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Americas State Parks Hosted First Day Hikes Nationwide to Kick Off 2012


Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 05, 2012

America’s State Parks stepped into 2012 in spectacular fashion with guided First Day Hikes across the country in all 50 states January 1st. From Florida to Alaska and Maine to California, over 14,000 people celebrated the New Year by hiking in a state park, choosing from 400 hikes sponsored by state park systems throughout the nation. In past years, many parks have offered special programs on New Years Day, however, this is the first time all 50 state park systems joined together as Americas State Parks to host First Day Hikes on January 1, 2012.

We thought that New Years Day was the perfect opportunity for people throughout the nation to start 2012 by connecting with nature, engaging in physical activity in our state parks and promoting healthy lifestyles all year long, said Ruth Coleman, President of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD). We are thrilled with the turnout for this inaugural event and hope that these hikes have inspired our visitors to continue hiking and recreating in our state parks throughout the year.

Physical activity and getting out in nature is essential to our well being, said Phil McKnelly, NASPDs Executive Director. Our state parks are the perfect backdrop for exercising and having fun, as well as enjoying the diversity of the natural resources that are a hallmark of our country.

The majority of hikes were moderate, appealing to a wide audience, yet some adventure seekers selected strenuous hikes to get their hearts pumping for the New Year! Nationwide, participants hiked over 30,000 miles, enjoying a diversity of landscapes and a variety of temperatures. Many spotted wildlife, experienced commanding views and learned some history of the parks they visited.

In Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick joined 84 hikers for a strenuous First Day Hike up Mount Greylock, the state’s first wilderness state park and the state’s highest peak. Across the state, at the Blue Hills Reservation, the Massachusetts state park where First Day Hikes originated 21 years ago, 1000 people joined ranger led hikes after signing a Naturally Healthy New Year Resolution. Participants pledged to engage in outdoor recreation in state parks and to eat locally grown and produced food products to promote good health.

In California, over 500 visitors who hiked in 25 state parks were treated to some unique sights. Fittingly, 16 people greeted 2012 at A

Funjet Vacations Offers Tips to Help Consumers Get Best Deals on 2012 Travel


Milwaukee, Wis. (PRWEB) November 06, 2011

Airline prices are projected to rise as much as 13% and popular destinations are booking up fast, so Funjet Vacations wants to help would-be travelers get the most for their money on 2012 travel. The leading provider of vacation packages offers some tips for finding the best deals, and announces one of its biggest sales so far. The Save Big or Stay Home sale launches Fri., November 4 with offers on travel throughout 2012 to a variety of destinations and hotels.

1. Book early for must haves Travelers looking for specific hotels, room types or flight schedules should book now. Funjet Vacations has seen a dramatic rise in advance planning, with bookings for June and July 2012 up as much as 90%. As a result, the most popular hotels and routes are filling up fast on peak travel dates, especially for the Caribbean.

Those worried that prices may dip lower should take the insurance. Funjets travel protection insurance offers a guaranteed low price, in addition to the ability to cancel or reschedule for any reason with cash back and no fees to change. Funjets insurance provides medical, baggage and emergency coverage throughout the trip and hurricane benefits.

Consumers who want to lock in a price, but need a few months to pay should look for unique payment options. Funjet allows bookings with as little as $ 50 down per person (based on the flight type and distance) via 1-800-4FUNJET.

2. Shop by exclusives rather than dates Most shoppers start with dates, but if they can be flexible theyll find the most unique deals and sales. Travel providers like Funjet Vacations add exclusive deals from hotel partners all the time. Great examples are the new exclusive rates Funjet has on Grand Palladium Resorts, and its Funjet-only Prestige Clubs at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana and Beach Palace Cancun.

Also, some vacation providers like Funjet buy out entire airplanes to provide exclusive non-stops between their most popular origins and destinations. This year, Funjet tripled its charter air service to the Caribbean due to increased demand. Check multiple departure and arrival date combinations to find these non-stop exclusive routes.

