MONTREAL, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ – Carimo, the leading villa rental and real estate provider on the Caribbean island of St. Martin, has been acquired by Luxury Retreats, the company announced today.

Luxury Retreats had previously worked, for over a decade, with the well-respected, 30-year-old villa rental stalwart in its capacity as rental broker.

“This is a major milestone for both Carimo and Luxury Retreats,” said Joe Poulin, President and CEO of the villa rental and management specialist. “Quality properties, quality service, and integrity have always been a big part of Carimo’s DNA. I can’t think of a company that would be a better fit with our brand,” he noted.

The day-to-day operations of Carimo and the high-level service offered by both companies will not be affected by the acquisition, stressed Nick Guezen, the new Interim Manager of Carimo appointed by Luxury Retreats.

“Carimo has been a fixture on the island of St. Martin for a long time, and we have no intention of altering the standard associated with their name or their way of doing business,” said Guezen, who added that Carimo villas consistently rank among the most-booked properties of Luxury Retreats’ entire 1,800 handpicked rental collection.

Travelers to St. Martin are lured by plentiful activities and great golden beaches, along which many of Carimo’s luxurious private rental homes can be found. St. Martin villas range in size and level of luxury, though all of Luxury Retreats’ Carimo villas adhere to a high-end standard and typically attract repeat visitors.

“Keeping travelers happy and returning to St. Martin for their vacations in years to come remains our priority, so we are certain that both our villa guests and owners will be pleased with the outcome of the acquisition,” said Guezen. Luxury Retreats is the world’s largest specialist in luxury villa rentals, offering just over 1,800 elite properties in 45 worldwide destinations. Founded in 1999, the company has grown into a respected leader in the industry, with over 120 employees between its Montreal headquarters and satellite offices in Hawaii, the Caribbean and Argentina.

SOURCE Caribbean Way – Luxury Retreats

Rio de Janeiro is a popular tourist destination compelling plenty of tourists to get Rio de Janeiro flights from their place of origin. Along with being a populous city it is a region which displays high contrasts in almost every aspect of it. The second largest conurbation of Brazil the metropolis is booming in the tourism industry. It is a great center of trade and finance and is frequently visited by umpteenth number of entrepreneurs from around the globe. The place is beautiful and the home to an enormous amount of breathtaking attractions. From parks and gardens to lagoons and islands, the conurbation has a lot to offer its travelers. Those preparing to visit this place are recommended to visit the following attractions for an enthralling experience:

Tijuca National Park

This beautiful attraction often meets plenty of adventurers and hikers who catch plenty of flights to Rio de Janeiro from their respective hometowns. This place is a protected site and considered is the largest forest in the world. It is the home to over a thousand species of wonderful flora and fauna. The original forest is no more as it was taken down to make place for coffee tree plantations. However, in the 1990s it was rebuilt by man. Spring fountains and lakes can be found all over the place. The protected national park covers a humongous area of over 3200 hectares.

Botanical Gardens

The Jardim Botanico or the Botanical Gardens often meets plenty of tourists who get to the metropolis by getting cheap flights to Rio de Janeiro from their origin. It is a beautiful place and is veritably attractive. The planning of the garden was done in a professional yet modest manner. Some people who have visited this place in the past often say that it is an ideal tourist spot for all ages. There are over 8000 species of plant on display at this magnificent garden. Wild animals and birds can be spotted in this place too.

Buzios Peninsula

This beautiful lagoon was once a major fishing village of the metropolis but now has transformed itself into a popular tourist spot and bends plenty of people on a regular basis to take Rio de Janeiro flights from wherever they are. This place was earlier occupied by the European pirates and the slaves. Once a dreaded place it is now a transformed, modern paradise. Fun activities such as windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are serviced in the area.

Ilha Fiscal

This place is a famous historical attraction that gets plenty of people to take flights to Rio de Janeiro. It is a part of Guanabara Bay and is quite easily accessible. The island holds a mediocre sized green castle that once upon a time used to be an important place of the Brazilian empire. This place is even said to have hosted the last ever imperial ball of the royals of the country of Brazil. The main attractions of this place are its amazing mosaic work and wood work.

John Rambo – About Author:
John is an experienced content writer for business development at Rio de Janeiro flights. For more information on Rio de Janeiro flights and Cheap flights to Rio de Janeiro visit http://www.flightstoriodejaneiro.co/

Alaska’s celebrated sights and wild wilderness will provide the backdrop for four brand-new Oceania Cruises’ summer 2011 itineraries. The line known for exploring off-the-beaten-path ports of call is engaging guests with an “Alaskan Immersion” collection of interactive shore excursions that truly reveal the character and culture of the people of this great land.

