When does a trip to the rainforest become a luxurious escape? At the new (opening November 2012) 12-guest Kurà Design Villas set in the Osa Peninsula rainforest of Costa Rica, it’s the moment you arrive to one of the hillside villas, sink into the cozy sling of a patio hammock—Mojito in hand, of course—and watch the sun set over the Pacific from a private terrace.
As the newest retreat in the Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality collection, a company that manages Earth-friendly lodges, hotels and small inns in Central America, interiors are all stylish eco-elegance, full of natural materials such as teak, bamboo and glass.
Kurà features six private guest villas, including luxurious amenities such as a king-sized bed with quality linens, plush towels and bathrobes, double rainfall-style shower, private minibar and wine cellar, espresso coffeemaker, iPod docking station, and free wireless internet, in addition to a full-service spa.
And with a 19-metre (62-foot) saltwater infinity pool; outdoor lounge, bar and spa areas; and 360-degree view Sky Lounge for watching a star-glittered nightsky, even lodge lizards can enjoy the great outdoors while waiting for their massage.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Every once in a while a travel hunch pays off. Such was the case during a recent stay at the Santa Fe Sage Inn. I’ve had the Inn on my travel steals and deals radar for awhile. To keep abreast of their latest news on special savings and vacation packages, I subscribed to their newsletter and followed them on facebook and twitter, but up until now, I hadn’t had a reason to book a visit.
I love a good deal as much any traveler on a budget. And finding one in trendy Santa Fe, especially in the heart of the summer high season, can take some sleuthing.
The Sage Inn promised affordable downtown lodging with a slew of tempting freebies - complimentary continental breakfast, free wireless high speed Internet, comfortable renovated rooms, free parking, and free Plaza shuttle. So when my husband’s college-aged granddaughter came to visit and wanted to spend a few days in Santa Fe before heading back to our place in the southern mountains of New Mexico, the Sage Inn sounded like just the ticket.
And it was. It was also clean, convenient, and super friendly. Imagine that.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
This summer, escape the daily grind, grab the kids and head to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which offer exclusive activities for children and a range of family-friendly activities ideal for any budget. Whether taking to the pink sands of Bermuda, enjoying a family trip to the zoo in Washington, D.C., or getting the royal treatment at a legendary castle in Quebec City, Fairmont destinations areeasy to access by car, train, or a short plane ride and promise a memorable experience for all.
As an added bonus, families can also take advantage of Fairmont’s kids dining program, which offers complimentary meals from the buffet or children’s menu for little ones 5 years of age and under, and 50% off the regular menu for children aged 6 -12. With exciting offers at a great value, Fairmont’s family packages will keep both youngsters and parents entertained all summer long. Packages include:
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Honeymoon packages in Riviera Nayarit offer great value and for an added free bonus, breathtaking Pacific ocean sunset views
Celebrate love in Riviera Nayarit with honeymoon packages offered in a variety of hotels from luxury resorts to intimate B&Bs. Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, is ideal for couples looking for a romantic Mexican beach vacation made even easier with the several hotel packages available to elevate romance, ensure fun and guarantee relaxation.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
With the warmer weather quickly approaching, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. is ushering in spring with its signature Cherry Blossom Package.
Available from March 25 through April 30, 2009, the Cherry Blossom Package offers overnight accommodations for two in a luxurious guestroom, complimentary valet parking and a box of assorted note cards featuring scenes of the capital’s monuments and Cherry Blossoms by celebrated Washington, D.C. photographer Jake McGuire.
A remarkable piece of D.C. history, the National Cherry Blossom Festival®, highlights the annual blooming of the thousands of cherry trees along the Tidal Basin and elsewhere in the Nation’s capital. The 2009 Festival will celebrate the 97th anniversary of 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees presented by the Mayor of Tokyo to the City of Washington as a “memorial of national friendship between the United States and Japan.” This year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival® will be held Saturday, March 28 through Sunday, April 12, 2009.
Rates for the Cherry Blossom Package start at $189 per night based on double occupancy and availability. This package is not applicable to group bookings of ten or more, nor able to be combined with other promotions or special rates. Rates do not include tax or gratuities. For reservations, please call 202-429-2400 or toll free at 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.Fairmont.com/washington
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".