Incredible last minute deal to French Polynesia - 10 nights for the price of 5!

By Caroline Bracewell

Baby, it's COLD outside! But why stay indoors when you could be sunning yourself on the beach in the famed islands of French Polynesia? Book now for travel through March 31st, and you can get 5 or more nights free!

Here's how it works:
Book 5 or more nights at the Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa or the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort Spa in an Overwater or Premium Overwater Bungalow...
And then receive the same number of nights free in ANY room category at Huahine Te Tiare Beach Resort, Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort, or Manihi Pearl Beach Resort! Having trouble deciding where to use your free nights? No problem - they can be split between any of these gorgeous properties!

For more details, please feel free to contact me at caroline@easyescapestravel.com!

Need a few more reasons to take advantage of this incredible offer? Check out the photos below from my stays at these resorts and islands, along with the top reasons for visiting each of them!
Disclaimer: I have not yet stayed at Manihi Pearl Beach Resort, so photos of that property are courtesy of spmhotels.com.

Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa
Great for those looking:
*To not travel far from Tahiti - Moorea is accessible via a 10 minute flight or 30 minute ferry from Papeete!
*To experience a gorgeous, lush, and laid-back tropical island, while still having access to plenty of activities and excursions
*To experience an island that is less developed than Tahiti or Bora Bora, but not totally off the beaten path
*To explore via a car or buggy--the island can be circumnavigated in a few hours!
*To interact with dolphins
*To visit a fruit juice and tropical liqueur distillery (and enjoy free tastings!)
*To see sea turtles from the deck of your overwater bungalow
*To get married in paradise, complete with traditional Polynesian wedding leis  
*To hike up to Belvedere Lookout for great views of Cooks Bay, the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett's "One Particular Harbour"

Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa

Great for those looking:

*To spend time on the most iconic of French Polynesia's islands
*To swim (or just float!) in a crystal clear lagoon often referred to as "the eighth natural wonder of the world"
*To enjoy the sun rising over Bora Bora's famed Mt. Otemanu
*To swim with sharks and stingrays
*To have dinner at Bloody Mary's, the island's most famous restaurant and legendary celebrity hangout
*To stay in an overwater bungalow in the waters off a motu (tiny coral island)
*To snorkel in coral gardens teeming with colorful and exotic sea life
*To slip into pure bliss with a couple's massage at the gorgeous Manea Spa

Te Tiare Beach Resort, Huahine

Great for those looking:

*To take a peek into traditional Polynesian life
*To visit the island's sacred blue-eyed, long "eared" eels
*To rent a car and explore 2 islands at once - Huahine Iti and Huahine Nui
*To relax in an incredibly beautiful and tranquil setting
*To enjoy a classically Polynesian dinner and show

Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort

Great for those looking:

*To snorkel or dive among incredible sea life - in a recent study, the Jacques Cousteau Institute found that Tikehau has the highest concentration and variety of marine life in all of French Polynesia
*To enjoy a "luxury Robinson Crusoe" experience
*To really get away from it all in a remote and gorgeous location
*To explore one of the quietest and least-touristed villages in the South Pacific
*To spot birds during a 1/2 day trip to Oe Oe (Bird Island), a nesting spot for noddys and white fairy terns
*To kayak to deserted motus for a picnic lunch

Manihi Pearl Beach Resort

Great for those looking:

*To visit a pearl farm
*To snorkel and dive with schools of sharks, manta rays, barracuda, and other large fish
*To get off the beaten path, while still enjoying resort amenities and excellent service
*To eat seafood that was caught in the lagoon only minutes before
*To have a breakfast delivered to your overwater bungalow via outrigger canoe
*To go deep sea fishing

Disney Unveils Major Expansion for Disney World!

The Walt Disney Company last week detailed a series of new attractions and vacation products that represent one of the largest expansions in its history. The announcement came at a press event on the night before the christening of the new 4,000-passenger Disney Dream cruise ship, the third ship in Disney Cruise Lines’ fleet.

