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Casa Colina, a Private Villa Along Mexico’s Stunning Pacific Coast, Has Lowered its Rates for 2012 Making the Villa and Its Five-Star Pampering and Amenities – Including a Private Staff and Chef – a Perfect and Affordable Choice for a Memorable Family Getaway

Isla Navidad, Mexico – In 2012, families are sure to be “wowed” with the many fabulous amenities and activities offered at the lavishly beautiful, spacious, and private villa Casa Colina located high above the jewel-tone waters of the Pacific Ocean between Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

And families will be even more impressed with the villa’s special savings offered this year with prices nearly 50 percent off regular rates.

Through April 30, Casa Colina’s mid-season rates, which are typically about $3800 per night, are now $1900. (Casa Colina also offers its mid-season rates October 1 – November 30).

Low-season rates, which run May 1 through September 30, are discounted to $1600 per night, and its high season rates (December 1 – January 31), which are normally $4900 per night are $2400. All rates include airport pickup and drop off; private chef and staff; and laundry but excludes food, beverages, and phone, which are charged at actual cost without markup. A 50% deposit to secure booking is required. Balance payable 14 days prior to booking.

Considered one of Mexico’s most luxurious private villas located in one of Mexico’s safest states, Jalico, and set among exquisitely landscaped gardens and surrounded by majestic mountains and the turquois colors of the Pacific Ocean, Casa Colina is spacious and intimate enough to host families of all sizes.

The villa has six bedrooms, all individually decorated and exquisitely furnished, as well as a private entrance, several options for dining, including a poolside BBQ area; a chic indoor/outdoor Top of the World Palapa with a custom-built Estrella chandelier, fully-stocked bar and 250-degree views of the mountains and ocean; and the Lagoon View Lounge with a hand-laid brick cathedral ceiling and Balinese furnishings, as well as the following amenities:

• Expansive outdoor terrace area with infinity-edge pool, blue-tiled Jacuzzi, gourmet BBQ, and plush lounge chairs and umbrellas.

• Surround-sound home theatre with a 65” Panasonic plasma TV, satellite receiver, and DVD player.

• Fitness center with state-of-the-art machines and fold-back windows with views of the ocean and mountains. Chilled towels and water are also available.

Families will also love Casa Colina six spacious guestrooms that include impeccably designed and furnished junior and master suites with balconies, private gardens, Jacuzzi tubs, and panoramic views of the ocean and mountains.

Descriptions of Casa Colina’s guestrooms include:

• Laguna Suite: Master bedroom suite with a California King bed, shower, Jacuzzi tub, private garden, breakfast table, and plush loungers.

• Sueno Suite: Master bedroom suite with a California King bed, shower, Jacuzzi tub, outdoor shower, and private garden.

• Oceano Suite: Master bedroom suite with a California King bed, shower, and a walkout balcony.

• Luna Suite: Master bedroom suite with a California King bed, shower, and a walkout balcony.

• Estrella Suite: Junior bedroom suite with a California Queen bed, shower, Jacuzzi tub, and walkout balcony.

• Vista Suite: Corner bedroom suite with two queen beds, shower, Jacuzzi tub, and a walkout balcony.

After a delicious breakfast prepared by the villa’s private chef, guests can enjoy Casa Colina’s full-service amenities that will leave them feeling pampered and relaxed. Spend the day by the villa’private infinity-edge pool where families can dine on a catered gourmet lunch set up by their own private staff or indulge in poolside massages before spending time with their family during a sunset cocktail hour overlooking the mountains and the ocean below. Casa Colina’s staff can also arrange half day or day-long excursions to nearby attractions, including:

• Snorkeling or horseback riding on the beach.

• Visiting the five million-year-old Colima volcano.

• Tours of the surrounding areas including the quaint and romantic beaches in Barra de Navidad and the famous Playa La Audiencia on Santiago Peninsula (the beach where Bo Derek’s movie “10” was filmed).

• Kayaking and scuba diving in the Pacific Ocean.

Guests at Casa Colina also have access to the famous AAA four-diamond Isla Navidad Grand Bay Resort where they can enjoy golfing; playing tennis; horseback riding; water sports such as catamaran Hobie Cats; and deep-sea fishing available year-round at the Grand Bay Aquatic Club.

In addition to family reunions, Casa Colina is also an idyllic location for a wedding should your family getaway be centered on a couple’s nuptials. Casa Colina’s wedding space, which includes outdoor terraces overlooking the ocean and mountains, can accommodate up to 80 guests.

