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Experience Las Vegas Like Never Before with JetBlue

By Angela Betancourt Photography by Ian Ibbetson On October 28th 2014, JetBlue celebrated the route launch of their latest nonstop destinations from Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport – Jacksonville (JAX), Las Vegas (LAS), Pittsburgh (PIT) and Cartagena, Colombia (CTG). The event took place at the Porter Riverview Ballroom at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and featured a variety of hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and themed cocktails.     Guests were able to get a taste of what each destination has to offer, take pictures with the model in a JetBlue carnival style costume, and collect a variety of fun treats that included flashing Las Vegas pins and a photography book about visiting Columbia. Four lucky guests also won a JetBlue Getaway package to their new “BlueCities.” On departure, each guest received a JetBlue goodie bag with a pair of sunglasses, a small towel, and four artwork prints by artist John Morisson. In celebration of JetBlue’s new direct flight to Las Vegas from Fort Lauderdale, MSM is featuring Las Vegas in the upcoming January/February issue segment of MSM Traveler.

The Issue, Traveler

Peruvian Paradise

BEGIN YOUR EXPLORATION OF PERU IN STYLE BY STAYING AT THE JW MARRIOTT EL CONVENTO CUSCO, A LUXURY HOTEL IN CUSCO, PERU. UNESCO NAMED CUSCO A WORLD HERITAGE SITE IN 1983. IT WAS THE CAPITAL OF THE INCA EMPIRE AND IS STILL A MAJOR TOURIST DESTINATION, ATTRACTING NEARLY 2 MILLION VISITORS A YEAR.  By Dawn Wilson  Cusco is located in southeastern Peru and is considered the Historical Capital of Peru. The most commonly spoken language in Peru is Spanish. Those visiting Cusco will first fly into Jorge Chavez International Airport, which is in the capital city of Lima. Once in Lima, they will then be flown to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. The flight from Lima to Cusco is approximately 50 minutes. Visitors to Cusco often enjoy surfing and exploring nearby Machu Picchu. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a 5 star hotel located in the city centre, just two blocks from the city’s main square (Plaza de Armas). A lot of careful planning and consideration went into the development of the hotel because of its location and historical relevance. The site of the hotel was purchased with the intention of developing a project to preserve some of the fundamental history of Cusco, which JW Marriott was able to accomplish with this development. It is the first hotel built at an altitude of 11,154 feet above sea level and is housed in a renovated monastery. The hotel is only a three-hour train ride to the Andes Mountains sanctuary of Machu Picchu and is close to hundreds of archaeological sites. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a smoke–free hotel, which preserves the area’s pre-Inca architecture. Guests can walk to many of the city’s attractions, restaurants and entertainment located in the city’s main square. Upon arrival to the hotel, guests are offered an herbal tea, which helps them to acclimate to the high altitude. Once checked into the hotel, guests are escorted to their room by way of lovely cobblestone walkways. The hotel also has its own restaurant and bar and a luxurious spa facility. To further aid in the preservation of the area, it also has archaeological exhibition sites inside. Tours are offered to both visitors and guests of the hotel. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is steeped in rich Peruvian history. The hotel rooms and suites are modern with a touch of pre-Inca influence infused throughout. The décor is soothing, with earth tones and subtle pops of color. Suites have their own private balcony or terraces with views of Cusco’s cobblestone streets or the majestic hotel courtyard. The hotel rooms and suites have marble bathrooms with large tubs and separate rain showers. They also include 42” LCD TV’s, coffee makers, safes and iDocks. You will find all of the modern conveniences of any luxury hotel at the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco. The hotel’s restaurant, Pirqa, serves modern Peruvian cuisine with meals influenced by the areas culture. Meals are prepared with ingredients native to the Andean region. While the Peruvian cuisine is the most widely prepared meals offered to diners, the culinary team also prepares meals that embody a blend of Amerindian and Spanish foods. Many dishes are influenced by various nationalities, to include Arab, Japanese, African and Italian. With so much to offer, guests should eat at Pirqa at least once during their stay at the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco Hotel. The restaurant offers three meals everyday, there are ample chances for which to indulge your pallet. Qespi Bar and Nina Soncco Lounge is another dining option found at this hotel. Nina Soncco Lounge is where guests are treated to a breakfast of local specialties and homemade pastries. After sunset, Nina Soncco Lounge is a lively place to spend your evenings in Cusco. If you are staying at the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco hotel, you will certainly want to treat yourself to a spa experience. The spa provides an array of services that help to create the perfect synergy between mind, body and spirit. The hotel spa offers a heated relaxation pool, four treatment rooms, steam room, whirlpool, massaging showers and a dry sauna. A day at the spa is the perfect way to end your stay in Cusco, Peru. Photography Courtesy of JW MARRIOTT    Click here to view post in the November/December 2014 issue.

