Internet World Travel Guide

BRAZILIAN RESORT PONTA DOS GANCHOS
ADDS FIVE NEW LUXURY SEAFRONT BUNGALOWS

Silent Auction for Inaugural Stay
to Benefit Prominent Children’s Charity

Santa Catarina, Brazil, September 29, 2008. To celebrate the opening of its five new deluxe bungalows, Ponta dos Ganchos, the exclusive beach resort located on Brazil¹s pristine southern coast, is auctioning the inaugural weekend stay in each Emerald villa bungalow for charity (from December 5 - 7, 2008). It’s an unprecedented opportunity for travelers to be the first to experience these incomparable villas, each perched along the water’s edge and featuring exquisite furnishings and superior amenities, while contributing to a worthy cause.

Situated on a private peninsula along Brazil’s alluring Emerald Coast, Ponta dos Ganchos is a haven for beach lovers who appreciate laid-back elegance and seclusion. The award-winning Relais & Châteaux resort features 25 private bungalows overlooking the crystal-clear waters, each rustically refined and designed to be in complete harmony with the natural surroundings. The four new Emerald Villa Bungalows (2,455 square feet/230 square meters) and one Special Emerald Villa Bungalow (3,210 square feet/300 square meters), opening in

December, will add a new dimension of luxury to
Ponta dos Ganchos. The bungalows feature dry saunas and Jacuzzis with sea views, personal spa areas with massage tatamis, wine cellars, and private decks and plunge pools, as well as music systems, Internet connections, and flat-screen televisions. The Special Emerald Villa Bungalow also includes an in-villa fitness center. Guests who stay in any of the property’s accommodations revel in the impeccable service, fine cuisine (all meals included), and a host of activities, from water sports and nature hikes to therapeutic open-air massages, throughout their stay.

SILENT AUCTION PROCEEDS TO BE DONATED TO Instituto Guga Kuerten

“As we celebrate this milestone in our development, we are delighted to give
back to the community and involve our valued, gracious guests who share an
affection for Brazilian culture and a devotion to improving the lives of the
less fortunate,” said Nicolas Peluffo, managing director. “Ponta dos Ganchos
is proud to contribute all of the monies generated from our silent auction
to one of our country’s most important charities, Instituto Guga Kuerten.”

Founded by Brazilian tennis champion Gustavo Kuerten, Instituto Guga Kuerten
(www.igk.org.br) is dedicated to helping underprivileged children in the
region enjoy access to after-school sports programs and supports
organizations that aid people with disabilities. Kuerten is a beloved
Brazilian sports figure who has worked tirelessly to mobilize philanthropic
activities in his country.

The silent auction is open now until 4:30 p.m. (local time) on October 31,
2008, and the minimum bid for each bungalow is 30 percent less than the
standard weekend rate, offering travelers further incentive to participate.
The minimum bids for the weekend (two nights/double occupancy) are:

* Emerald Villa Bungalows (four units): R$ 4,480.00 (approx. US$ 2,560)
* Special Emerald Villa Bungalow (one unit): R$ 5,880.00 (approx. US$ 3,360)

All bids must be submitted in Brazilian reais, and current conversion rates
may be found at finance.yahoo.com/currency. Those with the highest bids by
the deadline will be the first travelers to savor the many luxuries of these
brand-new, exquisitely designed tropical hideaways, which offer the utmost
in comfort, style, and privacy in one of the world¹s most romantic locales.

HOW TO BID

Travelers may make a bid by calling Ponta dos Ganchos reservations at +55 48
3953-7000, 1 8778 BOOK PDG (US), or 0808 234 8680 (UK). E-mails, containing
contact information, desired bungalow, and bid amount, should be sent to
reservas@pontadosganchos.com.br.* For more information about the services
and amenities of Ponta dos Ganchos, visit www.pontadosganchos.com.

