Dom Rep Beach Party

The much-awaited annual “Desalía” beach party, which in the past few years has become one of the country’s most important beach festivities, will be held this coming February 18 at the impressive “Cabeza de Toro” beach in the Punta Cana tourism region. The event,sponsored by the Barceló rum company, has become a major tourist attraction because it is held in one of the country’s most beautiful beaches, the turnout is truly impressive and the performers are always the best.

This time around entertainment will be provided by musicians Erick Morillo, Danny Martin, violinist Miguel Lara, Luigii Nieto, Fonsi Nieto, Dj Nano and JP Candela.

Morillo is a Colombian DJ and music producer who grew up in the Dominican Republic and lived in New Jersey. Since 1997 he owns the Subliminal Records label.

Martin is a Spanish singer and actor, who was lead singer in the pop rock band “El Canto del Loco.”

The beach party has become an important local attraction, due main- ly to the beauty of the beach where it takes place. The musical quality of the event is also a major attraction.

Couples Resorts. MANY AWARDS. ONE LOVE.

 

Playground to Hollywood celebrities in the 1950s, glamorous Couples Tower Isle exudes a chic sophistication perfectly balanced by a relaxed Caribbean sensuality.

 

Perched on the lush terrain of Ocho Rios, Jamaica—the resort seduces with breathtaking sea views, a wide sandy beach and century-old palm trees. Discover the joys of snorkeling among the reefs, windsurfing on the waves, or sailing into the sunset on a catamaran, rum punch in hand.

 

Intricate blue tile work and jade chaise lounges offset the striking white retro architecture. Luxurious rooms boast private ocean-breeze balconies.

 

Whether being pampered in the Zen-inspired spa—recognized as “Best in the Caribbean” by Travel+Leisure—sipping cocktails at the piano bar or indulging in an exquisite meal alfresco, Couples Tower Isle creates countless intimate moments that inspire you to return again and again.

 

 

 

Vintage-inspired pastels capture the retro design sensibility of the rooms at Couples Tower Isle.

 

Each of the well-appointed accommodations—complete with plush king-size beds—open out onto private balconies and patios furnished with wide cushion seating and an outdoor table.

 

Every room enjoys air conditioning as well as a ceiling fan, a fully stocked mini-bar that is replenished daily, an ample bathroom complete with a shower or tub, Gilchrist & Soames bath products, a salon-style hair dryer and cozy bathrobe. For your entertainment, you will find an IPOD/MP3 player and satellite cable flat screen TV. Other amenities include a coffee maker, an iron, ironing board, in-room safe, and nightly turndown service.

 

 

 

Located on 19 acres of beautiful beachfront property, Couples Tower Isle engages you with the promise of elaborate active days or hours of uninterrupted privacy.

 

Enjoy a refreshing dip in one of our three swimming pools, or a leisurely soak in the Jacuzzis scattered about the resort. Indulge in au naturel sunbathing on our private island, Tower Isle. Take in a game of tennis, a round of golf or while away the afternoon on a lounge chair by the sea.

 

Three fresh water swimming pools + Jacuzzis

 

Six unique restaurants serving the finest international cuisine with Caribbean flavors: Bayside Asian, Verandah continental cuisine, Patio Mediterranean and Italian fare, Eight Rivers Caribbean fusion, Beach Grill, Veggie Café

 

Four bars, including the Tower Isle bar, and Piano bar, all serving premium brand liquors, wines and champagne

 

Private island for au naturel sunbathing

 

Watersports & scuba

 

Synthetic grass tennis courts with lights, complimentary lesson

 

Unlimited golf (transfers and green fees included. Caddy mandatory at a nominal charge)

 

Air-conditioned fitness center, with state-of the art cardio equipment.

 

Classes include spinning, aerobics, yoga, Pilates and meditation

 

Glass-bottom boat tour

 

Catamaran Cruise at sunset

 

Dunn’s River Falls tour

 

Shopping excursion to Downtown Ocho Rios

 

Shuttle to Island Village, home of Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville”

 

 

 

Honored as Travel+Leisure’s “Best Caribbean Spa”

 

The Oasis Spa at Couples Tower Isle is a haven of tranquility. Designed from a Zen point of view,the pure white treatments rooms cluster around an outdoor Buddha plunge pool. Deep cushion lounge chairs frame the perimeter of the pool—an open invitation to spend some time soaking in the calm or sipping a fresh drink from the juice bar, before or after your treatment.

 

We invite you to peruse our extensive list of spa services—including our celebrated massage styles, seaweed wraps and body scrubs. Please be sure to inquire at the spa reservations desk for any specialty treatments available exclusively at Couples Tower Isle.

