HAZE Nightclub at ARIA

As The Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas will definitely be the place to be on New Year’s Eve.

Up and down the world famous Las Vegas Strip, people will bring in the new Year with a wide choice of parties and celebration hot spots.

All the major, luxury Las Vegas hotels and resorts along The Strip will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with spectacular nightlife, exciting shows, and affordable luxury Vegas hotel packages.

Don’t forget to step outside and take in one of the biggest and best fireworks shows anywhere. Nobody does New Year’s Eve right, like Sin City Las Vegas!

It won’t be difficult to catch a glimpse of a celebrity during one of the many Las Vegas New Year’s parties. Just a few that will be in Vegas are fashion designer and film star Diddy, hip-hop artist Nelly, plus playmates –  Lauren Anderson and Stacey Fusion.

Below is a sample of some of the hottest New Year’s Eve events planned in Las Vegas.

• HAZE Nightclub at ARIA

GRAMMY award-winning hip-hop artist Nelly will host a blowout New Year’s Eve bash at HAZE Nightclub at ARIA Resort & Casino. With its cutting edge light and sound technology, HAZE treats partygoers to an unparalleled sensory experience. Individual tickets are $150 per person, permitting VIP access all night. Table reservation packages are available.

• The BANK Nightclub at Bellagio

The BANK Nightclub at Bellagio, Las Vegas’ most exclusive nightclub, will toast to 2011 with a performance by British hip-hop sensation Jay Sean.  Ring in the New Year as one of the music industry’s hottest acts shares a string of hits, after leading a special countdown to Midnight with a champagne toast. Individual tickets are $150 per person, permitting VIP access all night and a champagne toast at Midnight.  Table reservation packages are available.

• LAX Nightclub at Luxor

LAX combines the best of its Los Angeles’ namesake. LAX Nightclub brings the energy and excitement that only Las Vegas can create.  Music mogul, fashion designer and film star Diddy will host the evening’s festivities.  For more information, please call (702) 262-4529.

• Mandalay Block Party at Mandalay Bay

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Mandalay Bay’s “Block Party” and enjoy food and specialty drinks from a variety of sponsors including Border Grill and rm Seafood. The “Block Party Pass” guarantees entrance into Mandalay Bay Beach where FOX will be filming “New Year’s Eve Live” hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality Nancy O’Dell. Passes are $50 in advance, $75 the day of the event and will include a total of five drinks per pass holder.

The location of the The Mirage Hotel and Casino is perfect and within walking distance to a mall, restaurants and many other resorts.

Out front you are greeted by the erupting volcano and the throngs of people lined up to see the free show and inside you will encounter white tigers and sharks. This is still a Mirage in the desert only now it has taken a seat further back relative to the rest of the mega-resorts.

The Mirage set the tone for going large and is still the resort that set the standard for everyone to live up to. This is a high end resort with affordable restaurants, large casino and quality accommodations.

Checking in to the Mirage you encounter the massive salt water aquarium that lines the wall behind the clerks.

Take a look at the many species of fish that call the hotel lobby home. The buffet, “Cravings”, is one of the best in town and along with the Carnegie deli should easily help stash away some leftovers for late night snacking. Take a look at the Secret Garden and get up close and personal with the dolphins.

The Mirage still attracts a lot of people. However, restaurants like Kokomo do offer seating in a tropical setting where you can leave the crowd behind and enjoy the soothing sounds of paradise in the desert.

Another thing that might not be too favorable is the table limits on weekends, they tend to go through the roof and anything lower than $10 is non-existent.

Location: The Mirage Hotel and Casino
3400 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace, located in downtown Honolulu on Ohau Hawaii, is the only royal palace in the United States. It was constructed as seat of the government in 1882 by King David Kalakaua and his wife Queen Kapiolani.

It would be quite worth your while to visit America’s only royal palace (some would even be surprised with this fact!) when you are in Honolulu. A visit to Iolani Palace would surely change your perspective of Hawaii as you get a glimpse of the last days of Hawaii’s royalty.

The Iolani Palace was built by King David Kalakaua, Hawaii’s final king and the first monarch to travel around the world visiting other sovereign states. Inspired by the grand palaces owned by other monarchs, he constructed his own in a spot that is now located in downtown Honolulu.

