Happy Journeys with Celebrate-Travel, Inc

Join Anne on an exciting Western Med. Cruise

 

This sale includes the Western Med cruise that *I* am hosting on March 4, 2012!

Enjoy Exclusivity in a World of Choice with the newest private club at sea, MSC Yacht Club! Simply reserve a luxurious MSC Yacht Club suite to enjoy our special offer on select voyages. This credit can be used just as you wish, for instance, on Balinese massages in the MSC Aurea Spa. Our inclusive fare covers air, transfers, hotel and $200––or special $500––per suite shipboard credit. Plus, you'll enjoy a Mediterranean cruise in an exclusive enclave, complimentary wines and spirits, private restaurant and Butler service––all from $3,939pp**

Enjoy our limited time $500 shipboard credit on these select sailings: MSC FANTASIA | 11-Night Roundtrip Cruises ROME– Jan. 18, 2012 | BARCELONA– Jan. 9, 2012 MSC SPLENDIDA | 7-Night Roundtrip Cruises BARCELONA – Jan. 15 & 29, 2012 Additional MSC Yacht Club Sailings: MSC FANTASIA | 11-Night Roundtrip Cruises ROME– Feb. 20, Mar. 13, 2012 | BARCELONA– Feb. 11, Mar. 4, 2012 MSC SPLENDIDA | 7-Night Roundtrip Cruises BARCELONA – Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, 2012 Fares starting from $3,939* pp. Inclusive of: air, cruise, hotel, and transfers

Anne Rose Celebrate-Travel, Inc. 3450 Palmer Dr, Suite# 4-313 Cameron Park, CA, 95682 530-677-6454 annerose@celebrate-travel.com

 *Prices are USD, per person, double occupancy for residents of US and Canada. Rates include economy air and all applicable air taxes, one night hotel stay (date and hotel at line's discretion) and ground transfers. Offer is valid for all bookings deposited between Jun 15 - Aug 15, 2011. All Yacht Club Suites will receive $250 pp (max $500 per cabin) SBC. Offer cannot be combined with the permanent SBC component of the inclusive pricing. Air gateways include: NYC/BOS/ATL/MIA/ORD/DFW/IAH/LAX/YUL/YYZ in addition sailings of MSC Splendida include SFO. Flight arrangements from other U.S. and Canadian gateways can be made for an additional charge. Airline imposed charges including but not limited to baggage fees, special seating, and priority boarding fees are additional. Government fees and taxes vary by ship and departure port. Rate shown applies to the January 15, 29 (2012) ; February 12, 26 (2012) sailing of MSC Splendida from Barcelona (government fees and taxes of $76.69pp). MSC Cruise reserves the right to pass on any fuel surcharge without prior notice to all guests. Offer is capacity controlled, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Certain restrictions may apply. MSC Cruises reserves the right to refuse to honor any prices/sailings/information that are erroneously printed or quoted. Offer expires August 15, 2011. Ships' registry: Panama.

Save up to $500 on air to Kauai today!

THERE IS STILL TIME... SAVE UP TO $500 OFF AIR TO KAUAI

THERE IS STILL TIME... SAVE UP TO $500 OFF AIR TO KAUAI Classic´s exclusive Air Credit offer is available for booking through September 30, 2010 for travel through December 20, 2010. Visiting the Garden Island of Kauai has never been easier or more affordable. In addition, make a booking to St. Regis, Sheraton Kauai or Westin Princeville by September 30 and plan your travel in 2011. CALL US TODAY! 530-677-6454

The St. Regis Princeville Resort Princeville, Kauai $500 air credit Every 5th night free Daily a la carte breakfast for two Ocean View Room 5 Nights From $1479 per person Book now through 9/30/10 Travel now through 12/20/11

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Poipu, Kauai $250 air credit Every 5th night free Daily buffet breakfast for two Garden View Room 5 Nights From $849 per person Book now through 9/30/10 Travel now through 12/20/10

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Koa Kea Resort Poipu, Kauai $350 air credit $100 resort credit Garden View Room 5 Nights From $639 per person Book now through 9/30/10 Travel now through 12/20/10

Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club Lihue, Kauai $250 aiir credit Reduced rate Garden View Room 5 Nights From $539 per person Book now through 9/30/10 Travel now through 12/20/10

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Sheraton Kauai Resort Poipu, Kauai $350 air credit Every 3rd night free Daily buffet breakfast for two Guaranteed upgrade at time of check in Garden View Room 6 Nights From $889 per person Book now through 9/30/10 Travel now through 12/20/11

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort & Villas Princeville, Kauai $500 air credit Every 3rd night free $50 dining credit Island View One Bedroom 6 Nights From $629 per person Book now through 9/30/10 Travel now through 12/20/11

Offers valid on new bookings only. Prices shown are per-person, land only based upon double occupancy, except if expressly noted otherwise. Must book air in conjunction with one or more land components, for example a hotel stay; no air only. Other promotions and departure dates available which may result in a different rate and/or hotel inclusion. Customer is responsible for hotel taxes and fees on the free night offers. Offers are subject to availability at time of booking and may be changed or discontinued at any time without notice. Discounts are per paid ticket and taxes are not included in discount. Blackout dates, minimum night stays, minimum stay requirements on air, seasonal surcharges, resort fees (if any), and other restrictions may also apply. Some booking and travel dates may vary. Surcharges, taxes, airline fees and other restrictions may apply. Classic Vacations CST# 2079429-20.

Stepping into a British Novel

I’m an avid reader. I love books; I devour them. There’s nothing better than wiling away a cold afternoon reading a good British murder mystery while cozied up in front of the fire. Even hot, lazy Sundays mid-summer seem to be best spent inside a good English novel filled with lush descriptions of the countryside, the weather, and of course, tea and scones. I find myself getting hungry for tea and scones as I read my latest novel. I’m transported thousands of miles away and to a century ago.

Just a few months ago, I was transported across time and space—at least so it seemed. I had a wonderful opportunity to visit England—home of all my favorite authors (which in part is what prompted me to get a degree in English—how could I resist all those books?). It was a short stint—only seven days—but they were some of the most magical days I have ever experienced.

We arrived in London, and after spotting so many sites commonly seen on BBC America, I was already loving my visit. I enjoyed the city much more than I expected to despite having a large population, this small town girl felt immediately comfortable (more details on that in my next blog).

After a few days in London, we were whisked off to the country and suddenly I was in my very own British novel…The moors, the countryside, the pastures, the sheep grazing, the cows napping—California cows have NOTHING on English cows; these were some happy cows—and the gardens. It was immediately apparent how Beatrix Potter could create such a magical world—the beauty of the country positively screamed with imagination. We visited the town of Beatrix Potter in the Lake District—it is every thing you would imagine it to be. The rolling hills, the tranquil blue lake, cottages, gardens, quaint villages, and divine tea shops. I could have stayed in that dream forever.

Instead, it was time to segway into a different dream. We ended our time in England in a town just outside of London. Again, it was exactly how I had always pictured the English suburbs and countryside. Our hotel exceeded my expectations and threw me into another novel—the perfectly manicured gardens, the croquet set on the West lawn, the pond that homed a family of ducks, the tea room lined wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor with books and expansive windows proffering views of the breathtaking foliage—it was all there.

I sank into my chair as I watched the rain clouds close in; soon the soft pitter-patter of raindrops could be heard just as my tea and scones were brought to me. It was a perfect moment to finish another great English novel—only this time, I was the heroine.

Londra Palace and Venice

We go to Italy at least 2-3 times per year in order to maintain our expertise in this destination and provide our clients with the most up-to-date information possible.

 

Our recent trip to Italy was fun, relaxing, rejuvenating. The culture is alive, the Italians warm and friendly, and the food divine.

