Hygge Getaway Trips

America’s recent discovery of hygge, the Danes’ secret to happiness, that took the west by storm this winter, is almost enough to make one regret the advent of warmer weather. Almost. Because as it turns out, long cold nights don’t have a monopoly on the desire to create cozy moments. Some of its trappings may change as the temperatures climb – think evening wine under the stars vs. morning coffee by candlelight – but hygge is a concept without seasons. Here are a few of our favorite ideas for a hygge-filled summer vacation:

·      Hygge in the desert. Twelve newly renovated Spa Suites bring hygge to the desert at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. A large sectional invites cozy gatherings of friends or family by the glass rock fireplace in the living area, with a fully stocked wet bar just steps away. Once guests are gone, canopied patio daybeds tempt for an al fresco nap alone or snuggled up with a loved one. And the hygge piece de resistance: a deep outdoor tub with privacy screen for a candlelit bath under the stars. Visit www.sanctuaryaz.com or call 855-245-2051.

·        Spa hygge with friends. A fire pit in the Sanctuary (relaxation area) makes a natural gathering place for hygge with friends during a spa day at Pebble Beach Resorts on California’s Monterey Peninsula. Guests can curl up with a blanket in a lounge chair and enjoy tea and fresh fruit as a group, then pair off with a bestie for their turn in the Flotation Wrap Suite. There, two floating beds tempt spa-goers to drift off during their choice of three 45-minute flotation wrap treatments: the Swiss Crème, Cloud Nineteen & Espresso Limón Slimming Wrap. Flotation wraps are $170/one, $260/two. The Spa at Pebble Beach is one of only 56 spas in the world to receive the 2017 Forbes Five-Star rating. Book a spa treatment at 866-993-6947.

·        Hygge with an ocean breeze. At night, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa’s palm-fringed patio is lit by tiki torches – the perfect setting for an evening by the firepit sharing a bottle of wine with close friends and family. Adding to the hygge feel are the soothing water sounds from the patio’s mosaic-tiled fountain and the ever-present ocean breeze. Make reservations online or call 561-340-1700.

·        Hygge on the sand. Few things are more romantic than a private oceanfront dinner for two under the stars, complete with Champagne toast and a bottle of wine. What transforms it into hygge? Serving it on the beach itself, so the couple can slip off their shoes and feel the sand between their toes. The Date Night by the Sea package at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa (Pompano Beach, Fla.) doesn’t end there. Couples also can keep it cozy with daily continental breakfast in bed, served in their ocean view room or suite. The package starts at $449 per night based on a two-night minimum. Book online or call 855-954-4683.

·        Hygge in a dream home. It may be true that there’s no place like home, but sometimes it’s nice to relax in someone else’s home – particularly if that home is a Basque-inspired, stone-clad  four-bedroom Colorado estate tucked into the woods on a remote Telluride hillside. Villa Mendia is just one of an exceptional portfolio offered by InvitedHome, a leader in the red-hot luxury vacation home rental market. What makes it hygge? A jetted soaking tub, coal-fired sauna and outdoor hot tub. A media room with a comfy, oversized couch for movie night. An expansive, old-world kitchen with all the latest cooking toys and a wood-burning oven for open-fire s’mores. An eight-burner gas grill for a barbecue on the spacious patio. In other words, a perfect mix of settings for private moments and communal fun. Visit www.invitedhome.com or call 866-600-8075.

·        Hygge in the High Peaks. The Forbes Four Star all-suite Whiteface Lodge, tucked away in the High Peaks of Lake Placid, New York, raises the hygge bar with two Adirondack-style lakeside lean-tos, comfortably furnished and available to guests for cigars and cognac by a firepit under the starry night sky. Furnishings throughout the resort are handcrafted from hand-milled timber and each suite has its own cast-iron fireplace. As if that weren’t hygge enough, there are warm cookies at turndown and nightly s’mores. For reservations, visit www.thewhitefacelodge.com or call 888-582-0505.

