Author: Melinda

Beaches Turks and Caicos – Grace Bay, Providenciales

Accommodations: We were fortunate enough to spend two evenings here and to be assigned a Piazza Pool Front Walkout Family Suite with Separate Kids’ Room, in the Italian Village, which is the newest section of this complex. The room was very spacious and comfortable with a king-size bed, large overstuffed sofa/trundle bed and a separate bedroom with bunk beds and a trundle that pulled from that. The décor was very rich looking, with a classy Caribbean feel.

There are 3 sections to this resort. The Caribbean Village (11 years old), the French Village (9 years old) and the Italian Village (2 years old). I liked each area for different reasons. We viewed several different room categories in each section of the entire complex, which we would be happy to discuss with clients to find the right fit for their family.

The French Village offered an intimate, quiet feel. I think that this area would be nice for honeymoon couples, even though it is a family-friendly resort, as it is tucked away from most of the family activities. A drawback to the French Village is the balcony. Rooms on the ground level have a walkout patio. The 2nd floors and higher offer a French balcony, with a sliding glass door to the outside, but with no room to sit or stand.

The Caribbean Village is older in style, more of a motor-inn look, but spread out. I liked this area because the common areas were lively and the foliage was very mature and beautiful.
The Italian Village is more of a high-rise complex but flows nicely with the rest of the complex. It is very rich looking with poolside cabanas, richly decorated rooms, and classy common areas.

Dining: There are more than 16 specialty dining options, which is sure to satisfy any guest. In our short time at the resort, we were able to experience The Cricketer’s Pub, Mario’s Italian Restaurant (for a buffet-style lunch), Sushi Bar and Le Petit Chateau. We thoroughly enjoyed each dining experience. Everything was perfect—from the professional, friendly staff to the perfectly presented entrees.
We did not experience the food at the following restaurants but felt they were unique to the resort.
• Bobby D’s, a 50s-style diner that children will love, as they serve ice cream, hot dogs, and burgers all day long and, at certain times of the day, cotton candy.
• Café de Paris, which offers an assortment of French pastries, but also have a cupcake bar where children can frost their own cupcakes to eat.

Entertainment and daily activities: I cannot imagine that any guest visiting this resort would ever run out of things to do. There is a 7000 square-foot retail village; X-Box Games Garage; participation in activities with Sesame Street characters; Pirate Island water park with 9 slides, lazy river, surf simulator and water cannons. There are also options for volleyball, soccer, tennis, pool, board games, kayaking, windsurfing, aqua trikes and snorkeling. The 12 miles of Grace Bay Beach is enough to keep you occupied all day long with walking.

Photo by Britt Reints

New Zealand

Auckland– A perfect destination that offers an urban lifestyle full of boutiques and cafes, but very close to the ocean, mountains and beaches….something for everyone.

I enjoyed a beautiful afternoon sailing around Auckland Harbor, with the Pride of Auckland Sailing Company.

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Auckland. This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Auckland and offers very comfortable and spacious rooms with great views.

Waitomo – Waitomo Caves – Fascinating underground, limestone caverns. You may choose to take a boat ride through the grotto, after viewing the impressive caves, which is lit by thousands of tiny glowworms. This was such an amazing experience.

Rotorua – This is such a rare destination, filled with geysers, bubbling mud pools and surrounded by crystal clear lakes and streams. The Maori culture offers interesting history.

I went to Te-Puia Thermal Reserve. This location is filled with, mud pools, hissing steam and geysers. Also, a great look into the history of Maori culture.
Also, participated in Maori Hangi, which is similar to a luau and filled with interesting facts about Maori culture.

I stayed at Millennium Rotorua, which is a perfect location, in the heart of the city, with amazing views. The grounds are well kept and are very attractive.The rooms were clean and comfortable, but basic.

Christchurch – This city reminded me of a city in England. The Avon River flows through the city and there are tree-lined avenues and colorful gardens. Also, many high-end shops all within walking distance from many accommodations in the city.

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Christchurch. The location is located in the heart of the city and right beside the Avon River. Great location for walking to shops and restaurants. The rooms were very modern, clean and comfortable.

We had many days of road travel, but the longest was from Christchurch to Mt Cook. The roads traveled offered beautiful views of the Canterbury Plains. We stopped at Lake Tekapo, which is glacier fed. There is a church located next to the lake that was built in 1935 out of locally gathered stone and oak. This is a perfect stop to have a picnic lunch during a long day of driving.

