ZIP ACROSS THE ORLANDO SKYLINE!

The resort at Grande Lakes Orlando (The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels) now offers the Grande Lakes Adventure Course, a multi-level structure consisting of poles, cables, and platforms with 25 unique traversing and climbing elements. The course allows guests to choose their personal level of challenge (adults and children above the age of ten), as they climb up 15 to 55 feet in the air and navigate through a course with 600-foot zip lines and a 40-foot giant swing.

For more information and to raise the adrenaline, click here.


Montréal's 25th Annual Bike Fest!

For eight days, the bike is going to be celebrated in one of North America’s most active, bike-friendly cities. The 25th annual Montréal Bike Fest is taking place from May 31-June 7. From the Metropolitan Challenge to the Tour la Nuit to the famous Tour de Ille, the chicest accessory is going to be two wheels.

Un Tour la Nuit promises to be an extraordinary Friday night with no fewer than 12,000 night owls on wheels pedaling the city after dark.

The Tour de Ille de Montréal is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, and coincidentally, so is Cirque du Soleil. Both began on the streets of Montréal and will be celebrated in particularly high regards.

Media interested in learning more about a Tourism Montréal sponsored press trip, please contact Jason Coletta or Kelly Brewer at 212-696-0660. Assignments are required.

For more information about Montréal, visit: www.tourisme-montreal.org.

FAIRMONT SAYS "BABY YOU CAN DRIVE MY BMW CRUISE BIKE"

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts “Rolls Out” New Fitness-Based Service Featuring BMW’s Versatile Cruise Bikes

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts recently extended its partnership with German automaker BMW to include a complimentary hotel bicycle service featuring BMW Cruise Bikes. These state-of-the-art bikes have been introduced at 20 Fairmont hotels across Canada as the newest benefit for guests, granting active and adventurous travelers the opportunity to explore the vibrant cities and stunning landscapes of Fairmont’s distinctive locales. In addition to offering a selection of BMW Cruise Bikes, each hotel will also boast a variety of child-sized BMW bikes, allowing families to enjoy the great outdoors together.

For more information, click here.

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples offers the perfect VUE (virtual user experience)

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is known for its pristine setting and family-friendly atmosphere. The resort continually enhances the guest experience and has gone above and beyond with vue.

Imagine a luxurious, comfortable setting with sleek white furniture, eco-friendly bamboo floors, and a modern black and white color scheme with green accents, where your senses are stimulated through the latest in entertainment technology:

• 40” Samsung LCD TVs
• Microsoft XBox 360 game stations with wireless controllers
• Sony Playstation 3
• the latest from Nintendo Wii.
• personal 19” flat screen televisions with DVD player
• iPod docking stations
• 63” LCD with Blu-ray player controlled via remote touch pad
• Bang and Olufsen surround sound system
• HDTV in a home theater environment
• Mac station
• iMac computers
• Wii bowling tournaments
• Wii Fit exercise classes
• Xbox LIVE

vue is complimentary to hotel guests, available for groups, and open daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, click here.

An Italian Accent Coming to Edinburgh, Scotland

Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh

This fashion-led Italian hotel will be one of the city's most prominent developments this decade.

Due to open June 3, 2009 - the hotel will have a plum position on the Royal Mile. Styles from Milan's best-known fashion house are to arrive in Edinburgh's old town and the hotel will be located in the Bank of Scotland Bridge development on the High Street. It is anticipated that the hotel will offer 130 rooms, a Bar Missoni, Missoni Cucina restaurant and a spa and fitness centre. The Milan fashion house, which is famous for its colorful clothing sported by Rachel Stevens and Jennifer Lopez, also plans to open hotels in Kuwait and Dubai.

For more information about Scotland, visit: www.cometoscotland.com.

Mustique Introduces Nine New Villas

Hummingbird – Designed by renowned Italian architect Paolo Piva, this seven-bedroom villa on eight acres sits comfortably on the slope of the hillside with views of the Southern Grenadines. The open-air contemporary feel of the residence has been well integrated into its lush, natural setting, affording the ultimate in privacy and assuring dramatic sunsets. Its unique features such as a games arcade, media room, fitness room and spa master bathroom with private plunge-pool will surely be enjoyed by fortunate guests. Hummingbird’s staff of six will attend to your every need, including dinner parties at the dining gazebo, off the 20-meter travertine swimming pool, which can accommodate up to 26 guests.

For more information please visit www.mustique-island.com.

Yappy Hour in Keystone

This summer The Inn at Keystone in Keystone, Colorado is offering a guests a getaway that will leave tags wagging! This pet-friendly hotel has relaunched its daily “Yappy Hour” program and has come up with a travel guide for guests traveling with their dogs.

Upon check in, guests and their four-legged travel companions are escorted to a V.I.P. (Very Important Pets) photo shoot. Their photos will be posted on a bulletin board in the lobby so dog owners on property can connect while they are on vacation.