New Years Eve Getaway Packages

Whether you’re looking to cozy up fireside and watch the snow fall or party all night to the sounds of some of this year’s hottest artists, here are a few unforgettable New Year’s Eve packages that are sure to have you ring in 2016 in style.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

This year, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is offering some the most exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations

on the strip. On December 31st, the critically-acclaimed, Grammy-Award winning Bruno Mars will perform alongside his eight-piece band, The Hooligans, at The Cosmopolitan’s state-of-the-art concert venue The Chelsea. The hotel is offering a New Year’s Experience package that includes a two night’s stay, two tickets to see Bruno Mars live at The Chelsea, brunch for two and VIP check-in.  Additionally, guests can enjoy New Year’s Eve at The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan, a winter wonderland overlooking the heart of The Strip. The only outdoor Ice Rink in Las Vegas will feature snow showers every half hour between 6pm and 10pm Wednesday through Sunday during the holiday season. For a more romantic option, guests can head to The Chandelier Bar, a three story bar made of over two million crystals. The three-story bar offers a range of toasting options from sophisticated cocktail lounge to lively dance floor.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Fontainebleau Miami Beach will be ringing in 2016 with performances by two of this year’s hottest artists,

The Weeknd and KYGO. The festive nightlife experience will take place around the hotel's poolscape. Prices range from $275 for one general admission ticket up to $50,000 for a stage-side private space with room for up to 30 lucky guests. All packages include premium open bar from 9 p.m. until midnight.

Castle Hill Inn (Newport, Rhode Island)

An Effervescent New Year’s Eve (December 30 - January 2)

Champagne is synonymous with the celebration of New Year’s. This year at Castle Hill, we are fully embracing the fine art of “Bubbly”, starting with a bottle of Champagne in your room upon arrival. On the

afternoon of New Year’s Eve, Beverage Director Anthony Boi will host a premium Champagne tasting, followed by a screening of the 1954 film classic Sabrina. After an evening of dinner and dancing to ring in the new year, make your way to the dining room to enjoy our New Year’s Day Hangover Brunch, featuring an artisan Bloody Mary bar (not included in the cost of the package).  $720/night - $1,200night (based on double occupancy).   Nestled on a 40-acre peninsula in Newport, Rhode Island, overlooking Narragansett Bay, Castle Hill Inn exemplifies the warmth and quiet luxury of 19th century seacoast life.  Combining the elegance of a boutique hotel with the inviting comforts of a coastal inn, the Inn offers resplendent lodging options to suit the needs and preferences of all guests.  Accommodations include seven guest rooms and suites in the original 19th-century Agassiz Mansion, and 24 private, waterfront accommodations in the Harbor House, Chalet, Beach Houses and Beach Cottages. Within the mansion, indulgent meals are prepared by renowned Executive Chef, Karsten Hart, and the recently renovated Lawn at Castle Hill is the epitome of classic New England al fresco dining.  On property activities include stargazing, clambakes, bonfires, games on the lawn, kayaking, paddle boarding, yoga, surfing, sailing and much more. 

Hot Cyber Monday Getaway Deals

Cyber Monday is almost here and that means great deals on travel.  With the cold weather moving in, now is a great time to heat things up with a great deal on a warm-weather getaway.  Here are a few suggested deals:

PALACE RESORTS

Deal: Up to 50 percent off rates for travel December 1, 2015 through June 9, 2016 at any of the brands eight oceanfront, all-inclusive properties located throughout Mexico and Jamaica.

When: Travelers must book online Monday, November 30, 2015.

Booking Link: www.PalaceResorts.com   

Relevant Details: Must book a stay of three (3) nights or more. Offer applies to new bookings only, and cannot be combined with any other existing offer. 

                       

JW MARRIOTT MIAMI

Deal:  Save up to 25% Off Best Available rates, Advance Purchase. Marriott Rewards Members receive

30% off Best Available rates, Advance Purchase.

When: Travelers must book online November 27^th- November 30^th, 2015.

Booking Link: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/miajw-jw-marriott-miami/

Relevant Details: Valid 7 Days a Week; based on availability.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

GRAND LUCAYAN, BAHAMAS

Deal: 55 percent off rates (starting at $99) for travel November 27, 2015 through September 1, 2016 at Grand Bahama Island’s four-star property.  

When: Travelers must book online November 27-December 4, 2015.  

Booking Link: http://www.grandlucayan.com/hotel-deals?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=PR&utm_content=BlackFriday&utm_campaign=BlackFriday

Relevant Details: Must book a stay of three (3) nights or more. Offer applies to new bookings only, and

cannot be combined with any other existing offer. As an added incentive for budget-conscious families, children 12 and under eat and stay for free. 

