Smart Luxury

Cruise Line to Watch: Voyages to Antiquity

Amber Nolan — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:49:45 +0000

If you’re thinking that this trend of over-the-top onboard entertainment is the new direction of the cruise industry: think again. One cruise line that has recently surfaced is traveling back in time by placing emphasis back on the ports of call. Voyages to Antiquity will soon be sailing the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Red Sea with a focus on the culture and history of each destination. Founded by Gerry Herrod, (who also introduced Ocean Cruise Line and Orient Lines), Voyages to Antiquity will offer nine unique itineraries aboard its boutique vessel, the Aegean Odyssey – which is slated to debut in May 2010.

The once 570-passenger ship is undergoing a major refurbishment and will emerge with a significantly reduced capacity of just 350 guests – allowing for more than 80 new suites and staterooms. Accompanying each voyage are knowledgeable speakers that engage passengers with fascinating information about each port. Scheduled itineraries include ancient wonders like Pompeii, the Monastery of Osios Loùka, the island of Pátmos, and the volcanoes of Vesuvius.

As part of the inaugural season, Voyages to Antiquity is featuring promotional specials such as free airfare from East Coast cities, no single-traveler supplement, and up to $1,000 off per stateroom on select itineraries. The 2010 odysseys will also include complimentary shore excursions in every port of call, gratuities, and wine with dinner. Two-week cruises start at $3,495.

For more information, visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com.

4-Night Ireland Christmas Package from $2,760

Andrew Skwarek — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:43 +0000

If you’re looking to break away from traditional Christmas celebrations here in the States, consider spending the holiday in a stunning castle in Ireland. Situated on 350 lush acres in County Mayo on the banks of Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second-largest lake, the five-star Ashford Castle is offering ShermansTravel.com readers an exclusive package that is sure to make this year’s Christmas more memorable than ever.

Here’s the scoop: The Christmas Package, priced from $2,760 per person, includes a three-night stay in the opulent castle, nightly dinner (including a Christmas Eve gala), and more. Plus, ShermansTravel.com readers will receive a fourth night absolutely free – which adds up to $586 in savings!

Included in this package:

Daily Irish Breakfast

Nightly Dinner

Christmas Day Gala

Nightly Entertainment

A Christmas Gift

Cooking Demonstration

River Cruise on the Lough Corrib

Guided Castle Tour

Golf on the Estate Grounds

To book your Christmas getaway to Ireland, call 1-800-346-7007 and be sure to mention ShermansTravel.com.

Ride the Waves of Southern California

Darren Frei — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:16:00 +0000

SHERMAN’S EXCLUSIVE

The Luxury Opened in May, the surfer-chic Shorebreak Hotel capitalizes on the recent rebranding of Huntington Beach, California, as Surf City U.S.A. It offers a hip and sophisticated take on Orange County culture with plush oceanview rooms, courtyard fire pits around which s’mores and cocktails are served, and beach butlers who can provide surfboards, wet suits, and beach volleyball courts. The pan-Mediterranean Zimzala restaurant offers a seafood-heavy menu by James Beard award–winning chef Joyce Goldstein.

The Value Exclusively for Sherman’s Travel readers, this deal offers a waterfront suite (with an oceanview balcony) and a three-course dinner for two at Zimzala. The cost is $399/night (an overall savings of about $140).

The Catch Taxes and gratuities are not included.

The Details 714-861-4470 (mention Sherman’s Travel magazine), www.shorebreakhotel.com (booking code PRLUXE)

From the fall issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine.

Trace Cézanne’s Footsteps

Elissa Richard — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:56:47 +0000

SHERMAN’S EXCLUSIVE

The Luxury Perched on a hillside near the historic heart of Provence’s enchanting capital, the opulent La Villa Gallici welcomes guests to a quiet street, decked each fall with orange- and yellow-hued cypress and plane trees. During this season the wine harvests begin in nearby vineyards like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The villa’s rooms bear sumptuous furnishings and fabrics; many include claw-foot bathtubs and private balconies.

The Value Nightly rates for the two-night On the Tracks of Cézanne package start at $590 ($183 less than summertime highs). The deal includes lodging, one dinner, daily breakfast, and a 3-hour private tour of Cézanne’s studio and the neighboring landscapes that inspired him (like Sainte-Victoire Mountain). Sherman’s Travel readers receive a complimentary room upgrade and a bottle of Provençal rosé.

The Catch Musée Granet’s Cézanne-Picasso exhibit ended in September.

The Details 33-4-4223-2923 (mention Sherman’s Travel magazine), www.villagallici.com

From the fall issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine.

Whale-Watch From African Beaches

Laurel Angrist — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:48:44 +0000

The Luxury Beachgoers hoping to avoid over crowded shores can experience this under-the-radar resort just 30 minutes’ drive away by car from Cape Town. As the buzz over chic designer hotels in Cape Town continues to surge, the award-winning Long Beach Resort offers a quieter retreat on nearly 5 miles of white-sand beach in the sleepy fishing village of Kommetjie, South Africa. Guests of the resort can catch their own crayfish (in season) and request that the chef prepare it for their dinner, take a stroll to a lighthouse, or whale-watch from a private deck in one of six luxury sea-view rooms.

The Value Book two nights for a stay now through December 20, and enjoy a third complimentary night, worth nearly $500. In addition, the resort offers special city and winery excursion packages.

The Catch The resort may be a quiet hideaway but the beach is not private. Count on occasional dog walkers or horseback riders passing by.

The Details 27-21-794-6561, www.thelastword.co.za

From the fall issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine.

