05302007: What's New in Cancun & the Riviera Maya?
After the devastating Hurricane Wilma, Cancun has come back and in a big way. Rather than simply repair, however, Cancun saw this obstacle as an opportunity, a time to rebuild and improve. The result is a product that will hold new appeal to lovers. Here's a rundown of some of the latest and greatest hotels of special interest to romantic travelers:
•
JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa reopened in September following extensive renovations after Hurricane Wilma. The 448-room resort is home to a a 35,000-square-foot Mayan-inspired spa. Next door, the 452-room
CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort has also reopened.
• The 220-room
Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa reopened in November following an extensive renovation. The resort offers a 6,500-square-foot spa, a new golf putting green, and more.
•
The Élan Resort & Spa – Cancun opened in March; the luxury all-inclusive is designed to resemble a 17th century Mexican village The resort offers 95 rooms and 51 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, six restaurants, spa, and even a Temazcal authentic Mayan sauna.
•
The Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is scheduled to open this fall. The 128-villa property will be set on 36 acres of tropical jungle and beach. Couples can't miss the extensive spa.
•
Sun Palace has been renovated and reopened in January as Cancun’s first couples-only resort. The 252-room property features dreamy rooms with double Jacuzzis, fully stocked, in-room liquor dispenser and mini-bar, a flat screen LCD TV, 24-hour room service, and more.
• The 601-room
Cancun Palace reopened in February following post-hurricane renovations.
• Palace Resorts plans to open the newly constructed
Beach Palace in this summer; it will replace the old property razed following Hurricane Wilma. The new resort offers 287 guest rooms including 24 two-bedroom suites.
Labels: Caribbean, Mexico
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 5:11 PM
05292007: California's Tri Valley Offering Destination Weddings
Often we talk about destination weddings and everyone pictures international destinations: Caribbean resorts, Mexican beaches, Scottish castles.
But many US destinations also host numerous destination weddings, ones saving brides and grooms time, trouble, and money.
We just heard from the
Tri-Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau in California, a destination that will play host to thousands of weddings this year. Brides and grooms are taking advantage of the hospitality the area is known for, and making their wedding an event to remember. Wineries, estates, churches, museums, galleries, and golf courses are only a sampling of the more than 100 event facilities available to couples and their guests.
Before the Ceremony Venue IdeasTo kick off the celebration couples can host a welcome party for their out-of-town guests. Meet in one of Tri-Valley’s historic downtowns for dining alfresco, or gather the group for great food and a fun game of bocce ball at Campo di Bocce. Not ready to call it a night? Dance the night away at Aura Night Club.
If brides want to plan a day just for the girls they can relax and enjoy a little pampering at any of Tri-Valley’s spas including, the Purple Orchid Inn Resort & Spa, Spa Bella, Healing Hands, or The Pleasanton Spa. After a morning at the spa the group will be refreshed and renewed for an afternoon of shopping. Tri-Valley offers everything from historic downtowns with one-of-a-kind boutique shops, to a large shopping mall featuring brand name apparel and merchandise.
And while the bride is having a girls-day out, the groom can gather with friends and family for a friendly game of golf at one of Tri-Valley’s championship courses, including The Course at Wente Vineyards, Poppy Ridge Golf Course, The Bridges Golf Club, or Callippe Preserve Golf Course. Once the round is over the whole group can rejoin for great wine and good conversation in the tasting rooms of Livermore Valley Wine Country. Guests will enjoy an authentic California wine tasting experience without the long drive, crowds, and expensive tasting room fees.
Wedding VenuesFor the main event popular event venues include Wente Vineyards Restaurant & Events Center and Palm Event Center, who host weddings year-round with indoor and outdoor capabilities. Here’s what one bride had to say about her experience at the Palm Event Center: “The setting, the food, the staff and the ambiance created were top-notch.”
The valley’s newest destination venue is Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery. With seating for 400 guests this ideal location is being built in the foothills of wine country and will be surrounded by 54 acres of lush vineyards. New venues are being built in the region every year, including Patrick David’s Event Center, which will seat up to 400 guests, and Deer Ridge Winery Estate & Gathering Place, which will seat up to 150 guests. From intimate barrel rooms to large event centers, Tri-Valley offers it all. Tri-Valley is small-town charm with big city amenities at an affordable price.
About the Tri-ValleyThe Tri-Valley includes the cities of Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville and the surrounding region.