The Issue, Traveler

Marbella Bound!

By Dawn Wilson / Photography courtesy of LHW Puente Romano Beach Resort, a lovely beach- side resort located in Marbella, Spain is just waiting to be explored. Marbella is on the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Spain. The Puente Romano Beach Resort was designed to resemble an actual Andalusian village. Guests love being far away from home but feeling as though they are a part of an exclusive community. The resort is located along Marbella’s Golden Mile, a 4 mile stretch, known for its exclusive luxury homes and incredible views. This location is ideal for such a luxurious resort as the Puente Romano Beach Resort. While you will probably want to explore the city of Marbella in its entirety, it will be hard to leave the resort with all that it offers. Singles, couples and families will all find Puente Romano Beach Resort, the perfect destination! Puente Romano Beach Resort has 249 suites and 12 rooms. Rooms are designed with guests total comfort in mind. There are a variety of rooms and suites to choose from based on your personal preferences. Hotel rooms have a classic-Mediterranean style with gorgeous marble bath floors. Each room has its own balcony. Suites are spacious, come in different design styles, and have private terraces. Suites offered at Puente Romano Beach Resort are beautified with a neutral color scheme, separate living room and sleeping areas. Some of the resort suites are designed in a contemporary Mediterranean style while others are offered in a more classic-Colonial style. Additional features found in the resorts suites include; sun loungers, jacuzzi bathrooms with sauna and whirlpool. Once you’ve selected your perfect accommodations and have settled in, you’ll want to know what else you can expect to find at the Puente Romano Beach Resort. There are seven distinct dining options, which include; French, Lebanese, Italian, Japanese and Spanish cuisine. Guests of the resort wouldn’t want to leave without experiencing the dishes prepared at the resorts Michelin class restaurant, Dani Garcia. Dishes at Dani Garcia are uniquely creative and made with savoy ingredients that are certain to delight even the most discerning palette. The many dining options provided, afford guests the opportunity to explore a variety of dishes. Many of the restaurants can be found at the resorts Plaza Village. Also located in the center of the Plaza Village is a contemporary lounge area with plenty of lounge seating, perfect for relaxing before or after a meal. In fact, this lovely lounge area is a focal point for many guests to reconnect with others traveling in their group. This area comes alive at night with live music and performances. On the weekends you can enjoy an exciting club atmosphere at Suite, a favorite among locals and visitors. Guests also enjoy shopping at the many specialty shops situated at the Plaza Village. The Marbella Club Golf Resort at Puente Romano Beach Resort is well-known among golf enthusiast. Included in the resort room rates are complimentary green fees and shuttle service to the resorts 18-hole, private golf course. The views from this magnificent championship golf course are astonishing. There is no wonder why it is a favorite destination for even amateur golfers. In addition to the golf course you will also find the renowned, Puente Romano Tennis Club. The tennis facility has been under the management of Wimbledon Champion, Manolo Santana since 1983. The Puente Romano Tennis Club is internationally recognized as one of the best tennis facilities in Southern Europe. The facility includes a gym, massage room, activity room and sauna. Many professional tennis players, such as; John McEnroe, Boris Becker and Emilio Sánchez Vicario, have played in international tournaments on the courts of this RFET affiliated tennis club. Resort guests have access to 10 courts and can be among the many patrons to enjoy professional tournaments at the clubs central court. There are also plenty of water activities offered. Guests can rent a Turkish boat and experience real-life sailing, go jet skiing, ride banana boats or water bikes. When you prefer to do something more relaxing, you may want to grab your favorite book or magazine and head over to one of the resorts three swimming pools. A favorite for those seeking true serenity is the resorts central pool located in the center of the botanical garden. If you are traveling with children, they can also have a fantastic time at Puente Romano Beach Resort. The Kid’s Club has plenty of programs and activities suited for every age group, games, painting, crafts, swimming lessons, tennis lessons and more. Allow the resorts incredibly accommodating and helpful staff help you plan your ideal vacation while staying at the Puente Romano Beach Resort Marbella. Click here to view post on the Sept/Oct 2014 issue.

