Alize at the Top of the Palms

If you are looking for one of the most romantic spots in all of Las Vegas, then look no further than the luxurious Alizé at the Top of the Palms.

The Alizé at the Top of the Palms was named after the gentle trade winds that sweep the French Caribbean Islands and features world-class cuisine, service and wine list, boasting the most dramatic view of the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Chef and Proprietor André Rochat of the respected and award winning Andre’s Restaurant, opened Alizé – the crown jewel of his culinary empire in 2001 on the top floor of the Palms Casino Resort.

Chef André Rochat has combined two key ingredients in making an ideal recipe for romance – an exquisite meal and spectacular view.

The Michelin-awarded Alizé at the Top of the Palms offers both a superb meal amidst a breathtaking 280-degree panoramic view, 56 stories above the famous Las Vegas Strip and surrounding majestic mountains.

As Valentine’s Day nears, legendary chef André Rochat has prepared an amazing prix fixe menu to please the palate, as well as the heart.

Alize at the Top of the Palms – Valentine’s Day dinner

The delicious Valentine’s Day menu at Alizé at the Top of The Palms, will be served on Monday, February 14 starting at 5:30 p.m. This exclusive celebratory meal is priced at $125 per person plus an 18 percent gratuity.

For February 14th, restaurant guests begin their fine dining experience with an amuse bouche of Belon oyster with Oscetra caviar and lemon mignonette followed by a choice between the Roasted King Crab and Celery Root Bisque flavored with crab leg, Fugi apple and fresh Perigord truffle or Andre’s foie gras terrine with duck confit, toasted brioche and endive marmalade.

The incredible meal continues with a choice of Arugula and Citrus Marinated Hearts of Palm Salad with apricot confiture, red endive and candied pecans or Seared Diver Scallop with roasted salsify purée, grapefruit emulsion and minced chives.  Next up, cleanse and refresh the taste buds with a lemon kiwi sorbet prior to a main course featuring a choice of Macadamia Crusted Northern Halibut with roasted mushroom, smoked bacon strudel and sautéed spinach with a bordelaise sauce or roasted free range chicken with a chive and potato croquette, braised leeks, foie gras and black truffle jus. Other entrée selections include sautéed filet of beef with jumbo green asparagus, red onion confit, potato purée and cognac green pepper corn sauce or a Veal Loin Chop with Chamonix potato, browned-buttered cauliflower and veal jus.

The prefect way to top off a romantic holiday dinner is by enjoying a fabulous dessert.  Chef André Rochat offers a choice of passion fruit and Milk Chocolate Bavarian terrine or fresh long stem strawberries with chocolate fondue and shortbread cookies or salted honey-milk caramel cake with crispy almond praline.

To make reservations for the amazing Valentine’s Day meal at Alizé at the Top of the Palms, please call (702) 951-7000.

Surf Lanai Restaurant

The Surf Lanai Restaurant is located in the luxurious The Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Oahu. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is also known as the “Pink Lady” … a truly Hawaiian landmark.

Surf Lanai Restaurant is a terrific outdoor restaurant, that showcases a wide variety mainland classic dishes that are dressed with local Hawaiian ingredients, and served with Hawaiian style.

This upscale, outdoor beachside cafe can be found next to the The Royal Hawaiian Hotel pool.

The Surf Lanai Restaurant serves both a great tasting al fresco breakfast, as well as a delicious lunch service.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a celebration of style, sports, cuisine and fashion, with discreet service and traditional elegance evoking an atmosphere of pampered luxury for all.

An ideal destination in both winter and summer, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is located in one of the most challenging ski areas in all the world and offers a host of summer alpine activities.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel boasts a total of 159 guestrooms and 38 suites, offering stunning views of the Swiss Alps. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Swiss Deluxe Hotels and Swiss Historic Hotels.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel opens its doors to guests this summer from June 25th 2010, through September 11th 2010.

The valley in which St. Moritz lies is the Engadin. The word ‘Engiadina’ is its original form in the locally spoken Rheto-Romansh language, and means ‘Garden of the Inn’, referring to the River Inn whose source is close by.

Now you can enjoy a special package at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride for two, luxuriate in the private Veronica Spa Suite (your personal spa), swoon over a candlelit dinner at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel’s gourmet Le Restaurant serenaded with live piano music, create romantic memories that defy time.

