Sherman's Travel

The famously luxe Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort has recently rolled out one of those amenities that’s truly out of this world. Spread out over two islands in the Alif Dhall Atoll of the Maldives, the Conrad is known for (among other things) its underwater restaurant, Ithaa. The all-glass dining room is submerged 16 feet under the ocean and was the first of its kind when it opened five years ago. Dining here is an unforgettable experience in itself (everyone must wear sunglasses at lunch because it gets so bright). But to really step it up, the resort is offering a special opportunity in honor of the restaurant’s fifth anniversary.

Who wants to sleep (and wake up) with the fishes?

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While some people try to hide their age and stay away from big birthday bashes, hotels have no such qualms. In fact, celebrating a notable birthday is the perfect excuse to offer great rates and packages to loyal guests. Here are a few noteworthy anniversary specials going on now:

For its very first birthday, the Omphoy Ocean Resort in Palm Beach is bringing back its Grand Opening Rate of $149/night. In addition, the hotel has put together a Birthday Celebration Package for $199/night that includes a one-hour water sport rental, Core Fusion class at the exhale spa, and buy-one-get-one-free cocktail, breakfast, and dessert (one each). Book fast: these two deals are only available through August 31.

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Between the hot bodies and hedonistic partying, South Beach has plenty of sex appeal, and after five years, The Setai is still one of Miami’s sexiest hotels. Part of a second wave of boutique hotels to sweep Miami Beach, these designers eschewed the Art Deco look for a more subtle and exotic ambience. Inject some heat into your fall — or even summer if you are so inclined — with a deal that offers guests a free 4th night through November 30. Exclusively for ShermansTravel readers, the deal, with rates starting at $550, also includes a daily Setai Grand Breakfast. The hotel pulls out all the stops for this breakfast, offering made-to-order omelets, freshly baked breads and pastries, fresh fruit and smoothies, Asian dim sum and more goodies.

THE VALUE: With the fourth night free, the deal even beats out the Setai’s anniversary offer which promotes rates starting at $475. Plus, the Setai Grand Breakfast has a value of $47 (with taxes and gratuity).

THE CATCH: Be careful of heatstroke if you go to Miami in August. Been there, done that.

THE DETAILS: Call 305.520.6110 or email setaireservations@ghamericas.com and mention the Stay Three Night and Receive a Fourth Free Exclusive ShermansTravel deal.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Find more Florida Hotel Deals. 

Check out our Miami Travel Guide. 

Compare hot airfare, hotel rates and more using our Travel Search.

As part of JetBlue’s ongoing tenth anniversary celebration, the low-cost carrier has released its latest batch of spring fares starting from as little as $29 one-way (before taxes). Fly to domestic locales like New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Orlando, and dozens of other major cities, or take off to international destinations like Nassau, Cancun, Montego Bay, Santo Domingo, and more. Plus, JetBlue allows you to check one bag free of charge (other airlines charge around $20 each way). This sale ends April 21, for travel valid from April 22 through June 16.

Sample Fares (One-Way) Include:
•    Fort Lauderdale?Nassau, Bahamas: $29
•    New York?Pittsburgh: $39
•    Boston?Baltimore: $39
•    Long Beach?Las Vegas: $39
•    Orlando?Nassau, Bahamas: $39
•    San Francisco?Long Beach: $39
•    Washington, D.C. –New York: $44
•    Buffalo?Boston: $49
•    Portland (Maine) –New York: $49
•    Richmond?Boston: $49
•    New York?Rochester: $59
•    Charlotte?Boston: $59
•    Fort Lauderdale?Santo Domingo, DR: $59
•    Salt Lake City?Long Beach: $69
•    New York?Tampa: $79
•    And more!

For more information, visit www.jetblue.com.

The area around Lake Placid is a top destination for lovers of the outdoors, with miles of thrilling rapids, crystal clear ponds, and many spectacular nature trails. At the High Peaks Resort on Mirror Lake, guests enjoy lake-view accommodations just a few minutes away from scenic Whiteface Mountain. Ride the gondola to the 3,676-foot-high summit for a stunning glimpse of the surrounding peaks, or head to the nearby Emerald Springs Ranch for an exciting horseback ride through picturesque woodlands. This fall, visitors can take a few extra days to explore the scenery with a special package honoring New York State’s 400th Anniversary. A 3-night stay costs just $400 from now through November 25.

Surrounded by gorgeous redwoods and quaint historic towns, Sonoma County yields an impressive variety of bottles: Chardonnay, berry-rich Zinfandel, and world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon. Situated within 92 acres of lush countryside vineyards, the Vintners Inn has 44 elegantly furnished guestrooms with private patios or balconies, an acclaimed restaurant, and a luxurious spa. The Silver Anniversary Package honors the inn’s 25th anniversary with discounts of up to 25 percent off stays through November 5. Discounted fall rates start at just $185/night and include perks like a $25 credit towards dinner, $25 off on any massage treatment, and 25 percent off green fees at the nearby Windsor Golf Course.

Yes, you read it right: To commemorate Woodstock’s 40th anniversary, San Diego‘s Hard Rock Hotel is giving away free pot brownies to all guests checking in from August 14-16. The brownies, served à la mode, will come straight from the hotel’s cafe, Maryjane’s.

So…wait, what? 

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People have always had a fascination with the legendary RMS Titanic, and now Fred Olsen cruises is allowing passengers to go back in time to that fateful day to relive the famous ocean crossing (only without the whole iceberg thing). April 12, 2012 will mark the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of Titanic, and even though there’s still three years to go, tickets are already on sale for the 12-night cruise aboard the Fred Olsen Balmoral that will follow the same path as Titanic, from Southampton to New York City.

Why the Balmoral? Would Cunard’s brand new Queen Elizabeth – which launches in 2010 be a better choice? It certainly has the look, but Fred Olsen has ties to Harland and Wolff – the company that built the original Titanic. During the ocean crossing, the Balmoral will offer cuisine that matches the menus of yesteryear, musical entertainment from that era, and historians who are fluent with the story of Titanic, beyond the tale of Kate and Leo.

For more information, visit:

http://www.titanicmemorialcruise.co.uk/

Fabulous Tel Aviv, dubbed the Miami of the Middle East, is easily Israel’s coolest city. Trimmed with gorgeous beaches, loaded with Bauhaus architecture, and populated with smartly dressed locals who have a fierce appreciation for art, cuisine, and nightlife, Tel Aviv is the hedonistic
antidote to historic, heady Jerusalem, which, despite being just about one hour away, is a world apart in every respect. The year 2009 heralds Tel Aviv’s 100th birthday, making the city older than Israel itself (which celebrated its 60th in 2008). Visitors can expect an amped-up festival schedule from April to December with fun events like a marathon through the city, a weeklong book fair, a flower carpet in Rabin Square, and an international film festival. Read more