Honeymooning in the Maldives: Luxury Over Water Villas

The first "Floating Resort" in the Indian Ocean... does it get any better than this? The perfect exotic escape for honeymooners and discerning families alike, check out The Banyan Tree's 'Angsana Velavaru' located in the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll in the Maldives, known as ‘Turtle Island’ in the local Dhivehi language. We're excited to be one of the first to announce that they're launching their first standalone collection of water villas in July 2009! Feted for its turquoise lagoon, spacious pool villas, and one of the few resorts in the secluded southern reaches of the Maldives, it's a scenic 40-minute seaplane (yes, seaplane!) journey from Malé island. The 34 uber-luxurious InOcean Villas are located just a half a mile from the island of Velavaru where the resort’s original 79 villas are located and range from 1,885 square feet to 3,122 square feet. We love that the sliding glass doors along the living, sleeping, and bathing areas offer an absolutely unobstructed panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. Each swanky two-story villa is also reminiscent of a stylish loft with contemporary design accents. We think you ought to relax on an airy outdoor deck with a hammock suspended over the sparkling azure waters and swim in a 200 square-foot infinity pool. Like this...
The Premier InOcean Villas and two-bedroom Sanctuary InOcean Villas each have extended decks into the ocean, complete with a cozy pavilion for lounging or yoga practice (since we know how much you all love your yoga). Modern amenities include a flat screen TV, stereo system with iPod docking station, and wireless internet. Hell, it's hard enough to find a reliable wireless connection on the mainland!

In addition, Azzurro, the resort’s new gourmet Italian restaurant and bar, has been added toward one end of the InOcean Villa cluster and guests can enjoy complete access to the facilities at the main resort on Velavaru Island like dining at Funa and Kaani restaurants, cocktails at Kuredhi Bar, culinary classes, Angsana Spa treatments, diving, guided snorkeling safari, wakeboarding, and, our favorite eco-resort feature... a dedicated Marine Lab which organizes hands-on activities for environmentally-minded travelers like coral planting, reef cleaning and marine biology classes.

Angsana, managed by The Banyan Tree, truly caters to the modern traveler seeking style, luxury, and eco-awareness. Comprising of contemporary chic retreats, each property is designed to deliver vibrant experiences which also exude the spirit and conscience of its environment. A stylish eco-resort in the Maldives with one of the only Marine Research Labs in the world onsite... along with a hammock suspended in the ocean? Does honeymooning (or canoodling) get any more high-end and feel-good than this?

$750 per night, per villa.

www.angsana.com
1(800) 591-0439
Email: reservations-velavaru@angsana.com.

Jet Blue's Discounted Airfare Sale

This just in from the folks at TravelZoo! Fares from Long Beach, Burbank and San Diego have been reduced to $29-$99 each way in a 1-day sale announced by JetBlue today. Flights to the East Coast are as low as $79. The sale is for travel April 30 - June 10, but only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and tickets must be booked by 11:59PM MST tonight.

Sample fares from Long Beach (each way):
- Las Vegas ... $29
- Oakland ... $29
- San Francisco ... $29
- Sacramento ... $39
- Seattle ... $39
- Portland ... $49
- Boston ... $79
- Fort Lauderdale ... $99
- Washington, D.C. ... $99

Sample fares from Burbank (each way):
- Las Vegas ... $29
- New York City ... $99

Sample fares from San Diego (each way):
- Salt Lake City ... $49
- Seattle ... $59
- New York City ... $99

To book directly through JetBlue Airways, click here:

http://www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.ashx?574246-22860667

Cabo, Mexico: Full Moon Party @ The Marquis Los Cabos

A full moon over my Mexi. Finally, there's an interesting (and chic) nightlife option in Cabo! The Marquis Los Cabos Resort, a 237-suite beachfront property located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California península, has introduced Astronomy Nights, where every full moon after dusk local naturalists will introduce guests to the wonders of the Los Cabos night skies, including planets, constellations, a nebula and more. For a full hour, the hotel will turn out all the lights, adorning public places with candles to conserve energy and for a better view of the stars. Our favorite part? The Astronomy Night will include a lounge party with live Latin jazz and fire pit on the beach, Mayan astronomy lessons with two local naturalists Maria Elena Muriel and Julio Cesar Mendez and Mexican canapés, such as smoked marlin tostadas, ceviche, kabobs (tuna, shrimp, red snapper, beef, chicken, vegetarian), and desserts. Astronomy Nights, also open to the public, will take place on the beach at Marquis Los Cabos Resort in the Cabo Real section of Los Cabos during every full moon from 7pm-9pm on: May 9th, June 7th, July 7th, August 6th, September 4th, October 4th, November 2nd, and December 2nd.

In case you're unfamiliar, the resort features a 15,000 square foot holistic spa and fitness center, an exclusive gourmet restaurant where one of the only Michelin-pedigreed chefs in Cabo, and has earned "World's Best" (Travel + Leisure); "Gold List Award" (Conde Nast Traveler); and the Five Star Diamond Award for its Canto del Mar restaurant. They're also a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and the only member of Leading Spas of the World in Los Cabos.

