We Live in a Visual World

“MIAMI TOURISM CARES” INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED: The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is spearheading an effort to support the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.   In cooperation with The American Red Cross, “Miami Tourism Cares” will provide immediate and long-term aid to Haiti. The multi-phase program launched February 1, 2010, incorporates immediate efforts to secure cash donations as well as longer term aid initiatives, with the cooperation of Miami tourism partners, residents and visitors. http://American.RedCross.org/GMCVB.

SUGARCANE RAW BAR GRILL OPENS IN MIDTOWN MIAMI:  Developed by the creators of SUSHISAMBA, SUGARCANE raw bar grill is inspired by international influences and South American spirit. Three distinct kitchens: robata, hot and raw bar unite for a fresh take on tradition and a unique culmination of flavor. Embarking on quest for the simple pleasures of life: eating well, kicking back and celebrating with friends – the concept focuses on a ‘shared experience’ through its tapas style menu: eclectic small plates, freshly muddled pitchers, and imported beers on tap. For more information about SUGARCANE raw bar grill, visit www.sugarcanerawbargrill.com.

WYNWOOD WALLS, A STREET ART MURAL PARK IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, THRU 2011: Wynwood Walls, an exciting new outdoor Street Art Mural Park, showcases the vibrant medium of street art and was curated to enhance the cultural experience in Miami.  The current group of artists, who create museum-quality art, used as their canvases 12 primed walls of buildings on the site, owned by Goldman Properties. Miami’s newest cultural destination will evolve, with 15 new murals by the best artists in the field and other enhancements planned over the next two years.  The current project encompasses murals by artists from Asia, Europe, Latin America and the United States.  Wynwood Walls is a partnership between Tony Goldman, of Goldman Properties, and Jeffrey Deitch, of Deitch Projects and is open to the, public free of charge, through 2011 and beyond.  The murals are dramatically illuminated during the evening hours and the main entrance to Wynwood Walls is at N.W. 25th Street and N.W. 2ndAvenue (next door to Joey’s Italian Café).

FORMER MAR-A-LAGO CLUB EXECUTIVE CHEF OPENS GIBRALTAR  AT GROVE ISLE HOTEL AND SPA:   Gibraltar at the Grove Isle Hotel and Spa has opened in the renovated Baleen space. At the helm of the spectacularly refurbished new indoor/outdoor waterfront restaurant at Grove Isle is rising star chef Jeff O’Neill, who has created a superb seafood forward menu that is bringing critical acclaim back to the beautiful landmark property. Previously executive chef at Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach and Donald Trump’s family chef, O’Neill is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.  At Gibraltar, O’Neill elevates the classic seafood-oriented menu with his signature style and technique, using the finest locally caught sustainable fish, succulent seafood, organic poultry, prime meats, and imported Italian pastas. Gibraltar is located at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, Four Grove Isle Drive in Coconut Grove, Florida. For more information about Gibraltrar, visit www.groveisle.com. 

A WATER FANTASEAS, INC. INTRODUCES THE 80’S SOLISTICE!: A Water Fantaseas, Inc. announced the arrival of their newest yacht, the 80′ Solstice. This luxurious yacht represents the ultimate on-the-water experience for up to 49 guests! The Solstice is a beautiful Hatteras yacht with custom designed interior, offering luxury accommodations, tastefully appointed decor, state-of-the-art electronics along with excellent service and style. The Solstice is the perfect choice for custom day charters focusing on water sports and on-the-water excitement where she becomes the ideal setting to enjoy waverunners, sea kayaks, and other exciting options such as snorkeling and swimming! Likewise, evening cocktail cruises and dinner event are just as phenomenal onboard with intimate seating areas on the spacious bow as well as inside the second-to-none salon. For more information, visit www.waterfantaseas.com.

