viva las vegas for under $50 a day!

now is the time to take a trip to vegas, with amazing hotel deals and a wide range of free and low-cost activities to keep stomachs full, cameras packed with pictures and days bursting with activities. vegas.com is an expert resource for the inside scoop on some of the lesser-known places to score dining deals, explore free attractions and keep the fun level high without spending a pretty penny.

check out these incredible hotel deals and vegas.com’s hotels page for up-to-the minute deals:

* the vegas club for 3 nights ($75.68 including all taxes and fees; that breaks down to about $18 per person, per night.)
* the plaza for 3 nights ($84.76 including all taxes and fees; that breaks down to about $21 per person, per night.)



pick and choose from the itinerary below or create additional itineraries with the help of vegas.com. also check out vegas.com’s blog for more inexpensive ideas. **

day one

* grab breakfast at coronado cafe and enjoy two eggs, hash browns, toast and jelly with bacon or sausage (about $6 with beverage, tax and tip)
* see the lions roar at mgm grand’s lion habitat (free admission)

* “ditch fridays” at the palms pool for a beer and great jams coming from the palms new solar-powered dj booth (drinks from $5-$10, free admission)
* do lunch at the gold coast for a quick hot dog and soda, located at the cart behind the sports book ($3)
* play two rounds at the dollar slots at the gold coast and put $2 down on any sports team in the gold coast’s race and sports book ($4)
* ethel m chocolate factory and botanical cactus gardens for a tour and chocolate sample (free admission, but keep $5 aside to take some chocolates home!)
* grab vegas’ legendary $1.99 shrimp cocktail (or 3) at golden gate’s san francisco shrimp bar and deli
* the plaza’s omaha lounge and comedy zone showroom for live entertainment through the wee hours of the night. (free admission, but keep $10 aside for drinks to go with the show)

approx. total cost for day one (per person): $49.50



day two

* two pancakes and two eggs, with bacon or sausage at cafe siena (with beverage, tip, and tax, about $5)
* aquarium at the silverton hotel (bus ride back and forth from the aquarium $3.50, free admission)
* gambling lessons at the golden nugget, the las vegas hilton, planet hollywood, or the venetian. free! and also enjoy a drink on the house during the lesson. (make sure to tip your server -$1)
* head over to the carnaval court at harrah's for live music all day long
* mr. lucky’s 24/7 at the hard rock hotel for a late lunch. ask a server for the gambler’s special, not on the menu! (about $9 with tax and tip)
* bellagio fountains – shows play every 15 minutes and are timed to music. also check out the bellagio’s lobby to look at the blown glass ceiling (free admission)
* bougainvillea cafe for dinner. ask a server for the half-chicken dinner special, not on the menu! ($9)
* see the sirens of ti tantalize viewers by donning sexy outfits in this 18-minute pirate adventure (free admission)
* adventuredome at circus circus – for $4-7 per ride, spend the night wandering around the five and a half acres of thrill rides and ride two attractions and have an after-dinner snack of cotton candy ($5)

approx. total cost for day two (per person): $46.50



day three

* eat a hearty breakfast of ham, steak, eggs, hash browns and toast at the eastside cannery's snaps restaurant. ($6 with beverage and tip)
* wildlife habitat at the flamingo – experience a refreshing oasis of lush tropical trees, over 300 different kind of birds, turtles and koi (free admission, located next to the flamingo’s pool and $1.75 bus ride to the hotel)
* wander through the grand canal shoppes at the venetian and add a little “streetmosphere” to the experience where singers, actors, dancers and “live” statues entertain shoppers (free). while there, make sure to take home a souvenir from your trip at the vegas.com arrow shop, located at citta delle luci ($10).

* grab a giant hot dog at westside deli at circus circus for lunch (add a beverage and it comes to about $6)

* neon museum – walk to the end of freemont st. and check out relics from vegas’ glittering history, including signs from some of the city’s landmark hotels (free admission, bus to get there $1.75 per person)
* grab a hamburger, fries and a drink at binion’s snack bar on freemont street (around $15)
* freemont street experience - enjoy free concerts and spectacular laser shows under freemont street’s huge led light canopy. grab an ice cream cone at seventh inning scoop ($5) to slurp while wandering downtown.

approx. total cost for day three (per person): $45.50

**tax and tip for dining are estimated in all daily totals as is the assumption that all transportation is by foot, unless where noted (at least you won’t need to go to the gym over the three days!)


