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.

This year – the show’s 20^th – event organizers add the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to its social and environmental awareness program in an effort to bring the issue of deforestation to the forefront of the yachting community’s attention. This comes following the event’s carbon neutral efforts, sustainable development projects and support of the Monaco Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation aims to “act as an accelerator of projects and solutions for the environment. It promotes sustainable and equitable management of natural resources and places the individual at the center of its projects. It encourages the implementation of innovative and ethical solutions in three main areas: climate change, biodiversity and water,” according to its mission statement. The Monaco Yacht Show has committed to contribute financial support and  to act as a “communication channel” to promote the Foundation.

Monaco Yacht Show maintains its continued support for the research of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Its contribution to the Monaco Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy since 2001 comes by way of organizing thematic auctions (the Joconde Project, Only One 1 and 2, and since 2005, the biennial charity auction ONLY WATCH that has become a world renowned charity event praised by the most prestigious watchmakers). The Monaco Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy was created in 2001 by parents of children suffering from the disease in an effort to support scientific and medical research progress for the one in 3,500 boys born with the rare genetic disease.

In association with The CarbonNeutral Company, MYS started offsetting its C02 emissions in 2005 by contributing an eco-tax to help finance international green projects. The CarbonNeutral Company aids companies in reducing their carbon footprint through complete carbon reduction programs.

In addition, MYS partnered with Camper & Nicholsons International in 2005, and over the subsequent five years invested almost €200,000 in sustainable development projects. With offices around the world, CNI specializes in all things yachts: the sale, purchase, charter, management and construction.

Besides its partnerships with various organizations, Monaco Yacht Show takes care to tread lightly by printing on recycled paper, sorting recyclables within the show itself, supporting fair trade and using organic cotton for its show clothing line.

The 2010 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show takes place September 22 to 25, at Port Hercules in the Principality of Monaco and will showcase more than 100 superyachts in the water, 56 percent of which are larger than 130 feet.

Resources

Monaco Yacht Show | www.monacoyachtshow.com | Sept 22-25, 2010

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation | www.pa2f.org

The Carbon Neutral Company | www.carbonneutral.com

Camper & Nicholsons International | www.camperandnicholsons.com

Monaco Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy | www.amm.asso.mc

Photo Courtesy of Monaco Yacht Show

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

Debuting earlier this year is the Arcadia 85 from startup eco-conscious yachtbuilder Arcadia Yachts. The first in a line of stylish motor yachts with a green and socially conscious agenda, the 85-foot Arcadia 85 sports an edgy exterior and a sublime interior, while at the same time showcasing some innovative eco concepts.

To start, the Arcadia Yachts built almost the entire superstructure in dark, double-glazed windows with Schüco solar panels within, providing the yacht’s onboard electrical needs with 4 kilowatts of electricity on a sunny day. In addition to powering up the yacht’s electrical grid, the dark windows provide thermal insulation to the same elements and supply guests with incredible views on deck. When guests are ready for privacy or shade, a motorized Ocean Air shade system envelops the whole deal.

On the main deck, ample interior space in combination with the massive windows give a sense of openness, especially when the shades are open. Furniture from Poltrona Frau Group creates a comfortable, yet high-style main salon. A 42-inch plasma TV keeps the entertainment rolling when the shades are drawn. An eight-seater dining room sits just steps from the galley and wheelhouse.

On the lower deck, four staterooms, including a midships master suite and a stunning VIP, accommodate eight guests, while two double crew cabins in the bow house four. Low lighting and furniture keep the mood cozy yet refined throughout the accommodations level.

Photo Courtesy of Arcadia Yachts

Even without a sun deck, the Arcadia 85 musters up enough outdoor space that even sun worshipers will appreciate. Sunpads on the main deck’s forepeak provide sunning space, as well as a little spot near the radar arch. Shade lovers will appreciate the shaded cockpit, designed for dining and hanging- out. The swim platform can be accessed via twin steps and features a shower for a refreshing post-swim rinse.

Two MAN R6 730-hp diesel engines live in the engine room aft of the staterooms and give the fuel-efficient NPL semi-planing 85 an 18-knot maximum speed. Or if chosen, the hybrid propulsion system powers the yacht along at 8 knots. A blackwater treatment system keeps dispels clean water, and a sound-insulation system keeps things quiet while underway.

The Arcadia 85 is the first of three models in planning and construction mode at Arcadia Yachts. The company aims to build yachts in the 75- to 175-foot range as eco-friendly and hip as possible, while still providing the high comfort and impeccable design for which the Italians are known. Based in Torre Annunziata, Italy, Ugo Pellegrino heads up the company in design partnership with Francesco Guida. Arcadia Yachts is a subsidiary of the Italian industrial group Tre Ti.

Designed by Guida Design + Engineering, the 85 is built in composite to RINA standards. Pricing starts at 3.8 million euros. The first 115 model will launch in the spring of 2011, and Arcadia has technical plans on the books for a 135-footer.

http://www.arcadiayachts.it

Where HAVE we been?  Is it possible the GLAMPING trend nearly passed us by? Maybe so, since our first glimpse of glamps occurred in this month’s AARP magazine.  Glamorous camping there was described as combining “the splendor of the great outdoors with the comfort of a top-tier hotel.”

