Historic Hotels of America™ New Romance Super Site is Source for Getaways, Weddings, Celebrations

Jekyll Island Club, Georgia, a member of Historic Hotels of America which has just launched a super site dedicated to romance © 2015 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

WASHINGTON, DC- Looking for a weekend getaway or a romantic vacation or a destination wedding? HistoricHotels.org/Romance is your source for romance inspired travel and heartfelt ideas. Use Historic Hotels of America as your guide to plan a luxury retreat, a garden wedding, or a romantic night out on the town. From romantic escapes to reunions, weddings to honeymoons and of course, anniversaries, Historic Hotels of America turns romantic celebrations into life’s most cherished moments. With over 260 historic hotels, inns, and resorts, Historic Hotels of America is home to the largest collection of romantic hotels. When history meets romance, nothing can be sweeter.

Historic Hotels of America has launched its all new romantic escapes e-guide, featuring more than 150 pages of new and expanded content highlighting its most romantic historic hotels, more content and destinations continue to be added. From romantic getaways to reunions, weddings to honeymoons and anniversaries, the new HistoricHotels.org/Romance puts romantic historic hotels and destinations in the spotlight, turning romantic celebrations into life’s most cherished moments. HistoricHotels.org/Romance has a number of inspirational sections for travelers to peruse the site’s many romantic escapes, including:

Romantic getaways. Historic Hotels of America has romantic inns, hotels, and resorts that blend history, luxury, and location into the ultimate destination, perfect for weekend getaways or vacation stays. Home to one of the world’s largest free-span dome, the West Baden Springs Hotel (1902) in French Lick, Indiana is an architectural wonder and just one of many marvels that will take your beloved’s breath away during your stay. This hotel has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark French Lick Springs Hotel (1845), also located within French Lick Resort boasts a spa that offers the best in tranquility, the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing treatment with your loved one. Travelers can select from more than 30 romantic hotels in the upper Midwest.

Grand Hotel (1887) on Mackinac Island, Michigan is the ideal location for a couple to steal away for a romantic getaway. In addition to the hotel’s five-course dinner served in the Main Dining Room, the Woods Restaurant, an opulent Tudor mansion accessible only by horse-drawn carriage, nestled in the wooded interior of Mackinac Island.

Weddings. Ambiance, architecture and history blend to create a storybook wedding. In Paso Robles, California where orange rays streak through lush gardens, your wedding photos will be works of art thanks to the Paso Robles Inn’s (1891) breathtaking gardens. With a number of outdoor wedding venues to choose from, couples can exchange their vows next to a babbling brook, then dance the night away at a fireside patio reception. Select from more than 19 romantic hotels in California.

Eureka Spring, Arkansas is often known as “The Wedding Capital of The South.” The 1886 Crescent Hotel’s (1886) picturesque location atop West Mountain and its proximity to Thorncrown Chapel make the hotel one of the most photographed wedding ceremony and reception sites in the contiguous six-state region.

Honeymoons. Create the honeymoon experience of your dreams and sweep your new bride or groom off their feet. Historic hotels are the perfect backdrop to set off on your newlywed celebration. The Caribe Hilton San Juan (1949) is the perfect locale for your romantic honeymoon with tranquil waves lapping at the shore of the secluded beach and seductive trade winds swaying into exotic gardens. Guests will come to understand why this AAA Four Diamond award-winning San Juan beach resort is the perfect backdrop for a honeymoon, or select from four romantic hotels in Puerto Rico.

As Waikiki’s only true destination resort, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Honolulu (1955) has everything newlyweds will need for the most romantic honeymoon including breathtaking beaches, luxurious accommodations, fine dining, scenic views, and fun activities. Or select from the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa (1901), the first lady of Waikiki, or The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort (1927) the pink palace of the Pacific.

Celebrations. Take time to celebrate life’s special moments. From engagement parties, anniversary getaways and life’s other important celebrations, Historic Hotels of America has just the right setting to commemorate your important milestone. The Lord Baltimore Hotel (1928) in Baltimore, Maryland is the ideal setting for an engagement party, bridal shower, or anniversary party. With a great city-center setting, The Lord Baltimore is the perfect location for all of your out-of-town guests with attractions and shops mere steps away. The French Kitchen sits at the top of the lobby’s grand staircase in the historic mirrored Versailles Room, and focuses on market-driven interpretations of classic French bistro fare, perfect for your special party or event. Travelers can also select from over 28 romantic hotels in the Maryland, DC, and Virginia region.

