Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

It’s the things we do together that seem to stay with us longest – exploring new cities, lazy days on a beach or adventuring outdoors. This summer, Four Seasons sets the stage for holidays that everyone can enjoy, with plenty of options to please every member of the family, from kids and teens to parents and grandparents – and why not bring along the cousins too?

Special offers* at participating Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world this summer include complimentary nights, spending credits, and a host of other extras such as complimentary meals and spa treatments, tours, and toys for the kids. Bookings can be made beginning now for stays from June 15 to September 15, 2013.

What’s more, every Four Seasons offers family-friendly services and amenities to all guests. Kids for All Seasons is a supervised program for children at all Four Seasons resorts and select urban hotels, and many properties offer additional programming such as movie nights, kid-friendly tours and excursions, and professional babysitting services when the adults want some alone time. Many locations also have teen centres stocked with games and movies that host theme parties especially for younger guests. And, Four Seasons invites families to pack light, with baby gear including cribs and strollers loaned at no charge, along with special child-size robes to match Mom’s and Dad’s.

Connecting rooms are often available at a special price, and many resorts also offer residence rentals, giving families their own living spaces for private time spent together, along with multiple bedrooms to accommodate everyone.

Share Travel Experiences with Families Like Yours

Have Family Will Travel, the colourful blog created by Four Seasons, unveiled a fresh new look this spring to showcase real-life travel stories by popular family travel bloggers and Four Seasons staff. New features include the Kids’ Concierge, a tool that allows parents to search for stories, tips and destination guides by location, kids’ ages and favoured activities. There’s also a new function that invites families to upload their stories, tips, photos and videos from their own Four Seasons holidays; and the new, user-friendly Parents’ Insider Guides to Family Travel makes searching blog posts by destination a snap.

Also check out the Look Mom! Pinterest board, a collaboration between Four Seasons and top family bloggers. Follow and join in the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #FSFamily.

Inspiring Ideas from Around the World

• Own a Pony for the Day, Plus a Lovable Labrador and Really Fresh Eggs – The most popular staff member at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is Oliver, a lab who loves nothing more than to go for rambles around the estate and get his picture taken with guests, or even come along when kids head to the chicken coop to collect their own breakfast egg. For children and teens begging parents for a pony, the Hotel offers an experience that teaches young guests how to ride and care of one they can call their own for the day.
• Chill Out Hollywood-Style with “Larry” – The children’s book character (in plush toy form) welcomes kids to Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, inviting them to play along on his adventures in Los Angeles, and enjoy Larry-themed menus, poolside spa treatments and special treats.
• Explore Malaysian Mangroves – An on-staff naturalist leads a three-hour boat safari of the mangroves, chock full of wildlife wonders. The experience is sure to be a highlight of a family’s stay at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.
• Dig for Family Roots in the Old Country – Many travellers to Four Seasons Hotel Prague are interested in finding their roots in Eastern Europe, so Hotel staff helps fill in the family tree by connecting guests to local genealogists.
• Explore the Famous Ten Scenes of West Lake – With a guide or using maps created by Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, families hop on bicycles and tour the region Marco Polo called “heaven on earth,” and see for themselves the historic “ten scenes” first identified during the Qing Dynasty.
• Get Up Close and Personal with Nature – With a wildlife biologist who also happens to be a professional photographer as their guide, families are invited to pile into a luxury SUV and head to the mountains around Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole to see moose, elk, bison, eagles and wolves in a day of adventure no one will forget.
• Now THIS is Room Service! At Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, the Ice Cream Man brings his trolley of treats to guest rooms for custom made sundaes and cones for the whole family. Over 21? They’ll send up the Martini Man too.
• When I Grow Up, I’m Going to Be an Elephant Researcher – In the jungles of northern Thailand at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, teens and adults can spend time with local mahouts, learning how to ride and care for rescued elephants and participate in research programs.
• In the Footsteps of Liszt and Bartok – On the banks of the Danube, children can join in classes conducted by local music teachers at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, who expose a new generation to the wonders of folk and classical music, and opera.
• Consider a Career in Hospitality – At Four Seasons Resorts Lanai, the Hotelier Apprentice Summer Camp gives children a behind-the-scenes look at resort operations and has them participating side-by-side with the team who make it all run smoothly.
• Follow the Adventures of Les Triplés au George V – In Paris, Nicole Lambert’s beloved cartoon characters take over Four Seasons Hotel George V in a series of antics depicted on dishes just for children. The family-friendly Hotel staff includes a recreation manager who devises fun things for kids to do in the Hotel and around the city.
• Answer the Call in Dublin – Four Seasons Hotel Dublin is celebrating The Gathering – Ireland 2013 with a special itinerary that allows families to get in touch with their inner Irish.
• Bust a Move in Mauritius – Whether it’s a one-on-one scuba lesson in the plunge pool or a private Creole cooking class, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius can bring just about anything directly to its Deluxe, Grand and Royal Villas. Great idea for families: teens host an en suite dance party while grandparents show off a few moves of their own – disco ball and LED dance floor included.
• Extend a Helping Hand to Other Kids and Families – Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica connects guests with community members in need via the popular Growing Together volunteer program. Guests can help out by providing local families with basic necessities, and bringing backpacks with supplies for schoolchildren. Active families can even lend a hand by painting a local school.
• Pampering and Inner Peace for All – At the Island Spa in at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, children and their parents come together for specially-created interactive rituals that help everyone feel better – physically and spiritually. For those looking for something really special, Four Seasons Explorer is available for private charters, offering the opportunity for a luxe tour of the Maldives for just one family group at a time – along with a full staff to take care of every need and whim.