Mt Cook – Mt Cook National Park – Mt Cook is considered to be one of the most iconic images of the country. Inside the park, you may choose to take a guided tour to Tasman Glacier, which includes a hike to the zodiac boat launch. I went on the hike, but the weather was not cooperative to take the zodiacs to the glacier, however, we were able to view icebergs.

I stayed at the Hermitage Hotel, which is located in the middle of nowhere, inside of the park. The hotel is surrounded by mountains and offers amazing views. The rooms and the rest of the resort are very primitive in style, slightly motor inn with a lodge feel, but you cannot beat the views. You are right in the heart of nature. The staff was very friendly and accommodating.

We drove from Mt Cook to Milford Sound through small farming communities and quaint towns by the names of Cromwell and Te Anau. Cromwell, has a great roadside stand called Mrs. Jones’s, where they serve amazing ice cream and have many local treats. Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and is very picturesque. I enjoyed just sitting on a park bench and looking out at the lake. The drive to Milford Sound also involves driving through Fiordland National Park, which is one of the most memorable and beautiful sights I have ever seen. There are snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, mirror lakes and lush surroundings around every corner.

Milford Sound – I participated in an overnight cruise of the sound, aboard the Milford Mariner. The cruise starts at the base of the Sound and travels out to the Tasman Sea and circles back to anchor in the Sound for the evening. Once anchored you can relax on deck, or go for a guided tour with kayaks. The dinner and breakfast served aboard are served buffet style with many choices and the food was very good. The staff was very friendly and professional. The cabin accommodations are very comfortable and clean.

Arrowtown – This town is a former gold mining town. It offers spectacular scenery and quaint streets. Also, offers easy access to one of many AJ Hackett Bungy-jumping sites.

Wanaka – Voted in the top 10 world’s most romantic destinations. This was easily one of my favorite locations on the entire trip. Wanaka is surrounded by striking mountains, beautiful Lake Wanaka and a quaint town with unique dining options.

I stayed at the Edgewater Resort, which is located on the edge of Lake Wanaka. The rooms are very spacious and clean with amazing views of the lake and Southern Alps. I loved the intimacy of this resort and the close proximity to town, but also how tucked away it is.

Queenstown – This is such and amazing city. It is quaint, fun and full of adventure. There is an ice bar, shotover jet boating, bungy jumping, winery tours, unique restaurants, high end shopping and a hip nightlife.

I stayed at the Sofitel Queenstown, which is in the heart of the downtown area. This hotel is one of the nicest I have ever stayed in. It is a luxury boutique hotel, which is not lacking in any area and there is such attention to detail with every inch of the hotel. The rooms were richly decorated, comfortable and clean and were so pampering.

New Zealand is one of the top destinations I have traveled to in my 15 years as a travel consultant. There is so much to offer in both the North and South Islands. I have never been to a destination that offers so much diversity with the surroundings. It is the natural attractions that just have your jaw dropping many times per day. Snowy mountains, volcanoes, beaches, remote hiking trails, fiords, wilderness lakes and much, much more.

Luxury Resorts in Cabo San Lucas

Dreams Los Cabos

Dreams Los Cabos was our “home” for the first two nights of our stay. Dreams is located in the corridor just a few miles outside of Cabo San Lucas and is a very beautiful, all-inclusive resort. This property was formerly the Melia Suites and was rennovated in 2007/2008 and a new wing was also added to the property. This open-air, all-suite resort features a large, freeform swimming pool, health club and spa, and panoramic views of the ocean. This resort—the first and only 24-hour full-service, luxury resort in Los Cabos–is perfect for just about anyone…singles, couples and families! It’s also a great choice for destination weddings.

Zoetry Casa del Mar

The all-inclusive Zoetry Casa del Mar is located next door to Dreams Los Cabos and guests staying here have access to the amenities at Dreams. Zoetry Casa del Mar is a 42-suite, hacienda-style boutique hotel. There is a “desert feel” to this resort. Even though the resort sits on the beautiful Sea of Cortez, all the landscaping is rock and cactus. It has a very “zen”-like feel to it. This resort is great for couples looking for pampering. Zoetry offers their “Endless Privileges” program focusing on wellness, serenity and romance. NOTE: Children under age 2 are not permitted at this resort.