Reunions. Family history is born out of love and strengthened when those roots are cherished. For this reason, historical, romantic settings lend way for great family reunion inspiration. One of America’s most scenic routes, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect setting for romantic drives and family adventure. Winding through North Carolina, this scenic highway boasts hazy mountains and colorful woodlands, idyllic for a family reunion getaway. The Green Park Inn (1891) in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is a reunion favorite with generations of history peaking in the High Country mountains. Choose from over 12 hotels in the Carolinas.

“This is a year-round campaign launching in time for Valentine’s Day. Romance is not just one day a year, it is year-round at our historic hotels,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Love stories are breathless moments that stand the test of time. Write your next chapter at one of the many Historic Hotels of America, where ambiance, architecture, and history blend to create timeless romance. Historic Hotels of America is the largest collection of the most romantic hotels anywhere. Whether you’re courting, celebrating, rekindling, or reminiscing, we have the romantic escape for you.”

From booking a romantic getaway with your stunning sweetheart or planning the next family reunion, take a look on HistoricHotels.org/Romance where Every Day is Valentine’s Day at Historic Hotels of America.

Historic Hotels of America^® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation^® for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. Founded in 1989 with 32 charter members, today, Historic Hotels of America has more than 260 historic hotels. These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Historic Hotels of America is comprised of mostly independently owned and operated properties.  More than 30 of the world’s finest hospitality brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic Hotels of America. To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance. For more information, visit HistoricHotels.org.

To receive the free Discover & Explore e-newsletter each month with advance notice about Insiders Savings, special discounts, epic package, and up and coming events in historic hotels in 30 countries, plus free or reduced rate admission to historic and cultural sites, click here.

To view the Historic Hotels of America 2015 Annual Directory eBook, click here.

 

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Squaw Valley Hosts the Lake Tahoe Wedding Faire on Saturday, February 1

 

North Lake Tahoe offers some of the most stunning wedding venues in the country.

North Lake Tahoe offers some of the most stunning wedding venues in the country and at the Wedding Faire, future brides can meet and mingle with local business owners who can provide everything brides need to create the wedding of their dreams. The event will host a wide range of bakeries, florists, musicians, photo booths, photographers, venues, event coordinators and wedding rentals.

“We wanted to host this Wedding Faire to make it as easy as possible for brides to see all of what Squaw Valley and North Lake Tahoe have to offer,” said Jessica Greenleaf, Squaw Valley’s wedding and banquet sales manager. “I really believe there is no better place for a wedding.”

This event will feature interactive bridal activities and will offer brides a chance to meet vendors face to face and secure their services for their weddings.  In addition to a great list of vendors, the WeddingFaire will feature a raffle with some great prizes.
Interested brides-to-be can register for the event online at www.squaw.com. Admission to the event is free and includes champagne. The first one-hundred people to register will be entered to win a special selection of elite raffle prizes.

North Lake Tahoe
For more information about North Lake Tahoe, visit www.gotahoenorth.com. And for the best bargains, including lodging, check out the “Cool Deals” tab, which is updated daily. North LakeTahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. Visitor information centers are located at 100 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village.

Squaw Valley
Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is a year-round mountain destination offering world-class adventures in every season. Squaw is renowned for its legendary skiing and riding that spans 3,600 skiable acres, six peaks and 30 chairlifts including a unique mountaintop beginner area and unrivaled expert steeps, chutes and bowls. In summer, the resort welcomes a full line-up of live music and festivals and Squaw’s Aerial Tram offers a scenic ride up to a host of mountaintop activities. For the ultimate slopeside lodging experience, guests can stay in one of The Village at Squaw Valley’s one, two or three bedroom suites, each with a fireplace, kitchen and balcony.

Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows joined forces in November 2011, bringing the two ski resorts under common ownership. Skiers and riders can access 6,000 skiable acres, 43 lifts and 270+ trails at Squaw and Alpine Meadows on one lift ticket or season pass. For more information about Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows, visit www.squaw.com orwww.skialpine.com or call 800-403-0206.

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Magdalena Grand Beach Resort in Tobago Introduces Silver, Gold, Platinum Destination Wedding Packages

The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort (www.MagdalenaGrand.com) in Tobago adds a Caribbean twist to the symbolism of the traditional wedding band by offering engaged couples a tranquil destination wedding with the choice of the Silver, Gold or Platinum wedding packages, which start at $1,129 per couple.

Couples looking to combine their wedding and honeymoon at the Magdalena Grand can take advantage of the resort’s complimentary Silver wedding package with the minimum purchase of a seven-night stay in a one-bedroom oceanfront suite.

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort welcomes guests to paradise by offering luxurious wedding packages that allow couples to truly embrace every second of their dream day.

