Inside Scoop
Your Notes to What’s New Around the Globe
Distinguished Hotels Opens The Regency Suites, Budapest
by Lula BrownIn addition to generous amenities, guests can enjoy a full breakfast buffet in the sunlit restaurant, along with free WIFI and access to the hotel’s fully equipped fitness center and sauna. To top it off, the hotel recently opened the Sky Bar, where guests can enjoy an evening cocktail with a panoramic view of the city skyline and the Basilica. In addition, the top floor Madache Imre conference room is available for business meetings of up to 40 people. Budapest, with almost 2 million inhabitants, continues to draw a record number of leisure and business tourists and is home to 2 World Heritage sites.
A Weekend for Literature Lovers on the Caribbean’s Emerald Isle, Montserrat
by Lula BrownWhether you are well-established or an up and coming writer or literary enthusiast, the Alliouagana Festival of the Word in Montserrat is the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge in a magical location. Montserrat is a vibrant, mountainous island in the Eastern Caribbean, known as the Emerald Isle of the region.
From November 12-14, 2010, the island of Montserrat will be holding its second annual literary festival, with the theme being “Discovering New Worlds Through Words.” This three-day event will draw writers and literary figures from all over the world, and include activities such as open-mic sessions, writing workshops, book signings and presentations. Along with the literary events, participants will also have the chance to explore the island itself through hiking, bird watching and observing the Soufriere Hills Volcano.
The grand finale of this three-day extravaganza will be the viewing of “My Little Island,” starring the host of PBS Kids Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton, also known for his writing and acting skills. The program is based around the children’s book by Frane Lessac and depicts life on the island of Montserrat. This supremely relevant presentation is sure to be the highlight of the workshop. The Alliouagana Festival will be a key meeting of the minds and one of the highlights of the year for literary figures and fanatics across the globe.
Pre-Thanksgiving plans made now can yield an unforgettable encounter with nature and connection with body, mind and spirit in the turquoise blue waters of the Sea of Cortez, neaer Loreto, Mexico, on the Baja Peninsula.
For $1095, outdoor enthusiasts can travel with highly regarded Sea Kayak Adventures and TravelSquire’s very own eco-adventure editor, Julie Zimmermann on an incredible 5 day trip to what National Geographic Traveller Magazine named one of the “50 Best Trips of a Lifetime”!
Sea kayaking is a great way to get close and personal with the abundant aquatic life, and even first-timers and city folk will find their naturalist guides superbly helpful in supporting their initiation to these pristine waters, and landscapes rising out of the blue Sea of Cortez. Each day will begin and wind down with Julie’s Kripalu-inspired yoga class, accessible to all.
The Baja Kayak Yoga Tour price includes 2 nites in Loreto, double occupancy, 4 days kayaking, and 3 days camping in Loreto Bay Naitonal Marine Park with motorboat supported naturalist-guides, all meals, and all yoga, a.m. and evening restorative. This trip is not to be missed, and a great way to commune with the purest of eco-destinations in advance of holiday travel stress and exorbitant fares to Mexico. Now’s the time to take advantage of low fares, meet new people, pet a purpoise, and get outdoors!
Alaska Airlines is the American carrier to Loreto, from Los Angeles (LAX), and now’s the time to book your fare, and book your tour with www.seakayakadventures.com…simply give the right password: “Julie Z and Travelsquire sent me” for immediate booking.
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, www.seakayakadventures.com
toll-free 800-616-1943, or 208-765-3116
2009 Recipient of National Geographc Adventure Magazine’s
“Best Travel Companies on Earth”
The Anacaona aims to herald a whole new kind of Caribbean hotel with plans to turn the hotel into the cultural entertainment center of Anguilla. That means nightlife will go beyond the usual with carnival evenings, dinner theater and even lighthearted but informative encounters with local historians and folklorists. Several promotional programs are also planned that make the low rates even more appealing. These will focus on niche experiences including wellness, cooking, adventure, and crafts for couples and small groups plus some especially tailored for solo travelers.
Full details at www.sirenaresort.com or www.anacaonahotel.com after October 15
Aruba Says “No” to Hurricanes and Offers Special Programs During Atlantic Hurricane Season
by Sarah HullAruba Says “No” to Hurricanes and Offers Special Programs During Atlantic Hurricane Season
Need weather reassurance? Aruba has it! While the Caribbean is bracing for the Atlantic hurricane season, which usually occurs from the summer through the end of November, Aruba guarantees a no-hurricane season year after year.
The Holiday Inn Aruba has recently announced that it has reinstated its “Risk-Free SunSpree” hurricane guarantee for the 2010 season. In the pre-vacation stage, guests holding confirmed reservations with nonrefundable deposits who are unable to travel due to hurricane can rebook their reservations without penalty. During the trip, guests who are already on property will be able to receive a certificate valid for a free future stay. For reservations, visit www.caribbeanhi.com/aruba, or call 1-800-HOLIDAY.
