As a honeymoon specialist, I recommend various destinations to brides and grooms. Many clients prefer tropical island destinations. Tahiti and Bora Bora are my top recommendations, if the destinations are within my clients' honeymoon budget. Bora Bora is the most exotic island in the Pacific. It is located 143 miles northwest of Tahiti. You can fly to Papeete, Tahiti and take an interisland flight, helicopter, or ferry to Bora Bora. The island's mountainous interior is surround by a lagoon. Bora Bora is a perfect destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking, too! Catch some rays on their white sand beaches! Other activities include lagoon exploration, kayaking, jet skiing, 4 x 4 safari, deep sea fishing, jetboat tours, fine dining, and shopping. You cannot leave Bora Bora without a Tahitian pearl.
Bora Bora has some of the most picturesque accommodations: overwater bungalows. I posted a few hotel/resort recommendations for Bora Bora on Twitter a few weeks ago (i.e., Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Le Meridien Bora Bora, Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana, Hilton Bora Bora). Some accommodations have bungalows that are "over the water." The bungalows have a thatched roof and are built on stilts. Some bungalow amenities include a glass coffee table. You will be able to see colorful schools of fish. Bungalows have modern amenities like a DVD player and a television. Some bungalows have kitchens. Don't want to leave your cozy, romantic bungalow for breakfast? You can have your breakfast "canoed" to you. Breakfast is brought to your bungalow by Tahitian hotel staff on a canoe. (Travel agent Lori Danner mentioned the canoe breakfast in her blog: http://crownkingtravel.wordpress.com.) Here is a sample honeymoon package: flight to Papeete, Tahiti, one night stay on Tahiti, interisland flight to Bora Bora, welcome flower lei upon arrival, accommodations on Bora Bora, ground transfers, and all taxes included. I can customize your honeymoon package by adding a private dinner on the beach, breakfast and dinner daily, daytime or sunset cruise aboard a catamaran, and more! A honeymoon is one of the most memorable times in your life. Why not enjoy it on Bora Bora!
Beach
Oahu
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Your Caribbean Travel Specialist
Traveling to the Caribbean...interesting history, tropical climate, exotic plants and animals, great cuisine, lively music, turquoise waters, calm or busy nightlife--the Caribbean has it all! I have vacationed on the Caribbean islands of Anguilla, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bequia, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Honduras, Jamaica, St. Barths, St. Lucia, St. Maarten/St. Martin, and St. Vincent. In addition, I have taken professional courses and received "destination specialist" certifications for the Islands of the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands (including Master Specialist-Family Travel), and the Dominican Republic. Not only vacationing in the Caribbean, but attending travel trade shows, destination trips, and participating in webinars has helped enhance my knowledge of the Caribbean. Also, I have attended live destination seminars for Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Each time I visited a Caribbean island, I seem to always want to go back. I have visited St. Lucia and Grand Cayman twice.
When booking Caribbean destinations for my clients I rely on my own experience, other travel agents' reviews, and customer hotel reviews to recommend to my clients. There is so much information available and I find it. When recommending hotels/resorts, I want to meet my clients' needs and make sure that they are in a safe environment that meets their budget. Sometimes, I contact the destination's tourism bureau or destination sales manager to inquire about specials or other client incentives. Also, my business relationship with marketing personnel on Twitter and Facebook are a great asset. Sometimes, tweeters provide links to coupons which I extend to my clients. When you are traveling, every discount, including 10% off helps. The most important benefits that I provide to my clients who book with me are personalized travel customer service, accuracy of travel documents, and stress-free itineraries.
If you are considering traveling to the Caribbean, please feel free to send me an email or call me so we can discuss your vacation plans in detail.
Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
Caribbean Travel Specialist
When booking Caribbean destinations for my clients I rely on my own experience, other travel agents' reviews, and customer hotel reviews to recommend to my clients. There is so much information available and I find it. When recommending hotels/resorts, I want to meet my clients' needs and make sure that they are in a safe environment that meets their budget. Sometimes, I contact the destination's tourism bureau or destination sales manager to inquire about specials or other client incentives. Also, my business relationship with marketing personnel on Twitter and Facebook are a great asset. Sometimes, tweeters provide links to coupons which I extend to my clients. When you are traveling, every discount, including 10% off helps. The most important benefits that I provide to my clients who book with me are personalized travel customer service, accuracy of travel documents, and stress-free itineraries.
If you are considering traveling to the Caribbean, please feel free to send me an email or call me so we can discuss your vacation plans in detail.
Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
Caribbean Travel Specialist
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Hotel Derek (Houston) Review
Hotel Derek is located near the Galleria area in Houston, TX. You can walk to the Galleria, Starbucks, LePeep Restaurant, Sullivan's Steakhouse, and other stores and restaurants. There are 314 rooms that include suites and business studio rooms. The hotel itself is "boutique chic" with trendy decor and furnishings. My room was located on the 12th floor on the "Westheimer Road side." The street is sooo busy. The noise sounded like I was in a New York hotel in Times Square. I think the hotel could have done a better job at sound-proofing the room. Nevertheless, the king bedroom has ample space, a desk, clock/radio/IPod docking station, windows with a handle for you to roll-up the shades, long sofa attached to the wall of the windows, mini-bar (key accessible), and snack center. The bed was very comfortable with at least 4 pillows. The plug outlets are not accessible if you'd like to charge your cell phone. I had to plug my cell phone into the outlet located near the desk.
The bar, "Vino," is a contemporary bar with fine liquors and creative drink choices. I ordered food at Vino. The chicken ravioli was delicious! Good homemade pasta! I didn't explore any other aspects of the hotel.
Dining: The hotel restaurant is called Valentino. Vino is located in Valentino. Parking: If you have a vehicle, it MUST be valeted. There is no self-parking. Parking is $9.00 and overnight parking is $19.00.
I would recommend this hotel for the ages 20-30. Be sure to request a room on the opposite side of Westheimer Road, if you are a light sleeper or just want a quiet room.
Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
The bar, "Vino," is a contemporary bar with fine liquors and creative drink choices. I ordered food at Vino. The chicken ravioli was delicious! Good homemade pasta! I didn't explore any other aspects of the hotel.
Dining: The hotel restaurant is called Valentino. Vino is located in Valentino. Parking: If you have a vehicle, it MUST be valeted. There is no self-parking. Parking is $9.00 and overnight parking is $19.00.
I would recommend this hotel for the ages 20-30. Be sure to request a room on the opposite side of Westheimer Road, if you are a light sleeper or just want a quiet room.
Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
Thursday, February 17, 2011
CuisinArt Resort and Spa (Anguilla) Review
The Cuisinart Resort and Spa is located on the island of Anguilla. Anguilla is located in the Eastern Caribbean, near St. Martin. Anguilla is 200 miles east of Puerto Rico.
I felt truly welcomed at this beautiful Greek architecture (see picture 1) inspired resort. The management staff (i.e., General Manager, Spa Manager, Grounds Keeper, Hydroponic Gardens Manager, Sommelier) is exceptional. The resort hosts a Managers' Reception on certain days and the management staff gets to know you "one on one." I was so full from the foods at the Manager's Reception that I didn't need to eat dinner. Several portions of shrimp and crab were served along with plenty of red and white wine. I had the most interesting conversation with the Sommelier. He is well-renowned.
CuisinArt Resort and Spa is unique because of it's hydroponic garden vegetables (see picture 3). These vegetables are grown without soil. I took a tour of this area. There is a special mat that you must dredge your feet on before stepping onto the grounds in the area. I felt like I was in "la la vegetable land." Rooms: There are 93 rooms and suites. The room I stayed in was spacious with a living area, walk-in closet with robe and slippers. My balcony faced the ocean. When I arrived, I had several pieces of chocolate and some rum waiting for me. Raining outside? You won't get wet. There is a full-size "CuisinArt Resort and Spa" umbrella in each room. The bathroom was gorgeous! I felt like a queen and never wanted to leave my room. The pool area was sooo relaxing. You can walk down toward the beach to the beachside bar. Great bar tenders and drinks.
Dining: You can view my breakfast pic in my photos of Anguilla. I had an egg white souffle spinach and tomatoes (see picture 2). The vegetables came from the hydroponic garden. You can take cooking classes from the chef. Register for the classes before you arrive at the resort. They fill up quickly.
Spa: Just walk in and breathe, "Ahh." I had a facial and scalp message at the Venus Spa. I met the Spa Manager at the Manager's Reception. The receptionists were very friendly and genuinely interested in providing services. The facial was rejuvenating. I didn't want to leave Venus Spa. Great service! The property was just spectacular and positioned right on the beach! I felt like I was in Greece because of the structure of the buildings. There is an area where you can play checkers or chess with gigantic pieces that you have to move with both hands. I would recommend CuisinArt Resort and Spa to a client who is accustomed to receiving exceptional service, having a great dining experience, and the enjoying the best wine selections.
Kimberly Fountain,
Destination Specialist
Email: kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
Photos of my trip to Anguilla: www.sdestinationstravel.com, click on My Trips, All Albums, Anguilla
I felt truly welcomed at this beautiful Greek architecture (see picture 1) inspired resort. The management staff (i.e., General Manager, Spa Manager, Grounds Keeper, Hydroponic Gardens Manager, Sommelier) is exceptional. The resort hosts a Managers' Reception on certain days and the management staff gets to know you "one on one." I was so full from the foods at the Manager's Reception that I didn't need to eat dinner. Several portions of shrimp and crab were served along with plenty of red and white wine. I had the most interesting conversation with the Sommelier. He is well-renowned.