MERCADITO: SPICES UP MIDTOWN MIAMI: With a creative, exciting new concept that seems tailor made for Miami’s trendy, multicultural mix, Mercadito Restaurants will unveil its first South Florida location in February 2010 at Midtown Miami.  Featuring innovative signature tacos made with homemade corn tortillas, delicious guacamoles and salsas, plus a full bar and lounge with hand-crafted cocktails; the sleek and stylish Mexican eatery, with critically acclaimed locations in New York City and Chicago, Mercadito Midtown embraces the seductive flavors of traditional Southern Mexican regional cuisine with one-of-a-kind interpretations by chef/partner Patricio Sandoval.  Modeled after Mexico’s version of farmer’s markets, Mercadito, Spanish for “little market,” is designed to appeal to the fashionable, savvy gourmet. The new Midtown restaurant encompasses striking 3-D style art murals by urban graffiti artist Erni Vales.  A lively lounge area and will boast a convivial bar and an outdoor patio.  For more information visit www.mercaditorestaurants.com.Calendar of Events:
FOOD NETWORK SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL         Feb. 25-28     www.sobewineandfoodfest.com
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL ORCHID SHOW                                        Feb. 26-28    www.southfloridaorchidsociety.org   

Greater Miami Covention Center & Visitors Bureau
701 Brickell Ave, St. 2700, Miami Fl 3313
 (305) 539-3000  (305) 539-3000 ;  (800) 933 8448  (800) 933 8448

Frankfurt’s shopping temple “MyZeil” celebrates its 1^st birthday and gets new surroundings Frankfurt, 24.02.2010 – Exclusive, trendy or extravagant; brand, chain or designer – fashion in Frankfurt is a varied and multi-faceted world. All these styles come together in the shopping and leisure centre “MyZeil”, which celebrates its 1^st birthday on 26.02.2010. The spectacular roof designed by Italian star architect Massimiliano Fuksas floods the centre with light and effortlessly spans its eight storeys, which are home to a cornucopia of familiar brands, regional suppliers and international labels. The most recent new addition, and one that is drawing enormous attention, is the first Hollister shop in continental Europe which is attracting hordes of customers to the centre.  “MyZeil” is situated on Frankfurt’s most popular shopping mile, the “Zeil”, to which the centre also owes its name. Not only are the most famous department stores represented here but also countless specialist shops offering an extensive range of buying opportunities. Together they make the Zeil one of the most popular and profitable shopping streets in Europe.  The Zeil has been lavishly refurbished over recent months to make it even more attractive. High quality paving and a completely new lighting concept now offer the citizens of Frankfurt and their guests undiluted shopping pleasure in an outstanding city centre location. Yet the most important trademark of the pedestrian zone has been retained – its four rows of sycamore trees. This decision was not just a recommendation by the project’s architects but also the result of a survey of shoppers conducted locally. Now the Zeil is the perfect place to stroll, look at the shop windows and – if your legs tire – find a comfortable place to rest under one of the shady trees at the heart of the pedestrian zone.  In the future, two new gastronomic pavilions will help to make the overall picture even more defined. The first has already opened and its name, “Weidenhof”, harks back to the grandmother of the city’s most famous son. Cornelia Schelhorn, later Goethe, ran one of the city’s most exclusive inns close to where the Zeil is today and bearing the same name. The motto of today’s “Weidenhof” is high quality but good value Frankfurt cuisine. The second pavilion at the eastern end of the pedestrian zone will have an international theme and is expected to open in the spring of this year.  The redevelopment of Frankfurt’s biggest shopping mile continues. A new traffic-free zone has been created at its western end with the closing of the Hauptwache square to vehicles. This area will be given a complete facelift over the coming years with a design based on the old look of the Hauptwache. This will also smooth the flow of shoppers to other shopping streets in the city centre – Goethe-Straße (the home of luxury brands) and Fressgass with its delicatessen shops and restaurants are connected almost directly to the Zeil via the Hauptwache. The shopping city of Frankfurt also offers antique shops and souvenir shops around the Römerberg as well as unique boutiques and local shops for explorers in other city districts, e.g. on Berger Straße in Bornheim or Schweizer Straße in Sachsenhausen. The completion of another major inner city building project that links directly onto the Zeil is expected this year. The “PalaisQuartier”, which also includes “MyZeil”, is a newly developed city quarter that includes the reconstruction of the historic Thurn and Taxis Palace as well as a new office and residential tower and the first Jumeirah Hotel in Germany. And its new connecting paths also give a piece of public space back to the citizenry of Frankfurt.