“We are delighted to bring the 49th state to our guests in an up-close and personal way,” states Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. “These sightseeing tours and excursions were designed to provide guests an immersive, insightful Alaskan cultural experience.”

A sampling of “Alaskan Immersion” excursions includes:

Wild Alaska Culinary Extravaganza – this one-of-a-kind culinary class isn’t simply educational and entertaining; it’s immensely satisfying to the palate. Guests will join a local host and culinary expert who will walk them through all of the steps of preparation and grilling Alaskan seafood. The inventive menu includes wild salmon, Dungeness crab, halibut and plenty of other local favorites just plucked from the sea.

The Bering Sea: Crab Fisherman’s Tour – led by a seasoned Bering Sea captain and crew aboard Aleutian Ballad, the storied crab boat seen on Season 2 of the Discovery Channel series, “Deadliest Catch.” The adventure begins in the calm, protected waters of coastal Ketchikan. Skilled fishermen haul in crab pots and lines from the depths, revealing all manner of sea life, including king crab, shark, octopus, prawns and rock fish. Common tour sights include bald eagles, seals, otters, sea lions and whales.

Musher’s Camp & Sled Dog Discovery – this enriching activity allows guests to experience a one-mile, round-trip expedition aboard a wheeled sled pulled by a husky team through Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest. There will be time to cuddle husky puppies and take a guided walk through the musher’s camp to learn more about this northern pastime and the people who have dedicated their lives to it.

Kodiak Guided River Fishing – a day of fishing for salmon, trout and halibut followed by an outdoor barbecued salmon bake is a quintessential Alaskan experience. Expert guides will personally scout seven possible fishing sites for a successful day, including rivers, shorelines, ocean bays and inlets. Following the tour, guests can have their fish vacuum-packed to carry on board or have it shipped to a destination of their choice.

Other distinctive excursions for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers include:

Golf Prince Rupert – picturesque Prince Rupert Centennial Golf Course is regarded as one of the best in Alaska and the Northern British Columbia coast. This par-71, 5,526-yard, 18-hole course was built in 1967 near the base of Mount Hayes. The layout winds through the coastal rainforest and numerous creeks cross the lush, green fairways.

Sea Kayaking Adventure – this full-day excursion allows guests to truly experience nature, not just observe it. Paddling at a relaxed pace affords ample time to take in the unspoiled coast within Kachemak Bay State Park, the first state park in all of Alaska.

‘Ziprider,’ World’s Largest Zip-Line – super thrills can be had on the world’s largest and longest zip-line over the treetops and down a mountain at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Guests can zoom along 300 feet above the dense green forest and take in sweeping views of Port Frederick and Icy Strait.

Travelers discover Alaska aboard Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta – an intimate ship acclaimed for its open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and accommodations, and warm, attentive service. With Double Bonus Savings, 10-day Alaska cruises start from $2,999 per person, double occupancy; offer expires Dec. 31, 2010.

For reservations or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, browse OceaniaCruises.com or call toll-free at 800-531-5658.

About Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises® is the world’s only upper-premium cruise line and offers an unrivaled combination of the finest cuisine at sea, elegant accommodations, exceptional personalized service and extraordinary value. Award-winning itineraries visit more than 300 ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Americas aboard the luxurious Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and brand new Marina. Riviera, a sister ship to Marina, is scheduled to join the fleet in April 2012.

About Prestige Cruise Holdings
Prestige Cruise Holdings (PCH) is the parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Formed in 2007 to manage select assets in Apollo Management’s cruise investment portfolio, PCH is led by Chairman and CEO Frank Del Rio, the founder of Oceania Cruises. PCH is the market leader in the upper-premium and luxury segments of the cruise industry with nearly 4,000 berths between the Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, a number the company expects will grow to approximately 6,500 berths by 2012.

SOURCE: OCEANIACRUISES.COM

In special recognition of a culture rich in flavorful cuisine, Restaurant.com today announced that it is paying homage to the whole city of New Orleans by naming “The Big Easy” as its “Restaurant of the Month” for November. As part of the recognition, Restaurant.com is putting a new spin on its monthly spotlight program by focusing on the city and highlighting four venues from Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts. Each restaurant represents a different take on New Orleans’ Creole flair and gives “Restaurant of the Month” site visitors a full taste of the city’s famed dining culture.

“Restaurant.com looked towards New Orleans for November’s honor based on the city’s range of dishes, coupled with a welcoming culinary culture that is world renowned,” said Cary Chessick, Restaurant.com president and CEO. “With so many options at hand, one restaurant just wasn’t enough. It was clear to us that we should crown all of New Orleans by featuring multiple restaurants that exemplify the city’s flavors.”

