Ritz-Carlton Launches iPhone App

by McLean Robbins on

After a long wait, Ritz-Carlton is launching their first mobile app today. This free app will allow travelers to travelers to book and search online, but will also offer a series of unique tips and QR code experience tours that let them experience properties before they even arrive.

Some of our favorite functionalities of the new app include the “Presidential Tips” section, a specially-curated selection of tips from Herve Humler, company president and COO.

To learn Presidential Tips, guests use the app to scan a QR code at the time of check-in.

The code-based experience tours also add something new to the mix, with 20 hotels starring in the pilot program. For example, at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, where guests can participate in a Cultural Art tour led by QR codes that will allow them to learn more about the hotel’s art collection. At The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin, where young guests will be able to enjoy a digital scavenger hunt, led exclusively by QR codes and clues at each stop.

GPS technology also allows the application to recognize when a guest has arrived at a Ritz-Carlton and can provide location specific advice, information and exclusive offers. The app also integrates the hotel’s concierge recommendations from Four Square, updated weekly, as well as allow access to hotel and resort activity calendars so that guests can always know what’s going on at area properties via “Push” notifications.

The free app is available on both Apple and Android platforms.

7 Great Hotels Where You Can Cook Like a Local

by McLean Robbins on

One of the best parts about a vacation? The food. We love trying local delicacies and adding to our recipe books with tips and techniques learned from our travels. Immerse yourself in native cuisine with these seven great cooking experiences that combine luxury travel with fun, hands-on cooking classes.

Time to Thai in Bangkok
Learn traditional Thai cooking in Bangkok at Lebua. You’ll cook a five-course meal with a Thai chef in this three-hour class taught in both English and Thai for the exceptionally affordable rate of $160 per person. Combine it with an overnight at this all-suite luxury property for a true one-of-a-kind experience.

Game & Guinness in Ireland
Fish for wild trout and learn to make homemade chowder at the Guinness family’s 18th C estate-turned-hotel in Cong, Ireland.

Green Gardening in Jordan
Garden alongside locals at the bio-garden at Radisson Blu Tala Bay Resort in Aqaba Jordan, then learn to cook traditional Jordan dishes like Mansaff (roast lamb in a saffron yogurt sauce) using the fruits of your labor.

Shopping and Tapas in Barcelona
Shop Barcelona’s legendary Boqueria with Spanish Chef Roberto Holz, then prepare a Mediterranean lunch at Hotel Arts Barcelona.

Surf n’ Seafood in Nevis
“Dive and dine” for your own spiny lobster at Four Seasons Nevis, then prepare it at a traditional Caribbean barbecue.

Food Safari in Australia
Discovery the bounty of Australia’s Kangaroo Island at Southern Ocean Lodge. The hotel hosts an annual KI Food Safari. Activities during the six-day journey will include hands-on classes with the island’s purveyors, who operate on a mostly small scale, sustainable and personal basis while tasting the unique products straight from the source.

Say Olé in Mexico
Learn the secrets behind perfect salsa, ceviche and more at one or three-day cooking classes (shown in the photo, above) at the luxurious Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We’d suggest the three-day class – it includes a trip to a local farmers market.

Family Travel, England And Cuba Top Topics In Virtuoso’s ‘2012 Luxe Report’

by McLean Robbins on

Luxury travel agent network Virtuoso has released their annual “luxe” report. Generally, we’re fans of anything luxurious and travel related, so this was one we couldn’t wait to get our hot little hands on.

The network’s database of luxury travel agents and clients are generally seen as some of the industry’s best predictors in upcoming luxury travel trends.

So … what are luxury travelers doing?

Despite high fuel and hotel costs, affluent travelers are still traveling, particularly to international destinations like Italy and France, with England joining the top five on this prestigious list for the first time. They have a strong desire to explore new, undiscovered destinations with Cuba, for the first time ever, topping the polls as the most popular emerging destination.

Travelers are searching for new experiences in off-the-beaten-path locations. Cambodia and Belize made their debut in the “undiscovered destinations” category this year.

While we’ve read much about cruise disasters of late, the idea of traveling via boat hasn’t died a swift death. High-end river cruises were named as the second of five biggest emerging travel trends, just behind family and multi-generational travel.

Family travel was a huge trend studied in the survey. Families were most likely to visit destinations including Italy, England, Turks & Caicos, South Africa, Hawaii and Costa Rica.
Within the U.S., Miami and predominantly South Beach joined the list of top five destinations, coming in at number five on the list after Maui, New York City, Napa Valley and Sonoma and Las Vegas.

The most popular destinations for romantic travel continue to be Italy, French Polynesia and France; however, the 2012 report saw both Bali and the Seychelles join the top five. Apparently love can survive a 20-plus-hour flight – these travelers must be in first class.

