Incredible Deal in Whistler

Whistler Blackcomb. This is one mountain resort that has been bold since it's inception. A mountain town that dared to imagine that it would be a venue for the Winter Olympic games even before the first lift was installed. It's newest endeavour is the stuff of legend. Whistler mountain and Blackcomb mountain have stood side by side, staring longingly at each other with a valley in between. The challenge of the vast distance between them was too much to bridge until the dream became just too big to ignore. Until Now..... The two are about to become one unforgettable phenomena. It is unlike anything else in the world. The Peak 2 Peak project now open, forever changing the way people experience Whistler Blackcomb. Connecting these giants, will be a one of a kind mountain to mountain journey that is worthy of the world's list of technological wonders. Spanning 4.4Km a width three and a half times that of the Golden Gate Bridge and at a height that is higher then four and a half times that of the statue of liberty or three times higher then the world largest tallest pyramid. Experience the high drama of this wonderland's unparallel scenery. This year for the holidays, book your clients an experience to cherish for a lifetime as one of the first people in the world to experience Canada's newest attraction.

On that note, Just picture the perfect Holiday Season. The halls are glowingly decked, the smell of gingerbread is in the air, and the snow is falling on the world's most perfect slopes. Whatever memories the Yuletide season evokes, celebrate at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Elevate your next holiday....Whistler Blackcomb has been voted the number one ski resort in North America by Conde Nast, Skiing Magazine and Travel & Leisure. A perfect match - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Defining Mountain Luxury.

To celebrate its 20th year, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is offering 20 rooms every day for the remainder of 2009 at just $99 CDN, based on availability. You’re not seeing things, your vision is perfectly fine – 20/20, in fact.

The week-long “20/20 Celebration Sale” kicks off this Wednesday, February 25. A minimum of 20 guestrooms are available per day until December 31, 2009. If you’re looking to whisk that special someone to Whistler, stick around for a stay-cation, get into the swing of things with a golf getaway or experience the ho-ho-holiday season in Whistler – yes, Christmas is included – The Fairmont Chateau Whistler has a room for you!

Awesome Belize Jungle Lodge-Blancaneaux

Blancaneaux Lodge is outside of San Ignacio, Belize in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a 300-square-mile national wildlife reserve in the Maya Mountains. The Sofia, our private Islander aircraft, can transport you from Belize City in less than an hour. The adventurous may choose to travel by road; the Lodge can be reached from Belize City and Belmopan via the Western Highway. Belize is less than two hours by air from Houston, New Orleans and Miami.

Here amid the pines and tropical foliage Francis Ford Coppola and his wife Eleanor first found this modest forest hunting lodge while hiking in 1981 and for years it was a private hide-away for his family and friends. In 1993 it opened its doors to a discerning public who were looking for comfort and style in a remote and adventurous location. Blancaneaux Lodge is designed to provide rustic comfort in harmony with its surroundings, and it definitely succeeds.

The Lodge's accommodations mirror the rainforest's vibrant hues. Each bungalow features a soaring hand-woven thatched roof, artisan-crafted and antique colonial furnishings and a luxurious Japanese bath with views of the jungle sky.

Food is prepared from fruits and vegetables grown in our own Organic Garden. The Lodge is a guest in this fertile natural forest. To complement this, our chef has established a three-acre, self-sustaining organic garden that produces all of the fruits and vegetables used to make traditional Coppola family recipes. Dine on fresh seafood, smoked meats and authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-burning Italian oven. Local rum punches await at the Jaguar Bar.

The Privassion River courses through the Lodge's grounds. Above the river, a kaleidoscope of forest birdlife plays against the palmettos. All of the electricity used at the Lodge is generated by a hydroelectric plant that harnesses the power of the river. Blancaneaux Lodge is surrounded by many cave complexes that vary from the tiny to the vast. On the vast side is the Rio Frio Cave, an enormous two-ended cave carved out of a mountain by the Rio Frio River. Many other caves surround the Lodge. Some, such as the popular Barton Creek Cave and the newly opened complex at Actun Tunichil Muknal, contain pottery and bones left by the Mayans.