Luxury Canary Islands Cruise from $95/Night

Amber Nolan — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:17:34 +0000

Located off the northwestern coast of Africa, the Canary Islands have been attracting visitors for years, with its near-perfect climate and alluring beaches. Luxury cruise line Fred Olsen specializes in voyages to this Spanish-owned island chain and right now the company is drastically reducing rates on a number of its cruises. This 12-night voyage aboard the Boudicca is our top pick with rates starting from just $95/night.

This musically-themed cruise embarks from Portsmouth, England on December 6 and spends 3 leisurely days at sea sailing to Funchal, Portugal, the historic capital of the island of Madeira. The ship then calls on La Gomera where towering cliffs and sprawling valleys await adventurous travelers. Next up is Santa Cruz on Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offering volcanic-sand beaches and snow-capped mountains. The Boudicca then sails on to Las Palmas on Grand Canary Island where passengers can stroll along the charming streets or botanical gardens before visiting Lisbon, Portugal. Here, visitors can explore the city’s many castles and cathedrals prior to a relaxing return voyage to Portsmouth. Oceanview cabins are originally priced from $3,568, but are now selling for just $1,141 – that’s nearly 68 percent off!

For more information, visit www.vacationstogo.com.

Revel Inside a Landmark Château

Elissa Richard — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:27:29 +0000

SHERMAN’S EXCLUSIVE

The Luxury One of Quebec City’s main attractions, the 116-year-old Le Château Frontenac is a joy to visit and a dream to stay in. Located on a bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the landmark 618-room Fairmont property radiates a magical air, with its patinated copper turrets overlooking the heart of Old Quebec. Its amenities include restaurants specializing in regional gastronomy, traditional high tea service, and an indoor pool.

The Value The Romance Package, which starts from $317/night, includes daily buffet breakfasts for two, a welcome bottle of champagne, and a calèche ride through Old Quebec. A two-night stay is required. Plus, Sherman’s Travel readers will be treated to a free room upgrade when booking.

The Catch Quebec can be quite chilly in late fall with average temperatures dipping into the 30s, so be sure to pack a sweater or two.

The Details 866-540-4460 (mention Sherman’s Travel magazine), www.fairmont.com/frontenac

From the fall issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine.

Command Stellar Views of Japan’s Capital

Laurel Angrist — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:17:17 +0000

The Luxury Rising high above the city’s bustling Marunouchi district, the 36-floor Peninsula Tokyo hotel combines an ultramodern decor with impeccable service. Spacious guest rooms and suites offer views of the gardens and downtown Tokyo, along with plasma flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms with rain showers, and fingertip controls for curtains and mood lighting. Traditional tea is served in the hotel lobby, and upstairs the Peter restaurant offers top-rated international cuisine. The nearby Ginza shopping area has high-end boutiques. A fleet of BMWs and Rolls-Royces is on hand for complimentary lifts to local spots.

The Value Through 2009, guests who reserve a deluxe suite will get a second consecutive night’s stay for free. Rack rates start at about $1,056/night, so guests who book the Suite Life offer will ultimately spend only about $528/night for two nights in a spacious suite.

The Catch The offer is only available for two-night stays and cannot be extended.

The Details 81-3-6270-2888, www.peninsula.com/Tokyo

From the fall issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine.

Putt Around a Medieval City

Darren Frei — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:39 +0000

The Luxury The 93-room Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ Palace occupies a former 15th-century castle in the heart of one of Europe’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities, Bruges (pictured). The rooms are spacious by Bruges standards and include complimentary Wi-Fi, pillow-top mattresses, and under-floor heating in the bathrooms. Some rooms even have fireplaces. The hotel includes an indoor pool, a spa, and a Flemish restaurant. Guests have access to the nearby Golf and Country Club Oostburg, just across the border in the Netherlands.

The Value Through the end of the year, book the Tee Off in Bruges package for $1,045. This includes two nights in a superior room, one day’s green fees for two at the Golf and Country Club Oostburg, and a Kempinski Royal Sekt breakfast buffet for two.

The Catch Autumn weather in Belgium and the Netherlands can be unpredictable.

The Details 32-50-44-78-88, www.kempinski- bruges.com

From the fall issue of Sherman’s Travel magazine.

A Mad Affair at New York’s Pierre

Christopher Rudolph — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:47:09 +0000

Envious of the luxurious lives led by the characters on AMC’s hit television series, Mad Men? Well, instead of spending another Sunday night on your couch watching the slick suits strut down Madison Avenue, you can live out your retro-glam fantasy at New York’s dreamy hotel, The Pierre. The hotel is currently offering a new Mad Men-inspired package, A Mad Affair at The Pierre, which is based on two characters Peggy and Duck who have a romantic fling at the very same hotel in the 60s. The special includes a stay in one of the hotel’s 49 swank suites (the hotel just underwent $100 million dollars worth of renovations), a bottle of champagne upon arrival, and Mad Men Seasons 1 and 2 DVD boxed sets. Watch them in your best Kennedy-inspired ensembles and enjoy a nostalgic high. The deal also covers light plates and cocktails for two at The Pierre’s new lounge and bar Two E ($150 value). The price tag, from $1,150, may be a little hard to swallow but the iconic hotel’s glamorous digs and prime Fifth Avenue address overlooking Central Park are hard to top. Plus, this old-school New York experience will leave you with your own Mad memories that trounce any TV show. To reserve, please call 1-800-743-7734 and request A Mad Affair at The Pierre or visit www.tajhotels.com. Offer is valid through December 31.