Labels: USA weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:08 PM
05282007: Air Jamaica Offers Wedding Groups Special Discount
Planning a destination wedding in the islands? If you'll have a wedding party coming along, check out the discount from Air Jamaica. Along with a group discount, if you book a minimum of 22 seats (including yourselves) through Air Jamaica’s group sales office, the two of you will receive a complimentary upgrade to the airline’s new Executive Business Class. Telling your guests about the discount is easy, too, thanks to a specially designed invite provided by the airline to inform guests of the discount. The airline also greets each group flying in for the wedding upon landing.
Want to take off after the wedding? Newlyweds can opt to hop to their island of choice on Air Jamaica at no extra cost for their honeymoon. This inludes flights between Jamaica and the Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, Cuba, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, Grenada and St. Lucia. (Romantic travelers, note: This benefit isn't just for honeymooners. You can start your vacation with a few days in Jamaica then pop over to another island with no extra charge for the Jamaica layover.)
Labels: Caribbean, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 12:46 PM
05252007: Romantic Fantasy Package at Mexico's Hacienda Xcanatun
Mexico's Yucatan makes an easy choice for romantic--but for couples looking to combine their getaway with the spirits of the ancient Maya the choice is now even easier thanks to the Romantic Fantasy Package at Hacienda Xcanatun.
The Package: The Romantic Fantasy includes:
• three nights in a luxurious suite featuring a veranda slung with hammocks
• daily breakfast
• a bottle of fine wine and a selection of velvety dark Yucatecan chocolates
• an intimate candlelight dinner in the hacienda's landmark restaurant where Presidents Bush and Calderon dined in March; two free spa treatments
• roundtrip Merida airport transfers
• taxes and hotel service charges (amounting to 22%)
Price: The 4-day/3-night Romantic Fantasy Package is priced at $1250 per couple May through September 30, 2007; $1375 October 1 ˆ December 15, 2007/January 8 ˆ April 31, 2008.
Additional Options: For an extra charge, the two of you can add a Maya Wedding or Vow Renewal ceremony in the garden ($180); golf on a new Jack Nicklaus championship course (opening Dec. 2007, approx. $100 per round).
Xcanatun's spa also offers a variety of Maya and wellness/beauty treatments. The newest Maya specialty is the combination Sobada massage and Limpia (spiritual cleansing). All holistic treatments are in the hands of Xcanatun‚s Maya therapist, granddaughter of a noted shaman, who enhances contemporary pampering techniques with healing rituals passed down from her ancestors.
Why It's Dreamy: Once an 18th century sisal plantation, Hacienda Xcanatun (ssh-cana-toon) is today an elegant, colonial, boutique hotel with 18 spacious accommodations, a gourmet restaurant, a sybaritic spa offering holistic Maya and beauty treatments, plus two freshwater swimming pools.
For More Information:• visit
Mexico Boutique HotelsLabels: Caribbean, Mexico
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 8:03 PM
05242007--Free Weddings at Sunset Resorts
In almost every case, destination weddings are easier on the budget than traditional weddings--but you can't get much more economical than a free wedding. The latest entry to the free wedding offerings is Jamaica's Sunset Resorts. The news "We Do" wedding package offers a free wedding for guests who stay a minimum of seven nights at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay or Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios. (For wedding reservations, you will pay a non-refundable administration, processing, government license and marriage certificate fee of $280 subject to change). This package is valid for new U.S. and Canadian reservations as of June 1, 2007.
The Package: The "We Do" package includes:
· Service of a marriage officer to perform the ceremony
· Services of our on-site wedding coordinator
· Picturesque wedding area
· Chilled bottle of champagne
· Single-tiered wedding cake (serves 4-6 people)
· Bridal bouquet and groom's boutonniere
· Recorded music
· Two "Just Got Married" t-shirts
Add-Ons: For an additional cost, you can add:
• a recording of the ceremony and reception
• spa services and packages
• a private reception
• a live Jamaican Steel band or Reggae band
• a wedding album
• a private sunset cruise and more.
The resort can also accommodate large weddings as well as vow renewals.
The Fine Print: All packages are subject to availability and are based on double occupancy only. Reservation of an ocean view category or higher for a minimum of seven nights stay is required.
Rates: Summer rates, valid for travel from April 9-December 22, 2007, range from $280 - $500 per room, per night, based on double occupancy at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa and from $325 - $575 per room, per night, based on double occupancy at Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa. Rates include accommodations with a private balcony, all meals, bar beverages, wine by the glass, non-motorized water sports, tennis, entertainment, taxes, and gratuity.