Capella Pedregal

The Capella Pedregal is probably the most unique resort I have ever visited! It opened in July, 2009 and has already been recognized by Conde Nast as one of the best hotels in the world. The resort was carved through the heart of the mountain that separates Cabo San Lucas and the Pacific Ocean. Guests arriving at the Capella Pedregal enter through a private tunnel lit with crystal chandeliers! The Capella Pedregal is just steps away from the shops, dining and entertainment of Cabo San Lucas. The rooms here (the smallest of which is 820 square feet!) all have fireplaces and private plunge pools. The El Farallon Restaurant was built right into the cliffs on the side of the mountain and features firepits along the outside dining deck. The resort has a very secluded feel, though it is only a short distance into town. This resort is good for couples, honeymooners and families looking for seclusion.

Marquis Los Cabos

The Marquis Los Cabos opened in 2003 and is a member of the “Leading Hotels of the World”. The Marquis is located near many of the great Cabo golf courses. The staff is dedicated to surpassing guests’ expectation with a passion for details, attention to service and excellence. Rooms are large (a minimum of 650 square feet) and offer complimentary breakfasts each morning delivered to your private in-room “nicho”.

The Marquis has a full-service spa and fitness center as well as 3 main pools.

This resort is good for couples, singles and families.

Villas del Mar

The Villas del Mar is nestled along a two-mile stretch of pristine oceanfront property. The Villas combine the best of both worlds…a luxury vacation home and the services and amenities of a full-service luxury resort! Two, three and four bedroom casitas are available and all offer private pools. Private chef service is included. Club Ninety-Six is Mexico’s finest private members only beach club exclusively for Villa del Mar guests. This resort also has one of the few swimmable beaches in Cabo at Club Ninety-Six in Palmilla Cove. Guests staying here can also enjoy access to the One&Only Palmilla Spa, Golf Course, Agua Bar and Restaurant and C’s Bar and Restaurant. This resort is very spread out and some villas may be a good distance from the Beach Club. Golf Carts are needed to get around.

NOTE: A new development, “Espiritu”, is currently in development and under construction next to the Villas del Mar. These villas will be a bit smaller and not so “over the top”.

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica

The Pueblo Bonito Pacifica was our “home” for the second two nights of our stay. It is Cabo’s first and only luxury wellness-oriented resort exclusively for adults (no one under the age of 16). Guests can try a yoga class on the beach, take a dip in the sparkling pool, indulge in a massage in the privacy of your room or private beach bed or enjoy the wonderful spa! There is complimentary shuttle service to the sister properties—Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Pueblo Bonito Rose, and Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos—and guests may reserve tables at the other Pueblo Bonito properties and also enjoy their pools, beaches and other amenities. Rooms here are more contemporary and stark. They have a full-service spa which was totally amazing! NOTE: This resort is completely non-smoking both in rooms and in all public area!

ME by Melia Cabo

This resort is located on one of the only swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas! ME is a fairly quiet resort Sunday through Wednesdays, but is “the” place to be on the weekends! Thursday is “Ladies Night” and the drinks are free! The Passion Club is the hottest scene in Cabo where Mex-Med cuisine is served along with Cabo’s best cocktails, tapas, and dance tunes. This resort is very high-energy and is perfect for the young, sexy, “beautiful” people crowd! The “Level Floor” (concierge floor) is adults ages 18 and up only.

The One&Only Palmilla

The One&Only Palmilla was my favorite resort we visited! This resort was origianlly built in the 1950’s. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were two of the partners that owned this resort and they promoted heavily to the Hollywood crowd. Today, many celebrities (including Courtney Cox, Jennifer Aniston and John Travolta) seek out this tropical hideaway. Conde Nast currently lists this resort as #15 in the world! This serenely private and sensually elegant resort features expansive ocean-facing rooms, each with a private veranda, sun beds, and indulgent amenities. The resort has a ratio of 5 employees to each room! Although this resort will allow families and children, they do try to keep the rooms on the south side of the resort for adults only (near the adult only pool) and put the families on the north side (closer to the children’s pool and Agua Pool). There is a pool concierge available to provide complimentary iPods, audio books, afternoon snacks, Evian Spritzers and other services. The north side of the resort does have a swimmable beach. The grounds at this resort are beautiful, lush and tropical. The spa features 13 private treatment “villas” offering a beautifully appointed air-conditioned massage pavilion and open-air garden. Double villas include rain showers, Mexican daybeds and whirlpool baths as well as private vanity areas fully stocked with all locker amenities. There are no elevators at this resort and some rooms are on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The resort has an on-site Chapel. This resort is good for singles, couples, honeymooners and families—anyone looking for a luxurious experience!

