Untitled - The Chefs Toolbox
Transcription
Untitled - The Chefs Toolbox
Contents Page Pre-Option – 4 nights in Los Angeles Los Angeles – Information 2 Los Angeles – Sights, Activities & Tours 3 Los Angeles – Shopping 8 Los Angeles – Accommodation Options 9 Los Angeles – Sample Itineraries 11 Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico Cancun – Information 12 Cancun – The Beach Palace Resort 13 Cancun – Optional Activities 14 Cancun – Group Activities 16 Cancun – After Dark! 17 Cancun – Shopping 18 Seminar itinerary 19 Quick Reference Guide 23 General Travel Information 23 Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 1 Los Angeles - “Welcome to Hollywood baby!” Welcome to sunny Los Angeles, a shiny city of reinvention where small talk always starts with a question: ‘Where are you from?’ The city is an energetic buzz – a perpetual in-flow of dreamers, gogetters and hustlers primed with unabashed optimism. Where else could an English acrobat named Archibald Leach become debonair Cary Grant? Or an Austrian bodybuilder lift his way from Muscle Beach to the governor’s mansion? Even the water’s from someplace else, imported almost a century ago after DWP chief William Mulholland opened the gates of his 233-mile aqueduct and millions of gallons rushed into the city. His words to the crowd? ‘There it is. Take it.’ The crowd took, and the hustle hasn’t stopped since. Screenwriters pitch in the shadows of the Hollywood sign. Surfers squint for the choicest Malibu wave. Then there are the true dream-chasers, the eternal optimists who join the line at Pink’s – willing to wait hours for a bite of the perfect chili dog. Don’t care for hot dogs? A few steps away are the healthy macrobiotic delights of M Café de Chaya, where a hot dog would be met with gasps of Juicy Coutured horror. But that’s LA – a bustling mash-up of culture, community and cuisine, where clubsdu-jour lurk beside old-school delis, ramshackle markets wobble near gleaming malls, palm trees sway over car-carrying rivers, and renowned museums preen beside bubbling tar pits. As for the city portrayed in Oscar-winning Crash, LA’s not quite so angry – everybody’s too busy chattering on cells, checking iPhone’s or downward dogging to worry about the next guy. Unless it’s a casting agent, of course. Yes, the city runs a little thick on superficiality, self-absorption and sunshine, but c’mon, isn’t that the point? Have fun. Reinvent. Shop. Hike. Surf. Party. LA is yours to grab. To paraphrase Mulholland: ‘There it is. Go for it.’ Top 5 MUST-DO things in Los Angeles 1. Hollywood & Hollywood sign 2. Amusement Parks – Disneyland & Universal Studios 3. Beverley Hills 4. Santa Monica / Venice Beach 5. SHOP! Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 2 Los Angeles – Sights, Activities & Tours Hollywood sign During your visit to Hollywood, you will have various opportunities to view the world famous Hollywood Sign! You can take a shuttle to some view points, or go on a guided tour that includes a view of the sign from an overlook of the city on Mulholland Drive. Beverley Hills Although it only spans 5.7 square miles, this little city is a world-class destination, attracting millions of visitors each year who are hoping to take some of its glitz and glamour home with them. Visitors from around the world frequent Beverly Hills in droves, searching for stars and frequenting its chichi stores, boutiques and eateries. Living up to its illustrious reputation, the city offers an exceptional selection of fivestar hotels. Griffith Observatory You could happily spend a few hours browsing around the Griffith Observatory. There's the popular Hall of the Sky and Hall of the Eye, a pair of complementary displays that explores the connections between people and space. The star attraction is the building itself, which was featured in the film Rebel Without a Cause. La Brea Tar Pits The world's most famous Ice Age fossil excavation site is located in the heart of Los Angeles! Until 11,000 years ago Los Angeles was teeming with wildlife. Though many smaller species still survive, most of the large and exotic mammals became extinct. Explore prehistoric Los Angeles through fossils captured by the La Brea Tar Pits. Malibu Attractions in Malibu including Oceanside restaurants, museums, beaches, wineries that have tasting rooms and more. PLUS you never know which celebrity you may bump into, with many A-listers living right on the beachfront! Get your star spotter goggle out Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 3 Santa Monica Where can you go to experience the excitement of Southern California, the lure of the big city, and the peacefulness of a trip to the seashore - all in one visit? The answer is Santa Monica, the Los Angeles area's true "urban" beach. For decades, Santa Monica has been "the" beach for those that live in and around the city of Los Angeles, including top-name stars in the movie and television industry. That's not to say, however, that Santa Monica can't be enjoyed by the average person. This vibrant beach community opens its arms to everyone and is close to most of Southern California's best attractions, making it easy to include on your itinerary - in between trips to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Hollywood, and other top tourist sites. Santa Monica Pier: This is where you'll find the famous neon Santa Monica sign, often seen in movies and television. The Santa Monica Pier is home to an oldfashioned amusement park (Pacific Park), which boasts a number of historic rides as well as the first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Along Ocean Avenue, there's an abundance of art galleries, upscale eateries, and beautiful Palisades Park, which sits on the bluffs providing a stunning view of the ocean. Third Street Promenade: A visit to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica is more than a shopping experience. You'll stroll down the middle of a street that was closed to vehicular traffic years ago. Now pedestrians rule the road, at least within this three block stretch located within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Bordered by the Santa Monica Place shopping mall to the south, and busy Wilshire Boulevard to the north, Third Street is lined with a variety of shops ranging from traditional to unusual. Clothing outlets and stores prevail, sprinkled amongst specialty shops, book stores, gift