EXQUISITE HOTELS AND RESORTSREPRESENTED BY MOIRA FITZPATRICK | ||
December 5, 2009 Dear Colleague, With summer a fading memory and autumn almost over, we are looking forward to the festive season. Now that the economy seems to be on an upswing compared to last year, more of your clients may feel like celebrating the holidays with a family vacation or romantic getaway at one of our exceptional properties. | ||
The Post Hotel & Spa, a world-class ski resort in the Canadian Rockies, is still accepting reservations for the holiday season. And our two world-class restaurants - Lumiere and db bistro moderne, located in Vancouver, are celebrating the holidays with special culinary events and gift certificates - ideal for Christmas presents and corporate gift programs. | ||
Anticipating the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Chef Daniel Boulud, Chef Dale McKay and Chef Stephane Istel of db bistro moderne and Lumière are inviting visitors to make advanced Olympic reservations, now available through the restaurants. Conveniently located near downtown hockey, figure-skating, UBC women's hockey and Richmond speed skating, the two restaurants will offer quick meals and an extensive collection of British Columbia wines for guests interested in attending Olympic events. A-la-carte & prix fixe menus, private rooms and valet parking will all be available. | ||
New for 2010, Chateau de la Chevre d'Or is offering a special pre- and post-cruise one-night package includes transfers from Monaco and Villefranche harbors and Nice airport, welcome treats, breakfast, special dinner at La Chevre d'Or, and complimentary access to fitness facility, hammam and Eze Tennis Club - all starting at 475 Euros pp dbl. | ||
RELAIS & CHATEAUX HOTELS
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THE POST HOTEL & SPA | ||
Although Chevre d'Or will be closed through March 18, 2010, the hotel will celebrate the holiday season with a variety of memorable gift certificates. Perfect Christmas presents for clients planning a European vacation for 2010, choices range from 'Lunch with a View' to 'Zen Delight' offering a morning massage, lunch and an afternoon of relaxing on the sundeck, or in the swimming pool. 'The Romantic Dinner' at the two-Michelin-star La Chevre d'Or Restaurant, will feature menus prepared by new executive Chef Didier Elena who comes from the equally prestigious Relais & Chateaux Les Crayeres in Reims, Champagne. Trained in Monaco, the internationally acclaimed Chef has also worked in Paris, New York and Tokyo. Please contact Moira for bookings and an amenity in the room. | ||
VILLA LA VEDETTA (www.villalavedetta.net) This romantic Relais & Chateaux villa sits atop Piazzale Michaelangelo, offering amazing views of Florence. A complimentary shuttle operates from 9 am to 7 pm from the hotel to Ponte alle Grazie, located only five minutes on foot from the famous Ponte Vecchio. Surrounded by an Italian garden and its own private park, the 18 room/suite, five-star hotel offers a two-level swimming pool and bar, and gourmet dining in Onice Lounge & Restaurant. Rates for 2010 start at 200 euros per room and 380 euros per suite. One-night stays include a buffet breakfast and welcome drink for two; two-night stays include a buffet breakfast and a three-course dinner for two at Onice Restaurant. Please contact Moira for bookings. | ||
LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
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CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORTS & SPA
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db BISTRO MODERNE | ||
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Saturday, December 5, 2009
Celebrate the holidays in style
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Moira Fitzpatrick's September Newsletter
Dear Colleagues,
While looking forward to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Feb 12-28, we reflect back on an incredible summer with endless sunny days and record high temperatures. California weather in the Pacific Northwest!
I am excited to welcome two world-class restaurants to my portfolio Lumiere and db Bistro Moderne both located in Vancouver, BC and both under the leadership of Grand Chef Daniel Boulud of New York fame.
On a more personal note, I enjoyed a wonderful summer that included a first-class European trip. During the height of the season, I spent several days at Chevre d'Or, which is offering 3 nights for 2 during October 2009; low season rates for the whole month of October; and 15% commission for TAs on room rates only for these bookings. Offers are valid for any new booking made from Sept 14th onwards. Please contact Moira for room/lunch/dinner reservations or to book a day excursion of Eze for your cruise clients.