 

We flew into Venezia after a pampered and restful flight on United’s business class jumbo jet. Our luggage had priority tags on them so we retrieved our luggage promptly, cleared Passport Control quickly, and found our guide for the private water taxi waiting for us with our names on a sign as soon as we exited baggage claim. Affable Massimiliano escorted us to our hotel, easily sharing tidbits of history, weather, and local customs. Private water taxi is worth every extra euro that it costs over the public water bus (vaporetto), especially when you might have some jet lag and are struggling with luggage. Save the vaporetto for your sightseeing jaunts when all you are toting is a purse or camera.

 

Our home in Venezia this time was the delightful Londra Palace, fronting the Grand Canal and literally a few steps from San Marco Piazza, which I found to be a wonderful central location. This boutique hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, only has 54 rooms and suites which overlook either the lagoon or the red-tiled roofs and steeples of the city. Adorned in traditional Venetian silks and brocades, many rooms also have terrazzi (terraces), balconcini (small balconies), and one junior suite has a large double Jacuzzi spa with sky light (nothing like an invigorating hydromassage—my personal favorite—to ease tired muscles and feet after a long day of walking about Venice).

 

While not the most opulent or famous of hotels in a city glittered with 5* ultra luxury hotels, I find their staff unbeatable for friendliness and helpfulness. Cheery Aldo, head concierge, has been dispensing advice and help for 44 yrs with Londra Palace.

 

A lovely breakfast of fruits, Italian breads and cookies, fresh mozzarella and assorted cheeses, meats, cereals, juices and Prosecco, is served inside or outside on the terrace on the promenade fronting the Grand Canal. You’re not rushed so enjoy another cappuccino while you watch Venice awaken.

 

You don’t ‘see’ Venice; you step into a living portrait of Renaissance majesty. It is unlike any other place I have ever visited. The first time I saw Venice and the Grand Canal open up before me as I sailed under the Ponte Rialto, I caught my breath, and my eyes teared. An aging queen resplendent in glory.

Get away from it all at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Maui, Hawaii

Looking for a quick getaway before 2009 is over? Have you thought about the lush sands and brilliant blue water of Maui, Hawaii?  Now is the time to go with a $350 air credit with Hawaiian Sand Dollar. Plus, the resort is offering daily buffet breakfast for two, and every fourth night is free in an ocean view room. It doesn’t get any better! Five nights are starting at only $799 a person, which totals savings up to $900 per couple. Don’t hesitate—this is a peaceful resort that exudes a pure Hawaiian ambiance.

The lush oceanfront property is set on 22 acres—guests can enjoy far-reaching views of the Pacific Ocean, the crescent beach, and lavish gardens. The open rooms with Island elegance offer large lanais, bathrobes, refrigerators, cable TV, and video game consoles. Within immediate reach of guests is one of the highest rated white-sand beaches, championship golf, the Mandara Spa, an on-site luau, and a series of swimming pools crowned by a new infinity edged serenity pool overlooking the ocean. This is all thanks to the $60 million dollar renovation project that recently took place.

The $60 million renovation was well spent—the infinity edged pool offers panoramic views of the ocean and neighboring islands. All guest rooms have been given a new life with fabulous new bedding and décor, and let’s not forget the exquisite 10,000 square foot Mandara Spa, exercise rooms, and restaurants.

 

While the resort can be a honeymoon favorite, families are not without. Parents are sure to be pleased with a children’s area and pool replete with slides. There are also three spa tubs, terraced decking all around, and a poolside restaurant.

 

Sure to delight both young and old, there’s a little reef cove on property that is home to a small population of the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles. Federal law prohibits touching of the beautiful sea creatures, but guests are welcome to admire them and take photos.

Want to know if this property is right for you? Contact me to find out more.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

The renowned Napa/Sonoma wine region in California evokes Tuscany: hills of lush vineyards and award-winning wines, tiled rooftops, culinary flair, luxurious resorts and villas in which to relax and savor the unique ambience of the landscape and its people. Sonoma is the quieter, less touristy half of the Napa/Sonoma duo, still in the midst of wine country and still proximate to anything you might want to explore in this region. And for those visiting the San Francisco area, the Napa/Sonoma area is a scant one-and-a-half hour car ride away.

