TRAVEL+FOOD

ISRAEL FOR MOTHER’S DAY

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We’ve got a destination for you to consider: Israel.

As the years pass by, you start to recognize the value of traveling together and there is no better way to bond than a mother-child trip. Historical sites, delectable cuisine, and stunning scenery make Israel the perfect destination to celebrate this Mother’s Day.

What to Do: Israel’s rich history provides travelers with limitless sites to see, and attractions to experience. Whether you’re a shopaholic looking to splurge this Mother’s Day, or a beach bum in desperate need of a vacation, Israel has it all.

Neve Tzedek – Treat your Mom to a shopping spree this Mother’s Day in one of Tel Aviv’s oldest districts, Neve Tzedek. The small, narrow streets of the district have become increasingly fashionable due to restoration works that have commenced in recent years. Rather than simply buying your mother a gift this holiday, indulge in a shopping experience together and explore the unique boutiques, design shops and other captivating shops Neve Tzedek has to offer.

Gordon Beach – For the mothers who need a break from work and family responsibilities, relax on one of Tel Aviv’s most popular beaches, Gordon Beach. The white, sandy beach that stretches alongside the most modern promenade in the country has an outdoor gym, volleyball courts, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and a plethora of beach side bars and restaurants to choose from where mothers and daughters can unwind and let loose.

Hidden Tunnels – The mysteries and underground worlds of Israel are waiting to be discovered by Mother’s who are consumed by wanderlust. Visit the top four hidden underground tunnels – Western Wall Tunnels, Hezekiah’s Tunnels (also known as Siloam Tunnels), Herodium National Park and Rosh HaNikra Grottoes – to peek into life during ancient times. This will be an unforgettable Mother’s Day for those who are truly looking to go off the beaten path.

Where to Stay: Israel is home to many highly-ranked hotels, offering guests relaxing and luxurious stays that cater to any type of vacationer.

Budget: Dan Panorama – The Dan Panorama Hotel offers easy access to everywhere you want to be. Across the street is the Mediterranean Sea and within minutes you find yourself on an inviting sandy beach with warm and clear waters. With a huge pool and sundeck, premium leisure-time facilities and dining options, as well as all the dynamic and sophisticated attractions of Tel Aviv on its doorstep, the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv is perfect for a mother-daughter weekend trip on a budget.

Spa: Carmel Forest Spa Resort – The Carmel Forest Spa Resort is the ideal getaway for mothers who need to escape stress and relieve tension. SpaFinder named the secluded 126-room resort the Best Spa in the Middle East several years in a row. The spa offers more than 70 body and beauty treatments such as massages, balance and release therapies, seaweed wraps, stone therapy, Reiki, Shiatsu, Healing, and Ayurveda. No guests under 16 years of age or mobile phones are permitted – making an exceptionally quiet and peaceful atmosphere for mothers to tap out of reality for a while.

Luxury: Mamilla Hotel – Moms can take a break from cooking this Mother’s Day because Mamilla Hotel Dining has something for everyone. Rooftop Outdoor Lounge & Restaurant sits high above the city with a panoramic view of Jerusalem’s Old City. Happy Fish is a Mediterranean inspired fish restaurant overlooking Mamilla Avenue. You can eat in the harmonious ambiance of the ballroom for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and then head over to the mirror bar to bask in Jerusalem’s sophisticated nightlife scene. Coffee lovers can indulge in gourmet coffee at the espresso bar, while wine experts can raise their glasses at the winery.

Austin Adventures Launches Independent Traveler Option

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Travel trends drive travel experiences. Identifying a growing desire for maximum individualization and flexibility in vacations, veteran tour operator Austin Adventures has launched a new vacation option: a complete travel concierge service for those who want it “their way” — down to literally sitting in the driver’s seat if they’d like.

Austin Concierge is a brand new offering from the leader in global multi-sport adventures. Its target audience is the seasoned independent traveler who would like to vacation at his or her own pace, with his or her own friends and family.

“It’s your vacation, your way,” founder and president Dan Austin said. “You tell us what, when and where, and we put our 35+ years’ experience and extensive network of contacts to work for you to craft a tailor-made itinerary that you can simply go and enjoy.”

