New Kids on the Block: El Encanto Resort in Santa Barbara and the Shangri-la Bosphorus Istanbul

I had the opportunity to spend a few days at the newly re-opened El Encanto resort in Santa Barbara, California. It is a beautiful resort located high in the hills above the downtown, with sweeping views of the Pacific coast. The cottages on the property were originally built in the early 1900's to house faculty at a nearby school. It was later transformed into the El Encanto resort. Orient-Express hotels purchased the property in 2006, investing well over $100 million dollars to completely renovate the resort while keeping many of the historical elements in tact. It took this many years to complete the project, and it re-opened to welcome guests again in March 2013.

Meandering pathways connect the rooms and suites which are spread out over the lush landscaped grounds. The colorful varieties of greenery and flowers make the surroundings beautiful and attract the local butterflies and hummingbirds.  I felt like a celebrity staying in one of the secluded bungalows perched on the hillside. Each bungalow and suite is a little different from the next, with no two rooms being exactly the same. This adds to the uniqueness of the resort. All of the rooms and suites are completely new on the inside, many with fireplaces, and all having luxurious marble or travertine baths.

The infinity edge outdoor pool offers magnificent views of the city and coastline. The same views are also afforded by the restaurant and bar - with indoor/outdoor seating at tables with either comfortable sofas or chairs. It is a hopping place that the locals are enjoying as much as the resort guests. The menu features California cuisine with Asian and French influences. I enjoyed my scrambled egg whites with avocado for breakfast while my dining companion had the Japanese breakfast of steamed rice, vegetables and miso soup. The dinner menu is varied with choices of seafood, grilled meats, pasta and vegetarian options. Everything I tasted was delicious and prepared to perfection. Save room for the salted caramel ice cream dessert!

If you do go for that dessert, you can eat it guilt-free because there is an excellent, fully-equipped fitness center at the resort. In addition to all of the cardio and weight machines, there is a separate room where they plan to offer fitness and yoga classes.

The full service spa offers a peaceful and calm atmosphere for their wide range of beauty treatments. The therapists are all excellent and I can't think of a better way to wind down at the end of the day than with a relaxing massage.

There are lots of things to do while staying at El Encanto: whale watching, visiting nearby wineries, shopping in downtown Santa Barbara, beaches, biking, hiking or just sipping a mojito on your private terrace and watching the sunset.

Call us to book your next stay at El Encanto Resort and receive a complimentary room upgrade, continental breakfast daily and a $100 resort credit.

Another new stand-out is the Shangri-la Bosphorus, Istanbul. This beauty just opened in May with a gala filled with the movers and shakers of Istanbul society. The hotel has already hosted several weddings, which is not surprising given the opulent ballrooms with glittering chandeliers. With the pale blue carpets and silk wall coverings, I was reminded of Cinderella going to the ball.

The entrance to the hotel is quite secure and guests must pass through metal detectors upon arrival. The lobby is spacious and welcoming with gleaming marble floors. The adjacent Lobby Lounge is a popular gathering place which serves breakfast, lunch and has an afternoon tea service.

The 186 rooms and suites are large (average over 500 square feet for the Deluxe rooms) and very well-appointed. Several have views of the Bosphorus strait, just out the back of the hotel, and all rooms include complimentary wifi. Marble baths with heated floors and tv's in the vanity mirror are a plus. The in-room Nespresso machine might just tempt some people I know.

French chef, Fabrice Giraud, presides over the kitchen at IST TOO, the more casual of the two restaurants at the Shangri-la. Turkish, Mediterranean and Asian delicacies can all be found here. The warm bread served fresh out of the oven is worth the trip alone!

The perfect location on the Bosphorus, the gracious service and the spectacular rooms all make for a must-stay destination for your next trip to Istanbul. The Shangri-la is definitely going to give the "old guard" properties in Istanbul a run for their money.

