Exclusive Travel Deals in March 2010

Have cabin fever or the winter blahs? Maybe it’s time to get away. Whether you want winter fun, city excitement, serenity at a spa, a romantic escape, or a weekend in the sun, we’ve got an idea for you. Better yet, you can get exclusive deals by just mentioning Hudson Valley Magazine. And follow @greatraveldeals on Twitter for late-breaking deals.

Spa-Tacular Retreat

Where: Spa at Norwich Inn, 607 West Thames St., Norwich, CT
800-ASK-4-SPA or www.thespaatnorwichinn.com

What’s special: Named “Best Destination Spa in Connecticut” by Connecticut Magazine in 2009 and recognized for “Best Pampering in Connecticut” (Editor’s Choice) by Yankee Magazine in 2009, the spa is set amidst beautiful surroundings. Guests can stay in the 1930 Georgian Manor with four-poster beds, plush robes and in-room spa amenities. (Guest rooms have been refreshed with new carpeting, drapes, bedspreads and updated bathrooms.) The spa has 34 treatment rooms and offers a blend of beauty and body treatments as well as a variety of fitness programs and nutritional instruction sure to renew your mind, body, and spirit.

The deal: The weekday package, available Sun.-Thurs., for one to four nights, allows you to customize your stay according to your preferences. Each night includes a guest room for two; breakfast in Kensington’s restaurant; your choice of two 50-minute spa services (excluding the deep tissue massage); your choice of two fitness classes; and full use of the spa facility: sauna, steam room, whirlpool, indoor pool, relaxation room, and fitness center. Take advantage of daily complimentary events: morning walk, FIT TIPS class, morning meditation, make-up color analysis Q&A, Spa 101 class, afternoon tea and scones, and afternoon wine tasting. Cost per night is from $318 per person, double occupancy, or from $397 for single occupancy. Applicable taxes, gratuities, and service charges are additional. This is a 20% savings. Mention HV Mag and receive a basket of fruit or a half-pound of delicious chocolates from Munson’s, a family-owned Connecticut company!

When: Valid Sun.-Thurs. for the month of March 2010.

Winter Fun

Where: Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Rest Rd., New Paltz
800-772-6646 or www.mohonk.com

What’s special: Step back in time. Mohonk Mountain House, a 19th century Victorian castle, is surrounded by thousands of acres of forest and winding trails. Designated a National Historic Landmark and continuously family owned for over 130 years, it offers a myriad of exciting activities. Go ice-skating, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing; learn curling; hit the fitness center, swim, or head to the spa (perched atop cliffs above a pristine mountain lake). Luxuriate and reflect by the solarium’s stone fireplace and be pampered by one of the many treatments. Mohonk Mountain House is the only resort in the United States that offers curling.

The deal: Midweek, rates start at $186.90 per person, per night, based on double occupancy — a savings of up to 40% (taxes and service charge additional). Rates include accommodations, three meals daily, afternoon tea and cookies, along with most resort activities such as ice-skating and cross-country skiing. Curling sessions are available throughout the winter season. Hudson Valley Magazine readers who show a print-out of this article upon arrival receive a silver-plated cover photo album with an etching of a summerhouse on the front, valued at $26.

When: Midweek through March 31, 2010.

On the Water

Where: Saybrook Point Inn and Spa, 2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook, CT
860-395-2000 or www.saybrook.com

What’s special: Located on the mouth of the Connecticut River with stunning views of Long Island Sound, this 130-year-old AAA Four Diamond hotel spa offers guests a blend of historic elegance and modern luxury. The renovated elegant rooms feature water views and many have fireplaces. Relax and rejuvenate at the spa with its varied menu of treatments. Swim in the indoor pool, exercise, take a steam, and soothe your muscles in the whirlpool. And it’s only steps from historic Old Saybrook and a potpourri of antique shops. Theaters, outlets, and casinos are a short drive away.

The deal: The “Family Escape Package” — exclusive to Hudson Valley Magazine readers — includes overnight accommodations, cookies, and milk for the whole family upon arrival; breakfast for two adults and children under 10; and half-price meals for children 11 to 16 when family dines in Terra Mar. Rates are $249 for weekdays and $279 for the weekends. That’s a 20% savings plus children’s discount!

