The unofficial end of summer is approaching, and travel advisors are gearing up for a Labor Day weekend bookings surge. From last-minute beach escapes to urban adventures, here are some ideas for clients looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences to cap off the season.
Escape to Belize for Labor Day
Alaia Belize, a four-diamond luxury resort on Ambergris Caye, offers all kinds of fun experiences for Labor Day Weekend travelers. The property features adventure activities like diving, snorkeling and fishing, as well as relaxation options at the K’in Spa & Wellness Center. A signature excursion, Beyond the Reef, allows your clients to explore the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Caye Caulker. The resort provides a self-guided tour option with golf cart rental and refreshments. Dining options include five restaurants and bars serving Caribbean and Asian-inspired cuisine, with family-friendly choices available.
For more information, visit alaiabelize.com.
Florida Fun
Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys is hosting its 16th annual Heroes Salute Tribute Weekend this Labor Day. The event honors active and retired military, police, firefighters, and medical professionals with discounts and free activities. Festivities include a 5K run, touch-a-truck event, fireworks, and Jay Valor and Austin James concerts. The Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard and local dignitaries will attend. The resort offers discounts for heroes from Aug. 1 to Dec. 25, 2024, starting at $169 for two nights. Proceeds benefit the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The package includes discounts on resort amenities and can be booked at hawkscayheroes.com. Valid identification is required for special rates.
For more information, visit hawkscay.com.
California Dreaming
The Donum Estate in Sonoma, California, offers Labor Day travelers a unique blend of wine tasting and art appreciation. The estate’s Discover Experience, priced at $150 per person, provides a 90-minute tour showcasing their sustainable winemaking practices and open-air sculpture collection. Visitors can explore the working farm and taste award-winning wines paired with canapés made from estate-grown ingredients. The tour includes a viewing of HYPERSPACE, the newest sound sculpture, while sampling Donum’s 2021 Carneros Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This experience caters to first-time and returning visitors, offering insights into the estate’s eco-friendly approach and innovative techniques. The Donum Estate exemplifies the integration of viticulture, art, and sustainability in Sonoma’s wine country.
For more information, visit thedonumestate.com.
Family Fun in Marbella
Spain’s Nobu Hotel Marbella introduces the Nobu Family package, combining luxury with family-friendly activities. The offer includes interconnecting rooms and amenities tailored for different age groups. Kids receive a welcome pack from La Casita and a complimentary mini-bar, while teens can participate in sushi-making and DJ masterclasses. Parents can enjoy the hotel’s facilities, including the Six Senses Spa, the signature Nobu pool and gourmet dining options. Nobu Hotel Marbella’s approach blends Japanese culinary traditions with Spanish cultural elements, creating a unique hospitality experience on the Costa del Sol.
For more information, visit marbella.nobuhotels.com.
Healing Rituals in Mexico
One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico, has introduced new wellness and culinary offerings. The resort now features traditional Mexican healing rituals, including a 120-minute Temazcal steam bath and customizable healing experiences lasting 90 or 120 minutes. These treatments incorporate local herbs, indigenous music and ancient medicinal practices. The spa menu is designed to detoxify the body and purify the mind using techniques passed down through generations. Additionally, One&Only Palmilla has opened a new restaurant, Hoshi. The resort combines luxury accommodations with cultural experiences, offering your clients a blend of relaxation and local traditions this Labor Day weekend and beyond.
For more information, visit oneandonlyresorts.com/palmilla.
Experience Jamaica
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have launched the Experience Jamaica sale, offering significant discounts across their nine all-inclusive properties in Jamaica. The promotion is available for bookings made through Oct. 6, 2024, with travel dates extending to Dec. 26, 2026. Guests staying five to six nights receive a $350 air credit, while those booking seven nights or more qualify for a $500 air credit. Additionally, stays of seven nights or longer include a $275 Island Routes tour credit, applicable to various Jamaican excursions. The offer applies to all Sandals and Beaches properties in Jamaica.
For more information, visit sandals.com/sale and beaches.com/sale.
Extra Holidays
Extra Holidays is promoting apartment-style resort accommodations across the United States. Guests booking four or more nights receive one night free, valid for travel through Nov. 26, 2024. The offer applies to various properties, including WorldMark locations in Indio and Palm Springs and Club Wyndham resorts in Branson and Nashville. These accommodations feature spacious suites with separate living areas, kitchens and bedrooms, catering to families and groups. The promotion aims to encourage extended stays during the fall season. Use the code LABOR24 when making a reservation to take advantage of this offer.
For more information, visit extraholidays.com.
