Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort in Curacao…included in these Cyber Monday Travel Deals.
If you have the “experiences over things” mentality like I often do (unless I see a pair of killer heels), these Cyber Monday 2015 hotel deals are just for you. This Monday, December 30th, 32 hotels across the U.S., Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe are participating in special Cyber Monday rates up to 75% off just for you adventurous world travelers. Head to CyberTravelDeals.com now to check out the details on all properties participating so you’re ready to book a trip (or three) Monday morning! Here’s just a sneak peek at some of the hotel deals included:
United States
Hotel: Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach
Offer: 40% off best available rates
Valid for Travel: December 2 – February 13, 2016
How to Book: www.sandpearl.com
Promo code: CYBER15
Hotel: Opal Sands Resort, Clearwater Beach
Offer: 40% off suites
Valid for Travel: February 20 – May 26, 2016
How to Book: www.opalsands.com
Promo code: CYBER15
Sense Beach House, Miami Beach…also included in the Cyber Monday 2015 Hotel Deals.
Caribbean
Hotel: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Aruba
Offer: Rates starting at $199/night
Valid for Travel: May 1 – September 30, 2016. (Blackout dates: May 25-30, 2016)
How to Book: arubamarriott.com
Promo code: D52.
Hotel: San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Puerto Rico
Offer: 25% off leisure rates, starting at $169/night (available to book
Nov. 27-30)
Valid for Travel: Dec. 11, 2015 – Jan. 17, 2016
How to Book: www.sanjuanmarriott.com
Promo code: 444
Hotel: Tamarind, Barbados
Offer: Up to 55% off, starting at $218/night (discount/rates vary by seasonal travel dates)
Valid for Travel: Dec. 1-22, 2015, Jan. 3 – April 17, 2016, June 1 – Oct. 22, 2016
How to Book: www.tamarindbarbados.com
Promo code: CYBER1
Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, Florida
Latin America
Hotel: Casa Palopo, Guatemala
Offer: 35% off nightly rates, starting at $100/night
Valid for Travel: May 1 – July 3, 2016 and August 28 – October 28, 2016
How to Book: Email reservations@casapalopo.com and mention Cyber Monday
Hotel: Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica
Offer: 50% off, rates starting at $150/night
Valid for Travel: August 21 – December 17, 2016
How to Book: www.tabacon.com
Promo code: CYMO
Europe
Hotel: Palazzo Victoria / Verona, Italy
Offer: Up to 25% best off best available rates
Valid for Travel: January 12 – April 30, 2016
How to Book: www.palazzovictoria.com
Promo code: CYBMON16
Hotel: Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa, Italy
Offer: 15% off the Tuscan Wine & Culinary Experience Package and a bottle of wine from the Serchio Valley upon check-in.
Valid for Travel: Valid for travel through August 31, 2016
How to Book: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/lcvbr-renaissance-tuscany-il-ciocco-resort-and-spa/ with the promo code ZJ9
Please note, these Cyber Monday 2015 hotel deals can only be booked on Monday, November 30th and are based on availability and subject to blackout rates. Additional room category limitations and restrictions may apply.
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, the countdown to 2016 is on! Don’t know where you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve? Express may just decide on those plans for you, jet setters. Enter Express’s #EXPSWEEPS contest and get the chance to win a free all expenses paid trip to NYC on New Year’s Eve for you and 3 of your friends! That includes airfare, hotel, and gift cards for you and your crew. If that’s not the best way to start 2016, I don’t know what is!
Winner or not, you definitely need a fabulous holiday party look lined up for the evening. Here are some great stand out Express NYE dresses that will help you sparkle and celebrate the holiday season in style.
Details on the black grecian look above (or similar):
1. Black Grecian Pleated Cutout Mini Dress
2. Clustered Faux Gem Ear Cuff
3. Five-Color Designer Eyeshadow
Details on the sequin look above:
1. Black Sequined Cutout Mini Dress
4. Rhinestone and Pave Square Stud Earrings
5. Lip Gloss
6. Nudist Heels
The bonus? You can find these Express NYE dresses and many other styles in stores and online for 50% off (with free shipping) for Black Friday, November 27th. Missed it? No worries, there will be additional deals and offers including free shipping on Cyber Monday, November 30th!
