Living next door to so many fantastic wine regions is one of the reasons I love the Bay Area, however, every once and a while (usually while nursing a major hangover) I reach my saturation point where I don’t want to sip, swirl, spit or even look at a grape! Which is why I was excited to hear about a brand new experience that I can try while visiting wine country.

Spend a beautiful day learning about artisan olive oil making in wine country! This November,Pietra Santa Winery is hosting its first annual “Olive Experience” in the picturesque Cienega Valley near Hollister, California.

Wine and Olive Oil Maker Alessio Carli will guide participants on a day long adventure where they will “get their hands dirty” learning how to harvest olives. Guests will also learn how to combine traditional techniques with modern technology to craft a premium bottle of extra virgin, organic olive oil, using the winery’s state of the art Pieralisi Press. Alessio will also lead an educational tasting including flavor profiling of the 5 different olive varietals grown on the estate.

After you return from picking olives and spending time on the crush pad, a garden lunch and dinner including wine selections from Pietra Santa will be provided on the winery grounds, with Alessio and winery owners, the Blackburn family.

To commemorate your trip, all guests will take home their own bottle of premium extra virgin organic olive oil that they helped to produce, along with a bottle of premium artisan wine from Pietra Santa and commemorative photographs taken during the day’s festivities.

If you want to make this a weekend affair, check out their website for suggestions on where to stay & what to see (antiquing, museums, adobe misssions,etc.)

Date: November 7th

Cost: $350 for one, $600 for a group of two

Web: www.pietrasantawinery.com

One of my favorite things to do, after a long trip overseas, is to chill at home and enjoy the cool sea breaze of my little town on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

THe is town I live in is Half Moon Bay, California. It’s vibrant coastal town located approximately 35 minutes south of San Francisco, and it  comes alive during the fall season. The sun shines over bountiful fields rich with brilliant orange pumpkins; fresh seasonal ingredients abound on menus; and nearby wineries are in the midst of harvest season. Home to rugged sea cliffs, long stretches of sandy beaches and abundant fields of fruits, vegetables and flowers, this charming seaside community boasts the best of Northern California all in one conveniently located place.

Below is a summary of what’s new in Half Moon Bay. 

For everything visitors need to plan their trip - from information on cozy inns and luxury coastal resorts, to renowned restaurants, farm visits, wine tasting, fishing, whale watching, surfing and much more.

UPCOMING EVENTS
 
34th Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off
October 8, 7 to 10:30 a.m.
Pumpkin growers from California, Oregon and Washington descend upon Half Moon Bay with their colossal pumpkins to vie for the coveted title of heaviest pumpkin. Defending champion (and six-time winner) Joel Holland of Puyallup, WA, took top honors in 2006 with his leviathan 1,223-pound Atlantic Giant. In a pay-by-the-pound system, the winners receive $6 per pound for the champion pumpkin. A special $500 prize will be awarded to the "most beautiful pumpkin" as judged by the audience based on color, shape and size. IDES Grounds, 735 Main Street. For more information, call (650) 726-9652 or visit www.miramarevents.com .

 
Master Pumpkin Carving
October 12, 5 p.m.

Kicking off the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin festival weekend, Farmer Mike, aka “The Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers” takes the spotlight at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay to carve enormous pumpkins into magnificent pieces of art. Guests of all ages are invited to gather around the fireplace, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies and watch the creative carver in action. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, call (650) 712-7000. One Miramontes Point Road.

37th Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival  

October 13 & 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay celebrates its bountiful fall harvest with a fantastic lineup of rustic pumpkin patches, harvest-inspired crafts, home-style foods, expert pumpkin carvers, the Great Pumpkin Parade, a bone-chilling haunted house, a titanic weigh-off of champion pumpkins, a pie-eating contest, pumpkin carving, costume contests, a pancake breakfast, a five & 10K run/walk and three stages of blockbuster entertainment. Admission is free. Main Street, Downtown Half Moon Bay.

 
Nights of Lights
November 30, 6 to 9 p.m.

Stroll along Half Moon Bay’s charming Main Street for some old-fashioned holiday spirit filled with holiday carols, horse and buggy rides and holiday treats including roasted chestnuts and eggnog.

