Romantic and Remote Island Getaway
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa | By Ronda M. Parag

No passport required to escape to Little Palm Island Resort & Spa tucked offshore of Little Torch Key and 35 miles from Key West. A boat or seaplane ride is the only way to access the remote island. A tropical paradise offering an escape from all the distractions of today’s hectic and busy world. 

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with the signature cocktail – The Gumby Slumber – before embarking on the 20 minute boat ride to the resort. The delightful concoction is made from Captain Morgan’s Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and Spiced Rum, pineapple, orange and cranberry juices topped with shredded, marinated in 151 proof rum, coconut. During the visit, be sure to mosey up to the bar, as the bartender will share the recipe. 

The 15 Polynesian-inspired thatch roof bungalow buildings offer 30luxurious oceanfront rooms, mixed among the 250 Jamaican palm trees and lush foliage. The Bungalow suites offer a British Colonial style decor living room, large bath area with sunken tub and private outdoor shower and custom-made King bed surrounded by romantic mosquito netting. Each room has a minibar that is re-stocked daily. 

Be sure to bring a good book as there are no telephones or televisions inside the rooms. Cell phones are not allowed in public spaces and there is one telephone booth available if you must reach the outside world. Relax on the private deck overlooking the water and in the early morning or around dusk, it is easy to spot one of the key deer that call the island home.

Retreat to The SpaTerre to help restore peace and relaxation. Experience the signature treatment, The Javanese Lulur Royal Treatment, that begins with a body massage of Jasmine Frangipani scented flower oil and continues with a Lulur exfoliation, a yogurt massage, a scented shower and a soak in a Japanese tub infused with fragrant rose petals. Or pamper the soles with a Key Lime Margarita Pedicure that incorporates the local fruit and begins with the signature Key Lime Margarita to sip.

Dining is an experience with breakfast, lunch and dinner offered at The Dining Room. Chef Luis Pous changes the menu frequently to offer fresh, seasonal ingredients including herbs grown on the property. The dining room is elegantly lit in the evening and romantic beach-side dining is offered, weather permitting.

A variety of complimentary water sports include kayaks, day sailers, water bikes, Boston Whalers, fishing and snorkeling gear and beach floats. 

Arrangements can be made for SCUBA, snorkeling, backcountry and deep sea fishing, sunset sailing cruises, as well as guided nature tours by canoe and sailboat. For divers, a trip to nearby Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary to explore the wonders of the last living coral reef in North America is a must. Trips to historic Key West can be arranged, as well as visually dramatic and exciting seaplane tours. Or simply rest and relax at the lagoon-style swimming pool tucked in the lush, tropical landscape.
For reservations, call 1-800-3-GET-LOST or visitwww.littlepalmisland.com to plan a romantic island escape.

NAPLES, FL (May 2012) – A Southwest Florida tradition continues, as The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club will again host its popular “SummerJazz on the Gulf” concert series. This will mark the 27th consecutive year of the fun, free concert series, combining a diverse selection of Jazz entertainers with gorgeous views of the Gulf, exquisite sunsets, refreshing breezes, and a relaxing atmosphere. Each concert is held on the resort’s scenic Watkins Lawn overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. “SummerJazz on the Gulf” will take place one Saturday evening per month June-September, and each concert will be from 7 - 10 p.m. This year’s concerts will be on Saturday, June 16; Saturday, July 21; Saturday, August 25; and Saturday, September 22, 2012.

According to Jim Anderson, food & beverage director for The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club and organizer of the annual concert series, the 2012 “SummerJazz on the Gulf” line-up is:

·         Legendary J.C.’s  – Saturday, June 16, 2012

·         Late Night Brass – Saturday, July 21, 2012

·         New Groove City featuring Gumbi Ortiz – Saturday, August 25, 2012

·         Eight To The Bar – Saturday, September 22, 2012.

“This year we’re featuring two groups who have played SummerJazz previously, Late Night Brass and Gumbi Ortiz, now known as New Groove City featuring Gumbi Ortiz – plus two new groups that we think will put on great shows,” said Anderson. “It promises to be an excellent concert series.”

Those interested in staying at the resort during “SummerJazz on the Gulf” weekends can contact the resort’s reservations department for best available rates and packages by calling (800) 237-7600 or (239) 261-2222, or online atwww.NaplesBeachHotel.com .

