SEABOURN Extends 2021 Signature Savings Event

Travel

Seabourn, the ultra-luxury resort at sea, has extended its 2021 Signature Savings Event through March 31, 2021, providing more time to tap into exceptional offers and an array of value-added amenities on select 2021 and 2022 voyages across its award-winning ultra-luxury fleet, including Seabourn Venture, the line’s first ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship launching in December 2021.

The Signature Savings Event features a number of significant benefits such as suite upgrades, shipboard credits and generous internet packages. Guests can rediscover Seabourn’s “Extraordinary Worlds,” from cosmopolitan cities to picturesque, quaint seaside towns across the globe, including the Mediterranean, Antarctica, Caribbean and more.

“We know that guests continue to plan their future travel, and we wanted to give them more time to take advantage of our exceptional savings by extending this promotion,” said Steve Smotrys, Seabourn’s vice president of global sales. “We know they are looking forward to exploring the world again, and we will be ready to deliver an unforgettable experience on board while taking them to some of the most amazing destinations around the world.”

Depending on the individual voyage, event benefits include the following*:

Veranda for Ocean View Suite upgrades
Up to three category Veranda Suite upgrades
Up to $1,000 USD shipboard credit per suite
Up to 900-minute internet Package per guest
50% Reduced Deposit
PLUS: Book a Penthouse or Premium Suite to receive up to $2,000 USD shipboard credit per suite and an Unlimited Internet Package per suite. Penthouse and Premium suites provide even more space and more amenities for guests who sail on board, with separate bedrooms and ample space to entertain in-suite.

*Terms and Conditions apply. Check the Seabourn website for full details.

For even greater value, Seabourn’s “Signature Savings Event” may be combined with other Seabourn promotions, including the line’s “Early Bonus Savings” promotion, which offers an additional 10 percent savings off the base cruise fare to guests who pay their booking in full by March 31, 2021. Other combinable promotions include group rates, solo traveler offers, and Seabourn Club Savings, which provides an extra five percent savings to Seabourn Club Members. In addition, Seabourn has extended its “Book with Confidence” policy through March 31, 2021, providing even more flexibility, assurance and options for travelers to cancel their 2021 booking up to 30 days prior to departure on any new bookings and receive a future cruise credit.

A complete listing of the sailings, savings and amenities can be viewed on Seabourn’s website.

Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury travel. Our all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships coming in 2021 and 2022. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe travel with more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. The line is also the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage.

Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

For reservations or more details, please contact a professional travel advisor; call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com. A dedicated shore excursion call center is available for guests at 1-800-984-3225.

Myrtle Beach’s “Mega Sale” with Lodging Savings of Up to 45%

Travel

The start 2021 is a time when many families are looking forward to a new year and new opportunities to make family memories that they may have missed out on in 2020. And, Vacation Myrtle Beach, one of the largest premier vacation providers in Myrtle Beach has released the best deals of the season, with significant savings of up to 45% and more to help early planners optimize their savings and ensure the most amazing vacation ever, all without breaking the bank.

“Celebrate the new year and take advantage of some of the best vacation savings offered that we’re able to provide for families and couples looking to enjoy a beachfront vacation,” said Kelly Simmons, director of marketing for Vacation Myrtle Beach. “With our mega sale discounts, you’ll be able to spend more time together celebrating and creating family memories at a Vacation Myrtle Beach resort, and have confidence in your booking with our Worry Free Booking Guarantee.”

The three day VacationMyrtleBeach.com Mega Sale will run January 13-15, 2021, with exclusive sneak peek early access available beginning January 7, 2021, and includes offers for 14 oceanfront resorts featuring an array of amenities from a giant oceanfront waterpark to an on-site bowling alley and beyond.

Those looking for a hotel deal can expect to find discounts of up to 45% or more, in addition to additional perks such as:

50% off summer waterpark tickets
No blackout dates
Flexible cancellations included with most reservations

See the sale for details and restrictions.

Offers can be accessed via a sneak peek starting now at VacationMyrtleBeach.com.

