GRAND ENTRANCE PACKAGE: The Spa at The Grand Del Mar will offer a "Grand Entrance Package" from Nov. 30 to Dec. 31 for $325. The package includes a choice of a 60-minute Grand Wrap, which includes a wrap and a mini-facial or mini-massage; a spa manicure with free paraffin treatment; a shampoo and blow dry; a 20 percent discount on retail purchases at The Grand Del Mar; and free valet parking. Call 858-314-2020.
LA COSTA SPA-LIDAY: The Spa at La Costa will offer special holiday treatments, including three Spa-liday Special Treatments for $135 (hydrating apple butter and cinnamon wrap, detoxifying pumpkin spice body masque or peppermint reflexology) and a New Year's Celebration Treatment for $135 (champagne caviar body wrap). Also, a Cranberry Salon Pedicure is $80; go to lacosta.com or call 800-854-5000.
HARRAH'S SPA ANNIVERSARY: The Spa at Harrah's Rincon will celebrate its fifth anniversary with five spa specials and 25 percent off candles in December. The specials are Blueberry Anti-Aging Facial, $89; Sugar Plum Facial, $79; Holiday Wrap, $149; Rincon Manicure and Pedicure, $59; and 35 percent off all services on Dec. 10. Go to www.harrahsrincon.com or call 760-751-3377.
NEW TREATMENTS AT SPA GREGORIE'S: Spa Gregorie's in Del Mar has two new treatments ---- the Spa Gregorie's Ultimate Signature Facial, which uses the NuFACE device, for $110 for an hour or $125 for 90 minutes with NuFACE (through Feb. 1) and the Winter Wonder Spa Package for $199 throughout December, which includes a one-hour massage, classic facial, and lavender and seasalts manicure. Also, from Nov. 27 to Dec. 13, for every $100 in spa gift certificates purchased, the buyer will receive a $20 coupon redeemable March 30 through Aug. 31. Go to www.spagregories.com.
NEW YEAR AT THE HARD ROCK: The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego will host a 24-hour, property-wide party that includes 12 DJs, a countdown celebration, pool party and more. A one-night NYE 2010 package starts are $599 and includes one night accommodations, two party tickets (valued at $50 each) and VIP early access to NYE 2010 and the following day's pool parties. Go to www.hardrockhotelsd.com or call 888-593-6177.
PET HOLIDAYS: Kimpton's Hotel Solamar is inviting Santa "Paws" to town to pose with pets and their owners for a memorable holiday outing. Hotel Solamar will provide treats and toys for the events from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 5,12 and 19; Hotel Solamar is on the corner of Sixth Avenue and J Street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
HOLIDAYS AT LA COSTA: La Costa Resort and Spa has some special holiday events lined up, starting with Saturdays With Santa, when St. Nick will visit the Plaza from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 12 and 19 for holiday activities ($10 per family; a portion of the proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad). Also, on Christmas and New Year's Eve, guests can participate in the Penguin Plunge Slider's Cup for a chance to win a $50 resort gift card. Also, rubber ducky penguins will be sold for $5, with the ultimate winner receiving a stay at La Costa. Go to lacosta.com or call 800-854-5000.
FIRST TRACKS: Aston Lakeland Village in South Lake Tahoe is offering a "First Tracks Ski/Board" package through Dec. 18. The package starts at $207 per person and includes two nights in a deluxe studio, two lift tickets per person daily to two of the five ski areas (Sierra-at-Tahoe, Kirkwood, Squaw Valley USA, Northstar-at-Tahoe or Heavenly), daily continental breakfast and a complimentary shuttle (upgrade to a one-bedroom suite for $20 more). Go to astonhotels.com or call 866-774-2924.
CORONADO HOTEL HONORED: The 1906 Lodge at Coronado Beach was recently given an "Orchid Award" for historical preservation by the San Diego Architectural Foundation for its ability to show how past and present coexist. The 17-room boutique hotel opened in May; go to www.1906lodge.com.
CITYCENTER SET TO OPEN: Next month, the face of Las Vegas will change once again with the opening of CityCenter, the urban development project featuring resorts and residences in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip. The 67-acre center, between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts, includes ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room resort; Vdara Hotel & Spa, a 57-story, 1,495-room resort; Veer Towers, a group of approximately 2,400 residences; Crystals, a retail and entertainment district; and more. Each resort (which also includes Mandarin Oriental) also includes pools, spas, bars, lounges and more. Retailers at Crystals include Louis Vuitton, Prada, Christian Dior, Miu Miu, Tom Ford and more, as well as restaurants such as Eva Longoria Parker's BESO, Mastro's Ocean Club and The Pods by Wolfgang Puck. Go to www.citycenter.com.
SKI AND SAVE: Winter is on its way, and with it comes snow, and with that comes lift and lodging packages daily at Big Bear. Midweek packages start at $69, and weekend packages begin at $89. Some restrictions and holiday blackout dates apply; go to www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.