Book your stay with us and receive a complimentary room upgrade, full breakfast daily and a $100 credit to be used toward food and beverage or in the fabulous spa.

Contact the Travel Specialists at Bee Kalt Travel to reserve your stay today!


Email: travel@beekalt.com
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
http://www.beekalt.com/
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The Pelican Hill Resort - California

Planning a summer vacation with the family? Southern California is a destination that offers something for everyone: beautiful beaches, sparkling swimming pools, outdoor sports, amusement parks, world-famous zoos, shopping, history and fantastic dining. You can keep a family busy for at least a week exploring all there is along the California coast between L.A. and San Diego.

An excellent home base is The Resort at Pelican Hill, located in Newport Coast, California. It is only a 15 minute drive from the John Wayne (SNA) airport and about 45-minutes from LAX.
This luxury resort has every amenity to please the most discerning guest. The Italian inspired architecture is beautiful and the large lobby is set up with many comfortable sitting areas. The smallest rooms are the lovely bungalow rooms, starting at 847 square feet. All are furnished in contemporary style with light woods, high ceilings and a gas fireplace in each room. The huge bathroom with deep soaking tub and separate marble shower complete the picture, perfect for a romantic getaway. They do have connecting rooms, so you can have the kids next door in their own bungalow suite.

Even better for families, or multi-generational families, are the 2,3 and 4-bedroom villas located on the property. These provide the ultimate luxury of having a private home with complete kitchens and living areas at your disposal. Furnishings are in the same Italian style and the bedrooms all have plush bedding and fluffy, white comforters.

All of the activities of the resort are included whether you stay in the Bungalows or the Villas. You have access to the well-equipped fitness center and spa. They offer daily fitness classes, beach walks and yoga. For the golfer, there are 36 championship holes offered on their Ocean North and Ocean South golf courses. The kids can be entertained at a camp just for them: Camp Pelican for ages 4-12, and there is even a Teen Club offering activities like surfing, kayaking and biking.

Book your next stay at Pelican Hill with us and receive complimentary amenities of an upgrade upon arrival if available, breakfast daily and a $100.00 resort credit to be used during your stay.
Contact the Travel Advisors 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

Best in Bali Beach resorts

There are so many fabulous beach resorts in Bali, it's hard to choose just where to stay. I had the opportunity to visit a few of the top luxury resorts and each one had something special to offer.

I highly recommend splitting your time on the island between the central region of Ubud and spending some time at the beach.

The Amankila resort has a spectacular cliffside location on the south eastern coast of Bali. Individual thatched roofed villa suites dot the hillside and are connected by a series of stone stairways. Being in good physical condition would be a bonus here, although they do have buggies to take you up and down the hill if you so desire. Our suite was located at the very top of the hill, which afforded some beautiful sea views and it was very private. We did have to negotiate the long stairways to get down to the pool area and dining rooms, so I just made sure I had everything with me before I left the room! The main pool area has a series of three tiered-pools with many comfy sun beds and several covered bales, great for lounging. All the way at the base of the cliff is the beach club. There is another restaurant adjacent to a large swimming pool, and several more individual bales on the black sand beach. Many different watersports are offered, including standup paddle-boarding, boogie boards, kayaks, windsurfing and hobie cats. I had a great sail on the hobie one afternoon - the wind was strong and it was a blast flying across the waves!

Other than enjoying the fabulous meals at Amankila, I had one other indulgence during my stay. It was a signature spa treatment called  Cita Ening. It is described as a full body purification process to provide clarity of thought and a sense of well-being. Sounded good to me! I wasn't sure if I was going to a cooking class or having a spa treatment. The ingredients for the service called for rice, yogurt, ginger, honey, milk, cucumber and coconut cream.   The two and a half hour treatment started with a fresh lime and salt foot scrub (margarita anyone?), followed by a full body exfoliation with rice and ginger. The therapist then applied yogurt and honey to my chest, and a mixture of red ginger and cajeput to my stomach. I was wrapped with warm towels while slices of cucumber were placed over my eyes and face. Next came a soothing head and scalp massage with coconut hair cream.  If this wasn't enough, the finale was a relaxing massage. After it was all over, I floated back to my suite at the top of the hill, sense of well-being fully restored!