Teddy Bear Tea
Sundays, December 2, 9, 16 & 23 – 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Children of all ages gather for a favorite family tradition at The Ritz-Carlton. Guests enjoy a fun-filled afternoon in festive surroundings featuring a storytelling teddy bear, a pianist, hot cocoa, tea, and a selection of pastries, mini sandwiches, holiday candies and sweets. Each child takes home a teddy bear and a photo as souvenirs. $65 per child, $75 per guest 18 and over, exclusive of tax and gratuity. One Miramontes Point Road.

For additional information or reservations, call (650) 712-7040.
 
Gingerbread House Contest and Silent Auction
December 4 - 9
From iced Victorians to candy-covered castles, The Ritz-Carlton features creative works by children, home cooks and culinary professionals, all displayed in the main lobby. Contest winners are announced during the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on December 9, and prizes include cash, overnight stays, spa treatments, dining in Navio and culinary classes at the resort. Many of the gingerbread houses are up for auction, with proceeds benefiting the Coastside Children’s Programs. One Miramontes Point Road.

For additional information and to enter the contest, call (650) 712-7696.
 
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
December 9, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Guests gather on the Gazebo Lawn at The Ritz-Carlton for a festive holiday celebration that begins with the lighting of the outdoor tree and includes Dickens-era costumed carolers, a sing-along performance by the San Francisco Choral Society, a visit by Santa Claus, the announcement of the gingerbread house winners and complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, eggnog and cookies. This event is free and open to the public. One Miramontes Point Road.

For more information, call (650) 712-7040.

LOCAL RICHES
 
Farmer John Celebrates Pumpkin Season

Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm, a family-owned and operated specialty pumpkin farm, opens up to the public for the fall season. Visitors can check out an authentic Native American Teepee, take a ride on a vintage tractor and choose from more than 60 varieties of pumpkins and squash. Life-long farmers Farmer John and his wife Eda also give private tours of their home farm for an inside look at a working farm. 850 North Cabrillo Highway.

For more information and to make reservations, call (650) 726-4980 or visit www.farmerjohnspumpkins.com
 
Dungeness Crab Season Kicks Off
Dungeness Crab season begins on November 15 and runs though the end of June. These large, hard-shell crabs with a sweet flavor and flaky texture are found along the northwest coast from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Northern California. Half Moon Bay has one of the largest concentrations of this seafood delicacy with more than 50 commercial boats fishing off Half Moon Bay’s Pillar Point Harbor. 

Several companies offer fishing and crabbing excursions including:

Huck Finn Sportfishing, (650) 726-7133, www.huckfinnsportfishing.com

Huli Cat Sportfishing,  (650) 726-2926 www.hulicat.com 

Riptide Sportfishing, owned and operated by Captain Smitty, (888) 747-8433, www.riptide.net

  Half Moon Bay Sportfishing & Tackle, (650) 726-2913.
 
Horticulture Heaven

Yerba Buena Nursery, California’s oldest retail native plant nursery, is home to more than 600 types of California native plants. This spectacular Santa Cruz Mountain farm setting includes a 1905 Farmhouse, historic barn, and extensive demonstration gardens. On October 13 and November 10, guests will have the special opportunity to enjoy traditional tea in the 100-year-old farmhouse complete with homemade sandwiches and pastries. $25 per person. Christmas tea lunches featuring a decadent three-course meal are also held in the farmhouse on select dates throughout December at 12:30 p.m. $40 per person.
 
In addition, several classes and workshops are being held in the Yerba Buena Nursery Farmhouse including: “Classic Native Shrubs for Northern California Gardens” on November 3 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and “Autumn Wreath Making” on November 17 at 10 a.m. and
 
1 p.m. Yerba Buena Nursery Farmhouse, 19500 Skyline Blvd., Woodside. For more information and to make reservations, contact (650) 851-1668 or visit www.yerbabuenanursery.com
 
LODGING NEWS
 
Golf & Massage
Mill Rose Inn, a romantic inn tucked away just off of Main Street, is featuring the “Stay and Play Golf and Massage Package” which includes: a one night stay, two rounds of golf on either the Ocean Course or The Old Course (or one round of golf and a one-hour tandem massage), use of a golf cart, use of the private spa, an afternoon dessert bar and fruit and cheese platter, followed by a gourmet champagne breakfast the next day. The “Stay and Play Golf and Massage Package” is available Sunday through Thursday through November 30, excluding holidays. Packages start at $493.50, based on double occupancy. 615 Mill Street. For more information and reservations, call (650) 726-8750 or visit www.millroseinn.com.