* The bid amounts must be paid in full by November 10, 2008, via bank
transfer or credit card. Winning bids are valid for December 5 ­ 7, 2008
bookings only for Emerald Villa Bungalows and Special Emerald Villa
Bungalow, double occupancy, and cannot be used for any other dates.
Cancellations are not accepted and are subject to total loss of payment as
proceeds will be donated directly to Instituto Guga Kuerten. All meals and
non-alcoholic drinks are included.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE ANNOUNCES NEW, SIX-DAY SCANDINAVIA CRUISES—WITH ROUNDTRIP SAILINGS FROM ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Holland America Line’s flagship, ms Rotterdam, will sail two new six-day Scandinavian itineraries in July 2009. Ideal for travelers eager for a shorter getaway, the two round-trip sailings feature spectacular scenic cruising and explore Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

“Given our legacy in Rotterdam, we are thrilled to be sailing in and out of this magnificent port, right past our original headquarters, now the Hotel New York,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “It’s a unique and unforgettable experience to watch Rotterdam’s citizens cheering at our arrivals and departures.”

Departing July 18, 2009, from Rotterdam, Netherlands, the ship calls at some of the Baltic’s best-known ports: Helsingborg, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark and Oslo, Norway, before returning to Rotterdam. A 22-hour stay in the Danish capital enables guests to meander through the streets of Copenhagen or enjoy a leisurely dinner at a sidewalk café before returning to the ship.

The second sailing, departing Rotterdam July 24, explores the coast of Norway with calls at Flam, Bergen and Stavanger. Two days of scenic cruising in Norway — the first in Sognafjord and Aurlandsfjord, and the second at Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock — will delight nature enthusiasts and amateur photographers alike.

“These new six-day cruises are perfect for the traveler who wants a shorter premium vacation and to discover some of Scandinavia’s most beautiful and memorable towns and seascapes,” added Meadows.

Cruise fares for the two six-day, roundtrip Rotterdam voyages begin at $869 per person, double occupancy.

12-Day cruise—or an 18-day Collectors’ Voyage—available for those who wish to explore Baltic in more depth

Holland America Line also offers two extended cruise options for those who want to see more of Northern Europe and to receive a more in-depth discovery of Scandinavia and the Baltic.

Departing on July 18, guests can combine the two six-day itineraries for a 12-day cruise that sails to a variety of ports and includes scenic cruising through Norway’s most picturesque fjords and has only one overlapping call at Rotterdam. Pricing for the 12-day cruise begins at $1,629 per person, double occupancy.

The six day, July 24 sailing, can be combined with the following 12-day, July 30 sailing, for an 18-day Collectors’ Voyage. The Collectors’ Voyage includes calls at Oslo, Norway, Århus, Denmark, Warnemünde (Berlin), Germany, Tallinn, Estonia, and two days in St. Petersburg, Russia. While in St. Petersburg, guests will have plenty of time to explore such iconic treasures as the Hermitage Museum, the palace of Czarina Catherine the Great and the cathedrals of St. Petersburg. The Collectors’ Voyage then continues its journey to Helsinki, Finland, Stockholm, Sweden, scenic cruising of Stockholm Archipelago and disembarks in Copenhagen, Denmark. Pricing for the 18-day Collectors’ Voyage begins at $2,399, per person, double occupancy. Taxes and fuel supplement are additional on all fares.

The Holland America Line premium cruise experience

At the heart of every Holland America cruise is a warm and award-winning style of service. With As You Wish dining®, the onboard culinary experience gives options to suit every taste. Guests can choose a classic fixed seating and dining time or a flexible, open seating schedule. And alternative dining always is available, including the elegant Pinnacle Grill and relaxed Lido Restaurant.

Culinary staff and guest chefs lead cooking classes and demonstrations in the onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, and, as part of the Explorations Speaker Series, special guest lecturers sail on each cruise to offer enriching perspectives on regional art, history and culture. The Explorations Café — powered by the New York Times — enables guests to stay connected to loved ones. Guests are also assured a good night’s sleep with the Mariner’s Dream stateroom amenities, including luxurious beds and linens.

