My Hotel Rush - Mantra Sale

Next month my little family is scheduled to visit the GC! Gold Coast! It is for work, but it is always too good to combine business with pleasure. Maybe a visit to the Theme Parks (little B and hubby haven't been) and also a visit to family is in order.

I am eyeing the great Mantra Hotel Sale (ends 28 July 2014 by 10 AM!)- and they have a number of Gold Coast properties to choose from!!! Too many to choose from in my opinion (but choice is always welcome!). (This isn't a sponsored post!) I am just always excited to see sales on, especially if it involves nice hotels and a potential trip for me.

I haven't been to the Gold Coast at winter, but I am guessing weather should be nice and warm. Having said that though I am still looking at an indoor pool - just in case it gets cold. Hubby and B could swim while I work. The Mantra Crown Towers it might be - they have both indoor and outdoor heated pools among other things. Hopefully the room is still available when I finalise the trip on the weekend!

From the  Mantra Crown Towers mantra.com.au

From the  Mantra Crown Towers mantra.com.au

Peninsula Paris - Celebration in the making

The Peninsula Paris preview (paris.peninsula.com)

I am giddy and excited about Peninsula Paris opening in August 2014! I have always believed in the brand and I am sure there are fans out there waiting for this grand opening - which is the first Peninsula hotel in Europe. For many years the Peninsula has managed to preserve the luxury brand and keep that high level of quality in each of their hotels. Growing up in Manila, where Peninsula maintains one hotel, I am always transported to another world every time I enter their grand lobby to attend a wedding or another celebration.

I have read that for the BIG inauguration, other Peninsula properties are celebrating it French style. The luxurious Peninsula Hong Kong will be having a "Moet & Spa" package which includes a heavenly spa treatment. While the Peninsula New York will be showing some classic French films on the hotel rooftop.

The magnificent Rolls Royce at the Peninsula Hong Kong (hongkong.peninsula.com)

If Peninsula can make our four legged furry friends feel special, what more US !! (Yes, they have special packages to cater to our pets at the NYC Peninsula).

Peninsula New York grand staircase (newyork.peninsula.com)

The masterchef in me

This year I am a fan again, following the reality tv show contest nearly every day. If I cannot watch it then, I see to it that I've got it recorded to watch the following evening (to my daughter's excitement - she watches too).

This year, as was last year, and the year before that - has been a tough one. Literally quite draining physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. Thus, our impending homecoming (hopefully soon) would bring a much needed rest for my small family. Admittedly, amidst all the challenges we faced as a family, my relationship with my husband has hit a plateau. There were days or weeks when we would just be too tired to relate to each other in a loving way. We didn't necessarily have to fight - but rather we'd just be simply exhausted. Having no one to rely on for that occasional breather, we just had to take turns 'breathing' or doing nothing. Some days required more effort than other days, and we have had to just wing it mostly. I'd say we are overdue to spend some real quality time together as a couple and just re-connect on a different level. At this point, we would rather relax at one or two cheap hotels in Medford for a few weekends than have to deal with household chores and the like. It would be really nice to not have to think about what to prepare for lunch and dinner, who would clean up the dishes, who would do the laundry and fold the clothes after. I can already feel my body tensing up just as I think about these chores.

Going back to my train of thought earlier about my following the reality tv show contest. I could just relate to what the contestant felt about wanting to win the running title of the show. At this very moment, and for the past couple of months, I'm just focused on getting to our goal as a family to move back to the Philippines for a year. Aside from the obvious comfort it will bring, we would get to spend time with our parents. Both sets of grandparents are just eager to spend more time with our daughter. My siblings and their kids are likewise looking forward to play dates and party celebrations which we could be a part of once again. There are just so much advantages for us. Thinking of this just makes me so much more focused on that goal. I would do whatever and everything I could possibly do to get there. I know I will, and I claim this to happen soon.

Tagaytay in my Dreams

In a rushed and often times stressful daily life that we live in, we sometimes come up with a private dream land where we go to when we need that one second refuge from reality. It is my family's recent trip to Tagaytay which I recall and relive. Even for just a moment.

