Four Seasons Lana'i at Manele Bay, Hawaii

Hulopo'e Suite bedroom

When you combine luxurious accommodations, the complimentary 4th night with every three consecutive paid nights along with not having resort fees, the fresh ocean breezes and cascades of lush tropical foliage become even sweeter.

How to spend your first day:
You will be welcomed with a fresh lei greeting and chilled Oshi-bori towel upon and enjoy a Pineapple Amenity, including fresh & dried pineapple, cookies and juice, in your room. Then spend your afternoon at leisure snorkeling, playing tennis, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, or relax by the pool. In the evening, experience the Lana’i Sunset over cocktails in the Ahe Ahe Lounge complete with live Hawaiian music.

The next day enjoy a buffet breakfast of American, Pacific Rim and Hawaiian cuisine in Hulopo’e Court. Later, play the Greg Norman championship course, The Experience at Koele. After a private lunch at the Pineapple Fountain, challenge your skill at the Lana’i Pine Sporting Clays. Indulge in a romantic dinner at Ihilani, meaning "heavenly splendour" in Hawaiian, against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

What makes the Four Seasons Lana'i at Manele Bay so special?  The Four Seasons Lāna‘i at Manele Bay resort is considered among the world’s most spectacular golf resorts, acclaimed for its stunning location and outstanding service. The resort was recently recognized by the discerning readers of Condé Nast Traveler, who ranked it among the "Top Golf Resorts" in Hawaii.

The Garden Ocean Rooms offer 653 square feet (61 square metres) of space with views of specialty gardens. Partial views of Hulopo‘e Bay or the surrounding coastline are visible from the 77-square-foot lanai (balcony). Settle back in rustic wicker furniture on your private lanai and savor the feel of an exotic tropical island.

Oceanfront Rooms and One-bedroom Deluxe Oceanfront Suites offer spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. A blend of tropical and Asian design details accented with bright hues give a more formal ambiance. The large furnished private lanai (balcony) in the suites is perfect for families or small gatherings.

Exclusive Preferred Partner Amenities

• Daily full American breakfast for two through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
• Lunch for two once during stay (up to USD85, excluding gratuity and alcohol)
• Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
• Welcome note at check-in acknowledging you and the amenities that are being extended
• Complimentary high-speed Internet access for all suite bookings

For reservation and vacation planning assistance, contact your Four Seasons Preferred Partner Specialist, Linda Terrill, at 404-869-7412 or email LindaTerrill@TheLuxuryTravelGroup.com
 

Seniors Travel Concierge Services

Seniors Travel Concierge is a new service offering comprehensive travel planning for seniors who prefer personal service and professional advice instead of making their vacation arrangements over the Internet.  Clients appreciate the attention and care they receive so they are confident with their travel choices.

Seniors Travel Concierge is not a discount travel service; rather, a professional travel consultant plans trips that offer the best value for clients' resources. Itineraries can include deluxe 3-, 4-, or 5-star hotels and resorts, shared or private transfers, and self-drive or chauffeur-driven transportation with private guides.  They only work with the finest, financially-sound travel companies, most being members of Virtuoso.  An added advantage is receiving complimentary Voyager Club benefits on select luxury cruise lines--Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, Silversea, and SeaDream, exclusive reduced rates on select cruises, and complimentary upgrades and amenities at Virtuoso member hotels.  And, as part of the premier Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Preferred Partner network, clients receive added benefits at Four Seasons hotels throughout the world.

Multi-generational Vacations

Cruises
Cruises are perfect for multi-generational family vacations! Since cruises offer something for all ages, families can have fun together --or children can make new friends while adults enjoy spa, casinos or pool time-- all in one vacation spot. And, since almost all of the major costs of a cruise are included in the base price, it offers an ideal way to budget for a family.
 
Cruises are like a big "all-inclusive resort", except they move across the water, providing new vistas and activities each day for the entire family.


Family Botswana Safari
For families, there’s no topping the adventure of an African wildlife safari, and in Africa, it’s hard to top Botswana. Big game is abundant here, and you get amazingly close from your private tented camps, situated deep within the bush and far from tourist crowds. In a world of rapidly vanishing natural treasures, the chance for a family to experience the wonders of Africa together is an unsurpassed gift.

