Romantic Travel News

New Minimoon Package at Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott, USVI

Looking for a way to reconnect and enjoy each other's company for a few days? Take advantage of the “Minimoon” trend and escape to the romantic and relaxing Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort in St. Thomas. The resort's new Escape! Your Way Romance Minimoon Package is ideal for engaged couples who would like to rest, rejoice, and rejuvenate for a few days and leave refreshed and ready to plan the wedding of their dreams.

The Package: The Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort’s Escape! Your Way Romance Minimoon Package includes:

* Room, tax and gratuities for bellman & housekeeper
* Optional meeting with a destination wedding consultant
* (1) in-room couples massage treatment for (2)
* $100 credit for dinner for 2 at Windows
* Delicious breakfast buffet daily
* Unlimited water ferry tickets from resort to downtown St. Thomas
* Welcome rum or fruit punch upon arrival
* (1) bottle of champagne

Price: The 2007 package rates start from:

$413/night, April 16 – May 31, 2007
$372/night, June 1 – August 19, 2007
$311/night, August 20 – October 31, 2007
$413/night, November 1 – December 20, 2007

Rates are based on double occupancy; there is a minimum four night stay required.

For more information:
• visit www.frenchmansreefmarriott.com
• call 800-524-2000

Remember, American travelers: Passports are NOT required for the United States Virgin Islands!

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:19 PM

LUXE Destination Weddings Plans Deluxe Ceremonies

What kind of destination wedding do you picture? Barefoot on the beach or royalty-rivaling nuptials? Regardless of your budget, you can probably use some extra help with the planning. We've learned of a company that's offering packages for low-key as well as high-scale weddings: LUXE Destination Weddings. The company specializes in Caribbean and Mexico destinations and helps couples enjoy their betrothal by taking on every headache-inducing task: liaising with resorts, coordinating travel for family and friends, designing ceremonies and more.

From basic to grandiose, here's what couples can expect from LUXE:

Kind to Your Budget: LUXE Travel Package ($500)

Not sure where to start for your destination wedding? Get expert guidance to create a magical event (and to get everyone there in one piece!). The LUXE Travel Package includes a personal LUXE travel consultant, who will arrange a group rate for hotel and air travel. CURRENT PROMOTION: couples receive a complimentary wedding website (to update guests and book travel) and save-the-date invitation, courtesy of LUXE's design team.

All the Bells and Whistles: LUXE Luxury Package ($7,000 + coordinator travel expenses)

No detail is spared for your big day! LUXE coordinates all air and hotel accommodations, transportation and concierge services for the wedding group. LUXE will even send an on-site consultant to oversee set-up and ceremony. Enjoy up to three additional group functions ˆ cocktail party, private dinner, brunch or cruise. Also included: site inspections for resort scouting; consultation on ceremony and reception; suggestions for overall design and theme ideas; ten 1-hour telephone sessions; arrangements for honeymoon travel; and advice on legal requirements in the destination country.

And Everything In Between

Additional packages priced at $1,500 and $3,000 offer happy mediums and give couples wiggle-room for their finances.

For more information:
• call 1-888-LUXE-WED
• visit www.luxedestinationweddings.com

Labels: Caribbean, Mexico, weddings

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:49 PM

Sandals Royal Caribbean Adds River Suites

We've always enjoyed Jamaica's Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Offshore Island thanks to its excellent beach and good service. Now we've learned there's a new reason to select the property: 10 new “St. James River Suites.” These suites are set on a relaxing lazy river and pool. The four ground floor St. James River Suites feature expanded patio areas with access to the lazy river just steps away.

Each extravagant suite is outfitted with custom furnishings and tropically inspired décor, including the lavish use of rich hardwoods, woven rattan, elegant floral fabrics in crimson and emerald greens and thick area rugs bound by sea grass. The spacious bedroom features a king-size, four-poster mahogany bed, a marvelous bathroom with marble and hand-cut mosaic tile accents, plus a Jacuzzi tub and his and her mahogany vanities with marble countertops.

And don't forget...each suite comes with a personal buter. The suites come complete with a Butler Pantry, so that the personal butler will be able to stock the room with guests’ favorite snacks and drinks.

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:46 PM

Compass Point Offers Summer Special

Summer means a special rate at Nassau's Compass Point, the resort and beloved retreat to legendary musicians. You'll find rates as low as $215 per night during this special time.

Rates: Rates at Compass Point through November 17, 2007 begin at $215 per night for a Sea View Studio, and extend up to $365 per night for an Elevated Two Bedroom Sea View Hut. Rates are based on single or double occupancy and subject to a 20% government tax and service charge.

