EXQUISITE HOTELS AND RESORTS
REPRESENTED BY MOIRA FITZPATRICK
Moira Fitzpatrick Presents Early Summer Travel
Dear Colleague,
May and early June are an ideal time for travel – the weather is usually “just right”, gardens are in full bloom and the “places to be” are not yet crowded. The merry month of May is celebrated in many countries with traditional holidays – Canadians celebrate Victoria Day, the last Monday before May 24, Queen Victoria’s birthday; UK residents take off the first Monday of May, a bank holiday; Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Romania, Sweden and Hawaii all celebrate a day in May. US citizens observe Memorial Day on the final Monday in May to remember those who gave their lives in the service of the US Armed Forces.
Thank you for your great loyalty and support of our properties, it has been a very encouraging year so far and we hope to help you plan some exciting trips in the months to come. Here are a few amazing travel suggestions:
Post Hotel & Spa, a world-class Relais & Chateaux resort set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Lake Louise, will celebrate the Annual Wine Summit May 30 – June 2 (limited space available) showcasing Louis Roederer Champagne and Taylor Fladgate Port, to name just a couple of the world famous winemakers attending this prestigious event. A recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award for 11 consecutive years, the hotel has earned the respect of oenophiles worldwide.
Mas de Torrent, an 18th century hotel on the Costa Brava is offering Spring Fragrance Escape, available in May and June. The package includes two night’s accommodation in a suite, buffet breakfast, welcome gift, massage with spring fragrances, hydration and relaxation treatment, facial treatment, and one gourmet dinner for two – starting at 1350 € pp. A one-night package is also available on weekends (See Details).
Borgo Santo Pietro, a new member of Relais & Chateaux, is a restored 13th-century Tuscan villa nestled in quiet seclusion just 30 minutes from Siena. This magnificent property was winner of Best Boutique Hotel in the World 2012. Guests may enjoy cooking classes, walking and biking tours, horseback riding, wine tours, golf and sightseeing from Siena to Florence, discovering and all the picturesque Tuscan villages along the way.
Relais & Chateaux properties in Spain (17 hotels; 8 Grand Chefs) and Portugal (6 hotels; 1 Grand Chef) are sprinkled over different regions – each with its own traditions, cuisine and culture.
MAS DE TORRENT (www.relais.com/mastorrent)
Located about one hour north east of Barcelona on the Costa Brava, this 39-room hotel was originally an 18th century farm house and offers spectacular views, delightful gardens and impeccable service. The hotel features both classical and contemporary suites, some with their own private pool, and includes two restaurants and the Mas Spa. On site activities include cooking classes, spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, fitness centre, biking and hiking. Nearby activities include horseback riding, fishing, sailing, canoeing/kayaking. The hotel is within driving distance of the famous mountain-top monastery of Montserrat, the Black Madonna, and the Pyrenees. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.
MIRADOR DE DALT VILA HOTEL (www.relais.com/mirador)
This 19th century Lord’s manor was recently converted into an intimate and welcoming hotel retaining its historical values. Situated within the ancient walls of Ibiza's World Heritage site of Dalt Vila, the hotel features magnificent views of the old town, the harbour and the Mediterranean beyond. The 7-room/6-suite hotel with restaurant and swimming pool offers yacht excursions. Nearby activities include golf, tennis, biking, hiking, fishing, water skiing, sailing, diving, and canoeing. Special offers include a 4 nights for 3 package and a Discovery Package that includes one night’s accommodation, breakfast and dinner for two, including beverages, for 245 € pp (See Details). Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.
CASA VELHA DE PALHEIRO (www.relais.com/casavelha)
Formerly a hunting lodge built in 1804, this luxury 5-star hotel near Fuchal on the island of Madeira borders the famous Palheiro Gardens, and has direct access to the championship Palheiro Golf course with privileged tee-offs for guests. (The golf course was recently visited by a group of US golfers hosted by the former championship golfer Tony Jacklin, who heaped high praise on Palheiro.) This 37-room spa & golf resort offers a restaurant, lounge, library, full spa, swimming pools, tennis courts and a private yacht. The hotel offers a 7-night package that includes accommodation, breakfasts, airport transfers, welcome bottle of wine and fruit basket, one dinner, massage, guided tour to Old Blandy Wine Lodge, free access to Palheiro Gardens. Package is available through Sept 28 at a cost of 625 € pp dbl (See Details). The Palheiro Spa Package includes three treatments (facial cleanse, body scrub, back massage) for 127€ pp. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room. (See Details)
RELAIS & CHATEAUX HOTELS
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BORGO SANTO PIETRO (www.borgosantopietro.com)  This restored 13th-century Tuscan villa nestles in quiet seclusion 30 minutes from Siena, offering panoramic views of the Serena Valley. Popular with guests are the cooking classes with Chef Stefano Santo. The hotel also offers horseback riding, tennis, bocce and yoga. Dog lovers may enjoy walking the hotel’s resident shar peis about the gorgeous property. And just outside the gate, guests can walk or bike to the nearby historic abbey of San Galgano or the picturesque village of Chuisdino. A visit to one of Tuscany’s vineyards is a must – perhaps wine-tasting at castle Castello Brolio or a tour of one of Italy’s most prestigious wineries of Brunello di Montalcino, about 80 min away. For the golfers – the 18-hole Robert Trent-designed Royal Golf La Bagnaia is 40 min away, near Siena. Starting June 1, the hotel will feature an Artist in Residence, offering guests art lessons and opportunities to visit the artist and observe the artist at work. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.
