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Elemental Yoga Retreats, a lifestyle division of Elements Yoga & Wellness Center, an award-winning boutique yoga studio based in Darien, Conn., is developing destination yoga retreats with a holistic, spiritual and cultural component at world-class properties throughout the globe.

Voted “The Best” yoga studio in Connecticut for six consecutive years by Greenwich Magazine, Westport Magazine, and New Canaan, Darien & Rowayton Magazine, Elements Yoga & Wellness Center is a spiritually-centered school that offers various styles and levels of yoga as well as expert instruction from acclaimed teachers representing a full and diverse spectrum of disciplines. The studio’s retreat division was formed to host intimate yoga retreats at boutique properties aimed at invoking a total-body transformation. Culturally influenced by their locations, retreats will uniquely combine inner work with outdoor adventure to rebalance the mind, center the soul and nourish the spirit. Enriching activities inspired by local custom and heritage in concert with deep yoga practice and spiritual meditation create a singular experience for soul-searching travelers and yoga practitioners.

November 7-11, 2010, marks Elemental Yoga Retreat’s inaugural “Mystical Mayan Adventure,” which will be held at award-winning Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort in sleepy Puerto Morelos, Mexico. Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, on the picturesque shores of a private, white-sand beach, serene and secluded Ceiba del Mar boasts numerous hospitality accolades, a limited-number of ocean-view suites, fine dining and a destination spa. In keeping with its commitment to and exploration of local culture, the “Mystical Mayan Adventure” will be Mesoamerican-influenced and feature restorative yoga and meditation, as well as a complementary Temazcal Ceremony, discounted spa therapies and optional cultural activities.

Boutique properties such as Stonewater Cove Resort and Club in Shell Knob, MO, and Scrub Island in the British Virgin Islands are among the destinations tapped to host similar yoga retreats in 2011.

Elements Yoga & Wellness Center is owned by and operated by the husband and wife team of Bruce Bassock, a former commodity and equity trader turned yogi whose effective Yoga for Men program garnered national attention from The New York Times and Yoga Journal; and Donna Kuebler, a Fairfield County 40 Under 40 recipient, supporter of many non-profits, and the Program Director of Fit Yoga Magazine. Kuebler and Rita Trieger, founder and editor-in-chief of Fit Yoga Magazine; author of Yoga Heals Your Back and Tranquil Mind; a yoga conference speaker; and a well-respected yoga and meditation instructor, will lead Elemental Yoga Retreats.

“Our goal is to provide modern travelers—individuals who want to cultivate self-awareness while relaxing, staying fit and having fun—with exactly that opportunity,” says Kuebler. “When practice is over we enjoy getting to know the people who attend our retreats to develop a traveling community of like-minded, fun-loving, adventurous yogis.”

For more information, visit Elements Yoga & Wellness Center, www.ElementsYoga.com.

The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard starts pressing fresh, sweet cider Saturday, September 4th, an autumn tradition for 154 years in the Upstate New York hamlet of Fly Creek just minutes from Cooperstown.

This 2010 pressing season marks the unusual long life of the equipment that has served the Mill and delighted its visitors. The Mill’s Boomer and Boschert water-powered, water-hydraulic, rack and cloth press, purchased in 1889, uses the power of water from Fly Creek to turn a turbine that powers a pump that in turn creates pressure for squeezing ground apples. At that time the press was state-of-the-art technology which surpassed the screw and knuckle-joint presses commonly used in the printing industry.

“Our press was designed for greater speed and longevity as compared with other presses that used gear machinery to create pressure. The lower friction and wear of water pressure enables our press to continue making great-tasting cider all these many years,” says Bill Michaels, co-owner of the Mill.

Secondly it is the 86th year for the Mill’s two-cylinder, 25 horse-power stationary Waterloo Boy Tractor Engine shipped directly from the factory in 1924. This engine powers the grinder that grates the apples before pressing. Waterloo Boy Engines are the predecessors to those of the modern John Deere Company and the design basis of all their two-cylinder engines.

The Mill operates these two machines every weekend from Labor Day through Thanksgiving to produce the Mill’s sweet cider. “Our famous cider does change in flavor throughout the season dependent on the apple varieties that are available. This year’s early crop will allow us to use a larger mix of apple varieties for our early cider, creating a sweeter and well-balanced juice.” says Bill.

On cider-making weekends Mill visitors can witness the actual production process in the Cider Gallery. While making cider Jack Stanton, production leader, explains the process and the use of an Ultra-Violet Light processing machine to achieve cider safety without the need for added heat that might change cider’s flavor.

Beyond the Mill’s award-winning, fresh sweet cider, however, there are many more flavors to experience. Visitors can taste all kinds of gourmet specialty foods and signature items such as Apple and Corn Salsas, Cave-Aged, Extra- Sharp New York State Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Fudge and current varieties of New York-grown apples. Also available for sampling are Hard Ciders and Wines from the Mill’s Farm Winery and fresh-baked pies and breads from the Bakery.

The Mill’s fall festival season starts Labor Day Weekend September 4th. The Cooperstown Lions Club Just Ducky Weekend is scheduled for September 11 & 12 followed by the popular Cooperstown Rotary Club Applefest, September 18 & 19. October events include the Big Squeeze Weekend for Breast Cancer Awareness followed by Ciderfest on Columbus Day weekend.