It was sad to leave Amankila, but the smile returned to my face upon arrival at the St. Regis Bali resort.  This beautiful property is located on a golden sand beach in Nusa Dua. The entrance opens to a very grand open-air lobby, with smaller seating areas placed around.  The St. Regis features butler service for all of its suites and villas. Our butler created a very special welcome for us, since we were celebrating a special occasion. The bathtub was filled with rose petals in the shape of a heart - a fun surprise! The suite itself was very spacious, including a sitting area with sofa and chairs, large walk-in closet, entrance foyer, marble bathroom and a private balcony. The resort is only a few years old, and the suites feature all of the latest technology: 42-inch screen tv, ipod docking station and wifi.

If you prefer more space than the 900-square foot entry level suite provides, you can opt for one of the villas on property. There are gorgeous one, two and three-bedroom villas, some of which are centered around a huge salt water lagoon swimming pool.

Dining at the St. Regis Bali can be from grabbing a bite at the casual Gourmand Deli to fine dining at the elegant and romantic, beachfront Kayuputi restaurant.  The breakfasts served at the Boneka restaurant are among the best I've ever had. There is an elaborate buffet with every western breakfast food you can think of, plus salads, sushi, soups AND ala carte items you can order off the menu. I personally recommend the lobster omelette. Why not, you're on vacation?!  While you're enjoying your breakfast, the servers come around with small bites of the chef's specialties for the day. These were tastings of Indonesian beef and noodles, fruit smoothies, etc. Needless to say, I had to taste it all, and I pretty much rolled out of the restaurant each morning. The best part is, when you book your stay at the St. Regis with us, this fabulous breakfast is included in your stay!

To reserve your Bali beach vacation, contact the Travel Specialists at Bee Kalt Travel

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

Magical Mediterranean

Need last minute ideas for your summer vacation? Check out these top picks for an ultimate Mediterranean getaway!

BARCELONA

Barcelona is a vibrant city that caters to lovers of history, architecture, art, food and wine. It really does have it all. There are so many different hotel options it can be hard to choose. Our choice is a newcomer to the luxury hotel scene, the understated Mandarin Oriental. Perfectly situated among the fashionable shops on the Passeig de Gracia, you could easily miss it if not for the uniformed doorman out front. Once inside the stylish lobby, you feel that you are somewhere special, with the efficient staff welcoming you and taking care of your every need. After all, service excellence is a hallmark of the Mandarin Oriental hotel company. The hotel boasts the Michelin-starred restaurant, Moments, among its several food and beverage venues. The Banker's Bar is a nod to the hotel building's previous life as a bank. They have original safety deposit boxes as decoration for this fun spot to enjoy a drink and tapas.

A pampering spa, rooftop swimming pool and a superb fitness center round out the amenities offered. The rooms are very modern and high tech. I love when you can push a button next to the bed to open and close the blinds, and in-room wifi has become a must-have in this day and age. Start off the day with a delicious and bountiful breakfast in the dramatic Blanc brasserie - complimentary when you book your stay with us!

If you book your stay at the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona with Bee Kalt Travel, you will receive exclusive Virtuoso amenites of buffet breakfast daily, a room upgrade upon arrival based on availability, and a complimentary bottle of wine and selection of tapas in the Banker's bar. A great value!   