For more information:• visit
www.sunsetresortsjamaica.com• call 800-234-1707
Labels: Caribbean, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:27 PM
Sandals Adding Twilight Wedding Package
Some people say July 7, 2007 (7/7/07) is a day of great good luck so Sandals is taking the opportunity to roll out its new “Twilight Wedding” package on 7/7/07 at 7p.m. The new package will be offered by all twelve Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and The Bahamas.
According to Joann Delgin, Chief Romance Officer for Unique Vacations, the worldwide representatives for Sandals Resorts. “At Sandals Resorts, we wanted to create a package that would be available throughout the entire year, not just one day, that would provide brides and grooms with even more romantic options for their big day. That’s why we chose 7/7/07, the luckiest day of the year, to unveil our Twilight Wedding package, which delivers on a gorgeous wedding with a natural romantic backdrop, and also includes exclusive services such as breakfast in bed and an ultra-romantic rose petal turndown service.”
The Package: The “Twilight Wedding” package features:
• a Personal Wedding Consultant to handle all of the romantic details
• a spa pedicure for the bride and a half hour massage for the groom
• live entertainment at the ceremony
• a beautifully decorated reception, including the Chef’s selection of hot and cold Caribbean-inspired hors d’oeuvres
• chilled Champagne in keepsake Beverly Clark toasting flutes and a two-tiered wedding cake
• a Sandals professionally trained photographer & videographer to capture every moment and twelve (12) 5x7 color photographs in an elegantly appointed album, as well as a DVD of the ceremony and reception
• a Rose Petal Turndown and Scented Bath for Two in the newlyweds’ room or suite;
• a romantic Breakfast in Bed the following morning
The Price: The Twilight Wedding package ranges from $1500 at all Sandals Resorts in Jamaica to $1600 at all Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia, Antigua and The Bahamas.
Labels: Caribbean, weddings
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:26 PM
Antigua Welcomes New Spa
Looking for a new Caribbean spa to enjoy? The Spa at Curtain Bluff, on Antigua, officially opens May 15. The 5,000-square-foot spa facility sits on the bluff overlooking the ocean and the neighboring island of Montserrat in the distance.
The Spa at Curtain Bluff includes five treatment rooms: four single and one especially for couples. It also features open-air walkways, waterfalls, a relaxation room with a water view and a 10-person hot tub overlooking the ocean.
Curtain Bluff’s signature treatment will be a Caviar and Champagne Massage, which is intended to provide the ultimate relaxation experience and also to reflect the sophistication and luxury of the resort. Other unique treatments include the Water Lily Wrap, which soothes the skin after sun exposure, and the Caribbean Green Coffee Wrap, which reduces the appearance of cellulite.
The Package: You can celebrate the new spa (and good summer rates) with the “Grand Opening Summer Special.” The package includes the following:
• Four nights in an Ocean Front Room
• One 90 minute Signature Caviar and Champagne Massage at the new Spa at Curtain Bluff
• 25% off three additional 60 minute treatments of your choice
• All meals and activities, including Pilates and yoga classes, fitness room, snorkeling, water skiing and more
• All taxes and gratuities
As an extra bonus, any additional spa treatments can be booked at a 10% discount off the regular rate.
Price: Rates are per person, based on double occupancy and start at $2,899.00
Why It's Dreamy: Curtain Bluff is located on 20 acres on the south coast of Antigua and is surrounded by two sandy beaches. Under the same ownership and management for over 40 years, Curtain Bluff offers 72 beachfront accommodations including 18 Deluxe Rooms, 40 Junior Suites and two one-bedroom Grace/Morris Bay Suites, with connecting rooms to accommodate families or large groups. All rates are comprehensive (all-inclusive) which include meals and bar drinks, most of the activities, a freshwater pool and two beaches.
For more information:• call 1-888-289-9898
• visit
www.curtainbluff.comLabels: Caribbean
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:17 PM
International Celebrity Travel News, May 2007
Looking for a romantic location for your next getaway?
Check out the international destinations enjoyed by celebrities this month, ranging from hip and happening to plush and private. Above, Chow Yun Fat and his wife prepare to hop on board the Jungle River Cruise in Hong Kong Disneyland.
(PRNewsFoto/Hong Kong Disneyland)
Labels: celebrities
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:50 PM
What's New in the Bahamas?
If it has been a while since the two of you have been to the Bahamas, you're in for some surprises! The islands, especially New Providence (Nassau and Paradise Island) and Grand Bahama Island are undergoing some big changes. Some are completed; some will be underway for the next several years.