Austin Adventures is known for its small group tours and its ability to execute fully-guided custom trips as simple or imaginative as desired. Austin Concierge is one more way the company is seeking to make the most of their guests’ vacation time.

“We are proud of what we do — and nearly 99% of our alumni say they’d travel with us again — but we know that sometimes the packaged, all-inclusive, pre-set group tour isn’t quite what you’re looking for and a custom-built, fully-guided itinerary is not in the budget,” Austin said. “This is another option for the independent traveler in us all.”

Austin goes on to explain, “Savvy travelers want the perfect route with the best stops, the “just-right” accommodations and most unique dining, and the right mix of activity and relaxation — but with more flexibility and more time to do just the things they want to do. And if they’re totally honest, some would like to take the keys and drive, too!”

Here is how the new Austin Concierge travel service works:

By phone, email, or web form, you contact Austin Adventures and request a personalized itinerary just for you;
Dan or Carol Austin will schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with you to determine if Austin Concierge is the best fit for you;
If it’s deemed the perfect fit, you will work with one of the company’s most veteran trip developers to create a perfect itinerary;
A $500 trip development deposit (applied to the final cost) is made;
You communicate what, when, and where you want to go and what special things you’d like to do on vacation. Experts then put their 35+ years of trip building experience and network of connections to work for you;
They plan the route, book the lodging, recommend the restaurants, arrange the activities, and hire any private guides needed;
You have the ability to adjust the itinerary two times (without additional cost) during the planning process;
Once the tailor-made itinerary is perfected, and depending on how soon it is to departure, a final deposit or full payment is made;
Your itinerary is then handed off to you with all the detailed logistics and support materials. You depart on the set date and enjoy your finely-crafted itinerary. Austin Adventures is a phone call away for any needed support during your trip.

Is this new Austin Concierge service the right solution? Or would joining a pre-set, small group packaged tour, taking over a scheduled trip date as an exclusive outing or planning an all-inclusive fully-guided custom trip be the right way to go? This simple chart may help:

Vacations exploring the National Parks of the West are a signature specialty of Austin Adventures, but this new concierge service is not limited to just the US. The company prides itself on offering programs on all seven continents. See the newly enhanced and improved website and Austin Adventures Home Page for a list of all the destinations served.

Travel Agents are also welcomed and encouraged to book their clients on Austin Concierge self-guided tours with Austin Adventures. Net prices will be quoted with room for agent adjustments.

For more information, questions and help planning an Austin Concierge itinerary, please call 1.800.575.1540 or email info@austinadventures.com. For a full roster of Austin Adventures’ 2019 trips, cruises and distinctive accommodations on seven continents please visit www.austinadventures.com.

To access the 2019 digital catalog or order a print copy, go to: www.austinadventures.com/request-catalog/.

Austin Adventures is a two-time Travel + Leisure Magazine World’s Best Award Winner and a Virtuoso Preferred Tour Operator.

Easter Special: The Palm’s Slow-Roasted Prime Rib

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For one day only, Palm Too, The Palm West Side, The Palm East Hampton, and The Palm Tribeca will serve their Slow-Roasted Aged Prime Rib with a rosemary and garlic crust. Available in a 12-ounce cut ($45) and an impressive 16-ounce cut ($48), The Palm’s Easter Prime Rib is immaculately tenderized through a 35-day aging process before being served with a side of au jus, horseradish sour cream, and prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. Additionally, The Palm Tribeca will offer a special multi-course Easter brunch featuring a variety of mid-morning specialties including the Nova Scotia Lobster Omelet served with butter poached lobster, tomatoes, chives, and aged cheddar cheese. For one price, guests can select a main course and a dessert from a collection of elevated brunch classics like 8-ounce Prime New York Steak & Eggs, Goat Cheese Frittata, and a Canon Drive Burger that tops a toasted English muffin with applewood smoked bacon, avocado relish, cheddar cheese, and fried egg. Easter Brunch at The Palm Tribeca is $39 per person, $14 for children ages 6 – 11, and free for children five years old and under (tax and gratuity not included).

