Romantic Travel News

372008: Butchart Gardens Says I Do to Weddings

In Victoria, British Columbia, The Butchart Gardens has not offered weddings in the gardens since its opening in 1904 -- until now. During the winter indoor garden season of mid-January through the end of March every year, Butchart Gardens will offer weddings as well as wedding photography.

"We have been asked by many people over the years to hold weddings in our garden, and we feel that at this time of year one could not find a more beautiful indoor venue offering such an intimate location of great beauty," said Robin Clarke, owner of The Butchart Gardens. "Areas of our outdoor gardens will also be available for wedding photographs during this time."

You'll find wedding packages for ceremonies of up to sixty people. Options include wedding photographs alone, a ceremony and reception, or a reception or dinner in The Dining Room Restaurant. All packages include indoor and outdoor photo rights. For those choosing to have a ceremony, a two-hour rehearsal time is also included.

For More Information:
• visit the wedding section of The Butchart Gardens website

Labels: Canada, weddings

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:57 AM

1232008: Fairmont Announces Holidates for New Valentine's Couples

Are you a new couple looking for a unique romantic idea this Valentine's? Something besides roses and a candlelight dinner for two? How about a Holidate?

You may be thinking it's far too early for all that multi-day, 24-hour, shared-bathroom intimacy. How will we fill our days? Will we tire of each other? Should I reserve two rooms? And once we’re there, how do I take romance beyond a bunch of long-stemmed roses to make this a date to remember?

Relax. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has packaged a series of romantic dating sojourns and called them Holidates. Just for lovers, these packages are tailored to overcoming the trials and tribulations of new love. Questions are answered with a tally of tips, lists of dos and don’ts, and sample itineraries guaranteed to fan the flames of love.

Each Holidate plays off each property's romantic attractions and beautiful surroundings.

Sample Packages: A sampling of Holidates with rates from $259 to $1,435 per couple include:

• The Icebreaker holidate at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac offers the cool choice of Ice Climbing or visiting the Ice Hotel, a romantic dinner and breakfast in bed.

• The Fairmont Copley Plaza’s Sizzle in the City holidate features Champagne and exclusive lounge access for getting to know each another. Advance consultation with the Fairmont Gold Concierge helps orchestrate a weekend guaranteed to impress.

• The Drunk with Love holidate at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa offers limo transportation, a gorgeous suite with rose-petal turndown, high altitude hot air ballooning and more.

• The Fairmont Chicago’s Wooed In the Windy City holidate offers a swanky suite, exclusive couples spa treatments in a private setting and the ultra-sexy Kama Sutra turndown.

For More Information:
• visit www.fairmont.com/promotions/holidates

Labels: Canada, USA, Valentine's

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:58 PM

01022008: Victoria's Villa Marco Polo Offers Romanza Package

How about all the romance of Italy...and the convenience of Victoria, British Columbia?

The romantic Villa Marco Polo is, for the first time, offering the “Romanza” package for couples looking beyond the traditional ‘flowers and chocolates’ ritual. With tickets to the Opera, a fabulous Italian feast and an overnight at the Villa, this is one Valentine’s Day you'll both remember.

The Package:

After taking some time to relax and prepare for the evening, dress in your finest and head into Victoria for an evening on the town. You’ll enjoy an early candlelit dinner at Zambri’s, one of Victoria’s most renowned Italian restaurants. Known for its extensive wine list, and sophisticated yet authentic bistro-style dishes, you’re sure to discover why Zagat rated it the “best Italian food in the city”.

After dinner, stroll the peaceful moonlit streets of Victoria on your way to Pacific Opera Victoria. The Villa Marco Polo has provided you with prime seats for the evening performance of Madama Butterfly, Puccini’s celebrated love story. One of the world’s most popular operas for over a century, this presentation is authentically performed in Italian with English subtitles, perfect for new and experienced audiences alike. When the show ends, feel free to linger over a glass of wine, or enjoy a late-night stroll through the Inner Harbour, before retiring to your suite at the Inn. It’s your special night to spend as you wish.