Get Connected to Four Seasons

Families who love Four Seasons are joining the conversations and sharing their stories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and Weibo. In addition, most Four Seasons hotels and resorts and many Four Seasons restaurants host their own social media pages – visit individual properties on fourseasons.com for links.

^{*Offers valid on bookings for stays from June 15 to September 15, 2013. Many offers also extend beyond this period – full package terms, conditions and dates are available online.}

Mediterraneo Hotel

The Mediterraneo Hotel is situated in one of the most suggestive and elegant areas of Montecatini Terme, submerged in the greenery of the park, close to the Thermal Baths and the city center. The renowned cuisine using only fresh and local ingredients to prepare the daily menu or adjusted to your diet’s dishes.

Enjoy charming ample rooms with bath, air conditioning, telephone, satellite TV and, on request, balcony, fridge and WiFi internet access. We can freely use the H. Astoria’s Swimming pool as well. The car park can be found under shade of splendid lime trees.

Take advantage of this special offer for June 3 until June 15, 2013. Hotel Mediterraneo are offering a bed & breakfast rate of € 59,00 for a double room.

Call (+39) 0572-71321  or click here to book online

Citalia Orient-Express

Step aboard the elegant carriages of the world’s most celebrated train as Citalia, the leading Italian specialist launch an exclusive saving of £372 per couple with Orient-Express.

 

Renowned for its gleaming carriages, the Orient Express has become the most famous rail journey in the world. Today, the original 1920’s carriages are still held on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The luxury and excitement that made this rail journey so popular amongst kings and celebrities still offers the same romance and excitement en-route to one of the world’s most romantic cities, Venice.

 

It may exude luxury, glamour and wealth, however Citalia the leading specialists in holidays to Italy has an impressive saving of £372 per couple on the selected departure dates of 06 October or 31 October 2013.  

 

When travelling from London, your journey starts at London Victoria and your holiday begins the moment you step off the platform and board the gleaming carriages of the British Pullman. The British Pullman takes you to Folkestone where you will board a coach for your channel crossing on the Eurotunnel shuttle. In Calais you board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for the journey of a lifetime.

