Regent Seven Seas Cruises Opens Reservations on 2018-19 Voyages

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has just announced its summer 2018 through spring 2019 voyage collection, with 113 alluring itineraries aboard Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, and the newly launched Seven Seas Explorer.

MIAMI – Regent Seven Seas Cruises has just announced its summer 2018 through spring 2019 voyage collection, with 113 alluring itineraries aboard Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, and the newly launched Seven Seas Explorer. These four luxury ships will call at some of the most fascinating destinations in the world, among which are 28 maiden ports and 23 breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage sites. Guests will immerse themselves in cultures, cuisines and traditions with the line’s free unlimited shore excursions on all voyages and through included three-night, pre- or post-cruise land programs on Asia and Africa sailings. Throughout, each staff and crew member delivers exceptional, personalized service to every guest, for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises is renowned.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ summer 2018 through spring 2019 voyages are now open for reservations.

“We’ve created a highly impressive array of voyages worldwide that will delight and awe our guests,” said Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “For the intrepid traveler, we also introduced a new Grand Voyage that delves into the Northern Atlantic and Arctic Circle, as well as our 13^th annual World Cruise. There is no better inclusive-luxury experience than Regent and we look forward to sharing the world with our guests.”

Seven Seas Explorer Inaugurates Africa Voyages

Launched in July 2016 and recognized as the most luxurious ship ever built, Seven Seas Explorer returns to Europe for a second consecutive summer season in May 2018. The ship will sail throughout the Mediterranean, North and Baltic seas on seven- to 12-night voyages and make maiden calls at Portimao, Portugal; Lysekil, Sweden; and Bodo and Haugesund, Norway.

Seven Seas Explorer then commences its maiden Africa season on two epic voyages that showcase the continent’s west coast, a 24-night, Lisbon (Portugal)-to-Cape Town (South Africa) itinerary, followed by a 15-night, round-trip New Years voyage. The ship then heads west to South America for its vibrant rhythms, colors and cultures as it rounds the horn to Los Angeles via the western coast.

Chic Mediterranean and Authentic Caribbean

Seven Seas Voyager also will sail the Mediterranean in summer 2018, with many seven-night itineraries that include calls at some of the region’s most chic destinations, as well as maiden calls at Korcula and Hvar, Croatia; Saint-Raphael, France; Lipari, Sicily, Italy. The ship will winter in the Caribbean, alternating seven- to 12-night, Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, which travelers can combine to immerse themselves in the region. New Caribbean ports-of-call for the line are picturesque Port Antonio, Jamaica, as well as Charlestown, Nevis, the birthplace of U.S. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

Remote Wonders of the Pacific and Australia

Seven Seas Mariner will offer a variety of adventures throughout the Pacific, starting with Alaska in summer 2018. The ship then charts the South Pacific in the autumn to Asia and Australia, presenting the grand cities and historic, cultural landmarks of the Pacific Rim and Southeast Asia, and calling at Broome, Australia, and Oarai, Japan, for the first time. From Sydney, travelers can join Seven Seas Mariner on the Grand Aussie Adventure, a new 36-night circumnavigation of the continent, sailing Dec. 15, 2018. 

Grand Arctic, Canada and New England, and the World

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ most intimate ship, Seven Seas Navigator, will offer three very distinct programs, starting with an 89-night, Grand Arctic Splendor voyage that begins and ends in New York. The Grand Artic Splendor voyage is comprised of six sailings that call at 63 non-repeating destinations in Canada and New England, Greenland and Iceland, North and Baltic Seas, as well as into the Arctic Circle to reach the White Sea. On this adventure, Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., and Archangel, Russia, will be maiden ports.

The ship will then sail a range of unforgettable Canada and New England cruises between New York and Montréal to showcase the autumn foliage and exciting cities of Quebec and the Northeast U.S.

To kick off 2019, Seven Seas Navigator will embark on Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 13th World Cruise, an epic 131-night adventure that calls at 62 unique ports across the Hawaii Islands, French Polynesia, Australia, Asia and the Mediterranean. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 2019 World Cruise is comprised of seven distinct itineraries, calling at 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and making maiden calls at Kingfisher Bay (Fraser Island), Australia; Makassar (Sulawesi), Indonesia; and Puerto Princesa, Philippines.

Celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2017, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the world’s most inclusive luxury cruiselines with a four-ship fleet that visits more than 425 destinations around the globe. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is currently undergoing a $125 million fleetwide refurbishment that will elevate the level of elegance found throughout the fleet to the standard set by Seven Seas Explorer, which entered service on July 20, 2016, and has since been recognized as the most luxurious ship ever built. A leader in luxury cruising, the line’s fares include all-suite accommodations, round-trip air, highly personalized service, exquisite cuisine, fine wines and spirits, unlimited internet access, sightseeing excursions in every port, gratuities, ground transfers and a pre-cruise hotel package for guests staying in concierge-level suites and higher. Beginning in summer 2017, Regent Seven Seas Cruises also will include Business Class air for all intercontinental flights.

For more information about Regent Seven Seas Cruises or specific itineraries, contact a professional travel agent; visit www.rssc.com; or call 1-844-4REGENT (1-844-473-4368).

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Ultimate Luxury Holiday Gift of Travel: Magellan Jets 25 Hour Card

How’s this for thinking out of the box for a luxury holiday gift to help fulfill some bucket list or New Year’s resolution for the ultimate in travel: Magellan Jets’ 25 Hour Jet Card.

The Magellan Jets 25 Hour card affords card-holders guaranteed availability within 8 hours, fixed fuel rates, no repositioning fees, guaranteed WiFi, and exclusive travel benefit packages for the whole family. Choose from 10 aircraft types from the light cabin Hawker 400XP to the luxurious large cabin G450.

The 25 Hour Card starts at $100,000, based on aircraft type.

Magellan Jets is a leader in private jet travel with over 30 years of aviation experience. With a wide variety of membership programs as well as point-to-point charter services, clients are advised on the best option for their specific needs. Benefits of a membership include no repositioning charges, guaranteed aircraft availability with as little as eight hours’ notice, inclusive gourmet catering, and V.I.P. ground transportation. Magellan Jets’ Flight Support department is available 24/7 to provide services such as weather tracking, itinerary changes, and personalized in-flight entertainment. Magellan Jets has operations worldwide and offers flights in the Continental U.S., the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and Europe.

Magellan Jets, 2 Heritage Dr. Suite 301, Quincy, MA 02171. 877-550-JETS, www.magellanjets.com.

 

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 Crystal Cruises’ Silver Celebration Fares Available for the Holidays

Crystal Symphy, Sydney, Australia

In celebration of its 25^th Silver Anniversary, Crystal Cruises is featuring an array of luxury cruises just in time for holiday gifting and personal travel – at incredible fares. And, to accommodate last minute shoppers, Crystal Cruises has extended its book now fares deadline for itineraries through 2017 to December 30, 2015 with a bounty of special offers:

• Savings up to $6,000 per stateroom as well as Silver Celebration “As You Wish” shipboard spending credits up to $500 per stateroom on select voyages. This credit can be used towards onshore adventures, one-of-a-kind dinners in The Vintage Room, treatments at the only Feng Shui-inspired spa and more

• And, for those with their sights on 2017 voyages, all fares have been lowered for bookings made in the line’s Silver Anniversary year

Itineraries include Antarctica, South America the Caribbean and beyond.

Other enticing Crystal Cruises experiences on all cruises include:

• Limited-time Book Now Cruise-Only Fares from just $1,485 per person
• Complimentary select fine wines, champagne and premium spirits
• Complimentary gratuities for all dining, bar, housekeeping and Penthouse butler staff.
• Complimentary evening of specialty restaurant dining at least once in Silk Road or the Sushi Bar celebrating the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa, and at least once in Prego. (Additional reservations or visits available for a modest fee*)
• Complimentary enrichment via the innovative Creative Learning Institute® and the Computer University@Sea® classes in diverse topics such as world affairs, art, wine appreciation, digital photography and iPad filmmaking
• Complimentary fitness programs with classes in yoga, mat Pilates, Spinning®

Enticing itineraries that travelers can look forward to include a Canary Island Classic, November 13^th to 22^nd (nine days) – Inviting beaches and lush gardens, exceptional wines and delicious ports are key highlights of this cruise. Guests start-off in the beautiful city of Lisbon and then on November 15^th explore Madeira and Funcal. On November 16^th, the ship sails to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands and onwards to Arrecife, Lanzarote on November 17^th.  Stops will be made in Malaga, Spain on November 19^th and then you cruise the Mediterranean Sea before arriving in Monte Carlo where you will stay until November 22^nd. Priced at $2,945 per person.

