Sherman's Travel

With spring in full swing and summer fast-approaching, travel season in the U.S. is at its prime. Even places like Chicago and the Finger Lakes – known as cold locales for most of the year – are coming out of the woodwork as desirable summer destinations, and have the prices to match. Take a look at some of our favorite sun-soaked travel deals below. Read more

Let’s be clear, everyone wants to bask in true luxury while on vacation. The problem is that we don’t all have the expendable income to be royalty of leisure and relaxation for a week. But, traveling to the 5-star CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa in Anguilla, now through November 20, with the “Stay 7 nights, pay for 5” deal will land you an average nightly rate of $315, a substantial drop from the winter rates of  $815 and up.

While saving over 60 percent, guests will be in chic accommodations that feature a marble bathroom, walk-in closet, and a private terrace overlooking the infinity pool, with serene ocean views just beyond. On the property lies an 18-hole Greg Norman golf course, 27,000 square foot spa, and a half-acre hydroponic farm that make the resort a true Caribbean standout. Read more

This holiday season, escape to the warm weather and friendly atmosphere of Sandestin, Florida, located on the Gulf of Mexico’s beautiful and eclectic South Walton Coast. Take advantage of special holiday rates at the 4-star Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, where you can book two nights and receive the third free.  With lead rates from $149 per night, you’ll pay only $99 per night for three nights — a savings of 33% on current hotel rates.

Set along the coast of the aquamarine gulf, the Hilton Sandestin serves as an ideal family getaway. Guests have access to four championship golf courses, 15 tennis courts, a fitness center, and a full-service health spa. Make a splash in one of the three pools and two whirlpools, or wade in the warm Gulf waters. All spacious rooms offer a wet bar, kitchenette, sitting area, private balcony, and in-room entertainment. The resort also boasts six diverse dining options and two bars.

For more information on the beaches in South Walton, go to www.visitsouthwalton.com.

THE VALUE: Save 33% on current rates at this upscale family resort.

THE CATCH: This deal is only available until December 30, and rates are slightly higher on weekends.

THE DETAILS: Visit the Hilton Sandestin to learn more, then call 800-559-1805 and mention the code BT.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights to Destin.

For general trip-planning information, see our Florida Travel Guide.

Mark your calendars: between November 25-28, you can book a room at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino in St. Maarten starting from $150 per night – a 50% discount off the hotel’s seasonal rates. You’ll also receive up to $100 in island credit, which can be used at participating restaurants, spas, casinos, shops, and more.

This deal is valid for travel from December 18, 2011 through April 7, 2012. A minimum stay of three nights is required.

The Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino is an upscale beachfront resort on the Dutch side of the island. Aside from a mile of white, sandy beach, the resort also boasts two pools, a swim-up bar, a health spa, and a redesigned interior. The hotel overlooks the beautiful Great Bay Harbor and is only a ten-minute walk from Phillipsburg, the island’s capital that’s home to great shopping, dining, and entertainment.

THE VALUE: You’ll pay as little as $150 per night, which saves you 50% on the hotel’s seasonal rates, plus receive up to $100 in island credit.

THE CATCH: You can only book this deal between November 25-28.

THE DETAILS: Visit the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino site for more information. To book, enter the promotional code BF11 or call 1-800-SONESTA and mention this code.

WE’VE GOT MORE: See our St. Maarten Travel Guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to the island.

It’s hard to talk about golf without mentioning Ireland, but resorts in Spain and South Africa are luxury gems sure to give the Emerald Isle a run for its money.

The K Club; County Kildare, Ireland

The countryside, five-star Kildare Hotel and Golf Club (K Club for short) is a quick 40-minute drive from Dublin. The two Arnold Palmer-designed courses, the Palmer Ryder Cup Golf Course at The K Club and the Smurfit Course, are considered two of Ireland’s finest championship golf courses. The K Club’s Palmer Course played host to the 2006 Ryder Cup and 11 European Opens and is regularly ranked as one of Ireland’s top three Parkland courses.

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Couples looking for an active and luxurious getaway should take a look at our snapshot of golf resorts that are as serious about spas and gastronomy as they are about the great game itself.  These three domestic beauties are close to hearth and home – in the California wine country, on the rugged coast of Oregon, and on the shores of Wisconsin.