My European trip also included a stop at Florence at the Villa La Vedetta, a Relais & Chateaux property with breathtaking views of the city. To celebrate the introduction of this property I am featuring an exclusive offer with special rates. Please contact Moira for details.
I have also just returned from a Scenic Tours cruise on the Danube and will be only too happy to supply information regarding cuisine, accommodation, etc. Scenic Tours is offering an exceptional 2010 program, which includes a choice of four Oberammergau options combined with river cruising. Details of this and other options are available in Scenic's 2010 Europe River Cruising and Touring brochure.
RELAIS & CHATEAUX HOTELS
THE POST HOTEL & SPA
(www.posthotel.com) This world-class Relais & Chateaux hotel and spa in the Canadian Rockies offers the ultimate mountain getaways. Located along the banks of the Pipestone River, Watson House – a 3,000 sq ft, 2-storey, 4-bedroom lodge with kitchen and laundry facilities, is ideal for family and friends, retreats, board meetings and special occasions. Fall visitors may choose from golfing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting followed by relaxation and rejuvenation in the hotel's luxurious Temple Spa. Conde Nast rated The Post #1 among the 50 Best Ski Hotels in North America in December 2008. Chosen the 3rd Best Rustic Retreat in the World by Gourmet Magazine, the Post has been a recipient of Wine Spectator's highest honor The Grand Award for nine consecutive years. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.
CHATEAU DE LA CHEVRE D'OR
Virtuoso (www.chevredor.com) Chevre d'Or features a variety of special packages, including
Autumn Dream, which is available from Oct 1 to Nov 1, 2009. The package includes two nights accommodation with continental breakfast, one gourmet dinner
in La Chevre d'Or (excluding beverages), complimentary access to fitness facilities, hammam and Eze Tennis Club plus autumnal welcome treats. Also, in partnership with Relais & Chateaux and American Express cardholders, Chevre d'Or continues to offer the Romantic Escapes Package through Nov 2010. The package features four nights for the price of three plus a bottle of Champagne and strawberries in the room. Clients must pay for bookings with an American Express card. Please contact Moira for bookings.
VILLA LA VEDETTA(www.villalavedetta.net) This romantic Relais & Chateaux villa sits atop Piazzale Michaelangelo, offering amazing views of Florence. A complimentary shuttle operates from 9 am to 7 pm from the hotel to Ponte alle Grazie, located only five minutes on foot from the famous Ponte Vecchio. Surrounded by an Italian garden and its own private park, the 18 room/suite, five-star hotel offers a two-level swimming pool and bar, and gourmet dining in Onice Lounge & Restaurant. Through Oct 31, 2009, Double Grand Deluxe rooms are available for 426 euros per night; the Deluxe Suite for 628 euros; from Nov 1 to Jan 2, 2010, the rooms are available for 347 euros per night; the suites for 541 euros. One-night stays include a buffet breakfast and welcome drink for two; two-night stays include a buffet breakfast and a three-course dinner for two at Onice Re staurant. Please contact Moira for bookings.
LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORTS & SPA
Virtuoso (www.wildretreat.com) This luxury safari tent encampment has had an exceptional year and garnered a number of prestigious awards. The resort was selected for National Geographic's Stay List - singled out for its 'Sense of Place' from more than 600 properties. It was also named a 2009 Grand Award Winner by Andrew Harp
er and listed as a 'top property' in Virtuoso Life's 2009 luxury hotels and resorts. Clayoquot offers the perfect adventure vacation for FIT, honeymoons, weddings or family gatherings/reunions. After a great year,
the resort looks forward to welcoming your clients next season when it re-opens May 20, 2010, offering the same rates as 2009. Book through Moira and receive a shipment of BC Sockeye smoked salmon.
