle breeze that appears near ceaseless, are what make a Cote d’Azur villas nothing short of but, entirely and completely, a paradise.

Cote d’Azur, a hybrid name inspired by the French word for gold and the azure blue of the Mediterranean Sea, is deservedly and well named.

The beautiful coast of the South of France has been a tourist hot spot for centuries, and many of the first visitors to this luxurious landscape were royalty and aristocracy from around the world.

The cities that line the coast, Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez, are famous for not only their beautiful views, but also the wonderful culture and architecture that these cities have been built upon and around.

It is no wonder then, that such a place has drawn so many famous writers and artists from around the world as well, hoping to catch a spark of inspiration from its calming beauty. In the past, greats such as Pablo Picasso and Edith Wharton visited, lived in and worked on the Cote d’Azur.

Today, celebrities like Elton John and Bridget Bardot have even made their homes on the French Riviera.

Cote d’Azur is a dreamlike haven for foreigners and locals alike, as the weather that permits outdoor activities and relaxation stays relatively moderate year round.

In Cannes, it has been boasted that the city regularly receives sunlight for twelve hours a day, almost every day. Rich in history, culture, beauty and still so full of a sweet piece of calm, Cote d’Azur calls out to the heart of the weary and wishful, offering rest and peace.

Many visitors to the city often rent or stay in hotel rooms or suites, if only to rest for a bit when running low on energy from enjoying all that Cote d’Azur has to offer. But, for an optimal experience on the French Riviera, it may be better to stay at a villa.

While it may be an interesting enough experience to run into and listen to other foreigners and visitors to the coast, for a more private and focused stay a hotel does not offer the same feeling as a villa might. Crossing paths with strangers on the street, is very different from brushing shoulders in a crowded lobby or narrow hallway.

To stay in a villa is similar to staying in a vacation home, providing one with a more authentic and at-home feeling. Enjoying a drink on a private deck or patio as the sun sets is a surprising amount more serene than staring at the sky through a hotel room window.

Full of beautiful land, buildings, people and history, Cote d’Azur is paradise in waiting.

The sun continues to shine over this French vacation spot, and all that is left is for more people to see and take in for themselves, the blue gold that is Cote d’Azur.