Romantic Travel News

Wyndham Bermuda Resort to Close Until 2009

We've learned that the Wyndham Bermuda Resort & Spa - Southampton Beach will be closed through October 2009 for extensive renovations and a redevelopment of the property. This resort--which was once the Sonesta--is one of Bermuda's largest resorts.

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 12:12 PM

Passport Promotion from Couples Resorts

Montego Bay, Jamaica – October 27, 2006 – Couples Resorts has just announced that vacation bookings made today through November 14, 2006 for travel during select dates in the first quarter of 2007 will be eligible for discounts that can add up to more than 45% off an all-inclusive vacation getaway. On top of this, Couples Resorts has joined with the Jamaica Tourist Board in a promotion to encourage travelers to get their passports in accordance with the new passport regulations for Caribbean travel by offering $200 in spa credit per room for travelers who make Jamaica their first stop with their new passport.

The passport promotion is valid for travel January 1-April 1, 2007 and travelers need to just show their passport at check-in to prove Jamaica is their first international stop. A five-night minimum stay is required and the offer is valid at all four Couples Resorts in Jamaica.

“We are proud to be able to encourage first-timers to visit their new Jamaican vacation home - Couples Resorts. Once they go, we know they will return to Jamaica and Couples Resorts, again and again,” commented Randy Russell, senior vice president of sales & marketing and chief romance officer for Couples Resorts.

Couples Resorts promotional prices are being offered to coincide with reduced fairs recently announced by American Airlines and Air Jamaica for Winter 2007. Discounts are dependent on choice of Couples Resort, room category and travel dates.

Sample savings on 5-night vacations:

Couples Negril, January 8-13 in a Deluxe Ocean Room…

Rack Rate: $3265 per couple

Promotional Offer: $2075 per couple

Savings: $1190


Couples Ocho Rios, February 2-7 in a Superior Ocean Room…

Rack Rate: $2890 per couple

Promotional Offer: $1575 per couple

Savings: $1315


Couples Swept Away, March 18-23 in an Ocean Verandah Suite….

Rack Rate: $3625 per couple

Promotional Offer: $2420 per couple

Savings: $1205


Couples Sans Souci, March 22-27 in a One Bedroom Ocean Balcony Suite…

Rack Rate: $3300 per couple

Promotional Offer: $2110 per couple

Savings: $1190

For more information:
• call 1-800-COUPLES
• visit www.couples.com

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 12:58 PM

Look for a Fifth Couples Resort

Couples Resorts will add a fifth all-inclusive resort in Jamaica--good news for couples seeking luxury all-inclusives especially aimed at couples. The 370-room Trelawny resort is estimated to be a $57 million investment and will be built on 38 acres. Look for the resort to open in 2008.

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 5:25 PM

Get Those Passports!

The US Congress has continued the discussion on the date of implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Right now, it looks like those air passengers returning to the US will need to present valid passports starting January 8, 2007.

This change will not include Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Cruise passengers returning from the region will have an extended period, possibly until mid-2009, to meet the passport requirement.

For information on how to obtain a passport, check out our special passport article.

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 5:22 PM

Celebrity Wedding Planner and Mandarin Oriental Team Up

Looking for expert help with your wedding dress search? Mandarin Oriental, New York and celebrity wedding planner Marcy Blum have teamed up to create the Bridal Dress Quest Package.

The package gives mother-daughter, or the bride-to-be and her best friend, the chance to enjoy a day of guided “dress quest” shopping with Marcy Blum, the foremost wedding and party planner on the East Coast. Blum's client list includes socialites and celebrities from the Rockefeller family to the rocker Billy Joel.

The Package: The package begins with a phone consultation with Marcy Blum to tailor the dress quest experience to the bride’s individual taste.

On the actual day, a Mercedes sedan will transport the “questers” around Manhattan for six hours of personalized shopping with Marcy to top wedding gown designers and stores. Brides can try on the edgy designs of Selia Yang, the custom gowns of Lara-Helene, the eclectic collections of Mark Ingram’s The Bridal Atelier, and the classic styles of Vera Wang – all personal, long-time contacts of Marcy’s. A break for lunch at Marcy’s private club, SoHo House, is also included.

After a day of shopping, a night of pampering awaits at Mandarin Oriental, New York, with luxurious accommodation in a Central Park View Suite and an indulgent two-hour Spa treatment for two in the hotel’s acclaimed Five-Star spa.