Disney Dream, with its iconic water coaster that takes guests around the pool deck and signature stacks, will begin revenue sailings on Jan. 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Fla., featuring three-to-five-night Bahamian itineraries, including Castaway Cay, Disney’s provide island. As previously announced, the introduction of Disney Dream will allow Disney Wonder, which previously offered the Bahamas itineraries, to sail on a series of new West Coast cruises that will include Alaska cruises sailing from Vancouver this summer, as well as sailings out of the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera, before and after the summer.

Disney also updated plans for the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom, which is now under way at Walt Disney World Resort. The new attractions and experiences, which will nearly double the size of Fantasyland, will be completed in phases starting in 2012, with most new experiences open by 2013.

Among the highlights of that Fantasyland expansion are Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid, a major new attraction during which guests will travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves against a musical backdrop of songs from the classic film. Also set to debut is the Castle of the Beast, standing on a hill just across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. The Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. With seating for 550, this facility will offer fast-food service by day and full table service dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle's Village, guests will find Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.

Just outside the village is Belle’s cottage and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where a magical mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: Guests will be transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere, and share in a lively, interactive, re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”

The multi-phase Fantasyland project also will include the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which will take guests on musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster will feature a first-of-its kind ride system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs.

In Princess Fairytale Hall, Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel, will greet guests in their new home, an elegant royal court on the site where Snow White’s Scary Adventures stands today. Guests also will get to experience a new Storybook Circus that will include two circling carousels of Dumbo the Flying Elephant. There also will be family and interactive games for kids of all ages inside the Big Top. Next door in Storybook Circus, the classic Barnstormer roller coaster gets a new look as well, featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini.

More immediately, Disney last week officially unveiled a new 10-minute sound and light show last week, “The Magic, the Memories and You,” which is projected at night on the outer walls of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. A similar show will make its debut in Disneyland Park in California, but will be projected onto the façade of “It’s a Small World” on select nights beginning Jan. 27.

“The Magic, The Memories, and You!” is themed to Disney stories and features playful animated sequences on the architecture of the buildings. The spectacle is scheduled most nights with up to two shows per night depending on theme park operating hours and other special ticketed events.

As many as 500 images of Disney guests shot that day are projected onto the castle each night the show is presented. Disney PhotoPass photographers capture guests creating new memories as they “smile for the castle.” Sixteen high-powered state-of-the-art projectors will bring the castle to life as that day’s photos and videos “dance” about the famous façade. As classic Disney music weaves in and out of the new “Let the Memories Begin” theme song, turrets spin while the castle shimmers and transforms itself in playful and exciting ways to accompany the guests’ memories of fun, adventure and family experiences. Guests have been celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their stories and by uploading photos and videos online at www.DisneyParks.com/memories.

Beyond the Magic Kingdom, Disney World is also offering new attractions at its other parks. Wild Africa Trek, a unique wildlife experience, made its debut on Jan. 16 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The three-hour adventure, led by expert guides, will immerse small groups in an “up-close-and-personal” experience with African wildlife species that make their home in Pangani Forest in Animal Kingdom, as well as other areas of the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

Wild Africa Trek is offered several times daily. Groups are kept small, consisting of no more than 12 trekkers per safari. Reservations for Wild Africa Trek (ages 8 and up) can be arranged by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). Pricing for this unique adventure will vary seasonally. Included is a Disney photographer who will provide each trekker with select photos of their experience.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland Park in California, a revamped Star Tours adventure is set to debut this May that bridges the gap between the two Star Wars trilogies. It will take guests to Coruscant and other destinations in the Stars Wars galaxy using 3-D immersion for the first time.

Also coming this year at Disney California Adventure is the premiere of “The Little Mermaid-Ariel’s Undersea Adventure,” which will take guests “under the sea” to experience the scenes and magical songs from the popular motion picture. The attraction represents the next big milestone in the ongoing expansion of the park.

Separately, Adventures by Disney has introduced a new Egypt program that is set to begin in April. The new family tour program will feature seven- and nine-night Egypt itineraries, including visits to the pyramids and Great Sphinx in Giza, a Nile River cruise and days and nights in Cairo. In 2011, Adventures by Disney will offer 25 itineraries of six to 13 days in duration on six continents.

