November 9th, 2011
With temperatures dipping below freezing and a snowstorm in October, it’s no secret that winter came much too soon. While we can’t control the weather, we can certainly run from it! Ditch the snow boots, pack your warm weather gear and escape with top luxury line, Crystal Cruises, instead.
Voted World’s Best more than any other cruise line in history, Crystal Cruises offers a diverse collection of itineraries exploring the Panama Canal, South America, Caribbean, and the Pacific Coast. Book before December 31, 2011 and receive up to $4,000 per couple in additional savings! But hurry, Crystal Cruises’ Book Now Fares don’t last forever.
Other exclusive offers, available for a limited time, include 2-for-1 fares, special savings for repeat Crystal Society guests, families and friends traveling together, new-to-Crystal savings, early full payment savings, and generous savings for back-to-back combination cruises. So, pull out your bathing suits and sun block, put away your hats and gloves, and book now to save!
October 25th, 2011
Eggnog, pigs in a blanket, champagne, cookies… our indulgences during the holiday season. Dressed festively and attending holiday soirees, from Thanksgiving to New Years, we tend to stop paying attention to healthy eating (and living). Instead of simply resolving to treat the body with a little more TLC next year, be proactive. Here are some post-holiday retreats sure to jump start many a resolution.
Turks & Caicos
Where: Parrot Cay
What: An Ayurvedic escape for the mind, body, and spirit
Why: With its crystal clear ocean and mile-long stretch of white sand, this private island resort is the ideal place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and treat yourself to a customized, Ayurvedic Program. Pay a visit to Parrot Cay’s own Ayurvedic doctor who will recommend a special holistic treatment plan designed to rejuvenate the mind and body. Whether it is with yoga, a specialized diet, body treatments, detox, or meditation, guests are sure to leave the resort feeling rested and revitalized. The program includes all meals.
Rates for a three-night program start at $3,140 based on single occupancy and $5,009 based on double occupancy
Bali, Indonesia
Where: COMO Shambhala Estate
What: A stress-free vacation
Why: It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the pressures of work and home, especially during the holiday season. That’s why COMO Shambhala Estate, nestled in the heart of Bali, offers a Stress-Management Program specifically designed to relieve participants from the strains and anxieties of everyday life. The program focuses on the concepts and philosophies of Yoga, Chi Kung, and Tai Chi. Consultants craft a program incorporating meditation, outdoor pursuits, soothing therapies, and wellbeing lectures to ensure guests have the tools necessary to release built-up stress and to return home feeling revived and relaxed. The program includes all meals.
Rates for a three-night program start at $1,700 based on single occupancy and $2,600 based on double occupancy
Geneva, Switzerland
Where: La Réserve Genève
What: A four day anti-aging detox
Why: The holiday season, best known as the most wonderful time of the year, can also be one of the most stressful. Once the presents have been unwrapped, the giant family meals have been gobbled down, and the in-laws have finally left, treat yourself to a much needed post-holiday detox. La Réserve Genève’s Four-Day Better-Aging Detox Program includes a complete checkup and personalized action plan to restore the body’s balance and adopt a new, long-term, healthier lifestyle – just in time for the New Year! With full access to the spa facilities, inclusive healthful meals, daily sports activities, and a range of massages, wraps, and treatments, the stress from the holidays is sure melt away.
Si Kao, Thailand
Where: Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa
What: A restorative retreat in Thailand
Why: For guests looking for a guided and wide-ranging wellness retreat, the Body Detox Programme at Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa is just the ticket. Included in this package are private consultations with Naturopathic and Ayurvedic doctors in keeping with the resort’s specialized approach to wellness. A variety of spa treatments accompany these consultations, including detox massages, herbal heat treatments, and an Indian head massage. Participants are provided with a personalized diet program to take home so the wellness experience can continue long after leaving the resort.
Rates for a three-night program start at $753 based on single occupancy and $1,245 based on double occupancy. This package is also available for 1 night, 5 nights, and 7 nights.
June 29th, 2011
Set in the heart of Provence amid lush vineyards and olive groves, the refined-rustic Hotel Crillon le Brave is offering oenophile’s the rare opportunity to participate in the annual Vendanges (grape harvest) with an all-inclusive* three-day weekend package.
