Friday, December 18, 2009

Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos













AMResorts, the award-winning provider of resort sales, marketing and brand management services, unveiled the third Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resort and the brand’s second property in Mexico, Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos. A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Zoëtry Casa del Mar is the first property on the Mexican Pacific Coast under the Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts brand. Boasting 42 exclusive beachfront suites overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the hacienda-style resort embraces the region’s architecture and spirit to create the ultimate intimate boutique hotel experience.


“Positive guest and industry feedback have encouraged the speedy growth of the Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts brand,” said Alex Zozaya, AMResorts’ CEO and president. “The opening of our fourth property under the Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resort and Zoëtry Collection brands in one short year, along with the introduction of the Endless Privileges™ vacation concept to a new destination, is further evidence of what is to come.”


Set on a privileged location, Zoëtry Casa del Mar provides guests with outstanding sunset views over the Sea of Cortez unlike any other property in the area. The resort’s design showcases graceful arches, cobbled courtyards, tiled fountains, abundant tropical gardens and authentic Mexican architecture to produce a uniquely intimate atmosphere. The exceptionally large oceanview suites offer marble bathrooms with a Jacuzzi and Bvlgari bath amenities, separate sitting rooms, plush bedding, bathrobes and slippers, private teak furnished terraces and more.













Zoëtry Casa del Mar also brings the Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts’ signature Endless Privileges™ vacation concept to a new destination. The program treats every guest to a new kind of luxury, which combines high standards for excellent quality and service with a host of unlimited services and perks. These include:


Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner gourmet dining options with an assortment of organic food and beverage selections
• Complimentary cocktails and specialty beverages from a variety of domestic and international premium brands
• Daily afternoon tea time featuring live plant tea infusions
• No check-in or check-out time
• 24-hour private, in-room dining
• Access to all restaurants, facilities and services at Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort &  
Spa, located next door
• Maid service three times each day
• Complimentary beach bag
• Daily fresh bottle of champagne and basket of fruit
• Welcome bottle of Tequila
• Complimentary unlimited worldwide calls
• Complimentary 24-hour laundry service
• A relaxing 20 minute massage per guest
• Access to sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi

Travelers also have an extensive selection of on and off-site amenities and activities including four swimming pools, three lighted tennis courts, culinary, photography and wine tasting classes, weekly workshops with an on-site nutrition expert, access to the resort’s private Beach Club with a restaurant, swimming pool and swim-up bar, and discounted greens fees at three area courses include Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s, Cabo Real Golf Course. Guests can also indulge themselves with signature massage therapies, facials and body treatments to relax, pamper and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul at the property’s signature Sueños del Mar Spa. The facilities feature seven indoor cabins and “on the sand” oceanfront palapas. Beyond Endless Privileges™, Zoëtry Casa del Mar also offers customized “Experiences” ideal for girlfriend getaways, couples, golfers, spa, lovers, babymooners and cultural enthusiasts.
Zoëtry Casa del Mar is a Condé Nast Johansens’ recommended property for 2010, was voted "Mexico’s leading golf resort" at the World Travel Awards, recognized among the "World’s Best Golf Resorts" by readers of Condé Nast Traveler and is considered a "favorite" by readers of Departures magazine.
The Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts brand launched in December 2008 with the opening of its flagship property, Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya. This famed Mexican-Caribbean resort, frequented by celebrities, discerning travelers and honeymooners, is a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World and six-time winner of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award. Other recently opened Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts include: Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana and Golden Bear Lodge & Spa Cap Cana, The Zoëtry Collection.












About Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts

Zoëtry™ Wellness & Spa Resorts represent the highest level of luxury, characterized by unequaled romantic and holistic experiences. The name Zoëtry derives from a combination of the Greek words meaning "life" and "art form". Together, these words join to establish the unique vision and essential mission of the brand, which is "The Art of Life." Offering the utmost attention to detail, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts boast unmatched luxury beachfront suite accommodations filled with unique design elements and exceptional views, award-winning fine dining and wine collections. Combined with socially responsible practices, expressive architecture and exceptional service in natural and enriching environments, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts provide a luxurious indulgence without the guilt. Visit http://www.zoetryresorts.com/.

*Credit given to press release publication by AMResorts Dec 10, 2009

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Thank You and Happy Holidays!

Thank you for voting Destinations Best Local Travel Agency for the second consecutive year! We want to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and thank you for your continued support. We love being a part of your vacation planning.




