Internet World Travel Guide

PACIFIC DELIGHT’S 13- AND 19-DAY PROGRAMS COUPLE CHINA AND YANGTZE RIVER CRUISES; PRICES START AT $1,588 AND $2,998 RESPECTIVELY

Pacific Delight Tours’ 13-day “Historic Cities & Yangtze River” and 19-day “Scenic China & Yangtze River” SuperValue tours offer travelers on a budget an extraordinary opportunity to explore some of China’s most sought-after sites — Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Guangzhou and Hong Kong — as well as spend three or four nights on the majestic Yangtze River aboard Victoria Cruises’ Premier Series Five-Star Fleet in outside staterooms with balconies, thus guaranteeing breathtaking views of the scenery. Year-round departures, many of which are guaranteed, are $1,588 to $2,128 per person, double for the 13-day tour and $2,998 to $3,638 for the 19-day program. Rates include China domestic air, most meals, accommodations in deluxe and superior first-class hotels and the services of professional tour guides. Air-inclusive packages are $2,588 to $3,308 for the 13-day package and $4,158 to $4,808 for the 19-day vacation — government-imposed taxes and fees, including the Sept. 11th Security Fee of up to $155, are additional on air-inclusive packages. Prices are subject to change.

Both itineraries include a Yangtze River cruise — exploring the most impressive section of the Three Gorges: Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge; as well as

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FIRST PHASE OF LUXURY VILLAS DEBUTS
IN SOUTH UTAH ‘CANYON COUNTRY’

Eight of 31 Villas at Amangiri Released for Sale at $7 Million

Majestic private canyons in the dramatic desert wilderness of Southern Utah will soon be home to an enclave of 31 luxury Villas at Amangiri. Eight of the villas, priced beginning at $7 million, will be released for sale today by the resort’s developer, Larkspur, Calif.-based Canyon Group.

“These villas are the ultimate base camp in America’s newest luxury destination, the rugged desert of the ‘old wild’ West,” said Homi Vazifdar, managing director, Canyon Group. “Here, from your own private canyon that was created more than 200 million years ago, you have nature as far as the eye can see, every world-class resort amenity and among the world’s best outdoor adventures at your doorstep.”

The Villas at Amangiri

The Villas at Amangiri - “giri” describes rock formations in Sanskrit - are just minutes from Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, and within easy reach of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley and the Colorado River. The resort is served by daily flights from Phoenix, Ariz. into nearby Page Municipal Airport (PGA), which can also accommodate private aircraft.

Each villa is designed to appear as if sculpted from the land and blend seamlessly into the natural landscape on private home sites that range from 1.3 to 10 acres.

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Coach House Rentals Opens In New York

Coach House Rentals, the leading specialist in short term London and Paris rentals, have now opened in New York - same quality rentals, same personal service.

They currently have 6 properties on their books suitable for parties of 2-8 people. Most spectacular is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment on the 28th floor of a luxury, doorman controlled, building with its own private balcony, roof terrace and amazing views. $295 per night for a 7 night stay, $320 per night for stays of 5 or 6 nights.

Their service includes:

* a representative to meet you at your rental, show you in, tell you about the local area and answer any questions you may have

* a mini-guide for each rental covering the property, neighbourhood shops, local transport, pubs, restaurants and cafés

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Dominican Republic

Reason to visit the Dominican Republic (DR): The beaches are stunning and well-maintained. DR Tourism Minister Felix Jimenez announced the rejuvenation of Long Beach in Puerto Plata, as well Juan Dolio Beach and the start of revitalization efforts to beaches in La Romana, Najayo, Palenque (San Cristobal) and Barahona to ensure their healthy beauty.