I wonder what about our Tagaytay overnight trip made it so special. Was it because we stayed at the Discovery Country Suites and got pampered so much. Or, was it the lovely massage we had at Nurture Spa. Perhaps it was the Filipino luncheon we had there? Let me relive the moment..

At the Discovery Country Suites..
The minute we stepped into bliss, a refreshing drink welcomed us. Perfectly enjoyed by the table overlooking our home for the night. Breads, cheeses and wine (off limits for me though) delectable as can be. Hubby indulged, while I resisted a bit. Baby slept soundly in her capsule, giving hubby and I a bit of time to breathe in Tagaytay aroma and scenery. Our suite opened onto a great view of Taal lake, and the lush bed invited us to sleep in longer the next day. Our little one cooperated, all the way through breakfast by the same table that welcomed us the day before. Ah, the morning meal was the best. A number of choices that all appealed to us, and when our meals finally arrived we enjoyed every gram served. The quick tease of heaven ended too soon.

At Nurture Spa..
We arrived at the reception area with tense muscles, but as soon as the swishing of the breeze and humming of the wind reverberated through the afternoon sky we were instantly feeling more relaxed. We were dreaming of our own gazebo with high ceilings on a clear, breezy summer day. Plus personal masseuse. Calming. Relaxing. Perfect. Only for a good moment, we were able to enjoy serenity and the time while it lasted. It couldn't have been more perfect to end our special treatment with sweet and spicy warm tea. Perfect actually is a word that doesn't quite come close to how we felt at that time.

The food..
The food was great, as hubby and I enjoyed Filipino cuisine served to us any day, every day. Tagaytay offered us more than just dreams, but a chance to play pretend reality for a quick while.

We will be back. Soon. For now we will bottle up all the memory and seal it tight. Release a bit of that perfect scent every so often when we need rejuvinating from the real world.

Castle on the Hudson

I never thought there were old castles in America. But there is!
Castle on the Hudson actually even belongs to the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels list! A true five star accommodation which offers a unique experience of being a king or queen for the night. They've got great rates for stays (USD195 and up) to suit any budget. Whether you are wanting to splurge or not.

What really blew me away was the fact that one can get married on this historic landmark. Even just for a day one can be royalty. Imagine great architecture, fabulous backdrop for that perfect wedding. The place on its own is beautiful, adding the flowers and decors would make it even better. The location is good, since it is very accessible to New York couples wanting that special day but not having the time to travel too far to get to the wedding venue.

Their website does not give justice to the marvelous landmark, although it is notable that they do have a sample wedding package available on their website. Not as pricey as one would expect. I just hope that they are able to deliver a grand affair.

Castle on the Hudson
400 Benedict Avenue
Tarrytown, NY 10591

For Hotel Reservations, please call:
Toll Free: 1 800 616-4487
Telephone: 914 631-1980
Fax: 1 914 631-4612

Not this year

With the holiday season coming up, I asked hubby whether we would be going on a trip away this year for Christmas. I was thinking more like an all inclusive resort nearby, and was willing to settle for even just an overnight trip somewhere (perhaps the city). I was not expecting to go far, but I started researching on Jamaica all inclusive vacations and maybe we can go once the baby is a year old. I would even consider other Caribbean resorts for as long as they are kid friendly. I used to not take note of which ones are family oriented vacation spots, but obviously I would be more interested in these now with the baby on the way.

Anyway, hubby answered me saying we won’t be going anywhere this holiday season just because it will be too close to my due date then. I suppose we don’t really have a choice. I am sure there will be so much more occasions to go on a family vacation!

Suddenly Splitsville

So far one of the creative accommodation packages I have come across is the "Suddenly Splitsville" package by the Marmara Manhattan hotel. As much as one would not want to ever be on that package, meaning having been walked away from or have walked away from someone .. it is quite an expensive package. USD 7250 ++ for a one bedroom package for one is a lot of moolah, even if that is for a month! You can choose from either 1,2,3 bedroom packages, the most expensive costing USD 14,500 ++. I'd probably go shopping instead! Hehe! Having said that though, the hotel is tres chic, and quite nice actually. Of course, the location of this property is very classy as well : Upper East Side. Close to the museums, Central Park, etc. I would love to stay there but not on that expensive and sad package..


