Exciting hotel packages for springtime travelers

by Jessica Festa on

Wondering where you should travel this spring? Take advantage of one of these season-inspired packages and enjoy fun activities in great locations for a discounted price.

De L’Europe
Amsterdam, Netherlands

The city of Amsterdam is well-known for its flower markets, lush gardens, and picturesque parks. To help visitors experience the natural beauty of the city, De L’Europe is featuring an Enchanted Gardens package from March 22-May 20, 2012. The package includes accommodations in the spacious Deluxe Room, breakfast for two each morning, and two tickets along with an all-inclusive guide to the Keukenhof, where myriad flora and fauna displays will be featured as well as over 7 million flowers including hundreds of tulip varieties.

Packages start at $595 per night based on double occupancy. Call +31 20 531 17 77 or click here to book. Troia Design Hotel
Troia, Portugal

The Troia Design Hotel is located on a picturesque peninsula on a nature reserve about an hour away from Lisbon. This spring, guests of the hotel can custom create their own packages to experience the great outdoors. Simply give your dates of travel and choose from a variety of activities, like kite surfing, diving, wine tasting, horseback riding, dolphin watching, rock climbing, visiting ancient ruins, bird watching, relaxing on the beach, indulging in the spa, scuba diving, and exploring surrounding castles.

Package rates vary depending on length of stay and activities chosen. Click here to custom create your spring package.

La Tavola Marche
Le Marche, Italy

La Tavola Marche is an organic farm, inn, and cooking school all in one. From March 29-April 2, 2012, the property is hosting a Cooking with Spring’s Wild Edibles package where guests can experience cooking and savoring the flavors of the season. The package includes four nights of accommodation, daily breakfasts, a guided wild edible walk, two half-day cooking classes as well as an apron and cookbook to keep, two wine-enhanced meals, and a five course dinner.

Packages are $641 per person based on double occupancy. Click here to book.

Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
Solvang, California

The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort is a romantic, “old-west” accommodation located in the picturesque Santa Barbara Wine Country. The property is also home to a 100-acre lake that makes for a popular fly-fishing retreat, especially with all of the Northern Strain Large Mouth Bass. This spring, the ranch is helping guests experience this relaxing past time by offering a Alisal Anglers’ Package for Two. The promotion includes a two night stay in one of the property’s deluxe accommodations, a welcome basket with fruit, cheese, wine, crackers, and fishing lures, three meals per day, an Alisal Lake hat, a $100 credit for a guided fishing trip for two, and all taxes and fees.

Packages start at $1,295 for two nights for two people. Call 1-888-4-ALISAL or e-mail reservations@alisal.com.

The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel
Washington, D.C.

In 1912, Japan gave Washington, D.C., 3,000 cherry trees which grew into a beautiful icon for the nation’s capital. From March 20 to April 27, 2012, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will take place, marking the 100 year anniversary of the gift. To help celebrate, The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel is featuring a Cherry Blossom Getaway from March 22-April 22. The package includes self-customized accommodations via My Affinia, a commemorative cherry tree branch, picnic treats from Art and Soul, chocolates inspired by cherry blossoms from Artisan Confections, and two metro passes.

Packages start at $199 per night. Call 1-866-246-2203 and mention promotional code CHER12 or click here to book.

Wolcott Hotel
New York, NY

The Wolcott Hotel is a comfortable and cozy 100-year old accommodation located near Murray Hill. It’s also in close proximity to the Empire State Building and the beloved Macy’s in Herald Square. To help guests enjoy the beauty of spring in New York, the property is lowering its rates for the season as well as inviting guests to enjoy the annual Macy’s Flower Show with free entry and a guided tour of the flower towers and floral decor.

Rates start at $150 per night. Call 212-268-2900 or click here to book.

Sunset Beach Resorts Spa & Waterpark
Montego Bay, Jamaica

Sunset Beach Resorts Spa & Waterpark is an all-inclusive beachfront property with lush gardens, a relaxing spa, and a thrill-filled waterpark. To help celebrate the coming of the warm weather, the resort is offering a Spring Madness promotion which includes beach games, pool parties, a bonfire experience, free transfers to Margaritaville, and 15% off all spa services.

Promotion rates start at $152.75 per person per night based on double occupancy. The promotion is valid for travel through April 13, 2012. Call 877-734-3486 to book.

CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa
Anguilla, British West Indies

CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa is a 5-star resort that features something for everyone, including a luxurious spa, expansive golf course, hydroponic farm, and fusion-style restaurants. In order to help their guests say goodbye to winter and welcome the changing of the seasons, the property is featuring a Tee Up & Revive package, which includes five nights of accommodation in a beachfront suite, two 50-minute spa treatments or a couples’ massage, three rounds of golf, use of tennis courts and fitness center, daily breakfast, lunch for two at Cafe Mediterraneo, dinner for two at Le Bistro at Santorini, airport/ferry pickup, and the use of non-motorized water sports.

Packages start at $5,255 based on double occupancy from now until April 13, 2012. Call 264-498-5602 to book.

Why you should visit Singapore in 2012

by Jessica Festa on

There are many reasons Singapore makes a great travel destination, from unique architecture to rich cultural experiences to carefully prepared cuisine. In 2012, the Southeast Asian destination has even more reasons to visit, from exciting new restaurants to the opening of their first river-themed animal park. Here are some reasons to put Singapore on this year’s trip itinerary.

New cultural venues

In February, 2011, the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands opened to the public as the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. First there is the architecture of the building (shown right), which is designed to look like a lotus flower in order to metaphorically welcome guests from all walks of life. The museum itself houses more than 50,000 square feet of exhibits for visitors to explore, helping them to better understand the connection between art and science.

The National Art Gallery in Singapore is undergoing a complete renovation and is being relocated to the center of the Civic District. The new visual arts venue will be housed in two adjacent heritage buildings: City Hall and the former Supreme Court building. It will be the largest of its kind in Singapore, and will “focus on the display, appreciation, promotion, research and study of Southeast Asian and Singaporean art, as well as play host to international art exhibitions”. The completed project should be done by the end of the year, and until then travelers can still visit the former National Art Gallery, which features an array of local and cultural works.Luxury shopping

Last September, Singapore unveiled their Louis Vuitton Island Maison to merge luxury shopping with art and architecture. As the brand’s first-ever island maison, the store’s interior is nautically themed and will also introduce cultural elements of the area into the design. Along with selling designer accessories, the venue will also feature a contemporary artwork tunnel as well as a bookstore housing works on art, culture, and design.

Tourists who want to shop should also take a stroll down Orchard Road. While expensive, it is the best in Singapore in terms of quality, choice, and how many shops are centered in one place. Even if you’re short on cash, it’s worth it to visit Orchard Road just to window browse and check out all of the diverse architecture. If you’re on a budget and want to buy something, check out the Far East Plaza, which is on Scotts Road in the Orchard Road District and is home to countless boutique shops and non-chain stores.

Outdoor leisure

In June, 2012, Singapore will be able to welcome visitors to the brand new Gardens by the Bay. The park, which is being constructed to be the “Central Park of Asia”, will encompass 250 acres of land in the Marina Bay District. The project is meant to align with the city’s vision of transforming into a giant garden. Some major attractions include the Heritage Gardens (shown right), the Flower Dome, Dragonfly Lake, Bay East Gardens, and Golden & Silver Gardens.

Asia’s first river-themed animal park

Scheduled to open very soon, River Safari Singapore will be the first river-themed animal park in Asia. Visitors will have the chance to take boat rides and get a close-up encounter with freshwater environments and animals. The goal of the park, which is a project of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, is to educate people on freshwater habitat conservation. Some of the experiences you can have include visiting the Amazon Sunken Forest (shown right) and meeting manatees and arapalmas, riding down the Mekong and seeing Long-tailed Macaques and giant catfish, floating down the sacred healing waters of the Ganges and spying ancient Indian Gharial and narrow-headed turtles, and more.

Unique properties

Last year, Singapore prepared for hotel expansion through many efforts. For instance, the well-known Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort (shown right) underwent a $63 million renovation while new properties like the budget-friendly Ibis Singapore Novena and the luxurious Fullerton Bay Hotel opened their doors to guests.

And, expansions are continuing into this year. In August, 2012, visitors to Singapore will be able to stay at the brand new chic and trendy island resort, W Singapore Sentosa Cove, which will be the W Hotel’s first property in Singapore. Moreover, this year the Pan Pacific Hotel Group will be opening a brand new property that is planned to be one of the most eco-friendly hotel options in Asia, PARKROYAL on Pickering. The venue will feature energy and water regulation, solar-powered landscape lighting, and rainwater harvesting as well as lush skygardens, reflecting pools, and waterfalls. Around the hotel property, the landscape will hold a relaxing, tropical feel.