Nassau• Atlantis Paradise Island has completed a major expansion including the addition of The Cove Atlantis, a 600-room luxury, all-suite hotel tower, a perfect choice for romantics. The resort has also added a new two-story water feature, 30,000-square-foot spa, and Dolphin Cay, an interactive dolphin area.
• Cable Beach is undergoing a $2 billion redevelopment called Baha Mar; the site will become a 3000+ room resort. Construction won't stop until 2011 and will include a 1,000-room Caesars Resort Hotel and 100,000-square foot casino operated by Harrah’s Entertainment; a 300-room W at Baha Mar; a 300-room St. Regis at Baha Mar; a 700-room Westin at Baha Mar; and a 700-room Sheraton at Baha Mar (set to open in 2007). The project includes an extensive renovation of the current 550-room Wyndham Nassau Resort. Baha Mar will include a spa, an eco-waterpark, a shopping, dining and entertainment village and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
• Four miles from Nassau and accessible by ferry or helicopter, the 157-room Ritz-Carlton, Rose Island, Bahamas is scheduled for a 2009 opening. Along with a yacht marina, the resort plans a spa.
Grand Bahama Island• Work is underway on the $4.9 billion resort community of Ginn sur Mer. The project will eventually include condominium and hotel units, a private airport, mega-yacht marina, spa, numerous restaurants, a casino, and two Signature golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
The Out Islands• Plans call for the undeveloped Royal Island to be the site of a $500 million hotel and residential community. Located just off Eleuthera, the island will include a five-star hotel, spa, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, deep water marina, retail shops, and more.
• Scheduled to open in 2008 on the small island of Bimini, the Conrad Bimini Resort & Casino will include 250 guest rooms, a marina, spa, and casino.
• RockResorts will manage the new development on Rum Cay Island set to open in 2010. The facility is being built in three phases. Phase One includes an 80-slip marina; phase two will include the construction of the RockResort hotel and spa while phase three adds additional resort amenities. The hotel will feature restaurants, spa and fitness center, a golf training facility and tennis center.
Labels: Caribbean
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:25 PM
New York City Package Easy on the Budget
If the two of you are looking for an affordable yet romantic getaway in the Big Apple this summer, look no further than Apple Core Hotels. During the month of July, the hotels are offering guests the "Row a Boat" package.
The group of five centrally-located midtown Manhattan properties invites guests to lazily row a boat across Central Park’s 22-acre lake and to enjoy a perfect summer lunch while taking in the famous park’s beauty and charm with the “Row a Boat” package.
The Package: The "Row a Boat" package includes:
• Accommodations in the heart of New York City
• 1 hour boat rental for up to 4 guests in Central Park*
• Hot dog/French fries/soda combo for two at the Express Cafe at Central Park’s Boathouse Restaurant
• Complimentary breakfast and in-room coffee
* Boat rentals are available from 10:00 a.m. until dusk. Boats can be rented at the Loeb Boathouse, located in the Northeast corner of the Lake between 74th and 75th Streets. While the 1st hour is complimentary, guests will be charged $2.50 for each additional 1/2 hour or portion thereof. Please call 212.517.2233 for additional information.
Dates: The promotion is available from July 1 – 31, 2007.
Price: The package price is $179.99 per night, exclusive of tax and based on availability. Additionally, children under 13 stay free when sharing their parents’ room.
For More Information:• call Apple Core Hotels, (800) 567-7720, and mention the “Row a Boat” package
• visit
http://www.applecorehotels.com/promos/boat>www.applecorehotels.com/promos/boat About the Hotels: Apple Core Hotels is a group of five, centrally-located, midtown Manhattan hotels which offer a number of thoughtful amenities not found in other budget-friendly category hotels. All five properties feature: free WiFi Internet access in all rooms and public spaces, complimentary daily breakfast, fitness facilities, business centers, in-room video games and movies on-demand. The properties are located within walking distance to must-see New York attractions such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, and Macy’s.
Apple Core Hotels’ properties include:
• La Quinta Inn Manhattan (17 West 32nd Street)
• Red Roof Inn Manhattan (6 West 32nd Street)
• the smoke-free Comfort Inn Midtown (129 West 46th Street)
• Super 8 Hotel Times Square (59 West 46th Street)
• Ramada Inn East Side (161 Lexington Avenue)
Labels: USA
posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:06 AM