The hidden Big Rock Falls are a short trip away by car, horse or mountainbike. Hike down to the misty base of the falls, and swim in the warm pools. Or take a trip to the Rio On Pools, where small waterfalls spill between pools carved by the river out of the mountain granite. Some of the pools are connected by natural waterslides. The Lodge houses a number of handsome horses in its private stable. Our friendly guides will lead you on horseback to local falls and caves or will take you deep into the jungle where you can spot unusual birds and other wildlife.

Secluded and luxurious the Enchanted Cottage is without doubt Blancaneaux Lodge's ultimate hideaway. Set on a forested bluff overlooking magnificent waterfalls the cottage was designed to be a writing retreat for owner Francis Ford Coppola. The cottage boasts a private pool, expansive hardwood decking, airy screened porch, stunning master bedroom, full kitchen, a luxurious bathroom with underfloor heating, Japanese tub, open fire and steam room.

An attendant is on call 24 hours a day and a gas powered golf cart is provided to get you around the property when desired.

Between the 01 March and the 30 April 2009 the Enchanted Cottage is available for $900 US per night + tax/service, based on availability. This is a saving of $500 US a night. Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor Today

Real Mexico

If you have a small group that is going to Mexico offer them a step outside the ordinary. There are so many wonderful locations in Mexico that still offer a sense of what Mexico was meant to be before the mega all-inclusive resort boom took place. Mexico Boutique Hotels offers an extraordinary selection of hotels with character, unique experiences, outstanding design, original cuisine, and personalized service that will provide you an experience you will not soon forget. Selections are offered in many of the common resort areas as well as off the beaten path along the coastline and inland in many of the historical cities. You can select to stay at one location such as Verana in Puerta Vallarta, Casa Sandra in Isla Hobox just outside Cancun, or Casa Yal'ma Ka'an in Acapulco, these are just a few of the many great options. In addition you can select a multi-stop loop experience that provides a taste of a few different areas all with extraordinary culture and flavor. A great example is a Central Pacific circuit tour which would take you through the exclusive Costalegre region including Puerta Vallarta, La Cruz De Loreto, Careyes and Tamarindo. This coastline trip offers wonderful small towns, beaches, and incredible golf all complimented by wonderful small boutique hotels. For an inland experience sample some fantastic history by starting in Mexico City and visiting the small towns of Cholula and Puebla. Two fascinating hotel experiences in this area are La Purificadora in Puebla and La Quinta Luna in Cholula. If you have an interest in getting back to the heart of Mexico and having a travel experience which encompasses the passion of this culture and provides extraordinary service and exclusive experiences, then this is the way to go. ASK YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR ABOUT THESE LOCATIONS TODAY.

Join Me On A Trek- Sept 21-30 2009, Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge

Dream Outdoors and Mountain Lodges of Peru offer “Adventure at its finest”: the opportunity to experience the essence of adventure within the realm of creature comforts. At Dream Outdoors we believe a life-changing experience has to be an adventure on many levels. This is why our experience goes far beyond comfortable lodges and great treks… it is a unique opportunity to experience ancient history in the Land of the Incas, contemporary manifestations of deep-founded culture, gastronomic surprises, the determination of local people to progress, new friends and like-minded souls.

This 9-day adventure includes a 6 day “Inca Trail” trek on an ancient path called the “Salkantay Route”. The enchanting valley of Soraypampa is the starting point, one that is much less traveled but, by many accounts, more scenic and exclusive than the famous “Inca Trail” itself. Roundtrip from Lima we travel to Cusco, one of the most historic and picturesque villages in the western hemisphere. From there we set out on foot, lodge-lodge along four mountain retreats in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular Andean mountain range hidden in cloud forests. Our journey climaxes at the famed Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Includes;
•Fully guided by Dream Outdoors team
•All transportation and hotel services throughout
•Meals and non-alcoholic beverages from lunch on Day 3 to lunch on Day 9.
*Alcoholic beverages are charged extra
•Transportation of personal belongings on the trek by packhorse/mules and/or porters
•Panoramic Train ride and guided Machu Picchu sightseeing trip

EMAIL ME FOR A FULL DETAILED ITINERARY, limited space available.

New Washington Islands Adventure-Who woulda thunk?

NHB Has a great new experience that they just released for 2009;

Discover the San Juan Islands. A close up nature safari through Washington's colorful San Juan Islands!

