Luxury Travel

Phoenix 5-Star Winter Havens for Snowbirds

November 13th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Luxury Travel | No Comments »


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Phoenix, Arizona is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations for people from the colder regions of the U.S. Some “snowbirds” come for the beautiful desert scenery and pleasant wintertime temps, while others are attracted by the countless number of golf courses. Others are enticed to this desert metropolis to enjoy its nightlife, arts scene and cosmopolitan flare. But long before Phoenix became America’s 5th largest city and the cultural and economic center of the Southwest, it was known for its upscale resorts and spas.

Some of these classic venues, which catered to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart and Marilyn Monroe, are still thriving and are still considered as luxurious as they were during their earlier heydays. There are also plenty of modern five-star resorts. Travelers may miss the charm and ambiance of their predecessors, but stand out when it comes to size, technology and luxury.

Here are the best of the classic five-stars and the best of the new in Phoenix:

The Arizona Biltmore is one of the most recognizable names in Phoenix. The resort has been, and still is, a favorite of presidents and celebrities. It has all the amenities one expects from a high-end resort, as well as plenty of classy atmosphere. There are stunning views of scenic Camelback Mountain from the Biltmore grounds and from many of its rooms.

Also within eyeshot of Camelback is The Phoenician. Its lavish Southwestern-style décor and almost endless list of amenities makes it one of the favorites among Arizona resort-goers. It has a much more modern vibe than the Biltmore, but retains a welcoming and elegant atmosphere nonetheless.

The Arizona Grand Resort is located on the edge of a desert preserve. It features six restaurants, a spa, a stunning 18-hole golf course and a water park. The Grand is a favorite of families and sometimes offers special promotions that make it a more affordable and special option for parents traveling with children.

Whether you’re traveling to Phoenix for business or pleasure, you’ll find everything from world-class hotels, resorts and fine dining to the breath-taking natural beauty of the Southwest.

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Oasis of the Seas Heads to the USA

November 10th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Luxury Travel | No Comments »

oasis-of-the-seasThe Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, is currently on its way to a U.S. port and is one of the most coveted voyages of the year. The ship is part of the Royal Caribbean fleet and took six years to build. The ship left from STX Europe in Turku, Finland on October 30, 2009 and will be arriving in Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Wednesday, November 11. The ship is under the command of Captain William S. Wright. Information about the cruise ship’s course will be posted online at OasisoftheSeas.com with daily webisodes. Interested parties can track the journey on a Google Maps application, and also follow the cruise ship on Twitter at @OasisandAllure.

The Oasis of the Seas offers the ultimate cruise experience with on board amenities and activities including ice-skating rinks, rock climbing walls, cantilevered whirlpools, an entertainment boulevard, and seven themed neighborhoods that cater to all tastes and ages. The themed areas give guests a chance to play in the park, relax at the spa, workout at the fitness center, or flex their skills in a dedicated sports area. The ship is also home to an open-air atrium, an aquatic amphitheater, and culinary and dining presentations where guests can indulge in an epicurean experience any day of their vacation.

Oasis of the Seas will be unveiled on ABC’s “Good Morning America” in a special live broadcast on Friday, November 20 as it comes home to its port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The official naming ceremony of the grand cruise ship will take place on November 30, in conjunction with the one-night fundraising event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Ticket prices for the Oasis of the Seas adventures run from $1,299 to $4,829 per person, depending on the package. The ship is expected to become a popular choice for singles, couples and families, and has been deemed one of the world’s “floating resorts.”

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Which Airlines Offer the Best Amenities?

November 4th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Luxury Travel | No Comments »

Air travel is not the most comfortable undertaking in the world. For those who have to fly frequently, the process – from security checkpoint to baggage claim (and the occasional wait at the lost luggage counter) – can be nothing short of exhausting. Certain airlines improve the comfort quotient by offering unexpected amenities. The best of these perks are reserved for first class, but in general, the airlines that provide good first class service also offer above average comfort in economy class.

Emirates Airline is an up-and-coming high-end carrier that has weathered the industry-wide struggles better than most other airlines. Its first class cabins include personal entertainment centers with hundreds of channels and seating areas with an above average level of privacy. There is a rumor that Emirates will soon be offering private bathrooms and showers for each first class passenger.