 

Each season in Napa/Sonoma has its own special delights for visitors: autumn and winter for the height of wine-crush and wine-tasting evenings by the fire; spring and summer when the rich green vines are bursting with plumping grapes, and the California sun warms the valley.

 

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa delivers the quintessential Napa/Sonoma wine country experience. From the moment you approach the stuccoed, mission-styled resort, you know you’ve arrived at a very special place. Dappled light reflects off the Italian-inspired painted walls of banana and peach. Archways, landscaping, and manicured grounds all give you Italy with a California twist.

 

As with all Fairmont resorts, you can depend on impeccable service and luxurious accommodations with high-end amenities, whether it’s a garden view room or opulent suite. My favorite is the Fairmont Wine Country room with fireplace; it has a real wood-burning fireplace that lends fragrance, warmth and romance to in-room cozying with a glass (or two!) of wine.

 

Activities abundantly capitalize on the natural and man-made attributes of this region: hiking, biking, winery tours, picnic hampers from the bistro or gourmet dining from its Michelin-starred restaurant, worthy of the nobles wines grown in this region.

 

And the spa is truly unique. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa resort sits on ancient, natural mineral waters which star in the 40,000 sq ft spa’s design and therapeutic menu. In fact, all of the resort’s pools are fed by these natural springs, which really make this spa one-of-a-kind. Spa therapies draw from the richness of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations, and are definitely worth your indulgence when staying at this resort.

 

This resort is one of my favorite places in the Napa/Sonoma region for a memorable wine country oasis. Contact me to see if this resort fits your personality and needs when you visit this beautiful corner of California.

Celebrating 11 years at Royal Hideaway Playacar with exceptional savings

Royal Hideaway Playacar in the Yucatán Peninsula is celebrating its 11 year anniversary with exclusive savings. Guests can share in the celebration with every second night free in a luxury room. Four nights are starting at only $629 person—that’s savings of up to $1,246 per couple—an amazing deal for a resort that usually ranks #1 in either of the luxury magazine’s annual worldwide hotel rankings.

 

This fabulous adults-only property offers tranquility and an exceptional restaurant. Did I mention it’s an all-inclusive and a member of the Leading Hotels of the World? It is only one mile south of the charming Playa del Carmen and a short stroll from shopping; this resort offers adults a restful sanctuary. The two- and three-story villas each have their own concierge. Guestrooms have spa tubs, separate showers, and balconies. You can enjoy a swimming pool, acres of powdery beach, and three “relaxation pools,” each with a spa tub.

 

The property is spread over 13 acres of landscaped grounds containing ponds, fountains, gently flowing rivers spanned by white bridges and white benches beside winding paths. This resort offers adults a serene sanctuary. Guestrooms are located in 11 yellow, English Colonial-style villas adorned with decorative white balconies. Each villa is attended by a concierge from a courtyard desk. The open-air courtyards are centered in each villa and contain a babbling fountain speckled with blossoms.

There’s also a special activities pool where guests can enjoy volleyball and other games. If you would rather rest, there’s a phenomenal infinity pool on the beach just for that. There are three more of what the resort refers to as “relaxation pools” in various secluded locations throughout the property. Each locale has its own sundecks and cool-water spa tubs. Another relaxation pool, free to all guests, is available in the wellness spa. Resort attendants frequently pass chilled towels and fruit to the guests around the main relaxation pool. With many sun loungers large enough for two, couples can enjoy the sparkling turquoise clarity of the Caribbean and the white powdered sandy beach deckled with palm trees.

Gracious and elegant, and now with this time-sensitive promotional offer, also a terrific bargain! Want to know if this property is right for you? Contact me to find out more.

Intro to Palermo, Italy

Twenty seven hundred years of history can be seen and felt in Palermo. It is Italy’s 5^th largest city at just one million residents, yet despite occasional traffic jams, can feel much more intimate. We felt safe walking about at night with other travelers and locals; of course, normal common-sense safety precautions apply when traveling as at home. But dismiss the stereotype of mobsters on every corner. Palermo is a treasure trove of history and food in its purest essence.