The Inn at Keystone offers guests & their dogs a well-groomed menu of activities that are nothing to bark about! Some pet- and owner-friendly activities include:

• Fly fishing in Snake River
• Slobbering on tennis balls in the two public tennis courts
• Sniffing for beavers in the wetlands of the Keystone Bike & Recreation Path
• Begging for yummy picnic table left-overs at Cater Park Dog Park
• Discovering wildlife & the remnants of old mining buildings amidst the historical Peru Creek Trail
• Unwinding with complimentary doggy biscuits at “Yappy Hour” while pet owners sip on “Pink Poodle” & “Old Yeller” drink specials

Keystone is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains just 90 minutes away from Denver. For more information about Keystone, visit www.keystoneresort.com.

CELEBRATE HISTORY IN ASPEN

The year 1889 marked several U.S. milestones: the first jukebox became operational in California, Thomas Edison showed his first motion picture in New Jersey, and the grand dame of hotels opened in Aspen, Colorado: Hotel Jerome, A RockResort. To commemorate the 120th anniversary of this iconic property, Hotel Jerome introduces a “History Buff” package inviting travelers to learn about Aspen’s history while experiencing luxurious amenities, fine dining and top-notch service at a Colorado classic.

The “History Buff” package at Hotel Jerome is available May 22, 2009 - January 2, 2010 and includes:

• Three nights accommodation in a Deluxe King room
• A historic tour of Aspen with Blazing Adventures, including such areas as Ashcroft Ghost Town, Independence Pass, Watson Divide and Snowmass Creek
• Two complimentary Aspen Crud cocktails at the famed J-Bar (learn its origin and recipe)
• 1889-themed turndown amenities, including Jerome silver dollar souvenir coins, an 1889 photo album of the hotel and “Fun Facts about 1889” card

Rates start at $899, based on double occupancy, providing a savings of 20 percent. Three-night minimum stay is required. Excludes resort fee, tax and gratuities. Subject to availability and blackout dates apply.

For reservations and more information about Hotel Jerome visit www.rockresorts.com or call 877-412-ROCK (7625).

What's cooking at Concorde?

Would you believe that you can learn to cook like a French chef in just 60 minutes? With Concorde Hotels & Resort’s “My Chef at Concorde” package, guests and culinary enthusiasts will enjoy insider access at leading cooking school Atelier Guy Martin, while staying at one of five of the group’s Parisian properties. This package is perfect for epicureans seeking a “learning vacation” in Paris!

With the “My Chef Concorde” package, budding chefs will create a tantalizing seasonal dish and dessert under the guidance of Guy Martin’s expert team, and then sample their feast along with a signature cocktail.

Rates for the “My Chef Concorde” package start at $192 per person/per night and include double room accommodation, buffet breakfast, a one-hour cooking class and a complimentary cocktail at Atelier Guy Martin.

*The package is based upon availability; imperative booking of the Saturday night. The cooking lesson for Concorde is only available on Saturdays.

Participating hotels include:

• Hotel Lutetia
• Hotel du Louvre
• Hotel Concorde La Fayette
• Hotel Concorde Montparnasse
• Hotel Concorde Saint Lazare

**Rates listed reflect the US dollar to Euro rates on the date of May 1, 2009. Rates may fluctuate and vary depending on hotels, and rooms are subject to availability.

For more information or to book the “My Chef at Concorde” package, call reservations at 1-800-888-4747 or visit www.concorde-hotels.com.

MAY IS NOW OFFICIALLY "WHISKY MONTH" THANKS TO SCOTLAND

Whisky connoisseurs take note — for the first time, Scotland has named May Whisky Month. As part of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 year, whisky enthusiasts can explore and appreciate the expertise of the stillsmen and master blenders whose diligence has created one of Scotland’s finest exports.

To celebrate, the Whisky Coast is hosting “Spirit of the West” at Inveraray Castle in Argyll. On Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17, Scotland’s famous West Coast whisky trail will present this spectacular weekend event where you can take part in one of 12 whisky masterclasses and meet experts from the 16 distilleries on the Whisky Coast. There will also be top-notch cooking demonstrations and live music. Pre and post-festival visitors can choose from more than 250 other whisky themed events ranging from master blending classes to whisky walks and dinners to accessing small distilleries rarely open to the public.

For more on Whisky Month and the Homecoming year, visit www.cometoscotland.com.

GET BUFF AT THE BLUFF

This summer, enjoy the freedom of all the fully-inclusive amenities at Curtain Bluff plus additional premium sports and spa activities at no extra cost. At Curtain Bluff, what you see is what you get - and then some, from the tennis courts to water sports!

"GET BUFF AT THE BLUFF" summer sports and spa package includes:

• Five nights in a Deluxe ocean view room
• All meals, bar drinks and activities for two (over 20+ activities included, everything from scuba diving, snorkeling to deep sea fishing)
• One couples tennis lesson with Curtain Bluff tennis pro
• One 60-minute couples massage at The Spa at Curtain Bluff
• One 60-minute couples private personal trainer gym session
• One windsurfing or Hobi cat sailing lesson
• Round trip airport taxi transfers on Antigua
• Taxes and service charges

PRICE: Five-night package starts at $3,880 for two people in a Deluxe Room

VALID: May 15 - July 30, 2009

This package is fully-inclusive of tax and service charges. All rooms at Curtain Bluff feature ocean views. Minimum five-night stay required.