Whichever itinerary you choose, sumptuous cuisine and attentive personal service make a journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or simply to enjoy an extra special holiday. To obtain a quote or to book your Orient Express holiday, please contact their Travel Advisors on 0843 770 6979.

 

For more information on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or other offers from Citalia, call 0844 415 1956 or visit www.citalia.com

citalia Italy

If you’ve been inspired by the British Museum’s Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum exhibition which opened last week, then take a look at some of the holidays from citalia, the leading Italian specialist for the opportunity to visit the real-life historical sites of Herculaneum and Pompeii.

Last Thursday saw the grand opening of the major exhibition on the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, two cities on the Bay of Naples in southern Italy which were buried by a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

Buried for over 1,600 years, many fascinating objects which were preserved by the volcanic ash are on display for the first time in the UK, providing an unparalleled glimpse into the daily life of the Roman Empire.

A number of items never before seen outside of Italy have been lent to the British Museum specifically for the exhibition, including a linen chest, a garden bench and a baby’s crib that still rocks on its curved runners. The exhibition also showcases casts of some of the victims of the eruption notably that of a family of four huddled together in their last moments under the stairs of their villa.

While the British Museum may be home to the exhibition until September, nothing is more fascinating than visiting these historical areas of ancient Italy themselves.  With over 85 years of Italian heritage, citalia has selected some of its best holiday and excursion offers for those who have been inspired to explore the country’s ancient history and archaeological sites, as well as enjoying the endless beaches, lively piazzas and stunning scenery.

A week’s holiday for two in stunning Sorrento starts from £829 per person at the four star Imperial Tramontano Hotel. Located on the cliff between Marina Piccola and Marina Grande, the hotel has impressive views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Based on a departure date of 8 May, the holiday includes a saving of £250 per couple, return flights from London Gatwick with Easyjet and seven nights B&B accommodation.

From Sorrento citalia offers an informative day trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius from just £32 per person. Wander through the ancient streets of Pompeii and see baths, forums and villas built in 80 B.C, before taking a coach within 1,000 metres of the top of Mount Vesuvius to admire the panoramic views across the bay. More daring travellers can opt to walk up to the peak accompanied by a specialist guide.

Alternatively, a twin centre holiday to Sorrento and the spectacular Amalfi Coast is great value for money and allows for a combination of historical and modern Italy. Spend the first part soaking up the culture overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius before taking a complimentary taxi transfer to the Amalfi Coast for some relaxation. The nine night holiday costs from £999 per person which includes a saving of £270 per couple, return flights from London Gatwick with Easyjet, as well as five nights half board in Sorrento at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio and four nights B&B at the four star Hotel Marina Riviera  in Amalfi. Based on 8 May departure. 

From the Amalfi Coast citalia offers a fascinating excursion to Herculaneum, driving through the picturesque villages of Conca dei Marini, Furore and Praiano followed by a guided tour of the ancient residential town. Prices start from £32 per person for the day.

For a shorter stay, a four night break to Naples starts from just £419 per person with a saving of £320 per couple. The price includes a complimentary room upgrade, one free night, return flights to London Gatwick with British Airways and four nights bed and breakfast at the Renaissance Naples Mediterraneo Hotel, based on 4 May departure date.

Those interested in booking before 8 April will be able to take advantage of citalia’s sale with exceptional savings, along with a selection of combinable free room upgrades, complimentary meals and discounts. 

 Love Italy. Love holidays. Love citalia. For more information on citalia’s holiday offers visit www.citalia.com or call 0844 415 1956.

The Life and death in Pompeii and Herculaneum Exhibition at the British Museum is open to the public from 28 March – 29 September 2013.

Preferred Hotel Group

As new hotspots in remote locales and city centers alike continue to pop up across the world map, we all are expanding our bucket lists with a global perspective. Representing more than 400 independent luxury hotels worldwide, the Preferred Hotels® & Resorts and Preferred Boutique^™ brands recommend the following 13 must-stay hotels in 13 must-visit destinations to help guide 2013 vacation planning. 

