Pardon Our DustJuly 28, 2010
Dear Luxury Link Community:
The Community will be down over the next few days for maintenance. Because of this, you may notice a slightly different look and feel with some aspects of the Community. There will, however, be zero change or removal of any Community content.
These exciting changes are being done in the hopes of creating a better and more efficient Community environment for you and our tech team. Please let us know what you think in the weeks ahead!
Thank you,
LL
Our Bets are on Your Best Vacation: How to Bid on a Luxury Link AuctionJune 11, 2010 by Joanna Pawlowska
Browsing the wealth of properties and possibilities on LuxuryLink.com has inspired you to finally make your dream vacation into a reality. We love that. This is why we’d like to give you a few pointers on how to get the most out of what Luxury Link offers, so you can enjoy the absolutely best vacation, at the best price.
There are two ways to purchase a vacation on LuxuryLink.com. Either choose our “buy now” option, or keep things interesting by bidding on an auction. Both options guarantee an amazing deal. But by placing a bid on an auction, you have the chance to book the most luxurious vacation at an EVEN LOWER fraction of the cost. Not only is bidding exciting, but it couldn’t be easier!
This is how it works:
1) LOG IN to LuxuryLink.com. Not an official user? No problem. Simply click “Register” at the top right corner of the Luxury Link website, complete the registration, and get ready to bid!
2) SELECT YOUR BEST PACKAGE. Make sure the validity dates match your travel plans, and you find inclusions and amenities that best fit your perfect escape.
3) PLACE YOUR MAXIMUM BID. Enter the highest dollar amount you are willing to pay for the package. The system will use the minimum amount possible to keep you the highest bidder, continuing to outbid other participants on your behalf, all the way up to this maximum amount. (If another Luxury Link user outbids your maximum amount, you may return to the property’s page and place a new bid.)
4) SUBMIT YOUR BID by entering a valid credit card number and clicking “Submit & Confirm Bid.” Your card will only be charged if you win the auction.
5) ALL SET! Now just keep your eye on the auction for other bidders, and check your email for a notification if you’ve won!
Bidding on an amazing vacation is a thrilling process! Now that you know the basics, here are some INSIDER’S TIPS for smart bidding:
1) Call ahead to see if your chosen property has your preferred dates available. Be sure to tell them you are checking availability for a Luxury Link package.
2) Follow the auction! Things can change at the very last minute, so check-in when the auction is getting ready to close.
3) Keep an eye out an upcoming LuxuryLink.com feature which will help you follow the auctions you like, and notify you when they are coming to a close.
4) Remember the 5 minute extension! If a Luxury Link user bids on an auction at the last minute, the auction will automatically extend for an extra 5 minutes… it’s not over until it’s over!
5) Got questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us! Luxury Link Customer Care is available Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 5:30PM PST to answer questions about the auction, the purchase process and technical assistance. Call (888) 297-3299 or e-mail customerservice@luxurylink.com.
Once you’re hooked, explore our other bidding opportunities, including Mystery Auctions. The starting bid is only $1!
Find out more about Mystery Auctions and get additional insider tips by joining our Community. Browse our message boards to see what other Luxury Link users are saying about their travels and get more general information about Luxury Link. Find the “Community” link at the bottom right corner of the LuxuryLink.com web site.
Good Luck!
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Discover the Old World Charm of MexicoMay 14, 2010 by Bridgette Parent
From the quaint courtyards of San Miguel de Allende to the cobblestone streets filled with music and art in Guanajuato, sophisticated travelers from around the world are falling in love with the old world charm of Colonial Mexico. Explore former private residences of the Spanish aristocracy and rich history of Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its many poets and authors, discover for yourself why the locals call Lagos de Moreno the “Athens of Jalisco”. And be sure to savor the delicious aromas of authentic age-old recipes along the way.
Villa Maria Cristina, Guanajuato

Villa Maria Cristina is a true treasure with
a perfect combination of exquisite charm and relaxing atmosphere
reminiscent of
a private mansion, located in Guanajuato, one of the most picturesque
towns in
all of
View all Villa Maria Cristina packages.
Casa de Sierra Nevada, San Miguel de Allende

More than just a hotel, Casa de Sierra
View all Casa de Sierra Nevada packages.
Meson Sacristia de la Compania, Puebla

Meson Sacristia de la Compania in
View all Meson Sacristia de la Compania packages.
Hacienda Sepulveda Hotel & Spa, Lagos de Moreno

