April/May 2018
Travel Classics Bi-Monthly Newsletter
April is Foodie Heaven in Scottsdale
Scottsdale Culinary Festival returns April 14-15 with 40 local restaurants, 30 craft breweries, a wine garden, chef demos and 20 bands, benefiting Scottsdale League for the Arts. Foodies then get a taste of paradise at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa's second annual Nirvana Food & Wine Festival, April 19-22 featuring international star chefs and Sanctuary's own Executive Chef, Beau MacMillan. Visit scottsdalepressroom.com. Media contact: Laura McMurchie, 480-429-2253.
Grand Hotel Serbelloni Celebrates 100 Years
The Bucher Family marks 100 years of ownership with "Centennial Celebration 1918-2018," the perfect synergy of traditional and contemporary activities, relaxation, and unparalleled services with a 3 night/4 day stay for two. Includes palatial accommodations, gourmet, romantic meals, excursions on Lake Como, and a spa treatment. From Euro 2776.
Visit villaserbelloni.com. Media contact: Noel M. Carroll, 914-961-0334.
Something For Everyone at Mountain Shadows
Mountain Shadows is heating up with summer activities. Check out Paradise Valley's fun programming, from fitness (yoga, swimming and golf), to foodie (Sunday suppers and champagne toasts at sunset), to fun (live music, photography classes, and art). You can find it all on Mountain Shadows's events page. Visit: mountainshadows.com. Media contact: Kristen Ahrens, 619-255-7069.
New Loop Trail Links Desert and Metro Tucson
Pima County celebrates completion of The Loop, a 131-mile system of paved, shared-use paths and short segments of buffered multi-use bike lanes that spans the metro area, allowing cyclists, pedestrians, joggers and equestrians an opportunity to enjoy our beautiful Sonoran Desert on paved, vehicle-free pathways. The Loop connects parks, trailheads, bus and bike routes, workplaces, restaurants, schools, hotels and motels, shopping areas, and entertainment venues. Visit visittucson.org. Media contact: Dan Gibson, 520-770-2133.
Glamping in Interlaken: Switzerland's New Love Igloo
Decorated with attention to detail and comfortably appointed with soft furnishings, the new Love Igloo is a special retreat to share some time with the one you love in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, at the Camping Lazy Rancho in Unterseen. Visit madeinbern.com. Media contact: Harry John, Made in Bern, +41 31 300 33 00.
CruiseCompete Offers Ultimate Guide to Family Cruising
The ultimate cruise resource, "Sea Tales 2018 Family Cruise Travel Planner (PDF)" is complimentary to visitors to CruiseCompete.com (also available on Amazon for Kindle and in paperback). Detailing every aspect of the family cruise vacation experience, new sections that cover family suites, children's dining, and popular cruise line characters from children's books and movies. Visit CruiseCompete.com. Media contact: Email Heidi Allison-Shane; tel: 248-935-3224.
Vancouver Exhibit Explores Greenpeace History and Impact
"Making Waves: The Story and Legacy of Greenpeace," opening July 2018 at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, will chronicle the life and origin of the most recognizable environmental organization in the world, born to seemingly humble beginnings in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood in 1971. The exhibit will run for approximately six months, exploring Greenpeace's founding, expansion, criticism and controversy, and long-lasting impact. Visit tourismvancouver.com. Media contact: Saschie MacLean, 604-631-2859.
Holographic Art Experience in Whistler
Audain Art Museum's "Shawn Hunt: Transformation" (through April 9, 2018), is an interactive installation featuring HoloLens technology, utilizing electronics and mechanical engineering to produce a holographic experience. "Transformation" is a collaborative work between artist Shawn Hunt, and Microsoft and their studio, The Garage. Hunt is one of the most original artists on British Columbia's Northwest Coast, bridging history with contemporary life, throughout his artwork. Visit whistler.com. Media contact: Mary Zinck, 604-938-2702.
Engage with a Countess in Scotland
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.
Wellness Focus at The Boulders
New wellness activities at the Boulders Spa focus on Brain Fitness Neurobics, Balance and Mobility Training, and even Garden Mixer Mixology allowing guests to let loose by creating their own craft cocktails. They are also encouraged to venture outside the serene spa to connect with the earth and surrounding desert, and draw inspiration from three meditation areas: the Labyrinth, the authentic TiPi, and the Organic Garden. Visit theboulders.com. Media contact: Debi Bridges, 480-306-4242.
