New Year, New Rules

In the past, if you hadn't yet booked your Xmas/New Year's vacation, chances are you'd be out of luck. Most of the top resorts typically sold out months if not a year in advance, and 10-14 day minimum stays were the norm. The good news is that there's still plenty of space at some of our favorite properties, and the long-enforced holiday restrictions have relaxed quite a bit.

One of the BEST options we've seen is "Christmas in Kapalua", a 5th night free promotion (yes, even during Xmas week!) offered by the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. Our Virtuoso rates start at $715/nt and include such exclusive amenities as full breakfast for two, priority late check out/upgrade if available and a $100 Spa OR F&B credit!

If Hawaii's not on your Xmas wish list, consider "Christmas in Africa", an amazing five-night package offered (for arrivals Dec 22 or 23) at Richard Branson's Ulusaba in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (pictured). Included in the $6,200 package is five nights' accommodations, all meals and drinks, twice-daily safari game drives plus safari walks, two spa treatments per room, upgrade if available and all taxes.

Or, if you prefer to travel after the holiday rush, Curtain Bluff in Antigua has an appealing offer in its "Power of '10" package. Available Jan 1 through March 31, the 2010 offer gives guests the chance to purchase a sunset sail on the hotel's private yacht, a cooking class, a second spa treatment, personal fitness training session or tennis lesson for only $10! All-inclusive rates from $995/night include all meals/drinks, watersports & 20 activities. Kudos to Curtain Bluff for taking the creative route with this New Year special!

For more information on any of the above specials or for additional holiday travel ideas, contact us at 310.979.9036 or via email: stacy@elitetravelinternational.com.