Live a life of colonial splendor at the
historic, centuries-old Hacienda Sepulveda Hotel & Spa that offers a modern
vision of colonial
View all Hacienda Sepulveda Hotel & Spa packages.
May 15th, 2010
5:12 am PST
We bought and used the cooking class package at Meson Sacristia de la Compania several years ago. We had a fabulous time and still use some of the receipes we learned (and have modified) to entertain friends.
"Viva México "
May 17th, 2010
9:32 am PST
Villa Maria Cristina looks amazing. Have been dying to visit central mexico, looks like the perfect place.
May 27th, 2010
1:13 pm PST
Did you learn how to cook Mole poblano?
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Mother-Daughter GetawaysMay 5, 2010 by Joanna Pawlowska
There’s nothing quite like the bond between mothers and daughters. And, there’s no better way to nurture this special relationship than by taking a fabulous Mother-Daughter escape. It might have something to do with the whole unconditional love thing, but our Moms are simply always there. In honor of Mother’s Day this year, we suggest you return the love by giving Mom the timeless gift of travel. Arrange a Girls’ Getaway that will make her feel appreciated, and keep your mother-daughter bond strong.
Check out our favorite Mother-Daughter Getaways:
Italy

It’s said that food brings people together. Let the stunning scenery and decadent dishes of Italy bring you and your mother together for some serious culinary creativity. Take a delicious cooking class in the gorgeous Italian countryside. And in your free time, take in some of the world’s most important pieces of art, awe-inspiring ancient ruins, and the breath-taking cliffs cascading down the Almalfi Coast. Not only will it satisfy your appetites for quality time together, but give you reason to plan cooking dates when you return home.
For a delicious getaway to the amazing Almalfi coast, try one of our Furore Inn Resort packages.
New York City

Get glamorous in this cosmopolitan city. Get your nails done, shop till you drop and eat to your hearts’ content (or your stomachs’ capacity). In the evenings, don your stylish new attire and catch a show on Broadway. You’ll find plenty of time for long walks and good conservation (just what mother-daughter bonds are made of).
For a glamorous girls getaway, we recommend checking out one of our Sherry Netherland packages.
Calistoga

Get together for some R&R in charming Calistoga. Located in California’s Napa Valley, this stunning destination is world renown for sprawling vineyards, fine wines, and decadent dishes. Also, prepare to be pampered at this quintessential spa destination, where you can catch up on the hot gossip with cool cucumbers resting on your eyelids. Indulge in serene afternoons dipping in natural hot springs, and spend colorful evenings enjoying live jazz. Also, if you’re of age, make sure to sample internationally-acclaimed wines.
For creative rejuvenation and culinary delight check out our Calistoga Ranch packages.
Thailand

Set out in search of some enlightenment with a mother-daughter interlude in Thailand. Trek through a lush jungle atop an elephant, get Zen-ed out on a yoga retreat, and indulge in the blissful afterglow with some face-time on one of Thailand’s pristine beaches. You’ll have plenty of time to revitalize mind, body and spirit.
Find blissful balance (and a beautiful bonding experience) with one of our Bundarika Villa packages.
Costa Rica