For families with a variety of tastes, the entire a la carte menu of The Palm’s signature dishes will be available as well.

To make a reservation or to confirm Easter holiday hours, please call The Palm Too at 212-697-5198, The Palm West Side at 212-333-7256, The Palm East Hampton at 631-324-0411, The Palm Tribeca at 646-395-6393 or visit thepalm.com.

Joe Bonamassa American Fall Tour

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JOE BONAMASSA ANNOUNCES 2019 AMERICAN FALL TOUR

TWO-TIME GRAMMY-NOMINATED BLUES ROCK GUITARIST TO PLAY AT THE SHOW AT AGUA CALIENTE RANCHO MIRAGE ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019 AND OTHER ICONIC VENUES

TICKETS ON SALE NEXT FRIDAY, APRIL 26, AT 10 A.M.

Today, two-time GRAMMY-nominated blues-rock titan Joe Bonamassa announces tour dates for summer 2019 in support of his all-original studio album Redemption (J&R Adventures), which was released last September. New tour dates will go on sale Friday, April 26th and will be available here. These additional dates bring Joe’s already busy touring schedule to nearly 100 shows for 2019.

Backed by a stellar band of legendary musicians including Late Night with David Letterman’s Anton Fig (drums), Nashville recording legend Michael Rhodes (bass), Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and member of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Reese Wynans (piano/organ), Paulie Cerra (sax), Lee Thornburg (trumpet), and featuring soulful background singers to bring a whole new life to the show which will feature brand new songs alongside career-spanning favorites.

Bonamassa is one of today’s top live performers and his enthusiastic shows are one of the biggest parts of his career, and a favorite for music lovers worldwide. Hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. He’s on the road about 200 days out of the year, and when he’s not on stage, he’s fully committed to crafting the most intricate, diversified new music to share with his dedicated audiences and fans.

In 2018, Bonamassa achieved his 21st #1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart, with Redemption, his most ambitious, barrier-breaking studio album yet. With over 30 albums to his credit, including studio and live recordings, collaborative albums with blues sensation Beth Hart, and side projects Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party, the guitar sensation somehow always finds ways to reinvent his artistry.

Earlier this year, Bonamassa also became the host of a new weekly show on SiriusXM’s Bluesville. The show, Different Shades of Blue with Joe Bonamassa, explores all aspects of the blues music genre like never before and has Bonamassa curating his favorite blues songs with an eclectic mix of everything from legendary classics to historical deep cuts and modern hits, airing 6pm ET every Monday on SiriusXM channel 74.

A prolific writer who is always on the hunt to expand his eclectic musical horizons and develop new ways to interact with fans, Bonamassa has a limitless work ethic whether it’s in studio, on the road, or working with other artists to spur new music. This year on the road, audiences see Bonamassa at his ultimate creative peak as an artist, and with these new tour additions his fire is unstoppable. With a vast, unparalleled catalogue of music under his belt, this tour promises to be Bonamassa’s best.

For tickets and more information, visit jbonamassa.com.

Show Information

Date: Wednesday, October 23 at 8 p.m.

Location: The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage.

Purchase tickets

Prices: $89-$199, based on seat location.