 
CULINARY NEWS
 
Pumpkin Prix Fixe Menu & Gourmet Wine Dinner
Highly acclaimed Cetrella, known for seasonal Mediterranean cuisine and an extensive wine selection, is celebrating autumn’s bounty with a special prix fixe menu highlighting the local fall flavors of the Coastside. Honoring the local farmers, the “Pumpkin Prix Fixe” menu features Daylight Farms red curry pumpkin soup, tantalizing pork loin “saltimbocca,” Baia Nicchia Farms roasted heirloom pumpkin risotto and a pumpkin tart with house-made toasted pecan praline ice cream. The Prix Fixe menu is $35 and is available Sunday through Thursday during October.
 
In addition, Cetrella is hosting a Joseph Phelps Insignia Wine Lovers’ Dinner featuring a vertical flight of Phelps flagship Insignia from 2000, 2001 and 2002 on October 23. Wines will be paired with a four-course menu complete with Prime Black Angus Filet Tartare, Braised Beef Short Rib Ravioli, Mesquite Grilled Veal Loin Chops and Warm Chocolate Granache Cake. $130 per person.
 
845 Main Street. For more information and reservations, call (650) 726-4090 or visit www.cetrella.com
 

Seaside Dining

New-England seafood restaurant, Sam’s Chowder House, recently opened Sam’s South Beach Bar & Kitchen, an outdoor space off of the main restaurant that includes an outdoor kitchen, a mesquite grill and expanded outdoor seating options overlooking the ocean.  Menu items from the mesquite grill include fresh Mahi Mahi tacos, grilled Maine lobster, grilled corn on the cob, grilled jumbo prawn skewers with mango salsa and a wide variety of other grilled items and fresh seafood selections.

In addition, Sam’s Chowder House is now offering authentic New England-style clambakes to go at the seafood market adjacent to the restaurant. The clambakes include a returnable pot filled with fresh whole Maine lobsters, clams, mussels, red potatoes, fresh corn on the cob and savory Andouille sausage, layered with fresh seaweed.  The feast can be cooked on a grill or stovetop. The clambakes are priced at $35 per person (minimum two people) and must be ordered 48 hours in advance. 4210 North Cabrillo Highway. For more information and reservations, call (650) 712-0245 or visit www.samschowderhouse.com.
 

On Tap at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
In celebration of the 37th Annual Arts and Pumpkin Festival, Half Moon Bay Brewery Company is crafting a special Mavericks® Pumpkin Harvest Ale, a seasonal brew made with actual pumpkin. The Mavericks® Pumpkin Harvest Ale is the official ale for the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and will be available beginning early October at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and on-site throughout the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival on October 13 & 14.
 
In addition, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is also hosting two special, not-to-be-missed events:

·       On October 19-21, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company will pay tribute to all things American during its second annual “Americana Hayride Weekend,” which features classic American cuisine, live country western/rock music and complimentary hayrides.  
 
·       Kicking off on December 7, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company will host some of the world’s best harmonica players for the Second Annual Harmonica Blowout Weekend. From rhythm and blues to rock and roll, three world class artists will take the stage for a weekend full of harmonica music, dancing and great food. John Nemeth (Dec. and Mark Hummel (Dec. 9) are set to perform.
 
390 Capistrano Road, Princeton-by-the-Sea. For more information call (650) 728-BREW or visit www.hmbbrewingco.com
 
SHOPPING
 
Main Street Style
Periwinkle, a jewelry store featuring the work of local artists, has recently opened on Half Moon Bay’s charming Main Street. Main designer and co-owner Sharon Leung sells a wide selection of interesting and unique pieces that incorporate Thai silver pendants, pottery shard pendants, clusters of brilliant red and green coral branches and hand-picked beads. 604 Main Street. For more information, call (650) 712-1898.
 
