Exclusive Travel Deals in May 2010

Economical explorer Alice Shapin highlights this month’s traveling deals. In May 2010: Golf around in New York, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Arizona

The days are longer, the sun warmer — it’s time to get out and play. And for golfers, this is prime season. So grab your clubs and enjoy some great exclusive golf deals for Hudson Valley readers.

Golfing A-round

Where: Skytop Lodge. One Skytop, Skytop, PA; 800-345-7759 or www.skytop.com
What’s special: A member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America, the resort has been welcoming guests since 1928. It’s a blend of old-world charm and character, impeccable service, and modern conveniences and amenities. The resort overlooks Skytop Lake with West Mountain rising in the background. Miles of hiking trails provide spectacular views and wildlife sightings. In addition, guests enjoy canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, tennis, and golf. Nestled in the mountains, the course is a mountain-style layout that plays over rolling terrain with wide, tree-lined fairways and small greens.
The deal: The “Summer Package” includes three meals a day and unlimited green fees, tennis, kayaking, canoeing and fitness center. Prices start at $481 for two, including tax and gratuities. (Kids 18 and under are $45 extra). Mention Hudson Valley Magazine and receive 10 percent off.

Where: The Lodge at Woodloch. 109 River Birch Ln., Hawley, PA; 866-863-7712 or www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com
What’s special: It’s the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate, and play golf. The setting whispers luxury — the finest linens, soaring ceilings, exquisite woods, and a rich, soothing color scheme. Outside luxuriate by the magnificent Horizon Edge Whirlpool punctuated by huge rocks, or if you prefer, go inside where floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outside in; there’s also a co-ed soaking pool with heated Hydromassage waterfalls. At the award-wining spa, enjoy a wide variety of treatments; the Whisper Lounge with an outdoor porch; and myriad activities including aerobics, yoga, and Pilates training. The informal dining is gourmet healthy. Relaxed? Head to Woodloch Springs Country Club’s golf course nestled amid 75 private acres of woodland. The challenging course journeys over fern-carpeted forests, lush wetlands, and broad upland meadows.
The deal: “Whole-in-One Golf and Spa” exclusive to Hudson Valley Magazine readers. Package includes accommodations, three gourmet meals daily, 18 holes of golf including cart and practice balls, group fitness classes and lectures, workshops, chef’s cooking demonstrations, selected guided-group adventure excursions, and a $50 spa treatment credit. Prices start at $299 per person based on double occupancy. It’s a savings of over $90.
When: May-Nov. 30, 2010

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Where: Penn National Inn. 3720 Club House Dr., Fayetteville, PA; 717-352-3000 or www.penngolf.com
What’s special: Calling all golfing buddies! The Inn is nothing fancy, just basic (yet large) rooms, but Penn National is a great place to play golf. The Zagat guide recently released its sixth edition of “America’s Top Golf Courses,” and Penn National’s two courses were among the most highly-rated in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Founders course was rated fourth best in Pennsylvania, with a course rating of 27 out of 30 and a value rating of 26 out of 30. A classic design, the Founders course is an old-fashioned traditional test of golf and features large contoured greens, tree-lined fairways, and a large lake. Nearly treeless, the Iron Forge course was Zagat-rated 25 with a value rating of 25. The Iron Forge passes through a variety of terrain that offers breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and open farmland. Dine inside or out at the clubhouse and enjoy magnificent views. And don’t forget to bring your own beer or wine.
The deal: The “Three Day, Two Night Golf Package,” includes two nights’ lodging, three days of 18 holes of golf, and two breakfasts and dinners at the Founders Grille. The weekend rate is $435 per person double occupancy. The weekday rate is $379. Mention Hudson Valley Magazine and receive tickets to the Gettysburg Museum and Visitors center.
When: May-Sept. 8, 2010

Where: The French Manor Inn and Spa. 50 Huntington Dr., South Sterling, PA; 877-720-6090 or www.thefrenchmanor.com
What’s special: Perched atop Huckleberry Mountain, this charming 1930s stone chateau was built by Joseph Hirshhorn, who brought 165 craftsmen and artisans to create this masterpiece. The manor’s roof is made of imported Spanish slate, the windows are all leaded glass, and there is an elegant Romanesque arched entranceway and massive stone fireplaces. Guests enjoy peaceful views of the beautiful crests and ridges of the northern Pocono Mountains. Relax in the gardens; enjoy complimentary afternoon tea; spend time in the indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, and spa; hike; and, of course, golf 10 minutes away. The Buck Hill golf course was designed by legendary greats Donald Ross and Robert White and winds through woods and rolling mountainside terrain.
The deal: Mention Hudson Valley Magazine and enjoy this exclusive offer: beautiful accommodations, full breakfast, and one round of golf at Buck Hill Golf Club. Rates are $132.50 per person based on double occupancy. Savings are $150 per person. Mention code “Golf Connection.”
When: Valid through May 31, 2010