Wisconsin Center District’s New Executive Chef and General Manager Take Food & Beverage Experience to the Next Level

Meetings

Meeting planners know five-star hospitality when they see it. And that’s exactly what a select few experienced during a private, socially-distant tasting event at Milwaukee’s convention center, the Wisconsin Center. An intimate group of Milwaukee-based meeting planners gathered to experience the completely reimagined food and beverage program available at the Wisconsin Center District’s (WCD) venues. Thanks to new leadership by Levy Restaurants’ Executive Chef Christopher Pulling and General Manager Julio Henriquez, meeting and events planners can now elevate their clients’ next experience with high-end, customizable menu options when they book an event at the Wisconsin Center.

As the Oktoberfest-themed tasting began, guests were welcomed with craft beverages and appetizers, including a mini beer stein with pub cheese, and fish and chips. Once seated at their tables, Chef Pulling engaged attendees with cooking demos of select dishes while masked servers ensured they had everything they needed to feel safe, full, and entertained. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed WCD craft chipolata bratwurst, whispering wings quail schnitzel, MobCraft “Scutterbotch” braised beef short rib, German potato “mille fuille,” braised red cabbage custard, and to end the meal, a warm apple custard “skillet.” This specialty menu was created by Chef Pulling to showcase dishes that pay homage to Milwaukee’s cultural-melting-pot past with a nod to the city’s elevated, James Beard Award-winning present.

“Reimagining a food and beverage program in the midst of COVID-19 is no small feat,” said corporate event and meeting planner Mike Underwood, who attended the tasting. “Levy Restaurants and the Wisconsin Center District proved that focus on the client experience, while incorporating locally-sourced ingredients and products is possible with the right amount of care and thought. Strict food safety preparation and service protocols were adhered to, while inventive small-plate options were served to a discerning audience. Light-hearted and informative presentations by Levy Restaurants’ new head chef and general manager were paired with delicious food and beverage offerings.”

This intimate event was a debut of the new direction the WCD’s F&B program is headed with Pulling and Henriquez at the helm. Both bring prestigious hospitality experience and education to their roles and are dedicated to ensuring world-class dining experiences. Not only will Pulling and Henriquez cater to smaller, socially distant events, the same care and detail will be given to larger events when they begin to make a comeback.

“Our goal is to make sure that the Wisconsin Center District is always providing the highest quality, safest experience for our guests and clients,” said Marty Brooks, president and CEO of the WCD. “Although COVID-19 has pressed pause on the events industry, we’re looking to the future and are excited about the experiences we’ll be able to provide. The Wisconsin Center expansion is moving forward, we just achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR accreditation for all three of our venues, and we have brought in food and beverage experts in Chef Chris and Julio. Their gold-standard expectations for creativity and service will expand our offerings and provide second-to-none, customizable options for clients large and small.”

Crescent Hotels & Resorts Opens Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton

featured, Meetings

Crescent Hotels & Resorts has opened the 268 room, Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton. Crescent, based in Fairfax, Virginia is a nationally recognized operator of major hotels and resorts throughout the United States and Canada.

Inspired by the era of glamorous travel, Le Méridien unlocks destinations around the world, celebrating each culture through the distinctly European spirit of savoring the good life. Located in the epicenter of the chic Clayton business district – minutes from Forest Park, Washington University and downtown Saint Louis – this new hotel is where the creative minded, the culture seekers and those who live to savor the moment can unlock the destination of St. Louis.

“As travel and events evolve throughout 2020 and the coming years, this new hotel will be the perfect oasis for sophisticated business and leisure travelers,” said Michael George, Chief Executive Officer of Crescent Hotels & Resorts. “Crescent’s exceptional service and award-winning experience will maximize the potential of this hotel.”

The Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton features over 50 works of art, including several by local St. Louis artists, thoughtfully designed guest rooms, more than 17,000 square feet of event space, Café la Vie restaurant, gourmet coffee bar and cocktail bar, Le Scoop Gelato in partnership with local Gelato Di Riso, state-of-the-art fitness center with views of St. Louis skyline, and heated outdoor pool. For more information or to book your stay, visit http://www.lemeridienclayton.com.

SOURCE Crescent Hotels & Resorts

Global DMC Partners to host Virtual Connection Conference

Meetings

Global DMC Partners (GDP), the leading global network of destination management companies (DMCs) and creative event experts, is proud to announce its seventh annual Connection. This year’s event will take place virtually on November 9 and 10, in partnership with Total Brand Experience (TBX), a virtual, hybrid, and live strategic
event management and production agency. The event will focus on providing education, actionable takeaways, and best practices for live, hybrid, and virtual events as meeting planners develop and adjust their future event strategies.

“While we will dearly miss seeing our clients and DMC Partners in person this year, we are thrilled to host this event in a new, virtual setting, embracing the unique way that technology allows us to connect with one another,” says Global DMC Partners President and CEO, Catherine Chaulet. “As an expert in the digital events space, TBX is the perfect partner to work with to help us accomplish our goal of bringing together our DMC Partners and meeting planners to experience firsthand an engaging and
immersive virtual experience.”

Kicking off the event, Global DMC Partners President & CEO Catherine Chaulet will share valuable insights from the company’s most recent Meetings & Events Pulse Survey and the implications of the findings for MICE planners. The agenda will also include general sessions with a panel composed of industry leaders discussing the continued impact of the global pandemic on this trillion-dollar industry along with innovative strategies and ideas that MICE planners should consider moving forward as the industry continues to adapt and evolve. Peer-to-peer breakout discussions will provide a more intimate setting for meeting professionals to reconnect with one another and share best practices in today’s COVID-19 world. Attendees will additionally hear from inspiring and motivational keynote speaker Lucy Bloom.

Unique to this year’s Connection will be the all-new virtual destination experiences presented by GDP’s DMC partners. These online activities will not only bring a taste of the respective destinations into participants’ homes but also showcase how DMCs are successfully pivoting for virtual and hybrid events. Highlights of these virtual offerings include an art tour, yoga, an illusionist, samba and salsa dancing lessons, pierogi making, an undercover, at-home spy experience and much more.

Source Global DMC

Palace Resorts Sun Palace unveils $40 Million Transformation

featured, Meetings, Travel

Palace Resorts, the company that sets the standard in five-star, all-inclusive resort accommodations, is pleased to announce the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation of Sun Palace, the brand’s luxury adults-only resort along the glistening turquoise waters of Cancun. Located 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the property has officially reopened after undergoing extensive improvements and a complete transformation to its interiors and exteriors and features a beautifully redesigned lobby, upgrades and new features to its meeting space, elegantly redesigned guest suites, luxe new dining options and new modern décor to its common spaces, bars, and lounges. 

In addition to a completely redefined look and feel, Sun Palace also offers guests a chance to unplug at the luxe 7,671 square-foot, full-service spa featuring eight treatment rooms, a relaxing hydrotherapy facility, a 2,501 square-foot fitness and wellness center new top-of-the-line equipment. The luxury resort offers three infinity pools, decadent cuisine, more than 3,210 square feet of meeting space with two breakout rooms, and much more.

“We are extremely proud of the work that was done to complete the unveiling of Sun Palace, one of our most popular adult-only resorts and one that has been recognized in the industry among the top hotels for romance as well as one of the top resorts in Cancun as designated by the TripAdvisor community,” said Gibran Chapur, executive vice president for Palace Resorts. “After13 years of continued success, we felt it was time to modernize and revamp this property to ensure it meets the demands and likes of our guests and continues to be in a caliber all its own.”

Meet in Luxury

Sun Palace features more than 3,318 sq. ft. of space for corporate and social events. Upgrades to these facilities include new inspiring décor, elegant finishes, new carpeting, upgraded wooden doors and flooring, and environmentally friendly, intelligent controls for lighting, air conditioning, and sound. New touch technology seamlessly controls audio and volume in each room. In addition, the resort offers groups the latest in technology, top-of-the-line audio-visual equipment, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the entire resort.

