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.

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.

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.

THE WORLD'S BEST SINGLES’ CRUISE

Elite Singles' Travel, a division of Elite Travel International, cordially invites all travel-loving singles to join us on an exclusive Mediterranean Singles’ Cruise aboard Crystal Cruises' luxurious Crystal Serenity. Sail in style with like-minded, high-end singles while visiting some of the world's most storied locales, including: Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Monte Carlo, St. Tropez and Barcelona.

Priced at just $4,900 per person,* the experience includes accommodations in a deluxe ocean view stateroom with verandah; fabulous cuisine (famed Chef Nobu Matsuhisa oversees the onboard Silk Road); exciting evening entertainment plus a Vegas-style casino; the best spa at sea; & award-winning service.

PLUS, enjoy Elite's Signature Singles Amenities, including: pre-paid gratuities; a $100 shipboard credit per person; private cocktail receptions; a dedicated onboard host; and many other VIP surprises & perks throughout the sailing. Round-trip air, private transfers and pre- and post-stay experiences in Rome and/or Barcelona can be easily arranged through Elite Travel International.

*Cruise Based on Double Occupancy, excludes taxes and airfare. Single supplement available for roughly $200/day. Suites can be arranged at an additional cost.

PLUS...$100 Referral Program- Know someone who might be interested in this exciting sailing? Refer them to us and YOU will receive a $100 American Express Gift Card upon their return!

For more details or reservations, contact Stacy@elitetravelinternational.com or phone 310.979.9036.

24-HOUR DOWN UNDER DEAL!!

If you've dreamed of going to AUSTRALIA, now's your chance. But better book by tomorrow (Friday March 20) or this incredible deal will be history. For the next 24 hours, pay only $1,199 for round-trip flights from LAX to Sydney and enjoy five nights at the Inter-Continental Sydney. Round-trip airport transfers included as well. Now this is a serious bargain. So good in fact, I'm even booking myself that long-talked about trip to one of my all-time favorite cities in the world.

Book by end of day tomorrow, and travel March 21 through August 10. If you prefer to fly from NY, it's only $200 more. Business class add-ons available for $5,500. Flights available on V Australia, United Airlines and Qantas.

Contact Elite Travel International TODAY for more details on this deal to Down Under via email at elitetravelgal@aol.com or phone, 310 979 9036.

Sushi (& MORE) at Sea

Crystal Cruises has put forth an offer no sushi lover (like myself) can possibly resist. Famed Chef Nobu Matsuhisa (called one of America's 10 Best Chefs by the LA Times) is joining guests aboard Crystal Serenity’s July 28 Mediterranean cruise with stops in Venice, San Marino, Corfu, Rhodes, Bodrum, Istanbul, Mykonos & Athens!

Besides creating a week of menus exclusively for Crystal Cruises guests as well as omakase (chef's choice) menus in the ship's complimentary Silk Road Restaurant Nobu will be interacting with guests during culinary demonstations, cooking lessons and book signings. Fares start at $6,055 per person, double occupancy for this special Nobu-inclusive sailing.

PLUS, Elite Travel International clients will enjoy a $2,000 per couple shipboard credit (redeemable for spa treatments, shore excursions, shop purchases, wine/cocktails) and pre-paid gratuities!

Contact us via email at elitetravelgal@aol.com or phone 310 979 9036 today for more information and to hold your spot on EliteTravelGal's favorite foodie-themed sailing of the summer season!

Deals of the Day

Another day, another great luxury travel deal. What else is new?

Actually, today we've got a few new offers for you...from a fantastic March '09 rate in SFO to incredible intro pricing at new properties in Ixtapa and Capetown. Book any of these deals through Elite Travel International and extra-VIP service is always guaranteed.

If you've got business to do in San Francisco, you won't find a better deal than the $259 deluxe room rate being offered at Campton Place, a Taj Hotel (pictured) through the end of March. In addition to more than 50 percent in savings, the "Corporate Business Package" includes a welcome drink on arrival, daily breakfast, one suit pressed at no charge, and complimentary house car service in the morning. The rate is based on a minimum two-night stay.

At the brand new, 91-room One & Only Cape Town opening April 3, those who book a stay between opening day and end of September will enjoy two complimentary spa treatments, and a bottle of Cape Estate Wine. The Grand Opening special also allows up to two children to stay for free with parents (a three-night minimum stay is required).

And in Ixtapa, Mexico, where Capella Hotels & Resorts recently opened a stunning property, introductory rates of $350/night have been extended through mid-October. The brainchild of Horste Schultze, founder of Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Capella Ixtapa Resort and Spa is the ideal spot for a romantic escape, a relaxing stress-free honeymoon or long weekend getaway.

For more information on these and many other luxury hotel deals, contact The EliteTravelGal via email at elitetravelgal@aol.com or phone at 310.979.9036.

To the Turks & Caicos We Go...

In keeping with the "free night" & "more for your money" trends, resorts on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos are stepping up with great rates and offers.

The Regent Palms Turks & Caicos, for example, offers a free night on all bookings of four to 13 nights for stays through end of October. Those staying more than 14 days receive three nights gratis. The property is also appealing to families with its special second room deal. Here's the scoop: Book any one-bedroom oceanview or oceanfront suite or penthouse for stays from April 15 to Oct 28 and enjoy half off a second or third connecting room creating a family-friendly, spacious two- or three-bedroom unit. All rates include continental breakfast and of course, VIP treatment when booked through Elite Travel International.

At Grace Bay Club (pictured), book three nights and the fourth is free through December 19, plus enjoy a complimentary upgrade at time of booking. Clients of Elite Travel International will also receive daily breakfast, a $100 credit for dinner at the Grill Rouge, champagne upon arrival and priority early check in/late check out upon request. Guests booking four nights in a Penthouse Suite through April 30 will also enjoy a $2,000 resort credit!

