Travel Agent - March 3, 2008 - (Page 18)

DESTINATIONS FLORIDA KEY WEST We check out four hotels at the southernmost point in the BY ANNE-SOPHIE GUÉRIN continental U.S. VISITORS HAVE LONG BEEN ENTICED by the string of tropical islands extending from Miami into the sea. At the southernmost point in the continental United States—only 90 miles from Cuba—Key West is the end of the line, the last stop on U.S. Highway 1. On this island, affectionately dubbed the “Conch Republic,” bougainvillea blossom in the yards of white clapboard houses and mangroves and coral reefs grace the turquoise waters. This whimsical place boasts myriad activities to delight your clients: diving and snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, garden and architecture tours, sailing and sunning, gallery hopping, excellent dining and more bars per capita than (possibly) 18 | TravelAgent March 3, 2008 LEFT: Pool at Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, which just completed a makeover ABOVE: Casa Marina guest rooms sport a cohesive mix of crisp whites and dark wood RIGHT: Cabanas at the Hyatt Key West, a “Green Certified” resort anywhere else in the world. No wonder Key West was a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, whose legendary residence still houses the offspring of his six-toed cats. When booking clients in Key West, keep in mind that hotels often fill up months in advance for Fantasy Fest (the last week in October), the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve and Presidents’ Day weekend. High season runs from mid-January through mid-April. To experience a piece of history, your clients will enjoy a stay at the island’s oldest hotel, Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club (www. casamarinaresort.com), which is fresh from a fabulous makeover. Designed by railroad and oil magnate Henry Flagler, this glorious landmark is now managed by LXR Luxury Resorts. Since Flagler brought the railroad to Florida (and built the unprecedented “Overseas Railway” linking Miami and Key West in the early 1900s), his Casa Marina Resort became the tropical rendezvous of choice for tycoons, artists and dignitaries. The latest enhancements include a pool courtyard with luxurious private cabanas and a stunning “Water Walk” pathway that leads guests directly to the Atlantic Ocean. The redesigned lobby sports restored antique wood floors, exotic teak accents and soft seating, while guest rooms have been revitalized with a contemporary palette of crisp white contrasting with dark wood and splashes of Caribbean blues and citrus. Bathrooms feature custom toiletries by Clear. Choose the 200 series rooms for the best views, overlooking the Water Walk and its cascading pools. The Ocean Vista Suites and the deluxe oversized balcony rooms in the historic Flagler building also provide open views of the Water Walk and beach. These are the most requested accommodations, along with the Lanai Suites in the East Pool area. The largest rooms are the two-bedroom Loft Suites in the Suite Wing, perfect for families. For VIP bookings, feel http://www.casamarinaresort.com http://www.casamarinaresort.com

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Travel Agent - March 3, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Special Supplement: Planet Hollywood Florida: We Checkout Four Hotels in Key West, the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S. Europe: Ruthanne Terrero’s Tuscan Adventure Pacific/Asia: Five-Star Hotels in Bangkok Las Vegas: Where Your Clients Go for Golf Outings Central & South America: Starwood Leads Expansion by Hoteliers in Latin America Pacific Northwest: The Fairmont Empress Celebrates its 100th Birthday this Year Alaska: Take a Tour of Anchorage Alaska Briefs Caribbean & Bahamas: La Romana in the Dominican Republic Offers Fun and Pampering Cruises: The Key to Success for River Cruise Lines Full Panama Canal Transits Cruise Briefs Cover Story: Hot Hotels Special Supplement: Spa Specialist Hotels: Venice Beach Eco-Cottages Hotel Briefs Auto Europe: Company Offers Competitive Prices and High Commissions Agency Profile: The Travel Society Charts a Course for Expansion Revelex Revolution: Deal with Am Ex affirms status as Major Provider in Travel Industry Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Volunteer Leadership Future of Hawaii’s Cruise Industry Panda Travel, USA Caribbean News In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - March 3, 2008

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