ART
Women + Art
The Coastal Art League & Museum will feature jewelry and clay work by three female artists on November 8 through December 4. Works by Patricia Dailey, Kendra Klauber Davis and Becky Madalena will be on display through December 4. 300 Main Street.

For more information, call (650) 726-6335 or visit www.coastalartsleague.com.

Let me know if you’ll be in my neck of the woods, we can always meet for a cocktail at the Ritz!
 
 

Fairmont Hotels’ commitment to protecting the environment is nothing new.  For more than 15 years, Fairmont’s participation in comprehensive recycling and environmental protection programs has demonstrated its goal to minimize its impact on the planet.  And the results have been tangible.  But the effort goes beyond the expected.  Each of the hotels within the Fairmont collection is making a difference in often unique and unheard of ways.

If there’s one thing a luxury hotel offers its guests, it’s fine wine and delectable cuisine.  But what to do with the all those pesky wine corks and leftover food looms large.  Individual Fairmont hotels have devised distinctive solutions to this age-old dilemma.  At Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York, wine corks are donated to a local Girl Guide outfit as part of their Bag a Cork Program.  Rather than end up in landfill, these natural corks are reused in everything from flooring to floats, clothing to coasters.  The Girl Guides have saved more than five tons of cork from clogging up landfills.

In addition, every Fairmont guest knows that upon checking out, they’ll surely leave one thing behind: a used bar of soap.  What happens to all those messy blobs?  The Fairmont Queen gives them new life by donating them to Laboratoire Dermoderm, which mixes natural volcanic stone with the high glycerin content of luxurious brands such as Miller Harris and Penthaglion.  Voila!  They’ve now produced an effective cleaning cream that removes grease, paint, pine gum, ink and tar from the hands of mechanics, gardeners and artists.

Alternatively, animals benefit, as well.  Colorful peacocks are one of nature’s most striking birds.  They certainly deserve to be well fed and happy.  And that’s just what the Fairmont Algonquin does daily.  The uneaten scrambled eggs on the breakfast buffet are fed to these gorgeous creatures at neighboring Kingsbrae Gardens in New Brunswick.  Rather than simply be thrown away, the eggs become tasty treats for these feathered friends.  If that weren’t enough, the hotel gets even more creative with its coffee grinds, which are transformed into golf course tee-off mounds.

When it comes to human treats, for many guests, it just wouldn’t be breakfast without bacon.  But, firstly, it takes pigs to make bacon. Switzerland’s Fairmont Le Montreux Palace contributes to the growth of healthy porkers by packing up leftovers and donating it to local pig farmers.  The Fairmont Orchid also does its share for sustainable agriculture by supporting a local pig farmer on the Big Island of Hawaii with uneaten portions from the resort’s cafeteria.

Always concerned with putting their best foot forward, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess continually combines their concern for the environment with their wish to help those in need. Faced with more 2,700 pairs of spa sandals that needed to be replaced, the hotel donated the footwear to Hope 4 Kids International rather than discarding them.  The sandals were then redirected by the organization to help underprivileged children in Uganda.

Helping the less fortunate is an important humanitarian objective. And it’s one the Fairmont Chateau Laurier takes seriously.  It has formed a partnership with the Ottawa Mission, which, just like the Second Harvest program at the Fairmont Royal York and the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal, allows unused food to be donated to homeless shelters in the community.  The effort helps reduce waste and truly assists those in need.

But nuts-and-bolts recycling still remains the cornerstone of a conscientious environmental program.  Fairmont has not overlooked this imperative.  Since 1992, the Fairmont Newfoundland has diverted more than one million pounds of cardboard and paper from landfill.  Over half a million glass and plastic bottles have been sent off to be reused, reducing the impact on the environment.  

The Fairmont Royal York’s recycling program also includes office paper, newspaper, aluminum, tin, batteries, toner cartridges, motor oil, fluorescent light bulbs and kitchen grease, in addition to cardboard and glass.

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa fulfills its environmental responsibility by ensuring bathroom toiletries and linens are packaged in biodegradable containers.  Partially used toiletry containers are donated to a local charity.  To save water, all three pools are fed by the resort’s own geo-thermal springs and cleaned with biodegradable products.  Energy is conserved with retrofitted energy efficient compact fluorescent lighting.

