Archive of Becky Lamb Travel eNewsletters
If you would like to be added to our eNewsletter list, just click here to drop us a line and provide your email address. Written by BLT owner and world traveler Becky Lamb, you'll receive the latest news every couple of weeks on the very best travel spots.
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November 2, 2010
Becky Lamb Travel eNewsletter
The weather is beginning to change, the leaves are falling, and it's time to start planning that winter vacation you know you are going to want, come January. Here are some suggestions and news from the travel world!
Caribbean News
Rosewood Hotels and Resorts makes their debut in Bermuda!
Hey all you Bermuda lovers...this is big news! Rosewood, that fabulous luxury chain, has taken over Tucker's Point Hotel and Spa. This marks Rosewoods debut into
Bermuda, so you can expect some really great Grand Opening specials from them.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts re-opens the 196 room Four Seasons Nevis. One of the most beautiful Caribbean resorts on a beach that will take your breath away,
the Four Seasons Nevis has been closed for two years due to damage from Hurricane Omar in October 2008. Opening on December 15, 2010, this hotel is poised to
regain its stature as one of the most sought after vacation spots in the Caribbean. I also expect some excellent specials to be associated with this re-opening. If you go, remind me to tell you how to get a “Bee Sting” at the beach bar next door!
The St. Regis Hotel company makes its Caribbean debut in Puerto Rico! The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort opens November 4 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, 30 minutes east of San Juan. Again, a beautiful luxury property that will be offering the few lucky first visitors some really great rates.
And speaking of Puerto Rico, don't forget about the W Retreat and Spa on Vieques Island. Just a quick boat ride from San Juan, this is a land of magnificent beaches and a very hip hotel that I'm looking forward to visiting very soon. Great reviews so far.
Mexico News
A couple of exciting developments, one in Cancun and one in Los Cabos...
Le Blanc Spa Resort (all inclusive) in Cancun wins the Five Diamond Award! I must admit, this property blew me away when I visited! Ultra sleek lobby and guestrooms, a gorgeous pool with spectacular view of the super blue ocean, and an incredible spa. Add to that the truly beautiful food presentation (and it tasted great too!).
Stay now through December 23, 2010 and get 20% off the regular rates. But even better, get $750 Vacation Dollars for “indulgences!” Stay 5 nights or more and receive $1500 Vacation Dollars to use on decadent spa treatments, delicious wine upgrades, private dinners, off-site excursions, and more.
Another show stopper hotel is The One and Only Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This resort sits on the Pacific coast of Mexico, perched on the edge of a vast desert that runs right up to the sea. Golf is a specialty, and of course you can expect a wonderful spa experience, beautiful pools and the best in food and service.
Book three consecutive nights and get 30% off your stay, plus roundtrip airport transfers, a welcome Tequila amenity, daily complimentary fruit, and complimentary expresso and tea service in the room. Palmilla, set on a soft sandy beach on the idyllic Baja coast!
Cruise news
The first new DISNEY ship floated out of dry dock this week. The DISNEY DREAM is scheduled to sail its maiden voyage in late January 2011.
Cruise industry first on the Dream? A “water coaster” that careens around the top deck, and “virtual portholes” that give interior cabins a view to the outside!
PRINCESS CRUISES is still offering the Summer Balcony Upgrades from just $199. on 2011 Europe cruises! This offer will end on November 30, 2010.
Now is NOT too early to call us about your summer European cruise. This is a GREAT way to see Europe without the hassle of packing and unpacking and dealing with all of the various forms of transportation.
STARBUCKS debuts its first outpost AT SEA! The 5400 passenger (yes you read that correctly) Royal Caribbean ALLURE OF THE SEAS will have a Starbucks on board offering up all of your favorites.
October 20, 2010
Becky Lamb Travel eNewsletter
JUST BACK FROM MY FIRST FALL TRIP TO ITALY
I was fortunate enough to have nine nights on the Crystal Serenity, which sailed out of Venice, all the way around the boot of Italy, to arrive in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
If someone had wanted to see as much of Italy as possible in 9 days in very fine style, this was the way to do it. A person on this trip could have seen Venice, Florence, Rome, Cinque Terre, and the Amalfi Coast, and get Dubrovnik, Croatia and Monte Carlo, Monaco thrown in for good measure! It was truly an amazing trip. { Be sure to see our photos in our website journal. }
I learned so much more about Italy. It's a country that just continues to amaze me, with it's vistas, food and incredibly wonderful people. I would love to share it with you!
Here are some great Fall travel opportunities...
COSTA RICA FISHING OPPORTUNITY
Beautiful Ocotal Resort, on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica offers this wonderful fishing trip that can be added to any Costa Rican itinerary...
> Full day of fishing with TWO ROOMS for ONE night
> FOUR anglers per boat/ two per room
> Full breakfast each day
> $879.00 total for the foursome
> 10/1/10 through 11/30/10 are the dates of the promotion
Four star Ocotal Resort is known for having some of the best ocean views from its rooms. Expect great scuba diving as well!
TELLURIDE SKI PROMOTION
Capella Telluride has a great ski package available...the Skier's Escape Package!
> FOUR nights accommodations in their gorgeous hotel/condo facility
> 4th night is free
> Full Breakfast for two each day
> TWO day lift ticket
> $100 spa credit per bedroom
> From $1395.00
Telluride, Colorado has NO lift lines. Capella is SKI-IN, SKI-OUT on the mountain. They offer a ski valet service, so you can leave your skis and boots at the door — no hauling the heavy equipment! The property is walking distance to the free gondola which takes guests to the base town of Telluride for restaurants, bars, and shops.