[photo via theiia.com]

tales of the cocktail 2009 ...

i wasn't able to make it after all to tales of the cocktail 2009 in new orleans. :(


i was, however, able to send a photographer friend, david holland. so he'll be sending me back tons of info, video and photos from the event.

look for it soon, and for more in-depth coverage of recipes and food and drink info on our sister site, the hungry diva!

in the mean time, here's a preview: the official drink of tales of the cocktail 2009, the creole julep! yum and more yum!!!

clicky the pic to get to the tales of the cocktail home page and view the recipe.

thanks for reading, and have a great weekend.

warmly,

dana harrison-tidwell
editor, diva in a carry on

+beryll accessories are travel must-haves!

looking for a unique, vintage-inspired look that screams originality? look no further than beryll accessories. +beryll is a high-end accessories label based in santa monica that epitomizes california laid back luxury.

malibu based, austrian born sigmar berg may have started his professional career as an architect, but he’s been continually evolving as an artist, photographer and surfer ever since. as founder and chief designer berg started +beryll in 1998 with handcrafted, limited edition sunglasses and down to the present day has expanded into jewelry, belts, handbags and boots that clearly transcend trends with their unique simplicity and originality.

+beryll belts and boots are hand-restored 1960’s leather, unique and numbered. the vintage desert belts are canvas belts with heavy brass work on it and bear the fingerprint signature of the artisan who hand restored it in the +beryll studio in los angeles.

+beryll limited edition, handmade sunglasses are state-of-the-art manufactured out of nickel free surgical steel or hand polished rich italian acetate. premium sun lenses provide a 100 % filter against harmful uva, uvb and uvc-rays allowing ‘20-20 vision’ even from its darkest lenses.

+beryll jewelry collection features bold, chunky creations in sterling silver. the leather cuffs are made out of 40 year old vintage leather, each piece is an artisan original.

+beryll handbags are super-chic vintage pieces that are perfect for traveling!

besides the by-appointment-only flagship store in santa monica, ca, +beryll is worldwide selling at trend-setting stores like barney’s (new york) henri bendel (new york) maxfield (los angeles) and fred segal (los angeles). +beryll designs encompass understated luxury and have become a “must have” among celebrities like angelina jolie, brad pitt, david lachapalle, demi moore, drew barrymore, juliette lewis, lenny kravitz, katie holmes, kevin dillon, sharon stone and many more good people.

puerto rico beckons you...

travelers looking for a luxury island getaway at a tremendous value can escape to participating in hilton family resorts puerto rico this summer. participating resorts are offering the summer escapes promotion, including a fourth night free, as well as credits and discounts valued at up to $400.

plus, guests who act now and make their reservations before july 15, 2009, receive an added bonus of a free night certificate for a future stay.

with rates as low as $139 per night, the promotion is available now through september 30, 2009, at the following puerto rico beachfront resorts:

* el san juan hotel & casino, the waldorf astoria collection
* el conquistador resort & spa, the waldorf astoria collection
* conrad san juan condado plaza
* caribe hilton, san juan

fourth night is free with three consecutive paid nights. guests can take advantage of resort credits and discounts including dining, golf, spa, and activities, which vary by property.


[photo via lilac.com]

ahoy all you "landlubbers!"

ahoy mateys! nisbet plantation beach club, recognized as one of the best caribbean hotels, is offering all “landlubbers” a chance to escape this fall with two treasure packages to discover nisbet plantation and celebrate the pirates of nevis’ past at the first annual pirate festival.

as part of the hidden treasure offer, guests who stay at the resort between october 16 and november 28, 2009 for five nights or more will receive their last night free! this offer includes:

* luxury accommodations in a cottage room
* daily breakfast at coconuts
* afternoon tea served on the great house patio
* nightly gourmet dinner at the historic and aaa four-diamond-rated 1778 great house
* an afternoon kayaking/snorkeling tour to a nearby sunken airplane
during the two weeks of the pirate festival, which is scheduled for october 24 through 31 and november 21 through 28, nisbet plantation beach club is offering even more value with the captain’s treasure package. in addition to the incentives offered for the hidden treasure package above, guests will enjoy:

* a $75 drink certificate to enjoy a signature nisbet “pirate cocktail”
* a souvenir pirate glass to take home
* many family friendly activities and events scheduled across the island including ruin hikes, kayaking, treasure chest hunts and more.

with the first annual pirate festival, this fall is an even more exciting time to visit the unspoiled island of nevis and nisbet plantation beach club. for more details on the first annual nevis pirate festival, visit www.piratesofnevis.com.

to book your caribbean holiday getaway at nisbet plantation, call toll-free at 1-800-742-6008 or speak to your travel agent. for more information, visit www.nisbetplantation.com. please note that these offers are not combinable with any other special or promotion.