The list goes on and on.  Everyday, Fairmont locations around the globe confirm their dedication to planet earth with endeavors both small and large to preserve precious resources.  Fairmont Hotels has become a leader in the important initiative to diminish the impact of hotel operations on the environment.

When the temperatures drop at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, so do the room rates at selected lodges.

Winter rates and packages include:

* The Winter Value Rate at Maswik and Yavapai Lodges, Xanterra’s two off-rim locations is $78 per night plus tax at Maswik South and Yavapai West, and $94 per night plus tax at Maswik North and Yavapai East Lodges. This rate is available from Nov. 25, 2007 through March 6, 2008, excluding Dec. 21, 2007 through Jan. 5, 2008 and Feb. 15 through Feb. 17, 2008. The rates are good for single or double occupancy. The cost for each additional person in the room is $9. Children 16 and under stay at no extra charge. Lodge and room type are subject to availability and seasonal closures. Summer rates at these hotels range from $78 to $139 per night.

* The El Tovar Romance Package at the elegant El Tovar, a national historic landmark, includes one night in a standard queen room, a bottle of California sparkling wine and fruit basket in the room and dinner for two with a bottle of Grand Canyon label wine in the El Tovar Dining Room. The base package cost is $299 plus tax subject to availability. Guests may upgrade to a deluxe room or suite, based upon availability, for an additional charge. The Romance Package is available Nov. 25, 2007 through Jan. 31, 2008, excluding the holiday periods noted above.

Book rooms online by visiting www.grandcanyonlodges.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-297-2757 or 1-303-297-2757 from outside the United States. You can learn more about the park by visiting www.nps.gov/crca.

St. Thomas No Passport Needed Deluxe October sale:
Air, 7 Nights Deluxe Wyndham St. Thomas $699

Your Package from TravelByJen.com Includes:
Roundtrip airfare, roundtrip transfers, and 7 Nights Hotel stay at the Deluxe Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa.
 
Price:
Washington D.C - $699
Albany, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Columbus, Dayton, Detroit, Cleveland, Greensboro, Hartford, Indianapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence & Rochester, - $749
 
Departure Info: Oct 6, 13 & 27

Terms:Price per person based on double or triple. Rates do not include hotel charges typically paid by the customer directly to the hotel (e.g., room service, telephone charges, etc.), government imposed international travel taxes of up to $110.90, airport passenger facility charges of up to $18, the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person and federal excise taxes of $3.30 which will be imposed on each domestic segment. A flight segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. Other conditions apply. Total Vacation Package price will always be clearly displayed to you prior to purchase. Limited time offer is subject to (i) change without notice; (ii) availability (advance reservation is required As Always TravelByJen.com Brings you the best Deals Price is only valid until it sells out! 

Your package from TravelByJen.com includes roundtrip airfare, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel stay, all meals, snacks, drinks (includes alcohol), tips & more!

PUERTO VALLARTA:
Hola Puerto Vallarta Club & Spa (Kids Stay Free)- 3 Nights $349, 4 Nights $399, 7 Nights $549
Allegro Nuevo Vallarta (Kids Stay Free)- 3 Nights $379, 4 Nights $429, 7 Nights $599
Riu Jalisco - 3 Nights $399, 4 Nights $479, 7 Nights $599 - $649

LOS CABOS:
Tesoro Los Cabos (Kids Stay Free) - 3 Nights $399 - $449, 4 Nights $449 - $499, 7 Nights $649 -$699 (price varies on dates)
Royal Solaris Los Cabos Resort & Spa - 3 Nights $479 - $499, 4 Nights $549 - $579, 7 Nights $799 -$829 (price varies on dates)
Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas - 3 Nights $559, 4 Nights $659, 7 Nights $949
 
Departure Dates Oct - Dec 13 (Not available over Thanksgiving)

Price available from San Francisco, Denver & Los Angeles; add only $49 to depart from Fresno, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Modesto, Reno, Redding, San Luis; add only $99 to depart from Billings, Bismarck, Boise, Colorado Springs, Eugene, Fargo, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Spokane, Portland, Seattle, St. Louis, Salt Lake City & Sioux Falls; add only $189 to depart from Dallas, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Omaha & Washington D.C.; all other cities please call for price!

