Romantic Mountain Getaway in Highlands, NC

Just a short 2.5 hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, is the popular mountain destination of Highlands, NC. The scenic Highlands/Cashiers Plateau of North Carolina brims with unique home and apparel shops, galleries, Wine Spectator awarded restaurants and pristine mountain recreation.

Look no further than the Old Edwards Inn & Spa for the perfect romantic ambiance and world class spa experience. With spacious suites, cottages and guestrooms feature separate sitting areas, heated tile floors, robes and slippers, rainfall showers and huge soaking tubs you will experience true luxury. Many have balconies or patios with captivating views of Highlands and the mountains.

The resort vibrates with the arts, including live entertainment in Hummingbird Lounge and the alfresco Wine Garden, a resident artist, premium cocktails and culinary venues proffering fresh, healthy cuisine—all delivered in Old-Europe style, and incredible customer service. An outdoor heated mineral pool, whirlpool and poolside bar and cabana beckon city dwellers and lowlanders to rise above the heat and humidity to bask in a blissful mountain summer. A spectacular outdoor heated mineral pool, world class spa, award-winning dining at Madison’s restaurant with sustainable farm-to-table cuisine, and golf at the private Old Edwards Club are signature experiences at this full-service mountain resort.

What does booking through C&M offer?

Virtuoso amenities include:

· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

· Complimentary full breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests, served in restaurant

· Choice of one complimentary luncheon for two in the Wine Garden or Madison's Restaurant once per stay - OR - one complimentary round of golf at Old Edwards Club for up to two people, once per stay

True Luxury in Baja California

Los Arcos, Cabo San Lucas

Agua Bar at One & Only Palmilla

Capella Pedregal

Experanza

Where the hot desert sun meets lush, green palm trees and deep blue seas – this is Baja California. Just a short flight away from the US’s main airports, this Mexican paradise is the perfect location for a relaxing getaway. We can’t think of any other destination that has so many luxury properties in such close proximity.

Virtuoso boasts four exclusive properties here; Capella Pedregral, who’s incredible ocean front retreat took over five years to complete, mainly due to the tunnel that was blasted through the mountain to create its dramatic entrance. The property has one of the most beautiful ocean views serenaded by the rocky Pacific. Here there are rooms for any size group with villas from one to three bedrooms, all with their own plunge pool and ocean view.

Next is Esperanza, with private residences, villas and a main hotel. The multiple pools on the property are sure to give everyone their privacy. With a world renowned spa and fitness program (including TRX, yoga and bootcamp classes), you will feel rested and rejuvenated.

The One & Only Palmilla, with its Moorish style and lush green landscaping, not to mention an entrance fit for royalty, makes you think you're in Morocco. As the festive Agua restaurant serenades you with the Mariachi band, the authentic cuisine and beautiful decor are not to miss. Warning: the margaritas are pretty strong!

Finally, Las Ventanas Al Paraiso is as impressive as the rest. Its clean design and modern architecture make you feel like you are walking in the clouds. Spend a romantic evening dining beachfront next to a crackling fire pit, sure to leave you with an unforgettable experience.

No matter which property you choose, you will be in paradise.

The Historic La Colombe d’Or

Cate and Mason Travel Partners toasting in St Paul de Vence

View of St Paul de Vence

Private entrance to the lunch terrace of Colombe d'Or

Cate and Mason Travel Partners: the world is our territory, but our top two specialty regions are France and Northern California. When consulting for destinations filled with so many unique and hidden gems, our toughest job is narrowing down the boutique places we want our clients to experience.

In the south of France, one place we absolutely recommend: La Colombe d'Or, a boutique and luxury hotel and restaurant in the quaint village, St-Paul-de-Vence, where C&M will be traveling again this summer. Built in the 1920’s as an open-air terrace for dancing, the hotel soon became a meeting place for artists and thinkers who resided on the Côte d'Azur.

The hotel is surrounded by impeccable views of Provence and boasts 25 rooms, a black bottom pool and art from the likes of Chagall to Fernand Leger. We recommend lunching on the private garden terrace followed by a cappuccino as you meander through the narrow stone streets of this medieval village.

It's truly an experience only Chagall makes believable.

Family Adventure in Costa Rica

What's Included?