 

I found it fascinating to see ancient crumbling columns and fortified city walls juxtaposed against a modern gelateria or clothing store. Horse-drawn carriages share the streets with zooming Vespas.

 

One night the town celebrated its annual Ladies Night—and no, not ladies of the night. A local woman laughingly told me that every night is men’s night, but one night is set aside to honor women. Busy roads were closed to traffic to form a pedestrian-only street festival with food and entertainment. Families strolled with baby carriages and bambini in tow, enjoying the balmy evening. We capped our evening in a modest bar to feast on a perfect Sicilian pizza from its wood-fired brick oven—crispy charred crust with fresh pomodori e aglio.

 

I also made a point of stopping by one of Palermo’s busiest and oldest outdoor markets. Stalls of vibrantly hued peppers, scarlet red tomatoes, tender artichokes, blood oranges (so named for their intensely red pulp), purple cauliflower, and yellow broccoli created a smorgasbord of colors and scents. I treated myself to a 1/2 kg snack (yes, I really do mean a little over a pound!) of renowned Sicilian olives for only two euros and munched happily as I inhaled the ambience of this Sicilian landmark.

 

Palermo Airport is served by major carriers and is one of Sicily’s two main airports. If you want to explore the entire island, Palermo is a logical starting point for a circumnavigation.

 

If you want to focus, though, on a particular region, Palermo as a starting point might not be the most efficient. Let the experts at Celebrate-Travel, Inc advise you on your Sicily adventures and discover an island steeped in ancient civilizations, Greek and Roman ruins, hospitable people, and culinary delights.

Taormina—jewel of Sicily

I arrived in Taormina at dusk after a long drive through the Sicilian countryside. I was tired, sleepy, and frankly getting cranky, eager to settle into my Taormina accommodations.

 

But as I entered Giardino Naxos, a coastal town below Taormina, all fatigue evaporated. I climbed the hill to Taormina with mounting excitement. Twisting skinny roads with panoramic, dramatic views of the unfolding landscape greeted every switchback. With such riveting vistas, you might easily miss the catacombs and ‘tombas’ silently lining the road.

 

Charming, scenic, and picturesque were the first words to come to my mind. But the village is not just a pretty face; it has a sturdy foundation in history and a proud soul. As my Taormina taxi driver told me, ‘when I go on holiday, I carry Taormina in my heart’.

 

Quaint and colorful shops capture the imagination with the indigenous, hand-painted ‘ceramiche’ pottery. One delectable trattoria after another competes for your tastebuds.

 

On my first night, a full moon spotlighted the fiery molten lava streaming down the slopes of Mt Etna as I gaped from the terrazzo near the Porte Messina.

 

Friendliness and helpfulness are the hallmarks of Sicilians, and this is very much in evidence in Taormina. One tourist didn’t realize that her handbag (with passport, money, and credit cards) had slipped off her arm to the ground until a flower boy retrieved it and ran after her to return it.

 

Wednesdays feature Taormina’s local outdoor market  selling fresh-picked ripe produce and handmade crafts. I gazed longingly at one stall selling handcarved wooden utensils—beautiful spoons and ladles—but I had to pass as I had packed only a small carry-on bag for this particular trip. For me, there is always a ‘next time’.

 

You must climb the steps to Madonna di Rocca. A small chapel and cross honor the Blessed Virgin Mary who has protected Taormina from invaders for eons. Even non-believers will appreciate the incredible views from this perch, high above sea level. Climb higher to the fortress of Taormina for even more amazing views. This strategic outpost allowed Taormina to spot potential marauders from as far away as Messina and beyond, giving the locals plenty of time to thwart any attacks.

 

This spot is also the endpoint for the Stazione Via Cruces (the 14 Stations of the Cross) which begin a thousand steps below off the main road of Taormina town.

 

From Taormina, climb higher to the little village of Castelmola. You have to park in the Piazza San Giorgio and proceed on foot as the narrow streets, steps, and sharp turns can only accommodate pedestrians.

