Internet World Travel Guide

ST. REGIS® MAKES THE NEXT STOP ON ITS GLOBAL EXPEDITION WITH THE DEBUT OF THE ST. REGIS DUBAI

Opening in 2012, The St. Regis Dubai and The Residences at The St. Regis Dubai Will Offer Guests Superior Design and Unparalleled Service in One of the Middle East’s Most Exciting Metropolises

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced the introduction of its renowned St. Regis brand to the rapidly growing city of Dubai. Scheduled to open in 2012, The St. Regis Dubai and The Residences at The St. Regis Dubai will feature 220 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including 44 Junior Suites, and 80 branded residences as well as three world-class restaurants, two bars, a fitness center, swimming pool, shops and more than 4,500 square feet of meeting and banquet space. Reaching new heights of modern luxury, The St. Regis Dubai will introduce an unrivaled dimension of luxury and bespoke service at one of the world’s best addresses.

Offering sweeping views of the Dubai Creek, The St Regis Dubai will be just a short walk from the city’s bustling commercial center and main shopping districts. The magnificent new property will be a featured component of the Starhill Towers & Gallery, a high-rise, mixed-use development owned and developed by ETA Star Property Developers.

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THE VENETIAN RESORT-HOTEL-CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

TO SET A NEW STANDARD IN ENTERTAINMENT WITH THE REAL DEAL!

New Show To Feature Poker Superstars Interacting With Audience Members

In A Live, Daily, High-Tech, Fun-Filled Extravaganza

The Real Deal!, the first ever live, interactive poker-themed stage show, will debut in The Venetian Showroom at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas this fall, according to a joint announcement by entertainment industry icon Merv Adelson (no relation to Sheldon Adelson, chairman and chief executive officer of The Venetian’s parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp.) and the resort. Working in partnership with the world’s most renowned poker professionals, the show will introduce a new paradigm in entertainment, establishing a completely original live show format that combines humor, the latest in wireless technology, and abundant prizes in wildly-fun, fast-paced action that will entertain poker enthusiasts and non-players alike.

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NEWLY OPENED SEASIDE ESTATE L’AUBERGE DEL MAR PRESENTS

SPECIAL MID-WEEK OFFER
Sensational Stay Rates at Premier SoCal Coastal Retreat

Following an extensive $26 million renovation, the luxurious new L’Auberge Del Mar opened its doors on June 6, 2008. In honor of this monumental transformation, the seaside estate is presenting travelers with an enticing promotional offer to visit the property and see the incredible makeover for themselves.

The coastal retreat has long been the premier boutique hideaway for celebrities and discerning business and leisure travelers in the San Diego area and the new Sensational Stay rates will surely solidify that standing. From now until December 31, 2008, L’Auberge Del Mar is offering Sensational Stay room rates starting at $265 per night for a Sunday through Thursday stay, plus tax and resort fees.

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costa rica’s TABacóN GRAND SPA thermal RESORT TO OFFER

ITS FIRST-EVER YOGA RETREAT

In staging its first yoga retreat, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort turned to acclaimed spiritual yoga instructor, MeShall of Mystical Sojourn Retreats, who balances a career as an Environmental Specialist with teaching yoga and wellness consulting for the Ritz-Carlton, to launch her signature Mystical Sojourn Retreats at Tabacón’s magical, mineral-rich thermal springs setting. Scheduled October 19 – 23, 2008, the Mystical Sojourn Yoga Retreat pairs Tabacón’s rainforest setting at the base of the Arenal Volcano with a spirituality-based wellness program. Highlights of the five-day program include:

Temazcal rituals with Tonatiuh, the Grand Spa’s Shaman (Tabacón’s trio of traditional Mexican sweat lodges are the only ones in the world embedded in the empowering energy of an active volcano)
Guided meditation and meditative walks with MeShall and exploration of the volcanic springs Immersive instruction in Angel Yoga and The Five Tibetan Rites including yoga and meditation.Therapeutic outdoor and introspective indoor activities All meals, accommodations, special farewell dinner, unlimited use of the hot springs

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FOOD & WINE TRAILS RELEASES 2009 WINE-CRUISE SERIES WITH OCEANIA CRUISES, REGENT, SILVERSEAS AND PRINCESS CRUISES.

Food & Wine Trails is known for their wine-focused cruises, and in 2009 they are offering more departures than ever, many including free airfare. This brings the total cost of a European wine-trip to as low as $350 per day per person far less than a comparable land-based wine tour.

A Food & Wine Trails wine-cruise not only includes the normal trappings of a deluxe cruise - such as gourmet meals, accommodations, nightly entertainment and prepaid gratuities, but also includes private wine seminars, tastings and a wine-makers dinner, all hosted by nationally recognized wine personalities. In addition, at many of the ships ports-of-call, optional wine tours and lunches at top wine estates are offered.