Contents

DR’s 41st Annual Merengue Festival to be Held July 24 - 27, 2008
JetBlue Airways Offers Flights to the DR’s Santo Domingo from Orlando
DR’s Dominican Golf Federation Adopts U.S. Golf Handicap and Course Rating Systems
Delta Introduces Atlanta-Santiago Daily DR Flight
Four AAA Diamonds for the DR’s Casa Colonial
DR’s Courtyard Hotel Santiago Awarded Platinum Distinction
DR Jazz Festival to be Held November 6 - 9, 2008
Fairmont Roco Ki Hotel Begins Construction in DR’s Punta Cana
DR to Host World Poker Showdown
 

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Donald Trump’s Namesake Restaurant, DJT, Opens
At Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas

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Trump’s Personal Chef, Joseph Isidori, Creates Innovative, Modern American Cuisine

Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas, the city’s newest landmark, today announced the opening of its signature fine-dining restaurant, DJT, bearing the initials of Donald J. Trump, who recently launched Trump Hotel Collection, with Las Vegas the newest location for the luxury brand. Located just inside the hotel’s spectacular grand lobby, DJT’s superbly crafted menu of Modern American cuisine and chic, intimate setting ensure a sensual, sophisticated and unforgettable dining experience.

DJT showcases the culinary talents of Executive Chef Joseph Isidori, former corporate executive chef for Trump Golf Management and executive chef at the Trump-owned Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla. Isidori has also served as Mr. Trump’s personal chef, as well as chef for the Trump family.

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ESCAPE WITH MINI-VACATIONS FROM CANADA’S LUXURY HOTELIER

Promotions and weekend stay packages let travellers cocoon in the spa, rekindle romance, refuel & best of all, save!

The luxury experts at Metropolitan Hotels’ three top Canadian hotels – the SoHo Metropolitan, the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver and the Metropolitan Toronto – have developed a few anecdotes in the form of bliss-causing promotions and weekend stay packages to allow visitors an escape from everything – from soaring gas prices to tightening travel budgets and more…

SOLITARY REFINEMENT AT THE SOHO METROPOLITAN

Cost: From $442

Package Details: What is it doing outside? Who cares! Hours of spa services in Salon Daniel will chase away the cold. Then, retire to your luxurious accommodations for an evening of decadent chocolates and movies. Delay your return to reality with an extended departure.

Includes: Overnight accommodation, complimentary room upgrade, three spa services at Salon Daniel (a one-hour massage, a spa manicure and a spa pedicure), Thomas Haas truffles, one complimentary DVD rental, complimentary late check out and parking.

ROMANCE AT THE METROPOLITAN HOTEL TORONTO (For the foodie!)

Cost: from $300

Package Details: One of North America’s best Chinese restaurants, Lai Wah Heen, is located at the Metropolitan Hotel Toronto. Combine dinner at this lauded hot spot, with complimentary Champagne and breakfast the next day in the Hemispheres, and you’ve got a foodie’s ultimate romantic getaway.

Includes: One night accommodation in a one-bedroom suite, a gourmet welcome amenity and a half-bottle of Veuve Clicquot, a $100 food credit for Lai Wah Heen (can be used in Hemispheres if you prefer), buffet breakfast for two in Hemispheres and parking.

Note: Rates are subject to availability and are based on double occupancy per night. Package rates are not available to groups, contracted rates or volume-contracted rates. Taxes and gratuities are not included.

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Tranquil and scenic, the Volga River links Russia’s two great cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg, but since Communist times cruising this great river has been limited to older Soviet ships. A luxurious voyage was simply not possible until the inauguration of the Volga Dream in 2007.

Academic Arrangements Abroad was the first charter client of the Volga Dream, which remains the only five-star riverboat in Russia. The vessel’s hotel operations are managed by a European company, including a massage therapist, hair dresser, doctor and even a French pastry chef. From barbecues on deck to six-course gala dinners, meals are a delight (and include complimentary beer and wine).

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TRISARA’S UPDATED 2008-2009 PACKAGES:

ESCAPE TO PHUKET TO ROMANCE AND SPA

Trisara, Phuket’s most idyllic resort and spa, has revised its 2008-2009 packages, available now through April 30, 2009 (with the exception of December 21 - February 28, 2009).

WHAT: Two packages created to take advantage of Trisara’s 39 secluded pool villas, relaxing spa, various dining venues, exceptional staff and total privacy.

WHY: Trisara is Phuket’s best-kept secret, quietly collecting accolades such as Gallivanter’s Guide “Hotel of the Year,” World Travel Awards “Best Boutique Resort in Thailand” and Robb Report’s “100 Ultimate Escapes of the World.”