For more details or to book, contact The EliteTravelGal via email or phone 31.979.9036.

March Madness, Antigua-Style

Still seeking an idea for a warm-weather getaway that won't break the bank? Take advantage of the just-announced March Madness rates at Galley Bay Resort & Spa, an ultra-romantic, green-certified hideaway on Antigua’s west coast. The all-inclusive rates start at $499 per couple, representing a 51 percent reduction off the original $1,015 nightly rate! Now that's serious savings.


These special March Madness rates are applicable for bookings at Galley Bay confirmed through Elite Travel International by March 31 for travel through December 20, 2009. The boutique property features 94 rooms fronting a private beach or lush tropical gardens; each has its own private plunge pool.



For more details and to book, contact The EliteTravelGal via email at elitetravelgal@aol.com or phone 310.979.9036.

Who We Are...

Just in case you didn't know who we are, here's the quick rundown on what makes Elite Travel International a different kind of travel firm.

Luxury Travel Firm of a New Generation Expands Despite Difficult Climate
Elite Travel International continues its growth as the go-to boutique luxury travel firm for affluent clients worldwide; adds top sales & marketing executives

Elite Travel International (ETI) is not your grandmother’s travel agency. In fact, the boutique luxury travel firm run by the founder of Elite Traveler Magazine, Stacy Small, is probably not even your mother’s travel agency. Rather, the Brentwood, CA-based firm (with a satellite office in West Palm Beach, FL), caters to a jet-setting, young professional crowd more likely to request their family’s next vacation via Blackberry, text message or Facebook than by phone or in person. In keeping with the “green” trend, traditional brochures are seldom used (ETI’s clients much prefer a website link or personal recommendation!).

Signifying the “out with the old” connotation the term “travel agent” conjures up, Elite Travel International is a full-service, one-stop travel concierge. Or, in other words, ETI is comprised of luxury travel experts who share with clients a very customized and personalized level of expertise, largely drawn from longtime sales and marketing careers coupled with worldwide travels of their own.

In addition to Small, who traveled the world on assignment for national travel magazines for 15 years before launching Elite Travel International, ETI is comprised of Donald Gorbach, a former veteran real estate broker; Terry Bahri, a former textile business owner; and Kara Slater, a top-performing former magazine publishing executive. All three bring to the travel business a unique perspective on what today’s luxury client is looking for in terms of customer service and professionalism. And, like Small, all three have traveled extensively worldwide. In addition to its modern take on and approach to what today’s client wants, the firm differentiates itself from other luxury travel firms by NOT charging its clients exorbitant booking fees or high annual retainers.

“We do things for our clients as a courtesy that many other travel firms charge a lot of money for,” says Small. “This includes, but is not limited to, booking restaurant reservations and spa appointments, securing theater tickets, arranging limo transfers, pretty much whatever our clients need while traveling we do for them. We like our clients to think of us as their one-stop travel concierge.”

Elite Travel International specializes in custom luxury travel arrangements and personalized VIP service for both leisure and corporate travelers worldwide. An extensive network of high-level industry contacts, firsthand knowledge of the products represented, and the company’s prestigious affiliation with TravelStore, Platinum (the largest privately owned travel agency in California) and the Signature Travel Network translate to exclusive perks for client such as priority upgrades, breakfast-inclusive rates, early check in/late check-out, shipboard credit on luxury cruises, and the highest possible level of service at hotels and resorts around the globe.

Let’s face it: Someone who wants a flight between point A and point B can easily do it themselves. And if budget is the only concern, the Internet works just fine. But, for those who wouldn’t dare touch their own taxes or handle their own legal work, ETI is the one-stop shop for all luxury travel-related needs and plans.

For more information, contact:
Stacy Small at 310.979.9036 or 561.351.5907 (cell/text)Via email: stacy@elitetravelinternational.com.
Web: www.elitetravelinternational.com.

Full Vacation, HALF the Price

We continue to be amazed at the timely promotions on offer from top luxury hotels, but this one truly blows us away. Book a stay at beautiful Cap Juluca on Anguilla and pay only for HALF the nights you are there!

We agree, it sounds too good to be true. But trust us, it's not. Simply contact The EliteTravelGal today to book your Anguilla getaway for travel anytime between March 14-April 12, and the hotel will pay for every other night.

Book through us and enjoy VIP perks including a priority upgrade upon arrival if available, a lunch for two at the resort's fabulous Blue Beachfront Bistro and daily continental breakfast served on your private terrace (or at Blue, if you prefer).

For more information or to take advantage of this incredible deal, email elitetravelgal@aol.com or phone 310.979.9036.

Spring Break, St. Barts Style

Added value has become a buzz term in the luxury travel industry this year, there's no doubt about it. It's clear this is the case when even top hotels in swanky St. Barts are enticing travelers with seasonal promotions. We already told you about Le Toiny's "stimulus" package a few days ago, and now, we've also got a great deal from Hotel Carl Gustaf to share.

The 14-suite, harbor-view hotel's "Spring Sparkles in Style" package includes accommodations in a one- or two-bedroom suite with private terrace and plunge pool; chilled Champagne upon arrival; daily en-suite breakfast; complimentary wi-fi; and round-trip airport transfers. Also included is use of a daily rental car; and half-day trips (every other day) around the island on the hotel's private 52-foot yacht (complete with open bar!).

The package rate starts at 798Euros/night for stays now through April 12; a three-night minimum stay is required.

For more details or to book your St. Barts spring getaway, contact The EliteTravelGal at elitetravelgal@aol.com.

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.