For those not staying at the resort there will be parking just north of the hotel at Lowdermilk Park, with free parking provided to those with a Naples beach sticker, and free trolley service to the resort and back. Guests may bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating, however coolers are not permitted. Call (239) 261-2222 for further information and directions.

The Legendary J.C.’s will kick-off this year’s “SummerJazz on the Gulf” concert series on Saturday, June 16, 2012. Performing for the first time at SummerJazz, the 8-piece band – commonly called “The J.C.’s” – is known for getting the audience on its feet from the first song to the last. Performing a very appealing mixture of soul, old school R&B, funk, Motown classics, and original tunes, the band features talented and energetic lead singer Eugene Snowden, and impressive horn and rhythm sections. The band has headlined at NOLA Jazz Fest, Florida Music Festival, the Springing in Blues festival, and at the Monte Carlo Casino in Las Vegas. Additionally, the band has performed with such greats as James Brown, B.B. King, and Al Green, and has played for dignitaries at the G8 Summit and the Canadian Parliament. For band information, visit www.sonicbids.com/thelegendaryjcs . The concert is being sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. 

The very popular and versatile 10-piece Late Night Brass will headline the SummerJazz concert on Saturday, July 21, 2012. Returning to SummerJazz for the fourth consecutive year, this high-energy band features a powerful four-piece horn section, a skilled four-piece rhythm section (keyboard, guitar, bass and drums), a dynamic male vocalist, and a very talented female vocalist. They will perform a range of songs from such popular horn bands as Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Blood Sweat & Tears, and The Doobie Brothers. The band has opened up for Chicago, Chris Botti, Huey Lewis & The News, Billy Joel & Elton John, Michael Bublé, Earth Wind & Fire, and Sting & The Police. For more information on the band, visitwww.latenightbrass.us . The concert is being sponsored by Insurance and Risk Management Services, Inc., and Florida Community Bank.

New Groove City featuring Gumbi Ortiz will perform on Saturday, August 25, 2012. Performing an eclectic blend of jazz/fusion, funk, samba, and retro-soul, the 5-piece band is under the leadership of charismatic Gumbi Ortiz, who has been an integral part of superstar fusion guitarist Al Di Meola’s band for 20 years. Formerly called The Latino Projekt, the band became New Groove City in 2011 to better reflect the more soulful direction the band has taken. The band has released two successful albums, and has toured throughout the Southeast. For more information on the band, visit www.newgroovecity.com . The concert is being sponsored by Naples Transportation, Tours and Event Planning. 

This season’s final SummerJazz concert on Saturday, September 22, 2012, will feature Eight To The Bar. The impressive, 6-piece band performs swing, Motown, classic R&B, standards, and funk. Known for its outstanding instrumentalists and sophisticated musical and vocal arrangements, highlighted by female vocals, Eight To The Bar was named “Best Live Band 2010” by Hartford Magazine. The band has produced 11 CDs and has performed coast-to-coast in the U.S., as well as in England, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Austria, and Switzerland. Additionally, the band has opened for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Manhattan Transfer, Robert Cray, Neil Young, Roy Orbison, and Ray Charles. For more information on the band, visitwww.eighttothebar.com .  The concert is being sponsored by BSSW Architects, Inc., and D. Garrett Construction, Inc.

Guests attending “SummerJazz on the Gulf” should consider dining at the resort’s H.B.’s on the Gulf, the city of Naples’ only beachfront restaurant, which serves fresh Florida seafood and traditional American favorites. Patrons also can enjoy a specialty drink at the newly renovated and expanded Sunset Beach Bar & Grill, named Naples’ “Best Beach Bar” by the Travel Channel. All concerts feature full bar service in several locations and a food concession with a selection of snack items and freshly grilled burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken sandwiches.

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, owned and operated by the Watkins family for more than 65 years, is Naples’ only beachfront resort offering on-site championship golf, a world-class spa, and an award-winning tennis center.

