THE DESTINATION GAZETTE NEWSLETTER

SUMMER 2008

Oh, those long sunny days of summer!  Summertime makes me think of ice cream, outdoor barbeques, family vacations and also those yearly home & lawn improvement projects.  All throughout my neighborhood, I saw my neighbors getting new roofs, driveways, windows and flooring as well as re-doing their landscaping with beautiful brick work edging and colored rocks.  Homeowners do yearly summertime projects not only for necessary repairs, but, also to either update their home's appearance or give it more "curb appeal".  They want to create a unique look to make their homes stand out amongst the rest.

Just like homeowners, we also see the various sectors of the travel industry make necessary updates and changes to attract interest in future customers and reservations.  As the years go by, the needs and expectations of travelers are constantly changing and evolving and the travel industry needs to keep up with these changes as well.  Whether it is a cruise line, resort, or even a destination itself, our summer edition will talk about some of the new, innovative, and exciting changes in our industry.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN-OASIS OF THE SEAS

Towards the end of 2009, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line will come out with its latest ship, the Oasis of the Seas.  The Oasis of the Seas will not be just any ship, she will be the most innovative and imaginative ship to the cruise industry.  The 5400 passenger vessel will have 37 different types of accommodations, seven distinctive neighborhoods, the first amphitheater overlooking the ocean, "The Aqua Theater", with the world's largest fresh water pool found on a ship, a zip line which spans diagonally across the open air atrium nine decks above the Boardwalk, an ice bar and much more!  Of the various new types of accommodations, there will be 28 contemporary, two level, loft suites.  Each loft suite will feature spectacular views of the ocean with floor to ceiling double height windows.  The seven distinctive neighborhoods will feature "Central park", "The Boardwalk" and "The Royal Promenade" as well a four other neighborhoods which revolve around entertainment, youth passengers, sports and spa/fitness.  The Oasis of the Seas will be not only a great vacation for individuals, but, an excellent choice for family reunions or weddings!  Availability for the Oasis of the Seas will begin September 3, 2008.  Please call us ahead of time with your requests as she will book rather quickly.

IBEROSTAR GRAND HOTEL PARAISO-CANCUN, RIVIERA MAYA

Just when you though it could not get any better, the Iberostar Resorts and Hotels opened their latest resort, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso in Cancun, Riviera May.  The new, all adult, resort has 312 spacious luxurious appointed suites, personalized butler and concierge services, beach and pool side butlers, 3 magnificent pool settings, 6 bars serving premium liquors and imported beers, unlimited fine dining at your choice of 4 a la carte restaurants plus international market buffet, world class spa experiences, an international shopping plaza, an 18 hole P.B. Dye designed championship golf course and much more!  Additionally,  the resort offers clinics and classes such as cooking, wine tasting, yoga and Tai Chi, spinning, fitness, tennis, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving and dance!

During the summer, our clients, Mireya Mata-Donnelly and her three sisters, Rosa Vazquez, Leticia Mata & Sylvia Mata stayed at this fabulous resort for 7 nights.  When I spoke with Mireya upon her return she said, "It was the best ever!  It was fantastic!  The all adults environment was great; it was calm and serene.  Additionally, we received great service; the wait staff was very catering to the customers.  The food was delicious, the bars served top quality liquor and there was a great variety of music and evening entertainment.  Our "Butler Button" on our telephone was a new and welcomed amenity.  The butler explained how everything in the room worked, customized our mini bar to our preferences, advised us to make all of our dinner reservations for the week with the concierge, and delivered our customized pillows ordered from our pillow menu".

ST. PETERSBURG AND CLEARWATER, FLORIDA

If you have not vacationed to the area of St. Petersburg and Clearwater in Florida lately, you are in for quite a surprise.  Over the last year, in preparation for the Super Bowl in February, 2009, these two areas have gone through a resounding revitalization.  The gulf side of Florida's coast provides some of America's top beaches.  Fort De Soto park (voted America's #1 Beach 2005)and Caladesi Island State Park (voted America's #2 Beach 2006 & 2007), as well as eight other beaches, offer the purveyors of sand a variety of experiences from serene, pristine, undeveloped, classic, massive, excitement and great for fishing!

Also, the Clearwater Beach Walk, Clearwater's new broad, winding beach promenade will offer a unique environment for pedestrians, who will find themselves surrounded by resorts, sidewalk cafes, boutiques, street entertainment and artwork.  Upon Beach Walk's completion, Gulfview Boulevard will have moved closer to the water and palm trees, new street furniture and lush landscaping will border the meandering two lane drive.

Downtown St. Petersburg now offers great culinary experiences, live music at more than a dozen venues, local theatres, a farmer's market, cigar bars, pubs and much more!  With regard to accommodations, St. Petersburg and Clearwater will have choices from luxury to economic family friendly.  Now open, on Clearwater Beach, is the new luxury Sandpearl Resort which boasts a world class spa, signature cuisine and life enriching programs.  Also, the Don Cesar Beach Resort, a Loews Hotel, will open a brand new 12,000 foot spa and Hyatt Resorts currently has under construction on a new resort to open on Clearwater Beach.

With regard to family friendly properties, the Alden Beach Resort, offers 142 spacious, well appointed, gulf front, poolside and courtyard 1 bedroom suites each with fully equipped kitchens.  Also, the Sirata Beach Resort, on 13 natural beachfront acres, offers a wide variety of accommodations including 170 one bedroom suites.

THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Recently, I attended a travel trade show with the Hawaiian Convention and Visitors Bureau.  I spoke with many of the resort representatives from the different islands and came to the conclusion now is the time to travel to Hawaii!  Between mid September to mid December 2008, many resorts are offering free nights, free meals and resort credits, all at the same time!  It is truly an exceptional value to travel to Hawaii during this time period.  Also, a trip to the Hawaiian Islands is a unique experience not found in our other 49 states.  Below please find some of the recent updates for the different islands.

OAHU-Over the last two years there has been a continuing revitalization project in the downtown Waikiki Beach area known as the Waikiki Beach Walk.  Many already established resorts in this area, for example, the Outrigger Reef, had major refurbishments done to their accommodations, restaurants, services provided and resort amenities.  Also, much needed new family friendly resorts were added such as the Embassy Suites Waikiki.  By the end of this fall, the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center project will be completely re-done.  Besides offering unique shopping and dining, the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center will provide visitors with a genuine Hawaiian experience.  Visitors can enjoy their free torch lighting ceremonies, live Hawaiian entertainment and Polynesian Cultural Center show every evening at 6P.  Also one can share in the local culture with free ukulele & hula lessons and lei & Hawaiian quilt making.  It is an experience like no other on the island.  Additionally, a new attraction "Waikiki Nei" a visually stunning and emotionally moving panorama of live performance will take audiences on a journey through the evolution of Waikiki from its legendary past to the present.  Waikiki Nei has enlisted dancers, musicians, acrobats and actors that will blend with cutting edge lighting sound, stage machinery and automation.  After nightly showings, the theatre converts into an upscale nightclub.  Level 4 Nightclub and Ultra Lounge will feature a 4,500 square foot dance floor, world renowned DJs, a 116 foot screen and an array of performances and aerial acts.  For the gourmet lover, Waikiki now offers evening progressive gourmet food tours as well as during lunchtime, the famous "Hole in the Wall" food tours.  Lastly, join locals and visitors alike on the first Friday of every month for Chinatown and downtown galleries, museums and studios are open late to the public for this popular event.

KAUAI-There will be a new St. Regis Resort to open in April 2009 in the Princeville area.  Also, Ko'a-Kea Hotel and Resort, a boutique, luxury, and beachfront resort will open at the end of this month in Poipu.  The Waimea Plantation Cottages will now offer a new full service spa and the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is open and offers studio, 1 & 2 bedroom condos.  On Friday nights 16 different galleries in the town of Hanapepe are open late.  Also, please enjoy the Waimea Plantation Tours on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays as well as the Kapaa History Walk Tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  

MAUI-Have some family fun and enjoy some new cultural experiences at the breakfast luau at the Old Lahaina Resort.  Learn how to hula, make poi and throw spears like the ancient Hawaiians.  Also, take the self guided tour of Legends and the Historical Trail from the Kaanapali Beach Resort, Maui's most Hawaiian resort.  Immerse yourself in the local markets and products produced from Maui farm owners; join a lavender or culinary tour and get a look into the local agritourism.  Ho'olei at Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa introduced the addition of private luxury town homes.  Adjacent to the resort, this provides opportunity for guests to vacation in deluxe, 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath town homes and enjoy access to all of the amenities of the Grand Wailea Resort.

BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII-The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii now offers a new riding experience, "Stand Up Surfing".  Guests learn how to stand on a surfboard & paddle for a total body workout.  Its new "Surf, Sand & Spa" day package includes a lesson, oceanfront spa treatment & box lunch.  The Queen's MarketPlace Waikoloa has had major renovations with a new gourmet marketplace, cultural garden and family friendly atmosphere; it is now about 80% complete.  The popular Tuscan-inspired restaurant showcases Italian cuisine with indoor & patio seating for lunch, cocktails and dinner and extensive menu.  Did you know 2008 was the year of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy)?  Take a drive to the famous Parker Ranch and join in the celebrations.

SAN DIEGO-The city of San Diego is one of the best places to visit in the United States.  Visitors love the constant warm weather, easy-going atmosphere, distinctive neighborhoods, great food and sightseeing.  Now, visitors are given one more reason to visit San Diego; its cruise terminal on the Big Bay.  With 9 cruise lines serving San Diego and more varied itineraries than ever before, the San Diego B Street Cruise Ship Terminal on the Big Bay is an ideal place to begin or end your journey!  Whether you are a land or cruise lover, I am sure you will find out what a great destinations San Diego is; our clients Barbara Davis and Wayne Betz did on their vacation this year.  "We had never been to San Diego before and found the weather to be very nice & warm, the people friendly, the restaurants great, the scenery beautiful and the sightseeing terrific.  We were so impressed by the public transportation system it was nice to not have to rent an automobile".

2010 OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY-Destinations by Dixon will have group space for the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play.  Please join us and Collette Vacations for the "Alpine Explorer with the Glacier Express & Oberammergau Passion Play",  9 nights, June 22 to July 2, 2010.  Our tour will highlight the following destinations: Stresa (Lake Maggiore), Lugano, Zermatt, Glacier Express Train Ride, St. Moritz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich and the Oberammergau Passion Play.  Land only rates based on double occupancy are $3,499.00 per person and the cancellation waiver and insurance (for the land only) is $250.00 per person.  As we get nearer to the departure we will be able to receive quotes for group air space and also for the roundtrip transfers.  Please contact Pam Dixon for more information.