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Traveler

The Issue, Traveler

Rediscovering Las Vegas

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By Angela Betancourt From “Sin City” to a world-class city, Las Vegas has undergone a major transformation over the past several years. It’s embarked on a mission to go beyond its infamous reputation and expand its audience in order to remain one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) announced that in 2013 $3.6 billion was invested into new attractions, amenities, and experiences. The rise of luxury resort hotels, award- winning restaurants, a downtown revitalization, and other revamping initiatives, helped Las Vegas attract nearly 40 million new visitors in 2013. With so many new and exciting things unfolding, Las Vegas craves to be rediscovered. Yes, you can still get caught up in shenanigans, but now is a great time to explore how much more Las Vegas has to offer. It’s hard to top that kind of an experience, but Vegas will welcome you back from the Grand Canyon with a long list of exciting new things yet to be discovered. Catch Wicked at The Smith Center, Sing along at the Britney Spears Concert, or dance the night away at LiFE Nightclub; the possibilities are endless. Getting there It’s never been easier to travel to Las Vegas; especially from South Florida. On October 29th, JetBlue celebrated the launch of its new direct flight from Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) to McCarran International Airport (LAS). The airline celebrated with a cocktail launch party on the 28th at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and charmed passengers with games and giveaways during the inaugural flight.   Where to stay Selecting a hotel in Vegas can be overwhelming. In 2013 the city had 150,593 hotel rooms; a number which grew with the addition of several new hotels. Among those hotels is the Delano Las Vegas which opened in September. Formerly, THEHotel at Mandalay Bay, the Delano Las Vegas is a collaboration between MGM Resorts International and the Morgans Hotel Group; the creators of the Delano South Beach. While there are some South Beach influences, the Delano Las Vegas stands apart by paying homage to the Mohave dessert. Two enormous boulders greet you when you enter the hotel. The lobby is a harmony of warm woods and giant columns draped with white sheers. A rug with a depiction of the Colorado River guides you to the front desk as you pass a suspended rock sculpture by Korean artist Jaehyo Lee. There are 1,117 luxurious room suites, a 14,000 square-foot-spa called The BATHHOUSE, and no casino in sight. The ambiance is zen-like; an escape from the frantic energy found just outside the hotel doors. Culinary Adventure Las Vegas is climbing the culinary ranks at tremendous speed. Delia’s Kitchen in the Delano is a great place to begin a culinary journey around the city. The farm-to-table concept offers scrumptious items like Blue Crab Benedicts made with artisan brie, spinach, and roasted tomato; and the Tuscan Kale made with organic quinoa, Chenel goat cheese, sun-dried cranberries, and walnuts. For coffee lovers, the Delano’s 3940 Coffee and Tea cafe, is the perfect place to grab artisan roast coffees, teas, fresh juices, and specialty drinks like the S’mores Mocha. Continue your culinary journey at Jaleo at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Meaning “revelry,” Jaleo is the creation of famed Chef Jose Andres, the mastermind behind the Bazaar at the SLS Hotel in Miami. He’s evoked the authentic flavors of Spain in an impressive array of tapas and paellas while creating a complete sensory experience. A massive paella grill centerpiece high-jacks your visual focus from the moment you enter. An aromatic symphony of spices dances around the room and the food is vibrant and full of robust flavor. For a more intimate dining experience, head to La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at the Wynn. La Cave’s menu showcases contemporary American cuisine and small-plates created by Chef Billy DeMarco. The dishes were created to harmonize with their extensive wine collection that includes 250 bottles and 50 wines by the glass. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but there are two items that must be ordered: the mushroom grits and the bacon wrapped dates. A ten minute drive from La Cave is Lao Sze Chaun at the Palms Casino Resort. This authentic Chinese restaurant was created by Chicago Chef Tony Hu. Chef Hu brings his success to the Vegas strip with an expansive selection of Chinese dishes. The menu is wonderfully overwhelming with more than 100 beef, chicken, pork and seafood options. When in doubt, start with the dim sum followed by Tony’s Chicken with Three Chili dish. Buddy Valastro, internationally acclaimed chef and reality TV star of the Cake Boss, opened his first Italian Restaurant, Buddy V’s, at the Venetian. The menu offers Italian-American classics from Valastro family heirloom recipes like Grandma’s Meatballs and Nona’s Lasagna Al Forno. With pictures of the Valastro family along the walls, it feels like you’ve stepped into his grandma’s house for a family dinner. You can’t have a culinary adventure in Las Vegas and not go to a buffet. Consider visiting the mother-ship of all buffets at Caesars Palace for brunch. Not only has it been voted best buffet in Las Vegas, Brunch at Bacchanal is a good deal if you love champagne. On Saturdays and Sundays brunch comes with unlimited bubbly. From chicken and waffles to Japanese curry, and everything in between, this buffet is every foodie’s dream come true. Try everything and anything that catches your eye but leave some room for the mouth watering dessert station. Vegas off the strip Some of the best new things in Las Vegas are hap- pening off Las Vegas Boulevard. About 15 minutes north of the strip is Downtown Las Vegas, home to Fremont Street. Fremont Street is the original “strip” from when the city was founded in 1905. Today, part of this historic street has become the Fremont Street Experience, a five-block canopy-covered entertainment district featuring a plethora of new activities and live musical entertainment that co-ex- ists

LIFESTYLE, MSM Online, Traveler

Experience Las Vegas Like Never Before with JetBlue

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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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