Jetsettersblog

Abercrombie & Kent unveiled two new family holidays featuring national parks in the American West, The Grand Canyon and Beyond and Discovering California’s National Parks.

The programs are led by expert guides who offer insider knowledge to illuminate the hidden side of the parks and their histories.

“Most families find that their daily lives are so hectic with work and school that summer vacations are the only time they have to truly reconnect,” said Bob Simpson, vice president of product planning and business development at Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. “Travel is often the most uninterrupted time they spend together during the year.

But it shouldn’t be a chore to plan. And it’s too important to get it wrong. Our guests look to us to be responsible for their holiday from beginning to end and our goal in designing these new itineraries was to deliver a more active, more engaging, more personalized way to experience these extraordinary places as a family.”

The Grand Canyon and Beyond explores desert canyons, the Colorado River, Zion National Park’s trails and the rim of the Grand Canyon on little-known trails, led by Grand Canyon Field Institute guides.

The trip includes a visit to the studio of photographers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb. Clients can learn about the latest paleontological discoveries in Grand Staircase Escalante and the geology of Zion National Park from private guides.

Accommodations include the Enchantment Hotel in Sedona, with its acclaimed Mii amo Spa, and the Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah.

Departures are June 24 to July 1 and Aug 4 to 11. The price starts at $5,095 per person double occupancy. Bookings made by March 31 save $250 per person.

Discovering California’s National Parks presents California gold country and the scenery along the Pacific coast and in Yosemite National Park.

It includes a drive on Highway 1 to the Avenue of the Giants and Redwood National Park and a leisurely float trip down the American River through the heart of California’s gold country. Yosemite Conservancy guides take clients on an easy walk through Yosemite Valley or an energetic Glacier Point hike four miles down to the valley floor.

At a lunch at Ahwahnee Lodge clients will meet historian Lee Stetson (featured in Ken Burns’ National Park series on PBS) as he portrays 19th century naturalist John Muir. Also included is a private visit to Crystal Cave, a maze of stalactites and stalagmites formed of marble. Accommodations include Cavallo Point Lodge, one of Conde Nast Traveler’s 200 Best Hotels, and Carter House Inn, which is comprised of four restored Victorian townhouses in Old Town Eureka. Departures are June 21 to 30 and July 29 to Aug 7. The price is from $5,895 per person double occupancy.

Bookings made by March 31 save $250 per person. Abercrombie & Kent began offering African safaris in 1962, and today offers travel to more than 100 countries on all seven continents. For more information, call 800-554-7094.

CARMEL, Calif. — Hit a ball, have a ball. Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Pete Dye, offers breathtaking views of the valley, and is fun for golfers of all skill levels. Now enjoy unlimited play during your stay.
Price range: $395
For more information, please click here.
http://www.carmelvalleyranch.com/packages.php

SEASIDE, Calif. — Two-round overnight special through the winter months. Casa Munras package price starting at $330. California golf vacation package includes a one-night stay, and two rounds of golf at Bayonet and Black Horse G.C. for one person (including cart and range).

For more information, please click here.

United Continental Holdings, Inc. announced that it will launch year-round and seasonal service on several new routes to begin in the summer of 2012.

United will begin daily year-round service between Washington/Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Honolulu (HNL) on June 7, 2012, the only nonstop service between the two points.

The flights will operate using Boeing 767-400 aircraft.

It will add new daily service between Denver and Fairbanks, Alaska, June 7 through Aug. 27.

In South Dakota, United Express will offer daily seasonal service between Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport and Rapid City, gateway to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore and the Badlands National Park, from June 7 through Aug. 27.

In Wyoming, it will add twice weekly flights between its Houston and San Francisco (SFO) hubs and Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Coinciding with the introduction of Virgin Australia’s new business class service to Hamilton Island, two new packages have been introduced.

The new business class service to Hamilton Island — offered for the first time in eight years — offers travelers such amenities and perks as luxury leather seating, gourmet menus, international-style cosmetic amenity kits, priority check-in/boarding and complimentary access to Virgin Australia’s lounges.

The package features accommodations at Hamilton Island’s most exclusive gated resort offering 60 one-bedroom pavilions, Spa qualia, two world-class restaurants and a host of recreational amenities.

Priced from $12,204.40 per person, the package includes roundtrip business class airfare from Los Angeles to Sydney on Virgin Australia; domestic business class flights on Virgin Australia; five nights at qualia resort in a Leeward Pavillon; full breakfast at The Long Pavilion; VIP Hamilton Island airport or marina to hotel return transfers; private beach drop-offs; private golf buggy; four nights at the Sydney Four Seasons in a deluxe city harbor view room; and private airport transfers Sydney.

