Winter Dude Ranch Vacations

As a blanket of white transforms the Western Pleasure Ranch into a winter wonderland, enjoy scenic horse-drawn sleigh rides.

For a different twist on a snowy adventure in the stunning Rocky Mountains look no further than these Dude Ranchers’ Association members. Snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling, relaxing by a crackling fire, enjoying wonderful food and cozy accommodations, and making memories to last forever is what you will find at these DRA member dude ranches.

Western Pleasure Ranch – Idaho:  As a blanket of white transforms the Western Pleasure Ranch into a winter wonderland, enjoy scenic horse-drawn sleigh rides. You will feel like a child again as they jingle through a 2-mile loop trail of dense forests in the foothills of the Cabinet Mountains with amazing views of the Selkirk Mountain Ranch. With a wide variety of horse-drawn sleighs, including a five-passenger, three twelve passengers, and a two-passenger, they have the right size sleigh to accommodate your family, friends, and even that special someone for the romantic two-passenger sleigh.

Triangle X Ranch – Wyoming:  Head to the iconic Jackson Hole, WY for some incredible skiing and winter fun. Bask in the beauty of the snow-covered Teton Mountain Range and enjoy the comforts of Triangle X Ranch. The cabins are cozy, the food is delicious, and the hot tub is divine. Triangle X Ranch is located in the heart of Grand Teton National Park and is the only concession open in the wintertime! They offer unsurpassed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, photography, and wildlife viewing right out your front door. After a full day, return to the comfortable lodge and relax western style with a warm fire and a large outdoor jacuzzi.

Bar W Guest Ranch – Montana:  Escape to the Big Sky State to enjoy all of the winter activities that Montana has to offer. At Bar W Guest Ranch you will find snow activities like sleigh rides, ski & stay packages, cross-country & nordic skiing, winter fat biking, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, snowshoe tours and much more! Schedule the trip that makes you feel like you are in a holiday Hallmark movie at the Bar W Guest Ranch!

Latigo Ranch – Colorado:  Skiing and snowshoeing in the mountains of Colorado during winter vacations is probably one of the dreamiest vacations you can think of if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Latigo Ranch in Kremmling, Colorado has cozy cabins, miles of trails for adventures, gourmet meals, stunning scenery, and good company are what you will find at Latigo. You will also find yaks! They are a fun addition to the ranch and a rarity at dude ranches.

Sundance Trail Guest Ranch – Colorado: Winter horseback riding, stargazing from the jacuzzi, storytelling in front of the crackling fire, hearty home cooked meals, and welcoming accommodations. Sundance Trail Guest Ranch in Northern Colorado offers all of these. The ranch is easy to get to from Denver International Airport, offers a quiet, peaceful, and wonderful winter vacation for your group, and you can bring your pets!

C Lazy U Ranch – Colorado:  Take a trip to Grand County this winter and enjoy all that C Lazy U Ranch has to offer for winter fun! Snowmobiling, snow tubing, ice hockey, ice skating, sleigh rides, skiing and so much more are offered at C Lazy U to keep everyone busy, enjoying the outdoors, and making memories together. Delicious hearty meals will keep you fueled throughout the day and comfortable cabins will leave you well-rested and ready for more action.

Vista Verde Ranch – Colorado:  Luxury, adventure, beauty, peacefulness, is what you will find in winter at Vista Verde Ranch, outside of Steamboat Springs. Activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow tubing, sleigh rides, skiing, and much more is offered at Vista Verde Ranch along with luxury accommodations, gourmet food, and scenery. Whether you are booking a holiday vacation or just a winter getaway, do not overlook Vista Verde Ranch outside of beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Contact the Dude Ranchers Association for help finding the perfect dude ranch for your next vacation (https://duderanch.org/start-planning-your-next-dude-ranch-vacation-today/)

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Winter – Moab, Utah’s Secret Season for Uncrowded Adventure

Moab Adventure Center offers many different experiences for enjoying winter getaways in this vast expanse of geologic history unique in the world.

