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TravelNewsFresh Brewed
Compliments of Travel CaféEstablished 1999Winter 2013/14
Hawaii doesn’t get new hotels very often, so when it does its hot news in the industry! After years of remaining dormant on the new accommodations, Hawaii made a big splash when it opened Aulani: A Disney Resort & Spa in late August of 2011. Now, the new talk of the town is the Andaz Maui at Wailea, Hawaii’s, latest addition to its portfolio of luxury resorts.
I recently toured the amazing Andaz Maui at Wailea, and was amazed by its beauty, especially after seeing it in a hard-hat tour earlier this year. It is breathtaking and unique.
Situated on Maui’s premier southwestern coastline along Mokapu Beach, the 15-acre beachfront Andaz Maui at Wailea opened in September 2013. Designed by world-renowned architects, Rockwell Group,
Andaz Maui at Wailea captures the spirit and feel of today’s Hawaii and is the first LEED® certified resort on the island. The expansive oceanfront resort features 297 guest rooms and suites, including seven luxurious three- to five-bedroom residential villas. The property includes four cascading outdoor infinity pools, a 15,000 square foot full-service spa with a private adults-only pool, apothecary retail and fitness facility, and more than 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The resort houses two highly acclaimed full service restaurants, including Morimoto Maui, helmed by acclaimed Chef Masaharu Morimoto. As part of the Andaz brand, Andaz Maui at Wailea will hold true to one of the brand’s core elements – maintaining a connection
Andaz Maui at wailea simply Dazzlesby Billie J. Ruff, CTE CTC ACC
313 North Broadway | Billings, MT 59101 | Tel. 406.259.0999 | Fax 406.245.0125
www.travelcafeonline.com
At the Top of Broadway!
and relationship with its neighborhood and hosting Andaz Salon programs showcasing emerging talents.
The resort’s Executive Chef Brent Martin, oversees multiple dining outlets, incorporating Hyatt’s Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served. A philosophy which provides healthy, sustainable, and responsible food and beverage options for guests and associates. Dining options include a full-service restaurant called Ka’ana Kitchen with dishes inspired by the surrounding land, ocean and air. Ka’ana means “to share,” and the menu focuses on farm to table small shared plates and family-styling dining. A Hibachi grill is the centerpiece of the exhibition kitchen, where simple yet sophisticated cuisine made with locally procured ingredients is available for breakfast and dinner.
Two poolside venues offer guests’ exquisite locations for tropical cocktails
and stunning sunset views. Lehua Lounge exudes a sense of elegance much like the flower the lounge is named after. Positioned among cascading pools and waterfalls and in direct view of Mokapu Beach, Lehua Lounge offers authentically Hawaiian hand-crafted cocktails made with premium spirits and fresh juices. A small bites menu offering a taste of Maui accompanies late afternoon beverages, and sunset celebrations combine music and live entertainment to create a vibe as vibrant as the surrounding scenery. Situated on the edge of the resort’s lagoon pool and near Mokapu Beach, Bumbye Beach Bar is the venue where guests savor light morning offerings, lunch, afternoon bites and a variety of Tiki-inspired beverages.
The Mokapu Market is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, where guests can enjoy light fare, prepared foods, flatbreads, house-made gelato and locally sourced
snacks, as well as a variety of hand-crafted soft drinks, beers and an excellent variety of the mainland’s best wines. Suited to enhance the island vibe, Mokapu Market serves as the supplier of sustenance to the island adventurer.
While I’ve visited both Andaz hotels in New York, this visit to Andaz Maui at Wailea makes me want to see and visit every Andaz property. Global in scale while local in perspective, Hyatt’s Andaz brand delivers an innovative hospitality experience and attentive, uncomplicated service designed to accommodate guests’ personal preferences. Hotels in this collection reflect the unique cultural scene and spirit of the surrounding neighborhood through their Andaz Salon events and are dedicated to creating natural and vibrant living spaces where travelers can indulge in their own personal sense of comfort and style. Nine Andaz hotels are currently open: Andaz 5th Avenue and Andaz Wall Street in New York, Andaz San Diego, Andaz West Hollywood, Andaz Napa, and Andaz Savannah; Andaz Liverpool Street in London; Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht; and Andaz Shanghai. And, there are more on the horizon … good news for savvy travelers!
Andaz Maui at wailea simply Dazzles
Book your vacation today! Call 406.259.0999 Fresh Brewed Travel News/ wINTeR 2013/14
www.travelcafeonline.com
The Billings Gazette 2010 readers’ Choice award
PaGe 2A Circle of Girlfriends...