Completed in 1882, it cost over $360,000 and was powered by electricity and equipped with telephones. Incredibly, the White House wasn’t even powered and had no telephones during that time yet.

The Iolani Palace kept its splendour as a royal residence until the king’s successor, his sister Queen Lili`uokalani , was overthrown and imprisoned there. The Iolani Palace became the capitol of the Provisional Government until 1969. It was vacated afterwards but was restored with the efforts of the “Friends of Iolani Palace.”

TOUR OF THE IOLANI PALACE

It is easy to get a bus to the Iolani Palace which is at the heart of Honolulu,. You could go on a self-guided tour with pre-recorded tour information. A guided tour is best since there are areas that are off-limits to unguided guests.

At admission price of $20 guided tour for adults, you can visit the beautifully restored state apartments and other rooms, the artifacts and jewelry of the royalties, and the past glory that was called the Hawaiian Kingdom. Tours are from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.  Source: To-Hawaii.com

Iolani Palace
364 South King Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Spitsbergen Winter Safari

If you are looking for the ultimate arctic wilderness experience, then consider Spitsbergen, Norway.

Spitsbergen is definitely remote, a 90-minute flight north from the northern coast of Norway.

After all these years, the scenic area of Spitsbergen is still relatively untouched by the outside world.

Spitsbergen, meaning “sharp mountains”, is the largest island of the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, which means “old Norse” for cold coast.

Spitsbergen has an abundance of wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer and arctic foxes, in addition to seals, whales, walruses and myriad seabirds.

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the polar north, Spitsbergen features rugged alpine-like mountains, icebergs and sparkling glaciers.

See remote Spitsbergen first-hand with a six-day expedition that combines the thrill of traveling by snowmobile with the excitement of being in the deep polar wilderness.

Named the Spitsbergen Winter Safari, it’s a 6-day/5-night package offering the ultimate hands-on, arctic adventure.

Included in Spitsbergen Winter Safari package, are two nights’ hotel accommodation at the Spitsbergen Hotel in Longyearbyen, two nights at the Spitsbergen Expedition Lodge, one night’s accommodation in the Russian settlement of Barentsburg, and most meals.

Other features include a snowmobile plus necessary clothing and equipment. Experienced expedition leaders will take the group across glaciers, mountains and ice-covered fjords; a landscape of snow and ice, untouched and incredibly beautiful.

Pricing for the Spitsbergen Winter Safari is $3,995 per person – based on double occupancy. For single occupancy, pricing is $4,995

Departure dates are April 11, 18 and 25, 2011. Tour members should be in generally good physical condition and prepared for low temperatures and rapid weather changes.

For additional information or reservations, contact the The Great Canadian Travel Company at http://www.greatcanadiantravel.com/tours/north-atlantic-islands/spitsbergen-winter-safari or call 800-661-3830

National Finals Rodeo 2010 logo – Las Vegas

When you think of Las Vegas, the word “rodeo” doesn’t usually come to mind.  But the 2010 National Finals Rodeo will be back in Sin City next month.

The National Finals Rodeo is the most prestigious rodeo in the world, so put on your cowboy hat and boots and have a good old time, Las Vegas style.

Cowboys and cowgirls will fill the world-famous Vegas Strip, transforming it from the entertainment capitol of the world to a true western town.

This year’s National Finals Rodeo (NRF) will be held between December 2-11.

Here are several great Las Vegas hotel packages. Be sure to book early!

NFR at MGM Grand

MGM Grand is the “Home of the Champions” offering NFR guests the best live feed in Las Vegas, free autograph sessions, food and drink specials, convenient monorail access to Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center and weekend after parties at Studio 54.

Book your NFR Las Vegas stay at MGM Grand and receive:
– Two (2) for (1) one buffet access.
– Two (2) complimentary admissions to Studio 54 or Tabu Ultra Lounge.
– Two (2) complimentary cocktails at MGM Grand’s main bars.

MGM Grand hotel package rates will begin at $69 per night – plus tax.

Reserve now for hotel stays between November 24 and December 18, 2010. This offer must be booked by December 11, 2010.