High quality food

Most people would agree that the number one reason to visit Singapore is the food. Even international food expert Anthony Bourdain has toted Singapore as being the most “foodie destination” in the world and has said that once you’ve had the food there “you can’t go back to the way you were before”. One excellent way to get a taste of the street food culture in Singapore, which is high-quality and authentic, is at a Hawker Centre. Here you will be able to sample an array of local cuisines that have undergone careful preparation, like Laksa (shown right), Beef Rendang, and Hainanese Chicken Rice for a good price.

Sinapore also has some excellent new restaurants that have just opened up. To help you experience the hawker food culture even further, there is The Food Republic Beer Garden. Here you can choose from 18 different push-cart stalls offering street food as well as experience live music until 1AM. What’s also great about this place is it’s housed in an old Tiger Beer lowry making it great choice for beer lovers and oenophiles.

There are also L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Joël Robuchon Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa, both opened by Michelin star chef Joël Robuchon. The two restaurants are the chef’s first venture in Southeast Asia and give guests the opportunity to sample two unique fine-dining menus at the same resort.

[images via ArtScience Museum, Schristia, Gardens by the Bay, River Safari, Shangri-La Sentosa, Diane Bondareff]

China to get first One&Only resort in 2014

by McLean Robbins on
Luxe lovers, look out – China is preparing to get their first One&Only resort, One&Only Sanya, in 2014.

Kerzner International Holdings, the ownership group behind One&Only and Atlantis Resorts, has announced plans for a 180-room luxury property on Tufu Bay in Sanya, Hainan, China, set inside 40 acres of coconut palms and ancient rosewood trees, on a private coastline. This will be One&Only’s first resort in China.

The brand now has seven properties, including One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives; One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius; One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai; One&Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas; One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico; One&Only Cape Town in South Africa and One&Only The Palm in Dubai.

“Tufu Bay is ideally suited for creating the first One&Only experience in China. The setting is just spectacular and I am very confident the resort will be well received by our many loyal One&Only guests and new guests alike,” said Sol Kerzner, Chairman, Kerzner International. “
Tufu Bay is an ideal location for this new luxe resort, offering stunning views of the South China Sea. The hotel will also feature a locally-inspired restaurant or restaurants as well as a One&Only Spa honoring the property’s Chinese heritage.

CEO of Kerzner International Alan Leibman says that China was a logical next fit as so many Chinese guests already visit the brand’s properties worldwide.

The Project Design Team is currently in the process of reviewing plans which will be submitted to the local authorities for approval.

[Image of One&Only property Reethi Rah in the Maldives]

27 Romantic hotel suites across the world

by McLean Robbins on


Valentine’s Day is coming. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or simply wishing you had someone to “share the love” with, we guarantee you’ll love this glimpse into some of the world’s most romantic hotel suites. We searched from Canada to Curacao to California to Cabo, London to Paris to Switzerland and even scoured Fiji, Bora Bora and Dubai. Of course, a few picks are close to home too – New York City and Miami, anyone?

It’s a hard job, but someone had to do it. Which one is your favorite, or do you have a great romantic spot we missed?

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10 luxury hostels from around the world

by Jessica Festa on

While many people think of hostels as run down hotels with cramped rooms and few amenities, there are many properties that can actually make you feel as if you’re staying at a resort. For those who want comfort on a budget, here are 10 excellent luxury hostels from around the world.

Gilligan’s Backpackers Hotel and Resort Cairns
Cairns, Australia

Gilligan’s Backpackers Hotel and Resort in Cairns is without a doubt one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in. And if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious than your average youth hostel, this is an excellent choice. Rooms offered include 4,6,8,10-bed dorms, 4 & 6-bed deluxe dorms, 6-bed all female dorms, and private rooms. The accommodation has a resort-type feel, with balconies, a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall and palm trees, a makeshift beach with volleyball nets, and even gym access. They also have swanky nightclub that often hosts theme parties and hot DJ’s.StayON Beverly
Los Angeles, California

The StayON Beverly is definitely a step up from your average hostel experience. While there are no chefs or personal butlers, the accommodation is lot more like a hotel stay at a hostel price ($50 per night). First of all, they only offer private rooms with full sized beds and memory foam mattresses, free Wi-Fi, a desk, mini fridge, iPod-compatible music player, and even a flat screen television. Free waterbottles and spacious and clean minimalist design will leave you comfortable on a budget.

Broadway Hotel and Hostel
New York, NY

As soon as you walk through the front doors of The Broadway Hotel and Hostel, you will be enveloped in a contemporary design. The ambiance in the lobby is created using rich browns, dim candle light, and a fireplace, with the atmosphere continuing into both the 2-bedroom dorms and private rooms with modern wall art, European bed linens, and polished dressers. There are no large dorms here, and single person bathrooms give guests the privacy they desire, while the massage and rain shower heads add a luxurious element to the stay.

