Sea Island Debuts with the Mobil 5 Star Award

Sea Island's the Cloister Hotel, its Spa and The Georgian Room Restaurant as well as its golf property The Lodge received Mobil's prestigious 5 Star Award this month. In a private letter to members, Bill Jones III announced the recognition by placing gratitude on the impeccable staff that is found throughout his resort. The Cloister Spa is the state's only Mobil Five Star spa and only one of eight recognized in the US and Canada by the organization. The Lodge has received the designation for nine straight years.

The Cloister is offering a special to celebrate the Five Star award by offering room rates beginning at $525 a night and a $500 resort credit for stays of 3 nights or longer between January and March 2009.

Four Seasons Miami

The Four Seasons Miami is offering an unbelievable deal now through April 30, 2009. If you stay 2 nights you get the 3rd night complimentary to lounge by the pool in a private cabana, walk the shops on Lincoln, relax in the world class Spa or enjoy the numerous dining venues like Wish that are located right outside your door.

Sensational Scottsdale

Scottsdale is probably one of my favorite destinations in the US. It is easy (& cheap) to fly into the Phoenix airport from almost any other city in the United States and the resorts in the Scottsdale area are amazing. Virtuoso has over 9 properties listed in their Best of the Best book. Check out this picture I recieved this morning from my rep at the Sanctuary at Camelback:

Who wouldn't want to visit this resort - not to mention their bar Jade and the spa are both internationally renowned in the travel industry. And if you are a star watcher (and I don't mean the kind in the sky, although those are amazing too), there are plenty of chances to grab a sighting or two.

Just today I receive announcements from two of my other fave properties. These are steaks abd deals you won't want to miss. The brand new Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa is offering a rate of just $240 per night for the Tositos Fiesta Bowl that will feature Ohio State vs. Texas. Its a sweet deal to get somewhere warm in the midst of winter, check out great college football and the chance to savor a piece of the Mediterranean at this hotel.

The Four Seasons Scottsdale just introduced a Stay Longer in the Spring promotion. By booking a 2 night stay, you will receive a 3rd night free. The hotel just completed a multi-million enhancement project leaving all 210 casita guest rooms and suites completely renovated. I just visited this property in early April 2007 and thought it was fantastic before the renovation so I can't wait to see it now! As guests of the hotel, you will receive preferred tee times, complimentary Kids Club programs and if you book through a Virtuoso agent you can get an upgrade upon arrival if available, daily breakfast for two, a welcome amenity and a 50% discount on valet parking. Who wouldn't want to spend the spring lounging in this amazing pool:

Celebrate Carneros Style

The holidays are the perfect time to get away and most people I know would love a brief respite from reality versus your average holiday gift of a tie, slippers, sweatsuit, etc. Carneros Inn in beautiful Napa Valley is briming with holiday cheer and a terrific location! It is by far, one of my favorite, most luxurious resorts in both the Napa and Sonoma valley areas. Venues for your holiday dining are asplentiful as are your options for hotel stays. Carneros goes above your traditional hotel room by capitivating the traveler with a luxury cottage complete with your own private (and heated) outdoor patio, king beds, a lush bathroom experience with soaking tub, shower for two and even an outdoor shower, plus a sitting area with a king bed and the traditional rocking chairs on the front porch to indulge in your relaxation experience. The spa, cuisine and views abound with pampering and sootheness that will wash away even the most harshest of winters. And the property is a Virtuoso resort highlighted in the Best of the Best book so ask about your additional amenities like upgrades, breakfast for two and more.