Jamaica Resorts Extend Fall Deals

Sunset Resorts, the trio of all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril, Jamaica, is extending their Last Minute Fall Deals offering travelers a savings of up to 60-percent off regular rates for travel this fall.

The deals also offer automatic upgrades at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, Montego Bay and Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa, Ocho Rios, and special mid-week rates at Sunset at the Palms. At Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, Montego Bay, clients can save more than 50 percent off regular rates and receive an automatic upgrade. “Caribbean Fall” rates start at $144 per room, per night based on double occupancy for a standard room category ($72 per person). At Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa, Ocho Rios, clients can save more than 60 percent off regular rates and receive an automatic upgrade. “Caribbean Fall” rates starting at $136 per room, per night based on double occupancy for a standard room category ($68 per person). Both deals are available now through October 31 for travel from now through December 22.

Visit www.sunsetbeachresort.com and www.sunsetjamaicagrande.com

Deal Dates: September 10, 2009 - October 31, 2009

Holland America Offers New Hawaii Itinerary

Holland America Line's ms Zaandam is set to discover the Hawaiian Island chain in 2010 with Circle Hawaii itineraries that offer guests relaxing days at sea and exotic islands to explore. The 1,432-passenger ship will sail five 14-day roundtrip San Diego cruises and one 15-day voyage from Vancouver to San Diego. The sailings are from October through December.

The cruise features back-to-back calls at Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui—plus a call at Ensenada, Mexico—before returning to San Diego. Included in the Hawaii cruise roster is a holiday sailing departing December 19.

Departing Sundays from San Diego, guests will have several days at sea before arriving at Hawaii. During this time, they can enjoy a day at the Greenhouse Spa, channel their inner chef at the Culinary Arts Center for a hands-on cooking class or attend a Digital Workshop powered by Windows to learn how to share memorable photos taken on the voyage. The Speaker Series offers exciting insights into upcoming ports and includes destination-related topics such as Polynesian music and dance traditions.

The first port call is to Hilo on the big island of Hawaii where guests can visit Kilauea Volcano with its impressive molten lava flows. As Zaandam makes its way to Honolulu, the state capital, guests can enjoy an evening at the Polynesian Cultural Centers or whale watching, a traditional Hawaiian luau, a stroll down Waikiki beach or even surfing. For a more reflective view into Hawaii's past, guests can visit the USS Arizona Memorial from World War II.

Zaandam then sails along the island's dramatic Na Pali Coast. Upon reaching Nawiliwili, guests can visit Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) or get an aerial view of the island on a helicopter tour. Thrill-seekers can book a zipline tour through the forest canopy for a unique perspective of the island's inspiring natural setting.

At Lahaina, Maui, guests can explore the stunning beaches and a volcano, or spend the day shopping at chic boutiques and galleries.

Those sailing on the 15-day voyage departing October 2 have an added call at Kona, once known as the playground of Hawaii's royalty. Another highlight of this longer voyage is an evening scenic cruise past the famous Kilauea volcano.

Cruise fares begin at $1,499 per person for the full 14-day Circle Hawaii and $1,699 per person for the 15-day voyage.

Fall, Winter Savings in Aruba

With summer winding down, Aruba is gearing up for fall and winter with special travel packages and deals for family vacations and romantic getaways. A sample of some of the savings being offered include:

The Westin Resort Aruba is offering a new twist on their all-inclusive package by offering a special promotion that includes accommodations, breakfast, lunch and dinner options, along with a $25 dining credit, rental of non-motorized water sports, access to the fitness center and tax and service fees included. Nightly rates start at $419 per room, based on double occupancy, offering a savings of $150 per room. Rates are valid for travel now through December 18 by using the code CLASSIC.

Get "Swept Away" at Bucati Beach Resort with a romantic vacation package offering a garden view room for five nights, a bottle of champagne, candlelight dinner for two at the Pirate's Nest Restaurant, daytime snorkel or sunset sailing cruise, a welcome gift basket and all tax and service charges. Rates start from $1,615 per couple now through December 22.