Don’t forget to enter to win the Express NYE in NYC contest here, no purchase necessary. Winners to be announced Tuesday, December 1st. Good luck!
Marenas Beach Resort & Spa in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
About this time of year, around our anniversary and before the hectic holiday season begins, my husband and I plan a getaway for a few days. Recharging my batteries is key to truly enjoying the upcoming 6 weeks of non-stop festive family fun with our two little boys. This way, there’s less of a chance I’ll lose my (ahem) cool before the Christmas tree is even up. This month, we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to check out Marenas Beach Resort & Spa for two nights in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida for our escape and are so glad we did!
With storm clouds above us all weekend, our stay wasn’t the cocktails-in-the-cabana and sunset-beach-stroll escape I was envisioning. Evidently, Mother Nature couldn’t care less about my travel plans. But, regardless of the weather, our escape to Marenas Resort was the exact break I needed…and I almost forgot about the beach and pool right in their backyard. Almost. Yes, I’m a parent to 2 little kiddos and I’ll be happy with 5 minutes to myself in a cardboard box. But for a true escape, I’ll take Marenas. Here are my 5 favorite things about our recent staycation at Marenas Resort:
Hittin’ the beach.
The Friendly Service
From the moment we stepped into the lobby, the staff couldn’t have been friendlier and more helpful giving us a full run down of the property and getting us settled in quickly. About 10 minutes after we checked in, I received a courteous call in our room to make sure everything was to our liking and asking if we needed anything. Definitely not something you’ll find at every hotel. When we needed help in the business center, the staff was happy to help us get a fax out and, while we waited, they gave us several restaurant suggestions for dinner nearby. It’s all of these little details that are often forgotten by hotels that truly make the difference, make me feel well taken care of, and make the property stand out among the rest.
Spacious Rooms
I’m one for stretching my travel dollar as much as possible to get to as many destinations as possible. So, typically, you’ll find me in a standard room, albeit a 4 star standard room. But the Marenas Resort mostly has one bedroom suites and we were lucky enough to get one and quickly felt spoiled and right at home. These 700 square foot spacious rooms had a fully equipped kitchen with a large fridge, microwave, and coffee pot (and complimentary pods), a sitting area, a washer/dryer, a large bathroom, and a balcony overlooking the Atlantic. After checking in and discovering all of this right in your room, you may never check out.
Location, Location, Location
Being born and raised in Miami, I heart Miami Beach. But sometimes, the over the top scene in South Beach is more than I want to deal with, especially when I’m looking to chill out for the weekend. Marenas Resort is located in Sunny Isles Beach, just 30 minutes north of the heart of Miami and not even 2 miles away from Aventura. This location gives you the same beautiful beach, (most of the time) gorgeous weather, a much more relaxed vibe, and is close to both MIA and FLL. I suggest spending most of your time in the golden sand or poolside with cocktail in hand. But, in case it rains during your stay (doubtful), head to the nearby Aventura Mall like we did. It’s one of the best malls in South Florida with a movie theater, great shopping, and yummy restaurants. Bal Harbour Shops and Sawgrass Mills Outlets are close too. Want a little bit of a scene at least for dinner? No worries, there are plenty of excellent restaurants nearby like Hyde Kitchen + Bar and Bourbon Steak (where we dined) or GG’s Waterfront, Corsair, and Bal Harbour Grill which were all highly rated and recommended.
After about 20, I finally made a shot!
The Boutique Hotel Feeling Without the Cramp
I adore the uniqueness and intimate feeling of boutique hotels for about the first 24 hours. Then I tend to feel a bit cramped and antsy that there’s not enough to do on property. Marenas Resort has managed to offer the best of both worlds, the boutiquey feel with an attentive staff and a long, narrow lobby (giving the illusion of a small hotel) plus plenty of entertaining areas including a comfortable bar, a full gym, the pool, beachfront service, a business center, plenty of sitting areas to just relax, and even a mini game room on the lower level. You may just need more than a weekend to tackle all there is to offer.