The "Suddenly Splitsville" Package includes:
•Accommodations in a fully-furnished luxury apartment with sizes ranging from one to three bedrooms
•Weekly housekeeping services
•A one-year subscription to Divorce Magazine, the only magazine of its kind, read by those who need advice from attorneys and other divorce professionals
•A pint of Haagen Daz ice cream to drown those sorrows in
•A bottle of Champagne to toast new found freedom
•A complimentary pass to the 92nd Street Y to work on that new physique
•A complimentary 45-minute in-room spa session (either a massage, facial, or manicure and pedicure) once a month
•Complimentary wireless Internet to start surfing the dating sites.
•A complimentary copy of "Confessions Of An Online Dating Addict" -- a book about the trials and tribulations of a woman who dated online in New York City to learn all about dating on the Web.
•A one-hour consultation with a real estate agent to start searching for a new place to live

The Marmara Manhattan
301 East 94th Street New York NY 10128
Phone 1 212 427 31 00
Fax 1 212 427 30 42

Shutter dreaming

When I think of outdoor shutters, I think of this really nice beach front hotel in California. I wish I could go and visit that place for real, but for now I am satisfied with just looking at its website! Perhaps one day when I visit friends in the west coast. Meanwhile I will just go back to my california dream about the sun, beach and sand.

Almost checked in

As usual we were tempted to go and check into a hotel in the city yesterday, and almost book last minute accommodation online! We went around the city taking photos (it was such a lovely day!), and we even went on a picnic at the botanical gardens. We got so tired and lazy to head home. I guess it’s good we didn’t give in this time, since it would have been nice to maximize checking into a hotel maybe around mid-day and requesting late check out the next day. Plus, we did not have proper clothes with us, just the clothes we bought from shopping! Hubby and I agreed to just plan an actual weekend getaway sometime in June, during Queen’s birthday weekend. I’m not sure if we could already consider looking for last minute flights and last minute hotels since it still more than three weeks away. Surely there are a lot of good deals with cheap flights on Qantas or Virgin Blue.

I don’t know if we could really afford to go on an all out splurge this time, since we are planning to spend Christmas in Manila this year! I guess a few nights wouldn’t hurt that bad!

Spa needs and wants

Since I am feeling cold and sore now, I am dreaming of getting a massage, facial or body treatment. I have recently suffered a few body aches and pains and so I am in dire need of pampering and beauty therapy. I would settle for a one day treatment for now. Ideally I would head to one or two Spa Hotels for a series of de-stressing and some body loving retreat. At the moment, this won’t be possible since I am due to start my second subject this coming week, and surely I will be busy with assessments and tasks. I hope I won’t be sickly this term as I am so over being sick or just the overall feeling of being not well. Maybe it is a good idea to get my spa this weekend just before I start studying again!

Book Free Nights at the Intercontinental!

Everybody loves a great deal! Especially me! Another promotion by the Intercontinental Hotels Group (Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental). For every two nights, get one free! I am soo tempted to book a few nights stay even just around Sydney. Maybe we should do Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach again.

Check in anytime between May 4 to July 3 of this year. And then, redeem the free night anytime between July 3 and December 26, 2009! Have a look at the Priority Club website for more information. I love love love it!

Intercontinental Asia Hotel Super Sale is On Again!

Okay, times are tough when the big name companies come up with sales every few months or so. The last Intercontinental sale was in February. Okay, maybe the sale really was so great they had to bring it back again! Well, so they have!

Intercontinental Hotel sale starts on 15 April, 2009 wednesday and will go on for 3 full days!!

So Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental in Asia will be available at such good rates, and if I only I could travel endlessly I would billet myself and hubby every month..

