Targeting Americans who plan to stay close to home this year, Funjet Vacations launched a sale on packages for American cities called the Funjet America Land of the Free Sale. The sale applies to bookings made through Feb. 23 for travel through Sept. 28. Sale prices apply to packages for American cities such as Las Vegas, Orlando and New Orleans.

Special deals include free nights, kids stay free offers, reduced rates, free room upgrades and car rental discounts.

Funjet is putting its suite of marketing tools in service to help travel agents market the sale, including its Easy Emailer tool, which allows agents to pull sale pricing by origin, and turn-key ePostcards that can be emailed to clients.

With some hotels, agents can earn 2 percent bonus commission on the hotel portion of the reservation.

Funjet Vacations is the flagship brand of the family-owned Mark Travel Corporation offering vacation packages with more than 20 air carriers, 300 origins, 26,000 hotels and 900 destinations, including Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, U.S. cities, Europe, Asia and Central America.

Auberge Adventures were inspired by the culture, natural environment and history of each Auberge property.

Programs range from culinary experiences to fitness and cultural explorations. Created exclusively for Auberge guests, many of the programs are led by local experts and leaders in their field. Auberge Adventures programs last from two hours to one full day, depending on the experience. Prices vary, and some activities are complimentary to guests, while others range up to $2,000 per person. All programs can be arranged directly through the concierges at each Auberge resort.

For more information, please click here.

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.

For even more romance, guests can add on the Del’s That’s S’moré package featuring a side-by-side 50-minute Swedish massage in the couples spa suite, followed by a private bonfire on the beach. Sparks are sure to ignite as couples feed each other complimentary s’mores while sipping champagne.

The package is available to hotel guests only, valid through Dec. 31, 2012 with rates starting at $445, plus gratuity.

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

Coronado’s charming Spanish-style El Cordova Hotel offers the Marriage Has Its Benefits package.

For every year of marriage, the hotel will match that number in percent off its nightly rate. For example, guests married for 20 years will receive 20 percent off any one-bedroom, two-bedroom or Casa Grande Suite.

Couples who present their wedding photo at check-in will also receive a chocolate gift upon arrival.

Suite rates start at $160 per night, plus tax, and must be booked by Feb. 29, 2012 for stays through May 25, 2012.

This package may only be booked by calling 800-229-2032. For more information, visit www.elcordovahotel.com

Lovebirds can fly to the height of luxury with offerings from the Paradise Point Resort & Spa. The Romance in Paradise package begins with a welcome glass of champagne as guests settle in to a 1,600-square-foot presidential suite located just steps from the sand and bay.

The package includes a private “Chemistry in the Kitchen” four-course dinner, a sunset sail on a 22-foot Catalina sailboat with champagne, and a bonfire on the beach complete with s’mores and brandy delivered by a personal butler. For even more indulgence, the package also includes rose petal turndown service, side-by-side Balinese massages on the suite’s secluded open-air patio and exclusive use of an executive golf cart for explorations of the 44-acre Vacation Island. Rates start at $4,199, plus tax, and are valid through Dec. 31, 2012, based upon availability. To book, contact dflower@destinationhotels.com  or call 800-344-2626.

Sweethearts seeking an urban retreat can frolic around San Diego’s historic downtown with the Downtown Date Night package from the Westin Gaslamp Quarter.

Placing an emphasis on enjoyment of the arts, the package includes two tickets to the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art where more than 4,000 modern works can be viewed.

Later, the culture of the famous Gaslamp Quarter can be absorbed by exploring its restaurants, shops, theatres and Victorian-era buildings.

When couples are ready to kick back, they can settle into a newly designed guest room featuring soothing color palettes and striking city or bay views.

The hotel also offers a 4 p.m. late check-out so couples can relax and sleep in. Rates start at $199 per night, plus tax, and are valid Feb. 8-18, 2012. Book online at www.westin.com/sandiego  or call 619-692-2717.

The Omni San Diego Hotel in downtown’s East Village hosts a Beer & Chocolate Valentine’s Ball on Feb.14, 2012, presented in partnership with San Diego’s award-winning Karl Strauss Brewery and Chuao Chocolatier.