For those who prefer a boutique-style accommodation, the Beach Club package is priced from $10,754.40 per person and includes roundtrip business class airfare from Los Angeles to Sydney on Virgin Australia; domestic business class flights on Virgin Australia; five nights at the Hamilton Island Beach Club; return VIP airport or marina transfers; bushwalking; use of the fitness center, squash and tennis courts; exclusive entry to the Beach Club bar, lounge, and infinity edge pool; four nights at the Sydney Four Seasons Deluxe City Harbor view room; and private airport transfers Sydney. Both packages include use of non-motorized water sports including catamarans, sailboards, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear as well as Wi-Fi access. For more information, call Aspire Down Under at 877-7-ASPIRE.

“SWEET ON YOU” & “ANTI V.D.”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA …whether you’re planning a sexy escape with your lover or a weekend of fun with your solo gals, Personality Hotels is here to add spark to the holiday with two packages – “Sweet on You” for couples, and the “Anti V.D.” for a single girls getaway. True to Personality Hotels’ daring style, this won’t be your typical Valentine’s Day getaway – think candy bras, wine from Ben “The Bachelor” and special treats. Both packages include overnight deluxe accommodations available at a choice of three of Personality Hotels, Hotel Diva, Hotel Union Square and Kensington Park Hotel, all centrally located in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square.

The “Sweet on You” Package includes:
A candy bra (good enough to eat)

An intimacy kit with a blindfold, lubricant, condoms and a feather tickler (feelin’ hot, hot, hot)

Dirty Heart candies (pitter patter)
A bottle of champagne (drink it in)
A heart shaped box of Ghirardelli chocolate (melt his heart)
And of course a deluxe room upgrade (go big or go home)

The “Anti V.D.” Package includes:

Two bottles of OPI nail polish (paint it sexy)
A bottle of rosé from Envolve Winery (“The Bachelor’s” winery…if you can’t have him, at least you can have a sip)
Condoms (better safe than sorry)
A 30% discount off town car service (stylin’)
A box of Ghirardelli chocolates (you never know what you’re going to get)

Rates for both packagesstart at $189 per night, excluding tax and based upon availability. Valid now through April 30, 2012. For reservations, call 800.553.1900 or visit www.personalityhotels.com.

About Personality Hotels
Founded in 1982 by pioneer Yvonne Detert, Personality Hotels is San Francisco’s first boutique hotel company. Celebrating individualism, each distinctive Personality Hotel offers comfort and outstanding service infused with inventive, forward-thinkingstyle and amenities. Personality Hotels is an affiliate of Engage Hospitality, the management company of its four eclectic San Francisco boutique properties: SEXY Hotel Diva, GRAND Kensington Park Hotel, AUTHENTIC Hotel Union Square and TIMELESS Steinhart Hotel; as well as the SERENE Mariposa Inn & Suites in Monterey. From a sleek urban abode in the center of it all to a relaxing seaside escape, Personality Hotels can oblige. For more information and to book reservations, call 800.553.1900 or visit www.personalityhotels.com

With spectacular scenery, sun-drenched beaches, world-class restaurants and luxury resorts, San Diego calls to lovebirds looking for a romantic getaway. This February, love is in the air with special Valentine’s Day offerings and packages from hotels and resorts throughout San Diego County, making it the perfect time to treat a loved one or secret crush to a relaxing retreat or adventure-filled activity.

Romance and Relaxation

From downtown hotspots to stunning coastlines, San Diego provides a romantic backdrop for fabulous Valentine packages to lust over. Loaded with amenities and extras, these packages are designed to tempt lovers with the promise of a blissful Valentine’s retreat.

Romance is in full swing at the Hotel Solamar, a hip luxury hotel in the heart of downtown San Diego. With the hotel’s Suite Spot package couples are treated to deluxe accommodations, flowers and chocolates, breakfast in bed with mimosas and a romantic intimacy kit.

The package is available Feb. 10-19, 2012 with rates starting at $399 per night, plus tax. Book online at www.hotelsolamar.com  or call 877-230-0300; use promotional code PVAL.

Guests can rekindle romance at the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa.

The Romance Package designed for two includes complimentary sparkling wine upon arrival, breakfast for two served in your room and full use of the fitness center and sauna.

Guests can arrange for early check-in or late check-out. Rates start at $179, plus tax, and are valid through Dec. 31, 2012, subject to availability.

Book online at www.hilton.com  or call 1-800-HILTONS.

Fan the flames of love with the Your Crush for a Night package at the ultra-modern Andaz Hotel in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.

Each designer guest room features a risqué glass shower and plush bedding. This sultry getaway includes a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate covered strawberries, freshly prepared breakfast for two, a special intimacy kit and VIP access to Ivy, the hotel’s multi-level nightclub.

Rates start at $189 per night, plus tax, and are valid through Mar. 31, 2012. Book online at www.sandiego.andaz.hyatt.com  or call 866-907-0704.