shops, restaurants and coffee shops. Venice Beach: People watch, shop, and be entertained a visit on the Venice Beach boardwalk is not to be missed! Stretching about one and half miles along the manicured sands of the Pacific Ocean, the boardwalk is a large part of what makes Venice unique. On the west side of the “walk” are hundreds of street vendors and performers. You can see everything from break-dancing to broken glass walking. Mimes to musicians, jugglers to jesters and everything in between make up the human landscape. You can have your fortune read, get a temporary tattoo or have your name written on a grain of rice. And don’t forget the famous “Muscle Beach” where the ‘Terminator’ trained before becoming famous as a body builder and later a Hollywood mega movie star and Governor of Californian. Tip: Bring plenty of $1 dollar bills when you walk along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. If you watch an entire performer’s show or appreciate an artist’s work, please leave a tip. They work very hard to make your stay enjoyable at Venice Beach. Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 4 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood attracts millions of visitors each year who travel there to pay homage to their favourite stars and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a few famous personalities. Chinese Theatre: Hosts many film premieres. One of its attractions is the famous cement forecourt containing hand and footprints of numerous screen legends, including John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland and Jack Nicholson, to name a few. Since its opening in May 1927, millions of movie patrons and visitors to Hollywood have been drawn to the theatre. Dolby Theatre: Is the crown jewel of the Hollywood & Highland Centre retail, dining and entertainment complex located in the heart of Hollywood. The 3,400 seat theatre opened in November 2001 and soon thereafter became known to more than one billion people across the globe as the first permanent home of the Academy Awards. Egyptian Theatre: offers behind-the-scenes look at making movies called "Forever Hollywood." El Capitan Theatre: In 1989, The Walt Disney Company joined forces with Pacific Theatres to begin a two-year archaeological dig, which led to a museum-quality restoration of the legendary El Capitan Theatre which now hosts live stage shows, world premieres, and other special events that have helped restore showmanship to Hollywood Boulevard. Golden Age Theatre: Readings and theatrical performances of L. Ron Hubbard's fiction stories from a variety of genres, including science fiction, fantasy, western, mystery, thriller, horror, romance and others. The theatre is located near Madame Tussaud's, across the street from the Roosevelt Hotel. You can view videos of prior performances at the website. Guinness Book of Records Museum: This curio museum is based on the book of the same name. At Ripley's website you can get a combination admission pass that lets you in to Ripley's, Guinness and the Hollywood Wax Museum (across the street). Hollywood Museum: See costumes, memorabilia and props from famous movies and shows such as W.C. Field's famous top hat and Pee-Wee Herman's original red bicycle from "Pee Wee's Big Adventure", as well as revolving exhibits from recent shows. The Hollywood Museum contains over 10,000 exhibits within 35,000 square feet on four floors of the Max Factor building. You'll also see where Marilyn Monroe and Lucille Ball had their hair dyed! Jimmy Kimmel Live: Late-night comedy talk show host Jimmy Kimmel appears at El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Topics include comedy routines, daily monologue, plus appearances from celebrities, athletes, musicians and comedians. Larry Edmunds Bookshop: on Hollywood Boulevard since 1938, when bookshops were a common fixture in Hollywood. Located across the street from Musso and Frank's Deli, this book store features anything they can find that's related to Hollywood - movie posters, photos, scripts, music sheets, cinema reference resources, and of course, real paper books! Larry Edmunds Bookshop also hosts celebrity events and book signings. Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 5 Madame Tussauds Hollywood: Located adjacent to the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, Madame Tussauds Hollywood is an immersive attraction where guests can interact with their favourite celebrities without velvet ropes or barriers between them, stepping into elaborate interactive sets - as if they are playing the role of a supporting actor or actress. Pantages Theatre: is recognized for its art deco motif, and features Broadway musicals, dance performances and concerts. Ripley's Believe It or Not: This "odditorium" features over a dozen galleries spanning two floors of the building. There are hundreds of interesting and unusual exhibits that were collected from around the world by Robert Ripley for his Odditoriums. At Ripley's Believe It or Not! you can see modern-day oddities, as well as the unusual exhibits that fascinated the nation during the 1930's and 1940's, and more recently inspired a hit TV series. They completed a massive renovation in December 2011, adding hundreds of new exhibits, including new interactive displays. There are some exhibits in the lobby that you can look at for free, such as telephone book carvings of Clint Eastwood, Frank Sinatra and other celebrities. You can get a combination admission pass that lets you in to Ripley's, Guinness and the Hollywood Wax Museum (across the street). Walk of Fame: Step onto the sidewalk anywhere on famed Hollywood Boulevard and you'll certainly see a number of stars... the bronze ones on the sidewalk, that is. The Walk of Fame was inaugurated in 1960 when 2,500 blank stars were placed along the main thoroughfare. Since that time, more than 2,300 have been emblazoned with the names of famous personalities who've left their mark in the fields of radio, television, motion pictures, recording, and live performance. A small symbol on each star indicates for which field the person is being honoured. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce chooses the honourees each year after a long nomination process. Hundreds of nominations are made annually, but only a handful of them are chosen. Also, a celebrity can have more than one star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For example, old cowboy star Gene Autry has one star for each available category! When an honoured celebrity dies, it's traditional to leave flowers or other mementos by his/her star. Our 5 STAR Sightseeing Tours TMZ Tour You may have seen TMZ on TV – now see what they get up to in person on a TMZ Hollywood tour! See the hottest spots in Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip where celebrities go to play. Hear inside information and never revealed details about Hollywood celebs, and the stories that TMZ made famous. Tour guides direct from TMZ on TV, on the look-out and ready to film celebrities. StarLine Hop on & Hop off Bus StarLine is the only Hop-On, Hop-Off narrated tour that enables you to see all Los Angeles has to offer from Hollywood to Beverly Hills, the beautiful landscape and beaches of Santa Monica to Downtown LA. Purchase a 24 hour, 48 hour or 72 hour pass and enjoy the freedom to experience Los Angeles on your terms. For example, hop on in Hollywood, hop off in Beverly Hills to shop, hop back on and head to Santa Monica to walk the pier and beaches and hop back on to come back and experience Hollywood and Downtown LA. Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 6 Amusement Parks Southern California is home to a number of world-famous theme parks, including Universal Studios, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and Magic Mountain. Universal Studios Hollywood: The world-famous movie studio and theme park featuring movie studios, tours, attractions, rides, restaurants and more. The movie studio tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at special effects and movie-making techniques. The rides and attractions are based on major movies that have been produced by Universal Studios. Magic Mountain: If you like roller coasters then you'll love Magic Mountain. The emphasis is on thrill rides, and some of them are heart-pounders! The park also offers theme attractions, carnival games, arcades, food, shows and more opportunities for an entire day of thrills and fun. Aquarium of the Pacific: Features ocean-based exhibits and marine life of the Pacific Ocean. You can explore the various ocean habitats of Southern California, Baja California, and the frigid waters of the North Pacific and the colourful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Come face-to-face with, and even touch, the ocean's ultimate predators in Shark Lagoon and hand feed lorikeet birds. Disneyland: Southern California's most popular amusement park. Emphasis on theme attractions and rides. Disneyland is a "must see" attraction. You will feel the magic of Disneyland as soon as you enter the park! Plan on spending a whole day (or longer, if possible). Disney's California Adventure: Disneyland's sister park is located near the main gate of Disneyland. Come celebrate the fun and adventures of California -- Disney style! You'll be immersed in the California spirit through the magic of Hollywood, the thrills of a beachfront boardwalk and the adventures of the great outdoors. You can visit California Adventure in one day or less, so a 2-day Park Hopper lets you enjoy both parks and gives you extra time to explore Disneyland. Knott's Berry Farm: Large theme park with an emphasis on theme attractions and rides. There is an adjacent shopping district that you can visit for free. Some thrill rides. If you like slower rides where you can look at animated characters and other scenarios, try Knott's. This is a good place for kids. The park and the shopping district follow an old western (cowboy) theme, plus features Snoopy and other Peanuts characters. Soak City: Located next to Knott's Berry Farm theme park, Soak City is one of Southern California's largest water parks. High-speed slides, 4-person rafts, singlerider inner tube slides, enclosed slide flumes, a lazy river, wave pool, and a family fun house featuring a variety of water activities. Speedzone: a park built around speed and competition, incorporates real racing action, indoor interactive entertainment and great food to create a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. Situated on approximately 12 acres of land. Pilot a NHRA Top Fuel Dragster, spin wildly in a go-kart on the finely polished concrete surface Slick Track, race Grand Prix cars and more. Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 7 Los Angeles – Shopping!!! Los Angeles is a world-class premium shopping destination. Not only do we have a variety of stores to suit every taste and budget; we also have several different types of shopping venues. Here's a comprehensive and up-to-date list of LA-area malls, shopping districts (such as the Grove and Third Street Promenade) and open-air markets, organized by location. It includes factory outlets and farmers markets. Money Saving Tip: You don't have to buy anything! "Window shopping" is a pastime that appeals to residents and tourists alike! Enjoy! Factory Outlets TIPS: 1. Coupons: Download and print off your coupons before you leave home to get MORE additional discounts! OR purchase a discount booklet for $5 from the centre manager. 2. Register online: Register online to get updates on all the upcoming offers before you leave home. Citadel Outlets 100 Citadel Drive, Los Angeles. CA 90040 http://www.citadeloutlets.com/ Hours: Mon-Sun: 10am-9pm Citadel Outlet Shopping Centre is known as Southern California's most convenient and attractive outlet shopping destination, with more than 115 brand name stores at 30% - 70% off retail prices! Citadel is conveniently located off Interstate 5 at Atlantic Blvd. North and easy to reach from these greater Los Angeles area international and local airports. Citadel Outlets is conveniently located just minutes from Downtown LA and approximately 3035 minutes from Hollywood. Camarillo Premium Outlets 740 E. Ventura Boulevard. Camarillo, CA 93010 http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=20 Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 10am-8pm With over 160 outlet stores you will find impressive savings all year round! Some of the stores include; Adidas, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Guess, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion Brand Jeans and more. Located 1hour & 20 minutes from Hollywood and it is recommended that you arrange a shuttle service or hire a car as it is quite a distance away from Hollywood. Shopping Centres Westfield Century City Shopping Centre: 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Beverley Centre: 8500 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048 The Grove: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Hollywood Boulevard: A large variety of shops and brands. Rodeo Drive: Beverley Hills - Hit Rodeo Drive for designer labels and a bit of star spotting. Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 8 Los Angeles - Pre-Option Accommodation Hilton Garden Inn Star 2005 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90068 Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, the Hilton Garden Inn offers an ideal location for travellers. Our modern hotel is just a short walk or drive to many prominent attractions including; Disney / DreamWorks Studios, Sony Pictures Studios, Capitol Records, Warner Brothers, Eastman Kodak, Deliotte and Touche, and Coca Cola. Walk to the world famous Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood Bowl, discover the Grauman's Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre, or take one metro train stop to Universal Studios. Located on North Highland Avenue (5 minutes’ walk to Hollywood Boulevard) Adjacent to the Hollywood Hills and blocks from the Hollywood Bowl, Kodak Theatre, and Grauman's Chinese Theatre Outdoor pool and spa 24-hour fitness and business centres The Great American grill serving comfort food and Hideout lounge mixing martinis and cocktails All guest rooms are newly renovated featuring Serta Perfect Sleeper beds, 32-inch LCD HD televisions, microwaves, refrigerators and complimentary wireless Internet access 4 nights in LA Pre-Option Package: Hilton Garden Inn Star From $752.00*AUD per person based on twin share Package inclusions: 4 nights’ accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. (Meals, Gratuities, tipping, visas, tours, and incidentals are not included.) *Prices are subject to change & are based on availability at the time of booking - please use price as a guide only. Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 9 Roosevelt Hotel Star 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Bringing glamour back to the Boulevard, Thompson Hotel's Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel reincarnation resonates with the opulence of its fabled past. Located in the heart of Hollywood on the Walk of Fame across from the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, The Roosevelt stands out among Hollywood Blvd. hotels, housing some of the hottest drinking and eating venues on the west coast. These include the famous poolside Tropicana Bar, celebrity haunt Teddy’s nightclub, The Library Bar, which is acclaimed for its hand crafted cocktails, The Spare Room, a speakeasy gaming lounge featuring vintage bowling lanes and classic cocktails, and vaudeville inspired theatre Beacher’s Madhouse. Public Kitchen and Bar serves eclectic American fare in a social atmosphere and award winning 24 Hour burger joint 25 Degrees offers a variety of dining options. To top it off, the hotel’s heated outdoor swimming pool provides guests the only locale in the world where they can swim in a million dollar work of art painted by acclaimed artist David Hockney. The luxury hotel on Hollywood Boulevard is constantly buzzing with the entertainment industry’s glitterati. Located on Hollywood Boulevard Attracting Hollywood's stars since it opened in 1927 Host to the first Academy Awards, the Roosevelt features an elegant restaurant and bar in the majestic Spanish Colonial lobby The outdoor pool is famed for A-list parties Rooms feature down comforters, Italian linens and Kiehl's bath products Minibars include Dean & DeLuca gourmet goodies Internet access (surcharge), iPod docking stations, and touch mood lighting are available 4 nights in LA Pre-Option Package: Roosevelt Hotel Star From $820.00*AUD per person based on twin share Package inclusions: 4 nights’ accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. (Meals, Gratuities, tipping, visas, tours, and incidentals are not included.) *Prices are subject to change & are based on availability at the time of booking - please use price as a guide only. Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 10 4 Days of FUN – ideas on what to do! Sample Itinerary 1 – ‘Mikey & Movie Adventures’ Date Monday 1 September Tuesday 2 September Wednesday 3 September Thursday 4 September Friday 5 September Morning Arrive LA hotel Check into room – if available Afternoon Redline Bus Tour Hop on and off to see the sites. Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Hollywood sign etc Evening Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and dine at one of the many restaurants Travel to Cancun via Dallas airport Arrive Cancun Welcome drinks & dinner at leisure 2 day Pass - Disneyland Universal Studios Depart hotel Sample Itinerary 2 – ‘Mikey, Movies & SHOPPING Adventures’ Date Monday 1 September Morning Arrive LA hotel Check into room – if available Tuesday 2 September Wednesday 3 September Thursday 4 September Disneyland Universal Studios Citadel Shopping Outlet Friday 5 September Depart hotel Afternoon Redline Bus Tour – hop on and off to see the sites Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Hollywood sign etc Travel to Cancun via Dallas airport Evening Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and dine at one of the many restaurants Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and dine at one of the many restaurants Arrive Cancun Welcome drinks & dinner at leisure Sample Itinerary 3 – ‘Mikey, Movies, Movie Stars & Dinosaurs Adventures’ Date Monday 1 September Morning Arrive LA hotel Check into room – if available Tuesday 2 September Wednesday 3 September Thursday 4 September Disneyland Universal Studios Hollywood Boulevard Madame Tussauds Chinese Theatre Walk of Fame Egyptian Theatre Ripley’s Believe it or not Guinness Book of Records Museum Hollywood Museum Photos with celebrity look-a-likes Depart hotel Friday 5 September Afternoon Redline Bus Tour – hop on and off to see the sites Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Hollywood sign etc Evening Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and dine at one of the many restaurants La Brea Tar Pits Evening at one of many restaurants and bars on Sunset Boulevard See a band Visit a comedy show Travel to Cancun via Dallas