MOAB, UT– Even in the winter, the rocks can feel warm to the touch as they absorb the sunshine that kisses the world-renowned, red rock playground of Moab, Utah. Here, precipitation of rain or snow visits fewer than 60 days a year. Come December, locals and visitors alike button up their overcoats against daytime temperatures that dip into the 40s.
 
While campsites are closed for the winter season, in and around Moab comfortable lodging remains open as do a variety of dining options. And everyone’s friend and go-to resource, Moab Adventure Center (https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/), continues to welcome queries about what’s to see and do in the short off-season between now and early March. Come spring the region once again prepares itself to meet the demands of a world hungry for wholesome, outdoor recreation.
 
But for those who can’t wait until spring, Moab Adventure Center has these recommendations for enjoying winter getaways in this vast expanse of geologic history unique in the world: 
 
Two, three, and four-hour Hummer Safari tours are available beginning in February. Rates range from $98 to $215 per person depending on the off-road excursion. All safaris are conducted in comfortable 4×4 off-road vehicles. Your driver adds meaning to the spectacular canyon vistas and stops along the way.
 
Arches National Park tours are conducted year-round by land or air. Land tours are four hours long and air tours range from 30 minutes to one hour. On the land tours guests have an opportunity for short hikes to phenomenal vistas of famous arches.
 
Air tours give a birds-eye view of Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park; a new flight allows visitors to capture spectacular vistas of Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.
 
Local experts recommend first visiting the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park & Tracks (interactive) Museum. A Dinosaur Discovery Tour reveals Moab as the original Jurassic park. The surrounding expanse comprised of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park invites the curious to ponder where those ancient creatures might have ambled and foraged. Note that the Dinosaur Park will reopen for the season on Feb. 18.
 
Hiking Arches National Park is a year-round, four-hour morning tour for hikers exploring this ancient plateau concealing more than 2,000 natural arches, representing the highest concentration of such wonders on the planet.
 
Throughout the year guests can rent four-door Jeep Wranglers so they can do their own exploring of the region. The jeeps hold up to five people and can be rented for 10.5 hours.
 
Moab Adventure Center has been exploring the rivers and canyons surrounding Moab since 1961 as Western River Expeditions, pioneers in the river rafting industry. Western River created the Moab Adventure Center to give this “Adventure Capital of the West” its full due with a focus on day tours and adventures in unparalleled red rock beauty, and to become a convenient one-stop adventure center in world famous Moab.
 
Through the late winter season, Moab Adventure Center recommends tapping into http://udottraffic.utah.gov to see real-time road conditions across Utah.
 
Moab Adventure Center (https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/) is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532. For information and reservations call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163. Moab Adventure Center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure-related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs.

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Winter for Nonskiers: Take Advantage of Off-Season Rates at Five-Star Broadmoor Resort

Winter affords an ideal opportunity to experience the five-star luxury of The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs.

Where can you go if you don’t ski but still want to curl up by a fire, experience the wintry outdoors, and sidestep the premium rates/crowded high season of most ski resort lodging? If you find yourself preferring après-ski to actual skiing, explore a Colorado resort that isn’t all about the downhill: The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

The Broadmoor experiences its off season in winter, so nightly rates at the Forbes Five Star resort are as low as $259/night in winter/early spring (a major savings compared to their starting rates of $555+ in summer). And with 784 guest rooms, suites, cottages, and brownstones, there’s usually plenty of inventory during the winter, making it perfect for a last-minute getaway. And you’ll be anything but bored or feeling left out from the Colorado outdoor fun. Here’s what makes The Broadmoor the best winter resort for non-skiers.