This Valentine’s Day, The Grand Del Mar Resort in the scenic rolling hills of Del Mar offers the Disconnect Package, allowing couples to unplug from their electronic devices and connect with each other.

The package features deluxe accommodations including breakfast in bed for two, two champagne cocktails and a choice of a 60-minute couple’s massage or a two-hour horseback ride. The package is available Feb. 1-29, 2012 with rates starting at $795 per night, plus tax. Book online at www.thegranddelmar.com  or call 855-314-2030.

Shake or stir things up with the resort’s Love on the Rocks package. The package includes a mixology class where guests can learn how to make seductive drinks paired with tempting hors d’oeuvres.

Afterwards, enjoy time with that special someone lounging in a luxurious guestroom adorned with assorted cocktail truffles and berry-infused champagne refreshments.

The package is available Feb. 9, 2012 with rates starting at $465 per night, plus tax. Book online at www.thegranddelmar.com  or call 855-314-2030.

With a seaside location perfect for relaxation, romance and recreation, the beautiful and historic Hotel del Coronado offers guests a Night of Romance package including a dozen roses, champagne, strawberries, breakfast for two overlooking the Pacific Ocean and complimentary valet parking.

Rates start at $460 per night, plus tax, and are valid through Dec. 31, 2012, based upon availability.

Book online at www.hoteldel.com  or call 1-800-468-3533.

Continue reading Fall in Love with San Diego’s Valentine Escapes…

While snow is just beginning to fall again in Lake Tahoe I wanted to share a great deal from Constellation Residences at Northstar to share as a last minute ski getaway.

Constellation Residences are luxurious residences with the only ski-in, ski-out mid-mountain access in Tahoe with all the amenities of the adjacent Ritz-Carlton Hotel at your fingertips, but in the comfort of a home.

Value Package – “4 Feet and Counting”

• Available to February 16th, 2012 including weekends.
• Two night minimum stay
• 20% discount
• Pricing:
o 2 Bedroom- $599/night
o 3 Bedroom- $799/night
o 4 Bedroom- $999/night

About Constellation Residences at Northstar

• Constellation Residences at Northstar is a new whole ownership real estate offering located adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Resort at Northstar.

• Constellation Residences at Northstar currently has 17 mid-mountain, gravity ski-in/ski-out whole ownership residences available for sale.

• The luxuriously appointed, fully-furnished two-, three- and four-bedroom mountain residences were built by The Ritz-Carlton Development Company, Inc. in 2009 and are now available for the first time since their completion as vacation rental, or for sale as fully owned, private residences.

• Constellation Residences at Northstar provides an ideal four-season, turn-key vacation home experience in one of the most sought-after destinations in the country.

• Constellation Residences at Northstar residences feature ski-in/ski-out access to 3,100 acres of skiing at Northstar California, mountain valet and ski concierge, access to the amenities at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Resort including Manzanita, the resort’s signature restaurant, a 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center, mountain-side heated swimming pool and hot tubs and access to the Village at Northstar via a direct-access gondola.

• The 17 residences are ideal for those seeking family friendly amenities with an unmatched mid-mountain location with ski-in/ski-out access, fully-appointed kitchens, access to the award winning Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe kid’s club and easy access to the famed Northstar Village, which offers outdoor shopping with a mix of dining, specialty boutiques and a two-screen movie theater all centered around a year-round skating rink.

The London West Hollywood treats guests to some romance

From London with Love

Create your own James Bond style affair, with a romantic getaway to the Hollywood Hills. Play the part of dashing Casanova or beguiling seductress, with luxe amenities and lavish indulgences available with the From London with Love package.

British sophistication combined with classic Hollywood style results in the perfect dreamy couples retreat.

Enjoy a well appointed suite, complete with luxurious amenities, decadent treats and the ultimate in relaxation at the nearby Carasoin Spa.

Package includes:

Spacious accommodations within a London Suite
Welcome amenity of sparkling wine and Gordon Ramsay specialty chocolates

Two one-hour spa treatments at the Carasoin Spa

Complimentary breakfast at the Boxwood Cafe Breakfast Table

Complimentary overnight parking for one vehicle

Complimentary 2 pm late checkout

Rates start from $499/night

About The London West Hollywood:

Just steps from the legendary Sunset Strip, The London West Hollywood is a fusion of both its namesake cities – smart, modern and evoking the utmost style. Distinctively imagined for LA, interiors are designed by the renowned David Collins Studio, dining by acclaimed chef Gordon Ramsay and bath environments by posh purveyor

Waterworks. Highlights include incredibly spacious guest suites with private terraces, a panoramic rooftop pool deck, Alex Roldan Salon, offering hairstyling, nail and makeup, bistro style Boxwood Café, and Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood restaurant, awarded a Michelin Star rating. For more information call (866) 282-4560 or visit www.TheLondonWestHollywood.com