When in port, guests can choose from a diversity of shore excursions including the exclusive Medallion Collection featuring Overland Adventures, Signature Collection private-car touring, visits to natural, architectural and technical masterpieces from the Wonders of the World Collection and rare and unusual experiences with the Encore Collection excursions.

For cruise brochures or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

— www.hollandamerica.com —

Desires Hotels, A New Modern Boutique Collection, Launches Desireshotels.com
Delivering Unexpected Amenities in Stylish Settings

Desires Hotels, a collection of independently created, modern boutique hotels, has just launched their new, comprehensive website. The brand boasts an unwavering commitment to service, unique architecture and design, and delivers unexpected amenities in the most stylish settings. Whether it be the world class art collection at The Sagamore in Miami Beach, the rooftop lounge at the San Juan Water and Beach Club, or The Mela Hotel, just steps from Times Square, each of the Desires Hotels provide a unique experience through their own aesthetic and design. Just as color slowly washes over the images on the website, we invite you to color your experience however you wish. Whether you take in the aqua blue waters of Miami Beach while at The Betsy or the golden dome of Atlanta’s City Hall atop the rooftop of The Glenn Hotel, we offer every opportunity for you to find comfort and sophistication catered directly to your desired preferences.

DesiresHotels.com features everything you need to make your stay at a Desires Hotel anything but ordinary. With the ability to book reservations directly through the website, guests will have exclusive access to podcasts that outline current events in and around each hotel, specialized music playlists, virtual tours, special offers and packages, and a host of other features, making DesiresHotels.com among the most innovative in the industry.

Savvy travelers seeking a lifestyle-oriented experience will appreciate the “Your Desires” loyalty and concierge program which ensures that every guest has an exceptional experience. The unique and individualized loyalty program is designed to provide special care and attention to guests before they even arrive at the hotel. Create your personalized profile on the website to ensure that no detail is overlooked throughout your stay. Whether you seek information on popular museums, cultural events, the latest restaurants, business accoutrements or nightlife, a special Manager of Desires will ensure that all of your personalized preferences are arranged before you arrival. Guests who register for the program online, will become privileged members, receiving an extra-ordinary level of service that goes above and beyond that of a normal concierge service.

We recognize that beautiful hotels must be combined with attentive yet unassuming service. For both leisure and business travelers alike, Desires Hotels are poised to cater to the needs of each and every client. Simple touches can turn an ordinary stay into an extraordinary experience, and Desires aims to provide a level of service to help make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Log onto DesiresHotels.com to explore the vast array of opportunities available to you before booking your stay at a Desires Hotel or call 866.593.4330.

About Desires Hotels

From the neon lights on Ocean Drive in South Beach to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, from the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta to the cobbled adoquine streets of Old San Juan, or right in the heart of Times Square, Desires Hotels is a unique collection of independently created modern boutique hotels. High in style, distinct and creative, each of these lifestyle hotels have one-of-a-kind architecture and interior design, allowing guests to expect just as much from their hotel as they do from their destination. Savvy travelers seeking a lifestyle-oriented experience will appreciate the “Your Desires” program that tailors a unique experience to every guest. Desires Hotels deliver unexpected amenities in stylish settings.

For more information about Desires Hotels and their locations, call 866-593-4330 or visit Desireshotels.com.

NYC’s Millennium Broadway Hotel in Times Square is hosting The Gourmet Institute event on October 17th. Tickets and hotel rooms are sold separately; as the Millennium Broadway Hotel is the host this year, they are offering a special discounted room rate to ticket-holders for this coveted event.

The Millennium Broadway Hotel is hosting the sixth annual Gourmet Institute on October 17th – a weekend long insider’s look from one of the most popular food magazines, Gourmet. Exclusive seminars, cooking demonstrations and tastings will be given by the food industry’s top players from October 17-19th. Tickets are $1,395 per person. Room rates for ticket holders start at $349 per night.