The Westin Resort Aruba is offering a “Hurricane Free” escape, starting at $199 per room, per night. Guests are given a $74 credit per room (74 being the minimum wind speed of a Category 1 hurricane) if it rains for more than three hours on any day of the trip. The package breakfast for two at Bon Bini and two welcome drinks per day at the Lobby Bar of Tambu pool bar. The “Hurricane Free” package is valid for stays of four nights or more, now through Nov. 30, 2010. When booking, ask for rate plan WIND74. For more information visit www.westinaruba.com
No need to leave your furry friends behind on your fun-filled vacation. Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel in downtown, Miami, knows the true meaning of being a pet-friendly hotel paying extraordinary attention to every guest’s special sidekick no matter the size, shape or species – and at no extra cost to guests. All guests who check in with pet companions will have the luxury of various pet-friendly services and amenities upon registration including restful accommodations in a luxury guestroom; VIP (Very Important Pet) amenity; pet bowl and pet bed; leash and plastic bags for dog walks; as well as pet sitting, grooming, walking and massages, which can all be arranged with concierge.
Additional information on the hotel and pet-friendly amenities can be found at http://www.epichotel.com/hotel-accommodations/miami-pet-friendly-hotel.html
Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef 2010 Offers Tempting, Food Lover’s Travel Package
by Sarah HullFood & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef 2010 Offers Tempting, Food Lover’s Travel Package
Chilhowie, VIRGINIA – Entering the kitchen of an acclaimed chef is the stuff that culinary dreams are made of. To celebrate executive chef John B. Shields’ 2010 Best New Chef award from Food & Wine magazine, Shields’ Town House restaurant is inviting guests to take front row seats in its venerable kitchen. In addition, the restaurant is partnering with its guest house property, Riverstead, to make a package deal that combines farmhouse comfort, cutting-edge cuisine, and classic Southern hospitality.
The fine print:
· 15-course tasting menu for two at Town House
· Exclusive access inside the Town House kitchen where guests
will work with chefs as they prepare the evening’s dinner
· Area farmers’ guide
· Accommodations for one night at Riverstead
· Transportation to/from Town House and Riverstead
· Use of Riverstead’s luxury farm kitchen complete with snacks and breakfast
items prepared by the Town House chefs
Package starts at $550 per night based on double occupancy for Tuesday-Saturday night stays through July 31, 2010.
For more information and to book your dinner or stay, please call 276-646-8787 or go to www.townhouseva.com
Swiss International Air Lines Announces Direct Service between San Francisco and Zurich
by Sarah HullSan Francisco, CALIFORNIA – Two of the world’s coolest cities are now linked by a fabulous ride.
Beginning June 2, 2010 Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. will offer non-stop service from San Francisco to Zurich via a fleet of Airbus 340s.
The new long-haul service between San Francisco and Zurich will run six times a week, offering Bay Area passengers the opportunity to enjoy Swiss hospitality and feel right at home when flying to Switzerland and beyond to any of its 76 worldwide destinations.
For more information about Swiss, click onto www.swiss.com, call 1-877-FLY SWISS or contact your local travel agent.
Bucuti Beach Resort to Enhance Romance with Resort-Wide Adults-Only Policy
by Sarah HullAruba’s top resort for couples expands current Tara Suites adults-only policy to include Bucuti Wing
Eagle Beach, ARUBA – Bucuti Beach Resort, long Aruba’s premier resort for romance, will implement a new, adults-only policy in 2011 in line with the resort’s goal of providing a tranquil getaway for couples. Starting December 23, 2010, all guests at Bucuti must be at least 18 years old.
An award-winning, owner-managed resort, Bucuti has been recognized by TripAdvisor as one of the top 10 most romantic resorts in the world and has a longstanding commitment to providing an unmatched vacation experience for couples. Designed with romance in mind, the 104-room resort’s peaceful atmosphere is located on the wide, white sands of lauded Eagle Beach.
For more information or reservations, visit www.bucuti.com or call (888) 4-BUCUTI.
Bucuti Beach Resort
LG Smith Blvd. #55B
Eagle Beach, Aruba
(297) 582-5272
Belizean Resort Introduces New Romantic Villa with a Great Rate
by Sarah HullHeavenly honeymoon destination welcomes couples with introductory special.
Ambergris Caye, BELIZE – Cayo Espanto, a luxurious private island off the coast of Belize, is expanding its offerings with the addition of Casa Solana, a villa set to open on July 1, 2010. Fantastic for honeymoons, Cayo Espanto’s newest villa caters to couples seeking a tranquil romantic getaway.
Situated on a secluded tip of the resort’s petite, four-acre island, Casa Solana’s western location affords guests the best views of Espanto’s remarkable sunsets (even more beautiful from the villa’s private swimming pool). The one-bedroom villa features distinctive Caribbean architecture, including floor-to-ceiling windows that take in the island’s lush tropical landscape and views of the ocean. The villa also boasts five-star amenities such as plush fine linens, a personal houseman and customized meals prepared by Cayo Espanto’s award-winning chef, as well as an expansive verandah and private dock.
Cayo Espanto is offering reservations for Casa Solana at an introductory rate of $995 per night. Based on double occupancy and valid for stays between July 1 and December 15, 2010, the rate includes all meals, non-motorized activities and use of a personal cell phone and laptop, among other amenities. Any of this sound good to you? Call 1-888-666-4282 or visit www.aprivateisland.com for reservations.
