Fairmont asks for a dollar, offers the ocean

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Next month, look for something new coming from kitchens across the Fairmont chain. Chefs at these upscale properties will be showing off their skills not only with seafood but the sustainable variety. So, when you cut into your fish of choice, you’ll be experiencing both culinary and environmental bliss. Throughout April, Fairmont will be inviting guests in its dining rooms do donate merely $1 to the National Geographic Society to support ocean conservation and other sea wildlife initiatives.

Seriously, only $1. Is that too much to ask?

I’ve been a big fan of Fairmont’s corporate social responsibility initiatives for a while, and since I enjoy seafood, I’m particularly fond of this latest measure. The move will help to preserve aquatic habitats without detracting from your dining experience – something we used to call a “win-win” back in my consulting days]. If you aren’t staying at a Fairmont, find one near your home and dash off for a great meal.

And please kick in the extra buck.

Bermuda resort gives the lazy an extra month to book

by Tom Johansmeyer on


Sometimes, procrastinating doesn’t come with any consequences. It doesn’t happen often. We’re taught from a young age that early birds get to kill and chomp on the best worms, not to put off to tomorrow the stuff we can do today (even if we don’t feel like it) and to seize the day. If you don’t, then opportunity may disappear before you get a taste. Well, Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa is rewarding the lazy next month: the resort is extending its “fourth night free” deal for travelers booking at least a four-night stay by April 26, 2010. But, you have to travel stay by April 30, 2010.

In addition to scoring your fourth night free, you’ll pick up complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea every day. To participate in this steal you’ll need to use promotional code CBBDA4.

Free amenities and break on rates at Sandestin this spring

by Tom Johansmeyer on


The list just seems to go on and on – there is no shortage of activities and amenities waiting for you at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. If you’re into biking, kayaking, tennis or sweating it out in the fitness center, you’ll have plenty of choices available to you. And there’s even a Wednesday concert series. Simply put: you won’t get bored at this destination on Florida‘s northwest Gulf Coast. Fleeing cold weather? The seven miles of beaches are the cure or the cold that’s been hounding you for months. Well, if you book a three-night stay by May 26, 2010, you’ll get free access to Sandestin’s many amenities – which is reason enough to plan the trip you’ve been putting off.

The resort offers accommodations from studio condos to villas and cottages of up to five bedrooms. They come with fully equipped kitchens, whirlpool spa baths, laundry facilities and views of the beach, bay or golf course – with 1,500 units in all, spanning 30 neighborhoods.

Three late-season skiing options in Colorado

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Spring sunset skiing sessions kick off in only a few weeks at Keystone Resort. Starting March 28, 2010, you can get some great late-season skiing out in Colorado. Most resorts in the Rockies don’t force skiers and snowboarders to call it quits until April 11 or 18, so there’s still plenty of time to hop a plane and get a few runs in. at Keystone, you can pick up the “Game On” package for $99, which includes free NASTAR ski racing (for the family) and Nordic skiing.

Need some late-season skiing ideas? Here are three in Colorado:

1. Keystone Resort
Book by March 31, 2010 and you’ll pick up a free night with the “Spring Break on Us” package (must stay three nights). While you’re there, take the kids to the new Kidtopia Festival, with the Mountaintop Ultimate Snow Fort featuring 12-foot walls, a snow throne and a draw bridge, parades, disco tubing and more.

2. Vail
Take 33 percent off your stay at The Arrabelle at Vail Square and your lift ticket. While you’re in town, check out the April 17 Wyclef Jean concert, as well as the World Pond Skimming Championships.

3. Arapahoe Basin
You can ski here through early June and even enjoy a ski “beach” scene, with barbecues, snow beach volleyball and hot tubs. If you need to feed your skiing addiction, A-Basin is the place to do it.

Atlantic City hotel vying for ‘Jersey Shore’ tourists

by Melanie Nayer on

It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of the “Jersey Shore” debacle, but it’s true I can’t get enough of the super-fist-pumping-hair-bumping promotions hotels are doing to cater to wanna-be Guidos and Guidettes.

The most recent hotel vying for the attention of “Jersey Shore” fans is none other than The Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City,
site of episode 7 of the hot MTV reality show. Get your spray tan on and get a load of this deal:

The “Jersey Shore Package” includes:

– Overnight accommodations in a standard guest room starting at $878 per night per room, or $4,230 per night for the suite where cast members stayed
– One dinner at Il Verdi, the resort’s Italian restaurant
– Breakfast at Seaside Café
– Gift certificate to the Tropicana Salon, good for a “Jersey Shore Do” (for girls, guidette poufs with bumpits and for guys a guido “blow-out” ala Pauly D)
– A room service basket stocked with Italian delights, including (but not limited to) Italian cured meats, bread sticks and biscotti
– VIP admission to Providence nightclub and complimentary IN Cards which give access to nightclubs, food and beverage and parking discounts and more.

The “Jersey Shore” package is available through June 26, 2010. If you go, please take pictures of your new ‘do.

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