As part of the monthly recognition, New Orleans cuisine is featured on the Restaurant.com homepage with a link that directs site visitors to the “Restaurant of the Month” webpage: http://www.Restaurant.com/NewOrleans. The webpage expands on the city’s rich history, which is rooted in entertainment ranging from Jazz to Mardi Gras. To give site visitors a better sense of the range of the city’s flavors, the page also offers detailed information on Creole Cuisine’s venues, displaying a gallery of pictures that take site visitors through each restaurant, which include:

• Primo’s Restaurant – A restaurant that combines Italian favorites with New Orleans flavors, Primo’s serves traditional items like Baked Lasagna Bolognese and Veal Marsala with Cajun Redfish and Crawfish Entouffe. Diners can also feast on an Alligator Po-Boy, in addition to the more conventional Oyster, Catfish, Crawfish or Shrimp versions.
• The Royal House – This dining establishment is host to a menu of classic New Orleans fare, focused around seafood. With a wrap-around balcony overlooking the historic Royal Street, this venue gives a bird’s-eye-view of the city.
• The Original Pierre Maspero – Offering a menu that fuses traditional Cajun with contemporary Louisiana cuisine, the Original Pierre Maspero is nestled in the oldest historic building in the French Quarter. The restaurant offers novelty dishes like Seafood Stuffed Pistolettes and New Orleans Barbeque Shrimp, Fried or Grilled Alligator or a Hot and Blue Oyster Po-Boy.
• Pier 424 Seafood Market Restaurant – The restaurant owns bragging rights to the city’s largest oyster bar, with oyster medleys baked with spinach, bacon and Pernod. At the heart of Bourbon street, this is also where fresh seafood is prepared to taste, accompanied with any of Pier 424′s six signature sauces.

“New Orleans offers a taste that demands exploration, by anyone looking to wake up their taste buds,” said Carol Keltz, Director of Marketing and Training for Creole Cuisines Restaurant Concepts. “With restaurants that showcase the range in flavors that can be found in our amazing city, we’re honored that Restaurant.com has chosen us to represent New Orleans for Restaurant of the Month.”

Throughout 2010, Restaurant.com is paying tribute to devoted customers, restaurant partners, clients, staff and community members through a series of 10-year anniversary activities. The Restaurant of the Month program continues the celebration. On the New Orleans “Restaurant of the Month” webpage, Restaurant.com includes a search box of popular cities so site visitors can find additional “10 Year Anniversary Featured Restaurants” in their area and explore other options in the Restaurant.com program. New Orleans and its rich flavors join other restaurants honored by the program such as Public House, Christopher’s at the Biltmore Fashion Park, SkyCity, Philly G’s, The Claddagh Irish Pub, and Fior d’Italia since the program’s launch in March. To learn more about the Restaurant of the Month program and the spotlighted cuisine for November visit: http://www.Restaurant.com/NewOrleans.

About Restaurant.com
Restaurant.com is the trusted and valued source connecting restaurants and diners nationwide. The company offers savings at more than 15,000 restaurants nationwide with more than 35,000 daily gift certificate options. Restaurant.com brings people together to relax, converse and enjoy well-prepared and -served meals at affordable prices. To date, Restaurant.com customers have saved more than $500 million through the gift certificate program. Restaurant.com has operated since 1999 and is based in Arlington Heights, Ill.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort has kicked up the fun factor with the addition of Keawe Ocean Adventures to their roster of activities, which also includes the popular Dolphin Quest and Kahala Kids programs.

ON THE BEACH

Keawe Ocean Adventures sees the beach as a journey of fun and discovery. Their ocean experts are inspirational guides that make seemingly difficult water activities accessible no matter what age or skill level. Learn how to surf, stand-up paddleboard, snorkel, spear fish, outrigger canoe surf, and fly fish. Guided beach programs are open to all ages, and all activities take place in Maunalua Bay, fronting The Kahala from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Fly Fishing – Bonefish, oio in Hawaiian, thrive in the sandy, shallow waters off The Kahala. Catch five to ten pound oio from an outrigger canoe with light tackle and spinner rods. $150 for 1.5 hours; $300 for 3 hours.
Surfing – Private surf lessons, all the gear you need (including rash guards and reef walkers), and guides that point you to the right surf spot within seconds make for fantastic surf adventure. For advanced surfers, mini surf trips to nearby spots can also be arranged. $100 for 1 hour.

Stand Up Paddling – A blend of surfing and paddling, and a great core workout, hour-long private lessons allow plenty of time to learn this balancing act. $100 for 1 hour.