Winter Outdoor Adventures  

• Fat Bikes keep guests riding throughout the winter at the resort using locally-made Borealis fat bikes. These high-end bikes are designed to handle the winter snow of Colorado Springs’ terrain. Guided tours or rentals are available.
• Falconry is considered the sport of kings, and The Broadmoor’s team of master falconers gets guests up close to the birds of prey, all year-long. NEW FOR WINTER 2022: one can even participate in a falconry hunt and experience Harris Hawks in pursuit of live game, including pheasants, rabbits or squirrel. Hunts are offered by reservation only through March.
• Fly Fishing in winter is a great option to opt outside, from quick one-hour casting lessons to full-day trips with The Broadmoor’s professional guides.
• Hiking with The Broadmoor Outfitters is another way to get the heart pumping, and guided hikes can be customized to fit interest and fitness levels.
• Rock Climbing can be arranged in the winter months, if Mother Nature agrees of course. The Broadmoor’s guides work with everyone from newbies to seasoned climbers.
• Develop your Wild West skills with a chance to try your hands at archery, tomahawks, and pellet guns during a two-hour group experience that’s perfect for families who enjoy some friendly competition.  
• Ziplining at The Broadmoor’s Seven Falls continues in winter, offering stunning views of the secluded South Cheyenne Canyon, often dusted in snow.

Spa + Relaxation

• The Spa at The Broadmoor is known internationally for its innovative services and integrated approach to health and relaxation. In winter, guests love the Oxygen Infusion: a cutting-edge treatment that delivers oxygen under hyperbaric pressure to infuse an active serum to the deeper layers of the skin. And the spa’s large indoor pool is open for guests to enjoy year-round, no matter the weather.
• Take in a Movie at the resort’s own theater, including popcorn. It’s free and open to guests with showings each evening and matinees on the weekend (often featuring films that are still in regular theaters).
• Tucked away just off the main lobby, The Broadmoor’s Portales Library is perhaps the coziest place on the property, with an intimate setting and warm/glowing fireplace. It’s the perfect spot to sit and read one of the library’s classics, best sellers, or children’s books.

Indoor Activities

• Spend a fun-filled evening at Play, a Broadmoor restaurant with six bowling lanes plus a host of games including shuffleboard, a pool table, foosball, Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii to keep everyone entertained all evening long.
• Tennis and pickleball are very popular at The Broadmoor, even in winter. Two of the resort’s hard courts are covered by an illuminated, heated bubble during the winter months, and lessons can be arranged.
• A bit indoor AND outdoor… you can travel to the top of Pikes Peak on the heated rail cars of The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Winter rides are typically offered Friday through Monday.

Food… Glorious Food

• NEW FOR 2022: During winter weekends, The Broadmoor now offers hands-on cooking classes. In February, it’s all about Italy. Guests will learn the pizza and pasta classics of Ristorante del Lago, with Broadmoor chefs sharing their techniques and tips for the best pizza dough, classic pizza toppings & how to bake a pizza at home. Guests will also learn how to make ravioli, hand cut pappardelle, a classic beef Bolognese, plus a decadent tiramisu. In March, it’s a focus on classic tapas, with instruction on the finer points of making tortilla Española, Croquetas de Jamon, Gambas al Ajillo, Patatas Bravas, Marinated Olives, and Pan con Tomate, plus desserts like Crema Catalana and Chocolate con Churros.
• The Broadmoor has 17 restaurants, cafes, and lounges that range from fine dining to casual patisseries. The selection means you don’t have to drive on winter roads to seek out sustenance. A winter favorite is the Golden Bee, The Broadmoor’s 19th century British Pub. The pub was actually transferred to The Broadmoor panel by panel, directly from the United Kingdom. Order the Fish & chips, a beer (the Red Leg Brewing Company’s Prospector’s Pick Kolsch is brewed specifically for the resort) and end with the famous Sticky Toffee Pudding. It’s winter, after all.

For more details, visit https://www.broadmoor.com/.

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Vail Resorts Mounts 96-Hour Ski Sale Feb. 23-26 With up to 55% Off Lodging

Take advantage of Vail Resorts’ 96-hour sale to book a trip to Keystone Mountain Resort, Colorado © 2016 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

BROOMFIELD, Colo. –– Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, the Snow.com 96-Hour Sale clock starts ticking with the best rates on vacations across Vail Resorts and RockResorts destinations, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Park City, Grand Teton National Park and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

