Luxury Eco-Resort Slated to Open in Late 2012 on Marlon Brando’s Private Island, Tetiaroa

TETIAROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA (August 20, 2010) – Located on the French Polynesian island of Tetiaroa and a product of the late Marlon Brando’s vision, construction on The Brando is progressing steadily with completion slated for late 2012. Pacific Beachcomber, S.C., developer of the highly anticipated resort, is proud to report a number of updates.

Government Support

The President of French Polynesia, Gaston Tong Sang, recently made an official visit to Tetiaroa for a tour of The Brando construction site.  Organized by Richard Bailey, CEO of Pacific Beachcomber S.C., and friend of the late actor, the trip was designed to share progress of the project’s construction with the President and his Minister of Environment, Jules Ienfa, as well as to underscore the facility’s impressive potential for the region in the areas of tourism and employment, and as a regional showcase for best practices in sustainable development.

“President Tong Sang was impressed both by the progress of the project and by the overall concept for The Brando.  He also expressed the positive impact the resort will bring to French Polynesia, creating jobs and adding an exciting new dimension to its tourism industry,” said Bailey.

Sustainability

Sustainability remains at the forefront of construction efforts and progress. Pacific Beachcomber remains committed to the goal of attaining LEED Platinum certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).  Pacific Beachcomber hopes to make Tetiaroa a prototype for sustainable development in the hospitality industry.

In striving to achieve carbon neutrality, The Brando will produce as much energy as it consumes—or more.  The two principal renewable energies that will be used on the island include solar panels and bio-fuel generators. The photovoltaic (solar) panels will be installed alongside Pacific Beachcomber’s new airstrip, which was completed in May 2010. The balance of the energy demand will be sourced using bio-fuel.

A fundamental component of Tetiaroa’s goal of energy autonomy is the installation of a seawater air conditioning (SWAC) system, which uses cold water pumped from 930 meters (nearly 3,000 feet) below the surface to cool the water used in the resort’s air-conditioning system. Given the year-round tropical climate in French Polynesia, air conditioning can account for up to 50% of electricity consumption. SWAC significantly reduces the demand for electricity and will further Pacific Beachcomber’s goal of creating a 100% renewable energy community. This will be the second industrial SWAC system in the world, the first is located at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, which is owned by Pacific Beachcomber. The Bora Bora system has saved approximately 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide per year since it was installed in 2006.

Additionally, plans for The Brando call for an innovative wastewater management system that would filter liquid wastewater into water usable for irrigation.

Landscaping

Landscaping efforts are well underway on the atoll. The master plan for Tetiaroa includes a substantial landscaping program aimed at caring for existing vegetation while also reintroducing various plant species on Onetahi (one of the islets, or motus, of Tetiaroa) that are native to the island, predating even the presence of the first Polynesian.  Pacific Beachcomber intends to recreate the island’s original landscape, and nearly all plants that are currently being cultivated are already found on the motus of Tetiaroa. The landscaping program on Tetiaroa is a continual effort that will ultimately be incorporated into the ongoing management of Tetiaroa. Staff will be knowledgeable about the motus’ flora, and guests will be able to see and experience its natural beauty throughout the island.

Tetiaroa Society

Pacific Beachcomber is proud to announce its participation as a founding member of the newly created non-profit, “Tetiaroa Society.”  Tetiaroa Society is dedicated to research, conservation and education related to the unique and delicate ecology of the island. The non-profit’s goal is to create a scientific and educational window into the biodiversity of Tetiaroa, and raise public awareness regarding its fragile ecology. Tetiaroa Society is named after The Royal Society of London which financed James Cook’s first expedition to the islands. One of Captain Cook’s objectives on this voyage was to observe the transit of Venus. He made his observation from Tahiti and named that island group the “Society Islands” after the Royal Society.

Pacific Beachcomber is building a research facility on Tetiaroa which shall be donated to Tetiaroa Society. In keeping with Marlon Brando’s wishes, students and scientists will have access to the facility for onsite research and education. In addition, another founding member of Tetiaroa Society, Brando Enterprises, which stands strongly behind Pacific Beachcomber’s project, has committed $100,000 in support of Tetiaroa Society’s conservation and educational activities.