Golfers, like the U.S. settlers, hit the East first, then went west. But skip over the well-known courses in southern Florida and the California desert. Some of the finest and best golf resorts today are now in Wisconsin, Oregon, and the foothills of California. These blazing hot American resorts rival anything Europe has to offer.

Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits; Kohler, Wisconsin:

This Midwestern gem is ranked among the top golf resorts and courses in the U.S. None other than the legendary Pete Dye designed its four championship golf courses.

Blackwolf Run opened in 1988 with two courses, Meadow Valleys and The River, which are among the most challenging courses in North America. Both courses just reopened the greens after an extensive, two-year renovation.

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The Luxury: Located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, the 237 all-suite Marquis Los Cabos Resort offers an exotic retreat along the Sea of Cortez. This Leading Hotels of the World member offers access to three sprawling golf courses: The Robert Trent Jones-designed Cabo Real, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Club Campestre San Jose, and the Greg Norman- and Jack Nicklaus-designed Puerto los Cabos (each architect fashioned nine of the holes). This package lets guests play each of the courses as often as they’d like throughout their stay.

The Value: ShermansTravel readers score the Unlimited Golf Package for just $285/night, a more than 40 percent savings off the $490 per person per night rack rate.

The Catch: This package requires a minimum three-night stay, and transportation from the resort to golf courses can cost as much as $80 round-trip.

The Details: To book, call 877-238-9399 or visit www.marquisloscabos.com (use code GOLFQ); valid through December 23, 2011.

See our Mexico Travel Guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights, hotels, packages, and more travel deals.

Enjoy the ultimate golf getaway this summer in Mazatlan, Mexico. For just $313 per person, get three nights at the 5-star Estrella del Mar Golf & Beach Resort, airport transfers, welcome margaritas, daily breakfast, and three rounds off golf – a savings of over $300 per person! This 816-acre resort is located on 3.5 miles of beachfront, and features a Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course, as well as a Turtle Sanctuary, spa, and restaurants, for non-golfers.

THE VALUE: Save up 50% off regular rates

THE CATCH: Packages are based on double occupancy

THE DETAILS: Visit the Estrella del Mar website to book.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tools to find low rates on flights to Mexico.

Now through July 29, book a room for the family at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate for just $97! These rates are at a 25 percent discount and available throughout August. The resort is also waiving the $18 resort fee and there will be complimentary breakfast for children under 12. Enjoy these unusually low rates at the AAA 4-Diamond resort which features two championship Greg Norman golf courses, a full-service European-style spa, a lazy river and two outdoor pools, and five diverse dining options. At the resort guests have shuttle services provided to the theme parks so the allure of Orlando is always within reach. Travel now through August 31, 2011.

THE VALUE: Save 25 percent during the summer!

THE CATCH: Book by July 29.

THE DETAILS: Visit www.omnihotels.com to book now!

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find low rates on flights to Orlando, Florida.

Take a look at our Orlando Travel Guide to help plan your end of the summer vacation!

Visit the pristine white-sand beaches of Naples, Florida in late summer and early fall and enjoy a number of freebies at the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. With the Stay and Play Package, starting at $179 per night, guests will receive deluxe room accommodations, $50 daily resort credit, complimentary valet parking (a $23 value), 50% off golf green fees, and the $17 resort fee is waived. Guests can use their daily credit towards the Indonesian inspired SpaTerre, the resorts own Robert Cupp designed golf course, or fine dining at BALEENnaples restaurant. Whether you’re looking to soak in all the properties amenities, enjoy Naples’ vast wildlife, or visit downtown’s boutique shopping, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort keeps it all within reach. Travel now through September 30, 2011.

THE VALUE: In addition to $50 daily resort credit, guests will save $75 on morning and $55 on afternoon golf rounds with the half off green fees.

THE CATCH: You have to bare with the most humid time of year!

THE DETAILS: To book, visit www.laplayaresort.com.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find low rates on flights to Naples, Florida.

Check out our Naples, Florida Travel Guide to plan your vacation.