Source: Palace Resorts

Hilton Americas -Houston $54 Million Renovation almost complete

featured, Meetings, Travel

Hilton Americas-Houston is placing the finishing touches on a $54 million hotel transformation project, designed with today’s multi-tasking traveller in mind and with guest safety as its highest priority.  Functionality, accessibility and comfort were focal points of the new contemporary design highlighted by premium in-room amenities including additional power and USB ports, 65” 4K ultra high-resolution Samsung TVs, multifunctional furniture, wall murals created by local artists, updated restrooms with walk-in showers and sliding barn doors, and more. “We took the opportunity during this down time to continue and move forward without interruption to complete our renovation, said General Manager Jacques D’Rovencourt. As the flagship hotel in the downtown area, we look forward to welcoming back guests and group attendees to a new and improved hotel.”

In addition to guestrooms, the hotel’s 91,500 square feet of meeting space has been revamped to create event experiences that are clean, safe, flexible and socially responsible incorporating Hilton EventReady with Hilton CleanStay. New, eye-catching carpet lines the multifunctional space, updated wall coverings add a warm touch to any event and sleek furnishings tie in the modern design. Capable of holding large numbers of people with social distancing enforced, Hilton Americas-Houston’s flexible meeting space opens the door for weddings, galas, luncheons, fundraisers, celebrations and many other meeting and event possibilities both during and post COVID-19.

Hilton Americas-Houston is proud to be a part of Hilton CleanStay, Hilton’s new industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection. Hilton CleanStay builds upon the already high standards of housekeeping and hygiene at Hilton Americas-Houston and a focus on cleanliness is visible to guests throughout their entire stay experience-guest rooms, restaurants, fitness rooms and other public spaces.

Source : Hilton Americas-Houston

Hilton to Bring New Luxury Resort to Spain’s Costa del Sol

Travel

Hilton announced the signing of an agreement to open the Conrad Costa del Sol – a 194 room luxury resort set to bring a new level of contemporary luxury to the Andalusian coast. The property – owned by Markway Inversiones S.L., a company of the Platinum Estates Group, will be managed by Hilton and is set to open at the beginning of 2022. It will be Hilton’s first Conrad property in Spain.

Carlos Miró, Managing Director, Development – Spain and Portugal, Hilton said: “The Costa del Sol is an incredibly popular destination with holidaymakers from all over Europe and beyond, thanks to its year-round good weather, expansive beaches and stunning scenery. This property – our first Conrad Hotels & Resorts property in Spain – represents an important step for Hilton, as we look to expand our footprint of luxury properties across Europe. We look forward to welcoming guests to this stunning hotel.”

Roshni Mohinani, President of Platinum Estates ltd. said: “We are delighted to announce our agreement with Hilton to operate this hotel under the prestigious Conrad brand, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with our valued partners in the local community to bring this project to life. The beautiful Costa del Sol continues to attract domestic and international tourists alike, and we see great potential for investment in this area.”

The new hotel will join a collection of award-winning Conrad Hotels and Resorts spanning five continents. Each property features contemporary luxury experience, intuitive service and infinite connections with local culture, powered by the latest innovation.

Conrad Costa del Sol will be no exception, boasting stunning sea views from its vantage point in the Andalusian hills, with spacious contemporary guestrooms and expansive luxurious facilities including a large spa with indoor pool, multiple outdoor pools, two bars and a high-end restaurant. The Costa del Sol’s vast coastline, which is home to more beaches than any other area of the Andalucía region, is a five-minute drive away.

Nils-Arne Schroeder, Global Head for Conrad Hotels & Resorts, said: “From Bora Bora, Koh Samui and The Maldives in Asia to the Algarve and Istanbul in Europe, the Conrad brand is renowned for its award-winning hotels and resorts. This property, which exemplifies the contemporary design, beautiful facilities and connection to local culture with personalised experiences which guests expect from the Conrad brand, is a fitting first entry into Spain. We aim to bring the sophistication of the Conrad brand to key locations all over the world and we are looking forward to introducing our unique luxury to the Costa del Sol.”