“Given skyrocketing airline costs, and the devaluation of the dollar to the Euro, a wine-cruise by far offers the wine-lover the best value for their money,” states Larry Martin, President of Food & Wine Trails. “A wine-cruise will also appeal to both the hard-core wine-lover and to their spouse, as each can choose how much time to devote to wine and how much time for relaxing around the pool, sightseeing and shopping.”

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MEXICO NOW HAS 29 WORLD HERITAGE SITES FOR THE WORLD TO SEE

San Miguel de Allende and the Monarch Butterflies join Mexico’s World Heritage Sites!

The town of San Miguel El Grande and the Sanctuary of Jesús de Nazareno de Atotonilco (San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato) and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (State of Mexico and Michoacán) were named Mexico’s 28th and 29th World Heritage Sites by UNESCO during the 32nd annual World Heritage Committee in Canada. The committee also added 13 other new sites to their World Heritage List. This year’s session, taking place between July 2nd through the 10th in Quebec, Canada, also honored both sites for their historical, cultural (current and future) and natural place in the world.

Mexico now places third in the world for their amount of World Heritage Sites, after Spain and Italy. With 29 natural and cultural, World Heritage Sites, including the Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM) and the new World Wonder Chichen Itza, Mexico is proud to also include well-known archaeological icons like Teotihuacan, to colonial cities such as Oaxaca, and Puebla and natural sites including the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the Islands of the Gulf of California, and the El Vizcaino Whale Sanctuary.

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L2O in Chicago Unveils Tatami Room and Private Dining Rooms

L2O (pronounced el-two-oh), the recently opened modern seafood restaurant in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood from Chef Laurent Gras and Richard Melman, chairman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises®, unveils its exclusive Tatami Room, Semi-Private Dining Room and Banquet Room.

Since opening on May 14, 2008, L2O has received critical acclaim for breathing new life into the dining landscape, with elegant cuisine that is both dynamic and appealing. Now, with the launch of the Tatami Room, Semi-Private Dining Room and Banquet Room, designed by Chicago-based Dirk Denison Architects, diners have a variety of ways to experience Chef Gras’ cuisine and the restaurant’s signature personalized service. Be it a romantic evening for 2 or business meal for 4, a jovial dinner for 10 or a celebration for 60, L2O offers an environment for every occasion.

Tatami Room
Inspired by Chef Gras’ trips to Japan, the Tatami Room is traditionally appointed with grass-mat floors, sunken tables of yellow cedar and Edelman leather upholstered Zaisu seats. As in Japan, guests trade their shoes for slippers before entering the room. Behind the sliding doors, the Tatami Room can accommodate two to eight diners in complete privacy. A Kaiseki-inspired tasting menu is served exclusively in the Tatami room. Kaiseki, a traditional Japanese meal based on the tea ceremony, has evolved into a culinary art where the finest seasonal ingredients harmonize in taste, texture, appearance and color. Presented by a kimono-clad server, the 14-course meal follows a designated progression of small portions of luxurious ingredients. A meal may begin with freshly squeezed juices, Japanese macha and amuse bouches. Exotic selections of seafood, served in both raw and cooked preparations ensue, followed by sweet and savory dishes, and specialty desserts. The Tatami Room tasting menu is $225 per person and is L2O’s most exclusive offering.

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SUMMER ON A PLATE, PART II: FRESH FROM CHEF BOYCE AT STUDIO,
MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH

Simple Grilling Recipes by Chef James Boyce Are Made For Casual Summer Home Entertaining

Tandoori-Flank Steak Roll-Up

This summer’s prime grilling season has inspired Executive Chef James Boyce of Studio, the signature restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach, to create simple grilled dishes of fresh ingredients that are also perfect for casual outdoor home entertaining.

WHAT: Simple grilled meat, fish and vegetable dishes that tempt the senses and are relatively low in fat and calories, in keeping with Chef Boyce’s modern French-style cuisine with California influences, whose ever-changing menus at Studio feature the freshest of regional, seasonal organic and artisanal ingredients

WHY: New chef-tested ways to add to your grilling repertoire

HOW: Try your hand at Chef Boyce’s recipes, or use his approach to create your own recipe from the freshest seasonal items

1. Reach for an innovative wrap: Chef Boyce won a cook-off with this fun, interactive recipe by replacing a traditional higher-carbohydrate tortilla with a radicchio lettuce cup.

GRILLED SALMON “TACOS”

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CIRCLE LINE DOWNTOWN JULY 4TH FIREWORKS CRUISE – GET ON BOARD FOR THE ULTIMATE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARTY!

FEATURING FIREWORKS AND “THE NEW YORK CITY WATERFALLS”

This Fourth of July, forget about the teeming crowds, the bumper-to-bumper traffic, and the search for a good vantage point to see the fireworks…get on the boat for a 5-hour extravaganza featuring food, fun, festivities and the best view for the pyrotechnic spectacle on the East River – including “The New York City Waterfalls!”

