Jetsettersblog

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.

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…

The Saguaro Palm Springs, Joie de Vivre’s first property in Palm Springs, is set to open next month.

The three-story structure, originally constructed in 1977, will feature a pool located in a center courtyard and a restaurant by James Beard award-winning Iron Chef Jose Garces, who also oversees food and beverage at The Saguaro Scottsdale. The Saguaro is owned and is being repositioned by The Sydell Group Ltd. Peak season, weekday room rates start at $189 per night. Weekend rates start at $249.

Celebrate the Joy of Dance during a Special Week Offered at Renowned Destination Spa Feb 5-12

ESCONDIDO, Calif. – – Golden Door, North America’s premier destination spa, is offering a special Dance Week hosted by Karina Smirnoff, reigning champion for the hit television show “Dancing with the Stars.” Available during Feb. 8-10, Karina will teach a series of exclusive dance classes for guests. Karina will also talk about her inspirational journey and be available for photos during a special evening presentation.

“I have been a fan of Golden Door for years and I couldn’t be more excited to do my DanceFIT program here!

We’re going to dance, get in shape and have a ton of fun! It’s a perfect FIT for the start of 2012!” says Karina. Beyond being an incredible teacher and world champion, Karina is dedicated to helping people lead healthier lives, and will be sharing her exclusive DanceFIT program and dance moves, designed for all fitness levels (private sessions offered as well for an extra fee).

In addition, a variety of other dance classes will be offered by our skillful staff.

As a form of self-expression and communication, dancing is a powerful emotional and spiritual outlet. As exercise, it provides all the essential components of a complete aerobic workout, improving endurance, balance, strength, flexibility and core stability.
Learn from the best while you enjoy a transformational getaway and practice your favorite dance steps to build strength, burn calories and have fun.

Also included in your week is a customized Golden Door stay of massages, beauty treatments, organic garden-to-plate cuisine, fitness at your level, skin care products, camaraderie, and attentive service in the secluded rolling hills of Northern San Diego.

The original Golden Door Spa, founded by Deborah Szekely in 1958, is home to one of the most innovative, integrative and transformative luxury retreats in the world today. Winner of SpaFinder Reader’s Choice Award in 2011 and Travel & Leisure’s 2011 World’s Best Awards, it is known for customized fitness and wellness programs, 20 miles of private hiking trails, Japanese-inspired architecture, plus a staff-to-guest ratio of 4:1. Golden Door Spa is part of the LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels collection, a dynamic collection of resorts and hotels dedicated to an entirely new definition of luxury.

For information and reservations contact Golden Door Spa (800) 424-0777 or reservations@goldendoor.com.  To book online go to www.goldendoor.com/escondido

Bubbly & Extra Sweet Package, Special Seasonal Spa Treatments, Cocoa Lounge Returns and
Seductive Palm Terrace Valentine’s Menu

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – What better place to whisper sweet nothings than at Island Hotel Newport Beach? And this Valentine’s Day, the acclaimed AAA Five Diamond luxury hotel features a very sweet deal: a special package offering a bit of the bubbly, as well as a visit to the resort’s oh-so popular Cocoa Lounge dessert buffet – offering an array of “to-die-for” chocolate delicacies – now open for a month of romance.

In addition, Island Hotel will offer delicious spa treatments, as well as a special Valentine’s Day menu developed by the resort’s new executive chef David Man and served at Palm Terrace Restaurant & Lounge.

BUBBLY & EXTRA SWEET AT ISLAND HOTEL NEWPORT BEACH

Available February 10 & 11 and 17 & 18 (based on availability).

Pamper the one you love with a romance-filled package, including:

• One-night luxurious accommodations
• One visit to Cocoa Lounge for two for sweet indulgences (closed Sundays)
• Bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne
• Complimentary valet parking for one vehicle

Rate starting from $265. All rates are exclusive of tax and gratuities; subject to availability. For reservations, please call, toll-free, 1-888-321-4752 or reserve online at www.theislandhotel.com .

SWEET SPA TREATMENTS AT ISLAND HOTEL

To book an appointment or arrange to give as a Valentine’s Day gift, please call 949-759-0808.