Back at the Villa, the library offers a selection of books, games, and a cozy fireplace to curl up next to. For those who prefer to relax in privacy, the pre-loaded iPod and docking station in each room is a sure favorite. Opening in February 2008, a full service spa upstairs will provide pampering massages and facials. In the morning, a gourmet four-course breakfast provides a decadent start to the new day.

Price: Rates for the package are $250per person (based on double occupancy), including one night’s accommodation, $100 credit per couple at Zambri’s, and two prime tickets to Madama Butterfly.

Dates: The Romanza package is available on Feb 14-15, 16-17, 19-20, 21-22 and 23-24.

To guarantee opera tickets, the package must be booked by January 10th, but tickets may be available closer to the date as well. Additional nights can be added on at $100 per person.

Why It's Dreamy: The Italian Renaissance-style Villa was designed with romance in mind, as it was built as a gift to a young bride in 1923. The four enchanting suites each offer their own special charm, with double soaker tubs and separate tiled showers, fine European linens, hardwood floors, and premium king-size beds.

For More Information:
• call (877) 601-1524
• visit http://www.villamarcopolo.com

Labels: Canada, Valentine's

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:43 PM

Call of the Wild Package in Victoria, BC

Just three blocks from Victoria's Inner Harbour and the city's top restaurants, Abigail’s offers couples 23 rooms, each elegantly decorated with warm colours, antique furnishings, down duvets, marble bathrooms, and flat screen LCD televisions. Some rooms feature wood burning fireplaces, four poster beds, Jacuzzis, and claw foot tubs.

The Package: Abigail’s new “Call of the Wild” package offers couples everything they need to enjoy their time spent inside. This playful package includes the following sensual elements:

• Half hour couples’ massage tutorial, which teaches the finer points on how to create a sensual massage experience at home
• Leopard-print tray filled with a ‘how to’ guide and seductive massage oil, scented candles, and other enticing surprises
• Bottle of champagne and “aphrodisiac” appetizer platter delivered to your room in the evening
• Three-course gourmet breakfast in bed

Price: The “Call of the Wild” package rates start at $361 per night, based on double occupancy.

For more information:
• visit www.abigailshotel.com
• call 1-800-561-6565

Abigail's Boutique Hotel

Labels: Canada

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 4:04 PM

Canada's Ice Hotel Plans for January Opening

Cold weather means snuggly weather--and no place is more snuggly than an ice hotel. Ice Hotel Quebec-Canada will open its doors for the seventh season starting January 5, 2007, remaining open through April 1. This year the hotel will include the N'Ice Bar, redesigned to recreate the mythical city of Atlantis.

More Lovetripper coverage of the Ice Hotel:
• Weddings at the Ice Hotel
• Vow Renewals at the hotel
• Quebec's Ice Hotel
• and Sweden's Ice Hotel

Labels: Canada

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 2:55 PM

Fairmont Sets Scene for Romance

If you're a movie buff, you'll know that several romantic flicks--from Dr. Zhivago to Notting Hill--included scenes filmed at Fairmont hotels and resorts. Check out the new romantic packages and promotions offered by several Fairmont properties, all keyed to making sure yours is a big screen romance.

Labels: Canada

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

Cool Getaways in Canada

Yesterday it was 104 degrees at our house so every August we always start dreaming of trips to cool destinations (at least cooler). One good choice for couples: Canada. Check out our article on Cool Summer Getaways in Canada for some ideas for your August getaway.

Labels: Canada

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 3:30 PM

Niagara Falls Honeymoons

Niagara Falls has long been a honeymoon favorite (it was THE place to go in the 50s) and today it's sporting a fresh face. The two of you can make your home away from home in a high-rise casino with a view of the falls or head to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a cozy B&B. Check out our extensive Niagara Falls Honeymoon section for everything from accommodations to romantic activities to dining.

Labels: Canada

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 10:59 AM

Funjet Vacations Adding Niagara Falls

We've vacationed in the Caribbean with Funjet Vacations but now this Milwaukee-based company is adding six new Canadian destinations, including Niagara Falls.

Vacations to Niagara Falls from Chicago O'Hare with three nights' accommodations at The Oakes Overlooking the Falls in a fallside room start at $534.99 per person. This price is valid for Monday and Tuesday departures via United Airlines July 10 through September 4, 2006.

