Be treated like the STAR You Are....at Ritz-Carltons worldwide

Earlier this week I co-hosted an amazing event for potential clients with our friends from Ritz-Carlton Hotels worldwide. During the event held at the Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey, we had the chance to share with these clients all of the benefits of booking their Ritz-Carlton hotel stays through a Ritz-Carlton STARS-affiliated travel consultancy like Elite Travel International. As one of them said to me: "Why would I ever book a Ritz-Carlton directly now that I know breakfast and late check out are included everytime I book through you?" EXACTLY.

In addition to receiving complimentary breakfast for two, a customized welcome amenity, a personal VIP welcome, a priority upgrade and late check-out on request, many of the Ritz-Carlton hotels offer timely promotions EXCLUSIVE to their STARS partners. NOTE: These opportunities will not be found online or through the hotels directly.

Below are examples of the "above and beyond" special perks you'll enjoy when booking these particular Ritz-Carlton hotels through us:

The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey: Enjoy an upgrade to Club Level when booking an Executive Suite

The Ritz-Carlton, LA: Through April 27, book two nights and enjoy a complimentary third night

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay (pictured): Complimentary overnight parking and confirmed upgrade valid through June 30, 2011.

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun: Book Club Level accommodations & enjoy a $200 resort credit for food/beverage or spa treatments

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel: Book one Ambassadors of the Environment eco-adventure and the second is half-price.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: Enjoy a one-category upgrade and a complimentary beach cabana on bookings now through June 27, 2011.

The Ritz-Carlton, Jamaica: Book a garden or ocean view room and be upgraded to a garden or ocean view suite respectively through December 23.

The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta: Complimentary upgrade to a City View Guest Room at time of booking. Based on availability at time of booking and valid from May 1 through August 31.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead: Complimentary upgrade to a Premier Guest Room at time of booking. Based on availability May through Aug 31.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas: Lady Lynsey sunset sail for 2 people valid through July 31st based on a 5-night booking.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: Book Deluxe or a One-Bedroom Garden View Suite and receive an upgrade to Ocean View for travel August 15 – Dec 22, 2011. Bookings must be made by June 30, 2011.

To enjoy these exclusive offers and to hear about additional exclusive STARS promotions at Ritz-Carlton Hotels worldwide, contact your STARS-affiliated travel pro Stacy Smallat 310.979.9036 or stacy@elitetravelinternational.com

Monday Morning Picks: Luxe Deals of the Week

Somehow last week flew by before we had a chance to post our Top 5 Luxury Travel Finds. But, there are plenty of options for you to consider...especially if you want to splurge on luxury travel this spring or summer! Here are this week's picks:

1) La Samanna, St. Martin: Book a five-night stay in a three- or four-bedroom villa at La Samanna on St. Martin and enjoy two complimentary nights. One-bedroom suites are currently priced at 30% off. Our rates at this Orient-Express Caribbean gem always include breakfast and extra VIP touches.

2) Last-minute getaway alert! If you're looking for a last-minute getaway and enjoy great food, golf/spa and sunshine, don't miss the Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic at St. Regis Punta Mita coming up April 28-May 1. Rates from $1,180 per person include three nights' accommodations, breakfast daily, airport transfers, choice of two rounds of golf or two 90-minute massages, two lunches and three gourmet dinners prepared by top chefs.

3) Chicago Style: The best deal going at a luxury hotel in Chicago has to be our Virtuoso rates at Trump International Hotel Chicago. Choose from a spacious studio-style suite for under $400/night or the larger (1000-square-foot-plus)one-bedroom suite for under $500 this summer (rates vary by dates). Our rates always include breakfast for two, a $100 spa credit and upgrade if available.

4) Spa by the Beach: Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach makes it easy to pamper yourself in well-deserved spa treatments. Book a three-night stay and enjoy "hotel/spa credit" equal to the value of your third night. Or, stay during the week and enjoy a $250 spa credit, along with our Virtuoso perks of daily breakfast and an upgrade on arrival.

5) Hike or Bike in Ojai: The "Hike or Bike" package offered through end of April at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa starts at $365/night and includes a guided hike or bike tour, plus breakfast and lunch during your stay.

For more ideas or to book any of the above, contact us at 310 979 9036 or via email stacy@elitetravelinternational.com

Switzerland to Spain: Top 5 Luxe Europe Deals!

With so many clients inquiring about spring & summer trips to Europe, what better time than now to share some of the best luxury European hotel offers hitting our inbox? Here are this week's picks for FIVE top luxury deals to keep in mind if Europe's on your to-do list:

1) The Dolder Grand, Zurich: This stunning Leading Hotel of the World offers several terrific options, including a two-night "Spring Taste" through May. The package includes two nights' accommodations, daily breakfast, a 60-min Kerstin Florian massage and a three-course dinner in the Garden Restaurant from $1820

2) Villa San Michele, Florence: This Orient-Express favorite offers a "Florence at Leisure" package priced from $2342 through November inclusive of two nights in a deluxe room, daily breakfast, one gourmet dinner for two at La Loggia Restaurant, one poolside lunch and two tickets to the Uffizi Gallery.

3) Palazzo Sasso, Ravello: Located in the charming cliffside town of Ravello on the Amalfi Coast, Palazzo Sasso offers our clients Virtuoso rates from $774 for a seaview room inclusive of breakfast, free Wifi, an upgrade if available and a bottle of Spumante on arrival.

4) Hotel Le Bristol, Paris: Stay three nights or more at this Parisian gem and our Virtuoso rates will include a complimentary limo transfer from the airport, in addition to an upgrade at time of booking, daily full breakfast and a VIP welcome!

5) Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona: This Spanish city's newest star (pictured) offers a complimentary 4th night to guests booking suites as part of its "Suite Temptations" package. Also available are family, romance and spa packages; Virtuoso clients booking best available room rates will always enjoy daily breakfast, an upgrade if available, plus a bottle of wine and a selection of tapas for two at the stylish Banker's Bar.

For more information or to book any of the above (or to inquire about more European luxury vacation options!), contact stacy@elitetravelinternational.com or phone 310.979.9036.