Where: Bristol Harbour Resort. 5410 Seneca Point Rd., Canandaigua, NY; 800-288-8248 or www.bristolharbour.com
What’s special: Located in the spectacular Finger Lakes region, pull up a chair and savor the beauty of Canandaigua Lake. Carved by glaciers, it offers 360 degrees of panoramic views. The newest addition at the resort is Lifepath Spa at Bristol Harbour Resort. Dine in or outside and enjoy the food and a bottle of Finger Lakes wine while taking in the views. The rustic accommodations include a romantic fireplace for cool nights and a balcony for stargazing and lake-viewing. Play Bristol Harbour’s Robert Trent Jones-designed course, which offers dramatic elevation changes and is heavily wooded.
The deal: Enjoy a two-night Lakeview room, full breakfast each day, a $25 dining credit, unlimited driving range usage, half-hour golf clinic, and two rounds of golf per person weekdays only. Mention Hudson Valley Magazine and receive an additional weekday night for free when booking the two-night package. The package begins at $299 per person. This is over a 40-percent savings. Also add a spa treatment for only $80 per person.
When: Valid through August 2010

Where: The Cliffside House. Shore Road, ME; 207-361-1000 or www.cliffhousemaine.com
What’s special: This Oceanfront resort sits high above Bald Head Cliff. Every room has a balcony with an ocean view. The full-service spa offers a varied menu of treatments, a 75-foot lap pool, a whirlpool, a sauna, and a steam room. The fitness center showcases panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, provides exercise classes, and more. Dine in or outside and enjoy the ocean views.
The deal: “Spa and Golf Sampler” consists of four days and three nights and is good from Sunday through Thursday. The package includes lodging, a full breakfast each morning, lobster dinner or choice of entrée with beverage, appetizer and dessert one night, one round of championship golf with cart, and a $100 spa credit per person. Mention Hudson Valley special code “99” and receive a free Spa Sampler treatment valued at $99 which features three 15-minute mini- treatments: a relaxing head, neck and shoulder massage, a revitalizing hand treatment and lower leg hot-towel massage — plus a glass of wine and a sampling of the chef’s hors d’oeuvres. Cost is from $575 per person, double occupancy. Maine sales tax and service charges are included. The deal is a $99 savings.
When: Valid Sun.-Thurs. for the month of May 2010 (except holidays)

Some like it hot: desert golf

If you don’t mind the heat, Arizona has unbelievable deals on the very best courses.

Where: Arizona Biltmore. 2400 East Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ; 800-950-0086 or www.arizonabiltmore.com
What’s special: Known as the “Jewel of the Desert,” the luxurious Arizona Biltmore is a 39-acre oasis covered with lush gardens, swimming pools, and Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture. The resort has been a favorite of presidents and celebrities — including Irving Berlin who penned “White Christmas” while sitting poolside at the resort. Besides its beautiful pools, a 20,000-square-foot spa, tennis, biking, croquet, and a variety of restaurants, it has two championship courses. The newest addition to the resort is Ocatilla, a hotel-within-a-hotel. Ocatilla provides guests with concierge service, including continental breakfast and in the evening, hors d’oeuvres, cheese, and wine; desserts complete the day.
The deal: Double Eagle Package includes: Accommodations in Ocatilla at Arizona Biltmore; one round of golf each at either the Arizona Biltmore Country Club or Grayhawk; dinner for two at either Wright’s or at the fabulous new Frank and Albert’s; two 25-minute neck and shoulder massages; and a 30-percent discount off additional spa services, resort fee, and self-parking. Mention Hudson Valley Magazine and receive an Arizona Biltmore golf cap, logo golf towel, and a sleeve of Arizona Biltmore golf balls and tees. Package price is $599 for two — a 45-percent savings over booking the components individually. Use “NYP10” when booking.
When: May 2010

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Where: Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa. Carefree, AZ; 888-579-2631 or www.theboulders.com
What’s special: This luxurious resort is in a unique and striking setting. Huge naturally stacked boulders reach for the sky and tremendous saguaros cacti dot the landscape. Even the hotel takes its cue from nature and fits in perfectly with the surroundings. The resort showcases two award-winning championship courses that constantly challenge and wow players: Both courses stretch across the enchanting Sonora Desert landscape, where you’ll test your handicap among ancient boulder formations. It’s an unforgettable course. The 33,000 square-foot Golden Door Spa uses the elements provided by the rich, desert landscape to bring well-being to its guests. Afterwards sit by the pool nestled against ancient boulders.
The deal: “Play For Free” package includes private Resort Casita accommodations, one round of golf per adult per paid night, unlimited use of the practice facilities, unlimited Golden Door Spa and fitness facility access, and fitness classes. The cost of “Play For Free” begins at $119 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. The reduced room rate is a 70-percent savings.
When: May 30-Sept. 2, 2010

Where: Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain. 15000 N. Secret Spring Dr., Marana, AZ; 520-572-3000 or www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain
What’s special: This is where the 2010 World Golf Championships Accenture Match Play Championship took place. And you too can play on this Jack Nicklaus-designed course that takes full advantage of the high Sonoran Desert setting and blends naturally among the saguaros and the surrounding Tortolita Mountain range. Players also enjoy the incredible elevation changes as the course ranges from 2,300 to 3,000 feet above sea level. Come to play or stay at the resort. The resort, from its pools to its spa to its lavish rooms and luxurious lobby is something to see as well.
The deal: Play after 2 p.m. and pay only $45. In high-season it’s $165.
When: June-Sept., 2010


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