Sherman's Travel

Looking for a high-adrenaline family getaway on the high seas? Small-ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations has just the ticket (and discounted ones, at that!), with their sweet selection of reduced-rate cruise offerings for the year ahead. The company specializes in high-end adventure cruise travel and works with a bevy of upscale, expedition-style ships that accommodate just 12 to 148 passengers, and ply the coastal waters of exciting destinations like Alaska, Borneo, Baja, and beyond. Their itineraries are tailored for high-energy excursions, including sea kayaking, wildlife viewing, wilderness hiking, and cultural encounters, with a handful of special departures dedicated especially to family-friendly fun. Some of the best kid-friendly values include: Read more

Considered LA’s only waterfront hotel (it’s located on King Harbor near the Redondo Beach Pier), the recently made-over Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club offers 161 beachy-chic rooms and new swank suites with private balconies and ocean views that may include a few frolicking sea lions (a colony resides in the harbor). BALEENlosangeles overlooks the marina and serves award-winning New American cuisine using local produce and the freshest seafood. There’s also a pool and beach-cruiser bikes available to guests free of charge for two hours. Save 25 percent off rates through October 31 and pick up a $25 dining credit with Portofino Yacht Club’s Ocean Sale. Nightly sales rates start from $199. Visit www.hotelportofino.com or call 310-379-8481 to book.

For general trip-planning info, see our Los Angeles Travel Guide.

Out of all the dreamy spots visited on our recent Amalfi Coast escapade, Amalfi’s “city center” and its nearby Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi were highlights. The coastal town has a compact little village (aka the city center) tucked behind the port, while the hillside Grand Hotel Convento, a centuries-old convent turned hotel, sits high above the sea overlooking the coast, its three jetties, and the winding, cliff-hugging road below. Read more

SHERMAN’S EXCLUSIVE

The Luxury: Located in Cancun’s world-renowned hotel zone, the AAA Five Diamond JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa offers endless onsite luxury and relaxation with some of the Yucatan Penisula’s most famous sites just a short distance away. The resort couples light hints of Mayan influence with subtle sophistication to the 448 guest rooms, all of which include private balconies and ocean views, perfect for unwinding to the sound of the sea. The resort’s world-class amenities include the AAA 4-star Italian and Mediterranean cuisine of Gustino, an infinity pool overlooking the white-sand beach and turquoise Caribbean waters, as well as the 35,000-square-foot spa, complete with Mayan inspired treatments, a lap pool, and health bar.

The Value: Fall rates regularly start at $219/night, but with this exclusive, ShermansTravel.com readers can get rooms from $153 per night – a 30 percent discount. Our readers will also receive a free room upgrade (based on availability at the time of check-in), and free access to the second level of the spa. Additionally, the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, the JW’s AAA 4-Diamond sister property, is also taking part in this special. Those looking for a luxury getaway on a slightly smaller budget will find the CasaMagna is the perfect fit, with rooms from just $104 per night (regularly $149/night). Book by September 15 for travel September 1 – November 20, 2011.

The Catch: A four-night minimum stay is required.

The Details: www.jwmarriottcancun.com or www.casamagnacancun.com (use code L9Z)

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

The Atlantis Resort, located in Paradise Island, Bahamas is offering rates from $99 per night when staying from August 21 to October 31. The Atlantis Resort is like no other resort with restaurants by celebrity chefs, the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, and the Caribbean’s largest waterpark and casino. Guests will experience relaxation while staying at the Beach Tower that includes  full balconies in each room with water or terrace views and rooms are just steps away from the Lazy River Ride.

THE VALUE: The Atlantis Resort is the most popular destination in the Caribbean and with rates starting from $199 per night, this deal saves over 50% each night.

THE CATCH: Travel is only available Sunday-Wednesday night stays from August 21- October 31 and must be booked by July 24.

THE DETAILS: To book your stay, visit www.atlantis.com or call 1-800-Atlantis

WE’VE GOT MORE: Start planning your vacation with our Bahamas Travel Guide and then use our Travel Search comparison took to find the best rates on flight to Bahamas.

Soar above the savannah in a hot air balloon in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve during a stay at Olarro, a seven-cottage (plus one suite) luxury lodge. The journey starts at sunrise with a helicopter ride from Olarro to the reserve. Next, you’ll board the balloon for an hour-long flight ascending up to 12,500 feet – with stunning aerial views of lions, zebras, wildebeest, and more. After the tour, indulge in a Champagne breakfast back on the ground before boarding the helicopter to return to the lodge. The price is $700 per person, for a minimum of six people. www.olarrokenya.com

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

Donald Trump may not be entering the Presidential candidacy ring, but he’s officially entered into the international hospitality space with his first hotel outside of the U.S. – the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower Panama. The hotel, located in the heart of Punta Pacifica (minutes from the heart of Panama City and the financial district) launched with a bang on July 6, with a fireworks show that rivaled any Independence Day celebrations back in America. Read more

The Mandarin Oriental Paris, located on Rue Saint-Honoré – a stone’s throw from the Louvre, opens today. From website renderings, the place looks slick with rooms featuring art deco touches and splashes of bright color. The spa has a mosaic vitality pool, while Michelin-star chef Thierry Marx mans two on-site restaurants, Sur Mesure and Camélia. Opening rates, on the other hand, are not so enticing with nightly pricing from 865 Euros. But, the opening special, beginning July 17 and running until August 28, includes a 300 Euro credit per room per stay and a 500 Euro credit per suite per stay which means you won’t have to shell out a couple hundred more for dinner and/or spa pampering. 011-33-0-170-98-7333; www.mandarinoriental.com/paris

SHERMAN’S EXCLUSIVE

The Luxury Set in Virginia’s Potomac River Valley, just 30 miles from Washington, D.C., Lansdowne Resort lets guests unwind – or not. They’ll find a duo of Troon Golf courses, a spa, an aquatic complex, and five star restaurants. With over 30 wineries within an hour’s drive of the resort, guests are well positioned to discover the area’s viticultural offerings. The 296 guest rooms feature country manor decor; suites have balconies (or bay windows) overlooking the countryside or the links.

The Value Through September 15, readers can snag nearly 40 percent off the Pamper and Putt package. The deal includes a suite upgrade, a round of golf for two, two 50-minute massages, and dinner for two in Lansdowne’s restaurant, On the Potomac. Two-night packages start at $420/night, including the daily resort fee.

The Catch Popular harvest season festivities at area wineries commence in the fall – just after the promotion expires.

The Details 877-509-8400 (mention code LUXEPNP); www.lansdowneresort.com/smartluxury

From the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Smart Luxury Travel magazine by ShermansTravel.com.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on hotels, flights, vacation packages, and more.

W St. Petersburg opened in April this year, making it the first W Hotel in Russia and one of several new hotels to open in the city recently (Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites, and Courtyard Marriott also opened properties here). Located in the aptly dubbed “Venice of the North,” a network of canals lined with cathedrals and palaces and plied by gondolas, the W. St. Petersburg showcases jewel tones (inspired by Russia’s Faberge egg) and lavish touches like hanging mirrored balls in guest rooms and a fleet of luxury cars to chauffer guests around town. The 137 good-looking guest rooms, especially the suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking St. Isaac Square and St. Petersburg, were designed by Milan-based Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel Partners. The signature restaurant miX, bar, and rooftop lounge have menus created by Michelin-star chef, Alain Ducasse. There’s also a spa with an indoor pool and fully-equipped fitness center. Opening rates start at $258/night; 011-7-812-610-6161; www.wstpetersburg.com

For general trip-planning information, see our St. Petersburg Travel Guide and Russia Travel Guide.