Like mother, like daughter… and you’re both the adventurous types. Get an adrenaline fix and some beach-bumming bonding time in sunny Costa Rica. Zip-line through rainforests, climb an active volcano, and even go white-water rafting, before you hit the sandy coastline to swap stories and share the intricate details of your lives. Just as mothers and daughters do.
Share a once-in-a-lifetime experience tailored for life-long adventures with one of our Rancho Pacifico packages.
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New on LuxuryLink - Relais ParadisoMarch 31, 2010 by Joanna Pawlowska
We are proud to feature the world's very best hotels, tours and cruises and we’re always looking for more great properties for our travelers. This month we’ve added a lot of exciting new hotels and resorts. Here is a brief look at one of our newest properties:
Looking for a taste of la dolce vita? Look no further than the exquisite Relais Paradiso in the village of Vietri sul Mare, Italy.
Stunning ocean views are a given on the Amalfi Coast, and, at Relais Paradiso, so is utmost luxury. Step into the havens of the luxe tranquility found within each of the hotel’s minimalistic spaces. Rejuvenate lavishly at Expure Spa. Lounge atop plush bed linens or bask beneath an Italian sun alongside the sparkling pool. Spend your evenings dining on exquisite cuisine prepared by a private chef. And, as the sun drops, walk barefoot over the honey-hued wooden floors of your suite to step out onto your private balcony to take in breathtaking panoramic views. Sound dolce? We certain think so. Tap into the good life, Italian-style, at Relais Paradiso.
View current Relais Paradiso Vacation Packages.
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Hat GiveawayFebruary 25, 2010 by Karen Jost
We really appreciate all our dedicated Luxury Link Travelers. To show our gratitude, we’d like to send you a gift – your very own Luxury Link baseball cap. It’s a little something to show our appreciation but it’s also an opportunity for you to save $$$ on your next Luxury Link vacation.
Here’s the deal – Next time you go on a vacation, take a picture of yourself wearing your Luxury Link hat and submit it to us at adventures@luxurylink.com. We’ll give you a promo code for $150 dollars off your next Luxury Link vacation package. The promo code is valid until August 31, 2011 and there is no minimum purchase requirement.
Please email your address to adventures@luxurylink.com so we can send you a hat and get you on your way to savings!
Here are a few fun photos of Luxury Link fans and their hats to help inspire you:
LL Fan, Nye, takes a
break in a hammock by the sea while on vacation in
Here are a few guidelines for photo submissions:
- Photos should be emailed to adventures@luxurylink.com.
- Photos must be taken during a vacation. We want to see your travel pictures so send us your best shot!
- Please include the name of the person in the picture and the name of the hotel/resort/destination where you stayed.
- Smile! We appreciate creativity and we want you to have fun with this. But please, nothing indecent or inappropriate.
- Shy? Not sure you want your picture on the internet? That’s ok! Photos should clearly display the hotel or location of your trip and the Luxury Link hat but if you’d rather not be in it, we understand. Have your travel partner wear the hat, find a friendly hotel staff member and see if they are willing to pose for a photo with the hat or just make the hat the star of your picture.
- Promotion ends August 31, 2010. Discount is valid until August 31, 2011.
- Please see Official Rules*
*Official Rules (a.k.a. The Legal Stuff):
This contest is open only participants who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. To be eligible to receive the $150 discount, entrants must submit one photograph along with the name of the hotel and the name of the person in the picture according to the instructions provided above. Any other form of online entry and mail-in entries will not be accepted. Photographs may include landscape, locales, activities, people and/or animals, but must include the LuxuryLink hat. Photographs must be in color and must have been shot by the entrant while on a vacation. LIMIT ONE (1) ENTRY PER PERSON. Incomplete entries or entries that do not comply with the instructions will be rejected. By entering this contest, entrants grant to LuxuryLink and its licensees and assigns, a royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide right to copy, crop, edit, publish, display, distribute, sublicense or otherwise use their photographs for the full term of copyright thereof, in connection with the publication or display of travel-related content, in all languages and all media, whether now known or hereinafter devised. Entrants warrant that their photographs are their original work and are not owned by any other person or entity; do not violate any law or regulation; and do not infringe the rights of any person or entity. Entrants understand and agree that nothing in this agreement obligates Luxury Link to use their photographs. Promotion ends August 31, 2010. Luxury Link reserves the right to end this promotion at any time. Discount is valid until August 31, 2011.
February 25th, 2010
4:08 pm PST
this is awesome!! i can't wait to get a hat and see how many LL hotels i can visit..haha
February 25th, 2010
5:30 pm PST
Just sent my info. Can't wait to get my hat!
February 25th, 2010
6:49 pm PST
ohai i need to know what size pet the hat is for.
February 28th, 2010
1:40 pm PST
Does the LL baggage tag in Guatemala work??? I just got the email. Would have loved to "stage" the LL cap on a chicken bus or Tuk Tuk Or better yet, on a lancha going across the lake in high waves.....
February 28th, 2010
2:51 pm PST
Can the $150 Certificate be combined with a VIP Certificate?
March 1st, 2010
4:15 am PST
I don't wear much when I go to the beach on these LL vacations. Maybe I could face AWAY from the camera for the photo.
March 1st, 2010
4:30 pm PST
The hats look great and I would gladly wear one to my next LL property. That should raise the ante somewhat, maybe even get an upgrade... maybe - ha ha
March 1st, 2010
6:40 pm PST
Cam this certificate be used along with a $250 VIP Certificate?
March 2nd, 2010
8:02 am PST
Can't wait for my hat! Sent in the request so that hopefully we will have it before our Costa Rica trip this month!
March 3rd, 2010
4:56 am PST
I still think the most unique "cap shot" should be rewarded with a certificate of additional value.....something in the neighborhood of $300. Let's develop a little more creativity in the photos being submitted! Good idea - right?
March 6th, 2010
10:13 am PST
Great idea! Announced 1 month too late! We just returned from a LL experience in Hawaii, where with 20/20 past vision, I can think of lots of places we could have taken a pix. This promotion is also smart from the fact that many of these packages are located in tropical climes & a hat is wise to avoid skin cancer on the head.
March 15th, 2010
4:03 pm PST
silly question--how do I get a hat, please?
March 27th, 2010
6:53 pm PST
I just keep reading and re-reading the small print *Official Rules (a.k.a. The Legal Stuff) and I am trying to figure out if I actually have to be at a destination based upon having purchased a LL package and take the photo with the cap and submit on or before August 31, 2010.
HELP!
April 6th, 2010
2:49 pm PST
Getting ready to pack my newly acquired white LL cap for the upcoming weekend trip....photo to follow next week!
April 14th, 2010
8:14 am PST
was sitting in JetBlue's JFK terminal yesterday wearing my LL cap and completely forgot to take a pix. Oh well, there will be plenty of other opportunities.
April 18th, 2010
4:34 am PST
So, if I read this correctly, the $150 certificate es valid toward the purchase of a trip from the Luxuy Link site, Is it valid for use on FamilyGetaway as well?
4
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New Year’s Resolution Vacations - Part OneFebruary 22, 2010 by Karen Jost
It happens every year. Midnight rolls around on December 31st and you vow that this year is going to be the year that you stick to your New Year’s Resolution. Unfortunately, by the end of February those goals seem harder and harder to attain. Never fear, Luxury Link is here to help with a list of vacation ideas to help you get your New Year’s Resolution back in track.
Resolution #1: Exercise
Amansala Bikini Boot Camp

