CCRA Travel Commerce Network has announced the top winter destinations for 2015 and 2016. The list was based on bookings made by travel advisors on CCRAtravel.com, the company's hotel booking engine. Out of CCRA's top international and domestic destinations, we have a few favorites, and we’ve included the top news coming out of these places. Take a look and find out about the newest hotels, must-see attractions and where to enjoy a meal or strong drink.
Las Vegas, NV
This winter clients looking to stay in true luxury in Sin City should book the apartments and villas at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore. The Wynn Fairway Villas and the Encore Three Bedroom Duplex are available and include a variety of amenities. The 5,829-square-foot Encore Three Bedroom Duplex comes with a private massage and exercise room, a grand living room and a dining room that can accommodate 16 guests (perfect for the ultimate celebration). However, the highlight of this duplex is the floor-to-ceiling windows and views of Las Vegas. Perks of staying in the three-bedroom villa include butler service, a daily cabana at the Tower Suite pool and priority reservations at the Wynn Golf Course, restaurants, spas and nightclubs.
The Wynn Fairway Villas give guests views of the Wynn Golf Course from private balconies that are ideal for outdoor dining in Las Vegas’ cooler months. The living rooms in these villas seat eight, and breakfast can be enjoyed in the breakfast nook complete with a wet bar. These villas come in one- or two-bedroom configurations, but each villa has two bathrooms. Guests will have butler service, daily access to The Spa and fitness center and priority reservations like those offered with the duplex. Contact Kelley Reuben ([email protected]), private access manager.
New York, NY
Let’s talk art in New York City. The city that never sleeps also never seems to stop expanding its art collections, and we aren’t complaining. Earlier this year, the Whitney Museum moved to the Meat Packing District, where Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney originally founded the museum in 1930. Currently, the Whitney has several exhibits running in its new, trendy building, including Frank Stella: A Retrospective and Archibald Motley: Jazz Age Modernist.
The Whitney left its swanky spot on Madison Ave. and 75th street, but like all prime real estate in New York City, it got snatched up quickly by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Next year will be the first year for the new exhibit space, The Met Breuer. The new location will host new commissions, performances and an artist-in-residence series.
The inaugural exhibits will include Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible, a combination of work from artists like Titian and Louise Bourgeois, which will run from March to September. Then in July, there will an exhibit of photographs by Diane Arbus. Arbus' work will be on display until late November, while Unfinished will show until September 4. There will be other exhibits running throughout 2016 at this new location, and the Met will show programs and art at The Met Breuer for eight years.
Miami, FL
One reason to travel this winter is, of course, for New Year’s Eve. And we say why not spend it in warm, festive Miami? Advisors should book tickets for their clients ar The Fontainebleau Miami Beach, which will be ringing in 2016 with performances by The Weeknd and KYGO. The night will be held at the poolscape then there will be a final countdown to midnight.
Prices for the event start at $275 for one general admission ticket, ranging up to $50,000 for a stage-side private space for up to 30 guests. All packages include premium open bar from 9 p.m. until midnight.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.flavorus.com/fbnye.
Rome, Italy
If your clients are looking for a winter advenure in Italy, our Rome correspondent, Sharri Whiting De Masi, recently checked out the top suites that clients should book this season.
For clients looking for butler service and luxe digs The Designer Suite ( No. 123) -- it has a nice ring -- is the room to book at The St. Regis Rome. The room has a natural look with Rome-inspired artwork by local Romans. The suite has only one bedroom, but it can be adjoined with the Royal Suite to make up to three bedrooms. Other nice touches include the large (very large) shower, Jacuzzi tub and a walk-in closet for all that holiday shopping.
London, England
Then after Rome, it's off to London. To get in the winter spirit, Mary Winston Nicklin recently headed to The Goring —the ultimate luxury hotel the Royal family visits near Buckingham Palace — and the St Moritz Ski Bar on the terrace. Imagine stepping into an old-world ski lodge, and that's what you will find at the Ski Bar. There are jazz tunes playing on a gramophone, craft cocktails for sipping, blankets to curl up with and waiters in ski gear (it's not cheesy). This is a winter hangout -- the bar will serve until the end of February.
Looking Ahead
San Juan, PR
Can’t get a client to commit to a trip to one of these top destinations in the next few months? We are betting that San Juan will remain a popular destination through 2016. Viking Ocean Cruises just announced a cruise option to this sunny, relaxing destination next year. The West Indies Explorer (11 days; San Juan to San Juan) starts in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before sailing for the Lesser Antilles, calling at Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, St. Martin and St. Thomas. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $2,999 per person. Sailing Dates: October 28, November 7, December 17 and December 27, 2016; January 6, January 16, January 26, February 5 and February 15, 2017.
Here's CCRA's full list of the top locations with the most hotel bookings made for stays between December 21, 2015 and March 18, 2016.
The Top 10 U.S. Cities For Winter 2015/16 Hotel Stays
Las Vegas, NV
Orlando, FL
New Orleans, LA
San Mateo, CA
Anaheim, CA
Fort Lauderdale, FL
New York, NY
San Francisco, CA
Miami, FL
Honolulu, HI
The Top 10 International Cities For Winter 2015/16 Hotel Stays
Panama City, PA
San Juan, PR
Sydney, AU
Cancun, MEX
Auckland, NZ
Boracay Island, PH
Toronto, CA
London, BR
Buenos Aires, AR
Rome, IT