The Mill is located just minutes from the Village of Cooperstown in Central New York State. For a full line-up of events and to purchase the Mill’s products on-line visit the website at www.flycreekcidermill.com or call the Mill to request a printed schedule or to place a phone order toll-free, 800-505-6455.

As one of the most popular boutique hotels near Central Park, the Hotel Elysée offers a special “Picnic in the Park” package for guests to enjoy one of the city’s most enchanting settings. The package, which is valid through September 30, 2011, starts from as low as $279 per night for January and February 2011; from as low as $289 per night for December 19 – 25, 2010; and as low as $299 per night for July 2011.

The “Picnic in the Park” package includes:

* Deluxe Accommodations
* Picnic Basket with two Crumbs cupcakes, a bottle of sparkling Lemonade, two “park friendly” champagne flutes, fresh strawberries, a four-piece box of Leonidas chocolates and a Signature Elysée Blanket to picnic on while relaxing in the park and to take home

In addition, enjoy these complimentary amenities at the Hotel Elysée’s elegant clubroom:

* Continental Breakfast – A lavish selection of breads and pastries, bagels, fresh fruits, hot and cold cereals, hard boiled eggs, tea, gourmet coffee, cappuccino, and espresso
* Evening Reception – offered on weeknights in the Club Room between 5pm to 8pm for a spread of fine cheeses, hors d’oeuvres, wine and prosecco

The “Picnic in the Park” package is offered year-round as each season offers a unique experience in the 843-acre oasis. Enjoy its renowned “Shakespeare in the Park” series in the summer. In the fall, it’s the best spot in the city to catch the changing foliage. In winter enjoy a snowy horse drawn carriage ride and skating at Wollman Rink, while spring brings a show of cherry blossoms and the arrival of baby animals at the zoo.

This package is valid until September 30, 2011, based on availability, some black-out dates may apply. A two night minimum stay is required. Taxes are additional. To book this package click here.

About Hotel Elysée
The timeless style of classic “Old New York” sets the stage for an unforgettable experience in one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods. With the romantic ambiance and gracious service of a private country inn, the Hotel Elysée is consistently acclaimed as one of the city’s best loved hotels. As the home of the world famous Monkey Bar, Hotel Elysée was once a playground for the rich and eccentric and has been the permanent NYC address of many movie stars, artists, writers and intellectuals over the years. Hotel Elysée was twice voted the “most romantic hotel in New York” by Citysearch and was named “Best Small New York Hotel” by Travel & Leisure magazine. For additional information on Hotel Elysée visit: www.elyseehotel.com.

Headed to the Windy City to see the Chicago Bears play on their home turf this fall? Make it a winning overnight getaway with the Get Your Game On Package at the South Loop’s luxurious Hotel Blake, one of the closest hotels to Soldier Field.

With Hotel Blake’s Get Your Game On Package, enjoy a specially discounted rate on luxurious accommodations and skip the usual traffic hassles of getting to a Bear’s Game. The package includes:

* Overnight accommodations in a luxurious guest room or suite
* 20% off our Best Available Rate
* Complimentary poster board & markers to create a sign to cheer on the team
* Two complimentary drink vouchers for Custom House Lounge to get the festivities started
* A complimentary Chicago hat to wear to your game
* Option to add on CTA passes for easy transport to Soldier Field
* Complimentary continental breakfast
* Option to park for $25 per night (usually $44)

Hotel Blake is a landmark of luxury in the vibrant South Loop neighborhood. Located in the charming, historic Morton and Duplicator building, Hotel Blake offers the personalized service you’d expect from an upscale, boutique hotel and features 162 charming rooms with contemporary designs, warm, jewel-toned hues and richly finished woods along with 12-foot vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase stunning views of downtown. The hotel’s many amenities include a 24-hour fitness facility, business center, concierge service, a wide selection of In-Room Spa Services, complementary Wi-Fi, i-Pod clock radios, oversized rain showerheads, Egyptian cotton linens and plush bathrobes.

Be sure to leave some pre- or post-game time to explore the city’s endless list of popular attractions, all just a short distance from Hotel Blake and easily accessible on foot or via public transportation or cab. Visit neighboring Grant Park, home to several world-class museums as well as Chicago’s lakefront festivals. Catch a show in the city’s nearby theater district or some comedy at Chicago’s famed Second City, or stroll over to State Street or the Magnificent Mile for some All-Star shopping. Dine at any number of nearby trendy restaurants, including the popular Custom House Tavern, located just off Hotel Blake’s lobby and featuring contemporary American cuisine.

For more information about Hotel Blake, or to learn more about the Get Your Game On Package, visit www.hotelblake.com or call (312) 986-1234. Use promotion code SPORTS when making reservations.

Hotel Blake is an upscale luxury boutique hotel located in Chicago’s vibrant South Loop neighborhood, providing elegant, chic, contemporary accommodations within the confines of a charming historic building. Hotel Blake is managed by the Hostmark Hospitality Group (www.hostmark.com), a leading hospitality management firm that operates upscale full service hotels, resorts, focused service hotels and restaurants worldwide. Hostmark Hospitality Group, which is headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, is an award-winning operator of Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Starwood and Wyndham Hotels