If one is by land and two is by sea, then three must be by air – preferably in a gondola soaring through the snow-capped mountains of Whistler, British Columbia. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts invite us to enjoy nature at its sensational best as the luxury hotel brand delivers exhilarating packages that celebrate breathtaking locations, pay tribute to their decades-long commitment to responsible tourism and connect us to the very best each destinations have to offer. Whether trekking Bermuda’s rugged coastline, exploring the tree canopies of Nairobi, snorkeling through the coral reefs of Hawai’i or cycling through the ancient hutongs of Beijing, when we book this year’s series of land, sea, air and more adventures, we will experience Fairmont’s destinations like never before.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ series of Reconnect with the Great Outdoors packages can be booked by visiting Fairmont Great Outdoors or calling 1-888-560-4455. Here are some to wet your appetite…
UNITED STATES
In Hawai’i they say: E mālama pono ke kai - Take care of the ocean! With this in mind, Maui’s Fairmont Kea Lani has created their Suite-to-Reef package which offers us the opportunity to explore amazing fish and coral reefs, while also learning how to identify and protect them. The package includes accommodation in a one-bedroom suite, ocean-themed welcome amenity, complimentary snorkel gear for the entire stay, Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Eco Tour for two adults, 90-minute snorkel excursion on a traditional 6-passenger sailing canoe, waterproof camera to capture underwater memories, waterproof species ID card and reef-safe sunscreen. Available year-round, rates start from $649 USD.
For those seeking an “in-depth” experience in the calm waters of Hawaii’s Pauoa Bay, The Fairmont Orchid’s Room-to-Reef package fits the bill. We will enjoy the pristine reef by partaking in a two-hour snorkeling adventure with a Hui Holokai Beach Club Ambassador, capture breathtaking photos of the vibrant undersea life - including the endangered Honu (Green Sea Turtle) - with a waterproof camera and learn tips on how to preserve the reef through the hotel’s newly formed partnership with the Coral Reef Alliance. The package also includes accommodation and a coral reef themed amenity. Available year-round (excluding December 20, 2013 – January 4, 2014), rates start from $759 USD.
Feed both mind and body with The Fairmont Dallas’ Nature & Nurture Getaway package. Learn about natural history and more through interactive exhibits and exciting programming at the new Perot Museum of Nature & Science, then explore the lush scenery of Klyde Warren Park, a nearby urban deck park offering daily yoga and exercise classes, walking trails and outdoor games. The package includes accommodation, two tickets to the Perot Museum of Nature & Science and a welcome amenity including an environmentally friendly tumbler - perfect for rehydrating - and a reusable tote bag. When you arrive in a hybrid vehicle, receive complimentary overnight valet parking. Available through December 31, 2013, rates start from $179 USD.
With Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge’s Telluride Historical Walking Tour, discover Telluride through the eyes of local expert Ashley Boling. This offer explores the unique past of this mining town turned festival destination and “most scenic” ski town. The package includes accommodation so you can spread out in a two- or three-bedroom suite, two tickets for the walking tour and entry to the Telluride Historical Museum, complimentary airport transportation from Telluride or Montrose airports and/or complimentary valet parking and Monday night welcome reception. Additionally, $25 USD from each package booked is donated to the museum. Available June 1 – August 31, 2013, the package can be added to any reservation for an additional $100 USD. Room rates start from $250 USD with a minimum three-night stay.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium are home to thousands of amazing animals representing more than 400 species from around the world, including 22 that are threatened or endangered. From the zoo’s African Lions and Komodo Dragons to the aquarium’s Leafy Sea Dragons and Red Bellied Piranhas, we can spend the day exploring the wildlife then retire to the luxury of Fairmont Pittsburgh. The package includes accommodation, four tickets to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and a commemorative stuffed sea turtle. Additionally, $25 USD from each package booked is donated to the zoo’s Sea Turtle Second Chance Program, which rehabilitates injured turtles and releases them back into the wild. Available June, July and August 2013, Thursday - Sunday, rates start from $299 USD.
CANADA
Whistler’s PEAK 2 PEAK gondola is an engineering marvel that links Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains together at their crests. Boasting the longest unsupported lift span in the world (1.88 miles) it is also the highest lift of its kind, soaring 1,427 feet above ground and with glass bottomed cabins that offer a new take on the term sightseeing. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Eco Adventure package invites you to take in the amazing views from the gondola after exploring the area’s more down-to-earth attractions. The package includes two-night’s accommodation, picnic lunch for two, gondola passes for two and a sustainable welcome amenity. Available May 21 - October 14, 2013, rates start from $299 CAD per person.