Virgin Atlantic is not in the same luxury league as Emirates, but its first-class offerings, including complimentary massages and access to the on-board bar room, are enough to seduce hip trans-Atlantic travelers looking to have some fun while aloft.

first-class-cabin-cathay-pacificCathay Pacific, a perennial winner of various “airline of the year” awards, is known for its multi-course in-flight meals as well as its unparalleled array of media options and comfortable reclining seats. The airline is also regularly recognized for its quality economy class service.

Though Lufthansa’s premium classes do not offer the same amount of space as the industry leaders, their attention to details (privacy screens for each seat and an array of media options) make for a good premium class experience. In addition, the carrier is noted for the first-class lounges that it operates in some of its European hub cities.

Singapore Airlines has first class cabins that set the industry standard. Planes on long-haul routes feature sleeper cabins (known as SkySuites) that would seem more in place on a luxury train than on a plane. Even the economy class meals and media options are lauded by the travel writers as being among the best in the industry.

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British Airways Staff Announces Emergency Meeting

October 31st, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Luxury Travel | No Comments »

british-airways-newsBritish Airways has called an emergency meeting on November 2, 2009 to decide whether the cabin crew should fight the airlines’ plans to cut jobs and freeze pay on certain positions during the economic crisis. According to the Andover Advertiser, thousands of workers are expected to show up at the meeting at the Sandown Racecourse in Surrey – about two weeks before the planned cuts – to decide how to fight against the imposed changes.

The two former sections of the Transport and General Workers Union, the Bassa and the Cabin Crew 89, are teaming up together for the first time in over 20 years to hold this meeting. Meeting organizers are encouraging all members of the cabin crew to attend so they can voice their complaints. There are currently 14,000 cabin crew members of the union, and many will face big changes as their jobs and wages become jeopardized.

Union leaders have already issued a letter to the airlines stating that British Airways will forever lose their international reputation as a premier airline with a premier crew if they go ahead with the proposed job cuts and wage drops. Union members say they understand that the airline industry is experiencing tough times, but they find these types of actions unacceptable, given British Airways’ high reputation in the industry. The union believes that British Airways is offering inferior contracts and is not meeting the needs of its hardworking employees.

The union is asking British Airways to remove the threat of imposition, or the union will pursue an immediate mandate from British Airways in a ballot for industrial action.

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Celebrate Halloween in Europe and Take Advantage of the Shoulder Season

October 27th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Luxury Travel | No Comments »

Despite the fact that its origins can be traced back to the British Isles, Halloween is known as a primarily American holiday. Religious holidays, such as All Saints Day and All Souls Day, occur around the same time as Halloween and are also often seen as a precursor to the modern commercial event of Halloween. Though the festivities are not as widespread as in the US, where virtually every neighborhood takes part in the spooky decorations and trick-or-treating, there are plenty of worthwhile events occurring across the Atlantic as well. And, with October being the beginning of Europe’s low season (when airfare and hotel prices are cheaper than the summer) it is a great time to visit. This in-between time is often referred to as the shoulder season which usually includes spring, Easter through about June, and fall, late September to mid/late November–right now!

Disneyland Paris puts on a Halloween event in the Main Street USA section of the park. Trick-or-treating and Halloween-themed haunted happenings are the main attractions. A more authentic celebration of the supernatural can be found at the Fête des Sorcières (Witch Festival), which takes place in Chalindrey, Northern France, on the days leading up to Halloween. Like Mexico’s Day of the Dead, French people decorate and hold vigils at the graves of their ancestors on November 1st, which is known as All Saints Day to people who practice Catholicism.

The same is true in Spain. Families visit the graves of their forbearers on November 1st. Traditionally, the play Don Juan Tenorio, simply known as Don Juan to most people in the US, is performed. In some provinces of Northern Spain, where people have Celtic roots, Celtic traditions like the carving of pumpkins take place.

England and Ireland are where Halloween-type celebrations began. In England, jack-o-lantern carving and trick-or-treating are more widespread than in other parts of Europe. Haunted houses and scary storytelling events are also quite popular.

An overview of late-October celebrations across Europe can be found at here.