In 2005, after conducting a great deal of due diligence, Brando Enterprises entered into an agreement with TBSA and Richard Bailey for the creation of The Brando on Tetiaroa.  Today, Brando Enterprises continues to work closely with TBSA, Richard Bailey and the Brando Beneficiaries to ensure that The Brando is built according to Marlon’s original dreams for his island.  Brando Enterprises is also actively involved in the overall management of Tetiaroa and firmly believes that the future of Tetiaroa is very bright. Brando Enterprises is confident that Marlon would be very proud of the progress that has been made to secure a bright and positive future for Tetiaroa.

Residences

The Brando will also offer a real estate component, selling 25 residences located on the Eastern shore of Motu Onetahi.  Further details will be announced in 2011.

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About The Brando

The exclusive resort will be the only hotel on Tetiaroa, the former playground of Tahitian Kings in French Polynesia’s idyllic islands.  Purchased by Marlon Brando in 1965, Tetiaroa is a 13-island chain circled by a coral reef offering a tranquil and pure paradise 35 miles from the island of Tahiti. The Brando is a product of Brando’s vision to create a project which will resonate with visitors and also foster opportunities for guests to get to know both the place and the people of French Polynesia.  The Brando will feature: 47 deluxe bungalow villas (each with private plunge pools), a spa, fitness center, community pool, as well as various island activities including scuba diving and archaeological tours of royal Tahitian sites.

About Pacific Beachcomber

With more than 25 years of experience in the French Polynesian tourism market, 630 hotel rooms and 166 cabins, Pacific Beachcomber, S.C. (www.pacificbeachcomber.com) is the country’s largest luxury hotel and cruise operator. In addition to the recent acquisition of the m/s Paul Gauguin (www.pgcruises.com) luxury cruise vessel, Pacific Beachcomber operates six award-winning hotels (tahitiresorts.intercontinental.com): InterContinental Tahiti Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa, the Maitai Bora Bora and the Maitai Rangiroa  (www.hotelmaitai.com).

For additional information on The Brando, please visit www.tetiaroa.pf.

Las Casitas del Colca, Hotel Monasterio, Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, and Miraflores Park Hotel

Only Hotels in Peru to be Part of Prestigious Network

PERU (August 06, 2010) – Orient-Express’ Peru collection of hotels earns prestigious recognition by joining The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.  Orient-Express Peru accepted the invitation to join the esteemed organization in confidence that this strategic partnership will contribute and further position the Orient-Express collection and Peru as a world-class destination for every traveler. Highlighted as the only hotels in Peru to be a part of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., the Orient-Express Peru collection includes Las Casitas del Colca, Hotel Monasterio, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, and Miraflores Park Hotel.

Located in Colca Canyon in Arequipa, Las Casitas del Colca (www.lascasitasdelcolca.com) invites guests to relax in the majestic landscape that surrounds one of the deepest canyons in the world. As a rare jewel of Cusquenian architecture, the Hotel Monasterio (www.monasteriohotel.com) offers guests centuries of culture with unequalled Peruvian hospitality. Known for its exclusive proximity to the Inca ruins, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (http://machupicchu.orient-express.com)  welcomes all to indulge in one of the world’s most fascinating mysteries.  Considered one of Lima’s finest hotels, Miraflores Park Hotel (www.miraflorespark.com)  is situated on the edge of the beautiful Pacific Ocean and is ideal for the business and leisure travelers.

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., as its name suggests, brings together hotels that perfectly combine hospitality, comfort and luxury; a characteristic that truly defines Orient-Express. Now, the world’s most discerning travelers can have a luxury travel experience in Peru, entirely with Orient-Express Hotels.  Each hotel is an integral component to the Peruvian collection – with each property evoking a unique environment and travel experience through the most attractive customs and cultural features that surround each hotel.

More From Orient-Express Peru

With the latest reopening announcement of the Hiram Bingham and full PeruRail train service, guests can now experience every angle of luxury that Orient-Express has to offer while visiting Peru. The deluxe train service to Machu Picchu’s Inca Citadel has resumed operations from Cusco to Machu Picchu with services beginning from all stations including Cusco, Poroy and Ollantaytambo. Known for its breathtaking journey through the surrounding landscapes of the Andes Mountains, the luxurious Hiram Bingham departs from the Poroy/Cusco station at 9:05AM and includes brunch for all guests traveling outward. Upon arrival, guests have access to an exclusive entrance into the Sanctuary with an additional guided tour of the Citadel. After exploring the world’s most impressive ruins, the Hiram Bingham departs from Machu Picchu at 5:50PM with guests enjoying cocktails, live entertainment and a four-course gourmet menu on the return journey. For more information on routes, rates and timetables, please visit www.perurail.com.

