Check this list often as new tips, events and deals around Florida come in:
In Sanibel -- In west Florida, the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa offers 20 percent off on stays of at least two nights for guests who book through Feb. 2 for travel through April 1. Rates start at $199 a night after the discount and include breakfast for two. The package is subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. Visit www.sanibelmarriott.com and use code WNT, or call 1-800-Marriott and mention the hotel's "20/20" offer.
In Bermuda -- Off the coast of the Carolinas, book a minimum four-night stay through Feb. 3, and you can get half off at select hotels for travel through April 30. Visit www.gotobermuda.com.
In Puerto Rico -- In the Caribbean, the Verdanza Hotel in San Juan offers a package on a four-night stay, with rates starting at $148 a night. It includes a $100 debit card, 15 percent off select tours with Castillo Tours, a welcome cocktail for adults, a welcome gift for children, plus other perks. The package must be booked by Feb. 29 for travel through April 30. It is subject to availability. The room rate does not include taxes and fees. Call 800-625-0312 or visit verdanzahotel.com/specials-packages.
Free Night at Best Western -- The Best Western hotel chain is offering a promotion, "Stay 3, Stay Free," with a chance for a free night's stay before July. The promotion lets members of Best Western's free rewards program who stay three times between Feb. 6 and April 8 get a voucher for a free night's stay through June 30. To register for the promotion, visit www.bestwestern.com/spring.
Free admission to museums -- The weekend of Feb. 4-5 (and the first full weekend of each month), Bank of America is offering an admission break to museums for its card holders as part of its "Museums on Us" program. Photo ID and a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card must be presented. One free general admission limited to cardholder at participating institution, excluding fundraising events, special exhibitions and ticketed shows the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month. Not to be combined with other offers. As part of Museums on Us, more than 150 leading U.S. cultural institutions, in 91 cities across the country, open their doors to bank cardholders on the first full weekend of each month. Other upcoming weekends include: March 3-4 and April 7-8. For more information about Museums on Us, visit: http://museums.bankofamerica.com.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort The 2,400-acre resort featuring four championship golf courses on Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast has deals for golf lovers. Featuring Sandestin's course roster (Burnt Pine Golf Club, Raven Golf Club, Baytowne Golf Club, and The Links Course) and deluxe condominium, villa, town home, or hotel accommodations, the lineup is: -- 4 1/2 Star -- For serious golfers and course collectors, it features a round at Rees Jones' Burnt Pine Golf Club (a private club) and a round at Robert Trent Jones II's Raven Golf Club (host of two PGA Champions Tour events). Starting at $141 $191, depending on season.
-- Player's -- Blending a Tour-quality track with a relaxing golf experience, the offering includes a round at Raven Golf Club and a round at Baytowne Golf Club, designed by Tom Jackson. Starting at $113 $174, depending on season.
-- Classic -- Ideal for value-oriented golfers, it provides a round at Baytowne Golf Club and a round a The Links Course, also a Jackson-design. Starting at $99 $173, depending on season.
More information: Carts, unlimited use of Sandestin's practice facility and range balls are included. Free replay rounds booked at the course the day of play are offered based on availability. Guests who book a golf package and complete their stay prior to April 15 receive a complimentary $20 beverage cart credit per golfer. In between rounds, golfers can visit The Village of Baytowne Wharf, an assortment of casual and fine-dining restaurants, bars and nightlife, and boutique shopping. Beach access, a marina, fitness facilities and numerous organized activities are also available on-site. Rates for all packages are based on a two-night stay. They do not include fees and taxes. For more information: www.sandestin.com; 1-888-801-4388.
Winter Park flavors -- Prato, an Italian restaurant serving seasonal ingredients, local produce and sustainable Florida seafood recently opened in Winter Park. The restaurant, by the culinary team behind Luma on Park, is about three blocks from Luma on Park Avenue. It offers year-round patio seating with décor marked by contemporary and rustic design elements. Visit www.prato-wp.com.
Art in the Beaches of South Walton -- Art aficionados generally find plenty to enjoy during a visit to the Beaches of South Walton comprised of 15 beach neighborhoods in northwest Florida. The destination selects an Artist of the Year annually to highlight his or her work (this year's honoree is Allison Craft, who creates leather and pearl jewelry) and has a thriving arts scene including galleries and studios, openings and festivals. Annual art events include ArtsQuest Fine Arts & Music Festival, a celebration each May (May 10-13 this year) with gallery tours, artists at work, musical performances on three stages, road races, fashion show a champagne shopping tour, and a two-day art fest in the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. Log on to www.VisitSouthWalton.com.
