Encantado, an Auberge Resort

Hope you were able to read some tweets from Sarah Warner, our agent who spent the weekend at Encantado, an Auberge Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico.The Encantado expanses 57 acres of beautiful New Mexico landscape in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There are 65 modern casitas with beautiful views, ample space and lots of privacy. These casitas surround the main lodge, which includes the Terra restaurant, bar, concierge, meeting rooms and outdoor fireplace. Beside the lodge is the pool, fitness center, spa and art gallery.

Sarah was able to take advantage of the exceptional services offered by The Spa at Encantado and enjoy a fabulous massage. From the steam rooms and soaking pools, to relaxation areas and deluxe therapy rooms, the Spa has a number of serene and sophisticated facilities for relaxation that you would expect from the first-ever luxury resort spa in Santa Fe. Yoga classes are offered at the fitness center three days a week completing the holistic mind-body relaxation experience.

Encantado's signature restaurant is Terra, a modern indoor-outdoor dining experience offering gorgeous views of the landscape (a great place to watch the sunset) and delicious southwest and American cuisine, prepared by Executive Chef Charles Dale. He masterfully combines organic and local ingredients to create hearty and unique dishes. Don't miss the truffled pomme frites and Lili and Lucien's Cheese Tots (named after Chef Charles' children). The bar is a modern, comfortable environment for watching the game or enjoying a cocktail. Step out on the patio and take in the phenomenal horizon or converse with fellow travelers around the bonfire.

The Encantado Resort is only 10 minutes from Santa Fe's Historic Plaza. The Encantado offers a complimentary Mercedes-Benz shuttle service to take you to and from downtown. There is even a luxurious concierge office in the heart of downtown for you to get expert information, enjoy a cold beverage or get some R & R after shopping all day. Need to rent a car for an afternoon - just make a reservation to use one of the Encantado's Mercedes. They also offer shuttles to and from the Albuquerque International Airport, one-hour away, and the Santa Fe Regional Airport, twenty minutes away.

From the moment you arrive in Santa Fe, throughout your stay and to your departure Encantado staff will take great care of you. They are extremely friendly and welcoming offering you the exceptional service that is the Auberge standard. 

Virgin Galactic Documentary on National Geographic 10/18 at 9:00 pm Central

Exclusive Footage - VSS Enterprise, First Manned Free Flight_101010_VNR_...

Virgin Galactic Space Travel One Step Closer to Reality

First Solo Glide and Landing Brings Virtuoso Clients Closer to Space Flight

History was made on October 10, 2010 when Virgin Galactic’s space ship VSS Enterprise completed her first manned solo glide and landing at Mojave Air and Spaceport in California.

Virgin Galactic is now well on the way to becoming the world’s first commercial space line – and Virtuoso is playing an exclusive role in bringing the wonders of space travel to clients. Virtuoso is the exclusive retail travel group in North and South America currently taking reservations for Virgin Galactic. The Virtuoso ASA team now comprises 75 travel advisors in 12 countries throughout the Americas and Australia.

Of those, 45 members from the USA, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Chile and Argentina just attended Virgin Galactic’s ASA Forum October 4-8 in New Mexico. The ASAs increased their knowledge of southern New Mexico as a tourist destination and learn more about the area’s historical connection to space exploration.

Any Virtuoso client can book space travel and take advantage of the network’s connection with history. You can book with our Accredited Space Agent Robin Sanders.

Four Seasons Punta Mita

 

For a fantastic summer vacation travel agent Jenny Westerman spent 6 nights at Four Season Punta Mita. This property has the finest service Four Seasons offers and the most relaxing environment for a summer escape. Stay in one of the luxurious suites with a plunge pool, and enjoy your own private paradise like Jenny.

Four Seasons Punta Mita offers a wide assortment of activities on-site. Don't miss the free-form infinity-edge pool over looking the ocean or the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course on-site.  The Pacifico Golf Course was named the number one golf course in the world by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler in 2008. You will also find deep sea fishing, scuba diving, seasonal whale-watching, snorkeling, hiking, tennis, and historical tours. Don't want a lot of activity - just relax in the sun on a beach bed as Jenny did.

 

The Apuane Spa offers a full range of treatments designed to encourage relaxation, renewal and recharging.  They have three completely private outdoor locations for treatments, and even offer in-room services.

Four Seasons Punta Mita offers a wide range of dining options for guests with four restaurants and in-room dining. All offer imaginative menus with a focus on local Mexican cuisine and the freshest ingredients.  Aramara serves a blend of far east and Mexican dishes. Relax while you dine by the beach at Bahia, or perhaps take a cooking class there and immerse yourself in the local flavors. Ketsi by Richard Sandoval has open-air dining by the pool for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And while you're out on the golf course stop by Tail of the Whale for a great lunch and great views of both the Pacific Ocean and two signature Jack Nicklaus golf courses.

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff

Kirk Coleman, our new owner, recently stayed with his wife at the picturesque Inn at Palmetto Bluff. 50 Cottages and Cottage Suites, and 44 Village Rental Homes offer an array of accommodations whether for you and your loved one or for the whole family. This luxury resort is a beautiful retreat for relaxation with both exceptional spa and golf on-site.  The Spa at Palmetto Bluff is one of the top-rated full-service spas in South Carolina, and The May River Golf Club is an 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus signature course, weaving throughout the forest and along the river banks.

