Beach

An almost seven-year void was filled Thursday, February 15th when commercial air service returned to the middle Florida Keys, with the first arrival of Delta Connection's daily nonstop round-trip service from Atlanta to Florida Keys Marathon Airport.

Previously, Key West was the only airport in the Keys that offered regularly scheduled service for travelers other than South Florida mainland fly-in points. Florida Keys Marathon Airport is centrally located between Key Largo and Key West International Airport, and not more than 1.5 hours by car to any point on the Keys Overseas Highway. Read more

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort jumps into the spring/summer season with special rates and eight packages designed for families, couples and golfers.

New hot deals for Spring (March 2-March 15, 2007; April 22-May 24, 2007) include the Bayside Inn from $149 per night; the new Luau beachside tower hotel room from $189 per night; as well as one-bedrooms from $209; and two-bedrooms from $299.

Over Spring Break (March 16-April 21, 2007) enjoy the newly renovated Bayside Inn from $169 per night; or the new Luau tower: hotel from $219; one-bedroom from $249 per night; or two-bedroom from $359 per night. Read more

The Barcelo Maya Beach Resort in Mexico announces the grand opening of its new luxury spa facility at the expansive all-inclusive resort complex that includes the Premium Level five-star Barcelo Maya Tropical and Colonial Beach Hotels. The new spa welcomes guests with Mayan influenced architecture and European style spa services.

The Spa is located in a beautiful garden area of the resort offering a tranquil retreat. Treatment services include Swedish and Mayan style massage, couples massage, flotation therapy, hydrotherapy and Vichy showers. In addition, there is a traditional Mayan Temazal Lodge (a traditional Indian sweat lodge). Other services include eight outdoor cabins for tropical massages, and full beauty services such as facials, manicures, pedicures and hairstyling. For relaxation there is a resting area with an indoor waterfall overlooking the gardens. Read more

Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour promises an unforgettable holiday getaway this year with packages for the entire family. Old Bahama Bay is the ideal locale for an unforgettable, old-fashioned Christmas interwoven with Bahamian charm. Christmas and New Year’s holiday rates start at $465.

Holiday celebrations begin in December with Old Bahama Bay’s “Junkanoo Christmas Festival.” This festival is centered on the traditional Bahamian junkanoo celebration and will conclude with an all-night costumed street celebration. The Christmas celebrations will begin on Christmas Eve as a children-led choir from the nearby West End community fills the resort with the sound of caroling. The resort-employee troupe, West End Love Train, will then follow with its “Motown Christmas Show,” after which guests can join the group on the beach for island-style caroling around a bonfire complete with eggnog and s’mores. Read more

Spanish-colonial architecture, chic interior design and old-world charm await guests at Casa Colonial Beach & Spa, ideally located on the golden sand beaches in the city of Puerto Plata. This luxurious boutique resort has introduced a menu of wedding offerings, ideal for creating a uniquely romantic celebration. Featuring an exceptional array of services, the Casa Colonial’s “Tailor-made Wedding” package provides the ultimate in luxury weddings.

Designed to reflect the Victorian architecture of Puerto Plata, Casa Colonial offers unparalleled service and a unique approach to Caribbean luxury. The three-story, oceanfront resort consists of 50 suites, and features the finest amenities, including a rooftop Infinity Pool, four ocean-view Jacuzzis, a fitness center, a private dining room and wine cellar and an outdoor oceanfront event pavilion ideal for gatherings. Situated on the glittering Amber Coast and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Casa Colonial provides a romantic and alluring backdrop for an extravagant wedding celebration. Read more

If you've been searching for a reason to plan an autumn escape, look no further than "Celebrate Aruba" month at CheapCaribbean.com.

Book an Aruba vacation during September and not only will you get the lowest prices of the year, but CheapCaribbean.com will add an extra $50 exclusive discount on top with coupon code ARUBAMONTH2006. (Prices start at $599 per person, which includes five nights in a grand suite at the La Cabana All-Suite Beach Resort, including air. Many other packages are available.) Read more

Looking for a pre-winter vacation in a gorgeous tropical climate? Take an autumn break and enjoy deep discounts from Villas by Linda Smith in a luxurious staffed villa in Jamaica. With more than 50 villas to choose from, Villas by Linda Smith can tailor an affordable vacation just for you … whether you’re a twosome or a group. Linda’s collection includes many golf and tennis villas. And in September and October, there’s no waiting for tee times or tennis courts.

From beachfront to hillside – the views are breathtaking, the staffs are wonderful and the water’s fine. The selection is varied and offers something for everyone. Children welcome! Some of the villas still available from September thru November 15, 2006 at reduced rates are: Read more

Expedia is offering a 10-week 10th Anniversary sale that features special discounts on air travel, hotels, packages and other activities to a different destination every week. This week's featured destination is Hawaii so starting today through September 4th, travelers can save on all travel to Hawaii with special package savings, $100 resort credit at select hotels and free nights. Below are three examples of package deals available from select cities to popular Hawaiian destinations (prices quoted are per person based on double occupancy). Read more

The Club at Hammock Beach and Marineland have partnered to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience inspired by the sea.

At Marineland, the world's first oceanarium, the Dolphin Conservation Center, a new 1.3 million-gallon series of dolphin habitats, awaits. After the general public has gone for the day, only guests of The Club at Hammock Beach can glide into the dolphins' aquatic world from a sloping beach, swimming and interacting one-on-one with the graceful creatures in the new dolphin swim program, The Quest. Read more

Chicago-based travel agency Traveloni is helping vacationers book vacation packages and cruises at the best prices while helping to raise funds for the Illinois Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The program, entitled “Traveloni Cares,” allows you to turn your dream vacation into a dream for thousands of families in Illinois – a cure for blood cancers. When you book your vacation through Traveloni Cares, 5% of the value of your total vacation package will be donated to the Illinois Chapter of the Society as a personal donation from you! Just call 1-800-284-0887 or visit www.donate.traveloni.com/leukemia Read more