 

 

 

A host of delightful dining options awaits at Couples Tower Isle.

 

From gourmet indoor dinners at Eight Rivers—evoking the days of old Jamaica—to delightful al fresco meals at the perennially chic Verandah, guests are sure to find the perfect meal to tempt their taste buds.

 

Under the auspices of Executive Chef Stephan Spath, every menu has been thoughtfully crafted using only the finest local produce, seafood and spices—to deliver a dining experience as delicious as it is authentic.

 

Contact getaway2 now for more information or visit www.getaway2.com for our latest offers.

Romance In Dubai

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon love is in the air! From the mystical allure of the desert to exquisite dinner cruises along the creek, Dubai has plenty to offer romancing couples. For this month’s top five, getaway2 has put together our favourite romantic pursuits to do in and around the city.

Enjoy a romantic gourmet dinner cruise on-board Bateaux Dubai and watch the city’s skyline glide by.

Sip champagne by your private plunge pool surrounded by the enchanting Arabian desert at the luxurious Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa.

Take in the absorbing views together while drinking cocktails at At.mosphere on level 122 of Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building.

Soak up the serenity of the sands and enjoy a camel ride for two on your own private desert safari.

Treat your loved one with a box in the glamorous Grandstand at The Meydan,at Dubai World Cup - the world’s richest horserace.

Call getaway2 now on 08444 148 268

or visit www.getaway2.com

Golf & Spa in Bermuda

Trade white for pink and make sandcastles instead of snowballs this winter on the lush island of Bermuda. Located just under two hours from most major east coast U.S. cities, the mid-Atlantic gem is giving travel agents more than a few reasons to book their customers a vacation during Bermuda golf and spa season.

Golf and Spa
Have you ever played golf in paradise? Now you can. Bermuda offers more golf per square mile than anywhere else in the world and all seven of its courses are renowned for both their beauty and challenge.

Bermuda is the perfect place to relax and features a wide selection of award-winning spas, each offering its own collection of indulgent massages and healing treatments. Rum swizzles are also available upon request.

Additionally, the first quarter of 2012 brings a full roster of creative events appealing to everyone from epicureans and romancers to party lovers both young and young at heart.

Feel the Love Month
Love will bloom throughout Bermuda with a destination-wide experience in celebration of the island’s annual Feel the Love Month, taking place Jan. 16-March 3. Dedicated daily activities such as a love cruise champagne and strawberries museum reception, salsa dancing nights and more will be available.

Rendezvous Activity Program
Bermuda is highlighting more than 400 years of history this season with the Bermuda Rendezvous Activities program, which runs through March 31. Activities range from glass-blowing demonstrations to historic tours of the Royal Navy Dockyard in Hamilton and the town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To Book your next Bermuda getaway2.

Call getaway2 on 08444 148 268, or visit www.getaway2.com

Shake Off The Winter Blues

Freezing rain? Icy roads? How does a Jamaican getaway sound right about now?

Ya Mon, we thought so: at The Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort and Spa, think you deserve a little bit of sunshine just as much as your clients do.

With our Warm Up Winter Sale, we’re delivering a vacation at the Caribbean’s hottest all-inclusive, adults-only resort that’s guaranteed to melt away any residual memories of shoveling the sidewalk.

We’re offering a premium oceanfront beach resort in legendary Ocho Rios, one of Jamaica’s most-desired destinations, at a sensational discount of 30% on all room rates  (including their butler-service suites).

The Jewel has elevated resort service to a fine art, with extra-special touches like a dedicated Pool Concierge and weekly Dive-In Movies, where you can watch favorite classics from the comfort of your pool lounge. With six dining options, six bars, a relaxing, rejuvenating full service spa and luxurious surroundings, this is a vacation option you won’t want to miss—and one that will practically sell itself.

Book Now call getaway2 on 08444 148 268

or visit www.getaway2.com

Mauritius Spectacular

A week All-Inclusive with a 2nd week FREE on Room Only from £1049pp

Trou aux Biches

• Pay 1 week AI receive the 2nd week free on Room Only
  Valid 01/09/11  -  13 30/09/11 &       arrivals 01/04/12  -   13 30/06/12 No single supplements

The Casuarina Resort & Spa is a member of Worldhotels Comfort Collection, and occupies an idyllic spot a short distance from a white sandy beach beside a coral reef in an enclosed lagoon at Trou aux Biches. The delightful traditionally thatched restaurant opens onto the pool area. A harmonious spa is nestled in the heart of a tropical garden and consists of an oriental hammam, beauty parlour, chiropodist, manicure and 4 treatment cabins around a swimming pool for relaxation (fees will apply).