With a long list of activities including yoga, pilates, jungle excursions, body sculpting classes, swimming, bike rides and dance lessons, it’s easy to see why visitors leave Amansala Bikini Boot Camp feeling fit and energized. Guests unwind at the end of the day with meditation and massage treatments.
View our Amansala Bikini Boot Camp packages.
Resolution #2: Eat Better
The Essex,
Essex Junction,

A stay at this award-winning retreat in
View The Essex,
Next week we’ll look at more places you can visit to help you keep your New Year’s Resolution. In the meantime, let us know what you think! Leave a comment below or visit our Community.
February 24th, 2010
1:44 pm PST
Your expansion of additional properties in South America (not the aditional of more places in C R) is making it easire to achieve our New Year's resolution.
May 28th, 2010
8:26 am PST
Last time we were passing through Burlington, we stopped at the Essex and had lunch. The menu showed a great deal of creativity and the meals we were serve were well above average and reasonably priced. The New England Culinary Institute offers exceptional programs and turns out some very talented chefs (Alton Brown is a graduate).
Staying here could be a fun time.
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Photo of the WeekFebruary 9, 2010 by Karen Jost
Photo of the Week
We firmly believe in the adage “A Picture is worth a Thousand Words”. So every week we’ll post our favorite pictures of top luxury hotels and resorts from around the world.
Pimalai Resort & Spa