Why It's Dreamy: Originally created by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, Compass Point is a contemporary sanctuary that inspires creativity and romance. Adjacent to Love Beach, the scene here is serene, relaxed and private.

For summer fun, snorkeling and authentic land, sea and eco tours can be arranged. A freshwater pool and nearby golf course are also available. The resort's outdoor Ocean Bar and indoor Alcove Bar tempt couples with tantalizing cocktails. The resort is a short drive to Cable Beach and downtown Nassau where the two of you will find plenty of nightlife and shopping.

For more information:
• call 1-800-OUTPOST, 00800 688 76781 in the UK
• visit www.islandoutpost.com

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:41 PM

Romantic Cruising...with Babysitting

Looking for a way to combine a romantic getaway with a family vacation? On seven-night sailings aboard Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess throughout the month of August, SureCruise.com is including two nights of complimentary babysitting services for up to two children 3-12 years of age (a $60 value).

This offer is available for new telephone bookings on Aug. 12, 2007 and Aug. 26, 2007 Caribbean Princess departures in an Oceanview Stateroom category or higher. You must book by May 14, 2007 to qualify.

Prices: Prices start at $2,446 for a family of four sharing an Oceanview Stateroom, less than $625 per person.

Babysitting services, subject to onboard availability, are included for two nights, for three hours per night (from 10pm to 1am), and must be reserved prior to 8pm at the Youth and Teen Center. Additional childcare is available for the cost of $5 per hour/per child.

The Fine Print: The promotion is only available for qualifying new telephone bookings received by May 14, 2007, is subject to early termination, all SureCruise.com and cruise line terms and conditions, and is not valid in conjunction with any other promotion.

To receive this promotion, you must call 877-346-3433 to speak with a live cruise specialist. Visit www.surecruise.com for more information.

Labels: cruises

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 12:33 PM

Four Seasons Nevis Offers "It's Your Choice" Package

If you're like us, sometimes it seems like travel packages come with a few too many, well, rules. The package includes this but not that; you can stay this long but not that long.

A new package from Four Seasons Resort Nevis just came across our desks, one that's perfect for couples who want flexibility. The package is called "It's Your Choice" and it give you the ability to custom design your own dream Caribbean vacation with varying degrees of relaxation and recreation.

When: The “It’s Your Choice” package is available from May 1, 2007 through December 14, 2007.

Price: For summer travelers, rates begin at US$495 per night from June 1, 2007 through October 31, 2007.

The Package: The package offers:

· Luxurious accommodations: Guests enjoy more than 750 square feet of spacious living plus private outdoor verandas or patios and signature Four Seasons marble soaking tubs.

· Maximum choice: There is a choice of one of the following activities, per person, per night:
** A round of golf
** A 50-minute massage
** 1 1/2-hour tennis lesson
** Island excursion

· Flexibility: There is no minimum stay required.

· Added value: A bonus for parents, this promotion is combinable with the Resort’s “Family Plan,” which offers a second room for children at a 50% savings. (The “It’s Your Choice” package is combinable with the“ Family Plan.” On the “Family Plan” the second room at 50% savings applies only for children 17 years and under.)

Guests who choose to stay close to the Resort can indulge in Condé Nast Traveler’s recently #1-rated Resort Spa in all of North America and the Caribbean. A Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course, rated the #1 in the Caribbean by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, delights with unforgettable scenery including surprise appearances by green vervet monkeys scampering across the fairways. Players of all ages can meet their match at one of the Caribbean’s largest tennis centers, offering unparalleled instruction from Peter Burwash International professionals.

Travelers who select an island excursion can choose from a rainforest and ruins hike, an island tour or a bush medicine walk, where a local naturalist shares native secrets and curing plant remedies. On the island tour, guests will visit the birthplace of U.S. founding father, Alexander Hamilton, learn that monkeys are rumored to outnumber people and stop at historic plantation inns, where sugar mill ruins echo a bygone era.

Why It's Dreamy: The 196-room Four Seasons Resort Nevis serves as an intimate retreat in a low-key destination known for its romantic settings, unspoiled environment and rich history and culture. More than 40 villas and estate homes are available for rental. Offerings—exotic cuisine, top-rated golf, spa, tennis and kids’ facilities, abundant water sports and nature excursions—combine the best of luxury and leisure.

For more information:
• visit www.fourseasons.com/nevis
• call 1.800.332.3442 or 1.869.469.6234

Labels: Caribbean

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 1:37 PM

Spa Girl Package at Napa's Silverado Resort

Looking for a pre-wedding getaway for you and your 'maids? Check out this package from California's Silverado Resort. The "Spa Girl" package offers up to 40% off regular rates this summer and fall.