Terms:Price per person based on double or triple. Rates do not include hotel charges typically paid by the customer directly to the hotel (e.g., room service, telephone charges, etc.), government imposed international travel taxes of up to $110.90, airport passenger facility charges of up to $18, the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person and federal excise taxes of $3.30 which will be imposed on each domestic segment. A flight segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. Other conditions apply. Total Vacation Package price will always be clearly displayed to you prior to purchase. Limited time offer is subject to (i) change without notice; (ii) availability (advance reservation is required As Always TravelByJen.com Brings you the best Deals Price is only valid until it sells out! 

Celebrate the festive season in high style with chanpagne, truffles and a luxurious stay at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo.  Mandarin Oriental is offering divas a Festive Accommodation Package from December 21st - 25th that allows you to indulge in last minute Christmas shopping in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, coupled with a romantic stay at this award-winning hotel. 

For each couple, the Festive Package benefits are as follows:
•    One night accommodation in a luxurious room or suite (check-in 3 p.m.; check-out 12 noon)
•    One bottle of chilled Möet & Chandon Brut Impérial in-room or one bottle of Pommery Vintage 1996 for those guests who reserve a suite
•    A personalised message (up to 25 characters) etched onto the Champagne bottle
•    One pair of beautiful champagne glasses, etched with Mandarin Oriental signature fans

Additional benefits are available for those guests reserving an Executive, Mandarin, Dynasty or Oriental Suite:
•    A luxurious in-room bath, prepared with fifty fresh roses
•    Premier in-room breakfast with caviar and truffles
•    Complimentary use of the heat and water area at The Spa, which consists of a water lounge, jet-bath vitality pool, amethyst crystal steam room, and dry sauna overlooking Tokyo, 37 stories below

This package is for a one-night stay and is priced from JPY89,000 to JPY290,000, dependent on room type selected. Additional nights can be reserved at prevailing rates. All room rates assume double occupancy and are inclusive of a 5% sales tax and a 10% service charge, and JPY200 per person accommodation tax also applies. The full published rate will be charged for cancellations made within seven days of arrival.

Reservations and inquiries can be placed daily between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. by calling +81-3-3270-8950 from overseas, or visiting the website at www.mandarinoriental.com.

Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower 

My favorite toothpaste, perhaps because it comes beautifully packaged in such a cool old-fashioned apothecary style tube, is now available for carry-on.

Italian-made Marvis Toothpastes are created by offsetting the aroma of mint with different innovative notes such as Ginger Mint, Aquatic Mint, Fruit Mint, or Jasmine Mint. So far, I can only find the mini size in the original Aquatic Mint Flavor but hopefully the rest aren’t too far behind

The Paradisus Punta Cana is announcing the grand opening of "The Reserve", a new and exclusive area of the resort featuring all new pools, a private lounge, new restaurants, and 192 oversized luxury suites. To celebrate they are offereing FREE room upgrades! 

For $132 per person, per night, book a Deluxe Junior Suite and get upgraded to a Luxury Suite. Book a Luxury Suite for $194 per person, per night and get upgraded to a 1-bedroom Master Suite. That is over $100 off the regular rates!

This all inclusive special includes all gourmet meal, premuim drinks, 24-hour room service, access to private pools, all taxes, and resort activities such as cooking classes, sushi making, wine tasting, horseback riding, tango classes, snorkeling, sailing, and star-gazing.

For families traveling with kids, get a special upgrade to the Family Concierge Suite featuring a ton of special amenities for kids such as mini-bathrobes, slippers, and turn-down service with cookies and milk.

This offer must be booked by September 26!! Book online or at 1-866-436-3542.  Make sure to mention Travelzoo and the promotion code UPG.

For $499 per diva, book an 8-night "Hightlights of South America" cruise on Orient Line’s intimate Marco Polo.  This price applies to an ocean view cabin and includes all government taxes and fees!!!  The cruise begins in Rio de Janeiro on December 5 and crosses through the Tropic of Capricorn before landing in Itajai, Brazil.  The journey continues on to Uruguay with stops in Punta del Este and Montevideo.  The last stop on this amazing trip is in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  This cruise can be booked online or by calling 1-800-377-9383.  Be sure to mention Travelzoo and make your reservations by September 26!