enjoy a scenic train ride aboard via rail

now in its fifth season, via rail canada's maritime learning experience aboard the carrier’s ocean service, enriches passengers’ trips between montreal and halifax. now through october 12, the enhanced service combines sleeper touring class accommodations with an onboard educational program serving as a cultural preview for those passengers traveling to new brunswick or nova scotia.

while the train rolls past the region’s picturesque landscape, the train’s dedicated learning coordinator engages passengers with discussions and vignettes detailing the culture and customs of the maritimes. in between, sleeper touring class passengers socialize in the ocean’s 360-degree panoramic dome car or in the white-cloth dining car, which features regionally-inspired dishes such as filet of beef served with an aromatic garlic and herb shrimp brochette, grilled halibut and crispy crab cakes.

the maritime learning experience is a seasonal upgrade to the ocean’s already existing sleeper class. through demonstrations and interactive presentations, learning coordinators share the rich folklore and history, food and culture of the maritimes, one of canada’s most beloved and storied regions.

the ocean operates year-round, six times per week in each direction between montréal and halifax. three meals in total are served between montréal to halifax and are included in the ticket price for ocean sleeper touring class passengers. the ocean’s cozy sleeping accommodations include amenities such as comfortable duvet bedding, plump pillows, towels and a shower kit, bottled water, and via's signature chocolates.

for more information on train schedules or to book a trip anywhere in the via system, customers can visit via’s web site at viarail.ca. passengers also can book their tickets by calling 1 888 via-rail (1 888 842-7245), tty 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired), or through their travel agent.


[photo via discoverholidays.ca]

say 'aloha' to great hawaiian deals

a vacation is a periodic necessity when you have children and what better place for adults and children alike to "kick back" than the islands of hawaii. there's no better place - or time - to visit hawaii with your family than right now. families should take advantage of the fact that resort prices are near, or at, all-time lows.

hawaiian resorts are noted for their numerous children's activities that allow their parents some well-deserved rest while knowing their little ones are well supervised. clearly, this is the time to seriously consider taking your family to hawaii.

here are some of hawaii.com's favorite resorts that cater to children and to their parents. all of these vacations can be booked directly on hawaii.com. be sure to check rates carefully as they are constantly changing and new specials are offered every day.

1. turtle bay resort, oahu this resort on the north shore boasts some of the best surfing in all of hawaii, as well as the island's only on-site helipad. for teens looking to "catch a wave," group lessons begin at $75. (for safety reasons, children under 13 require private lessons, starting at $95 for one hour.) for future equestrians, the stables at turtle bay offers a 20-minute pony walk for children under age 7. and don't let your kids miss out on the clear-bottom kayaks, allowing them to see the sea life in an unforgettable way. there's also a "buried treasure" hunt and 12 miles of hiking trails to accommodate any age.

we have seen rates at hawaii.com around $237/night for an oceanfront king room.

2. grand hyatt kauai resort & spa, koloa, kauai
there is something for every child at this resort. he or she can choose from a variety of complimentary activities available in the lobby atrium each day including lei making, hula lessons or ukulele lessons. or there's a meandering river pool, a thrilling 150-foot waterslide and an active pool for basketball or volleyball. children love the expansive saltwater lagoon where they can swim, float or kayak together. non-water options include an easy hike along a sea cliff with spectacular views...they might even see endangered humpback whales, green sea turtles or monk seals.

we have seen rates at hawaii.com for $300/night for a garden view room.

3. the kahala hotel & resort, honolulu, oahu
the kahala hotel & resort has a dedicated club (the "keiki club" - keiki is the hawaiian word for child) for children ages 5-12 to enjoy diverse activities and learn about hawaiian culture. among the many activities offered are reef walking, snorkeling, bamboo pole fishing, lei making, hula dancing, crabbing and cavorting with the dolphins.

we have seen rates at hawaii.com for $395/night for a scenic view room.


4. hilton waikoloa village, kohala coast, big island
located in the expansive waikoloa beach resort, there's plenty to occupy children's time and interest at the hilton waikoloa. the "dolphin quest" will be a sure hit (parents are likely to enjoy it as well) and the resort also offers classes in hula dancing and the making of flower, ti leaf or shell-and-bead leis. also, "waikoloa family golf days" will take place every day after 3 p.m. through july 31, 2009. families will have the opportunity to play nine holes on the kings course for extremely reasonable rates.

we have seen rates on hawaii.com for $199, one of the best deals in the islands for a major resort.