The resort’s Silver Wedding Package is priced at $1,129 and includes:

© Complimentary wedding coordinator for the ceremony and reception

© Roundtrip transportation to and from local authorities

© Minister fee and legal fees

© Marriage license (additional fees apply for any Trinidad and Tobago national)

© Decorated wedding arch located on the beach or in the humble gardens

© A single tier 10″ wedding cake

© Romantic candlelit room on the night of the wedding

© Bride and groom T-shirts

For couples looking to relax with a celebratory champagne breakfast in bed the morning after the wedding, Magdalena Grand offers the Gold Wedding Package comprised of all the amenities provided in the Silver Package plus a bridal bouquet and boutonniere and a photo album with 24 prints for $1,299 per couple.

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort’s top-tier package, where the ultimate wedding celebration is provided, is the Platinum Wedding Package for only the most celebratory couples. The Platinum Package features all elements of the Gold and Silver Packages, plus a romantic candlelit dinner for two with a bottle of wine, a performance by a steel pan soloist during the ceremony and a day cruise for two for only $1,499 per couple.

“Tobago is a hidden treasure with its natural beauty and Caribbean warmth, making it the perfect lovers’ paradise,'” said Nikolas Eastwick-Field, principal, efm Hospitality Solutions, the resort’s operator. “Magdalena Grand Beach Resort truly captures the romantic essence of a beachfront destination wedding creating unforgettable memories for the newly betrothed,” Eastwick-Field added.

Couples interested in taking full advantage of the romance of Tobago and for those who have already tied the knot, Magdalena Grand offers a unique Renewal of Vows package for $799 per couple. This package, exclusively for those who have shared memorable years together, includes:

© A dedicated wedding coordinator

© Minister fee and marriage certificate

© Decorated arch with local blooms

© Bouquet and Boutonniere

© A wedding night, candle-lit room to create a sensual mood and celebrate the special day

© Champagne breakfast in bed the morning after

Packages are added to the cost of the room and include all taxes and services charges with additional extras available upon request (payable locally).

Newlyweds and couples can enjoy the resort’s 22 one- and two-bedroom oceanfront suites, each with its own private balcony, private Jacuzzi and parlor containing a pull-out, double sofa-bed. The resort’s two-bedroom suites have both a king-size and two double beds while the resort’s one-bedroom suites include the option of either one king-size or two double beds. The property also offers 178 deluxe ocean front rooms with the choice of a king-size or two double beds. Room rates start at $280.50 per room, per night (reflecting a 15% discount available until July 15, 2012), based on double occupancy.

All of the resort’s beautifully appointed rooms feature spacious marble bathrooms with shower and tub; deluxe toiletries, bathrobes and slippers; pure cotton linens; central air conditioning; ceiling fan; iron and ironing board; salon hair dryer; mini refrigerator; coffee/tea maker; safe; High-definition flat screen I.P. televisions with satellite programming; complimentary wireless Internet access; and I.P. telephones.

The resort offers a full range of facilities and activities including three swimming pools – including an adults-only pool; a Dive Center with its own training pool; an 18-hole PGA-designed Championship golf course; pitching and putting greens; driving range; day and nighttime tennis; and daily guest activities program. Guests can ride bicycles as well as well as take advantage of a variety of off-property excursions.

The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort offers several restaurants, bars and casual dining options including the Pembois Buffet, the resort’s main restaurant; Kali’na fine dining restaurant; Robinson Crusoe Pub; Tavaco Lounge Piano Bar (situated in the lobby); Salaka Grill, a poolside and beachfront grill and Li’l Nylon Pool, a swim-up pool bar. In the coming weeks the resort will open Benné Café, a gourmet pastry shop and café.

Guests can choose from two meal plan options, which are added on to the cost of a nightly stay. The MAP is $65 per person, per night, with tax and service charges included and provides breakfast and dinner. The Full American Plan (FAP) is $100 per person, per night, with tax and service charges included and provides three meals daily.

On-property amenities include room service from 6 am until 10:30pm; concierge service; business center; 24 hour fitness center; full-service beauty salon and massage therapists; tour desk; convenience store, gift shop and secured parking.

In addition, children can enjoy the resort’s complimentary Club Cee Cee Kid’s Club, available to children four to 12 years old. Guests under four years of age are able to attend with a parent or adult. Club Cee Cee features arts and crafts, movies, books, board games, nature activities and video gaming systems. Outdoor activities are also available.

The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort is a 15-minute drive from A.N.R Robinson International Airport in Tobago and is situated on the 750-acre Tobago Plantations Estate, a gated community of luxury villas, condos and bungalows.

For more information, call the resort directly at 1-868-660-8500 or toll-free from the U.S. at 1-866-353-6222. Email info@MagdalenaGrand.com or reservations@MagdalenaGrand.com for reservations. visit http://www.MagdalenaGrand.com and find the property on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MagdalenaGrand and on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/MagdalenaGrand.

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Cunard Launches its First-Ever Weddings at Sea Program

Beginning in April 2012, guests will be able to celebrate an unforgettable wedding day at sea, conducted by the Captain, aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria luxury cruiseships.

For the first time in Cunard’s illustrious history as a cruiseline, it will be possible to marry on board, and demand is already high.

While Cunard ships have long served as a romantic backdrop to love stories across the globe, couples will soon be able to say “I do” during a luxury cruise aboard the most famous ocean liners in the world, for the first time in the Line’s 172-year history. Beginning in April 2012, guests will be able to celebrate an unforgettable wedding day at sea, conducted by the Captain, aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
Cunard offers the truly unique option of saying “I do” mid-Atlantic on a classic trans-Atlantic Crossing aboard one of the grandest ocean liners in the world, Queen Mary 2.

Couples wishing to wed at sea can choose from the full spectrum of Cunard’s worldwide voyages lasting seven nights or more and departing after April 2012. In addition to Crossings, destinations include the Mediterranean and Scandinavia, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Far East and Australia.

To maintain exclusivity, only one wedding will be arranged per day, at either 11:00 a.m. or 3:30 p.m., and the ceremonies will take place on days at sea. With a dedicated on board wedding coordinator, the bride and groom will find that all of their wedding needs can be met, from hairdressing, make-up and manicures in the spa, to the wedding ceremony itself, as well as photography and video, and the reception afterwards.

In addition, weddings can be tailored with Cunard’s “Finishing Touches” to reflect individual requests and preferences, from an accompaniment by the ship’s own harpist, to a beautiful ice sculpture.

“There is nothing quite as special as the setting of a Cunard ship,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “Saying ‘I do’ at sea aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth or Queen Victoria promises so much more than a land-based venue. With a backdrop of the world’s most exotic coastlines in the Mediterranean and across the world, or the extraordinary sense of timelessness that you only experience mid-Atlantic, a Cunard wedding promises the happy couple a ceremony of classic style and sumptuous luxury.

“And the ships are so much more than simply a setting for the ceremony itself – they are also honeymoon destinations, offering newlyweds a fresh view to wake up to each morning and a trousseau of unforgettable destinations to discover together ashore,” Shanks added

Choosing to marry on one of the three largest Cunard ships creates an exceptional setting for any style of celebration. Various venues are available aboard each ship depending on the size of the wedding party, from elegant lounges to award-winning restaurants, including The Verandah on Queen Elizabeth and Todd English on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. Under the guidance of Cunard’s global culinary ambassador, Chef Patron Jean-Marie Zimmermann, the ships’ world-class culinary teams will prepare wedding canapés, a delicious wedding lunch or an exquisite wedding dinner.

Cunard has created a Wedding Package – with a tempting array of optional extras – to meet all requirements. The main package includes the ceremony conducted by the Captain, traditional wedding music, a White Star Bellman escorting the bride, floral arrangements, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and, of course, the wedding cake as well as priority check-in and luggage delivery.

A never-to-be-forgotten day is available for $2,500 plus a marriage license fee of $575. An array of Cunard’s “Finishing Touches” are also available for purchase and include items such as a Bride and Groom’s Champagne and Caviar Breakfast in Bed, or a three-tiered fruit cake. In addition, wedding gifts of fine wines, champagne and spa treatments can be purchased in advance and arranged for on board.

What’s included in the Wedding Package:

• Priority luggage delivery
• Press service for bridal outfits
• Priority embarkation (and disembarkation) for the bridal couple
• Services of a wedding coordinator on board
• Two fresh floral arrangements for the ceremonial room
• Bridal bouquet and bridegroom’s boutonniere, with a choice of roses, lilies or exotic flowers
• One-tier wedding cake
• Traditional wedding music
• Elegant wedding ceremony venue
• White Star Bellman to escort the bride to the ceremonial room
• Ceremony at sea conducted by the Captain
• Commemorative wedding certificate
• Commemorative printed wedding menu
• Bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne
• Bride & Groom Breakfast in Bed
• Wedding invitations and Thank You cards for voyage guests

For more information about Cunard’s new Weddings Programme or to book a voyage, consult your Travel Agent, call toll-free 1-800-728-6273 or go to www.cunard.com.

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