EXECUTIVE HOUSE HOTEL
(www.executivehouse.com) Fall is a perfect time to visit beautiful downtown Victoria, BC. The crowds have thinned out but the golf, whale watching, h
iking, biking and other outdoor activities are still in full swing. As well, the region's gardens are still vibrant, and the Royal BC Museum's exhibit of Treasures: The World's Cultures from the British Museum continues through Sept 30. For Snowbirds planning longer stays, the hotel is offering 15% off 30-day stays between Nov 1, 2009 and March, 2010 - booked before Nov 30. This package is ideal for those who may wish to take a coupl
e of day-trips to attend events at Vancouver’s Winter Olympics without paying premium accommodation prices. Seattle-based Kenmore Air provides direct flights to Victoria while United Airlines offers convenient non-stop flights from San Francisco. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.
LUMIERE
(www.lumiere.ca) One of Vancouver's premiere restaurants, Lumiere offers a provocative blend of French sophistication and West Coast innovation. This award-
winning restaurant celebrates its second decade in the city under the helm of the famous New York chef Daniel Boulud, who made his first official debut on the Canadian dining scene in December 2008 when he re-introduced the Grand Chef Relais & Chateaux Lumière restaurant to Vancouver. The restaurant's executive chef Dale McKay comes to Lumiere from the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay restaurants in London, Tokyo and New York. Superb service and sublime cuisine promise guests the culinary experience of a lifetime. Choices include a five-course Prix Fixe Menu, seven-course Chef's Menu and
five- course Vegetarian Menu - all with wine pairings carefully chosen from an impressive range of local and international labels to complement the cuisine and occasion. Please contact Moira for special gift card.
db BISTRO MODERNE
(www.dbbistro.ca) db Bistro Moderne in Vancouver, BC, sister restaurant to db Bistro Moderne in midtown Manhattan, joins Chef Daniel Boulud's famous Dinex Group. also from New York, the Bistro's Chef de Cuisine Stephane I
stel has worked side by side with Boulud and his extraordinary team, adopting the Boulud style of seasonally-driven, market fresh cooking. A contemporary urban French Bistro and Bar, db Bistro Moderne offers a selection of seasonal specials daily, with suggested paired wines by the glass. Upcoming Bistro events include 7 Delicious Deals, 7 Days a Week Through September and a series of Monday Night Wine Di
nners during the autumn season, featuring wines from various vineyards with tasting notes and commentary provided by Sommelier and Wine Director Kevin Van Hullebush plus special guests from the wineries. Please contact Moira for special gift card.
SCENIC TOURS
(www.scenictours.com) Scenic is offering a two for one 16-day Christmas & New Year Cruise departing Dec 21, 2009 from Amsterdam with savings up to $8615 per couple. Sailing down the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, highlights include snow-covered villages, regional festivals, Christmas markets, optional Paris & Prague three-night extensions, Christmas carols, Christmas dinner and spectacular New Year's celebrations. The company's 2010 product will include 'Fly Free' for March, April 5 and November departures, 'Companion Fly Free' for April and October departures, 'Fly Free' for all dates for all cruises on the D and E category staterooms (no balconies), as well as Earlybird savings booked and paid by October 31, 2009. Please contact Moira for a complimentary bottle of wine in the cabin.
For reservations and brochures or to VIP your clients please contact Moira Fitzpatrick of Exquisite Hotels & Resorts at 1-604-602-1282 or mfcons@bismail.com
All best wishes,
Moira
Moira Fitzpatrick
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Victoria's Executive House Hotel Celebrates Summer with Flowers & Fireworks
This friendly, family-owned and operated hotel that welcomes pets, also offers meeting and banquet facilities, an Executive Floor, complimentary Inner Harbor shuttle service, and complimentary high speed internet. Always upgrading, Executive House has recently installed new balconies and energy efficient double-glazed windows. Rates start at a reasonable CDN$195 per room per night. The hotel’s Executive Club membership, designed for business travelers staying a minimum of 10 nights per year, costs only CDN$125/night through September for a one-bedroom.
A must see for visitors is the world famous Butchart Gardens, which offers a dazzling combination of flowers, fireworks and music every Saturday during the summer. Visitors can explore the Garden during the day, indulge in a picnic on the Residence lawn, then settle in for some eye-popping pyrotechnics in the evening, followed by a half-hour recital from the rare Aeolian Pipe Organ or live acoustic guitar music.