www.AguaCalienteCasinos.com; (800) 514-3849

TOUR DATES

October 18, 2019	OAKLAND, CA	PARAMOUNT THEATRE
October 19, 2019	OAKLAND, CA	PARAMOUNT THEATRE
October 22, 2019	BAKERSFIELD, CA	FOX THEATER
October 23, 2019	RANCHO MIRAGE, CA	THE SHOW AT AGUA CALIENTE
October 25, 2019	PHOENIX, AZ	COMERICA THEATRE
October 27, 2019	LAS VEGAS, NV	THE COLOSSEUM AT CAESAR’S PALACE
October 29, 2019	OKLAHOMA CITY, OK	CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA
October 30, 2019	WICHITA, KS	CENTURY II CONCERT HALL
November 1, 2019	SPRINGFIELD, MO	JUANITA K. HAMMONS HALL
November 2, 2019	KANSAS CITY, MO	ARVEST BANK THEATRE AT THE MIDLAND
November 3, 2019	SPRINGFIELD, IL	UNIV OF ILL SPRINGFIELD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
November 5, 2019	SOUTH BEND, IN	MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
November 7, 2019	MADISON, WI	ORPHEUM THEATER
November 8, 2019	DETROIT, MI	FOX THEATRE
November 9, 2019	WASHINGTON D.C.	THE THEATER AT MGM NATIONAL HARBOR
November 11, 2019	BURLINGTON, VT	FLYNN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
November 12, 2019	BINGHAMTON, NY	FORUM THEATRE
November 14, 2019	NY, NY	BEACON THEATRE
November 15, 2019	NY, NY	BEACON THEATRE
November 16, 2019	NY, NY	BEACON THEATRE
November 19, 2019	GREENVILLE, SC	BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA
November 20, 2019	BIRMINGHAM, AL	BJCC CONCERT HALL
November 22, 2019	BILOXI, MS	BEAU RIVAGE THEATRE
November 23, 2019	ST. AUGUSTINE, FL	ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Show, Southern California’s premier concert theater located at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, is a stunning venue with 2,101 seats across four levels. With expansive views, and no seat more than 125 feet from the stage, there’s not a bad seat in the house. For the ultimate in luxury, 12 boxes offer catering, private bars and bottle service. Opened in 2009, The Show is celebrating 10 years of playing host to a lineup that reads like a hall of fame: Don Henley, Jerry Seinfeld, Toni Braxton, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Steven Tyler, Sting, Alan Jackson, Tony Bennett, Martina McBride, Duran Duran, John Fogerty, ZZ Top, Goo Goo Dolls, and many more have all performed here.

ABOUT AGUA CALIENTE CASINOS

The Agua Caliente Casinos, located in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, are the Coachella Valley’s foremost resort gaming destinations. Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage is a AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Recommended property, ranked top 10 for “Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice 2018 travel awards, and is also home to the Forbes Four-Star Sunstone Spa, ranked in the top spas in the U.S. and no. 1 in California by Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas 2018. Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage is also home to Southern California’s premier entertainment venue, The Show, which features a legendary lineup of performers. Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs offers the newest games, a variety of table action, and high-limit gaming, plus fine dining and shopping, all in a fabulous resort setting in historic downtown Palm Springs at the site of the area’s natural hot water springs. The Agua Caliente Casinos are owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, which also owns the world-renowned Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon hiking trails, and the Indian Canyons Golf Resort.

Norwegian Air Customers Donate to UNICEF

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$3 Million Donated to UNICEF by Norwegian Air Passengers

Customers of Norwegian Air, the World’s Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline and Value Airline of the Year, have donated a total of three million dollars since a donation option was introduced to the booking process in July 2015.

Within its first year, the new donation option raised more than $720,000, and in July 2018, Norwegian introduced onboard donations featured in the personal in-flight entertainment system on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. American passengers are among the top donors with Californians donating the most to UNICEF.

Norwegian and UNICEF established its signature partnership in 2007. Since then the airline has supported various initiatives, which also includes its “Fill a Plane” campaign, saving hundreds of thousands of children. Five humanitarian flights carried out since 2014 have brought tons of emergency aid to the Central African Republic; the world’s second-largest refugee camp, Za’atari in Jordan; Mali; to Djibouti for relief to Yemen; and last year, to Chad.

Through the booking process customers can choose to donate $3, $5, $10 or $15, which will go directly to UNICEF. Donations can support the following:

$3 can provide a life-saving mosquito net, which will protect newborns against malaria;

$5 can enable UNICEF to vaccinate 20 children against polio;

$10 can provide an entire class of 20 students with exercise books; and

$15 can buy 38 packets of therapeutic food – enough for two-weeks of treatment for a malnourished child.

“I would like to personally thank all our wonderful customers for their generosity. Their donations help UNICEF ensure that even more children around the world get access to the future they deserve. When it is this easy to donate, we notice that many more contribute to such a great cause,” said Norwegian’s Founder and CEO, Bjørn Kjos.

