ARANJAYA-Catania, Sicily
Touch down in Catania, head south for about 20 clicks, make sure you pass Mount Etna on your right and head for the orange groves. See them yet? Good, that means you've arrived at our lovely new find, Aranjaya. Ensconced in its own organic citrus farm, it's a rustic yet chic charming villa-turned-boutique hotel, but don't let it's 8 rooms fool you. It's a vision in terracotta & whitewash and completely immersed in Sicilian character, offering its own infinity pool, tennis courts, lazy billowing palms, multi-colored flora, and ubiquitous views of the volcano.

After all, it's been run by an aristocratic family for over 300 years, who have preserved the tasteful, almost "lived-in" feel which makes guests feel like it's truly their own private home. Complete with gorgeous olive-oil bath products, Espresso machines, artistic touches and even an in-house chef (who happens to be Tunisian and produces the most incredible Mediterranean fare with a locavore flair). The lovely town of Catania sits just nearby, making this a beautiful, private spot to spend your stay in Sicily.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a week's stay and receive your choice of either 2 COMPLIMENTARY nights or an upgrade to an Orchard Suite. Visit http://www.aranjaya.com/ for more information or reservations, and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

GOLDENPASS LINE- Switzerland by rail
Emerald green grass dotted with yellow flowers, the strangely mystical bluish hues reflecting off of snowcapped peaks - this is how Switzerland is meant to be enjoyed and traveling by rail gives you a front row seat to the pure and completely natural. When next you're traveling through this charming land, we recommend GoldenPass Line, the best way to travel between Montreux to Lucerne, a railway system with routes so picturesque you'd think they were part of the original mountain passes themselves. Imagine, beginning the journey at the Riviera soaking up Mediterranean ambiance, rolling through tunnels, alpine forests, bubbling streams, quaint chalets, and fashionable mountain ski towns, in the comfort of a climate-controlled cocoon of comfort.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a passage on either the Golden Pass Panoramic or Golden Pass Classic train routes and save CHF 5 per person for travel through 31 Dec 2010. For more information or to book, please visit http://www.goldenpass.ch/montreuxzweisimmen/the_explorateur , or call +41 840 245 245 and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

BILL PEACH JOURNEYS- Australia
Landcruising is fun, seacruising is even better, but AIRCRUISING- well, that's just fabulous and perhaps the best way to see Australia. And Bill Peach Journeys knows how to create that perfect spectacular luxury experience for you. Who is Bill Peach, you say? We're glad you asked. An intrepid traveler with a passion for Australia, he launched the company by utilizing private aircraft to create unique exploration experiences across the Outback. It worked so well that he figured, why stop there- and hence a beautiful array of journeys across the continent and New Zealand were rolled out over the years resulting in some of the most personalized, stylish, and all-encompassing experiences you can imagine.

Aircrusing is 5-star luxe touring entitling guests to expert guides, private aircraft, luxury accommodations on the ground, fine cuisine, enlightening insights from the amazing vistas seen from the air, sightseeing tours and privileged access to sites not easily accessed by the average tour group. This is seeing Australia in true style, and have we got a great deal for you.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- A wealth of Early Booking Specials available only for Explorateur readers, with savings up to AU $750 per person (approx. $680 USD). Offers are based on double occupancy, must be booked and paid in full by 31 Mar 2010 and are non-combinable with any other offer. Please visit http://www.billpeachjourneys.com.au/ for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

MESMEAR- Cornwall, UK

"Where do you live, in a barn?" Oh that phrase used to make us cringe when we were little, Dad's echo of dissatisfaction with our incessant refusal to close doors. Now that we're all grown up, we actually think barns are cool and we love this special little trio of 3 luxurious barns-turned-cottages in delightful North Cornwall.

If you don't know North Cornwall, it's time to get acquainted. It's not only beautiful, but super-chic and framed on one side by a surfer's paradise, a foodie haven, and a quaint fishing village. There's lots to do, which is why it's excellent for families, or large groups of friends traveling together.

The lovingly-restored 18th Century former farm buildings are now known as The Mill, The Barn and The Calf's House and generally are taken on a weekly basis. Gone is the hay, replaced with silken Egyptian cotton sheets. Gone are the farm blankets, replaced with fluffy towels, and gone is the sawdust, replaced with under-floor heating. There are all sorts of goodies to add in, such as a personal chef & housekeeper to prepare your meals and the quintessential daily afternoon tea, or even a Master culinary class with the resident chef who will take you out himself to collect the fresh free-range eggs and pick the home grown vegetables. Go barnstyle and enjoy!

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Twice the value!
• Book your stay at either The Barn or The Calf's House and receive a delicious complimentary three-course meal for two with wine, cooked and served in the comfort of your own rental property by Mesmear’s resident chef.

• Book your stay at The mill and receive £80 of complimentary beauty treatments at the Cowshed Spa at the St Moritz Hotel, situated nearby.

Offer valid for all of 2010, non-combinable with any other promotion. Visit the Mesmear site at http://www.mesmear.co.uk/ or call +144101208 869 731 and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

KAMALAME CAY- Andros Island, Bahamas

Folks, it's a great time of year. If you're all coupled up, you've got Valentine's Day just around the corner and if not, no worries - you've got President's Day as your hall pass for a long weekend. Either way, it's such a great time to skip town for a few days and get as disconnected as an unplugged phone. Where, you say? We're glad you asked. Sing with us to the tune of Kamalame Cay.

