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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Have a Big Fat Greek Wedding! (And Honeymoon!)

Greece has been a site for many historical and mythologically passionate romances. Helen of Troy, Odysseus and Penelope, and the ever loving and warring gods of Mount Olympus have left their mark on the land of Greece, making it the perfect place to celebrate a lifelong union, surrounded by hisotrical relics. King George Palace, in Athens, offers many beautiful venues for weddings, as well as the highest levels of service. Have a large and stately affair in the Uptown Ballroom, or a more intimate ceremony in the Royal Penthouse Suite. Just a few kilometers away from the hotel is the Royal Beach, a beach for guests of the hotel, that is also an amazing wedding location. Imagine your special day, completely planned by the hotel's staff, surrounded by the clear blue water with your family and friends. Located in downtown Athens, the helpful staff loves coordinating the perfect wedding for you down to the very last detail.

Guests booking at King George Palace with ClassicTravel.com at the Virtuoso Rate will also receive an upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), buffet breakfast daily, lunch for two at Tudor Hall, early check in and late check out (subject to availability).


For honeymoon, why not hop over to the exotic Mykonos. Mykonos Blu is a resort that offers the best luxury and relaxation for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Book one of their Honeymoon Waterfront Bungalows, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Each of these bungalows comes with pre-arrival request and shopping service and Champagne, flowers, honey and yogurt (a classic greek treat!), and Greek pastries upon arrival. Each honeymoon suite features a sensuous bathtub for two and scented candles, to create the perfect mood.

Another option at Mykonos Blu is to book one of their exclusive Villas. For the most romantic experience, our favorite is the Cobalt Blu Villa on the Waterfront. This airy and luxurious space offers incredible ocean views and a lot of privacy. It has its own neatly manicured lawn, private terrace and private infinity pool. You will be welcomed with champagne and canapes, as well as many in-room gifts including fruit, flowers, wine and Greek pastries.

In addition to it's gourmet dining venues, Mykonos Blu also offers many romantic dining options. Have lunch by the pool or beach so you don't even have to get up from your lounge chair or enjoy a romantic in-room/villa dinner. Have some friends over and a private chef can make a barbeque at your villa!
Overall, the location alone is enough to take your breath away, even without Mykonos Blu's exceptionally personalized service and attentive staff.

Guests booking at Mykonos Blu with ClassicTravel.com at the Virtuoso Rate will also recieve an upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), Buffet Breakfast daily (for rooms and suites), in room Continental Breakfast (for Villas), Early check in and Late check out (subject to availability), one three course lunch during stay, roundtrip port/airport transfers, an additional a la carte lunch (for guests staying 5 or more days), one in-room a la carte dinner (for guests staying in a Villa 5 or more nights).


For more information on booking The King George Palace or Mykonos Blu, or any of ClassicTravel.com's other Virtuoso properties, please contact Virtuoso Travel Agent Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or at Jerry@classictravel.com.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Resort, Barbados: New Romantic Summer Packages!

Our friend, Michelle Babb at Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Resort in Barbados has informed us of their new summer packages. There is something for everyone whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family vacation or a romantic relaxing experience. 

For honeymoon travelers, they offer a "Honeymoon in Paradise" package. This luxurious vacation offers the ultimate romantic getaway. You will get a room upgrade to one of Sandy Lane's Luxury Ocean Rooms, which all offer spectacular views of the ocean, especially at sunset. Arrive in style with the Bentley that will pick you up when you arrive at the airport, and the bottle of champagne that awaits you in your room. Enjoy a romantic evening with a butler drawn bath and chocolate truffles after your candlelit dinner for two. Relax with "Romantic Bliss," a couples spa experience after a day of unlimited non-motorized motor sports. In addition, you will receive full English Breakfast daily, and a Catamaran Cruise.

For those actually wanting to get married at Sandy Lane, they offer an amazing wedding package, year round. This includes transportation to Bridgetown, where the marriage license is procured, and a priest to perform the ceremony. Sandy Lane will provide gorgeous floral arrangements, and a delicious wedding cake. Extra add ons include a charming one man steel band, a champagne ceremony, and photo and video services so you can share your special day with friends back home!

If you're looking for something simpler, try the "Romance in Paradise" package, where you can enjoy a $100 spa voucher per guest or a round of golf at one of the three world renowned golf courses at the resort, a Catamaran Cruise and candlelit dinner for two and a bottle of champagne upon arrival.
For those traveling with children, they offer the "Family Fun" package. Up to three children under the age of 16 can have an adjoining room at 50% off. The kids can enjoy unlimited use of the Treehouse Club, Sandy Lane's fully staffed kid's club (so you can enjoy romantic time together!) The Treehouse Club has a fully equipped indoor play space, dining area, teen center and toddler area. The club also offers theme days, where age appropriate activities are all based around themes, such as Oceans of Fun, where kids learn about ocean life! The family will receive one lunch together during the stay, as well as a complimentary gift for each child. They also offer golf and tennis lessons for kids!


For busy city dwellers, they offer two amazing packages. One is a weekend package, offering a room upgrade, a $100 spa credit for each adult, a round of golf or golf lesson, and a romantic lunch for two at the Bajan Blue beachfront restaurant or the poolside Spa Cafe. The maximum for this package is four nights. The other package great for busy go-getters looking to hide away is the "Rejuvenating Adventure." Guests will receive a room upgrade, and a personal fitness instructor and assessment. Guests will attend a yoga and pilates clinic, and a spa voucher of $100 per guest. Finally, relax after your spa treatments with a complimentary lunch at the Spa Cafe. 