 

I walked to the tiny Piazza di Santo Nicolo di Bari. A napping dog glanced up lazily, and a farmer selling vegetables from his cart tried to catch my eye. But my attention was focused on the 14^th century chapel where daily Mass was just finishing, as it had for centuries. Two elderly women were the only parishioners, and their responses to the priest’s prayers were honed by years of worship. History here is not mothballed; it is alive. As the priest closed the Mass, I re-entered the sunlight of Castelmola and descended back to Taormina.

 

Contact me for more information on an unforgettable vacation to Taormina and Sicily.

 

Fairmont Kea Lani—all-suite luxury accommodations in Wailea, Maui

This a world-class, 5 star resort that sits on a beautiful, white sand Polo Beach in the upscale Wailea area of Maui, which is a little more secluded than the busier West Maui resort area. Its neighbors are two other high-end resorts and a trendy array of shops at the Shops at Wailea, connected by a lovely oceanside walk.

Gracious with impeccable service that’s the hallmark of the Fairmont collection, the Kea Lani features all-suite accommodations, starting at 900 sq ft. The entryway features a wet bar, mini-fridge, and microwave (perfect for those gourmet leftovers or even a hot, quick snack). Separate living room has a wrap-around sofa bed, high-tech entertainment center, and its own lanai (balcony) for lazy breakfasts or romantic sunset cocktails and dinners.

A separate, adjoining bedroom has another high-tech entertainment center, another lanai for sunning or drinking in the views, and a luxury, deep bed with plush linens. The bathroom…let’s just say that if you’re a bathroom snob, this is the bathroom many other resorts try to emulate. A long marble counter houses double sinks with more than ample counter space; you will not be jockeying for a slice of mirror with this long stretch of mirror. A freestanding, deep marble soaking tub can hold two for ultra romance. A separate marble shower is spacious and non-enclosed. I’m talking lots of space in this bathroom! And there is a separate toilet room. Upscale bath amenities and plus bathrobes are a given. Nothing has been overlooked in this bathroom that is larger than most resorts’ basic rooms! These accommodations are extremely luxurious, relaxing, and pampering.

In addition to the suites in the main building, there is also a collection of private 2 and 3 bedroom oceanfront villas, starting at 1800 sq ft. The private villas offer the ultimate in location, comfort, and family convenience. Two bedroom Villas are spacious split-level accommodations including living room with sofabed and full entertainment center, two equal-in-size master-bedrooms with large walk-in closets, and two over-sized Italian marble bathrooms with deep soaking tub and walk-in shower. If you’re traveling with another couple, no arguing over who gets the master bedroom and who gets the smaller room (a perfect solution for two couples who worry about splitting the costs equally but not getting equal accommodations)! The Villas also feature a full gourmet kitchen, and BBQ grill in a furnished courtyard with plunge pool. Each bedroom has one king bed, and there is a double sofabed in the living room. A very thoughtful touch for the Villas is that you get your own private, separate accommodations yet you enjoy all privileges throughout the hotel. And you can even submit a grocery request for the concierge to stock your refrigerator and pantry so that you can barbeque at the ready.

When you read that the A-listers are frolicking on Maui, look for them at the Fairmont Kea Lani in one of the villas.

As stunning as the accommodations are, that’s not the only claim to fame for Fairmont Kea Lani.
The grounds are gorgeous—lush, interconnected pools and slides accentuated with palms, hibiscus, and plumeria. Garden view suites really are views of gardens, but the ocean view suites are worth every penny: views of the lush grounds give way to the ocean beyond, and beyond that, you can see tiny Kahoolawe, Molokini, and maybe even the island of Lanai and the rest of Maui unfolding before you.

Numerous restaurant venues are on-site, as well as bars and lounges, so you can’t go hungry or thirsty. And Spa Kea Lani will not disappoint you with its Hawaiian menu of restorative spa treatments; I recommend you reserve your treatment in the outdoor cabana so the scented tropical breeze can caress your skin while you luxuriate in the Fairmont Kea Lani experience.

