Destinations
Four Seasons on Lanai get facelifts, lounges, Nobu
Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay and Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele -- the two Four Season properties on Lanai -- recently completed several property enhancements. These have refined the overall design aesthetic of the resorts to capture a sense of place synonymous with Hawaii. The most notable enhancements include new décor and furniture, the debut of a private fine art collection showcasing local Hawaiian artists, Hawaiian themed tropical gardens and landscaping, and new restaurants and lounges -- including the highly anticipated Nobu Lanai. The new Lounge at the...
Ziplines, ATVs on Big Island with Kona Eco Adventures
Kona Eco Adventures is bringing new excitement to South Kona on the Big Island, for visitors who have an adventurous streak. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can check out the Kona Zipline. This tree-to-tree zipline course consists of eight ziplines and two suspension bridges. Next is an ATV adventure ride through a Hawaiian forest and into open range pastures. Those who prefer a more peaceful tour can embark on a nature hike, with the touch, smell and sounds of the forest. At Misty Mountain Farm, visitors meet buffalo, llama, horses and more....
New tech for next century at St. Regis
A boutique heritage hotel in Vancouver is set to celebrate its 100th year, while the installation of new broadcast and Wi-Fi services adds a cutting edge appeal to the property. Last month, the St Regis Hotel finished installing a Shaw Direct TV system with over 40 digital HD channels, including free access to HBO and Movie Central. The new installation also includes a dedicated password-protected wireless network for each room. These complimentary private networks help guarantee guests' bandwidth and connectivity no matter how many devices they use....
New Orleans visitor numbers best in nearly 10 years
New Orleans' tourism industry welcomed 9.01 million visitors in 2012, numbers not seen by the city in nearly 10 years. Total visitor numbers increased by 3% or 255,027 from the number of visitors in 2011 (8.75 million.) The 9.01 million visitors spent US$6 billion, a 9% or US$512 million increase over 2011 and the highest spending in the city's history, according to a study released this week. The city's best year ever was 2004, a record-breaking year, with 10.1 million visitors. After Katrina, visitor numbers dropped to 3.7 million in 2006. Mayor Mitch Landrieu commented, "The continued...
Free stays for kids until April at Big White
Spring break specials are now on at Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna, BC, and families are the big winners. Until April 13, Big White is offering a special whereby kids 12 and under can ski and stay for free. Families get a complimentary child lift pass with every adult pass purchased. After a day on the slopes, kids can go to "Happy Valley"to join a game of hockey on the outdoor ice rink, try climbing an 18-metre ice tower or even go dog sledding. On sunny days to March 25, outdoor BBQs are on in the village plaza. Big White says it has the most slope-side accommodation in North America....
Guest house on Big Island has discounted rates
To celebrate its fifth year in business, Bears' Place Guest House on the Big Island is offering a 20% discount for stays of at least two weeks or 10% for one week until Sept. 28. This beautiful Kailua-Kona location is 10 minutes to beaches, golf, and the Kona airport. Spacious ocean and garden view studios are furnished with a kitchenette or full kitchen, full bath, private lanai (balcony), cable TV, free WiFi, on-site parking, beach gear and laundry facilities. Daily rates range from $85 to $125 per night....
Orlando, Vegas tops for US summer travel
For the 11th year in a row, Orlando and Las Vegas remain the top two most popular summer destinations booked by ASTA travel agents, according to the 2013 Hot Spots for Summer survey. Orlando came out on top with an 18% share of responses and Las Vegas maintained the second spot with 15% of the votes. "Some things never go out of style,"said ASTA president Zane Kerby (pictured). "Family friendly destinations, such as Orlando, and a destination that offers the thrills and excitement of Las Vegas are perennial favourites among Americans looking to relax with family and friends."Orlando and Las...
WestJet Encore schedules first flights in AB, SK
WestJet has announced it will use its new fleet of Bombardier Q400 aircraft to enhance its schedule in Alberta and Saskatchewan starting this spring. Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Saskatoon will see an increase in the number of flights this summer. For instance, WestJet will extend services between Calgary and Grande Prairie from seasonal to year-round, adding one new daily flight in August. It will also increase the number of daily flights between Calgary and Edmonton from seven to nine by September. Both schedules will operate as WestJet Encore....