For more information about Casa Colina, visit www.casacolinamexico.com  or call 312-961-3280.

Casa Colina is luxurious private villa located along Mexico’s Pacific Coast between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco.

The intimate, upscale experience at Casa Colina includes six suites with ocean and mountain views; a private chef and staff; infinity-edge pool; fitness center; and indoor and outdoor elegant private dining areas with cathedral ceilings, fireplaces, and private bar space.

Considered one of Mexico’s most stunning private villas, Casa Colina is ideal for girlfriend getaways, bridal parties, honeymoons, couples getaways, and family reunions. Closest airports include regular domestic flights from Guadalajara (30 minutes) and Mexico City (50 minutes), and Playa de Oro International Airport is just 25 minutes away.

Save 20% on All Spa Treatments at THE ROYAL’S SPAzul & the Gran’s SPAreal

Cancun/Riviera Maya, MX — Forget March madness — at Real Resorts March is Spa Month so come and relax! Book any all-inclusive vacation between now and February 26th for travel during March 2012 and receive a 20% discount on all spa services at THE ROYAL’S SPAzul and the Gran’s SPAreal.

Enjoy a 20% discount on all holistic and Mayan inspired massages, facials, body treatments and wraps, hydrotherapy treatments, couples massages, as well as manicures, pedicures and salon services. In addition, guests of the ROYALS can use the SPAreal’s hydrotherapy pools and sauna at anytime, as well as enjoy yoga, spinning and Pilate’s classes without any additional fees.

March value packages feature all-inclusive suite accommodations, fine dining, adult beverages, taxes and gratuities.

SPA Month is available for bookings at THE ROYAL Cancun priced from $563 per night for double occupancy; THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen priced from $520 per night, for double occupancy; the Gran Caribe Real Cancun from $301 per night for double occupancy; and at the Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen from $368 per night for double occupancy.

Reservations must be made using the code SPA2 and this offer is not valid for previously booked reservations. Guests will receive a 20% discount voucher upon arrival that is good for any and as many spa services as they would like at their respective resort’s spa. For more information and reservations contact your travel agent or visit online at www.RealResorts.com.

THE ROYALS – Cancun & Playa del Carmen

Designed for the most discerning guests seeking a truly romantic experience, THE ROYAL Cancun and THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen offer service from the heart.

This luxury gourmet, all-inclusive, all-suite, adult only resorts exude romance. Each offers an array of warmly appointed suites with features that include ROYAL® bedding, double Jacuzzi tubs, in-room adult beverage bars with premium liquors, a choice of aromatherapy candles, a flat screen TV and a Boise sound system equipped for an IPOD.

Enjoy signature touches including private butlers to help you unpack and press a few items of clothing; complimentary room service either delivered discreetly through a Magic Box in each suite or on a fine dining table; a Romance Concierge who will assist with the special planning of private events such as a moonlight beach dinner for two;

Beach Butlers to keep you cool and comfortable with sunscreen and frozen treats; and gourmet dining at a selection of international a la carte and buffet restaurants that feature show cooking stations and nouvelle cuisine.

The Gran Caribe Real Cancun & The Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen

Gran Resorts consider fun a serious pursuit and has perfected the art of a vibrant, yet relaxing vacation. With premium beachfront locations in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the Gran Caribe Real and Gran Porto Real are dedicated to providing heartfelt service and the extras that create a memorable holiday.

Both all-inclusive resorts offer luxury suites and amenities appealing to singles, couples and families. The Family Junior Suites with bunk beds are favorites for kids, while the spacious suites with indulgent amenities including a complimentary mini bar appeal to all ages. Guests enjoy international dining, resort activities, and most importantly — exclusive personal service that comes from the heart.

About Real Resorts

Real Resorts is a privately owned hotel company in Mexico. THE ROYAL in Cancun and THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen are repeat recipients of the prestigious International Star Diamond Award, a recognition awarded by The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences to select five star hotels that exceed a selection of criteria for facilities, operations and service.

The Gran Caribe Real in Cancun and the Gran Porto Real in Playa del Carmen offer personal service and upscale accommodations appropriate for families and travelers seeking a casual vacation experience. Reservations can be made by calling 800.760.0944. For more information visit online at: www.RealResorts.com

The U.S. Department of Transportation has given Southwest Airlines and its wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways the right to operate new international flights between Denver International Airport and Cancun International Airport and between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Cancun International Airport.