“So much of UNICEF’s work is made possible by the ongoing generosity of partners like Norwegian Air,” said Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO, UNICEF USA. “We are incredibly grateful for the support and commitment of Norwegian Air and travelers to help UNICEF continue to put children first around the world. Every donation – large or small – makes a difference.”

Norwegian passengers donate the most as they also represent the largest nationality of the airline’s customer base. Most generous per donation, however, are the Danes. Among American customers, passengers out of Oakland are the most generous per donation (average $5.50 donation), followed by Los Angeles ($5.40) and New Yorkers ($5.08), although in total, more New Yorkers donated as the city is home to most Norwegian routes.

Top 10 routes where passengers have donated the most to UNICEF during their booking process:

1) London – New York

2) New York – London

3) Bergen – Oslo

4) Oslo – Bergen

5) Trondheim – Oslo

6) Los Angeles – London

7) Stockholm – London

8) London – Los Angeles

9) Oslo – London

10) Oslo – Trondheim

Last year, nine Norwegian employees also raised more than $50,000 by representing the airline and UNICEF during the NYC Marathon. This year, another group of employees will do the same.

About Norwegian

Norwegian is the world’s fifth largest low-cost airline and carried over 37 million passengers in 2018. The airline operates more than 500 routes to over 150 destinations in Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Thailand, Caribbean, North and South America. Norwegian has a fleet of more than 160 aircraft, with an average age of 3.8 years, making it one of the world’s youngest and “greenest” fleets.

Norwegian has been named the Most Fuel-Efficient Airline on Transatlantic Routes by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) twice. Norwegian has been voted ‘Europe’s Best Low-Cost Airline’ by passengers for six consecutive years at the SkyTrax World Airline Awards 2013-2018, along with being named the ‘World’s Best Low-Cost Long-Haul’ Airline’ for the past four years. Norwegian employs more than 11,000 people worldwide.

Follow @Fly_Norwegian on Twitter, join the discussion on Facebook and keep up with our adventures on Instagram. For more information on Norwegian and its network, visit norwegian.com.

About UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org

Opera In The Garden

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THE MERRION IN DUBLIN PRESENTS ‘OPERA IN THE GARDEN’ WITH THE WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA

This summer, the 5-star Merrion Hotel in Dublin will once again partner with the Wexford Festival Opera for two exclusive performances on June 5 and 6, 2019 to present “Opera in the Garden” in The Merrion’s own private gardens in the heart of Dublin.
During the event, guests will have a preview of one of the Wexford Festival Opera‘s 2019 ShortWork opera productions. Georges Bizet’s one-act comic operette, Le Docteur Miracle, centered around a young man’s attempt to win the hand of the mayor’s daughter, will be specially staged to complement the elegant backdrop of The Merrion’s gardens.

Peter MacCann, General Manager of The Merrion Hotel, said: “We are delighted to welcome the world-renowned Wexford Opera Company to perform one of their ShortWork operas against the backdrop of The Merrion’s tranquil terrace gardens. Last year’s event was a huge success and we were thrilled with how it was received by all those in attendance.”

The black-tie event begins with a Champagne reception on the terrace, followed by the performance, and concludes with a private dinner prepared by Executive Head Chef Ed Cooney and served in the Georgian salons of The Merrion.
Tickets for this event are limited to 100 per night, and are priced at €295 (approx. US$332) per person, including the Champagne reception, performance and dinner with wines.

For more information click here. For more information on Opera in the Garden click here.

ABOUT THE MERRION

The union of four restored Georgian townhouses, joined with a contemporary Garden Wing, The Merrion’s 123 guestrooms and 19 suites include a two-floor Penthouse Suite and private rooftop terrace. The Tethra Spa offers a range of treatments and an in-house pool. In addition to the Garden Room restaurant the Merrion is home to Ireland’s only two-star Michelin restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud. The Merrion houses the largest collection of private art in Ireland outside of the National Gallery. The Merrion is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Scarpetta Opens International Restaurant

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Scarpetta Opens First International Restaurant In London

Scarpetta’s newest restaurant “Sette,” is named for the lucky number seven, opening in London in June 2019. To create a parallel social experience to Scarpetta and Seville in the New York flagship, a cocktail lounge called Nolita Social will complement Sette, and be located beneath the restaurant where guests can continue their evening after dinner.

