Need Miles? Think Hong Kong!

It's that time of year again, when people get frantic. Not with last minute gift shopping, mind you. I am talking about frequent flyers scrambling to figure out how they are going to get those last few thousand miles to push them up to the next level of elite status in their airline's frequent flyer program.

Elite status comes with all kinds of perks: complimentary upgrades on flights, no fees for checked luggage, increased weight allowances for luggage (necessary for the ladies who travel with large shoe wardrobes), special lines for priority check-in, pre-boarding and so on. Once you've attained premier status with an airline, and have enjoyed the additional perks, you will do anything to keep that status. Which is why, at the end of the year, people will suddenly find a need to fly to some far flung destination - just to make sure they have enough miles to be Gold, Platinum or whatever!

Hong Kong is a perfect city for that long weekend trip. Far enough to bump you up to the level, and plenty to see and do to keep you entertained for a few days. You don't need a visa, just a valid U.S. passport, so that part is easy if you're planning last minute.

The airport is very modern and user friendly. It takes less than 30 minutes to get to the city center if there's no traffic. There are so many wonderful places to stay, and the debate goes on: should I stay on the Kowloon side or the Hong Kong Island side? I don't think you can go wrong with either, because there are things to do on both sides of Hong Kong and you will no doubt be spending some time in both places.

Our picks of top choices to stay while in Hong Kong:
Intercontinental Hong Kong

Located in Kowloon, you must reserve a harbor-view room, for the most fabulous views looking across the harbor to Hong Kong island. Every night at 8:00pm there is a light show which you can watch from your room or from the lovely lobby lounge with its floor to ceiling windows. We recommend booking Club lounge access, which allows you privileged access to the lounge with food and beverages offered throughout the day, in addition to concierges and business services.

The Upper House

This chic hotel opened in 2009 and has a definite hip vibe. We love the minimalist decor and the huge bathrooms with striking city or harbor views. The Sky Lounge is a lovely retreat on the 49th floor, and is adjacent to the Cafe Gray Bar, THE place to see and be seen.




Landmark Mandarin Oriental

This hotel is centrally located on Hong Kong island, conveniently adjacent to a large indoor shopping mall. The deluxe rooms and suites have huge 7-foot round soaking bathtubs which would comfortably fit a family of four. A highlight of the hotel is the state-of-the-art spa and a complete yoga and pilates studio.

The Peninsula

This is definitely the Grande dame hotel of Hong Kong, creating memories for guests since 1928. We recommend the harbor view rooms and suites, which have all undergone a complete renovation in 2012. The technology in all rooms is unsurpassed, with ipads provided to do everything from controlling the lights and drapes, to ordering room service or extra towels from housekeeping. An added bonus is that you can make free phone calls from your room to anywhere in the world!

Book your next stay with us at any of these Virtuoso hotels and you will receive complimentary amenities such as breakfast daily, food/beverage or spa credits and free upgrades.

Contact the Travel Advisors at Bee Kalt Travel to reserve today!

Email: travel@beekalt.com
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
http://www.beekalt.com/
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Raffles hotel, Singapore

Raffles Hotel in Singapore celebrated its125th anniversary this year, in 2012. Throughout history it has hosted Presidents, Celebrities and Royalty, most recently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate to you and me)!

 

This stately hotel has just 103 suites and 14 restaurants and bars. The rooms are decorated in the original colonial style with dark woods and rich fabrics. It is located in the heart of the business and historical district.

Even if you don't stay here, you must at least make a visit to the Long Bar and sample a world famous Singapore Sling. The pink, fruity concoction  was invented here in the early 1900's, consisting mainly of gin, cherry heering, Cointreau, pineapple juice, lime juice and a few other ingredients. I thought it might be too sweet but I was pleasantly surprised and it was quite delicious. The Long Bar serves over 800 Singapore Slings per day at a cost of around $28 apiece! 

Reserve your stay at Raffles with us and you will receive these complimentary Virtuoso amenities:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast
• Complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar replenished daily

Contact the Travel Specialists at Bee Kalt Travel today!
Email: travel@beekalt.com
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
http://www.beekalt.com/
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/beekalt
 

My Kind of Town

I remember my first trip to New York City in the 1980's: Times Square was a seedy place filled with adult peep shows and ladies of the evening. Fast forward to 2011 and Times Square is completely different: bright, clean and buzzing with tourists from all over the world.