3. Look for flash deal travel dates and guarantees Many travel providers offer flash deals, or significant discounts on packages for a limited time, but often those deals can come with very limited travel windows. While travelers can get amazing prices if they can make a purchase on the fly, they should look for programs like Funjets new Daily Deals, which often boast more attractive travel dates and a price guarantee.

4. Widen your horizons The most popular destinations tend to book quickly, resulting in higher prices. Lesser-recognized destinations in the same regions can offer similar experiences and attractive flights.

For instance, while looking at Jamaica or Punta Cana, consider the Bahamas, Exumas or even Panama and Costa Rica. The Bahamas currently has an air credit that gives travelers up to $ 400 back for choosing that destination. While all of Mexico remains a good value, the western coast offers some great Funjet exclusives, not to mention the ocean sunsets. For popular domestic destinations such as Las Vegas and Orlando, consider staying a little farther away from attractions and driving in.

In addition to being a travel expert, Funjet Vacations offers 24/7 customer service with agents available to bring peace of mind before, during and after travel. Funjet also has unique tours and add-on options, including fast and easy express transport to and from the airport. Travel protection and ground transportation can be added to vacation packages during the booking process.

To learn about Funjet Vacations exclusive products and deals, visit http://www.Funjet.com, call 1-800-4FUNJET or work with your professional travel agent.

About Funjet Vacations

Funjet Vacations is the flagship brand of the family-owned Mark Travel Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee. Funjet Vacations is celebrating 37 years of business and specializes in providing customers with vacation packages that meet their needs, delivered with unparalleled customer care and at an exceptional value. Individual and group Funjet vacations are via nonstop charters and scheduled airlines to hundreds of destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Las Vegas, Hawaii, California, Florida, Asia and Europe. Travelers can choose from air-inclusive, hotel-only or air-only vacations and add tours, attractions, shows and more to their vacation packages to Do Something Theyll Never Forget.

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Registration Now Open For PubCon Paradise 2012 In Honolulu


Austin, TX (PRWEB) October 12, 2011

Registration is now open for PubCon Paradise 2012 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the premier new media and optimization conference, which will take place on February 14 – 15 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, with a full day of PubCon Masters Group professional search and social media training on February 13.

PubCon Paradise 2012 is going to feature one of the best groups of new media and optimization thought leaders that we’ve ever assembled, and we’re thrilled to open registration today at our lowest early-bird discount rates, PubCon founder and WebmasterWorld chief executive Brett Tabke said.

Join the savviest new media minds who will descend on PubCon Paradise 2012 and make sunny Honolulu the tropical center of the technology universe in February 2012.

With many of the world’s top technology and online marketing visionaries, PubCon Paradise 2012 is going to offer a truly unrivaled tropical conference scene, and we’re confident that attendees will take away more valuable new search and social media ideas and business solutions than ever before, all at surprisingly cost-effective rates, Tabke added.

PubCon truly starts where other new media and optimization conferences end, featuring a virtual who’s who of technology, and during our Hawaii conference in February we’ll have an impressive lineup in store for attendees, Tabke explained.

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than in Hawaii for PubCon Paradise 2012, the perfect opportunity for a romantic getaway before, during and after a top-quality leading-edge conference, and PubCon’s fair prices make bringing family along for a Hawaiian getaway more affordable than ever, Tabke added.

Supported by the industry’s leading businesses, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors involved in social media, Internet marketing, search engines, and online advertising, PubCon Paradise 2012 will offer an exciting exploration of the future of technology presented by many of the world’s top innovators.

With riveting and inspiring world-renowned keynote speakers, PubCon Paradise 2012 in Honolulu, Hawaii is a unique must-attend event for all corporate professionals and independent webmasters who are serious about staying ahead of the curve in the optimization and new media marketing industries.

PubCon Paradise 2012 will feature an expanded slate of the popular PubCon Masters Group training program and workshops, a day-long group of intensive educational training programs led by some of the industry’s most respected search and social media professionals.

Registration for PubCon Paradise 2012, featuring the key influencers who are shaping the future of the Web and new media, speaking in diverse multiple topic sub-conferences with many unique sessions, is now open and available at special early-bird rates that allow you to lock in our lowest prices by signing up today.

