South Beach Spring Special at the Setai, Miami
March 1, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

The art deco landmark and oceanfront South Beach destination is surrounded by tropical gardens and turquoise pools overlooking the Atlantic. Originally built in the 1930's as the Dempsey Vanderbilt Hotel, Adrian Zecha's Setai opened to much fanfare in 2005. In the hot South Beach scene, The Setai stands out for its intimacy, impeccable service, and elegant Asian touches. 75 guestrooms and 50 suites are detailed with exquisite amenities: espresso machines, in-room bars, Bose surround-sound DVD/CD systems, deep soaking tubs and rain showers, luxurious bath amenities, and flat screen LCD and plasma TVs. Enjoy a deep therapeutic massage at the luxurious spa overlooking the sand and sea, and then savor the gastronomic delights at the Crustacean restaurant. With the South Beach Spring Special, take advantage of special rates starting at $675.
The Setai, Official Site
The Setai, Five Star Alliance
Taj Royal Escapes, India: Stay for Six Nights, Pay for Three!
February 27, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Now is the time to plan a holiday to India: to discover the colorful culture and mythical history of the desert-state of Rajasthan, the pulsing nightlife of New Delhi, and get pampered like a maharaja staying at the glorious Taj Hotels. It doesn't get much better than this with Taj Royal Escapes. From May 1- September 30, stay at any participating Taj luxury hotel, in any combination, and the benefits are extraordinary. Stay for 6 nights, pay for 3; stay for 10 nights, pay for 5; stay for 14 nights, pay for 7. Hotels include Taj Mahal Palace and Tower (Mumbai), Taj Mahal Hotel (New Delhi), Rambagh Palace (Jaipur), Umaid Bhawan Palace (Jodhpur), and the most romantic and magical hotel in the world: the Taj Lake Palace, which appears like a brightly lit castle floating on water in Udaipur.
Beat the Winter Blues at the Clifton Inn, Charlottesville, Virginia
February 24, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

From tragedy to renaissance. The historic Clifton Inn, one of only 44 prestigious Relais and Chateaux properties in the United States, has re-emerged in all its glory after a devastating fire two years ago that killed two guests. The tragedy and heartache of that event-- and the lawsuits and settlements that followed—no longer linger over the historic 1799 property, built by Thomas Mann Randolph, the son-in-law of Thomas Jefferson and once governor of Virginia. Renovations are remarkable. Rooms in the main house are beautifully furnished with antiques, equipped with up-to-the-minute technology, and state-of-the-art bathrooms feature Waterworks fixtures and spa jet showers. Views from the newly renovated main house overlook Monticello Mountain, the pool's cascading waterfalls, the beautifully sloping lawns and flowering gardens. The garden rooms, reminiscent of a private cottage, feature exposed ceiling beams and more unique antiques.
Take advantage of this special offer, designed to beat the winter blues. From now until March 31, these luxurious accommodations-- with breakfast and daily afternoon tea included-- are only $225 a night. Valid Sunday-Thursday.
Related Articles:
The Washington Post, "The Comeback Inn"
Seven Days in Paradise: The Bali Experience at Amanresorts
February 22, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Why limit yourself to just one luxury hotel in Bali? Amanresorts has designed a genius way to experience all that Bali has to offer—from the diversity and cultural spirit to the geographical enchantment of this island paradise—with a seven-day package that can be spread out between any and all of their three Balinese resorts. What could be more perfect for honeymooners?
Amandari: The best of Bali's hill country, perched high above the Ayung River gorge overlooking terraced rice fields, is designed as a walled Balinese village of 30 luxurious suites.
Amankila: Cliff-side beach resort with panoramic coastline views offers a three-level swimming pool, private beach with expansive Beach Club pool, and thatched beachside houses—surrounded by traditional villages.
Amanusa: Located on Bali's southern peninsula overlooking the Indian Ocean, the resort boasts 35 thatched-roof suites surrounded by a bougainvillea-covered hillside. The fairways of the Bali Golf and Country Club lie just below the resort, while Amanusa's own Beach Club--10 bales each with plush mattresses and roll cushions-- is set on one of Nusa Dua's top surf and swim beaches.
The deets of the Aman Bali Experience? The unique settings of each of these resorts can be enjoyed in a seven night offer with guests' choice of stay between a minimum of two of these listed Amanresorts. Until March 31, rates start at $3,850 for a suite. From April 1- March 31, 2007, rates start at $4,025 for a suite. (Based on seven nights' double occupancy.) Included in the offer are airport and inter-hotel transfers and one specially tailored activity per day, chosen by each resort's manager.
Chill Out Before You Go Out at The Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments in London With The Girls Night Out
February 22, 2006
By: Editorial AdvisoryBoard
From Jonathan Critchard, General Manager and Stephen Fox, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments

You and your girlfriends are visiting London for the theatre, a night out on the town, or just to get away from everday life, the Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments is the place to stay for a feeling of tranquillity in the heart of London. And best of all? They have a package just for the "girls" which provides the epitome of pre-party pampering. And for that post-party snack? They have 24-hour room service and an inclusive English breakfast.
Plus, if you are visiting on a Wednesday evening, you can look forward to an informal cocktail gathering at 5:30pm in the Penthouse.
See the The Girls Night Out package below ...
Chill Out Before You Go Out
Most hotels want their guests to stay in. We help you to go out with the ultimate in pre-party pampering - "Girls Night Out". This is the ultimate way to start a night out in London - Cinderella could not have wished for more ...
The fun starts straight away, as you check into a stylish apartment. From thereon, indulgence is the key: a relaxing facial, is followed by a conditioning treatment and blow-dry, whilst sipping tea and coffee and nibbling elegant home-made girly patisseries. Once the top-to-toe beautification is complete, champagne and canapes ease the way into the evening, as the party clothes go on. The next morning, a serious rundown of the night before is fuelled by a scrumptious English breakfast, served in the apartment, or the restaurant if you feel up to moving.
The Athenaeum Girl's Night Out includes:
* One night's accommodation in a private Apartment for four people
* A Facial, Conditioning Hair Treatment and Blow dry - available in room or in the Spa
* Tea, coffee and Cakes whilst having the treatments
* A bottle of Champagne with canapes served in the apartment
* English Breakfast for four
Also be sure to check out Solo Women Travelers Trends if your traveling alone ...
The Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments, Official Site
The Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments, Five Star Alliance
Beach Breaks: Fifth Night Free at Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
February 21, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