Pueblo Bonita Sunset Beach

This spectacular getaway provides incredible views from hacienda-style villas overlooking a magnificent expanse of private beach and sparkling blue seas. Luxurious all-suite accommodations offer a relaxing escape. This resort also features an on-site Chapel, wine cellar and cigar bar. The unique infinity Sky Pool high above the golden sand provides incomparable ocean views. The resort sits adjacent to the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort. All suites offer kitchen facilities and there is even a small “grocery store and deli” where you can stock up on food and snacks. There are 5 pools, a children’s pool and swim up bars. Each pool has a different atmosphere. The spa at Sunset Beach has 22 treatment rooms and an extensive fitness center. NOTE: This resort is not recommended for the physically challenged due to it’s location on a hillside. The hotel complex is spread out, and employee-driven motorized carts are used to get around to the different areas. These could be difficult for persons with physical limitation to board.

Cabo San Lucas

This FAM was sponsored and escorted by MLT (Delta) Vacations. There were 22 agents from across the country that participated in this site-intensive FAM focusing on their luxury products.

Cabo San Lucas is basically an extension of the State of California into Mexico on the Baja Peninsula. Los Cabos is basically comprised of three distinct areas: Cabo San Lucas, The Corridor and San Jose del Cabo. Although most of the resorts in Cabo sit directly on the water and have beautiful beaches, few of them offer swimmable beaches. Cabo is also one of the safest destinations in Mexico with a nearly non-existent crime rates!

The city of Cabo San Lucas boasts large hotels on almost every available piece of land. The city is very walkable and restuarants, bars and shops curve around the entire perimeter of the Cabo San Lucas Harbor. Most of the hotels in this area are “non-inclusive” resorts.

The Corridor is where you will find most of the glamorous and ritzy hotels! Developers are deliberately keeping this area very high-end and private. Most resorts are guard-gated, luxury developments and have amazing views of the Sea of Cortez.

San Jose del Cabo is closest to the airport and also has the most authentic feel. Here you will find a downtown area that is quaint and appealing. Just outside the city is the hotel zone where you will find the hotels, resorts (both all-inclusive and non-inclusive), and time-share properties.

Press Release – OnStage Alaska

 

For more information, contact:
Lorna Elve
616-942-5112

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALASKA COMES ALIVE WITH VIVID IMAGERY AT THE PRINCE CENTER AT CALVIN COLLEGE AT 11:00AM ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Witte Travel & Tours will host another ON STAGE ALASKA, a free multi-media Alaska travel presentation created to provide a glimpse of the history, scenic grandeur, wildlife and friendliness of the people to those planning an Alaska vacation. The program, produced by Holland America Line, features their 2011 Alaska CruiseTour Destination Film and live performance of an entertaining team who will share their passion of the Great Land.

It is open to the public and will take place at the Prince Conference Center at Calvin College on Saturday, August 21at 11:00AM.

Alaska, with its popular travel season beginning in May and ending in mid-September, is one of the best summer travel destinations to see by both land and sea. Travelers plan early, and so there’s no better way to get started on 2011 planning than to attend this show.

In addition, ON STAGE ALASKA provides information on Holland America cruise and cruisetour itineraries to Alaska.

Admission is FREE however, seats must be reserved by August 11. For information or reservations, call Witte Travel at 616-942-5112 or 800-469-4883.

Witte Travel & Tours, in business for 35 years, is one of West Michigan’s premier travel companies, providing travel consulting to individuals, families, and honeymoon couples for their vacation packages, cruises and destination weddings throughout the world. Witte Travel also custom-designs group tours to destinations in Europe, the British Isles, Scandinavia, Africa, Australia, the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, South America, Vietnam, and throughout the continental United States. Specialty group tours include performance tours for vocal and handbell choirs, student study programs, tours focusing on religious, art, architectural, cultural and/or historical themes, and family heritage.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)] 

Holland America Line’s fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314 ports of call in 97 countries, territories or dependencies.  Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.   

In the 2006 Portrait of Affluent Travelers survey by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell, Holland America Line topped the list of cruise lines sought after by affluent leisure travelers.  Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, totaling more than $225 million,  that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds. 

World’s Leading Cruise Lines

The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises.  Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets.  The World’s Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.

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Press Release – Witte Travel Wins TOPS in GR

Contact: Lorna Elve
Marketing Manager
Witte Travel & Tours
616-957-8113

For Immediate Release

WITTE TRAVEL WINS TOPS IN GR

Grand Rapids, Mich. –Witte Travel & Tours recently won the “Top Travel Agency” award for 2010 in the TOPS In GR contest sponsored by the Grand Rapids Press.