5. hyatt regency maui, lahaina, maui
tots and teens alike will have a field day at the "camp hyatt ka'anapali." children of all ages will delight in creating photo memories with their own camp-issued cameras. (their favorite picture will be turned into a photo t-shirt.) they will also be able to play tennis, try "coconut bowling," fish on the banks of the hyatt stream and explore maui's wildlife and volcanoes. by night, children will learn about the hawaiian night sky with the "tour of the stars" astronomy program.

we have seen rates as low as $240/night for a terrace room on hawaii.com.

6-9. prince hotels on maui, oahu and the big island
each of the four prince hotels offers a comprehensive children's program. you can request a private nanny for about $18 per hour or have your children participate in the prince keiki club. half-day and full-day programs are available and many fun activities are included. prince has certified children counselors to make sure your offspring are well cared for and have fun.

rates usually begin at $415/night at hawaii.com, however, right now there is a special rate beginning at $269 and you might be able to have a fourth night free.

be sure to check out all of these properties on hawaii.com and be sure to visit hawaii.com on facebook.


[photo via theory.utdallas.edu]

plan some family together time

for readers planning a leisure trip this summer, along with more than half of american households*, the booming “togethering” trend gains added momentum as women begin making collective plans with family and friends to vacation in an affordable yet rewarding manner. in line with the growth of this concept, more and more travelers are choosing vacation rentals for true value combined with spacious comfort all under one roof, rather than hassling with costly reservations for multiple hotel rooms.

often costing less than a single hotel room, vacation rentals afford “togethering” travelers a relaxing accommodations lifestyle, with bonus space, amenities and guest services. encouraging travelers nationwide to “discover vacation homes” this summer is the long-standing vacation rental managers association (vrma), whose professional members are not only making trips more affordable through seasonal specials, but by offering a variety of resources, tips and tools for finding a vacation rental online at http://www.discovervacationhomes.com.

following are examples of various specials offered to summer travelers, for a limited time, by established members of the vrma.
costa rica
guanacaste:
vacation rentals of tamarindo (http://www.vacationrentalsoftamarindo.com)
- summer recession reward: combine special vacation condo rental values with recently slashed airfares to costa rica. guests’ vacation week here is only $175 -$245 (usd) per person, added to the best airfare they can find to liberia (lir) or san jose (sjo). prices are based on occupancies of four or more people in rental condominiums.

hawaii
island of kauai:
great vacation retreats (http://greatvacationretreats.com)
- 25 percent off all one, two and three bedroom condo rentals in kauai.

northeast
new hampshire’s lakes region:
preferred vacation rentals (http://www.preferredrentals.com)
- reduced rates on approximately 50 vacation rental properties.

Southeast
florida panhandle’s “forgotten coastline:”
pristine properties vacation rentals (http://www.visitfloridabeaches.com)
- free family fun pass: provides complimentary admissions/fares to an 18-hole round of golf, a deep sea fishing excursion, horseback riding on the beach and unlimited dvd rentals for each nights’ stay.

orlando and central florida:
all star vacation homes (http://www.allstarvacationhomes.com)
- with a seven-night stay, choose from two free hot air balloon rides ($350 value), a free car rental or $100 gas or grocery gift card.
- special walt disney world and orlando attractions ticket discounts.
global resort homes (http://globalresorthomes.com)
- when staying in the disney-area cypress pointe community, pay for five nights and stay two free (applies during low, mid and high seasons, excludes july 1 through august 15 and holidays), or pay for six nights and stay one night free from july 1 through august 15.
- when staying in the centrally located vista cay community, reserve a venture two-bedroom condo rental for $99 per night or receive 25 percent off during mid to low season, 20 percent off during high season and 15 percent off during holidays (minimum stay of four nights).
- guests who choose the oakwater community receive a $79 per night rate for two-bedroom rentals, $99 per night for three-bedroom rentals (applies during low season only), 20 percent off during mid season and 15 percent off during high season and summer holidays.
imagine vacation homes (http://www.imaginevacationhomes.com)
- guests traveling to walt disney world on their birthday for its “celebration vacation” promotion will receive free disney park tickets for each accompanying immediate family member when staying for five nights or more.

fort myers beach:
lahaina island accommodations (http://www.beachfloridarentals.com)
- $149 per night for a two bedroom, two bathroom beachfront condo. includes 10 percent off a boat rental, $20 off of dinner for two at participating restaurants and free dvd rentals throughout guests’ entire stay.