With Badrutt’s Palace Hotel’s 115 years ‘ experience in devising romantic getaways and celebrations, the Cupid’s Delight Package has the ingredients to fire up untold passion.

The Cupid’s Delight Package features three nights at the five -star Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, a couples’ massage and together time in private Spa Suite Veronica, with its Jacuzzi for two, steam room and lounge; moments for sweet nothings over a candlelit dinner in chic Le Restaurant, where Badrutt’s chefs create mouth-watering dishes; and a horse-drawn carriage ride snuggled up in blankets through the captivating Fex Valley.

Reserve the package bow from 2,660 CHF (US$ 2,300) in a superior double room.

Wedding and Celebrations:

Lofty amid the romantic Engadin peaks, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel offers the perfect setting for weddings, honeymoons and romantic trysts. Magnificent rooms, excellent service and a professional team ensure every celebration is an event to remember.

for more information or reservation, please call +41 (0) 81 837 1100 or visit http://www.badruttspalace.com to reserve Cupid’s Delight, or to inquire about weddings and celebrations.

While on the island of Kauai, be sure to take the time to see the famous Spouting Horn in Poipu. Many Hawaiian legends surround this coastal phenomenon.

The Legend of the Spouting Horn is about a lizard family, consisting of a brother and two sisters. When the mo’o (lizard) learned that his sister had died, he was blinded with tears and accidentally swam into the hole and was trapped forever. The geyser sound is supposed to the crying of this giant sea lizard.

The Spouting Horn is a lava tube, which forces salty surf water through an old volcanic lava tube and up to 50 feet in the air. The result is a majestic geyser like spray, causing strange groaning sounds.

Every wave produces another spray. This amazing phenomena is particularly wonderful at sunset when the spray becomes incandescent with the colors of the rainbow.

Back in the 1920′s, there used to be a much bigger blowhole called Kukuiula Seaplume which was near the Spouting Horn. It shot water as high as 200-feet in the air. Because the salt spray was damaging a nearby sugar cane field, the hole was blasted away.

To get to the Spouting Horn Blowhole, get off Lawai Road, which runs west from the south end of Poipu Road (part of Route 520).

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas offers “Hollywood Hip” premium quality accommodations in a contemporary modern style complete with all the latest and greatest names in fine dining and entertainment.

Planet Hollywood is located at the center of The Strip across from the Bellagio, next to the Paris Hotel. Planet Hollywood features the Miracle Mile Shops, an endless circle of over 170 specialty stores including H&M, White House/Black Market, and BCBG MAXAZRIA along side 15 restaurants.

Clients can sip their favorite cocktail in the ultra-chic Living Room, or dance the night away at Prive.

In the mood for entertainment? Our 1,500-seat Showroom hosts Stomp Out Loud, the new production from Britain’s favorite rhythm troupe. The 7,500-seat Theatre for the Performing Arts hosts annual extravaganzas including the Miss America Pageant; it’s also a regular Las Vegas stop for some of the biggest names in music and live performance.

Plus, your clients are able to receive Starwood Preferred Guest points and benefits. For travel professionals, there’s nowhere quite as majestic. Or as famous. Welcome to Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino!

Planet Hollywood Hotel has three solid acres of gaming excitement, including slots, table games, the Race and Sports Book, and new non-smoking poker room.

Dine at one of eight restaurants, including KOI from Beverly Hills and Strip House from New York. Catch the Off Broadway hit show “Stomp Out Loud” or splurge at the Miracle Mile Shops with over 170 stores and 15 restaurants.

Rejuvenate at the Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara. And relax in one of our 2,500 plush and stylish rooms and suites — each one with its own piece of Hollywood history — actual memorabilia from famous films.

All of the Planet Hollywood Casino’s private hotel areas – including guest rooms with marble bathrooms, and the swimming pools which are located on the roof top 6 floors above the Las Vegas Strip, are all accessible directly. Guests do not have to pass through the casino to reach their rooms – or any other destination within the resort. Maximum occupancy is 4 people.

Planet Hollywood Las Vegas is also the central departure and drop off point for many of the Las Vegas Tours of the surrounding area.