This is the perfect trip for a family who wants to experience the best of Costa Rica!

2 nights at the Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

3 nights at the Springs Resort & Spa in Arenal

3 nights at the Four Seasons Papagayo Resort Costa Rica

All private transfers

Arrive at the San Jose Airport. From there, you will be transferred to the Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a 2 night stay in the Monarch Villa. Rico Tours will include a complimentary guided tour of the Waterfall Gardens.

Then, transfer from the Peace Lodge to the Springs Resort & Spa in Arenal and stay 3 nights in a Two Bedroom Junior Springs Suite. You will have full access to the hot springs throughout the property. We recommend that you try out Club Rio, where you can kayak or tube down the on-site river or take a horseback ride. (There is an additional daily fee for activities at Club Rio.)

After enjoying the sites and sounds of the Arenal area, transfer from the Springs Resort & Spa to the Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo and say 3 nights in 2 connecting Terraza Rooms. There are great programs at the resort for children and teens.

Discover the New Frontier of Wine in India

Wine aficionados have done the Champagne circuit, sampled the liquid treasures of Tuscany, enjoyed the new world wines of New Zealand, tasted the joys of Chilean vintages. Time now to look at new frontiers…

Look no further than India, the new outpost of the wine making world!

Among the three wine regions in India the largest is around one of the holiest Hindu cities - Nashik, in the western part of the country, only 180 km (112 miles) from the business hub of Mumbai.

You can tour one of the 35 wineries in the area and sample their produce. You can even stay in some of the wineries to experience the Indian wine industry from up close. The right time is around February - March when the harvest is on in full swing. The weather is hot during the day, but evenings are pleasant and nights quite cool. And with hills of the Western Ghats surrounding the vineyards, the view is breathtaking.

You can, then, travel south to the wineries around Bangalore and Hyderabad. While the link to the IT industries in both the cities is just coincidental the outlook is the same - best practices, a whole lot of entrepreneurial zeal and a 'we can do it' attitude.

Come, discover the pleasures of Indian wine right where it all begins in the vineyard. Get acquainted with a side of India that the world is still not too familiar with. Enjoy the experience and wonder of India!

Last Minute Ski Packages from Virtuoso

Last Minute Winter Escape with Four Seasons Resort Vail

Brand new low rates have been launched for February 9-17 starting at $350 combinable with our 5th Night Free promotion, a tremendous value this winter- for both Couples and Families!!!

Four Seasons Resort Vail was just named 2011 Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence as Best New Luxury Hotel/Resort in North America!!

Plus:

Complimentary transportation within Vail

Complimentary Ski Concierge- services all ski needs

Children under 5yrs dine complimentary

Complimentary Children's Program daily- ages 5-12yrs old

Complimentary Sugar Shack for kids every afternoon

Live music Wed- Sun during Apres Ski

For the remainder of the ski season rates starting at $485 per night and the mountain does not close until April 15th. The rate is $350 is for a garden view king room, based on availability.

Ski Whistler Package

Experience the thrill of skiing at the home of the 2010 Olympic Games. With this special package from Four Seasons Resort Whistler, you'll receive two lift tickets for Whistler Blackcomb with each day of your stay, Daily lift passes for two and luxurious accommodations.

A three-day advance booking is required to ensure availability of lift tickets. Guests are required to stay a minimum of two nights. Rates listed are per room, per night, based on the occupancy selected, subject to availability.

Explorations and Orion Expeditions SAVE THE DATE, March 29, 2012

Please join us for an opportunity to meet famed Primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas and attend a private screening of Born To Be Wild at Fernbank Natural History Museum.

Narrated by Academy-Award winner Morgan Freeman, Born to be Wild is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. Born to be Wild is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world renowned primatologist Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas.

We hope you will join us to meet Dr. Galdikas and learn more about her work, Borne and Orion’s unique expeditions into this remote region.

SAVE THE DATE
March 29th, 2012
6:30pm – 9:30pm
Reception 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Introduction by Dr. Birute Galdikas 7:30pm
Screening of Born To Be Wild 8:00pm – 9:00pm

Location:
Fernbank Natural History Museum
Star Gallery
767 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA

Hosted by: Explorations and Orion Expeditions Cruises
Please RSVP to info@cateandmasontravel.com if you are interested in attending

Formal invitation will follow