2010 ‘HOLDERS SEASON’ TAKES CENTER STAGEThe West Indies’ Premier Performing Arts Event of The Year Includes AnAll-Star Lineup Featuring a Tribute to Bing Crosby 

(BRIDGETOWN, Barbados), February 25, 2010 – The line-up for Barbados’ 2010 Holders Season, has been unveiled. Commonly regarded as the island’s “Biggest Social Event of the Year,” event organizers are gearing up for arts aficionados, celebrities and socialites who will flock to the annual event, which coincides with peak Polo season on Barbados. A variety of world-class music and arts performances, ranging from opera to comedy, are lined up for the 2010 Holders program which runs during March 18 – March 27, 2010.  Held at the breathtaking 17^th century Holders House in Barbados, the event has previously been graced by legends including: Pavarotti, Sir Tim Rice and Lesley Garrett.  Ticket prices start at $15 USD ($30 BBD) per person.   For more information on Holders Season and reservations visit: www.holders.net. For information on Barbados visit www.visitbarbados.org Holders Season is hosted by the gracious Wendy Kidd, owner of Holders House and mother to Jodie and Jemma Kidd – the UK’s sweetheart super-model and creator of Target’s new make-up line, currently taking the US by storm, respectively.  The festival is held in the extensive grounds of Wendy’s exquisite plantation-style home, the Holders House, where she regularly entertains British royalty and hosts countless Polo tournaments.  The 2010 Holders Season brings a wide range of festive sights and sounds; jazz, blues and classical music, theatre and comedy to die for.  Highlights include an evening with a Bing Crosby tribute by Ian Casey and Don Hunt and also a classical evening with pianist James Rhode, who is a young master that will mesmerize the audiences at the Holder’s House.  The new 2010 schedule of events is as follows: Thursday, March 18^th - The Great Hollywood Stars  

The silver screen comes to the Little Theatre.  Clive Hischhorn was the theatre critic for the UK’s Sunday Express from 1965 to 1996.  The author of numerous books on the great Hollywood studios and on some of the movie greats, Hirschhorn tells the extraordinary stories of the global phenomenon that is Hollywood and of some of its iconic figures across the decades – Garbo, Garland, Gene Kelly and many others – complete with extensive film clips. 

Friday, March 19^th - The Classical Piano with James Rhodes 

A young master of the classical piano who came to his instrument by the most unusual path by receiving no formal academic musical education or dedicated mentoring. James Rhodes dispenses with the ‘straitjacket’ approach to classical music.  On stage he interacts with his audience, sharing his thoughts on the music and the composers and focusing on the immersive experience that classical music can offer.  James invites you to join him in an evening of Bach, Beethoven and Banter.  A must hear! 

Saturday, March 20^th - Shakespeare - As you like him 

Actor Bruce Morrison conjures up the world of the bard - an evening in the company of some of William Shakespeare’s greatest speeches, most raucous humor, and highest tragedy. 

Monday, March 22^nd - A letter from Australia - with novelist Kathy Lette 

Linking in with the Lancaster Art Gallery’s show of Australian Aboriginal work, the Holders Season welcomes one of Australia’s wittiest and most successful authors, Kathy Lette. Having started life as a singer with The Salami Sisters, Kathy now divides her time between full time writer, demented mother, and trying to find a shopping trolley that doesn’t have a clubbed wheel. Kathy first achieved succés de scandale as a teenager with the novel Puberty Blues, now a major motion picture. Bring your funny bones…. 

Late in the Garden…The first of two opportunities to hear the extraordinary talents of Madagascan musician Modest Hugues – the annual Holders showcase of great African musical talents. 

Tuesday, March 23^rd - The Memory of Water 

The Gale Theatre of London and Barbados in association with the Holders Season presents a staged reading of ‘The Memory of Water’, an Olivier award winning comedy by Shelagh Stephenson.  A poignant, touching – and very funny – play about three sisters who convene for their mother’s funeral.  The production features Olivier award winning actress Suzan Sylvester amongst its cast and Calypsonian, Anderson “Blood” Armstrong.  Produced by Melissa Simmonds and directed by Thom Cross. 

Wednesday, March 24^th - A Tribute to Bing Crosby 

Following the huge success of An Evening with Frank Sinatra in 2009, Holders welcomes another of the greatest of all superstars, Bing Crosby. Bing, of course, can’t actually be with us, but top London West End artist Ian Casey can. Together with pianist and musical director Don Hunt - who worked with Crosby - play the music and tell the tales of an extraordinary phenomenon who sold over half a billion records. 

Late in the Garden…A second opportunity to hear the stunning music of Madagascan musician Modest Hugues. 

