We are proud to announce the addition of SHA Wellness Clinic to our Wellness Travel Collection. SHA is a world-class pioneering wellness clinic dedicated to the improvement of well-being through the fusion of Oriental disciplines and revolutionary Western techniques. Located in Albir, on the side of the Sierra Helada overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on Spain’s eastern coast, SHA Wellness Clinic features 93 modern Suites with sea views and terraces, an acclaimed macrobiotic restaurant, 14,000 square-foot spa and clinic which offers world-leading alternative health practices, natural therapies, healthy aging treatments, genetics and medical wellness, as well as aesthetic medicine.

Journey to Uruguay with the countries most famous artists - Escorted by Delia Negro, Latin America Art Professor and Kike Badaro, Uruguay Artist and Art Curator, this promises to be a remarkable insider’s tour. Trip includes five nights at Estancia Vik José Ignacio; lunches at sister property on the beach Playa Vik; special visits to art galleries and museums; private visit to local artists’ private workshops; welcome reception and dinners with artists and more. Dates for this unique and exclusive journey are February 2 - 7, 2012, space is limited.

Kurtz-Ahlers & Associates is proud to welcome WildChina to our representation for the West Coast. Started in 2000 by Mei Zhang, a native of Yunnan Province and a Harvard MBA, WildChina offers exciting, distinctive, culturally rich and ecologically sensitive journeys to all corners of China. Customize a private trip or join an exclusive, small-group departure. Discover hidden corners of the Forbidden City, walk on the winding Great Wall, and witness the daily lives of local families. At WildChina, adventure and luxury are synonymous, where distinctive programs feature insider access to sites, superior customer service, and attention to detail.

Set on 2.8 acres of verdant frontage along the Chao Praya River, The Siam is a private 39-suite luxury retreat located in Bangkok's royal Dusit district. Concierge services can customize an array of riverine adventures including a private barge tour of Bangkok to reveal the City of Angel's ancient beginnings, a boat trip to view hand crafted pottery on Koh Kret Island, or a sail to a memorable round of golf upriver.

The chance to explore Bangkok’s boutique gem in coming just after the New Year. Book now to receive special soft opening rates until February 15, 2012 with 50% off. Contact Donald Wong to book by email at donald@siamhotels.com

Esperanza will be hosting Chef Gary Danko, recognized as one of America's most talented and respected chefs. His achievements include a James Beard Foundation "Best Chef-California" award, and reflect his lifelong pursuit of excellence in the culinary arts. Package includes Champagne cocktail reception to meet Chef Danko, 4th Night Free, Round Trip Airport Transfers ($300 value), Daily Breakfast, Dinner for 2 at El Restaurante - special menu prepared by Chef Danko and Chef Cerda, Dinner for 2 at La Palapa Bar & Grill one night during your stay, and 2-$50 Spa Certificates.

Armani Hotel Milan is situated in the prestigious Manzoni 31 building in Milano, Italy, anchoring the world-famous couture district, known as the quadrilatero della moda. Personally designed by Giorgio Armani, the hotel will feature 95 elegantly appointed Guestrooms and Suites, resonating the simplicity and elegance of the Armani style. It will offer an extensive food and beverage experience through its culinary outlets and lounge. In addition, the hotel will also feature the Armani/SPA and a well-equipped business center. The launch of Armani Hotel Milano follows the opening of the world’s first Armani hotel in Dubai, located within the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

Honeymoon at two unique locations in South Africa that epitomize luxury, romance, and adventure; Molori Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, and Molori Clifton above Clifton Beach, Cape Town. Package includes four nights at Molori Clifton and three nights at Molori Safari Lodge, VIP airport service and transfers, welcome sparkling wine, private candlelit dinner, Cape Winelands Tour, Romantic Dessert under the stars, massages, and more. Book before December 15th, 2011 and lock in 2011 Rates. Valid until December 15, 2012.

According to Tibetan texts the human body is based on the 5 cosmic elements, and these 5 elements need to be in harmony for good health. Ananda - In the Himalayas has introduced a new range of treatments incorporating a merging of Tibetan with traditional Indian treatments to achieve harmony. The treatments include Tibetan balancing of the 5 elements; Tibetan deep tissue massage; Manipura massage; and Kundalini massage.