airport Arrive Cancun Welcome drinks & dinner at leisure Sample Itinerary 4 – ‘Movies, Movie Stars & SHOPPING Adventures’ Date Monday 1 September Morning Arrive LA hotel Check into room – if available Tuesday 2 September Hollywood Boulevard Madame Tussauds Chinese Theatre Walk of Fame Egyptian Theatre Ripley’s Believe it or not Guinness Book of Records Museum Hollywood Museum Photos with celebrity look-a-likes Universal Studios Citadel Shopping Outlet Depart hotel Wednesday 3 September Thursday 4 September Friday 5 September Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! Afternoon Redline Bus Tour – hop on and off to see the sites Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Hollywood sign etc Celebrity Stars Homes Tour Evening Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and dine at one of the many restaurants Travel to Cancun via Dallas airport Arrive Cancun Welcome drinks & dinner at leisure Evening at one of many restaurants and bars on Sunset Boulevard See a band Visit a comedy show 11 Cancun – Paradise on the Caribbean! All tastes are welcomed and catered to in this paradise – CANCUN! No wonder this is Mexico's most popular resort destination. The new, great, and gorgeous beaches of white sand caressed by warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea stand out as the hottest spots in town, both literally and figuratively. It's impossible not to enjoy them so don't even try. Put on your bikini or swimsuit, it's time for fun under the sun! Cancun is unequalled in its ability to offer cultural treasures, natural beauty, infinite activities and North American-style conveniences. Relax by the sea: Just chill out on the beautiful white coral sandy beach and unwind with the sea breeze in your hair! Mayan Ancient History: Cancun is also surrounded with the amazing ancient history of the Chichen Itza and Tulum sites! Dining out: Mexicans take cooking very seriously. Cancun restaurants include various gourmet cuisines, such as French, Italian, American, Argentinean, and Japanese, and most popular of course is MEXICAN! Shopping: As Mexico's most popular tourist destination, Cancun offers all sorts of shopping experiences, from street-side jewellery stands to attractive, ultramodern shopping malls with every item imaginable. Shopping is amazing with the exchange rate! Water Sports: With incredible Caribbean Sea at your doorstep and the world Mayan Barrier Reef, which is the second largest reef in the world, you will have an endless choice of water sports and activates at the ready! Why not take a snorkelling, diving or even a dolphin watching tour! Fishing: If you love to fish – this is the destination for you! With world class deep sea fishing – you will be in a fisherman's paradise! Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 12 Cancun Accommodation – The Beach Palace Resort A beautiful stretch of white sand, a premier location in the heart of Cancun's hotel zone close to distinctive shopping and nightlife, and a trendy, chic, and unique resort – The Beach Palace Resort! These are the ingredients that make Beach Palace an unforgettable vacation destination. The contemporary Mexican design and architecture of this exceptional resort includes such spectacular features as a Sky Floor with not just one but two rooftop pools, two swim-up bars, two enticing Jacuzzis, a fitness centre, and breathtaking views of the Nichupte Lagoon. A Giant Screen airs our nightly shows, professional sports, and even video games. Our chic and unique style carries into our luxurious guest rooms, with all of the comforts and conveniences you expect from Palace Resorts All-Inclusive Features. Of course, our exceptional service is of the highest standard and will leave you smiling every time. Activities and all inclusive amenities abound at Beach Palace Resort. Dine on ethnic dishes at four distinctive restaurants, relax in any of our three outdoor pools, chill out at one of our bars, and enjoy nightly entertainment. It's all included in our AllInclusive Features. Complete All-Inclusive – YES ALL-INCLUSIVE! In room Jacuzzi! YES your very own Jacuzzi in your room! ALL-INCLUSIVE - Mini-bar containing sodas, bottled water, domestic beer and liquor dispenser! ALL-INCLUSIVE - meals and drinks including breakfast, lunch and dinner! ALL-INCLUSIVE - top shelf drinks (domestic and imported) ALL-INCLUSIVE - 24 Hours Room Service Wireless Internet throughout the resort Turndown service Use of the facilities (including ALL-INCLUSIVE restaurants) of all Palace Resorts in Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and the Riviera Maya (Transportation available from select resorts, this may include a fee) ALL-INCLUSIVE - daily and nightly entertainment All gratuities Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 13 Cancun – Optional Activities There is SO much to do in Cancun – you will not be bored for choice – the biggest problem you will face is deciding on what to do in your spare time! Rio Secreto – Highly Recommended One of the great wonders of the world! This stunning underground river with thousands of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, it is truly spectacular and is highly recommended as an optional activity. 3.5 hour tour (inside the cave for 1.5 hours) All of equipment will be provided Fitness level required: You will need be able to walk in water where some of the levels will reach your arm pits, there are some areas which you will need to swim on your back Lunch is provided at the end of the tour TIP: this is an activity for people with mild fitness and you will need to be steady on your feet as you will be climbing slippery lime stone stairs. The boys would love it! Xcaret – Highly Recommended Known as ''nature's sacred paradise,'' Xcaret is one of the world's most famous ecoarchaeological parks where you’ll find Mayan ruins, a dolphin show, horses, tropical birds, wildlife native to the region, crocodiles, an island with jaguars, a deer ... This is a majestic archaeological park located in Riviera Maya. There is a great Mexican show to enjoy at night, with more than 300 actors on stage, going through the history of Mexico, with all the colourful costumes, folklore and dancing. Explore the Mexican cemetery, a coral reef aquarium, a butterfly pavilion, underground rivers, beaches and natural pools, a place where you can swim with dolphins. It’s a great day out and lots to see and do, there are lockers for you to hire, lots of restaurant to choose from, souvenir shops. It is great day out for the group. TIP: Words cannot describe Xcaret – it is something out of this world! This is highly recommended as full day activity where you can combine ancient Mayan ruins with history, fun water activities and entertaining Mexican performances. Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 14 Chichen Itza – Mayan Ancient City Chichen Itza is the capital of ancient Maya empire, its majestic building dates back to 435 and 455, and it is geographically located in the middle of spectacular natural environs in the Yucatan Peninsula. At this site declared as one of the 7 World Wonders, you can visit magnificent temples such as the Kukulcan Pyramid and the Ball Game as well as there are others that cannot be visited to avoid damages. The Castle or Pyramid of Kukulcan is the most impressive temple in Chichen Itza renowned for the number of tombs found there and its endless 91 steps, as well as the impeccable architecture that stands out by a stone feathered serpent. Swim with Whale Sharks During June and September Contoy Island is visited by magnificent Whale-Sharks that make of this place one of the most popular in the Yucatan Peninsula. Dolphin Swim Touch, get a handshake and a gentle kiss from dolphins, and observe them performing fascinating stunts from the safety of a shallow water environment. You can additionally choose to swim and play freely with the dolphin and watch its graceful swimming. Boating Excursions Pleasure boat cruises to the Nichupte lagoon, Isla Mujeres, Contoy Island, and other destinations are available every day from Cancun. Modern motor yachts, catamarans, and even old-time sloops take tourists across crystal-clear waters. Some tours include a snorkeling stop at ecological parks, lunch, and a shopping tour. Sunset and night cruises go to the beaches of Isla Mujeres or feature pirate or Caribbean shows and usually include a Mexican buffet dinner and open bar. Diving Cancun has become one of the most important diving destinations in the world. Do not miss the chance to take advantage of one of the many options available to practice this wonderful activity. You can visit impressive coral reefs in the open sea or explore underwater caverns and cenotes. This is simply an amazing experience. In the Mexican Caribbean you will find the Mayan Barrier Reef, which is the second largest reef in the world. In the northern part of Punta Cancun, you can visit the Banderas and El Bajito coral reefs and, if you are already an experienced scuba diver, we recommend that you visit the San Miguel and Aristos reefs on the east side. Fishing If you want to have an exciting day out, feel the ocean breeze on your face, and have a lot of fun, fishing in Cancun is your best choice. Whether you have never done it before or you are already a pro, a variety of marinas offer fishing tours according to your needs. Submarine Tours The submarine tour is perfect for those who want to experience the underwater beauty of Cancun without getting wet. It consists of going deep into the exceptionally clear waters of the Caribbean Sea to behold the wonderful coral reef. From a safe perch, you will admire a great diversity of tropical fish, manta rays, and maybe even sharks! Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 15 Cancun - Group Activities included in your Seminar itinerary! FULL DAY ACTIVITY: Tulum ½ day tour & ½ day in Playa del Carmen at leisure Tulum Ruins Discover one of the most beautiful archaeological sites of the Riviera Maya, the only one overlooking the Caribbean Sea and its turquoise waters as a walled fortress. Tulum, was built late in the thirteenth century, during what is known as the Mayan post-classic period and remains popular because of its elegant setting on sheer limestone cliffs above the turquoise splendour of the crashing Caribbean, the only Mayan city built on the coast. Each Mayan city had a specific purpose and Tulum was a seaport trading mainly in turquoise and jade. Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen is a beach side town located along the stunning Caribbean Sea and is a very popular tourist destination. Playacar Palace: Playacar Palace is situated on glistening turquoise waters and powdery white sands of Playa del Carmen, a destination known for its laid back charm. This picturesque beach town centers on the famed Quinta Avenida or Fifth Avenue, a bustling strip of shops, bars and restaurants. Just a few steps from the Quinta Avenida, Playacar Palace is a luxury all inclusive that is ideal for families, couples and social groups who seek culture, shopping and Mexican hospitality at its finest. Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 16 Cancun – After Dark! Cancun is famous the world over for its nightclubs. It is said that Cancun has something for everyone, and this is especially true after dark. While several splashy discos dominate the scene, most resort hotels offer live lobby music as well. For those who love to dance, the Hotel Zone offers Cancun's best nightclubs. Special effects and laser and other state-of-the-art light shows provide a framework for non-stop music, which covers everything from rock and reggae to salsa and techno. Most have an all-you-can-drink cover charge. Coco Bongo Located right in the heart of Cancun's Hotel Zone, Coco Bongo is one of the hottest clubs in the area. What make this nightclub so popular are the spectacular, wild shows that they put on, each and every night! Hip hop, dance, trance, pop and the unforgettable greatest hits from the 70's and 80's are mixed by the best DJ's in town while every now and there is a pause while the acrobats fly from one side of the club to the other, circus acts perform on the stage, or a group of professional dancers do a tribute to disco music. Coco Bongo has state of the art audio and video equipment, and also features confetti explosions, balloons, and foam parties every now and then. One thing is for sure, the action never stops during a night at Coco Bongo! Dady'O One of Cancun's most popular clubs, Dady'O, first opened its doors at the very end of the 80's and still today it continues to host some of the best acts and the wildest nights in Cancun. Bikini contests, open bar promos, 80's and the 90's theme nights, as well as the best DJ' s from around the world playing dance, techno and pop hits all night long, are just some of the secrets of success for Dady'O. On the other hand, Dady'O, is a magnet for young local people and spring breakers, since the events calendar features such attractions as wet T-shirt contests, bikini contests, or a search for the best male body. Grand Mambo Cafe You can't come all the way to Cancun and not try your hand at dancing to the rhythms of Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and more, that's why you should have a night out at Grand Mambo Cafe. Everything about this club, from the decor to the friendly staff and crowd, gives it a very tropical feel, and the bands that play here, from all over the Caribbean and South America, are simply outstanding! Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 17 Cancun – Shopping! As Mexico's most popular tourist destination, Cancun offers all sorts of shopping experiences, from street-side jewellery stands to attractive, ultramodern shopping malls with every item imaginable. Shops in Cancun offer you plenty of opportunities to purchase gifts, travel needs, sporting goods, quality liquor, and more. Cancun is a duty-free zone; here you pay the lowest prices in Mexico on items such as perfume, spirits, and fine jewellery. Downtown Cancun, where most of the local population lives, is a picturesque place where you may be able to bargain. Take the chance. Because of the rich cultural diversity of the region, you can find all kinds of unique stuff. La Isla La Isla Shopping Village is on the Nichupte Lagoon under a giant canopy. It boasts more than 150 national and international stores. Its open-air architecture features the most advanced technology, optimized comfort, entertainment facilities, and the finest international-level shopping in the region. A series of canals and small bridges are designed to give the place a Venetian look. You cannot miss Cancun shopping, the experience of a lifetime! Location: 5 minutes’ walk from The Beach Palace Resort Kukulcan Plaza Kukulcan Plaza is the most exclusive and luxurious shopping centres in all of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Kukulcan Plaza's offerings range from boutiques of worldwide renown, jewellery shops with fine gems of prestigious designers, elegant perfumeries, and fine restaurants, to shops that offer handicrafts and even bowling! Location: 20-25 minutes’ walk from The Beach Palace Resort Coral Negro Coral Negro offers all kinds of souvenirs. Here you will find everything from handicraft stores to places where you can get your hair braided, ears pierced, and body tattooed. Coral Negro sits right in the heart of the city at a spot known as the "party centre" where the hippest discos are found. Plaza Flamingo Plaza Flamingo is located in the heart of the hotel zone. If you are looking for memorable souvenirs of your vacation, here is where you'll find them! Plaza Flamingo has almost 100 stores selling merchandise from beachwear to fine jewellery. After shopping all day you might get hungry, if so, there are plenty of dining options ranging from fast-food stands to internationally-renowned restaurants, such as Pat O'Brien's or The Outback Steakhouse. Plaza La Fiesta Plaza La Fiesta is located in the Hotel Zone right in front of the convention centre. Here you will find all kinds of silver works, handicrafts, and leather articles, as well as many other items to take home as souvenirs from your trip to Mexico. Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 18 Seminar Itinerary Please note that the final itinerary may change without notice. Final itinerary will be available upon registration in Cancun. LA Pre-Option – 4 nights Monday 1 September 2014 What When Depart your capital city Arrive Sydney airport Depart Sydney airport Arrive airport Hotel transfers Arrive Hotel Where Your capital city Refer to individual Sydney Domestic airport travel documents Sydney International airport LA airport LA airport LA hotel *** 4 nights of fun in Los Angeles! *** Dress Code Casual – comfortable clothes for travelling Friday 5 September 2014 What When Where Hotel transfers Depart LA airport Arrive Dallas airport Depart Dallas airport transfers Arrive Cancun airport Arrive Cancun Hotel Seminar Registration Welcome Drinks Dinner & night at leisure Refer to individual travel documents LA hotel LA airport Dallas airport Dallas airport Cancun airport The Beach Palace Hotel The Beach Palace Hotel The Beach Palace Hotel Free Time 7.00pm – 8.00pm 8.00pm to late Dress Code Casual – comfortable clothes for travelling Smart Casual / Resort Wear Please note: Flying time to LA from Sydney is approximately 15 hours and 30 minutes Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 19 Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico Friday 5 September 2014 Travel day What Depart your capital city Arrive Sydney airport Depart Sydney airport Arrive international airport Depart LA airport Arrive Dallas airport Depart Dallas airport Arrive Cancun airport Arrive Cancun Hotel Seminar Registration Welcome Drinks Dinner & night at leisure When Refer to individual travel documents 7.00pm – 8.00pm 8.00pm to late Where Your capital city Sydney Domestic airport Sydney International airport LA airport LA airport Dallas airport Dallas airport Cancun airport The Beach Palace Hotel The Beach Palace Hotel The Beach Palace Hotel Free Time Dress Code Casual – comfortable clothes for travelling Smart Casual / Resort Wear Please note: Flying time from Sydney to Cancun, Mexico is approximately 20 hours and 50 minutes (excluding domestic flights and any airport lay overs) SYD – LA = 15 hours & 30 minutes / LA – Dallas = 2 hours & 50 minutes / Dallas – Cancun = 2 hours & 30 minutes Saturday 6 September 2014 Full day session / Partner ½ day activity What When Breakfast ALL Seminar session (All day) GC-D Partner activity Partners only Lunch GC- D Lunch Partners Dinner & night at leisure ALL Where Dress Code TBA The Beach Palace Hotel Casual – restaurant dress codes apply 9.00am – 6.00pm The Beach Palace Hotel Smart Casual / Resort Wear 9.00am – 1.00pm Offsite - It will be a surprise Beach wear – Board shorts, rash vest, beach towel, sunscreen, hat etc 1.00pm – 2.00pm The Beach Palace Hotel At leisure The Beach Palace Hotel 6.00pm to late Free Time Smart Casual / Resort Wear Casual – restaurant dress codes apply Sunday 7 September 2014 FULL DAY ACTIVITY: Tulum ½ day tour & ½ day in Playa del