Luxury

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
  

It’s not a problem for most holiday shoppers but, for those “top of the pyramid” gift-givers who want to make a big impression on the not-so-easily-impressed, how about a private island vacation getaway to Cayo Espanto in Belize?

This four-acre oasis in Ambergris Cay, where Tiger Woods, Giselle Bundchen, Leonardo DiCaprio, Calista Flockhart, Harrison Ford, Robert De Niro and Taylor Hicks have all recently vacationed, hosts just five luxurious villas, one spectacular over-the-water bungalow and still has availability over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. 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

Luxury Hotel Tower, Pools and Lavish Suites Highlight Expansion

Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., just announced an approximately $1 billion expansion of one of our all-time favorites, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This is a key initiative in the development of the renowned Caesars brand. For all of you vacationers, this expansion is another project in the extensive growth announced in the past few months by Harrah’s, including:, London Clubs International, Margaritaville Casino & Resort in Biloxi, Miss., The Pier at Caesars® Atlantic City, a new hotel tower at Harrah’s Atlantic City, a new hotel at Harrah’s New Orleans, and a substantial expansion to the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind.

The centerpiece of the expansion is a luxurious new 665-room hotel tower -- the Octavius Tower. Three new luxurious pool villa suites will be built along the second floor of the new tower and will overlook three more new swimming pools that will rim an expanded outdoor whirlpool spa retreat, a poolside café and nearby garden wedding venue. We were told the expansion is slated for completion in early 2009. 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

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

All summer long the JW Marriott Hotel Buckhead Atlanta poised in the heart of Buckhead and connected to the Lenox Square Mall presents a luxurious assortment of premier packages for everyone from only $169. Voted the 2006 Best Luxury Hotel in Atlanta by CitySearch readers, the chic vacation venue is the perfect escape for families, couples, or friends of any age. Visit the Georgia Aquarium, new World of Coca Cola and indulge in any of the following diverse packages: Read more

With a nearly non-stop slate of festivals from April through September, Miami promises to be one of the coolest places on the planet to visit this summer. Making the destination even more attractive are the great deals that hotels, resorts, attractions and even restaurants are offering. Here are some of the ways to live it up in Miami this summer at a fraction of the cost:

Acqualina: ESPA, the leader in luxury spas, has opened its first U.S. branded spa at Acqualina, a Rosewood Resort in Sunny Isles Beach. The hotel is offering 20% off for Florida residents. The ultimate treatment is ESPA Time, which requires no decision-making upon booking. Simply set aside two hours or more and through a one-on-one consultation, the therapist establishes the guest's needs to fit the moment of the day. The result is tailored treatments and completely individualized experiences. Couple an ESPA treatment with a stay in a luxurious Intracoastal or oceanfront suite and receive 20-35% off, along with a complimentary continental breakfast for two adults and up to two children (12 and under). Both packages are available from June 1-September 30. Room rates start at $275 (prices vary based on the number of nights booked). For room discounts, please ask for the Family Package. For ESPA, please ask for the ESPA Florida resident discount. For more information, call 305-918-8000 or visit www.Acqualina.com. Read more

Resorts and hotels throughout South Florida and the Caribbean are offering special ways for families to show mom just how much they care.

Give mom the keys to relaxation at Cheeca Lodge - This Mother's Day, treat mom to a weekend stay at Cheeca Lodge in the beautiful Florida Keys . Top it all off with a special Mother's Day brunch, island-style, on Sunday, May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cheeca's award-winning culinary team, led by Executive Chef Barry Walling, will prepare an exquisite hot and cold buffet, complete with local delicacies. Celebrating this special day, each mother will receive a single long-stem rose.

The Mother's Day Brunch is $42.00 for adults and $19.50 for children 6-12 years old. Tax and gratuity are extra. (Children aged five and under dining with their parents are free.) Reservations should be made well in advance as this special Mother's Day Brunch is sure to be sold-out. For more information and reservations, please contact the concierge at (305) 517-4411. Deluxe resort view rooms start at $369 a night and a deluxe one-bedroom suite starts at $579. Tax and a daily resort fee of $39 are extra. For room reservations, call 800-327-2888 or visit www.cheeca.com. Read more

“Don’t Lose Your Keys” is this year’s slogan for the annual Earth Day celebration to be held on the beachfront at Cheeca Lodge on April 14. The worldwide festivities honoring Mother Earth are marked by a very special family-fun holiday at Cheeca for visitors and local residents alike. Since 1994, guests at the hotel and residents of the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World” have met at the resort to enjoy a full day of beachfront activities, family barbecue, musical entertainment and environmental education.

Proceeds of this year’s event will go to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, which provides emergency and recuperative care for injured birds and is evolving into a significant collection and distribution point for information about our environment. For more information visit www.fkwbc.org or call 305.852.4486. Read more