There is also an Iberian Jewels trip from November 29^th to December 11^th (12 days) – This cruise includes overnights in magical Marseille, Barcelona, Mallorca, Cartagena (Spain), Gibraltar, Cadiz/Seville, Portimao and Lisbon. Guests will be able to savor world-class cuisine in these locations and also visit castles, monasteries and museums. Priced at $3,375 per person.

Crystal Cruises is one of the world’s most awarded luxury cruise lines, having been honored with prestigious accolades from trusted national outlets and their readers such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure for more than 20 consecutive years.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

 

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Four Seasons Resort Nevis Earns 2016 AAA Five Diamond Award

Four Seasons Nevis as seen from the private ferry between Porte Zante, St. Kitts to its private dock on Nevis

NEVIS, WEST INDIES – For the 20th time, Four Seasons Resort Nevis was named among the recipients of the coveted 2016 AAA/CAA Five Diamond Award. The award recognizes properties that deliver ultimate luxury, sophistication and comfort with extraordinary physical attributes, meticulous personalized service, extensive amenities and impeccable standards of excellence.

“We are truly delighted and honored to receive our 20th AAA Five Diamond Award,” said General Manager Ed Gannon. “Every member of the exceptional Four Seasons Resort Nevis staff is committed to delivering a true Caribbean experience with superior personalized service to every guest, every day. We are especially happy to receive this latest AAA Five Diamond Award for our resort’s 25th anniversary in 2016.”

Opened on February 14, 1991, the 196-room Four Seasons Resort Nevis delivers an intimate and authentic travel experience for adventurous and up-market couples and families. The resort was the first among Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to ever receive the AAA Five Diamond Award in 1992, and Four Seasons Resort Nevis is currently among only seven Caribbean hotels and resorts to receive the 2015 Five Diamond recognition. The new recognition for 2016 ranks the resort as a premier establishment, esteemed by AAA’s professional inspectors, the hospitality industry, and the club’s more than 55 million members.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis, the only Four Seasons Resort in the Caribbean, is set along the golden sands of Pinney’s Beach, on the western coast of the island, minutes from museums, plantation homes and historic churches dating to the 1600s.

For more information, visit www.FourSeasons.com/Nevis.

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Finest Playa Mujeres Opens Luxury All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun

Finest Playa Mujeres, an all-inclusive, luxury resort nestled among white sand beaches and crystal blue waters of picturesque Playa Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico, has just opened, accommodating romantic getaways and nuptial celebrations, rejuvenating holidays, and family fun.

The resort offers every possible amenity and luxury one could dream of at an all-inclusive luxury resort: elegant and modern suites provide oversized Jacuzzis, swim-up rooms, private pools, decks with breathtaking views, rooftop terraces, and family-designed suites; a world-class spa with hydrotherapy circuit, 10 swimming pools complete with a children’s pool and baby wading pool, and playground and pavilion for children and teens, nine international gourmet restaurants and 17 bars.

Private club settings in the Excellence Club for adults-only relaxation; and the Finest Club for all ages, which offers additional amenities and services provide further exclusivity and more customized activity.

Finest Playa Mujeres and Finest Resorts are operated by Excellence Group Luxury Hotels & Resorts, a family owned and operated resort group specializing in hotel management and worldwide real estate development, with a primary geographic presence in the Caribbean. The group, a joint investment between Medieval Times and ETI (Explotacions Turistiques de les Illes), owns and manages five star award winning resort properties in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Riviera Maya, and Cancun, Mexico.

In 2014, Excellence Group properties won the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Award, the Travel & Leisure World’s Best Award and Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Award.

Visit finestresorts.com, follow @finestresorts and hashtag #LifeDoneBeautifully.

 

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5 Ways a Villa Vacation Can Ignite Romance

Villas of Distinction offers stays in a luxurious, private villa, with vacation experiences planned by a concierge.

Wilmington, Mass.– Villas of Distinction_®, a full-service premier luxury villa provider with an extensive portfolio, is revealing the reasons why staying in a private, luxurious villa can ignite romance and make memorable vacation experiences.

Unlike online vacation rental companies, Villas of Distinction_® provides a full-service, top-of-the-line experience, and in addition to reserving a premier luxury villa, clients have an entire experiential vacation planned by a private Villa Concierge from start to finish.