Austinis a new market for AirTran Airways. Daily roundtrip service between Denver and Cancun will operate from April 16 through July 7, and then move to Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday service from July 8 through Aug. 12. It will run Saturday and Sunday from Aug. 13 through Sept. 28.

Austin-Cancun flights will start May 25 and operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through Aug. 31. From Sept. 1 through Sept. 28, it will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

In addition to the new international service, AirTran will operate new domestic roundtrip service between Houston Hobby and San Antonio, and between Houston Hobby and Austin to support the international routes. The new service between Houston and San Antonio begins May 24, and the new service between Houston and Austin begins May 25. Both roundtrips are scheduled to operate through the end of the current flight schedule, Sept. 28.

Womens’ Surf Camp transitions from girlhood to womanhood

Carmel-by-the-Sea — This year, Las Olas Surf Safaris will be celebrating its “Quinceañera,” fifteen years of women surfing together in Mexico.

In Mexican culture, the Quinceañera is a special 15-year birthday celebration marking the transition from girlhood to womanhood. Similar to a wedding (minus the groom), the event often showcases elaborate dresses, tiaras, and a towering cake.

Fifteen years ago, when few women surfed, Bev Sanders fell in love with a small coastal village south of the border and decided to host women’s surf camps at the beachfront location.

Since then, Las Olas has successfully introduced thousands of women to the joy of warm water surfing and defined a popular category for women’s adventure tourism worldwide – the surf camp for women. This year, two Las Olas guests will be returning for their fifth surf safaris.

“In 1997, it was uncommon to be a female surfer, let alone travel to a small village in Mexico to surf,” states Sanders.

“It was also rare to see local women in the water, surfing.”

When Sanders and her team shared flowered rash guards (surf shirts) and surfboards with local girls, things began to change.

Today, many Mexican women surf, and one of Las Olas’ instructors is a Mexican National Champion.

On February 23, 2012, Las Olas will be hosting a Quinceañera celebration in Mexico with locals and guests.

“The bonds we have with the people of Mexico is important to me,” says Sanders.

“For fifteen years, they have welcomed our guests, shared their waves and town, and opened their hearts. The bright side of Mexico deserves media recognition, too. And we’re going to party like it’s 1997!”

“Our motto “We make girls out of women” was created the year we began and fits to this day,” says Sanders.

“Those words help inform our important mission which is ultimately to empower women, and to have fun while doing it.”

Las Olas was founded in 1997 by Bev Sanders, a pioneer in women’s board sports who learned to surf at the age of 44.

www.surflasolas.com

Oasis Hotels & Resorts is now offering guests the complimentary use of a Smart Car. The car is also convenient for guests who choose to take advantage of the Oasis Runaway Program, where guests of the Grand Oasis Cancun, Sens Del Mar and Grand Oasis Palm are free to avail themselves of the facilities at any of the other resorts including dining, entertainment and more.

Oasis Hotels & Resorts purchased 200 Smart Cars for guests and assesses a nominal daily insurance charge for those who use the cars. Guests staying in the “Sens” category of accommodation at the Grand Oasis Cancun and all guests staying at the Sens Del Mar enjoy complimentary use of the Smart Cars.

American Safari Cruises is offering a $200 travel credit for new reservations made on select Hawaii cruises between February and May.

The line is also offering a complimentary hotel night for those booking cruises in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés.

The 36-guest Safari Explorer sails seven-night cruises between Hawaii, the Big Island and Lanai/Maui with two days on Molokai.

The offer of a $200 travel credit per person is good for departures on Feb. 13, Feb. 21, Feb. 29, March 8, April 1, April 9, April 25 and May 3.

The 22-guest Safari Quest sails weeklong cruises from La Paz, Mexico. Guests making new reservations for cruises departing Feb. 11, Feb. 18 or April 7 receive one complimentary hotel night at Casa Natalia, a boutique hotel in San José del Cabo, Mexico.

The offer is good only for guests flying into Cabo.

The Safari Quest package includes transfers between airport, hotel and the yacht in La Paz, plus one complimentary night either pre- or post-cruise at the award-winning European-style Casa Natalia.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Transfer between Cabo and La Paz is via private shuttle.

The package is valued at up to $900 per couple. Cruise fares start at $4,995 in Hawaii and $3,995 in the Sea of Cortés based on double occupancy.

Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas, a collection of six properties in Los Cabos and Mazatlán, Mexico, is celebrating its 25th silver anniversary.

To celebrate this milestone year, Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas is kicking off a series of anniversary-related giveaways and celebrations for its guests.