Travelers used to want to stay near Central Park and the 5th Avenue shops. The venerable Plaza hotel is still there, a commanding presence on the corner of 5th Avenue and Central Park South. It has reopened after a complete closure and renovation. The rooms and lobby have retained their traditional feel. The glass domed Palm Court is the premier place for an elegant afternoon tea. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance as they are usually completely booked on the weekends.

These days, there are wonderful hotels all over the city and it feels safe to walk just about anywhere. There are great neighborhoods to explore with fabulous restaurants and one-of-a-kind boutiques.

I enjoyed visiting the Trump hotel in Soho. This newer addition to the Trump hotel collection is within walking distance to all of the fun shops in and around Spring and Prince streets. The rooms and suites are very airy with a contemporary but comfortable feel. The views of the city are fantastic from the higher floor rooms. There is a beautiful spa, with the only luxury private hammam (a Turkish bath) in the city. The Trump Soho also has one of the few outdoor pools in New York - a relaxing oasis in the city.

I stayed at the new Chatwal hotel, located just off of Times Square in the Theater District. It is a great place to stay if you like to be close to the action. The hotel is in a landmark building which used to be home to the famous Lambs Club. The decor is art deco but with a modern twist. The staff uniforms evoke New York in the 1930's - the cocktail lounge makes you feel like you've stepped back in time!
This is a boutique hotel, with only 76 rooms and suites. The rooms are done in soothing beige and cream tones, with sueded walls and very cool closets that resemble old steamer trunks. Modern technology takes over in the room, with a button to control everything, from the drapes to the lighting. It continues into the black and chrome bathroom, where a TV is embedded in the mirror. Even the Toto toilet is the ultimate in modern conveniences, with sprays, blowers and a heated seat!

They named the restaurant The Lambs Club in a nod to the building's previous incarnation. The red upholstered booths and huge fireplace give it a very clubby feel. On my visit, the food and service were fantastic. The location makes it a great place to go before or after the theater.

Speaking of theater, the hot ticket these days is
The Book of Mormon, which won nine Tony awards this year, including Best Musical. Can't get tickets? Never fear, the ever efficient head concierge at The Chatwal may be able to snag some for you. I found the show to be very funny and entertaining. If you are easily offended by foul language and sexual references, this may not be the show for you. 

New York City has so much to offer: museums, parks, fine dining, history and shopping. It's a great destination for a perfect weekend getaway!

Make your hotel reservation with us, and receive complimentary amenities such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast and more!  

Call the Travel Specialists at Bee Kalt Travel to book your next vacation to New York City!
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
email: travel@beekalt.com
http://www.beekalt.com/
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Ellerman House, Cape Town, South Africa

Bee Kalt Travel General Manager, Renee Weiss, and I recently flew on South African Airways direct to Johannesburg, with an onward flight to Cape Town. The food and service on the plane were excellent and they offer a good variety of in-seat entertainment to help pass the time. Unlike most domestic U.S. carriers, SAA even includes meals on their short haul flights within South Africa!

Upon our arrival in Cape Town, we were met by a representative of the Ellerman House, and driven to our home for the next three nights. The Ellerman House is a charming, boutique hotel perched high on a cliff in the Bantry Bay area of Cape Town. The location affords spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and one can hear the sounds of the crashing waves below.  This beautiful former residence houses just 11 luxurious rooms and suites. There is also an exclusive Villa which can be reserved for a more private stay. The Ellerman House has a dazzling art collection, showcasing the most important South African artists, past and present.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, with personal service and unique touches and amenities not usually included in similar fine city hotels. Here, the room rates include airport transfers, fully-stocked in room bar, complimentary laundry service, shuttle to the Waterfront, and delicious made-to-order breakfast. They even offer a pantry where guests can help themselves to a snack during the day. The rooms are beautifully decorated in soothing colors and have elegant marble baths. The Ellerman House was the perfect, tranquil place to return to after a long day of sightseeing or shopping!

Book your next stay at the Ellerman House with us and receive these exclusive amenities: Upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, a personalized Art Tour, and a bottle of French champagne! 