Anyway, if you are planning a trip, have planned a trip in and around Asia, but still need some great place to stay then I suggest turning your alarm on to remind yourself of the Great Asia sale!

Intercontinental and Accor Super Hotel Sale across Asia/Oceania

I always jump to a good hotel sale! And these two are no exception. My last two getaways I booked through my Priority Membership with IHG. And loved that time spent away.

Although the Intercontinental ones are not in Oz, I just had to share it to my family and friends in the Philippines as they are really really great deals! Imagine 7400 php to stay in a junior suite at the Intercontinental Manila. Not bad, considering all the amenities that come with it! I wish I was in Manila!!

I am sort of looking at the Accor super sale instead, since they do have a lot of properties domestic to me. I still have one two days to decide!! There are even specials for as low as USD 38 for Thailand!

Here is the link to the Intercontinental Great Asia sale. Booking period ends 27 February 2009, friday.

Here is the link to the Accor Super sale. Booking period ends 26 February 2009, thursday.

Hurry and spread the word, it's not too late!

Travel Dilemma

So many times when booking my passengers’ overseas and domestic trips, we talk about the dilemma of booking an accommodation (in some cases cheap hotels in Amsterdam) versus staying with family and saving.

I know some people would rather save up on hotel expenses in order to have more shopping money. However, some people, which in my case I tend to prefer at times, would rather book a hotel than bother close (or otherwise) relatives. It can be overwhelming being a visitor to someone’s home. No matter how close you are, sometimes you just want to lie in bed without dinner (due to exhaustion or what) and sleep.

I’ve got a good friend currently based in Holland, and she was asking me to stay with her when I do visit. I guess, I could stay for a night, and then still book at some hotel in Amsterdam for the rest of my stay. We could still meet up during the day or evening, but at least she won’t have to feel obliged if she had other plans. Who knows I could probably even schedule some ocular inspections at luxury hotels Amsterdam and get free room nights there! Oh the joys of being a travel agent. I can dream right!

Santorini's Gem : Perivolas

I would love to stay at a traditional styled Greek hotel, particularly at Oia Santorini’s Perivolas Hotel. With great views of the caldera, one just cannot take in all at once, of this breathtaking view. Apparently they’ve preserved the original structures’ white washed walls, and that’s why the authenticity of the place. The ambiance of the rooms and suites are absolutely minimalist, that adds to the charm of the property. Perivolas has a wellness area, a stunning infinity pool, room service, transfers desk, travel desk. How I wish I can travel for a living!

Artsy Hotel in Copenhagen : Fox Hotel

There are some tourists who particularly like trying out different hotels. Whether the ambiance is different, the food or services they offer are one of a kind, truly there is a market for unique hotels. Hotel Fox is marketed as a carbon dioxide neutral hotel, in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. They have 61 rooms, each uniquely designed by international artists conveying anything from urban to mythical to fantasy. Some done really bright and colorful, while others keeping it simple with a couple of colours. Rates range from EUR 75 per person per night to about EUR 120 per person per night. It is quite interesting that they've got about 4 different room sizes Small, Medium, Large, Xtra Large.

I probably would consider staying at some of the hotel's room types. I guess it depends on whether there are deals available at that time (whenever that is!).

Accommodation challenge

Everyone in the travel industry knows how difficult it is to secure a booking for snow holidays particularly during the peak season in December. I for one have experienced trying so hard to search for Whistler accommodation for two families this coming December. I’ve searched so hard and tried to get them a lovely Whistler lodging to enjoy the holidays at. I have been told by the mom that aside from celebrating Christmas and New Year in Canada, they were celebrating their twin daughters’ seventh birthday as well. This put the pressure on me even more! I find it more engaging when I am told of the stories behind my passengers’ holidays.

Finally after weeks working out to find them a property which would accommodate all fifteen of them, I was able to find the Taluswood Ridge Chalet, which would just be the perfect place for them since it is ski-in and ski-out with 5 bedrooms. They will particularly like the tall window mountain view and the 7 foot television screen!