Visitors will require at least a few days to take advantage of all the area has to offer – shopping, sightseeing tours, gardens, golfing, hiking, biking, sea kayaking, whale watching, seaplane tours – there’s never a shortage of things to do! The Royal BC Museum is exhibiting the North American premiere of Treasures: The World’s Cultures from the British Museum through Sept 30. The exhibit includes everything from million year-old hand axes to a 3,000 year-old mummy. With about a dozen golf courses in the area, golfers have many options – from 9-hole executive courses to two 18-hole championship Nicklaus-designed Bear Mountain courses – all good value.
After a full day of sightseeing, recreation or shopping, when you can’t walk another step, Executive House welcomes you “home” with Barkley’s Steak & Seafood House, featuring fine dining; Bartholomew’s Bar & Grille, a British-style pub with outside patio – perfect for summer; Doubles Oyster Bar, serving the freshest oysters in town, and Caffe d’Amore offering casual family dining for lunch, breakfast and dinner. What more could you want!
A wonderful way to visit downtown Victoria is with a romantic horse &carriage tour, part of the hotel’s Special Occasion Package that also includes one night’s accommodation in an Executive Floor Jacuzzi Room, chilled bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate heart filled with truffles and breakfast for two for CDN$495 through Sept 30.
From Vancouver, scheduled air (Air Canada, WestJet, Harbour Air Seaplanes, Helijet) and BC Ferries are the main mode of transport. Seattle-based Kenmore Air provides direct flights to Victoria while United Airlines offers convenient non-stop flights from San Francisco. Bus transportation is available through Grayline Tours and Pacific Coach Lines.
For further information, visit www.executivehouse.com or contact Moira Fitzpatrick of Exquisite Hotels & Resorts at 1-604-602-1282 or mfcons@bismail.com. Also, please advise us if you would like to receive any brochures or if you make any bookings at our properties, so we can extend clients the “VIP” treatment.
Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room and complimentary upgrade.
Very best wishes,
Moira
Thursday, June 18, 2009
June Travel Part 2 - Luxury Travel
CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORTS & SPA Virtuoso (www.wildretreat.com) During June & September, the luxury safari tent encampment Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is offering 4 nights for the price of 3 for guests. and a special agents rate of $1500 pp. Starting June 1, the resort is also offering an Elders Package that includes a complimentary stay (excluding the cost of the floatplane trip from Vancouver to the resort) for up to two elders, aged 55 years or older, traveling with six or more other family members. Rates for other family members are CDN$5500/US$4368 pp in high season (mid-June - August) for a three-night, four-day experience. Discounted rates are also offered for children 12 years of age and under. Wilderness Photo Safari Workshops run from June 14 - 21 and Sept 6 - 13; Reel Womens Wilderness Fly Fishing Weekend takes place Sept 17 - 20. Book through Moira Fitzpatrick and receive a shipment of BC Sockeye smoked salmon.
EXECUTIVE HOUSE HOTEL (www.executivehouse.com) Summer is a perfect time to plan a getaway or arrange a pre- or post-Alaska Cruise stay at Executive House in beautiful downtown Victoria, BC. The weather is at its best for golf, whale watching, hiking, biking and other outdoor recreation. As well, the gardens are in full bloom, and the Royal BC Museum is exhibiting the North American premiere of Treasures: The Worlds Cultures from the British Museum through Sept 30. The exhibit includes everything from million year-old hand axes to a 3,000 year-old mummy. Seattle-based Kenmore Air provides direct flights to Victoria while United Airlines offers convenient non-stop flights from San Francisco. Executive House is offering a one-night Special Occasion Package that includes deluxe accommodation, bottle of wine, chocolate truffles and horse & carriage tour. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.
