Fresh Brewed Travel News/ wINTeR 2013/14

Andaz Maui at Wailea Simply Dazzles
At the Top of Broadway!
Continued from page 1
Winter 2013/14
Fresh Brewed
www.travelcafeonline.com
313 North Broadway | Billings, MT 59101 | Tel. 406.259.0999 | Fax 406.245.0125
C l i e nt T estim o nia l :
and relationship with its neighborhood and
hosting Andaz Salon programs showcasing
emerging talents.
The resort’s Executive Chef Brent
Martin, oversees multiple dining outlets,
incorporating Hyatt’s Food. Thoughtfully
Sourced. Carefully Served. A philosophy
which provides healthy, sustainable, and
responsible food and beverage options
for guests and associates. Dining options
include a full-service restaurant called
Ka’ana Kitchen with dishes inspired by the
surrounding land, ocean and air. Ka’ana
means “to share,” and the menu focuses
on farm to table small shared plates and
family-styling dining. A Hibachi grill is
the centerpiece of the exhibition kitchen,
where simple yet sophisticated cuisine
made with locally procured ingredients is
available for breakfast and dinner.
Two poolside venues offer guests’
exquisite locations for tropical cocktails
and stunning sunset views. Lehua Lounge
exudes a sense of elegance much like the
flower the lounge is named after. Positioned
among cascading pools and waterfalls and
in direct view of Mokapu Beach, Lehua
Lounge offers authentically Hawaiian
hand-crafted cocktails made with premium
spirits and fresh juices. A small bites menu
offering a taste of Maui accompanies late
afternoon beverages, and sunset celebrations
combine music and live entertainment to
create a vibe as vibrant as the surrounding
scenery. Situated on the edge of the resort’s
lagoon pool and near Mokapu Beach,
Bumbye Beach Bar is the venue where
guests savor light morning offerings,
lunch, afternoon bites and a variety of
Tiki-inspired beverages.
The Mokapu Market is open 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, where guests can
enjoy light fare, prepared foods, flatbreads,
house-made gelato and locally sourced
Billings-based Travel Café
Acquires Montana Travel
The Montana Chamber of
Commerce announces another
exciting international tour, this
time to Australia and New Zealand,
November 10-24, 2014.
The Montana Chamber is partnering with Collete Vacations and Travel Cafe to
offer this amazing tour. A free webinar to explain the trip and answer questions
will be held Tuesday, November 19.
“This tour is great exposure to the Land Down Under,” said Webb Brown,
President/CEO of the Montana Chamber. “From the Great Barrier Reef to the
Sydney Opera House to the New Zealand destinations of Christchurch and
Queenstown, this is a recreational trip you won’t want to miss.”
Airfare from and back to Los Angeles, accommodations, many meals,
admissions, tour guide, and motor coach transportation are all included.
Space is limited, and will be held on a first-come, first-reserved basis.
Anyone and everyone is welcome. Participants do not have to be a business, nor
a member of the Montana Chamber, nor even a Montanan! This is NOT a trade
mission – it is a group travel opportunity through the Montana Chamber as a
fundraiser for its international programs.
Book your vacation today! Call 406.259.0999
snacks, as well as a variety of hand-crafted
soft drinks, beers and an excellent variety of
the mainland’s best wines. Suited to enhance
the island vibe, Mokapu Market serves as
the supplier of sustenance to the island
adventurer.
While I’ve visited both Andaz hotels
in New York, this visit to Andaz Maui at
Wailea makes me want to see and visit
every Andaz property. Global in scale while
local in perspective, Hyatt’s Andaz brand
delivers an innovative hospitality experience
and attentive, uncomplicated service
designed to accommodate guests’ personal
preferences. Hotels in this collection reflect
the unique cultural scene and spirit of the
surrounding neighborhood through their
Andaz Salon events and are dedicated to
creating natural and vibrant living spaces
where travelers can indulge in their own
personal sense of comfort and style. Nine
Andaz hotels are currently open: Andaz 5th
Avenue and Andaz Wall Street in New York,
Andaz San Diego, Andaz West Hollywood,
Andaz Napa, and Andaz Savannah;
Andaz Liverpool Street in London; Andaz
Amsterdam Prinsengracht; and Andaz
Shanghai. And, there are more on the
horizon … good news for savvy travelers!
Montana Travel, a full service leisure and corporate
travel agency based in Bozeman, has announced this it is
being acquired by Billings-based Travel Café, Inc.