Continually enhancing its already-impressive offerings, the 317-room resort completed a $22 million renovation in 2010. The multi-phase project included the renovation of guest rooms and suites, and the addition of a $5 million all-new beachfront pool complex. On-site amenities include a fitness center, the professionally-supervised Beach Kids Club child activity program, an Orchid House, multiple restaurants and bars, 34,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space, and many beautiful outdoor venues. The resort is located at 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North in Naples. Contact the resort at (800) 237-7600 or (239) 261-2222, and visit www.NaplesBeachHotel.com .

Taste of Amelia Progressive Dinner

Omni Amelia Island Plantation

Appeasing the most discerning appetites, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation

invites guests to embark on an exclusive culinary journey with the Taste of

Amelia Progressive Dinner. At $150 per person, groups of up to eight travel on

a private island hopper to the luxury resort¡˜s most exquisite restaurants to enjoy a

five-course progressive dinner, accompanied by Executive Chef Helminski¡˜s

wine-pairings.

The Taste of Amelia Progressive Dinner offers an opportunity for guests to

savor premiere samplings of the Omni Amelia Island Plantation¡˜s greatest

cuisine. From awakening the palate with a delectable choice of cheeses, freshly

baked bread and complementary wines at French market bistro MarchŽ Burette

to enjoying a mouth-watering main course of Red House Grouper at The

Verandah, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation offers an exclusive dinner tour

highlighting its finest flavors (see full menu below).

Nestled at the tip of a barrier island off the Northeast Florida coast, the Omni

Amelia Island Plantation surrounds itself with sparkling Atlantic waters and lush

salt marshlands. Across 1,350-acres of canopied live oaks and ocean views, the

beachfront resort offers 249 deluxe oceanfront rooms, as well as over 300

spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with the Villas of Amelia Island

Plantation.

Package: Taste of Amelia Progressive Dinner

Rate: $150 per person (group of up to eight people)

Available: Tuesday through Saturday, based on availability

Book Dates By: September 1, 2011 (must also be completed by this date)

Reservations: To reserve your culinary journey on the Taste of Amelia

Progressive Dinner, call 904-321-5050

Contact: For more information on the Omni Amelia Island Plantation,

visit www.omniameliaislandplantation.com

HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT AND SPA ANNOUNCES THREE NEW PROMOTIONS JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER

Clearwater Beach’s newest luxury resort now has a special offer for every type of traveler

CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. (June 14, 2011) – The AAA Four Diamond Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, the newest luxury resort on Florida’s west coast, introduces three new promotions to kick off the busy summer travel season. The offers range from a resort welcome credit to complimentary breakfast for two to a third night free, ensuring that travelers will find a deal that is just right for their travel needs.

- Stay More and Earn More with a Welcome Credit Offer

Guests who book and stay at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach now through December 30, 2011, will receive a resort credit that can be used on services such as dining, spa treatments and in-room movies. The resort credit is applied at checkout based on the total length of stay:

-- For a two-night stay, guests will receive a $100 resort credit.
-- For a three-night stay, guests will receive a $200 resort credit.
-- For a four-night stay, guests will receive a $400 resort credit.
-- For a stay of five nights or longer, guests will receive a $500 resort credit.

Travelers can book this welcome credit offer by visiting http://clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com or calling 1-800-233-1234 with offer code WELCRE.

The Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville Marks This Independence Day with a Red, White and Blue Americana Celebration

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - In the heart of Biltmore Village, The Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville - a Kessler Collection boutique escape - invites guests to enjoy luxurious accommodations during the City of Asheville’s Pack Square Park Fourth of July Celebration in the town center. The American spirit rings out this summer as Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville visitors bask in the glory of the Blue Ridge landscape surrounding this intimate boutique hotel, masterfully blending lodge-inspired comforts with modern luxuries and featuring convenient access to historic and cultural sights. Independence Day weekend rates start at $299.

Minutes from the Grand Bohemian, the newly expanded, historic Pack Square is a beautiful public park with more than six acres of lush green space, three water features and original, large-scale creations by regional artists. This year, the Independence Day party is an event for the whole family, with festivities starting Monday at 4:00 p.m. At Pack Park, live music plays all day on the main stage and the revelry culminates with a grand fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

At Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Red Stag Grill offers a menu full of tradition, inviting guests and locals to relax in a festive atmosphere to socialize with friends and family. The team led by Chef Adam Hayes serves up exceptional American classics to celebrate the holiday weekend, offering outdoor entertainment and drinks on the Tyrolean Terrace from 2:30 - 8:30 p.m., with live entertainment Friday through Monday from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. This patriotic weekend, Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville features red, white and blue cocktails and desserts, from Childress Starbound Blueberry Port and The Kessler Collection Red Stag Meritage, to Martha Jane’s Preserved Blueberries with Mascarpone and Cream Cheese Cake.