To view additional information and travel packages please check out Pimalai Resort & Spa.
February 22nd, 2010
8:08 pm PST
Looks fantastic! I will definitely be adding this to my list of "must see" places.
March 13th, 2010
2:50 pm PST
This may not be the place for this comment, but I'll post regardless. I think the types of photo images luxury link has selected to represent "style" make a much greater visual impact on the Family Getaway site, then are used generally on the parent site. I think you would be better served utilizing more photos showing people participating in the activities on the luxury link site. Compare the two sites and you will see my point!
April 21st, 2010
1:32 pm PST
will be emailing a "cap shot" shortly.....had lunch at one of the LL resort's restaurant this afternoon and couldn't resist hanging my cap on the entry sign for a quick snap
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Costa Rica Trip ReportJanuary 25, 2010 by Andrew Hahn
December, 2009
Property: Casa Pacifico
Hi, Luxury Think readers! I’m
My friends and I booked our stay at Casa Pacifico by winning
a Luxury Link auction, so no special treatment there :). My girlfriend and I,
along with 10 friends stayed at the 6 bedroom/6 bath property in the Tambor
region of
Casa Pacifico is on the southeastern coast of the Nicoyan
peninsula – on the Pacific Ocean side of
The price of our package included meals, delicious local cuisine prepared by the house executive chef. The house manager, Lawrence (he lives on site in a separate area), was extremely friendly and helped us arrange our next day’s activities by scheduling events and preparing transportation. We went zip lining in the canopies of Montezuma (what a thrill and what a view!), swimming in local waterfalls (first time I’ve ever jumped off a 45 ft waterfall), took ATV tours through the beaches and jungles of Tambor, snorkeled with tropical fish and relaxed on the beautiful white sand of Tortuga Island, and spent some quality time lounging at the house pool and catching up on reading/tanning/sleeping.
One of the fun additions to Casa Pacifico is the house parrot, Fran. Very friendly and rather inquisitive, Fran can speak more Spanish than I can while eating fruit and dancing for you. Give her a beat and she’ll move like Beyoncé.
During our last evening at Casa Pacifico we were treated to three (!!!) amazing tropical thunderstorms over the Pacific. We turned off all the lights in the house and watched from the balcony as the sky lit up with lightning strikes every 2-3 minutes. It was a surreal experience, especially with the sound of the waves crashing up on the beach only a hundred feet away.
February 1st, 2010
4:37 pm PST
Hey, I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say GREAT blog!.....I"ll be checking in on a regularly now....Keep up the good work! :)
February 4th, 2010
11:24 am PST
Great post Andrew! Looks like I'm going to have to add Costa Rica and Casa Pacifico to my list of places to visit.
February 5th, 2010
11:42 am PST
Everything about this vacation sounded fantastic! The details your shared - the zip lining, Fran shakin' it like Beyoncé :), and the thunderstorms :-D - all made me feel like I was there, too. I can't wait to go on my own Luxury Link vacation! But I think I'll be waiting awhile til I do...
May 24th, 2010
1:38 pm PST
Is Casa Pacifica part of the Tango Mar complex? Your trip sounded wonderful! Heading back to CR in December...yeah
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Take Your Best ShotJanuary 21, 2010 by Anthony Brown
What makes a photograph stand out?
Meet Anthony Brown, Luxury Link’s own Photo Editor/Designer. Anthony spends his days looking at images of white sandy beaches and some of the most luxurious hotel rooms in the world, but it’s not all fun and games. We have high standards for the photography on our site and it is Anthony’s job to make sure every picture on LuxuryLink.com meets those standards. Each photograph is carefully selected and scrutinized to ensure that it gives our customers an accurate portrayal of the world’s best places to stay. We recently sat down with Anthony to find out what some of his favorite pictures are on the site and why. Here’s what he chose:

What works in this photo:
Anthony: This photo presents the viewer with a simple yet inviting color palette tucked in a well composed frame of flourishing trees, exotic plants, and dream-like scenery. I remember the first time I laid eyes on this photo. I was sitting at my desk and I thought to myself, “Wow. This is exactly what paradise looks like! A sunset rich in so many colors, reflecting off of a shimmering private beach... yes, Anthony, this is paradise. Now get back to work!”

What works in this photo:
Anthony: The composition and angle of the shot give the room a dynamic feel. The most striking quality of this photo is the intensity of all the colors. The frame is splashed full of vibrant hues against contrasting shadows, making this a real eye catcher.

What works in this photo:
Anthony: The unusual architecture in this shot creates an
element of drama and the composition suggests an endless ocean. The photographer also did an excellent job of
catching the reflection of the deck-lounge and palm trees in the infinity
pool. Gazing at this photo I’m struck
with curiosity and a sudden urge to hop on a plane straight and head to
Anthony has been with Luxury Link for several years. He enjoys collecting half-consumed energy drinks at his desk and extolling the superiority of Mac computers over PCs. For more information on Anthony and the rest of the Luxury Link team, please visit Our Team.
January 22nd, 2010
3:30 pm PST
Anthony....no, wait, can I call you Tony? Of course I can!
Almost any photo is "perfect," in my humble opinion, as long as my wife I clearly in focus, the background is a Luxury Link destination and I'm the one taking the shot!
These are the elements which allow my photos to stand out!
Cheers!
January 25th, 2010
6:22 pm PST
Hi Omegaet!
Sounds like you've got the right idea. I enjoy being behind the lens as well and if you have an LL property in the background of your shot, you're guaranteed sweet picture. If you're up to it, share some of your photos with us.
March 16th, 2010
12:40 pm PST
Anthony, any chance of another Luxury Link photo contest? They ran a contest a couple of years ago and I enjoyed checking out the photos.
April 13th, 2010
7:21 pm PST
Anthony, that would be great! Also, your photo of the week hasn't changed in a long time. I think that Luxury Link users would love to see a new photo every week, perhaps with a link from the home page.





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