DOLPHIN ISLAND (www.dolphinislandfiji.com) This exclusive resort, just a 10-minute cruise from Fijis mainland, is featuring Another Day in Paradise, which includes 4 nights for the price of 3, transfers to and from the island, all meals, a standard bar, and use of recreational equipment for around US$1628/CDN$2050 for one guest or two on a double room basis per night. Facilities include two side-by-side bungalows, one for dining and relaxing, and the other for sleeping. Activities include diving, snorkeling, swimming, parasailing, beachcombing, sunbathing, and a host of nearby activities. Individual guest parties will have exclusive use of the island during their stay.
GRANDE PROVENCE ESTATE - Ensemble (www.grandeprovence.co.za) Visitors traveling in South Africa may enjoy some rest and relaxation at The Owners Cottage and a choice of nine different packages. Nestled amongst vineyards this 300-year old estate in Franschhoek was judged a Grand Award recipient for South Africa in Andrew Harpers Hideaway Report Special Edition, published in January 2009, The Cottage was also voted one of the 15 Most Fabulous Villas in the World in Harpers Bazaar, UK 2008. On-property activities include wine tasting, cellar tours, art gallery and massages. Guests may also choose from a variety of sightseeing tours, cuisine & wine tours, game drives, as well as a wide range of activities -- golf, sea kayaking, biking, helitours, scuba diving, fishing - even shark diving!
SCENIC TOURS (www.scenictours.com) Scenics newest river cruise ships Diamond and Ruby have now joined the original Sapphire and Emerald. The only company in Europe to feature furnished outside balconies on 82% of its cabins, Scenics 5-star product includes all sightseeing and tipping in the price. The companys 2010 product will include a number of great early booking offers, such as a Fly Free for March and November departures, Companion Fly Free for April and October departures, Fly Free for all dates for all cruises on the D and E category staterooms (no balconies), as well as Earlybird savings booked and paid by October 31, 2009. The program will also include a choice of four Oberammergau options combined with river cruising. Scenics 2010 Europe River Cruising and Touring brochure will be available soon. Please contact Moira for a complimentary bottle of wine in the cabin.
For reservations and brochures or to VIP your clients please contact Moira Fitzpatrick of Exquisite Hotels & Resorts at 1-604-602-1282 or
Friday, June 12, 2009
June Travel Part 1 - Relais Chateaux Hotels
Although it is still officially spring, summer has arrived in western Canada in the guise of hot sunny weather. In fact, Vancouver Island is setting record high temperatures for this time of year.
During my visit to Texas in May, I discovered business is booming in Dallas and the recession seems to be over. Lets hope this good news spreads to the rest of North America.
For those of your clients who are leaving travel decisions to the last minute, our represented properties have plenty of space available for summer and fall. We encourage you to check out our special offers.
Although the US dollar has fallen in value recently, the exchange rate with the Canadian dollar is still in favor of the US dollar.
Travel agents who are in the neighborhood of the Post Hotel in Lake Louise or the Chateau de la Chevre dOr on the Cote dAzur, France, may contact Moira Fitzpatrick to arrange a site inspection of the property plus a complimentary lunch for two.
For reservations and brochures or to VIP your clients please contact Moira Fitzpatrick of Exquisite Hotels & Resorts at 1-604-602-1282 or
All best wishes,
Moira
RELAIS & CHATEAUX HOTELS
CHATEAU DE LA CHEVRE DOR - Virtuoso (www.chevredor.com) Now that balmy summer weather has enveloped the Mediterranean Coast, Chevre dOr guests can enjoy lunch on the terrace in Les Remparts and Cafi du Jardin. And when it comes to fine dining in the evening, visitors may dine under the stars in the new EDEN restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean, or indoors in the celebrated 2-Michelin star, gourmet La Chevre dOr with its panoramic views. In partnership with Relais & Chateaux and American Express cardholders, Chevre dOr continues to offer the Romantic Escapes Package, featuring 4 nights for the price of 3 plus a bottle of Champagne and strawberries in the room. Clients must pay for bookings with an American Express card. The hotel has added two brand new suites, celebrating the artists Navarro and Cocteau,a prolific artist who stayed at Chevre d Or many times. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Spring Special - La Chevre d’Or, France
Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room. Moira Fitzpatrick of Exquisite Hotels & Resorts at 1.604.602.1282 or mfcons@bismail.com
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Spring Special - Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise
Thank goodness the first quarter of 2009 is behind us – let’s hope the next quarter is kinder to all! With spring flowers and cherry blossoms heralding the start of spring, couples are planning getaways to avoid the summer rush while families are looking ahead to summer adventures. It is time to encourage travel and take advantage of the great promotions our properties have to offer. Especially good values are available for US visitors with a devalued Canadian dollar, New Zealand dollar and Euro.