PaGe 3Best of spain
PaGe 4Andaz Maui at wailea
continued
welcome to Fresh Brewed!Our winter issue features my new favorite getaway resort ... Andaz Maui at Wailea. It is the first new resort on Maui in over 20 years, so it is really making a splash in the industry. I was lucky enough to be there during their Grand Opening event, and all I can say is WOW! And, don’t miss the information about the Montana Chamber’s trip to the South Pacific. It really hits the highlights of a South Pacific dream trip. We are also talking about some fun travel trends, such as Girlfriend Getaways and a Spain opportunity you don’t want to miss. A great place to consider when the snow begins to fly in Montana. Enjoy! Happy Travels, Billie
Continued from page 1
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Prices are per person (USD), based on double occupancy, including taxes. Valid for travel 1/1 - 2/5 & 2/23 - 7/5/14. Price is land only; ask about air inclusive packages. Subject to availability at booking and may change without notice. Certain conditions & restrictions apply. *7 night minimum stay required. CST #2011557-50
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*Rates are per person and include round trip air from Los Angeles Intl Airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges, and hotel transfers. Airfare: For your convenience, we offer airfare for purchase with all vacation packages. If you purchase an air-inclusive program, your airfare will be quoted inclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees. Your rates are subject to change until paid in full. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date. Checked Baggage Charges: Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. **Book by savings valid on air-inclusive bookings only.
HIGHLIGHTS:Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Christchurch, Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Arrowtown
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES:• Take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.• Capture the amazing scenery of the New Zealand fjords on a cruise of
Milford Sound.• Visit a Canterbury farmyard to observe a sheep shearing demonstration and
learn how this New Zealand family farm works.
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The Montana Chamber of Commerce announces another exciting international tour, this time to australia and New Zealand, November 10-24, 2014.
The Montana Chamber is partnering with Collete Vacations and Travel Cafe to offer this amazing tour. A free webinar to explain the trip and answer questions will be held Tuesday, November 19.
“This tour is great exposure to the Land Down Under,” said Webb Brown, President/CEO of the Montana Chamber. “From the Great Barrier Reef to the Sydney Opera House to the New Zealand destinations of Christchurch and Queenstown, this is a recreational trip you won’t want to miss.”
Airfare from and back to Los Angeles, accommodations, many meals, admissions, tour guide, and motor coach transportation are all included. Space is limited, and will be held on a first-come, first-reserved basis.
Anyone and everyone is welcome. Participants do not have to be a business, nor a member of the Montana Chamber, nor even a Montanan! This is NOT a trade mission – it is a group travel opportunity through the Montana Chamber as a fundraiser for its international programs.
a BeauTiful HaWaiiaN WeddiNG aNd HoNeyMooN
Travel Cafe arranged our wedding and honeymoon trip to Maui. We are thankful for such a stress-free trip. The flights, resort and car rental arrangements were very organized, complete and well planned.
The ceremony was performed by a Hawaiian minister. The weather was beautiful the whole week and we truly did not want to leave!
The Fairmont Kea Lani was a dream come true with our deluxe ocean view room. We spent many evenings on the balcony having dinner and wine while watching the sunset across the calm ocean.
Thank you so much Peg, we could not have pulled this whole trip off without your guidance! We look forward to utilizing your services for our next trip!
- Happy Travel Café bride
Continued on page 4
ClIeNT TesTIMoNIAl:
BilliNGs-Based Travel Café aCquires MoNTaNa Travel
Montana Travel, a full service leisure and corporate travel agency based in Bozeman, has announced this it is being acquired by Billings-based Travel Café, Inc.
The acquisition of Montana Travel was finalized on December 1, 2012 and allows Travel Café to expand its market to now include Billings, Bozeman, Missoula and Great Falls, Montana. In addition, all Bozeman based team members will remain: Sue Leigland, Tiffani Leigland, Debbie Dehmer, Ciretta Green, Holly Coleman, Lisa Hensleigh, Vicky Devantier and Jody Boland.
Montana Travel’s long-established phone numbers and email addresses will continue to operate as normal.
Billie J. Ruff, CTC, CTE, ACC; President of Travel Café, founded that agency 13 years ago after serving as an agent for 14 years. Ruff said Montana Travel was a natural fit for her company since both are longtime Montana agencies with loyal clientele in both leisure and corporate travel: “They do business the way we do,” she said.
Thelma & Louise, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, The First Wives Club and the latest movie, Bridesmaids are all blockbusters that bolster the unique role of female friendship and companionship. Sure, men can be friends, but there are certain needs men can’t meet that girlfriends do.
Multiple studies support the notion that intimacy, connection and bonding between women plays an important role in a woman’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. A landmark UCLA study suggests that female friendships are essential to reduce stress, bolster health and wellness, contribute to personal growth, live successful lives – and even prolong marriages! But how can women stay connected with other women in an increasingly disconnected and distracted world? How and where do women find opportunities to forge these invaluable bonds, and nurture the unique female intimacy that significantly support a woman’s body, mind and spirit through life’s different stages?