Photos from my Mauritius Trip

A few photos from my trip. Some are details of the places I've been to, and the hosted events I participated in. Really, it's just a summary of my Mauritian experience. Enjoy! Visit my other blogs for more photos! I've purposely scattered the photos in all my sites. Gorgeous Traveller, A traveller's domain, Lemon iced tea.

..I woke up a few mornings early enough to witness glorious sunrise/s.
..I was luckily billeted in lovely single rooms in great properties (few times I had a junior suite all to myself!)
..I enjoyed taking photos of people and things, downtown at the markets, as we drove through small towns,and at various events we went to.
..It was winter in Mauritius at that time, but we had a fair bit of sunshine! Other times though, it was pure wind! Haha! Saw a rainbow thrice! :)
..Yummy seafood. Throughout the trip we indulged in degustation! Buffet breakfasts daily! At least five course lunch/dinners! Overflowing alcohol! :)

Being a travel agent

Last night I was researching on hotels for my trip to Mauritius, as well as other travel details such as what to bring, what the weather would be like, etc. I couldn’t be more excited to travel to this place. It’s not one of those places that people usually visit. I’ve read that celebrities have their honeymoon in Mauritius, or just go to the island to hide away from it all. I will be going away for about 7 nights in a few days time and since this is for work, we are staying at cool five star hotels. When I say hotels I mean quite a few. We’d be staying at four different hotels. This doesn’t mean though that we’d see only four, because in my job, when we are sent overseas to inspect hotels we’d have a taste of a few, but are most likely to visit more hotels than where we're staying at. Particularly the ones which we sell a lot, or those that belong to the same market we sell. For example, if we were to be sent in Italy to see Venice, Rome, and Naples, we would most likely check out a fair bit of what Hotel Venice, Hotel Rome, Hotel Naples are like. This is one of the perks of being a travel agent. We get to see places, hotels, or experience tours all because we need this in order to be better at our chosen careers. To travel for free, well sort of. I only chipped in about 100 dollars for the entire trip; meaning includes flights, meals, accommodation, etc. That’s a decent amount if I may say so, considering it would be pure luxury that we’d be experiencing. I think I’d spend a lot more than that on my shopping to buy clothes to wear while I’m there! Well I couldn't wear something too plain while sipping cocktails at the beach with some celebrity!

I'm just wondering whats next??

Recently in my reads I’ve stumbled upon a few interesting that the society/world has put up with! Some are interesting! I wonder who would have thought of them! :D

-- In the news today, I read that Oklahoma’s elected it’s youngest mayor! He’s 19 years old. Can you believe that?!! He’s only just recently received his full drivers license and his permission to buy alcohol! He is a self proclaimed gamer (computer). He’s no other than John Tyler Hammons. Wonder if he’s really capable of running a city. You know the saying that some things you learn through experience. And I believe that.

-- Starwood Hotels has a new position out, and its called “Corporate Director of Fun”! Imagine what responsibilities and duties are included in this? The activities that the person will oversee includes: fireside storytelling, stargazing, outdoor movies among other job attributes. There are a few qualifications that one needs to satisfy to suit the role. One should have been : the class president, cheerleader, bartender, and lifeguard. Do you fit the role?? (Background: this is actually geared towards family friendly marketing)

-- Is your next travel destination the Moon?? Premier Inn is one of the UK’s biggest hotel chain. They have expanded to Ireland, India and Dubai. Their next big purchase is claimed to be a lot on the moon to build the first hotel on the moon!! They are targeting that in the next 25 years they will be accommodating guests out of this world. Imagine paying a premium on your room with Earth View!

-- Ever heard of ‘Heartache leave’? Ever wish you can take a few days off to heal your broken heart? Well, if you were in Japan working for Hime & Co. then you would be eligible. Otherwise, deal with it or take a sickie day off! Hime and Company offers staff under 24 years old one day leave per year and 25 to 29 year olds two days off. If you were older than that then you get three days off. That’s because older people suffer from worst heartaches. I disagree. I think the heartaches hurt as bad no matter how old or young one is.