To top off the experience, Marcy will select a gift from the new Spoylt Bryde by Marcy Blum Collection. Spoylt Lingerie is the maker of hand crafted, haute couture intimates based in London.

“New York City is the best place for a bride to look for her dream dress because of the incredible variety and talent available in this city,” states Marcy Blum. “Shopping for a wedding gown should and can be a magical experience -- a part of a bride’s fondest memories during this special time in her life. It can also be a very wonderful bonding experience for the bride and her mother, or for her and a close friend. The Dress Quest package we’ve created with Mandarin Oriental, New York brings all the components together to successfully create a memory of a lifetime.”

For the multi-tasking bride-to-be, an additional Marcy Blum “day of beauty” can be added for hair and make-up consultations with professionals from Marcy’s personal list of New York’s finest stylists and make-up artists.

The Price: The Bridal Dress Quest Package rate is $5,350 plus tax and service charges. The incremental cost of an additional day of beauty with a second night of accommodation at Mandarin Oriental, New York can be added based on prevailing hotel rates.

About Marcy Blum: Marcy Blum Associates was founded in 1987 as a corporate event planning company. Marcy’s talents led her to specialize in creating unforgettable weddings and high profile society events. She's appeared as a wedding and event expert on The Today Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, Oprah , Good Morning America, and was recently a guest judge on Top Chef. Marcy is frequently quoted in InStyle, Brides, the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. She also writes on the subject of special events, co-authoring the hugely successful Wedding Planning for Dummies, as well as being published in InStyle, Town & Country and Modern Bride. Recently, Marcy was selected as one of the Top 25 Trendsetter's of 2006 by Modern Bride.

About Mandarin Oriental, New York: Mandarin Oriental, New York features 248 elegant guestrooms and suites — all with views of Manhattan. Amenities include Asiate, the hotel’s vibrant restaurant, and a cocktail bar created by noted interior designer, Tony Chi; a lobby lounge with dramatic views of Central Park; The 14,500-square-foot Spa at Mandarin Oriental; and a state-of-the-art fitness center with a 75-foot lap pool.


For more information:
• call (866)-801-8880
• visit www.mandarinoriental.com

Labels: celebrities, weddings

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 5:14 PM

Romantic Package in St. Moritz, Switzerland

A couple of years ago we had the chance to stay in the ultra-romantic Badrutt's Palace Hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland. We've just received a romantic getaway package at the hotel that we wanted to pass along:

The Package: Two-night package for two in a Deluxe Room, daily buffet breakfast, complimentary mini-bar, one bottle of Champagne upon arrival, one candle light dinner in Le Restaurant including wine, non-alcoholic beverages, one after drink in the King’s Club, a one-day ski pass valid for entire region, one herbal steam & Cleopatra bath skin care for two at the Daniela Steiner Beauty Spa, horse-drawn carriage ride to Fex Valley with transport to Sils and back, complimentary shuttle to ski lift and free entrance to the King’s Club. From CHF 2,120/double – a 56% discount on rack rates.

For more information:
• call 011-41-81-837-11-00
• visit visit www.badruttspalace.com

Labels: Europe

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 8:22 PM

NYC's Exchange Hotel Tempts Lovers with Chocolate Covered Weekend

Calling all Chocoholics! The newly renovated Exchange Hotel, located in lower Manhattan, serves up a delicious getaway for lovers with the Chocolate Covered Weekend.

The Package: This two-night package includes:
• two nights in a spacious suite
• two complimentary Mexican Chocolate Mojitos or non-alcoholic Aztec Iced Chocolate at the Exchange Lounge
• special delivery of a chocolate pizza and wings from New York’s own Chocolate Pizza Company and a six-pack of Coke or Diet Coke
• a private walking tour of Manhattan’s most notable chocolate hallmarks, led by Carmen Botez of Chocolate Zoom Magazine

This three-hour tour will include stops at:
• Christopher Norman Chocolates in the Financial District
• Vosges Haut-Chocolat which is a compelling world of wonder with its carefully decorated interior and its tasteful concept
• Kee’s Chocolates where guests will have the chance to see the owner of the shop making the chocolates
• MarieBelle, in Soho
• Jaques Torres‚ new boutique in Hudson Square where the manager will offer a private tour and explain the inner workings of chocolate, while guests can enjoy watching people making chocolate in the factory.

