Maui Madness

As if you really needed an excuse to fly off to Maui this June, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua puts forth a fab package inclusive of two, two-day passes to the acclaimed Kapalua Food & Wine Festival. Valued at $580, the two-day passes include admission for two to the event's Grand Tasting on June 12 and the Seafood Festival on June 14. Daily buffet breakfast is also included in the resort's special Food & Wine Fest rates, which start at $750/night for a deluxe oceanview room and $820/night for a Club Level room. A three-night minimum stay is required and the rates are valid June 10-15, 2009.


For more information or to book a stay in June or anytime at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (with VIP treatment guaranteed!) contact The EliteTravelGal via email at elitetravelgal@aol.com. NB: Be sure to ask us about the fifth night free package valid over select dates this year.

Spring Break Specials

Spring is on its way, and with it comes Spring Break. Whether you want to celebrate solo or kids in tow, EliteTravelGal has scoured the offerings to bring you a few of the best (each is stateside to cut down on fly time & costs):

Encantado, an Auberge Resort (pictured) located in Santa Fe, New Mexico offers the ultimate Spring Break for couples with its You Had Me at Hello package. Priced at just $1,195, this two-night package includes accommodations in a casita or suite, daily breakfast in bed, a signature elixir, a rose petal-drawn bath, a candlelit dinner for two with wine, plus a two-hour "Sacred Moments" couples treatment in a private spa suite and a specialturndown gift of lotions, votives & oils turndown. Need a bit more pampering? Book the resort's three-night Too Much of a Good Thing package (priced from $3,001) and enjoy daily breakfast, casita accommodations, a welcome gift, a 90-minute Mountain Spirit Purification treatment for two in a private spa suite, two 75-minute facials, two 60-minute classic massages, one private couple instruction class, and a special romantic turn down amenity.



At The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO, a "Spring Break for Families" package includes deluxe accommodations, free eats for kids 10 & under, a 15% discount on spa services & retail purchases, free access to the Broadmoor Movie Theater, and a 50% discount on admission to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Book a suite and you pay only half the published rates; stay three nights in any room and get a $75 resort credit. This doubles to $150 in resort credit if you stay 4 nights. Through April 22, package rates start at about $170/night, double occupancy.



Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN offers a "Spring Break" package for both couples and families. Through April, the property will automatically upgrade couples booking a King Estate Room ($995/night with all meals included) into a spectacular Cottage Suite (typically priced at $1,345/night). Also, Blackberry Farm has opened up the week of April 5-12, 2009 as family time, meaning kids of all ages are now welcome to visit with their parents over these dates.


To book or for more details on these and other special Spring Break packages, contact The EliteTravelGal at elitetravelgal@aol.com.

Savings at Sea, Part Two

We promised you some more luxury cruise deals, so here they are:

For starters, Seabourn has dropped rates on 2009 European cruises by up to 65 percent from published brochure fares. The new fares, which apply to 49 voyages of seven to 16 days, start from $2,999 per person, based on double occupancy. And, on the ultra-luxury line's brand new 450-guest Seabourn Odyssey debuting in June, fares start from $3,299 per person double. The adjusted rates are valid on sailings throughout Europe from June 13 to October 24.

For its part, Silversea Cruises has dropped fares in half on dozens of sailings from Northern Europe to Alaska, South America to the Mediterranean. On select cruises, our clients will also enjoy a $500 per person shipboard credit and a private car/driver for a half-day shore excursion of their choice. Savings are in effect March 1 through Dec. 13.

Contact us at elitetravelgal@aol.com to book or for more details on these and other luxury cruise promotions to good to miss!

St. Barts Stimulus

Even top hotels on swanky St. Barts is catching on to the "more for your $$" trend luxury travelers are loving these days.

Kudos to Hotel Le Toiny, the fabulous 15-villa resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea, for coming up with its own version of the "Stimulus Package." Now through April 15, all guests at Le Toiny, whether booked at room-only rates or enjoying the Romance, Spa or Island Breeze packages, will enjoy a $400 per couple, per day hotel credit valid towards meals, drinks or spa treatments. We highly recommend spending some of your hotel-given dollars on dinner at Le Gaiac and pampering treatments at the peace-inducing Serenity Spa Cottage.

