Author of Lonely Planet‘s Travel Photography, Richard I’Anson, and Australia’s Arkaba Station have partnered up to offer a five-day photography retreat in the Outback. The retreat includes a two night stay at a private homestead property in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia followed by two nights of camping in luxury “swags” and dining in the wilderness.
Viva Wyndham Resorts is creating a Quinceanera and Sweet 16 package, the Sweet Star package, available at all six of its properties throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. $350 per person (based on a 20-person maximum) allows guests a one night stay, hair and make-up appointment, bouquet of flowers, cake, ten photos, and the services of the onsite Viva Wyndham Resorts event coordinator. Family and guests will receive a private group check-in with welcome beverages, a fruit platter in the room, and a dinner reservation at one of the resort restaurants, complete with dance party. For reservations call 1-800-WYNDHAM.
Virgin Atlantic at New York JFK International Airport has opened a 10,000 square foot clubhouse available to upper class guests, which more than doubles the space of the existing clubhouse. The $7 million space, designed Slade Architecture, is themed as “Understatedly Uptown, Unmistakably New York” and features, “a cloud shaped cocktail bar, curving ‘wall’ of stainless steel rods and walnut fins.”
Ka’anapali Beach Hotel in Maui, a 432 room oceanfront hotel, is offering the “Best of the Beach Package” for $1,349. What does this big chunk of change get you? A four night stay in an ocean view room, compact rental car with valet parking, lunch for two at the poolside Tiki Grill, daily buffet breakfast for two, a cooler bag, two beach towels, two bottles of water each day, hula classes, nightly live entertainment, farewell Lei Ceremony, and your choice of snorkel gear rental or the use of an umbrella and two chaise lounges for two for three days (sorry, no plane tickets). Package valid now until January 4, 2013. To book call 800-262-8450. 2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, Hawaii 96761.
On Independence Day of 2013, the “largest observation” wheel in the Western Hemisphere, SkyVue, is set to open in Las Vegas. The foundation of the site, located directly across from Mandalay Bay, was set today – the project plans to offer more than 200,000 square feet of retail space and an additional 20,000 square feet for conventions.
The 500-foot tall structure will feature thirty-two, 24-person gondolas and two of the world’s largest HD LED Multi Media displays, each measuring 50,000 square feet. The climate-controlled gondolas will be rentable for private events and weddings (catering service included) or available in 30 minute rides that offer views of the city skyline.