New Travel Ideas

Each August we attend Travel Mart, where Virtuoso travel advisors come together with our hoteliers and suppliers from around the world. It is a fabulous opportunity to meet and establish personal relationships with the people who help us create memorable travel experiences for you, our clients. In addition to networking and training, we learn about what's new in the world of travel!

We have some great ideas for planning your next vacation:

Want to get away from it all on your own private island? Sir Richard Branson rents his home on Necker Island, in the BVI's for your exclusive use. You can invite up to 28 of your closest friends and family to join you at a rate of $53,000 per night. Price a little steep? Take advantage of their 'Celebration Weeks' in September, October and February. This gives couples a chance to experience the resort at the more affordable all-inclusive rate of $25,000 per week!

The Ritz Carlton Cancun now offers an optional all-inclusive program. You can enjoy their new extra wide sandy beach this winter, the result of a beach reclamation project.

Puerto Rico has a brand-new luxury resort opening this November in the Rio Grande area. Enjoy 2 miles of pristine beach, lakes, rivers, boating, biking, golf and more all at the St. Regis Bahia Beach. No passport is necessary for travel to San Juan!

A lovely country house called Coworth Park will be opening in September, just a 15 minute drive from London's Heathrow airport. Of note, Sony laptops will be provided for guest use complimentary in all of the rooms.
You can split your stay between here and central London, where at the Egerton House you can learn how to make the perfect martini from their famous barman, Antonio!

Interested in going a little further afield? We can arrange a trip to the North Pole! These expeditions depart April - July.

If you love wildlife, flora and nature, and have already been to Africa, may we suggest Orion Expedition Cruises? Check out their new itineraries to Borneo in August, September and December of 2011. The orangutans are waiting...

Book any of our Virtuoso partners with Bee Kalt Travel and you will receive VIP amenities, ranging from upgrades to complimentary breakfasts, spa services and more!

Contact our travel specialists today to arrange your next adventure!
Telephone: 248-288-9600
email: travel@beekalt.com

Seabourn Odyssey

Seabourn cruise line has five luxury ships sailing all over the world. Three of its ships are luxury yachts holding only 200 guests. Their two newest vessels, the Odyssey and the Sojourn, hold 450 guests and offer more dining and entertainment options than their smaller sisters.

I recently traveled on the Odyssey for a week, sailing from Istanbul,Turkey to Athens, Greece. This was my first visit to Turkey and I found the people to be exceedingly warm and welcoming. I enjoyed the ports of Dikili, Kusadasi (where we visited the ancient ruins of Ephesus) and Bodrum (a lovely harbor town known for its nightlife). The cruise line treated everyone to a evening concert at Ephesus. The ancient amphitheater provided a beautiful backdrop, lit by the sunset, as we listened to a classical music performance. These types of complimentary experiences are offered by Seabourn on many of their sailings.

The Odyssey is an all-suite ship, most with private verandahs. Everything is included in your cruise fare: all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and gratuities. You can take advantage of the gym and fitness classes at no extra charge and they even have complimentary self-service laundries aboard. The staff provides impeccable service and the gourmet dining is delicious, varied and abundant. The suites are very comfortable with marble baths and separate stall showers. There are magnificent suites to choose from, some with private whirlpool tubs and expansive balconies. There are connecting rooms available for families.

Cruise vacations give you the opportunity to visit many places with ease, and unpacking only once. You can visit the ports by going on ship-sponsored shore excursions or by booking a private guide. Visiting places with a knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance your experience. We can arrange private guides and touring in most cities around the world!

We truly enjoyed our days touring with guides from United Travel Services in Turkey. Nevzat in Istanbul and Fahti in Kusadasi were both able to give us so much information on the past history of the region and also modern day Turkey.
We also enjoyed "winging it" one day in Santorini. It's fun to walk down winding alleys and perhaps discover a little cafe or a great hidden gift shop!


Good to know: U.S. citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Turkey. Visas are easily obtained at the Istanbul airport upon arrival, for a fee of $20.00.


The cruise specialists at Bee Kalt Travel are ready to assist you with planning your next Seabourn cruise or cruise vacation.
Please give us a call at (248) 288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
www.beekalt.com

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is an exotic and exciting city at the crossroads of the world. This is the only city in the world straddling two continents, Europe and Asia. With its rich history of being the capital of three empires, there is so much to see and do while visiting here!