A Mountain of Vacation Values

With up to 25 feet of snow in Colorado and Utah this winter, there are plenty of fresh tracks for one more ski getaway this season. Rates at the Keystone Lodge & Spa, which has undergone substantial upgrades throughout the property and guest rooms, start at $179 per night – a savings of up to 45 percent! Mountain Thunder Lodge in the heart of Breckenridge offers a variety of lodging choices including studio, one- to three-bedroom condominiums and two- and three-bedroom town homes at up to 40 percent off with rates starting at $173. Vail aficionados can also enjoy lodging savings of up to 40 percent with rates at The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort in Vail Village starting at $253. In Beaver Creek, lodging rates can be found with savings of up to 45 percent, including The Pines Lodge, A RockResort, where rates start at $269 with easy access to the resort’s world-class slopes. Save up to 30 percent at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City with rates starting at $119 and discovery the country’s largest ski resort. In Lake Tahoe, skiers and snowboarders can save up to 25 percent on lodging with rates starting at $105 at the Meadows in Kirkwood, $199 at Aspen Grove in Northstar and $199 through Lake Tahoe Lodging Company. www.Snow.com/96HourSale

Go Green and Save Green on Transportation

The 96-Hour Sale values continue with ground transportation from Colorado Mountain Express. Keep an extra vehicle off the road, leave the driving to the pros, sit back, enjoy the views or keep up-to-date with complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Save $15 per person on roundtrip shuttles from Denver International Airport to Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek and other Rocky Mountain destinations. www.RideCME.com

Gear Up Online and Save

For those who prefer to travel lightly, RentSkis.com can help skiers and snowboarders save on baggage fees and then some. Get ahead of the game by booking rental equipment online across more than 90 locations in North America and save up to 20 percent. www.RentSkis.com

Celebrate and Save with the National Park Service Centennial

For a different type of mountain vacation, the National Park Service celebrates 100 years this summer across its parks including the spectacular Grand Teton National Park. Also known as the Serengeti of the West, where the bison, moose, bear and other wildlife roam free visitors to the park can listen to the elk bugle from a cozy, classic cottage at Jackson Lake Lodge in the heart of the park with rates starting at $195 per night – a savings of up to 35 percent.www.GTLC.com

96 Hours to Island Time

Choose white sand beaches for an unforgettable retreat at Half Moon Jamaica, located just 10 minutes from MBJ airport. Relax and unwind at the award-winning Fern Tree Spa, play Golf at our 18-hole, par-72 championship course, or dine at the renowned Sugar Mill Restaurant.  Luxury Rooms/Suites start at $299.  Villas start at $2,126 per night – a savings of up to 25 percent. www.HalfMoon.RockResorts.com

Snow.com 96-Hour Sale participating properties and services include:

• Vail, Colo.
  • The Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort
  • The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort
  • The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail
  • Austria Haus

• Beaver Creek, Colo.
  • Osprey at Beaver Creek, A RockResort
  • The Pines Lodge, A RockResort
  • Beaver Creek Resort Properties

• Breckenridge, Colo.
  • One Ski Hill Place, A RockResort
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge
  • Crystal Peak Lodge
  • Mountain Thunder Lodge
  • Village Hotel & The Village at Breckenridge

• Keystone, Colo.
  • Keystone Lodge & Spa
  • The Inn at Keystone
  • Keystone Property Management

• Park City, Utah
  • Grand Summit Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City
  • Silverado Lodge
  • Sundial Lodge
  • Vintage on the Strand

• Grand Teton National Park
  • Jenny Lake Lodge
  • Jackson Lake Lodge
  • Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch

• South Lake Tahoe, Calif. & Nev.
  • Lake Tahoe Lodging Company

• Kirkwood, Calif.
  • Mountain Club
  • The Meadows
  • Sun Meadows

• Truckee, Calif.
  • Northstar Condos
  • Ski Trails

• Montego Bay, Jamaica
  • Half Moon, Jamaica

• Colorado Mountain Express

• RentSkis.com

Visit www.Snow.com/96HourSale to book or for more information. These deals cannot be booked until 12:01 a.m. MST on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016 and will expire at 11:59 p.m. MST on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. Other restrictions may apply.