Package Details
When: The Vendanges package is offered at Hotel Crillon le Brave September 29 – October 2
What:
- Three nights of accommodation
- Daily breakfast and dinner (*wine and other beverages are not included with dinner)
- One picnic lunch
- Two half-days of involvement in the grape harvest of the acclaimed Château Pesquié vineyard (where evidence of wine cultivation dates back to the 14th century!)
o Picking and transporting grapes to the caveau (wine vault)
o Learning about the different kinds of grapes, ideal time for harvest, the wine-making process and taste analysis from winemaker and estate owner, Paul Chaudiere
Price: €1300 for a standard room or €1550 for a deluxe room based on double occupancy.
A relaxed haven of simple sophistication, the five-star property consists of seven beautifully restored stone houses, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, that are linked by bridges, cobblestone walkways and hidden courtyards. The authentic Provençal accommodations include 23 rooms, seven suites and a two-bedroom house, each decorated with a mix of contemporary furnishings and shabby-chic accents.
In addition to the hands-on Vendanges experience, guests can explore the hotel’s terraced gardens and take a dip in the swimming pool, tour the historic village on complimentary bikes, or play on the nearby tennis and boules courts. The open-air spa at Hotel Crillon le Brave offers a selection of therapeutic body treatments.
The southern region is famous for its food, and Hotel Crillon le Brave’s restaurant does not disappoint. Set in a rustic cellar with an open fireplace and terrace, the restaurant serves up flavorful regional cuisine such as gigot d’agneau (leg of lamb) and ragoût de gambas (shrimp stew) by Chef John Ellis. Local Rhône wines like Gigondas, Vacqueryras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape enhance the experience.
To make a reservation, call +33 (0)4 90 65 61 61 or email reservations@crillonlebrave.com.
June 1st, 2011
Nestled in the heart of Provence, the refined-rustic Hotel Crillon le Brave is offering an all-inclusive package of a five-day (six-night) cooking program, that combines the spectacular culture and cuisine of the region.
Led by new Head Chef, John Ellis, guests learn to cook authentic Provençal fare and embark on excursions through the local area, including meetings with local purveyors and wine tastings. After the chef hat comes off, guests can relax with a treatment at the hotel’s open-air spa, tour the historic village on complimentary bikes, or play on the tennis and boules courts.
Package Details
When: October 9 – 15 and October 23 – 29
Ingredients:
- Six nights of accommodations
- All meals (including wine), as well as cocktails upon arrival
- Four intensive half-day cooking classes, with recipes for four complete menus to take home
- Local explorations including truffle hunting near Mont Ventoux, wine tasting at Chateau Pesquié, and cheese sampling with Madame Vigier, a maître fromager
- Tour of Carpentras Market, which has been in existence since 1155 and is known for being one of the best in France
- Transportation and entry fees for all excursions included
Price
- €2900 per person based on double occupancy; €700 single supplement fee
- For “non-cooking” companion, the cost is €1900 if sharing a room with a “cook”. “Non-cooks” may participate in all events and meals outside of the cooking classes.
*Space is limited to eight participants per group.
To make a reservation, call +33 (0)4 90 65 61 61 or email reservations@crillonlebrave.com.
Next Up: Truffle & Wine weekends! Join a hunting excursion with an expert truffle hunter and see how dogs sniff for the black diamonds, sip local wines, and visit Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Provençe’s antique capital. Stay tuned for dates and details!
May 31st, 2011
Capture the beauty and essence of majestic mountains, lush forests and ancient monasteries on a seven day tour through scenic Bhutan. COMO Uma Paro Resort is offering this amazing “Through a Lens” excursion June 22nd-29th. The unique experience is available to photographers of all skill levels, as guests will be guided by a skilled photographer through the distinctly different valleys of Paro and Punakha for a series of location shoots and once-in-a-lifetime moments to be caught on film.
After long days of capturing the splendor of Bhutan, guests will return to their comfortable lodgings at Uma Paro and a charming hotel in Punakha with accommodations provided on a full board basis. Guests can also enjoy complementary use of the swimming pool, library and gym at Uma Paro, as well as a 1-hour daily Yoga class.