The Backpack and Africa Travel Centre
Cape Town, South Africa

Not only has The Backpack and Africa Travel Centre been awarded a 5-star backpacker lodge rating, it’s also eco-friendly, as it’s been awarded a Fair Trade in Tourism trademark. The rooms are stylishly decorated in an “Afro-Chic” design, many with features like skylights, fire places, and wall art, and include in-room safes. Don’t expect the usual unmatched bedspread look as seen at most hostels, as The Backpack and Africa Travel Centre ensures that all the beds in the room not only look alike, but also go with the decor of the room as a whole. The best part about the hostel is actually outside, as it features an in-ground swimming pool that will literally put you in the center of nature as it is surrounded by unique flora and fauna and the breathtaking Table Mountain. Enjoy the outdoor tile mosaic designs around the pool while sipping a cocktail and soaking in the scenery.

The Seven Hostel
Sorrento, Italy

The Seven Hostel is a property that is nothing like a hostel, aside from the budget-friendly prices. Inside, the decor is modern and trendy infusing neutral and Earthy tones with unique textures and furnishings. The rooftop terrace and bar is similar to something you’d find in New York City, with plush white couches and breathtaking views of the city, Gulf of Naples, and nearby mountains. Other amenities of The Seven Hostel include a trendy bar, a 24-hour reception and concierge for tour booking, a library and game room, free internet and satellite TV, and an outdoor solarium on the top floor for sunbathing.

Oasis Palace Hostel Seville
Seville, Spain

I’ve actually stayed in both the Oasis Palace Hostel Seville as well as the Oasis Hostel Lisbon and found both to be both comfortable and luxurious. The Seville location gets extra points, however, as it has a rooftop terrace and pool. There are also a lot of free perks, like Wi-Fi, city and cultural tours, linens, luggage room, a welcome drink, and a delicious breakfast including pancakes, crepes, breads, spreads and cereals. At night for a small fee (about 5 Euros), the resident chef creates local dishes like paella and grilled meats.

The Green Saman
Cali, Colombia

The Green Saman is more than just a hostel; it’s also a spa, yoga center, and “gastronomic sanctuary”. The venue is actually a renovated mansion that features a swimming pool, sauna, and gardens for outdoor relaxation, while clean and spacious dorms and private rooms are available inside. The hostel also offers unique and worthwhile experiences, like language immersion courses, salsa dancing lessons, cooking classes, molecular gastronomy workshops, and free multicourse breakfasts served with upscale presentation during the week. Guests will also enjoy the healthy cuisine found at the on-site restaurant, which was voted one of the best backpacker restaurants in South America.

Hostel International Point
Calafate, Argentina

When staying at a luxury property most people expect great views, and Hostel International Point provides some of the best I’ve ever seen. What’s great about this hilltop hostel is that you don’t have to go outside to see the lake and countryside, but instead have access to panoramic views from everywhere in the hostel, including dorm rooms. The accommmodation offers spacious 4-bed dorms as well as private rooms, all with bathrooms so clean you won’t be affraid to soak in the bathtub. And in the morning, a delicious breakfast is literally served to guests, allowing them to eat without having to clean up or move from the table.

Eco Resort Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Eco Resort Chiang Mai is one of the most upscale hostels I have ever seen. It’s immersed in the center of a massive, jungle-like garden in a quiet setting, giving guests access to a peaceful, majestic atmosphere right at their doorstep. An expansive cystral-clear in-ground pool set among dangling palm trees add to the ambiance, which takes on a romantic atmosphere at night when everything is all lit up. Inside, the spacious and immpecibly clean rooms are decorated in a contemporary Thai design, and guests can choose from private spaces or small dorms. Free Wi-Fi, cooking classes, tour bookings, outdoor art sculptures, a movie theater, gym, and library are also offered on premises. In fact, the place is so luxurious they even offer wedding packages.

Siem Reap Hostel
Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Siem Reap Hostel is more like like a resort than a hostel, as it offers both dorms and private rooms as well as an on-site spa that features massages, facials, mani/pedis, body wraps, and scrubs for $35 or less. There is also a poolside bar and restaurant so that guests can go for a swim or relax in the water with a fruity cocktail, Asian-style meal, or Western comfort food. Other amenities and facilities include outdoor gardens, free airport pickup, free Wi-Fi, a game room, tour desk, daily happy hours in the on-site bar, and a $2 all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast each morning in a beautiful setting.