I had to pass along these offers I just received from Ritz Carlton. These are great values if you are planning a late summer or early fall stay.

The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, Jamaica

All inclusive “Family Escape to Luxury” starting at $449 per night.   Includes meals and beverages for two adults and two children (under 12), taxes, service fee, and wireless internet.
Why it’s great for families: They offer a variety of beach activities to please all ages, including sailing, hobie cats, kayaking, and snorkeling.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan
“Stay 4 Nights, Pay for 3” starting at $259 per night, and includes internet access.

Why it’s great for families: Kids don’t have passports yet but you want to try something more “exotic?” Puerto Rico is a true Caribbean gem, but is as convenient to travel to as any other US destination.

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
“Comfort You” starting at $249 per night in an ocean view room.  Includes breakfast for two daily and a $100 resort credit.

Why it’s great for families: Parents of infants can book an Itzy Bitzy Baby Room which has all the conveniences of their nursery at home: crib, changing table, even miniature hangers for baby clothes.



The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
“Intrigue You” starting at $449 per night, including fifth night free and daily breakfast for two.

Why it’s great for families: They offer a Kids Sailing and Windsurfing Camp weekly from Wednesday to Sunday for children ages 7 to 12. Instruction is provided on a variety of equipment, including Hobie cats, windsurfers, stand up paddle boards, kayaks and Optimist Prams.* Students receive a U.S. Sailing Level 1 Certification booklet to track their progress.
*I had to look that up. It’s a dinghy.



The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
“Cayman Splash” starting at $299 per night, including fifth night free and $100 resort credit.

Why it’s great for families: The first RC property to offer the exclusive Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program. Guests of all ages are introduced to natural wonders and rich cultural traditions through unique Caribbean eco-tours.



Rates are available until October 31, 2012. All rates are based on double occupancy unless otherwise mentioned. Rates do not include taxes, service fee and/or resort fee, unless otherwise mentioned. Rates do not apply to groups and are subject to change until reservation is confirmed.

Great family vacation values are to be found this summer through all the luxury Rosewood Resort properties. Their “Summer with Rosewood” promotion includes either a complimentary night or special room rate including breakfast, for travel through September 30, 2011.

Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda, offers the 5th night free, or if you pay for 5 nights, the 6th and 7th night free. Their acclaimed children’s program espouses environmental appreciation in the Children’s Grove, a 2,500 sq. ft. facility boasting a miniature Caribbean chattel house, dress-up parlor, arts and crafts center, shipwreck, outside play area and many other exciting tropical activities. A complimentary children’s Pirate Party and buffet is held every Monday, and even teenagers have their own private space.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a desert beach resort in Los Cabos, offers suites starting at $515/night including breakfast and butler and concierge service. Though known as one of the most romantic resorts in the world, Las Ventanas also welcomes children of all ages and offers items such as cribs, changing tables, baby baths, and more for parents.

Additionally, several Rosewood properties offer even more values exclusively for clients of Rosewood Elite agencies:

* The Carlyle’s Suite Deal package includes limousine transfers from any airport in the New York City metropolitan area, one 60-minute massage, and breakfast buffet for two daily. Located in the trendy Upper East Side, the hotel’s spacious suites offer a ‘home away from home’ for families with separate sleeping and living room areas, and a kitchenette for simple meal preparation. And throughout 2011, The Carlyle will extend to all Rosewood Elite Agency guests complimentary cover charge for two and $50 cocktail credit at Bemelmans Bar.

* At Rosewood Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya, receive a guaranteed upgrade at time of booking with the Rosewood Escapes package, as well as Virtuoso amenities which include daily breakfast for two, a $100 spa credit, free internet, and a tequila amenity. Facilities for children include the complimentary Toolok Kid’s Club for ages 3-12, a TV & Game Room, and an Arts, Crafts & Board Games area. Babysitters or parents can relax with children <3 in the Soft Room. * At all-inclusive Jumby Bay in Antigua, book a guaranteed Pool Suite for $1150 ($375 off rack rate). Rate includes welcome amenity, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, beverages, house wine and cocktails by the glass, afternoon tea, water sports, fitness center, croquet field, putting green and children’s program, Manager’s Cocktail Party and Sunset Cocktail Cruise. Exclusive rates are also available for 2, 3, and 4-bedroom villas.
For more information about exclusive rates and amenities for families, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor at suzette@family-treks.com.

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.

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.

The following resorts are offering 50% off a second room for children:

Hotel Plaza Athenee, New York City * Virtuoso *
In March, July and August, the hotel offers 50% off a second connecting room, continental breakfast daily, four tickets to the Central Park Zoo, and milk and cookies at turndown. Chidlren also receive a gift bag containing a coloring book, plush toy penguin, Yankees baseball cap or crystal bracelet and more. Read about our family vacation last summer!


Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda * Virtuoso *

Children also enjoy complimentary access to Explorers Kids Camp and kids under the 12 eat free from the children’s menu. Book by April 26 for travel through Dec. 31. Also includes Virtuoso amenities on the first room: upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), daily full breakfast for two, and $100 food & beverage credit.


Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo * Virtuoso *
Second room half off for travel April 8 through December 17, excluding Thanksgiving week. Preferred Partner amenities for the parents’ room include daily full American breakfast for two, a $100 golf credit, and complimentary upgrade, based on availability at time of check-in. And Kids for All Seasons Program is always free, at all Four Seasons resorts.

Westin St. John Resort & Villas, USVI
O
ffers 50% off second room for stays June 1 through August 31, if booked by May 31. Also $200 worth of resort credits for mom and dad. Book by May 31 for stays June 1 through August 31, 2010.


Grand Hyatt Kauai *Virtuoso *
Families can combine Sunshine on Sale promotion with the Family Plan, to receive both a 5th night free and a second room at 50% off. Offer valid through 2010, minimum 5 night stay required. (Read my hotel report.)


Ritz-Carlton Cancun * Virtuoso *
Ther Love & Family Package allows kids to have a special evening of their own at the Kids Camp while parents still away for a romantic candlelight dinner for two. In addition to 50% off the second room, families receive daily breakfast for two, beach toys, a five course dinner for two, and one Kids Night Out for up to two children.

For help with planning a great family vacation, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I made a cruise reservation for a client this week. Not only were they getting a great price on a luxury cruise, but they were going to receive over $2000 per person in shipboard credits, plus many other perks. I double-checked the price against other mid-market cruises I had booked recently for clients, and sure enough, they were getting the same or better price!

If you have wanted to try a luxury cruise, but thought you couldn’t afford it, 2010 may be the year you have been waiting for. Crystal Cruises, repeatedly voted the best large ship cruise line by Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, is offering their best promotion ever on all 2010 sailings. Guests receive:
– 2 for 1 cruise fares on ALL sailings
– Free air (or an air credit) on MOST sailings
– A $1000 or $2000 per stateroom onboard credit on ALL sailings

Because Brownell Travel is a Virtuoso agency, my clients also receive Voyager Club amenities with Crystal. Specific amenities vary by sailing, but always include at least a private cocktail reception and a complimentary shore excursion. In my client’s case, their sailing also includes pre-paid gratuities.

My clients will also be paying with a World Elite MasterCard, which provides them with additional benefits on luxury travel arrangements. For a Crystal Cruise, cardholders receive a $125 per person shipboard credit and prepaid gratuities, plus an additional $1025 per person credit as part of a special promotion! And unlike AMEX Platinum, the World Elite MasterCard benefits are combinable with Voyager Club amenities.

Crystal has also announced that kids sail free on two 7 day Baltic cruises this year:

* June 14 – “Ballads of Britain” cruise sailing roundtrip out of London
* August 7 – “Russian Inspiration” voyage from Copenhagen to Stockholm

So what’s the bottom line? After applying the free air and 2 for 1 credit, my client’s cruise fare is $5680 per person including port charges and fees, plus they are receiving $2150 per person total in onboard credits. That comes to a net price of $3530 per person for a 12 day luxury Europe cruise! Also, they’ll receive prepaid gratuities, an exclusive complimentary shore excursion, and be invited to a private cocktail party by a Virtuoso representative who will be their personal host throughout the cruise.

Now that’s a deal!

For more information on these and other luxury travel promotions, contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

Four Seasons is making luxury more affordable for families with several great deals on suites or guaranteed connecting rooms.

At Four Seasons Las Vegas, buy one night get one free on suites. No limit on the number of nights, and the offer is good through December 30. My clients also receive exclusive amenities such as a $100 spa gift certificate and breakfast or dinner daily!
The Four Seasons Resorts in Hawaii have family offers through mid-December. On Maui, get a second ocean view room at 50% off. On Lana’i, families receive special rates on guaranteed connecting rooms and 4 hours of nanny service at both the Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay.

Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island announced the Family Connecting Package which includes daily breakfast and dinner for up to five, a “date night” for mom & dad, and one family activity when booking a one or two bedroom suite.


Four Seasons Bora Bora offers 50% off a second bungalow for families traveling with children, or a complimentary fifth night through December 18. At Chill Island, teens can hang out on their own private beach, playing volleyball, table tennis and enjoying beach barbecues and kite-surfing lessons. Exclusive amenities for my clients include a spa gift certificate $100, airport transfers, daily breakfast, and an indigenous Polynesian gift.