“Scheduling and planning female-centric time is a lifesaver,” said April Merenda, founder of Gutsy Women Travel, a company that for a decade has specialized in fostering strong female relationships and community with an array of domestic and international travel tours designed specifically by women for women and their unique interests.
“Connecting and traveling in small groups with other women allows women to temporarily step out of their roles as worker, wife, mother and remember themselves as individuals with their own interests and
needs,” said Merenda. “Women are able to connect differently when traveling with other women. An instant support system develops that allows women to detach from their daily life, relax and fully enjoy each new experience.”
The quality “girlfriend time” garnered during travel can create a general feeling of well being as women from all over the world come together, bond and share. This unique shared experience allows each participant the luxury of not having to do anything for anyone else but to become part of a like-minded group.
The company’s goal is to offer signature tours and experiences that include best in class accommodations, a relaxed and leisurely pace, small intimate groups and a safe and secure environment with itineraries that appeal to a woman’s distinct lifestyle and interests. From spa excursions to cooking classes, garden tours to chocolate tastings, shopping to celebrating, Gutsy Women Travel assists women in broadening their horizons, while feeding an inner desire for travel and new adventure, setting the stage for women to foster new and often life-long friendships.
“When women travel together, whether they know each other or are flying solo and meeting each other for the first time, Gutsy Women Travel’s female tour directors ensure activities and travel destinations that promote easy bonding, shared experiences and the opportunity to forge friendships,” said Merenda. “We have a twelve-year strong community of ‘gutsy’ female travelers who take the time regularly to nurture their ‘girlfriend’ side, returning to their lives happier and more fulfilled, and excited to be better partners in their professional and personal relationships.”
Since women continue to live longer than men and romantic relationships can come and go, meaningful female friendships made now can sustain women as they thrive into their golden years. Planning a trip to a desired destination with an old friend or to meet a new one is positive for not only overall health and well being, but the soul.
Visit www.gutsywomentravel.com to view current offerings and upcoming travel experiences designed with the gutsy woman in mind.
About Gutsy Women Travel: Gutsy Women Travel offers an array of domestic and international tours spanning four continents designed specifically by women for women and their unique interests.
From the Amalfi Coast to the Great Wall of China, Provence to Peru, women from all walks of life come together to enjoy incredibly and distinctive worldwide travel with other like-minded women. All Gutsy Women Travel signature tours include best in class accommodations, a relaxed and leisurely pace and are designed to appeal to a woman’s distinct lifestyle. From spa excursions to cooking classes, garden tours to chocolate tastings, shopping to celebrating...Gutsy Women Travel is about broadening horizons, feeding an inner desire to travel, creating new friendships, being bold, adventurous, spontaneous and being...well, gutsy! The company’s motto is It’s Your Life...Live IT!™
Carol A. Ientile is a beauty, fashion and
lifestyle writer living in New York City and founder of C.I. Visions Public Relations & Marketing. For more information visit www.civisions.com.
Providing Upscale Travelers a “Guide to the Good Life”
Travel Café, a proud part of The Affluent Traveler Collection, is an elite group of travel advisors who comprises one of the most knowledgeable networks of luxury travel specialists in the world today. Our dedicated consultants can arrange unique travel experiences to the most beautiful and hospitable places around the globe. In addition to our extensive knowledge and personal expertise, our luxury travel advisors can provide clientele with exclusive upgrades and amenities, expanding the value they receive on their travel purchases.
A Circle of Girlfriends... one Memorable Journey at a Time
BesT oF sPAIN – June 14-22, 2014
Book your vacation today! Call 406.259.0999 Fresh Brewed Travel News/ wINTeR 2013/14Book your vacation today! Call 406.259.0999 Fresh Brewed Travel News/ wINTeR 2013/14
313 North Broadway | Billings, MT 59101 | Tel. 406.259.0999 | Fax 406.245.0125
www.travelcafeonline.com
At the Top of Broadway!
Travel Café 406-259-0999travelcafeonline.com
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†Royal Caribbean International® reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement of up to $10 per guest perday on all guests if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds $65 per barrel. *Prices are per person, cruse only, based on double occupancy and in U.S. dollars. Price incleds all taxes and gratuities. Price does not include insurance, alcoholic beverages, soda packages. All itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. ©2013 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
By Carol A. Ientile
Join us to experience Spain, the home of Goya, Gaudi, the Guggenheim Bilbao, and Picasso. Art, History, and Passion rolled into one exciting package that will explore the complexity of Spanish tradition, culture, and Art. Oh, don’t forget the food! Vamonos, (i.e…let’s go)!
Linda Ewert, has been the Education Director at the Yellowstone Art Museum for the past thirteen years. Five years as the Museum Store Manager and more as a docent has given her an appreciation for everything “Art”. Previously, Linda spent five years, living and studying in Central and South America.