The results speak for themselves. An honest account of results from recent guests at the luxury boot camp in the hills of Malibu;

“It is almost as though it has changed my set-point. It's like it resets your metabolism. I was so sure, having hit 50, that those few extra pounds were something I had to accept. Not so, not so at all.”
“Words cannot explain how totally amazing The Ranch was. It was not only a cleanse of the body but a cleanse of the mind and soul. The no communication was amazing. I did it and loved it! Came home pure, fresh and focused.”

The Festival is named after the hornbill, the globally respected bird and which is displayed in folklore in most of the state’s tribes. The week long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colorful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and religious ceremonies. Nagaland is a vibrant state on the north-eastern end of India bordered by Myanmar in the East; Assam in the West; Arunachal Pradesh and a part of Assam in the North with Manipur in the south. Peirce & Leslie’s 15-day itinerary in December includes highlights of India and a visit to the festival.

The spectacular Con Dao archipelago of islands in south-east of Vietnam is home to Con Dao Island, where Six Senses Con Dao is situated along an expansive white sand beach surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. The heart of the resort has been designed to resemble a traditional Vietnamese fishing village and market place. The 50 private pool villas offer space and privacy along with an uncompromised standard of luxury, and built following Six Senses total commitment to the environment with natural, reclaimed and sustainable materials. The whole area has been protected as a nature and marine reserve for decades and its unspoilt beauty is home to many endangered and indigenous species. The resort can be reached by commercial aircraft or chartered private plane into Con Dao’s Con Ang Airport, a 45- minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Recent accolades include Conde Nast Traveler Hot List and Travel + Leisure It List for 2011.

The Lodge at Doonbeg on the southwest coast of Ireland features cuisine under the guidance of Tom Colicchio by Chef Wade Murphy, who strives to provide all local and fresh cuisine to his patrons in the Longroom Restaurant and Darby’s Pub, where Sushi is served every Wednesday. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers and fisherman in the nearby village of Doonbeg. Recent press on Doonbeg’s fine cuisine in Conde Nast Traveler and Food & Wine, includes one of Chef Murphy’s favorite seafood recipes. The Lodge also boasts a  variety of exciting sports and sightseeing offerings on its doorstep including the world famous Cliffs of Moher.

Experience Mexico like never before at this intimate and secluded 8-villa resort with this amazing offer – “Pay One Night Stay Two”. Bonus Night rates include daily breakfast, guided hiking and kayak tours, and more until October 31, 2011. The press agrees Imanta has “magnetic attraction” as its name implies with recent accolades that include The Robb Report and Elite Traveler, links below.

Located in the Exumas of the Bahamas, Musha Cay’s eleven private islands and 40 private beaches are reserved for one party at a time and can accommodate up to 24 guests, with every detail customized for each group. Check out some recent press about Musha Cay - the ultimate private island experience.

"Exhale" package includes two night's accommodations in a spacious Casita Junior Suite King with Garden Patio, welcome amenity on arrival, daily breakfast, daily exercise classes in movement studio, two 60-minute Essence Massages followed by a complementary bath for two, and more until May 1, 2012.

For an unprecedented 8th time, luxury safari company Micato Safaris has been chosen as “World’s Best Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter” by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards is garnered from reader survey’s revealing favorite hotels, cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, car-rental agencies, spas, and tour operators and safari outfitters. Micato received an overall score of 97.04 out of a possible 100 points.

With their prime location in Downtown Dubai, also referred to as ‘Center of Now’, these luxurious hotels will be hosting a range of exciting events, dining options and glamorous parties to suit every taste. The spectacular Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest tower, will once again showcase stunning fireworks which the guests of the hotels will have direct access to. Please contact your travel agent for further information or visit www.armanihotels.com and www.theaddress.com

Explore California’s wine country with Relais & Châteaux. Sample fine wines and savor the amazing cuisine of the region’s greatest chefs, including Thomas Keller, Christopher Kostow and Gary Danko. Indulge in the area’s most sought-after accommodations at celebrity favorite, Auberge du Soleil and other incredible hideaways. Travel our California Route du Bonheur and enjoy the best that California has to offer! For reservations or information, call 800-735-2478 or email Martina Reznick at m.reznick@relaischateaux.com.