The Package: For each night the package is booked, guests receive accommodations in a one-bedroom suite at the Silverado Resort, a 50-minute spa treatment at the Spa at Silverado, breakfast at the Grill at Silverado or the Spa Café and use of spa facilities and tennis courts. Guests also receive a wine-tasting at the William Hill Estate and a Silverado canvas tote.

The Price: Through November 17, the package is $285 per person per night based on double occupancy in a one-bedroom suite or triple occupancy in a two-bedroom suite. The cost is $240 per person per night for four people in a two-bedroom suite. All taxes and gratuities are included.

The Spa: The Spa at Silverado is Napa Valley's largest resort spa. Facilities include a fitness center with TechnoGym equipment, 16 private treatment rooms and a full range of massage,body and skin care treatments; a full-service salon offering hair and nail care; fitness studios offering personal training, daily exercise classes, weight-training and cardiovascular equipment; private men's and women's lounges; locker rooms with spa robes and sandals; a 25-meter lap pool and outdoor whirlpool.

For More Information:
• call 800-532-0500 or 707-257-0200
• visit www.silveradoresort.com

Labels: USA

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:14 PM

Spend that Refund...On Travel!

Did this year's taxes mean a refund for you and yours?

"Why not put your tax refund into something luxe like travel?" said AMPR President & CEO Andria Mitsakos. "While the size of the refund might vary greatly citizen by citizen, we've put together some ideas for every taste and budget. Whether it's putting a few hundred dollars toward a Caribbean getaway or a week-long sojourn in South Africa, we've done the groundwork outlining the best ways to spend it. Thanks Uncle Sam!"

Please see the below ways to treat yourself post-tax season.

$0-$99:

· $60 Reach new heights of health with a new Oxygen Bar aromatherapy treatment at Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Inhale the mix of medicinal plants and flowers concentrated with pure oxygen. Select your own special mixture (Energizing Red: cinnamon, ginger & mandarin; Violet Meditation: cedar, vetiver and incense).
· $95 Dive into your adventurous soul with Jake's, a Jamaican hotspot in Treasure Beach. Off the beaten path in a quaint fishing village on the unspoiled coast of Jamaica, Jake's and its cottages are ideal for a romantic tryst, family adventure or relaxing retreat. Rates start at $95 a night, single or double occupancy April 20 ˆ December 14, 2007.

$100-$199:

· $140 We dare you bare it all. The new, clothing optional Desires Resort & Spa Los Cabos features its Hot Desire Sale at $140 a night. Rate is per person per room, valid through December 25, 2007.
· $199 Ladies escape to St. Maarten! Sonesta Maho Beach & Casino's Girlfriends Gathering Package is just $199 per person/per night through December 15, 2007 and includes quality time in the Good Life Spa, vouchers at Casino Royale, entry into the island's hottest nightclub, meals and drinks.

$200 - $399:

· $305 The pink-hued beach of Harbour Island awaits at Coral Sands Hotel in The Bahamas. Rates start at $305 per night based on double occupancy (plus tax and service fees) through September 4, 2007. The sand here is rosy, powder-soft and always stays cool. Exciting island activities and trips to Spanish Wells and North Eleuthera keep your days full, while sumptuous dining and moonlight strolls down the pink beach compliment your nights.

$400 - $599:

· $499 Romance at Sunset, the new package by Jamaica's Sunset Resorts. Priced per couple (per night) through December 31, 2007 for properties in Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Flowers and champagne on arrival. Room upgrades. Private four-course dinner for two in a secluded area. His/Hers 30-minute massages in resort spa or outdoor hut.

$600 - AND UP:

· $600 At Agua Resort & Spa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the Opening Splash Package includes private, romantic five-course beachfront dinner, one-hour massage for two, Dominican cigar and Brugal rum tasting and half-day horseback riding. Rates per night based on double occupancy through August 31, 2007.
· $1,496 Detox for three nights in Jamaica's Blue Mountains with the acclaimed Strawberry Hill. Package for two includes an Elemental Nature reading, Stress Relieving Treatment, Caribbean Therapy Body Treatment and guided tour of the Craighton Coffee Plantation. All meals, house wines and beverages, airport transfers, tax and service charges are included. Valid through November 30, 2007.
· $14,480 Be bold and daring with your tax refund this year: take the family and visit the wild terrains of Tintswalo Safari Lodge in the Manyeleti Reserve. Quote represents a five-night package for a family of four (two adults/two children) and includes accommodations, two guided safari activities daily (game drive/bush walk), all meals, teas/coffees, laundry, individual SOS insurance for emergency medical evacuation and a special introductory treatment at the Elan Vital Spa.

