Ellen Barone

Greece is on movie screens all over the country these days.  And here’s a deal for October at the iconic island of Santorini.

Astra, one of the leading boutique properties in Santorini – that iconic Greek island all over movie screens this summer and glimpsed in Mamma Mia* – is offering a fall special for the first time ever.  Through October 31, Astra is providing guests who stay for three nights, a fourth night free – a 25 percent savings off the regular rates.  The “Fall in Love at Astra” package starts at about $1,100 and includes a traditional Greek breakfast daily, champagne and chocolates served at sunset on the second day, and taxes – a savings of about $360.

High up on a cliff overlooking the Aegean, offering a bird’s eye view of the 3,600-year-old caldera, Astra provides genuine Greek hospitality in a setting of simple elegance.  Wildflower-filled paths and whitewashed staircases lead to the cozy reception area filled with books and artwork.  The signature colors of the Cyclades are reflected in the sparkling infinity pool hanging 1000 feet above the turquoise sea and the roomy day beds draped in white linen.  Consistently rated one of the top three on the island, this boutique hotel has a loyal following with guests returning year after year.

In October, as chilly winds begin to blast the U.S., a refreshingly cool breeze finally arrives on the beautiful Cycladic island of Santorini, where average temperatures hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  With the temperate weather and no summer crowds, visitors can relax in luxurious accommodations at a substantial savings.

Each of the 28 spacious suites and rooms are decorated in traditional island style with works by local artists.  The complex has 16 domed-ceiling apartments and 12 luxurious suites – eight with private plunge pools or outdoor Jacuzzis.  A day spa offers a full range of massages and facials.  Opened this year, Astra’s restaurant serves delicious fresh fish and Santorinian specialties under the stars.

The peaceful village of Imerovigli sits at the highest point on the rim of the caldera.  Quaint white-cube houses are carved into the rocky cliff or line narrow cobblestone streets.  Astra looks directly across to the towering rock of Skaros, with ruins of a 13th century castle built during the Venetian occupation which stood unconquered for 600 years.  .

While it is hard for guests to pull themselves away from the view and the pool at Astra, Santorini offers other pleasures.  There are beaches, archaeological sites, charming medieval villages and a pulsating nightlife.

Astra’s special offer is good through October 31, depending on availability.  The rate for a standard apartment is about $367 or €250 and includes: a bottle of Santorini wine upon arrival, daily maid service and a traditional Greek breakfast of yoghurt and fruit, eggs, ham, cheese – served on the guest’s private balcony.  The “Fall in Love at Astra” fall package represents a savings of about $360 – and means the daily room rate goes down to $275.  A superior apartment is about $440 or €300, and a two-bedroom apartment for four people is $484 or €330.   Suites range in price from $587 to $939 (€400 to €640.)  Free high-speed Internet access is in all rooms and suites.

Rates for the suites include: a bottle of premium Santorini wine and flowers upon arrival, full continental American breakfast on your balcony, twice-daily maid service, newspapers, bathrobes, slippers and additional luxury amenities.  All rates based on single or double occupancy and taxes are included.  

For more information about Astra Apartments and Suites, go to www.astra-apartments.com or www.astra.gr.  For reservations, visit the website or call: 011-30-2286-2-47-65.    
 
 
 
* While most of Mamma Mia was shot in the Sporades Islands of Skiathos and Skopelos, Grecophiles know that several iconic views were really Santorini.


Source: Meredith Pillon Marketing Communications
 

Get the most out of fall getaways with money-saving travel packages found on FallinVirginia.org. Most packages include lodging, dining and extras to help travelers save some green on trips to Virginia. These are just a few of the fall travel packages found at http://www.FallinVirginia.org/.

What better way to see fall foliage than in a plane? The Mayhurst Inn Fall Foliage Fly Over package in Central Virginia includes two nights’ lodging, gourmet breakfast each morning and a color tour for two in a biplane over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Sign up 10 days in advance. Package is priced between $790- $840/couple, depending on availability.

Combine passions for flavor and fall foliage with the Shenandoah Seasonings package. Spend September 21-23 mastering culinary skills and pairing food with select Virginia wines before hitting the trail and exploring the beauty of one of America’s greatest national parks. This deal is approximately $450 per couple and includes two-nights lodging, two culinary workshops, a welcome reception and a four-course meal finale.

Cooper’s Landing Inn in Southern Virginia offers a Fall Foliage Around the Lake package that welcomes guests with homemade pumpkin bread and rum apple cider. Spend two nights exploring beautiful Lake Country and relaxing at this historic inn with claw-foot tubs and pure southern hospitality. Package price is $495/couple and also includes breakfast, a gourmet picnic and a private trail ride.

