By Pam Carroll
Discount, smishcount! Why cut deals to entice customers, when you can hit the other end of the spectrum with a high-end, exclusively pricey package aimed at the ‘discerning traveller'?
The Inn and Spa at Loretto, a Destination Hotels & Resorts property near Santa Fe's downtown plaza, has announced a one-of-a-kind VIP package for the most ‘'discerning travellers''. With a price tag of $15,000, the stay includes accommodations in the hotel's newly refurbished penthouse, a special five-course chef's dinner, a behind the scenes tour at Georgia O'Keeffe's home and studio and other exclusive opportunities.
"YOLO," which is being tagged as the ultimate VIP Santa Fe travel experience. Loretto curators, artists, event specialists, gallery owners and more, who work exclusively with Loretto guests, have custom created a package designed to inspire the mind, body and spirit, while connecting visitors with the rich local culture and community of Santa Fe.
Starting with accommodations in Santa Fe's only rooftop penthouse, complete with five balconies, 365-degree views and over 3,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space to one-of-a-kind, all-access excursions, this is a you-only live-once adventure.
The package Includes:
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A five-night stay in Santa Fe's only penthouse suite
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Champagne and truffles upon arrival
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Daily surprise amenities and turn-down service
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Limo ride from Albuquerque International airport to the Loretto's front door
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A docent lead tour of all four museums located on Museum Hill; including behind the scenes access to the museum archives, as well as an annual culture pass for visiting all of New Mexico's museums and monuments
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A private 1.5 hour guided tour of Santa Fe's art district, Canyon Road, provided by Loretto curator and local art expert Karla Winterowd. The tour concludes with champagne and chocolates at Karla's own Canyon Road gallery, Winterowd Fine Art
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A signed copy of the infamous book "The Thrill of the Chase" by Santa Fe legend Forrest Fenn. The memoir features clues to an actual $2 million treasure buried deep in the Rocky Mountains.
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A five-course chef's table dinner prepared exclusively at Luminaria Restaurant and Patio. Dinner will include a custom menu featuring the best of Santa Fe's seasonal fare as well as expertly paired wines with each course.
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A private cooking class with Loretto Curator Chef Johnny Vee. After a day with Johnny, guests will feel inspired to take the flavors of Santa Fe home. The exclusive activity includes a hands-on Southwest cooking class, plus a signed copy of "Cooking with Johnny Vee" and a gift basket from Las Cosas Cooking Shoppe.
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A full service spa day to revitalize the mind, sooth the soul and replenish the spirit. The treatment includes our luxury "365 Minutes of Bliss" package, featuring over 365 minutes of pure, uninterrupted bliss.
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A private tour of the famous Loretto Chapel including a rare opportunity to stand on the miraculous staircase for a photo
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An outdoor adventure with Loretto curators Georges and Sue Mally of Santa Fe Walkabouts. Choose from one of three private guided tours including Santa Fe's only Pinzgauer 4WD Sunset Tour, a guided Puye Cliffs Tour, exhilarating Snowshoeing or "off the beaten path" hike
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A glimpse into the life of Georgia O'Keeffe: Head to Abiquiu, NM for a Behind the Scenes tour at the artist's home and studio.
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A year-round holiday celebration at Susan's Christmas Shop, owned by Loretto curator Susan Topp Weber. Spend a few hours in her enchanting shop discovering all the one-of-a-kind, local hand-made ornaments from New Mexico's native artists. Plus, guests will receive $100 gift certificate to help adorn a tree.
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Get a custom belt and buckle fitting from Rippel USA on Old Santa Fe Trail. Artist John Rippel has been creating sterling silver buckles and jewelry in Santa Fe since 1968 and will offer a complementary calfskin belt to be paired with a buckle for purchase.
The offer does not include tax and requires a five-night stay. Package price includes minimum gratuity for all services and activities. Non-refundable deposit of 50% of the cost of the package due at booking.
Honourable Mention
Of course this one only works in the United States, where they put the month before day when writing numerical dates, but the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is offering pre-Christmas dream weddings on 12/13/14.
To mark this unique moment in time, Omni Barton Creek is introducing a special value offer for those couples wanting to celebrate their wedding and/or reception in the ambience of the Texas Hill Country. In the spirit of 12/13/14, the hotel is offering discounts of 12 percent off food and beverage; 13 percent off spa appointments; and 14 percent off golf tee times.
Additionally, any couple who books their wedding at Omni Barton Creek for 12/13/14 will have the opportunity to stay in the resort's Crenshaw Suite at a special rate of $1213.14 from Friday, Dec. 12 through Monday, Dec. 15. Additionally, they will be invited back for complimentary weekend stays for their 12th, 13th and 14th wedding anniversaries.
Omni Barton Creek offers wedding planning where staff experts can customize any space and transform it into an inspirational setting. Specialized linens, floral design, wedding cakes and extraordinary cuisine are also available.
But the offers aren't just for couples looking to get hitched. Omni Barton Creek is also launching a Facebook contest inviting fans to post any past or future wedding dates in the most unique way possible for the chance to win a complimentary romantic getaway. The wedding date can be spelled with scrabble pieces, rose petals, chocolates, golf balls, chalk, in the sand or in the sky – whatever creative medium strikes their fancy. All who post their creative interpretations of their wedding dates on Omni Barton Creek's Facebook page by May 23, 2014, will automatically be entered into a drawing for a three-night stay, including chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne upon arrival.
Pam Carroll is the Editorial Manager at eHotelier. Contact her on news@ehotelier.net.
