Beach

If you’ve been to Alabama’s Gulf Coast lately, you know the beaches are pure magic. If it’s been a while, why don’t you register today to win a Grand Gulf Getaway and experience the joy of Alabama’s beautiful beaches for yourself.

One lucky grand-prize winner will be selected to enjoy a week’s vacation on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast, $1000 mad money, a signed Guy Harvey print, plus food and fun for the whole family. Read more

They say "life is better on the beach"--and that goes for the luxurious items up for bid through the exclusive SOLD OUT Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival. But you don't need one of these exclusive tickets, or to live in Florida, in order to bid on - and win - the auction items --- instead, visit www.BiddingForGood.com to get in on the action! Items include:

• A 15L Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2000
  
• A stay at the majestic Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires, with airfare
  
• EBEL Brasilia his and her watches
  
• Tickets to the exclusive Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, including two tickets to a by-invitation-only designer show in September 2008 held in Bryant Park with Official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week gift bags
  
• One 3L bottle of Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel 2006
  

The Caribbean, the ultimate destination for relaxation, and The Ritz-Carlton, the ultimate destination for luxury, offer the perfect summer escape this season. What better time to visit The Ritz-Carlton hotels of the Caribbean than when days are longest and rates are lowest?

Summer Rates at The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of the Caribbean (valid June 15th- October 31st, 2008):

• The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica: $199
  
• The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: $299
  
• The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino: $209
  
• The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas: $269
  

Just in time for a winter great escape from the cold, The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort on exclusive Longboat Key is extending their winter special rate of $189 for select dates in February and March. The $189 per night rate reflects a savings of over 30% off rack rates and includes the following:

--Accommodations in a one-bedroom suite, which comfortably sleeps four
--Free breakfast at the award-winning Colony Restaurants for two adults each day
--Kids under 6 eat free from the kid's menu with the purchase of two adult lunch or dinner entrees

The Colony, rated as the "Top Family Tennis Resort" by Tennis magazine and in the top 5 of Child magazine's "Best Family Resorts in the US", offers an array of complimentary amenities and services to guests, including: no resort fees, free kid's recreation programs, free tennis court time and game matching services, free use of the fitness center, complimentary use of beach chairs and towels on The Colony's private Gulf beach. Read more

The spectacular views and gorgeous sunsets over the broadest and most exclusive corner of the world-famous Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos are now yours for an unbelievable bargain. Guests booking accommodations at the brand new Tuscany on Grace Bay will find themselves in the lap of luxury with first-class accommodations in spacious 2,000 square foot, three-bedroom suites now through November 30 for just $675 per night. Regular off-season rates for the three bedroom suites would be $975 per night. Some restrictions apply and this introductory offer is subject to availability.

Savvy travelers visit the Turks and Caicos for the serenity and unspoiled beauty of the islands with their pristine, white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters. Travelers can take advantage of the Caribbean's low season while the weather is still ideal and The Tuscany’s three bedroom suites are available for a fraction of high season prices. No other resort property on the island offers such elegant oceanfront suites with ample room for groups traveling all together. Large families, extended families, friends and families can all enjoy a vacation-of-a-lifetime at The Tuscany. Girls’ or guys’ getaways, fishing or golf outings, bridal parties seeking an idyllic destination wedding location - just about any close knit group who enjoy each other’s company will find the comfort and luxury of The Tuscany’s well appointed three-bedroom/three bathroom suites to their liking. Read more

From a boutique city experience to sizzling beach adventures, The Ritz-Carlton Hotels of Miami Summer packages offer ideal settings for guests to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy a luxury experience at summer savings.

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne (Miami)
Get nose to nose with dolphins at Miami Seaquarium! Now through October 31, the Discover Flipper package starts at $229 per night and includes deluxe resort view room accommodations, a gift upon arrival and two admission tickets to the popular 38-acre Miami Seaquarium (1 adult and 1 child), where guests can enjoy a fun-filled day of education and eight different marine animal shows. Read more

The Bahama House and Best Western Aku Tiki Inn has a new Build, Bike & Beach summer package. Designed to help families build vacation memories – literally – the three-day, two-night "Build, Bike & Beach" package includes an hour-long sand sculpting class, during which families work together to create a one-of-a-kind sand masterpiece. Available now through August 1, 2007 , the package allows a unique family experience at a great value.

The Build, Bike & Beach package starts at just $395*, and includes:

• Two Nights Deluxe Accommodations in an oceanview room or efficiency
  
• Discounted Hour-Long Sand Sculpting Class (Up to 5 Individuals)
  
• Small Sand Souvenir Created by the Artist
• Children's Shovel and Pail
  
• Family Photo in Front of Sculpture
  
• Hour-long Bike Rental for 4
  
• Daily Amenities: Cocktail Reception, Fresh Baked Cookies, and Newspaper
  

Read more

On June 7, the Moana Surfrider on famous Waikiki Beach officially transformed into O'ahu's first Westin resort. The landmark Victorian property, now renamed as Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort, offers renewal for weary travelers, the Westin signature scent of white tea and the Westin Heavenly Bed. A traditional Hawaiian blessing and a release of 106 butterflies, signifying the age of the Moana, marked the historic renewal of one of Waikiki's most iconic hotels.

Waikiki's first resort, built in 1901 and affectionately christened the "First Lady of Waikiki," the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort, has undergone a complete transformation. While maintaining its elegant ambiance and Hawaiian sense of place, the historic hotel has been renewed with modern amenities including the Westin's signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath, as well as new flat screen televisions. The Moana's distinctive porte cochere entrance draws visitors to wander into a revitalized lobby featuring hardwood floors, new furniture and lighting fixtures. Read more

America is a nation of foodies—cooking, eating, planning the next meal are all popular pastimes. And many Americans are making vacation decisions based on a destination’s food and wine offerings. Some travelers map out a daily itinerary based on a city’s cuisine others sign up for regional cooking classes to learn techniques and use ingredients indigenous to the region.

Dubbed “culinary travelers” and making up nearly 20 percent of leisure vacationers, these adventurers actively seek out food and wine activities wherever they go—and make a point of enjoying local cuisine and restaurants, according to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA). Culinary travelers also have a strong interest in indulging in other aspects of the travel experience, including shopping, entertainment, art, spa services and festivals. Read more

The Sheraton Bal Harbour Beach Resort is challenging Dads to focus on quality family time and trade in their BlackBerries and other personal hand-held devices for a weekend of sun and fun. This family-favorite South Florida destination, located at the northern tip of Miami Beach, is introducing its Sun & Surf package, featuring splashy activities that require both hands and undivided attention.

Sun & Surf at the Sheraton Bal Harbour Beach Resort
Offering more than 50 percent in savings (versus booking activities individually), the Sun & Surf package gives Dads 125 points per day to use as they wish. Points can be redeemed for any combination of the following activities: Read more