EliteTravelGal also recommends booking Le Toiny's three-, five- or seven-night Island Breeze package, offered through December, which includes: accommodations in a one-bedroom oceanview villa with private pool, daily breakfast, round-trip airport transfers, a three-course dinner, use of a rental car, and a one-hour spa treatment of choice.

Contact us at elitetravelgal@aol.com for more details on this and other sensational savings opportunities in 2009 at Hotel Le Toiny on St. Barts.

Savings at Sea, Part One

The luxury cruise deals keep sailing in, and just in time for spring and summer vacation. What better way to see Europe (or Asia, the South Pacific, the Baltics, the Caribbean, Dubai and other exotic locales) than aboard a luxury ship--especially when the value can't be matched.

Here are just a few of our favorite deals from some our favorite cruise lines:

On many of its upcoming European itineraries, Crystal Cruises is offering a $1,000 per person shipboard credit (essentially turning the cruise into an all-inclusive experience!). The credit can be used as cash for cocktails/wine, spa treatments, shore excursions or purchases at the spa. And, book by March 31 to lock in a 20 percent discount on a future 2010 cruise. Fares vary by sailing, but are lower than ever thanks to Crystal's 15th anniversary, $1,500 discount promotion. Be sure to inquire as well, about our exclusive "pre-paid gratuities" program.

Oceania has also dropped fares on select sailings AND is offering a $950 air credit (or free economy air, your choice).

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering complimentary shore excursions, a creative promotion we really like! Those who've cruised before know that it's these extras that really add up, so spare yourself the expense without sacrificing the full experience when sailing on Regent this summer.

More promos to come tomorrow, but in the meantime, feel free to contact us via email at elitetravelgal@aol.com for more details on these and other luxury cruise deals.

More for Less at Palazzo Sasso

Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, one of our favorite hotels (PALAZZO SASSO) in one of our favorite Italian hot spots (RAVELLO, on the Amalfi Coast) invites travelers to enjoy a complimentary night (when booking three) for travel by May 31.

This exclusive offer is valid for king-bedded, sea view rooms, junior and full suites, and rates (starting at 520Euros/night in April and 650Euros/night in May) include a delicious, daily buffet breakfast on the cliffside patio overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

If you haven't yet been to Palazzo Sasso, you simply don't know what you are mising. Perched high above the coast, far removed from all of the touristy hustle bustle in the authentically Southern Italian town of Ravello, the 12th century Italian villa turned five-star hotel features a 2-star Michelin restaurant, a 2-to-1 staff to guest ratio and 43 rooms and suites decorated with hand made Vietri tiles, antique carpets and furniture from the XVIII and XIX centuries. Those who also like the modern touch will apprecate the Frette linens, Bulgari amenities, satellite TV, wireless internet access and I-Pod docking stations.

What better reason do you need to sample this special place than a free night? For more information or to book, contact the EliteTravelGal at elitetravelgal@aol.com.

Hot Doggie Digs...

In the spirit of EliteTravelGal's weekend activities, which involved rescuing the cutest little maltipoo (baby makes three!), below are just a few of our favorite hotels that welcome your four-legged pals. This is a topic we're constantly researching, as our pups enjoy traveling as much as we do!

As part of its Preferred Pet Pals program, the Arizona Biltmore sends guests a special profile to complete before arrival, noting everything from the dog's size to any special dietary needs. The hotel's grounds feature enclosed yards for dog play, and special room-service pet meals come with Arizona Biltmore bottled water.

Skiiers can bring their pooch to Telluride and check into the ski town's Mountain Lodge. The hotel's Elevated Pooch package includes a dog bed, biscuits at check in, a take-home dog dish and copy of Fido Friendly magazine. The $25 per night pet fee is waived for two-night minimum stays.

At Las Ventanas al Paraiso, dogs under 40 lbs. can accommodate their vacationing owners as part of the resort's Luxury Pets program. Pet meals ordered off the Canine Delights menu is served on special petware metallic bowls with faux gemstones and bone-shaped or kitty-design placemats, while dogs can also enjoy spa treatments, beach walks or simply relax in shady comfort under their own pet cabana.

