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Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Announces Best Values of the Year

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, you need to know about the great values being offered at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.  If you have flexibility in your schedule, you can time your trip to get the lowest rates of the year, a resort credit, and Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities if you book through me.
The absolute lowest rates of the year are for travel in September and October, if you book by June 30 for at least 5 nights.  (Other value dates are June 20 – 30 and November 7 – 20.)
  

Beautiful views from all the rooms

In fall, Ocean Golf rooms start at $645/night, and this deal can be combined with the Resort Credit Promotion, also requiring a minimum 5 night stay.  Here are all the dates the resort credit is available for the various room categories:
Suites – $1000 credit
Apr 20 – Jun 30, 2015
Aug 22 – Nov 20, 2015
Nov 28 – Dec 18, 2015
Ocean-View Room, Prime Ocean-View, Oceanfront – $500 credit
May 03 – May 31, 2015
Jun 20 – Nov 20, 2015
Nov 28 – Dec 18, 2015
Ocean-View Golf, Poolside, Partial Ocean-View – $250 credit
Aug 22 – Nov 20, 2015
Nov 28 – Dec 18, 2015
Lava rock shower!
Families can get 50% off a second room on these dates:
Apr 20 – Jun 30, 2015
Aug 22 – Nov 20, 2015
Nov 28 – Dec 18, 2015
And don’t forget that the Kids for All Season program, for ages 5-12, is complimentary!

Want to golf every day?  Then check out the Unlimited Golf package, which requires a 3 night minimum stay:

Unlimited daily golf for two guests with each night purchased, including access to the driving range and a shared cart, and daily buffet breakfast for two.

Apr 20, 2015 – Dec 18, 2015
Jan 03, 2016 – Apr 30, 2016

Having fun on the Jack Nicklaus
signature golf course
Children are welcome on the course, too!  Juniors 13-17 pay reduced fees, and kids 12 and under play for free, with a paying guest.

No matter what promotion or room type you book, as my client you also receive these exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities: 

  • Daily full American breakfast for two people per room
  • $100 food and beverage credit 
  • Upgrade based on availability at time of check-in
If you’d like to know more about the amazing resort, or would like me to find the best rates for your family, just send an email to suzette@family-treks.com.  My contacts will personally oversee your reservation to make sure you have an amazing room and an amazing time!

Wish you were here?

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Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: A Perfect Family Retreat

Spacious cottages, a beautiful beach, expansive lawns, an exclusive beach club, complimentary kids’ club, and gorgeous sunsets.  What more could you ask for in a family resort?  The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara offers everything a family could want, whether traveling alone or with the grandparents, siblings, and cousins.   Located just 2 hours from LAX, it’s easy to get to from anywhere in the country, and it makes a great stop on a driving tour of the California coast.


The resort is separated from the Pacific Ocean by a quiet two lane road used primarily by local residents.   In summer, butlers tend to guests soaking up the sun on quiet Butterfly Beach. A huge lawn area gives kids (and pets) plenty of room to run around, or play a game of croquet. 



Music plays underwater in the centrally located Jungle Pool, and two hot tubs offer different temperatures to ensure everyone a comfortable place to relax.  While children are entertained in the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program, parents can enjoy the huge spa, rated #1 in the US by TripAdvisor.

All rooms are beautifully furnished, but the cottages are the real gem of this resort. They are comprised of 4 units:  a 1 bedroom suite plus 3 more bedrooms, which can be booked separately, or connected to make up to a 4 bedroom cottage.  The main building has standard rooms and suites as well, many of which are connecting.  Room size and décor is similar across the property, except cottage rooms have hardwood floors instead of carpeting.  Deluxe rooms have outdoor seating areas, and one bedrooms suites all have a king bed and sofa bed and a steam shower.  All the rooms are unique, accented with antiques and beautiful tile work in the bathrooms.

And if that isn’t enough, families can stroll across the street to the exclusive and historic Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club.  Today there is no longer a casino, but it does have its own fitness center, restaurant lined with pictures of Hollywood “royalty,” and a large lap pool.   An oceanfront  hot tub and children’s wading pool offer the best sunset views on the property.  Club access is complimentary for some room categories, but clients who book with me receive admission as part of the Preferred Partner amenity package.

 The other Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities include: 

  • Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom
  • $100 food and beverage credit
  • Upgrade based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
  • Complimentary high-speed Internet access for suites
For more information on planning a family getaway to Santa Barbara, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.


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Jackson Hole: The Best Ski Resort in the US

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming has been rated the top US Ski Resort for 2014 by Forbes magazine.  The award was based on its $30 million tram, “the greatest ski lift in North America,” its mountain, its gorgeous new airport, its copious snowfall and even for having the best bagels outside of New York.
 

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Fours Seasons at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

The ski village has a nice variety of slopeside accommodations at different price points.  The FourSeasons Jackson Hole offers a beautiful guest rooms and suites as well as luxury residences.  All are warmly detailed with natural wood and stone and a gas-burning fireplace, and most open to a private balcony or terrace.  Two- to five-bedroom private residences each include a completely equipped kitchen and dining area, as well as laundry facilities.
Four Seasons Jackson Hole
Lounge
Four Seasons Jackson Hole One Bedroom Suite
One Bedroom Suite


Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities for my clients include   daily breakfast for two people per bedroom, $100 food and beverage credit, upgrade based on availability, and complimentary high speed internet in suites.

Four Seasons Jackson Hole dining room
Dining room


Four Seasons Jackson Hole ice bar
Ice bar

Jackson Hole also offers smaller boutique hotels and spacious condos, all within Teton Village offering convenient ski –in/ski-out access.   You can also head over to picturesque Jackson for more shopping and dining.  No car is needed, shuttles run the approximately 12 mile trip regularly between the ski resort and downtown.