Bee Kalt Travel
Phone: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
Email: travel@beekalt.com


Stay tuned for more reports from our adventures in South Africa! Coming up: the Winelands

Miami - South Beach

The South Beach area of Miami, Florida provides the perfect weekend getaway for all types of travelers!

Are you the "see and be seen" type? Head to the Gansevoort Miami Beach. The largest private shark tank aquarium provides a backdrop to the colorful and stylish lobby, perfect for people-watching. The rooms and suites are large and decorated with the same modern theme. The party starts at the rooftop swimming pool and bar area, Plunge. There are plenty of sun chairs for hotel guests, and cabanas are available for those that don't want too much sun. Walking into the David Barton Gym, the fitness center of the hotel, I wasn't sure if I was in a nightclub or a workout facility. The lights are dim, but they have all of the state-of-the-art cardio machines and a great variety of classes with edgy names like "Pain and Pleasure" and "Fight Club". I opted for the more mundane Vinyasa Yoga, which was a perfect start to my day.

Is privacy what you desire? The Setai is the place for you. The Asian-inspired decor presents an oasis of calm in the public areas as well as the guest suites. All suites have large soaking tubs, in addition to separate rainfall showers, in case you wish to have a spa treatment in the privacy of your room. Of course the spa is very luxurious and offers a wide array of Oriental rituals and body treatments. They take security very seriously here and this is one reason why it attracts the rich and famous. You can stay like a celebrity too! The Setai is offering Winter escape rates starting from $595/night.
Book with us, and you will receive the Virtuoso amenities of an upgrade upon arrival, based on availability, complimentary buffet breakfast daily, and a $100 spa credit!

Traveling with the kids? The Loews Miami Beach hotel is the perfect spot for you. This hotel recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation to the lobby and all guest rooms. It is looking very sharp and has some great venues for food and drink. There is an adorable new ice cream parlor off the lobby that serves the creamiest gelato and decadent desserts. The pool area is expansive and very family-friendly. The Loews has lots of activities available, from the kids club to the fitness center and spa. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming throughout the resort.

Tip: Loved the international flavor of Lincoln Road. This is a great outdoor walking promenade filled with upscale shops and cafes. There are wonderful restaurants to choose from, many with outdoor dining areas. I enjoyed Sushi Samba, with its eclectic menu of sushi, Peruvian and Brazilian specialties - all of my favorites!

Call us to book your next warm weather escape!
Bee Kalt Travel 248-288-9600
http://www.beekalt.com/

Southern Africa

Africa... just the word conjures up all kinds of thoughts. Animals in the wild is probably the most common, but have you pictured the most beautiful sunsets with exquisite colors of pink, orange and blue? Have you imagined floating on the Zambezi River, passing the resident hippos, elephants and buffalo along the riverbanks? How about enjoying a gourmet feast in a beautiful vineyard in the wine country? I always find it funny when I leave for a trip to Africa, people tell me "have fun in the jungle!" I've been there several times, and I have yet to step foot in a jungle. Savannahs are more like it!

Many people consider travel to Africa as a once-in-a-lifetime trip. This can be true, but once you go, you may want to return again and again. The magic takes hold and it can be a life-changing experience. I constantly feel the pull to return. The endless grasslands of the bush, the wonders of seeing the circle of life in nature, the warm, welcoming smiles of the charming African people.

I have a fabulous opportunity for you to experience all this and more on an 11-day adventure in April 2010. You will travel to Southern Africa, visiting the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town, journey to Botswana for a 5 night safari in luxury tented camps, and no tour would be complete without witnessing the majesty of Victoria Falls in Zambia! Also included are some special surprises, a dinner with an award-winning tour guide, and a meeting with a world renowned animal communicator, known as the "Animal Whisperer"!
Details can be found on our website, but call me for the latest in newly discounted pricing.

Call Bee Kalt Travel 248-288-9600 or email shari@beekalt.com

Mayan Riviera, Mexico

I rang in the New Year with my family in Mexico! We spent a relaxing week in the Mayan Riviera, located south of Cancun, in the Yucatan Peninsula. We stayed at the all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Palace Resort, a great place for families. The resort is located on one of the best beaches in the area. The sand is powdery soft but there are also areas of coral reef, which make for great snorkeling and even turtle sightings! I enjoyed sunning at one of the expansive pools while sipping a mojito, prepared expertly by bartender, Ulisses. I also did the yoga stretch classes and paddled a kayak to try and avert disaster from the all-you-can-eat buffets.

