Around the world by private jet, leaving from Canada in November

(News Release)

Surprisingly affordable, always an adventure When people think about hopping on a private jet for a dream vacation, it remains just that, a dream. Now Travel Guild Inc. is offering you the chance of a lifetime! Climb aboard a VIP Boeing 737 for an epic around the world adventure in 25 days. The flight originates in Calgary, stops in Kelowna to pick up more passengers, and on the way back, drops off at Toronto, Calgary, and Kelowna International airports. In between, it is nothing but pure adventure. But wait, a private jet… around the world… it’s got to be very expensive… right?  Wrong! Consider the out of pocket costs for almost a month of five star accommodations and restaurants, not to mention air fare, transportation costs, guided sightseeing tours, exotic evening events, visas and tips, entertainment and shows, and a safari! One would think an adventure like this would be well over $2000 a day. It’s not. This around the world by private jet vacation is $32,995 US and a very affordable $2,995 supplement for the single traveler. Couples, groups and singles will enjoy meeting and traveling with like-minded individuals.

Disneyland celebrates 59 magical years in California!

CELEBRATING 59 MAGICAL YEARS -- Disneyland Resort guests joined 59 Disney characters on Main Street, U.S.A., to hear a recording of Walt Disney’s opening day “welcome” speech and sing “Happy Birthday” in a festive marking of the resort's 59th anniversary.

The upcoming 60th anniversary Diamond Celebration logo was unveiled as part of the annual July 17 anniversary celebration at Disneyland Park.

For more Disneyland news: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/

Save now with Starwood Hotels & Resorts' resident rates

Adventure and Fun Are Right Next Door

TORONTO, August 22, 2014 —Starwood invites residents across Canada to save up to 15% at hotels and resorts in their geographical region for end of summer and autumn stays.

 Rediscover the fun and adventure that can be enjoyed right next door with the ultimate local getaway.  Enjoy exclusive resident rates of up to 15% off at participating hotels and resorts for Thursday-Sunday arrivals, valid now for stays through December 31, 2014. 

Plan an end of summer or fall family or couples getaway that’s close by.  Valid Government issued photo ID must be presented at time of check-in to confirm these exclusive rates. Rates are per room, per night, based on single or double occupancy and availability at time of reservation.  Children 17 years of age and under stay free in parent’s room using existing bedding.

Hotel brands participating in this offer including Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, Le Meridien, W, Aloft and Element hotels.

Pucker up for the West Montrose "Kissing Bridge."

   One-Tank Trip for August 30/14

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Visitors are invited to come and validate the long-standing nickname of the West Montrose Covered Bridge as the “kissing bridge.”

   The heritage structure – Ontario’s only remaining covered bridge – is part of a heritage walking tour during Doors Open Waterloo Region on Sept 20.

   Built in 1881, it was “appropriately nicknamed due to the intimacy and privacy that the covered bridge offered its travellers,” Canada’s Historic Places says.

Tours will be given around the West Montrose “Kissing Bridge” in September. (Jim Fox photo)

   The iconic one-lane structure is located in one of the province’s most picturesque landscapes as it spans about 60 metres (198 feet) across the Grand River.

   It also represents the early history of Woolwich Township and of an earlier time in the village about 20 minutes north of Kitchener-Waterloo.

   The walking tours of 45 minutes leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. from Letson Park at Rivers Edge Drive and Letson Drive.

   Along with the bridge and the nearby Lost Acres Variety store and bakery, the walk includes West Montrose village, one of Ontario’s first recognized Cultural Heritage Landscapes.

   The bridge with its red-painted wood panelling and gable roof was designed by local contractor John Bear and built with his brother Benjamin as a replacement for an earlier open bridge at that site.

West Montrose “Kissing Bridge.” (Jim Fox photo)
For complete story, go to:
http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca/2014/08/pucker-up-for-west-montrose-kissing.html

Sanibel Island beach in South Carolina ranks top U.S. dog-friendly beach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau 

LEE COUNTY, FL – If you're looking for beach destinations where you can enjoy some fun and sun with your four-legged friend, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida welcomes dogs with open paws!

Vetstreet.com, a top animal health and lifestyle website, has named Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island to the top of its list of eight dog-friendly beaches in the U.S.

The site  notes that there is plenty of space for owners and dogs to get ample exercise or just take a break. The tropical nature of the island and the nearby nature preserve makes this beach even more of an exotic getaway.

Picnic areas and barbecue grills are available, and the area offers plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and accommodations, making an extended stay an easy option.

Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver sparkles with prestigious Forbes Five-Star ranking

One of Only Four Canadian Hotels to Achieve this Recognition

Vancouver, BC - The 56th annual Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards' top picks for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas includes the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver as the proud recipient of the prestigious five star rating.

 

The Forbes five star rating is a coveted honour awarded to the best of the best; this year Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver is among only four Canadian hotels receiving the highly esteemed nod of approval.  Sending out undercover inspectors to stay at the selected hotels and grade them on points including service, atmosphere and amenities provides Forbes with an impartial ruling of the guest experience. 

 

The distinguishing aspect between four star and five star hotels as per Forbes is predominantly service, a quality that Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has always prided itself on.  To achieve five star status hotels must "provide a memorable experience through virtually flawless service and the finest of amenities and delivery of service that is intuitive, engaging and passionate, and eagerly goes beyond expectations."  

Quebec Travel News for April 2014

The 350th anniversary of the Notre-Dame Basilica-Cathedral

Notre-Dame de Québec is both the first cathedral built on the continent and the first Catholic parish established in the Americas north of the Spanish colonies. The celebration of this milestone will not only highlight different aspects of Québec City society (faith, history, families, heritage and culture), but will see an important legacy be bequeathed to future generations. In addition to the many activities organized in association with the 350th Jubilee, Notre-Dame de Québec will also have the honour of having the first Holy Door installed outside Europe. The faithful are encouraged to follow in the footsteps of the city’s founding residents and embark on a pilgrimage to pass through the Holy Door. The religious heritage across the Québec City region comprises over 130 churches, twenty convent chapels, two cathedrals and two basilicas. Each of these ancestral sites bears witness to the origins of the many immigrants who settled in what once was the colony of New France. notredamedequebec.org/en/

Contemporary Art at Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland

Questions of Travel (Fogo)
a two-night guest package
celebrating an art exhibition
by Silke Otto-Knapp

Fogo Island, Newfoundland -- Fogo Island Inn, a radical new cultural and ecological hub, sits on an Island off an Island, on one of the four corners of the Earth.

Fogo Island Gallery, a contemporary art gallery located inside the award-winning Inn, will host the opening of internationally renowned artist Silke Otto-Knapp’s exhibition: Questions of Travel (Fogo). Fogo Island Inn marks the occasion with a two-night guest package including gallery and studio tours, now through August 31, 2014.

Fogo Island Inn’s Questions of Travel guest package is designed specifically for art lovers and inspired by the work of this celebrated German artist. The package offers: an introduction to the Island and the Fogo Island Arts residency program; an intimate overview of the artist’s work, practice and collections; and a screening of Ingmar Bergman’s Persona (1966) at the Inn’s cinema. It also includes all meals in the Fogo Island Inn dining room, which was recently recognized among the top three “Best New Restaurants of Canada” by enRoute magazine.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts to bring iconic W brand to the Netherlands with unveiling of W Amsterdam in 2015

W HOTELS WORLDWIDE TO MAKE DUTCH DEBUT

AMSTERDAM – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) has announced it will debut its W Hotels brand in the Netherlands with the new W Amsterdam, scheduled to open in Autumn 2015. 

Owned by STAG Europe (Grafenau) BV, the hotel will be located on the prestigious Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam, behind the Royal Palace and just steps from the city’s iconic canal district with its vibrant restaurants, bars and nightlife scene.

“We are proud to bring the W brand to Amsterdam as we continue to grow this contemporary, design-led lifestyle brand in primary markets throughout Europe and around the world,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East.

Tofino's iconic Sobo restaurant launches The Sobo Cookbook

 SHARING RECIPES AND STORIES FROM THE END OF THE CANADIAN ROAD

TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA - From the award-winning destination restaurant at the end of the Canadian road, on May 12 SoBo will be launching its first collection of recipes celebrating the best in West Coast cuisine. With stunning full-color photography, the much-anticipated SoBo Cookbook is a beautiful tribute to the entrancing town of Tofino.

SoBo (Sophisticated Bohemian) started out in 2003 by Lisa and Artie Ahier as a purple food truck in the parking lot behind a surf shop, long before food trucks were cool. Despite its remoteness, it attracted rave reviews from guests from around the world.

In its first six months of operation, Air Canada’s enRoute magazine named it one of Canada’s top ten new restaurants. SoBo has since become a destination restaurant, moving from the truck into its current location today. Chef Lisa Ahier and her team are always on hand to offer a warm and friendly greeting to the many visitors that have made the pilgrimage to the West Coast of Vancouver Island just to taste her cooking.