The Fairmont Kea Lani is the ultimate romantic getaway. Yet surprisingly, this resort also serves families equally well—not an easy task. Just enough amenities to keep all kids happy, and there’s also a children’s program to keep the younger children entertained. Older children will likely have a ball slipping down the slide or snorkeling on the beach in front. And a minimum 900 sq ft suite with separate bedroom goes a long way to giving a family enough breathing space to enjoy each other’s company without feeling boxed in.

Email me to learn more about Fairmont Kea Lani and if it is right for your family or romantic holiday.

For more info: Visit http://www.celebrate-travel.com/hawaii/hawaii_hotels_resorts_spas.htm#KeaLani for our exclusive slideshow on Fairmont Kea Lani

Fairmont Orchid Resort and Spa--elegant relaxation on Kohala Coast, Big Island

When clients consult with me on suitable accommodations for their stay on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Fairmont Orchid Resort and Spa is one of a handful of favorite resorts that I can recommend.

Despite its luxury status as a 5* high-end resort, the Fairmont Orchid is unpretentious and surprisingly affordable with its numerous aggressively-priced promotions. The quality of the service and amenities, its authentic Hawaiian touches, and its perfect location on Pau’oa Beach, really make this a terrific resort value.

Let me start with its location on the Kohala coast of the Big Island: miles of sandy beaches and coastline perfect for any kind of water sport (swimming, snorkeling, sunning, kayaking, you name it) along with a dry climate and typically sunshine-y days are the reasons why the best resorts on the Big Island are dotted here.

The Fairmont Orchid sprawls lazily along the coastline and has its own Pau’oa Beach, an incredibly perfect arc of sand with rocky outcroppings on either side. I personally find the snorkeling here the best on the Island. Because of the U-shape of the cove and a reef that breaks the waves onto the shore, the surf is nearly nonexistent and the waters are crystal clear. When I’m feeling too lazy to put on snorkel gear, I can actually sit in this virtual bathtub of warm water and watch the diverse marine life swimming all around me.

Venturing past the reef, you are treated to the companionship of wild sea turtles who live in these waters and will come ashore to sun themselves or lay eggs at the Orchid.

A full-service ocean activity center will rent you snorkel gear, kayaks, pedal-boats, boogie boards, etc. And the Orchid is famous for its Orchid Beachboys, a group of Hawaiian men who are fonts of knowledge about Hawaiian culture, astronomy, and navigation. They lead hikes to the nearby petroglyphs and are always happy to take you on a real outrigger canoe and share with you the wonders of their Hawaii.

Accommodations at the Fairmont Orchid are spacious, elegant, and eminently relaxing. Every room has a lanai (balcony) with views of either the ocean or the lush gardens. If you get an oceanview room, you’re doubly treated to views of the island of Maui across the channel. And in the winter, you get the added attraction of migrating whales cavorting and breeching in that same channel. Truly divine.

Several restaurants, bars and lounges, including the award-winning Brown’s Beach House and even a deli which is handy for delicious picnics or long drives around the Island, ensure that you’re never far from food or drink.

If you’re more of a pool person than beach person (although Pau’oa Beach might convert you), the Fairmont Orchid has a one-acre freeform pool with center island and two lava-rock Jacuzzis. One is closer to the ocean, and the other is surrounded by hibiscus hedges in a more intimate setting. There is nothing like relaxing in a lava-rock Jacuzzi at midnight, under the brilliant Big Island night sky, where the star-viewing is unparalleled in this universe. Very romantic!

The Fairmont Orchid has one of the best spas and spa concepts of any I have encountered. They call their spa Spa Without Walls because it is mostly outdoors and offers a uniquely Hawaiian experience. Choose to receive your spa treatment in one of their eight private bungalows (called hales) situated by waterfalls or koi lagoons, or in one of their six private Oceanside hales. The therapist draws the blinds so you have privacy, yet you can still smell that scented flowers, hear the calming surf or waterfall cascade, and feel the tropical breeze against your skin—extremely sensual experience. Hawaiians believe that massage can integrate mind, body, and spirit and bring you into harmony with the environment. Spa Without Walls definitely accomplishes that. Try one of their Kona coffee exfoliative treatments and lomi lomi, an ancient Hawaiian massage technique that I predict would be the highlight of a memorable experience.