For more information and a full itinerary, visit http://bit.ly/lgOLGo.
April 4th, 2011
While enjoying a round of golf on Nantucket seems to be the perfect vacation activity, red ropes at private clubs, long waits at public courses, and the relative absence of golf academies have kept island visitors from hitting the links.
Enter the Nantucket Golf Academy, offered by Nantucket Island Resorts as its answer to the golf gap on Nantucket. Packaged along with a three-day, two-night stay at the White Elephant, the Golf Academy offers a full day of instruction on the Miacomet Golf Course. The daylong session begins at 9:30 am on the driving range and in the short game area covering full swing, chipping, pitching and putting. After enjoying a lunch served on the course, golfers will hit the green for 18-holes in the afternoon – nine-holes with instruction, nine-holes without.
Fun extras include a Digital Video Swing Analysis DVD of each guest’s swing and a gift bag that includes a White Elephant hat, a Miacomet golf shirt, and a bag tag. Rental clubs will also be provided for those unwilling to lug their clubs from home.
The Nantucket Golf Academy package will be offer Sunday – Tuesday, with golf instruction occurring on the Monday of each stay. It will be available on the following spring and fall dates: May 15-17, May 22-24, October 2-4, and October 16-18. Included in the package rates are breakfast each morning at the hotel’s Brant Point Grill, spa and dinner credits, and transportation to and from the course. An additional day on the golf course on Tuesday is available at a reduced rate.
The Nantucket Golf Academy package starts at $1300 for two people. Room upgrades available upon request for a fee.
IN OTHER GOLF NEWS: All White Elephant guests can request priority tee times at Miacomet golf course and have off-season access to Sankaty Head Golf Course.
March 29th, 2011
Celebrate Switzerland’s Lucerne Festival with “Spa & Sounds” Package
From Victoria Jungfrau Collections’ Palace Luzern
In conjunction with the renowned Lucerne Festival, Switzerland’s Palace Luzern is offering a two-night “Spa & Sounds” package, available for stays April 9-17. Designed to promote ultimate relaxation, the package combines five-star accommodations with massage, music, and a mobile device drop-off service!
While enjoying Balinese massages, and festival tickets for performances of those chart-toppers of the 17 and 1800s, Bach, Brahms and Mozart; the “Spa & Sounds” package is as much about what you WILL hear as what you DON’T HAVE TO hear – namely, the unsoothing sounds of your cell phone. Bringing new meaning to the term “hands-free”, included in the package is Palace Luzern’s mobile device drop-off service. Simply hand your phone over to the hotel’s concierge on arrival, they’ll be happy to answer any phone calls and relay your messages.
The annual festival has been in existence since 1938 and attracts a roster of major international orchestras, conductors and soloists to the Swiss city. View the complete program here.
The “Spa & Sounds” package costs 1764 CHF based on double occupancy ($1,922 USD at time of release) and includes the details below. Guests can book the two-night offering between April 9 – 17.
- Two night accommodations with views of Lake Lucerne
- Breakfast both mornings
- Tickets for evening of your choice to the Lucerne Festival
- One Balinese massage per person
- Roundtrip transfers from the Lucerne train station and KKL (festival location) in a Jaguar car
- Butler service
- Mobile “drop off service”
- Fruit and Swiss chocolate upon arrival
Don’t fret if you can’t make it this time; the offer will also be available in August for the Summer Festival and November for the Piano Festival (Prices may vary).
March 25th, 2011
Are you tired of constantly giving people your autograph? You’re in luck, because in 2012, vacations on Crystal Cruises‘ Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will be All Inclusive, which means no more signing for complimentary fine wines and premium spirits. Crystal’s new All Inclusive plan will also include pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff, including the Penthouse butler service and service in all of Crystal’s fine specialty restaurants and sushi bar. Now you can travel like a celebrity, without being bothered like one.
The new benefits will begin with each ship’s first Trans-Atlantic cruise next year: Crystal Symphony’s “Beyond the Sea” sailing from Miami to Lisbon on March 19, 2012, and Crystal Serenity’s “New World to Norway” voyage from New York to London on May 8, 2012.
