Saturday, May 31, 2008

Unik Island Resort on Isla Mujeres

Unik Island Resort & Spa, a new luxury boutique brand in Mexico, announced it will open its flagship hotel on November 1, 2008 on Isla Mujeres. Located just off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is accessed by a 25-minute private yacht transfer, which takes you to the resort that will feature 84 suites and full-service amenities. A total of 84 sleek and modern suites will feature exquisite views and every amenity, including flat screen televisions, CD/DVD players, iPod docking stations, high-speed wireless Internet, 400 count bed linens, laptop-sized safes, fully-stocked mini-bars and much more. Every room, regardless of category, gets twice-daily maid service, lavish bath amenities, candles, bathrobes and slippers, aromatherapy at turndown and an array of other services that keep Unik Island Resort & Spa’s accommodations several steps above the others in the region. Beyond the walls, the natural beauty of Isla Mujeres one of my favorite island hideaways serves as a backdrop for the elegant pool area, built on four different levels and following the lay of the land. Each pool offers guests a different experience, and each flows into the next in a soothing cascade of blue water. Meetings and groups are welcome to the state-of-the-art facilities, which can accommodate up to 210 attendees. Business services are available, as are full-service wedding planners and an assortment of wedding packages. The resort is located eight miles north of Cancun across the Caribbean Sea on Isla Mujeres. Upon arrival at the Cancun International Airport guests are whisked away via hotel-arranged car service to the resort’s Dockside Registration/Reception area, where they are greeted with refreshing beverages and light appetizers before boarding the complimentary, private boat service that will take them directly to the resort’s pier in just 25 minutes.

NO PRETZEL FOR YOU!

Let go of the pretzels and peanuts. In what could be the ultimate cost-cutting move by airlines buffeted by sky-high fuel prices, US Airways Group says it will eliminate free snacks in coach class on all its domestic flights starting June 1.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Online Travel Buyers Like Podcasts and Video

Rich content and social media—including podcasts or live online video and traveler-generated reviews from within and outside of one's social network—can help determine where leisure travel will be purchased online, says PhoCusWright. Nine out of 10 online travel buyers say travel-related podcasts and online video influence their purchases, the research firm says in its new PhoCusWright Consumer Travel Trends Survey Tenth Edition. The new report examines the critical influence of rich media, reviews and Web 2.0 in online travel purchasing. Findings indicate that the vast majority of U.S. online travelers are influenced by anonymous feedback and recommendations from fellow travelers. The most popular are reviews from people they do not know, travel blogs/online diaries and travel review Web sites. Visit http://www.phocuswright.com/.