tennessee smoky mountains:
mountain rentals of gatlinburg (http://mountainchalets.com)
- quality time package: $996 for five days, four nights in a cozy family cabin. includes “mommy & me” visit to the spa for a manicure, “father & son” hummer excursion, family dinner at the cherokee grill, free tickets to dixie stampede and all day nascar speedpark wristbands.
- relaxing weekend with the girls package: $723 for three nights in a three-bedroom cabin. includes a swedish massage for three, yoga class for three and an assorted sandwich tray.
- business trip for the boys: $655 for three nights in a three or four bedroom cabin. includes an 18-hole golf foursome, including cart, and four horseback riding tickets (april through october).

western north carolina:
cashiers resort rentals (http://www.cashiersresortrentals.com)
- 10 percent off of most weeklong bookings during summer months.
carolina mornings (http://www.carolinamornings.com)
- free mountain discovery pass: receive free amenities every day of your stay ($130 value per day). complimentary activities include golf, whitewater rafting and historic boat and trolley tours.
- special packages that help guests save on popular local attractions (i.e. biltmore estate), events (i.e. flower carper), restaurants (i.e. corner kitchen and zambra's), and more.

north carolina coastline:
corolla classic vacations (http://www.corollaclassicvacations.com)
- corolla classic vacations experience card: provides special offers/discounts exclusive to guests from 18 local businesses.
emerald isle realty (http://emeraldislerealty.com)
- 10 to 20 percent off select vacation rental homes, condos and cottages through labor day.
outer beaches realty (http://www.outerbeaches.com)
- sizzling summer specials: up to 50 percent off remaining summer weeks.
- guests receive “obr bucks” in $25 denominations for up to $100 in spending money while on vacation, redeemable at over 25 local merchants for items ranging from gas, groceries, souvenirs, dining to kite boarding lessons.
- 2010 vacation layaway: customers are rewarded for booking their 2010 vacation rental home early with incredible savings combined with an e-z vacation payment plan. guests who book a 2010 vacation between now and this november will receive a ten percent discount off this season’s regular rates and will have up to 12 months to pay, interest free. under the layaway vacation program, guests’ 2010 rental rates and total vacation cost will be guaranteed, and they can start making payments now.

south carolina coastline:
daufuskie island rentals (http://www.daufuskievacation.com)
- 40 percent off posted summer rates.
hilton head rentals & golf (http://www.hiltonheadvacation.com)
- 30 percent off one to seven bedroom vacation rentals, including pet-friendly properties, during remaining summer weeks.
debordieu rentals (http://www.debordieurentals.com)
- 20 percent off the original price on 30 select homes, which are identified with a "$” sign beside their names online.
- free unlimited use of healthpoint, a local fitness and spa facility.
- play the tournament players club in myrtle beach at a price of only $75 a round, a significant savings over the standard cost of $185.
surfside realty company (http://www.surfsiderealty.com)
- book six nights in select properties and get your seventh night free, plus four free tickets to ride with the dolphins or to spend the day at wild water & wheels water park. pet-friendly homes available.

virginia’s shenandoah valley:
allstar lodging (http://www.allstarlodging.com)
- through september 21, 2009, reserve two nights in select rentals at the regular price and receive the third night free (mid-week or weekend stays).
- a diverse array of additional summer specials is available when reserving specific properties as listed online.

western u.s.

colorado rocky mountains:
key to the rockies lodging company (http://www.keytotherockies.com)
- reserve three nights and get the fourth night free for select studio, condo and vacation home rentals (valid through october 31, 2009).

san diego, california:
beachfront only vacation rentals (http://www.beachfrontonly.com)
- five percent off online bookings.
- 10 to 15 percent off any last minute bookings (3 weeks or sooner).
- two-night minimum stays with no restrictions.

northern california:
irish beach rental agency (http://www.irishbeach.com)
- receive every fifth night free (for stays through august, excluding holidays).

central oregon:
discover sunriver vacation rentals (http://www.discoversunriver.com)
- layaway your vacation with a $99 deposit; guests can make monthly payments, interest-free with no service charges.
- tennis vacation packages in partnership with steve vaughn’s wild west tennis camps that include lessons, court usage, meals, and more.
- family getaway packages, including high desert museum admission, full breakfast for four, free swimming, free tennis, free fitness center access and two free flowrider sessions. three night, four day packages start at $179 per person inclusive.
oregon’s mount hood:
mt. hood vacation rentals (http://www.mthoodrentals.com)
- book a new reservation in a featured vacation rental for stays through september 6, 2009, and:
- stay two nights and the third night is half price (arrival must be less than 21 days in advance of booking date).
- stay three nights and the fourth night is half price (arrival must be less than 45 days in advance of booking date).
- stay four nights and the fifth night is half price.
- stay five to seven nights, the sixth night is half price and the seventh night is free.