Additionally, Orient-Express recently announced the acquisition of a fifth property in Peru, the Hotel Rio Sagrado, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.  The 21 suite hotel, which opened in April 2009, is a rustic two-story property set in beautiful gardens overlooking the Urubamba River.  With an imposing mountain backdrop, Hotel Rio Sagrado is three kilometers from the town of Urubamba and fifteen minutes from Ollantaytambo, home to an important Inca village and fortress, as well as the main PeruRail station stop en route to Machu Picchu.  The hotel has eleven deluxe and ten junior suites plus two 250m² villas, constructed from natural stone and woods such as eucalyptus and cedar, with marble and onyx bathrooms and flagstone terraces.  Its 230m² spa has a large treatment room with views of the mighty Urubamba, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and a sauna.

For rates, reservations or additional information call (800) 237-1236 or visit www.orient-express.com.

About Orient-Express Hotels:

Orient-Express, (NYSE: OEH, www.orient-express.com) the name behind an elite collection of travel experiences, first came into being in 1883 as one of the world’s most exciting and indulgent train journeys.  Today those same two evocative words also embrace hotels, cruises and other luxury rail adventures in 25 countries, across five continents.  The Company has offered exceptional luxury travel experiences since 1976, when it first purchased Hotel Cipriani in Venice and then shortly afterwards, recreated the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, linking London, Paris and Venice, along with other European cities.  Today, the company owns or part-owns and manages 50 businesses, 41 of which are highly acclaimed hotels, each unique in style, from the Mount Nelson in Cape Town and Rio’s Copacabana Palace, to the Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg and Maroma Resort & Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.  There is a restaurant, ‘21’ in New York, as well as two river cruise operations and six luxury trains.

New Package Includes a Wine Cellar Tasting With a Sommelier and 30% Off Any Bottle of Wine

NEW YORK (July 26, 2010) – Lake Placid Lodge, the only hotel located on magical Lake Placid, is pleased to invite wine lovers for a two-night stay between Sunday and Thursday in a Lakeside Suite or a Mountain View Cabin. Available for the remainder of 2010, the new Wine Lovers Package offers guests’ exceptional amenities, including a wine tasting with a sommelier in the lodge’s artisan crafted wine cellar and 30% off any bottle of wine from the Lodge’s extensive wine list during meals enjoyed at Maggie’s Pub or Artisans Restaurant during an entire stay.  With a wine list of more than 8,000 bottles and vintages dating back to 1917, the Lodge has a wine selection to suit any palate.

Balanced on the edge of village and forest and an original “Great Camp” for the new century, Lake Placid Lodge is a realm of infinite welcome and great beauty, where wide porches, high windows, grand outdoor fireplaces, and paths wandering off into the woods magnify the magnificence of nature. The Lodge is a celebration of all that was – and remains – best in the Adirondacks. Its beams are hewn by hand, its rooms filled with art and antiques, its beds carved by local artisans, and its fifty stone fireplaces laid piece-by-piece by Adirondack masons. It is a traditional, personal retreat; both rustic and splendid, as the Great Camps have always been.

Pricing for the Wine Lovers Package begins at $1,900*and includes:

* 30% **off any bottle of wine from the Lodge’s extensive wine list during meals at Maggie’s Pub or Artisans Restaurant for an entire stay
* Automatic upgrade to a Lakeside Cabin, if available ($100 Value)
* A split of Wolffer Estate Cabernet Franc and a local artisanal cheddar upon delivered in-room
* One half dozen hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose delivered in-room during turn down service on the first night at the Lodge ($90 Value)
* Daily breakfast prepared-to-order for two, which may be enjoyed either in the guests’ cabin or in the Lodge’s restaurant overlooking Lake Placid
* A  Wine Cellar tasting with Christian, the Lodge’s Sommelier, complete with a selection of local, regional and global cheeses  (tastings held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5PM until 6PM; $105 Value)
* A beautifully crafted French Laguiole corkscrew to celebrate the guests’ last evening at the Lodge ($60 Value)
* A late departure of 1:00 PM rather than 11:00 AM (confirmed at check-in)

For reservations and additional information, please call (877) 523-2700 and request the “Wine Lovers Package.” For additional information on Lake Placid Lodge visit www.lakeplacidlodge.com

*Base rate does not include standard room taxes and service fees.