Looking forward to a great 2010! Tracee and Sarahhttp://www.mydestinations.travel/

Monday, December 14, 2009

Layne + Ruth Honeymoon in Playa Mujeres

Layne and Ruth honeymooned to beautiful Excellence Playa Mujeres in October after they wed in Central Arkansas. They stayed in an Excellence Club Oceanview Suite complete with special honeymoon amenities.The couple enjoyed several activities while they were on their honeymoon including horseback riding on the beach.

Congratulations you two!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Certified Travel Associates












Destinations is proud to offer you the best in the industry. Our Vacation Specialists are Certified Travel Associates as well as Accredited Cruise Counsellors.


With over 30 years of professional vacation planning experience you can feel confident with Destinations. We pride ourselves on our firsthand knowledge. We visit destinations and experience resorts and cruise lines for ourselves so we can better serve you.  

Destinations belongs to the American Society of Travel Agents and Cruise Lines International Association.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart













I'm excited about the new direction Sandals is taking for their Destination Weddings. Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart will launch next month (January 2010). Choose from six elegant wedding themes, all beautifully styled by Martha Stewart. With the elegant style of Martha Stewart and the paradise settings of Sandals island resorts, your destination wedding celebration is sure to be a dream come true. I had the opportunity to view the collections last week while I was in Turks and Caicos and I was thoroughly impressed. Of course, when has Martha ever let me down on design and elegance? Never.

Each Wedding theme includes a coordinating bouquet and boutonniere of fresh flowers tied with a satin ribbon, an elegant table setting with a professionally arranged centerpiece, a beautifully crafted wedding cake, and other meaningful elements that are unique to each theme. All of the weddings, except for Beautiful Beginnings, also feature menus, place cards, table number, a choice of cupcakes/mini-cakes in place of the cake, and a graceful ceremony structure under which you can exchange vows. Choose the theme that best matches your style, and then add extra finishing touches to make your wedding day a celebration you will remember for a lifetime.
The collection pictured is Flutter of Romance - one of my favorites. I love it's whimsical feeling with perfect pops of pink and butterflies.


Tracee and I are well versed in Destination Weddings and especially the Sandals wedding product. Give us a call or email us to start planning your island dream wedding. Cheers!

For more information and to view each collection in detail visit Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

New Bicycle Tour - Lake Como Cycling, Italy











During Summer 2010 Lake Como Cycling will have a brand NEW Tour to offer  and Destinations can book it for you. We've had clients cycle with Lake Como Cycling before and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Pietro is such a pleasure to do business with. Take and look and if you know any Cycling Enthusiasts pass along the information.

Location: Place to place: Lake Maggiore, lake Lugano (Switzerland), lake Como, lake Iseo, lake Idro, lake Garda


Itinerary: Tour of the Classic Italian Lakes ... This tour is designed for those who are looking for some idyllic riding in the finest regions of Italian/Swiss lakes, a little bit of climbing, thrilling descents, fine dining and generally a riding holiday with Italian class.

The trip starts from the shores of the second biggest lake of Italy, Lago Maggiore, renowned for it’s mild climate, lush vegetations, classy regal villas and excellent riding! Dominating the landscape is the huge Alpine chain of Monte Rosa.

Over the week, we will ride across and along the shores of Lago di Lugano, Lago di Como, Lago d’Iseo, Lago d’Idro and finally Lago di Garda following some of the great routes of the Giro and Granfondo, taking some classic passes and exploring the delights of Italian pre-alpine mountains and lakes. A trip to Lake Como is not complete without a ride up to Ghisallo, visiting the famous hilltop cyclists shrine along the way. We spend our last day riding through the limestone and dolomites of Trento region and then descending onto Lago di Garda for one last evening of fine Italian food and wine.


Staying on the lake sides towns of Angera, Cernobbio, Bellagio, Sarnico and Riva del Garda, every accommodation is an expression of Italian class.


Day 1 – Arrive at Milano and transfer to hotel in Angera.


Day 2 – Angera to Cernobbio – distance: 90 km – 900 mt tot ascent

Starting from Angera, a medieval fortified town on the shores of Lago Maggiore, we ride north along one of Italy's major lakes. It is a gentle warm up to our week’s riding, following the lake side along a scenic and picturesque road, riding past splendid villas and gardens created in the 19th and 20th Century. In Luino we leave Lake Maggiore reaching Lake Lugano just after a few km riding on the Italian side of this Swiss lake. Crossing over into Switzerland, we ride along the quiet shores of Lake Lugano, through quaint villages finally reaching our destination for today, the Como lake side town of Cernobbio, second home of George Clooney.