Outrigger Canoe Surfing – Catch waves in an 18-foot outrigger canoe for an exhilarating Hawaiian roller coaster ride. Session comes with a life vest, safety lesson, and an experienced waterman. $75 per person for 30 minutes.

Snorkeling – Access remote snorkeling areas in an outrigger canoe to see a variety of colorful reef fish. $65 per person for 1 hour.

Spear Fishing – Learn the basics of Hawaiian three-prong spear fishing. $150 for 1.5 hours.
For more information: www.keaweadventures.com.

THE MAGIC OF DOLPHIN QUEST

Guests can interact with Hoku, Kolohe, Liho, Lono, and Nainoa, The Kahala’s resident Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, in the resort’s 26,000 sq.ft. natural lagoon. Dolphin Quest’s Kids Aquatic Adventure program is perfect for children from five to 10 years old ($275 per child). Little ones (four and younger) can also join in the fun with an adult in the Wee Family, Fins and Fun program ($149 per parent/child pair).

KAHALA FOR KIDS

The Kahala keeps kids entertained. Upon arrival, kids are welcomed with fun amenities, such as a Kahala dolphin or honu (sea turtle) stuffed toy and homemade cookies. At the Keiki Club, kids learn about the Hawaiian Islands and culture through activities like reef walking, snorkeling, storytelling, lei making, hula dancing, crabbing, arts & crafts, bamboo pole fishing, and observing Hawaiian marine life. Half-day program is $35 per child or $45 with lunch, and full-day program is $65 per child.

- About The Kahala -

With 338 guestrooms, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is an exclusive oceanfront destination resort known for its impeccable service and hospitality. Just minutes from Waikiki, yet offering the peace and serenity of a neighbor island experience, The Kahala has been Honolulu’s social address for weddings and gatherings since its opening in 1964. Captains of industry and celebrity guests continue to call The Kahala their home-away-from-home in Hawai’i.

The Kahala has five restaurants including the award-winning Hoku’s, a spa, and a lagoon that is home to playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and is long recognized internationally as an icon among legendary resorts. It recently completed a US$52 million renovation of its 338 rooms and suites as well as meeting space and public areas.

For more information, please contact The Kahala Hotel & Resort at (808) 739-8888 or toll-free at (800) 367-2525; or visit their website at www.kahalaresort.com

SOURCE Kahala Hotel & Resort / PRNewswire

RELATED LINKS
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Steeped in ancient wellness practices, Thailand, Myanmar and India are featured destinations on Crystal Cruises’ April 26 “Mind, Body and Spirit” Experiences of Discovery voyage. Optional Crystal Adventures explore the spiritual heritage of the region via personal meetings with Buddhist monks, therapeutic spa rituals and a visit to a meditation center, while guest health experts share insights on life balance, Tai Chi, yoga and family health.

Enlightening experiences ashore include:

Myanmar – A rare conversation with the monks of the World of Buddhist Institute, plus famed meditation center Chanmyay Yeiktha Monastery.

Phuket – Detoxifying Cheraim Spa experience using natural oils and tea. Also, Wat Chalong Temple, the largest of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist monasteries.

Specialists include:

Jim Karas – Acclaimed fitness expert will help guests develop a “Business Plan for the Body”;

Dr. Martin Lee – Founder of the Tai Chi Cultural Institute will teach classes and lecture on youthful longevity;

Dr. Donald B. Ford – Cleveland Clinic expert will address family health and the latest research;

Sandy Shaner – Yoga expert will lead classes in the ancient discipline;

Susanne Sweeny – Author will speak to how to turn stress into strength;

Susan King – Intuitive counselor will highlight the soul faction of the mind-body-soul connection.

“The connection between mind, body and spirit is fundamental to the culture of Asia and India,” says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations. “The programming on board and ashore provides the unique opportunity to examine physical and spiritual health with today’s top experts, in a destination with a centuries-long wellness heritage.”

Guests can also enjoy Crystal Symphony’s Feng Shui-inspired Spa & Fitness Center, 360-degree Promenade deck for walking or jogging, new Nordic Poles walking program, indoor cycling classes and acupuncture treatments. Tropical fruit, fresh fish and salads, low-calorie and low-carb selections are available throughout. Even cocktails include only the freshest fruit purees and juices.

The 16-day voyage visits Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Yangon/Rangoon, Myanmar; Cochin and Mumbai, India; and Dubai, UAE. Two-for-one cruise fares start at $7,390 per person, double occupancy, including $1,000 per person All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard credits and complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit crystalcruises.com.

CONTACT: Mimi Weisband or Julie Dibble (310) 203-4305, mediarelations@crystalcruises.com.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises / PRNewswire