Holiday Travel Specials: Holidays 2014

Christmas is just around the corner. But, before you settle in for the rest of the year, be sure to check out these amazing holiday travel specials. These deals won’t last forever, so act fast!

MAGICAL HOLIDAY MOMENTS ARE MADE AT THE GRAND DEL MAR: San Diego, CA

The Grand Del Mar is an award-winning luxury resort that always promises its guests magical moments to remember when they visit for the winter holidays. This year, three distinctive packages are offered: “All She Wants for Christmas,” “All He Wants for Christmas” and “And a Happy New Year.” Guests and their families will certainly want to capture, post and scrapbook their good times at Glow Golf Driving Contests, Holiday Afternoon Tea, 6th Annual Nutcracker Tea, Chestnut Roasting, Polar Express Pajama Party, Story Time with Santa, Winter Wonders Animal Visit and more.

THE GRAND DEL MAR RESORT PACKAGES

All She Wants for Christmas Package: Available until February 28, 2015, and includes:

• Overnight accommodations
• Choice of select 60-minute spa treatment: Therapeutic massage, any of The Grand Wraps, Portrait facial or Back to Nature
• $100 shopping credit per stay for use in The Collection, Spa Boutique or Grand Gifts
• 4-course dinner for two at Addison (excludes alcoholic beverages and gratuity)
• Rates start at $1,000, exclusive of 12.5% hotel tax.

All He Wants for Christmas Package:  Available until February 28, 2015, and includes:

• Overnight accommodations
• One round of golf at The Grand Golf Club
• Driver and custom-fitting (upcharge for exotic shaft)
• 4-course dinner for two at Addison (excludes alcoholic beverages and gratuity)
• Rates start at $1,000, exclusive of 12.5% hotel tax.

Happy New Year Package: Available December 29, 2014 through January 3, 2015 and  includes:

• Three nights’ accommodations
• New Year’s Eve seven-course dinner for two at Addison (excludes alcoholic beverages and gratuity)
• Complimentary access to The Grand New Year’s Eve Party
• New Year’s Day brunch-in-bed with choice of mimosas or bloody Mary’s for two
• Rates from $2,200, exclusive of 12.5% hotel tax.

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Packages subject to availability at time of booking. For reservations, please call 877.814.8472 or reserve online at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY RESORT ACTIVITIES 

Glow Golf Driving Contests: Friday, December 26, 5:30 p.m. Everyone will want to vie for a low score to win cool prizes in the glow-in-the-dark driving contests at the first tee box. Junior competition (13 and under) and adult divisions are available.

Holiday Afternoon Tea: Now through December 28; Wednesday through Sunday only, 2 to 4 p.m. Starts at $54 per person.

Chestnut Roasting at the Front Drive: Now through December 25; Daily, 4 to 6 p.m.

Polar Express Pajama Party: Friday, December 19, at 8 p.m. Resort guests dress up in their favorite PJs and bring a comfy pillow for this winter’s night movie event, including the viewing of “The Polar Express” and popcorn and hot cocoa to snack on.

Story Time with Santa: Sunday, December 21, at 4 p.m. Santa’s going to be at The Grand Del Mar’s Christmas tree in the Aria Pavilion for a reading of the family favorite, “The Night Before Christmas.”

6th Annual Nutcracker Tea: Monday, December 22, at 10:30 a.m.and 1:30 p.m.; Tuesday, December 23, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Festival seating for the performance begins at 11:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.

• This family friendly tea service (two courses of afternoon tea sandwiches and scones and pastries) also includes a 45-minute abridged performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet by the Scripps Performing Arts Youth Academy.
• $82 for adults; $44 for children (ages 4-11), inclusive of tax and gratuity.
• A portion of ticket sales is donated to Isabella’s Giraffe Club, a non-profit organization committed to providing emotional and educational support for parents with infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
• Tickets only available at TicketTomato.com.

Winter Wonders Animal Visit: Friday, December 26, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. at the resort’s Explorer’s Club

Warm Up the Holidays With Festive Deals and Dining by Urgo Hotels’ Florida Resorts 

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Are you looking for a white Christmas or a bright Christmas? If you answered with the latter, then head to two of Urgo Hotels & Resorts’ Florida locations: Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa and Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa, to soak up the sun and the holiday season with a host of wallet-friendly deals and dining options.