The company, which is part of World Travel Holdings, offers five reasons why a villa stay can rekindle the romance:

1. Stress-Free Planning. Whether traveling for a honeymoon, couples getaway, an anniversary celebration or just to reconnect, Villas of Distinction provides clients with their own personal villa concierge that plans every aspect of a vacation from the time you leave your house to the time you return. The Concierge can recommend some of the most romantic spots in a destination; make reservations for a candlelight dinner; or arrange a couple’s excursion like a wine-tasting or a guided morning yoga/meditation session on the beach.

1. Not Just A Stay, But An Experience. When you book your romantic retreat with a Villa Specialist, you are not only booking the villa, but you are planning an entire, unique and customized vacation. Want a favorite wine or food upon arrival? It will be pre-stocked in the villa. What about rose petals on the bed and candles throughout. A Villa Concierge can make it happen. Couples massages by the pool or on the beach, a private chef, fireworks on the beach, a private yacht charter for dinner and champagne — these are just some of the unique experiences a concierge can make happen.

1. Private Pool. Rekindling the romance means enjoying quality time together … alone. Privacy is something that is not offered at a resort pool with other guests crowding you. Villas offer privacy for alone time including private pools and most villas even have private beaches.

1. Chef-Prepared Candlelit Dinner. A dinner by candlelight is the ultimate in romance, but a dinner by candlelight with a meal made by a couples’ own private chef to their liking is even more romantic. How about the morning of the romantic dinner, accompanying the Chef to the water’s edge, where the local fisherman arrives in the morning, with his evening’s just-caught fresh fish and having that prepared for dinner? Or, picking fresh fare from the villa’s gardens and using the herbs in cooking class together to learn how to make local dishes — how romantic does that sound?

1. Quality Time To Reconnect. Being in a beautiful, luxurious and private locale is the perfect setting to reconnect with one another — this is the cornerstone of what a villa vacation offers. From a private pool or beach and couples massages to an excursion or cooking class together and enjoying the breathtaking views villa destinations provide, couples will find a villa vacation that can be customized to fit their relationship personality and vacation desires.

To learn more about the destinations and villa options Villas of Distinction offers, and how a Villa Concierge can help plan a one-of-a-kind vacation filled with romance, visit www.VilllasofDistinction.com or call 800-289-0900.

Villas of Distinction_®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is a full-service premier luxury villa provider with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 50 luxury destinations including the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Belize, Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Thailand, Croatia, the Continental United States and many private Islands. For nearly 25 years, Villas of Distinction and its team of expert concierges have been helping travelers find their perfect vacation home without a membership fee. The company takes pride in offering customized vacations to meet every need, with most villas featuring private pools, butlers, maids and chefs. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

 

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The 10 Most Praised Ultra-Luxury Cruise Ships in 2014 – Insider Report from CruiseCompete

Crystal Cruises has two ships in CruiseCompete’s list of Top 10 Ultra-Luxury ships.

SeaDream I tops the Top 10 List for ultra-luxury cruise vacations, according to CruiseCompete, which analyzed reviews from thousands of cruise travelers, who provide insight into cruise lines, ships, amenities, service, dining and the destinations visited.

CruiseCompete has tabulated the ratings given to ultra-luxury cruise ship category:

 

Line	Ship	Rating
1. SeaDream Yacht Club	SeaDream I	5
2. Crystal Cruises	Crystal Serenity	4.89
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises	Seven Seas Voyager	4.83
4. Paul Gauguin	MS Paul Gauguin	4.81
5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises	Seven Seas Mariner	4.78
6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises	Seven Seas Navigator	4.75
7. Silversea Cruises	Silver Shadow	4.57
8. Crystal Cruises	Crystal Symphony	4.56
9. Seabourn	Seabourn Sojourn	4.56
10. SeaDream Yacht Club	SeaDream II	4.25

 

Read full reviews of these ships, and others, here.

Want to know more about the worldwide ports these ships visit? Read port reviews here.

One of the most significant aspects of the ultra-luxury lines is the amenities included in their cruise packages. These ships are designed to feel like floating country clubs or boutique hotels; one where a passenger’s every whim is indulged and there’s no need to keep a wallet handy for extra expenses.

To see what’s included on the Ultra-Luxury lines, click here.

To learn more about the luxury lines, or to book and Ultra-Luxury Cruise, visit www.CrusieCompete.com.

