, ,

The Best Luxury Resort Deals for Families

Here are some great promotions for families offered by luxury resorts and hotels around the world. Some are available only for a limited time, but others can be booked year round (blackout dates may apply).

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, Big Island of Hawaii
Second room 50% off through Dec. 23, 2011. A special note regarding this resort: Even their regular rates are a good value because they offer so many complimentary cultural activities, beach activities. And no charge for parking or internet access either!


Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos
Virtuoso promotion through Dec 16: 4th night free, bottle of champagne $100 dining credit, upgrade subject to availability, and daily breakfast for up to 2 guests. A family-friendly resort with Kids Town, an extensive children’s center complete with tree house, and a full roster of excursions, educational programming and kid friendly amenities.

The Goring, London
“Look Under the Pillow” rate of £525.00 per night for a family with up to 2 children 17 and under. Includes two rooms, full breakfast, cookie making with the pastry chef, non-alcoholic cocktail mixing in the bar, Nintendo Wii in the room, homemade cookies & milk at bedtime, bread bag for feeding the ducks, and a kids’ only competition. And of course, a special gift under your pillow! Available select dates Feb through Oct.

Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver
Parents can book a luxurious Executive King Balcony room for themselves, and receive the connecting Superior Twin room with 2 double beds for the kids at 50% off. Includes Virtuoso amenities of daily deluxe Breakfast for 2, $100 spa credit, welcome amenity and upgrade based on availability. This new hotel offers an outdoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and complimentary internet.

Ritz Carlton Hotels, New York City
Exclusive for my clients! Stay at Central Park or Battery Park and receive a 3rd night free, full breakfast daily, and a $100 hotel credit. Central Park guests receive guaranteed upgrades in select room categories, and all Battery Park guests will be upgraded to Club Level.


Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
Receive complimentary Club access when booking a suite from Jan 28- Feb 6 and from Feb 25th – March 16. A family friendly hotel on 12 acres of oceanfront property just 5 miles from downtown Miami, offering water sports, 11 tennis courts, a spa, and oceanfront Ritz Kids’ program.

The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Virtuoso Exclusive Experience* is available April 21 – June 19, 2011
Welcome amenity, buffet breakfast for two daily, and free self parking. A family favorite in the upscale Wailea area that has been recently renovated. This all-suite resort features a lagoon pool with a waterslide, a wading pool, and an adult’s only pool. Oceanfront villas with private pools are also available.

Fairmont Southampton or Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Bermuda
Both resorts offering free second room and Explorers Kids Camp is free through April 30. Plus kids eat free from the restaurant children’s menus.

Four Seasons Costa Rica
Fifth night free in rooms, and sixth & seventh night free in villas, through Dec 16. features ladybug & butterfly releases and fish feeding daily. Lots of on-site activities including bocce ball, volleyball, tennis, cycling, and more. A note to families regarding all Four Seasons resorts: The children’s program is always complimentary, and exclusive Preferred Partner amenities for my clients include daily full American breakfast for two, upgrade based on availability, free internet in suites and one amenity of the hotel’s choice (for Costa Rica, it’s a $100 spa credit).

Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort, Riviera Maya
Virtuoso Exclusive Experience available through Pleasant Holidays May 1 – July 5 Includes upgrade upon arrival (if available), welcome bottle of tequila, 20% discount on spa services, roundtrip private airport transfers. A new all-inclusive resort which has been receiving rave reviews from travelers and agents for its spacious family suites, some with private plunge pools.

Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando
Exclusive Harry Potter package including back stage tour of the Hogwarts Castle and early entrance to the theme park. The resort sits on 500 acres of a nature preserve and features ladybug & butterfly releases and fish feeding daily. Lots of on-site activities including bocce ball, volleyball, tennis, cycling, and more.

Hotel Esprit Saint Germain, Paris
Paris for Families offer including connecting Deluxe Rooms, daily breakfast; wine and French cheeses and breads upon arrival; complimentary mini bar in your room; and much more. Virtuoso rates from 700 EU per night for four people for travel March 1 – May 31, 2011.