Trip Overview-Watch for orca whales in their natural environment as we cruise among the islands Hike through old-growth forest and survey the North Cascades from atop Mt. Constitution Kayak the sheltered waters of Orcas Island, paddling among seals, otters and bald eagles

The San Juan Islands lie like a scattering of deep green emeralds against the sapphire waters of an inland sea. In the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, the archipelago is protected from heavy Pacific weather, enjoying 250 sunny days a year. One of the earth’s most aesthetic marine environments, the islands teem with wildlife. Orca whales and Stellar sea lions cavort in the saltwater reaches, myriad sea birds nest on rockbound shores, and black-tailed deer browse pastures of tall grass and wildflowers. Our immersion into island life happens at a peaceful rhythm, as we encounter nature up close on foot and at sea.

ASK YOU TRAVEL AGENT ABOUT IT TODAY!!

Belize Canopy Lodge

There is a new rainforest treetop lodge in Belize that is raising the bar on canopy experiences in the southern part of the country. Located in a very remote part of Belize, this place offers caving, mountain biking, day and nighttime safaris, and guided tours of archaeological sites. They even stayed true to the Eco movement by utilizing Eco-smart vehicles for your transfers to this 12 treehouse retreat. You can even join an archaeological snorkeling trip to ancient Mayan sites. Looking for something new? Ask your travel advisor about Machaca Hill Rainforest Canopy Lodge.

Tribal Experiences

If you're looking to expand your boundaries a bit and get a true experience at the heart of a destination, try spending time with indigenous peoples in some of the most exotic destinations in the world. Conde Nast recently had a list of living among different native cultures which I felt was extraordinary. What I enjoyed was that although there are many different experiences offered all over the world by tour operators, lodges, and conservation groups, this list was comprised of cultures which play the role as stakeholder, deciding when how and why to bring people into their environment. "There approach to integrating travelers into their culture is as diverse as the culture themselves. "

In Nanavut, 30 miles north of the Arctic circle, you can experience the Inuit tribe by staying at the Bathurst Inlet Lodge. Hike with local guides and float in the inlet on a 40 foot Blue Loo pontoon searching for Arctic wildlife. In the Himalayan foothills of Yunnan, the Naxi are known for their hospitality. Staying on a traditional farm, you can trek into the valley and experience these truly traditional people.

The belief that everything in nature has a soul is the foundation for the Achuar, in the rainforest's of Ecuador. The lagoon-side lodge offers canoeing, fishing, and day long walks to search for hundreds of birds. Ecuador also offers experiences with the Cofan and Quichua cultures as well. The options are endless and extraordinary all over the world. India, Laos, South Africa, Panama, Venezuela, and even Sweden offer wonderful Eco-lodges paired with incredible "red carpet" cultural experiences. If you're looking for something adventurous and open minded, I encourage you to expand your boundaries by appreciating some of the most fascinating people on earth.

Experience Morocco- Red Carpet Style

If you're looking for a new adventure idea for exotic overseas travel, try Marrakech for your next experience. I would recommend staying with a true Moroccan experience provider such as Angsana Hotels & Resorts Riad selection. They have taken many traditional small historic buildings, right in the best areas, and transformed them into the perfect oasis soaked in Moroccan culture.

" Be seduced by the intoxicating mix of sights, sounds and scents that is uniquely Marrakech. Shop at the colourful souks in this magical land, explore the powdery dunes of the desert, and experience the luxury of a stay at Angsana Riads Collection Morocco; a blend of contemporary elegance and historical charm that make this an ideal locale to rejuvenate the soul, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime."

There are many great options and one of my favorites is the Riad Aida. This Riad was once home to Chief Architect Muhammad al-Mekki, designer of the famous Bahia Palace of Marrakech for Ahmed Ibn Moussa, known also as Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed – and it shows. It's only 6 rooms and it is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a round of golf during their stay as it's a short distance from the local course.

Also, try this while there- Perched on the roof is Angsana Riad Bab Firdaus Rooftop Restaurant where authentic Moroccan and Thai dishes is served. The restaurant is open to guests staying at the other Riads of the Angsana Riads Collection, Morocco as well - so do make the required reservation prior to dining.