Reservations: www.mgmgrand.com
____________________________________________________

NFR 2010 at Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is your NFR Central this year! Enjoy our live entertainment, NFR viewing, drink specials and much more! Plus receive these offers as part of your stay:
– Free draft beer at The Pub
– Free shot of whiskey at The Pub
– Free margarita at Diablo’s
– Free cocktail at BRAND
– Two for one Frank Caliendo tickets
– Drawing ticket for nightly giveaway
– 20 percent off spa service
– 10 percent off retail purchase

Monte Carlo room rates begin at $50 – plus tax.

This hotel package is available between November 29, 2010 and December 16, 2010, and must be booked by December 12, 2010.

Reservations: Call (888) 529-4828 or visit www.montecarlo.com
____________________________________________________

Hottest NFR Value on The Strip at Circus Circus

Rope in all the NFR action at Circus Circus! This terrific hotel package includes:
– Free country entertainment nightly at Rock & Rita’s
– Free live NFR feed
– Free shuttle to and from NFR
– Food and drink specials

Circus Circus hotel rates start at only $25 per night – plus tax.

This hotel package is availability from December 1 to December 12, 2010

Reservations: www.circuscircus.com

One of the main goals for visiting another country is to experience the best of what it offers. No one likes small, humble accommodations when you get down to the root of the matter.

We all like lavishness – to be comfortable and even impressed with our surroundings. For European vacationers, many find that casino resorts offer the type of luxury they demand at a price almost anyone can afford.

There are fifty independent countries in Europe, each delivering its own unique traditions and culture. There’s a lot to see in any one of Europe’s many countries, like Royal Albert Hall or Big Ben in London, England; The Louvre in Paris, France; all of Rome in Italy; and so much more. And not to even mention the exquisite cuisine options available to you from border to border.

But sometimes people want a little more fun on their luxurious vacations than a simple tour of Euro wonders can provide. This is where Europe’s casino resorts take over, and they do billions of dollars worth of business annually.

There are nearly 20 casinos in Germany alone, some featuring world-class accommodations for the traveler wishing to be pampered. Greece, one of the world’s most historic countries and the founders of modern civilization, is home to 10 fantastic gaming venues. And other countries like the UK, Hungary, Italy, Bulgaria, Sweden, Estonia and Monaco are also offering wonderful gaming establishments.

Casino resorts directories will feature pertinent details about any country’s venues, including tips on planning your vacation, travel guides, hotel information, and more.

You could go and see the normal sights, packed with tourists and traffic, and play in best bonus casinos from your computer in your hotel room. But you would miss part of Europe’s nightlife and entertainment culture that you cannot recapture from brochures or articles. Europe’s casinos are must-see destinations.

Lahaina Fish Company

With an excellent waterfront location and an extensive, reasonably priced menu, the Lahaina Fish Company eatery is one of the best bargains in all of West Maui – Hawaii.

The Lahaina Fish Company offers its patrons a fantastic choice of Hawaiian fresh fish, seafood, and other island fare, plus ribs, grilled steaks and chops, as well as burgers.

Lahaina Fish Company offers waterfront dining, friendly service and great food. It’s one of the most popular restaurants on all of Maui.

The panoramic views are priceless, as you gaze over deep blue waters, out towards the Hawaiian island of Lanai.

If you truly want a magical moment on Maui, be sure to plan your meal for an unbelievable Hawaii sunset.

Sunsets here over of deep blue waters of the pacific Ocean are spectacular!

The long and windy Road to Hana on Maui, is one of the most breathtaking drives anywhere. The road is about fifty two miles in length, including over 617 curves and 56 one lane bridges.

You can make the adventurous drive on your own, but why not leave the trip to the experts. I highly recommend Valley Isle Excursions. They are by far, the top luxury tour operator on Maui.

Valley Isle Excursions operates 12 passenger luxury mini-coaches. Their air-conditioned vans have 12 captain’s chairs, 2 on each side of the isle. These comfortable seats provide large, 40″ vertical viewing windows to easily take in all the beauty that Maui has to offer.

On the Road to Hana, there are numerous stops along the way for passengers to take time and embrace the beauty that is Maui. You get a continental Hawaiian breakfast, picnic lunch, as well as snacks and sodas throughout the day.

Your tour to Hana will truly be a memorable one. Your drive will pass pineapple and sugar cane fields, spectacular cliffs, dense bamboo jungles, breezy Eucalyptus groves, brilliant tropical flowers and incredible waterfalls. The postcard-perfect panoramas appear untouched for hundreds of years.