For help in planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor at suzette@family-treks.com.

/by

Ginormous Gingerbread – Part 3

And here is the final installment in this year’s hotel gingerbread gallery:

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Princess Kaiulani, Oahu

The Homestead, Virginia

Four Seasons Denver

Langham Hotel London

Four Seasons Las Vegas

Disney’s Contemporary Resort


For help planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor at suzette@family-treks.com
/by

Ginormous Gingerbread – Part 2

Here are more amazing gingerbread creations from hotels & resorts around the world.


Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch


Fairmont Royal York Hotel


Hyatt Regency Vancouver


Ritz Carlton Charlotte


Fairmont San Francisco


Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Westin Calgary

Fairmont Vancouver

Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island

Want to plan a “sweet” family vacation for 2011? Contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor at suzette@family-treks.com

/by

Ginormous Gingerbread – Part 1

Continuing a tradition on my blog, here are some impressive gingerbread creations from hotels & resorts around the world.

Ritz-Carlton Naples, FL


Four Seasons Sydney, Australia


Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego

Embassy Suites South Anaheim, CA

Louisville Marriott, KY

Four Seasons Washington, DC


Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Bermuda

More photos coming! If you have a photo to share of a great gingerbread creation from a hotel or resort, please send it to suzette@family-treks.com.

/by
,

How Virtuoso Adds Value

Here’s a great example of how families can save money and get more value by booking through a Virtuoso travel advisor.

A client recently inquired about a vacation to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows on the Big Island of Hawaii. Mauna Lani is wonderful family resort, with a wide range of accommodations from regular hotel rooms to beachfront bungalows with private pools. Camp Mauna Lani is a complimentary program for kids 5-12, where they explore tidal pools, fishponds, and petroglyphs, and make Hawaiian crafts.


The resort is also only US property in North America honored as one of the world’s Top Luxury Eco Friendly Beach Destinations by Condé Nast Traveler because of its environmental stewardship.


My client inquired about a promotion he saw on the resort’s website, a special winter promotion offering 20% off all rates. A Standard room would be $296 night plus taxes (no resort fees at the Mauna Lani). Because I am a Virtuoso Travel Advisor, if I booked his stay, he would pay this same rate, but would also receive these exclusive amenities:

– Automatic upgrade at time of booking, That means he would pay for a Standard room but be booked into a Garden View room, which normally cost $352 per night.

– Daily buffet breakfast for two (a $100 daily value)

– Deluxe fruit basket

– Early check-in and late check-out , subject to availability

The difference in value for a weeklong stay: over $1100!


There are hundreds of Virtuoso hotels and resorts worldwide. If you are planning a luxury vacation, why not get the most for your money and book through a Virtuoso travel advisor.

For more information, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

/by
,

Luxury for Less at Rosewood Resorts

Great exclusive offers from our agency for Rosewood Resorts. All luxury, and all family friendly!

Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands

Applicable June 1 through October 31, 2010
Guaranteed double upgrade at time of booking in select room categories
Complimentary nights in 3 and 4 bedroom villas, including airport transfers (minimum 4 night stay)
Pay 4 nights, stay 5
Pay 5 nights, stay 7
Pay 10 nights, stay 14


Caneel Bay, St. John

Applicable June 1 through September 6, 2010 (except July 1-5)
Guaranteed double upgrade at time of booking in select room categories
Complimentary sunset cocktail cruise, subject to availability


Jumby Bay, Antigua

Applicable June 1 through December 17, 2010
Guaranteed double upgrade at time of booking in from Rondavel Suite to Pool Suite
Complimentary food & beverage inclusive nights in 2, 3, and 4 bedroom villas:
Pay 4 nights, stay 5
Pay 7 nights, stay 9
Pay 9 nights, stay 12

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Los Cabos

Applicable June 1 through September 30
Guaranteed double upgrade at time of booking in select room categories


Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

Applicable June 1 through October 31, 2010
Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking in select room categories


For more information about these offers, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.