My vacation wasn't all fun and games - I took some time to check out some other luxury properties in the area. I toured the Maroma Resort and Spa by Orient-Express - Loved their fabulous Sian Nah suites with ocean front views and private plunge pools. The resort is very romantic and you can arrange a private dinner on the rooftop Mirador, lit only by moonlight, with breathtaking views of the ocean.


The Rosewood Mayakoba is an all-suite property built among lagoons and jungle located just north of Playa del Carmen. You are transported from the striking lobby by either boat or golf cart to your contemporary 700 sq. ft. suite. There, you will enjoy your own private pool, sundeck, spacious bath and elegant decor. They also have a luxury spa and expansive fitness center.

Just up the beach is the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya. I was struck by the sleek, clean lines of the lobby surrounded by calming reflecting pools. This resort transports you by continuously running golf carts between the lobby, guest rooms and beach. Their spa features treatments and therapies from around the world. Nice fitness area with a Kinesis studio (a series of pulleys and cables for a great core workout). The pool area has comfy looking beds and chaise lounges and overlooks the narrow beach.

Contact me for more information on any of these luxury resorts. Book with us and take advantage of fantastic offers, such as 5th night free promotions, complimentary upgrades, breakfast and resort credits!
http://www.beekalt.com/

The Brazilian

It's not what you think! Earlier this month I spent some time traveling around Brazil and I will highlight two top destinations.

The Ponta dos Ganchos resort is a place you dream about. 28 individual bungalows perched on a hillside, the resort nestled between quaint fishing villages, overlooking the magnificent blue ocean. We were greeted by the congenial staff with a welcome glass of champagne. Ok, I admit, I can be easily won over by a glass of bubbly, but it just got better from there! We were ushered to our suite which literally took my breath away. Our 1400 square foot villa came complete with beautifully appointed living area, fireplace, huge flat screen TV, jacuzzi, sauna (in the room!), double shower, his/hers dressing areas and private garden with plunge pool. Did I mention the luxurious high thread count linens and wonderfully comfy beds? It was hard to drag myself away, but in the name of research, I headed down to the beach. The resort is inclusive with regards to meals and many activities. They offer fishing, sailing, tennis, kayaks, indoor heated swimming pool and a fitness center. The meals were deliciously prepared with many choices of fresh seafood and Brazilian specialties on the menu. The guests may dine whenever they like and aren't forced into set mealtimes, which makes for a very relaxed and personalized atmosphere. They even have a private island where one couple each night can dine alone for a very special romantic evening. The Ponta dos Ganchos is a perfect place for a honeymoon, anniversary or a well-deserved vacation. It is an adult-only resort and they do not accept children under age 18. The resort is located 50-minutes by car from the Florianopolis airport, which is an easy one hour flight from either Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.

Iguassu Falls is a stunning series of 275 waterfalls bordering the countries of Brazil and Argentina. A direct flight to Foz do Iguassu takes less than two hours from Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. The place to stay is the newly renovated Hotel das Cataratas by Orient-Express. It is a quick 20-minute drive from the airport and the only hotel located within the Iguassu National Park on the Brazilian side. This gives you unlimited access and allows you to have the falls all to yourself after hours, without the crowds of tourists. The guest rooms and public areas have been completely redone, using Brazilian hardwoods and Portuguese tiles to create a soothing atmosphere in harmony with the tropical rainforest surroundings. The pool area offers a nice respite after a morning of exploring, and the staff offering cold towels is a welcome amenity, which is the type of service I have come to expect from an Orient-Express hotel. There is a tour desk located right at the hotel from which you can book private guided tours of the falls, boat trips, helicopter rides, and a variety of more adventurous activities. Iguassu falls is a must-see destination for travelers to South America!

Tip: When in Brazil, you must try a caipirinha, a delicious cocktail of muddled fresh limes, sugar and cachaca, the local liquor. My favorite is the caipiroska, made with vodka!

A Visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil. Call us for more information on either of these luxury hotels or destinations. Receive the best rates, special amenities and extra values only when booking through Bee Kalt Travel!
http://www.beekalt.com/