 

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TerraVelo Tours Announces High-End Luxury Camping, Cycling Trips in Utah, Wyoming, California; Families Too

For 2015, TerraVelo Tours is offering dedicated family tours in Wyoming and in California, welcoming children as young as 8.

TerraVelo Tours, offering fully-inclusive luxury mobile tent camping travel for both avid and casual cyclists has just announced 2015 seven-day itineraries, which expand beyond their initial Utah tours to add journeys through Wyoming and Northern California.

• Wyoming Mountains, Geysers and Bison cycling tours include stops at Grand Teton National Park , Jackson, Yellowstone National Park including Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin, the Hot Springs Loop, the unique landscape of Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar River Valley. Tours depart late June-July, and early-mid September.

• The California Oceans, Vineyards and Redwoods tours encompass stops at Point Reyes National Seashore, Santa Rosa, Sonoma , Napa, Armstrong National Redwoods Preserve, Salt Point State Park, sunrise yoga followed by a cycle through the Avenue of the (Redwood) Giants, and an optional ride up the “Lost Coast.” Departures are late May-June and August.

“TerraVelo Tours combines moveable luxury camping with an exhilarating cycling itinerary, suitable for cyclists of all levels,” states David Levine, co-founder of the luxury cycling tour company. “Our bicycle tours bring together a maximum of 12 guests for intimate dinners, amazing food and enlightening conversation, complemented by luxurious camping and amenities. Our guests are cared for by ten staff members, the highest ratio among bicycle tours.”

“Just get yourself to the airport, and we’ll take care of the rest,” adds Rebecca Martin, Levine’s partner and co-founder. “Airfare, excursions, a masseuse, even the toothpaste are included in the experience. A private chef and sous chef will accompany us, preparing all our meals and snacks during each seven-day adventure. Our accommodations every night will be in luxurious, elegant tents, adding to the beauty of the scenery while providing supremely comfortable shelter. This is unheard of in our cycling world!”

• Guests will be outfitted with a rental carbon fiber specialized Roubaix Expert Ultegra or similar high-end carbon fiber road bike and helmet; those preferring to ride their own bike can simply bring it to their local bike shop where TerraVelo will have it shipped, delivered and assembled, ready to ride when the guest arrives, and shipped back to the bike shop upon departure.

• Each of the luxury tents simulates an upscale hotel guestroom, outfitted with Tempur-Pedic mattresses; Frette linens; down comforters; rugs; furnishings from ABC Home & Carpet and Mitchell Gold +Bob Williams; Turkish bath towels; and Molton Brown toiletries and sundries.

• Each night’s Camp will include: a full-time personal chef and sous chef who will prepare all meals; a dining tent; sunrise yoga; laundry service; evening entertainment including live music and campfire. On two evenings, a masseuse will provide 30-minute massages; on other nights, guests will enjoy educational sessions from a visiting astronomer and/or geologist who will share insights on the gorgeous night sky, landscape and vegetation.

• A Lounge tent with a sofa, club chairs, board games including chess, backgammon, playing cards; books and a fully-stocked bar; shower and restroom facilities complete the mobile accommodations.

The 7-day tour packages include all food, beverage, accommodations, and roundtrip airfare from the Continental United States. These exhilarating itineraries are $7,850 per person, double occupancy, with guests’ choice of one King bed or two singles.

Family-Friendly Tours Attract All Generations

For 2015, TerraVelo Tours will host dedicated Family Tours in Wyoming and in California, welcoming children as young as 8.

“As a mother of two active children, I know what a joy it will be for parents – and grandparents – to watch their children explore the splendor of our national parks,” said Martin. “We will tailor activities to suit them, to assure a memorable experience for all ages.”

Parents and grandparents are encouraged to visit the TerraVelo Tours website and note the Family Focused tours scheduled in 2015, which feature designated children’s counselors; activities including movie night, cooking demonstrations and archery lessons for children and youngsters 8 to 15. Children’s rates are $5,850 with single bed accommodations in parents tents; youngsters 16 and over pay the adult rate.

TerraVelo Tours provides the busy professional, avid cyclist, and lover of breathtaking scenery, with an all-inclusive luxury camping escape with bicycling, horseback riding, massages and other amenities available to create life-long memorable experiences.

For more information or reservations visit www.TerraVeloTours.com or call 888-801-1446.

For more information, visit www.terravelotours.com.