The acquisition of Montana Travel was finalized on
December 1, 2012 and allows Travel Café to expand
its market to now include Billings, Bozeman, Missoula
and Great Falls, Montana. In addition, all Bozeman
based team members will remain: Sue Leigland, Tiffani
Leigland, Debbie Dehmer, Ciretta Green, Holly Coleman,
Lisa Hensleigh, Vicky Devantier and Jody Boland.
Montana Travel’s long-established phone numbers and
email addresses will continue to operate as normal.
Billie J. Ruff, CTC, CTE, ACC; President of Travel Café,
founded that agency 13 years ago after serving as an agent
for 14 years. Ruff said Montana Travel was a natural
fit for her company since both are longtime Montana
agencies with loyal clientele in both leisure and corporate
travel: “They do business the way we do,” she said.
www.travelcafeonline.com
A Beautiful Hawaiian Wedding
and Honeymoon
Travel Cafe arranged our wedding and honeymoon
trip to Maui. We are thankful for such a stress-free trip.
The flights, resort and car rental arrangements were very
organized, complete and well planned.
The ceremony was performed by a Hawaiian minister.
The weather was beautiful the whole week and we truly
did not want to leave!
The Fairmont Kea Lani was a dream come true with our
deluxe ocean view room. We spent many evenings on the
balcony having dinner and wine while watching the sunset
across the calm ocean.
Thank you so much
Peg, we could not
have pulled this whole
trip off without your
guidance! We look
forward to utilizing your
services for our next trip!
TravelNews
®
Page 2
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A Circle of Girlfriends...
Page 3
Maui $567pp
living in the moment
Best of Spain
Page 4
Andaz Maui at Wailea
continued
7 night offer includes:
Studio Mountain View condo
at Lahaina Shores Beach Resort &
FREE mid size Alamo rental car*
Call today to book:
- Happy Travel Café bride
ESCAPE THE
SNOW!
travel cafe
406-259-0999
Andaz Maui at Wailea Simply Dazzles
by Billie J. Ruff, CTE CTC ACC
Prices are per person (USD), based on double occupancy,
including taxes. Valid for travel 1/1 - 2/5 & 2/23 - 7/5/14. Price
is land only; ask about air inclusive packages. Subject to
availability at booking and may change without notice. Certain
conditions & restrictions apply. *7 night minimum stay required.
CST #2011557-50
Hawaii doesn’t get new hotels very often, so when
it does its hot news in the industry! After years of
remaining dormant on the new accommodations,
Hawaii made a big splash when it opened Aulani:
A Disney Resort & Spa in late August of 2011.
Now, the new talk of the town is the Andaz Maui
at Wailea, Hawaii’s, latest addition to its portfolio
of luxury resorts.
I recently toured the amazing Andaz Maui at
Wailea, and was amazed by its beauty, especially
after seeing it in a hard-hat tour earlier this year.
It is breathtaking and unique.
Situated on Maui’s premier southwestern coastline
along Mokapu Beach, the 15-acre beachfront Andaz
Maui at Wailea opened in September 2013. Designed
by world-renowned architects, Rockwell Group,
TRAVEL CAFÉ AND THE MONTANA CHAMBER PRESENT:
SOUTH PACIFIC WONDERS
Choose Delta Vacations and
SAVE UP TO $300
per couple or family on select resorts in the
Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Walt Disney World
& Disney Aulani in Hawaii!
Packages must be purchased Oct. 4th– Dec. 31st, 2013
HIGHLIGHTS:
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES:
• Take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.
• Capture the amazing scenery of the New Zealand fjords on a cruise of
Milford Sound.
• Visit a Canterbury farmyard to observe a sheep shearing demonstration and
learn how this New Zealand family farm works.
*Rates are per person and include round trip air from Los Angeles Intl Airport, air taxes and fees/surcharges, and hotel
transfers. Airfare: For your convenience, we offer airfare for purchase with all vacation packages. If you purchase an
air-inclusive program, your airfare will be quoted inclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees. Your rates are subject to change until
paid in full. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date. Checked Baggage Charges:
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer
to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. **Book by savings valid on
air-inclusive bookings only.
Andaz Maui at Wailea captures the spirit and feel
of today’s Hawaii and is the first LEED® certified
resort on the island. The expansive oceanfront
resort features 297 guest rooms and suites, including
seven luxurious three- to five-bedroom residential
villas. The property includes four cascading outdoor
infinity pools, a 15,000 square foot full-service spa
with a private adults-only pool, apothecary retail
and fitness facility, and more than 15,000 square feet
of meeting and event space. The resort houses two
highly acclaimed full service restaurants, including
Morimoto Maui, helmed by acclaimed Chef
Masaharu Morimoto. As part of the Andaz brand,
Andaz Maui at Wailea will hold true to one of the
brand’s core elements – maintaining a connection
Welcome to Fresh Brewed!
Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Christchurch, Mount
Cook National Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Arrowtown
Melissa Banco
406-760-1888
melissab@travelcafeonline.com
Travel Café 406-259-0999 | travelcafeonline.com
Fresh Brewed Travel News/ WINTER 2013/14
Compliments of Travel Café
Established 1999
The Billings Gazette 2010
Readers’ Choice Award
Our winter issue features my new favorite getaway resort ... Andaz Maui at Wailea.
It is the first new resort on Maui in over 20 years, so it is really making a splash in
the industry. I was lucky enough to be there during their Grand Opening event,
and all I can say is WOW! And, don’t miss the information about the Montana
Chamber’s trip to the South Pacific. It really hits the highlights of a South
Pacific dream trip. We are also talking about some fun travel trends, such
as Girlfriend Getaways and a Spain opportunity you don’t want to miss.
A great place to consider when the snow begins to fly in Montana. Enjoy!
Happy Travels,
Billie
Continued on page 4
A Circle of Girlfriends...
One Memorable Journey at a Time
Thelma & Louise, Divine Secrets of the
Ya-Ya Sisterhood, The First Wives Club
and the latest movie, Bridesmaids are all
blockbusters that bolster the unique role of
female friendship and companionship. Sure,
men can be friends, but there are certain
needs men can’t meet that girlfriends do.
Multiple studies support the notion that
intimacy, connection and bonding between
women plays an important role in a woman’s
physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
well-being. A landmark UCLA study suggests
that female friendships are essential to reduce
stress, bolster health and wellness, contribute
to personal growth, live successful lives –
and even prolong marriages! But how can
women stay connected with other women in
an increasingly disconnected and distracted
world? How and where do women find
opportunities to forge these invaluable bonds,
and nurture the unique female intimacy that
significantly support a woman’s body, mind
and spirit through life’s different stages?
“Scheduling and planning female-centric
time is a lifesaver,” said April Merenda,
founder of Gutsy Women Travel, a company
that for a decade has specialized in fostering
strong female relationships and community
with an array of domestic and international
travel tours designed specifically by women
for women and their unique interests.
“Connecting and traveling in small
groups with other women allows women to
temporarily step out of their roles as worker,
wife, mother and remember themselves as
individuals with their own interests and
Providing Upscale Travelers a
“Guide to the Good Life”
Travel Café, a proud part of The Affluent
Traveler Collection, is an elite group of
travel advisors who comprises one of the
most knowledgeable networks of luxury
travel specialists in the world today. Our
dedicated consultants can arrange unique
travel experiences to the most beautiful
and hospitable places around the globe.
In addition to our extensive knowledge
and personal expertise, our luxury
travel advisors can provide clientele
with exclusive upgrades and amenities,
expanding the value
they receive on their
travel purchases.
By Carol A. Ientile
Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
needs,” said Merenda. “Women are able
to connect differently when traveling with
other women. An instant support system
develops that allows women to detach from
their daily life, relax and fully enjoy each
new experience.” The quality “girlfriend time” garnered
during travel can create a general feeling of
well being as women from all over the world
come together, bond and share. This unique
shared experience allows each participant
the luxury of not having to do anything for
anyone else but to become part of a likeminded group.
The company’s goal is to offer signature
tours and experiences that include best
in class accommodations, a relaxed and
leisurely pace, small intimate groups and a
safe and secure environment with itineraries
that appeal to a woman’s distinct lifestyle
and interests. From spa excursions to
cooking classes, garden tours to chocolate
tastings, shopping to celebrating, Gutsy
Women Travel assists women in broadening
their horizons, while feeding an inner desire
for travel and new adventure, setting the
stage for women to foster new and often
life-long friendships. “When women travel together, whether
they know each other or are flying solo
and meeting each other for the first time,
Gutsy Women Travel’s female tour directors
ensure activities and travel destinations that
promote easy bonding, shared experiences
and the opportunity to forge friendships,”
said Merenda. “We have a twelve-year strong
community of ‘gutsy’ female travelers who take
the time regularly to nurture their ‘girlfriend’
side, returning to their lives happier and more
fulfilled, and excited to be better partners in
their professional and personal relationships.” Book your vacation today! Call 406.259.0999
Since women continue to live longer than
men and romantic relationships can come
and go, meaningful female friendships
made now can sustain women as they thrive
into their golden years. Planning a trip to
a desired destination with an old friend or
to meet a new one is positive for not only
overall health and well being, but the soul.