Family Getaway to Naples - This Is 40

To celebrate my 40^th, I decided it was time for a Family Getaway.  For a few logistical reasons, we all agreed to meet in Naples, FL for the weekend to spend a few days enjoying everyone’s company and welcoming the inevitable….my birthday.

I remembered a great little boutique hotel on Naples’ Fifth Avenue South that I never got the chance

to visit during my crazy travel days, but I had always wanted to.  The Inn on Fifth offers a prime location nestled on both side of Fifth Avenue South with the actual Inn (119 guest rooms) on one side and the Club Level (32 luxury suites) across the street on the other side.

Since we all wanted to be together, we booked on the Inn side; however, upon arrival we got upgraded to the Club Level side and we were ecstatic.  Guests in this intimate enclave also enjoy a range of pampering services and exclusivity including a private rooftop sundeck and whirlpool spa, daily deluxe Continental breakfast, afternoon snacks and evening cocktails with appetizers; complimentary transportation to and from the Naples Airport and around downtown in a Cadillac Escalade SUV.

 

Our first night was just my parents, husband and I and (after drinks on the rooftop sun deck), we wondered across the street (back to the Inn) for dinner at acclaimed Avenue 5.  The $3 million restaurant opens its doors onto prestigious 5th Avenue South and offers vintage glam ambiance. Guests experience the extravagant island bar, an incredible wine list featuring 400 varieties, two private dining areas and sweeping views of the Fifth Avenue streetscape.

On Saturday, we woke up and ate breakfast at the Club Level.  Then we did a little shopping (well, enough to work up an appetite) in the boutiques around our hotel and

then walked about 10 minutes to Tin City to the annual Stonecrab Festival.  This event is a weekend of food and fun starring of course, the stone crab, as well as a chance to explore the beautiful Naples waterfront with activities on land and by water in and around Bayfront, Port of Naples Marina, Tin City and Naples Transportation and Tours General Store/Heritage Museum.

We ate lunch (Stone Crabs, obviously) at the very busy Pinchers in Tin City.  It had a good atmosphere for watching the boats go by, and the service was great.  The beers and stone crabs claws went down way too easy, so the walk back to the hotel seemed longer than it was to get there.  Once we returned to the hotel, I found my room decorated with over the hill caution tape courtesy of Merideth Wohl.  That’s what younger sister in laws are for!! J  We were joined by the rest of our group and took the party to the pool. 

Lined with towering palms and colorful flowers, the beautifully landscaped 3,600-square foot pool deck is dotted with chaise lounges and umbrellas.  The setting was enhanced by the refreshing beverages and casual fare from Avenue5 that was delivered straight to us poolside.  We got to visit with everyone and enjoy some rest and relaxation away from our hectic lives.

After a few hours poolside, it was time to get ready for dinner at Truluck’s.  Specializing in succulent

steaks and the freshest seafood, the signature dish at Truluck’sSeafood Steak and Crabhouse is fresh Florida stone crab.  As we arrived, I realized that the Decoration Bandit had struck again.  This time Merideth made sure our table was decorated and I had a bag full of “old lady” supplies ready for my (now 40) every need. From hair rollers to adult diapers, she made sure my new decade started off well prepared.   We enjoyed amazing meals, great wine and fine drinks all conveniently just steps away from our hotel.  This was very convenient for my mom who had to be escorted home early due to being ‘over-served.’   After dessert, we concluded the evening with more social time in the Club Level common area.

We all woke up hungry and the fabulous concierge at the hotel recommended breakfast at The Café, which specializes in homemade, high-quality breakfast, lunch and baked goods. The menu combines the best of the European and American cooking and baking traditions. With roots in the relaxed Scandinavian lifestyle and influenced by the European café life, this is a place where everybody can enjoy really good food in an inviting and friendly atmosphere featuring an excellent patio area for outdoor seating and interior seating with large window areas towards the street.

Many thanks to the Inn on Fifth for a fabulous weekend.  Do not hesitate to call them to plan your next special vacation.  It was a getaway with some of my favorite people (I only say ‘some’ since our kids were not there). I welcomed 40 with the people who have made me the person I am today and who have loved me during my ups and down.  Thank you all for your wisdom, support and love.  I cannot thank you all enough. 