Planet Hollywood Amenities

* Pool
On the 6th floor, the Planet Hollywood Pool has fantastic strip views, poolside food and beverage service. Pool is heated and seasonal.
* Spa By Mandara
Massages, facials, hair and nail treatments, tanning and more.
* Fitness Center
Visit the gym at Planet Hollywood. Equipped with treadmills, cross-trainers, steppers, recumbent bikes, upright bikes and free weights. Open daily from 6am to 7pm. (operating hours subject to change without notice) Must be at least 18 to use Fitness Center. Other restrictions may apply. Inquire at Front Desk for more information.
* Wedding Chapel
The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Wedding Chapel hosted one of the world’s most famous Las Vegas weddings. Elvis and Priscilla Presley were married in the chapel at the Aladdin in 1967.
* Convention and Meeting Facilities
The first Las Vegas resort designed specifically to meet the needs and requirements of corporate, incentive and convention planners.

Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
3667 Las Vegas Boulevard. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: 702-785-5555
Toll Free: 1-866-919-PHRC (7472)

The Sirens of TI — Treasure Island Hotel and Casino’s latest “adult-oriented” show is a modern musical – meets – action – movie spectacular.

The Sirens of the TI takes place in the same location as the previous “Pirate Battle” show Buccaneer Bay — now called Sirens’ Cove at the front entrance of TI Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.

The word “Sirens” presumably was taken from Greek mythology. They lure a ship full of pirates to their cove, capture them, sink their ship, and then … have sex with them?

The Sirens show was created by award-winning director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, the production features a clash between a group of beautiful, tempting sirens and a band of renegade pirates.

The show features sword-fighting, dancing, music, high-diving acrobatics and spectacular pyrotechnics

Treasure Island Hotel & Casino
3300 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
800-288-7206

Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa is an elegant 15-acre resort nestled on the grassy hillside overlooking Wailea, commanding the most spectacular panoramic Pacific ocean views.

Experience the peace and tranquility of Maui in a quiet tropical setting only moments from Wailea’s beautiful tropical beaches.

The Japanese-themed all suite Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa is among the most unique hotels in the state. Once an exclusive private retreat, today Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa specializes in presenting an authentic Japanese experience for its guests.

Designed as a mountain retreat in a tropical setting, the architecture of Diamond Hawaii Resort and Spa is eye-catching and spirit-lifting. The lobby building resembles a magnificent, wood-and-stone chalet with a focal point of a soaring, cone-shaped roof covered in jade-green Chinese tiles and supported by massive coral pillars.

In the spacious, tastefully furnished interior rotunda formed by the roof, guests look up at a beamed-wood cone squared off and skylighted at the top, a space inspired by the inside of a Japanese umbrella. Brightening the main building are large, brightly colored, wall-mounted rugs woven in the styles of Spanish painters Joan Miro, Picasso, and Isabella.

From dining in fine restaurants, to relaxing in the traditional Japanese spa baths and walking among the richly landscaped gardens, waterfalls, and pools filled with Koi, you will find Diamond Resort a relaxing haven in which to unwind.

Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa
555 Kaukahi Street
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii 96753
808-874-0500
Fax: (808) 874-8778

Arc de Triomphe

After you’ve done your last bit of shopping and reached the end of the Champs Elysees, the grand l’Arc de Triomphe (The Arch of Triumph) will greet you in a triumphant glow of yellow light . The first sight of this giant monument will be startling. Understandably so , since it is the largest arch in the world!

Of course, don’t be daft and try to brave the mad traffic surrounding the arch . Like spokes on a gigantic bicycle wheel, twelve streets feed into the motorway that circles the celebrated Arc de Triomphe. The most famous of these streets is the Champs Elysees, which extends all the way southeast to the Jardin des Tuileries on the north bank of the Seine.

If crossing the motorway around the Arc looks daunting, don’t worry, because there is actually a tunnel going under the street from the northeast corner of the Champs Elysees.

The arch and the place Charles-de-Gaulle which surrounds it, together form one of Paris’ most famous landmarks. Twelve avenues radiate from the arch which explains why it is also called place de l’Etoile (etoile=star).

Arc de Triomphe History: A bit of History

The Arc de Triomphe was the brainchild of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1806, as Parisians were examining ways to improve the five-way intersection at the start of the Champs Elysees, he decided to build a monument to his army and his own military genius. Today, it is a symbol of all things victorious in Paris.

Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon I, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz, l’Arc de Triomphe was not finished until 1836. There are four huge relief sculptures at the bases of the four pillars. These commemorate The Triumph of 1810 (by Cortot), Resistance, Peace (both by Etex) and The Departure of the Volunteers, more commonly known as La Marseillaise (by Francois Rude). Engraved around the top of the Arch are the names of major victories won during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, are to found on the inside walls. Generals whose names are underlined died in action. Inside the Arch there is a small museum documenting its history and construction .

If it’s your first time in Paris, you gotta go to the top of Arc de Triomphe to enjoy the nice view of the streets spreading out in the shape of a star! Even though you might have been up high elsewhere in Paris, this is something different. It’s quite fun just to look down and follow the crazy traffic around the arc. By the way, you have to walk under the streets to get to the arc. It’s 8 euros to get upstairs but only 6.2 if you are a student or under 12 years old. Be ready to walk quite some stairs and before you reach the top, there is a historic museum and a souvenier-shop.

The Arc de Triomphe is one of France’s most recognizable symbols. Although you might sweat to get to the top, there is a small museum and gift shop. The best reason is for the amazing panoramic view of the city from, frankly, a better vantage point than the Eiffel Tower.

Le Tombeau du Soldat Inconnu (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) lies beneath the Arc de Triomphe and contains the remains of an unknown French soldier. It is a monument dedicated to all the French soldiers who died during WWI. A permanent flame (Flamme du Souvenir) burns near the tomb.

Incredible Waimea Canyon on the Garden Isle of Kauai Hawaii, was nicknamed by Mark Twain as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

But many a tourist has taken the winding 10-mile trip to the Waimea Canyon Lookout and has said the canyon in Arizona should be renamed the “Waimea Canyon of North America.”

Unlike its more famous cousin, the Waimea Canyon’s vertical spires contain plants and trees of all shapes and sizes, giving it a more lush and lively air.

Waimea Canyon is about 10 miles long, a mile wide and over 3,600 feet deep. This mammoth chasm on the lush, Hawaiian island of Kauai struts its rainbow of red, purple, green and blue as you ascend into a blanket of gauzy, white clouds.

A great opportunity to get into the canyon is between mile markers 8 and 9 in Waimea Canyon State Park. A small parking area marks the Kukui and Iliau Loop Trails. The loop is an easy 15-minute quarter-mile nature walk with identified dry land forest plants. It offers a great view looking up the canyon and has a covered picnic area.

Highway 552-Kokee Road is the most scenic drive in the state of Kauai . Combine visits to two of Kauai’s top attractions: Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. Plan a long, half-day; mornings have better visibility.

Camping is available by permit.

Waimea Canyon
(808)274-3433

Kokee State Park
(808)274-3444

CityCenter Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers “over the top” glamor and ultra-luxury in everything they do. Why should the holiday season be any different?

CityCenter is an incredible complex in the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip that includes: luxury hotels, retail shopping at Crystals, restaurants, convention center, art museum and much more! CityCenter was developed by MGM Resorts International and is located between the two of Las Vegas’ luxurious resorts – Bellagio and Monte Carlo. There is no place like CityCenter in all of Las Vegas for the holidays.

Visitors will be able to experience the continent’s only $1 million Advent calendar by Porsche Design, a grand holiday feast created by legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, get pampered with a Candy Cane Scalp Treatment, and don’t miss an incredible fireworks display! Here’s a sample of the many holiday activities available at CityCenter in Las Vegas:

• Eat, Drink and Be Merry – Indulge in an incomparable holiday feast at ARIA Resort & Casino. Jean Georges Steakhouse invites guests to enjoy an indulgent meal December 25 including char-grilled prime rib, creamy horseradish potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and pan gravy. Another ARIA gem, Sirio Ristorante, is offering a five-course tasting menu featuring its robust Italian flavors artfully blended with contemporary tastes such as pomegranate and black truffle – perfect to pair with a bold Barolo from the restaurant’s exceptional wine list.

• Deck the Halls – Crystals retail & entertainment district goes beyond simply piping in Christmas carols by truly “decking the halls.” The shopping mecca has been transformed into an elaborate floor-to-ceiling winter wonderland, complete with shimmering icicles, jewel-toned ribbons, a potpourri of spectacular flowers and a dazzling galaxy of custom-designed candy twists overhead.

