American Safari Cruise - March 2012 Family Sailings

The Hawaiian Islands - family playground at its best! American Safari Cruise will be offering 2 all-inclusive family sailings in March 2012.

Far from the typical family vacation getaway, a yacht cruise provides kids a fun way to learn about nature and other cultures. With one crewmember for every two guests, kids and adults alike are accompanied on a variety of personal-choice excursions while the yacht is at anchor. In a rare introduction to wilderness lifestyles, kids and the entire family will meet and interact with local residents of remote island communities.

An Inclusive Experience
Maybe you remember other cruises where you had to pay extra for tours and your drinks at the ship’s bar. Not with American Safari Cruises! With the exception of a gratuity for the crew - which they believe is a very personal elective - everything is included with the cruise. From your arrival at the airport to a fond farewell, you’re a pampered guest aboard the yachts. Everything’s included from the first to the last:
• Gourmet meals
• Premium wine, beer and spirits
• Kayaking and shore boat exploring
• Snorkel gear
• Exclusive shore excursions
• Onboard Expedition Leader/Naturalist or wine expert
• Airport transfers
• Port Charges, taxes, fees
• Visits with local residents - “talk story”
Dining is a true delight, a cornucopia of fresh local seafood, just-baked breads, hearty soups, exquisite entrees, sinfully delicious desserts. Everyone is served at one seating, family-style; dress is always casual. Of course, we’re happy to plan for any special dietary needs, and if there’s something you’ve got a craving for, let us know. Milestone events are celebrated in great style onboard.

Activities abound for all ages:
The opportunities are endless. Whether your family wants to kayak, walk on a remote beach, collect shells to study, hike in the temperate rain forest, or enjoy a full-scale picnic, you’ll find that our explorations are a blast! You’ll hop from shore-to-shore by shore boat, then there’s fishing and kayaking as well as checking in on the musical antics under the sea via the underwater Hydrophone and underwater camera. All of these activities offer an exceptional experience for the whole family.  GUARANTEE IT…NO ONE WILL BE BORED!

Memories to Share:
At the end of a week of up-close adventure, the crew will present each family member with a photo disc of several hundred images to share and reminisce for years to come. Each child under 12 will receive other mementos of their various explorations.

Questions We Often Hear:
My kids are so active. Are they going to go stir crazy on a boat for a week?
On the contrary, kids kayak, hike, fish from the swim platform, with the help of the Expedition Leader/Naturalist and learn about nature from all of the crewmembers. They will be playing on rope swings, tubing, water skiing, snorkeling, beachcombing, cave searches, and other adventures await kids and adults alike.

Kids enjoy the hot tubs, games, kid-friendly DVDs and books available onboard. With so many varied activities at their fingertips, kids tend to forget that Nintendo even exists.

I’m worried about my kids disrupting the cruise for others. Will my kids be bored?
To ensure that everyone enjoys their yacht experience, we generally set aside special departures under our “Kids in Nature” program for families with kids under the age of 12. Educational and fun activities aided by take-home equipment provided by the Expedition Leaders keep the kids happy and busy. Bored - no; exhausted at the end of each day from kayaking, swimming and hiking - yes! Parents truly appreciate the all-out effort to ensure their kids come away with a well-rounded outdoor vacation. The other way that young kids are accommodated on our 12 - 36 guest yachts is when families charter the entire yacht.

What is the youngest age child that you can accommodate?
There is no age restriction. Families with kids between infancy and about five-years-old most often choose to book a private charter or take advantage of one of our “Kids in Nature” select departures. Life jackets are provided onboard for kids age five years and above (about 70 pounds and up). For younger children, it works best for parents to bring a custom-sized life jacket from home.

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Ready … Set … GO! Hawaiki Nui Canoe Race Nov. 10, 11 & 12, 2010

Every year, in the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora, takes place the incredible Hawaiki Nui Canoe Race!

This competition has gained international fame to become THE not-to-be-missed event for fans of the sport.  Approximately 80 teams from the islands and worldwide enter the race on an itinerary starting from Huahine to Bora Bora. Each day equals a segment:

Day 1, Huahine to Raiatea;

Day 2, Raiatea to Taha’a;

Day 3, the longest segment of this beautiful adventure, Taha’a to Bora Bora.