Rooms: Air-conditioned superior twin/double rooms nestle in a verdant tropical garden all have private facilities and a balcony or terrace. They are equipped with satellite TV, telephone, hairdryer, safe, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. Bungalows on a Self-Catering basis are also available with Bed & Breakfast and Half Board at a supplement.

Your All-Inclusive package includes: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, 2 pancakes per person (15.00-17.00hrs). Locally bottled drinks, juice, local bottled spirits, house wine, soft drinks, water & tea/coffee. (Time and measurement stipulations may apply)

Facilities:
• 2 swimming pools • 3 restaurants (2 are á la carte and available at a fee) • 1 bar • Tennis • Windsurfing • Fitness room • FREE selected watersports • Kayaks • Mini-sailing • Water-skiing • Glass bottom boat • Scuba diving (at a fee) • Bicycle hire • Spa • Massage (at a fee) • Boutique • Children’s club • FREE diving initiation • Wi-Fi (at a fee).

Foreign Office Issues Warning After India Bombing

India’s capital Delhi and the city of Mumbai are on high alert following a bomb attack which killed 10 people and injured at least 47.

The bomb exploded outside the Indian High Court in Delhi and the extremist group Huji, which has links to al-Qeada, has since claimed responsibility.

Huji was behind several other terrorist attacks on India, including the attack on a mosque in Hyderabad and an attack on Varanasi in 2007 and 2006.

In July, three bombs in Mumbai killed 26 people but no group has claimed responsibility.

The British Foreign Office has not changed its overall level of advice for travel to India but it is urging British visitors to monitor local media and be more vigilant around government buildings and public places.

Airline Punctuality Improves

Airlines flying to and from UK airports managed to improve their punctuality in the last quarter despite a growth in the number of flights.

According to figures for April to June, released today by the Civil Aviation Authority, significant improvement was seen on scheduled flights at Gatwick, Stansted and Luton and on charter flights at Gatwick and Manchester compared to last year’s second quarter.

Across the 10 airports monitored, 82% of scheduled flights were classified as being ‘on-time’, four percentage points higher than the 78% recorded in the second quarter of 2010.

The average delay fell by three minutes to 11 minutes.

This was despite an increase of 10% in scheduled flights to 348,000.

The proportion of on-time charter flights increased by eight percentage points to 74%.

The average delay across all charter flights monitored in the second quarter of 2011 was 20 minutes, an improvement on 28 minutes recorded in the second quarter of 2010.

This was despite the number of charter flights rising 1% to 24,000, mainly due to the recovery from the effect of the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption in April 2010.

CAA group director for regulatory policy Iain Osborne said: “The growth we’re now seeing in flight numbers is a welcome trend, as it means more people getting to where they want to go.

“The last 18 months have seen unprecedented disruption and we are pleased to see the sector recovering from this. It is also pleasing that growth has not been at the expense of punctuality, and we hope to see collaborative work by the industry continue to reduce delays.”

On-time performance is defined as the proportion of flights arriving or departing early or up to 15 minutes late.

Orlando Special 14 nights from £499 pp.

Excellent value holiday to Orlando, Florida. Coco Key includes its own water park for guests at the resort but it is also close to all Theme Parks or a good base to spread your wings.

Travel between 24  October and 16 December 2011 or 01 January- 20 March 2012.

14 Nights on self catering basis, Orlando Kids Eat For Free cards available.

Departing from London, Manchester other regional departures available on request, supplements may apply.

Call getaway2 on 0844 4148 268 now to book.

Britons Stranded in US after Hurricane Irene

Thousands of UK passengers stranded in the United States over the bank holiday weekend when Hurricane Irene struck will have to wait at least three days for flights home.

Flights have resumed and British Airways and Virgin Atlantic said schedules were operating normally today, but they admit it will take days to deal with the backlog of passengers.

More than 10,000 US flights were cancelled, mainly to the New York and Boston areas, when  Hurricane Irene brought storms and heavy flooding to the US and East Coast.

New York’s four main airports were closed, stranding thousands of British passengers on the wrong side of the Atlantic, and some flights to Boston and Philadelphia were also cancelled.

Both BA and Virgin are laying on extra flights to repatriate passengers this week – BA has an additional service leaving for New York at 17:00 today – but they have warned those without confirmed reservations not to travel to airports as flights are already full and they are not accepting any standby passengers.

Virgin has asked passengers already rebooked on flights departing within the next three days not to call the airline as it will not be able to get them home any sooner. It said passengers who had not already been rebooked will be contacted by its reservations team within the next 24 hours if they have provided their details via its ‘away from home’ link on its website.

BA is giving passengers with confirmed reservations to travel to the US east coast this week the option to delay their trip up to September 19, provided their tickets were booked no later than August 25.