Friday, March 26^th - Jazz Double Bill - Ian Shaw and Liane Carroll 

Two fine international jazz artists parade their skills singly and severally - the hugely versatile Ian Shaw delivers his tributes to the likes of Joni Mitchell with bravura and panache, whilst fireball Lianne Carroll ’swings like hell one minute and is brutally heart breaking and expressive the next’. This will be a musical feast to savor. 

Saturday, March 27^th - Little Theatre Gala Night with Mica Paris/Kit & the Widow 

A magnificent double bill to close the season, the traditional Gala taking on a new and special shape. Picnicking around the pool will refresh the palate between two fantastic performance sets variously by Holders favorites Kit and the Widow, and chart topping UK soul/R ‘n B star Mica Paris with her band. Kit and the Widow have caused more howls of delight and hilarity than any act in Holders’ history, whilst Mica Paris is guaranteed to wind up proceedings with her mighty voice and personality to match. 

About BarbadosThe island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes, including The Crane beach, St. Philips, voted one of the world’s sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com.  Barbados is the first and only Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous athletic championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship-The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts. The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers non-stop and direct service from a Toronto daily on Air Canada and 9 times weekly in the winter and 2 flights weekly out of Montreal.  WestJet commenced service November 2, 2009 with 5 flights weekly via Toronto.  Barbados was voted #8 in the World by Trip Advisor’s ‘2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards’ in its Top 100 Destinations category.  Follow the Barbados beat and catch up on the latest news via the Barbados Facebook page at www.tinyurl.com/barbadosbeat and Twitter at www.twitter.com/barbadostourism.  For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org. 

NYC & COMPANY AND THE ACADEMY JOIN TOGETHER TO KICK OFF TICKET SALES FOR EXCLUSIVE OSCAR(r) SCREENING PARTY

-Tickets on Sale Now at Alice Tully Hall Box Office for Official March 7 Oscar Night(r) America Event at Lincoln Center-

-Celebrities, Academy Members and NYC Film Enthusiasts Expected to Attend Red Carpet Event -

New York City (February 18, 2010) - NYC & Company, the City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today kicked off ticket sales for an exclusive Oscars(r) reception and live viewing party on Sunday, March 7.  The official event takes place at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The public can buy tickets now by visiting Lincoln Center’s website at lincolncenter.org<http://www.lincolncenter.org/>, calling the box office at               212-721-6500         212-721-6500 or by stopping by in person at the Alice Tully Hall box office. Tickets can also be purchased via nycgo.com/oscarnight<http://www.nycgo.com/oscarnight>. The Oscars(r) screening is the first-ever opportunity for the public to formally salute New York City’s long-standing relationship with Hollywood while assisting the City’s cultural community through the NYC & Company Foundation.

“New York City is an iconic setting for many films-and this year the City is celebrating its special role by inviting residents and visitors to the first-ever official Oscar Night(r) and the City event March 7,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “This is a unique opportunity to get together with friends, family and colleagues to see the Oscars(r) in style at the stunning Alice Tully Hall while at the same time supporting a worthwhile cause.”

Tickets for the evening range from $150 for a “supporting role,” and $225 for a “starring role,” and include a cocktail reception starting at 7pm, followed by the live broadcast viewing at 8:30pm. Dress is cocktail attire.

During the Oscar Night and the City event, the Juilliard Jazz Ensemble will perform music from Oscar(r)-winning films.

Proceeds for the evening benefit the NYC & Company Foundation, whose mission is to support New York City tourism by promoting the arts and cultural organizations that make visiting the City a special and exciting experience.
NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information on visiting NYC, visit nycgo.com.

SIXTEEN OF NEW YORK CITY’S MOST STYLISH HOTELS WELCOME ARMORY ARTS WEEK VISITORS MARCH 2-7 WITH SPECIAL DEALS

- NYC & Company’s Style & Scene Hotels Offer Free Admission to The Armory Show, a Complimentary Bloomingdale’s VIP Shopping Envelope and More -

New York City (February 17, 2010)-NYC & Company, New York City’s official tourism, marketing and partnership organization today launched its Style & Scene collection of hotels in partnership with Armory Arts Week, which runs from March 2 to 7. Style & Scene hotels offer visitors added value during their stay in New York City: Guests who book a room through the Style & Scene promotion will receive complimentary admission to The Armory Show (March 4-7), a Bloomingdale’s VIP shopping envelope and other benefits from participating hotels.