**30% wine discount for whole bottle purchases only (including 1/2 bottles).  All wine must be purchased in either Artisans or Maggie’s Pub for consumption at the time of purchase.

New customized itineraries include prime game viewing in Southern Africa’s undiscovered safari reserves and benefit Zimbabwe’s wilderness conservation efforts

TAMPA, FL (JULY 22, 2010) – Cox & Kings, the longest-established travel company in the world, announces the launch of new itineraries in Zimbabwe, one of the world’s most remarkable – and more affordable – safari destinations. The country has stabilized its power sharing arrangement and experienced a positive currency change by instituting the South African Rand and U.S. Dollar as the standard currencies of exchange, signaling a return of abundant supplies of food, fuel and medical supplies. Cox & Kings’ Zimbabwe itineraries feature prime wildlife viewing, accommodation in the area’s finest wildlife reserves, and thrilling safari excursions – all sustainable tourism efforts that benefit extraordinary conservation projects, preserving vast herds of wildlife and greatly aiding the local communities.

“Zimbabwe has long implemented several of Africa’s most effective conservation efforts and heartily welcomes sophisticated safari-goers,” said Thomas Stanley, Centre Head and COO of Cox & Kings USA. “In addition to experiencing some of nature’s wildlife wonders and the grandeur of Victoria Falls, travelers are assured to know that every tourist dollar spent in Zimbabwe has a great impact on the continuation of these conservation efforts and preservation of the national parks.”

All Zimbabwe itineraries by Cox & Kings are easily customizable and offer travelers the opportunity to experience this unique African eco-system through hosted game drives and wildlife walks. Each of the special Zimbabwe itineraries is currently available to book and include the following:

Classic Zimbabwe Safari (9 days, 8 nights) – Features Victoria Falls, Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks  – home to the only elephants known to stand on their hind legs to feed during the winter months. The itinerary offers close-up safari experiences in 4×4 vehicles, on motorized boats, on foot, in game hides and in canoes. Guests enjoy two- to three-night accommodations in several of the area’s finest safari camps, including Ruckomechi Camp, which lies on the banks of the Zambezi River. Prices start at US $4,245 per person, based on double occupancy.

Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari (12 days, 11 nights) – Traipses through the game and bird rich Okavango Delta of northern Botswana to Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, home to several of Southern Africa’s largest elephant, buffalo and sable herds; visitors may also witness the growing rhino population. Guests enjoy two- to three-night accommodations in luxury safari camps such as Little Makalolo Camp, situated in a truly wild area where animals migrate back and forth.  Prices start at US $8,170 per person, based on double occupancy.

Singita Southern Africa Safari (9 days, 8 nights) – Offers a diverse yet cohesive journey through Southern Africa, taking guests from Kruger National Park, set against mountains and the Sweni River, to Zimbabwe’s Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, teeming with birds and endangered wildlife such as the Roan and sable antelope and the black rhino. Guests can choose between Singita Lebombo or Sweni Lodges in Kruger National Park and Singita Boulders or Ebony in Singita Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa. Prices start at US $8,960 per person, based on double occupancy.

“Though Zimbabwe has experienced political and economic struggles over the years, Cox & Kings is encouraged by substantial governmental changes that will persuade more travelers to visit the country for its truly authentic and unique wildlife experiences,” said Megan Bryant, Cox & Kings USA Tour Consultant and recent visitor to Zimbabwe.  “We’ve already noticed a significant increase in interest and travelers from North American due to the stabilization and appeal of the revitalized safaris in Zimbabwe.”

For guests seeking to extend their travels in Zimbabwe or within sub-Saharan or North Africa, Cox & Kings is able to arrange customized extensions, including additional excursions such as gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda or diving in the scenic waters of Lake Malawi.

To book a Cox & Kings Zimbabwe itinerary, call 1-800-999-1758 or log on to www.coxandkingsusa.com.