Hotel Terra, Jackson Hole
Hotel Terra

If stunning scenery, exceptional skiing, and a family-friendly self-contained village is not enough to convince you to visit Jackson Hole, how about this:  You can take a sleigh ride on the wildlife refuge to see herds of elk!


Jackson Hole National Elk Refuge
National Elk Refuge

There is a Kids Fly Free offer for travel January 6 to February 14.  One child age 2-11 receives a free ticket with each paid adult when booked by November 30.


For more information and assistance with planning a great ski trip this winter, contact suzette@family-treks.com.

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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

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A Kid Friendly Retreat in Las Vegas

I don’t generally recommend Las Vegas as a family vacation destination, but sometimes a trip there is necessary due to family or work obligations. Parents can avoid the casinos, clubs, and any other “scenery” they find too risqué for their children, yet still enjoy luxurious amenities and exemplary service by staying at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Located near the airport, in the Mandalay Bay complex, the Four Seasons offers a non-smoking, non-gaming retreat. In fact, when sitting poolside, or enjoying a meal on the terrace, it almost feels like being in Hawaii. Yet steps away are the casinos and pools of Mandalay Bay, as well as a complimentary car service ready to whisk guests in comfort to other destinations on The Strip.

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, and though I was not with my children, the family-friendliness of the hotel was evident. In fact, I ran into several parents with young children during my stay. The rooms are spacious, and the one bedroom suites are particularly nice for families as they have a sofa bed in the living room. There’s even ample space for a rollaway (which was one of the plushest I have ever seen), so each child can have their own bed.

The main Four Seasons pool is modest in size compared to other Las Vegas hotel pools, but it is quiet and well-staffed with pool attendants who promptly bring towels and a pitcher of ice water with lemon wedges. There’s even a sunglass butler to clean guests’ glasses and tighten up loose screws. A small wading pool located on the far side of the bar gives parents with young children their own retreat. And for children of all ages (even grown-ups), the Mandalay Bay wave pool and lazy river are just steps away through a private gate which only Four Seasons guests may use. The Four Seasons Hotel actually occupies the 35th through 39th floors of the Mandalay Bay tower. However check-in is completely separate, and guests take an express elevator to their rooms. It is possible to never see a slot machine or gaming table while at the Four Seasons, but for those who want to gamble, the Mandalay Bay casino is just steps away through a key carded door exclusively for use of Four Seasons guests.

My agency is a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, so my guests receive daily breakfast for two (a $76 value, which covers the wonderful buffet), a $100 spa credit per room, and a complimentary upgrade, based on availability. And suites are very affordable right now, as a Buy 1 Night Get One Free promo runs through the end of the year.

For more information about special rates and amenities at Four Seasons Resorts & Hotels worldwide, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com

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Four Seasons’ Sweet Deals on Suites and More

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

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Current Summer Family Travel Deals

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.
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Give Mom a Break with a Holiday Getaway

Several years ago I found I was losing the holiday spirit after all the decorating, shopping, wrapping, mailing, baking, etc. I was pretty burnt out on Christmas by the time the big day arrived. One year I declared that I needed a break to get back in the Christmas spirit, and insisted we take a mini-vacation before the holiday. My criteria were simple: I didn’t want to cook, and it had to be a place with lots of holiday activities for the family. Since the old adage is true, “when Mom’s happy, everybody’s happy” it wasn’t difficult to convince my family to go along.

We went to Sunriver Resort near Bend, OR, whose annual Traditions celebration included horse-drawn sleigh rides, cookie decorating, caroling, and breakfast with Santa. My children were even tucked in one night by an elf that brought treats and read them a bedtime story! Spending this quality time with my family renewed my holiday spirit. I went home refreshed and happy, and ready to create wonderful holiday memories in my home.


I think more than ever this year people need to get away not just from the chores at home, but from the relentless stories of economic woe in the newspapers and on television. And travelers can take advantage of excellent promotions during this time. Many resorts are waiving the traditional 7 or 10 night minimum stay requirements typical for the holidays, and offering lower rates or more amenities than ever before. And when booking with a Virtuoso travel consultant, families get exclusive perks and VIP treatment at many of the world’s top resorts.

For example, Four Seasons Jackson Hole is offering the fourth night free for arrivals December 18 through April 9. And as I am affiliated with a Four Seasons preferred agency, my clients also receive daily continental breakfast for two, a welcome amenity, and a complimentary upgrade (based on availability). The resort also has luxurious 2-5 bedroom residences in addition to hotel rooms and suites, which are conveniently situated for visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

The Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch at Beaver Creek, Colorado, caters to families with services such as a ski nanny, youth spa, and daily fire pit lighting with hot chocolate, apple cider and freshly baked cookies. A special treat for kids is borrowing the resort’s resident Labrador Retriever for a snowshoe hike. Exclusive Virtuoso amenities for my clients include daily continental breakfast for two, a $50 spa credit, and complimentary upgrade based on availability. (For 2009, the spa credit is being replaced with an $85 food credit.)


The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is also offering a fourth night free, as well as a Mountain Adventure Package which includes daily breakfast and $100 CAD credit per day toward mountain activities. When booking with a Virtuoso travel consultant, guests also receive a complimentary signature martini with souvenir shaker. Special holiday events such as caroling, sleigh rides and dog-sledding are planned through December, and guests can also enjoy afternoon tea service and evening fondue dining. For a festive city getaway, the Hotel Plaza Athenee in Manhattan offers fashionable, family-friendly accommodations a short walk from Central Park and Madison Avenue shops. Their Pillows and Penguins package includes two connecting rooms, daily continental breakfast, a children’s gift bag, 4 tickets to Central Park Zoo, VIP Passes to a Jekyll and Hyde themed restaurant, and milk and cookies at bedtime.

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