[photo via students.umf.maine.edu]

plan your next vacation with emirates

leisure and business travelers planning a trip to africa can save up to $500 by taking advantage of emirates' “two-day africa sale,” july 14th-15th. the first 500 u.s. travelers who book a business class ticket will receive a $500* price reduction while the first 500 to book an economy ticket will bank $150* in savings when booking exclusively on www.emirates.com/africasale. travel is valid on any fare listed on www.emirates.com/usa at time of booking from any emirates u.s. point of departure to the following 16 african destinations (abidjan, accra, addis ababa, cairo, cape town, casablanca, dar es salaam, durban (beginning october 1), entebbe, johannesburg, khartoum, lagos, luanda (beginning october 25), nairobi, tripoli or tunis).

emirates currently serves four u.s. gateways with non-stop service to dubai: new york, houston, los angeles and san francisco. all passengers flying on emirates are privy to the airline’s award-winning 1,200 channel on-demand entertainment system, multi-course meals and attentive service. business class passengers also can take advantage of additional amenities like lie-flat beds, use of emirates posh airport lounges and chauffeur-drive service.

for more information about emirates please visit, www.emirates.com/usa.

upscale eco-friendly boutique opens in dallas

nylo dallas/las colinas makes its debut, july 13, one of the few newly constructed lodgings to open in this economy.

this new breed of boutique hotel mixes high style with attractive rates. through august 31 2009, special grand opening rates start at $75/night (weekends) and $139/night (weeknights).

nylo dallas/las colinas runs on 100 percent renewable energy. the urban loft-style hotel has uniforms by “project runway” fan favorite, daniel vosovic; lively restaurant/bar; pure allergy-friendly guest lofts; free wi-fi; original artwork and music by local artists; high-tech gym; custom nylo nyte bed with dreamy beautyrest® pillow-top mattress; gilchrist & soames bath amenities; 24-hour library/business center; and spectacular courtyard with two heated pools, cabanas, fire pits and an outdoor bar.

not only are nylo hotels attractive, they are also eco-friendly, utilizing an everything green construction policy, which calls for using only the most energy-efficient contruction materials. all guest rooms feature automatic lighting, recycled paper products, and concrete flooring to stabilize indoor tempertaures, all of which reduce energy output. moreover, allergy-friendly accomodations, such as purification systems and hypo-allergenic bedding, are standard in each guest room.

michael mueller, president of nylo hotels, stated, "nylo las colinas will fulfill a need for an upscale boutique hotel in Irving and will feature a unique, loft-style ballroom with soaring ceilings and exposed brick walls that connects to a large outdoor courtyard and our signature restaurant and bar."

located nine miles from the dallas fort worth international airport, the hotel is in the thriving las colinas community close to d-fw businesses and attractions. for more information go to http://www.nylohotels.com/irving/las-colinas-hotel-1-7.aspx> or call 972.373.8900

quilombo country film screening and reception in nyc

quilombo films presents the only scheduled showing of "quilombo country" in new york this summer on friday, july 17th 2009 at 8:00 pm at millenium film workshop, 66 east 4th st. in manhattan. the screening will be followed by a discussion about ethnographic filmmaking with director/producer leonard abrams, accompanied by cocktails and treats prepared by nathalie herling of creativeclaycooking.com, featuring foods and drinks rarely sampled outside the amazon region.

"quilombo country" tells the story of african communities created in brazil’s untamed hinterland struggling to preserve a rich heritage born of resistance to oppression, with rare footage of festivals and ceremonies that blend catholic, african and native amazonian rituals and customs, and examines issues of political identity, land rights, and racial and socioeconomic discrimination. narrated by chuck d, leader of the iconic hip hop band public enemy.

seating is limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-buy tickets to secure their seat. donation: $12.00. students and school groups are welcome. discounts apply. see web site for details. call 212-260-7540 or email info@quilombofilm.com for more information.

big apple hungry for tourists

against the backdrop of the recently reopened statue of liberty crown, nyc & company ceo george fertitta and city council speaker christine quinn surrounded by more than 50 members of the city’s hospitality industry at the battery in lower manhattan today rallied to celebrate summer 2009. on the heels of a hugely successful july 4th weekend—complete with a historic fireworks celebration held along the hudson to commemorate the 400th anniversary of henry hudson's exploration of the river—new york city continued to invite visitors from around the world to take advantage of events and attractions across the five boroughs. residents were also encouraged to explore the many diverse neighborhoods of the city as an affordable solution to rising vacation and travel costs. to help promote all new york city has to offer to residents and visitors, nyc & company has created and relaunched several campaigns and promotions that will offer consumers deals on hotels, dining, shopping, arts and entertainment and much more.

