Vancouver's The Westin Bayshore is marking the 40th anniversary of a stay by Howard Hughes with a special spring package. Hughes, one of the world's most famous and elusive billionaires checked into The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver (then known as the Bayshore Inn) on March 14, 1972. The eccentric business and Hollywood icon lived in the hotel's three-room penthouse for six months and was never seen outside of his room throughout his entire stay. This spring package includes a one-night stay in the luxurious Howard Hughes Penthouse Suite, a relaxing treatment from Vida Spa, valued at $270, all...
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a special web page from which visitors can download apps for a wide range of smartphones to help them plan many different kinds of visits to Thailand, from honeymoons to studying martial arts and Thai culinary art. Nineteen apps are available for free download at http://mobile.tourismthailand.org for users of the iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry and Nokia. The apps are presently available only in English, but a unique "Speak Thai"app offers help with basic translations in traditional and simplified Chinese, French, Japanese and Russian....
Set for April 28, the 10th annual SPAM Jam Festival celebrates one of Hawaii's most beloved canned meat, SPAM. That night, Kalakaua Avenue will be lined with various booths offering all types of SPAM-related food and products along with several entertainment stages featuring live musical performances by some of Hawaii's most notable artists. Geared toward locals and island visitors alike, this family friendly street festival is an annual event not to be missed, especially with money saving offers from the Outrigger Reef on the Beach hotel and OHANA Hotels & Resorts. At the Outrigger Reef on...
Aruba is gives visitors easy and extra ways to enjoy their vacations to the fullest, with two island programs for families and couples. The Caribbean island is currently offering the year-round "One Cool Honeymoon"program for newlyweds, as well as the "One Cool Family"program available between June 1 and Sept. 30. The free "One Cool Family"vacation promotion provides extra value, from properties that allow kids (12 years and under) to stay and eat for free, to daily kid's activities and complimentary family gifts upon check-in. Additional benefits of the program include free snorkel sails and...
Doing good deeds for nature will be reap rewards for guests who stay at the King Pacific Lodge in BC. For every donation to the Guarding The Gifts nature charity made before April 15, the lodge will deduct the equivalent (up to $1,000 p.p.) from the cost of a stay. This floating luxury wilderness resort on BC's north coast is known for its stewardship of the wilderness that surrounds it, including the Great Bear Rainforest. This is the only habitat of the Kermode or "spirit"bear. The 2012 season runs from June 1 to Sept. 24....
There is a value that's downright delicious at Aston Mahana at Kaanapali and Aston at Papakea Resort on Maui. Guests of both resorts are welcomed with a special offer for 10% off their dining bill by showing their room key card at The Beach Club restaurant and lounge at Aston Kaanapali Shores - just a short walk from both resorts. The offer is valid for unlimited usage throughout the guest's stay and can be used for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Beach Club has casual daytime dining with oceanfront views. By evening, the torch-lit poolside restaurant and lounge is enhanced by Pacific Rim...
The oceanfront Ka'anapali Beach Hotel in Maui has a package available that it says will look attractive to sun-seekers. The hotel says it showcases its "Aloha Spirit"with value-oriented amenities and other offerings. When guests book a room, which start at US$166, they are also able to experience complimentary cultural activities, such as hula lessons, lei making, ukulele lessons, poi pounding, Hawaiian language classes and more. As well, they can receive a free nightly hula show; complimentary breakfast their first morning at the resort; Aloha Passport program for children, which allows...
This year's Brant Wildlife Festival in Parksville and Qualicum Beach, on Vancouver Island, will pack all kinds of nature tours and activities into its 13 days. The festival will run March 29 to April 10 and will kick off on opening night at the Parksville Community & Conference Centre with food prepared by local chefs, live music, art displays, etc. Festival highlights include the Brantastic Observations Nature Tour to visit Brant geese hot spots, a wildflower tour and the release of a rehabilitated eagle at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, to name a few....
Executive Chef Sven Ullrich with Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa invites the public to join him in welcoming Kym Tolley, the esteemed Australian winemaker from Penley Estates. An exclusive wine tasting on May 15 will present the perfect pairing of one of the top wines of the world with Hyatt's cuisine. The dinner is $115 p.p. "I am honoured to be working with Kym to develop this menu. Having spent several years working for two different Hyatts in Australia, I spent a lot of time touring the wine region and even worked on a vineyard for a time. I love the Penley Estate wines and...
Hawaii's top-ranked Princeville Prince golf course on Kauai's north shore has reopened, unveiling the spectacular course after a 13-month renovation. The Prince, ranked as one of the "Top 100"courses in the US, had been closed since January 2011 for extensive renovations. This included the reshaping and reconstruction of putting greens with SeaDwarf Seashore turf, the remodeling of bunkers and the clearing and widening of fairways. New tees were added to enhance shot values and improve playability for all skill levels. In addition, significant upgrades were completed on the practice facility...