Tropical escapes from Fort Lauderdale -- Regent Seven Seas Cruises is featuring 10- and 11-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises with roundtrip departures from Fort Lauderdale. As part of these "Tropical Escapes" guests enjoy a free one-night luxury hotel package before sailing and choose from 51 complimentary shore excursions. Depending on the itinerary, guests can learn to scuba dive on Cozumel or discover the secret Mayan underworld by trekking and rappelling through a maze of caves in Belize. Among the sailings is an 11-night "Tropical Hideaways" voyage on March 8 (highlighted by midnight departures from San Juan, St. Maarten and St. Barts allowing time to explore each of these popular ports); a 10-night Realm of the Maya on March 19 that includes Cozumel, Belize City and Costa Maya; and an 11-night Sun-Splashed Sea Breezes on April 3 combining Caribbean islands with the charm of the South with visits to Savannah, Charleston and Wilmington plus an overnight stay in Bermuda. Visit www.rssc.com.
New after-sun treatment in the Caribbean -- Hotel Le Toiny in St. Barthelemy has introduced the St. Barth Sun Downer, a new treatment by Ligne St. Barth designed to repair and relieve skin after a day in the Caribbean sun. This body mask also delivers moisture, allowing guests to retain their beach-bronze glow longer. Availble at Hotel Le Toiny's own Serenity Spa Cottage, the treatment soothes with a mixture of green clay, mint, coconut oil, Aloe Vera and melon mousse. Cost is approximately $122 for 45 minutes. Visit www.letoiny.com.
Canada and New England sailings -- Princess Cruises has announced its Canada & New England cruises for fall of 2012. Two of the line's ships, the Emerald Princess and Caribbean Princess will offer 11 voyages on three itineraries a week-long roundtrip sailing from New York; a 10-day one-way voyage, sailing between New York and Quebec City and featuring an overnight stay in the charming French-Canadian city; and a 12-night Canada & Colonial America cruise from Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale for a voyage along the entire eastern coastline. All itineraries feature the opportunity to experience area highlights, such as the historic treasures of Boston, the beauty of Maine's Acadia National Park, and the lavish mansions of Newport, R.I. Cruisetour options are available. Visit www.princess.com.
Love at First Bite in Orlando -- Culinary couples get a treat as the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld introduces its Valentine's weekend travel experience featuring a cooking class of savory seductions. The AAA Four Diamond Orlando resort, a 781-room aquatic-themed property located directly across from SeaWorld, is offering foodies its "Love at First Bite" package. Based on a one-night-stay Friday, February 10 or Saturday, February 11, the package costs $269 per couple and includes:
-- Accommodations in one of central Florida's largest guest rooms
-- An interactive, group culinary experience from 68 p.m. on either Friday or Saturday night in the R Kitchen -- a new, cutting edge open kitchen that was among the resort's added amenities in its recent $35 million renovation project
-- Breakfast for two
In Sanibel -- In west Florida, the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa offers 20 percent off on stays of at least two nights for guests who book through Feb. 2 for travel through April 1. Rates start at $199 a night after the discount and include breakfast for two. The package is subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. Visit www.sanibelmarriott.com and use code WNT, or call 1-800-Marriott and mention the hotel's "20/20" offer.
In Puerto Rico -- In the Caribbean, the Verdanza Hotel in San Juan offers a package on a four-night stay, with rates starting at $148 a night. It includes a $100 debit card, 15 percent off select tours with Castillo Tours, a welcome cocktail for adults, a welcome gift for children, plus other perks. The package must be booked by Feb. 29 for travel through April 30. It is subject to availability. The room rate does not include taxes and fees. Call 800-625-0312 or visit verdanzahotel.com/specials-packages.
Free Night at Best Western -- The Best Western hotel chain is offering a promotion, "Stay 3, Stay Free," with a chance for a free night's stay before July. The promotion lets members of Best Western's free rewards program who stay three times between Feb. 6 and April 8 get a voucher for a free night's stay through June 30. To register for the promotion, visit www.bestwestern.com/spring.
Free admission to museums -- The weekend of Feb. 4-5 (and the first full weekend of each month), Bank of America is offering an admission break to museums for its card holders as part of its "Museums on Us" program. Photo ID and a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card must be presented. One free general admission limited to cardholder at participating institution, excluding fundraising events, special exhibitions and ticketed shows the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month. Not to be combined with other offers. As part of Museums on Us, more than 150 leading U.S. cultural institutions, in 91 cities across the country, open their doors to bank cardholders on the first full weekend of each month. Other upcoming weekends include: March 3-4 and April 7-8. For more information about Museums on Us, visit: http://museums.bankofamerica.com.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort The 2,400-acre resort featuring four championship golf courses on Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast has deals for golf lovers. Featuring Sandestin's course roster (Burnt Pine Golf Club, Raven Golf Club, Baytowne Golf Club, and The Links Course) and deluxe condominium, villa, town home, or hotel accommodations, the lineup is: -- 4 1/2 Star -- For serious golfers and course collectors, it features a round at Rees Jones' Burnt Pine Golf Club (a private club) and a round at Robert Trent Jones II's Raven Golf Club (host of two PGA Champions Tour events). Starting at $141 $191, depending on season.