This winter, The Radisson Aruba Resort and Casino is offering a third night free for family vacation travelers booking two nights during their Early Winter Sale. Additionally, children five and under eat free at the breakfast buffet and children 12 and younger eat free at the dinner buffet in the resort's Laguna restaurant. Travel must be booked by August 31 and rates start from $450 per night for travel January 3 to April 10, 2010.

Early birds can save big at The Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino with 30 percent off bookings made before September 30 for travel January 3 - April 8, 2010.

Visit www.aruba.com

Close-to-Home Honeymoons

Although wedding ceremonies run the gamut from uber-traditional to somewhat outrageous displays of affection for family and friends, more often than not, a couple’s honeymoon tends to stray more toward exotic or tropical locales. There is, however, a lot to be said for staying stateside and away from the sand and surf.

The living room of a Lakeside Cottage at Canoe Bay

Wisconsin
Although more commonly known for cheese, cold weather and the Green Bay Packers, this midwestern state is also home to Canoe Bay, a Relais & Châteaux property in the Northwestern lakes region, just outside the quiet, scenic town of Chetek. The intimate, 21-room property rests on a 280-acre estate with three lakes as the backdrop. Architecture fans take note: The hotel’s six suites and 15 cottages are inspired by the work of Wisconsin-born architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The best rooms for your lovebird clients are the Lakeside Cottages, of which there are two. These particular digs have private spas. Other nice perks include a large Emperor Bed— six square feet bigger than a king-size bed; a personal Jacuzzi next to a picture window, which overlooks Lake Wahdoon; two stone fireplaces; and lakeside decks.

The property delivers a breakfast basket to each room daily— the perfect way to start that day before rowboating, fishing, swimming, and, of course, canoeing. Guests may also partake in a candlelight dinner, which is served in the Inn’s glass-enclosed lakeside restaurant.

Getting there: Chetek is a two-hour drive east from Minneapolis and a six-hour drive northwest from Chicago. The Minneapolis International Airport has a variety of flights. Private planes may land at Rice Lake Airport, which is 30 minutes away. For more information, travel agents may contact Lisa Dobrowolski or Katie Daubner (715-924-4594).

The Elderberry room at Châteaux du Sureau

California
Sixteen miles from the south entry of Yosemite National Park, Hotel Château du Sureau— another Relais & Châteaux property— exudes old European charm. Besides exploring the world-famous park system miles away, guests may enjoy fountains, walking paths, a swimming pool, a bocce court and a life-size chess set.

In the 10-room Château, many of the accommodations are suitable for honeymooners. The best room, however, is the Villa Sureau, which spans 2,000 square feet and has its own gardens and outdoor spa.

The proprietress, Erna Kubin-Clanin’s, award-winning restaurant, Erna’s Elderberry House, is also not to be missed.

Travel agents sending clients may contact Jan Waterlow (559-683-6860), the head of reservations.

Washington
Just outside of Seattle in Woodinville, WA, Willows Lodge is another nice option for honeymooners. The 84-room property, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, rests in Washington’s wine country and offers a romantic escape for travelers who love nature. To further reiterate this point, the property has several packages, all of which offer an all-
encompassing experience for your newlywed clients.

The “Do Not Disturb Package” for two includes accommodations in a Nicer style room (the best room type for honeymooners), $100 dining credit at the Barking Frog restaurant, Willows Lodge in-tub dining, drawn bath with rose petals, Willows Lodge’s signature dessert, sparkling wine, candle and CD.

For a more adventurous take on the honeymoon experience, the property has paired with tour operator Evergreen Escapes to offer the “Northwest Wine Country Adventure” package, which boasts such perks as three nights in a Nicer style room, five-hour private Woodinville Wine Trail encounter and an eight-to-ten-hour private seasonal nature/adventure tour. For pricing information and to book these packages, call 425-424-2589.

For general booking, call reservations at 877-424-3930 or book via the property’s website or GDS.