Telluride has over 2000 skiable acres, as well as a great ice skating rink!
REGENT CRUISE LINES
One of our favorite smaller ship lines, Regent is offering a wonderful Tropical Escape this winter and into Spring.
Their SEVEN night Western Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale is $3799. per person.
This includes:
> Free roundtrip airfare from most North American cities to Fort Lauderdale
> Free Unlimited Shore Excursions
> Free Ground Transfers
> Free Beverages including fine wines, beer and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and tea served throughout the ship
> Free in-suite mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
> Free 24 hour room service
> Free Pre-Paid gratuities
> All Suite accommodations, 97% with private balconies
> FOUR gourmet restaurants, no upcharges
> Canyon Ranch Spa at Sea
Take advantage of this wonderful offer on cruises January 2011 through April, 2011.
MIRAVAL SPA
Feel like some personal pampering? Miraval, located in Tucson Arizona, is offering the FIFTH night free! This is a limited time offer!
September 21, 2010
Becky Lamb Travel eNewsletter
Small Ship Update
Some of you who have cruised a lot have expressed an interest in trying some new types of cruises: smaller ships. As most of you know, we have relationships with all cruise lines, large and small. From cruising down rivers in Europe, to the waterways of the Western United States, to the oceans around the world, we can take care of your cruise needs. Here are a few updates on some of the smaller cruise ships available to savvy travelers.
THE YACHTS OF SEABOURN
> 70 % off fares until September 27, 2010
> Fares start at $2199. per person, and include all meals, drinks (fine wines poured with lunch and dinner, open bar throughout the ship), and all-suite accommodations.
> December 3, December 10, 2010: $2699 per person for ten nights to the Caribbean, roundtrip, Fort Lauderdale.
> November 13, 2010: $2,299 per person, Greece and Italian Odyssey...Athens to Rome, 9 nights
> January 28, 2011: $2199 per person , Fort Lauderdale to St. Thomas, 7 nights to the Caribbean
AMERICAN SAFARI CRUISES
Their cruises to the Sea of Cortes visit one of the richest marine environments on the planet — with over 6000 animal species. Swim with Sea Lions, watch for whale, and enjoy the pods of dolphins swimming next to your ship. With only about 50 people on each sailing, you can have a “different kind of yacht experience” as you sail to Southeast Alaska, the Sea of Cortes, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Introducing their new sister company, the “un-cruise” adventure cruise company, Inner Sea Discoveries.
Their Land and Sea Adventures in Alaska are truly unique, with their ship's shallow draft and hull design allowing them easy access to Southeast Alaska's wildlife rich shores and inlets. These ships are ideal launching pads for daily adventure excursions, whether by kayak, zodiac, or on foot. Also, for those of you who love to fish, each of the vessels in Alaska come with a fully equipped fishing boat.
Love food and wine? American Safari Cruises offers Wine and Culinary Adventures in the Oregon and Washington state area.
AMERICAN CRUISE LINE
American Cruise Line is happy to announce the arrival of a new Paddlewheeler coming to the Mississippi River in 2012. “Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly” is their motto, and their wonderful and unique itineraries, along with great food and programs, makes this cruise line an American gem.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
On a larger scale, but not HUGE, Disney is introducing its first new ship in years — and it's long overdue. The new DISNEY DREAM will debut in January, and will be a great choice for your family's Spring Break. This 1250 cabin ship will be doing three, four, and five night voyages. A perfect compliment to a stay at the Disney theme parks, or a stand alone getaway.
Be one of the first to jump on board!
Focus on Anguilla
Let's take a quick look at one of the least visited and most beautiful islands in the Caribbean: Anguilla. The destination is for beach lovers. In my opinion, Anguilla has some of the most beautiful water and white sand views you will ever see.
It's an island that is perfect for everyone — families, couples and groups of friends. Add to this the fact that the restaurants on the island are simply amazing, and you have a wonderful vacation combination.
Mallliouhana is great for families and couples. Situated on a bluff with beaches on either side, the tradewinds blow gently as you eat in one of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. Their children's area down on the beach is one of the most comprehensive and well done you'll find, and the rooms and spa are top notch.
Cap Juluca sits on one of the most beautiful, picturesque beaches in the Caribbean. Just having undergone a massive renovation, this hotel is ready to “WOW” you again. Lovely rooms with amazing ocean views, a crescent beach that goes on and on, a golf course that is challenging and beautiful, and restaurants sure to please. All of these will greet you at Cap Juluca.
The Viceroy is the new kid on the block. Very upscale, very minimal, very chic, this hotel is also wonderful for families and for couples. Families will enjoy the multi-bedroom villas scattered throughout the property while couples can enjoy a villa or a Junior Suite with plunge pool. Again, wonderful restaurant, and gorgeous beaches.
These resorts have had great price specials throughout the summer and into fall. Give us a call and we will be happy to find the right fit for you!
Destination Wedding update
Secrets Maroma Beach in Mexico just announced that they will be doing a “Beach Wedding Cam” for all of their Destination Wedding parties. For friends and family that can't make your actual ceremony, or if you just want the ceremony to be the two of you, you can have your friends and family tune in on-line for a remote viewing of your wedding ceremony on the beach! This will be available LIVE or they can “on demand” it for up to 15 days!
We love helping with Destination Weddings. Give contact us to help you plan your special day in Paradise.