Carmen at leisure What When Where Dress Code Breakfast ALL Tulum ruins - Mayan City Cultural Tour ALL TBA The Beach Palace Hotel 7.00am – 6.00pm Tulum Lunch ALL Playa del Carmen at leisure ALL 1.00pm – 2.00pm Playacar Palace (Sister hotel) 2.00pm – 6.00pm Transfers to Cancun Dinner & night at leisure ALL 6.00pm – 7.00pm Free time Playacar Palace (Sister hotel) / Playa del Carmen th Enjoy the facilities of the beachside resort or stroll down 5 avenue and shop at one of the many Mexican souvenir stores or department stores for tax free shopping. There are also an array of amazing bars and restaurants in the relaxed town of Playa del Carmen. The Beach Palace hotel Casual Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! Casual – comfortable clothes as it can get quite hot at the sea side site walking shoes, hat, and sunscreen are a must. Optional: wear your swim wear for a sea dip at the Tulum cultural site (and don’t forget a towel from the resort). Casual – restaurant dress codes apply 20 Monday 8 September 2014 Free day & GC-SGC Farewell Dinner What When Breakfast ALL Day at leisure ALL Farewell dinner with the Stars! TBA Where Dress Code The Beach Palace Hotel Casual – restaurant dress codes apply Free time Relax around the beautiful resort or take in one of many activities in and around Cancun. 7.00pm – Late The Beach Palace Smart Roof top terrace GC – SGC ONLY Tuesday 9 September 2014 What When Where Breakfast ALL Coordinators CHECK OUT Hotel transfers Depart Cancun airport Arrive Dallas airport Depart Dallas airport Arrive LA airport Depart LA airport TBA The Beach Palace Hotel Dress Code TBA TBA Refer to individual travel documents The Beach Palace Hotel The Beach Palace Hotel Casual – comfortable clothes for Cancun airport travelling Dallas airport Dallas airport LA airport LA airport Please note you will lose a day as you are travelling across the date line Thursday 11 September 2014 What Arrive Sydney airport Depart Sydney airport Arrive your capital city When Where Dress Code Refer to individual travel documents Sydney International airport Sydney Domestic airport Your capital city Casual – comfortable clothes for travelling Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 21 Leaders Extra Day (GM+) Tuesday 9 September 2014 Leaders Session & Leaders Dinner What When Breakfast ALL Farewell Coordinators ALL Seminar session (1/2 day) Leaders only - Including lunch Partner only Day & lunch at leisure Afternoon at leisure ALL Meet for Leaders Dinner ALL Leaders Dinner ALL Where Dress Code TBA The Beach Palace Casual – restaurant dress codes apply TBA The Beach Palace Casual 9.00pm – 2.00pm The Beach Palace Smart Casual / Resort Wear Free time Free time 6.45pm The Beach Palace 7.00pm to late Offsite - It will be a surprise Smart When Where Dress Code TBA The Beach Palace Wednesday 10 September 2014 Travel Day What Breakfast ALL Leaders CHECK OUT Hotel transfers Depart Cancun airport Arrive Dallas airport Depart Dallas airport Arrive LA airport Depart LA airport TBA TBA The Beach Palace The Beach Palace Casual – comfortable clothes for Cancun airport travelling Dallas airport Refer to individual Dallas airport travel documents LA airport LA airport Please note you will lose a day as you are travelling across the date line Friday 12 September 2014 What Arrive Sydney airport Depart Sydney airport Arrive your capital city When Where Dress Code Refer to individual travel documents Sydney International airport Sydney Domestic airport Your capital city Casual – comfortable clothes for travelling Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 22 Quick Reference Guide Population: Los Angeles: Cancun: Electrical Plugs: Los Angeles, USA & Cancun, Mexico: For use with Australian / NZ appliances overseas. This adaptor can be used in both USA and Cancun. Languages Spoken: Los Angeles: English & Spanish Cancun: Spanish & English (limited English outside of resorts and tourist areas) Weights & Measures: Los Angeles: Imperial Cancun: Metric Country Dialling Code: Los Angeles: When dialling United States of America: +1 Cancun: When dialling Mexico: +52 Currency: Los Angeles: US Dollar (USD) Cancun: Mexican Pesos & US Dollars Time Zones: Los Angeles: 17 hours behind of AEST (Sydney) Cancun: 15 Hours behind AEST (Sydney) Pre-Option 4 nights in Los Angeles: The Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood Hilton Gardens Inn, Hollywood Accommodation: Cancun: The Beach Palace Resort Blouevard Kukulcan KM 11.5 Cancun, Q. ROO. C.P. 77500, MEXICO Phone: (52) 998 891 41 10 General Travel Information Passport Your passport MUST NOT expire before 1 March 2014 (as per immigration law). If you are holding a passport other than an Australian passport, please ensure you have the correct re-entry documentation back into Australia. Visa (ESTA) ***ESTA is compulsory to your entry in to The United States of America*** PLEASE NOTE: ESTA visas are valid for 2 years – if you travelled to Hawaii, please check your expiry date as you may not need to re-new your ESTA. ESTA cost = $14 USD and it at your own cost. (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/) What is ESTA? ESTA - The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) is a web-based system used to determine the right of visitors to travel to the United States. What ESTA isn’t, is authorisation to enter the United States. The final decision to authorise entry rests with Customs and Border Protection at the point of entry. Why has ESTA been introduced? The US Department of Homeland Security – set up in the wake of the 9/11 attacks – implemented ESTA to help stop undesirable citizens of VWP countries from entering America. Currently, the US welcomes around 50 million people a year from these countries. ESTA is not intended to restrict commerce or tourism, but to filter out those people considered to be a security risk to the US homeland. NOTE: If you achieve Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, you complete your registration, accepted to attend and your ESTA application has been declined and you have to cancel your attendance, the cancellation policy will apply. It is advised that you complete your registration for ESTA prior to completing your registration to attend Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun. Registrations will be sent to achievers in the first week of June 2014. Elevation Leadership Seminar 2014 – Cancun, Mexico via LA! 23