Romantic Travel News

01082008: How About Valentine's in Morocco?

Got a case of "been there, done that" when it comes to romantic getaways? Then how about Valentine's in Morocco? Octogone TERRE Resort & Spa in Marrakech is offering a Valentine's Day package. You'd be surprised how easy the flight from the US to Morocco is...we went for a few days and, from the East Coast, it's an easy flight.

The Package: The Valentine's Day Package includes:

• Round trip airport pickup and transfers from Menara Airport
• Two nights accommodation in choice of suite
• Daily breakfast for two served in room or anywhere throughout the hotel
• Guided tour of the famed "Red City" of Marrakech
• A complimentary bottle of Moroccan wine and appetizers served in room after the tour
• A private candlelit Moroccan dinner served in a traditional tent
• A traditional hamman in the Sanctuary Spa followed by massage treatment for two
Poolside lunch service
• A romantic evening carriage ride through Marrakech
• A complimentary champagne nightcap with assorted Moroccan pastries
• Souvenir gift

Price: Offered throughout the month of February, the 3-day, 2-night Valentine's Package is priced from $1,240 USD, per night for a Junior Suite, $1,630 USD per night for a Suite and $1,880 USD, per night for a Romance Suite. Rates are for double occupancy, subject to availability and exclusive of tax. Rates are subject to 10% government tax and a local tourist tax of 27 dirham (about $3.50 USD) per person, per day. (USD rates are based on exchange rate on 1/8/08 of 1 Moroccan Dirham = 0.13 USD.)

Why It's Dreamy: Located in the Palmeraie Desert, the all-suites TERRE Resort & Spa, which opened in 2006, offers a luxury getaway with easy access to Marrakech (just 7 km away) --an oasis from which to explore the city's colorful bazaars, lively souks, and bustling medinas. The 52-room luxury suite property is set on almost 12 acres of land in its own small village. Facilities include three restaurants, a full-service spa, an infinity pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, golf putting area, and access to a nearby world-class golf courses.

For more information:
• call: (480) 503-8022 or (800) 915-4012
• visit http://www.octogonehotels.com/

Labels: Africa, Valentine's

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:07 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

Casablanca for Lovers

Casablanca makes an easy introduction to Morocco for honeymooners. The two of you will find plenty of reasons to say "here's lookin' at you" on your travels here and find that the city makes a good starting point for your exploration of the more exotic destinations of Morocco. Read our article on where to stay and play in Casablanca.

Labels: Africa

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:18 PM

Heavenly Honeymoons in South Africa

Tucked on the slopes of South Africa's Table Mountain with sunset-views over the Atlantic Ocean, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa's romantic setting is enhanced by a two-night Heavenly Honeymoon Package.

Upon check-in, the two of you can devote all your attention to each other because the hotel's valet will swiftly unpack your luggage for you. Then you can relax with a 60-minute 'Romantic Moment Dual Massage' enjoyed under the hotel's outdoor gazebo. With views of the ocean, this massage revitalizes senses dampened by stress-induced wedding preparations.

At sunset, a shared bottle of local Bouchard Finlayson Chardonnay demands quality time spent indulging in intimate tete-a-tetes, while a turn down complete with rose petals, candles and silk bathrobes embroidered with your initials sets the scene for an evening of unforgettable romance.

A selection of romantic DVDs from the in-house library served with popcorn and hot chocolate can turn one of the evenings into a time of cozy togetherness in the comfort of your own room.

Each morning of your stay, a sumptuous breakfast in bed serves to gently ease you into the day, giving you time to plan how best to enjoy each other's company. You can also opt to rendezvous over a dual treatment in The Sanctuary Spa's Rasul Chamber. Enveloped in mineralised mud and gently embraced with a soothing mist, thoughts will linger on visions of a new and exciting life spent with your partner - before a light rain interrupts to wash the mud away.

The Price: The two-night Heavenly Honeymoon package is priced from R4370.00 - R6230.00 per room per night (Superior Sea Facing room), subject to availability, through December 19, 2006. Rates are available for other room categories.

For more information:
• contact The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa at (27) (21) 437 9000
• visit www.12apostleshotel.com

Labels: Africa

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 9:05 AM