Wednesday, April 27, 2011

What are Single Supplements?

What happens when you are single and want to go somewhere wonderful? If you choose a cruise or decide to go on a tour, most cruiselines and tour companies charge a Single Supplement. The Single Supplement can be up to 200% of the published fare because the published fare is based on a double occupancy. I'm always on the look out for reduced Single Supplements.

Uniworld is waiving their Single Supplements for quite a few of their itineraries through the end of the year. Some of these itineraries include Paris and Normandy, The Danube, The Rhine River and Christmas Market itineraries.

Call me for details.

Mari

Monday, April 25, 2011

more about Napa

Jeff and I just returned from another wonderful trip to Napa Valley. After 30+ visits, the Napa Valley is starting to feel like "home" to me. You know that you are somewhere familiar when you arrive into a city, stop at the grocery store and see a good friend (Hi, David Stevens).

750 Wines in St. Helena is always a must visit! The wines there are all from boutique - you have to know someone to find these kind of wineries. Make an appointment first either by calling directly 707-963-0750 or monica@750wines.com. The owners, David and Monica Stevens know the Valley like no one else. Any question, they have the answer and when Monica adds her Napa concierge service to the mix, you can't loose. David and Monica hosted their first annual Pink and White Party honoring wonderful winemaker friends of theirs. The theme, pink and white was in honor of rose wines and whites such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. We saw some old friends and got to meet new friends. So happy to meet Fran and Larry from Reed's - a women's clothing store in St. Helena that I have admired for years. Hi Fran! We saw Sandy from Arns Winery (love Arns wines) and Monica and David introduced us to a slew of wonderfully respected wine makers. EVERYONE was so friendly. LOVE Amy Cohen and Adrianne Brounstein who own A + A Kitchens. A + A Kitchens rents out space to chefs and people like my amazing sister-in-law Shelley who creates incredible memories in a jar such as pinot jelly and a variety of mustards. These make great gifts or party favors - so ask me for details.

As a foodie, I must share my newest restaurant find - Carpe Diem. Steve, the owner showcases small plates with an American twist. The wines on their winelist are interesting and reasonably priced. EVERYTHING we tried was delicious. Jeff's favorite was the Tiger Prawn Flatbread. The Cabernet Braised Short Rib Sliders were fantastic as was the Quack 'n Cheese (duck confit, caramelized onion) mac and cheese.

More about food...we went to La Toque (had a perfect meal) and were honored to connect up with Scott Tracy, the well respected, incredibly insightful sommelier at La Toque. Scott shared that he is now making his own wines so please check out Poem Cellars or contact Scott at scott@poemcellars.com. Check out his newest release, Engaged!

Hats off to our new winery favorite - Scott Harvey Winery. 707-968-9575 or www.scottharveywines.com. With 5 different types of Zinfandel, a Riesling and Barolo...this winery is a find - and Jana and Scott, the owners are really nice people to boot.

Thanks for reading this (long) blog. If you have any questions...contact me at mari.marks@protravelinc.com.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Four Seasons Forum

Last night, I attended an intimate forum with 33 Four Seasons Hotels being represented. Protravel is part of the elite Preferred Partner program and as the #1 travel agency selling Four Seasons property, we have a lot of clout. Here is what I found out:



1. Preferred Partner reservations are given the first priority for upgrades.

2. Scottsdale Troon has rates from now through the summer beginning at $129 during the week and $179 for the weekend PLUS the Preferred Partner amenties - based on availability.

3. Many Four Seasons properties are offering FREE NIGHTS or 50% off the second night.

4. For a Preferred Partner booking, clients are given a daily breakfast credit for 2 people and another amenity such as a $100 food and beverage credit OR a $100 credit to be used at the spa.

As always, please let me know if you want more information.
Mari
mari.marks@protravelinc.com

Friday, April 8, 2011

FIJI 50% off companion airfare and FREE NIGHTS

Have you ever imagined traveling to Fiji? Los Angeles to Fiji is only 10 hours away on a direct red-eye flight. If you book now through May 31st, Air Pacific is offering 50% off companion fares. Fiji has couples friendly and family friendly resort options. Many properties offer FREE NIGHTS! Please contact me to check prices and availability. Mari 818-455-0078 mari.marks@protravelinc.com

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Up to $600 off for Families on Royal Caribbean

Promotion is for Royal Caribbean Cruises Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas sailings this summer Reserve two neighborhood balconies and get $400 credit! Reserve three neighborhood balconies and get $600 credit! OFFER EXPIRES APRIL 13TH, 2011! Please contact me for details. Mari 818-455-0078

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

FREE Limo Transfer in Rome and more!

One of my favorite specials this year is the Orange Blossoms Special at Hotel Splendide Royal in Rome. This wonderful hotel near the Borghese Gardens has a special 3 night promotion offering breakfast for 2, a candelight dinner at their panoramic restaurant, Mirabelle and best of all, a private limo transfer from the airport to the hotel! Rates are based on availability through 2011 and begin at 400 euro per night! Call me for details 818-455-0078 Mari

Monday, April 4, 2011

Special Price at hotel Del Coronado

Until June 30, 2011, HOTEL DEL CORONADO is offering FREE NIGHTS based on availability for Protravel clients.
Call for details!
The hotel is definitely close to so many things in San Diego.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

14 months later

My second blog is introspective. The past year has been full of many adventure in travel as well as fine tuning my craft - that of a travel agent and even our eldest daughter's wedding!
First, THE ADVENTURES. I've been to Tahiti twice since my first blog. The 2nd time reacquainted me to Le Taha'a Resort on the motu of Taha'a. What's a motu you might ask...a motu is a tiny islandette. The resort was created around the natural foliage so it is a part of the motu and not a resort imposed on the motu. More later.
The Hilton Moorea is my go to resort in French Polynesia. The vision of Olivier Larcher, the General Manager of the Hilton Moorea is becoming a reality. I am proud to say that I'm helping put my Mari Marks stamp on the resort. If you ever go to the restaurants, you'll see a bit of that stamp. Don't be turned off by the Hilton part of the name. The Hilton Moorea is a 5 star resort set in the most interesting islands of French Polynesia.
My husband, Jeff, daughter, Cayla and her wonderful boyfriend joined me on a Crystal Cruise from Monte Carlo to Rome last Fall. We visited Casta Diva in the Lake Come region of Italy and Chateau St. Martin and the Four Seasons in Provence before the cruise. These 3 distinct properties were special in their own unique way and I would recommend them 110%! I would also recommend the surrounding cities as wonderful "finds" both with their individual boutiques and restaurants. It was so nice to shop and not feel like I was in a mall, anywhere USA.
Other travels included Napa to celebrate Jeff's 55th birthday with a group of our dearest friends. We stayed at Meadowood and had a fantastic time. We also visited Ojai where we stayed at the Ojai Valley Inn and Pelican Hill in Newport Beach.

I love being a travel agent and making people happy. SUCH A SIMPLE GOAL. What I've learned about the business, is that it helps to have "friends". I've met the general managers and sales managers at various properties and believe me, it has helped my clients with added value things like upgraded rooms, meals, resort credits and more!
I'll write more about situations that occured and how they were resolved in future blogs.

HERE'S THE SPECIAL: For those looking for a resort close to home, check out La Costa. Their stay 3 nights and the 4th night is free special is fantastic! It even includes breakfast for 2! This offer is exclusively for PROTRAVEL clients and is valid until June 30, 2011 based on availability. Here's their link:
http://www.lacosta.com/.
Let me know if this interests you.
Bye for now.
Mari
mari.marks@protravelinc.com