The race unveils the physical and mental strength of each canoe paddler. It does indeed require quite a mental of steel to paddle hours long with no rest!

Each departure, each arrival in the islands is spectacular! However, we have to admit that the Grand “Finale” in Bora Bora’s lagoon is just the most amazing!

You can be part of this unique adventure too!

Contact us now to book YOUR Hawaiki Nui experience at 800 644-6659!

or Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net

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Waiheke Island Vineyards & Wineries

Waiheke Island is home to boutique wineries that produce unique, high quality wines based on cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, cabernet franc and the recent move into chardonnay grape varieties.  The hot, dry summers and stony soils of Waiheke are perfect conditions for growing grapes.

There are Waiheke Island vineyards and wineries spread throughout the island and visitors can either visit at their leisure, or take a tour. Below you will find a partial list of some of the best boutique wineries on the island:

Cable Bay Vineyards - The Cable Bay winery, restaurant and cellar door are set amidst vineyards and olive groves.

Goldwater - Goldwater combines old world traditional wine making techniques with modern day technology to achieve outstanding and memorable hand-crafted wines.

Jurassic Ridge - Syrah, Montepulciano, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc vines are planted over 155 million year old Jurassic rock.

Kennedy Point Vineyard and Olive Grove - At the International Wine Challenge, London 2009 the Kennedypoint 2007 Syrah was awarded International Syrah Trophy, Best NZ Red, Best NZ Syrah.

Man O’ War Vineyard - Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War first introduced grapes in 1993, firm in the belief that world class wines could be produced here.

Mudbrick Vineyard - Named after the Barn/House was built from mud bricks, Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant offers a unique Waiheke wine and cuisine exprience, available all year round.

Obsidian Vineyard - Obsidian Vineyard nestles in the coastal hills of the Onetangi Valley.

Passage Rock - Passage Rock Wines was established in 1994 by David and Veronika Evans-Gander.

Peacock Sky Vineyard - Located in the centre of Waiheke Island surrounded by lush native bush.

Peninsula Estate - With spectacular views of Oneroa Bay and the Hauraki Gulf, Peninsula Estate is focused on producing single estate, world-class premium red food wines, that can be confidently cellared for many years.

Poderi Crisci - Poderi Crisci is a small family owned vineyard with a passion for growing Italian varietals and olives.

Stonyridge Vineyard - Stonyridge Vineyard is a specialist cabernet-blend winegrower producing cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot, combining traditional winemaking with meticulous organic viticulture.

Te Motu Vineyard - Te Motu Vineyard was established by the Dunleavy family in 1989 and is noted for its fine reds, notably the Te Motu cabernet/merlot.The first vines were planted in 1989, and the first vintage was produced in 1993.

Te Whau Vineyard - With breathtaking 360° views, stunning architecture, exquisite food, and a fantastic wine list, including its own five-star wines, Te Whau Vineyard and Cafe is a truly unique wine lover’s experience.

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Life Aboard the Aranui III Freighter

The Aranui III is a mixed passenger/cargo vessel that operates between the islands of Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands.

She offers comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations for fewer than 100 passengers, creating an intimate environment for her guests. Passengers will be able to sunbathe on deck, swim in the pool, or enjoy exotic tropical drinks while the Aranui navigates her way among the islands of the Marquesas.

Vessel Particulars

Length: 104 meters (343 feet)
Draft: 5 meters (15 feet)
Cruising Speed: 15 knots
Capacity: 60-100 passengers
Displacement: 4,000 DWT

The name “Aranui” means “The Great Highway” in Maori, another great Polynesian culture. The first Aranui was purchased from a New Zealand ship owner in 1959. CPTM kept her original name, because it suited her. Serving as a link between the remote Marquesas and the rest of the world, she truly was a “Great Highway” on which cargo and passengers traveled. The original Aranui was too small to meet the needs of the islands as trade increased. CPTM therefore retired her, and purchased a new vessel, which was also named the Aranui.

The current Aranui was originally built as a freighter for the Baltic trades, with unusually thick hull plates because of floating ice often found in that area. She was modified in Germany in 1990, when additional passenger cabins were added.