Labels: Africa, Caribbean, Mexico

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:22 PM

Marriott, Renaissance Hotels Offering Free Wedding Software

Planning a hotel wedding? Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Renaissance Hotels & Resorts are using technology to make the job easier for brides and grooms. Couples planning a wedding at any of their 380 North American Hotels receive a free copy of The Wedding Planner™ software.

The program by Summitsoft, which would cost $29.99 if purchased in a store, helps couples manage all the details:

• the online WedConnect feature helps couples connect with family, friends, the bridal party or the bridal consultant
• streamline everything from registry to RSVPs
• create playlists for your events and import them directly from iTunes
• track your schedule, timeline, registry deposits, vendors, invitations, seating, menu, event music and more

No other hotel company offers The Wedding Planner™ software.

For More Information:
• visit www.joyweddingsbymarriott.com

Labels: weddings

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 11:24 AM

Weddings at Point Grace in the Turks and Caicos

The bride and groom now receive a complimentary night in the dreamy Cotton Cay Suite at Point Grace when booking the suite for three additional nights. The resort, located in the Princess Alexandra Park--a protected marine reserve on the north coast of Grace Bay in the Turks & Caicos Islands, is named for Grace Hutchings, a young woman who honeymooned here in a small cottage in 1892 and so charmed local residents that they named the 12-mile beach in her honor.

Weddings at Point Grace: You can choose an intimate ceremony right on the beach or a more formal affair for up to 80 guests in Point Grace's British Colonial reception area and courtyard.

The bride and groom will receive a complimentary night‚s stay in the exquisite Cotton Cay Suite when they book the suite for three additional nights, and have wedding guests staying at the resort. The three-bedroom, 2,600-square-foot suite is an oasis of luxury, with an oceanfront master bedroom, living room, and balcony, a grand salon, lounge, dining room and full kitchen.

The bride and groom can opt to be escorted from the airport in the resort's vintage Rolls Royce and receive a "destress" treatment at the spa following in-suite check-in, where chilled drinks await.

Why It's Dreamy: Point Grace offers a selection of beachfront suites and penthouses, plus one bedroom pool-front or ocean-view cottage suites. Decorated with African tribal crafts and Grand Masters artwork, the décor features Indonesian hardwood and teak furniture embellished with brightly colored fabrics.

The Cotton Cay Suite features central air conditioning, ceiling fans and in-room safes, Frette bed linens and bath robes, CD and DVD players, as well as cable and plasma TV, washer/dryer and hairdryers. Additional, extra amenities include flowers in the room on arrival, gourmet continental breakfast each morning, afternoon sorbets served on the beach, early evening drinks and canapés at the Pool Bar and at turn-down, staff-lit bedside oil lamps.

Before or after the ceremony, lounge on the stunning beach just outside the courtyard, splash in the sapphire sea or hang out by the freshwater swimming pool and pool bar. Use the resort‚s kayaks, Hobie Cats and snorkel and other watersport equipment to explore and the magnificent coral reefs and other wonders of nature all around.

Point Grace guests can also take a shuttle to the Provo Golf & Country Club, which offers golf on a Karl Litton-designed 18-hole Championship course, and the country's only casino is nearby.

For more information:
• visit www.pointgrace.com
• call 1-866-924-7223 or 1-970-513-8007.

Labels: Caribbean, weddings

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:07 PM

Romantic Getaways in Turkey

Turkey, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offers couples an exotic locale with modern amenities. With world-class hotels and resorts, endless sightseeing opportunities, exceptional shopping and thousands of miles of turquoise waters, couples can enjoy privacy, history and luxury in a country that offers it all.

Turkey boasts some of the world’s most extraordinary scenes for an ideal wedding or honeymoon. And with hotel packages that range from intimate and traditional to extravagant and exotic, properties throughout Turkey make that special day, and those afterwards, romantic, convenient and memorable.

At the Hyatt Regency Istanbul, an entire staff of wedding professionals is on-hand to cater to the bride and groom’s every wish. The Hyatt Regency Istanbul’s wedding package can cater to those who prefer a traditional wedding or one with exotic elements, along with accommodations in a wedding suite on the couple’s wedding night and special wedding amenities.

