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.
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.
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.
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...
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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.
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Staff Dream VacationsDecember 11, 2009 by Judy LaGraff and Arons Lee
If you could visit any place on our site, what would you pick?
We frequently get comments from our customers that they love to come to LuxuryLink.com and dream about all the fantastic destinations and world-class hotels they see on our site. As employees who interact with the site on a daily basis, we get it – we do the same thing!
It got us to thinking; with all the stunning locations and amazing properties featured on LuxuryLink.com, which ones stand out the most to us? The answers may surprise you. So over the next few months, we’ll be sharing our dream vacations. First up - Luxury Link staff members Judy and Arons.
If you could go to any property featured on LuxuryLink.com where would you go?
Judy:
Arons: I love
the ocean and water sports (especially kayaking and sport fishing) so I’d
choose Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort
The resort also gets points for having a golf course nearby and the packages for this property have a ton of inclusions (all meals and unlimited beverages, airport transfers, live entertainment and poolside butler service).
What’s one thing you would bring on your vacation?
Judy: What to bring with me, hmmm? I’d bring my 14 year old daughter with me. She’s great fun to travel with and we’d have a wonderful time shopping, sightseeing, and going to Broadway shows. I guess I’d also have to bring a camera to capture the moments with my daughter while she still wants to hang out with me!
Arons: Fishing gear. The hotel can arrange fishing trips and I’m dying to get out on the crystal blue water near the resort!
Having worked in the travel industry for more than 25 years, Judy knows a thing or two about travel and vacation packages. When she’s not at her desk she can be found hula hooping outside her office.
Arons is one of our tech superstars. He’s an avid snowboarder and gets his energy for the slopes from the beef jerky that he keeps at his desk.
For more information on Judy, Arons and the rest of the Luxury Link team, check out Our Team.
Luxury Link Lends a HandNovember 18, 2009 by Kristen Gathany and Daymora Pen
Last week the Luxury Link team took a day away from the
offices to help build a home for a very deserving family in
What a workout!! Just got back from a great day volunteering
with Habitat for Humanity – we helped put the final touches on a home in a
nearby area of
The home is painted a lovely light blue and constructed with a lot of love and dedication. We had the privilege of meeting the wonderful lady – Betty – who will be living there along with her three children. She told us a little about herself and her family and it was clear what a positive and immediate impact this will have on her and everyone around her. It was a great experience volunteering with Habitat for Humanity (this was our first time), and we certainly look forward to volunteering with them again!
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization dedicated to building simple, decent and affordable housing in partnership with people in need. For more information please visit www.habitat.org.
To view more pictures please visit our Flickr Account.
To view video footage of our day (including a few clips of Kristen driving the Bobcat!) please visit: http://vimeo.com/7588739
New Properties on Luxury LinkNovember 6, 2009 by Karen Jost
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 a few of our favorites:
The St. Regis
Princeville Resort
The St. Regis Princeville Resort opened its doors in
the beginning of October after a mutli-million dollar renovation. Formerly known as Princeville Resort, the resort
is now part of the St. Regis brand and is their first property in
The
In
For a complete list of the new properties featured on LuxuryLink.com check out our Community page.
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Halloween 2009October 30, 2009 by Karen Jost
We work hard. After all, finding you the best deals on luxury travel is no easy task! But once a year we step away from our computers and celebrate Halloween in true Luxury Link style- copious amounts of candy and costumes are required.
This year the stakes were high for the Annual Halloween Costume Contest:
First Place- $50
Second Place- $25
Third Place- $10
Bragging rights for an entire year- Priceless
Here are the winners- 3rd Place- Kristen Gathany a.k.a. Dead Ballerina
2nd Place- Windy Morrisey a.k.a. Goth Rocker Chick
And . . . drum-roll please . . .
1st Place- Andrew Hahn and Raine Nelson-Grua a.k.a. Jon and Kate Plus 8!!!
For more pictures of the LL Team and their Halloween costumes (including President Diane McDavitt dressed as a subsitute teacher) check out our Flickr Account
October 30th, 2009
5:34 pm PST
I gotta go with Jon and Kate--toooo funny and so timely!
October 30th, 2009
6:05 pm PST
...WOW,,and to think I actually trust my luxury travel plans to this group...
November 3rd, 2009
3:12 pm PST
Looks like everyone had a great time. Still would like to see a picture of Nancy Taylor. Looks like her invisible costume worked.....
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Calistoga Ranch- It’s So Relaxing!October 13, 2009 by Bob Bennett
Luxury Link staff member Bob Bennett sounds off on why Calistoga Ranch is the ultimate getaway.
One of the reasons Luxury Link is The World’s Leading Luxury Travel Website, is the caliber of the properties we feature. Every property and package has been carefully examined by travel professionals and meets strict criteria for inclusion. We’re not going to send you to a property that we wouldn’t stay at ourselves. Case in point- our Chief Product Officer recently stayed at Calistoga Ranch. Here are his thoughts on the property:
Where did you go and why?
Bob: My wife and I chose Calistoga Ranch because we loved
the architecture and feel of the property. The guest rooms are
free-standing with cedar exteriors tucked in a canyon full of pine trees, it
really is spectacular. We also liked that it’s up in Calistoga which is
near a lot of the northern
What was your favorite part about
Bob: Visiting the wineries was great. Bennett Lane Winery not only shares my name but has a car that races on the NASCAR West Circuit- oh and plenty of 90pt wines as well.
Did you get a chance to dine at the Lakehouse (Calistoga Ranch’s restaurant)?
Bob: We did! The chef uses a lot of local ingredients and the food is fantastic. I had the elk and it was delicious. Walking to the restaurant (or cruising in one of the hotel’s golf carts) is a great way to explore the grounds. The property has its own pond and we saw deer nearby as we were heading to the restaurant.
Any suggestions for people considering staying at Calistoga Ranch?
Bob: Work with the hotel on your winery visits and dinner reservations. The service is fantastic and they may be able to get you into a few special tastings and restaurants that otherwise might not be available.
Would you stay there again?
Bob: Absolutely. It’s so relaxing. You get to eat and drink like a king, and just unwind in the quiet tree-lined setting. I’d live there if I could afford it. They have ownership options, we walked through one and I’ll never forget it.
For more information on Bob and the rest of the Luxury Link team, check out Our Team.
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 1st, 2010
6:48 pm PST
Sorry folks, the $150 cannot be used in conjunction with any other gift certificate. But don't let that stop you. We want to see your photos!
Bonnie Joy 03 - would've loved to see the LL cap on a chicken bus!
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.
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