“we are excited to be celebrating summer 2009 with such enthusiasm and optimism,” said george fertitta, the ceo of nyc & company. “the energy and vibrancy of new york city was on full display this july 4th weekend, and we are confident that tourism will remain one of our strongest and most reliable industries in 2009 and beyond. on behalf of nyc & company and all our members and partners, i would personally like to welcome and invite everyone this summer to come see all that the world’s second home has to offer.”

“the importance of tourism to our city’s economy can not be understated, especially given the current economic situation,” said city council speaker christine quinn. “much like the recent rainbow pilgrimage and the ongoing 9 in '09 campaign, i am thrilled to help launch these new promotions that will encourage people from around the world to visit our wonderful city. our local businesses thrive through the support of tourist spending and the council is ready to do all we can to make sure visitors continue to enjoy the warmth, diversity and excitement of new york city.”

nyc & company continues to weather the economic storm, as recent visitor projections approach 2007 numbers—then a record-breaking year—and, on the whole, the city finds itself above national averages across several verticals. more than 11.3 million visitors are forecast to visit this summer, only a small decline from 2008, and new york city continues to maintain its position as the number-one us destination for overseas travelers. in addition, hotel occupancy continues to stay on par with 2008 levels, standing at 83.3% for the week ending june 27, compared with the national average of 65.4%. in fact, the only cities whose occupancy levels approach nyc's are san francisco (80.8%), washington dc (80.6%) and honolulu/oahu (76.1%).


“the numbers are very encouraging—with positive growth in overseas visitation, occupancy rates and even record-breaking numbers on broadway. and recent reports suggest that the industry has bottomed out nationwide and is gradually beginning to bounce back,” said fertitta. “while we may not exceed last year’s record-breaking numbers, we still expect a strong year and continue on pace to meet our goal of 50 million visitors annually by 2015. the fact is the city remains an extremely attractive and top-of-mind travel destination, and we are doing our best to ensure it stays that way.”

at today’s event, several programs and promotions designed to encourage travel and local activity on the part of both residents and visitors were highlighted. the nyc: the real deal program—announced in april—added more than 115 special offers and incentives in addition to 50 new family hotel savings packages as part of the new nyc: the real deal family initiative. also, through a new nyc: the real deal summer fridays promotion, created in partnership with american express® cardmembers receive an additional 10% off when they use their registered american express cards on fridays through september 13. cardmembers should visit nycgo.com/summerfridays to take advantage of more than 50 special offers and to register their american express cards. there are no coupons to clip or codes to remember—the savings will be directly credited to the cardmember's american express account. to promote the new program, nyc & company will launch radio, digital and outdoor ads. the total value of the campaign is $2.2 million.

“we’re pleased to be partnering with nyc & company on the new nyc: the real deal summer fridays program, an initiative that highlights new york city’s exceptional value and unique experiences this summer,” said lisa skiptunis, vice president, client management, american express merchant services. "we are especially excited that cardmembers who register their american express card for this promotion will be able to take advantage of savings all over the city without the hassle of remembering to carry coupons, since the additional savings will appear right on their american express account statement."

in addition to the nyc: the real deal expansion, consumers will also be able to find great value and opportunity through ongoing nyc & company programs. nyc restaurant week returns from july 12–31 (details at nycgo.com/restaurantweek), the third night luxury hotel promotion runs through september 7 (details at nycgo.com/thirdnight), and the culture spot—which features a new cultural institution and special offer each month—continues to run throughout the year (details at nycgo.com/culturespot). nyc & company also announced today the return of last summer’s highly successful go local campaign, designed to encourage new yorkers to vacation in the five boroughs. residents will be given weekly updates on must-see and must-do activities at nycgo.com.

to further promote the city as a family- and kid-friendly travel destination, fertitta also announced that the characters of sesame street would become official nyc ambassadors. muppets including elmo, big bird and cookie monster will be featured on online and outdoor advertising, as well as on taxicab ads throughout the city.