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Emirates Airlines Offers World Cup Package

October 19th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Luxury Travel | No Comments »

world-cup-soccerEmirates Airline is one of the few airlines in the world that has managed to keep its head above water during the air travel doldrums of the past two years. Now, the United Arab Emirates-based high-end carrier is one of the first companies to promote packages for next year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Despite rumblings from the press about safety issues and the slow pace of stadium construction, buzz for the world’s most watched sporting event is starting to pick up steam. Emirates has been associated with the World Cup as a sponsor. It will be offering almost unprecedented deals for well-heeled soccer fans. Emirates packages include airfare, hotel, ground transportation and tickets to matches.

Team-oriented packages
Travelers have the option of purchasing a different package depending on which team they want to follow. The packages are refundable if their team-of-choice fails to qualify for the Cup. Should the team earn a trip to the World Cup final – one of the most sought after tickets in sports – people who purchase certain packages are guaranteed seats at the event. Other, more expensive package options include tickets to the semifinal and final matches no matter which teams are playing.

Team packages are available for team USA, and also for 20 other teams, including Brazil, France, Japan, Netherlands, and South Africa.

U.S. based travel
US-based travelers will be able to fly from New York, Houston, Los Angeles or San Francisco. Prices start at $4,749 for a one-person hotel, airfare, ground transport and match ticket package. This is the base price level. The multi-match packages will be more expensive.

Non-package deals
For those who don’t want a package, tickets are only $20 for the worst seats during the opening rounds of play. The best seats for this stage cost $160. For the final, those lucky enough to get tickets will pay between $600 and $1500. People interested in buying have to apply at the FIFA web site. Applicants are not guaranteed tickets.

More information on the packages can be found on the Emirates web site.

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Avoid the Wintertime Blues With a Trip to Bermuda

October 16th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Luxury Travel | No Comments »

bermuda-travelBermuda is one of the more storied West Indian vacation destinations. It is popular with both European and American tourists because of its idyllic tropical setting. It is the oldest remaining British overseas territory. Because of weather patterns and its northern location (compared to the region’s other island destinations), Bermuda’s weather is pleasantly consistent. Wintertime temperatures are in the 60s, with daily highs only averaging about 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Bermuda offers a unique experience compared to its south-lying peers.

A recent piece in the New York Times shows that Bermuda has an element of class that is often hard to find in crowded Caribbean resorts, during summer or winter.

The evidence:

Live Music with the Locals
Friday happy hour does not come with fruity cocktails in umbrella-topped coconuts. Locals and visitors alike ring in the weekend with a party on the seaside patio of the Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and Spa. Live music and local snacks are accompanied by rum-based drinks and a lively atmosphere. Cocktails can be swilled any night of the week at any number of resort lounges and at venues along Bermuda’s ‘restaurant row,” a.k.a. Bermudiana Road.

Critically Acclaimed Art Scene
Bermuda’s arts scene has experienced a bit of a renaissance since the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art opened in 2008. The exhibit halls have featured Bermuda-themed works by the likes of Winslow Homer and Georgia O’Keefe.

Get your Golf, Scuba and Snorkel on
Visitors in search of a little sporting can find opportunities on the island’s golf courses or under the waves. The pricey-but-unparalleled Port Royal Golf Course offers the island’s best fairways. There are SCUBA and snorkel options galore, including several notable shipwrecks. Most resorts and hotels offer dive trips or can at least hook visitors up with a reliable dive shop.

The New York Times article, “36 Hours in Bermuda,” can be found in the travel section of the famous daily’s web site (http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/travel/27hours.html?ref=travel).

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Windstar Cruise Ships Gear up for 2010

October 12th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Luxury Travel | No Comments »

windstar-cruise-newsWindstar Cruises may only have three ships, but its trademark white sails and reputation for luxury have made it one of the more notable lines in the industry. The three vessels, the Wind Star, the Wind Spirit, and the Wind Surf, feature high end staterooms, quality spa services and food and wine that is well beyond common cruise fare.

The Windstar ships will start their 2009 voyages in the Mediterranean. They will ply the waters around Greece, Italy and Spain during October, before heading across the Atlantic to spend the remainder of ’09 in the Caribbean. The Wind Star will offer the highlight of the Gulf of Mexico leg when it sails through the Panama Canal in late November. All three ships will spend the holiday season in the Caribbean in locations like St. Martin, Barbados, and Costa Rica.