Day 3 – Cernobbio to Bellagio via Ghisallo – distance: 72 km – 1300 mt tot ascent

The morning ride through Como and the east lake side with take us towards the renowned town of Bellaggio. Only avid cyclists know, though, that Bellagio is at the very bottom of the Giro di Lombardia's last decisive climb of the "Madonna del Ghisallo", the little church of the patron saint of cyclist where you can admire the bikes of the great Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali! After a first steep descent and an incredibly scenic ride along the lake side of Lecco, we finally reach Bellagio, allowing time to wonder around town and take in the stylish Italian atmosphere.

Day 4 – Bellagio to San Pellegrino – distance: 67 km - 1500 mt tot ascent

We set off in the morning with a beautiful short ferry ride across lake Como from Bellagio to the town of Varenna. Today we ride on a long cycle route along the Valsassina valley overlooking the Grigne, one of the most famous climbing training sites of Italy and home of the "ragni di Lecco". We will then leave the main road and start our climb into Barzio first and finally the Culmine di San Pietro one of 2009 Giro's climbs. After a long winding descent, the ride along Bergamo's Val Taleggio is really spectacular! Overnight in the thermal town of San Pellegrino where you can indulge in thermal cures!

Day 5 – San Pellegrino to Sarnico – distance: 90 km – 1600 mt tot ascent

Today we ride across to Lado di Iseo, in the upper region of Bergamo and Brescia, Italy’s training ground for the Giro della Lombardia, one of the most important cycling events in Italy after the Giro D’Italia where Fausto Coppi, Alfredo Binda e Gino Bartali are the heroes of old time racing. Leaving San Pellegrino, also famous for it’s spring water, we meander through the lower alpine hills toward Clusone to then head south to Lago d’Iseo. A lake side ride will take us the next accommodation in the area of Sarnico.

Day 6 – Sarnico – Lago d’Idro – 87 km – 2050 mt tot ascent

We are now getting closer to the alps and in cycling terms.. we have a great climb up towards Passo di Maniva following the Mella valley. Glimpses of the Adamello Galcier range will accompany you on the ride. The long winding descent onto Lado D’idro will be your reward to the day’s climb!

Day 7 – Lago D’Idro – Lago di Garda – 75 km – 1216 mt tot ascent

A great final ride entering into alpine scenery on the way to Lake Garda. We start the ride following the beautiful Valli Giudcarie heading towards the Dolomiti of Brenta, towering high at 3000 mt. With only two short climbs, the final section toward Lake Garda is a great flowing descent to the northern shores, riding into the main lake side square of Riva del Garda, a perfect finish to a perfect week of riding…

Date: September 5-12, 2010


Check out their website http://www.lakecomocycling.com/ for more details!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Carrie + Matt Wed in Negril, Jamaica

Carrie and Matt wed on the white sand beaches of Negril, Jamaica at sunset on November 7, 2009. They were surrounded by fifteen of their close friends and family members at Sandals Negril. The couple stayed in a Beachfront Loft Suite complete with their very own butler to pamper them. Congratulations Carrie and Matt! Best Wishes!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Mr. and Mrs. Smith get married!

April Swindle and Christopher Smith were married on November 21, 2009.  April is the winner of the big honeymoon giveaway we did for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette Bridal Show in January of 2009.  Currently the Smith's are honeymooning at the gorgeous El Dorado Royale, a Spa Resort by Karisma, located in beautiful Punta Brava, Mexico.  We congratulate April and Chris on their marriage!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Beaches Turks & Caicos










I'm leaving on a jet plane.... for Beaches Turks and Caicos tomorrow. I'll be touring the resort and attending the Sandals STAR Awards. Beaches is a family friendly, luxury included resort brand that truly offers the best vacation for each member of the family. Expect endless fun activities for everyone, from tots to tweens and teens, featuring Sesame Street® characters, the new Xbox 360® Game Garage and a sizzlin’ teen disco, Liquid at Beaches—all amidst some of the most gorgeous tropical scenery you've ever set your eyes on. Can't wait to tell you all about my adventure and help you plan your next family vacation! See you when I get back!
-Sarah
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