MALLORCA

After the hectic pace in Barcelona, a short flight will take you to Palma, the capital city of the beautiful island of Mallorca. You will find a lot of contrasting scenery on this largest of the Balearic islands: mountains, beaches, olive groves, and rugged cliffs dropping into the blue sea. There are many historical and interesting sights to visit around the town of Palma. You must visit the gothic cathedral and admire the architectural elements, you can visit the house where Joan Miro lived out his later years, and see his studio which has been left untouched with many unfinished works on display. Miro was not the only famous resident who lived on Mallorca. Frederic Chopin wrote many letters about his winter in Mallorca which was purportedly spent with his mistress, George Sand. The current "favorite son" of the island has got to be Raphael Nadal, the famous tennis player. We were told that you know he is in residence when you see his red Ferrari speeding by.

We highly recommend a stay at La Residencia, an Orient-Express property, located in the charming village of Deia. It is less than an hour drive from the city of Palma, through spectacular scenery. The resort was a former residence, and is now one of the finest boutique hotels on Mallorca. The atmosphere is rustic and elegant. It is a very romantic place to celebrate a milestone birthday, anniversary or honeymoon. It is not just for couples as they receive many families and offer childrens' activities as well. The resort has several swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis courts and an award-winning spa on property. The views from the brand-new luxury suites are incredible, all with private terraces and either a swimming or plunge pool. The resort is built on a hillside, with views of the terracotta villages, green mountains, tall cypress trees and the sparkling blue-green sea in the distance. It does book up in season, so we recommend you reserve early!

Book with us and receive complimentary amenities: room upgrade, full breakfast daily, a bottle of Cava and a face and scalp massage! It can't get more relaxing than that! 


PORTOFINO

If a week in Italy is what you crave, check out the venerable Hotel Splendido. This grande dame has been presiding over the Portofino harbor since 1901. Its magnificent hillside location offers spectacular views of the sea below. You can watch the yachts come and go from your private terrace. The lobby and guest rooms are elegant and sophisticated.  Families are welcome and the kids are entertained in their new childrens' center, offering all types of activities. Even the family pet is welcome. The Splendido has gone as far as having a trained spa therapist available for providing "doggie massage", the latest for the pampered pooch! It gives new meaning to the phrase "full service spa". In addition to the beautiful pool, fitness center and spa, they provide transportation into the harbor town if you'd like to do a little shopping. If you'd rather walk, it only takes about 10 minutes to get down the hill.  There are several dining options serving fine Italian cuisine. You are sure to be charmed by Luca, the restaurant manager in La Terrazza. Trust him to recommend the specialties of the day and the appropriate wine accompaniment.

Complimentary Virtuoso amenities include: upgrade upon arrival, full breakfast daily and a $100 resort credit!    

Contact Bee Kalt Travel to book your next Mediterranean holiday!
email: travel@beekalt.com
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
http://www.beekalt.com/
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Chiang Rai, Thailand

The drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai in northern Thailand is filled with opportunities to experience Thai culture. Our four hour drive was leisurely so we were able to stop and see things along the way. We visited an elephant training center and some hill tribe villages. Many of these are refugee hilltribes that fled the political turmoil of neighboring Myanmar. They make their living by farming, weaving and selling handicrafts and trinkets.

We stopped at an overlook at the Golden Triangle, the area where three countries: Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers.   If the border is open, you can take a day trip over the bridge to the town of Tachilek in Myanmar. Here you will see the market filled with a huge variety of stalls selling everything from fruits and vegetables to "designer" jeans and purses. You can also observe the local village life, and visit a golden pagoda reminiscent of the famous pagodas you would see in Bagan. It's easy to cross the border, you just need your passport and 500 baht for a tourist visa.

Elephant polo, visits to temples, gardens and the unique Hall of Opium museum round out the activities available in and around Chiang Rai.

Our top choices of where to stay in the Chiang Rai/Golden Triangle area:

The Four Seasons Tented Camp is a unique resort made for the adventure-seeker who also has a requirement of luxury comforts. With only 15 tents, this is a very intimate lodge with each tent built into the hillside. The tents are exquisite and remind me of the luxury lodging I've seen in Southern Africa. They are beautifully furnished with leather furniture, hardwood floors, king beds and free-standing copper bathtubs. Some units have huge whirlpool tubs on the platform deck just outside the bedroom area. They are all set in the bamboo forest with fantastic views.