How much does the Windstar brand of luxury cost? It depends on when you board. The October Istanbul to Athens cruise lasts only 7 days, but costs nearly $4,000 per person. The leg from Barbados to Costa Rica, passing through the Panama Canal, costs the same but lasts for 14 days. Most weeklong Windstar Caribbean cruises cost between $2,000 and $3,000 per person.

Windstar ships are much smaller than the giant vessels that are typically associated with cruising. The capacity of the Wind Surf is about 300. The other boats hold only about 150. Despite the size, Windstar generally earns at least 4 stars (out of 5) when it comes to service ratings. Because they are smaller, Windstar ships are able to enter ports that larger ships cannot. In addition, passengers can easily interact with the crew and are allowed access to the bridge.

Windstar flies the flag of the Bahamas and is owned by Holland America Cruise Lines. A complete list of cruises and prices can be found on the Windstar web site.

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The Death of Premium Class

October 7th, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Luxury Travel | No Comments »

It is no secret that airlines have been suffering for the past two years. Those high-paying customers who previously inhabited the premium classes have either moved to economy class or stayed on the ground altogether. Despite this, the chairman of the National Business Travel Association recently announced that projections showed an increase in business travel by the end 2010.

Corporate travel policies have been altered by the economic downturn and the premium class heyday of the 90s is unlikely to return for quite some time…if ever.

Airlines have scrapped plans to improve premium classes, and in some cases, gone as far as ripping out unused business class seats and installing more rows of economy class seats. Airlines like Southwest and Ryanair, both of whom have no premium class seating, have fared much better than legacy carriers during the recent recession.

Some airlines are trying to take care of the few customers who are still flying first class. Lufthansa, Germany’s national carrier, has gone out of its way to improve premium class services and to upgrade first class cabins.

Another approach is to reward loyal customers by bumping them up to first class after they have earned enough frequent flier miles. Lufthansa will allow passengers to accrue bonus points that will eventually add up to a first-class ticket. Many US carriers are following suit. A recent survey showed that only 20% of first class passengers paid full fares. The remaining passengers earned their spacious seats with frequent flier miles.

Airlines like Virgin Atlantic have taken a different approach. By developing Premium Economy Class, they are trying to lure fliers into paying a bit more for a few more comforts, such as wider seats, higher quality food and more media and connectivity options. Most premium econ fares are only 10% more than standard coach. Quantas, Thai, ANA, and British Airways are other carriers in that are opting for this class on their planes.

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The Most Popular & Hottest Shows in Las Vegas

October 3rd, 2009 | By LowFares | Posted in Luxury Travel | 1 Comment »

las-vegas-sign-istock-01Las Vegas shows have been known for pushing the envelope in more ways than one. Every year, a new crop of performers and creative minds come to the city to work on performances that are more daring, more spectacular and more risque than those that currently grace Sin City stages. Some shows have managed to carve out a lasting niche for themselves. However, even these mainstays find themselves moving from one venue to another to make way for what could be “the next hit.”

These spectacles are not cheap. What’s the average cost for a seat at top-notch Vegas show? More than $75. Over two dozen shows have tickets that cost more than $100. These premium-priced shows are often known for their premium quality. Cirque de Soleil tops the must-see list with a full menu of shows, including “O” at the Bellagio and “Ka” at the MGM Grand. TV magician Criss Angel is working with Cirque on their newest production: Criss Angel Believe. Visitors can expect that to be one of the hottest tickets in town next year.

And some classics have been reinvented. Barry Manilow has been playing the Las Vegas Hilton for four years. He continues to keep his show fresh by frequently rotating guest performers. Blue Man Group (insider tip: tickets have been discounted at 40% off for quite some time) is still performing their offbeat brand of visual art/music at the Venetian. They remain one of the biggest draws in Vegas despite having been performing there for longer than most acts.

The fad of moving Broadway shows to the desert has all but passed. The Lion King and Jersey Boys are two exceptions. The latter has been selling out at the Palazzo Resort-Hotel on a regular basis and the former has been generating a fair bit of buzz amongst local media. Two more risque options this year are the MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris burlesque and the Pussycat Dolls Lounge at Caesar’s Palace.

For the latest list of shows and prices visit, http://www.lasvegas.com/shows/

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