-- Player's -- Blending a Tour-quality track with a relaxing golf experience, the offering includes a round at Raven Golf Club and a round at Baytowne Golf Club, designed by Tom Jackson. Starting at $113 $174, depending on season.
-- Classic -- Ideal for value-oriented golfers, it provides a round at Baytowne Golf Club and a round a The Links Course, also a Jackson-design. Starting at $99 $173, depending on season.
More information: Carts, unlimited use of Sandestin's practice facility and range balls are included. Free replay rounds booked at the course the day of play are offered based on availability. Guests who book a golf package and complete their stay prior to April 15 receive a complimentary $20 beverage cart credit per golfer. In between rounds, golfers can visit The Village of Baytowne Wharf, an assortment of casual and fine-dining restaurants, bars and nightlife, and boutique shopping. Beach access, a marina, fitness facilities and numerous organized activities are also available on-site. Rates for all packages are based on a two-night stay. They do not include fees and taxes. For more information: www.sandestin.com; 1-888-801-4388.
Winter Park flavors -- Prato, an Italian restaurant serving seasonal ingredients, local produce and sustainable Florida seafood recently opened in Winter Park. The restaurant, by the culinary team behind Luma on Park, is about three blocks from Luma on Park Avenue. It offers year-round patio seating with décor marked by contemporary and rustic design elements. Visit www.prato-wp.com.
Art in the Beaches of South Walton -- Art aficionados generally find plenty to enjoy during a visit to the Beaches of South Walton comprised of 15 beach neighborhoods in northwest Florida. The destination selects an Artist of the Year annually to highlight his or her work (this year's honoree is Allison Craft, who creates leather and pearl jewelry) and has a thriving arts scene including galleries and studios, openings and festivals. Annual art events include ArtsQuest Fine Arts & Music Festival, a celebration each May (May 10-13 this year) with gallery tours, artists at work, musical performances on three stages, road races, fashion show a champagne shopping tour, and a two-day art fest in the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. Log on to www.VisitSouthWalton.com.
Tropical escapes from Fort Lauderdale -- Regent Seven Seas Cruises is featuring 10- and 11-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises with roundtrip departures from Fort Lauderdale. As part of these "Tropical Escapes" guests enjoy a free one-night luxury hotel package before sailing and choose from 51 complimentary shore excursions. Depending on the itinerary, guests can learn to scuba dive on Cozumel or discover the secret Mayan underworld by trekking and rappelling through a maze of caves in Belize. Among the sailings is an 11-night "Tropical Hideaways" voyage on March 8 (highlighted by midnight departures from San Juan, St. Maarten and St. Barts allowing time to explore each of these popular ports); a 10-night Realm of the Maya on March 19 that includes Cozumel, Belize City and Costa Maya; and an 11-night Sun-Splashed Sea Breezes on April 3 combining Caribbean islands with the charm of the South with visits to Savannah, Charleston and Wilmington plus an overnight stay in Bermuda. Visit www.rssc.com.
New after-sun treatment in the Caribbean -- Hotel Le Toiny in St. Barthelemy has introduced the St. Barth Sun Downer, a new treatment by Ligne St. Barth designed to repair and relieve skin after a day in the Caribbean sun. This body mask also delivers moisture, allowing guests to retain their beach-bronze glow longer. Availble at Hotel Le Toiny's own Serenity Spa Cottage, the treatment soothes with a mixture of green clay, mint, coconut oil, Aloe Vera and melon mousse. Cost is approximately $122 for 45 minutes. Visit www.letoiny.com.
Canada and New England sailings -- Princess Cruises has announced its Canada & New England cruises for fall of 2012. Two of the line's ships, the Emerald Princess and Caribbean Princess will offer 11 voyages on three itineraries a week-long roundtrip sailing from New York; a 10-day one-way voyage, sailing between New York and Quebec City and featuring an overnight stay in the charming French-Canadian city; and a 12-night Canada & Colonial America cruise from Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale for a voyage along the entire eastern coastline. All itineraries feature the opportunity to experience area highlights, such as the historic treasures of Boston, the beauty of Maine's Acadia National Park, and the lavish mansions of Newport, R.I. Cruisetour options are available. Visit www.princess.com.
Love at First Bite in Orlando -- Culinary couples get a treat as the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld introduces its Valentine's weekend travel experience featuring a cooking class of savory seductions. The AAA Four Diamond Orlando resort, a 781-room aquatic-themed property located directly across from SeaWorld, is offering foodies its "Love at First Bite" package. Based on a one-night-stay Friday, February 10 or Saturday, February 11, the package costs $269 per couple and includes:
-- Accommodations in one of central Florida's largest guest rooms
-- An interactive, group culinary experience from 68 p.m. on either Friday or Saturday night in the R Kitchen -- a new, cutting edge open kitchen that was among the resort's added amenities in its recent $35 million renovation project
-- Breakfast for two
