Sweet Getaways

Tropic
Ecuadorean chocolate tour and tasting with Tropic. (Photo courtesy of Tropic.)

Recommend put together together three sweet getaways for your clients that includes chocolate, tequila, and girl time with friends.

As part of the new May We Introduce You campaign from Tropic, an ecotourism company that creates unique visits and workshops, guests can now learn about chocolate-making in Ecuador.

Starting at the end of 2014, Tropic will take travelers through a tasting tour at Pacari’s new showroom. Pacari makes 100 percent organic chocolate in Ecuador, and can is located in Quito’s trendy La Floresta neighborhood.

“Guests on this tour can expect an experience truly made in Ecuador. Together we’ll journey back in time to discover how our ancestors used to trade cacao beans with the Mayas, venturing to the present as we sample and savor its modern version now recognized as the best chocolate in the world,” says Jascivan Carvalho, owner and director for Tropic.

The tour also includes a guided video and story journey of the history of Ecuadorian cacao, a tasting of the Pacari chocolate, and also focuses on the agricultural side of chocolate cultivation and production, as well as the communities that work with Pacari. Guests on the 90-minute tour will receive a complimentary box of chocolate. Rates start at $107 pp for groups up to four (book now through September 2014 to take advantage of the of $54 pp special).  The May We Introduce You campaign also offers guests a full-day tour that includes Quito’s Colonial Center, the Middle of the W0rld Monument, and the chocolate factory, starting at $151 pp including lunch. For more information, visit destinationecuador.com/chocolate-tasting.

It's a tequila fiesta at Las Almandas.
It’s a tequila fiesta at Las Almandas.

Tequila! That’s what it’s about at Las Almandas.

The hotel’s 3-day Tequila package gives guests a sampling of five different tequilas of their choice each day, and a special dinner with tequila-based dishes. A tequilero guides guests on a tequila journey at tastings teaching them about the history, production process, types of tequila, and how to drink it. Las Almandas has the highest certificate, the Agave de Oro, from the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico, for their large number of tequila brands (120 at the hotel) and dishes prepared with the beverage.

“At Las Alamandas, we embrace the best of Mexico, from the Mexican chic interiors of our suites and contemporary Mexican cuisine in the restaurants to our four private beaches where native sea turtles lay their eggs,” says Isabel Goldsmith Patiño, founder and CEO of the property. “Tequila is truly the country’s iconic beverage and to experience it to the fullest is part of a complete holiday at Las Alamandas.”

The Tequila package is available now through Oct. 31, 2014, starting at $1,100 dbl including two days of tequila tastings, a special dinner setup, suite accommodations, welcome cocktails, fruit platter, and daily a la carte breakfast at the Oasis Restaurant or in-suite. For more information, call (888) 882-9616 or visit almandas.com.

It's a girls' getaway in Jamaica.
It’s a girls’ getaway in Jamaica.

A Girlfriend Getaway in Jamaica made up of wine, massages, and beachfront accommodations is quite the pampering experience if you ask us.

The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Montego Bay is now offering a Pamper U promotion that includes a Swedish massage for two at the on-property Sol-Mer Spa & Beauty Salon, 20 percent off Sol-Mer Spa & Beauty Salon services, complimentary one category room upgrade (from standard to superior), complimentary bottle of wine, unlimited meals, snacks and beverages, non-motorized watersports, hotel amenities such as tennis and mini golf, and WiFi.

“What a girl wants, what a girl needs—it’s all included in our great Pamper U package,” says Nicola Madden-Greig, group director of marketing and sales. “We’re making it easy and affordable for girlfriends to experience all the magic of Montego Bay’s beaches, nightlife, and fun, while also leaving plenty of time for rest and relaxation in our boutique Sol-Mer Spa—the best of all worlds.”

Plus, guests taking advantage of the Pamper U promo will receive 1,000 IHG RewardsClub points (awarded to one member of the traveling party), which can be converted to frequent flyer miles. Bookings must be made through Dec. 17, 2014 for travel by Dec. 22, 2014 with a minimum 5-night stay. For more information, call (888) 288-6006 or visit caribbeanhi.com. Use promo code PamperU.