The Issue, Traveler

MSM Traveler takes you to Amanpulo Resort in the Philippines

By Dawn Wilson/Photos courtesy of Aman Resorts A dream is just a dream until you make it a reality. A trip to the private island resort, Amanpulo, in the Philippines, is a dream trip that you won’t soon forget. Imagine landing in a slightly remote and deserted island, on a private landing strip. Next, imagine being greeted by a resort guest associate who will escort you to the lovely Amanpulo resort. This is the beginning of a dream come true. Amanpulo is located in the northern region of the Philippines on Pamalican Island. Pamalican Island is just a short plane ride from the capital of Manila. This beautiful island has unspoiled white sand beaches and natural beauty. Visitors can actually stroll around the entire island in less than two hours. Imagine your own private island oasis in a peaceful and tranquil paradise setting and you have just imagined Amanpulo. The island resort of Amanpulo offers a variety of accommodation options. There are 40 bungalows also known as casitas, located beachside and hillside. Each location offers picturesque scenery that is unbelievably beautiful. The beach bungalows give guests direct access to the beach while the hillside bungalows offer incredible sea views. If you book your stay at one of the deluxe hillside accommodations, you will have panoramic views of the neighboring islands and the sea. The interiors of the bungalows are in keeping with the natural elements of the island. They have pebble-washed walls, beds with wide rattan headboards, large glass doors which open onto an outdoor deck, marble bathrooms with double vanities, separate changing areas and bathtubs with large windows and wooden shutters. These windows are perfect for peering out of while allowing sunlight to illuminate the space. Each bungalow has it’s very own buggy for getting around the island resort. In addition to the bungalows, guests can also stay at one of the resorts magnificent villa’s. The villa’s are available with one, two or four bedrooms, a private pool, separate living and dining areas. What dream trip wouldn’t include your very own private chef and housekeeper! Amanpulo offers an unsurpassed level of hospitality. This is a dream best experienced with eyes wide open. The island resort facilities include several restaurants, pools, a Beach Club, Lagoon Club, library, boutique, gallery and the Aman Spa. The restaurants, located at the Beach and Lagoon Clubhouses, offer fresh seafood, Spanish tapas and Vietnamese cuisine. The pool area is designed with aqua tiles that mimic the Sulu Sea. Located around the pool are several salas, ideal when you simply want to lounge around the pool for the day. The Beach Club is an open air pavilion with a spacious deck that looks out onto the sea. This is another location that is simply perfect for taking in the beauty of the islands serene ambiance. Amanpulo is a great place to visit when you are in need of rejuvenation and pampering. You are serviced by an extremely attentive yet inconspicuous staff at Amanpulo. To further aid you in your rejuvenation process, a trip to the Aman Spa is a must. You are offered numerous treatment options at the resorts spa facility, which is located hillside overlooking the Sulu Sea. Each treatment room has a deep-soaking tub, dressing area and steam shower. Guests can also enjoy themselves at the Fitness Pavilion. Here is where you will find a yoga studio, cold plunge pools and another outdoor relaxation area.   Don’t worry, if you want a little relaxation mixed with a little adventure, you will also find it at the Amanpulo island resort. The resort also offers, daily snorkeling excursions, cycling, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, cruising and windsurfing. There is something for the entire family to enjoy at Amanpulo, even a Kids Club where your children can plant trees and take a jewelry making and pizza making class. When you are thinking of the ultimate vacation destination, think of Amanpulo, where your dreams become reality. Click here to view post on the July/August 2014 issue.