“Every March we encourage visitors and New Yorkers alike to enjoy Armory Arts Week at a time when artists, galleries, collectors, critics and curators from all over the world make New York City their destination,” says George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “The Style & Scene hotel promotion highlights a distinctive collection of the City’s hotels while spotlighting the City’s thriving, world-class arts scene.”

Participating hotels include 6 Columbus - A Thompson Hotel, Ace Hotel, Chambers Hotel, Dream New York, Gild Hall - A Thompson Hotel, Le Parker Meridien, Night Hotel, the Soho Grand Hotel, Stay Hotel, The Time Hotel, the Tribeca Grand Hotel, W New York, W New York - The Court, W New York - The Tuscany, W New York - Times Square and W New York - Union Square.
In addition to a complimentary ticket to The Armory Show and a VIP shopping envelope from Bloomingdale’s (which includes a signature gift, a 15% all-day savings pass and more) presented upon check-in, hotel guests will also receive a custom Armory Arts Week map and event guide.

Other benefits include a 5% discount on the room rate with a one-night stay, a 10% discount on a two-night stay and a 15% discount on a three-night stay at the Dream New York, Night Hotel, Stay Hotel or The Time Hotel. Gild Hall - A Thompson Hotel is offering two complimentary drinks at the Libertine, and Le Parker Meridien New York is offering a special weekend rate of $245 and weekday rate of $375.

The Style & Scene promotion covers entry only to The Armory Show at Pier 92 and 94, March 4-7; it does not include admission to the roster of Armory Arts Week events taking place March 2-7.

Armory Arts Week is a premier art happening attracting some of the world’s most enthusiastic international and domestic collectors. New York City is home to more art collectors, galleries, first-class museums, critics and artists than any other city in the world. This weeklong celebration centers around The Armory Show, the world’s leading art fair devoted to the best art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Highlights of Armory Arts Week, which runs March 2-7, include Uptown & Museum Mile Day (March 2), SoHo Night (March 4), Long Island City Night (March 5), Chelsea Day and Brooklyn Night (March 6) and Lower East Side Day (March 7).

To book the Style & Scene promotion visit nycgo.com/styleandscene. For more information about what to see and do in New York City, visit nycgo.com.

About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information about what to see and do in New York City, visit nycgo.com. While in NYC, stop by the Official NYC Information Center at 810 Seventh Avenue (between West 52nd and West 53rd Streets), in Midtown Manhattan, to pick up visitor guides, maps and other travel information.

CANADIANS TRAVEL TO BARBADOS IN RECORD NUMBERS
Recession shows no sign of diminishing Canada’s relationship with Barbados  (Toronto, ON), February 17, 2010 – Canadians have made it clear that Barbados is one of their top choices when it comes to vacation destinations.  A total of 63,826 Canadians visited Barbados in 2009, boasting an 11.2 per cent increase from the previous year.   These record numbers are impressive considering how the economic recession caused so many people to cancel or postpone their travel plans last year.  The combination of discounted flights, new hotel and restaurant openings, and a host of new museums and attractions will help this growth continue through 2010.   “Canadians have been one of Barbados’ leading visitor markets for decades,” said Cheryl Carter, Senior Business Development Manager for the Barbados Tourism Authority.  “Several on-island properties cater specifically to Canadians and this has allowed the relationship between Barbados and Canada to flourish. Our strategic partnerships with Air Canada and WestJet have made travel to the island easier and more affordable than ever.”   This year, Air Canada is celebrating 60 years of flying to Barbados.  The airline currently provides daily direct service from Toronto (9 flights weekly) and twice-weekly direct flights from Montreal.  WestJet also offers non-stop flights from Toronto, five times a week.   Barbados boasts over 70 miles of white sandy beaches, a night life that is as diverse as it is exciting, unique activities and attractions, and a temperature that rarely drops below 26 degrees Celsius.  Whether it’s hiking the historical cane fields and tropical forests, learning to surf or play polo, taking in the culture of the coastal communities, relaxing at a spa or on the beach, or even getting married under water, Barbados has something for every Canadian.   What’s new for the 2010 Season? Ø      The 2010 Best of Barbados Guide is a great pocket resource for the newest restaurants, nightlife and island activities.  Barbados is the first and only island in the Caribbean with a Zagat guide - further proof of the island’s culinary excellence.  To receive a copy, call 1-888-BARBADOS.Ø      For $2,585 USD (including service tax per room), guests can enjoy three nights at the legendary Atlantis Hotel Barbados and four nights at Little Good Harbour.  The deal includes welcome drinks, continental breakfast, and a one-night dinner for two at the famous Fish Pot restaurant.  This offer runs until December 2010.  www.atlantishotelbarbados.comØ      The owner of Lancaster House has two exciting new galleries in the works.  The Old Pharmacy Gallery and the Art Barn will be home to four arts graduates, as working studios open to the public.  Ø      Chef LaurelAnn Morely of The Cove was recently named “one of the best chefs in the world.”  Reopened in December, The Cove is a local favourite for Sunday brunch.Ø      The newly opened Crickets Legends of Barbados Museum allows visitors to experience the history of the West Indian cricket greats.  Ø      Atlantis Submarines Barbados is offering wedding parties a 20% discount on regular rates.  Couples can create unique memories on their special day inside an Atlantis Submarine.  www.atlantissubmarines.com Ø      Every Sunday through December 2010, Hike Barbados allows visitors to experience the island in all its glory.  www.hikebarbados.comØ      Barbados Surf Trips offers accommodations for all budgets, including car rentals, surf tours, surf lesions, board rentals, airport meet and greet, island tours and even cell phone rentals.  www.surfbarbados.com To see for yourself why so many Canadians are choosing Barbados, please visit www.visitbarbados.org.