One of the best all-around hotel pet programs is Loews Loves Pets offered at the chain's 18 hotels across the U.S. and Canada. At each hotel, guests can utilitze pet-sitting and walking services while their dogs enjoy grilled salmon, steak or liver off the doggie room service menu, and service with items like grilled liver or salmon with rice for cats. Loews Santa Monica has even partnered with a local dog food company called Cloud Star to provide uniquely local amenities for dogs including homemade biscuits and treats, doggie shampoo and conditioner. And, at most of the Loews' hotels through April, a special Presidential Pooch package celebrates the Obama family's search for a pup. Offered during the first 100 days of the Obama administration (indoguration season), the package includes a one-night stay for guests and their pets; a "stars and stripes" room service pet meal and a patriotic-themed bandana for dogs to show off their presidential spirit!

For these and other ideas on where to travel in style with your pooch, contact the dog-loving EliteTravelGal at elitetravelgal@aol.com.

Beauty in Belize

If ultimate privacy and romance is what you are craving, Cayo Espanto--a private island resort off the coast of Belize--has got your number. The resort's Ultimate Romance package includes a four-night stay in a beautiful over-the-water bungalow, a welcome bottle of champagne, one massage per person, a private snorkel trip and a romantic beach picnic. The $4,995 (per couple) package rates also includes three customized gourmet meals daily, snacks, most drinks and non-motorized water sports equipment. You'll also be pampered by a private butler and enjoy meals made to order by your personal chef. The offer is valid for stays through August 31 but bookings must be made by end of Feburary.

Contact The EliteTravelGal at elitetravelgal@aol.com to book or for more details on this & other romantic vacation ideas.

Beverly Hills a Deux

Even the best hotels in blingy Beverly Hills are getting into the "more for your money" trend that we luxury travelers are loving these days. Both The Beverly Hills Hotel and the Hotel Bel Air--now sister properties under the Dorchester Collection--are offering savings to the tune of $700 for a two-night Romantic Escape. Valued at $2,000, the package priced at $1,295 for two, includes two nights in a deluxe room at your choice of hotel; a welcome amenity of Perrier Jouet & chocolate-covered strawberries; daily breakfast; complimentary transportation between the hotels and a romantic dinner for two. Sounds like the perfect way to surprise your sweetie, Valentine's Day or any weekend for that matter!

For more details, contact the Elite Travel Gal at elitetravelgal@aol.com as we guarantee a few extra perks and VIP treatment for our clients at luxury hotels worldwide.

Loving Las Ventanas...

For years, I've heard how fabulous Las Ventanas is. And now, after spending the past four days at this Rosewood resort in Los Cabos, Mexico I understand what all the hype has been about. It starts with the setting, sleek white buildings set against the deep blue sea, with beautiful landscaping and creative decor (illuminated trees, stunning chandeliers, colorful furnishings), and continues with the impeccable service--which clearly starts from top with Managing Director Lionel Alvarez and Resort Manager Akis Neocleous. NB: The staff here is the most attentive and intuitive I've encountered in years--if only service was this good at every hotel!

The attention to detail is remarkable. From the four kinds of butter (lime, peanut, salted and plain) on the breakfast table to the sewing kit customized to match my wardrobe to the pool butlers who deliver personal iPods and offer to clean your sunglasses poolside, EliteTravelGal is highly impressed.

And let's not forget the accommodations (she says while enjoying the ocean views from Villa Paraiso, aka, the presidential suite!). This huge three-bedroom/3.5 bath, stand alone, bi-level villa features its own private pool and jacuzzi, a full kitchen/butler's entrance, a work-out room, a main floor master suite with massive bathroom/outdoor rain shower, hand-crafted furnishings, colorful artwork, flat-screen TVs, a full bar, and beyond. If you don't need quite so much space, the oceanview junior suites with rooftop terrace/plunge pool should work out just fine.

Contact EliteTravelGal at elitetravelgal@aol.com for more details on Las Ventanas--and how we can secure your complimentary night or free round-trip airport transfers! Book through us and you'll also enjoy daily breakfast and some other nice VIP perks.