Valley Isle Excursions allows you to enjoy the informative, narrated tour on the famous Road to Hana. Our tour guide and narrator was a kind gentleman named Iwi. He had a great sense of humor and was very knowledgeable about Hawaiian culture and its rich history.

Driving along the northern coast of Maui presents numerous views of the rugged and scenic coastline. Sheer cliffs, crashing ocean waves and lush tropical vegetation are a feast for the eyes. This makes your Road to Hana trip even more enjoyable.

One enjoyable stop is at the world famous Black Sand Beach or locally known as Waianapanapa Beach. The Black Sand Beach is actually composed of small, water-rounded pebbles. Black Sand Beach is located in the midst of the beautiful 120-acre Waianapanapa State Park. Situated among black lava cliffs and framed by tropical flora, Waianapanapa Beach is quite a sight. Take time to walk along the trail, looking down at crashing waves and jagged cliffs, plus several impressive blow holes.

It was time for lunch and we stopped at a local park for a relaxing picnic lunch of chicken, rice, green salad, macaroni salad, bread rolls and dessert.

The most popular stop was The Seven Pools of O’heo or better known as the Seven Sacred Pools. The Pools of O’heo are a series of cascading waterfalls and tranquil pools that descend through the O’heo Gulch and flows into the nearby Pacific Ocean. The Pipiwai Streams feed these amazing waterfalls and numerous pools starting 2 miles inland. We spent about an hour swimming in the pools and walking along the trail offering incredible views.

Another interesting stop is to the grave site of aviator Charles Lindbergh. Lindbergh flew the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean, from Roosevelt Field on Long Island to Le Bourget Field in Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis plane.

Charles Lindbergh, nicknamed the “Lone Eagle”, spent his final years on Maui, where he died of lymphoma in 1974. Lindbergh was buried on the grounds of the Palapala Ho’omau Church in Kipahulu.

For wine enthusiasts, you will visit Hawaii’s oldest winery, which is located nearby Haleakala volcano. Taste a variety of Maui’s fine wines, walk around the picnic area and visit the gift shop for some souvenirs.

As you continue along the eastern and southern side of Maui, you have the mighty Haleakala volcano looming over off your right-side. The landscape becomes more barren of vegetation, but that’s what numerous volcanic eruptions over the years will do.

What’s obvious is that Valley Isle Excursions definitely knows where all the best scenic spots are, both to visit … as well as capture wonderful pictures. Their drivers are highly skilled and trained. Although the road is windy and carries a lot of traffic, we always felt safe and could solely focus on the beautiful Road to Hana scenery.

There are many Maui tour companies available but what sets Valley Isle Excursions apart from the competition is their knowledge of the road, the weather, and how to spot the best opportunity for their quests. Tours are adjusted on a daily basis (as needed) to give customers the highest value stops they can.

Thanks Valley Isle Excursions, for an unforgettable trip to “Heavenly Hana.” The tour was absolutely fabulous!

Valley Isle Excursions
(877) 871- 5224
Email: tour@tourmaui.com

Courtesy of: Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

The luxurious Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is scheduled to open in December and the elegant resort will establish a new high standard that all existing and new Las Vegas resorts will be measured against.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will showcase expansive private terraces overlooking the world famous Las Vegas Strip as well as inspired designs and an original collection of diverse, fine dining experiences.

The luxury resort with 2,995 rooms will feature oversized residential style living space with expansive one-of-a-kind private terraces and spectacular designs by acclaimed interior architects David Rockwell, Jeffrey Beers, Adam D.Tihany and the Friedmutter Group.

Resort guests will be able to enjoy diverse dining experiences from some of our country’s top chefs, who are all new to Las Vegas.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas resort will surely make heads turn and offer a 110,000 square foot casino for gamblers, three distinct pool environments for sun worshipers, and breathtaking views of the Vegas Strip from every angle.

The footprint of the new Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is unique. It is located in the heart of the Strip, and the luxury resort’s unique, vertical multi-tower design resides on just 8.7 acres of land.

Offering its guests unforgettable, sweeping views of the Las Vegas skyline, you will feel truly at the epicenter of this city of lights, non-stop gaming and entertainment.

Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be comprised of two 50-story towers. The East and West towers will include oversized hotel and condominium-style rooms that range from 730 square feet to over 5400 square feet in size.

Courtesy of: Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

In addition there are ten three-story bungalow-style suites that are adjacent to the west pool deck. The plan is for the towers to also offer a collection of privately owned condominium units.

You will find contemporary bespoke room décor designed by David Rockwell. His vision features spacious living areas, luxurious bathrooms, a hundred small but unique touches, and many with expansive terraces overlooking the heart of the Strip.

Each room at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas includes the following luxury amenities: state-of-the-art technology control panels, entertainment system, plasma-screen televisions, wireless internet and a custom in-room bar.

The oversized bathrooms offer moments of unexpected tranquility combined with breathtaking views – Japanese soaking tubs, rain showers and marble floors complete the guest bath experience.

Additional features at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas include – a nightclub and ultra lounge, 150,000 square feet of convention and banquet facilities, top restaurants, 50,000 square foot spa, salon and fitness center, retail and three pool environments.

For additional information and reservations, please visit:
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

As Halloween is quickly approaching, we wanted to let everybody know about the 1st Las Vegas Halloween Parade.

It’s your chance to celebrate Halloween, Las Vegas style. Put on your best Halloween costume and you can actually be part of the 1st Las Vegas Halloween Parade.

As the inaugural Halloween parade in Sin City, this is a good bet to be wild and crazy, with a variety of outrageous Halloween costumes on display.

Halloween Night, Sunday, October 31st 2010
6:00: Costumers & art cars line up on Hoover Ave and 4th Street Just North of Charleston Blvd. 1 Block West of Las Vegas Blvd.
7:00 Parade walks, drives, slithers, clicks & clanks North on 4th Street to Fremont Street East.

Come show off your creation. Be the star you know you are!

Costumed people & art cars may be in the parade for FREE.

The costumes are whatever you create; they can be hand made, imaginative, sassy and fun. The Parade will march up 4th Street to Fremont Street East starting at Charleston Blvd.

Come be in the parade or watch it along 4th street.

When: Sunday, October 31, 2010
Line up begins at 6:00pm
Parade ROLLS at 7:00pm – All Ages
Where: The Arts District
Charleston and 4th
Las Vegas, NV, USA 89104

The Las Vegas Halloween Parade
*Address:Hoover Street/The Arts District on Charleston & 4th , Las Vegas, NV 89101
*Date 10/31/2010
*Time: 6:00PM line up, 7:00PM Parade Rolls
*Price: FREE to anyone in costume
*Art Cars are asked to check in on website so you may be placed in parade.

To learn more, please visit – http://www.thelasvegashalloweenparade.com

Photo: Villa Laura / Doorways, LTD.

Under the Tuscan Sun was a 2003 movie starring the beautiful actress, Diane Lane.  Lane’s character buys a lovely villa while on vacation in Tuscany, hoping to change her life after a divorce.

The villa from Under the Tuscan Sun is named – Villa Laura and just completed a four-year long renovation.

The newly restored Villa Laura is actually located in Cortona, Italy and is now available to rent.

The amazing Italian villa was purchased by the owners of California winery – Cline Cellars.

“As I made my way through the brambles to explore the ancient, crumbling villa for the first time, I felt like I was stepping into a fairytale, says Kit Burns, President of Doorways Ltd. “The villa lay in ruins, but I could see that it had great potential.”

The kitchens and bathrooms were custom crafted by a Tuscan artist, using marble surfaces and restored original stone walls. The wooden beds were replaced by wrought ironed hand-crafted frames from a local artisan. The bedding was made from the finest English linens.

The landscaping at Villa Laura is beautifully done, including an extensive rose garden surrounding a new in-ground pool, jacuzzi, and spectacular Roman fountain.

Photo: Villa Laura / Doorways, LTD.

The goal of the restoration was to maintain the villa’s original charm and magic. The interior is decorated with a combination of contemporary and antique furniture, found across Europe, by designer Jane Thompson.

Adjacent to Villa Laura is a rustic farmhouse that accommodates a total of 18 guests. The size makes it perfect destination weddings, families or large groups. “This is the perfect opportunity for guests to step into a movie set and live out their own adventure,” says Burns.

To rent Villa Laura and other luxurious European villas, please visit www.villavacations.com