Peru - Machu Picchu The Right Way

South America has become the hot spot for US travelers looking for their next exotic adventure experience. There are so many incredible places and landscapes, all surrounded with some of the most unique cultures in the world. As local tour operators scramble to compete over destinations such as the Atacama Desert, Lake Titicaca, The Amazon River and rainforest, and Machu Picchu, the market becomes flooded with many options. As an adventure enthusiast it's so hard to recognize the quality options from the nightmares in disguise.

One Red Carpet Experience that I would recommend hands down over the competition is the Lodge to Lodge Machu Picchu Experience offered by Mountain Lodges of Peru. Our team at Dream Outdoors has worked closely with MLP and I feel very strongly about the lodges, the guides, and most of all the unmatched experience of the trek itself.



This moderate to strenuous 7 day 6 night trek takes you through multiple eco-systems and landscapes offering an extraordinary view of untouched Peruvian Backcountry. The guides are wonderful as they know everything about your surroundings and the people who inhabit this area. It's all inclusive so you don't have to worry about anything. The trekking pays off as you have earned your right to set foot on Machu Picchu, one of the most fascinating places on Earth.



Along the way your accommodations include 4 of the most spectacular backcountry lodges to be found anywhere. They are small, luxuriously simple, and offer the most breathtaking views and surroundings imaginable.




I am not hesitating when I tell you that the experience, if done correctly, matches any adventure experience found in any destination. This is the way to view Southern Peru and the ruins at Machu Picchu.

Voluntourism - Best Value and Best Feeling

I have seen an increase in the number of clients who are interested in voluntourism. Voluntourism is when you participate in a work project during your vacation experience with a local community. Can be things like building houses, working in hospitals, teaching English, helping children, even tagging whales, Lemurs and sea turtles. The apprehension that many travelers have with feeling as though it's "roughing it" or unsafe is finally peeling back and people are seeing the true value the experience can provide to their overall trip satisfaction. Voluntoursim offers the opportunity to see the true color and flavor of a destination. It allows you to meet the families and workers. Experience what a day at school is like for the children, how hard locals may work to provide proper shelter, the rewarding feeling of installing a clean water system for a village of hundreds of thirsty mouths. You can go on a 3 hour whale watching tour hoping to clip a picture from hundreds of yards away, or you can touch them up close through voluntourism, helping to sustain their lifeline by assisting with tagging and research. Measure turtles and help them nest eggs, search for birds that are on the brink of extinction, Help displaced children who need nothing but a hug and warm heart.

Voluntourism not only provides you with a true "red carpet experience", but nowadays it can be an incredibly well priced option to enjoy a trip that may otherwise cost sometimes double. The Cook Islands, the Azores Archipelago, Madagascar, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Europe, and all over the far east. These exotic locations all offer extraordinary, and most importantly safe, voluntourism experiences anywhere from 5-30 days in length. Many can be taken advantage of on an individual basis as well as couples and most importantly families. Are you looking for a way to entertain your kids with something more than boogie boards and waterparks? Try introducing them to hundreds of local children in Madagascar where they can go into the jungle and search for Lemurs. I guarantee you will not have any pouting during this adventure, except when it's time to leave your new friends.

Lastly, There are still many wonderful options for voluntourism here in the United States. Spend a few days during the holiday season or on a school break helping other in local communities. In addition to many other areas, currently there are great opportunities in Minnesota, West Virginia, and Montana for you to have great voluntourism experiences.

Bottom line, there is no better feeling than leaving your 7 day travel experience with a feeling that you were able to make a difference in the world, and during that process you had a darn good time, met some extraordinary people, and saw some unbelievable things. Ask your travel advisor about it today.

Finer Than Fine Arts-Smithsonian Style

If your the sort of person who likes to take a trip and engulf themselves in a learning hobby such as wildlife, geology, cultures, history, or the fine arts I would invite you to explore some of the great experiences available for you at Smithsonian Journeys. Smithsonian offers extraordinary escorted travel experiences all across the globe. Many are to locations that hundreds of other suppliers offer within the industry as well, the difference, Smithsonian world-class Study Leaders. These folks are truly incredible as many have dedicated their entire lives to the very topics which you have chosen to enjoy for days during one of their trips. Their large personalities compliment their large craniums as you truly get to learn and enhance one of your lifestyle passions. Ask your Professional Travel Advisor about them today and allow them to take your experience to a new level. In a few days Smithsonian will embark on their 2008 Metropolitan Art experience. You missed this time around but with inclusions like this you might want to pencil it in for 2009;

New York City is magical at Christmas time, with dazzling lights throughout the city and the brightest stars on the stage at the Metropolitan Opera. Join opera historian Arthur Kaplan for four moving and dramatic performances at one of the premier opera houses in the world, including a new production of Massenet’s Thaïs starring Renée Fleming, Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, Puccini’s La Bohème, and Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Enjoy Prime orchestra seating on this festive opera program!