Four Seasons is known for family-friendly luxury. All resorts offer a complimentary Kids For All Seasons program with activities for ages 4-12. In the summer and during school holidays, some hotels even provide a Teen Concierge. And baby furnishings and toiletries are always complimentary as well.

I have many other exclusive offers at Four Seasons hotels worldwide. For more information, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com

Atlantis Resort (Bahamas)– Save up to 35% , get a 4th night free, and kids under 12 stay & play free. Book by June 1, travel before December 16, 2009. Book by May 11 and receive a $200 air credit.


Beaches Resorts (Caribbean)
– Book any Beaches Resort for 5 nights or longer and receive a $250 Red Lane® Spa credit. Must book between May 1-31, for travel May 1 to December 20, 2009.

Four Seasons Hualalai (Big Island) – Book 4 nights and receive a $1000 credit! Stay another 4 nights, and receive another $1000 credit. Available May 1- September 30, 2009 with some date restrictions.


St. Regis New York – Book a 2-bedroom St. Regis or Grand Suite for at least 3 nights and receive third night free, daily continental breakfast for four, afternoon tea, choice of 2 museums (4 tickets), and welcome amenity of milk and cookies with St. Regis teddy bears. Also enjoy “Movie night with the kids” – 2 complimentary in-suite movies, popcorn and ice-cream sundae bar delivered by room service. Available June 19 through Sept 7.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Combine the Three for Free offer with the Family Plan to receive 50% off an adjoining room for kids, fifth night, complimentary daily breakfast buffet for two adults and two children, a complimentary upgrade on both rooms, one free in-room movie, and a bottomless cup for kids 12 and under.


Disneyland – Receive two extra hotel nights plus two extra days of Theme Park admission free with the purchase of a 3-night or longer package. Valid for travel April 1 through Sept. 26, 2009, must be booked by Aug. 11. Book by May 31 and receive Kids Fly Free with Alaska Airlines (subject to availability).

Cape Grace (Capetown, South Africa) – Family Time package includes daily breakfast, vouchers for R700 in-room dining, family pass to Two Oceans Aquarium, complimentary babysitting for 4 hours, complimentary upgrade to a 2 or 3 Bedroom Suite (based on availability), and African story time and gingerbread man decorating. Available through Sept. 30, 2009, and requires a 5 night stay (5th night is free).

Westin Villa Resorts – On Maui and Kauai, receive 35% off, fifth night free, a $100 dining credit, and earn double Starpoints. Valid through June 30, 2009. In the continental US and US Virgin Islands, receive 50% off rack rates(applicable dates vary by location). Travel must be booked between May 1 – 28.

Grace Bay Club (Turks & Caicos) – Family Package includes 50% off connecting room, full breakfast & lunch daily, champagne and fruit basket, half day snorkel cruise, and 4th night free. Kids enrolled in the VIK (Very Important Kids) Program, including use of Kids Town, welcome backpack, and nightly turndown amenities. Nightly rates also available with 4th night free.

Grand Isle Resort (Bahamas) – Classic Families promo includes discounted rates, kids eat free, 50% off second villa (with reservation of 2,3,4 bedroom), 2 half day or1 full day rental of Grand Isle Snorkeling Pack. Five night stay required, valid to Dec. 20, 2009.

To get started planning the family vacation of your dreams, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist, at suzette@family-treks.com.


All offers subject to availability, and may be changed or canceled at any time without notice.
Restrictions or blackout dates may apply.

If you’ve always dreamed of a taking the family to a luxury resort in Hawaii, this may be the time to do it. For the past several years, Hawaii’s popularity as a family vacation destination has been increasing. And as a result, rates have steadily gone up and hotels have sold out very early. But the current hiccup in the economy has reversed that trend, and now there are great deals to some of the best resorts on the islands.


If traveling out of SFO or LAX, Pleasant Holidays is offering special airfares, inlcuding 50% off a companion fare (SFO only through May 31) and reduced children’s rates (one child per two adults for travel June 1- August 23). Clients also receive double upgrades on select Hertz rental cars, or a complimentary economy car.

So how does booking a package compare with booking everything separately? The price of a 7 night Pleasant Holidays package for June 13-20 in an Ocean View Suite at the Fairmont Kea Lani is $7746, including a mid-size SUV, taxes, lei greeting, and vacation protection plan. This includes roundtrip, daytime (not redeye) nonstop flights out of SFO. When I looked up these flights on United’s website, they were priced at over $2200 per person because only first class seats were available on the return flight. Nonstop flights which had economy class seats available were >$1000 per person. The best internet rate for the hotel is just shy of $4000, so that comes to over $8000 not including the rental car and travel insurance. That’s a savings of over $1000 by booking the package!