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island brings the magic of Christmas in-suite with its I’m Dreaming of a Palm Beach Christmas package. Santa’s helpers will transform the room into a winter wonderland with a Christmas tree covered in dazzling lights and ornaments, stockings stuffed with $50 gift cards to SiSpa and 3800 Ocean, and a basket of cookies and milk. Guests will also receive two beach chairs, an umbrella and table rental for one day.  Starting at $459, the package is available for booking through December 26. Incredible dining options are available with reservations. Call 561-340-1795 for more information.

• Merry Christmas Morning Breakfast Buffet ($28 for adults and $14 for children under 12)
• Merry Christmas Day Grand Lunch Buffet ($55 for adults and $16s for children under 12)
• 3-Course Merry Christmas Day Dinner ($65 for adults and $18 for children under 12)
• New Year’s Eve ($65 per person from 5-7 pm and $125 per person from 8-10:30 pm).

Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach

If you are in search of a laid back holiday escape, head to Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach with its Suite Holidays at the Beach package. Couples can enjoy a two night stay in a suite, a welcome amenity of holiday chocolates and sparkling wine, buffet breakfast daily in McCoy’s Oceanfront, and two 50-minute signature facials or signature massages per stay. Starting at $305 the package is available through Jan. 4, 2015.

Dine at McCoy’s Oceanfront on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.  For reservations call 954-782-0100.

• Christmas Day Holiday Feast Buffet (3-7 p.m.) $47 for adults and $18.75 for children ages six to 12
• New Year’s Eve Dinner (8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.). Dinner is $65 per person. Children under five eat free.

Festive Dining and Winter Specials at M Resort, Spa & Casino: Las Vegas, NV

M Resort Spa Casino is spreading the holiday cheer this season with spectacular winter decorations, a special menu at Studio B Buffet, festive treats at Baby Cakes and holiday spa savings events at Spa Mio. Additionally, guests looking to travel during the holiday season can get a great deal on December hotel packages. 

Jingle Jingle Hotel Package

Guests who book their holiday travel for stays in December can save big with M Resort’s Jingle Jingle hotel package. With rates starting at just $75 per night, travelers will enjoy pure merriment with complimentary amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness center access and a bottle of wine, along with a 30-percent discount on services at Spa Mio.

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Holiday Feast at Studio B Buffet 

On Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Thursday, Dec. 25, Studio B Buffet will serve a delicious holiday seafood brunch and seafood buffet. Selections will include crab legs, bamboo baked mahi mahi, oysters, chilled cocktail shrimp, prime rib and beef Wellington, roasted rack of lamb and roasted turkey. Priced at $39.99 for adults, the holiday seafood brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the holiday seafood dinner will be served from 2:30 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 25.

12 Days of christmas at Spa Mio

Spa Mio’s 12 Days of Christmas spa savings event is back by popular demand. Guests can save big on a variety of holiday spa and salon services during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. All 12 Days of Christmas specials must be redeemed on the day of the promotion and may not be combined with any other discounts or specials.

Holiday Festivities at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress: Orlando, FL

If you’re heading to Orlando this Christmas, be sure to stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. In the days leading up to Christmas morning and after, there are a number of activities scheduled, designed to entertain the entire family. Some of the highlights include (be sure to check Facebook for a complete list of events):

Tuesday, December 23

• Letters to Santa (8 am – 5 pm)
• Beach Photos with Santa (11 am – noon)
• Gourmet S’Mores at the Fire Pit (6 pm)
• Movies on the Beach

Wednesday, December 24

• Photos with Santa in the Lobby (11 am – noon)
• DIY Mini Stockings (1 pm – 2pm)
• Gingerbread House Picture Frames (2 pm – 4 pm)
• Cookie Decorating (4 pm)
• Family Fireside Time with Christmas Reading

Thursday, December 25

• Popsicle Eating Contest (11:15 am)
• “Snow” Angels (12:15 pm)
• Egg Nog Relay (1:15 pm)
• Holiday Sticker Scenes (2:15 pm)

In addition to enjoying some holiday cheer, bring your family to a feast for all the senses with special holiday menus crafted by Chef de Cuisine Steven Rujak and the talented culinary team. You can choose Christmas at Hemingway’s ($39 per person) or the Cascade American Bistro Holiday Buffet ($49 per person/$25 per child). Menus can be found on Facebook or on their website. 