Galapagos Wildlife Wonderland  

 During an exceptional family Galápagos tour, discover wildlife found nowhere else in the world.  Pack your bathing suits, sunscreen, hats and comfortable hiking shoes and prepare to get wet as you set sail for some of the most amazing tropical islands in the world...on an 11-day Special Holiday Departure of a family Galápagos cruise – featuring a 7-night cruise aboard M/V Santa Cruz. 


Resorts

Four Seasons Resorts
The Four Seasons resorts continue to offer superb free programs for children. For instance, at the Costa Rica resort, the Kids for All Seasons program offers daily, supervised activities for ages 4 to 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids learn a little Spanish, get their faces painted, create puppets, go on nature walks, build sandcastles and play pool games in the children's pool.  As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner client, you receive upgrade benefits and added menities.

Atlantis, Paradise Island Bahamas 
Family Features: 11 swimming areas staffed by lifeguards -- including 2 for kids only; a theater that shows three recently released movies with popcorn; and 35  restaurants, most with kids' menus.

Parents' Perks:  30,000 sq ft Mandara spa; fitness center with a cardio theater; candlelit French restaurant.

The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

One of the most visited sites in Ireland are The Cliffs of Moher. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in County Clare, on a clear day you can see across to the Aran Islands. While most visitors experience the Cliffs of Moher from above, you can alternately take the ferry from the village of Doolin to view the spectacular cliffs from the water. Regular ferries also leave from Doolin for day visits to the Aran Islands.

Favorite Accommodations in the Burren:

4-STAR
Gregan's Castle Hotel is a 4-star country house that is a short drive from the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin and offers view that stretch to Galway Bay. along with attentive service and some of the best cuisine in all of Ireland, you'll be greeted by the attentive owners who pay special attention to every visitors to insure every aspect of their stay is extraordinary. In addition to the warmth of the staff, the food is some of the finest in all of Ireland. In 2009 the restaurant received the "Gold Medal Award for Fine Dining" from Hotel & Catering Review; the "Restaurant of the Year" award from Food & Wine Magazine; and was Highly Commended by the "Munster Best Chef Award, saying "The exceptional Finnish-born chef Mickael Viljanen has in a very short time enamoured himself with both local diners and touring gourmands, thanks to an exciting style that revels in the celebration of local produce. Currently one of Ireland's hottest gourmet destinations."

Located less than an hour from Shannon, Gregan's Castlel Hotel is perfectly situated for a first or last night stays in Ireland. Our relationship with this property assures you of the best accommodations and always complimentary breakfast and welcome amenity.

5-STAR -- plus great golf!
On a majestic Irish beach in County Clare lies Doonbeg, one of the world‘s top links courses - as well as one of Ireland‘s most deluxe hotels, The Lodge at Doonbeg. A destination for golfers and lovers of sea views, The Lodge is an all suite hotel perfect for families looking for extra space while exploring The Cliffs of Moher and scenic County Clare.


Awarded the "European Golf Resort of the Year" for 2009, you can venture a short distance from the Lodge and play Lahinch. Dining options include Darby's Bar, a warm and comfortable Irish pub-style restaurant with views overlooking the 18th green, and The Long Room where you can enjoy fresh seafood and locally-sourced vegetables, specially-made sorbets and hot puddings prepared by their resident chef Sebastian Schultze.

The suites overlooking the Atlantic have plush bedding, a turf fire, a full kitchen and views beyond your imagination.

Less than an hour from Shannon, The Lodge at Doonbeg, a Virtuoso hotel, is great for first and last night stays.

For 2010 guests booking the Lodge at Doonbeg through a Virtuoso Specialist receive:

Upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability

Full daily breakfast for up to two in-room guests
Guest's choice of one of the following options*:

Golf -- sleeve of logo balls, complimentary use of pull cart, pre-course orientation by staff, complimentary shoe & club cleaning and post-round pints for two at the Pub
OR

Spa -- 30-minute head, neck or shoulder massage for one in Club Spa, plus Afternoon Tea for Two, once during stay

La Samanna, St. Martin, French West Indies

Pure white beaches, deep blue sea, flowering trees and soft breezes are the icing on the cake of this spectacular, exclusive resort on the island of St. Martin in the French West Indies.

St. Martin is the smallest island in the world to have been divided into two separate nations. The French (St. Martin) and the Dutch (St. Maarten) have shared the island in a spirit of friendly cooperation for almost 350 years.

