Get pampered like a presidential candidate in Denver
As the presidential campaign season kicks into high gear and Denver prepares to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek is set to pamper politicos with three packages featuring some of the favorite leisure activities of the three top Democratic contenders.
The Hillary Rodham Clinton package starts at $249 per night (request code LLRO for deluxe room or LLRP for mountain-view room) where guests will start the day with an early morning wakeup call (the former first lady considers it a luxury to sleep in till 7 a.m.), followed by a speed walk through the Cherry Creek North and Denver Country Club neighborhoods. A copy of the New York Times will be waiting upon your return. Other amenities include a $50 Cherry Creek North gift card and a chocolate treat at turndown -- one of Hillary's self-professed guilty pleasures.
Barack Obama is big fan of pickup basketball, thus the Barack Obama package, starting at $299 per night (request code LOCM for deluxe room or LOCD for mountain-view room), includes two guest passes to the Denver Athletic Club, followed by dinner at Prime 121 steakhouse while watching SportsCenter at the bar. Then it's back to your room for a viewing of "Lawrence of Arabia," one of Obama's favorite movies.
John Edwards gained unwanted notoriety last year for his $400 Beverly Hills haircuts, so it only makes sense that guests booking the John Edwards Package will receive a similarly lavish experience: a 60-minute signature massage at the Spa at Cherry Creek followed by a shampoo and hair styling. Prices start at $289 per night (request code LLRL for deluxe room or LLRM for mountain-view room).
These political packages are available weekends through August, based on availability. For reservations, visit www.jwmarriottdenver.com or call (303) 316-2700.
Save 40 percent on French barge trips
French Country Waterways is offering passengers an introduction to barging the canals of France, reducing the cost of its six-night cruises aboard the 18-passenger luxury barge Esprit to $3,200 per person, double occupancy, from the normal rate of $5,295.
This discount is available on several select departures through June. The Esprit's route through Burgundy's Cote d'Or wine-growing region follows the 18th-century Canal du Centre overlooking vineyards of the Cote de Beaune, the River Saone and the Canal de Bourgogne between St. Leger-sur-Dheune and Dijon.
Daily sightseeing excursions include tours of Dijon, capital of the Dukes of Burgundy; the privately owned 18th-century Chateau de Longecourt; Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy; a tasting in the private cellars of a local vintner in Santenay; and more.
The Esprit has a partially canopied sundeck, lounge and dining room with picture windows, a well-stocked bar, library and nine staterooms. Prices cover accommodations, all meals (with four-course dinners), estate-bottled wines, open bar, sightseeing, bicycles and escorted transfers between Paris and the barge.
For more information, or to make a reservation, visit www.fcwl.com or call (800) 222-1236.
Take a three-night mini escape
SuperClubs recently introduced the "minimoon," for couples who postpone the traditional, costly eight-day honeymoon, and opt for shorter, more affordable weekend getaways instead, without scrimping on luxury or romance.
The first option is at Breezes Bahamas, located on Nassau's Cable Beach. Couples will receive a welcome gift of champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries, followed by a couples massage at the resort's Blue Mahoe Spa. Also included are private round-trip airport transfers and a candlelit dinner at the aptly named Garden of Eden. The minimoon starts at $1,290 per room for an ocean-front room.
Couples opting for Breezes Runaway Bay, on the isle of Irie in Jamaica, will have a verandah suite with private plunge pool, along with a couples massage, a beachside candlelit dinner and a gift of champagne and desserts, starting from $1,644. Breezes Runaway Bay reopened last year after a $20 million renovation and welcomes guests to its 27 acres of gardens and prime beachfront.
The third option is at Breezes Montego Bay, starting from $1,236 in an oceanfront room. This all-inclusive resort is just a stone's throw away from Montego Bay's night life, shopping and markets.
Prices listed are land only, and are per couple, per room, for three nights, and include meals, snacks and premium alcoholic beverages; land and water sports; entertainment; hotel taxes; and tips.
For more information on Breezes or to book your minimoon, visit www.breezes.com, call (800) 467-8737 or contact your local travel agent.
Reach George Hobica at
hobica@gmail.com, Kim Liang
Tan at KimLiangTan@aol.com
or log on to www.airfarewatchdog.com.