With 20,000 acres of natural beauty surrounding the Inn there is much land to explore and even more beauty to take in. There are many activities on-site such as boating, kayaking, fishing, tennis, boccee ball, children's activities, carriage rides, and much more.  If you want to go off-site The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is in the perfect location to visit both Savannah and Hilton Head Island. 

 

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff also offers a wide variety of dining options. There is the relaxed-elegance of the River House Restaurant. Buffalo's offers the quick and casual meal whether its dine-in or on-the-go. May River Grill provides a delicious meal in a casual environment right along the fairway. And can't forget the unique Canoe Club with views of the May River on one side and the Palmetto Bluff Water Trail on the other. Be sure to stay during one of their wine dinners or weekends and enjoy the finest foods and wines. Check with your Sanders Travel agent for upcoming dates.

Virgin Galactic Accredited Space Agents at Sanders Travel Centre!

Sanders Travel Centre can take you anywhere in the world and even beyond.

Southeast Asian Luxury Exploration

Agent Carol Minker had a wonderful time cruising on the world’s first all-suite, all-balcony ship the Seven Seas Mariner. Catering to only 700 guests, it is one of the most spacious cruise ships afloat, and has a staff to guest ratio of 1 to 1.6, the highest level of personal service in the six-star tradition of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

She sailed along the coast of Southeast Asia stopping at Viet Nam, Thailand, and Singapore enjoying excursions at each stop thanks to Regent Seven Seas all-inclusive experience. Regents’ cruises include unlimited shore excursions, as well as ground transfers, all food and beverages on board, and much more. Thanks to Sanders Travel Centre’s membership with Virtuoso, our clients are eligible for Voyager Club and Virtuoso Explorer amenities on hundreds of sailings of select cruise lines. Carol’s Voyager Club Excursion included a delightful dinner in Bangkok with cultural dance performances.

Carol completed her trip with a stay at the Four Seasons Koh Sumai in Thailand. This beautiful property is an away-from-it-all hillside resort on the Gulf of Siam with spacious Thai villas. With a private bay, pristine beaches, and rainforest to explore the Four Seasons Koh Sumai is a secluded retreat.

Be sure to experience the luxurious treatments of the Four Seasons Koh Sumai spa as Carol did. Individual treatment rooms are housed in five salas – covered verandas – each with two indoor and two outdoor Thai-style massage beds, an outdoor shower, an outdoor bathtub and a steam room or indoor rain shower.

Contact Sanders Travel Centre today to book your Southeast Asian luxury vacation, and for more insider tips.

SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills

Agent Sarah Warner traveled to Los Angeles over the weekend and stayed at the beautiful SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, a Luxury Collection Hotel and Virtuoso Best of the Best property. Designed by Philippe Starck, the space is elegant, modern and whimsical. You enter the hotel by way of red carpet, and are welcomed at check in by their delightful staff. The service was excellent throughout the hotel. From the concierge to the waitstaff, everyone was extremely helpful and friendly. The 297 guest rooms and suites are glamorous and relaxing with numerous mirrors and plush bedding. The floating bed & movable wall exemplify Starck's concept of floating spaces. Your private room is a quiet escape to the busy LA scene happening right outside the doors. This property is located just east of the hot, Rodeo drive shopping district and just north of downtown, making nightlife, tourist attractions and shopping easily accessible.

Starck's design of the dining spaces creates an inviting, social environment for guests traveling alone as well as private, intimate spaces for groups. José Andrés, head chef, creates stunning, edible masterpieces at all the properties dining options. Tres, the private guest dining area, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and has an extensive cocktail menu. The space has comfortable and eclectic seating with a number of different chair designs and different chandeliers. These unique features create a whimsical and inviting space for hotel guests. The Bazaar, a 4 star restaurant and extremely popular dining spot (reservations strongly recommended), is a modern "indoor piazza" with numerous spaces such as Bar Centro, Rojo, Blanco, the terrace and Patisserie. All spaces continue the Starck design with whimsical features including TVs within the table top featuring old movies. You can also experience the fine cuisine of José Andrés at the Altitude Pool Deck while basking in the LA sun on the sleek lounge chairs.

Throughout the property you will see the featured monkeys, as seen on the emblem, and phrases playing with the letters SLS (like Something Lovely Started). Starck has created an environment for every traveler with the elegant, whimsical, modern design. Whether it is a corporate event, family vacation, or romantic getaway the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills will be a fantastic choice for your stay. Contact Sanders Travel Centre now to book your trip.

Virtuoso - We are the best

Back from Travel Mart & ready to blog!

A number of travel designers from Sanders Travel Centre attended this year's Virtuoso Travel Mart trade show. It was an opportunity to build & strengthen relationships with elite Virtuoso vendors. This event is just one way we make our connections with the top hotels, tour operators, cruise lines & vendors worldwide. It is through our relationships with these contacts, partnerships and experts that we are able to provide you with the best possible travel experience.

We are looking forward to sharing our expertise and experiences with you through this blog. You can also check us out on Facebook & Twitter.