We’re not super surprised by the results or the addition of England into many of the categories, given the recent Royal Wedding and Olympics-related media attention. What about you? Do these results surprise you?

[Flickr image of Cuba via citronate]

Mother’s Day Hotel Deals Around The United States

by Jessica Festa on

Want to do something special for Mom this Mother’s Day? Check out these U.S. hotels offering promotions, packages and programming for the holiday, to help plan a special weekend getaway.

Forrest Hills Mountain Resort
Dahlonega, Georgia

Located about one hour north of Atlanta, Forrest Hills Mountain Resort is a relaxing accommodation surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains. This Mother’s Day the property is offering a “Taking Care of Mom” package, which includes:

  • Champagne or sparking cider upon arrival
  • Half-dozen long-stemmed roses in the room upon arrival
  • Gourmet sampler basket with chocolates, tea and hot cocoa mix
  • One-hour massage for both Mom and her guest
  • Candlelight dinner in the Secret Garden Dining Room (when booked online)
  • Mother’s Day Feast in the Rose Garden Dining Room
  • Breakfast daily

Package rates start at $457 for two nights (Saturday and Sunday). Call 706-864-6456 or click here to book. The New York Palace
New York, NY

The New York Palace, a world-class hotel located in Midtown, is celebrating the special occasion with not one, but two packages. First there is the “Mother’s Day Morning Glory” package, which begins the day with a special chef’s breakfast in bed with a Mimosa or Bellini, coffee or tea, a seasonal fruit plate, pastry, Greek yogurt parfait, Brioche bread pudding and an egg white frittata with heirloom tomatoes, asparagus, artichokes and herbs. The deal also includes luxury accommodations, red wine and chocolate upon arrival, a gift basket from New York Palace Spa and a 20% off discount on a spa treatment or service.

The other package is a “Mother’s Night Out” package, which includes luxury accommodations, two cocktails and an appetizer in GILT Bar, red wine and chocolate upon arrival, a gift basket from New York Palace Spa and a 20% off offer for a spa treatment or service.

Packages are available through June 3, 2012. Rates start at $428 for both packages. Call 212-888-7000 or click here to book.

Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Skaneateles, New York

Located in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York, Mirbeau Inn & Spa is celebrating Mother’s Day all month long with a lavish “Love Your Mom” overnight package. Moms will get:

  • Two nights of accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
  • Five-course wine pairing dinner for two
  • Limo wine tour for two
  • 100-minute FarmHouse Fresh Mother Glow’s Best treatment, with a sweet cream salt body scrub, hot body wrap of honey, aloe and live papaya fruit cells and a massage using floral shea butter with blood orange oil and live fruit cells
  • 100-minute treatment of choice
  • Two micro-fiber robes
  • Two-dozen roses
  • Chocolate covered strawberries
  • $200 Skaneateles Chamber Certificate for downtown shopping

Package is valid through the month of May, with rates beginning at $2,720 mid-week and $3,035 on weekends, based on double-occupancy, including taxes and gratuities. Call 877-647-2328 or click here to book.

Country Inn Bed and Breakfast
Fort Bragg, California

A charming B&B on the Mendocino Coast, the Country Inn Bed and Breakfast is offering two great packages for Mom this holiday. First there is the “Ultimate Wine Tour” package, with two nights accommodation, a full-day wine tour with gourmet lunch, sparkling wine, a cheese platter, bottled water, special winery discounts and dinner for two at the Mendo Bistro. There is also a “Mother’s Day Massage” offer, which gives Mom a 50-minute massage, two nights of accommodation and dinner for two at Mendo Bistro.

Rates for the “Ultimate Wine Tour” package begin at $606, and $347 for the “Mother’s Day Massage” offer. Call 707-964-3737 or click here to book.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Lost Pines, Texas

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, a secluded 405-acre property on the Colorado River, is hosting an array of offers and programming in honor of Mother’s Day. For those looking to indulge at the spa, Mommy and Me pedicures are available for $125. Moreover, mothers golf free at Wolfdancer Golf Club. On the special day, the accommodation will host a Mother’s Day Brunch, including breakfast favorites and unique creations like smoked pork loin with house made Shiner Bock Mustard as well as a lavish dessert buffet. Additionally, many recreational activities for mom will be offered, like Mother’s Day card making, button making and mom-themed movies under the stars.

The buffet is $49 for adults, $24 for children 4-12 and free for children three and under. Call 512-308-4851 or click here to book.

Delamar Greenwich Harbor
Greenwich, Connecticut

This Mother’s Day, Delamar Greenwich Harbor, a luxury waterfront property, is helping mothers and daughters spend quality time together. The one-day package is offered every weekend in May, and features:

  • One night in a double room or two-bedroom suite
  • Complimentary breakfast
  • Welcome gift from Saks 5th Avenue
  • Early check-in at 2:00 p.m. and late check out at 2:00 p.m.
  • Lunch for two in the onsite l’escale
  • Two 60-minute massages in the hotel’s Spa Suite
  • Two pedicures
  • Personal shopping session at Saks 5th Avenue with car service

Package available Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday through May, and start at $635. Call 866-335-2627 or click here to book.