[photo via iveynetwork.ca]
[photo via commons.wikimedia.org]

new decadent dining at the reefs

the reefs, widely recognized as bermuda’s best hotel, announces the appointment and arrival of its new director of food and beverage and executive chef philippe haddad. haddad will lead the reefs' . haddad will lead the reefs’ culinary team, infusing his culinary expertise at the luxury resort’s multiple dining venues as well as establishing an innovative in-room dining experience.

the recipient of numerous accolades for his unique concepts, haddad brings more than 30 years of culinary mastery to the reefs. haddad’s extensive background includes stints at st. james club resort in antigua, l’escoffier restaurant of the beverly hilton hotel, and the abbey restaurant and nikolai’s roof in atlanta. a chef by training and entrepreneur in spirit, haddad headed up the kitchen in his namesake, philippe’s bistro, also in atlanta, for six years. haddad’s most recent accomplishment was leading the kitchen at atlanta’s highly regarded, country club of the south, where he established a culinary program winning praise from both members and media alike. haddad has garnered a loyal following from his time spent in restaurants as well as at acclaimed food and wine events across the u.s.

haddad began his culinary career in his native belgium, where he trained with master chef eddie van maele. after gaining valuable experience in belgium, france and england, haddad moved to the u.s. in 1983. since that time, he has held leadership positions overseeing culinary teams coast to coast. in 2003 and 2004, haddad had the supreme pleasure and opportunity to orchestrate two u.s. presidential dinners in atlanta for former president bill clinton. a james beard award winner and member since 1999, he has also been recognized by ferdinand metz, president emeritus of the culinary institute of america, as outstanding chef 2003–2004. most recently, he has participated in food and wine events in aspen, sarasota and new york. in addition, haddad has written food columns and teaches various cooking classes.

“chef haddad will take the already extraordinary dining experience at the reefs to the next level with his culinary and resort expertise. his boundless energy and ingenuity will bring divine new dining initiatives to the reefs,” says managing director, ben tutt.

“working with people to develop their skills is a complete thrill for me,” says haddad. “i have one crew that worked with me for 8 years and they are amazing. i very much look forward to my new challenge of advancing the culinary team at the reefs and elevating the complete dining experience.”

haddad will integrate his international flair with culinary traditions in developing new menus for the reefs's three gourmet restaurants — ocean echo, royston’s and beachside coconuts, which also offers dining on the beach. haddad’s responsibilities will include leading the culinary creations at the new reefs club, which opens in july.

the reefs features its own secluded, pink sand beach, snorkeling and tennis, and is convenient to nearby world-class golf and diving. to plan a vacation at the reefs, call toll-free (800) 742-2008 or visit www.thereefs.com.

treat your diva hair (and your divo’s hair!) to jack black …

12 oz. / $18.00 USD

we love products that pull double duty, and this conditioner by jack black (made for men but great for women as well!) is definitely worth your time to transfer to a smaller carry-on-friendly 3 oz. container.

jack black true volume revitalizing conditioner with expansion technology, pomegranate and avocado oil works wonders to treat dry hair and skin. it also contains jack black’s all-natural purescience formula that is made with certified organic ingredients, is fragrance-free, paraben-free and colorant-free and is dermatologist tested.

the body building formula actually plumps up the hair shaft, ensuring that your style has body and swing, and your guy’s style has plenty of pep.

grab a bottle and feel secure knowing that you have your hair conditioning needs, as well as those of your male traveling companion’s, perfectly in hand.

big sexy hair volumizing dry shampoo … perfect for travel!

3.4 oz. / $16.95 USD

summer is full of fun, sun and damaged hair…if you’re not careful. tradition has dictated to most women that they must shampoo their hair daily to rid of the grit and grime of the city’s busy lifestyle, the damaging ultra-violet rays summer demands and the chlorine-chemical compound the hair is exposed to while swimming in pools.

founder of sexy hair and hair artist, michael o’rourke breaks away from tradition with some helpful tips on “summer shampooing.”

1. don’t shampoo everyday, in the conventional sense. apply big sexy hair volumizing dry shampoo in between the normal shampooing activity. doing so will safely remove oils, absorbs impurities and product build-up while giving the hair instant volume between regular washings.

2. when sunbathing or swimming, wear a chic hat to protect the hair from excessive sun and heat. don’t worry about having “hat-hair.” the dry shampoo extracts the styling plaque and re-vive the hairstyle to its previous state. just spray liberally, brush thoroughly and style accordingly. it protects the hair from heat damage and preserves hair color.

3. don’t bring the late-night summer party home with you. instead, remove all traces of it by spraying the hair with the dry shampoo before going to bed at night. its hint of fragrance mixture of aquatic, cucumber and lemon blossom liberates any unnatural odor.

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about big sexy hair dry shampoo:

big sexy hair volumizing dry shampoo’s unique, translucent, talc–free formula works on all hair colors and types without causing flaking and is completely safe for color-treated hair. containing zeolites-minerals to cleanse the scalp and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (a sunscreen agent), the volumizing dry shampoo provides uv defense, color protection and anti-oxidants. the dry spray gives just a hint of fragrance that includes a combination of aquatic, cucumber, crisp green leaves, pear, waterlily, lemon blossom and sheer musk.