/by
,

Pampering Kids in Paris

Paris has become a popular destination for families, and the Four Seasons George V is doing more than ever to ensure that every child’s stay is memorable. Claudia Caringi, the Recreations Manager, personally greets families upon their arrival and is at their complete disposal to arrange a fun-filled stay in the City of Light!


Upon checking in, children are invited to pick a welcome gift from a toy basket. Then they are given suggestions of fun things to do and places to see within the hotel and out in the city. Each family receives a personalized itinerary to reflect the age and interests of each child.

Is 8 year old Matty into the “gooey is great” phase? How about a visit of the Parisian Catacombs! Does 6 year old Jenny want to be an artist when she grows up? What better way to merge culture and fun than a full day trip to Giverny, where Jenny could set up her easel in the countryside that has inspired Claude Monet, alongside an artist who could help her paint her first canvas? For budding chefs, a private pastry workshop can be scheduled with advance notice. Children can test their newly inspired talent by baking and decorating French madeleines, which are later packed up and brought back to their room for Mom and Dad to taste.


Teenagers are also catered to, either with recommendations on the trendy shopping venues or our new “My First Beauty Session” in our Spa, where a beautician teaches the tricks to a tasteful and fresh make-up.

Rooms are prepared with delicious amenities from the Pastry, seasonal fruits, and fruit juice or lemonade. And children also receive a Four Seasons George V t-shirt along with age-appropriate toiletries and bath linens. Parents arriving with children under 3 will find their rooms equipped for comfort and security, including play pens and electrical outlet covers.
In a city blessed with endless opportunities to merge fun and culture, the George V offers exemplary Four Seasons service to its younger guests with as much devotion as for its adult ones.


Guests who book through a Virtuoso travel advisor receive the following complimentary amenities:

– Upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability
– Daily continental breakfast for two in La Galerie Restaurant or via Room Service
– 85 EU spa credit once during stay

For more information about planning a great family vacation to Paris, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

Paris Family Vacation

/by

A Castle on the California Coast

Take a great luxury hotel brand, put it in a spectacular location, add a great golf course, spa, and wine bar, and you have a destination resort to please any type of traveler. A wedding…yes. A romantic getaway…yes. A girls’ or guys’ weekend…yes. A corporate retreat…yes. But if it’s going to be a great family destination, it needs something more. And the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay has that extra something.


A castle on the coast is what they call it. What better way to describe a beautiful, elegant building perched on a bluff overlooking a spectacular stretch of northern California coastline. With architecture so unique and interesting that practically every room is different, no cookie-cutter floor plans here!

The best rooms in my opinion: ground floor fireplace pit rooms.

Ground floor for me, so I have quick access right out of my room to the beautiful surroundings. But which side, north or south? To the south, what seems to be an endless view of rugged coastline and crashing surf.

To the north, still amazing views, but also quick access to the spa and a pretty courtyard filled with Adirondack chairs and a hot tub. And seamless Ritz Carlton service no matter where you’re located.

So what makes this particular resort so great for families?

A staff that welcomes children – Kids get their own special welcome check-in desk, with an invitation to participate in a scavenger hunt to win a prize.


The Ritz Kids program– Children enjoy offers activities from arts & crafts to flying kites to building sandcastles, and Kids Night Out on weekends give parents a chance to enjoy a quiet dinner alone. And special events are offering for holidays throughout the year, including Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

An indoor pool – It’s unusual to find one on the northern California coast since ocean breezes year round can make swimmers uncomfortable even on the hottest days . But at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, kids can swim year-round in a heated pool.

S’mores by the outdoor fire pit – Need I say more?

Many travelers stop in Half Moon Bay when touring the California coast. But there’s so much to do in the area, it’s worth staying a few nights to go tide pooling, visit the giant redwoods, or see elephant seals at Ano Nuevo State Park.
Virtuoso amenities for 2010 include a complimentary upgrade and late checkout (based on availability), daily breakfast for two, and an $85 spa credit.

For more information, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.