New Peppermint Chocolate Scrub – Available During January & February

Start 2012 off by treating your skin to a luxurious cleansing, featuring an uplifting, stimulating exfoliation accomplished with a secret mixture of organic sugar scrub, cocoa, peppermint, and lemongrass and coconut-vanilla organic oil.

Price: $90 for 30-minute Scrub; $230 for Scrub followed by 60-minute massage (tax and gratuities not included).

Chocolate Indulgence Experience – Available During February
Be pampered by a 60-minute spa treatment at the award-winning Spa at Island Hotel, followed by a decadent sweet finale at Palm Terrace Restaurant’s Cocoa Lounge. Choice of: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Deep Cleansing Facial, Gentlemen’s Fact Therapy, Aromatherapy Facial, Honey Hibiscus Hydrating Facial, OC Facial Drench, or Organic Carrot Vitamin Facial.

Price: $130.00, including Cocoa Lounge Dessert Buffet (tax and gratuities not included). These 60-minute spa treatments are normally $140, so this is a sweet deal.

COCOA LOUNGE AT ISLAND HOTEL

When: Feb. 3-March 3; 6 to 10 p.m., closed Sundays & Mondays

What: Back by popular demand, Palm Terrace’s Cocoa Lounge Dessert Buffet will be serving up chocolate decadence galore.

Why: Executive Pastry Chef Michael Owens will offer scrumptious creations that include Banana Chocolate Mousse Cake, White Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake, Triple Chocolate Cupcakes, Double Chocolate Fudge S’mores, Manjari Obsession in Chocolate Cups, plus lollipops, peanut caramels, port chocolates and coconut almond bars, and much more – served among displays of chocolate statues and chocolate velour.

Price: $24 per person, tax and gratuities not included.

VALENTINE’S DINNER AT PALM TERRACE RESTAURANT

Fri., Feb. 10; Sat., Feb. 11; Tues., Feb. 14; Fri., Feb. 17; and Sat., Feb. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m.

New executive chef David Man and Palm Terrace’s sous chef Roberto Hernandez have collaborated with pastry chef Michael Owens to create a luscious four-course Valentine’s dinner for food lovers. $95 per person, not including tax and gratuity. For reservations, please call 949-760-4920.

To Start
Chilled Seafood Tower with Tender Greens and Tarragon Dressing

~~~

Goat Cheese and Ash Ravioli, Mushrooms, Parsley Root and Golden Sage Tea Froth