For $40 per adult and $30 for children (age 4 - 12), drinks are additional.

For more information, call 1-877-238-9399.
www.marquisloscabos.com

Juicy Couture's "Pink Passport" Sale

Everyone secretly knows… if you want to truly be comfortable traveling on a plane, you wear your Juicy lounge pants. With classic loungewear, fragrances, accessories, and haute couture, after ten + years in the biz, Juicy is still the go-to favorite among slinky celebs and soccer moms.

As a tribute to their love of the jaunt, they’ve lovingly announced the launch of their "Pink Passport" travel-inspired shopping initiative. As part of the "Pink Passport" journey, customers will be presented with a two-fold opportunity; an exclusive 20% off in-store discount and a ticket to pick up the Juicy Couture Pink Passport. Each time a customer spends $200 or more on full price items at any Juicy Couture store, they'll receive a stamp in their passport and will automatically be entered to win the ultimate travel sweepstakes. The grand prize winner will be awarded with a dream trip to a Juicy Couture destination of choice. For two runner ups, prizes will include a Juicy travel tote bag filled with sunglasses, fragrance and other travel themed goodies from Juicy. The unique travel-inspired discount commenced April 1st, 2009 and is valid in all Juicy Couture locations, focusing on specific North America cities: New York City (NY), Las Vegas (NV), Aventura (FL), Boca Raton (FL), Merrick Park (FL), San Antonio (TX), Honolulu (HI), Waikiki (HI) as well as support for Asia, Dubai, Milan and soon Bruton Street - ultimately enticing shoppers to build Juicy Couture into a seamless shopping experience whether on Fifth Avenue or Hong Kong.

So Jaunt says, “Be Juicy (since every real man wants some meat on those bones) and buy Juicy (since theirs look the best on that booty).” You’d be hard pressed to find another brand that has both practical, comfortable travel wear and high-end looks ready for that wine tasting tour in Tuscany.

*Grand prize winner's package value is up to a maximum of $3,000
**Note the sweepstakes is only open to residents of the United States

Cape Town, South Africa: 'The Nelly' aka. The Mount Nelson Hotel

Is that really? No... it couldn't be. I think I've found... The Gates of Heaven?
Or close. It's... The Nelly! Can a hotel's nickname get any better than that? Bono, Alicia Keys, Kate Moss... if they're gonna fly off on a jaunt to Cape Town, they say, 'Might as walk through the pearly white gates' (or rather, the fancy white columns). This is where they rest their weary heads: The Orient-Express' iconic Mount Nelson Hotel (also known as 'The Nelly'). Just check out that prime location with sweeping views of South Africa's famous Table Mountain.
South Africa... what can we say? It brought us Nelson Mandela and the hope for freedom, now realized. So we say, begin the day with a stroll through their gardens and you'll no longer need to imagine yourself 'Out of Africa' because, yes, you've arrived. Next, head to the renowned Librisa Spa for The African Wellbeing Experience beginning with a lavender soak and concluding with a vanilla and wild ginger massage. That should work up your appetite. We also recommend, for those who can (and can't) afford to stay the night, tea time with five different kinds of teas, tiny finger sandwiches, savory quiches, scones, cakes of every shape and size, and big bowls of strawberries, fruit salad and blueberries.
Prepare for a night of stars at the Mount Nelson’s Planet Champagne Bar where you can mingle with stylish Capetonians and other guests from across the globe while sipping exotic cocktails under a twinkling fiber optic Milky Way.

It won't come cheap, but we can tell you this much... you'll be hard pressed to find a better spot overlooking Table Mountain on the tip of this promising continent.

Room rates begin at $650/per night.

www.mountnelson.co.za or call 800-237-1236

San Francisco: InterContinental Hotel's Hot Deal "The First Anniversary Package"

InterContinental San Francisco Guest Room

Since we love luxury, particuarly when it's on a budget, we had to fill you in on this sweet deal good until... the end of the year! As a tribute to the InterContinental San Francisco's First Anniversary, InterContinental San Francisco is offering their First Anniversary Package, an amazingly low nightly rate of just $88.80 per person, 2 person minimum.

The package includes a lavish Buffet Breakfast for 2; cocktails in Bar 888 for 2; overnight valet parking (a $50 value); an I-Spa gift bag and a $50.00 gift card for use in the I-Spa.

For Reservations: Call 415.616.6500 and make sure you mention 'The First Anniversary Package.'

Thailand & Hong Kong: Last Minute Flight and Hotel Deal

Okay Angels, it's time to fly by the seat of your pants. This one's a bonafide winner. The price of a luxury vacation to Phuket and Hong Kong has been cut to $1599 -- that's over $1000 OFF regular rates. The offer includes 6-nights in 5-star hotels and flights on top-rated airline Cathay Pacific.