Itinerary

— Welcome Reception and Tristan und IsoldeArrive individually at the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel on Central Park. Walk to a nearby restaurant for a welcome reception and opening remarks by Study Leader Arthur Kaplan, followed by a festive dinner. Attend Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde at the Metropolitan Opera.

— Group lecture and ThaïsThis morning, attend a lecture by Study Leader Arthur Kaplan to discuss last night’s performance and learn about tonight’s new production of Thaïs with Renée Fleming and Thomas Hampson. The afternoon is at leisure, with an optional group dinner. This evening, experience Thaïs at the Metropolitan Opera.

— Backstage tour of the Met and La BohèmeEnjoy a leisurely morning exploring Central Park in winter or doing some last-minute shopping on 5th Avenue. Gather for a lecture by Arthur Kaplan this afternoon followed by a backstage tour of the Metropolitan Opera. Return to the hotel before being transported to Christmas Eve in Paris with Puccini’s La Bohème.

— Don Giovanni and time at leisureStart the day with a lecture by Arthur Kaplan, then depart for a farewell luncheon at an elegant Manhattan restaurant. Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying festive New York City on your own. This evening, depart for the Metropolitan Opera to see Mozart’s Don Giovanni with Erwin Schrott. Back at the hotel, bid farewell to New York with a champagne toast.

Charleston SC

If you haven't been to Charleston SC yet, you have to find time to experience it. If it's been a while since your last visit, now's the time to look at returning. Charleston drips with southern charm and finger licken southern delights. The shopping, the historic district, the harbor cruises, even the house drawn carriage rides past the incredible houses is worth the afternoon.

Check out the Charleston Historical Society for some extraordinary garden and home tours in downtown Charleston. The 2009 schedule kicks off in March. The best way to go is to find a date where the garden tour flows right into a private wine tasting at Circa 1882. It is one of the most incredible day experiences you will find in any city.

Try the Shad Roe at the Hominy Grill, ask a local how to find the Shrimp at the Wreck of the Richard & Charlene, grab a cup of coffee at a real coffee house-Gaulart&Malicet, and lastly if your like me and in such of great bourbon and good conversation, hit Moe's Crosstown Tavern. It's the sort of town wher you can still grab an ice cold glass bottle of coke in the local grocery. Charleston is and always will be one of my first options for a great value and an incredible experience.

The Power Of The Right Advisor

Travel has become an experience driven product line. Luxury hotels and destinations are no longer marketing based on amenities and features, but more around experiences and tours. Travellers are making selections based on which location will offer them opportunities to explore that lifestyle passion which they dream about everyday.

As a result Travel Agents are evolving and remaining an essential part of the travel process. Only a real person can offer you a knowledge based custom travel solution for your next global outing. One thing I notice is all the online research and opinions are great, but there is no one out there that has all the same interests and needs as I do. I have experienced many things in my life that I have enjoyed immensely whereas someone else was left with a poor taste in their mouth during the same opportunity. So the bottom line to me is, arm yourself with enough credible knowledge and good connections to create that one exclusive experience that makes the entire thing worth while.

How do you do this? Spend some time online, reach out to your personal networks, participate in an organization that offers you extended knowledge specifically around your interests OR find someone who makes it their mission to be able to do this for you. That is the power of a true Professional Travel and Lifestyle Advisor. Do you have to reach out to someone each time you are ready to try something new, take a trip, or go out to dinner and a show? Imagine a perfect world where your advisor knows you so well that they are anticipating your next great experience and challenging you personally to enhance your life.

This is the future of Lifestyle Experiences and its not far off. A good advisor can make all the difference in the world and is worth every penny. I heard a great advertisement recently which said "Two incredible travel deals out there today to the Caribbean, one is the deal of a lifetime and one is nightmare waiting to happen, do you know which is which?" Contact A Travel Advisor Today.