Get the latest on getaway ideas at FallinVirginia.org, the official fall travel site of Virginia, full of package deals, foliage reports and links to festivals, events and more. Or call 1-800-932-5827 to request a Live Passionately-Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.

Source: Virginia Tourism Corporation

Fall Super Deal at Red Mountain Spa

Each year Red Mountain Spa celebrates Autumn with savings as savvy guests enjoy cool mornings and warm afternoons in the awe inspiring setting of Southern Utah.

Hiking in the red rocks is at its finest in the brisk morning, greeted by the warmth of the sun as it rises. Afternoons offer a spectacular setting for Tai Chi on the Rocks, and the weather is ideal for biking and horseback riding. In the evening, al fresco dining under starry skies next to the fireplace brings the day to a perfect ending. Or, choose to enjoy an evening massage to soothe after an active day.

Take advantage of their Autumn special offer starting September 14th.  Fall Super Deal rates start as low as $239* per person per night in deluxe accommodations, and only $309* per person per night in Luxury Villas, a savings of up to $40 over regular rates.

For information and reservations, call  877.246.HIKE or visit RedMountainSpa.com.



Source: Red Mountain Spa

Haven’t managed to get away this summer yet?  Did you really buy into that “stay-cation” idea?  Or does the news about the economy, the gas crisis and high prices have you worried?  How about a vacation this fall that offers real value? 

Savvy leaf peepers know that come September and October there are lower prices, fewer crowds and plenty of elbow room in Atlantic Canada.  And unlike New England and other parts of the US, prices go down in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island during the fall – sometimes as much as 50 percent.   

The rolling hills and picturesque valleys of Atlantic Canada come alive in a wash of fiery crimsons and scarlets along with bright yellows and golds.  Food and music take center stage at colorful festivals.  And since Canadians celebrate their Thanksgiving on October 8, Americans can even indulge in an additional holiday feast.

Thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait, Prince Edward Island actually has one of the longest fall foliage viewing periods in North America.  The island’s gentle landscape offers up views of apricot-orange sugar maples and the ruby-reds of cherry and sumac.  These jewel tones contrast with the deep greens of spruce and pine. 

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Prince Edward Island’s most famous personage – the spunky red-haired orphan Anne of Green Gables – and events continue on through the end of November, www.anne2008.com.  For seafood lovers PEI also offers two food festivals this fall.  The 13th annual PEI International Shellfish Festival will be held in Charlottetown from September 19 to 21. The “biggest kitchen party in Atlantic Canada” will feature chowder cook-offs, oyster shucking contests and five daily performances by some of Canada’s best known musicians, www.peishellfish.com. And 10 days later, from September 30 to October 5, “Fall Flavours,” a new island-wide food festival with more than 130 culinary events, will take place with native son Michael Smith, one of Canada’s leading chefs, hosting a gala dinner and cooking classes, www.fallflavours.ca.

From September 3 through 15 at the Cavendish Maples Cottages, room rates go down to $98 from the summertime high of $141, a savings of 30 percent.  From September 16 through the 21, the rate goes down to $84, a 40 percent savings.  And from September 22, a room for two costs as little as $70 – a whopping 50 percent off high-season rates.  A “Romance Package,” which includes two nights’ accommodation, breakfast vouchers for the PEI Preserve Co., passes to Green Gables, a bottle of wine, a chocolate surprise and a welcome gift is available from September 2 to mid-October for $243 per couple, 1-888-662-7537, www.cavendishmaples.com.

Visitors to Nova Scotia will see many autumn colors kayaking along Cape Chignecto or hiking, biking, or canoeing through Kejimkujik National Park.  They might even catch sight of moose.  Several food and music festivals take place in the fall, and farmers’ markets have an abundance of fall produce.  From September 4 through October 26, the 2008 Wines of Nova Scotia Fall Festival will offer more than 25 tastings, grape stomps, gourmet dinners, cooking classes and food pairing events, www.winesofnovascotia.ca.  Melodic voices and the sounds of pipes and fiddles will fill the air in Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island at the Celtic Colours International Festival, October 10 to18.  In its twelfth year, this festival will focus on Celtic cultures with home grown Cape Breton musicians as well as artists from Scotland, Ireland, Spain and even Cuba, www.celtic-colours.com.

At the White Point Beach Resort rates also dip in the fall.  Starting September 15, prices for a standard river view room drop to $111 Sunday through Thursday, from the summertime high of $140 – a 20 percent discount.  (The weekend rate is $131.)  After October 19, the rate goes down further to $102 – a 27 percent savings.  (Sunday through Thursday the weekend rate is $111.) The resort’s “Beach Romance” package includes cottage accommodations for three nights, fresh flowers, a fruit basket, sparkling wine, a three-course candlelight dinner, breakfast in bed and a gourmet picnic basket.  Guests may also select a bike trip, round of golf or massage.  The package costs $679 through September 13 and goes down to $621 from September 13 to October 18.  After October 19, the package is only $562, 1-800-565-5068, www.whitepoint.com.

Retracing four centuries of settlement, Newfoundland’s Discovery Trail presents a panorama of stunning seascapes, quiet fishing villages and historic sites.  And the fall colors are spectacular: pin cherry and white birch turn bright yellow, sugar maples become rich orange and blueberry bushes explode into crimson.  Majestic icebergs, pods of whales and puffin colonies lure nature lovers.  A network of foot and cart paths lead to fishing ponds, centuries-old lighthouses and isolated out ports.  Visitors can hike from the abandoned community of British Harbour and the lighthouse of Kings Cove trail to the site of a natural fort used during Queen Ann’s War of 1703-13.  One of the most picturesque spots along the Discovery Trail is the charming national heritage community of Trinity.  Here, narrow lanes lead to restored 19th century merchant houses.   There are some 50 architecturally significant buildings in this small town of 350.  Whale watching is a popular activity from the port and twenty-two species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises swim along the coastline.

This fall, the Artisan Inn and the Campbell House are offering a “stay two nights, get one free” package, which includes accommodations for two, full daily breakfasts and four-course dinners all three days in the Twine Loft Restaurant (featured in the 2008 “Where to Eat in Canada.”)  The package also provides two passes for the Trinity Museum Tour and a year’s subscription to Newfoundland Quarterly.  The rate, at $270 per person, double occupancy, is an 18 percent savings.   After September 15, guests that stay three or more nights, pay a nightly rate of $112, 15 percent off the high-season price.  The Artisan Inn sits on the shore of Fisher Cove in Trinity Harbour and many of its furnishings were created by local artisans.  Rated 4-star Canada Select, the Campbell House is an historic 1840 building with harbor views and sweeping vistas of Trinity, 1-877-464-7700, www.trinityvacations.com.

Fall is also a special time in New Brunswick where wind-swept beaches provide a back-drop for miles upon miles of crimson red peat bogs.  Lighthouses and fishing villages dot the landscape and Acadian joie de vivre colors a multitude of special events.  The 36th annual Oyster Festival, October 2 to 5, will feature tastings, a multi-course oyster supper, and oyster opening and eating contests.  New Brunswick is also home to Canada’s largest jazz festival – the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton.  From September 9 to 14, electric blues, jazz and funk musicians will offer 120 performances, including 40 free shows, in 23 venues in the city’s historic downtown, www.harvestjazzandblues.com. 

The Hotel Paulin in Caraquet is a charming Victorian hotel built in 1891 and still operated by the Paulin family.  From September 16 to October 15, two people can stay for only $107 per night.  After October 16, the price drops to $102.  The 10-room hotel also has a two-night “Fall for Love” package that includes a full breakfast daily, three-course dinner and wine pairing, Acadian gift basket with wine and cheese, a chocolate and port tasting, Oyster Museum visit with tasting or goat cheese farm tour and tasting.  Additionally, guests may choose between one of the following: a chocolate body wrap treatment, a round of golf, four-course tasting menu with wine at dinner, an oyster cooking class or lobster cooking class.  The package is $405, per person, double occupancy from September 1 through October 15, 1-866-727-9981, www.hotelpaulin.com.

Travelers can download guides and find more information about fall packages, accommodations and events by going to the four provincial web sites: www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca, www.newfoundlandandlabrador.com, www.novascotia.com/fall and www.gentleisland.com/fall.  The Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP) is a nine member pan-Atlantic partnership comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Association and the four Provincial Departments responsible for tourism of New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Source: Meredith Pillon Marketing Communications

Save up to $1,000 per couple on a 2009 Africa safari adventure with Overseas Adventure Travel.

Right now, you can explore Africa on the safari of your dreams—and save up to $1,000 per couple on January-June 2009 departures.

Whether you choose to discover Southern Africa or East Africa, you’ll do so in an OAT small group of never more than 10-16 travelers, guaranteed.

But small group size means space is limited—so call toll-free at 1-866-313-6559 to reserve your Africa safari adventure today.

Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe Safari

Chobe • Caprivi • Okavango Delta • Hwange • Victoria Falls
19 days from only $4995 $4495
including international airfare from Boston, New York, or Newark

The Best of Kenya & Tanzania

Sweetwaters • Amboseli • Tarangire • Ngorongoro Crater • Serengeti • Lake Manyara
19 days from only $6395 $5995
including international airfare from Boston, New York, or Newark

Refer to this code when reserving: EGDA898

SOURCE: Overseas Adventure Travel (http://www.oattravel.com)

Check out all that Ireland has to offer this fall and save 20% on round-trip travel to Dublin between August 29, 2008, and December 10, 2008, for you and up to five friends.

And, the savings don’t stop at airfare. You can also save on three-day Dublin sight-seeing passes. For a limited time only, American Airlines passengers can purchase a 3-Day Dublin pass and get one free with every online order. These passes include free airport transfer, free admission to 30 top attractions plus discounts on dining and entertainment - making Dublin this fall a great deal.

Click here for more information.

SOURCE: American Airlines & Dublin Tourism

 Jetsetters Save Big with Casa Dorada’s Sky Helicopter Package in 2008

Travelers save up to 40% through Dec. 18th on the ultimate aerial introduction to Cabo San Lucas with Casa Dorada Los Cabos’, Resort & Spa, Sky Helicopter Package.  The newest resort on Medano Beach is offering voyagers the opportunity to fly high above the USS Intrepid, cruise past the renowned Land’s End Rock, view magnificent Arctic Blue Whales during whale-watching season, and sweep up the Pacific Coast to see celebrity homes in Pedregal, the premiere private, residential community of Cabo, in a private helicopter.  The Sky Helicopter Package includes three nights in an ocean-view Junior Suite, $50 USD credit for food and beverages at the resort, two tickets for the 60 minute Sky Helicopter Tour, and all taxes and service fees.  Rates begin at $1,452 USD until October 10th (a savings of 35%) and $1,578 USD until December 18, 2008 (a savings of 40%).  For reservations or more information, please call 1-(866) 448-0151 or visit the hotel’s website at www.casadorada.com.
 
Casa Dorada has 186 deluxe ocean-view rooms and suites including thirteen penthouse suites which face Cabo’s iconic Land’s End Rock.  All rooms have marble bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, goosedown comforters, plasma screen satellite TV, complimentary wireless Internet and kitchens or kitchenettes.  Lavish penthouse suites from 2,000 to 4,500 square-feet offer multiple bedrooms, kitchens, adjacent makeup areas, furnished terraces and balconies, ocean-facing Jacuzzis and walk-in closets. Upon request, resort chefs prepare gourmet meals in the penthouse kitchens.
 
East meets West in the 7,000-square-foot Saltwater Spa that features unusual offerings such as a Baoding Harmony Balls massage, a saltwater ritual and the Couleur de Vie, a treatment that combines color therapy, aromatherapy and thalassotherapy (salt water). 12 Tribes restaurant at Casa Dorada is inspired by the legendary 12 Tribes of Israel.  Executive Chef Fabian Rios has sourced close to 400 ingredients from 30 countries to craft an irresistible selection of dishes inspired by the cuisines of Spain, Romania, Israel, Yemen, Ethiopia, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, France and more. Entertainment is in the offing at B lounge, which also features more than 50 different beers, including a custom mango-flavored brew. Fashionable yet comfortable for families, friend getaways and honeymooners alike, Casa Dorada also features an air-conditioned beachfront restaurant, private Beach Club and three swimming pools.

SOURCE: KWE Group

AUSTRIAN OFFERS LOW BUSINESS-CLASS  FARES TO KEY CITIES IN EUROPE,  THE MIDDLE EAST AND INDIA

 
Austrian Airlines, the only airline to fly nonstop to Vienna from New York, Chicago and Washington, DC, is offering a special category of Business Class fares available to a variety of destinations.

Dozens of city combinations are available; sample roundtrip Business Class fares are: New York-Budapest $3,002; Washington DC-Prague $3,316; Washington, DC-Mumbai $4,744; Chicago-Bucharest $3,316; New York-Tel Aviv $4,117. The number of seats is limited and, depending on the destination, tickets must be purchased 14, 21 or 30 days in advance. The minimum stay is 3 days, and maximum is 30 days.

Austrian Airlines — recently awarded the title of “Best Business Class Catering in the World” by the British consulting company, Skytrax — is renowned for a stellar Business Class food-and-beverage program that features an on-board chef and flight attendants trained as sommeliers on long-haul flights, and a unique “Viennese Coffee House” service.

Austrian’s home base is Vienna International Airport — a facility whose compactness and efficiency makes connecting from one flight to another virtually effortless.

Marking its 50th anniversary this year, Austrian Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance and flies to 130 destinations around the world with a fleet of more than 100 aircraft. Austrian Airlines passengers can earn miles on Austrian’s Miles & More or United Airlines Mileage Plus programs.

For full details visit www.austrian.com.

 

Source: Geoffrey Weill Associates

Biras Creek Resort, the Caribbean’s premier luxury resort, is offering a variety of great summer packages and promotions. Located on a lush 140-acre nature reserve on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, Biras Creek is the ideal location for summer travelers seeking romance, adventure, family vacation or plain old summer fun.
           

Biras Creek is offering two great promotions for guests booking August travel by April 30. The Family Summer Escape special allows travelers who book two ocean or garden suites for at least five nights to receive a 20% discount.  Additionally, vacationers that book a garden or ocean suite for six nights will receive their seventh night free.

Due to popular demand, Biras Creek Resort is reinstating their Summer Escape Package. Relax and pamper yourself for 15 days/14 nights in a Deluxe Suite.  Package includes all meals, and roundtrip boat transfers from Beef Island Airport (EIS) to the resort.  The package also includes two 30-minute massages per week, one Sunset Sail for two per week, one round trip taxi to the Baths and a bottle of Champagne on arrival.

 
Families will love the Family Fun Package, a special package tailored for families with two or more children between the ages of eight and sixteen, which includes a second or adjacent suite at a significant discount.  The package includes two suites and all meals for two adults and two children for seven nights.  In addition, the package includes a bottle of Champagne for the parents, free snorkeling lessons for the entire family, and one half-day snorkeling trip to the Baths for the entire family.   Extra children and extra nights rates available on request.
 
Recently named one of the World’s Best 2008 Hotels by Travel + Leisure, Biras Creek, a member of Relais & Chateaux, is a private hideaway on a 140-acre nature reserve on Virgin Gorda. Accessible by sea or air only, Biras Creek comprises 33 spacious suites.  The resort also includes the Biras Spa, offering indulgences in the latest in health and beauty treatments. Rates range from $675 to $1,950 per night based on season.  All rates are based on double occupancy and include breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily and airport transfers with private launch.  For reservations or more information,  call 877.883.0756 or visit biras.com.
 
The Victor International Corporation is an award-winning real estate, resort development and management company which has a tradition for creating ‘unique living environments in ecological harmony with the land’.  Victor International’s accomplishments include the prestigious Bay Harbor Resort & Marina, Hotel and Conference Center, located in Bay Harbor, Michigan and Turtle Lake, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan as well as Oil Nut Bay, located on Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.
 
For more information on Biras Creek Resort and Victor International Corporation, visit biras.com; victorintl.com; oilnutbaybvi.com, bayharbor.com; and turtlelake.com.
 

 

Who hasn’t dreamed about visiting Italy? What nobody dreams of, however, are the high prices and bad exchange rate, which can turn the fantasy holiday you’ve been planning into one filled with headaches and counting pennies. Fortunately, there are ways of beating the dollar crunch and still enjoying a memorable, fulfilling trip to Italy this summer. Just small changes can add up, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice too much of the things that makes vacations to Italy so special.

 

Accommodations are usually the biggest drain on your travel budget, so choosing where to lay your head is very important. Generally, the closer you stay to the centre of the main tourist towns like Florence and Rome, the higher the price tag will be. Outside in the surrounding countryside, however, not only do rental rates drop, but options grow so you have more flexibility in terms of what you’re willing to pay.

Villas in popular provinces like Tuscany, Umbria and Campania are a great option for travelers looking to save money but who still want to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of Italy. Luxury Retreats, www.luxuryretreats.com, offers villa rentals in all sizes and price ranges, so there are properties to suit every budget. To get the best deal, it’s helpful to travel with a larger group and rent villas with four, five or more bedrooms. The more people who split the cost of the rental, the cheaper it will be.

Once in Italy, it is easy to cut costs. Going to restaurants every night adds up, but visitors can take advantage of the country’s gourmet tradition and stock up at local markets instead. Cooking for yourself in the villa’s kitchen isn’t just frugal, it can be fun.

No matter what kind of accommodation you choose, paying for a trip to Italy in advance with a US operator like Luxury Retreats and doing so in US dollars automatically saves money on the exchange rate.

For more information on our Italian villas, visit : www.luxuryretreats.com/villas/europe/Italy/

 

 

Source: Luxury Retreats