Traveler

Offshore Havens

By Dawn Wilson There are approximately 40 islands and cays (small sandy island formed on the surface of a coral reef) that make up the Turks and Caicos Islands. Each island provides you with a different and unique experience. Turks and Caicos sits 550 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. There are reported to be just over 30,000 residents living on 8 of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The language spoken is English and the official currency is the US dollar. One of the reasons so many people are attracted to this area is because of its year round temperatures. The average low in Turks and Caicos is a comfortable 75 degrees. The islands are made up primarily of African descendants, however, the population has grown to include a diverse group of ethnicity’s. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British overseas territory where the Queen appoints a Governor who presides over the Executive Council. The legal system of the islands are based on English Common Law. The Turks and Caicos islands have the world’s third largest coral reef and some of the world’s most beautiful sand beaches. You will love gazing at the tranquil turquoise sea as you lounge about on the beaches of the islands. Many of the beaches are a quick ride from the local airport and are hardly ever overrun by tourist. If you are up for a short island excursion, just take a boat to one of the deserted cays. This day trip is sure to be a great escape from the mundane and routine tourist attractions. Popular activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands are sailing, fishing, golfing and boating. If you seek the excitement of a casino, you’re in luck. You will be able to hit the slots or sit at a game table at the Casablanca Casino in Providenciales. There is definitely no shortage of things to do while vacationing in the Turks and Caicos Islands.   Parrot Cay by Como, is an award winning luxury resort located on a Turks and Caicos private island in the northern Caribbean. Parrot Cay is a quiet, tranquil resort with white sand beaches. At the resort you have the option of a standard room, suite or a private villa or house. The large suites offered at Parrot Cay have french doors leading to your private balcony, overlooking the resort garden. When you want an even more private escape, the Parrot Cay beach villa or beach house would a great option. The villas and beach houses are available in one or two bedrooms with a private pool and direct beach access. Butler service is also available, by request. Parrot Cay offers several dining options, formal and informal. No resort retreat would be complete without a resort spa. Parrot Cay definitely delivers with its on-site spa, Shambhala, where they take a holistic approach to your treatments. Photos Courtesy of COMO Hotels & Resorts   If you are looking for a truly personal and private island experience, you will definitely be able to find it at the Nandana Villa Estate, located in the West End of the Grand Bahama Islands. Upon your arrival via the 5100 ft. private air strip, you are met by staff and personally escorted to the property. The Nandana Villa Estate is a luxurious private estate which goes above and beyond any resort experience you could imagine. Some of the luxury services offered at Nandana Villa Estate include on-site masseuse, 120′ infinity pool, gourmet cuisine, Jet Skis, Jacuzzi, ATV’s, beach volleyball and an 18-hole golf course. Guest suites are approximately 1000 square feet and come complete with jacuzzi tub, luxury bath essentials, indoor/outdoor showers, spacious walk-in closets and either a garden view or an ocean view. If you didn’t think your experience couldn’t get any better, you just wait and see. While at the resort you have access to a 50′ yacht, off road terrain vehicles and a luxury 20′ tender. At Nandana Villa, the sky’s the limit. Photos Courtesy of Nandana Villa         Amanyara borders the reefs of the Northwest Point Marine National Park. Amanyara received the Condè Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award 2013. The Amanyara accommodations are in a secluded area full of lush landscaping and is set on the white pristine sand beaches of Turks and Caicos. They are made up of 40 guest pavilions. In the center of the reception area is a circular bar with stunningly beautiful sea views and a reflection pond. Guest pavilions are located at the edge of a serene pond with timber sun decks. Entrance to the pavilion is through large sliding glass doors. Some of the guest pavilions are situated along the ocean with unobstructed views of  the sea while others surround a dramatic infinity poo Pavilion interiors are made up of a neutral color palate and teak furnishings. Amanyara offers a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining, a library, fitness center, wifi, tennis courts, media-room and a spa. Amanyara is a great island hide-away. Photos Courtesy of Amanresorts     The Gansevoort Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel, known for its chic and sophisticated vibe. It is located on the popular Grace Bay Beach. With its 91 guestrooms and 7,000 square foot infinity pool, the Gansevoort is an island oasis. The rooms of the Gansevoort are open and airy, allowing natural sunlight to illuminate throughout the space. The hotel also offers the convenience of an on-site, casual dining restaurant and a beach bar and grill. In the morning guest are treated to a complimentary buffet which is served beachside. Other hotel amenities include complimentary wifi, 24 hour fitness center bicycles and snorkel equipment. Pool pods are also available to guest who choose to relax by the pool for the day. There is a reason that the Gansevoort Hotel was named as a Condè Nast 2013 ‘Gold List’ members, why not discover the reason for yourself. Photos Courtesy of Magda Biernat  

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