Learn more and register at http://www.pubcon.com

About PubCon

PubCon is a multi-track educational conference hosted by WebmasterWorld. PubCon, supported by the industry’s leading businesses, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors involved in social media, Internet marketing, search engines, and online advertising, offers an in-depth look at the future of technology presented by the world’s top speakers in provocative cutting-edge sessions.

For more information about the conference, contact Brett Tabke at 512-231-8107 or brett at webmasterworld.com

In the U.K., contact Neil Marshall at 512-231-8107 ext 106 or engine at webmasterworld.com

For more details about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, contact Strategic Marketing Director Joseph Morin at 512-231-8107 ext 104 or joe(at)pubcon(dot)com

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Travelocity Founder Terry Jones To Present Keynote At PubCon Hawaii 2012


Austin, TX (PRWEB) October 13, 2011

PubCon, the premier search and social media conference and expo, has announced that Travelocity founder, e-commerce pioneer and chairman of Kayak.com, Terry Jones, will present a keynote address during PubCon Paradise 2012 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the premier search and social media conference and expo taking place on February 13 – 15 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.

Web-pioneer Jones, former chief information officer at American Airlines / Sabre, operates highly-regarded consulting practice Essential Ideas, Inc., and as a venture capitalist and board member he has helped many large firms successfully use technology to attract and keep loyal customers.

Jones’ Travelocity revolutionized the airline ticketing and vacation industry, becoming one of the first profitable dot-coms.

Jones, a lively and exciting speaker, will share his unique insights into using social media and technology to successfully create and grow a thriving brand.

Having Jones present an innovative keynote address at PubCon Paradise 2012 will be a great opportunity for attendees of the world’s largest optimization and new media conferences to learn from one of the Web’s most successful voices, said PubCon and WebmasterWorld founder and chief executive Brett Tabke.

Jones, who took Travelocity from a team of ten in 1996 to becoming a multi-billion dollar public company, will share his fresh approach to social media marketing with PubCon conference-goers in a keynote certain to benefit everyone lucky enough to attend it, Tabke added.

Register now to hear Jones and other leading technology innovators in cutting-edge keynote speeches and sessions during PubCon Paradise 2012, and take advantage of special early bird conference pass pricing available for a limited time.

Learn more and register at http://www.pubcon.com

About PubCon

PubCon is a multi-track educational conference hosted by WebmasterWorld. PubCon, supported by the industry’s leading businesses, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors involved in social media, Internet marketing, search engines, and online advertising, offers an in-depth look at the future of technology presented by the world’s top speakers in provocative cutting-edge sessions.

For more information about the conference, contact Brett Tabke at 512-231-8107 or brett at webmasterworld.com

In the U.K., contact Neil Marshall at 512-231-8107 ext 106 or engine at webmasterworld.com

For more details about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, contact Strategic Marketing Director Joseph Morin at 512-231-8107 ext 104 or joe at pubcon.com

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UnMarketing’s Scott Stratten To Present Keynote At PubCon Hawaii 2012


Austin, TX (PRWEB) October 18, 2011

PubCon, the premier search and social media conference and expo, has announced that social media firm UnMarketing’s president and popular online marketing personality Scott Stratten will present a keynote address during PubCon Paradise 2012 in Honolulu, Hawaii, taking place on February 13 – 15 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.

Stratten is an internationally-respected marketing expert who has successfully combined viral and social media with what he calls authentic marketing to form his unique UnMarketing strategy.

Having Stratten present a fresh and eye-opening keynote address at PubCon Paradise 2012 will be a great opportunity for attendees of the world’s largest optimization and new media conferences to learn from one of Twitter’s biggest influencers, said PubCon and WebmasterWorld founder and chief executive Brett Tabke.

Stratten, who has more than 103,000 followers on Twitter, will share his fresh approach to social and viral media marketing with PubCon conference-goers in a keynote certain to benefit everyone lucky enough to attend it, Tabke added.

