Andrew Skwarek scours the web for the best deals on hotels, flights, cruises, packages, and more.
Bora Bora, a tiny island surrounded entirely by lagoons and a barrier reef, awaits you with treasures, pleasures, and leisure. Located on the furthest horizon between New Zealand and Hawaii, Bora Bora offers the ultimate escape. At just $1,899 per person, you can save thousands when you book with Tahiti Tourism. The luxurious 7-night Couples Retreat Package includes:
• Roundtrip economy class airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui
• 1 night at InterContinental Tahiti Resort in a Standard Room
• 6 nights at Le Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora in an Ocean View Room
• Inter-island air transportation, including transfers and baggage handling
• Option to upgrade to a private Beach Bungalow, from $75 per night
• And more!
An unforgettable adventure awaits visitors on Hawaii’s Big Island, renowned for its diverse landscape that includes snow-covered mountains, lush rainforests, black-sand beaches, and active volcanoes. Located on the island’s stunning western Kohala Coast, the 62-acre Hilton Waikoloa Village offers elegantly furnished guestrooms in a gorgeous oceanfront setting. The family-friendly resort also boasts a freshwater pool with dramatic waterfalls, a day camp for children ages 5 to12, and a Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon where kids can interact and swim with the friendly ocean mammals. Available through December 31, the Ocean Explorer Family Escape covers a 4-night stay for two adults and two kids, including daily buffet breakfast and one glass-bottom boat cruise. Kids also receive a backpack filled with goodies, including an underwater camera, coloring books, ocean fish guides, and more. Rates start at just $294/night per room.
Situated between the Caribbean Sea and picturesque Nichupte Lagoon, the Hotetur Beach Paradise Resort offers a wide range of exciting beach activities and nightly entertainment, just a stone’s throw away from downtown Cancun. Guests of this 170-room beachfront property enjoy free use of all non-motorized boat rentals, plus all meals and snacks for the duration of their stay. Book your 3-night fall resort getaway through Discount Vacations, including airfare from Chicago from only $349. Book soon; all travel must be completed by October 31.
The Deal Save 30 percent off standard room rates and spa services, with a free upgrade.
Stay Choose either the Tides Riviera Maya, made up of 30 private villas (each with a plunge pool) on six idyllic acres of jungle and white-sand beach, or Tides Zihuatanejo, a laid-back resort with adobe-style villas and a clutch location on one of Mexico’s best beaches.
Details The Sol Y Mar promotion includes 30 percent off going rates and spa services. Plus, Sherman’s Travel readers secure a free upgrade to the next category of villa. Discounted rates start at $410/night at Tides Riviera Maya and $249/night at Tides Zihuatanejo with breakfast. This special is offered October 1 to December 18.
Book It 866/332-1672 for Tides Riviera Maya; 866/905-9560 for Tides Zihuatanejo (online code SHER or mention Sherman’s Travel Sol y Mar Exclusive); thetidesresorts.com.
From the Summer 2009 issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine
From gorgeous limestone cliffs to dense tropical forests and undiscovered bays, the spectacular island of Phuket is a must-see destination off Thailand’s southern shores. This affordable package covers five nights’ accommodation at the oceanfront Evason Phuket resort, with facilities that include a full-service spa and spacious balcony guestrooms. Guests of this 64-acre tropical resort enjoy stunning views of the Andaman Sea, and free activities like bike tours, scuba diving clinics and a supervised kids’ program. From now through December 25, this 5-night package costs just $1,321, including round-trip airfare from Los Angeles.
Finding an affordable area hotel in the capital of cool isn’t always easy, but the historic 1930s-era Clay Hotel offers reasonable rates for comfortable accommodations just two blocks from the beach. Guestrooms inside this Spanish-style art deco building offer satellite TV, refrigerators, and private baths. Rates start from just $58/night. To save even more, reserve a stay here for both Friday and Saturday nights and get 50% off on your Sunday night stay.
Located within the picturesque colonial capital of Willemstad, the 80-room Hotel Kura Hulanda is a member of the leading hotels of the world and features beautifully restored Dutch Colonial buildings and cobblestone courtyards. Guestrooms feature hand-carved mahogany furniture and murals by local artists; there is also a lavish spa, casino, and several upscale restaurants. Stay a minimum of five nights from August 15 through December 15 to take advantage of the resort’s outstanding Curaçao Now special. Starting at just $283 per person for a 5-night stay, the deal includes a $200 air credit per person and one $200 food and beverage credit per room. Book now to receive your fifth night completely free and enjoy discounts at area stores and museums!
Located on Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific coastline, the all-inclusive Occidental Grand Papagayo resort offers a secluded stay in a breathtaking beachfront locale. Guests enjoy unlimited meals and snacks and an array of water sports including kayaking, snorkeling and free scuba clinics. Discerning travelers who opt for the resort’s Royal Club-level rooms will receive added perks like in-room dining and a fourth night free through December 18. All-inclusive rates start at $122/night.
Experience the unique culture of the French Caribbean where spectacular natural beauty, exquisite dining, and trendy nightlife converge for a posh and sophisticated island stay. Known as the “Isle of Flowers,” the dramatic scenery of Martinique offers plenty of opportunities for hikers and nature lovers in the shadow of smoldering Mont Pelée. Located directly across the bay from the cosmopolitan capital of Fort-de-France, the upscale Hotel Carayou has 201 brightly furnished rooms with balconies and private beach access; the beach offers free kayak and windsurf rentals. Consider a 4-night stay at this laid-back seaside resort, including round-trip airfare from Miami, from just $670. Book by July 10. Travel this July 11 through August 31.
Reward your hardworking dad with this posh Father’s Day getaway in the Eastern Caribbean. Located on the tranquil island of Barbuda, just a quick boat ride from Antigua, the stylish Lighthouse Bay Resort offers airy oceanfront suites with private balconies and plenty of exciting activities such as deep-sea fishing excursions, guided horseback riding, and jeep tours. With the Private Island Getaway for Father’s Day package, mom and dad will enjoy a 3-night stay in a spacious one-bedroom suite with three meals daily and unlimited wine and beer. Other package highlights include free cognac and a Cuban cigar for dad upon arrival, a special Father’s Day champagne brunch for two, an afternoon lobster spear-fishing excursion and a deep-tissue, 1-hour massage for dad. The offer is available from June 18 through June 24, and starts at $1,999. You can also add up to two additional guests for just $250/night; children age 10 and under are free.