Saturday, April 18, 2009

FREE Nights from Barbados to Bali to the Big Island


At top luxury resorts worldwide, the "FREE NIGHT" trend continues. It's even happening at properties we never considered trend-followers. But it's all good news for those who love their luxury travel--and who want more for their money in these tough economic times. Now's the time to take advantage of these special offers at properties from Hawaii to Mexico, Barbados to Vermont, Bali to the Maldives. You get the picture. Below, EliteTravelGal's recommendations on where to go now...for less.

On the Big Island's Kahala Coast, the Fairmont Orchid (pictured) is offering a free 3rd night for every two booked plus a $200 resort credit when booked in oceanview room through Dec. 20.

4th night is free at the new Capella Ixtapa, with rates from $350/night for oceanview room w/private plunge pool. Breakfast and $100 spa credit included when booked through Elite Travel International. 4th night is also free at Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos for those booking three nights and arriving Sun-Tues through Dec. 18. Book through Elite Travel International and rates include breakfast, a ceviche/margarita tasting plus upgrade if available.

Third night is free at Twin Farms, VT through mid-September. Translation: Pay only $3,000 per couple for three nights all inclusive (all meals, all drinks, all activities, private cottage accommodations) instead of $4,500. Special perks apply when booking through Elite Travel International.

Barbados' Sandy Lane is offering a complimentary 7th night for 6 booked for stays during June & September. Also new: Kids eat free May through December.

Bali-bound vacationers: Enjoy a free third night at either Four Seasons property (Jimbaran or Sayan), plus breakfast, an upgrade, a resort credit and VIP perks when booking through ETI (a Four Seasons Preferred Partner). NB: Combine the two and enjoy complimentary packing/repacking services and seamless check in/check out.
The list goes on and on, but we'll end today's FREE NIGHT post with a deal at Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa, where every 4th night is free with three booked (making for the perfect 8-night honeymoon/summer getaway for price of only six). This is the spot for a pure private island experience. Even the spa sits on its own private island

For more information or to book these incredible luxury travel deals, email stacy@elitetravelinternational.com or phone 310.979.9036.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Why Travel Solo?


No matter how many single friends you have, there's no guarantee your schedules and budgets will jibe when it comes vacation time. No worries and no need to travel solo. Elite Singles Travel, a new division of Elite Travel International, is catering to the single (and newly single) market with upscale single trips like a 7-day Mediterranean Crystal Cruise in June, a 4-night spa trip to Canyon Ranch in August, a Best of Sydney trip in September, and a wine-themed trip to Argentina this fall. Future trips may include an African safari, a Costa Rica adventure, yoga-themed trips to Bali, Mexico & beyond, biking in Tuscany and more.

Elite Singles Travel bills itself as the "anti-Club Med" and is not a matchmaking service. Instead, its offerings are geared towards the sophisticated solo traveler who simply prefers not to dine alone in a foreign country!

"I started this company with my former girlfiend as we traveled all over the world together and neither of us wanted to give up traveling, but we also didn't want to travel alone," says Elite Singles Travel co-founder, Donald Gorbach. "I know there are a lot of other upscale singles who share my desire to see the world, but prefer not to do so alone."

The company is in the process of launching a website that will detail upcoming trips and invite suggestions for future trips. In the meantime, for more information about Elite Singles Travel or to reserve a spot on the upcoming June cruise from Rome to Barcelona email singles@elitetravelinternational.com or call 888.958.9744.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Crazy About Capella


There's a major new player in the Mexican luxury resort market, and with introductory rates of $350/night through October, EliteTravelGal highly recommends booking a flight NOW to Zihuatanejo (just over 3 hours nonstop from LA) and settling in for a relaxing stay at the new, 59-room Capella Ixtapa.

The brainchild of Horst Schultze, the same genius hotelier who created the ritzy Ritz-Carlton brand, Capella Ixtapa is located amidst the priciest real estate in a town (Ixtapa) surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and Pacific ocean views. Not a detail at this resort is left untended, thanks to the friendly personal assistants at every guests' beck & call, and a staff that's been trained by the legendary Schultze himself.

Understated casual luxury is the name of the game at this Mediterranean-infused-with-Mexican-style, 7-story property that feels much larger than its 59 rooms and suites (each of which has its own private oceanview plunge pool!). Delicious dining options include freshly caught fish on the cliffside terrace; tapas & tequila at the alfresco Terrace Bar; fabulous Mexican-style breakfasts and light lunch options poolside at Las Rocas; and gourmet specialties at the stylishly designed Al Mares (where we especially love the window nook, oceanview tables for two).

Other reasons to book Capella Ixtapa NOW before word spreads & rates climb include: a gorgeous cliffside spa (complete with an outdoor treatment room for two!) and amazing therapists (request my favorite, Maricru, formerly of the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman); an ultra-friendly & eager to please staff; and an overall relaxing vibe complete with a high-level of discreetness & privacy combined with convenient high-tech touches (one-touch controls for lights/fans/tv, free wireless internet and electronic "do not disturb" notifications).

EliteTravelGal's favorite part of the resort? The huge private terrace with its ultra-cushy day bed steps from both my bed & my plunge pool, blending the line between indoor living & out. It's a style of living we just lovemoon. NB: This is a PERFECT option for honeymooners & couples seeking a romantic getaway. The setting and vibe just invite coupledom (the tequila bar helps too!).

Contact us NOW via email for more info on the intro $350/night rates plus details on how to get your 4th night , breakfast & a spa treatment FREE when booking through Elite Travel International.