The Little Details
For me, after checking out of a hotel the biggest take aways are actually all of the little details…the things that have sparked some emotion in me. At Marenas Resort, it was the huge aquamarine water wall constantly flowing and calming me instantly…the inviting lounge areas around every turn which made me feel comfy cozy…the creative cookies on a stick and lemon lime mint water in the lobby sending me off with one last smile and hitting my sweet spot. Marenas Beach Resort & Spa gets it right, down to the little details.
Next time you’re looking for a relaxing Florida getaway, be sure to check out Marenas Beach Resort & Spa, the 4-star luxury hotel located in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, 30 minutes north of Miami.
Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Already need an escape from the holiday season? Yup, me too. Book this “Fall Break-Away” travel deal through October 31, 2015, and travel through November 22nd, 2015! We’re just getting to Halloween and it’s already getting a bit hectic. Recharge those batteries now, people. The most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year is almost here.
35 JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance®, Marriott Hotels & Resorts® and Gaylord Hotels® from Florida to Hawaii, are offering low nightly rates and daily resort credit with the “Fall Break-Away” travel deal. Make a quick escape before the hectic holiday season and take advantage of low nightly rates – starting at just $99/night – and up to $100 in resort credit per night which can be used for amenities including dining, spa services, golf tee times and on-property retail stores. In addition, AAA members can receive an additional 5% off their stay.
To book your Fall Break-Away Travel Deal, visit resortfallbreak.com with promotional code ZX0. To redeem the AAA discount, use promo code AAZ.
East Coast:
· Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
· Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa
· Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
· Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa (a true Americana family vacay town)
· Hutchinson Island Marriott Resort & Marina
· JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes (perfect weather at Disney this time of year)
· Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort
· Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa (a great family beach escape)
· Myrtle Beach Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
· Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center
· Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa (great family suites with kitchens)
· Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
· Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa
· Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa (holiday shop til you drop, shopaholics!)
· The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
· Turnberry Isle Miami, Autograph Collection (a luxe family escape with great restaurants)
Central, West Coast & Hawaii:
· Autograph Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
· Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
· Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
· Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
· Lodge at Sonoma, A Renaissance Resort & Spa (wine country is always a good idea)
· JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
· JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
· JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
· JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa
· JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE
· JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa (the Texas Hill Country is beautiful…and looks like this property is too!)
· JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
· Kauai Marriott Resort
· Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa
· The Inn at Opryland, A Gaylord Hotel
· Vail Marriott Mountain Resort
· Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
· Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (think sea turtles, palm trees, paradise)
· Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Terms & Conditions
Promotional rates are valid for reservations booked September 8th through October 31st, 2015, for stays from October 1st through November 22nd, 2015 at participating JW Marriott®, Renaissance®, Marriott Hotels & Resorts® and Gaylord Hotels®. Offer availability is 7 days a week, but may vary by participating resort. Resort Credit is available to use in select outlets and cannot be applied to room rate, resort fees or be redeemed for cash. Nightly credit amount varies by resort. Check with the Front Desk at check-in for list of outlets. Offer not applicable to groups of ten or more. Must quote promotional code ZX0 to receive the promotional rate. A limited number of rooms are available and blackout dates or other restrictions may apply. Participating locations only. Some hotels may not be available at the rates shown. Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer, sale promotion, or prior purchase/reservation. Void where prohibited. To purchase the AAA offer using promo code AAZ, you must be a current AAA member and present your membership card at check-in. © 2015 Marriott International, Inc.
Happy Fall Travels!
Welcome to Arrive Chic Travel Contests & Giveaways where I share the wealth with loyal readers & followers and give away some of my fabulous travel finds.
Even though October is still a couple days away, I’m already in the festive, Halloween mood. So, this month, the Travel Fashion Giveaway is one that can almost double as your costume: the Leopard Print Eye Mask & Neck Pillow by Bucky. I’ve always been a big fan of Bucky’s travel accessories because of their comfort, durability, and (of course) style. I’m sure you will be too after using these travel must-haves just once.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Travel Eye Shades with Earplugs
- 100% light-blocking material
- adjustable velcro strap
- earplugs included in top storage pocket
- handwash in cold water & hang dry
- soft, furry velour made of 75% cotton/25% polyester
Travel Neck Pillow with Snap & Go
- measures 13″ x 12″
- Snap & Go snapped loop to hang outside your carry-on, giving you more space
- provides firm support for head & neck
- removable washable cover
- machine wash cold, tumble dry low
- may be placed in freezer for refreshing / not suitable for heating
- may add or remove pillow filling for desired comfort
- weighs 1.1 lb.
