This issue, Travel

2009 Summer Getaways

There is no doubt that this year, more than ever, travelers are looking for good vacation value. Whether traveling with the whole family, with girlfriends or with your sweetheart, most guests are looking for discounted deals and value oriented packages for their summer getaways. So we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list options and the best offerings from some of the finest resorts in the Sunshine State. We’re sure you’ll find an ideal option for your travel needs. Happy travels! —C.M. Villazon

LOEWS ROYAL PACIFIC HOTEL, ORLANDO

THE PACKAGE: Florida Resident Rate

THE DETAILS: Stay just steps away from the exciting Universal Studios parks at the beautiful Loew’s Royal Pacific Hotel. Featuring 1000 guestrooms, a lagoon-style swimming pool and on-site dining options such as Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, there is bound to be something for the whole family. This summer through August 15, Florida residents can take advantage of special pricing for weekday/ weekend rates starting at $149/$169. In addition, children eat free at lunch and dinner as select hotel restaurants with a stay of three nights or longer. For more information about this offer call 800.BE.A.STAR.

NAPLES GRANDE, NAPLES

THE PACKAGE: Summer Escape

THE DETAILS: Boasting 23 acres of waterfront and three miles of sugar sand beach, Naples Grande is a favorite among Naples visitors. Three swimming pools, a Golden Door spa, Striphouse Steakhouse and location just steps away from the famed Waterside Shops, are all the more reason to head to the west coast for a weekend getaway. Now, enjoy your weekend jaunt for rates starting at $99 per night from now until September 30, 2009. This year’s Summer Escape package includes complimentary breakfast buffet, one free half-day session of one child in the NG Kids Club, 25 percent off tee times, 25 percent off lunch and dinner daily, 15 percent off spa treatments at Golden Door Spa and much more! The best part: Stay four nights and receive the fourth night for free. Book by July 15 and you’ll even receive a certificate good for a future free night stay redeemable from May 26 through December 20, 2009. For reservations call 888.WALDORF or 888.772.1266 or visit naplesgranderesort.com.

COSTA D’ESTE BEACH RESORT, VERO BEACH

THE PACKAGE: Good Girls/ Bad Girls Package

THE DETAILS: Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s chic Costa d’Este Beach Resort offers several “Summer of Savings” packages but it’s the Good Girls/ Bad Girls package that caught our eye. This weekend package gives gals the naughty and nice options for a two-night stay. Whether you choose to indulge your inner bad girl or opt to nurture your inner good gal, you’ll love this fun filled escape featuring chocolate martinis, a chocolate lovers buffet served poolside, en suite or at the resort bar, as well as a 30-minute refresher facial and two hour guided kayak excursion. With all this, who needs the guys! Currently available through December 31, 2010, standard two night stay. Call 772.562.9919 or visit costadeste.com.

CELEBRATION HOTEL, CELEBRATION

THE PACKAGE: The Romantic Retreat

THE DETAILS: Situated in this charming lakeside city just five minutes from Disney, Celebration Hotel gives travelers a taste of Old Florida charm. Rated as one of Florida’s most romantic escapes, it’s no surprise Celebration Hotel offers a package with the same focus. The Romantic Retreat includes a one night stay, breakfast for two in the Plantation Room or in-room, a romantic turn-down service with a bottle of champagne, rose petals, chocolate and romantic tunes. It also includes the daily resort fee. To reserve your room call 407.566.6000 or visit celebrationhotel.com.

CANYON RANCH, MIAMI

THE PACKAGE: Third Night Free

THE DETAILS: Get balanced and relax in the ultra zen-like Miami haven known as Canyon Ranch. Home of the former Carillon Hotel, this posh place offers 150 guest rooms and award-winning cuisine. The Third Night Free package at Canyon Ranch Miami Beach also offers a selection of yoga and breathing classes, 10 percent off the wellness spa and salon services, and access to Aquavana, fitness room and the wellness spa. For your Third Night Free please call 800.742.9000 or visit canyonranch.com.

BRAZILIAN COURT, PALM BEACH

THE PACKAGE: One More Night Escape

THE DETAILS: Guests who book a three-night stay at the Brazilian Court will receive their third night free thanks to the “One More Night Escape.” Take advantage of rates discounted 33 percent, which equates to one night free, and enjoy a long weekend at this tony Palm Beach Resort just steps away from famed Worth Avenue. Indulge in a delectable dinner and fine cuisine at the resorts on-property restaurant, Cafe Boulud, or spend the day getting pampered at the Frederic Fekkai Salon. The One More Night Escape is available through December 31, 2009. Based on availability and rates do not include 11.5 percent total taxes. For more information call 561.655.7740 or visit Braziliancourt.com.