XXXOOO, 

Casey

Time to break out the Red, White & Blue – start planning for Memorial Day Weekend!

Memorial Day weekend is approaching.  And our friends at the Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company, with 15 brands across the nation, has the perfect properties to help you relax with family and friends all weekend long.
 With 7,500 hotels and over 645,000 rooms in 70 countries, the possibilities are endless! Be sure to check out a few Wyndham Hotel properties great for enjoying Memorial Day Weekend below.
  

Austin, TX – If you’re in the mood for great music and a little R&R, then grab your hats and head

down to Austin for The 2015 Austin Jazz Festival. Guests of the Wyndham Garden Austin hotel are bound to experience Central Texas at its best. This property is just three miles from downtown Austin and even features original art of the city’s most famous musicians in the lobby.

Savannah, GA – Slow things down this Memorial Day Weekend and head south to Savannah to the Days Hotel Savannah at Ellis Square. Check out the four-block area of shops and restaurants of City Market where you can stroll among galleries, horse-drawn carriages and outdoor cafes. Take advantage of the sunshine and enjoy an unforgettable tour of the city on a Savannah Riverboat Cruise!

Destin, FL – Memorial Day and the beach go hand-in-hand, which is why Florida is a top MDW spot. Stay at the Wingate by Wyndham Destin, minutes from the scenic shores of the Gulf of Mexico, this Destin hotel near Henderson Beach State Park is perfect for a beach getaway in Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast region.

Las Vegas, NV – Go big and go Vegas for the ultimate Memorial Day extravaganza full of dancing,

pool parties and sun. Super 8 Las Vegas Strip Area at Ellis Island is located just one block from the famous Las Vegas Strip and offers guests the convenience, amenities, and services of an expensive Las Vegas hotel at a more affordable price.

Girls & Family Holiday Getaway to Orlando

A holiday getaway to Orlando has become a family tradition for the past three years.  My nieces and nephews start asking about our upcoming adventure in August, so there is quite a bit of pressure on “Aunt Casey” to deliver a stellar and unforgettable Christmas vacation. 

This year, the ‘moms’ in the family opted to change things up a bit with our own (and childless) Girls Getaway to Orlando before the rest of the family arrived.  With two Scorpio birthdays and two Sagittarius birthdays, we decided this adventure would be our own birthday celebration and Merry Christmas to us.

My mom, Jeri, as well as sister-in-laws Merideth and Carly plus Ann (Carly’s mom), all set out for a

full night away at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando.  We checked in around noon, enjoyed lunch at Wreckers Sports Bar (with vino) and then headed to our afternoon of pampering at Relache Spa, which is located inside the hotel.  I opted for the Botanical Body + Scalp Massage and the Signature Botanical Facial.  The massage was great, but the facial, by Sarah, was the best I have ever had.  My skin is still glowing and my husband even noticed the day after.  After our rest and relaxation in the spa, I did some Christmas shopping in the spa gift shop and returned to our room to get ready for dinner.

We had reservations at Old Hickory Steakhouse located just below our rooms.  We started with a few

bottles of Meiomi wine, a favorite of all of ours.  We followed that with some incredible steaks, salads and soups, as well as the amazing sides the restaurant offers for the table to share. After our servers presented us with a special dessert to commemorate our birthday celebrations, we returned to our rooms to rest for our big holiday shopping extravaganza the next day.

After fueling up at the Gaylord’s coffee shop, The Cocoa Bean, we caravanned to the Mall at Millenia where we spent the next six hours power shopping for Christmas.  After getting most of what we needed, we traveled home to unload our goods and get the family ready for the rest of our holiday getaway.

Just a few days later we returned to Orlando with five adults and six kids under the age of six.  Yes,

we were outnumbered, but we felt as though we had a good handle on the situation with this being our 3^rd annual holiday trip as a family.  We arrived at the Renaissance Orlando Sea World, which is conveniently located just across the parking lot from the park entrance.  We unloaded our vehicles, packed up our warm clothes and drove to the Gaylord Palms for our annual visit to ICE!, which is going on until Jan, 4, 2015.