Trisara Escape
For a quick fix of sand, sun and relaxation, or as an indulgent finish to a vacation exploring Southeast Asia, this package includes:
- Daily breakfast for two
- Airport transfers
- Additional bed and breakfast for $125

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THE LUXURY COLLECTION HOTELS & RESORTS
UNVEILS SIGNATURE TRAVEL SERVICES

Global Guests of The Luxury Collection Will Now Enjoy
Luggage Free Travel and Access to a World of News Publications
Thanks to New Partnerships with Luggage Forward and NewspaperDirect

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 65 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries, today announced the launch of two new signature services that will allow guests the luxury of traveling luggage free and having access to a world of newspapers and publications at their fingertips. Through these newly launched partnerships with industry leaders, Luggage Forward and NewspaperDirect, The Luxury Collection has created two new guest services that offer an unrivaled level of travel experiences tailored to its sophisticated global explorers. The award-winning hotels that make up The Luxury Collection are some of the world’s most iconic properties, including Hotel Marqués de Riscal, Elciego; Mystique, Santorni; Hotel Imperial, Kuala Lumpur; Grande Bregtagne, Athens; The U.S. Grant, San Diego and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

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PARK HYATT ZURICH INTRODUCES YogaAway
Feeling Great Again – The latest workout at Park Hyatt Zurich

Ideally located in the heart of Zurich, across from the Congress Center and steps from the Lake, Park Hyatt Zurich introduces YogaAway for those who want to start off their morning invigorated or for those who need to recuperate at the end of a long day.

YogaAway’s approach is unique - designed to offer accessible, easy-to-use programs in the privacy of the hotel’s Suites. In the luxurious Suites of Park Hyatt Zurich, guests may use a specially designed yoga mat, three DVD’s with various exercises, a Martin Case produced Music CD and the book “Emotional Yoga” from Bija Bennett. The YogaAway program offers 45-minute of yoga routines, available in three categories, namely The Workout: Feeling Great Again; Stress Reduction: Feeling at Home; and Finding Focus: Feeling Clarity of Mind.

For reservations and additional information, please call +41(0)43 883 1234 or visit zurich.park.hyatt.com

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MASALA KLUB REINVENTS INDIAN CUISINE WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST

Signature brand Masala comes to Bangalore

Masala Klub, a new restaurant at the Taj West End, features a contemporary, light menu with a twist on traditional recipes from North and South India. Visually stunning in every way, this 108-seat elegant restaurant serves stylishly crafted Indian fare in a sophisticated setting.

Masala Klub is the fourth Masala brand restaurant at the Taj Hotels, and combines the best flavors from the other Masala restaurants - Art, Craft, and Bay - and adds a range of inspirations from South India. Started as a dream of Taj Corporate Chef Hemant Oberoi to reinvent authentic Indian cuisine, the concept of the “Masala” brand grew into a group of restaurants where time-tested ingredients and recipes are given new life. In place of butter, cream and cashew-based gravies, extra virgin olive oil and lighter preparation techniques are used to retain authentic flavors. Chef Oberoi is faithful to the diverse homemade dishes of India while evolving the recipes for contemporary palates.

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JOURNEY TO THE EDGE
Abercrombie & Kent opens up new territory with Extreme Adventures –
once-in-a-lifetime expeditions for today’s high achievers

Every successful person has an insatiable thirst for challenge. Much
more than just a motivation, it’s who they are. They satisfy that thirst
in boardrooms and at negotiating tables, in backcountry ski bowls, on
fairways and in personal goals. The more adventurous even take it a step further, spending their free time challenging themselves by taking it up a notch in the grand and awe-filled theater of nature. On their behalf, the legendary travel company Abercrombie & Kent has created an entirely new portfolio of 15 Extreme Adventures.

Forget your preconceptions of “adventure travel.” These expeditions blow the lid off the box by combining the most spectacular regions, the
finest wilderness guides and A&K’s trademark mix of privileged access,
air-tight organization and outstanding service. The result is nothing
short of extraordinary: a collection of expeditions in the true
Amundsen, Hillary, Shackleton and Burton sense of the word, all
guaranteed to take you to the outer boundary of experience and, in the
process, to the edge of yourself.

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