THE WESTIN COLONNADE CORAL GABLES, CORAL GABLES

THE PACKAGE: Reserve & Relax

THE DETAILS: The Westin Colonnade offers hot summer savings to their guests and a “Reserve & Relax” package for the “planner” in you. Stay two summer nights and you’ll save 50 percent on your second night. Stay three nights and your third night is free! Or indulge in the “Reserve and Relax” package and when you book seven days in advance, through December 31 of this year, you’ll save up to 15 percent. So plan your getaway to this Starwood property that combines the Old World ambiance with the conveniences of today for a truly heavenly summer escape. Call The Westin Colonnade, Coral Gables at 305.441.2600.

THE OMPHOY OCEAN RESORT, PALM BEACH

THE PACKAGE: Introductory Package

THE DETAILS: Palm Beach’s newest hotel (opening in June) and the only beachfront boutique hotel on the island, The Omphoy Ocean Resort offers visitors a New York-meets-South Beach ambiance in a chic Palm Beach setting. Boasting the cuisine of celebrity Chef Michelle Bernstein and an Exhale Spa, guests will enjoy the chic Asian-inspired modern atmosphere at this new hotel featuring 134 guestrooms and suites all of which offer a panoramic view of the ocean or Intracoastal. This summer to introduce this chic boutique hotel, guests can enjoy a special introductory rate of $199 per night (maximum of two guests per room). The package also includes dinner for two at the Michelle Bernstein Restaurant. Available through October 31, 2009. Visit omphoy.com or call 561.540.6440.

INTERCONTINENTAL TAMPA

THE PACKAGE: Weekend BOGO Package

THE DETAILS: Located in the heart of the city, the Intercontinental Tampa is walking distance from many popular dining, entertainment and shopping locations. It’s also just a short distance from several family-friendly attractions including Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo. Now, guests can take advantage of the Intercontinental Tampa’s weekend night BOGO (buy one, get one free) package. Visitors purchasing one weekend night (Thursday through Sunday) at prevailing retail rates will receive the second night or a second room on the same night for free. Prices start at $159 and the package also includes a disposable camera and a 5X7 picture frame to capture a memory. Available now through September 30, 2009. Call 866.915.1557 or visit intercontampa.com.

MARCO ISLAND MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT, MARCO ISLAND

THE PACKAGE: Guilt-Free Getaway

THE DETAILS: While summer vacation for many means indulging in guilty pleasures, the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort offers a guilt-free escape for you. The “Guilt-Free Getaway” includes a complimentary upgrade to an island view room and daily resort credit of up to $100 for golf, spa and dining. So go ahead, indulge. Available through January 1, 2010, nightly rates start at $244.Visit Marriott.com/mrkfl and use promotional code: D52 or call 800.GET.HERE for more info or to book your stay.

BELLASERA HOTEL, NAPLES

THE PACKAGE: Under the Tuscan Sun

THE DETAILS: Enjoy a comfortably, chic stay at this Naples boutique hotel. The “Under the Tuscan Sun” package includes resort accommodations for two nights, two 60-minute Swedish massages from Esterra Spa, $50 food credit and two cocktails for Zizi restaurant and lounge, complimentary bicycle rentals, two Bellasera beach towels and more. Packages start at $639 and are based on double occupancy. Call 239.649.7333 or visit bellaseranaples.com for more information.

INN ON FIFTH, NAPLES

THE PACKAGE: Summer Rate

THE DETAILS: The recently renovated Inn on Fifth is offering Naples visitors a special summer rate of just $119. This sophisticated boutique hotel in the heart of Old Naples on Fifth Avenue South is walking- distance from a host of Naples’ popular stores, restaurants and galleries. The updated guestrooms and in-room amenities are sure to please but it’s the prime location that will make all the difference. Special rate is subject to availability and not valid on holiday weekends. Proof of Florida residency is required. For more information call 888.403.8778 or visit innonfifth.com.

MONDRIAN, MIAMI

THE PACKAGE: Locals Package

THE DETAILS: The “Locals Package” at the Mondrian South Beach, located on fashionable Biscayne Bay, includes champagne bottle upon arrival, room upgrade, complimentary poolside cabana and 25 percent off all spa treatments. Currently available through December 31, 2009. Call 305.672.2662 or visit mondriansouthbeach.com

JUPITER BEACH RESORT & SPA, JUPITER

THE PACKAGE: Backyard Vacation Package

THE DETAILS: The Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is inviting South Florida residents to experience luxury in their own backyard. Thanks to this luxe seaside resort, you don’t have to travel far to truly get away from it all. The “Backyard Vacation Package” starts at $159 per night and includes luxury ocean view accommodations, breakfast for two at Sinclairs’ Ocean Grill, a self-guided tour of the historic Jupiter Lighthouse, daily beach chair set up and a $25 resort credit. The “Backyard vacation Package” is valid through September 30 and is per room, per night, with some restrictions. Call 866.943.0950 or visit jupiterbeachresort.com and use promo code: JUPLOC. V