Stratten’s best-selling book, “UnMarketing: Stop Marketing. Start Engaging,” has been named one of the top business books of the year by 1-800-CEO READ and a top-ten book of 2010 by Under30CEO.com.

Featured in publications including The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, CNN.com, Entrepreneur Magazine and USA Today, Stratten is among the top influencers on Twitter, and his clients’ viral marketing videos have been seen more than 60 million times, including one the National Football League’s Chicago Bears cited as the team’s biggest motivator as it made a bid for the Super Bowl.

PubCon Paradise 2012 attendees will hear the always-enthusiastic Stratten share some of the latest “Stop marketing. Start engaging” innovations that have propelled his brisk rise to social media marketing success a journey that recently included being named one of Business Review USA’s “America’s 10 Marketing Gurus.”

As the founder of Ontario-based UnMarketing, Stratten and his team have been responsible for numerous Web hits including “The Dash Movie,” “The Time Movie,” and the “I’m Breaking Up With The Leafs” video.

Stratten has been a favorite among PubCon attendees during his several previous appearances, and we’re delighted to have him present a keynote during PubCon Paradise 2012, Tabke said.

A smart audience who engage, enjoy and are fellow geeks? Bring it on! Stratten said.

Hear Stratten and other leading technology innovators in cutting-edge keynote speeches and sessions during PubCon Paradise 2012, and take advantage of special early bird conference pass pricing available for a limited time.

Learn more and register at http://www.pubcon.com.

About PubCon

PubCon is a multi-track educational conference hosted by WebmasterWorld. PubCon, supported by the industry’s leading businesses, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors involved in social media, Internet marketing, search engines, and online advertising, offers an in-depth look at the future of technology presented by the world’s top speakers in provocative cutting-edge sessions.

For more information about the conference, contact Brett Tabke at 512-231-8107 or brett(at)webmasterworld(dot)com.

In the U.K., contact Neil Marshall at 512-231-8107 ext 106 or engine at webmasterworld.com

For more details about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, contact Strategic Marketing Director Joseph Morin at 512-231-8107 ext 104 or joe(at)pubcon(dot)com.

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Pure Entertainment Group Unwraps 8 Luxury Travel Experiences this Valentines Day 2012


(PRWEB) December 20, 2011

Think outside the box of chocolates and offer the one you love an enchanting moment in time this Valentines Day 2012. Bespoke luxury travel concierge Pure Entertainment Group has teamed up with cupid this year to bring discerning travelers some of the most romantic Valentines Day vacations:

1)

Players Towel Golf Towel Named Official Towel of the Sony Open for 2012, 2013 and 2014


Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) January 09, 2012

Players Towel Golf Towels, featuring high performance microfiber waffle technology, has been named the official towel of the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Sony Open in Hawaii.

We are proud that the Players Towel has been named the official towel of the Sony Open in Hawaii for the next three years, said Patrick Le Vine, founder of the Players Towel. The Sony Open is a great contributor to many local charities and we feel fortunate to be able support the tournament in its community involvement.

As the worlds best players compete in the PGA Tours first full field event of the year, the Players Towel will build on its dominant 2011 season which included 20 wins on the PGA and LPGA tours, including two majors. The Players Towel has been the clear choice for the worlds best players and their caddies seeking the ultimate in a performance golf towel, added Le Vine. The 3 year agreement as the official towel for the Sony Open in Hawaii demonstrates a long term commitment by both parties and reinforces the Players Towel as the leader in its category and a brand recognized by both players and caddies alike as the ultimate in absorption and protection from moisture and debris.

About Players Towel-The Games Leading Performance Golf Towel

Used by the games top players, the Players Towel has quickly become the golf towels of choice among the worlds best players and has shown up on the winners bag in all the major tours and majors including: the U.S. Open, The Masters, WGC Championship, Evian Masters and the PGA and LPGA Tour Championships. Designed by a former tour caddie, Players Towels microfiber technology provides the best absorption and cleaning characteristics available on the market allowing for optimal groove cleaning, absorption and durability. While traditional heavy cotton cloth towels push dirt and moisture around, the Players Towel microfiber technology picks up dirt and moisture, holding it in the cloth and off the equipment, resulting in cleaner, dryer equipment and enhanced player performance. Available in custom logos, signatures, colors and an optional Putterslit, Players Towel is an essential part of ones golf game and makes an ideal tee gift for corporate, charity and club outings. Players Towels are sold on line at PlayersTowel.com and at leading pro-shops and resorts around the world.