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, an Auberge Resort has been awarded the prestigious Five Diamond Award by the American Automobile Association (AAA). Less than one-half percent of more than 31,000 properties approved by AAA achieve this prestigious distinction. A resort with a Five Diamond Award truly reflects the characteristics of the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. Accommodations are first class, setting and decor are extraordinary, and service exceeds all guest expectations while maintaining an impeccable standard of excellence.

Your culinary senses will be treated when you check in to Chiva-Som, where chefs create daily menus to offer the widest range of dishes to suit a healthy lifestyle while satisfying your appetite. Our view of spa cuisine is that the moderation should be in the ingredients, not the flavor. Our philosophy is that our guests should take away not just a memory but also an experience which is why all of our dishes can be made at home using ingredients that can be purchased anywhere. We offer spa cooking classes and the Chiva-Som cookbook where the secrets of a healthy diet can be learned and applied at home. Experience a bit of Spa Cuisine tonight with this delicious recipe - Lobster Ravioli with Seafood Sauce.

Planned to be completed by December, 2011, and designed by Nicklaus Design, the new Bristol Buenaventura golf course in Panama has been carefully planned to enhance the natural landscape within this luxurious community and to provide a challenging and enjoyable experience for players. The signature hole will cut into the Pacific coastline with stunning views of Buenaventura’s white sand beach. From caddy concierges to specialized golf instructors, golfers will be assured that all their needs are attended to in the most exclusive of fashions.

Journey to Florence with the family this fall and winter with an exciting two-night package that includes accommodations in two Salviati double rooms, American breakfast for four, seasonal dinner for four at Il Salviatino's restaurant excluding beverages, two hours evening baby sitting service, four tickets to the Palazzo with a Picasso drawing class for children, 24 hour Ambassador service, and more from 1800 Euro until March 31, 2012.

Treat yourself to wellness this fall season at Pritikin, a wellness retreat like no other. People come to Pritikin for one week, two weeks, and longer, and return home transformed. “Our mission is to lead you back to health and vitality, and to give you real-world tools that will help you stay healthy long after you’ve left,” states cardiologist Ronald Scheib, MD, Medical Director of the Pritikin Longevity Center. Labor Day Special is valid until October 14 with the lowest rates of the year from $4,000 for one week. Starting October 15th, fall rates start at just $4,500 per week.

Auberge Resorts appoints Martin Nicholson as General Manager of Encantado, an Auberge Resort and award-winning Santa Fe property with 65 casitas, destination spa, Terra Restaurant and The Bar at Encantado. Opened in 2008, Encantado is the first-ever, full-service, five diamond luxury resort to grace the cultural mecca of Santa Fe. Set on 57 acres of rolling hills just outside of the city center in Tesuque, N.M., it offers luxury lodging and service with a contemporary Southwestern aesthetic.

Kelley Austen, formerly of the Kurtz-Ahlers team, announced an exciting new venture from her new home in Africa. “My African Experience” is a boutique inbound tour company specializing in custom travel experiences for discerning travelers. With offices in Cape Town, South Africa and Harare, Zimbabwe, My African Experience is perfectly positioned to provide travel customization and coordination for clients wanting to explore a more personal side of Africa. Contact Kelley Austen for more information by email - kelley@my-african-experience.com

Sign up for one of our informative webinars presented by members of the Kurtz-Ahlers Sales team!  Upcoming dates include;

September 29, 2011 – Musha Cay by Jolene Detillion at 11am PST

October 5, 2011 – Imanta by Farimah Parang at 11am PST

October 18, 2011 – Il Salviatino by Jolene Detillion at 11am PST

October 26, 2011 - Six Senses Maldives by Dora Karanikas at 2pm EST

October 27, 2011 - Armani Dubai, Address Dubai and Zighy Bay by Dora Karanikas at 2pm EST

November 30, 2011 - Vik Retreats by Dora Karanikas at 2pm EST

December 1, 2011 - Pritikin Longevity Center by by Dora Karanikas at 2pm EST