CuisinArt Resort and Spa is unique because of it's hydroponic garden vegetables (see picture 3). These vegetables are grown without soil. I took a tour of this area. There is a special mat that you must dredge your feet on before stepping onto the grounds in the area. I felt like I was in "la la vegetable land." Rooms: There are 93 rooms and suites. The room I stayed in was spacious with a living area, walk-in closet with robe and slippers. My balcony faced the ocean. When I arrived, I had several pieces of chocolate and some rum waiting for me. Raining outside? You won't get wet. There is a full-size "CuisinArt Resort and Spa" umbrella in each room. The bathroom was gorgeous! I felt like a queen and never wanted to leave my room. The pool area was sooo relaxing. You can walk down toward the beach to the beachside bar. Great bar tenders and drinks.
Dining: You can view my breakfast pic in my photos of Anguilla. I had an egg white souffle spinach and tomatoes (see picture 2). The vegetables came from the hydroponic garden. You can take cooking classes from the chef. Register for the classes before you arrive at the resort. They fill up quickly.
Spa: Just walk in and breathe, "Ahh." I had a facial and scalp message at the Venus Spa. I met the Spa Manager at the Manager's Reception. The receptionists were very friendly and genuinely interested in providing services. The facial was rejuvenating. I didn't want to leave Venus Spa. Great service! The property was just spectacular and positioned right on the beach! I felt like I was in Greece because of the structure of the buildings. There is an area where you can play checkers or chess with gigantic pieces that you have to move with both hands. I would recommend CuisinArt Resort and Spa to a client who is accustomed to receiving exceptional service, having a great dining experience, and the enjoying the best wine selections.
Kimberly Fountain,
Destination Specialist
Email: kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
Photos of my trip to Anguilla: www.sdestinationstravel.com, click on My Trips, All Albums, Anguilla
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Client Past Booking
I had a client who was looking for a close international destination getaway. My client lives in Houston, TX. This person was referred to me. The client preferred that I make recommendations regarding the destination getaway.
In order to establish her vacation preferences, I asked questions like: do you want to stay at an all-inclusive resort, do you want to stay on a beachfront property, what is your room type preference (oceanview, oceanfront, garden view), spa on property, what type of activities are you interested in (jet skiing, snorkeling, island tour), etc.
Based on her responses and my recommendations, she booked a 4-night getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The decision was based on the photos that I have of the resort (located on my website) and the flight time of travel from Houston to Cabo. Upon her return, I completed a post-vacation follow-up (sent a welcome back postcard and called). She absolutely LOVED the resort and the entire vacation. I vividly recall this booking particularly because my client relied upon my recommendations and was easy to work with. Also, I helped save my client money by providing the least expensive vacation package without sacrificing quality and provided spa certificates valued at $300. Since then, she refers me to her friends and will utilize my services in the future.
In order to establish her vacation preferences, I asked questions like: do you want to stay at an all-inclusive resort, do you want to stay on a beachfront property, what is your room type preference (oceanview, oceanfront, garden view), spa on property, what type of activities are you interested in (jet skiing, snorkeling, island tour), etc.
Based on her responses and my recommendations, she booked a 4-night getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The decision was based on the photos that I have of the resort (located on my website) and the flight time of travel from Houston to Cabo. Upon her return, I completed a post-vacation follow-up (sent a welcome back postcard and called). She absolutely LOVED the resort and the entire vacation. I vividly recall this booking particularly because my client relied upon my recommendations and was easy to work with. Also, I helped save my client money by providing the least expensive vacation package without sacrificing quality and provided spa certificates valued at $300. Since then, she refers me to her friends and will utilize my services in the future.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
2011 Emerging Vacation Trends
It appears that people are booking vacations (mostly cruises) for 2011 and are starting to book at least 6 months in advance. Most of my clients' vacations are big trips with fewer vacation days. For example, I have clients who are taking Disney cruise vacations for 3 nights instead of 6 nights.
I receive a lot of requests for travel to the Caribbean; particularly, Jamaica. I'm recommending my clients to venture out to the Dominican Republic and to Turks and Caicos. My clients seem to want to travel to a "close" Caribbean destination, where there is beautiful blue or turquoise water, and lots fun activities.
The most surprising aspect for my clients who opt not to cruise is the cost of airfare. Airfare is expensive. Nevertheless, I'm glad to see people have a desire to treat themselves to a well-deserved vacation, and I am honored to accommodate their desires.
Kimberly FountainDestination SpecialistEmail: kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
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