Barbados Tourism Authority

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes, including The Crane beach, St. Philips, voted one of the world’s sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com.  Barbados is the first and only Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous athletic championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship-The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts. The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via newly-launched Jet Blue, Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean.  Barbados was voted #8 in the World by Trip Advisor’s ‘2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards’ in its Top 100 Destinations category.  Follow the Barbados beat and catch up on the latest news via the Barbados Facebook page at www.tinyurl.com/barbadosbeat and Twitter at www.twitter.com/barbadostourism.  For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831. 

Fitness Interest Travel (FIT Tours) adds Cap Maison to
their Portfolio of Destinations

Week-Long FIT Tours
available at Saint Lucia’s Fashionable Boutique Hotel
Cap Estate, Saint Lucia, West Indies, February 17, 2010 — Fitness Interest Travel
(FIT) has added Cap Maison [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103053108431&s=8349&e=001W9sJ4rYhfLl5fID7ujkOau81McLOi1Zhc1criE_KM3APlwqaHZ7VUSZkNukzPfnz7wcjBRdaulsAp5s-spGOozsmKODNR2OGbbvhJQtblZEGJA9v11olQQ==],
Saint Lucia’s celebrated new boutique hotel, to its portfolio of diverse destinations
around the globe. Named a 2009 “Hot List” hotel by Condé Nast Traveler and a 2010
“Most Excellent Small Resort” by Condé Nast Johansen, Cap Maison is situated on
a stunning four-acre, private cliff-top estate, complete with a secluded beach and
panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.  For those booking one of FIT’s special week-long
stays, it’s the perfect spot to begin a lifetime of healthy traveling.
CM Massage [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103053108431&s=8349&e=001W9sJ4rYhfLmm38biuIc8iZFR-BWMExil0hMrvP9f4zhhq3SCiU8hHiYwJbmG0JzLX1yczDfkesCkh-ahwl2cpugQFkH690g-hrLrTiQ1EvjBhLFE9qDzZtQovGsoh35PYsMQdIobhVI=]FIT’s
launch trip to Cap Maison is scheduled for June 2010.  Developed by a team of nutritionists,
health and fitness experts, physicians and wellness specialists, the FIT trips to
Cap Maison are unlike any other wellness program because they help participants
establish positive habits for life, not just on their one big vacation of the year.
The program includes sessions to encourage physical and mental rejuvenation and
uses the natural resources of idyllic places like Saint Lucia to inspire and motivate.
 The miles of hiking trails near Cap Maison and the island’s lush tropical rainforests,
thrilling water adventures and abundance of organic produce are perfect components
for a healthy lifestyle.
“We look forward to welcoming FIT guests to Cap Maison,” says Ross Stevenson General
Manager.  “We are a great match for each other because the resort features all the
right services and amenities that support health and well-being.”
Since opening a year ago, guests have been drawn to Cap Maison for its relaxing,
 healthy features and peaceful seaside setting.  Spa Maison offers a full array
of massage and wellness treatments while the menu at Cliff at Cap restaurant is
based nearly 100% on island-grown, organic produce and fresh seafood.  Now, by joining
with FIT Tours, guests who need a little more structure to learn or keep their healthy
regime can quite literally have their cake and eat it too while on vacation.
“The FIT Tours goal is to provide an experience in which participants can explore
the spectacular island of Saint Lucia, while understanding the meaning of health
 through exciting and challenging physical activities. The end result is a newer,
stronger and healthier individual,” says David Lawrence, Director of FIT Tours.
After participants return home from Saint Lucia, they are actively supported by
FIT’s health coaches and extensive website, and by the inspiring memories of Cap
 Maison, where their fit lifestyle began.
To book a FIT week at Cap Maison, visit www.fitnesstouring.com [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103053108431&s=8349&e=001W9sJ4rYhfLnk7w-UfQUJ7Nz9snlUlNNSpSyrVtkgvx04vbtHVLlSbE0zX4Tms3rz4oai6jdBv81bTlJlD0TBZm6Sjf7W2ZxfZ0D3gh8jrAaYhdiZ3q1jXQ==]
or call               866-363-9773         866-363-9773 or               404-634-9206         404-634-9206.
Cap Maison

