Hotel Jerome’s awesome Thanksgiving deal

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The Hotel Jerome is offering a fantastic deal, but its for Thanksgiving weekend only. So, if you’re sick of carving into the same dry turkey — yet again — watching the damned parade on television (or worse, in person … trust me), book a last-minute trip to Aspen, Colorado. The Hotel Jerome’s “120th Anniversary Celebration” package costs only $1,889 for two people from November 25 – 29, 2009. Why? That’s when the hotel opened: 1889. It’s also a savings of more than 50 percent.

The package includes four nights in a junior suite, two full-day lift tickets per person and two tickets to the hotel’s 120th anniversary party (where an 1889-themed costume!). And, you’ll get a full Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday night. Even though you won’t have the stress of the holiday to weigh you down, each person will also receive a 50-minute massage at the Aspen Club & Spa.

Yeah, or you could stay home and watch a couple of football games …

RockResort deal ignites romance at The Landings St. Lucia

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Now with direct flights from JFK, St. Lucia is even more accessible than ever before. With winter coming, the Caribbean becomes all the more attractive, and RockResort has is amping it up with a new deal. Couples are invited to celebrate their relationships at St. Lucia — from eloping to honeymooning to renewing — at a savings of up to 25 percent. Three new deals are designed to get you onto the beach soon.

The “Romance and Elope” package does more than knock the price of a room at The Landings down to $564 a night; it also spares you the months of agony involved in wedding planning. Dash off to St. Lucia for the wedding of your dreams (one that doesn’t involve angry family members, seating charts or bunny hops). Your wedding ceremony will be held under a decorated arch on the beach, after which Executive Chef Richard Tonks will set you up with dinner for two on the couples’ villa suite terrace. The six-night package also includes choice of breakfast or lunch daily and evening champagne turndown.

If you just tied the knot and need a honeymoon, check out the “Romance and Escape” package. You’ll enjoy a Caribbean honeymoon for six nights and benefit from “his” and “hers” amenities, in addition to dinner for two in The Beach Club and a selection of excursions such as SCUBA diving, rainforest zip-lining, golf and lavish spa treatments (rates start at $431 a night).

For couples who are already married, the “Romance and Renew” package taps into the fun of renewing wedding vows, with a sunset beachside ceremony, a private romantic in-suite dinner and couples massages at the spa. The $525 nightly rate includes a framed picture of the ceremony.

Girls’ getaway at The Osprey offers more than the norm

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Ladies, give yourselves a break this winter. As you plan your next girls getaway, keep The Osprey at Beaver Creek in mind. This RockResort is the closest hotel to a chairlift in North America, and its post-New Year escape package is sure to put you in a room. From January 6 – 9, 2010, the ReTreat Yourself package combines skiing and snowboarding (guided by pro athletes) and yoga with Beaver Creek instructors – all with the goal of building a little girl power.

So, recharge yourself once the anxiety of the holiday season is behind you with three nights at The Osprey, daily skiing and snowboarding lessons by pros Megan Pischke-Porcheron (snowboarder), Barrett Christy-Cummins (snowboarder) and Kasha Rigby (skier). Then, spend several sessions calming your spirit with Forrest Yoga teacher Amy Baker, balancing the excitement of the slopes with the pursuit of relaxation. Life coach Linda Kennoy is on hand to conduct sessions on Manifesting Your True Personal Power, Fate and Destiny and Energy Fields, Magic and Soul Mates (well, the other stuff sounds pretty cool). The package also includes daily breakfast and lunch, mini spa treatments and a consultation with a skin esthetician.

At $1,428.32, this is a bargain, especially since all resort fees and taxes are included (except lift tickets, which are available at a discounted rate.

Get everything you want in Vail this summer

by Tom Johansmeyer on

I don’t know what it is about The Arrabelle at Vail Square, but that property knows how to put an interesting deal together. The RockResort property is adept at finding new and unusual ways to make itself even more attractive (which is hard to do when you consider the quality of the property and amenities). The latest gig is offered in partnership with Kessler Canyon, a wildlife retreat and luxury resort. So, prepare to head out to Colorado for six nights, all-inclusive, for a diverse experience that will take you from the mountains to the mesas.

The package allows for a customizable itinerary, so it’s not as confining as most all-inclusive packages. You can have a blast in Vail, then disappear into the Rocky Mountains for a while before heading down to De Beque to experience the mesas (the last being a somewhat magical concept to a child of the northeast who has never seen this type of natural “structure”). The list of activities is long and includes golf, rafting, off-road tours, horseback riding and hiking. If outdoors isn’t your thing, lean toward more luxurious activities such as spa treatments and wine tours.

The price may seem a bit steep at $750 per person per night, but it becomes pretty amazing when you keep in mind that it covers everything – including food and booze. The property will also take you to and from the airport (a major headache if you have to deal with it on your own.

If this turns you on, don’t put it off. You have to travel by August 23, 2009 to take advantage of this deal.

Become a chef for a day at the Lodge at Vail

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Culinarily inept? Well, if you are, you’re not alone (and you’re in good company … with me). The Lodge at Vail, a RockResort, has exactly the solution for those of us who believe cooking dinner involves a phone call. The Colorado Cookin’ package will make you a chef for a day, as Executive Chef Rahm Fama takes you through the local farmers’ market and into the Cucina Rustica restaurant’s kitchen for the insights you’ll need to become a pro.

This deal is on through September 21, 2009 and comes with two nights (Saturday stay is required) and some great Sunday activities – from a tour of the Vail Farmers’ Market to a four-course brunch at The Wildflower and a cooking class led by the top chef himself. It starts at $274 a night, and extra days can be tacked on at $149 each.

Hell, it’s enough to make me consider stepping into the kitchen.