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Entrepreneur Magazine Ranks Maui Wowi Hawaiian as a 2012 Low-Cost Franchise


Greenwood Village, CO (PRWEB) January 12, 2012

Maui Wowi Hawaiian, http://www.mauiwowifranchise.com, celebrating 30 years as a fresh fruit smoothie and premium gourmet coffee company, was recently ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as #83 on the 2012 Low-Cost Franchises list released earlier this month in the 33rd annual edition. The list is comprised of the top franchises that can be started for under $ 50,000. Adding to this honor, Maui Wowi Hawaiian was included in the Top 500 Franchises in America.

We are honored to be a part of Entrepreneur Magazines Top 500 Franchises and it is a great privilege to also be recognized as a low-cost franchise, said Director of Global Franchise Development, Justin Livingston. We strive to give our franchisees an affordable franchise option that fits the right business model to their lifestyle. Maui Wowi Hawaiian offers multiple business models that include mobile event units and mall kiosks to make the dream of owning your own business more attainable.

This is Maui Wowis first year ranking as a Low-Cost Franchise but has appeared on the Top 500 Franchises list numerous times. With the companys global expansion and its commitment to quality products and service, its one franchise to keep your eye on in the years to come.

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies:

Before the days of big Hawaiian resort hotels and fiberglass surfboards, surfers spent long, lazy days partaking in the tasty waves of the North Shore beaches. As the legends of the surfers grew, many were drawn to the healthy, carefree lifestyle of Hawaii. Since 1982, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has been spreading the Aloha Spirit across the world with its premium Hawaiian coffees, all-natural fresh fruit smoothies and authentic Hawaiian products. From event carts, mall kiosks and stand-alone retail locations, Maui Wowi Hawaiian operates 575 locations worldwide. For more information about Maui Wowi Hawaiians flexible, low cost franchising opportunities, visit http://www.mauiwowifranchise.com

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2012 Cruise Trends: Substantial Cruise Savings Remain in Caribbean and Mediterranean


Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) January 06, 2012

Cruise prices remain in consumers favor going into 2012, according to the Cruise Holidays 2012 Cruise Trends survey, with prices to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean still averaging lower than they were in 2008, 2009 and 2010. However, prices to these destinations have actually risen slightly since 2011, which is seen as a positive trend overall by the cruise industry because it demonstrates increased demand for travel.

Additionally, Celebrity Cruises boasts the most popular new ship for 2012, according to Cruise Holidays cruise experts across North America.

These are just two of the more noteworthy trends coming out of the Cruise Holidays 2012 Cruise Trends survey, which is based on actual bookings from Cruise Holidays proprietary booking system, as well as from a supplementary opinion survey taken by 118 Cruise Holidays owners and agents. The bookings include any staterooms booked by Cruise Holidays in 2011 for any cruises slated to begin in 2012.

Most Popular Ships:

Celebritys Solstice Class & New European River Ships Capture Cruisers Hearts

In this year’s survey, Cruise Holidays experts voted the fifth and final Solstice-class ship, Celebrity Reflection, as the ship they are most anticipating for 2012. Reflection will sport an additional deck compared to previous Solstice-class ships, with three new types of suites, and more than 50 international craft beers in its enhanced “Michael’s Club.” Reflection will do a short series of European itineraries when it debuts in October, then will cross the Atlantic to cruise the Eastern Caribbean.

The second most popular ship expected in 2012 is an upscale river cruise ship: AmaWaterways Amacerto. The Amacerto is a 164-passenger ship that will mark its inaugural cruise with a cruise through Holland and Belgium this April. Thereafter, it will sail some of AmaWaterways most popular itineraries, with frequent visits to Prague, Nuremburg, Budapest, Vienna and more. The Amacerto features extra-spacious suites, deluxe hotel-style bedding, and a heated sun deck swimming pool.