When the grey and dreary February days drag on (could this really be the shortest month of the year?), it's easy to dream of greener pastures. And with spectacular special packages like this one, it's easy to act and make those dreams happen. At the sun-drenched resort of Casa de Campo, the days are long, lively, or languorous, rooms are luxurious, the spa is heaven-on-earth, and the activities are plentiful. Horseback riding, tennis, water sports, golf, fishing, sailing… whatever your little heart desires. Truly. Now through April 16th, guests who book four nights, receive the fifth night free. Starting at $1,476 per person, all-inclusive. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; unlimited drinks in resort restaurants and bars; horseback riding; tennis; non-motorized water sports; one round of skeet-shooting; one four-passenger touring cart for duration of stay. Now that's a deal.
Via National Geographic Traveler A List Deals
Casa De Campo, Official Site
Casa De Campo, Five Star Alliance
Special Offers: Spring Indulgence at Kingsbrae Arms Relais and Chateaux, New Brunswick, Canada
February 21, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Think Spring. Flowers blooming, birds chirping, and the ultimate country house inn from which to witness nature's reawakening. Named one of the Top 50 Romantic Spots in the World by Travel and Leisure, Kingsbrae Arms is Relais and Chateaux's only Eastern Canada property. And though this country inn is a perfect hideaway, it’s not much of a secret—this spot is a two-time Andrew Harper Hideaway Grand Award winner, Mobil Four-Star, and listed in Fodor's Top Twenty Hotels in the World. Overlooking the sea, harbor and the historic seaside resort of St. Andrews, Kingsbrae Arms is surrounded by historic, salt-air gardens. Sumptuously appointed suites are the essence of romance. But the best part of a stay at the inn is the unforgettable evening dinner party, where gorgeous organic cuisine is paired with selections from the Wine Spectator Award winning cellar. These evenings are legendary. Available throughout the month of May, the Spring Indulgence Package includes two nights luxurious accommodations with spring flower bouquet, full country breakfasts each morning, and four-course dinner for two with Champagne cocktail reception. Starting at $750 per couple, standard guestroom.
Kingsbrae Arms, Official Site
Kingsbrae Arms, Five Star Alliance
Now Open: Private Beach Bungalows at The Breakers Palm Beach
February 20, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Private luxurious beach bungalows are now available for daytime rental at The Breakers. Enjoy a secluded day retreat on the ocean with loads of ultra-luxurious conveniences. Situated next to the Ocean Grill across from the new Active Pool, the five cabanas are 300 square feet in size with outside patio surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. The Breakers has done it right with its new $15 million beachfront makeover. Along with the casual dining at the new Ocean Grill overlooking the Atlantic and the expansive Active Fun Pool (free-form zero entry pool on the beach, designed for families), 15 more Beach Bungalows will be available for some lucky folks come end-of-March. These cabanas will be situated next to the new luxury relaxation pool designated quiet area (more chill-out zone than people-watching hub).
The Breakers, Official Site
The Breakers, Five Star Alliance
Three Nights for the Price of Two at the Hotel Negresco, Nice, France
February 16, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Now is the time to discover the legendary Nice hotel, the architectural masterpiece and national historic monument that has dominated the Promenade des Anglais for over a century. Its pink dome a symbol of the French Riviera, its name evokes the essence of "art de vivre." Situated on the seafront promenade overlooking the Mediterranean, the hotel is filled with a fantastic collection of antiques, oil paintings and contemporary works of art. In this living museum, each of the 121 guestrooms and 24 suites are individually decorated in styles spanning the historic spectrum from Louis XIII to Art Deco. The award-winning restaurant The Chantecler is celebrated as one of the best in Nice. Take advantage of this special offer celebrating the first days of spring. For a limited time—from now until March 31-- when you book a three night stay, the third night is free! (Breakfast included.)
Hotel Negresco, Official Site
Hotel Negresco, Five Star Alliance
Fly-Fishing in Ireland at the Ashford Castle
February 15, 2006
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Dating back to 1228, situated on the shores of Lough Corrib on a private estate of 350 acres, Ashford is one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland. The former estate of the Guinness family, the picturesque castle was the chosen spot for the wedding of Pierce Brosnan (and 007's got the world's pick). For avid anglers, Ashford Castle has recently designed a deluxe fly-fishing package. After all, the castle is strategically located on one of the most famous fisheries in all of Ireland. (The lake is known for its wild brown trout and salmon.) Available from Feb 15-Sep 30, the package includes accommodations, guided fishing (shared guide/boat), all breakfasts, a ghillie's lunch on fishing days, and complimentary use of tennis courts, the 9-hole golf course, and walking trails throughout the 350-acre estate. All fishing gear is provided at no additional cost on fishing days. Prices start at $785 for two nights, and one day fishing. $2,241 for five nights, four days fishing. For the non-anglers in the family, the castle's got all sorts of activities—tennis, golf, equestrian, and even falconry.
Ashford Castle, Official Site
Ashford Castle, Five Star Alliance