Once the special day is complete, couples can spend their honeymoon in Istanbul at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul, which offers three packages that cater to honeymooners. The Honeymoon/Anniversary Package, Suite Dreams Honeymoon package and Magic Moments package give guests a selection of romantic offerings, from plush accommodations with views of the Bosphorus, a Laveda Signature Body Massage in the Couples Suite, rose petal turndowns, sparkling wine upon arrival, and special meals at the hotel’s Cintemani Restaurant.

Elsewhere in Turkey, couples can choose a wedding on the sun-soaked coastline. The Sea Breeze Hotel in the Mediterranean resort town of Ölüdeniz provides exquisite beachside weddings under the palm-lined beaches of Turkey’s magnificent Turquoise Coast. Sun set photography opportunities are available at the world renowned Blue Lagoon, accessible only by boat. The hotel offers a spectacular dinner feast complete with musical entertainment and Turkish belly dancers and wedding packages that include everything the bride and groom need, including all legal arrangements.

The Kempinski Dome Belek Hotel in Turkey’s Antalya region offers honeymooners the choice of a lavish two-night, honeymoon stay in a junior-suite or a full week in a deluxe room with a sea view. Both packages include daily breakfast, in-room champagne and fruit toast upon arrival, full body massages, airport transfers, and candlelit 3-5 course dinners, among other special amenities.

Lavish amenities complemented by breathtaking scenery can be enjoyed on the Turkish Riviera. The Sheraton Voyager Antalya Resort & Spa provides its newlywed guests with a honeymoon cake, sea-view room, congratulatory flower arrangement, luxurious bathrobes, and a 15% discount on extra services throughout the hotel. While at the Titantic Beach and Resort Hotel, newlyweds are greeted with a rose petal-dusted room, fruit basket and sparkling wine and first morning breakfast in bed, along with other additional gifts and amenities.

Along the Aegean Sea, the resort towns of Bodrum and Marmaris are exclusive destinations to relax and take-in in the beauty of the Turkish coast. At the Elegance Hotel in Marmaris, honeymooners receive discounted rates of up to 25% depending upon the season. The Marmara Bodrum Hotel provides newlyweds with an upgraded sea-view room, fruit basket and snacks, and a local bottle of wine to pair with a romantic dinner at Tufi restaurant.

Further inland, weddings can be arranged over or under the spectacular Cappadocia region of Turkey. With Turkish Heritage Travel weddings, couples can marry in a hot air balloon, floating above the chimney-like rock formations of the Cappadocia landscape, or inside a historical cave church. Various packages are available with options such as a wedding celebratory dinner in a rose-garden with breathtaking views of the Cappadocia valley below.

For newlyweds looking for a one-of-a-kind honeymoon experience, the Goreme House Hotel, tucked in the unusual terrain of Goreme village, is the perfect place to have a true Anatolian experience. Built out of beautiful stone from the Cappadocia region, this quaint hotel awards its newlywed guests with a serene and peaceful environment perfect for the relaxation desired on a honeymoon. The hotel’s suites are carved into cozy caves, complete with Jacuzzis and decorated in traditional Anatolian décor, proving to be the perfect retreat. Honeymooning couples also receive a 10% discount at special restaurants found throughout Goreme.

For information:
• call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY
• contact the Turkish Culture and Tourism Offices in New York at 212-687-2194, in Washington D.C. at 202-612-6800, or in Los Angeles at 323-937-
• visit www.tourismturkey.org or www.kulturturizm.gov.tr

Labels: Europe

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:02 PM

Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso Opening on the Riviera Maya

The Caribbean is home to lots of new resorts these days and soon you'll see another on Mexico's Riviera Maya: Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso. It's the fifth Iberostar on the Playa Paraiso about half an hour from Cancun (the others are Iberostar Paraiso Maya, Paraiso Lindo, Paraiso Del Mar and Paraiso Beach.) We've stayed at Paraiso Maya and loved it but it sounds like the new Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso will be an even better fit for romantic travelers thanks to its adults-only policy and romantic guest rooms.

What Makes It Dreamy: The two of you can enjoy treatments at the 32,000-square-foot spa and fitness center or play a round at the challenging P.B. Dye Playa Paraiso Golf Course.

Guests at "The Grand" have full access to all four other Iberostar hotels in the complex (so that means lots of restaurant and bar choices), but only registered guests at "The Grand" are permitted at this resort (so you don't have to worry about kids or crowds).

You'll also find 10 intimate honeymoon villas with full butler service. The resort also includes gourmet restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools plus concierge service on each floor of the resort to assist with dinner reservations and sporting/sightseeing activities.

For More Information:
• visit www.iberostar.com

Photo courtesy Iberostar Resorts

Labels: Caribbean, Mexico

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 1:51 PM