Email me to learn more about Fairmont Orchid and whether the ambience and services there would meet your needs.

 For more info: Visit http://celebrate-travel.com/hawaii/hawaii_hotels_resorts_spas.htm#Orchid for our exclusive slideshow of photos we shot at Fairmont Orchid

Visit http://celebrate-travel.com/hawaii/hawaii_slideshows.htm#Bigisland for our slideshow on the location of Fairmont Orchid

Villa Cimbrone—romantic Amalfi Coast, Part II

My daughter and fiancé had explored other venues in Italy for their destination wedding, but when they entered the gates of Villa Cimbrone, they knew they had found the perfect spot to celebrate their wedding.

Depending on the number of wedding guests, there are several options in which to stage your reception, from the gardens to terrace to indoor restaurant to the arched crypt. Each one has its unique charms. The staff is professional and gracious, befitting such a luxury villa. And the available menus and wines are as rich as the history of the villa itself. Does such perfection come with a price? Of course. But remember that destination weddings are frequently the same final cost of a hometown wedding, usually because fewer guests attend. If you want an intimate, surreally beautiful wedding reception in an incomparable location, then Villa Cimbrone is ideal.

And even if you’re not celebrating a wedding, but simply celebrating life, then Villa Cimbrone is ideal for a vacation centered on natural beauty, intimacy, and a reconnection with all that is good in life. The pedestrian-only village of Ravello, with its numerous steps, narrow cobbled streets, trattorias, shops of gaily-painted handmade ceramics, and 1,000 year-old Duomo, is a 5 minute walk. And the iconic town of Amalfi is a 30 min drive down the hill, from where you can explore the town, sun on the beach, or ferry to the island of Capri.

For more info: Contact me to see if this should be your next romantic getaway or if its perfect for your destination wedding or go to Celebrate-Travel, Inc, http://celebrate-travel.com/index.htm for more exclusive pictures, slideshows, and sample menus.

Villa Cimbrone--romantic Amalfi Coast, Part I

The Amalfi coast in Italy is justifiably famous for its breathtaking beauty, the sheer cliffs overlooking the cobalt Tyrrhenian Sea, the scent of lemon groves and bougainvilleas, hand-painted ceramic potteries that reflect the landscape, and romantic hotels sandwiched between sea and sky.

One such hotel is the ancient and renowned Villa Cimbrone. Set high in the hills above the Amalfi coast in the historical village of picturesque Ravello, Villa Cimbrone is truly a gem. Its storied past, dating back a thousand years, tells of noblemen, royalty, and wealthy families who have contributed to its development over the centuries and ultimately, have overseen the transformation from private villa to luxury hotel.

Its lush public gardens and terraces over the sea, the villa’s luxurious rooms with ancient stone fireplaces, and refined service all speak to a memorable guest experience, whether romantic getaway, honeymoon, or event reception. As you wander the stone paths of its public gardens of priceless trees, shrubs, and flowers, you are invariably drawn to the Belvedere Terrace, which translates to “beautiful view”, a gross understatement. From this statued-terrace, your views of the Amalfi coastline and sea seem infinite: terraced hillsides, terra cotta rooftops dotting the cliffs, the blue of the ocean, and the emerald mountains surrounding you is as close to Heaven on earth as you can imagine.

It was just such views, gardens, and arched grottoes and crypts, combined with the graciousness of the staff, that convinced my own daughter to book Villa Cimbrone for her wedding reception after a planned wedding in the Ravello Duomo. [Read part two tomorrow
to find more about this villa as a destination wedding venue or romantic getaway.]

For more info: Contact me to see if this should be your next romantic getaway or if its perfect for your destination wedding or go to Celebrate-Travel, Inc, http://celebrate-travel.com/index.htm for more exclusive pictures, slideshows, and sample menus.