The experience starts as you are dropped off at the arrival area with a dock. You climb into a small, long-tailed boat and are ferried to the property on a scenic 10 minute ride. There is a lovely open-air restaurant where you take your meals, along with a bar at the opposite end of the resort used for pre-dinner and late evening cocktails. The spa is comprised of two massage pavilions, perched precariously off the side of the mountain. The rooms are beautiful with decks open to unobstructed views of the nature surrounding you.
A word of caution: you must be in fairly good physical condition and be able to navigate the many stairs involved in getting around this resort.

The Anantara resort is another great choice in the Golden Triangle. Set amongst jungle foliage, the rooms are housed in three-story buildings with lovely views of the valley below. In the morning I could hear the sound of elephants trumpeting as they took their morning baths! Amenities include a beautiful pool area, fitness room, and a full-service spa offering a huge variety of treatments.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Meridien Chiang Rai Resort. This hotel is located within the city of Chiang Rai along the banks of the Kok river. The rooms are very modern and comfortable. There are several dining venues to choose from - we enjoyed Favola, with its rustic Italian cuisine. The breakfast buffet is terrific with a huge variety of offerings. The resort pool is lovely and is a perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Book any of these fine resorts with Bee Kalt Travel and receive complimentary amenities during your stay. Please contact us for more information or to book your next stay in Thailand!

Bee Kalt Travel
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
Email: travel@beekalt.com
Website: http://www.beekalt.com/
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It's Better in the Bahamas!

This old slogan still rings true, especially if you are staying at the Atlantis Resort! I recently stayed at The Reef, the newest all-suite tower in the Atlantis Resort complex. The accommodations range from a studio to a one or two-bedroom suite. All suites have kitchenettes or fully-equipped kitchens. This makes it nice when traveling with the family, and the spacious rooms ensure that both the parents and kids will each have their own space. The suites are beautifully decorated and all have full balconies.

I also visited The Cove at the Atlantis. This place makes for a fabulous adult-only getaway, although you are welcome to bring the kids. There are a variety of suites in this building and they all have gorgeous marble baths. The Cove also has a Club Lounge for the Concierge level suites, serving complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day. The Cove has a family pool, which it shares with The Reef, in addition to the adult-only Cain at the Cove pool. This exclusive area has the feel of an outdoor nightclub, complete with day beds, a deejay, and gaming tables where you can play blackjack poolside!

Both of these resorts have access to the Aquaventure Water Parks at Atlantis, which thrill both children and adults alike!

Private Villa pool

If you're looking for something a little more private, you might consider a stay at the One and Only Ocean Club. This luxury resort is situated a short ride away from Atlantis and offers elegant ocean-view and garden-view accommodations. New to the resort are three private-use Villas, which can accommodate up to nine guests. Each exquisite home has it's own private infinity-edge pool, dedicated staff and a butler to attend to your every need. Guests of the Ocean Club can enjoy tennis, golf, fitness center and spa on property. The award-winning spa is not just any spa, you enjoy your treatments in your own Balinese-inspired private treatment villa.
Guests also have full access to the water activities and 21 restaurants of the Atlantis resort.  They provide complimentary transportation to and from Atlantis for Ocean Club guests.

No matter which resort you stay in, if you have teens, you must check out the ultra-cool nightclub for 13-17 year olds called CRUSH. This 14,000 square foot space uses state-of-the-art technology to create an internet lounge where the tables look like giant ipads, there are private gaming cabanas for the teens to challenge each other in the latest video games, and there is a cafe which serves up snacks and smoothies to order. The club has been very popular and they now have early-evening family hours where parents with younger children can go in and enjoy everything CRUSH has to offer.

Book your next stay at any of the above resorts with US and receive complimentary breakfast daily, plus an upgrade upon arrival based on availability!

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