• Shopping in a Winter Wonderland – Crystals also provides the discerning shopper a lavish selection of exclusive holiday goods. For the truly hard-to-please, Porsche Design has unveiled a one-of-a-kind interpretation of the classic Advent calendar – valued at $1 million and limited to only one per continent! As the holiday nears, doors open each day to reveal incredible Porsche Design products ranging from a unique P’6910 Indicator wristwatch by Swiss watchmaker Eterna to keys to your own RFF28 Motor Yacht! Luxury retailers Prada and Fendi will offer Crystals-exclusive handbags and Yves Saint Laurent will introduce a Crystals-exclusive Trib Too pump with a crystal-studded heel. Outlets including Miu Miu, Donna Karan, Kiki de Montparnasse and de Grisogono feature special holiday lines to treat the trendy traveler.

• Relax-mas – Relax-mas means relax more, and the place for relaxation is at CityCenter’s luxurious spas. Vdara’s decadent Candy Cane Scalp Treatment stimulates your scalp and revives your hair, while invigorating Candy Cane Mani/Pedis finished with luscious holiday hues are one indulgence you won’t feel guilty about. The Spa & Salon at ARIA also is launching a brand-new Gemstone Gemology Facial during its Fabulous Facial Glow event from December 28-30. This diamond-dust firming mask and gemstone facial massage will make your face sparkle like the real thing.

• Grown-Up Sugarplums – Jean Philippe Pâtisserie’s meticulous chocolate creations will be dancing in guests’ heads well after the holidays. Miniature replicas of cherub-like Santas, intricate 3D chocolate gingerbread houses, and even edible holiday puzzles make exquisite gifts to impress any sweet tooth.

• (Not So) Blue Christmas – After holiday shopping and rejuvenating spa time, guests can enjoy Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil. The show’s fantastic mix of acrobatics, hip-shaking, dance and live music celebrates the life and music of Elvis Presley and will put any guest in a festive spirit.

• Stay a Little Longer – This holiday season; stay a little longer… for auld lang syne. New Year’s Eve at CityCenter will surely be a night to remember – assuming you’re able. A spectacular fireworks display will be launched off of the ARIA rooftop, ringing in the New Year as part of America’s Party. Before the champagne, guests can see the year out with one of the extravagant tasting menus available for New Year’s Eve at Jean Georges Steakhouse and Sirio Ristorante in ARIA Resort & Casino. Always the hot spot, Haze Nightclub will host a party for the masses or head over to Crystals to enjoy signature hors d’oeuvres and an open bar at Eve Nightclub above Beso. Bar Moderno at ARIA offers the perfect morning-after concoction for too much champagne. Try the “Morning Remedy” cocktail menu featuring cure-all blends with witty names like “Hair O’ the Salty Dog” and “Really Hung-Over!”

• Make the New Year Even Suite-r—Guests can opt to toast 2011 with glasses of Veuve Clicquot’s Yellow Label and enjoy the first meal of the New Year at Silk Road’s decadent brunch—all complimentary with the special Vdara Hotel & Spa New Year’s Suite Package.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu is a gorgeous, lush oasis seemingly carved out of the jet-black lava on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast.

On the exclusive Kona-Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, this magical, tropical oasis captures the essence of Hawaii’s golden age. It offers seclusion without isolation, complemented by an award-winning sports club and spa and a private Jack Nicklaus signature golf course.

Flickering torches light narrow paths past lush plants and tidal pools to a secluded white-sand beach. Apparition-like staff members glide just out of sight, instantly available to cater to any whim.

The resort’s 243 bungalow-style rooms, each with a petroglyph or Polynesian theme, are appointed with tropical accents like bamboo headboards and rattan chaise lounges. Many of the spacious marble-accented bathrooms include adjacent outdoor lava-rock showers. Private lanais feature ocean or golf-course views.

The resort’s Hualalai Sports Club & Spa offers an elaborate fitness center, 36-hole golf course and a variety of massages, available indoors or in one of several semi-private fragrant gardens.

Five swimming-whirlpool areas include a lap pool, infinity pools and a splash pool; King’s Pond is carved out of natural lava rock, filled with a combination of fresh mountain and ocean water and more than 3,500 snorkeler-friendly fish. At each pool, on-call attendants provide ice water and spritz services.