Vacation with Trafalgar
Tour operator Trafalgar has introduced last-minute deals for European tours departing within the next four months. The promotion offers up to 15 percent discount on select itineraries, with potential savings reaching $800 per booking. Featured destinations include Italy and France, with multiple departure dates available. These tours were created to alleviate travel planning stress by providing pre-arranged accommodations, meals and activities. Itineraries are designed by local specialists and led by experienced guides, offering insider access to popular destinations. The package includes core experiences and optional add-ons, allowing for customization. This promo is perfect for your spontaneous clients seeking structured European vacations at reduced prices.
For more information, visit trafalgar.com.
Arizona Getaway
Arizona’s The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale, has announced its Labor Day Weekend program for Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, 2024. The Luau-themed event includes a movie night at the Mother-of-Pearl Pool on Friday. Saturday features a Hula Hangout with Paradise Island Dancers, a Fire Dance Show, a DJ and an appearance by “Moana.” Sunday offers a Birds of Prey performance and a screening of “Surfs Up.” Additional activities include tropical crafts, desert animal encounters and Cocktail Mixology sessions. Family-friendly options comprise multiple pools, pickleball and a kids’ splash zone.
For more information, visit thephoenician.com.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, has introduced new offerings focusing on Hawaiian culture and family experiences. The resort has revamped its pool area, adding refreshed private cabanas and a Skincare Attendant service providing eco-friendly sunscreen options. A new Family Suite Exclusive offer includes complimentary breakfast for adults and children, plus a $300 resort credit when booking multi-bedroom suites. The property has launched “Little Paddlers,” a surfing program for children, which includes lessons, snacks and a completion certificate. A Keiki Concierge can assist with planning and organizing family itinerary activities like scavenger hunts and island adventures.
For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Waldorf Astoria Chicago, recently awarded a Michelin key, offers family-oriented amenities for end-of-summer travel. The hotel features rooms with fireplaces and private terraces, spa treatments for adults and ice cream manicures for children. Dining options include in-room menus and brunch at Brass Tack. The property is known for its child-friendly services, providing young guests with teddy bears and play tents. A new partnership with Radio Flyer introduces the Radio Flyer Getaway package, available through year-end. This offer includes room upgrades, a Radio Flyer Little Red Toy Wagon, a Waldorf Astoria bear, exclusive store access and a wagon for city exploration.
For more information, visit hilton.com.
Sonoran Desert Getaway
CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa, located in the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, offers a modern wellness experience for Labor Day weekend. The spa features treatments, including a sacred summer massage, hydration facial, and hydrotherapy thermal circuit. Your local clients are in for a treat: CIVANA has introduced a new day pass special priced at $129. This offer includes a complimentary guest pass, allowing two people to access resort amenities for the price of one. The day pass provides access to the resort pool, lounge chairs, two fitness and wellness classes, towel service, fitness center use, Wi-Fi and parking.
For more information, visit civanacarefree.com.
Weekend at Domes Resorts
Domes Resorts offers two properties for late summer European getaways. 91 Athens Riviera, The Resort in Greece, features 28 luxury cabanas with private plunge pools. The resort includes the Barbarossa restaurant, wellness facilities and a beach club, which offers exclusive membership options. Domes Lake Algarve in Portugal provides lakeside and beachfront experiences, with access to golf courses and historic sites. The property offers three heated pools, a spa, four restaurants, and the waterfront Makris. Both resorts emphasize luxury amenities and unique experiences, catering to clients seeking high-end accommodations and diverse activities for their final summer trip.
For more information, visit domesresorts.com.
Wine Country Escape
COMO Le Montrachet, COMO’s first French property, is situated in Burgundy’s lush wine region. The hotel, comprising three heritage buildings, is near the Le Montrachet vineyards and offers experiences centered around the autumn wine harvest, including vineyard wine tastings, local tours and cooking classes with wine pairings. The property seeks to attract wine enthusiasts on your client list who are looking to experience the French countryside during the harvest season. COMO Le Montrachet provides a blend of luxury accommodation and immersive wine-related activities, positioning itself as an ideal destination for those interested in exploring Burgundy’s renowned wine culture during the transition from summer to fall.
For more information, visit comohotels.com.
Waterfront Options for Labor Day
While well-known locations like Michigan draw large crowds, BWH Hotels presents alternative options with its range of lakefront properties across various locations and price points.
In Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, the Best Western Premier The Lodge on Lake Detroit provides a waterfront experience on Big Detroit Lake. This property offers your clients complimentary kayaks, paddle boats and even a private beach area. The hotel’s lobby also hosts regular live music events.
For those preferring a sunnier climate, recommend a stay at the Best Western Plus Lake Front Hotel in Moses Lake, Washington. Moses Lake boasts approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The hotel’s location provides direct access to the lake, facilitating boating, fishing and swimming activities. The Moses Lake property features the Paradise Bar & Grill, which offers a diverse menu, including salads, burgers, seafood and pasta dishes. Many spacious guestrooms, suitable for larger groups, offer lake views.
For more information, visit bestwestern.com.
