Play Where the Pros Stay: Golf at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club
July 13, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Jack Nicklaus, Vijay Singh, John Daly and Stephen Ames called it home during the 2005 Telus Canadian Skins Game. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers guests the same thrill of world-renowned golfing, four-diamond dining, and luxurious accommodations. The Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is nestled at the foot of Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains with a spectacular mountain backdrop. The par 72, 18-hole course has accumulated its share of awards: four and a half stars from Golf Digest, rated the number one Golf Resort Hotel in Canada by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, rated one in Golf Resort Canada, and Links Magazine calls the course "mountain golf at its finest." This dramatic course was carved from the slopes, overlooking rugged terrain of creeks, ponds, and pockets of Douglas fir, and with elevation changes of more than 400 feet. Notably, the on-site Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club is home to Canada's only David Leadbetter Golf Academy.
The Play Where the Pros Stay Package includes accommodation at the resort plus two individual rounds of golf at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club. Plus, all Fairmont Chateau Whistler guests enjoy the privileges of 'unlimited golf' and unlimited, free access to the Practice Facility.Valid until September 24, 2006, rates start from $249 CAD per person, per night. Stay midweek and the savings are considerable: starting at $149 CAD per person, per night, based on double occupancy for stays on Sunday through Thursday.
Desperate Housewives Deal at the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
June 28, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

The Pan Pac Whistler Mountainside, nestled in the beautiful mountains of British Columbia, is a tempting destination in both winter and summer. Excellent skiing is complimented by sunshine-filled days of hiking and swimming during the summer months. The luxurious boutique hotel has recently launched its Desperate Housewives Package, a clever and fun summer getaway designed for women seeking a little r and r with their girlfriends. To quote the Pan Pac:
For women who find work, the kids, the spouse or any other of life's challenges making them desperate for the ultimate girlfriend getaway, Pan Pacific Whistler has designed the perfect solution... the property's 2006 "Desperate Housewives" package.
Valid until November 23, 2006, the package rates start from CAD$375 (US$325) per person (based on quadruple occupancy), and includes accommodations in a luxurious Two Bedroom Valley View Suite as well as the following components: Beauty Boot Camp for four women at Vital Spirit Spa which includes a 45-minute massage, 30-minute Essential Facial and mini manicure and mini pedicure; breakfast for four in the guest exclusive Pacific Suite; welcome martini basket; and complimentary Mountain View upgrade when available.
Related Articles:
"Fun Family Adventure at the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside"
Fun Family Adventure at the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
June 7, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
The majestic mountains of British Columbia offer more than superlative skiing; North America's renowned ski destination is just as enticing in the summertime, with fabulous hiking, gorgeous swimming pools, and world-class golf. The Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, the luxury boutique hotel located superbly at the bottom of the gondolas, has put together an excellent family vacation package for some thrilling adventures this summer. The Summer Family Adventure Package (created for a group of two adults and two kids) consists of five nights in a two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen and two bathrooms. The package also includes a five-hour boat trip on Lillooet Lake; a two-and-a-half hour ZipTrek Canopy Tour through the forest treetops; a dog sled tour (without the snow, but thrilling nonetheless); passes to go up Whistler Mountain Peak; and a disposable camera. Starting at $1,739, for family of four.
Via Travel and Leisure Hot Deals
The World’s Tele-Skiers Unite! The Live Free Heel Fest in Livigno, Italy
March 27, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

The globe's biggest tele-marking festival is a rip-roaring good time, a week packed full of races, treks through the Alps, a film festival, equipment expos, open-air barbecue, and lots of grub and wine. So toss those bindings and jet to Italy! Formerly known as La Skieda, the festival runs from April 1-8. $170 gets you lift tickets and entrance to all events.
Spring in Aspen at the Hotel Jerome
March 22, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