After a quick dinner at Wreckers Sports Bar (we are now regulars), we bundled everyone up, got our 

blue ICE! coats on, and stepped into the 9 degree winter wonderland known as ICE!  This year’s theme is The Nutcracker as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince experience a magical adventure in more than TWO MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures and four fun slides. Visitors can relive favorite scenes from the classic ballet, accompanied by the original Tchaikovsky score.  This indoor winter wonderland also  features: six individual rooms depicting the story of The Nutcracker and The Frostbite Factor, which is a live carving zone you can watch the carvers in action.  The final room is a breath-taking nativity scene carved from crystal clear ice.  New this year is the snow tubing, which our older kids enjoyed. Also new is On the Blocks ICE! Bar where visitors 21 + can 'chill out' at On The Blocks—the exclusive bar inside ICE!. Adults 21 and over can upgrade their ICE! experience to enjoy a adult beverages. We kept it kid friendly this trip, and headed back to our hotel with an exhausted bunch.

On Saturday, the kids woke up excited about our adventure to SeaWorld.  The park transforms to a

wintery wonderland itself and offers special holiday activities such as Santa’s Fireside Feast, Shamu® Christmas Miracles, O Wondrous Night, Winter Wonderland on Ice and THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience.  We enjoyed the dolphin show, petted stingrays, visited the shark encounter, as well as the penguins where Yale and Miles (both 1 year old) got to ride side-by-side in their first amusement park ride.  We also watched the sea lion movie and got to see a lot of marine life up close and personal.  After afternoon naps, the kids enjoyed decorating cookies in the lobby of the Renaissance.  They had fun and, of course, ate them right away.  We returned to SeaWorld for Santa’s Fireside Feast, and all of the kids got to tell Santa what they wanted to Christmas. 

We could not have asked for a better holiday getaway to Orlando.  The staff at the Renaissance was extremely accommodating and helpful.  The wait staff in the hotel’s Tradewinds Restaurant was warm and friendly and tolerated our rowdy bunch both Saturday and Sunday mornings. On our final morning, Ana brought all of the kids souvenir stuffed dolphins to take home.  Tommy named his Finny!

Our third year of holiday memories has been completed.  My brothers and I with their wives are so

happy this is something our kids will grow up doing and remembering together each year.  

Many thanks to the Gaylord Palms and the Renaissance Orlando SeaWorld for helping us create lasting memories.  We thank you so much!  

De-Stress: Tips for Drawing the Best Bath Ever

With winter in the air and the stress of the holidays just around the corner, there is no better way to relax

than with a bath.  Immersing the body in water has been medically proven to be a very relaxing, therapeutic and a complement to a healthy lifestyle or those in need of improved well-being, this is why at Lapis Spa in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach offers water therapy in various ways and at varied temperatures.  The deep muscle relaxation associated with a good hot bath helps to reduce cramps, tension headaches and improves muscle elasticity. The process is similar to a massage and beneficial for everyone from athletes to those who sit at a desk all day.  It has even been said that taking a bath takes you back to a time when you were in the womb thus creating a comforting and relaxing environment. So, next time you have a stressful day draw a bath and use the tips below from Josie Feria, Director of Spa at Lapis, The Spa at Fontainebleau  to create the ultimate soaking experience. 

• Use Scented Bath Oil- Choose scented bath oil; floral scents like lavender, jasmine, iris and rose are associated with relaxation and can help to ease you into a relaxing state quicker. Add oils to the tub when the bath is halfway full, this will help them disperse evenly throughout the water.

• Bath Temperature- A warm bath is best for relaxing the body.  Ideal water temperature for a warm bath is 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to use your wrist, not your hand to test the water since your wrist is a better gauge of how the water will feel once your entire body is submerged.

• Body Scrub- Most people are used to being active all the time, so when they get in the tub their minds start racing and they become unable to relax. Gently massaging your body with a sponge and body scrub will help engage your mind as the scrub buffs away dryness and leaves your skin supple and moist.

• Closing Your Eyes- It is important to close your eyes during the bath to enter deep relaxation, so anything that forces you to keep your eyes closed is a great.  Try cold cucumbers, an icy compress or eye pads which have been soaked in chilled chamomile tea.

• Bath Salts- Tough workout? Bath salts are like external muscle relaxants. If you have soreness, pain or swelling, bath salts reduce inflammation and stiffness, and help detoxify skin and increase circulation which helps to ease tension and revitalize the body

• Candles- Bright bathroom lights tell your body its go-time — not bath time. Instead, light a few candles and place them around the room and on the edge of the tub.