Facebook fans will be eligible to win a number of prizes, from spa amenities and robes to three-night stays at one of the Pueblo Bonito resorts, to be given away on the 25th of every month, for all 12 months of 2012.

Furthermore, any guest who books a stay via the Pueblo Bonito website will enjoy an anniversary gift with the brand’s compliments.

There were also be a plethora of onsite activities and value-adds to celebrate the silver anniversary. Guests will enjoy custom-made silver margaritas made with Patrón Silver, $25 anniversary menus and weekly anniversary and pool parties decked out in silver décor and music from 1987, the year the first Pueblo Bonito property debuted.

On the Go Tours launches a brand new ‘value for money’ travel program to Latin America and Mexico suited to adventurous travellers. Using simple hotels and local transport travellers can explore the highlights of Latin America & Mexico on a group tour from 7 to 49 days, party in Rio and interact with locals!

Central America & Mexico:

Wild Costa Rica – 9 days – from £580
Spend 9-days in a nature lover’s paradise, blessed with lush rainforests and national parks, rumbling volcanoes, sublime beaches and wonderful wildlife.

The way to San Jose – 15 days – from £990
Travel from Antigua to San Jose in 15 exhilarating days discovering spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches and ancient ruins.

Mexico City to Guatemala – 22 days – from £1,310
Take an exciting three week journey through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala visiting the Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza and Tikal, colonial cities, colourful markets, beautiful beaches and lush highlands en route.

South America:

Go to Rio Carnival – 5 days – from £650
Join the party in Rio! Witness hundreds of fabulous floats cruise the streets whilst dancers dressed in sensational costumes samba along to the infectious rhythm of the percussion bands.

Machu Warrior – 7 days – from £740
Retrace the steps of the ancient Inca civilization, highlighted by the spectacular Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu and explore the lively cobbled streets of Cuzco.

Peruvian Poncho – 8 days – from £1,170
Discover the very essence of Peru staying in the heart of the lush Amazon rainforest and journey to the incredible Inca city of Machu Picchu.

Road to Rio – 16 days – from £1,220
Live the Latino spirit from the dynamic city of Buenos Aires to exotic Rio de Janeiro visiting the spectacular Iguazu Falls, Sao Paulo and Uruguay’s melting pot capital.

Patagonia Discovered – 21 days – from £1,960
Venture through some of the most isolated regions in Argentina and Chile discovering immense glaciers, deep blue lakes, pristine forests and towering peaks.

South American Salsa – 49 days – from £3750
The ultimate epic journey of a lifetime travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Lima with a plethora of exciting highlights along the way

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American Safari Cruises is offering one complimentary hotel night in San José del Cabo, Mexico, on new bookings on Sea of Cortés cruises departing until April 14. The 22-guest Safari Quest sails weeklong cruises from La Paz, Mexico. The offer is good only for guests flying into Cabo.

The package includes transfers between airport, hotel and the yacht in La Paz, plus one complimentary night either pre- or post-cruise at the European-style Casa Natalia. Breakfast is included at the hotel. Transfer between Cabo and La Paz is via private shuttle. The package is valued at up to $900 per couple. Cruise fares start at $3,995 per person, double occupancy.

Palace Resorts is launching a new All-Inclusive Collection, which will act as the sales and marketing arm of its all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels.

Properties include Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and three Mexico properties set to launch in 2012 and 2013 — Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta and Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.

The new collection is led by Chief Operating Officer Rafael Chapur, son of Roberto Chapur, who created the Palace Resorts brand in Mexico more than 25 years ago.

“When Hard Rock International and Palace Resorts joined together to form a business partnership and create the world’s first all inclusive Hard Rock Hotel in the Dominican Republic, we knew the experience would be unlike anything else in the industry,” said Rafael Chapur. “The All-Inclusive Collection was developed out of the need to market these unique properties differently than those in the Palace Resorts collection, while creating healthy competition within the marketplace.”

While initially focused on the world’s first-ever all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels, the All-Inclusive Collection plans to expand its portfolio in Mexico and the Caribbean with new luxury resorts.

The All-Inclusive Collection will be led by an executive team that includes the following: Chief Operating Officer Rafael Chapur, Vice President Marketing Frank Maduro, Vice President Group Sales Ginny Davit, Director of Sales Julie Vieyto, Brand Manager, Andrea Chapur, Public Relations Manager Linda Villafane, Director of North American Field Sales Ash Tembe.