Elsewhere, Disney Vacation Club on Aug. 29 will officially open Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The new resort, which will include traditional hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas, is being built on 21 acres of oceanfront property roughly 30 minutes from Waikiki. Walt Disney Imagineers, with the help of local architects, artisans and historians, are weaving Hawaiian stories into the buildings, interiors, art and gardens of the resort. Upon completion, Aulani will feature 359 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas with views of the ocean, mountains and garden grounds.

Mexico's Romance Getaways - Perfect Valentines Weekend Escape!

Mexico’s Real Resorts Announce Romance Getaways

(A Royal Master Swim Up Suite)

Real Resort's two luxury-gourmet, all-inclusive, all-suite resorts, The Royal in Cancun & The Royal Playa del Carmen, are offering the ultimate romance getaway. Couples can enjoy accommodations in Ocean Front suites or a Presidential Suite.

The experience begins upon arrival with private concierge check-in, and champagne and chocolates in the suite. Then relax with the ultimate in-suite signature Tequila Couples Massage experience. Discover the original healing powers of tequila with a one-of-a kind salt exfoliation followed by a tequila, lime and honey bath in the suite's private Jacuzzi tub, and finish with a sage oil massage. Then complete the relaxing experience by savoring exclusive reserve tequila.

To continue the romantic atmosphere the couple will enjoy a private gourmet dinner for two on the beach prepared by the resort chef and served by a personal wait staff. This candlelit dinner is served under a white awning and is complete with fine wine and violin music. Each evening the suite's luxury Royal Bedding will be adorned with rose petals, and scented candles of choice will be lit to enhance the atmosphere. The Real Royal Romance Package is based on accommodations for two people and a minimum four-night stay.

At The Royal in Cancun the all-inclusive package with the Romance Amenities can be enjoyed in a Presidential Suite or in a Royal Ocean Front Junior Suite. At The Royal in Playa del Carmen, guests can enjoy Real Royal Romance in a Presidential Suite or in a Royal Master Suite Oceanview.

Le Meridien Bora Bora, Tahiti Completes Renovations

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc announced the completion of a resort-wide renovation of Le Méridien Tahiti, transforming all public spaces and guest accommodations. Meanwhile, sister resort Le Méridien Bora Bora is nearing completion of the second and final phase of its own resort-wide renovation. That multimillion-dollar project has seen work on all public spaces and all guest accommodations as well. Look for the unveiling of the “new” Le Méridien Bora Bora before the end of January 2011.

To celebrate the renovations, the resorts have launched the 2011 Le Méridien Discovery package, which includes four nights at Le Méridien Bora Bora and one complimentary night at Le Méridien Tahiti. Breakfast for two is also included. The package is available from approximately $1,200 per person. The price of the package is subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

French interior designer Didier Lefort led all of the renovation work for Le Méridien in French Polynesia, updating the properties to new standards for the Le Méridien brand and creating a contemporary, culturally refined and sophisticated atmosphere for guests. Now complete, the new renovations at Le Méridien Tahiti include an entrance with 11 traditional tiki and hunu statues carved from local wood and Tahitian stones standing sentinel at the resort gates. The tikis serve as the signature Le Méridien transitional portal, providing a “wall of local art” to bring guests from outside of the resort to inside the Le Méridien experience. The re-landscaped entrance leads to the resort’s new façade featuring a bold red color.

The new, modern lobby has been updated with three personal check-in stations, three computers for guest use and a new concierge desk. The lobby features modern red, black and white furnishings including large sofas and comfortable chairs, inspired by the Tahitian tiare flower. Polynesian artwork is everywhere, including a 39-foot painting, a 60-foot sepia cultural print, and a unique wall covering featuring local tapa (Tahitian papyrus) and paint. A corner espresso bar with lounge seating will soon be added to the lobby, offering blends from illycaffè, a Le Méridien brand partner. Adding to the sensory experience in the lobby, the resort will feature LM01, the signature Le Méridien scent created by LM100 members and La Labo founders Fabrice Penot and Edouard Roschi, as well as music by composer and LM100 member Henri Scars Struck in the elevators.