To many, the Hotel Jerome is the symbol of Aspen. Opened in 1889 at the height of Colorado's silver boom, the grand Victorian hotel is now a National Register Landmark. Just minutes from downtown Aspen and surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, the Jerome is magnificent. The gorgeous rooms, the essence of comfortable elegance and sophistication. Each luxurious guest room is individually decorated, equipped with fully stocked mini-bar, luxurious terry bathrobes, DVD, double line telephones, fax lines, high-speed internet access, and oversized tubs with separate shower. Other perfect amenities include the year-round heated pool and two Jacuzzis, exquisite dining, and all sorts of kid-friendly activities.
From April 9- May 24, take advantage of the "Spring in Aspen" package, for an unbelievable $265 for Deluxe King accommodations. In addition, the "Ski Deal" package is available through April 16. The package offers excellent value, combining luxurious hotel accommodations and two lift tickets daily. From April 2 to 16, package rates start at $320 a night, double occupancy, during the week; or $370 on weekends. During Feb and March, that same package is at least $695 a night.
Hotel Jerome, Official Site
Hotel Jerome, Five Star Alliance
Via Travel and Leisure Hot Deals
Spring Skiing the Big, Bad Whistler
March 10, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Now is the time for an end-of-season hurrah. The biggest ski resort in North America may also be the most fabulous. Whistler boasts the biggest vertical rise in North America (a whopping 5,280 feet) and the most terrain (we're talking 8,171 acres). Additionally, there's a meager 100,000 acres of Heli and SnowCat backcountry skiing on the surrounding Coast Mountain range. Where to stay? The Pan Pac is where it's at, consistently rated the best, most luxurious spot in Whistler. Here's why: the suites offer full kitchens, balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains. Resort amenities are world-class: outdoor heated swimming pool, outdoor hot tubs with spectacular mountain views, fitness center, spa and steam room.
Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, Official Site
Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, Five Star Alliance
Spring Skiing the French Alps: Hotel de Charme Les Airelles, Courchevel
March 8, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

March is upon us, and for serious skiers (but those who prefer not to jet to the Southern Hemisphere during the other half of the year), this means the last days of the season on the slopes. And for some of the finest skiing in Europe-- away from Turin's still dissipating crowds-- the French Alps beckon. And the elegance and exceptional location of Hotel de Charme Les Airelles prove temptingly attractive. A grand chalet of the past, this place still embodies the prestigious old-world days of opulence and grandeur. During the 1992 Winter Olympics, Les Airelles served as home to the International Olympic Committee. Basking in its beautiful setting, with ski runs at the door, the hotel boasts an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam and Turkish bath.
Related Article:
NYT, "In the Alps, Wide-Open Slopes and Crowded Bars"
Hotel de Charme Les Airelles, Official Site
Hotel de Charme Les Airelles, Five Star Alliance
Heli-Ski British Columbia from a Mega-Yacht
March 7, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Winner of Outside Magazine's 2006 Trip of the Year, this heli-skiing experience is simply sublime: the only operation in the world that departs from a luxurious megayacht, Absinthe. The world-famous terrain of the West Coast Mountain Range of BC is celebrated for its incredible powder and enormous glaciers, and accessible from Absinthe within just a few minutes by helicopter. After an adrenaline-pumping day, return to the yacht to enjoy the luxurious amenities of a five-star hotel, while surrounded by beautiful views of the fjords and coastal wildlife. Trips depart March and April. Maximum of 11 skiers. Via Outside March 06 issue
Announcing the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
February 27, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Opening in April of this year, Kempinski's first hotel in Dubai has an extraordinary location: overlooking the much-hyped Ski Dubai Alpine themed indoor snow resort, and attached to the biggest shopping mall outside of North America. The luxurious and spacious guestrooms (some of the country's largest) include 15 Ski Chalets with superb views of the indoor ski resort. All are equipped with cutting-edge technology: large flat plasma screen TVs with 40 international satellite channels, in addition to DVD and multi media player. The hotel also features a health club, Ayurveda wellness center, swimming pool and tennis court. The ultimate Alpine experience in the heart of Dubai, Kempinski's five-star hotel is set to become a central landmark in the hottest destination on the planet.
Apres Ski at the Remede Spa, St. Regis Resort, Aspen
February 25, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

The ultimate in pampering for the discerning traveler. The flagship of the global spa brand developed for St. Regis, the 15,000 sq ft Remede Spa is the premier spa in Aspen, oozing luxury, decadence and sophistication. The comprehensive spa menu boasts customized massage, facial and body treatments, based on the skincare of Laboratoire Remede. The Spa features 15 treatment rooms including a couples room and Vichy room, men and women's locker facilities, including steam room, vapor caves and whirlpool, the Confluence room with invigorating warm and cold waterfalls, and a Movement Studio. Indulgent amenities include chilled champagne, Jacques Torres truffles and Kashwere throws. Feeling the effects of this high-altitude destination? Head to the Oxygen Lounge, relax in a chaise and take a hit from the plentiful oxygen tanks.
St. Regis Resort, Aspen, Official Site
St. Regis Resort, Aspen, Five Star Alliance



