“The Micro Trip” at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa / Cancun, Mexico
Just a hop, skip and a jump from the US, Cancun lies at the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. With direct airlift and easy access to the Yucatan’s most amazing sights – from the ruins of Chiten Itza, to the cenotes of Tulum – Cancun is a destination ideal for a mini vacay over a long weekend. Set your OOO and book it to the newly renovated JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, a sprawling resort with 447 ocean-facing guest rooms, all of which peer out over the palm-studded grounds. No time to plan between meetings & emails? No problem! The property’s new “Micro Break” package takes the leg work out of planning with a killer three-day, pre-set itinerary. After a friendly “Bienvenido” at check-in, you’ll be whisked away for a quick 30-minute meditation (to harness that vacation zen, of course!) and then it’s off to dine at one of the complex’s 10 international restaurants. With everything from morning fitness classes and cabana rentals, to a jungle boat excursion through the mangroves and a pasta-making class — the itinerary has something for everyone. You’ll also snag luxe accommodations, a mini massage, healthy continental breakfasts, a $75 daily food & beverage credit, and airport transfers. The package starts at $429/night. To book, visit http://www.jwmarriottcancun.com and enter code Z87. Package requires a three-day advanced booking and minimum three-night minimum stay.
“One Happy Break” at the Aruba Marriott Resort / Palm Beach, Aruba
Calling those on the East coast – vying for a quick escape? There’s no need to wait for summer or a holiday weekend to enjoy a vacation in paradise. With the ‘One Happy Island’ of Aruba just a quick flight away and nonstop options under five hours from MIA, FLL, ATL, CLT, BOS, JFK and EWR, getting there is as easy as 1-2-3-Aruba! The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino invites east coasters to enjoy a pre-planned, two-night micro-break with its new “One Happy Break” package, giving guests a taste of the most iconic attractions and activities across the island and at the resort. Those booking the package have a seamless itinerary laid out for them, so no time is spent worried about coordinating logistics or planning out where to eat – the resort’s got that taken care of. The package includes oceanfront accommodations, snorkel cruise for two, half-day cabana at the adults-only H2Oasis pool, and a $500 F&B credit to cover daily meals (a total savings of $750+!) Start the day out with breakfast at La Vista, with panoramic view of the sandy shores and palm trees, then follow the itinerary for adventures aboard a catamaran snorkel cruise, and cap off the night with dinner at Atardi, the resort’s toes-in-the-sand restaurant, and so much more. Nightly rates start from $780, valid for stays Sundays – Thursdays. For more information, visit http://www.arubamarriott.com and use code YX1 to book.
“Palms & Paradise” at The Palms Hotel & Spa / Miami Beach, Florida
Enjoy ultimate relaxation and well-being with a quick, three-night getaway to connect with nature and find your tropical paradise at The Palms Hotel & Spa. This oceanfront oasis boasts an inspired-by-nature design, with amenities and activities to match. With the new Palms & Paradise package, travelers are set for a micro-break focused on wellness and living a healthy lifestyle. To start, the package includes an inside look at the on-site organic chef’s garden with a personalized ‘Thymes and Tips’ tour, led by the resort’s executive chef. On the tour guests get a peek at some of the ingredients used in dishes and as cocktail garnishes at Essensia, the hotel’s natural gourmet restaurant, like eggplant, mad hatter peppers, scallions, thyme and more. The package also includes one complimentary Tiki Cocktail per person, $50 per person credit for the AVEDA spa, choice of private poolside Tiki Cabana or Beach Cabanita, daily breakfast buffet for two, and a grow-your-own garden starter kit to take home. When it’s time to hit the reset button for a quick wellness getaway, The Palms Hotel & Spa has travelers covered. Nonstop flights available to MIA from most major airports, including JFK, EWR, LGA, ATL, LAX, HOU, ORD, DCA and more. Nightly rates from $414. For more information or to book, visit http://www.thepalmshotel.com.
“Wild & Free in the Land of Eternal Spring” at Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Museum & Spa / Flores, Guatemala
If you are seeking a getaway far from the hustle and bustle, Guatemala — the “Land of Eternal Spring” — is calling your name. Located just outside the colorful, charming town of Flores, only a short drive from the magnificent Tikal, Uaxactún and Yaxhá ruins, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel offers 19 bungalow suites that hover over the Quexil Lagoon, where visitors can take in unobstructed views of sunrises and sunsets from their private decks, where the only neighbors are native species and nature. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Mother Nature and enjoy an eco-retreat that offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Book the “Born to Be Wild & Free” package and enjoy a remote escape where adventure, serenity and wellness meet. Enjoy accommodations in a Waterfront Queen Suite, a one-bedroom bungalow offering a private deck with jacuzzi where you can enjoy the natural soundtrack of the jungle. The package includes a guided hiking tour of Tikal, complete with transportation, entrance fees, lunch and beverages, as well as your choice of adventure activity: Zip lining by the ruins or an ATV tour. Guests also enjoy access to Las Lagunas’ state-of-the-art spa amenities, a la carte daily breakfast for two, and WiFi. Don’t miss complimentary daily boat rides to Monkey Island, just across the lagoon, for friendly meet-and-greets with rescued monkeys who inhabit the more than 300-acre reserve. Valid through December 2019, with a 2-night minimum stay. Rates start at $436 per night. Book online athttp://www.laslagunashotel.com
“An Artisan’s Guide to Guatemala”at Casa Palopó / Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Perched on the shore of Lake Atitlán in the Guatemalan highlands, Casa Palopó offers an exclusive getaway for travelers who value a rich dose of culture with their vacation experience. A true gem in the “Land of Eternal Spring”, the former home-turned-boutique hotel is the ideal destination for a calm retreat with breathtaking views, where visitors can indulge in serenity as they take in the lake’s natural beauty and unobstructed vistas of the three volcanoes across the shore. Casa Palopo’s intimate in-house gourmet restaurant, 6.8 Palopó, sits on a charming outdoor terrace where guests can savor an eclectic menu by Guatemalan celebrity chef Eduardo Gonzalez. In-room spa treatments, a cozy library and top-notch personal service are among the hotel’s other offerings to ensure a peaceful and revitalizing escape. Book the “Artisan’s Guide to Guatemala” package and enjoy one night’s accommodations at Villa Las Pilas in Antigua, with breakfast included, as well as a walking tour of Antigua. The package also includes 3 nights at Casa Palopó and a boat tour to Santiago and San Juan La Laguna, two of the nearby vibrant towns where guests can visit the local women-run weaving cooperatives. Roundtrip transfers from Guatemala City to Casa Palopó are also included. Rates start at $1,852.81 (including taxes and fees). Book online athttp://www.casapalopo.com