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THE POST HOTEL & SPA (www.posthotel.com)  This legendary hotel and spa in the Canadian Rockies will hold its ninth annual Wine Summit Lake Louise 2013, May 30 – June 2, featuring vintage wines from prominent wineries in Bordeaux, France, Italy, California, New Zealand, as well as Port and Louis Roederer Champagne. Available to be purchased separate from the Summit is a Super Tasting, May 30, at 10 am, exploring Bordeaux’s 2003 vintage through some of the region’s most renowned producers. For those taking Rocky Mountain Railtours this spring & summer, the Post offers a free shuttle to transfer guests from the train station in Lake Louise to the hotel. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.
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MANOIR HOVEY –Virtuoso (www.manoirhovey.com)  This 5-star, century-old Quebec manor, now a Virtuoso member, is offering Canada Games visitors elegant accommodation, award-winning dining, and a host of recreational activities – just 15 min drive from the Games site at Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Quebec. The upscale country inn on the shores of Lake Massawippi features outdoor pool, tennis court, beaches, a variety of water craft, and touring bicycles, as well as massages. Rooms start at $264 for two without meals or $200 pp including meals. The Inn offers two cycling packages: a two-night Biking & Relaxation package includes bikes, accommodation, dinners, breakfasts and a picnic for two; a four-night Bike Inn to Inn Package includes accommodation at Manoir Hovey and Auberge Ripplecove, dinners, breakfasts, trail lunches, gratuities and transfers (See Details). Travel Agent Commissions are paid twice monthly. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.
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LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTELS
HOTEL LE PIGONNET (www.hotelpigonnet.com)  Located close to the centre of Aix-en-Provence, this 5-star hotel currently offers 40 rooms, 2 junior suites and a presidential suite, with more suites and junior suites being added. The hotel includes the gourmet Le Restaurant, a bar & lounge, new garden lounge/bistro Le 5, spa and wellness area, pool and park. Hotel packages feature: Romantic Getaway – one night’s accommodation in deluxe room overlooking garden, continental breakfast, 5-course gourmet dinner, welcome bottle of champagne, fresh flowers and sweets for 550€ pp dbl (May, June Aug, Sept); Provence Escape – two night’s accommodation in superior room overlooking garden, continental breakfasts, 3-course dinner and visit to Chateau La Coste, transfers included (www.chateau-la-coste.com) for 405€ pp dbl (May, June Aug, Sept). Book directly with Moira and receive 12% commission, a deluxe buffet breakfast, bottle of wine, fruit basket and upgrade at time of check-in if available.
CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORTS & SPA –Virtuoso (www.wildretreat.com)  The resort will offer its first annual Wine & Culinary Weekend (June 6 -9) featuring musical performances by Jim Cuddy, special cuisine by resort’s chef and acclaimed winemakers from M. Chapoutier, France, and Le Vieux Pin, BC. The weekend will include tastings and pairings, wine glass samplings and many Clayoquot adventure activities. The resort offers 3, 4 and 7-night all-inclusive packages that include transfers, tented accommodation, meals, snacks, beverages (including alcohol) massage treatments and all guided adventure activities. Luxury Ensuite tents include full ensuite bathroom with flush toilets and private showers. Agents receive booking commissions of 10% on the total value of resort packages. Please contact Moira for bookings and receive a shipment of BC Sockeye smoked salmon.
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EXECUTIVE HOUSE HOTEL (www.executivehouse.com)  This European-style boutique hotel, which is situated in the heart of Victoria, BC – recently ranked the Most Romantic City in Canada by Amazon.ca’s annual list – includes casual and fine dining, meeting and banquet rooms and spa. The hotel offers a plethora of packages for spring and summer that include Whale Watching tours with close-up views of Orcas, Seals, Sea Lions, Eagles and more; admission for two to the famous Butchart Gardens; Cycling and guided Kayaking tours; Relaxation and Rejuvenation with spa treatments and massages; Perfect Date with romantic carriage ride; Bed & Breakfast, Picnic in the Park and more. Please contact Moira for a special amenity in the room.
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VILLA LA VEDETTA (www.villalavedettahotel.com)  This romantic neo-renaissance villa, just steps away from Ponte Vecchio, offers breathtaking city views and an ideal base for travelers who wish to explore Florence during the day and spend the evenings relaxing in a quiet urban retreat. The 5-star hotel includes the Onice Restaurant, bar, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, fitness room, its own private Italian garden and a spacious centuries-old park. The hotel is offering a 2-night I Love Shopping package that includes accommodation, daily buffet breakfast, welcome drink, 15% discount at ONICE Restaurant, access to Sauna, afternoon tea, shuttle service, parking, and transfers to THE MALL (www.themall.it/en), which features famous fashion brands of haute couture. The special shopping offer is available through Dec 29; minimum 2 nights. Please contact Moira for best available rate and bottle of Chianti in room.
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For reservations, brochures, an amenity in the room or to VIP your clients please contact Moira Fitzpatrick of Exquisite Hotels & Resorts at 1-604-602-1282 or mfcons@bismail.com
