Travel Classics Media News
June / July 2018
Scottsdale Summer Means Hot Deals for Visitors
Value-seekers with an itch to get away can find rates at luxury resorts in Scottsdale for up to 60 percent off, most below $200/night, plus on-property perks and a slew of savings on attractions, making the destination prime for summer vacation. ItsThatHot.com is the one-stop shop for travelers planning a stay this season. Visit scottsdalepressroom.com. Media contact: Laura McMurchie, 480-429-2253.
Historic Arizona Resort Set to Reopen This Fall
Originally a medicinal healing source for the Yavapai and Apache, Castle Hot Springs was Arizona's first luxury resort. The resort opened in 1896. A local partnership is now restoring the property. Opening this fall, 32 luxury accommodations will include Spring Cottages with piping directly from the hot springs. An organic farm will produce more than 150 varieties of rare fruits and vegetables for the restaurant and bar. Visit newsroom.visitarizona.com. Media contact: Becky Blaine, 602-364-3696.
Deep Relaxation Highlighted in Sanctuary's New Yoga Offering
Recognizing the benefits of sleeping well, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa has added Yoga Nidra, a guided sleep-based meditation, to its roster of unique yoga offerings. While lying down, participants meditate to a nidra state, the deepest state of relaxation while maintaining full consciousness. The practice slows the mind to release toxins while supercharging the mind body connection. Visit sanctuaryaz.com. Media contact: Jamie Scalici Mower, 212-980-9194.
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Shop Opens in Downtown Tucson
Monsoon Chocolate is a recent addition to the area just south of downtown Tucson, offering artisan chocolates reflecting the diverse flavors of its city and region. With stunningly beautiful and equally delicious treats incorporating Whiskey del Bac, chiltepin, prickly pear and more, Monsoon fits immediately within Tucson's UNESCO City of Gastronomy culture. Visit visittucson.org. Media contact: Dan Gibson, 520-770-2133.
Magical Nights Await at Whistler's Vallea Lumina
A groundbreaking, multimedia experience within Cougar Mountain's lush, old-growth rainforest, Vallea Lumina was created by Montreal-based Moment Factory, and brought to Whistler by The Adventure Group. Experience an enchanting universe inspired by Whistler's unparalleled natural beauty and culture, featuring a night walk for audiences of all ages with emotive lights, videos, soundscape and scenography. July 18 - October 2018. Visit tagwhistler.com/lumina. Media contact: Mary Zinck, 604-938-2702.
New Oceanfront, Business District Hotels in Vancouver
Two new Executive Hotels & Resorts properties are slated to open in Vancouver: The SeaSide Hotel, a stunning property in lower Lonsdale's Shipyard, features 71 oceanfront rooms, a spa suite, and bar (open late 2018). The EXchange Hotel will bring 202 rooms to the first 11 floors of the LEED Platinum Exchange Tower in Vancouver's Central Business District (open Summer 2018). Visit tourismvancouver.com. Media contact: Saschie Maclean, 604-631-2859.
Meet Your Swiss Travel Guide
Thanks to this new app by Swiss Travel System AG, travelers can now plan their visit to Switzerland to perfection and never miss a highlight. The Swiss Travel Guide continuously provides facts about the Swiss Travel Pass and all included services. It even counts the kilometers traveled by train, bus and boat and attracts with various digital coupons. Visit mystsnet.com. Media contact: Ursula Beamish, 416-695-3496 Ext. 3.
Mountain Shadows Featuring Summer Golf-Themed Deals
Swing, sip and savor at Mountain Shadow's The Short Course. Birdie, Brews & Views: Golf, craft beers, and a Birdie Club Sandwich at Rusty's patio & lounge, starting at $79 pp. Feeling Rusty: Golf club rentals, a 30-minute refresher with golf pro, a meal with beverage at Rusty's, and a golf hat, from $149 pp. A Round and a Round: Golf and beer or wine, starting at $62 pp. Visit mountainshadows.com. Media contact: Kelly Fausel, 619-255-7069.
Lake Como Resort Hotel Celebrating 100 Years with Special Package
The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio salutes Summer 2018 with the Centennial celebration honoring the ownership of the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni by the Bucher family. Guests can enjoy this special 3-night package offering delectable meals, exceptional excursions & restorative spa treatments. Pricing starts from Euro 3106 per person, while the Bucher Family continues their unparalleled service and hospitality on Lake Como. Visit villaserbelloni.com. Media contact: Noel Carroll.