Enter now! Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, October 5, 2015. Good Luck!
Please comment below on what else you’d like to see as upcoming Arrive Chic giveaways! I’m hoping to have 12 days of Giveaways just for you this December!
The beautiful golden leaves and blue skies of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Can you believe it’s Fall again? I really can’t. But I’m pumped mainly because that means the Florida heat will ease up a bit this season…well, towards the end…and I’ll actually get to wear sleeves and maybe, just maybe, a jacket. But, I’m also excited about the lead up to the holidays. It’s actually Fall that’s my favorite season (despite the evergreen leaves in SoFla), because of the anticipation of the joy of the holiday season, the change in fashion trends, and (in case I didn’t mention) it gets a little cooler here in Miami. Phew. I’m ready. I’m running out of Evian spritz.
What do you have planned for the season? Here’s my Fall 2015 To-Do List and I can’t wait to dig in:
Paint Pumpkins
With sunny days still steaming along in Miami in late October, carved pumpkins don’t last longer than a few hours outside. Last year, after a few too many shriveled jackolanterns on our front step, we opted to paint our pumpkins instead. Genius for Floridians. Last year, my two boys chose the Mickey Mouse & Angry Birds kits. We’ll see what we end up with this Halloween.
Weekend Escape Without Kids
Much of the next 3 months are spent festively at holiday activities for the kids or preparing for major entire family holiday get-togethers. So, it’s important for us to book a staycation one weekend (without the rugrats) to remain sane through the fun but crazy holiday season ahead and keep that spark alive. We’re thinking 2 nights at Marenas Beach Resort in Sunny Isles will do the trick…and then some.
Go SUP
The stand up paddleboard (SUP) outing I booked for my husband’s birthday last month was cancelled due to tropical storm like winds (thanks, Erika). So, we’re determined to get out there before the water gets a bit chilly…because we know, at some point, we’re gonna fall off that board. Looking to rent here in Miami? I’d suggest South Beach Kayak, a small family owned (and friendly) biz on South Beach.
Thanks to Tropical Storm Erika, our last attempt at SUP ended up like this. Not so bad.
Commit to our Halloween Costumes
As all parents know, you’ve got to commit to a Halloween costume early in order to get the exact model desired, in the right size, and shipped home in time for the spooktacular evening on the 31st. So far, my 3 year old is leaning toward Mario of Mario Brothers and my 5 year old wants to be Darth Maul. Seriously? How about Luigi?? Clearly he takes after his father in wanting to be the scariest thing possible. Last year, he was Darth Vader. And my husband has previously been Larry David of Curb Your Enthusiasm, the hitman from No Country For Old Men, Jimmy MacElroy from Blades of Glory, and long bearded Brian Wilson of the SF Giants. Creative? Yes. Attractive? Hell no. Last year, he finally agreed to dress in a couple’s costume with me when I said we HAD to be Teresa and Juicy Joe of RHONJ. Thank god so we weren’t in Party City on October 30th.
Finally, my husand agreed to a couple’s costume with me. Happy Halloween (last year) from Juicy Joe & Teresa from RHONJ.
Just Keep Swimming
Since we don’t have a heated swimming pool (yes, you actually need that in Miami), our swimming days are numbered. So we plan on cannonballing in as much as possible before it gets a wee too cool for our warm FL bods. The good news, though, is that as soon as we “close” the pool for the season, we spark up the jacuzzi. That hot tub has been calling my name for months…along with the champagne in the fridge.
The reflection of two palms in my pool…which I will be cannonballing into and ruining soon.
Schedule Holiday Card Photo Shoot
I’m determined this year to schedule our holiday card family photo shoot (yup, I’m so that mom) for LATEST early November. This way, they arrive in friends and family mailboxes the first week of December. I’m dreaming of a Vaccarino family shot in front of the Wynwood Walls printed on a foiled card from Minted. Ugh, can you just imagine coordinating outfits in front of those colorful walls? Not to mention, then I’ve got to get them to stop looking at the walls and look at the camera. I’m crazy and I know it. But it may be our only family photo of the year. Wish me luck.