“Scarpetta has always been comfortable yet aspirational, and modern yet grounded with a passion for old world hospitality. Sette will follow this core ethos of our Scarpetta identity, capturing a quintessential New York balance of high energy and effortless elegance. We are delighted to bring our passion to guests in London.” said by John Meadow, Founder of LDV Hospitality. Learn more

In true La Dolce Vita form, Nolita Social will bring the energy of ‘the New York night’ to London. Beginning with early evening cocktails and lite bites, and transitioning to a feel good after hours hangout, offering a heady mix of elevated cocktails, live music and DJ’s playing 60’s rock, 70’s soul, and 909’s hip-hop for a stylish, yet carefree crowd. Learn more

Located on the ground floor of Bvlgari Hotel London, Sette will bring authentic but modern Italian food from the heart of Manhattan with its own inimitable flair.

Folllow @LDVLIFE

For media inquiries and more information, please contact pr@ldvhospitality.com

Le Dîner in Blanc de Paris

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On Thursday 6 June 2019, the 31st edition of Le Dîner in Blanc de Paris will take place in one of the most prestigious locations of the French capital.

Last year, several thousand international guests attended this wonderful event where the elegance of everyone’s white outfits gave the evening a magical and universal character. Watch the 2018 video here.
Again, this year, guests are invited from every continent, 30 countries and 90 cities around the world to share this beautiful dinner party infused with elegance, joy and friendship.

Along with American, Canadian, English and Australian guests, whose grand-parents landed 75 years ago exactly on June 6, 1944: D-Day, attendees will participate in the remembrance of this great moment of sacrifice and fraternity. Some of the world’s most important dignitaries will also come to Normandy and to Paris to commemorate this historic anniversary.

Le Dîner en Blanc brings a lot of happiness to everyone. Indeed, for a few hours, it’s a kind of magic that envelops the event, making guests more stunning, cities more beautiful and the future much brighter…. In their best attire and their most joyous mood, guests are reminded of the delight it is to share this amazing evening with strangers that can become friends in an instant.

Close your eyes and immerse yourself in the feeling brought by thousands of dazzling and sparkling lights, making your heart sing… once again.

Follow Le Dîner en Blanc on Social Media

Website I Twitter I Instagram I Facebook

Air Italy launches direct San Francisco-Milan service

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SFO becomes 4th US destination served and 2nd in California. New San Francisco-Milan service comes one week after inauguration of direct flights from LAX. LAX and SFO to be joined by first direct service from Canada when Toronto- Milan is launched on May 6th

Air Italy’s first non-stop flight from San Francisco to Milan was inaugurated today, taking off from San Francisco at 7.10 pm, adding a fourth direct service from the United States, following last week’s launch of Los Angeles-Milan and the launch last year of New York JFK-Milan and Miami-Milan. The new San Francisco-Milan IG938 service, which will operate four times weekly was inaugurated by Air Italy’s Accountable Manager and Chief Flight and Ground Operations Officer, Captain Konstantinos Iliakis, who was greeted by Jeff Littlefield Chief Operating Officer, San Francisco International Airport, and Lorenzo Ortona, Italian Consul General of San Francisco, and Mark Chandler, Director of International Trade, San Francisco Major’s Office. In celebration of this new service, there was a traditional cake and ribbon cutting ceremony as the departure of the A330 aircraft was marked with a celebratory water cannon.