 

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Tubbs Snowshoes Adventure Center to Open at Historic Woodstock Inn & Resort This Winter

The historic Woodstock Inn & Resort, in the quintessentially New England village of Woodstock, is opening a Tubbs Snowshoes Adventure Center this winter to offer new outdoor activities for guests.

Tubbs Snowshoes is opening its first Tubbs Snowshoes Adventure Center at The historic Woodstock Inn & Resort, in the quintessentially New England village of Woodstock this winter, adding a whole new dimension of outdoor activities for guests. Woodstock Inn already offers skiing on its own Suicide Six mountain (despite the name, is very family-friendly), and cross-country skiing.

Tubbs Snowshoes has deep roots in New England from its founding in Maine in the early 1900’s and its previous World Headquarters in Vermont, before relocating to Seattle, WA, in 2003.

“Tubbs Snowshoes, with its comfortable and innovative equipment, coupled with the expertise of the Tubbs Certified Guides, is an ideal partner to offer enhanced outdoor experiences for the Woodstock guest,” said President and General Manager Gary Thulander. “From a hike up Mt. Peg to a more leisurely trek along our grounds, guests at every skill level will find a whole new way to experience and enjoy the great outdoors this winter.”

The Tubbs Snowshoes Adventure Center will feature expert-led tours, group teambuilding exercises, and family-friendly scavenger hunts. Enhanced experiences are also available, including special moonlight treks for dinner in the resort’s cozy cabin in the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Beginners and experts alike will find the Tubbs Snowshoes Adventure Center and 30 kilometers of trails challenging yet comfortable and relaxing against the backdrop of the Resort’s expansive grounds.

Woodstock Inn & Resort has designed a series of winter adventure-themed vacation packages built around the Tubbs Snowshoes Adventure Center. From romantic to adventurous, the value-packed getaways are designed for an exhilarating way to experience the peace and tranquility of Woodstock in winter.

New winter packages include:

Tubbs Snowshoes Romance Excursion Package

• Luxury accommodations for two nights
• Welcome gift basket
• Breakfast-in-Bed one morning
• Breakfast at the Red Rooster Restaurant
• Four course dinner for two at the Red Rooster Restaurant
• Guided snowshoe trek to a four course chef’s dinner at the Mt. Tom Cabin
• Tubbs Snowshoes rental and Nordic Center trail passes for two
• Horse-drawn sleigh ride at Billings Farm
• Package rates start at $1,799 per couple in a Woodstock King room; two night minimum is required

Tubbs Snowshoes Total Tranquility Package

• Luxury accommodations for one night
• Welcome gift
• One 50 minute massage per guest at The Spa; includes use of steam room, sauna and jacuzzi
• Tubbs Snowshoes rental and Nordic Center trail passes for two
• Package rates start at $588

Certified Tubbs Snowshoes instructors and guides will be onsite at the Tubbs Snowshoes Adventure Center to lead tours for beginners to advanced outdoor explorers. They will also offer snowshoe fittings for guests purchasing the latest Tubbs snowshoes from the on-site ski shop. Trail passes, rentals and lessons will also be available.

Tubbs Snowshoes Adventure Center fees include:

Trail Passes

Inn Guests: Free Sunday-Thursday; $22 Friday, Saturday & Holiday Dates

Day Visitors: Adults $22 • Junior (13-17) $15 • Child (6-12) $10 • Senior (65+) $18

Tubbs Snowshoes Rentals (includes poles)

Adults: $25 • Children (6-17): $15

Tubbs Snowshoes Lessons (per person)

Private Lesson $80 per hour

Semi-Private Lesson $50 per hour

Located in idyllic Woodstock, Vermont, The Woodstock Inn & Resort defines country sophistication in one of New England’s most charming and popular year-round vacation destinations.  The 142-room, AAA Four Diamond Resort and member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offers award-winning dining in two restaurants, ranked among the finest in New England.  The Woodstock Inn & Resort is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation, Inc.  Proceeds from Resort operations support The Woodstock Foundation and Billings Farm & Museum education and conservation programs.