Explore A New City
We are hoping to explore a new city this Fall and we have Austin and Atlanta on our minds. I was dreaming of getting to Austin for Austin City Limits next weekend to see the Foo Fighters (among a zillion other fun bands) but we couldn’t make it happen. Atlanta just seems like a fun, quick escape too from Florida. Luckily, from Miami, our flights are frequent and often reasonably priced especially if you’re searching Google Flights, my fave lately. Plus, Starwood Points always make hotel choices a lot easier! So, if we could just squeeze it into the calendar somewhere (is anyone else already scheduling 3 months of holiday events?) then we’re going to head on an adventure…maybe with maybe without kids. Gotta love Grandparents!
Tackle Holiday Wish Lists Early
Again, I’m determined to be the early bird this year and tackle holiday wish lists early. This way, I’ll avoid the mall crowds, I’m not stressing right up to Christmas Eve about what to get people, and I don’t completely obliterate our December budget. I’ve already spotted holiday presents at Costco last weekend and have discovered a few new, fun toys on my list for the boys this season: Spooner Boards, Tiki Toss, Laser Pegs Lego Light Up Cars, & Strato-Slam Rocket. Not to mention, what’s always on the list (but never seems to get crossed off), Disney Annual Passes or a Disney Cruise.
Try to Master a Thanksgiving Dish
Ha! I can’t even write about trying to master a Thanksgiving dish without laughing. I’m terrible in the kitchen. The worst. Seriously, I’ve messed up boxed brownies before. But maybe, I’ll attempt this jalepeño cheddar corn casserole again for my in-laws. Or, I’ll spare them and just bring a festive Thanksgiving plate with one of those cute turkey-decorated Nothing Bundt Cakes on it.
Buckle Down on P90x3 Diet & Exercise
Now that I have bundt cakes on my mind, this buckling down on P90x3 diet & exercise thing doesn’t seem like such a good idea. But, I know it’s necessary. Sigh. It really does make my whole body feel better and my clothes fit better too. But, yeah, zero fun. At least it’s an excuse for cute new sneakers? I’ll take these.
I’ll be buckling down on diet & exercise this season…just so I can blow it all next season.
Finish My 2016 Destination Wishlist
I like to finish my destination wish list for the following year before it actually starts so there’s more of a chance of actually making it on any of the trips! Here’s what I’m hoping is on my itinerary for 2016: NYC, Colorado, Marco Island, North Carolina, Austin (for Austin City Limits!), Amelia Island, Dallas (family visit), Virginia (more family visiting), Sedona, and a Disney World weekend. Hmm, better start racking up some travel points!
Decide NYE Plans & Secure Sitter
Does everyone else wait until the umpteeth hour to decide their New Years Eve Plans? Again, I’m hoping to be better on that this year. Step one, secure sitter. Step two, corner friends and family until they can commit to plans. They’re no better than we are. Step three? Shop and schedule a blow out! I mean, really, isn’t that the best part? Honestly, I don’t care where I celebrate NYE, couch or blow out party. As long as I’m with the ones I love, it’s party enough for me. Besides, I can’t remember when this mama was up past 12:30 a.m. Okay, maybe it was last New Year’s Eve.
Last year’s NYE celebration with friends…clearly, we didn’t have any fun.
Score 12 Holiday Giveaways for YOU
It’s my goal, this December, to score 12 Arrive Chic holiday giveaways for you! I’m working on it, but hopefully, every day from December 1st to December 12th, I’ll have a new giveaway up for you all to enter to win! Whether you give them as holiday gifts or keep them for yourselves, I wanted to do a little something extra for my readers! Wish me luck and let me know what you’d love to see as a giveaway and I’ll try and make it happen!
What’s on your Fall 2015 To-Do List? Hopefully you get to escape too before the holiday rush! Leave a comment below on what you’d love to see as part of the 12 holiday giveaways this December!
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Meet Ashley
Former NYC fashion industry girl, forever traveler, foodie at heart, and now Mom in Miami. My blog, Arrive Chic, covers the style I find in everyday life both on the road and at home, often with my two energetic little boys in tow.