Experience Vintage Ireland with Adams & Butler
Adams & Butler's latest venture bestows holiday-goers with the exclusive opportunity to engage with the Countess of Dundee at her home, Scotland's historic Birkhill Castle. Investigate the grounds and gain vast knowledge of the nation's past. Facilitating momentous and unforgettable visits to Earls, Dukes, Countesses, and the like proves to be an Adams & Butler exclusive experience. Visit adamsandbutler.com. Media contact: Amanda Zinman, +353-1-2889355.
Tucson's Westin La Paloma Offering Great Summer Rates
Beat the heat at the finest pools in Tucson at The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa with rates starting at $79 plus a daily $25 resort credit with the Explore Tucson Package (Rate Code - LAPKG1). Taxes and daily resort service charge are not included in the room rates. Daily Resort Credit of $25 cannot be used towards room rate, resort service charge, spa or Contigo Restaurant. Visit westinpaloma.com for availability and details. Media contact: Cerelle Gooding, 619-438-4899.
Young Female Chef Making Her Mark in Scottsdale
Chef Samantha Sanz, 29, has launched a new concept at Talavera, the Four Seasons Scottsdale's signature restaurant. She is among a new generation of women to overcome the difficult, male-dominated environment to reach the top spot in the kitchen. Hailing from border town Nogales, Mexico, she created Talavera's contemporary Spanish steakhouse menu with inspiration from long-held family recipes, including paella cooked over an open fire. Visit fourseasons.com/scottsdale. Media contact: Jennifer Franklin, 480-513-5049.
Three Luxurious Summer Packages Lure Guests to Scottsdale Resort
Enjoy summer savings on a cool, luxurious escape with the Fee Free Summer Getaway package at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Our Sunsational Sunday package saves you up to 30% off. The Summer Block Party package saves you 10% off a room block of 5 or more, food + beverage credit, room upgrade, plus meet with our pro planner to plan an activity, such as a hot air balloon excursion. Visit omnihotels.com/hotels/scottsdale-montelucia. Media contact: Danielle Ito, 415-262-5318.
Organic Produce Inspires Cooking Series at The Boulders
he autumn harvest of The Boulders's large-scale Organic Garden showcases how organic produce can be cultivated in a desert environment, and inspires chef's creativity with a Garden Cooking Class Series. The 100-pound harvest of ripe prickly pear will be incorporated into menus ranging from Prickly Pear Glazing to Prickly Pear Margaritas. Renew summer skin damage with the MangoSteen Facial at the Boulders Spa. Visit theboulders.com. Media contact: Debi Bridges, 480-306-4242.
VIP Airport Service For Four Seasons Bora Bora Guests
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has partnered with The Private Suite at Los Angeles International Airport. Eliminating the congestion of traffic and crowds, guests enter LAX through a special gate, and are welcomed inside while all travel and baggage needs are handled. Guests enjoy private TSA screening, on-site Customs and Immigration processing, the comfort of their own suite and direct transportation across the tarmac to their aircraft. Visit fourseasons.com/borabora. Media contact: Brad Packer, 310-712-1493
Experience New Art and Regional Culture with Holland America Line
Holland America Line launches a unique art experience this summer through partner ArtLink, the world's leading pioneer of the international emerging art scene. ArtLink galleries will offer guests the opportunity to participate in interactive art events; to delve deeper into the cultures they visit by being introduced to a region's unique art and craftwork; and to take home a genuine memento of their experience. Visit hollandamerica.com. Media contact: Jerrol Golden, 206-626-7324.
2018 Las Cruces Country Music Festival Lineup Announced
The Las Cruces Country Music Festival is back this fall for another weekend of legendary country music October 19-21, 2018! The 6th annual Festival kicks off Friday, October 19 with a stellar lineup featuring Dwight Yoakam, Frankie Ballard and King Leg. Saturday night features country stars Randy Houser, Sawyer Brown, and rising star Brennin Hunt. Sunday will feature Grammy award-winning Rick Trevino and regional artists. Visit lccountryfest.com. Media contact: Peggy Bendel.
Deep Discounts on Summer Luxury in Phoenix
Cool off at one of Phoenix's famous resorts this summer during the vacation of a lifetime. As the temperature rises, the prices at the Valley's premier resort and hotel properties drop. Check out some of the best rates and packages of the year, featuring savings of 75 percent and up at some of the Valley's most luxurious properties. Visit VisitPhoenix.com. Media contact: Doug MacKenzie.