Spa Renewal Complete at Sanctuary on Camelback
Sanctuary Spa at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa has completed a top-to-bottom refurbishment and expansion that has introduced a fresh new look throughout and a brand-new feature, the Women's Quiet Room. An intimate retreat, the celebrated spa features separate women's and men's spas, 12 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and a private, stone-walled outdoor treatment room called Sanctum. Visit SanctuaryAZ.com. Media contact: Email Grace Lee; 212-284-9942.
Four Seasons Bora Bora Celebrates 10 Years
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the renowned Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is currently offering the 10th Anniversary Inclusive Plunge Pool Suite Package, which includes a complimentary fourth night with every three consecutive paid nights. Guests also enjoy airport transportation and exceptional cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit fourseasons.com/borabora. Media contact: Brad Packer, 310-712-1493.
Seasonal Color and Scent Enhance Spa Experience
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale has combined color and scent to create chromotherapy inhalation rooms, adjusted according to the season (guests are currently enjoying a refreshing eucalyptus menthol scent with the calming color blue for spring). Enhance the experience at the Aroma Design Bar and create a rich, custom-blended body butter or polish enhanced with essential oils. Visit fourseasons.com/scottsdale. Media contact: Jennifer Franklin, 480-513-5049.
Holland America Line Developing New Wine Program
Holland America Line is tapping into the expertise of one of the world's most acclaimed wine critics, James Suckling, who will lead the design and development of the premium line's wine offerings for all shipboard dining venues and bars across the fleet. The new list will be in place by the end of 2018, in time for the launch of Nieuw Statendam.. Press release (PDF). Visit hollandamerica.com. Media contact: Jerrol Golden, 206-626-7324.
Las Cruces Farm Market in Full Swing
Spring has arrived in Las Cruces, NM and the Wednesday and Saturday Main Street Farmers' Market, rated among the best in the country by USA Today , is bursting with fresh local produce, innovative crafts and delicious pastries and beverages. Wishing ski season weren't almost over? Try saucer-sledding down the gypsum dunes at White Sands National Monument: in shorts and a T-shirt! Visit visitlascruces.com. Media contact: Peggy Bendel, 917-969-9919.
High-Tech Fashion in Phoenix
Iris van Herpen's mesmerizing and progressive designs are favored by icons such as Beyoncé, Björk and Lady Gaga. Visitors to the Phoenix Art Museum can catch van Herpen's timeless, yet innovative designs combining fashion with 3D printing technology until May 13, when the collection leaves the western-most stop on its North American tour. Visit VisitPhoenix.com. Media contact: Email Trish Lanteigne; 602-254-6500
Free-Free Summer at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Experience the luxury of the Omni Montelucia for less with the Fee-Free Summer Package. Add an enticing line-up of spa specials, unique culinary experiences, live entertainment and breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain poolside and you have the perfect getaway. Room rates from $135. No fee for covered self-parking ($22 daily savings), resort service fee ($29 daily savings). Visit OmniHotels.com. Media contact: Email Danielle Ito; tel: 415-262-5918.
Free Lifts This Summer in Courchevel, France
Whether you are sportly (mountain biking, via ferrata, hiking, paragliding) or contemplative (picnics, views, discovery paths), reach the heights with the ski lifts (3-valleys link possible). For easier access and to reach the Courchevel valley summits (2700m), the Verdons gondola lift and the Saulire cable car are open. Visit courchevel.com. Media contact: Nathalie Faure-Bernoud, 04 79 08 89 30.
First Michelin Star for Domaine de Manville
Domaine de Manville's restaurant has been awarded its first Michelin star (in Les Baux de Provence, France). The restaurant reopened on March 3, 2018 as Restaurant Aupiho, following a redesign. Chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal showcases the very best local produce from the region. Try the set menu at $105 (4 courses) or $154 (6 courses). 39 rooms are available from USD 1,308 per night (Suite Family Duplex). Visit slh.com. Media contact: Dana O'Malley, 212-338-4809.
7 Wins For Ireland's Blue Book at the Breakfast Awards
Ireland's Blue Book is delighted to announce 7 wins for our properties at the 2nd Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards which took place on the March 22, 2018, in association with Failte Ireland. Congratulations to Hayfield Manor, Gregans Castle, Longuveille House, Carrig House, Currarevagh House, Ghan House and Aherne's Townhouse. Press release. Visit irelandsbluebook.com. Media contact: Shannon Sweeney, 35316769914.