Before you go… Join I Prefer & experience the ease of I Prefer Membership. No points to count. No waiting for hotel rewards. We will automatically receive room upgrades (if available), complimentary WIFI, early check in and late check out and as an I Prefer member we receive an amenity, unique to each hotel.  Best of all, membership is free so please register online today!

• For the Adrenaline Junkie – Queenstown, New Zealand

o   Why go:  As the adventure capital of the world, this resort town offers stunning lake-meets-mountain scenery and exhilarating activities such as canyoning, bungee jumping, and fly-fishing.

o   Where to stay: Azur, a member of Preferred Boutique – Azur provides unparalleled views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and Cecil & Walter Peaks. Each of the luxury lodge’s nine villas features a gas fireplace and a private deck with lounge area designed for guests to absorb incredible views and relax between excursions.

• For the Culture Seeker – Udaipur, India

o   Why go: One of India’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities, Udaipur invites travelers to

visit centuries-old former royal palaces, stroll through famed gardens, and cruise across Lake Pichola.

o   Where to stay: The Leela Palace Udaipur, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – Nestled on the banks of Lake Pichola, this majestic hotel was designed as an exquisite escape where old-world grandeur meets 21st-century luxuries. Cultural experiences include individual astrological chart readings with the on-site astrologer, cooking classes with Executive Chef Karim Hassene, or visits to  local attractions such as Fateh Prakash Palace and Bagore Ki Haveli.

• For the Ecotourist – Mata de Sao Joao, Brazil

o   Why go: Home to Brazil’s top ecotourism projects, this fishing village provides opportunities to learn about sea turtle conservation at Tamar Project, trek through the 600-acre Sapiranga Ecological Reserve, and drive down the famed Linha Verde. 

o   Where to stay: Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – In the nearby fishing town of Praia do Forte, luxury travel and environmental sustainability merge at the 292-room Tivoli Ecoresort, where guests can connect with the lush surroundings during several ecological tours or relax and enjoy treatments at the on-site Thalasso Spa.   

• For the History Buff – Querétaro, Mexico

o   Why go: Built from Mexico’s 17th-century silver fortune, this colonial city is a UNESCO World Heritage site that speaks to the country’s rich history with sites including the famed Museo Regional de Querétaro, La Casa de la Marquesa, and the Cerro de las Campanas National Park.

o   Where to stay: Hacienda Jurica, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – Drawing on the region’s culture and history as a “place of well being”, this 16th-century hacienda is a true retreat, where guestrooms offer a historic look at colonial-style architecture with contemporary amenities, and restaurants present traditional Mexican fare and live music.

• For the Fashionista – Forte dei Marmi, Italy

o   Why go: As one of Italy’s original beach resort towns, Forte dei Marmi is immensely popular among the glitzy crowd, who flock to this area of northern Tuscany for its pristine beaches, world-class designer discount market at Piazza Marconi, and abundance of boutiques from Europe’s most influential fashion houses, such as Prada, Roberto Cavalli, and Armani.

o   Where to stay: Grand Hotel Imperiale, a member of Preferred Boutique – Situated on a private beach, surrounded by the Apuan Alps, Grand Hotel Imperiale caters to the discerning jetsetter, presenting five-star accommodations and services, ranging from Mediterranean gastronomic delights at Olivo D’Oro to Chinese- and Indian-influenced treatments at the Medical Spa Imperiale.

American Express StayMore: Use your AMEX card to book stays at Opposite House (Beijing, China) and The Leela Palace Udaipur to enjoy rates up to 50% off plus receive a unique amenity, daily breakfast, and a guaranteed room upgrade.

For more information on the Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Preferred Boutique collections, please visit www.PreferredHotelGroup.com. Preferred Hotel Group features the best available rates at all of their member hotels, so if we find a lower rate, Preferred Hotel Group will match it, guaranteed!