Visit www.gutsywomentravel.com to
view current offerings and upcoming travel
experiences designed with the gutsy woman
in mind.
About Gutsy Women Travel: Gutsy
Women Travel offers an array of domestic
and international tours spanning four
continents designed specifically by women
for women and their unique interests.
From the Amalfi Coast to the Great Wall
of China, Provence to Peru, women from
all walks of life come together to enjoy
incredibly and distinctive worldwide travel
with other like-minded women. All Gutsy
Women Travel signature tours include best
in class accommodations, a relaxed and
leisurely pace and are designed to appeal
to a woman’s distinct lifestyle. From spa
excursions to cooking classes, garden
tours to chocolate tastings, shopping to
celebrating...Gutsy Women Travel is about
broadening horizons, feeding an inner
desire to travel, creating new friendships,
being bold, adventurous, spontaneous and
being...well, gutsy! The company’s motto is
It’s Your Life...Live IT!™
Carol A. Ientile is a beauty, fashion and
lifestyle writer living in New York City and
founder of C.I. Visions Public Relations
& Marketing. For more information visit
www.civisions.com.
Fresh Brewed Travel News/ WINTER 2013/14
At the Top of Broadway!
BEST OF SPAIN – June 14-22, 2014
Join us to experience Spain, the home of
Goya, Gaudi, the Guggenheim Bilbao, and
Picasso. Art, History, and Passion rolled into
one exciting package that will explore the
complexity of Spanish tradition, culture, and
Art. Oh, don’t forget the food! Vamonos,
(i.e…let’s go)!
Linda Ewert, has been the Education
Director at the Yellowstone Art Museum
for the past thirteen years. Five years as
the Museum Store Manager and more as
a docent has given her an appreciation for
everything “Art”. Previously, Linda spent five
years, living and studying in Central and
South America.
Arriving in Barcelona, the Capitol city of
Catalonia you are welcomed upon arrival
and transferred to your hotel. Hotel Melia
Barcelona Sky.
Enjoy a full day tour of Barcelona. We
depart from the hotel and proceed into Via
Layetana, visiting the Cathedral, the Gothic
Quarter, Sant Jaume Square, the Port and the
Olympic Village. We also pass the Columbus
Statue, Montjuic, the Olympic Stadium and
St Jordi Palace. Then there is time for a visit
to the ‘Spanish Village’ where you’ll be able
to taste Catalan cava followed by lunch. In
the afternoon we visit Gaudi’s Park Guell and
have a brief stop at the Sagrada Familia.
Next, you’re off to Bilbao and transferred
Unlimited-
lUxUry
yoU can share
it with yoUr
friends!
Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa
•
•
•
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313 North Broadway | Billings, MT 59101 | Tel. 406.259.0999 | Fax 406.245.0125
TRAVEL CAFE DESIGNATED AN
AUTHORIZED DISNEY VACATION PLANNER
visit to the palatial Prado Museum with its
priceless art treasures.
On your final day of sightseeing you
will be treated to an excursion to Toledo.
Spectacularly situated on a granite hill
surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the
ancient Castilian capital of Toledo attracts
more sightseers from all over the world than
any other Spanish town. A Local Guide
takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early
synagogue, the 13th-century gothic
cathedral, and the Church of Santo Tome
with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings.
Also visit a Damascene steel workshop and
taste the local marzipan, for which the city is
famous, before returning to Madrid.
On the final evening in Spain enjoy a
farewell dinner at an elegant restaurant with
Tapas and wine.