Air Italy Chief Operating Officer, Rossen Dimitrov, said: “We are proud to launching a new flight to California for the second time in just eight days, this being our fourth new direct route from the United States and our second from California. It is a great pleasure to add San Francisco to our network as it is sure to be a success with both our leisure and business travellers. “San Francisco is undoubtedly one of the world’s great cities. Famous as being the gateway to Silicon Valley and the Napa wine region, the city has undoubtedly always been a catalyst for many social, cultural and economic developments since its foundation. “Our home Italy similarly needs little introduction – and we are extremely excited to open this new direct gateway to all that Milan and the beautiful Italy have to offer. “From the fashion capital of Milan to the amazing beaches and islands in the south, Italy has an endless range of options for our many tourists, always accompanied of course by the great Italian food.” The new flights San Francisco-Milan service operates four times weekly (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday) with Air Italy’s new Airbus 330-200 offering 24 seats in Business and 228 in Economy class. The service benefits from seamless domestic connections between Milan and central and southern Italy, namely Rome, Naples, Palermo, Catania, Lamezia Terme, Cagliari and Olbia.

For the San Francisco service, Business Class passengers will benefit from Air Italy’s completely new on-board business product that was revealed just last week on the first Milan-Los Angeles flight. Featuring an entirely new tableware, in-flight dining menus, cutlery and chinaware that have all been specially crafted to meet travellers’ expectations, Air Italy’s Business Class passengers will enjoy an even more elevated experience. “Complementing this is our new dine-on-demand service, meaning our Business Class customers can select from our extensive à la carte menu at any time, and in any order, to create their own unique dining experience – all of which delivers yet again on our brand promise as we help our customers to – Imagine The World Differently,” added Mr. Dimitrov.

To find out further details and to take advantage of promotional fares on the new San Francisco-Milan service, simply visit www.airitaly.com, use the Air Italy App, or contact the Call Center +39 0789 52682 or your travel agent.

Beyond The Beach In Belize

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Water Adventures in the Jungle

The San Ignacio Resort Hotel provides travelers an experience in Western Belize beyond the beach where your vacation days can be filled with adrenaline and heart pumping adventures. The property’s expert guides will take you through all of the Cayo District’s hidden gems inside the infamous cave systems and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. At the end of each day guests can enjoy an in suite massage, fine dining at the Running W Steakhouse and live music as you sip purple parrot cocktails on the patio overlooking 17 acres of jungle.

Top Adventures in Western Belize include

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

This forest reserve is a 300-square mile area where you will find a scenic combination of cool pine forest, tumbling waterfalls, lush river valleys, and numerous cave formations. During this tour you will visit a variety of places including the Rio Frio Cave, Rio on Pools, Big Rock Falls, and the breathtaking 1,000 Foot Falls.

Waterfall Caves Expedition at Caves Branch

Begin your journey with a 45-minute hike where you will enjoy the sights and sounds of the jungle before arriving at Caves Branch. Once inside, you’ll pass through a maze of tiny and tight spaces and arrive at the foot of the waterfalls. Climb and conquer these natural formations using a rappel rope and dive right into these invigorating cascades.

Barton Creek Cave

Flowing from a giant crack in a mountain, this cave offers an adventure into the ancient Maya past. Glide through the darkness in a canoe in crystal clear waters into a mystifying world of marvelous natural formations. Here you will witness burial grounds, ceremonial pottery, and hear the stories of ancient people that remain as an eternal testimonial.

Jaguar Paw Cave Tubing

Learn about flora and fauna as your guide leads you on a 30-40 minute hike along a nature trail on your way to the Underworld— known by the Maya as ‘Xibalba.’ Strap on your headlamp, sit on your inner tube, and have a refreshing ride down this wonderful cave system where you’ll be mesmerized by natural wonders including stalactites, stalagmites and other rock formations. This tour is amazing fun for adults and kids alike!

St. Herman’s Cave and Blue Hole National Park

St. Herman’s Cave showcases huge caverns and ceremonial chambers containing artifacts. After this “Underworld” experience, cool off at the Blue Hole and enjoy the bliss of the Belizean surroundings.

About San Ignacio Resort Hotel

The San Ignacio Resort Hotel is a premier full-service Belize resort, located in the Cayo district. The hotel boasts resort-class amenities and accommodations for those seeking to relax and enjoy a beautiful tropical escape, yet offers nearby adventures for those wanting to explore inland Belize. The luxurious San Ignacio Resort Hotel is centrally located for adventure tours to nearby archaeological parks, caves and nature reserves and boasts views of rainforest and wildlife. For more information and reservation inquiries visit www.sanignaciobelize.com.