~~~

Sous Vide Lobster with Mushroom Ricotta Gnocchi, Steamed Crones and
Lemon Grass Beurre Blanc
or
Seared New Zealand Lamb Loin with Braised Fennel Arugula-Mint Gelée and Caponata
~~~
Cocoa Lounge For Both
Endless Array of Chocolate Delights

Where: Island Hotel Newport Beach
690 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Toll Free: 866-554-4620
Phone: 949-759-0808
www.IslandHotel.com

Hotel del Coronado Presents Wellness Weekend Series
March 16-18, 2012

Coronado, CA – The Spa at The Del and YogaTrips™ are pleased to present the first in a new series of ‘Be Well at The Del’ weekend retreats on March 16-18, 2012. This revitalizing weekend will be focus on health, wellness and the ancient art of yoga. Guests will be treated to invigorating yoga classes tailored to all skill levels, an ocean-inspired spa treatment, special fitness instruction and spa cuisine over the course of the weekend.

Luciana LoPresto is the nationally-acclaimed founder of YogaTrips™, vacations centered around daily yoga practice to enhance one’s sense of culture and place. With more than twenty years experience teaching yoga, Luciana offers instruction that blends the vigorous Vinyasa style with the precision of Iyengar yoga. She is excited at the prospect of bringing her craft to Coronado’s award-winning beach. In addition to her classes, Luciana will also be on hand throughout the weekend to provide personal yoga consultations.

The ‘Be Well at The Del’ weekend retreat includes:

2 nights accommodations at the legendary Hotel del Coronado

One 50-minute spa treatment at the award-winning Spa at The Del

Welcome reception and elixir bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Breakfast daily at Sheerwater

Herb garden reception with The Del’s master chefs followed by a garden-inspired lunch

Wine and wellness dinner with enlightening presentations

Two invigorating 90-minute yoga classes on the beach with acclaimed instructor, Luciana LoPresto. Classes will be tailored to all skill levels.

An inspirational Pilates class

Luciana LoPresto will provide personal yoga consultations throughout the weekend

The ‘Be Well at The Del’ two-night package is $735 per person based on double occupancy. Single occupancy pricing available.

Additional 2012 ‘Be Well at The Del’ weekend retreats include June 1-3 and October 19-21 (itinerary participants subject to change).

For reservations, please visit www.hoteldel.com/wellness  or call 800-HOTEL DEL.

About Spa at The Del:

Spa at The Del, named one of the “top 20 hotel spas in the world” by Travel + Leisure, offers a variety of luxurious, ocean-inspired treatments, including massages, wraps and facials. The spacious spa includes 21 treatment rooms, sanctuary areas, hydrotherapy tubs and steam rooms. A private terrace and vanishing-edge pool overlooking the magnificent Pacific offers the ultimate therapeutic retreat. Salon at The Del features hair, nails and make-up artistry. The wellness-based approach to salon services reflects the beauty and grandeur of the seaside resort, offering the Pacific Ocean’s tranquil sanctuary with a touch of Victorian elegance.

The Hotel Palomar San Diego, a Kimpton Hotel, has launched an interactive mobile scavenger hunt on its Facebook page.

The Scavenger Hunt with Friends kicks off on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. and lasts for 72 hours.

Using the iPhone and Android mobile application, the hotel will send guests and locals on a city-wide hunt, seeking locales like cultural landmarks, famous eats and hidden hot spots.

The free mobile application will allow participants to hunt on their own timeframe.

Instead of physically collecting items, participants will upload photos of the locales.

To participate, download the “Scavenger Hunt with Friends” app to a mobile device (available now); open the application and create a username and password; and tap on the Hotel Palomar San Diego hunt listed at the top of the screen to join the hunt. To win, contestants must complete the hunt and upload photos to fit the clues; photo creativity and originality will serve as tiebreaker if necessary.

The winner will receive a two-night stay for four guests in a Hotel Palomar San Diego penthouse suite, dinner for four at Saltbox Dining and Drinking, four 60-minute spa treatments at Sè Spa, and an Apple iPad 2.

Everyone who completes all 20 locations will receive a treat from Hotel Palomar the night of the awards ceremony on Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. at the hotel’s pool deck lounge.

The Retreat in Laguna, which features eight Tuscan-style villas steps from the sand, has opened in Laguna Beach, Calif.

Formerly the Ocean Front Cottages, the property pays homage to Laguna artists. In 2012, works on display will include paintings by Wyland, who is renowned for his whale art.

Current owner Lloyd Charton, a naturalist, motivational speaker, and health and wellness expert, transformed the property after buying it.

All villas, which range from 650 to 750 square feet, offer one bedroom and either a queen-size futon or a sleeper sofa.

Each non-smoking villa is custom designed and includes amenities like granite or marble countertops, luxury kitchen appliances, bath amenities, fireplaces, ocean views and barbeques.

Amenities and services include Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, onsite laundry facilities, access to the Laguna Health Club, and concierge service.