The Costa del Sol attracts millions of international and domestic tourists each year, with visitors drawn to its sandy coastline, glamourous harbours and charming remote villages. The area benefits from excellent rail and air connections to the rest of Spain, Continental Europe and the UK from Malaga, which is located just over an hour from the resort.

The Conrad Costa del Sol will join a portfolio of exquisite luxury hotels across the world, including Conrad Algarve – home to Gusto by Heinz Beck, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Conrad Bali, Conrad Bora Bora and Conrad Koh Samui.

Source: Hilton Hotels Worldwide

San Francisco Travel asks visitors to do their part with Safe Travel Pledge

Travel

San Francisco Travel, the city’s official destination marketing organization, is asking visitors to commit to safe and responsible practices by signing the new Safe Travel Pledge. The Safe Travel Pledge encourages future visitors to come to San Francisco and to do so responsibly. This pledge is designed to remind people not only of what to expect when they visit the city, but what is expected of them as well.

Since launching on July 29, 420 people have proactively committed to the ten-point pledge to follow health and safety guidelines designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus. 62% of those who have signed the safe travel pledge live in California, with 32% being residents of San Francisco and 21% located in Northern California outside of San Francisco. 38% of those who signed are located outside of California.

People signing the pledge proactively promise to abide by the following tenants for traveling and visiting safely:

  • Wear a mask or other face covering when in public spaces.
  • Maintain physical distance from others while exploring the city.
  • Practice good hygiene to lower the risk of spreading or contracting disease.
  • Follow all local public health orders, even if they are different from the ones where I live.
  • Research the changes that local hotels, attractions, and businesses have made before I travel so that I can be a responsible visitor.
  • Support local businesses that form the character and culture of San Francisco’s many different neighborhoods.
  • Use contactless payment methods wherever possible.
  • Be patient with and respectful to the workers in San Francisco’s hotels, restaurants, and stores, who are all adjusting to new protocols and procedures.
  • Preserve and protect the places I visit by not littering or leaving things behind.
  • Lead by example and share these practices with other travelers.

“As we prepare to welcome people back to San Francisco, we want to encourage visitors to do their part to keep themselves and our residents safe, too. Our Safe Travel Pledge is a way for visitors to show that they are committed to traveling responsibly,” said San Francisco Travel President and CEO Joe D’Alessandro. “The fact that almost 40% of those who signed the pledge are potential visitors from outside of California shows that we are starting to reach people outside of California, and they are signaling that they want to travel safely as soon as the city is open for leisure travel.”

The San Francisco Travel Association is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, activities and more, visit http://www.sftravel.com or call 415-391-2000.

For information on reservations, activities and more, visit http://www.sftravel.com or call 415-391-2000.

Source: San Francisco Travel Association

Costa Mesa Brings Experiences Into Your Home

Travel

As the world continues to adjust and adapt to effects of the coronavirus outbreak, including practicing social distancing, the in-person connections will be few and far between for a while.  Until travel restrictions are eased and normal operations can resume, Travel Costa Mesa and other local attractions have created content and virtual “armchair” experiences to stay engaged  with those at home doing their part to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Following is a roundup of Costa Mesa’s virtual activities to remind visitors and locals alike that the city will be ready to welcome them again when the time is right

Travel Costa Mesa Content

  • For continued travel inspiration – 11 Zoom virtual backgrounds that provide a glimpse of Costa Mesa’s arts, culture and outdoor attractions are available to anyone interested in downloading and using them for their virtual meetings and happy hour gatherings.
  • A how-to DIY de-stress blog offers ideas from local Costa Mesa retailers and businesses about how to meditate, experience a yoga lesson or create a luxurious spa at home.
  • Experience Costa Mesa from home by taking a virtual vacation to the City of the Arts®; see the city through 360-degree videos and a video highlighting the Costa Mesa Art Walk, plus updated blog posts and content to inspire future travel to the city.
  • To learn more about Costa Mesa, listen to a 30-minute podcast on Travel Itch Radio talking about the city’s history, annual events and what a visitor can look forward to in the future when traveling to the city.