$100 in resort coupons per person apply for individual spending*
Includes 1 FREE room for every block of 5 rooms paid
Includes one complimentary upgrade for every 10 rooms paid
(subject to hotel availability – maximum 2)
Best available rate
Full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day
Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks
Unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits
Book through 2/25/2014.Travel through 08/22/14
Offer is not valid for corporate meeting or incentive groups. Maximum group size: 20 rooms. Minimum night stay requirement: 3 nights. Surcharges will apply for any private
events or functions. Combinable with EBB and other promotions, unless otherwise indicated. Offers valid on new bookings only. Blackout dates, minimum night stays, and other
restrictions may apply. *Resort coupons are subject to rules of usage. Classic Vacations CST#2079429-20
638-1013
• All the transfers and sightseeing tours as per the above itinerary
• Hotels As listed in the itinerary
• 6 Breakfast, 3 Lunch & 2 Dinner
• All transfers and Sightseeing as per the itinerary by Deluxe
Air-Conditioned Coach
• English Speaking Guide as per the itinerary
• Flamenco show and dinner in Granada
• Entrance Fees
• Internal airfare within Spain
For Reservations Contact Carol Bokum
Travel Cafe, 313 North 28th Billings, MT 59101
Phone – 406.259.0999 • Toll Free – 888.404.0999
Historic
Holy
Lands
ISTANBUL TO ATHENS
INCLUDES:
Trip Includes
• Meals not specifically mentioned in the program
• Departure Taxes
• Travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
• International airfare & any item not specifically included
638-1013_MJR_Girls Getaway.indd 1
Travel Café 406-259-0999
travelcafeonline.com
International airfare in coach class quoted upon request.
Cost based on city of origination, time of booking & class of service.
Not Included
Book your vacation today! Call 406.259.0999
Travel Cafe has been designated by Disney Destinations as an
“Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” based on its strong support
in selling Disney vacations.
Travel Cafe has been in business in Billings, Montana for
15 years, and has gained specialized knowledge on vacations to
the Disneyland® Resort, Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise
Line® and Adventures by Disney vacations.
Many travel counselors at Travel Cafe have received extensive
training on Disney Destinations theme parks, resorts, cruises,
vacation packages and more, and can provide the utmost in
professional assistance in planning customized Disney vacations.
In fact, one reason the agency attained the “Authorized Disney
Vacation Planner” status is that at least 50 percent of the frontline
leisure travel agents are College of Disney Knowledge graduates.
The College of Disney Knowledge is an in-depth comprehensive
course that allows agents to develop their expertise regarding
the Disney Destinations – knowledge that consumers can take
advantage of when planning a Disney vacation.
Tour Pricing (Per Person):
Double occupancy: $2,995
Single room: $3,895
Riviera Maya
•
•
•
www.travelcafeonline.com
BEST OF SPAIN – June 14-22, 2014
CLASSIC
V A C AT I O N S
®
is best when
directly to the Guggenheim Museum for a
visit. After completing the visit transfer to
the Hotel Melia Bilbao.
Located in the center of the city, Meliá
Bilbao perfectly combines comfort, quality,
superb service, business and pleasure. It is
located opposite the Congress Palace and
the Música Euskalduna, the Doña Casilda
Park, Ría Nervión and is only 15 minutes
from the International Airport of Bilbao.
Furthermore, it is a short walk from the
Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Fine
Art and the new Maritime Museum.
An emblem of the city of Madrid, the
Meliá Madrid Princesa Hotel is a luxury
hotel with elegant interior design with a
contemporary and cutting edge flair. The
Meliá Madrid Princesa Hotel has been fully
renovated and is the perfect option for
business and leisure travellers in Madrid
thanks to its excellent location in the heart of
the city, its extensive and comfortable facilities,
and the superb quality of its services.
The capital since 1561, Madrid today is
a strikingly modern city, the showcase of
a country resolutely turned towards the
future. Your Local Guide takes you to the
Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its
monument to Cervantes, the Parliament,
Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and
Paseo de Castellana. Then, the highlight: a
Fresh Brewed Travel News/ WINTER 2013/14
10/22/13 11:37 AM
JUNE 10, 2014
10 DAYS
120 FEET.
• 2 for 1 Cruise Fares
• Early Booking Savings up to $5,000
per stateroom
• Free Pre-Paid Gratuities
• Free Unlimited Internet Package
• Up to $750 Shipboard Credit per
Stateroom
• Starting at $3,999/person, double
occupancy
THE DISTANCE BETWEEN “I CAN’T DO IT”
TO “CAN I DO IT AGAIN?”
TravelCafeOnline.COm | 1-888-404-0999 Or 406-259-0999
Allure of the Seas®
7 NIGHT EASTERN CARIBBEAN
June 15, 2014 – June 22, 2014
Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida Balcony Prices Starting from $1,413†*
Suites available. Book a suite by Dec. 22nd and receive an on board credit.
†Royal Caribbean International® reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement of up to $10 per guest perday on all guests if
the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds $65 per barrel. *Prices are per person, cruse only, based on double occupancy
and in U.S. dollars. Price incleds all taxes and gratuities. Price does not include insurance, alcoholic beverages, soda packages.
All itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. ©2013 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
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ends December 31, 2013
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Travel Café 406-259-0999
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