With Circle Line Downtown’s July 4th Fireworks Cruise, there is simply no better way to celebrate the nation’s birthday in all its festive glory. MISS NEW YORK – Circle Line Downtown’s legendary legacy boat – is the setting for a night of celebration for the whole family that they won’t soon forget. Even jaded New Yorkers would be hard pressed to find a more moving, emotional and patriotic setting to view the legendary fireworks spectacular amidst the backdrop of the always-stunning New York City skyline.”

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Loews Regency Waterfalls Package

The highly anticipated work of Olafur Eliasson is officially in New York City this summer with “The Waterfalls of New York City,” an awe-inspiring art exhibit featuring four man-made waterfalls 90 to 120 feet high through October 31st. The Loews Regency Hotel is offering NYC visitors a special package to experience the work of art in comfort and style.

The Loews Regency Hotel patrons can reserve a coveted spot and beat the exhibit’s long lines by booking the Loews Regency Waterfalls Package, which gives guests advance tickets to Circle Line Downtown Cruise Tours. The Cruise Tours feature two options, one of the four waterfalls and the other including the Statue of Liberty.

The Loews Regency special, starting at $850*, includes a one night stay in a luxurious one bedroom suite, breakfast at the hotel’s famed 540 Park, tickets for viewing the Waterfalls, aboard a breathtaking cruise, and car service to and from the cruise, complete with a basket of Perrier and chocolates to take along for your ride.

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DOMINICA INTRODUCES NEW SEA TURTLE PROGRAM

While Dominica offers many things to see and do for nature enthusiasts, sea turtle watching is rapidly becoming a major attraction. Growing out of a successful sea turtle program operating on Rosalie Beach, visitors to “The Nature Island” of Dominica will soon be able to observe these magnificent creatures at many more locations across the island with a trained tour guide from neighboring villages.

The recently established Dominica Sea Turtle Conservation Organization (DomSeTCO) is formally launching a coordinated, community-based eco-tourism and management program in 2009 that will operate at Londonderry Beach, Bout Sable Beach, and the beaches at Rosalie and Riviere Cyrique. However, nightly beach patrolling has already begun, with trained citizen patrollers conducting turtle tagging, data collection and, when necessary, nest and egg relocation.

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SUMMER ON A PLATE, PART I: FRESH OFF THE MENU FROM STUDIO,
MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH

Simple Salad Recipes by Chef James Boyce Ideal For Summer Home Entertaining

Executive Chef James Boyce of Studio

Fresh summer produce inspires Executive Chef James Boyce of Studio, the signature restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach, to create beautifully simple salads that offer delicious new dishes for effortless home entertaining.

WHAT: Quick, simple salads that tempt the senses and are low in fat and calories, in keeping with Chef Boyce’s modern French-style cuisine with California influences, whose ever-changing menus at Studio feature the freshest of regional, seasonal organic and artisanal ingredients

WHY: New chef-tested ways to make summer fruits and vegetables the starring attraction

HOW: Try your hand at Chef Boyce’s recipes, or use his approach to create your own recipe from the freshest seasonal produce

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HOW SUITE IT IS

Hotel Granduca’s Imperial Suite Indulges Guests with Luxurious Amenities

Hotel Granduca, Houston’s only member of The Leading Hotels of the World®, announces the completion of the prestigious Imperial Suite. Having been open since September 2006, Hotel Granduca has been home to many dignitaries, entertainers and families who have desired the exclusive intimacy and warmth that the hotel exemplifies. Setting a new standard, the Imperial Suite combines luxurious solitude in an elegant setting with a private entrance as well as an entrance from the main lobby. This chic inviting suite is the creation of Ermy Borlenghi Bonfield who created the Italian ambience throughout the hotel. Complete with select Italian antiques, paintings and artifacts from her personal collection, Borlenghi Bonfield has once again exceeded the ultimate imagination.

The 2,100 sq. ft. Imperial Suite includes two beautiful formal entries as well as spacious living and dining areas. A welcoming old world study

filled with antique art and books can serve as a private meeting venue. The luxurious master suite is located across the hall from the study. This comfortable, cozy room offers a private bath with a glass shower as well as a soaking tub overlooking the veranda and pool. The second bedroom is located next to the study. With seating for eight people, it is the perfect setting for an intimate dinner party with close friends or business associates.

The Kitchen

Hotel Granduca is prominently located at 1080 Uptown Park Boulevard, Houston, TX 77056 in Houston’s Uptown Park near the Galleria. Hotel Granduca continues to be Houston’s most sophisticated and luxurious hotel destination. The Palace offers 123 spacious yet intimate rooms and suites. Hotel Granduca also recently opened their signature restaurant, Ristorante Cavour, an elegant dining experience of Northern Italian cuisine with a French accent. Under the direction of Executive Chef David Denis, the restaurant continues to receive rave reviews. To learn more about the hotel and take a virtual tour, visit Hotel Granduca’s website at www.granducahouston.com. To make reservations by phone, call 713.418.1000.