For foodies looking for a new experience, they offer the "Gourmet Challenge." As always, you get a room upgrade, but that is where the similarities to other packages end! Guests will attend a cooking demonstration class with a Culinary Artiste, and a
culinary amenity. Experience a specially designed tasting menu at L'acajou, the Hotel's signature restaurant offering world cuisine. Finish off your degustation with a wine tasting with a sommelier. Finally, engage in a gourmet challenge in hors d'oeuvres and cocktail making!

Don't worry golfers! They did not forget about you. Sandy Lane is offering an amazing "Golf and Spa" package for the 2009 Summer Season. Guests will receive 4 rounds of golf at the Country Club and a Sandy Lane Full Body Massage! The resort has 3 different golf courses, and has something to offer golfers of all different abilities. The clubhouse offers The Galleria, a conflict-free jewelry store, a gourmet restaurant, shoe and club rentals and of course, golf carts!


So pick your package and get ready to relax at Sandy Lane this summer!


Guests who book at Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Resort at the Virtuoso Rate will also receive an upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), Complimentary breakfast daily, $155 spa voucher per adult, Early Check-in and Late Check-out. For more information on booking Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Resort or any of our other Virtuoso properties, please contact Virtuoso Travel Agent Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or by e-mail at Jerry@classictravel.com.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

{Coming to New York} for Vera Wang at The Soho Grand

For your fourth and final visit to New York City for your Vera Wang wedding gown fittings, try something a little different and stay at the contemporary and refreshing Soho Grand. This hotel & area is perfect for a girl's weekend or even a bachelorette party! The chic decor matches the surrounding neighborhood, and is known as one of the most hip hotels in the world. If you're looking to walk out the door and be surrounded by the best restaurants and most exciting night life in Manhattan, this is the place for you. 

For a classy night on the town, try Cipriani's, just one block away from The Soho Grand. The restaurant is a member of the famed international Cipriani group of restaurants, bars, clubs and residences. This restaurant and bar offers a window into New York's upscale trendy scene, and is a great place to go with a group of people. 

If you are feeling extra festive, after your delicious meal and drinks at Cipriani's, head down to Greenhouse, New York's only eco-friendly night-club. The beautiful lounge was constructed with all sustainable materials and is powered by wind power. Enjoy your organic cocktails while dancing with your girls to some of the best DJ's in the New York.

Recover from your night out in your penthouse loft suite, designed after the trendy loft apartments of the area. The 2 bedroom suites have wrap around terraces and decor with muted neutral colors to create a private and relaxing asylum from the busy city below. The Soho Grand offers unique amenities such as bicycles for eco-friendly traveling around the city, and Grand Life NYC, a website concierge service that knows every event, restaurant and lounge worth going to. The Soho Grand is also well known because of it's pet care services. While most other hotels don't even allow pets, The Soho Grand goes so far as to provide amenities not just for their human guests, but their four legged ones as well!

For more information on booking at The Soho Grand or other ClassicTravel.com properties please contact Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or by e-mail at Jerry@classictravel.com.

Friday, April 3, 2009

{Amazing Destinations} Weddings at Cap Juluca

Cap Juluca, in Anguilla, is one of the most exotic and luxurious hotels in the Caribbean, and it is one of our top pics for prime destination wedding or honeymoon hotels! Service is impeccable; just raise your service flag while lounging on the beach and someone will come to help you! The hotel's staff to guest ratio is more than 3 to 1, so service is obviously their top priority. In addition, under new ownership, amenities such as water sports are now included in the room rate. Celebrities such as Courtney Cox and David Arquette, and Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards have celebrated their marriage at this fantastic resort! The resort won TravelAge West's coveted 2008 Wave Award as the "Best Resort for a Romance Vacation," as well as "Wedding Destination of the Year" on NBC's The Today Show. 

Cap Juluca has an amazing team that can provide start to finish special event coordination, gourmet food, unbelievable service, and an unforgettable location and experience.

When you book at Cap Juluca with ClassicTravel.com at the Virtuoso Rate, you will receive an upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), in-room continental breakfast, and your choice of a complimentary champagne sunset cruise or free lunch at George's, one of the resort's restaurants. For more information please contact Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or by e-mail at jerry@classictravel.com.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

{Exciting Hotel Updates} Virtuoso Insight Magazine features L'Auberge de Sedona & The Boston Harbor Hotel as Unique Locations for Destination Weddings

When one thinks of destination weddings, one often thinks of palm trees, sand and sun, but Virtuoso Insight, a bi-monthly publication that our clients receive recently featured 2 hotels in an article about destination weddings in unique locations! 

One pick was L'auberge de Sedona in Sedona, Arizona. The country French-style resort features incredible mountain views and luxury amenities such as outdoor spa treatments. In addition, it is next to Coconino National Forest, which is perfect for hikes and other outdoor activities!


When guests book L'auberge de Sedona with ClassicTravel.com at the Virtuoso Rate, they will receive a room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), daily continental breakfast, and a $50 spa credit for use once during their stay.

The other unique choice for a destination wedding hotel is The Boston Harbor Hotel. This landmark property, with marble arches and grand rotunda is a classic setting for elegant weddings. The hotel has been awarded a Mobil 4 star rating and the AAA four diamond status. The Wharf Room, one of their event spaces, juts out over the Atlantic Ocean, and offers incredible views of the surrounding harbor at Rowe's Wharf, creating a classic destination for any wedding.

When guests book The Boston Harbor Hotel with ClassicTravel.com at the Virtuoso Rate, they will receive a room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), full breakfast daily, chef's seasonal creation in room upon arrival, and a $50 hotel credit to use at the Meritage restaurant or the hotel's spa.

For information about booking a wedding or room at any of the above mentioned hotels, or for more information, please contact Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or by e-mail at Jerry@classictravel.com.