New interiors for all deluxe lagoon-view and deluxe panoramic-view rooms and suites feature contemporary neutral-toned furniture and linens, soothing lighting and authentic Polynesian textures, including bamboo, for an ambience energizing by day and relaxing at night. Additional Polynesian touches include authentic “tapa” cloth lights and tables shaped like surfboards. Meanwhile, all deluxe Lagoon-view and Panoramic-view accommodations have new hardwood floors.

La Plantation restaurant and Astrolabe bar have been renewed and updated in a contemporary style that merges harmony and comfort with the environment. Natural colored wood and woven furniture mixed with brightly colored accents of orange and green enhance the Polynesian theme. The spaces have been further re-designed to allow for both indoor and outdoor seating, with dividable “green walls” for added privacy. The new setting at La Plantation now features the renowned Polynesian Ballet “Tahiti Ora” by Tumata Robinson. The one-hour traditional Polynesian dance show features a colorful ballet through Tahitian culture and is performed every Friday at 7 p.m., followed by a seafood buffet.

Southwest CEO: 'I'd rather have a customer than a bag fee'

Even as rising fuel prices hike operating expenses, Southwest Airlines Co. said Thursday that fourth-quarter earnings were up 13 percent and that bookings were strong through March.

"Except for fuel, we have a great outlook for 2011," Southwest chief executive Gary Kelly told investors during a conference call. "In particular, I believe business-travel demand will continue to strengthen."

The Dallas-based carrier's "Bags Fly Free" and "No Change Fees" advertising campaigns are expected to "continue to provide tremendous momentum," Kelly said.

Top 20 Must Do's When You Escape To The Caribbean...

1) Watch boat makers hone their craft by hand in the Out Islands of the Bahamas.

2) Sip a cold drink while sitting in the shallow, tranquil waters of one of Antigua’s deserted beaches.

3) Ride bareback on horses through the ocean at Half Moon Rose Hall resort in Jamaica.

4) Sort through your many, many unique gourmet dining options in Grand Case, St. Martin.

5) Jump from the cliffs and into the water at Rick’s Café in Negril, Jamaica.

6) See the ocean floor without a scuba license during a deep-sea submarine dive in Georgetown, Grand Cayman.

7) Sail on a catamaran to Soufriere, St. Lucia, where the Piton Mountains jutting out of the sea will take your breath away.

8) Take in that same view from above while dining at Ladera, set up high between Soufriere’s two mountains and looking out to the sea.

9) Eat jerk chicken as it’s meant to be eaten: roadside in Jamaica.

10) Be part of the weekly party at Shirley Heights in Antigua, with live reggae and mountaintop bbq.

11) Surf with the pros in one of the best spots in the world, Cabarete, Dominican Republic.

12) Snorkel the underwater trail at Trunk Bay, St. John, with signs posted below the surface to tell you exactly what you’re seeing.

13) Witness bioluminescence firsthand during nighttime snorkel at the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman.

14) Pamper yourself with an intense personal wellness session at Parrot Cay’s COMO Shambala spa and wellness center in Turks and Caicos.

15) Carnival in Trinidad. Say no more.

16) Plunge from a rope swing into the rushing waters of Y.S. Falls in
Jamaica.

17) Watch a pro make conch salad before your eyes – and sample the resorts at Our Lucaya in the Bahamas.

18) Get a taste for the upper-class life in your own private villa in Anguilla.

19) Get up close and personal with the friendly and fascinating creatures at Stingray City off the shores of Grand Cayman.

20) Go island-hopping through the Eastern Caribbean to get your fill of every attraction in the water and on land.

Take A Tour Of The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, St. Thomas

Spotlight on The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, St. Thomas:
No passports required!

Beachfront all-inclusive featuring 300 rooms with private balconies, nightly entertainment, 10,000 sq. ft. spa, pool concierge, water park, wifi by the pool, mini golf, kids club, and more. Makes a perfect get-a-way for couples, families and groups of all sizes (weddings and corporate groups).

See video of the beautiful Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa:

Take A Tour the Brand New Disney Dream!

Spotlight on Disney's new cruise ship, the Disney Dream:

With a 4 deck high water coaster at sea (the Aqua Duck), Toy Story and Monster's Inc themed kids clubs, virtual port holes in inside cabins, and adults only bars and lounges, Disney's largest cruise ship has something for everyone. Set to sail January 26, 2011: