Summer vacations are the best and the deals now are better than ever! So put the wedding planning on hold for a bit (I promise, your fiance will thank you) and hit the road.
If you're in the market for a cruise bargain or cheap hotel rooms, book them fast. Need some inspiration?
Seabourn Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Silversea Cruises still have some amazing summer deals left (like 65% off certain dates!).
Grab your girlfriends and head down to Miami for a girl's getaway. You'll find cheap hotel rooms, great beaches, restaurants galore and miles of shopping.
Even NYC is on sale right now! The famed Waldorf-Astoria has rooms for under $200 and if you come soon you can take advantage of our NYC Restaurant Week. And don't forget the shopping...Topshop, Kleinfelds, and Sephora, oh my.
Europe is a great deal now so why not grab your guy and head over the pond for a little pre-honeymoon getaway? London and Paris have slew of cheap hotel rooms (yes, we're talking under $100) available with the the money you'll save you can do a little shopping!
Bon voyage!!
Showing posts with label Florida. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Looking for a Low Key Destination Wedding? Casa Morada, No Passports Required!
Globetrotting Cindy is just back from the tropical Florida Keys with a great hot spot for destination weddings:
Casa Morada, hidden in the low-key lazy beach town of Islamorda, Florida, is just 90 miles from Miami and only 90 minutes from Key West. The 16-suite boutique hotel tucked away on a quiet side street, is owned and designed by former Ian Schrager employees, who took their combined 24 year experience to bring guests the ultimate romantic and upscale experience. It's an adults only (16 and up) property and friendly dogs are welcome.
Each of the oversized suites are decorated with a mixture of custom Mexican antiques and modern accents and have private terraces.
The coolest feature of this property is the small private island, accessible by a wooden bridge. The island has a pool, beach chairs, and a cabana serving great cocktails and small bites. Complimentary yoga is also offered on the island every morning.
The Casa Morada offers affordable wedding and honeymoon packages, my favorite is below:
Sunset Elopement Package for up to 20 guests (available mid-week)
- Honeymoon Suite for two nights for the bride and groom
- 5 Garden Suites for the night of the wedding for family and friends
- Continental breakfast delivered to the new couple's suite every morning
- Sunset Ceremony performed at water's edge for up to 20 guests
- Bridal bouquet and boutonniere
- Photographer for 1.5 hours
- Photo DVD of 150 - 250 images and a private website to share with your family and friends
- Champagne toast after ceremony
- Wedding cake
- Fruit & cheese platter
- All taxes
Priced at just $5,625.00 now through December 31, 2009
Casa Morada, hidden in the low-key lazy beach town of Islamorda, Florida, is just 90 miles from Miami and only 90 minutes from Key West. The 16-suite boutique hotel tucked away on a quiet side street, is owned and designed by former Ian Schrager employees, who took their combined 24 year experience to bring guests the ultimate romantic and upscale experience. It's an adults only (16 and up) property and friendly dogs are welcome.
Each of the oversized suites are decorated with a mixture of custom Mexican antiques and modern accents and have private terraces.
The coolest feature of this property is the small private island, accessible by a wooden bridge. The island has a pool, beach chairs, and a cabana serving great cocktails and small bites. Complimentary yoga is also offered on the island every morning.
The Casa Morada offers affordable wedding and honeymoon packages, my favorite is below:
Sunset Elopement Package for up to 20 guests (available mid-week)
- Honeymoon Suite for two nights for the bride and groom
- 5 Garden Suites for the night of the wedding for family and friends
- Continental breakfast delivered to the new couple's suite every morning
- Sunset Ceremony performed at water's edge for up to 20 guests
- Bridal bouquet and boutonniere
- Photographer for 1.5 hours
- Photo DVD of 150 - 250 images and a private website to share with your family and friends
- Champagne toast after ceremony
- Wedding cake
- Fruit & cheese platter
- All taxes
Priced at just $5,625.00 now through December 31, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Need a tan? South Beach Miami - Top Girl Getaways
Miami is always in season and there is no better spot for a fun-filled girl's getaway than South Beach! I was down there for a girl's only trip with my mom in January and here are my picks for a fun bachelorette getaway or girl's weekend retreat.
Flying First Class? Grab your girlfriends and head for the pampering:
No Males, Nails & Cocktails Package - Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
It doesn't get any more ritzy than South Beach's Ritz-Carlton. The spa is amazing (my mom loved her massage and I loved the Oceanic Body Cocktail), the food delicious (you may recall Chef Jeff McInnis from Top Chef), and the service is top-notch. And, if you need to perfect your tan, they have their own tanning butler at the gorgeous pool that overlooks the ocean! Pampering awaits with this package including:
• Deluxe accommodations
• Champagne upon arrival
• Daily breakfast for four with bloody Mary's in Bistro One LR (the hotel's signature restaurant)
• The DiLido manicure and pedicure for four in the award-winning Spa.
Rates start at $699 per room, per night for up to four ladies. (Summer rates start at $459)
Flying Business Class? Here's your ticket for a chic weekend retreat:
Girlfriend's Getaway Package - Gansevoort South Beach
This South Beach hotspot has everything you could possibly need under one roof (like shopping, fine dining, salon, nightlife, gym and spa!). We stayed here and loved the oversized rooms, plush bedding, friendly staff and tres-chic coolness that surrounds the property. The rooftop pool is not to be missed, its even cooler than the NYC version!
This getaway includes:
• Deluxe accommodations
• Daily continental breakfast for two
• VIP access and two cocktails at Plunge rooftop bar
• 25% discount at Cutler Salon
• One hour private yoga class for two
• Gansevoort South's signature CD
• Complimentary valet parking
Package is $790 for two nights, based on double occupancy.
Flying Coach? This package has it all:
The True Divas Package - Carlton Hotel South Beach
Put on the glitz & glamour with this Sobe hotel deal. Any package that includes ice cream, spa treatments, and cocktails sounds good to me! This getaway includes:
• Superior Queen View accommodations for 3-days/2-nights
• Two complimentary pints of Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream
• A 30 minute Swedish massage for you and your Divas!
• Foot Rejuvenation Kit keepsake
• "The Diva" cocktail from the Carlton lobby bar, delivered to your room at check-in
• Complimentary WiFi High speed internet access
• Complimentary Beach Chairs & Beach Towels
• Complimentary Round Trip Transportation from and to the airport
• Complimentary VIP passes to the hottest clubs
• 3 p.m. late checkout, so you can sleep in
Available Sunday through Thursday in high season, and every day in low season.
Package is $99.00 per person, per night based on Quad Occupancy plus 13% tax.
Happy travels...
Flying First Class? Grab your girlfriends and head for the pampering:
No Males, Nails & Cocktails Package - Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
It doesn't get any more ritzy than South Beach's Ritz-Carlton. The spa is amazing (my mom loved her massage and I loved the Oceanic Body Cocktail), the food delicious (you may recall Chef Jeff McInnis from Top Chef), and the service is top-notch. And, if you need to perfect your tan, they have their own tanning butler at the gorgeous pool that overlooks the ocean! Pampering awaits with this package including:
• Deluxe accommodations • Champagne upon arrival
• Daily breakfast for four with bloody Mary's in Bistro One LR (the hotel's signature restaurant)
• The DiLido manicure and pedicure for four in the award-winning Spa.
Rates start at $699 per room, per night for up to four ladies. (Summer rates start at $459)
Flying Business Class? Here's your ticket for a chic weekend retreat:
Girlfriend's Getaway Package - Gansevoort South Beach
This South Beach hotspot has everything you could possibly need under one roof (like shopping, fine dining, salon, nightlife, gym and spa!). We stayed here and loved the oversized rooms, plush bedding, friendly staff and tres-chic coolness that surrounds the property. The rooftop pool is not to be missed, its even cooler than the NYC version!
This getaway includes:• Deluxe accommodations
• Daily continental breakfast for two
• VIP access and two cocktails at Plunge rooftop bar
• 25% discount at Cutler Salon
• One hour private yoga class for two
• Gansevoort South's signature CD
• Complimentary valet parking
Package is $790 for two nights, based on double occupancy.
Flying Coach? This package has it all:
The True Divas Package - Carlton Hotel South Beach
Put on the glitz & glamour with this Sobe hotel deal. Any package that includes ice cream, spa treatments, and cocktails sounds good to me! This getaway includes:
• Superior Queen View accommodations for 3-days/2-nights
• Two complimentary pints of Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream
• A 30 minute Swedish massage for you and your Divas!
• Foot Rejuvenation Kit keepsake
• "The Diva" cocktail from the Carlton lobby bar, delivered to your room at check-in
• Complimentary WiFi High speed internet access
• Complimentary Beach Chairs & Beach Towels
• Complimentary Round Trip Transportation from and to the airport
• Complimentary VIP passes to the hottest clubs
• 3 p.m. late checkout, so you can sleep in
Available Sunday through Thursday in high season, and every day in low season.
Package is $99.00 per person, per night based on Quad Occupancy plus 13% tax.
Happy travels...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Honeymoon packing tip #7 - Bold and beautiful bikinis
Heading off on a tropical honeymoon? Check out some of my favorite bikinis from J.Crew's spring/summer line up. I especially love how you can order different sizes for the tops and bottoms. Hello Caribbean, Costa Rica, Florida, Greece, Fiji, Australia...the options are endless.
Jersey Lomellina bandeau halter top and foldover wide-band hipster.
Solid twist-front bandeau top and solid twist-front bikini.
Jersey Lomellina ruched halter and hipster with flowers.
Solid underwire top with tie and solid retro hipster.
Jersey Lomellina bandeau halter top and foldover wide-band hipster.
Jersey Lomellina ruched halter and hipster with flowers.
Solid underwire top with tie and solid retro hipster.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
If only I could invent nail polish color names...
When I went for my Valentine's mani/pedi, I spotted this cute OPI Nail Lacquer display. Their spring/summer line is named after South Beach, one of my favorite spots (be on the lookout for my recent trip review).
The colors all have great nail polish names and I think they'd be fun for a tropical honeymoon or bachelorette trip.
I think my toes will look great in these shades:
- OPI on Collins Ave.
- Party in My Cabana
- Miami Beet
- Done Out in Deco
For my fingers, I'll go with:
- Suzi & the Lifeguard
- Sand in My Suit
In case you're still in the fall/winter mode, check out their Paris inspired colors.
The colors all have great nail polish names and I think they'd be fun for a tropical honeymoon or bachelorette trip.
I think my toes will look great in these shades:
- OPI on Collins Ave.
- Party in My Cabana
- Miami Beet
- Done Out in Deco
For my fingers, I'll go with:
- Suzi & the Lifeguard
- Sand in My Suit
In case you're still in the fall/winter mode, check out their Paris inspired colors.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Destination Weddings Hotspot: The Breakers Palm Beach, Florida
Today we have a guest post from Globetrotting Cindy, one of my favorite travel correspondents!
I hope to walk down the aisle but I've never had visions of a big local wedding. I've planned events for the past 10 years and I would happily choose to have an outsider stress over my big day. So, for me, a destination wedding, organized by a fabulous wedding department is the only way I will go!
I recently visited the luxurious Breakers Palm Beach and was tempted to reserve a wedding date…. Perhaps 2015??? It is one the most beautiful and glamorous hotels with everything a bride needs to host the perfect wedding. Here’s the scoop:
WHERE: The Breakers Palm Beach is surrounded by 140 acres of oceanfront property, just minutes from Palm Beach. Florida has always been a popular wedding choice since its close enough to home, but far enough away to feel like you are truly having a destination wedding.
WHO: The Breakers Palm Beach isn’t for brides on a tight budget. Their elaborate ceremonies and receptions cost between $225-$800 per person.
WHAT THEY OFFER: They'll handle just about everything. They have a separate design studio on-property that works to create wedding themes, room décor and set designs, cutting edge floral designs, and theatrical lighting. They'll also coordinate prop rentals, music and entertainment, tuxedo rentals, transportation and find an officiant for the wedding.
WHEN: Book a year out to get your preferred date. In 2008 they hosted more than 100 weddings, with November and May being most popular. If a hurricane (hurricane season is June-November) should disturb your plans, they will reschedule the wedding and apply all deposits to the new date.
THE RECEPTION: So many choices! Brides can choose from majestic ballrooms (for 50-500 guests), outdoor spaces, Ocean Terrace or Ocean Lawn and Ponce Promenade.
ADDED PERKS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY: Did anyone say spa day? The Breakers Palm Beach has a world-class spa with an array of spa packages. My favorite is the Island Escape, which includes an 80-minute Personal Retreat Massage, Honey Papaya Smoothing Scrub, Citrus Sorbet Pedicure and Spa lunch.
WHAT TO BOOK: The oversized beach bungalows include welcome amenities, private open-sky shower, living room, wireless internet, LCD flat screen TV, stocked refrigerator, personal amenities like lip balm, suntan lotion, magazines, robes and sandals, wet bar, beach concierge and spa service beach-side upon request. Rates for 2009 start at $200 for spring/summer/fall and at $495 in winter. INSIDER TIP: Request Beach Bungalows #16 or # 30 by the Relaxation Pool, they have adjacent private lawns.
ADDED PERKS FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM: Complimentary room upgrade for the bride and groom on their wedding night (usually a suite), in-room champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. For elaborate wedding parties you'll also receive The Breakers History book and keepsake robes.
BOOKING YOUR WEDDING: The Breakers Palm Beach has a dedicated wedding website to answer all you questions about the ceremony, reception, and services. Click here for a virtual tour and video of the property.
I hope to walk down the aisle but I've never had visions of a big local wedding. I've planned events for the past 10 years and I would happily choose to have an outsider stress over my big day. So, for me, a destination wedding, organized by a fabulous wedding department is the only way I will go!
I recently visited the luxurious Breakers Palm Beach and was tempted to reserve a wedding date…. Perhaps 2015??? It is one the most beautiful and glamorous hotels with everything a bride needs to host the perfect wedding. Here’s the scoop:
WHERE: The Breakers Palm Beach is surrounded by 140 acres of oceanfront property, just minutes from Palm Beach. Florida has always been a popular wedding choice since its close enough to home, but far enough away to feel like you are truly having a destination wedding.
WHO: The Breakers Palm Beach isn’t for brides on a tight budget. Their elaborate ceremonies and receptions cost between $225-$800 per person.
WHAT THEY OFFER: They'll handle just about everything. They have a separate design studio on-property that works to create wedding themes, room décor and set designs, cutting edge floral designs, and theatrical lighting. They'll also coordinate prop rentals, music and entertainment, tuxedo rentals, transportation and find an officiant for the wedding.
THE RECEPTION: So many choices! Brides can choose from majestic ballrooms (for 50-500 guests), outdoor spaces, Ocean Terrace or Ocean Lawn and Ponce Promenade.
ADDED PERKS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY: Did anyone say spa day? The Breakers Palm Beach has a world-class spa with an array of spa packages. My favorite is the Island Escape, which includes an 80-minute Personal Retreat Massage, Honey Papaya Smoothing Scrub, Citrus Sorbet Pedicure and Spa lunch.
WHAT TO BOOK: The oversized beach bungalows include welcome amenities, private open-sky shower, living room, wireless internet, LCD flat screen TV, stocked refrigerator, personal amenities like lip balm, suntan lotion, magazines, robes and sandals, wet bar, beach concierge and spa service beach-side upon request. Rates for 2009 start at $200 for spring/summer/fall and at $495 in winter. INSIDER TIP: Request Beach Bungalows #16 or # 30 by the Relaxation Pool, they have adjacent private lawns.
ADDED PERKS FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM: Complimentary room upgrade for the bride and groom on their wedding night (usually a suite), in-room champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. For elaborate wedding parties you'll also receive The Breakers History book and keepsake robes.
BOOKING YOUR WEDDING: The Breakers Palm Beach has a dedicated wedding website to answer all you questions about the ceremony, reception, and services. Click here for a virtual tour and video of the property.
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