Banff National Park’s spectacular alpine ecosystem provides the ideal setting for The Fairmont Banff Springs’ Eco Hiking Adventure package. This unique offer includes passes to hike the Sunshine Meadows and will provide up close and personal sightings of the park’s famed big horn sheep, majestic elk, deer and maybe a bear or two. Next, enjoy a ride up to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola where we can enjoy a picnic lunch for two with bio-degradable cutlery and reusable water bottles coupled with breathtaking scenery for as far as the eye will allow. For each package booked, $25 CAD is donated to the Friends of Banff National Park organization. Available June 14 - September 15, 2013, rates start from $379 CAD with a minimum two-night stay required.
Working alongside the Vancouver Aquarium, Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Ocean Wise package reflects the organizations’ joint commitment to educating and empowering consumers about making sustainable seafood choices. With a dedication to minimizing their footprint on the planet, the hotel takes a holistic approach to sustainability with a package that includes accommodation, complimentary use of the hotel’s BMW bicycles, admission to the Vancouver Aquarium, and dinner for two at the hotel’s restaurant ORU Cuisine, an Ocean Wise member featuring food of the Pacific Northwest and flavors of the Pacific Rim. For each package booked a $10 CAD donation will be made to Ocean Wise. Available through December 31, 2013, rates start from $459 CAD.
Committed to preserving indigenous wildlife, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth has not only established a bee apiary alongside their rooftop organic garden to protect local bee populations, but the hotel has also partnered with Montreal’s Ecomuseum zoo to sponsor five resident “beauties”– a snowy owl, a gray wolf, a lynx, an Arctic fox and a great horned owl. Drawing inspiration from this new partnership, the hotel has created its Beauty and the Bees package which includes accommodation, a tour of the hotel’s rooftop garden and bee apiary, jar of hotel-harvested honey, a Fairmont reusable shopping bag, reusable water bottle and local welcome amenity. For each package booked, $10 CAD will be donated to the Ecomuseum zoo. Available July 15 - September 15, 2013, rates start from $279 CAD.
MEXICO & BERMUDA
Drift past tropical forests and lush mangroves, view local wildlife such as the great blue heron in its natural habitat and cast away your worries as you float leisurely along a tropical lagoon. Fairmont Mayakoba’s Sian Ka’an Forest and Float package delivers this and more. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka’an was the first established Biosphere Reserve in Mexico and comprises 1.3 million acres of tropical ecosystems and wildlife - including brown pelicans, snowy egrets and osprey - as well as the ancient Mayan archeological site of Muyil. The package includes accommodation, breakfast buffet for two, transfers and guided tour of Sian Ka’an for two, picnic lunch of locally caught seafood ceviche and an on-property boat tour led by the hotel’s ecology manager. Available April 15 – December 20, 2013, rates start from $529 USD, with a minimum four-night stay required.
Within Bermuda’s 21-square-mile footprint lays extraordinary pink sand beaches, spectacular walking trails and breathtaking seascapes with exotic plants. The Bermuda Railway Trail runs the width of the island and inspired The Fairmont Southampton’s East to West Bermuda Walking Adventure package. Included is accommodation, the East to West Island Guide with walking maps plus an organic breakfast for two served on the your private balcony. To keep energy levels up while hiking, a knapsack, homemade trail mix and two water bottles are included. With each package booked, a Bermuda Cedar tree is planted in the guest’s name. Available year-round, rates start at $379 USD.
Set on 35 spectacular acres of mixed-use park, woodlands and greenhouses is the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, which is known for its impressive collection of rare orchids and was deemed a Bermuda National Park in 1986. Celebrating the flora that makes this island such an exotic destination, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess created its Take Root package, which includes luxurious accommodation on Fairmont’s exclusive Gold floor, including complimentary breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres, airport transfers, transportation to and from the gardens, and a hotel-prepared picnic lunch for two that can be enjoyed during a leisurely day of sightseeing. Available through December 31, 2013, rates start at $399 USD.
EUROPE & AFRICA
Sweeping panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea inspired the Fairmont Monte Carlo’s Green Dream Experience package. We can begin our day at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco where we will gain a better understanding of both sea and planet as we discover exotic species of fish, shark and jellyfish from the world’s oceans. A short stroll over to the Exotic Garden of Monaco’s magnificent display of over 1,000 species of cacti and succulents, steep and winding mountainside paths, as well as a visit to the observatory cave with stalacites and stalagmites rounds out an active day of sightseeing. The package includes accommodation in a deluxe sea-view room, daily buffet breakfast, two tickets for the Oceanographic Museum and two tickets for the Exotic Garden (excluding transfers). Available year-round, rates start from €459 per night with seven-day advance booking required.
Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Fairmont Zimbali Resort in South Africa. We will learn about blue duikers, butterflies and bush bucks when staying on the Travel Green package. A guided nature walk in the Zimbali Forest provides a unique adventure with a wide variety of indigenous fauna and flora that live along the rugged KwaZulu Natal coastline. Accompanied by a Certified Guide, we can explore the seaside beaches of the Indian Ocean, view inland waterfalls and stroll along coastal dunes and estuaries. African antelope and vervet monkeys are just a sampling of the wildlife we may view along with over 200 species of wild birds on the estate. The package includes accommodation, guided nature walk, full breakfast and three-course dinner of seasonal, local dishes comprised of sustainable and organic ingredients. Available year-round, rates for the Lodge start from $339 USD and for the Resort from $448 USD.
Karura Forest holds national historical significance in Nairobi, having been rescued by the Green Belt Movement and restored to a world-class destination where all can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of diverse tree canopies, caves, scenic waterfalls and wildlife within the heart of a bustling city. For this reason, Fairmont The Norfolk created their Karura Forest Walk package, which includes accommodation, nature walk and a picnic lunch prepared by the hotel’s historic Lord Delamare Terrace restaurant. We are also encouraged to visit the Karura Education Center and learn about the forest’s conservation project. The package includes accommodation, breakfast, Karura Forest Nature walk, picnic lunch and transfers to the park. Park entry is approximately $20 USD per person. Available March 13 – December 31, 2013, rates start from $526 USD.
ASIA
In the heart of Beijing’s ancient hutongs, Chinese Toon trees have provided shade and shelter to area residents for countless generations. Lending its name to ten of Beijing’s famed and fast-disappearing hutongs, these trees grace the centuries old alleys and courtyards accessible only on foot or bicycle. For exploratory types with a yen to check out the foliage and discover unique and less visible landmarks, Fairmont Beijing offers the Travel Green package which includes accommodation, breakfast for two each morning, daily use of BMW mountain bikes, self-guided hutong map and a 60-minute spa treatment for two at the hotel’s award-winning Willow Stream Spa. For each package booked, a donation is made to China Heritage Preservation. Available through December 31, 2013, rates start at CNY 2,200 ($355 USD) with a minimum three-night stay.
According to Confucius, people who think in terms of one year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people. As a heritage landmark, Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel always thinks long-term, planting trees and teaching us and colleagues alike with their Green at Peace package. In conjunction with the local Shanghai Roots & Shoots organization, for each package booked the hotel will donate sapling trees to Inner Mongolia along with ten years of ongoing maintenance to ensure their survival. The package includes accommodation, welcome amenity of locally grown fruits, organic breakfast for two, plus ten trees planted in the guest’s name. Available through December 31, 2013, rates start at CNY 2,600 ($418 USD).
All packages unless noted otherwise are subject to availability and blackout periods, priced per room, per night, exclude taxes, resort fees and gratuities and are based on double occupancy.For reservations please visit Fairmont Great Outdoors or call 1-888-560-4455. Become a fan of Fairmont. Join the Fairmont online communities at everyonesanoriginal.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Fairmont President’s Club…
Fairmont President’s Club, a recognition program designed with your individual travel preferences, passions and interests in mind. Committed in providing benefits and privileges that offer convenience and access to what you want when you travel.
Membership is complimentary and your Fairmont President’s Club experience begins the moment you arrive at any of the Fairmont luxury hotels with a private reception desk offering express check-in and checkout and continues during your stay with complimentary high-speed internet access and local calling, Fairmont Fit, complimentary use of TaylorMade golf Clubs at select hotels, exclusive savings at Willow Stream Spas, Fairmont Store and so much more. Sign up today & enjoy the wonderful benefits tomorrow!
Among the brand’s changes, the new logo, which has been reinterpreted to evoke a more modern and sophisticated image, will be seen immediately, with a controlled roll out across the entire portfolio. The updated hotel architecture and interiors, which make their debut in the fourth quarter of 2013, feature a clean, contemporary look and feel that complements the new visual identity that combines warmth and comfort with the iconic design elements Country Inns & Suites are known for, including lobby fireplaces. The architectural design is a departure from previous generations of Country Inns & Suites and will allow the brand to expand in a greater variety of areas and locations, including more urban markets. The design will resonate with loyal guests, as well as today’s younger, technology-focused business travelers.
May 23, 2013