Guests are invited to gather in their most festive attire for beer and chocolate pairings while enjoying a display of paintings and fine art works. Tickets are $20 per person; call 619-645-6524 for more information.

After the night’s festivities, guests can head upstairs and continue the romance with the Omni San Diego Hotel’s Ooh Là Là Romance package including deluxe room accommodations, romantic turndown service, sparkling wine, petit fours, French macaroons and breakfast for two available in the hotel’s restaurant or through room service. Rates start at $298 per night, plus tax, and are valid through Dec. 31, 2012. Book online at www.omnihotels.com  or call 800-843-6664.

Adventure and Allure

For those seeking fun and unique activities to enjoy with their beloved this Valentine’s Day, San Diego offers these exciting packages sure to stimulate the senses and inspire unforgettable moments.

Lovers can drift away together with the Love Above All Package offered by South Coast Winery Resort & Spa located in nearby Temecula, southern California’s wine country.

The package includes a weekend stay in a deluxe luxury villa decorated with rose petals, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the lush vineyards of Temecula Valley, chocolate covered strawberries, a mimosa breakfast for two, a bottle of South Coast Wine plus six tasting tickets to the South Coast Winery Tasting Room.

Rates start at $549, plus tax, and are valid through Feb. 29, 2012 Sunday through Thursday.

Book online at www.wineresort.com  or call 866-994-6379.

The Pantai Inn, a new Indonesian-themed luxury hotel nestled along La Jolla’s picturesque coastline, offers a Picnic by the Park package where guests can enjoy the seaside air and panoramic views of the shore from and ocean view suite while delighting in a three-course picnic basket complete with signature gourmet sandwiches, decadent desserts and a cozy blanket.

Rates start at $299 per night, plus tax, and are valid May 31, 2012. Book online at www.pantaiinn.com  or call 858-224-7600.

Guests can bring out their wild sides with a stay at White Oak Ranch in Alpine, a property of the Lions Tigers and Bears Big Cat Rescue, which serves as a sanctuary facility and life-long haven for many exotic cats such as lions, tigers, leopards and bobcats. The inn offers a one-night stay in a safari-themed room with champagne and continental breakfast, and for every stay, a donation is made in the guest’s name to Lions Tigers and Bears. Rates start at $425 per night, plus tax, and are valid through Feb. 29, 2012, subject to availability.

Book online at www.whiteoakwildnights.com  or call 619-445-0997.

Lovers need not travel to Italy to experience a spa treatment with the magic of Venice. Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers the Voga Voyage, a unique spa experience that is enjoyed while cruising in an authentic 33-foot Venetian gondola equipped with two professional massage beds. After departing from the resort’s private marina, couples enjoy a soothing sunscreen application and relaxing 40-minute massage amidst cool sea breezes and the gentle lull of Coronado’s canals and waterways. Complimentary champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries are enjoyed during the final 10 minutes of the scenic and unforgettable cruise. The rate is $400 per couple.

Book online at www.loewshotels.com/Coronado-Bay-Resort  or call 619-424-4000.

Active couples can delight in a Couples Golf Clinic & Wine Tasting from The Grand Golf Club at the Grand Del Mar Resort. Couples can master their skills with a 75-minute golf clinic including full swing and short game instruction, then delight their palettes with a delicious wine and cheese tasting. The package is available Feb. 4, 2012 and Feb. 11, 2012 from 1:00-2:30pm. The rate is $60 per couple. Clinic participants are also invited to play nine holes on the resort’s private Tom Fazio-designed course for an additional $95 per person. Reservations can be booked by calling 858-314-1930.

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Web site at www.sandiego.org  or call 619-236-1212.

In San Diego, visit the International Visitor Information Center, located at 1140 North Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego near the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal; the La Jolla Visitor Center, located at the corner of Herschel Avenue and Prospect Street in La Jolla, or the California Welcome Center, located at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine.

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.

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

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 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.

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.