The other new Canada destinations include Montreal, Victoria, Quebec City, Toronto, and Vancouver.

For More Information:
• call your local travel agent
• visit funjet.com

Labels: Canada, USA

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 4:32 PM

Hastings House Offers Destination Weddings in British Columbia

We can say firsthand that Salt Spring Island is a real beauty. Just a short hop from Victoria or Vancouver, British Columbia, the island is home to the pampering Hastings House Country Estate, located on 22 acres of natural emerald forest and sheep pastures, manicured lawns, and vibrant gardens. The property offers destination weddings with the backdrop of this slice of paradise.

The Wedding Package: The Hastings House Wedding Package is offered for the bride and groom for CDN$4025,* exclusive of additional beverages, taxes and gratuities and includes:

• Transportation to and from seaplane dock or ferry terminal on Salt Spring Island
• accommodations in a deluxe suite for 3 nights
• rooms personalized with the name of the guests on the door
• basket of fruit and treats from Hastings House kitchen
• daily morning wake-up hamper, breakfast and afternoon tea
• 3-course dinner in the Dining Room of the Manor House
• 6-course dinner in the Dining Room or Verandah
• 3-course fireside dinner in the newlyweds’ suite or private balcony
• license and commissioner (similar to a justice of the peace)
• transportation to and from government office to obtain marriage license
• champagne and cake, served in location of couple’s choice
• floral bouquet, boutonniere, and table arrangement
• copy of Hastings House Country Estate, a coffee table book with recipes, beautiful resort photography and history about the property’s colorful past.

This package may be expanded to include members of the wedding party and guests. Up to 48 people can be accommodated in the hotel’s suites; additional accommodations can be arranged nearby for larger groups. Additionally, a customized version can be arranged by the resort’s wedding planner to incorporate special interests, guest preferences, and more.

Wedding Venues: Hastings House can host parties from 2 to 80 guests with several distinctive indoor and outdoor wedding locations including: the rustic and private Summerhouse on the Point, the vine-covered Wishing Well, the Flower Gardens, the Orchard, or the harbor view Lower Patio or front lawns.

Expert on-site wedding planning by Hastings House’s Manager Shirley McLaughlin helps each couple create their dream wedding, with skillful coordination of all aspects from obtaining the license to arranging wedding commissioners who perform the ceremony, florists, musicians, photographers and the culinary team. Additional services such as hair and makeup styling and spa treatments are available to complete the wedding experience. For religious ceremonies, a horse and carriage can also carry the bride and groom from nearby churches for receptions at Hastings House. Various packages are offered depending on the size of the wedding party, each providing VIP treatment.

Why It's Dreamy: A member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux hotel group since 1986, Hastings House Country Estate continues to rank as one of the premiere island destinations in British Columbia. The resort was named the Best Canadian Resort by Zagat, has been an Andrew Harper Award Winner eight times, and features among Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 3 in Canadian Hotels on the 2004 “Readers’ Choice Awards” as well as the magazine’s “Gold List.”

The Manor House, built in 1938-40 to resemble the 11th-century Sussex family home of Warren Hastings, a WWII naval architect, has two upper level guest suites with leaded glass windows and flat stone fireplaces, wide-plank fir floors and beams. Nine guests suites are in lovingly restored historic buildings scattered around the property, including the Post, a private two-room cottage that was the original Hudson Bay’s trading post on the island. Seven deluxe suites overlooking the harbor offer rustic elegance with large soaking tubs with separate shower, heated tile floors and towel bars, fireplaces, and water views from every bedroom, balcony and sitting room.

Getting There: Float plane service is available to Salt Spring Island from Vancouver, BC and Seattle, WA. British Columbia Ferry Corporation, with terminals at Tsawwassen (near Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (near Victoria), also provides car ferry service to the island. The closest airports are located at Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle and are served by several international carriers and connector airlines.

For More Information:
• call (250) 537-2362
• fax (250) 537-5333
• visit www.hastingshouse.com

Labels: Canada, weddings

posted by Lovetripper.com /Click for permalink 1:25 PM