About Cox & Kings Travel

Founded in 1758, Cox & Kings is the world’s oldest travel brand.  Having made its mark in the Indian subcontinent even before the British Raj, Cox & Kings was the first choice of thousands traveling from Britain to India.  Today, Cox & Kings thrives as a premium global brand offering Exquisite Cultural and Wildlife Journeys designed for small groups and individuals who are seeking to experience the grandeur of the Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Middle East, the Indian Ocean islands, Asia & Pacific, and Latin America. www.coxandkingsusa.com

Photo courtesy of Mike Myers, Cox & Kings

New York, NY (July 15, 2010) – Looking for a great deal on autumn travel? Fall to Barbados is the perfect reason to escape to this lush Caribbean island – offering travelers a destination rich in history, culture, food, music, and a passion for living life to its fullest.  Now through August 15, 2010, book an experiential Barbados vacation for travel between September 1 and December 18, 2010.  The Fall to Barbados package is guaranteed to leave memories that last a lifetime, without breaking the bank.  For more information and to book visit, www.visitbarbados.org.

This special package invites visitors to customize vacations directly with their travel agent, selecting options from a full range of the very best hotels, attractions and activities available on island.  Fall to Barbados offers a truly unforgettable Caribbean experience at an exceptionally low rate, proving there has never been a better time to visit Barbados.

Visitors on the Fall to Barbados program can take advantage of the following:

• Booking credit of up to US $300* per booking
• Complimentary breakfast daily at participating EP Hotels
• Buy one and get 2nd at 25% or more off at participating ground activities
• One free day car rental on minimal 3-day rental
• One Barbados Gourmet Card – 20% off at participating restaurants – per booking

*Per Booking Credit – $150, $200 or $300 (depending on hotel).

Further information on the 2010 Fall to Barbados package and a list of participating hotels, restaurants and attractions can be found at www.visitbarbados.org or by calling the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1(800) 221-9831.  For reservations, consumers should contact their preferred travel agent.

Getting there:

JetBlue Airways flies daily nonstop between Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown, Barbados and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Flights are on sale at www.jetblue.com.

American Airlines has service to Barbados with non-stop routes from New York, Miami and San Juan.  AAVacations continuously puts together excellent packages with unbeatable prices for an unforgettable stay. www.aa.com.

About Barbados

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes, including The Crane beach, St. Philips, voted one of the world’s sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com.  Barbados is the first and only Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous athletic championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship-The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts. The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via newly-launched Jet Blue, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean.  Barbados was voted #8 in the World by Trip Advisor’s ‘2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards’ in its Top 100 Destinations category.  Follow the Barbados beat and catch up on the latest news via the Barbados Facebook page at www.tinyurl.com/barbadosbeat and Twitter at www.twitter.com/barbadostourism.  For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Barbados Tourism Authority

Complimentary Second Room with No Minimum Stay

June 9, 2010 — Reid’s Palace in Madeira, Portugal introduces “Fun at Reid’s”, an affordable luxury escape for families that offers parents a complimentary second room for the kids when booking in June or September 2010, with no minimum stay. Children between the ages of two and 17 can stay at the hotel for free and have access to a fabulous range of fun activities offered at the family friendly hotel starting at only € 405 (approximately USD $495*) per night.

Nestled in the hotel’s ten acres of lush semi-tropical gardens, the Fun at Reid’s Kid’s Club is designed for children between the ages of three and nine. With a personalized check-in including a “welcome” virgin cocktail, the Kid’s Club offers an exciting range of activities such as face painting, sports, and trips to nearby Funchal. The Kid’s Club also boasts its very own swimming pool and extended outdoor playground, as well as a large indoor space for children to enjoy electronic games, DVD’s, and other group activities.

Fun at Reid’s Club is a complimentary service — open from 10am to 5pm; and from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, offering parents the opportunity to enjoy a romantic evening or moonlit dinner without the kids. For an additional fee, the hotel can arrange a babysitter upon request after 9:30pm.

Reid’s Palace also offers teenagers a fantastic space to spend time while their parents take in the sights of Madeira or spend some time alone. The “Teen Room”, stocked with Apple computers, a Nintendo Wii, and a flat screen TV, comes complete with a wide selection of DVD’s and video games and Guitar Hero.

Dolphin watching, safari trips, helicopter flights over the island of Madeira, and Levada Walks through the tropical landscape of Funchal can all be arranged by the hotel for families to enjoy together. The Spa at Reid’s Palace offers a special treatment for kids, inviting children and parents to indulge together. The treatment, “Nangfa, Angel Bliss for Children”, is designed to improve quality of sleep and strengthen the immune system; truly completing the Reid’s experience for little ones.

Prices for the ‘Fun at Reid’s’ package start at €405 per night (approximately USD $495*) for a classic double room, and includes a daily buffet breakfast as well as a complimentary second room for a maximum of two children.