For more information on the Tubbs Snowshoes Adventure Center, including detailed vacation packages, visit www.woodstockinn.com. For information on the latest collection of Tubbs Snowshoes, visit tubbssnowshoes.com.

 

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Bonaire Dive Resorts, Boutique Hotels Offer Package Deals During Winter Peak Season

For 20 consecutive years, Scuba Diving magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, has selected Bonaire as the number one Shore Diving destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic. (photo by AS Mullens).

A number of Bonaire’s dive resorts and boutique hotels are offering packages for the peak season and beyond. Many featuring discounts on dive travel will provide guests with an opportunity to experience the warmth of Bonaire and take the “burrrrrr” out of winter.

Belmar Oceanfront Apartments – Take advantage of Belmar Oceanfront Apartments’ “Drive, Dive and Stay 6 Days Shore Diving” package. The offer includes a fully equipped apartment for 7 nights (self catering), rental vehicle (double cabin pick-up truck), 6 days of unlimited air fills, free Nitrox, rum punch party, roundtrip airport transfers, government taxes and services. Weekly rates begin at $734.44 based on 4 persons sharing a classic superior two-bedroom apartment, for travel December 21, 2013 – April 25, 2014. Blackout dates include December 22, 2013 – January 2, 2014; February 1-5, 2014; February 22 – March 21, 2014. For more information visit http://www.belmar-bonaire.com, email reservations@belmar-bonaire.com, call 1-888-655-0605 or send a message on Facebook.

Buddy Dive Resort – Guests staying at Buddy Dive Resort can enjoy their “Drive & Dive Boat Dive” package. The package includes 7 nights’ accommodations, 7 days rental vehicle (double cabin pick-up truck), 6 days of unlimited air fills (plus six boat dives), free Nitrox, daily breakfast buffet, welcome drink, manager rum punch party, roundtrip airport transfers and government taxes. A weekly rate begins at $1,261.67 per person, based on 2 persons sharing a 1-bedroom apartment, and is valid for reservations for December 21, 2013 – April 21, 2014. Blackout dates include December 20, 2013 – January 4, 2014. For more information visit http://www.buddydive.com, email reservations@buddydive.com, call 1-866-GO-BUDDY, or send a message on Facebook or Twitter.

Captain Don’s Habitat – Save big with Captain Don’s Habitat winter package. The special includes 7 nights’ ocean view room accommodations, welcome rum punch, complimentary Wi-Fi, manager’s rum punch party with live music, 6 single tank boat dives, 6 days of 24 hour unlimited shore diving, government taxes, hotel service charges and energy surcharges. Rates begin at $870 per person, based on double occupancy for travel January 4 – February 1, 2014; or $965 per person, based on double occupancy for travel February 2 – March 31, 2014. For more information visit http://www.habitatbonaire.com, email info@habitatbonaire.com or call 1-800-327-6709.

Caribbean Club Bonaire – Caribbean Club Bonaire is offering their “Dive & Explore 6 Days Shore Diving” package. The offer provides 8 days/7 nights’ accommodations, 7 days rental vehicle (double cabin pick-up), 6 days unlimited air fills, free Nitrox, daily breakfast buffet, welcome drink, manager’s rum punch party, roundtrip airport transfers and government taxes. Weekly rates begin at $887.73 per person, based on 2 persons sharing a 1 bedroom cottage standard, for travel December 21, 2013 – April 25, 2014. Blackout dates include December 20, 2013 – January 4, 2014. For more information visit http://www.caribbeanclubbonaire.com, email reservations@caribbeanclubbonaire.com, call 1-800-906-7708 or send a message on Facebook.

Den Laman Condominiums – Explore Bonaire with Den Laman Condominiums “Winter Drive & Dive” package. This 7 nights’ accommodations package starts as low as $761 per person, based on 4 people sharing a two bedroom ocean view condo. The offer also includes an A/C pick-up truck, 6 days of unlimited tanks available 24/7 for shore diving on and off property and free Nitrox upgrades provided by PADI and SSI Bonaire Dive & Adventure. The package is valid for travel for December 21, 2013 – April 18, 2014. For more information visit http://www.denlaman.com, email reservations@denlaman.com or call 1-800-382-1094.

Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino – Take advantage of Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino’s “Shore & Explore” package. The offer consists of 7 nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast, hotel tax and service charges, 4 passenger truck and unlimited use of tanks for shore diving. Weekly rates begin at $959 per person, based on double occupancy. The package is valid for travel December 23, 2013 – March 31, 2014. For more information visit http://www.diviresorts.com, email reserve@diviresorts.com or call 1-800-367-3484.

Eden Beach Resort – Eden Beach Resort is offering their guests an unforgettable vacation with their “Stay, Drive & Dive,” package. The package consists of 7 nights’ accommodations in a studio, king studio or 2 bedroom apartment; daily breakfast at Spice Beach Club; 7 days rental of a dive truck; and 6 days of unlimited shore diving offered by Wannadive Bonaire. Weekly rates begin at $770 per person, based on 4 persons in a 2 bedroom apartment. This package is valid for travel throughout the year of 2014. For more information visit http://www.edenbeach.com, email info@edenbeach.com or call 1-786-454-2348.

Harbour Village Beach Club – Immerse yourself in romance this winter at Harbour Village Beach Club, with their “Romance” package. This package includes 7 nights’ accommodations; romantic torch-lit dinner on the beach; aromatherapy couples massage; reserved double hammock on the beach; complimentary bottle of champagne; a resort scuba experience for non-certified divers, or one day of diving for certified divers; daily full American breakfast; unlimited use of the fitness center, tennis courts and kayaks; and roundtrip airport transfers. This package is valid for travel December 21, 2013 – April 12, 2014. Blackout dates are December 22, 2013 – January 5, 2014. For more information visit http://www.harbourvillage.com, email reservations@harbourvillage.com or call 1-800-424-0004.

Lighthouse Beach Resort – Save with the Lighthouse Beach Resort’s “March Madness” special. The offer includes a 10% discount off all diving and car rentals for guests. Rates begin at $104 per person, based on double occupancy, for travel March 1 – 30, 2014. Mention “March Madness” when making reservations. For more information visit http://www.bonairevilla.com, email info@bonairevilla.com or call 1-781-784-2070.

Oasis Guesthouse Bonaire – Oasis Guesthouse Bonaire is offering their “Dive & Save” package this winter. The offer includes 7 nights’ accommodations, welcome drink, daily breakfast buffet, 7 days regular pick-up or SUV stick shift, 6 days unlimited independent shore-diving (tanks, regular air and weights), Bonaire Marine Park introduction, marine park fee, roundtrip airport transfers, one BBQ dinner, tax and service charges. Weekly rates begin at $849 per person, based on double occupancy. The package is valid for travel now through January 6, 2014. For more information visit http://www.oasisguesthousebonaire.com, email info@oasisguesthousebonaire.com, call +599-796-0408 or send a message on Facebook.

Plaza Resort Bonaire – Plaza Resort Bonaire is offering their All Inclusive Experience Dive Package, with rates beginning at $1,175 per person, based on double occupancy. The package includes 7 nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (incl. BBQ), all drinks (no premium brands), 6 days of unlimited shore diving, Nitrox, roundtrip airport transfers, service charge and energy surcharge. Book now through December 14, 2013, and receive additional 10% off. This package is valid for travel January 3, 2014 – April 20, 2014. Blackout dates include January 12 – 17, 2014. For more information visit http://www.plazaresortbonaire.com, email usa@plazaresortbonaire.com or call 1-800-766-6016.

Sand Dollar Condominiums – Save with Sand Dollar Condominiums “Ride to the Reef” package this winter season. The package includes 7 nights’ accommodations, 6 days of unlimited tanks for shore diving provided by Dive Friends Bonaire, free Nitrox upgrades, truck rental and government room tax. Weekly rates begin at $688 per diver, based on 4 people sharing a two bedroom/two bathroom condominium. This offer is valid for travel for December 21, 2013 – May 3, 2014. For more information visit http://www.sanddollarbonaire.com, email res@sanddollarbonaire.com or call 1-800-288-4773.