Spend a day touring mosques, synagogues, churches and palaces. Experience how the Sultans lived with a visit to the Topkapi Palace. Here you will see intricate tile work, rooms where the harem girls lived and a fabulous collection of jewels and decorative objects.

No visit to Istanbul would be complete without walking through the famous Grand Bazaar, with its selection of jewelry, ceramic tiles, leather goods, pashminas and, of course, Turkish rugs! Other activities could include a visit to the Spice Market, a ride on a gulet (traditional wooden sailboat), or pampering yourself with a real Turkish bath.

Where to stay? We have some fabulous recommendations. The Ciragan Palace is the site of an original 19th-century palace built by Sultan Abdulaziz. Many of the rooms and suites have views of the Bosphorus, which has a never-ending parade of ships, ferries and boats passing by.
The Four Seasons Bosphorus is just down the street and also has a perfect waterside location. This hotel opened just two years ago and has all of the amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel. Their sister property, the Four Seasons Istanbul, is located in town, in what was a former prison building.
The Ritz Carlton Istanbul stands on a hill with commanding views of the city and the Bosphorus strait. It has a wonderful spa and a beautiful indoor pool for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.

Book with Bee Kalt Travel and receive VIP amenities at all of these Virtuoso hotels: complimentary upgrades at check-in based on availability, complimentary breakfast, welcome gifts and more!

Please call our travel specialists today for more details!
Bee Kalt Travel (248)288-9600 or toll-free 1-800-284-5258
http://www.beekalt.com/

Club Med - a great family vacation!

This is not your mother's Club Med. Gone are the days of paying for drinks with beads and the spartan rooms with unlocked doors. Club Med, in its current incarnation, is a fabulous all-inclusive resort with renovated rooms and exclusive suites. It is a perfect place to take the family, or a multi-generational family group!

The many Club Med resorts located in the Caribbean or Mexico offer a variety of activities to keep everyone in the family happy: sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, spa, fitness classes and even a circus school! All of this plus gourmet dining, beverages and nightly entertainment included in one price.

Celebrate a special occasion or just take a well-deserved vacation. Take advantage of the WOW sale going on now: 7 night all-inclusive land package starting at only $799.00 per person!
Call us today to book your next Club Med Vacation!
Sale ends August 30th, good for travel through December 16, 2010.

For more information please contact the travel specialists at Bee Kalt Travel!
Phone: 248-288-9600 or toll-free 1-800-284-5258
www.beekalt.com

Travel Insurance

In these turbulent times Mother Nature has thrown at us earthquakes, floods, mudslides, and volcanic eruptions. All of these unfortunate events have hampered travel in recent months. This is the perfect time to remind you of the importance of travel insurance. It is the unexpected that you are protecting yourself against. Most insurance policies cover you if you can't travel due to an illness, or a death of an immediate family member. In addition there are plans you can purchase to cover you against penalties for cancellation for any reason, for business reasons, and even some that will cover traveling pets!

Rates of coverage are based upon the traveler's age and the cost of the trip. It is usually a minimum cost which will provide peace of mind and protect your travel investment. You shouldn't have to worry before or during your vacation!

Contact the travel specialists at Bee Kalt Travel for more information about travel insurance or to plan your next vacation!
phone 248-288-9600, email: travel@beekalt.com
www.beekalt.com

Phinda Game Reserve - KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

This 56,800 acre private game reserve is managed by andBeyond, formerly known as CCAfrica. This company runs luxury safari camps and lodges all over East and Southern Africa. Phinda is an hour and 45 minute flight from Johannesburg. It can also be accessed by road from Durban, or the smaller Richard's Bay airport or seaport.

There are four lodges and two private use homes located on the Phinda reserve. Each has its own personality to appeal to different people and tastes. Vlei lodge is perfect for couples or honeymooners. Only six individual romantic suites comprise this property, each with its own private plunge pool and views of the open grasslands. You can watch the Nyala and Kudu grazing in the fields from the privacy and comfort of your own verandah.