The new sale, launched on March 28th by Globotours, is significantly lower than similar luxury packages and includes valuable extras.

The offer includes:
- All flights on Cathay Pacific:
(LAX-Phuket, Phuket-Hong Kong and Hong Kong-LAX)
- Monday-Thursday departures April 29-June 14 or Aug. 16-30
- Three nights at the Banyan Tree Phuket
- Three nights at the Harbour Plaza Hong Kong
- 90-minute massage at the Banyan Tree
- Half-day Hong Kong Island tour
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers in Phuket and Hong Kong
- Hotel taxes and service charges

Plus, for all bookings made by Wednesday, April 8 - that's TOMORROW - A FREE air extension to Beijing can be added! I mean really... a shrinking economy has got to be good for something!
Banyan Tree Phuket Guestroom

In case you've been flying coach on Continental, Cathay Pacific is 1 of only 6 airlines to receive a 5-star ranking in the prestigious Skytrax survey (Holla at your Boeing). The Banyan Tree Phuket was also named a "Top 10 Asia Resort" by Conde Nast Traveler, "Best Overseas Resort" by Luxury Travel magazine, and "Top 5 Asian Props" by the world renowned Jaunt Magazine.
Harbour Plaza, Hong Kong

For more information and to book through Globotours: 800-988-4833. Agents are available 9AM-6PM PST. FYI - The reservation center is closed on Sundays.

Now make mama proud and please, stop 'plannning' to be spontaneous. It's... embarrassing.

Park Hyatt's Healthy Living Menu

In a rush, but don't want to down an omelette on the way to the airport?

Recognizing that Jaunty guests want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, Park Hyatt hotels has teamed up with renowned Brazilian nutritionist, Patricia Teixeira, to combat the lack of quick healthy options with the launch of their Healthy Living menu. We think these drinks look great. We also think the Park Hyatt is underrated when it comes to service and quality.

Noted for her nutritional work with international sports figures in her native Brazil and abroad (David Beckham among them), and drawing on her background in physiology and sports biochemistry, Teixeira has developed a selection of smoothies and juices exclusively for Park Hyatt. Teixeira has crafted these fresh organic concoctions to target specific ailments that frequently plague the weary traveler, from immune system deficiencies to jet lag. The menu includes descriptions of ingredients and their specific health benefits, as well as recommendations on the best time of day to consume each selection.

The Healthy Living at Park Hyatt menu includes smoothies and juices such as:

GOOD ENERGY JUICE contains carrots, apples and spinach, which assist in balancing blood sugar levels and supporting digestion.

DIGESTION JUICE is prepared with high fiber fruits such as kiwi and pineapple, which make food travel slowly through the digestive tract, enhancing the absorption of important nutrients.

ANTI-JET LAG JUICE contains kale, which is effective for detoxification, and pumpkin seeds, which assist in producing the body’s sleep hormone – melatonin.

So we say, "Chug it! Chug it!"

www.park.hyatt.com

Krabi, Thailand: Anantara's Yoga Wellness Retreat

Sing along with me... "Om-believable in every way..."

Anantara, taken from the Sanskrit word meaning 'without end,' symbolizes the sharing of water and heartfelt hospitality that is at the core of the Anantara experience. Located throughout Asia and the Middle East, Anantara Resorts and Spas is our latest luxury (for a reasonable price) find. With properties on Koh Samui, the Golden Triangle area in the country’s north, Maldives, Bali, Phuket, and, get this... Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa on the island of Sir Bani Yas off the coast of Abu Dhabi, it's that deliciously secret Yoga retreat you've been dreaming about.

Their property, on the shores of Changlang Beach along the Andaman coast of Thailand, is the newly opened Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa and we've chosen to highlight because they're extending their “Wellness 360” program to include two different week-long retreats offered in October (plenty of time for you to start planning your trip now). Each retreat features instruction and consultations with leading experts in the fields of Pilates, yoga, dance, osteopathy, and Ayurveda. Participants will work with specialists to cultivate healthier choices to encourage balance of mind, body, and spirit that can be incorporated into a daily routine and practiced beyond the retreat. In addition to professional consultation and tailor-made exercise programs, guests will enjoy daily yoga, Pilates, and dance movement classes.

Included in the Wellness 360 Retreat package is one session with osteopath Dr. Geraldine van Boxmeer; an Ayurvedic consultation with renowned practitioner Kavitha Hulmani and resident naturopath Dr. Gopal; and a “wellness cuisine” cooking class with the resort’s resident chef, Kelly Brennan. One Anantara massage and an additional spa treatment of choice are also included in the package.

Wellness 360 Retreats will be held on the following dates:
October 5th to 12th
October 12th to 19th

Rates begin at $3,592 per person, which includes: seven night’s accommodations; round-trip airport transfers; all meals; daily classes, and selected therapies and consultations.

http://sikao.anantara.com/Si-Kao-Wellness-360-Retreat/default.aspx

Can I get an Om?

www.anantara.com