The weekend schedule includes:

Cooking demonstrations and seminars by Grant Achatz, Dan Barber, John Besh, Daniel Boulud, David Chang, Tom Colicchio, Todd English, Masaharu Morimoto, Eric Ripert, Marcus Samuelsson, Nancy Silverton, Michael Symon, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and many more.
Meeting the personalities behind Gourmet, including executive chef Sara Moulton, wine & spirits consultant Michael Green and Ruth Reichl the editor in chief of Gourmet
Tasting by the chefs during the demos and seminars
Sampling of wines from around the world
A spectacular welcome gala at one of New York City’s premier cultural institutions featuring the cuisine of renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer’s catering company, Hudson Yards, and five of his acclaimed restaurants including: Blue Smoke, Eleven Madison Park, Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, and Tabla
A one-of-a-kind dinner on Saturday night at a celebrated New York restaurant
There will also be a custom gift bag filled with products valued at $300

Gourmet Institute ticketholders receive a special discounted nightly rate of $349 per night (does not include ticket price) for superior rooms and a rate of $389 per night (does not include ticket price) for premier rooms and are subject to availability. Suites are available upon request. Tickets are sold separately at GourmetInstitute.com. For hotel reservations, please call the hotel directly at 212-768-4400 or 800-622-5569, and mention The Gourmet Institute.

To order tickets, please visit: http://www.gourmetinstitute.com/register.cfm

To book hotel rooms, please visit accommodations: millenniumbroadway.com

October 17-19th | Tickets $1,395 | Rooms $349+

Millennium Broadway Hotel | 145 West 44th Street | New York, NY | 212-768-4400

Exciting news from Starwood!!

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. marks a milestone in its aggressive growth in Greater China announcing its 100th hotel there, with the signing of the Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel. As the first international hotel chain to enter China when the historic Great Wall Beijing Sheraton Hotel opened in 1985, Starwood today is the largest international upscale hotel company in China and continues to grow its footprint there with the expansion of its brands including Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, St. Regis, Luxury Collection, aloft, Four Points by Sheraton and W hotels in established and emerging cities as well as resort destinations.

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Travel to Beijing Olympics Fraught with Potential Health Risks

MU international travel expert has advice for those visiting China

As the torch is lit for opening ceremonies at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a University of Missouri international travel expert advises visitors to be careful behind the scenes. Visitors to the Olympics face potential problems with respiratory infections, injuries and animal bites. Although it is never too late to receive necessary vaccinations, it is important to be careful during the trip and consider seeing a doctor after returning to the United States.

“In all of Southeast Asia, travelers coming back to the United States with medical complaints typically have either experienced a viral syndrome, fever, respiratory infection, animal bites or scratches, or diarrhea,” said Deborah Kaplan, director of MU’s Travel Connections – a service provided by the School of Health Professions. “Results from a recent stud, completed during a 10-year period showed that people who traveled, especially to Beijing, were commonly afflicted with respiratory infections and animal bites.”

The trouble with animal bites or scratches, according to Kaplan, is that China only recently adopted rabies policies for pet owners, but not soon enough to have helpful effects prior to the Olympics.

“In the United States, in 2006, there were three cases of human rabies, two from bats and one from a dog bite in the Philippines,” Kaplan said. “In the same year, there were more than 3,000 human deaths from rabies in China alone. In China, health professionals use a rabies immune globulin that is not approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). Anyone bit by a rabid animal needs more than just a vaccine; they need immune globulin to protect them during the window of time before the vaccine take effect.”

It is very important for visitors to China to practice good hand washing, brush teeth with bottled water, and do not eat food from street vendors, according to Kaplan. People who smoke or have underlying respiratory ailments are at an increased risk for respiratory infections.

After returning from China, visitors should see their doctor if they are not feeling well, Kaplan suggests. If bitten or scratched by an animal, travelers should report the incident to a doctor, the health department or Travel Connections immediately.

“Since the Olympic games last for several weeks, many people have not yet traveled to China,” Kaplan said. “It is never too late to take necessary precautions. Travelers to China need updated routine immunizations, Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots.”

Kaplan said that the athletes face far less risk because their food will be handled in a much more controlled environment in the Olympic Village. However, the pollution problems in Beijing could affect them as well.