The Shores Resort & Spa
Daytona, Florida

For mothers and daughters who want to have some fun in the sun this Mother’s Day, The Shores Resort & Spa is hosting a “Mother/Daughter Surf Camp” package. The offer includes two nights of accommodation, a private surf lesson for two, a 50-minute mother/daughter salt scrub and a 50-minute massage for two.

Packages start at $578 per room, based on double occupancy. Call 866-396-2217 or click here to book.

JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa
Oahu, Hawaii

On May 13, JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa will host a celebratory event for Mother’s Day. Beginning at 11:00 a.m., there is a special champagne lunch buffet. Additionally, a concert by Na Hoku Hanohano award-winner Willie K, and a fashion show hosted by Hawaiian designer Mamo Howell will be part of the programming.

Tickets for the celebration are $85 for adults, $50 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children under four. Room rates start at $299 per night. Call 808-679-0079 or click here to book.

Meadowmere Resort
Ogunquit, Maine

Meadowmere Resort, a popular hotel for gourmet vacations on Maine’s southern coast, is featuring an array of Mother’s Day packages this holiday. First there is the “Mother’s Day Weekend Dining” package, which includes accommodations, wine and cheese, Mom’s choice of dinner at one of the hotel’s three onsite restaurants and a Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday morning. There’s also the “Mother’s Day Weekend Spa” package, featuring accommodations, a Swedish massage, mini-facial, holistic yoga session and wellness consultation.

Packages start at $179.95 for the “Mother’s Day Weekend Dining” package, and $199.95 for the “Mother’s Day Weekend Spa” package. Call 800-633-8718 or click here to book.

Arizona Biltmore
Phoenix, Arizona

The Arizona Biltmore, with its vibrant gardens and historic ambiance, is a great place for Mom to spend her special day. This holiday, the property is hosting numerous offers, from free-night offers to spa specials and Champagne brunches. First there is the 2-For-1 Mother’s Day offer, which gives guests who book a room during the week of Mother’s Day a second night free. Additionally, their “Like Mother Like Daughter” package includes an hour-long manicure and pedicure for two for $175. If Mom would like to spend more time in the spa, select treatments are 30% off, like the Dreamcatcher Aromatherapy Massage and the Restorative Anti-Aging Facial. Moreover, a Mother’s Day champagne brunch will be hosted in the McArthur Ballroom, with breakfast favorites, salads, carving stations, hot entrees and a rose for every mother. Reservations are required, and prices are $75 for adults, $35 for children 12 and under and free for infants. Another Mother’s Day champagne brunch with a different menu will be held in Wright’s at the Biltmore. Reservations are required, and prices are $95 for adults, $40 for children 12 and under and free for infants. At night, an array of Mother’s Day dinner specials will be offered throughout the hotel, with pre-fixed menus, drink specials and unique menu additions.

Two-for-one offer valid May 10 to 17, with room rates starting at $229. Use promo code “MOM” when booking. Call 800-950-0086 or click here to book.

Celebrate National Park Week: 5 Luxe Places You Can ‘Camp’ Sans Tent

by McLean Robbins on



National Park Week has begun! Many travelers will be taking advantage of free access to our country’s best national parks but, if they’re anything like this writer, won’t want to sleep in a tent after.

So, instead of camping try “glamping” at some of these great hotels near national parks that let you enjoy nature without giving up your creature comfort – no camping required.

Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Just minutes from Grand Teton National Park and a short drive from Yellowstone National Park, Four Seasons Jackson Hole offers a famed wildlife safari program, complete with an in-house wildlife biologist. Can’t make it during National Park Week? Enjoy special backstage access to these National Parks through the hotel’s summer packages.

Moonlight Basin, Montana
Located just 18 miles from Yellowstone National Park, Moonlight is surrounded by Montana’s spectacular Rocky Mountains. Moonlight Basin’s Mountain Concierge Team can plan experiences from rafting on the Gallatin River to fly-fishing adventures and more.

Estes Park, Colorado
As a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the year-old Della Terra Mountain Chateau is one of the area’s most luxe boutique properties.

Terranea Resort, California
This Destination Hotels & Resorts property located on the Southern California coast in Rancho Palos Verdes offers a unique starting point for exploration of Channel Islands National Park.

Travaasa Hana, Maui
The closest lodging to Haleakala National Park, filled with beautiful hikes through bamboo forests, past towering waterfalls and the famous “Pools of Ōheo.”

[Image courtesy of Yellowstone National Park]