Other Hawaii luxury hotel offers include:

Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island
Their Family Package includes:
> Guaranteed connecting rooms
> Breakfast for four daily
> Two full day passes to Keiki Adventures Program.
> Fifth night free for Garden View and Partial Ocean View rooms
> Third night free for Ocean View rooms plus $400 resort credit.

For single room bookings, the following offers apply:
> Garden view and partial ocean view – every 5th night free and full breakfast daily
> Ocean view and higher – every 3rd night free and $200 resort credit

Planning a family reunion? Book five rooms and the fifth room is upgraded to a suite for free – what a way to treat the grandparents! All offers are valid through December 20, 2009.



Four Seasons Resort Maui
They have an exclusive offer for guests booking through Preferred Partners before March 1, 2009:
> Fifth night free for travel through March 12
> Full island buffet breakfast for two adults each day including tax and gratuity
> Afternoon whale watch excursion for two adults
> Two specialty tropical cocktails and choice of appetizer in Lobby Lounge


Halekulani on Oahu
They are offering clients of Virtuoso Travel Advisors who book a minimum 3 night stay:
> Reduced rates > Complimentary room upgrade (based on availability)
> Daily breakfast for two
> Private taxi transfers (or complimentary parking).


The Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa Kauai
An exclusive Suite Delight promotion is available through Virtuoso Travel Advisors for travel through December 24, 2009:
> $200 resort credit with a 4 night minimum stay in a suite
> 6th night free
> Beautiful orchid arrangement in the suite
> Deluxe fruit bowl
> Complimentary access to ANARA Spa facilities ($60 value per day)
> Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests
> One evening appetizer in Stevenson’s Library Lounge

To read more about Kauai, see my recent blog post, Kauai – A Family Vacation Paradise.

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

All offers subject to availability, and may be changed or canceled at any time without notice.
Restrictions or blackout dates may apply.

As a Family Travel Specialist and College of Disney Graduate, I stay in touch with Mickey to make sure I am up to date with the latest offers from Disney. Here are a dozen great deals currently available:

1. Buy 4 nights get 3 nights free at Walt Disney World®. Offer applies to 4-night, 4-day Magic Your Way Package at a select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels purchased by March 29. Valid for stays most nights Feb. 9 — April 4 and April 19 — June 27, 2009.

2. Kids 12 and under sail free on most 3-night Disney Cruises® from March 12 – May 28, 2009 with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom. Government taxes and fees not included.

3. Receive a fourth night free at a participating Disneyland® Resort Good Neighbor Hotel through the end of 2009.

4. Adults play for the kids’ price at Disneyland Resort® from January 6 through April 30, 2009. Offer applies to 3-Day or longer Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets, including tickets purchased in packages.

5. Kids fly free to Disneyland® on Alaska Airlines or United Airlines through June 17, 2009. Offer applies to 2-Night or longer Walt Disney Travel Company® vacation package booked by March 18, 2009.

6. Receive a Disney Gift Card for up to $150 when staying a minimum of 2 nights at the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort. Offer valid January 6 through April 30, 2009.

7. Early Bookings Rates are available from Adventures by Disney® on select new 2009 itineraries when booked 90 days prior to departure. A family of four can save at least $1600!

8. Walt Disney World® is offering discounted room only rates. A standard room at a value resort is just $74 per night, plus tax, and a standard room at a moderate resort is just $124 per night plus tax. Rates valid most Sunday through Thursday nights, Feb. 16 – April 4, 2009.

9. Free admission on your birthday in 2009 to Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida or Disneyland® Resort in California. If you book a vacation package with multi-day tickets, you can choose from three alternate birthday gifts.

10. 25% off Platinum Magic Your Way packages for Walt Disney World® visits most nights January 4 through April 4, 2009 and April 19 through June 30, 2009. The Platinum package includes park tickets, a dining plan, itinerary planning assistance, a spa treatment and other magical extras. Must be booked no later than February 15, 2009.

11. Disney Cruise Line® Magical Rates are offered weekly on select 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises. Rates are limited to 50 cabins per sailing, so book early!

12. Complimentary, customized, day-to-day itinerary planning when you book your trip with Suzette Mack, a College of Disney graduate and Virtuoso Family Travel Advisor.

For more information about any of the above offers, contact Suzette at suzette@family-treks.com.

* All offers subject to availability, and may be changed or canceled at any time without notice.
* Restrictions or blackout dates may apply.