In Google retrospect, we see that USA Today and ABC News both covered this altLuxury style of camping as early as 2007.  And in 2008 New York Times’ Green Traveler described glamping as “camping but not quite.”

Offering a business model perspective, Mark Penn in the Wall Street Journal described this updated and upscale visit to the outdoors in August 2009.  For those wishing to enter the hospitality industry, he opined, start-up costs could be minimal as undeveloped land may be available at low cost and accommodations can be mobilized as necessary.

In fact, we did glamp before we knew glamping was cool.  Our initiation was at Safari West in California’s Sonoma County.  We chose to celebrate a special birthday in one of the resort’s luxurious yurts, where you “wake up with the sounds of Africa echoing in your dreams.”  Really!  From our yurt-pad we looked out at the giraffe family and were only steps away from the tropical bird refuge.  A two-hour safari the day before had introduced us to the many other wild animals usually found in far more remote regions of the world. We had to pinch ourselves to remember that we were in Northern California!

Glamping, aka “Comfy Camping” or “Boutique Camping,” is indeed a worldwide phenomenon.  Vacations may offer kayaking, climbing, hiking or fishing, in sun or snow, sea or mountains, northern or southern hemispheres, for singles or families.  The common threads are the haute cuisine, luxurious linens, superior service offered by those providing the glamping experience.  Many carry coveted ratings from the likes of National Geographic or Conde Nast.

Inherent in most of these wilderness luxury vacations is a certain greenness.  Chefs offer locally grown ingredients in their riverside feasts.  Far and Away Adventures, based in Sun Valley, ID, posits that their river trips with personal concierge service, massages, award-winning wines and organic food are also carbon neutral.

For more information, visit goGlamping.net a complete directory of luxury camping experiences.

This begs the question, “How ‘environmentally responsible’ are the affluent?”

Well, to answer this question, Ron Kurtz and the American Affluence Research Center surveyed the wealthiest 10% of US households to reveal the extent of their commitment to a “green” lifestyle.

Today, forty years after the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970,  Ron reveals his findings:

Top 10 findings:

* 90% recycle regularly
* 56% believe they are doing their part to help the environment
* About 3 in 10 feel they should be doing more to help the environment
* 70% report using energy efficient light bulbs and/or other products to reduce energy consumption
* 30% purchase organic foods whenever they are an option. Only 6% buy fashions that use organic materials
* A third of the respondents currently own none of the 7 eco friendly products listed
* Most commonly owned “green” items are compact fluorescent light bulbs (45%), low flow toilets or faucets (44%), and EnergyStar appliances (40%). Green cleaning products (27%) was the only other item owned by more than 10% of the respondents
* Half of the respondents do not expect to buy any of the 7 listed “green” products during the next five years. The most frequently anticipated purchases are a hybrid automobile (24%) and EnergyStar appliances (22%)
* Two-thirds have done none of the 3 listed eco friendly activities during the past 5 years. The most frequently mentioned (31%) activity was the purchase of hormone-free meat, dairy, or produce.
* Almost 8 of 10 respondents do not anticipate doing any of the 3 listed activities during the next 5 years. The most frequently anticipated activity (15%) is an eco friendly vacation or resort.

This is the 17th in [a] series of twice yearly surveys of the wealthiest 10% of US households that account for about 50% of total consumer spending and a third of gross domestic product.

It is not an online survey of people who are compensated for responding to regular and frequent surveys, and it includes only respondents who qualify to be among the wealthiest 10% of US households, based on net worth.

Similar to the Consumer Confidence survey of The Conference Board, [this] survey is conducted by mail and is sent to a randomly selected sample.

In the past, I have owned some version of most mobile phones – starting with the Nokia 9000 and original Startac in 1997 and most recently the Blackberry Curve and iPhone 3GS. Each telephonic experience has been better than the last. In fact, I am still blown away by all the apps available on the new smart phones and am relieved to not have to wear a watch, carry a camera, sport an iPod or tote any number of other organizers and computational tools. They are all in my phone! But, I digress…

The purpose of this article is to review a very sleek product, the new Jawbone Icon, that replaced its predecessor, which was already an award-winning, noise-canceling, Bluetooth-enabled earphone from San Francisco-based Aliph.

From the minimalist, eco-friendly, 100% recyclable packaging, to the simple instructions and sleek earphone design, the ICON Rogue might be the coolest thing you own before you even turn it on. In the vain of keeping it simple, there are no long, unnecessary cords or thick owners manuals. Everything you need comes in one tiny package.

Once open, it is incredibly simple to sync with your iPhone, and even displays the remaining battery power of the earphone next to the iPhone’s own battery meter.

In the ear, you wonder how the tiny ear bud actually captures the sound of your voice which you are obviously projecting away from it. But it works, and Aliph’s Noise Assassin technology makes hearing the person on the other end much better than the phone’s built-in speaker, and even better than I have experienced with Bluetooth running through my car stereo system.

So, what else can I say? At $99, the affordable Aliph Jawbone ICON has a stunning design, is environmentally friendly, technologically sound, and can even make someone like me look cooler than a call center rep while driving my sub-compact in rush hour traffic.