THE POST HOTEL & SPA
This world-class Relais & Chateaux hotel and spa in the Canadian Rockies is offering 4 nights for the price of 3 through May 18, 2009. Springtime visitors may enjoy a final flourish of skiing while summer visitors may choose from golfing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting followed by relaxation and rejuvenation in the hotel’s luxurious Temple Spa. The Post was named among the top hotels in the world and among the top three in Canada in T+L’s 2009 500 World’s Best Awards. Chosen the 3rd Best Rustic Retreat in the World by Gourmet Magazine, the Post has been a recipient of Wine Spectator’s highest honor – The Grand Award – for six consecutive years.
Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room. Moira Fitzpatrick of Exquisite Hotels & Resorts at 1.604.602.1282 or mfcons@bismail.com
Saturday, March 28, 2009
2 For 1 Luxury River Cruises
We have the newest European river cruise fleet and our cruises include: all sightseeing, all meals onboard, all tipping and gratuities, quality wine with lunch and dinner.
All offers subject to availability. Available on D and E cabin categories only. Offers cannot be combined. Applicable to cruise only itineraries. Offer not applicable to land portion of itineraries. US/Canadian dollar pricing at par. New bookings only booked and deposited by April 30th 2009. Offer does not include taxes. Discounted Prices shown are per person.
For brochures or to VIP your clients please contact:
Moira Fitzpatrick of Exquisite Hotels & Resorts at 1.604.602.1282 or mfcons@bismail.com
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Post Hotel & Spa offers four nights for three!
The skiing, the spa, the award winning cuisine, the cellar and crackling fireplaces….it’s all here for you to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you to this stunning resort!
Skiing & Winter Activities
With 4000 acres of unsurpassed ski terrain and four different mountain faces to choose from, the area offers a variety of open bowls and tree-lined runs – a perfect mix of terrain (25% novice, 45% intermediate, 30% expert) for skiers of all ability levels. Convenient and free of charge, the Lake Louise ski hill shuttle bus operates seven days a week during ski season, running guests from the hotel's front doors to the local lifts. The area also offers some of
the most spectacular cross-country ski trails in the Canadian Rockies, as well as heli-skiing, ice walks, skating and dog sled and sleigh rides.
Dining & Wine Cellar
Chosen the 3rd Best Rustic Retreat in the World by Gourmet Magazine, The Post offers renowned fine dining and an award-winning wine cellar featuring 32,500 bottles and more than 2000 selections. The hotel is also a Four Diamond award winner, Dirona recipient (Distinguished Restaurants of North America), and recipient of Wine Spectator’s highest honor – The Grand Award – for seven consecutive years. One of only four restaurants in Canada to achieve this recognition, The Post is regarded as the pinnacle of restaurant success worldwide.
Spa
The Temple Mountain Spa offers a wide range of treatments, including body polishes, facials, exfoliations, anti-aging refinements, aromatherapy, and a selection of massages using the very best in European and Asian spa products. Also available are customized service and consultation, a fully appointed fitness and training facility, newly revitalized Roman-inspired pool centre and a Spa Boutique.
Getting There
Visitors can fly to Calgary, Alberta, which is served by major airlines, including Air Canada. From Calgary Airport visitors can take Sundog Transportation www.sundogtours.com 1-888-786-3641 or Brewster Transportation 1-800-760-6934 www.sightseeingtourscanada.ca.
Thank you for your interest and please let me know if you would like to receive a brochure of the Relais & Chateaux, Post Hotel & Spa. Additionally if you have any clients staying there or at our other properties this year, please advise me for a special amenity in the room.
All best wishes,
Moira