Performing Arts & Culture

  • The Pacific Symphony put together free digital content featuring members of the symphony playing live from their quarantine location, and never-before-seen concert highlights from the 2019-20 season. Additionally, Pacific Symphony recently announced their 2020-21 Pops Concert season with a video montage featuring music by David Foster, Boz Skaggs, ABBA and from Broadway shows.
  • Segerstrom Center for the Arts can’t open its theaters for Broadway musicals, the ballet, symphony and other musical events just yet, so they created Center at Home, featuring free online dance lessons, acting classes and streaming performance highlights from popular Broadway musicals like Frozen and Ain’t too Proud. A full montage of the planned 2020-21 Broadway season can be viewed online.
  • South Coast Repertory is Costa Mesa’s premier Tony Award®-winning resident theater, and recently announced its 2020-21 season of plays to look forward to. Until shows can be attended in person, the theater’s artistic director is hosting weekly interviews called “At Home with Ivers” and has spoken to Pacific Symphony conductor, Carl St. Clair, and actress Aimee Brenneman, to name a few.
  • The Philharmonic Society of Orange County is offering live-stream concerts and videos and includes new daily performances with different selections every hour – some from the living rooms of the artists, and others from previous concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
  • Orange County Museum of Art is offering virtual experiences of video discussions with artists, screenings of films featured in the Newport Beach Film Festival and haiku readings by local writers – all intended to provide relaxation, learning opportunities and ways to open one’s mind to various cultural experiences.

Culinary Experiences

  • Learn to cook from Top Chef alum Amar Santana of Costa Mesa’s Vaca and The Food Hall – A Global Eatery. From 10-minute fried chicken to charcuterie boards, he’ll share his recipes and offer tips and tricks to show off your skills – once you can host dinner parties again.
  • Host a wine tasting event with your friends, including Chef Mark McDonald and Sommelier Kate Perry of Old Vine Kitchen & Bar. For $99 per household, guests will pick up four pre-selected bottles of wine, and over a one-hour Zoom call, will be taken through a wine tasting with notes and conversation on parings. Old Vine’s bar manager Mitch is also slinging cocktails on Instagram offering his perfected recipes for popular drinks.

Retail

Online shopping isn’t quite the same as visiting South Coast Plaza or small retailers at SOCO and The OC Mix or The LAB Anti-Mall, but many of their retailers are still open online, and if  shoppers are looking for ideas for Mother’s Day or a gift for an upcoming graduate, Costa Mesa businesses have some options to shop local.

  • South Coast Plaza boutiques are offering shop from home ideas or partnering with non-profits where a percentage of proceeds goes back to a charity. Hammitt did exactly that with Project Angel Food, donating a portion of their sales of a limited edition VIP bag.
  • Prism Boutique has plenty of ideas in their Mother’s Day gift shop, including jewelry, t-shirts and personal care sets.
  • Signature initial and zodiac-sign jewelry from Bearfruit Jewelry at SOCO and The OC Mix offer personalized gift ideas.

Travel Costa Mesa continually updates its website with new content to keep the travel inspiration alive. Follow the Facebook, Instagram and Twitter  social media channels for #TakeOutTuesdays featuring local restaurants, and on Fridays featuring businesses giving back for #FeelGoodFriday.

Located in the heart of Orange County in Southern California with a population of approximately 113,000, Travel Costa Mesa was established in 1995 with the primary of promoting tourism to the city and to fund programs and activities that benefit the hotel and motel businesses within the city of Costa Mesa. For more information on travel to the city of Costa Mesa, visit www.travelcostamesa.com or follow @travelcostamesa on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Travel Costa Mesa is a 501(c)(6).

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