 Stress-Free Holiday Getaway in Ojai, CA

Ojai, California is a magical place to spend the holidays. With its easy-going vibe and temperate climate, Ojai will reduce your holiday stress and foster an environment ripe for restoration and rejuvenation. The unique, artisan community is filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques and galleries found nowhere else in the world that are perfect for holiday shopping, with a variety of inviting places to stay and activities for visitors of all ages.  Special promotions, packages and seasonal activities make Ojai the ideal winter escape. 

Holiday Accommodations:  

Holiday Season Package at Emerald Iguana Inn and Blue Iguana Inn

•  Complimentary bottle of Casa Barranca wine
• Gift basket with signature handmade chocolates along with other local Ojai gift products
• 25% discount off Ojai’s Love Heals designer jewelry
• $50 coupon for a dinner at Suzanne’s Cuisine, Feast Bistro or Azu
• Two in-room massage treatments
• Available until December 31, 2014

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Winter Packages

Seeking Serenity Spa Escape Package:

• Accommodations in a graciously-appointed guest room
• Daily breakfast for two at The Oak Grill
• 50-minute Cocoa Pomegranate Body Polish Treatment
• Painted ornament amenity from the Artist Cottage & Apothecary
• Dates: Now until  January 28, 2015

New Year’s Eve Package:

• Accommodations in a graciously-appointed guest room
• New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance tickets for two adults
• Daily breakfast for two in The Oak Grill
• Two 50-minute spa treatments at Spa Ojai
• Dates: December 30, 2014 – January 1, 2015

Winter Events, Tours and Tastings:

Serenity Season Events at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

• Christmas Eve and Day Dinner at Maravilla: December 24 – 25, 2014; 5:00-9:00 p.m.
• Holidaze Group Show: Art Take-Out at galerie102
  • Celebrate the holidays at galerie102 with the Holidaze Group Show: Art Take-Out, an exhibit that features works by gallery artists and guest artists in a rotating display of painting, sculpture, photography, works on paper, and mixed media
  • Dates: Now through December 28, 2014

Special Holiday Offerings and tastings at Vino V Wines

Tastings and Tours at Ojai’s Olive Oil Ranches:

• Enjoy specialty olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings at Ojai Olive Oil and Regalo Tasting Rooms all winter long; no reservations required
• Ojai Olive Oil: Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Regalo Tasting Room: Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 Winter Tours with Cloud Climbers Jeep & Wine Tours

Backyard Artist and Wine Tour:

• Visit artist studios throughout Ojai and stop at local olive oil ranches and wineries. Stock up on holiday gifts and explore the natural beauty of Ojai
• Tour includes stops at four art studios, a picnic lunch, and olive oil and wine tasting fees
• December  28, 2014; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Price:  $159 per person

All Around Ojai Tour includes: 

• Discover Ojai on a customized Jeep tour adventure, tailored specifically for families, wine lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts
• Travel along quiet country roads, past local landmarks, and endless orange, olive, and avocado groves
• Dates: December 20 and 27, 2014
• Price: $109 per person

The Colonnade Hotel’s Holly Jolly Pops Package – Boston, MA

The Colonnade Hotel, the Back Bay landmark hotel, is celebrating the holiday season and the annual iconic Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops with their new Holly Jolly Pops Package. Recommended for pairing with Pops tickets, the inclusive experience delivers convenience and luxury for music buffs looking to dine and relax just steps from the BSO. The Holly Jolly Pops package includes:

• Luxe overnight stay for two
• Prix fixe Holiday Pops menu for two at The Colonnade’s Brasserie JO Complimentary parking in The Colonnade Hotel’s onsite garage ($42 value per day)
• Complimentary late check-out at 2:00 PM

Rates begin at $279 per night and are valid through December 31.