Reid’s Palace epitomizes the spirit of travel, luxury, style and adventure. Opened in 1891 by William and Alfred Reid to accommodate passengers traveling on the great ocean liners, it now stands for contemporary luxury and elegance.  Perched on a cliff-top amid 10 acres of semi-tropical gardens, providing its own brand of personal service to all generations, today’s Reid’s Palace offers relaxation, indulgence, romance and activity on the exotic, temperate island of Madeira.

NEW YORK (June 8, 2010) – Australia’s newest luxury hotel, Saffire, located on the picturesque East Coast of Tasmania near Freycinet, is now open.

Saffire is considered by its developers to be an iconic development for the Australian tourism industry.  Its concept and design are like no other current hotel in the country, capturing the essence of the unique region and connecting with the environment to bring an authentic and enriching experience to guests.

“This project is one of great significance for our company, and is the culmination of years of market research and careful planning,” Mr. Greg Farrell, Pure Tasmania Managing Director, said. “We wanted to ensure we built a development that was sympathetic to this beautiful area and its environs, yet still offers guests the most unforgettable experiences in accommodation, food and wine, activities and most of all, Saffire Service.”

Tasmania’s Minister for Tourism Michelle O’Byrne said the state’s tourism industry would benefit greatly from Saffire’s opening.  “Saffire delivers a new world-class ultra premium Tasmanian experience that will showcase the very best of our island state. I am confident that this experience will set new benchmarks in the premium tourism marketplace and rival the best in the world.”

Distinct in its design, exclusive in its features and set apart by its approach to individually tailored experiences and service, Saffire’s approach is not constrained by traditional five-star ratings and standards, but instead sets a bold new direction for holidays and accommodations in Australia.

Saffire features 20 luxury suites, each offering sweeping views of Great Oyster Bay and the Hazards Mountains with complete privacy from the neighboring suites. Tasmania’s freshest produce and finest wines and beers will be showcased in Palate restaurant and The Lounge bar.  All guests can restore their well-being in the premium spa facilities and on-site gym.  Exclusive Signature Experiences have been developed accessing little-known areas of the Freycinet Peninsula, and a range of other activities can be tailored to suit guests’ desires.

Due to increasing interest and demand from members for family-friendly European travel, the Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club is adding 22 European villas across Tuscany, Provence and Cote d’Azur to its Travel Credit Program. These extraordinary properties, in the most-requested destinations in Italy and France, are particularly well suited to multi-generational families traveling together.

Members of the Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club enjoy access to a portfolio of magnificent private homes in the most sought-after destinations around the globe and can also trade nights for credit towards inspiring A&K travel—now including 22 new European villas.

A dedicated Global Experience Manager works with the member to make all the arrangements, including preparing the home with groceries and preferred amenities. They recommend insider access experiences that include VIP tours of one of the oldest Tuscan pasta makers, an introduction to how pecorino and ricotta cheese are made, winery tours and barrel tastings, even underground tours of medieval Siena. Global Experience Managers can also arrange cooking, painting or language lessons with local experts in the privacy of the villa.

The Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club is currently offering a two-year trial membership with no up-front capital payment for those who want an extended opportunity to experience Club life before making a full commitment. Two-year trial members pay normal Club dues plus a 10% premium that will be credited to their capital contribution if they later join as a permanent equity member.

Until June 30, the Club is offering the opportunity to save thousands on equity membership, with a price increase scheduled July 1. Visit www.akresidenceclub.com/offers to learn more or read full press release here.

New Website Provides Limited-Time Invitation-Only Offers at Top Hotel Properties

Las Vegas, NV – May 2010 – Travel + Leisure, the world’s leading travel magazine brand, and Luxury Link, the leader in online luxury travel, announced the launch of Vacationist (www.vacationist.com), an invitation-only, private-sale travel website for luxury travelers, at the American Express Publishing Luxury Summit at the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas. The site will present a number of exclusive hotel and resort offerings each week and will launch its first sales with a mix of exotic and urban destinations, including Turtle Island in Fiji, The Surrey in New York City, and The James Hotel in Chicago.

Vacationist offers exclusive luxury hotel and resort rooms available for purchase to its members at 25 to 40 percent off for limited periods of time. Each property featured on Vacationist, which will be hosted and powered by Luxury Link, will have insider tips and expert reporting by the editors of Travel + Leisure who are dedicated to helping readers access the best travel experiences. Invitees to Vacationist will initially be limited to Travel + Leisure customers and Luxury Link members.

