Thursday, June 18, 2009

June Travel Part 2 - Luxury Travel

HUKA LODGE -Virtuoso, AmEx, FHR, (www.hukalodge.com) This award-winning New Zealand Lodge is offering seven two-night packages, from Gourmet to the Great Outdoors, and one three-night package Ultimate Fishing. All packages are available from April 1 through Dec 14, 2009 excepting the Ultimate Package, which is available from April 1 through March 15, 2010. Packages include accommodation in the Lodge, pre-dinner drinks, full country breakfasts, five-course dinners and more. The various packages include in-room spa treatments, wine tasting tours, cooking school, golf, boat cruises, guided walks, rafting, kayaking, jet boating, bungy jumping, and quad biking. All of this and a New Zealand dollar worth about 60 cents US! Also available is the 4-bedroom Owners Cottage or the new 2-bedroom Alan Pye Cottage with its heated infinity-style swimming pool and separate private spa pool, outdoor patio and fireplace. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.

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

All best wishes,

Moira

Friday, June 12, 2009

June Travel Part 1 - Relais Chateaux Hotels

The Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise, Alberta
Dear Colleague,

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

THE POST HOTEL & SPA (www.posthotel.com) This world-class Relais & Chateaux hotel and spa in the Canadian Rockies offers the ultimate mountain getaway for groups. 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. Summer visitors may choose from golfing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting followed by relaxation and rejuvenation in the hotels 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 Spectators highest honor The Grand Award for eight consecutive years. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.


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.