Luxury Travel

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

 Due to strong demand, luxury specialist Crystal Cruises has expanded its 2010 European cruise collection to include two Black Sea voyages this summer.  The two new itineraries feature a maiden visit to Sevastopol, Ukraine, as well as calls in Greece, Italy, Bulgaria and Turkey.  Steeped in artistic, military and architectural history, the 12-day cruises sail from Venice to Istanbul on July 19 and August 24 aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity.

Beginning with overnight stays in Venice, the itineraries visit Katakolon (birthplace of the Olympics) and Navplion, Greece; Nesebur, Bulgaria; Yalta, Sevastopol and Odessa, Ukraine; and conclude with an overnight stay in Istanbul, Turkey.  Other highlights include the sail from Venice, the cruise through the Dardanelles and the Bosporus Straits.

Distinguished speakers on world affairs, architecture, science and culture add rich dimension to the voyages,  including Newsweek's Chief Political Correspondent, Senior Editor and Deputy Washington Bureau Chief, Howard Fineman;  Dr. David Davenport, Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and former president of Pepperdine University; and Dr. Bulent Atalay, a compelling expert on art, archaeology and the sciences.

Two-for-one cruise fares start at $6,470 per person, and include $1,000 per person 'All Inclusive – As You Wish' shipboard credits.  Free air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways – Business Class air for Penthouse guests – is also included.

Crystal Cruises is the winner of the hospitality industry's most coveted awards, including being voted World's Best Large Cruise Line by the readers of Travel + Leisure (for 14 consecutive years), Best Large-Ship Cruise Line by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine (for 16 years), and Crystal Serenity is the highest rated large ship in the latter magazine's February 2010 issue.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Egypt: Jewels Along the Nile 12 days from $4,900 per person double plus on-tour air Luxor ~ Edfu ~ Nile Cruise ~ Aswan ~ Abu Simbel ~ Cairo ~ Giza ~ Memphis

Watching the sun set over the Nile on a felucca cocktail cruise Riding on a camel at the Pyramids and in a horse-drawn carriage to the Luxor Temple complex Experiencing a spectacular sound and light show at the Pyramids and Sphinx Discovering Egyptian antiquities like the Valleys of the Kings and Queens with an expert Egyptologist Tauck Exclusive – exploring the inside of an ancient mastaba tomb during a visit to Sakkara, the location of the Step Pyramid of Djoser Picking up some cooking tips during a demonstration and galley tour on a 4-night Nile cruise aboard the Nile Adventurer Learning about present-day Egypt during a lecture by a professor of modern Egyptian history

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Think Maldives, just 340 miles southwest of Sri Lanka, to experience limited-edition Japanese sake, celestial sightings while sipping champagne, deep-tissue Balinese massages and signature orchard table settings.

Hailed as one of the world's most luxurious getaways, the Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa is perched on two private islands surrounded by a royal-blue lagoon and vibrant coral reef. Guests can choose from luxurious over-water villas, new exotic beach villas with private plunge pools and secluded gardens or fabulous new spa suites, over-water villas with private spa treatment rooms. Seven world class restaurants offer exciting dining options from organic spa cuisine served over-water to the fusion menu of Ithae, an underwater dining from 16 feet below the wavers with 30 degree views of a pristine coral reef.

Prices range from $700 per night during low season and $1,066 per night in high season. Rates include breakfast daily and private airport transfers.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

An incomparable voyage awaits those who cruise on one of Oceania Cruises' intimate mide-size ships, which sail to more than 180 ports worldwide, to such alluring destinations as Europe, South America, Asia Australia and the Caribbean. Along with tantalizing itineraries, Oceanis Cruises continues to receive rave reviews for its five-star cuisine, country club ambiance and impeccable service. These points of distinction combine to make Oceania Cruises the best value in luxury cruising.

Knowing the value of extra time ashore, Oceania Cruises has created a collection of exciting itineraries that allow for a generous number of overnight stays in enticing locations. With more time to immerse yourself in the world's most intriguing destinations, you can sample regional cuisine, delve into their rich histories and experience the local customs. In. fact, freedom of choice imbues every aspect of their cruises. Free from the need to wear tuxedos or evening gowns, you can flourish and enjoy life on your terms, exactly as you please.

After a rewarding day ashore, the time you spend onboard is equally gratifying as you interact with fellow guests in a relaxed and unpretentious atoomsphere. The camaraderie that you will experience will make you feel you are part of an extended family. The ship evokes the atmosphere. The camaraderie that you will experience will make you feel you are part of an extended family. The ship evokes the atmosphere of an exclusive British club with dark polished woods, leather paneled walls, trompe l'oeil ceilings and oriental rugs. Other touches of luxe include marble fireplaces and a martini bar, and the interior design is reminiscent of ocean liners of the 1920s and 30s when cruising was reserved for the privileged few.

While every aspect of the Oceania Cruises experience is study in gracious understatement, its passion for serving the finest cuisine at sea is anything but. Master chef Jacques Pepin, Excutive Culinary Director, devotes his genius for culinary wizardry to cuisine that earns rave reviews time and again. The ingredients for elcellence are ever-present as the chefs carefully and thoughtfully prepare each dish a la minute, just as you would expect in the finest of restaurants. Menus artfully reflect the regions where the ships sail, enhancing the experience, adding authenticity and ensuring in the four distinctly different gourmet restaurants.

Did you know Oceania has a new ship coming out in 2010 called the Marina? Click here for more details.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Want a spa vacation before or after a visit to the Grand Canyon?

Enjoy the retreat of a casita with striking design and spectacular views. Or spread out in a private home from the Mountainside Estates at Sanctuary. Culinary pleasures include elevated mixology at edge, classic cocktails at jade bar, and award-winning fare by Iron Chef America winner Beau MacMillan in elements restaurant. Rejuvenate at Sanctuary Spa with signature experiences and Asian-inspired treatments in an indoor-outdoor environment. Explore the surrounding area by hiking and biking on the resort's namesake mountain. There are other temptations as well: championship golf and Scottsdale's finest shopping, dining, and entertainment are just minutes away.

Atlas Amenities:

• One complimentary 30-minute Sanctuary Spa treatment OR 50% off one 60-minute treatment per room, per stay
• Upgraded room at check-in when available
• Early check-in & late check-out when available

To commemorate the Ensemble/Sanctuary partnership, you can stay two nights and get a third night free! Offers ends May 16, 2009. Some restrictions may apply, please call for details.