CAR-FREE IN SB: Santa Barbara is asking guests to celebrate car freedom with a series of Car Free-dom packages at www.santabarbaracarfree.org/carfree-dom.htm. A sample package is the Paradise Package, which includes three nights' accommodations for two, a customized day tour through wine country with Wine Edventures, a sunset cruise from Santa Barbara Sailing Center, dinner at Chuck's Waterfront Grill or Chuck's Steakhouse, and more. Go to www.santabarbaracarfree.org.
IDENTITY CRISIS: The Mondrian L.A. is asking guests "Who do you want to be?" in its new campaign, which offers a series of discounts based on the choice. Exclusive offers include The Escapist, The Hedonist, The Romantic, The Socialite and The Road Warrior. For example, The Romantic can book a room and get breakfast in bed, a 4 p.m. checkout, champagne and strawberries, dining discounts and a room upgrade. Go to www.morganshotelgroup.com or call 800-606-6090.
QUICK GETAWAY Hyatt Resorts is helping guests get out of town with its "Three for Free" offer at Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa and the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa. The three rewards are a free room night (fourth night free), a room upgrade and an American breakfast for two, through Dec. 18. Go to www.hyatt3forfree.com.
RIVIERA ANNIVERSARY: The Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs is celebrating its 50th anniversary with retro-themed promotions and packages through Dec. 31. Packages include the 1959 package (one night's accommodations, Palm Springs celebrity home tour for two, memorabilia from 1959, a "Some Like It Hot" DVD, and a copy of James Michener's "Hawaii," starting at $129 per night); the Love and Marriage promotion (any couple with a marriage certificate from 1959 gets a special 50th anniversary dinner with food from the era), the Mid-Century Glamour promotion (be coiffed to perfection at the SpaTerre Salon with a $59 "Set and Style") and more. Go to www.psriviera.com or call 760-327-8311.
SE HOLIDAYS: The Se San Diego hotel is offering two holiday packages: The Naughty and Nice Package includes one night accommodations, a Moroccan rasul treatment in the spa, a soak in the couples' tub, a VIP table at Siren with a bottle of champagne, breakfast for two in bed, valet parking and a late checkout for $349. The Mistletoe Magic package includes a one-night stay, a $200 credit to Suite & Tender, a couples massage, two tickets for ice skating at Horton Plaza, a holiday turndown of mistletoe and champagne, and valet parking for $479. Go to sesandiego.com or call 619-515-3000.
ISLAND EXTRAVAGANZA: Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra and Mammoth Mountain will hold Island Extravaganza at the Canyon Lodge at 6 p.m. Dec. 12. Mammoth Mountain has special lodging packages for the event; package include two nights' lodging and tickets to the extravaganza. Prices start at $101 at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, $148 at the Juniper Springs Resort and $155 at The Village Lodge. Go to www.mammothmountain.com or call 800-MAMMOTH.
SAVINGS AT SHOREBREAK: The Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach has a package just in time for the holidays ---- Naughty or Nice, which starts at $199 per night. The Naughty side includes a bottle of wine, an American breakfast and a lump of chocolate "coal"; the Nice side includes a breakfast of granola, a box of sugar cookies or a classic American pie, and a halo crown. The packages also include free gift wrapping. Go to www.shorebreakhotel.com; package is valid through Jan. 3.
LA COSTA TRADITIONS: La Costa Resort & Spa is offering a "Holiday Traditions" package, which starts at $239 per night and includes a $50 credit toward spa, golf, Kidtopia or dining; go to www.lacosta.com or call 800-854-5000.
STYLE IN L.A.: The Mondrian L.A. is offering a "Stylish Stay" package through Jan. 10 that includes a $100 hotel credit, valet parking and discounts at fashion boutiques. Rates start at $295; call 800-606-6090 and mention PKSEAS.
CRUISE LAKE TAHOE: Zephyr Cove Resort in Lake Tahoe is offering a "Ride, Stay and Cruise" package, which must be booked by March 31, for $200 per person. It includes a two-night stay in a studio, bungalow or one-bedroom cabin; two snowmobile single-ride tours; and two M.S. Dixie II scenic cruise passes. Go to www.zephyrcove.com or call 866-761-6240 and use the code RSC200PP.
CHRISTMAS AT THE GRAND DEL MAR: The Grand Del Mar resort is offering a "'Tis the Season Package" from Friday through Dec. 30 with rates from $485. The package includes lodging for two nights, daily breakfast for two, a Fashion Valley VIP gift bag and holiday treats on arrival, transportation to Fashion Valley, 20 percent discount on purchases at The Grand Del Mar, children's programming at The Explorer's Club for two children (ages 5 to 12), family-friendly fitness hikes and overnight valet parking. Call 888-314-2030.
NEW YEAR AT PALA: Pala Casino Spa & Resort rings in the new year in the Grand Cabaret with No Limit; doors open at 8 p.m. Dec. 31, and tickets are $20. Go to www.palacasino.com.