I loved my chalet at the Forest lodge. At first glance, these rooms reminded me of the cabins I stay in at a family camp in Northern Michigan. All similarities stopped as soon as I climbed the steps to the porch, complete with lovely outdoor seating area. Sliding glass doors lead to a newly renovated suite, in calming colors of cream and beige. Comfy sofas, fluffy comforters, terracotta-colored tiled baths with free standing tub and separate shower all made for a wonderfully luxurious haven to retire to. The room was equipped with everything you could possibly need in, or out of, the bush: I-pod docking station, plugs to charge your batteries and cell phone (if you're so inclined), air conditioning, safe, fully-stocked minibar (included), robes and slippers.

The location of Forest lodge, in a tree-filled sand forest, was a very different environment than that of the Mountain lodge. The family-friendly Mountain lodge is perched high atop a hill with sweeping views of the entire reserve. The beautifully renovated rooms and suites are scattered throughout the property, connected by stone pathways that meander between waterfalls and lush vegetation. Each suite has a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, spacious living areas and ensuite baths. I was impressed by the included bath amenities: in addition to the usual soaps and shampoos, Phinda also provides a wonderful body scrub (perfect after a dusty game drive!) and citronella oil. Luckily, I didn't need the latter item because I never saw a mosquito! The main lodge is centered around a peaceful courtyard and houses the dining room, bar, gift shop and internet lounge.

My favorite choice for families or a group of friends traveling together would be to stay at the Homestead. This stylish, private safari villa has a dedicated team of staff, including a private ranger, tracker, butler and chef. All this to cater just to you and your guests! This is the perfect place for someone looking for very personal service in an intimate atmosphere.

To book your next adventure to Phinda Game Reserve, call the African Specialists at Bee Kalt Travel!
Phone 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
www.beekalt.com
email: shari@beekalt.com

Tip: During the South African Winter months of May - August, it can get very cold in the early morning and evening, especially when driving in an open-air vehicle. We recommend dressing in layers, and include a warm hat, scarf and gloves in your packing list! In the afternoon, when the sun is high in the sky, it's warm enough to swim, so toss in that bathing suit too!

Singita Sabi Sand

My African adventure continues! I left the eco-lodges behind to head for the bush in South Africa, specifically, to the ultimate in safari lodges, Singita. The Singita name is synonymous with unsurpassed luxury. Wine cellars, gourmet five-course tasting menus, fitness center and spa, expansive suites with private plunge pools. If you can tear yourself away from your suite, they offer fabulous game drives each day.

If you prefer a little pampering while on safari, Singita is the perfect choice. I flew to the Sabi Sand game reserve on a Federal Air charter direct to the Singita airstrip. I left Johannesburg, and in less than an hour, I was greeted by the charming Marc, my guide for the next two days. Upon arrival at Singita Ebony, I was welcomed with a cold towel and drink, and taken to my suite. The decor is Colonial in style with dark woods and rich-colored fabrics. I had a cozy sitting area with fireplace, gorgeous four poster bed, indoor/outdoor showers, deep-soaking tub, dressing area and a huge deck with my own private pool. The room had a wall of windows facing the grasslands, through which I could watch the passing wildlife.

No time to relax before the afternoon game drive! A lovely tea is set out prior to the drive, this one included mini hamburgers and bite-size stuffed potatoes. Off to the bush with Marc expertly driving, and Mishack, tracking from his perch on the front of the safari vehicle. I had a fantastic game-viewing experience while at Singita. I saw the Big 5: Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino, in addition to giraffe, warthogs, zebra, impala and more. I learn something new every time. On this particular game drive, I learned that a group of rhino is called a "crash" of rhino. Do you know what a group of giraffe is called? (see answer below)

Sundowners are a tradition while on safari in Africa. You take a break from your drive, usually as the sun is going down, and enjoy a cool drink. Again, Singita proves to take these moments very seriously. No beer and pretzels here, I was served a selection of pates and dips to go along with my favorite safari drink, the classic Gin and Tonic.

More surprises awaited, as we drove up to a candlelit dinner set up under the stars for all of the guests at the lodge. A decadent five-course meal with wine pairings was the perfect finish to this perfect day!

Our clients receive VIP amenities of a Spa or Gift shop voucher and an exclusive gift only when booking with us. If you would like to know more about Singita or African Safaris, call me today!
Bee Kalt Travel 248-288-9600
http://www.beekalt.com/

(answer: a journey of giraffe!)