Rounding out the top five in the survey of most popular ships for 2012 are the Disney Fantasy, Oceania Cruises Riviera and Viking River Cruises Freya, also a river-cruise ship.

Top Cruise Destinations

The top 10 cruise destinations for 2012, based on bookings made in 2011, are as follows:

1. Caribbean (includes Bahamas)

2. Europe (includes Med, Baltic, Scandinavia and Greek Isles

3. Alaska

4. Bermuda

5. Hawaii

6. Panama Canal

7. Mexican Riviera

8. Trans-Atlantic

9. Canada/New England

10. South Pacific

Value in Caribbean & Europe

Cruise Holidays experts predict the best cruise values will also remain in the Caribbean and Europe. These two regions are the clear-cut leaders when it comes to the bang for the buck that a cruise vacation can provide, stated Schiffner. On the flip side, with fewer cruisers turning to the Mexican Riviera as a top vacation choice, its value proposition is increasing. Mexicos famed Gold Coast is pulling out all the stops to showcase its world-class beach communities, which depend on tourism for their livelihood, added Schiffner. The top five cruise value leaders are as follows:

1. (tie) Caribbean

1. (tie) Europe

3. Alaska/Pacific Northwest

4. Mexican Riviera

5. Other (including Hawaii, Bermuda, Asia, South America and Dubai)

6. Trans-Atlantic

Cruise Holidays is the most successful cruise-specialty retail franchise in North America, with stores and virtual offices in both the United States and Canada. Cruise Holidays is also a distinguished provider of land tour vacation packages. Founded in 1984, Cruise Holidays is part of Travel Leaders Group. With approximately 30% of all travel agencies in the U.S. and Canada under its umbrella, Travel Leaders Group serves millions of individual leisure travelers, as well as select corporate clients and destinations.

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DPA to Pamper Stars, Nominees and Presenters the Week of the Golden Globes 2012

Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) January 09, 2012

On Awards weekend, From January 12th to January 14th, 2012, Nathalie Dubois and DPA will be introducing to the stars new brands or newest items from all over the globe in her famous DPA gift lounge at the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive.

Recreating a fashion studio in one of the suites, DPA chooses very unique designers in different part of the world: Luxury Brazilian Barbara Belas Evening dresses, with plenty of ultra sophisticated embroidered pieces, will be very coveted by the female guests, for their red carpet appearances. Norwegian fashion designer Cecilie Melli combines classic silhouettes with exclusive details, giving sober Scandinavian design a continental look. The womens wear, and cocktail dresses are famous for their simplicity and fine details. The Cecilie Melli accessories include products like earrings, silk shawls, rings, bracelets, handbags and necklaces. The most recent project is the design and manufacturing of fish skin bags, which is a beautiful and sustainable material, perfect for sophisticated fashion products. Steffi Crown LTD is a high fashion label based in London, famous for unique prints, puny elements and tailored classics for fearless women. Eva Varro, favorite of stars such as Eva Longoria or Angela Basset in Hollywood will be back with its fabulous designs, offering some of its new looks for spring2012. Marchon, always present worldwide in DPA most prestigious gift lounges, will launch new sunglasses from one of the Top Italian designers. Tecumseh Canada will make us remember that winter is not gone, bringing a wide selection of Products, which includes fur gloves, fur hats, traditional wool and leather lined moccasins, and their world famous wool lined Mukluks! CovFurs the high quality slipcovers for your boots will be generous to the guests, offering faux fur boots slipcovers and scarves. Djihan Jewellery By Jihan Alama, from Lebanon, will bring a touch of high luxury, lending diamonds and precious stones creations to stars. Princesses all around the globes have worn her fabulous jewellery, and she is famous for her exquisite collection.

In the second suite, the Spa will feature some of the best of beauty treatments and beauty products. DPA is very proud to introduce in its suite vbeaut