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.
January 17th, 2011
Two of the most chic hotels around have teamed up. The result? An amazing week of spa treatments, city fun, and quality beach time. The Greenwich Hotel in TriBeCa in New York City and COMO Hotels & Resort’s island paradise of Parrot Cay have crafted the perfect vacation. Two nights in downtown Manhattan with pre-beach shopping and spa treatments followed by five nights on Parrot Cay with yoga, spa treatments, and plenty of sunshine.
Inclusions:
New York Inclusions:
- Two nights in a Courtyard Queen Room/Corner Suite
- Breakfast daily
- Shibui signature cordial and fresh fruit upon arrival
- Custom “pre-beach” NYC shopping itinerary
- Shibui Spa gift
- Three 50-minute spa treatments per room on a two-night package: Guests can choose from a Basic Lotus massage, a 50-minute beach prep body scrub, and a Shibui manicure or pedicure.
Turks and Caicos Inclusions:
- Five nights in a Garden View Room/Beach House
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (excluding beverages)
- Return airport transfers
- Bottle of Champagne upon arrival
- Complimentary group yoga and Pilates and non-motorized water sports
- Fruit bowl replenished daily
- COMO Shambhala gift
- Six 60-minute spa treatments per room on a five-night package. Guests can choose from a COMO Shambhala Facial, COMO Shambhala Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Indian Head Massage, Shiatsu Treatment, Indonesian Massage, or Reflexology.
Availability: Now-August 2011
Pricing:
Option 1: Courtyard Queen Room at The Greenwich and Garden View Room at Parrot Cay: $4,595
Option 2: Corner Suite at The Greenwich and Beach House at Parrot Cay: $16,305
Additional nights can be booked at the best available rate by contacting the hotels directly.
January 7th, 2011
This Valentine’s Day 30 lucky couples will learn all about the importance of body heat. Igloobase is open each winter as an idyllic winter wonderland escape and is partnering with Victoria-Jungfrau Collection to make February 14 a little more special (and memorable!).
Couples will enjoy romantic poem readings, musical performances, and a fire show before taking part in the action with waltz or a tango lessons on the frozen Lake Hinterstockensee. After working up an appetite, participants will enjoy an intimate meal at the Panorama Restaurant at the top of the mountain (at 7,185 feet) before returning down to the valley for an overnight stay at Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. The “Fire & Flame” package for two is 260 Swiss Francs (about $270) and includes transfers, dinner, and the shows. The best reason we’ve encountered to brave the cold!
January 6th, 2011
Manage to save that $50 from your aunt? Or that check for $100 from your grandmother? Hop across the pond for Paris January soldes! The government enforces all the shops to have sales twice a year, and the winter sale this year starts January 12. Stroll down the beautiful streets of Paris and take comfort in the fact that you can actually afford to shop! For those who’d like a little guidance, the incredible charming Marais hotel, Pavillon de la Reine, is offering shopping packages specifically for the soldes.
With the, “A New Way to Shop in Paris,” package, guests get a full breakfast, a half day spent shopping with a private shopper who will advise you and help you pick out the perfect French looks, a 45 minute foot massage per person in the Carita Spa – (perfect after a day of walking around!), free access to the fitness, Jacuzzi, and steam baths, and free parking. All of this for 450 euros per night in a lovely Junior Suite or Duplex Suite for a minimum stay of two nights.
For those who want to live like a vrai Parisienne during the sales, check into the uber-chic La Réserve Paris apartments. Catch a view of the Eiffel Tower while you sip on some Côtes du Rhône and nibble on some creamy Epoisse.
For a sophistocated traveler, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme - right I the iconic place and its luxurious shops.
The sales end February 15th, so hop on Kayak or Expedia or what have you and book a flight!
December 23rd, 2010
Crystal Cruises invites children 17 and under to sail free on select 2011 Pacific Coast sailings! The offer is valid for children sailing in a third berth with two full-fare adults. The itineraries include stops along the northern Golden Coast of California and British Columbia with visits to Santa Barbara, San Francisco, California; Astoria, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Victoria, British Columbia. The November trip will include Crystal’s first-ever overnight in San Francisco.
In keeping with their excellent service, the trip dates won’t fall along dates that would make it hard for children to make the trip. The April sailing ends on Easter Sunday over many Spring Breaks and the November sailing is over Thanksgiving. Both Crystal Serenity and Symphony have children and teen facilities with daily events, video games, and toys for on-board entertainment. There’s no excuse not to bring the kids…. Or the grandparents!
December 22nd, 2010
While headlines may be predicting doomsday airline fee hikes for 2011, Continental Airlines is bucking the trend and will be offering great rates to Albuquerque all year! As long as tickets are booked at least two weeks in advance, one way tickets are $99 for all travel (no blackout dates!) through November 3, 2011.
Visit the city with 300-days of annual sunshine and some 30 events and festivals annually and catch the view from Hotel Parq Central’s rooftop Apothecary Lounge. Or plan ahead (New Year’s resolution!) and experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, to be held October 1-9, 2011, known as the world’s most photographed event!
December 15th, 2010
Explore the famous Empty Quarter, or Rub’-al-Khali, area of the Liwa Desert with a Canon and acclaimed photographer Ira Block. Ira, who has shot for National Geographic Traveler and the Discovery Channel, and will lead the two-night landscape photography course Thursday, January 20 – Saturday, January 22 at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.
Ninety minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, the resort is in an ideal setting for a photography course, with some of the world’s largest sand dunes, some measuring up to 820 feet high. Don’t let a lack of a camera prevent you from a new hobby in 2011, Canon cameras will be available for those without!
December 1st, 2010
Today starts the official countdown to 2011. Start brainstorming those resolutions, but more importantly, those plans to ring in 2011 in style!
Hotel Parq Central in Albuquerque will be hosting an exclusive party that will feature signature 1920’s-inspired cocktails tailored to the holiday season, live music entertainment, and light appetizers & desserts. The official New Year’s package includes an overnight stay, a guaranteed late checkout of 1pm, two tickets to the private party, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, turndown service, and an extended gourmet breakfast buffet with organic and healthy selections for the morning after. It’s hard to ask for much more… but a special in-room amenity will await when you reserve an Executive guest room, One-Bedroom King Suite, or One-Bedroom Cottage. We would give you a hint, but think surprises are more fun!
Rooms are limited, so reserve now! We don’t recommend putting this offer off until the end!
November 23rd, 2010
While the holiday season might mean last minute shopping trips and extended family gatherings for some, see how some of the Swiss will be celebrating for a lesson in true holiday R&R.
Where: Palace Luzerne, Switzerland
What: Another reason to move to Switzerland
Why: Swiss hospitality is extending its courtesies to local parents this Holiday season. The Goose ‘n Wellness package will pick-up Swiss moms or dads in a limousine for a day of spa pampering with an evening make-over for mothers and a ‘manly’ manicure for fathers, while hotel chefs prepare a traditional Holiday meal including roasted goose, mashed potatoes, and red cabbage. When ready to return home (we think it could be hard), the limousine will take refreshed parents home with the perfectly prepared meal back to an awaiting family.
When: December 24-26. 579 Swiss Francs per mother including wellness treatment, glass of champagne and Christmas dinner for four.