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Heathman Hotel Kirkland Offers New Pampered Pet Package

The Heathman Hotel, a full-service luxury hotel in Kirkland, Washington, is now offering a Pampered Pooch Package.

The Heathman Hotel, a full-service luxury hotel in Kirkland, Washington, is now offering a new, luxurious pet package for its doggie visitors.  The Heathman, well- known and awarded for its superior service and amenities for human guests, has announced the Pampered Pooch Package, filled with everything a pet could want in order to feel as well-rested and indulged as their owners.

“The Heathman Hotel is committed to providing all of our guests – both two and four-legged – with the best possible experience,” says Troy Longwith, general manager for the Heathman Hotel in Kirkland. “Our guests treat their dogs as members of the family, and we strive to offer our canine friends the same level of service and amenities as our human visitors.”

The hotel’s Pampered Pooch Package provides a selection of dog-friendly goodies upon arrival, including a durable100% recycled dual dog dish, an EzyDog shock absorbing leash with attachable doo bag and a selection of fresh dog treats, made in-house at The Heathman’s farm-to-table restaurant, Trellis.  Pet owners will also enjoy a bottle of private label “Heathman Rescue Red” wine.  A portion of the proceeds from this package will benefit local animal rescue shelters.

The new Pampered Pooch Package includes:

• Overnight accommodations in any of Heathman Kirkland’s room types.
• “Art of Sleep Luxury Bed Menu” for YOU – choice of Tempur-Pedic, European pillow top or European featherbed
• Comfortable pet  bed for any size pooch to use for duration of stay
• A doggie care package waiting in-room upon arrival, featuring:

• Bottle of “Heathman Rescue Red” private label wine
• 100% recycled dual dog dish
• EzyDog  Zero Shock  leash & attachable doo bag
• Dog treats, made in-house at Trellis
• A portion of the proceeds generated from this package will be donated to local animal rescue shelters

The pooch amenities can be added to any reserved room for only $60 (it also makes a great gift for your dog loving friends and family).

The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland, located on Seattle’s Eastside, provides guests with the ultimate in gracious service in an ambience of understated elegance and comfort. In 2013, the hotel was featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List and the 2013 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels rankings.  Additionally, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice awards ranked the property as the 88^th best hotel in the world in 2012. The hotel has also garnered the AAA of Washington Four Diamond Award®, an indicator of excellence that promises travelers an unparalleled lodging experience, and is also a member of the Preferred Hotel Boutique Group. The Heathman Hotel features 91 classic guest rooms and suites, and Trellis, a 90-seat wine-country-inspired restaurant and bar helmed by Chef Brian Scheehser. Trellis’ rustic, robust menu evolves with the seasons, often featuring items from Scheehser’s own 10-acre farm.

For reservations and information, visit heathmankirkland.com or call 888-264-5494.

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Dromoland Castle Celebrates 50th anniversary as Luxury Destination Resort as Ireland Hosts the Gathering

Dromoland Castle is celebrating its 50^th anniversary as a luxury destination resort this year, and doing it in grand style. With Ireland’s year-long spectacular The Gathering, also scheduled for 2013, visitors can now join in the celebration with two uniquely Irish, but decidedly different experiences with one short flight across the pond.

With Dromoland as their perfect base camp visitors can enjoy the resort’s special hospitality, complete with commemorative activities, as well as The Gathering’s educational, inspirational and family friendly festivities and events.

To commemorate this historic occasion, Dromoland Castle has

· created a new logo

· crafted a celebratory lager

· commissioned a tartan by an historical local mill

· renovated the Presidential Suite

· redesigned the Fig Tree Restaurant and

· launched The Shop at Dromoland, selling artisanal and locally sourced goodies

Dromoland Castle, located in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, was built in the 16^th century. Majestically set on the shores of Lough Dromoland, it is surrounded by over 450 acres of breathtaking scenery, including a championship parkland golf course. Lavish interiors, fine food and superb wines complement the deluxe accommodations of the Castle’s 99 guest rooms, while Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club, an intimate spa and traditional outdoor recreational opportunities ensure a unique guest experience.

Dromoland recently acquired the Clare Inn, a 181-room, three star hotel located on 21 acres adjacent to the resort. A major renovation is planned this year upgrading it to a four star hotel. Now both hotels can offer a wider range of activities and amenities to guests during their stays. (It’s a delightful amenity when planning a big celebration, like a destination wedding, in particular.)

Visit www.dromoland.ie.

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