Villa rates start at $729 for a three-night stay for up to four people. Through April 30, guests save up to $527 with four deals, including a fourth-night-free offer; a Foodies package, offering a $50 restaurant certificate for each night of the stay; a Namaste package, which includes a private sunrise and sunset yoga session daily; and a Laguna is for Lovers package, featuring flowers, champagne and an in-villa massage.

In addition, guests can receive up to 10 percent of their stay in complimentary or discounted services, including dining at local restaurants, private yoga and massage services, and dolphin and whale watching tours.

For reservations or more information, call 877-999-2928.

Resort to offer a year full of “golden” opportunities throughout 2012 to all guests

SAN DIEGO . . . .

The Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa is celebrating a historic milestone this year and in honor of its 50th Anniversary, the award-winning resort will be launching a myriad of special packages, promotions and events for guests and locals throughout the entire year.

Many native San Diegans recall the property’s colorful past dating back to July 20, 1962 , when the resort opened as Del Webb’s OceanHouse where 3,000 of Southern California’s elite gathered to celebrate the new “Hawaii on the Mainland” as the property was fondly called.

During the 1970′s and into the early 1990′s, others recollect the hotel’s chic Cargo Bar, considered one of San Diego’s hippest hot spots for singles.

During Super Bowl XXII, the property turned into a celebrity playground when Barron Hilton personally hosted an exclusive private party for the San Diego Chargers that included a star studded VIP list of players, socialites and city dignitaries.

To top it off, and only in “Hilton” style, Barron Hilton arrived to the party via helicopter, landing on a specially designated landing pad on property.

Five decades and a myriad of name changes and renovations later, this golden anniversary also provides the platform for the 357-room Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa to not only celebrate the positives from the past but to recognize the tremendous strides and progress moving forward. The property is on the heels of completing a $1.1 million renovation that includes expanding its high-speed wireless Internet service throughout the property as well as upgraded 42″ HD televisions in all guestrooms.

In addition, the property will unveil its new conference center that will match the contemporary architecture and design of the property’s Mediterranean ambience.

According to General Manager Gregg Fracassa, the resort will be offering a variety of 50th Anniversary celebratory packages and promotions, including its 50th Anniversary Package which provides a $50 resort credit with a minimum two-night stay to be used in Acqua Restaurant, Olive Lounge, Aroma Coffee House, Spa Brezza and toward bike rentals and water sports. Additional promotions throughout the year will include resort credits, savings at Spa Brezza, a specially designed prix fixe 50th Anniversary menu at Acqua, and daily specials resort-wide. The resort’s signature coffee shop, Aroma will also be offering coffee at 1962 prices on select days that will be announced via social media outlets.

“This is our way of giving back to our guests and the local community for the continued support they’ve unequivocally shown over the years,” said Fracassa. “Fifty years later, our guests have an even larger selection as to where they choose to vacation, host their weddings or plan their conferences.

It’s our mission to continue building upon our successes, listening to and meeting our guest’s needs and exceeding their expectations for the next 50 years.”

For reservations or information, visit www.sandiegohilton.com  or call toll free, 619-276-4010.

Follow the resort on Twitter at @SanDiegoHilton or become a fan on Facebook by liking Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa.

*To be eligible for the $50 resort credit, the 50th Anniversary package must be booked three days prior to arrival.

The package provides a $50 resort credit with a two night minimum stay and an additional $25 resort credit per night thereafter. The daily resort credit can be used in any of the property outlets but cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discounts. Cannot be exchanged for cash. Offer is valid through 12/31/12.

ABOUT THE HILTON SAN DIEGO RESORT & SPA

Not considered a typical “Hilton” property, the 357-room, award-winning Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa is nestled on 18 lushly landscaped acres and is one of only three destination resort spas on famed Mission Bay. The resort features its signature Acqua restaurant overlooking the bay and pool, the hip Olive Lounge, Aroma coffee bar and Fresco’s, the popular poolside bar and grill. In addition, the property boasts 25,200 square feet of meeting and event space, a multitude of outdoor banquet venues, its own private dock with an array of water sports and recreational activities, a full service spa and fitness center, and five championship tennis courts.

The property is located within minutes of San Diego’s most popular parks and attractions. The Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa is located at 1775 E. Mission Bay, San Diego, California, 92109. For further information or reservations, call (619) 276-4010 or visit www.sandiegohilton.com

Los Angeles | San Diego — In a grand welcome to the New Year, Southern California’s top theme parks are busy putting the finishing touches on new rides, shows and mega-attractions that promise to make spring and summer 2012 more exciting than ever.