Windsock Beach Resort – Windsock Beach Resort is offering their “7 = 6 Discount” package. For every 7 nights stay, guests only pay for 6 nights. Weekly rates begin at $1,156.25 per person, based on double occupancy. This discount is valid for travel now through April 15, 2014. For more information visit http://www.gowindsockbonaire.com, email windsockbonaire@gmail.com or call +599-795-3791.

Getting to Bonaire

United Airlines operates weekly non-stop flights to Bonaire from Houston, TX and from Newark, NJ (the Newark flight is seasonal). Starting January 1, 2014, the Houston flight departs on Friday afternoon, arriving Friday evening. The return flight departs on Saturday morning, arriving later that same day. The Newark flight departs on Saturday morning, arriving Saturday afternoon. The return flight departs on Saturday afternoon, arriving later that same day.

Delta operates a weekly non-stop flight to/from Atlanta on Saturdays. Other flights from North America generally arrive in Curacao or Aruba; Insel Air flies from Charlotte, NC and Miami to Bonaire via Curacao. Flights between Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao are available on Insel Air and Tiara Air. Divi Divi Air flies between Bonaire and Curacao.

Located eighty-six miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers year-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and the most abundant fish population in the Caribbean. World renowned for scuba diving and snorkeling, it is also ideal for adventurers and explorers,  offering a myriad of eco-adventure activities from sea and mangrove kayaking to windsurfing or kite boarding and more. For those who want to kick back and relax, not having traffic lights on the island makes it easy to stroll into town or hop on a scooter or bike to peruse the island at their own pace.  Accommodations range from full-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to intimate guesthouses, small inns and private villas.

For 20 consecutive years, Scuba Diving magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, has selected Bonaire as the number one Shore Diving destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic. This year, it received 17 awards, more than any other Caribbean destination. It was also voted number one for Beginner Diving, Advanced Diving, Macro Diving and Underwater Photography in the Reader’s Choice Awards.  Most recently, Bonaire’s Marine Park was named one of the Caribbean’s Best Places for Snorkeling by Frommer’s.

For more information on Bonaire, contact the Tourism Corporation Bonaire at 1-800 BONAIRE, email usa@tourismbonaire.com or visit Bonaire’s official web site at http://www.tourismbonaire.com. Follow Bonaire on Twitter and Facebook.

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Horse Stamp Inn on Georgia Coast Winter Promotion Features Golf at Sanctuary Cove

The Horse Stamp Inn is nestled on 16 sprawling acres of the Georgia coast, with expansive pastures, rustic horse barn.

The Horse Stamp Inn, inWaverly, Georgia, one of the newest and most distinctive bed & breakfast inns on the Georgia coast, is hosting a winter promotion that includes golf at the championship Sanctuary Cove, designed by Fred Couples and Davis Love III. The golf course sits on the Golden Isles of Georgia, representing one of the top semi-private golf facilities in the state.

From January 1 thru March 15, 2013, guests of the Inn who stay for a minimum of two nights (based on availability) will receive one complimentary round of golf, including cart. Sanctuary Cove Golf Course is only seven miles from the Inn and a perfect accompaniment to the luxurious and handsome Southern mansion (second person pays $35 to play).

The 5-bedroom Inn is nestled on 16 sprawling acres with expansive pastures, rustic horse barn and artesian fresh water pond. Owners Tom and Kris Hutcheson begin each day with breakfast prepared from fresh and locally produced ingredients. Guests can have breakfast served in their room or suite, choose to dine on the al fresco verandah or in the homey Inn kitchen.

The inn features oversized accommodations with exquisite rural country views, a private salt water swimming pool 16’ x 32’, a horse-friendly four-stall stable with tack/saddle room, a large chicken coop for fresh farm-to-table eggs, brick fire pit for bonfires, picnics and cooking fresh caught fish from the pond, and farm-to-table breakfast featuring family favorite dishes that also respect guests’ dietary needs.

Horse Stamp Inn, 2418 Horse Stamp Church Road, Waverly, Georgia 31565, 912.882.6280, www.HorseStampInn.com.

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