The ship features a small boutique where various sundries, clothing and souvenirs are available. There are washing machines and dryers aboard. There is also a bar and video room, which has a television, VCR and a small collection of videotapes.

The vessel operates under the French flag, and her crew are all Polynesian, primarily Marquesans.   They are extremely skillfull and very hospitable. It is often their custom to give an impromptu concert in the evenings, both for their own and our passengers pleasure.

For more information contact The Travelgal at 800 644-6659 or Teresa@luxuryhideaways.net

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Paul Gauguin Ship Info & Watersports Marina

The m/s Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow seas of Tahiti, French Polynesia as well as other islands in the South Pacific, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and effortlessly blending into the stunning natural beauty of the South Seas.

She offers an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of the islands, coupled with five-star service, comfort and luxury.

• Overall Length: 513 feet • Beam (width): 71 feet • Draft: 16.9 feet
• Passengers: 332 • Crew: 215
• Passenger Decks: 7
• Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint Nazaire, France
• Gross Tonnage: 19,200 • Cruising Speed: 18 knots • Ship’s Registry: Bahamas
• Most luxurious ship to sail in Tahiti on a year-round basis;
• Only 332 guests
• Crew to guest ratio of 1 to 1.5
• All oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies
• Space to guest ratio of nearly 58 to 1, one of the highest of any ship serving the North American market
• All onboard gratuities included
• Complimentary beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and tea served throughout the ship
• Butler service in categories B & above, including in-suite bar setup and SoundDock® for iPod®
• In-suite mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
• State-of-the-art retractable Watersports Marina
• Onboard dive program • Onboard lecture program
• Two elegant restaurants and one pool-side grill, all with open-seating dining
• Well-being and vegetarian selections and special dietetic menus upon request
• WiFi hotspots throughout the ship • Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Complimentary in-room dining • Complimentary in-room movie channels/movies available

Watersports are a highlight of the Polynesian experience, and the m/s Paul Gauguin is constructed to take full advantage of these irresistible waters, with accessibility to ports and adventures that other ships can’t offer. The ship’s small footprint enables it to navigate lagoons that larger ships would never dare to enter. Their retractable, onboard Watersports Marina brings you down to sea level, where you can hop aboard a windsurfer, launch a kayak, try waterskiing, or embark on their Zodiac for optional diving adventures.

Even if you’ve never been diving, you can take advantage of the onboard scuba lessons. The m/s Paul Gauguin is the only luxury ship in French Polynesia to offer PADI certification onboard for novice divers as well as classes at all levels, from snorkeling to advanced scuba diving techniques, supervised by their own staff of PADI dive masters. For the convenience of their guests, all necessary equipment, including an air compressor to refill scuba tanks, is onboard.

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10 Reasons to cruise aboard the Tui Tai in the Fiji Islands

Tui Tai is the only luxury-adventure ship operating in the Pacific Cultural Triangle, providing guests a remarkable look at three distinct cultures that history and circumstance have put together within a nearby triangle of islands.

Travel with the Best
Tui Tai is the only operator in the South Pacific featured in National Geographic’s annual survey the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.”

Truly All-Inclusive
Everything is included: every service, mixed drink, glass of wine or beer, evey meal, all scuba diving (even dive courses), snorkeling, kayaking, spa treatments - everything. Once you board Tui Tai, the details are in our hands, and your only responsibility is to have the experience.

Customize Your Day
Whether snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, visiting remote villages, relaxing on a beach, or just sailing the clear blue waters, all our activities have been equally enjoyed by a 26-year old tri-athlete and an active 74-year old world traveler - and everyone in between. You can opt in and out of as much as you wish.

Travel in Style
We only have first class service. Includes a gourmet menu served from the fresh cook outdoor kitchen, bar service, housekeeping/laundry service, spa treatments and yoga classes.

Incredible Scuba Diving
Sites visited by Tui Tai described by Lonely Planet: “snorkeling and diving sites are some of the world’s best.”

Humanitarian
Tui Tai’s Charitable works continue on every trip, including delivery of school and medical supplies to remote locations.

Exclusive Access
The Ringgolds include a scattering of tiny volcanic atolls with beautiful sandy beachs and black rocks. One atoll is a crater where you can hike to the summit in the morning and in the afternoon kayak within the crater center! Accessible only with Tui Tai.