At Curtain Bluff, our reputation for both friendly service and a high repeat guest ratio is no coincidence. This summer, we invite you to find out for yourself what makes the "Curtain Bluff family" so special. From Wendy at the front desk, Gilly at The Spa, Avalon the sailing instructor, Jason the personal trainer and Rennie the tennis pro - the "Curtain Bluff" experience starts with guests and ends with family.

For more information on Curtain Bluff, visit www.curtainbluff.com or call 1-888-289-9898.

Is it winter yet???

As the Colorado ski season winds to an end, ski bums and bunnies can revel in the savings available by planning ahead! Skiers who book their 2009-2010 Keystone ski getaways can save 20 percent off lodging reservations when booking before July 31.

This lodging offer is valid for travel throughout all of next ski season, November 6, 2009 - April 10, 2010. There's never been a better time to book, as rates are as low as $49 per person. At Keystone Lodge & Spa, guests can save as much as $124 on a two-night stay with this early-bird special.

Keystone's diverse lodging portfolio includes Keystone Lodge & Spa, the Inn at Keystone and hundreds of condominium options. Additionally, all Keystone guests are privileged to a variety of free activities with the complimentary Adventure Passport, including ice rink admission, intro to snow biking, daily GEO-cacheing adventures, NASTAR family racing, Nordic Trail use and several food and beverage discounts.

Keystone is a skier's mecca with three mountains that feature bumps, steeps, glades, groomed trails and a terrain park. Off the slopes, Keystone offers great dining, shopping, entertainment, nightlife and lodging for the whole family. Choose from an extensive array of private vacation rentals throughout the resort and in River Run Village, or guests may choose to stay at the AAA Four-Diamond rated Keystone Lodge & Spa featuring the new eco-friendly RockResorts Spa. Keystone is 90 minutes west of Denver in the Rocky Mountains.

Visit www.keystoneresort.com or call 877-204-7889 and mention the 20 percent off lodging offer when booking.

MOTHER'S DAY - FULL SPEED AHEAD!

Remember how mom would always say, “money doesn’t grow on trees!” How about taking her advice this Mother’s Day, by treating her to an Orlando experience that the whole family can enjoy, without breaking the bank. To celebrate mom’s big day in America’s #1 family destination that offers the best in value vacations, Orlando is offering great deals and discounts on accommodations, attractions, dining and much more. With all of this variety to choose from, you’ll be able to show your appreciation to Mom on her special day.

Orlando’s Mother’s Day deals include:

Peabody Orlando Mother’s Day Escape Package

• One night in a deluxe room
• Complimentary continental breakfast for two
• $100 food and beverage voucher
• Complimentary valet parking

Rates start at $299 per night including tax for the first night; additional nights start at $199 per night
Available: May 7 – 10, 2009

Indy Racing Experience is offering three discounts for adventurous moms:

• Ride in an Indy Car for $89.46 per person. (regular price plus tax is $116.09)
• Drive an Indy Car for $318.44 per person. (regular price plus tax is $424.94)
• Ride and Drive an Indy Car for $452.63 per person. (Regular price plus tax is $541.03)

Tax is included. The experiences are offered seven days a week beginning at 3pm each day.

Harry P. Leu Gardens
Free admission for Mothers to experience the 50-acre botanical park.
Available: May 10, 2009

Thrifty Car Rental
Mini Van rentals at $44.99 per day or weekly rental at $269.50
Pick-up at Orlando International Airport
Available: May 9 – 17, 2009

More information on Orlando’s Mother’s Day specials can be found at www.visitorlando.com.

The Natural Wonder of Naples...

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is a family-friendly resort located on the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico offering a great package this summer. True value is in the experience, and the resort’s Family Summer Package certainly delivers.

Package includes:

• Overnight accommodations in a coastal view room
• Breakfast for up to a family of four guests in the Terrace restaurant
• One child’s menu meal complimentary with each adult entrée purchased
• $50 Resort Credit
• $50 Waterside Shops gift card

Families will enjoy the Nature’s Wonders center and program at the resort. This environmentally focused program provides guests with meaningful and interactive experiences where they can connect with nature. Led by a team of certified Master Naturalists at the resort, the program promotes awareness and respect of Florida's natural beauty and environment through engaging activities such as an eco-sail through the mangrove islands, a trip to the zoo, guest speakers and critter feeding time.

The Nature's Wonders center is complete with nine aquariums, including two touch tanks where guests can hold live turtles and starfish. The remaining tanks host native wildlife such as lobsters, crabs, jellyfish, baby alligators and iguanas, bringing a true sense of place and memories to last beyond summer.

For more information visit www.ritzcarlton.com.