To celebrate the American past time of art appreciation, the Grand Bohemian Gallery showcases the works of local artist Leo Monahan on Saturday, July 2 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. with an exclusive Artist Reception and Demonstration of Monahan’s paper sculpture, along with a private artist meet and greet.

Guests of the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville can celebrate the great outdoors during a Navitat Canopy Adventure through Western North Carolina’s most scenic forest during a zipline canopy tour (www.navitat.com/asheville and 828.626.3700 to book). Asheville area activities inspired by the original land grant settlers in the Swannanoa Valley also include an authentic, three-day Powwow in Cherokee, N.C., highlighting Native American culture, as well as the Tiffany at Biltmore glass exhibition, included with estate admission. For more uniquely American sights, the 42nd annual Mountaineer Antique Auto Car Show will take place in Asheville July 1-3.

For more information or to book a stay at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, please visit www.bohemianhotelasheville.com or call the hotel directly at 828.505.2949.

Ritz-Carlton Summer Packages

LINGER LONGER IN TROPICAL JAMAICA WITH A COMPLIMENTARY NIGHT

Escape to our tropical paradise on Jamaica's north coast, with gleaming waters and lush green mountains as your backdrop. Relax by the pool or at the Spa, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Caribbean in Montego Bay. Reserve the Escape to Luxury All-Inclusive package* and enjoy deluxe accommodations, a complimentary fifth night when you pay for four, plus unlimited gourmet dining and beverage options. Starting at $439 per night.

For More http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/RoseHallJamaica/Default.htm

Wyndham Nassau Resort Offers a Great Deal for a Dolphin Encounter

Blending a spectacular island oasis in the Bahamas with a mystical connection of swimming with dolphins, Wyndham Nassau Resort introduces an opportunity to greet the world’s most harmonious creatures. As part of the Carpe Diem Series, the Wyndham Adventure Package starts at $191/night, now through Dec. 19, 2011, inspiring travelers to escape the ordinary vacation and experience beautiful bottlenose dolphins up close.

The program includes a dolphin encounter for two adults, daily breakfast for two and spacious guest room accommodations with private balconies. Rates start at $75 for additional persons.

Visitors enjoy an intimate meeting in the dolphins’ natural habitat, accompanied by a trainer and offer an exciting and magical journey for anyone partaking in this interactive and heart-warming encounter. Afterwards, guests return to Wyndham Nassau Resort, situated in the heart of Cable Beach, to revel in the soothing sounds of Bahamian breezes from ocean view balconies overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic.

The adventure continues at this island playground where sun seekers bask in an unparalleled outdoor experience – complete with tropical pool, rock formation, water slide and seemingly floating island dance floor. Da Daq Shaq bar creates umbrella-topped, fresh fruit daiquiris perfect for poolside consumption. Serving burgers, sandwiches and salads, among other menu items, The Tiki Hut Bar & Grille offers in-pool dining and a swim-up bar.

As the Bahamian sun sinks into the Atlantic, nighttime heats up with the energy of the Crystal Palace Casino and 22 Above Lounge. Inside, the sound of slot machines draws guests in the 30,000-square-foot Crystal Palace Casino, tempting guests to test their luck. Cocktails flow at the evening hotspot, 22 Above, with nightly entertainment and live music to spice up the dance floor overlooking the casino.

The on-property Asian cuisine of MOSO blends modern dishes with influences from China, Thailand and Japan. Next door, Black Angus Grille presents the most succulent steaks, rivaling any cut ordered in the Big Apple.

To reserve a dolphin encounter with the Carpe Diem Series – Wyndham Adventure Packageat Wyndham Nassau Resort,visit www.wyndhamnassauresort.comor call (877) 999-3223. Black-out dates may apply. Offer based on availability. Minimum of three nights required, based on double occupancy. Offer must be requested at the time of booking.