Mark Stanich, Chief Marketing Officer and President, Digital Media, American Express Publishing, said: “Our loyal customer relationships are critically important to us, and we have worked relentlessly to deliver new products that serve their evolving needs. Vacationist is no exception – as our first significant e-commerce venture, it will provide the extraordinary experience and value our customers seek, with the aesthetic and sensibility they have come to expect from Travel + Leisure. Luxury Link is absolutely the perfect partner for us, as we strive to create this best-in-class product for savvy, sophisticated, and passionate travelers. Importantly, Vacationist is also a way for us to support our hotel and resort partners in the travel industry by delivering a smart, effective, tactical solution.”

“We are excited to partner with American Express Publishing and Travel + Leisure because their brand, their content, and their marketing strengths complement our strengths in working closely with hoteliers around the world to bring great value to discerning travelers. We share a passion for creating new services that meet the needs of our consumers and hotel clients, which is just what Vacationist does,” states Drew Marich, CEO of Luxury Link, LLC.

With the launch of Vacationist, Travel + Leisure and Luxury Link begin their partnership with a clear understanding of consumer travel trends to deliver what customers want. According to a recent study by Ypartnership/Harrison Group, almost three out of ten (27%) active travelers took at least one “last minute” leisure trip last year and one out of seven (14%) purchased a travel service as a result of receiving an unexpected email from a travel service supplier. In addition to the high quality of the selected hotels, the featured room rates on Vacationist will be the lowest available at the time of the offer.

About American Express Publishing Corporation

American Express Publishing Corporation is an authoritative content company primed to deliver lifestyle expertise that informs choices, enriches perspective and empowers affluent and accomplished people — and the businesses that serve them — to make decisions and lead extraordinary lives. A wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Company, American Express Publishing brands include Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Departures, and Executive Travel. The company also produces a variety of travel, cooking, wine, time management, and financial books and products, digital content, luxury-marketing events and custom print and digital programs for clients.

About Travel + Leisure

With an eye for the authentic, the innovative, and the irresistible, Travel + Leisure (www.travelandleisure.com) fuses expert reporting on culture, food, style, and design with stunning photography, transporting readers to the places—and the travel experiences—that matter now. T+L, the monthly title from American Express Publishing and the long-standing authority in its field, has the largest audience of any travel magazine and is an indispensable guide for global nomads.

About Luxury Link

Luxury Link is the parent company of LuxuryLink.com and FamilyGetaway.com. Established in 1997, LuxuryLink.com is the leader in online luxury travel and designed for travelers seeking inspiration and exceptional values at the world’s finest hotels and resorts, LuxuryLink.com features the best luxury hotel deals on the Web with savings of up to 65% off. Renowned by its peers, LuxuryLink.com has been lauded by venerable names in travel including Travel + Leisure as a “Top Travel Website” (2009, 2008). In 2010, Luxury Link launched FamilyGetaway.com, the destination website for families seeking the best places to stay at exceptional values to create lifelong travel memories.

For the uninitiated, a brief intro – Tom’s Shoes has donated over 600,ooo shoes to the underprivileged in Argentina, Guatemala, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Haiti and beyond since 2006 by abiding by their guiding principles and furthering their One-to-One movement of donating a pair of shoes for every pair purchased. This concept of eco-friendly, socially responsible, “conscious capitalism,” has proven to be not only rewarding, but also profitable, and is now carrying over into other industries.

Today (May 5^th), Tom’s Shoes celebrates their 4th birthday and are urging everyone to perform One-for-One acts of kindness.  We hope you’ll join in the celebration by picking up the toll for the person behind you on the bridge, or paying for the latte of the person behind you in line.

Toms styles are cool, hip, groovy, bad, and all the other appreciative adjectives that span the generations.  Great colors.  Great designs.  Comfy, we’re sure.  Vegan or hand-painted canvas.  Nautical-inspired Bimini stitchouts or fleece-lined botas. Fashion for you, and a life-saver for foreign families in need.

Toms.com reels you in with its savvy use of social media.  Submit photos of how you style your Toms, whether it’s for bowling, the prom or a wedding.  If a shoe is out of stock, Toms will let you know via Twitter when it’s available. Feel good about buying a stylish sneak, supporting a sustainable model of social entrepreneurship and contributing to the global community at large.

Happy Birthday, Tom’s!