The border is almost imperceptible, and residents and visitors cross over the border without ever realizing they are entering a new country. At the same time, each side retains the distinctiveness of its own national culture. The French emphasizes comfort and elegance, offering secluded beaches and luxurious, exclusive resorts. The restaurants on the French side provide some of the finest dining experiences in the Caribbean.

The most magnificent resort on the island is La Samanna where the superb service is only outmatched by the world-renowned cuisine and extraordinary accommodations. In addition to being part of the famed Orient-Express Hotels, Trains and Resorts collection, La Samanna has been named one of the best places to stay in North America by the discriminating readers of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine.

The resort overlooks Baie Longue, a crescent-shaped, pristine white sand beach. La Samanna offers a pristine private island feel yet is a short drive to the exclusive shops of Marigot and the gourmet restaurants of Grand Case.

Legendary for its extensive wine cellar and cuisine with provisions flown in from France daily, La Samanna is equally renowned for its Elyseé Spa with the indoor/outdoor tropical garden treatment rooms and Pilate’s studio.

You'll always receive Virtuoso rates and complimentary benefits when booking La Samanna through a Virtuoso Travel Advisor.

Dublin Hotel with St. Stephen's Green View

The Fitzwilliam Hotel (link to video) is directly across the street from St. Stephen's Green in Dublin, and less than a block from Grafton Street, the the city's pedestrian shopping district. In addition to being home to one of Dublin's finest restaurants — Thornton's with acclaimed chef Kevin Thornton — their concierge is considered the most knowledgeable and helpful contact you'll have in Dublin. You can depend on him to secure hard-to get (and sometimes impossible-to-get) tickets, dinner reservations and arranging excellent local activities.

With the Fitzwilliam's superb location and the outstanding service, it is no wonder it was chosen as the winner of the 2009 Georgina Campbell Award for "Best Business Hotel in Dublin."

On my recent trip to Ireland, I spent my first night there. As my long transatlantic flight had arrived around 10 am, they were quick to get me into my room so I could take an early afternoon nap to begin to shake off my jet lag. The linens were sumptuous, and I dreamily settled in under the lightweight duck down duvet with a fresh orchid at my bedside.

The view from my room overlooked St. Stephen's Green, which gave me an opportunity to people watch and enjoy the fall colors in the park as I sipped my tea.

The Fitzwilliam offers a 24-hour gym, but the lure of shopping on Grafton Street won out. After a quick download of my email using their free WiFi service, I set out with my trusty camera to see the sights before meeting friends for dinner in Thornton's.

I toured other rooms in the hotel and particularly liked the king rooms on the back of the hotel with a view of the quiet courtyard and gardens and a balcony. There are only a handful of courtyard balcony rooms, and a good choice if you will be staying at the hotel on a Friday or Saturday night.

Dinner in Thornton's, their Michelin Star restaurant, was beyond fabulous, and the wine selection and service was superb. When I slipped into my turned-down bed, I rested easy knowing my Ireland trip to explore some of its finest 5-star hotels was off to an excellent start.

To book a room at the Fitzwilliam and receive a complimentary upgrade (based on availability), amenities and VIP treatment, contact Linda Terrill, 800-863-9067.

Luxury at its best in Boston

My recent cruise on Holland America's Maasdam disembarked in Boston, which gave us an opportunity to spend a few days in one of my favorite cities. This was my first time staying at the BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL, chosen because of its close proximity to the cruise port and to the Faneuil Hall Market area. Located across the street from the Financial District, it is also only two blocks from the New England Aquarium, Boston Tea Ship Museum and the historic Freedom Trail.

It was a perfect weekend in a perfect hotel. The service was superior, and the Virtuoso amenity that welcomed us in our rooms was a marvelous treat. I always take advantage of the great fresh seafood when I'm in Boston, and the Meritage Restaurant didn't disappoint us. And the $50 hotel credit (another Virtuoso benefit) was certainly appreciated as we were able to use it toward our dinner bill.

As the Virtuoso complimentary breakfast was able to be used with room service, we indulged with fresh berries, freshly-squeezed orange juice, French toast and warm maple syrup.

Did I say perfect weekend?

Overlooking the historic Boston Harbor, the property has been awarded Mobil-rated four star and AAA-rated four diamond status and has has earned such distinctions as “Best Hotel, General Excellence” by Boston Magazine and one of the “World’s Best Places to Stay” on the Gold List by Condé Nast Traveler.