February 18th, 2011
Anantara never wants to see guests leave without having the chance to really soak up the sun and all of their unique property offerings, so they are throwing travelers a bone. An extra night, on them! The new Extra Night on Us promotion is available for all bookings now through April 15 (with a minimum stay at all properties).
Don’t leave Si Kao without a wellness consultation, Golden Triangle without playing with the elephants, or Kihavah without enjoying a glass of wine underwater. Happy travels and enjoy your (longer) stay!
February 8th, 2011
Alice Marshall Public Relations is now representing Orient-Express’ Trains & Cruises, including that very special icon of rail travel made famous by Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
The Royal Scotsman (left) and Afloat In France’s Amaryllis barge
From the Scottish estate of Rothiemurchus to a guided tour of “Impressionist Paris,” and from a fascinating Burmese river cruise to barging through Burgundy’s Grand Crus, here is a roundup of the latest news and updates from its stellar collection of luxurious rail and river adventures.
News Hot Off the Rails:
Eastern & Oriental Express
- Chronicles of South-East Asia: this quartet of new rail voyages features classic departures between Bangkok and Singapore and vice versa. The NEW itineraries feature excursions ranging from an elephant camp to the jungles of Laos. Voyages are limited to just 60 guests (normal capacity is 132) per journey, and all are accommodated in spacious State and Presidential cabins. Prices for the new Chronicles of South-East Asia journeys start at $3,900 per person. One journey is in February; the rest are in October and November. Book any Chronicles of South-East Asia journey departing in 2011 and receive two complimentary one-night stays in 5-star hotels, one before and one after your journey.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Travel with the National Gallery, London: in the company of a National Gallery expert, all tours begin at the National Gallery where specialist lecturers will introduce guests to selected masterpieces, matching them to places and people the group will encounter on its journey in the following itineraries:
- “The Venice of Canaletto” is the highlight of the new program, giving the opportunity to experience Venice through Canaletto’s eyes. Limited to 20 guests, it promises to be the ultimate way to travel to Venice and to rediscover it in a fresh and revealing way. There are three departures for 2011: one in April and two in October. Prices start at $7,980.
- “Impressionist Paris” departs from London and takes guests on a special tour of the French capital, shedding light on Claude Monet – one of the founders of Impressionism – through excursions to Giverny and the Musee Marmottan-Monet. Prices start from $5,240 per person, and the first tour commences in April, continuing on a monthly basis through October.
- Venice to London, via Krakow and Dresden: for the first time, this will be offered exclusively with Cabin-Suite accommodation only, enabling guests to enjoy the seven-night journey in the comfort of a luxurious suite. This trip will depart Venice on July 14 and is priced at $7,500 per person.
Other Items to Note:
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Paris and Istanbul: will depart on September 2, wending through Europe including Budapest and Bucharest. The trip costs from $9,470 per person.
The Royal Scotsman
- Grand Tour of Great Britain: Due to the success of the launch in 2010, this seven-night exploration of Great Britain returns again in 2011. The train travels counter-clockwise from Edinburgh to towns, cities, stately homes, and castles including Inverness, Chester, Llandudno, Bath, Cambridge, Alnwick and York; this special itinerary also includes a visit to Orient-Express’ Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, departing Edinburgh Waverley on July 8 and costing $13,180 per person.
Afloat in France
- La Semaine Des Grands Crus: a must for wine lovers to taste the 33 Grand Crus of Burgundy; after its success last year, a second date has been added to the 2011 schedule. This special trip is hosted on board the Amaryllis barge, which sleeps up to eight people, and departs from St Leger on July 17th and from Dijon on July 24th and costs $10,000 per person.
Road To Mandalay
- Every year, the Road To Mandalay heads as far north as Bhamo, just 50 miles from the Chinese border, for an 11-night journey. It will depart four times in 2011 from Mandalay on August 3 and 17 and September 7 and 21, returning to Bagan. It costs from $3,330 per person.
Reservations: Toll Free Reservations: 800 524 2420 or email greatjourneys@oeh.com.