FIT Tours focuses on the power and wonder of
travel, an experience that takes people out of their everyday lives, placing
them in new and exciting surroundings without distractions. This experience
promotes open-mindedness and creates the perfect environment to learn, grow and
renew. For more information, visit www.fitnesstouring.com [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103053108431&s=8349&e=001W9sJ4rYhfLnbx85spAbiDWUVj0mWps-FKp7aboE5aV7u-NfkIv1ylwLdwn7Vn97scpdTfDW-TaVMrIaHy8UirB-Rk4BE6Egu7CGsKJC_f_ItXM7ELxdfRN2-w1skrTa4]or
call               866-363-9773         866-363-9773 or               404-634-9206         404-634-9206.

Cap Maison was
developed by two generations of the Gobat family, iconic names in Saint Lucian
hospitality known for their highly regarded resort developments on the island
and elsewhere in the Caribbean since
1972. Set on a stunning four-acre bluff
overlooking the azure sea, Cap Maison defines a new breed of hotel for Saint Lucia.
With its artful interiors for the 50 suites and guest rooms, the hotel features
a number of signature amenities that include Spa Maison [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103053108431&s=8349&e=001W9sJ4rYhfLmm38biuIc8iZFR-BWMExil0hMrvP9f4zhhq3SCiU8hHiYwJbmG0JzLX1yczDfkesCkh-ahwl2cpugQFkH690g-hrLrTiQ1EvjBhLFE9qDzZtQovGsoh35PYsMQdIobhVI=],
the stunning Cliff at Cap [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103053108431&s=8349&e=001W9sJ4rYhfLkGdSpAE6GtECf5Fz99z7z__vw2FsfImNtyJRS1QZErP4PsWf5Q1cWUZNMUIHFFasm5GNbAyfuENUKgM3t4-yb44SqHjP-i6jojprQ8N_knrA==]restaurant,
a private 46
foot luxury yacht and its popular Champagne Zip Line [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103053108431&s=8349&e=001W9sJ4rYhfLlbEwdGSN0cavP__1Pym1DYMrb8wj5EY06Uqu9UjQJNxlMheRqbXgY0A0_PYV-W9i6ACgquAjfDutJVJxjZ-RAqoeVuMKqvIXj999EZU2So4CtadGsSNNJbdhj7QePu3DrvPxs4fF3yPQ==]which
expresses cocktails down to Rock Maison, a dramatic cocktail area set
above the sea. For more information or reservations, visit www.capmaison.com [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103053108431&s=8349&e=001W9sJ4rYhfLkSgdygVNqNQ11sPQr7BV8zysPw3cinbf2lez5RUNMq1aPWm_lfBNF-fsUu2D-YP-rWjq07A3p24bZpVmUUYjP-zVHBQmBd1ZkN6SCrehoj9Q==]
or call (758) 457-8670.