Winners were selected in various categories including eating establishments, retail stores, hospitals, and more.

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who voted for us. It’s a real honor to know we won because our clients took the time to vote for us”, says Lorna Elve, Marketing Manager for Witte Travel.

Witte Travel & Tours is a retail vacation travel agency and a tour operator. The company, locally owned and operated by Henry I. (Henk) Witte, was established in Ada, Michigan in 1975. Witte’s staff includes over 35 travel professionals with a combined experience of over 300 years. Witte Travel is a member in good standing of many business and professional organizations and associations: among them the Grand Rapids Area Chambers of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau of West Michigan, the National Tour Association, the World Religious Travel Association, and the American Society of Travel Agents. In addition, many of Witte Travel’s staff members have earned Certified Travel Consultant and Destination Specialists designations from the Institute of Certified Travel Agents.

For information contact Witte Travel & Tours, 3250 28th Street S.E., Grand Rapids, at (616) 957-8113 or 800-469-4883. Witte Travel is open from 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday and Wednesday evenings until 7pm.

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Press Release – Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas Tours and Performs Throughout Michigan

Jane Larson – Manager, Performance Tour Division – Retired
Witte Travel & Tours
(616) 957-8113

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas Tours and Performs Throughout Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — From June 7 – 18, 2010 the choir will be on tour in Michigan with performances in Ann Arbor, Marshall, Lansing, Mackinac Island, Petoskey, Suttons Bay and at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans (in the Chapel), 3000 Monroe NE, on Wednesday, June 16 at 2:30pm. They will also be singing the National Anthem at the West Michigan Whitecaps Baseball game at Fifth Third Ballpark at 7pm on Wednesday, June 16. The Fort Bend Boys Tour Choir has performed extensively in both the U.S. and abroad.

Their performances are always memorable events because of the choir’s ability to combine the freshness and enthusiasm of childhood with artistic maturity that is achieved through serious work.

The Fort Bend Boys Choir, Inc. of Texas was founded in 1985. The choir was organized to give boys with special musical abilities and interests an opportunity to perform more challenging choral literature from classical selections to folk music. The Tour Choir is one of five performing ensembles. Website: www.fbbctx.org

Rave Reviews from the Tour Choir’s 2009 Concert Tour to Colorado give an idea of the treat that is in store:

“We were so happy that our church was filled to overflowing on Friday for their concert. What a fine program they presented . . .I was quite impressed with their fine musical qualities and nice balance of musical styles.” Derald DeYoung, Estes Park

“I am still getting calls from audience members who were very moved by the performance. The boys were just a delight!” –Jean Rosencrans, Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities

“Oh my gosh! The boys were absolutely wonderful—we had a lovely time! It was one of the coolest events we have ever had here—I loved, loved, loved it!!!! I hope they will come back again!—Gayle Mortell, Executive Director of the Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts.

Their concerts are free and open to the public!

All touring and performance arrangements provided by the Performance Tour Division of Witte Travel & Tours, 3250 28th Street S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Aloha from Witte Travel and the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau

Witte Travel and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau want to introduce you to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Hawaii, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is the most remote island chain in the world made up of 132 islands! Six of the eight islands at the southern tip of the island chain make up the Hawaiian islands. Hawaii is easy and convenient to get to with flights from Grand Rapids, Lansing, Detroit and Chicago. Hawaii offers a great year round climate, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to the mid 80s year round. Each island has its own personality, feel, scenery and natural beauty and there is something for everyone from families to couples, adventure seekers and more.
Planning a Hawaii vacation can be overwhelming with its wide variety of accommodations, resort areas and activities. Our Hawaii experts who have been to the islands many times will help you plan the perfect vacation. We guarantee you will want to go back again and again!

Aloha from Witte Travel and the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau

Witte Travel and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau want to introduce you to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Hawaii, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is the most remote island chain in the world made up of 132 islands! Six of the eight islands at the southern tip of the island chain make up the Hawaiian islands. Hawaii is easy and convenient to get to with flights from Grand Rapids, Lansing, Detroit and Chicago. Hawaii offers a great year round climate, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to the mid 80s year round. Each island has its own personality, feel, scenery and natural beauty and there is something for everyone from families to couples, adventure seekers and more.

Planning a Hawaii vacation can be overwhelming with its wide variety of accommodations, resort areas and activities. Our Hawaii experts who have been to the islands many times will help you plan the perfect vacation. We guarantee you will want to go back again and again!