• Cold Water- If you’ve set your water temp right (somewhere between steamy and very warm), you should be feeling quite toasty in the tub.  A warm bath raises your body’s core temperature, so you’ll start sweating. Before getting into the tub, set a bowl of ice water and a washcloth next to you and use it as a cold compress on your forehead or the nape of your neck to help keep you refreshed throughout the bath time.  I also grab a tall bottle of San Pellegrino and force myself to drink the whole thing to hydrate.

• Bath Robe/ Nice Bath Sheets- Nothing jolts you out of a Zen state like going from a warm, luxe bath to a measly, threadbare robe or old dingy towel. Get a plush terry cloth robe or fluffy towels that allow you to feel warm and comfortable. 

• Relax afterwards- Leave the smart phone alone for an hour or so and just enjoy time for yourself.  Get a glass of tea and read or listen to music.  Want more coziness? Heat a towel in the microwave and wrap around your neck and take a deep and well-earned nap.

• Multitask - Make the most of your bath by using the time to also give yourself a face and hair treatment. Both the skin and hair respond very favorably to the moist environment created by a steamy bath.  To cleanse your face, apply a clay mask to the skin avoiding the eyes, allow to remain on the skin for 7-10 minutes then remove gently with wet washcloth. Need to soften and hydrate your hair? Apply conditioner or hair mask to wet hair then cover in plastic cap and hot towel and allow the conditioner or mask to remain on hair for duration of bath for 15- 20 minutes.  Wash and rinse thoroughly.

• Music- Play relaxing music to sooth your mood and aid in the process of relaxation. Visualization is also a great tool to enhance relaxation in the bath. Complimented by music visualization exercises can transport you to your own private Nirvana.  Caribbean beaches anyone?

Heat Things Up This Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day travel deals to romantic, warm-weather destinations are still to be had for last-minute travelers. From an all-new luxury retreat on the Mexican-Caribbean coast to Florida’s top beach town that is closer to home, couples will find a variety of romantic escapes to suit their unique taste and style.

Florida

A romantic getaway to the all-new, all-suite Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa has just gotten “suite-er,” thanks to Hyatt’s One Suite Deal, offering a premium one-bedroom suite or two-bedroom Gulf view suite at a very special rate now through 2014.  Each luxuriously appointed, oversized suite features a fully equipped kitchen, ample living space and private terrace or balcony with stunning views of Clearwater Beach’s world-famous sunsets.  A special Valentine’s-themed menu will be featured at the resort’s signature restaurant, SHOR American Seafood Grill, and the eco-coastal Sandava Spa will also treat guests in the month of February with a champagne toast, chocolate truffles and a 60-minute massage infused with “Pure Love” oil for $300.  For the ultimate romantic indulgence, guests can also rent one of 20 private pool cabanas.  Each comes complete with a private restroom, a wet bar, a flatscreen television, climate control, WiFi and personal call button service.  To book visit clearwaterbeach.hyatt.com or call 1-800-233-1234.

The Bahamas

Couples can unwind and reconnect during a romantic Out Island escape at Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina in the Bahamas.  From breakfast in bed to a candlelit beach dinner, every detail will be taken

care of to create a memorable weekend. 

Perfect for Valentine’s Day, the Abaco Island Romance Retreat includes:

• Oceanfront accommodations for three nights
• Welcome tropical cocktail
• Flowers in your room upon arrival
• Daily breakfast for two at Angler’s restaurant
• Ferry transfer to nearby Elbow Cay & golf cart rental to explore historic Hope Town
• Romantic dinner overlooking the beach including a bottle of wine
• Morning couples massage overlooking the beach
• Center console boat rental and guide to explore surrounding beaches and cays
• Private gourmet beach picnic complete with champagne
• All taxes, service charges and gratuities on packaged items. 

Rates start from $859 per person based on double occupancy for travel before February 28, 2014.  To book visit www.abacobeachresort.com or call 1-800-533-4799.