Half Moon Bay Family Vacation

/by

Family Trip Report: Gran Melia Puerto Rico

A family recently visited Puerto Rico with their children ages 4 and 7. She rented a car for her trip, as there are many fun and interesting places to explore on the island, including El Yunque Rainforest, Old San Juan (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and Rio Camuy Cave Park. (Click here to receive a Puerto Rico Nature and Adventure guide.)

Here are some of her comments about the resort:

“The Gran Melia Resort was nice. The common areas were beautiful. We enjoyed our stay. All the staff we interacted with were welcoming and friendly.

The pool area was excellent! There are 4 pools at the resort. One is a separate kiddie pool for babies – maybe 1′ deep. Another is the main resort pool, which is a huge pool shaped like an amoeba. Within the huge pool, there are several parts that are very shallow – families can take their pick from at least 3 different areas of the pool that are shallow (anywhere from 12 inches or so up to 3 feet deep). There is no water slide, and there are no hot tubs or jacuzzis in the pool area – only jetted sections of the pool. There is a 3rd pool which is for Royal Service guests only and is strictly for adults. Finally there is a pool at the spa.

The room itself was comfortable and spacious. It had a separate sitting area. We had a Royal Service room which was in one of the closer buildings to the main resort area. The room decor and overall feel was nice…marble vanities, nice bedding.

Families who stay at the Gran Melia should know that there is a beach but it is very rocky and there is a lot of seaweed. The good news is that nice beaches are very close. Luquillo Beach is 15 minutes away, and Seven Seas Beach (in Fajardo) is 20-25 minutes away. We went to Seven Seas beach and it was gorgeous.

The best meal of our vacation was actually a homestyle Puerto Rican meal at El Punto in Old San Juan. It was a tiny restaurant with maybe 4 tables, tucked in the back of a souvenir-shop alley. Their rice and beans were excellent. We also enjoyed the Brass Cactus in Luquillo, which serves Southwestern cuisine and is owned by a California native. “

It’s not too late to plan a great vacation, and many promotions are available for summer travel to the Caribbean. And remember, no passports are required for Puerto Rico!

To receive a Nature and Adventure guide for Puerto Rico, or for help with planning great family vacation to any destination, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.

/by
,

A Virtuoso Mother Knows Best

Virtuoso recently published the digital version of the 2010 Best of the Best Hotel Guide. The guide includes the luxury hotels and resorts around the world which not only offer clients of Virtuoso agencies exclusive amenities, such as complimentary upgrades, spa services, food and beverage credits, and airport transfers, to name a few.

Here are some of my favorite recommendations for families:

Fairmont Kea Lani – An all-suite hotel on Maui’s Wailea coast, featuring spacious one bedroom suites and private villas with plunge pools, a family pool with waterslide, and one of the best restaurants on the island.



Virtuoso amenities: Complimentary upgrade based on availability, daily buffet breakfast for two, and an Ohana gift basket.

Esprit Saint Germain – A serene boutique hotel on Paris’s Left Bank that strives for a “home away from home” feel, and offers adjoining rooms in their Family Promotion.

Virtuoso amenities: Complimentary upgrade based on availability, daily American breakfast for two, bottle of red or white wine served with assorted French cheeses, baguette, and crackers.

The Goring – A family run boutique hotel in London right next to Buckingham Palace, which offers connecting rooms for families, and special amenities and activities for kids.



Virtuoso amenities: Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking, daily English breakfast for two, Goring jam, fresh flowers, and fruit.




Rosewood Little Dix Bay – A low key resort on a beautiful crescent beach in Virgin Gorda, with spacious suites and villas, and one of the best children’s facilities in the Caribbean.

Virtuoso amenities: Complimentary upgrade based on availability, daily buffet breakfast for two, coconut macaroons, fresh flowers, $100 spa credit.



Ritz-Carlton Cancun- All rooms have ocean views, and three rooms are specially designed for families traveling with infants. Their Mayan Adventures program is fun and educational for children ages 4-12.



Virtuoso amenities: Complimentary upgrade based on availability, daily buffet breakfast for two, $100 food and beverage credit.

For more information, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

/by