Bay of Banderas

Riviera Nayarit: Warmth of Mexico for Winter’s Reward

The combination of sun, sand and Mexican culture yields to an array of distinctive holiday festivities for visitors to discover. Beginning in December, hundreds of humpback whales head to the protected waters of Banderas Bay during their migration from Alaska to Hawaii, swimming among wild dolphins that inhabit the waters year-round. Fun experiential vacation can be lined up through Vallarta Adventures using these great packages for accommodations:

  • St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. A “Sunsational Savings” package offers champagne upon arrival, third night free, daily full breakfast, signature St. Regis Butler service, Children’s Club free of charge and free access to Exercise Room and Remède Spa. Starting from US$406 per night per room with a minimum stay of three nights through December 20th, 2012 (using rate code SUNSAV). (877) 787-3447 www.stregis.com/puntamita.
  • Four Seasons Punta Mita.  A “Stay Longer” package means for every two consecutive paid nights you get the third night free, and with every three consecutive paid nights you get the fourth and fifth nights, through December 21. Extend a four-night stay with a complimentary fifth night between January 3 and April 6, 2013. Rates start at US$400 per room per night. Visit www.fourseasons.com/puntamita; (52-329) 291-6019.
  • Occidental Grand Nuevo Vallarta. The “Holiday Sale” promotion includes the resort’s all-inclusive features at a discounted rate of US$167 per person per night from December 23 – January 2, 2013. The “Winter EBB” promotion includes 48 percent off your stay in a Deluxe room from January 3 – April 30, 2013 (book before November 29). For reservations, please call (800) 858-2258 or go online at Visit www.occidentalhotels.com
  • Riu Palace Pacifico. Special rates start at $74 per night per person based on a double occupancy. Valid now until December 23. Call (888) 748-4990,  Visit www.riu.com.
  • Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. The luxurious all-inclusive in Nuevo Vallarta is offering special discounted rates and no minimum night stay requirement for Christmas. Starting at US$380 per room per night the promotion is valid for travel from December 20-27. (877) 418-2722. Visit vallarta.grandvelas.com (use code X12BRO online).
  • Garza Canela Hotel.  The hotel in historic San Blas has discounted rates through December 15.. Guests can book a room for $80  per room per night and two kids under 12 can stay for free when sharing the room. During Christmas rates are $140 USD per room per night with complimentary breakfast and kids under 12 stay for US$20. Call 800-713-2313, www.garzacanela.com.

For more information about Riviera Nayarit, visit: www.rivieranayarit.com

Guest Ranches in Montana

Triple Creek Ranch Iditarod Dog Sled Racing Package

Champion dog sled racer, Jessie Royer, will begin training and selecting her 2013 Iditarod dog team at Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana. Triple Creek Ranch guests get a lesson in the basics of harnessing, hitching and steering a sled dog team in support of Royer’s 2013 Iditarod race. The Package runs Jan. 5-20, 2013. Triple Creek Ranch is offering complimentary half-day dog sled excursions, and will contribute $300 to Royer’s Iditarod J-Team for every guest who participates. Priced from $950 per night, per couple, this all-inclusive Winter Dog Sled Package includes:

  • Complimentary dog sledding with Jessie Royer from Jan. 5, 2013 – Jan. 20, 2013
  • Elegant accommodations in a private cabin with wood-burning fireplace, private or nearby hot tub, king log post bed and more
  • Activities: horseback riding, hiking, nature and birding tours, skijoring (a form of skiing where participants are drawn by mounted horses), archery and more
  • Breakfast, lunch, snacks and gourmet dinners, house wines and spirits.

Contact 800-654-2943,  www.triplecreekranch.com.

End of the World parties

End of the World Package at Hotel Maya in Long Beach, CA

It’s the end of the world as the Mayans knew it, and Hotel Maya will celebrate with an “End of the World” party and package over the Winter Solstice. The hotel package starts on check-in on Dec. 21 and includes a waterfront room for two, breakfast for two, if there is a Dec. 22, and complimentary two hour bike rentals (plus parking, and Internet – as if guests will really want to spend their time surfing online!) Guests can choose how to use their “limited” time while relaxing at Hotel Maya with tennis, paddleboard, bike rentals, smoke the hookah, drinking Margaritas by the pool … with package rates starting at $169 per night. Call (562) 435-7676, www.hotelmayalongbeach.com.

Hotel in Marrakech

Christmas at the Kasbah – In Morocco

The Kasbah Tamadot, a Virgin Limited Edition at the foot of the Atlas Mountains near Marrakesh offers a three-night Christmas Package for $1,719 per person, double. The Christmas offer includes:

  • Accommodations
  • All meals including a festive Christmas Eve dinner & traditional Christmas Day lunch
  • Drinks including wines, beers, spirits & cocktails
  • A one-hour mule ride around the surrounding area
  • A two-hour trek with afternoon tea

Contact: (44-0) 208-600-0430, [email protected], www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com

Christmas in Italy: Hotels

Festive Season at Il Salviatino in Florence, Italy

Through January 18, 2013, guests of Il Salviatino on the outskirts of Florence can celebrate the festive season Italian style. The holiday package is ideal for those who want to do their  Christmas shopping, or experience the local culture, or simply indulge in a beautiful change of scenery.

The package includes:

• Two nights in the room or suite of choice
• Upgrade upon availability
• Daily à la carte breakfast
• Entry tickets to the Marilyn exhibition at the Ferragamo museum
• A one-hour massage per person at Spa Il Salviatino
• Three-course dinner for two in signature restaurant (or Christmas lunch on December 25th – excluding drinks)

Rates start at $1,154 + 10% VAT in a Deluxe double room for two per night.

Contact: (011 39) 055-904-1111, www.salviatino.com.