NEW YEAR AT THE GRAND DEL MAR: The Grand Del Mar resort will have a "Grand Finale" package for Dec. 31, which gives guests one night's accommodations, sparkling wine and a snack on arrival, New Year's Eve dinner with wine pairings at Addison, access to the Lobby Lounge for New Year's Eve festivities, "Re-New Year" classes at The Spa, breakfast in bed for two and free overnight valet parking. The package is $995; call 888-314-2030.
CELEBRATE AT HARRAH'S: Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort in Valley Center will hold a "Hit It Big in 2010" new year celebration on Dec. 31, with entertainment, food and more than $250,000 in cash and prizes. Go to www.harrahsrincon.com.
BEVERLY HILLS HOLIDAY: A handful of Beverly Hills hotels are celebrating the holidays with "And to All A Free Night" packages, which include a third night free when two nights are booked ---- and complimentary signature cocktails (such as the "Melted Snowflake" at the Beverly Wilshire, which comes with white chocolate cocoa, Godiva white chocolate liqueur and holiday spice whipped cream). Go to www.lovebeverlyhills.org; packages are valid through Jan. 10.
SKATING BY THE SEA: Hotel del Coronado will bring back its popular ice skating attraction on the Windsor Lawn from Nov. 25 to Jan. 3. Go to hoteldel.com.
CAMPSITE PHOTOS: Encinitas-based Campsitephotos.com officially launches its new Web site last month, featuring campsite photos throughout the United States to allow visitors to search and view sites before booking a trip. The Web site also gives information on activities in the area, hours, directions and more. Go to campsitephotos.com.
TRAVEL WITH THE DUCKS: Anaheim Ducks fans can travel with the team as they face the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers in Canada in February. The Anaheim Ducks "Road Crew" package is valid Feb. 12-15 and includes one ticket to each game, two nights' accommodations at the Hyatt Clary, one night's accommodations at the Sutton Place Hotel in Edmonton, roundtrip airport and game transfers, daily breakfast, baggage handling, a reception in Alberta and a "Road Crew" amenity. The package is $999 per person, based on double occupancy and does not include airfare. Go to www.aaa.com/goalberta or call 800-814-7429.
FREE CRUISES: Adventures by Disney are offering a free three-night cruise to the Bahamas on Disney Crusie Line to families who buy select adventures by Disney Departures through Jan. 15. Families can book the cruise through 2011; go to www.adventuresbydisney.com/freecruise or call 877-728-7282.
RENTAL DELIVERY: Snow is already falling in Colorado, so it's time to start planning a ski vacation for the winter. Door 2 Door by Christy Sports offers ski and snowboard rental delivery in select markets. Go to ww.d2dskis.com for store listings in Colorado and Utah.
NEW YEAR AT THE GRAND CANYON: Train Holidays are hosting a "New Year's at the Grand Canyon" event. Guests can start aboard the Southwest Chief train in Southern California on Dec. 29 and travel to Arizona; sightseeing, including the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest; overnight stay at the Grand Canyon Hotel; two-night stay at the Maswik Lodge; sightseeing tour of the South Rim; and train travel and a three-night stay at the Bellagio Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The trip is $1,995 per person for double occupancy and $2,495 for single occupancy; go to www.trainholidays.com or call 800-543-2846.
LUCY, ELVIS PALM SPRINGS HOUSES OPEN: The Palm Springs homes once owned by Lucille Ball and Dezi Arnaz and Elvis and Priscilla Presley are now open for tours and/or overnight visits. Go to www.thelucyhouse.com or www.elvispalmsprings.com.
HOLIDAYS IN SAN DIEGO: The Omni San Diego Hotel is offering a "Stuff Your Stocking" package, ideal for locals who have family coming into town for the holidays. The package starts at $99 per night (with an offer to return in 2010 for the same rate) and includes personalized holiday stockings packed with a book of exclusive discount vouchers to stores and restaurants that are walking distance from the hotel. Additional options are a "Home Away From Home" for $175 with a fully decorated Christmas tree delivered to the guest room and the "Letters to the North Pole" special note card and pen for children to send wish lists to Santa. The package is available Nov. 22-Jan. 3. Go to www.omnihotels.com or call 800-THE-OMNI.
SUMMER TRIP DOWN UNDER: The father-and-son team of Tom and Chris Robertson of Carlsbad will lead a trip to Australia from July 22 to Aug. 8, 2010, through EF Tours. Adult fee is $4,158; fee is $3,553 for anyone under 22. Fee includes airfare, motorcoach transportation, 15 hotel stays, entrance fees, breakfasts, one lunch, seven dinners, a tour director and sightseeing guides. The tour will make stops in Sydney, Surfers Paradise, Fraser Island, Whitsunday Islands and Cairns, as well as other places. E-mail mrcrobertsonchs@yahoo.com or trobertsasb@yahoo.com for information.
Contact Travel Editor Lindsey Besecker at 760-839-3342 or lbesecker@nctimes.com.