And making any Golden State getaway more enjoyable — not to mention affordable — is the Southern California CityPASS, which shaves 26 percent off the cost of visiting Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park (each Southern California CityPASS includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper ticket), as well as one-day admissions to Universal Studios Hollywood and SeaWorld San Diego.

A 2012 adult Southern California CityPASS sells for $279 (a value of $376.90), shaving 26 percent off combined admission to the participating attractions. 2012 children’s passes (ages 3-9) retail for $239 (a value of $344.90)*.

*Note: Through an exclusive offer on CityPASS.com, travelers can opt to add a discounted admission ticket to the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to their Southern California CityPASS — still saving 26 percent. This option increases the cost of Southern California CityPASS to $311 for adults, $263 for children age 3-9.

The Disneyland Resort

In one of the biggest theme park expansion projects ever undertaken, the Disneyland Resort is pumping $1.4 billion into the transformation and expansion of Disney California Adventure Park. The project, slated for completion in summer 2012, will add an entirely new land — Cars Land. This 12-acre section of the park, based on the movie Cars, features three new attractions: Luigi’s Flying Tires, a spinning, bumper car-style ride; Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree; and the thrilling Radiator Springs Racers, a ride that includes lots of fun encounters with many of the Cars’ characters and ends with an electrifying race to the finish line.

These new additions will join several new attractions that came online last summer. On June 3, 2011, Disney unveiled both The Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Undersea Adventure (a fresh addition to the Disney California Adventure Park) and the newly revamped, 3-D-enhanced Star Tours — The Adventures Continue ride in Disneyland. Once aboard Star Tours, guests climb into a Starspeeder 3000 piloted by C-3PO. The gold-plated droid whisks his passengers away on an adventure whose time line takes place between the first and second Star Wars trilogies.

With so much to do and see in both parks, the 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket is a must-have vacation accessory, allowing visitors to hop back and forth between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on all three days.

Universal Studios Hollywood

In the Transformers movies, the Earth’s population finds itself caught in the middle of an intergalactic power struggle between two groups of alien robots — the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, both of which have the power to physically convert from such common mechanical devices as cars, trucks and planes into robotic warriors.

Come spring 2012, Universal Studios Hollywood will unveil a thrilling conversion of its own: the transformation of this riveting film franchise into a white-knuckle motion-thrill ride that will drop fans smack-dab into the middle of the action.

Transformers: The Ride — 3D will feature seamless integration of CGI and robotics, as well as one of the most elaborate roaming flight simulator ride systems ever designed. The ambitious mega-attraction tells an original story, developed in collaboration with Michael Bay, the director of all three Transformers movies. The ride’s pioneering, photo-realistic, 3-D effects are being created by Industrial Light & Magic, the Oscar-winning special-effects force behind such acclaimed films as Avatar, Iron Man and Star Wars.

That’s an impressive pedigree, but Universal hasn’t stopped there. Borrowing a page from Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the signature attraction at Universal Orlando Resort’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the ride’s designers have stretched the guest experience far beyond the actual ride by incorporating 20-30 minutes of dynamic storytelling into the queuing line.

SeaWorld San Diego

At SeaWorld San Diego, CityPASS users present their passes at the turnstile, bypassing the main-entrance ticket line. This faster entry leaves Southern California CityPASS travelers with more time to enjoy SeaWorld’s shows, including One Ocean, which debuted Memorial Day weekend 2011. This new killer whale show features remarkable whale behaviors, including high-energy leaps and multiple whales performing simultaneously. Giant fountains, lights and a rousing music score add to the program’s flair.

And coming spring 2012 is Manta, a new launch coaster that seamlessly transitions riders from the awe of watching manta rays in underwater flight into the sensation of actually being one. Shaped like a giant manta ray, this exhilarating coaster includes such elements as a 100,000-gallon aquarium and an outdoor ray pool.

Southern California CityPASS can be purchased online at CityPASS.com or at any of the CityPASS attractions.

It is valid for 14 consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use.

For 15 years, CityPASS has been the premier product for travelers who want to visit a destination’s top attractions while enjoying significant savings of up to 50 percent. CityPASS, which has a 99 percent customer approval rating, contains prepaid admission to the most popular attractions in 11 North American destinations: New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hollywood, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Southern California.