The whole journey will conclude with a tasting of truffles and the Hot Wicked Fun in the boutique.

The Price: Chocolate Covered Weekend is available for $1200, double occupancy and is inclusive of tax and service charges, now until December 16, 2006, subject to availability. This rate shows a 24 % savings off rack rates. Winter 2007 rates are $1000 and reflect a 32% savings. Advanced reservations are strongly advised.

Why It’s Dreamy: Relaunched in April 2006 as the Exchange Hotel, this 53-room boutique hotel is nestled moments away from Wall Street’s flurry and only a short distance from the South Street Seaport and Historic Front Street. The property offers dynamic amenities like WiFi access, flat-screen TVs, full kitchens, and exceptional guest service.

The Exchange Hotel is also the Premier Hotel Partner for the upcoming 9th Annual Chocolate Show in New York City, a three-day festival devoted entirely to chocolate. This year’s event takes place at the Metropolitan Pavillion & Altman Building on November 10-12, 2006.

For more information:
• visit www.chocolateshow.com

More Information on the Exchange Hotel:
• call 212-742-0003
• visit www.exchangehotel.com

Labels: USA

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 8:16 PM

Top 10 Romantic Activities in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has issued a list of the top 10 romantic activities on the island:

1. Exploring the 16th century colonial city of Santo Domingo
2. Day trip to Isla Saona
3. Exploring the caves spread throughout the DR
4. Whale watching
5. Dancing the merengue
6. Golfing on Pete Dye or Jack Nicklaus-designed courses
7. Taking a three-day trek to climb the DR's 10,000 foot mountain peak
8. Strolling the streets of Mediterranean Altos de Chavon or attending a concert at its outdoor amphitheater
9. Swim with dolphins at Ocean World
10. Glass bottom boat tour in Sosua Bay

Just what makes the country so romantic? "The combination of the DR's simplistic beauty, the warm, soothing breeze and the Caribbean feel in the air is the ideal background for romance," said Natascha Leimbigler, marketing manager of Amstar DMC Dominican Republic. "When you add the light-heartedness of the Dominican people and the activities like shaking hips to hot, rhythmic merengue beats to the romance mix you find that the DR is a unique, perfect getaway for couples to relax, reconnect and experience an unparalleled, delightful culture."

For More Information:
• visit www.godominicanrepublic.com

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 4:15 PM

St. Lucia to Celebrate First Food & Rum Festival

Are the two of you looking for a way to combine sun and fun with food and rum? Here's the answer: the first annual St. Lucia Food & Rum Festival, scheduled for October 26 – 29, 2006. Festivities will include a variety of activities including tastings, demonstrations and special meals at a variety of the islands five-star restaurants.

Where: The festival will be based in Rodney Bay, one of the major culinary centers in St. Lucia.

Activities: All four days will be filled with a variety of events and entertainment. In addition to the rum, wine and food tastings, the festival will offer cigar-rolling demonstrations, book signings and hands-on cooking lessons. Participants will also have an opportunity to see the unique and lush island topography during rum boat cruises to the Piton Mountains. Each night in the Caribbean Boulevard, there will be a live music concert with performances by Third World, The Mighty Sparrow, Monty Alexander and others. The festival will conclude October 29 with a Sunday brunch hosted by Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort providing participants further opportunity to interact with the featured chefs, bartenders and sponsors.

Special Packages: In additional to brunch at Windjammer Landing, various other hotels and resorts in St. Lucia will be participating in the Food & Rum Festival.

Coco Palm hotel is offering a special package that includes an all-access pass to the weekend’s featured events including music concerts by Third World, Monty Alexander and Arrow. Coco Palm’s “Food & Rum Festival” package rates start at $650 per person and include a three-night stay in a Garden View Room, a Food & Rum all-access event pass granting entrance into the rum pavilion, music concerts and three special four-course dinners with tasting menus.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort is offering visitors the choice of a three-night or seven-night package. Both packages will include accommodations, a pass to all Food & Rum events and activities, a sunset cruise and a special Caribbean cooking class at the resort.

Coconut Bay Resort & Spa is offering a post-festival package that will allow visitors to stay a few extra days on the South side of the island to explore some of the other activities St. Lucia has to offer. The package will include transfers from Rodney Bay to Coconut Bay, accommodations, all-inclusive amenities and return transfers to Hewanorra Airport.