The restaurant's menu celebrates locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired ingredients from family-owned producers. From blueberry farmers Cathy and Kerry McDonald in Port Alberni, to Lyle Young of Island Farmhouse Poultry in Cowichan Bay, the book not only connects readers with SoBo’s well-loved recipes, but also shares Lisa’s respect for this close circle of friends that have helped to make SoBo what it is today.

Still time to plan a long weekend escape at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Long weekends are made for a road trips. You don’t have to go far for a weekend escape, especially if you live in BC, Washington or Alberta.

We are extending our BC Residents rate so our neighbours can receive up to 25% off* stays at Fairmont Hotels in the Pacific Northwest. Come for some spring blossom spotting, a mountian hike or some patio lounging. Learn More

Select one of these participating hotels: Fairmont Empress Fairmont Waterfront Fairmont Olympic Fairmont Pacific Rim Fairmont Chateau Whistler Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Fairmont Vancouver Airport

Ski Banff Lake Louise Sunshine for Easter

Easter is coming up and all three resorts have activities planned.

Enjoy spring skiing with the Easter Bunny all weekend long at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, take part an Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast Buffet at Mt. Norquay as they wrap up the season, or show up for Easter Skiers Church on the slopes of Sunshine Village followed by an Easter Egg Hunt.

Last Minute Easter Weekend Deals Enjoy fantastic spring skiing conditions this Easter weekend with these blackout free, ski and stay deals.

Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute is open for Easter

Kite stuck in a tree? One too many Easter eggs? Head on over to BUEI this holiday weekend ...

We are OPEN from 10am-5pm on Friday, April 18th and 10am-5pm on Sunday, April 20th. Last admission at 4pm.

 

We wish all of you a safe and happy holiday!

Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute  

40 Crow Lane, Hamilton, HM19

Phone: 441-292-7219 Or 294-0204 Web: www.buei.org ;

Bus Routes: 1, 2, 7, 8

2013 Certificate of Excellence Winner on Tripadvisor!

Fogo Island Inn named to the Travel + Leisure It List 2014

The annual editor’s choice awards for the best new hotels

Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada, has been named to the Travel + Leisure It List 2014 of best new hotels around the globe. The “It List” will be featured in the March issue of Travel + Leisure (T+L) and is also available on www.TravelandLeisure.com.

Fogo Island Inn was selected by Travel + Leisure editors and contributors for its impact on the global landscape of hotels. Its placement on this highly selective annual list comes after only 10 months of operation and at the mid point of their first winter season.

 “I am thrilled that our Inn, located on one of the four corners of the Earth, has been selected as one of the world’s best new hotels of 2014,” says David Curell, General Manager of Fogo Island Inn. “We are honoured to be included in this stellar group of newly introduced hotels.”

Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) Update: February 2014

 Kissing gouramis, also known as kissing fish

BUEI Gala "Underwater Extravaganza" Please join us at BUEI on Saturday, March 22nd for a fun and sophisticated evening raising funds for education!      The evening will start at 7pm with cocktails in BUEI's upper lobby followed by a delicious sit-down dinner in the spectacular Harbourfront restaurant. Dance the night away with The Big Chill on our bioluminescent dance floor. Bid on fabulous prizes in our Silent Auction. Dress for the evening is 'Underwater Chic' and the 'Hue is Blue'!   For individual tickets ($275) call Jessica at 294-0217 or email jessica.meredith@buei.org.    For corporate tables call Belinda at 294-0203 or email marketing@buei.org.   Please help us to continue to expand and develop our education programmes and exhibits. Since we opened our doors in 1997 over 50,000 students have participated in BUEI's education programmes and activities! Mon, Feb 3rd, 6-8pm: Inside Out Wellness Centre Lecture Series: 'THINK WELL' This lecture, the 3rd in the Inside Out Wellness Centre lecture series, will focus on how to create belief systems that are congruent with innate values (and genetics), and produce desired behavior and states of mind.   Free admission. Lecture series sponsored by Colonial Medical Insurance. Thurs, Feb 6th, 7:30pm:  BUEI and Bermuda Audubon Society present:    'BERMUDA'S BIRDS ... YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE MISSING!'                                                                                          BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! If you missed the first sold-out lecture, join us on February 6th for Bermuda Audubon Society president, Andrew Dobson's, fascinating illustrated lecture on birds in Bermuda you may not know about! Not many tickets are left so don't delay purchasing yours today! Sat, Feb 8th, 3pm: Lionfish Dissection BUEI will be holding a lionfish dissection on Saturday, February 8th at 3pm. See these beautiful but dangerous creatures up close and learn about the threat they pose to our oceans. Members are free. Non-members are free with admission.  Sun, Feb 16th, 3pm & 5:15pm: BUEI and Bermuda Docs present: Weekend Film Series 3pm - Music For Mandela Canada / 82 minutes / Unrated Music for Mandela explores the role that music played in the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela. Including musical performances by Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Mandela's favourite group), Vusi Mahlasela and the Soweto Gospel Choir, the film explores how resistance songs kept hope alive for the anti-apartheid movement even as its most prominent leaders were imprisoned.    5:15pm - More Than Honey Switzerland-Germany-Austria / 91 minutes / Unrated (English and German w/ English subtitles) Oscar-nominated director Markus Imhoof (The Boat is Full) tackles the vexing issue of why bees, worldwide, are dying off. With the tenacity of a man out to solve a world-class mystery, he investigates this global phenomenon, from California to Switzerland, China and Australia. Exquisite macro-photography of the bees in flight and in their hives reveals a fascinating, complex world in crisis.   Tickets are $15 and available from Oceans Gift Shop at BUEI or by calling 294-0204.           Don't forget Harbourfront is OPEN on Sunday from 6pm ... so make a night of it with dinner and a movie! Photo: Outside Marpha  Tues, Feb 18th, 7:30pm:  BUEI and the Humpback Whale Research Project present: Annapurna and Everest    Join us for an exciting evening with Andrew Stevenson who will be showing a 15-minute shortened version of his award-winning documentary film followed by an illustrated lecture on the Annapurna and the Everest region. Photo by the Royal Gazette  Thurs, Feb 20th, 7:30pm:  BUEI presents: 'Havana Tap'    In honor of Black History Month, join us at the BUEI for a special screening of Dale Butler's film on talented Bermudian tap dancer, Mitchell 'Live Wires' Trott.   Follow Mitchell's travels to Cuba to take lessons from an 84-year old Cuban tap dancer. Mitchell will open the evening with his spectacular tap dancing followed by the film and a Q&A with Mr. Butler and Mr. Trott. ASTC SPOTLIGHT MIAMI SCIENCE MUSEUM For over 60 years, the Miami Science Museum's award-winning educational programs, family-focused exhibits, historic planetarium, and rehabilitative Wildlife Center and Clinic have enriched locals and tourists alike. To learn more about the Miami Science Museum click here. Did you know that with a BUEI Membership you are entitled to FREE or reduced admission to over 300 science centers and museums in Canada, the United States and Europe? Visit the ASTC website to learn more about the ASTC Passport Program. Click here to become a BUEI Member and start enjoying all of the Passport Privileges.    When you travel, don't forget to bring your BUEI membership card and always call before you visit to confirm your Travel Passport benefits.

In This Issue BUEI Gala Think Well Lecture Bermuda's Birds Lecture Lionfish Dissection Film Series Annapurna Lecture Black History Lecture ASTC Spotlight Camp Update Valentine Marine Life Harbourfront Valentine's Day P&S Awards Lecture Times & Prices BUEI CAMP UPDATE

Christopher Plummer’s A Word or Two set to open in Los Angeles

January 22, 2014 … The Stratford Festival’s production of Christopher Plummer’s A Word or Two opens at the Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles today.

The production, directed by Des McAnuff, was originally presented in 2012 as a special event to mark the Stratford Festival’s 60^th season.

“I am thrilled to have the Stratford Festival represented in Los Angeles by Christopher Plummer in A Word or Two,” says Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino. “He worked long and hard assembling this wonderful script and, together with Des, he has created a terrific evening in the theatre. We thank our friends and colleagues at CTG for their interest in this production.”

Big White Ski Resort’s ABSOLUT Mixology event draws bartender talent from Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Whistler

KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Tuesday 14, 2014 – On Saturday, February 1, Big White will be the battle ground for eight bartenders as they compete in the resort’s 2nd ABSOLUT World event. 

Mixologists from British Columbia and Alberta will be fighting for the cocktail crown and an all expenses paid trip to the ABSOLUT Akademi in Sweden.

Big White guests are invited to join in the liquor libations and will have an integral role in the outcome. New for this year is the “Peoples Choice Award”, where the audience will choose their winner with the vote counting for 50% of the final decision. 

A $50 ticket includes samples of craft beer, local and international wines, spirits and mouth-watering nibbles, as well as a chance to taste the cocktails as part of the “Peoples Choice Award”. The event kicks off at 7:30pm on February 1 at the Village Centre Mall. With a sell out 300-person crowd at its inaugural event last year guests are advised to get tickets in advance by emailing concierge@bigwhite.com.