Latin America

This Valentine’s Day, the all-new, all-suite Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is offering a special package for couples to discover relaxation and romance in tranquil Riviera Cancun, Mexico.  An affiliate to the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World collection, Grand Residences features sprawling suites designed as private residences, blending all of the comforts of home with the luxurious amenities of a five-star resort. Nestled in a private enclave between scenic Riviera Maya and bustling Cancun, this exclusive hideaway is ideally located between the world’s second largest barrier reef and a tranquil nature preserve. The resort sets the new standard in luxury beachfront living:  spacious suites, all with private outdoor terraces and many with private Jacuzzis; gourmet dining; a world-class spa and salon; personalized beach and pool service; and much more.  The Grand Valentine’s Day package includes:

• Luxury accommodations for two in a spacious Junior Suite
• Welcome gift and complimentary champagne upon arrival
• Intimate four-course candlelit dinner on the beach prepared by Executive Chef Yann Michel Cozic, complete with live music and a bottle of champagne hidden in the sand
• Special turndown service of scattered flower petals and scented candles placed in the room
• Pampering 90-minute couples’ massage at The Spa
• Champagne sunset cruise abroad a private yacht

The package starts at $1,190 for two for a two-night stay and is exclusive of 19 percent taxes and 10 percent service fee. This special offer is valid February 1 – 28, 2014, and is subject to availability. To book visit www.grandresidencesrivieracancun.com or call 1-888-387-4702.

Couples can have their heads in the clouds and their toes in the sand this Valentine’s Day with a two-hotel getaway package to Costa Rica’s cloud forest and Pacific beaches. Greentique Hotels’ 7^th Heaven Vacation Combo is a seven-night vacation package that will allow visitors to discover two of Costa Rica’s most

beautiful regions:  Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve with Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge. The package includes three nights at Villa Blanca and four nights more at Si Como No. Guests can test their spirit of adventure as they explore two of Costa Rica’s most amazing tropical forests and experience Villa Blanca’s authentic rural hospitality, with village style Casitas and hilltop Hacienda with gourmet local cuisine, and custom spa menus. Just a hop away from Villa Blanca is the Arenal Volcano; the 7^th Heaven Vacation Combo includes a full day tour of the area including time to relax in its natural thermal hot springs.  The second half of this adventurous romantic vacation is a four-night stay at Greenique’s Si Como No Resort, which features stunning hilltop views of the pacific and lux amenities including a private balcony overlooking Manuel Antonio beaches, designated  family and adult pools, restaurants, private theatre, wildlife refuge exhibits and dozens of area tours more to choose from. High season rates for this package begin at $1,040. For further information visit http://www.villablanca-costarica.com.

The Caribbean

Consistently recognized as one of the top ten most romantic resorts in the world by TripAdvisor, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts offers an intimate adults-only hideaway for couples to fall in love all over again.  Bucuti presents

guests with magnificent beach views and stunning tropical sunsets, placing them at the center of a number of natural wonders that create the perfect environment for all things romance.  With ideal weather year round and a tranquil environment, couples can focus on each other and their dream romantic vacation without a care in the world. Lovebirds can elevate their romance by adding the romance package component to their upcoming getaway to Bucuti for an additional $380.  Couples will enjoy a bottle of chilled champagne in-suite, romantic dinner for two on the beach, a sunset sailing cruise and a welcome flower arrangement on the bed upon arrival, just to name a few special components that are sure to help set the mood. For more information or to book your romantic escape, please visitwww.bucuti.com or call 888-4-BUCUTI.

Montpelier Plantation & Beach, a casually chic 19-room Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel located on the

intimate island of Nevis, will celebrate Valentine’s Day throughout the month of February with three romance packages and, of course, lots of chocolate. Montpelier Plantation & Beach offers an incomparable experience for couples seeking relaxing activities, exceptional culinary moments and a certain sophistication that will transform any stay into the sweetest memory. February marks the hotel’s second annual Chocolate Month where the hotel’s executive chef creates handmade chocolate confections daily.  Couples who book a romance package will be able to enjoy chocolate presentations and chocolate treats throughout their stay.  The romance packages start at $920 per person for a seven night stay in a premier room, daily breakfast, dinner at the acclaimed Restaurant 750, 60-minute couples massage and a private picnic on Montpelier’s beach.  Additional romance packages are $1265 and $1785 (depending on room category) and include all amenities above with dinner taking place in Mill Privée restaurant, the hotel’s original 300 year-old sugar mill.  For more information or to book, please visit www.montpeliernevis.com or call 869-469-3462.