When: Available through March 31, 2010.

Inn Love

Where: Woolverton Inn, 6 Woolverton Rd., Stockton, NJ
609-397-0802 or www.woolvertoninn.com

What’s special: Perched high above the Delaware River is this charming romantic 1792 manor house with its roaring fireplaces and whirlpool tubs for two. Surrounded by 300 acres of farmland and forest, it feels like a private country estate and yet is just five minutes from New Hope and Lambertville and their many attractions (wineries, antique shops, flea market, small museums, and Buck’s County Playhouse). Start your day with a delicious three-course breakfast and end it in a luxurious featherbed.

The deal: Stay mid-week and take $50 off each night you stay. Mention Hudson Valley Magazine and receive a split of champagne. Rates are $145-$434.

When: Good Sun.-Thurs. through March 31, 2010 — except holidays.

Give My Regards to Broadway

Where: The Kitano, 66 Park Ave., 38th Street, New York
800-548-2666 or www.kitano.com

What’s special: On Park Avenue, the hotel is very close to Grand Central Station, the Empire State Building, United Nations, the theater district, Fifth Avenue, restaurants and shopping — and yet it enjoys a quiet, non-hectic location. From the stunning lobby done in marble and warm mahogany to its well-appointed rooms, sun-lit café, unique Japanese restaurant, and welcoming bar lounge, the Kitano’s ambiance is inviting, elegant, and luxurious. The staff provides the ultimate in service.

The deal: Hudson Valley Magazine readers enjoy two complimentary tickets to the jazz performance in the bar lounge on Friday and Saturday (a $50 value), plus 5% off the best available room rate. Rates start at $249.

When: Good weekends through March 31, 2010.

Where: The Muse New York, 130 West 46th St., New York
212-485-2400 or 800-kimpton or www.themusehotel.com

What’s special: A hip boutique hotel, its location is ideal for those who like to be in the heart of the action. It’s steps away from all the hub-bub of Times Square and Broadway and close to Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, shopping and restaurants.

The deal: The “March Madness” package includes the room, two complimentary cocktails at NOS restaurant, a complimentary in-room movie, and a map of the best spots around town — from museums to restaurants. Rates start at $239, a savings of 25%. Mention Hudson Valley Magazine and receive complimentary parking ($52 value).

When: Good weekends through March 31, 2010.

Sunshine State of Mind

Where: The Villas of Grand Cypress, One North Jacaranda, Orlando, FL
877-330-7377 or www.grandcypress.com

What’s special: Nestled in a lush setting, the Villas of Grand Cypress offer guests endless on-property activities including championship golf, golf academy, tennis, a magnificent heated pool (featuring two hot tubs and a heated waterfall), and a lake with a beach and boat rentals. If you wish to leave the grounds, it’s minutes to Orlando’s famed attractions and the resort offers complimentary shuttle service.

The deal: Exclusive to Hudson Valley Magazine readers: The package includes overnight accommodations in the spacious Villas of Grand Cypress, a full American breakfast for two people each day of your stay in The Club Restaurant. The special rate is $159 per night, a $30 savings.

When: Good through March 31, 2010.

Where: Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Innisbrook, FL
727-942-2000 or www.innisbrookgolfresort.com

What’s special: Nestled on 900 acres of Florida’s Gulf Coast, this resort offers a potpourri of incredible sports activities. There are four championship golf courses, 11 tennis courts, indoor racquetball courts, a fitness facility, and six pools. Nature abounds with plants, alligators, and herons. Bike, hike, stroll, and dine.

The deal: The package begins at $229 per person per day and includes one round of golf at one of Innisbrook’s four championship courses (surcharge on the Copperhead Course), suite accommodations, full breakfast, $25 dining credit, $25 spa credit, unlimited driving range usage, and a golf clinic. When calling, mention Hudson Valley Magazine and receive a $25 credit for the golf shop. With the exclusive offer it’s over a 40% savings.

When: Now through April, 2010.

Happy exploring!