For more information:
• visit www.foodandrumfestival.com,

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 4:11 PM

Don't Forget North Carolina for Fall Foliage

Think of fall color and you no doubt picture the US Northeast thanks to the spectacular foliage displays. North Carolina, one of our favorite states especially near the Smoky Mountains, is also boasting a lot of color this month; they've set up a hotline so you can track the week's best displays. We received some suggested romantic drives in the mountains where you'll find plenty of fall color:


Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway
97 miles southwest of Asheville
For a glimpse of nature’s beauty beyond compare, travel the 41-mile Cherohala Skyway that connects N.C. Highway 143 from Robbinsville to U.S. Highway 165 in western North Carolina. Often compared with the Blue Ridge Parkway, it follows the crest of the Unicoi Mountains in the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forest, thus the name. The highest point reaches 5,390 ft. Visitors can enjoy majestic views of nature or picnic above the clouds at one of the many overlooks.

Tail of the Dragon (motorcyclist favorite)
10 miles from Boone
This is one of the best places in the U.S. to test drive your skills and courage on a motorcycle or in a car. The drive begins in North Carolina at Cheoah Dam where Harrison Ford jumped off the bridge in “The Fugitive.” The drive encompasses 318 curves in approximately 11 miles with beautiful scenery. Brag to everyone that you “slayed the dragon!”

Hidden Gems along the Blue Ridge Parkway (insider’s favorite)
Check out these little known scenic routes along the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the northwestern part of the state, N.C. Highway 18 between Sparta and West Jefferson will link visitors to these two stops that preserve the small-town feel of the Southern Appalachians. In Sparta, don’t miss Farmer’s Hardware or the quaint main street shops. In West Jefferson, take the downtown walking tours of murals and the Ashe County Cheese Factory. Southbound travelers can pick up N.C. Highway 18 by exiting the Parkway at Milepost 229 and taking U.S. Highway 21 to Sparta. Northbound travelers can exit the Parkway onto U.S. Highway 421 at Milepost 281, then follow the signs to West Jefferson. In either direction, the scenery nourishes the soul, with small, idyllic farms and sparkling streams along the way.

For More Information:
• Fall Color Hotline: 1-866-6LEAVES (866-653-2837)
• Fall Fishing Hotline: 1-888-2 FISH NC (888-234-7462)
• General Travel Information: 1-800-VISIT NC (800-847-4862)

Labels: USA

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 1:34 PM

Say "I Do" at NYC's The Kimberly Hotel

Looking for a wedding or reception venue in New York City? The Kimberly Hotel, a European-style boutique hotel, can host your vows...and put a lot of wow into your reception as well.

Wedding and Reception Venues:

The Penthouse, an 1150-square foot private event space with a large wraparound terrace, occupies the entire top floor of The Kimberly Hotel and is an ideal location for intimate weddings. This accommodating space, encompassed with picturesque views of the city, combines sophistication and awe with its breathtaking views and luxurious ambiance.

Nikki Midtown and Ferro’s restaurant, the Kimberly’s two dining options are great for accommodating wedding celebrations such as bachelor/ bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and elegantly catered receptions. Nikki Midtown is the ultimate restaurant/lounge with chic, signature style and ambiance while Ferro’s restaurant boasts superb continental cuisine.

Why It’s Dreamy: The Kimberly’s 192 guestrooms and suites include Signature Collection‚ suites that are perfect for hosting posh bridal party functions and Luxury Collection‚ accommodations, which occupy the 22nd and 23rd floors and are ideal for entertaining out of town wedding guests in style. The suites in the recently unveiled Luxury Collection include personal amenities such as designer furnishings, marble baths http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifwith jetted tubs, the finest Mascioni‚ Italian linens, plasma-screen televisions with DVD players, free wireless internet service, floor-to-ceiling wet bars, private balconies overlooking the New York cityscape and spacious living rooms for those seeking comfort in the lap of luxury.

Amenities available to all Kimberly guests include superior appointments and customized services as well as complimentary use of the renowned New York Health and Racquet Club and boarding of their private 75-foot yacht for 3-hour scenic cruises along the Hudson River in sailing season, May through September. The Kimberly Hotel’s yacht is additionally available for private charter and special events.

The Kimberly Hotel is located at 145 East 50th Street in New York City.

For more information:
• visit
• call (800) 683-0400

Labels: USA, weddings

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 5:46 PM