Arriving in Barcelona, the Capitol city of Catalonia you are welcomed upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Hotel Melia Barcelona Sky.
Enjoy a full day tour of Barcelona. We depart from the hotel and proceed into Via Layetana, visiting the Cathedral, the Gothic Quarter, Sant Jaume Square, the Port and the Olympic Village. We also pass the Columbus Statue, Montjuic, the Olympic Stadium and St Jordi Palace. Then there is time for a visit to the ‘Spanish Village’ where you’ll be able to taste Catalan cava followed by lunch. In the afternoon we visit Gaudi’s Park Guell and have a brief stop at the Sagrada Familia.
Next, you’re off to Bilbao and transferred
directly to the Guggenheim Museum for a visit. After completing the visit transfer to the Hotel Melia Bilbao.
Located in the center of the city, Meliá Bilbao perfectly combines comfort, quality, superb service, business and pleasure. It is located opposite the Congress Palace and the Música Euskalduna, the Doña Casilda Park, Ría Nervión and is only 15 minutes from the International Airport of Bilbao. Furthermore, it is a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Fine Art and the new Maritime Museum.
An emblem of the city of Madrid, the Meliá Madrid Princesa Hotel is a luxury hotel with elegant interior design with a contemporary and cutting edge flair. The Meliá Madrid Princesa Hotel has been fully renovated and is the perfect option for business and leisure travellers in Madrid thanks to its excellent location in the heart of the city, its extensive and comfortable facilities, and the superb quality of its services.
The capital since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Your Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then, the highlight: a
visit to the palatial Prado Museum with its priceless art treasures.
On your final day of sightseeing you will be treated to an excursion to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital of Toledo attracts more sightseers from all over the world than any other Spanish town. A Local Guide takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early synagogue, the 13th-century gothic cathedral, and the Church of Santo Tome with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Also visit a Damascene steel workshop and taste the local marzipan, for which the city is famous, before returning to Madrid.
On the final evening in Spain enjoy a farewell dinner at an elegant restaurant with Tapas and wine.
TRAVel CAFe DesIGNATeD AN AUTHoRIZeD DIsNeY VACATIoN PlANNeR
Travel Cafe has been designated by Disney Destinations as an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” based on its strong support in selling Disney vacations.
Travel Cafe has been in business in Billings, Montana for 15 years, and has gained specialized knowledge on vacations to the Disneyland® Resort, Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line® and Adventures by Disney vacations.
Many travel counselors at Travel Cafe have received extensive training on Disney Destinations theme parks, resorts, cruises, vacation packages and more, and can provide the utmost in professional assistance in planning customized Disney vacations. In fact, one reason the agency attained the “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” status is that at least 50 percent of the frontline leisure travel agents are College of Disney Knowledge graduates. The College of Disney Knowledge is an in-depth comprehensive course that allows agents to develop their expertise regarding the Disney Destinations – knowledge that consumers can take advantage of when planning a Disney vacation.
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is best when yoU can share it with yoUr friends!
Riviera MayaDreams Tulum Resort and Spa• $100 in resort coupons per person apply for individual spending*• Includes 1 FREE room for every block of 5 rooms paid• Includes one complimentary upgrade for every 10 rooms paid
(subject to hotel availability – maximum 2)• Best available rate• Full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day• Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks• Unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits Book through 2/25/2014.Travel through 08/22/14
Offer is not valid for corporate meeting or incentive groups. Maximum group size: 20 rooms. Minimum night stay requirement: 3 nights. Surcharges will apply for any private events or functions. Combinable with EBB and other promotions, unless otherwise indicated. Offers valid on new bookings only. Blackout dates, minimum night stays, and other restrictions may apply. *Resort coupons are subject to rules of usage. Classic Vacations CST#2079429-20 638-1013
CLASSICVACATIONS
638-1013_MJR_Girls Getaway.indd 1 10/22/13 11:37 AM
Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
BesT of sPaiN – June 14-22, 2014 Tour Pricing (Per Person): Double occupancy: $2,995 Single room: $3,895 International airfare in coach class quoted upon request. Cost based on city of origination, time of booking & class of service.
Trip Includes • All the transfers and sightseeing tours as per the above itinerary • Hotels As listed in the itinerary • 6 Breakfast, 3 Lunch & 2 Dinner • All transfers and Sightseeing as per the itinerary by Deluxe
Air-Conditioned Coach • English Speaking Guide as per the itinerary • Flamenco show and dinner in Granada • Entrance Fees • Internal airfare within Spain
Not Included • Meals not specifically mentioned in the program • Departure Taxes • Travel insurance • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc • International airfare & any item not specifically included
For Reservations Contact Carol BokumTravel Cafe, 313 North 28th Billings, MT 59101 Phone – 406.259.0999 • Toll Free – 888.404.0999
