stretching the dollar and making it count
May 6th, 2008
With the economy dominating the headlines and the dollar taking some hits, one might not considering traveling to far off places. However, if one looks hard enough, there are still deals to be had and areas in which the dollar has buying power, and the truth lies in the numbers. For example, while a four-night, all-inclusive retreat at The Golden Door in California costs $4,725, in Bali at the COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri a five-night, all-inclusive wellness program will cost around $2,100. For city deals, head to Saigon, where a room at the mod Park Hyatt Saigon starts at $265 per night, compared to a room at New York’s Bowery Hotel which starts at $495 per night. So look no further for ten reasons to think again and jet set – or cruise – to some super savings in all regions of the world this summer.
EUROPE
Crystal Cruises
Where: From Barcelona to Venice aboard Crystal Serenity, departing June 25, 2008 for 12 days
Why: The best way to see Europe this summer without falling prey to its mighty Euro, is on a cruise. Let Crystal Cruises take you there while providing unparalleled deals (in dollars!)
Stretch it out: Fare includes all non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, entertainment, classes, lectures, and (drum roll, please) ALL meals onboard – i.e. Nobu for free! And with not only everything onboard priced in dollars at set rates, Crystal does the same for its shore excursions so guests literally can explore Europe on the dollar!
Rates: Starting at $4,675 per person for double occupancy – nearly 55% off the brochure price and around $390 per day with all expenses included!
www.crystalcruises.com/cruise_itinerary.aspx?CID=8315
THE CARIBBEAN
Where: Riveria Maya, Mexico
Why: Rates are almost as hot as this Mexican locale. Just opened in December, the hotel is quickly establishing itself as the place to stay in the place to be.
Stretch it out: Summer rates are already a steal, and the hotel is taking another 20% off select rooms until October 31, 2008 if you book a minimum of three nights.
Rates: Rooms start at $400.
Parrot Cay
Where: Turks & Caicos, British West Indies
Why: Gleaming sun, white sand, and turquoise blue water – Parrot Cay is the ultimate in exclusivity in the T&C. Just ask Donna Karan, Bruce Willis, or Christie Brinkley.
Stretch it out: Book seven nights pay for six. Can it get any easier than that?! Valid June 1-October 31.
Rates: Double occupancy rooms in the off-season start as low as $525 per night; during the summer, the hotel offers a single occupancy room for as little as $315 per night!
INDIAN OCEAN
Cocoa Island, Maldives
Where: South Malé Atoll
Why: Talk about serene – the strongest winds here are a gentle breeze, and the tallest points are the swaying palm trees.
Stretch it out: Cocoa Island is offering an amazing Summer 2008 Special valid from May 15 through October 15, 2008: seven nights for the price of five or 14 nights for the price of 10.
Rates: Dhoni suites start at $590 per night.
Anantara Maldives
Where: South Malé Atoll
Why: The bathrooms in the overwater suites feature infinity bathtubs set on glass floor panels providing a glimpse into the sea below.
Stretch it out: It pays to plan ahead! Through September 30, 2008, Anantara Maldives is offering a hefty Early Bird Special book 45 days ahead, pay upfront, and receive $200 off per night.
Rates: Depending on accommodation, summer rates range from $400 to $1680.
SOUTH ASIA
COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri
Where: Bali, Indonesia
Why: The ultimate in reclusive retreats, The Estate is the flagship for COMO Shambhala, the award-winning holistic health company owned by Christina Ong.
Stretch it out: Retreat to Bali for an exotic and luxurious getaway that will cost you less than a certain resort in Arizona and Massachussetts. Health-conscious travelers can opt for one of the Estate’s all-inclusive Wellness Programs for three, five, or seven nights.
Rates: Individual rooms start at $275 per night, but go on and book one of the five-night programs that start at $1,688.
The Metropolitan Bangkok
Where: Bustling and busy Bangkok, Thailand
Why: The epitome of modernism, guests at the Met Bangkok can enjoy the chic Mies van der Rohe-style façade and staff dressed in black and white Comme des Garçons uniforms.
Stretch it out: While its sister in London continues to see the pound rise, in Bangkok guests can experience the luxury and refinement of the hotel at nearly half the price!
Rates: Experience super savings with rooms starting at $260 per night.
www.metropolitan.como.bz/bangkok
Park Hyatt Saigon
Where: Historic Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam
Why: Ideally situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City on Lam Son Square, Park Hyatt Saigon occupies a prime location overlooking the elegant Opera House and within reach of the international airport, convention center and business district.
Stretch it out: Perhaps one can stretch the dollar furthest in Vietnam.Beer will cost tourists about $1 while a bowl of Pho, a traditional dish, will run all of $.50.
Rates: Park rooms start at $265 per night.
Park Hyatt Goa
Where: The most idyllic area of south Goa, India
Why: Evoking the unique atmosphere of a Goan village, the resort combines all the elements of the finest five-star accommodation with those of a tranquil beach resort and spa.
Stretch it out: With the buying power of the dollar still staying strong ($1 = around 40 rupees), India has historically provided unbeatable values for American visitors.
Rates: Rooms start around $320 per night.
SOUTH AMERICA
Park Hyatt Mendoza and Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
Where: Mendoza, Argentina’s famous wine country, and the cultural hotspot of Buenos Aires
Why: Imbibe in delicious vino while touring gorgeous vineyards brimming with “uvas.” Or hit up the capital and tango the night away!
Stretch it out: While the dollar seems to keep going south, so should you! South of the equator visitors to Argentina can purchase the finest leather or eat delicious steaks without breaking the bank.
Rates: Rooms start at $265 and $410 at these hotels, respectively.
Leave a Reply
Categories
- ALICE MARSHALL PR
- CLIENTS
- Almanac
- AndBeyond
- Belmond
- doyle collection
- Fife Arms
- guinot institut paris
- island outpost
- Kalesma
- la reserve hospitality collection
- nantucket island resorts
- nayara hotel, spa & gardens
- park hyatt hotels
- ponant
- royal mansour
- Shou Sugi Ban House
- Sugar Beach
- the chatwal
- UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa
- Virtuoso
- visit napa valley
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
- Dromoland Castle
- napa valley
- Paradero Todos Santos
- TOPICS
- Uncategorized
Archives
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- July 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- February 2018
- December 2017
- June 2016
- April 2016
- November 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- May 2015
- February 2015
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- March 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008