All of their newly-renovated guestrooms offer magnificent views of either the scenic harbor or the breathtaking city skyline. Three first-class restaurants combine to provide the perfect blend of delicate fare, scenery, and ambience.

Fortunately, we had some free time so we were able to enjoy the Rowes Wharf spa and health club, recognized as one of the premier Boston spas -- a well deserved honor!

Guests booking the hotel through a Virtuoso agent receive:
• Exclusive rates (15% to 20% discount off published rates, depending on season)
• Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
• Daily full American breakfast for up to two in-room guests*
• A $50 hotel credit, once per stay, that can be used for Food & Beverage, Spa Services, or Parking (can not be used for Spa Products, gift shop or towards hotel room rate)
• Chef's seasonal creation in room upon arrival
• 4 PM late check-out, subject to availability

Wonders of Ancient Egypt

I've just returned from an amazing two weeks in Egypt and just can't stop telling everyone how they should put Egypt on their 'Must Visit List'!

I accompanied a group who hail from all over the United States -- from Santa Fe to Washington, DC, Florida to New York -- with ages ranging from 50 to 85. The pace of the tour was a good fit for this very diverse group of friends and allowed for each group member to participate in every tour or remain on board the ship for more leisurely activities as they preferred.

A great benefit to a river cruise is that all the shore excursions are included in the price, so you don't have to spend significant amounts of money over and above the cruise cost to see all the sights.

Our tour was the 13-day “Wonders of Ancient Egypt”. This is a moderately-priced trip that provides tremendous value along with excellent accommodations for the pre- and post-cruise portion of the tour, all transfers, most gratuities, Cairo-Luxor-Cairo air, the 7-day cruise with all meals and the services of an Egypt specialist. For 2009, the per person price begins at $1,975 per person! A bonus that remains a highlight of the trip was our outstanding Tour Director, Waleed Allam. By the end of our two weeks together, we all agreed that he must be one of the most knowledgeable Egypt specialist--as well as one of the most gracious and helpful--in all of Egypt!

Our pre-cruise hotel was the Le Meridien, located directly across from the Great Pyramids. The rooms were spacious, comfortable and nicely decorated. We especially enjoyed the Nubian Village restaurant, located on the terrace area by the pool. The weather, atmosphere and food were so good that we dined there both nights. There were many other groups in the hotel at the same time, so the hotel served breakfast in a separate banquet room. The breakfast was a bit of a disappointment, but the lobby cafe made up for it.

Our post-cruise hotel was the Conrad Hilton, located directly on the Nile River and within walking distance of the Egyptian Museum. We enjoyed our dinner at the Citadel Grill in the hotel so much the first night that we returned for dinner on our last evening, followed by drinks and entertainment at Windows of the World at the top of the hotel and overlooking the lights of Cairo.

Our 7-day cruise on the Nile River was spent on the MS Giselle. While the ship is not new, it was very clean and comfortable and the crew provided excellent service. The food was not gourmet, but it was plentiful with lots of fresh vegetables and excellent fish dishes.

In addition to visiting the Valley of the Kings—where the tomb of King Tut was discovered—we visited the Great Pyramids of Giza, the grand Temple of Luxor, the High Dam of Aswan and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, home of all of King Tutankhamun’s priceless and dazzling treasures.

Along with seeing these incredible sights was the opportunity to a ride on a camel and cruise on a felucca (Egyptian sailboat) on the cool breezes along the banks of the Nile.

Note about riding a camel: It is harder than you think. I would not recommend it. I would not do it again. I wouldn’t give anything in the world for the incredible experience!! Now that’s was a true “Bucket List” adventure.

Whether you are looking for a moderately-priced tour or a more deluxe tour, I encourage you to consider this amazing destination. We felt completely safe the entire time with outstanding security at each sight, including being accompanied by private security guards on our tour buses. The Egyptian people were extraordinarily friendly and the weather in November was ideal. It was truly a trip of a lifetime and exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Please contact me if I can help you plan a trip to Egypt. Now, more than ever, the time you spend with family and friends is your most valuable investment. To ensure you’re spending it wisely, take advantage of my personal knowledge, expertise, and connections around the globe to design your travel experiences. There’s never been a better time to invest in your life.