Intimacy
Tui Tai takes only 22 guests on each expedition

The Tui Tai Touch
Onboard crew of 18 staff. In the words of travel writer Tim Neville: “The Tui Tai crew have only one purpose: to make sure you go to sleep each night swearing you just spent the best day of your life.”

Healing
Healing for yourself may come from a massage done to the sound of a cascading watefall, a morning yoga class on the top deck, or just relaxing in a beautiful location.

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Golf on Oahu - Options & Pricing Sheet

The Islands of Hawaii boast year around perfect weather as well as many opportunities for Golfers. Below you will find a nice selection of Golf Courses on the Island of Oahu. Stay tuned, we will list golfing options for the outer islands in a later article for you. If you are a Golfer planning on visiting Oahu, you would be very interested this this price list below.
Ko’olau Golf Club from $70
Luana Hills Country Club from $77
Coral Creek Golf Course from $80
Pearl Country Club from $84
Turtle Bay - Fazio Course from $94
Mililani Golf Club $99
Olomana Golf Links $99
Hawaii Kai Golf Course from $104
Turtle Bay - Palmer Course from $115
Makaha Resort & Golf Club from $119
Ko Olina Golf Club from $124
Waikele Golf Club $136
Royal Kunia Country Club $141
Ewa Beach Golf Club from $146
Hawaii Prince Golf Course from $151
Kapolei Golf Course from $157
The rates are per person rates include green fees & shared cart. Rates do not include course transfers or rental clubs and may be dependent on tee-time.

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We are back home and had a wonderful time in Maui…

Aloha Teresa;
We are back home and had a wonderful time in Maui... the beach wedding was perfect and all the activities you arranged for us were great. The surfing lessons with the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy and the Old Lahaina Luau you arranged were both wonderful! The Hyatt Regency Maui worked out great and we all enjoyed all it had to offer… the beach, pool, spa, restaurants, etc.

Thanks for all your help setting this up for us. We appreciate it and will be happy to share your name and contact information with others headed to Maui.
Thanks again.
Debbie

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The Feast at Lele is 1st Class Dining Hawaiian Style!

What could be better than spending an evening enjoying one of the most authentic Hawaiian luaus? My friend Petra and I were treated to a night out of island music, great food, drinks and entertainment at the Feast at Lele held beach-side at 505 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui. Whether you arrive by land or by sea - this is a special island treat.

The Feast at Lele is a first class luau under the stars, complete with intimate dining and white table linens - not the usual fare at most luaus. Every table had a great view of the dancers with the backdrop of the setting sun over West Maui. Couples enjoy individual table side service while feasting on 4 courses of local island cuisine and a very entertaining and educational trip thru the South Pacific. We tasted island cuisine from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and New Zealand while the dancers performed in traditional attire.

The grand finale is a spectacular fire/knife dancer - and you thought your job was tough! Open bar, including those fun and colorful drinks are included. It’s been ages since we enjoyed an “umbrella drink” so decided to have a chi-chi - which is a cocoanut, pineapple juice and vodka drink - delicious! A wonderful way to end the evening with a happy opu! (full tummy!)

If you too would like to enjoy the best Luau in Hawaii
Call Me at 1-800-644-6659
Your ‘See the South Pacific Specialist’ at Luxury Hideaways

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Fafa Island Resort, Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific & S.V. Seastar

I’ve discovered an exciting new resort and yacht charter company located in the Kingdom of Tonga. To fly to Tonga, you need to fly to the Fiji Islands then catch a connecting flight to the islands of Tonga.

Last summer some of my best/favorite clients spent a week on Fafa-Island Resort, Nuku’alofa, Kingdom Of Tonga, South Pacific and checked out the yacht S.V. Seastar for me.

Here is their report:

Fafa Island was beautiful and gave us the same feeling as we had in Matamanoa Island, Fiji. The kids really enjoyed it too and I’m so glad we went ahead with the trip.

I would definitely recommend the resort. It was so peaceful and beautiful and had all the comforts we needed. The food was very good and there was plenty of it. You are best to be on the meal plan. The outdoor bathrooms were amazing and very easy to feel comfortable with as they were very private from other guests. Most of the staff were Fijian, so you know that means they were warm, friendly and fun to talk to.

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