A 96-acre self-contained private island hideaway, sitting on 3 miles of those sugary-soft sandy beaches Andros Island is so famous for. And, since it's the world's 3rd longest barrier reef, you know that the fishing and underwater adventures are going to be spectacular. Everything is centered around the privacy theme, rooms are villa and cottage-style suites, the spa suites are built out over the water, and you generally need a ferry or seaplane to actually get there. If that doesn't spell seclusion, we don't know what does. And if you can travel in the next few weeks, you've got an opportunity to enjoy this piece of the world with a lovely offer.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- In addition to saving 15%, Explorateur readers receive a FREE room upgrade and $100 per person resort/activity credit at Kamalame Cay, courtesy of Frontiers Travel. Incredible deal offering if you need to get away ASAP. Travel must be completed by 15 Feb 2010. Contact http://www.frontierstravel.com/ or call 800-245-1950, and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

HKHOTELS- New York's Best Boutique Hideaways

Finding an amazing hotel in NYC - easy. Finding an amazing hotel with a tremendous value proposition in a fabulous location- not so easy. Or is it? We think so, HKHotels offers an innovative collection that ensures you're not compromising on anything that's important when visiting NYC, whether you're coming from a city far, far away or just hopping over a bridge for a quick weekend getaway.

Love luxe and glamour? Try the Hotel Giraffe, 26th & Park Ave South

Love books & literature? Try the Library Hotel, 41st & Madison

Love country-French flair? Try the Hotel Elysée, E. 54th & Madison

How about magnificent Moroccan motif? Try the Casablanca Hotel, 43rd & B'way

The group's mantra of personal service, discreet elegance, timeless beauty and distinct personality carry through no matter which hotel you opt for. They are more concerned with building lifelong relationships rather than taking individual reservations which we think there's no substitute for. And with these great locations, and the deals we've got for you, it's time to head to the Big Apple ASAP.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- In addition to HKHotels' Signature Style of Hospitality & Value offers including a bountiful European style breakfast, selection of coffee & teas from around the world throughout the day, free wi-fi and daily wine & cheese receptions and passes to NY Sports Club, Explorateur readers also receive:

-10% off of Best Available Unrestricted Rates
-Complimentary chilled bottle of Prosecco in your room upon arrival
-Luxurious signature bathrobe to take home as a memento of your special trip

To book, please enter promotional code Explorateur when reserving online at http://www.hkhotels.com/ or via phone at 212.201.1155 Valid for travel through 31 Mar 2010...and, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

AER LINGUS SALE PREVIEW!
Aer Lingus is having a three day sale 19-21 Jan, promoting Spring travel to Ireland and Europe...but you get to book it early! There's a special Partner Preview day on 18 Jan that we've been granted access to, and we of course wanted to share it with you:


Click here to find out about the amazing savings:
http://www.aerlingus.com/cgi-bin/obel01im1/bookonline/index.jsp?campid=explorateur_jan2010


Here's a sampling of the incredible offers:

NY JFK - Dublin or Shannon from just $239*

Boston/Chicago - Dublin or Shannon from just $269*

Plus great fares to other destinations in the UK and Europe!



Valid for travel between 10 Apr - 15 Jun but you have to hurry...everything needs to be booked by 21 Jan so get hopping.



*Sample airfares are each way, based on roundtrip purchase. Excludes U.S. government taxes, fees, airport facility charges as well as foreign inspection, security and other gov’t/airport charges, fees and taxes of up to $84 eastbound and $210 westbound (depending on itinerary) and the September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 for U.S. enplanements. Valid for new bookings only. Visit aerlingus.com for full terms and conditions.

MOUNTAIN PARADISE- Slovakia Ski Specialist
Think you've skied it all? Well, the Tatra Mountains are calling, and daring you to find a spot in the world that offers a better value. Slovakia may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a chic European ski holiday, sure, but that's only because it's a well kept secret. Imagine Gstaad or Chamonix sans obscene pricing. You've got your 5 star resorts including brands like Kempinski along with charming boutique chalets. You've got perfect peaks for beginners & intermediates, apres-ski options aplenty, dramatic views to die for, and average main course prices at most restaurants rounding out under US $8. Yes, seriously.

Mountain Paradise is the expert in this area, hands-down- and since they only sell Slovakia ski, there's nobody better to design this perfect unique ski getaway. Happy Slovakian schussing, everyone.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save 10% off of any Tatra Mountains getaway from Mountain Paradise through March, 2010. Visit http://www.mountainparadise.co.uk/ for more information and reservations. And, as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

CROWNE POINTE HISTORIC INN-Cape Cod, MA
Although it may sound strange, we always find New England to be in its most beautiful state in the midst of winter...and we've got such a cozy deal for you at one of our favorite Cape Cod hideaways. The Crowne Pointe Historic Inn is an indulgent AAA Four-Diamond gem at the end of the gorgeous 70-mile long Cape Cod peninsula, and the perfect place for a cozy getaway this time of year.

Thoreau once said of picturesque Provincetown, “A man can stand there and put all America behind him.” It was the first landing place of the Pilgrims, and actually America’s oldest continuously operating artists’ colony. With an impressive collection of four centuries of architecture, dozens of art galleries, arts and culture, an open-minded attitude, theater, recreation, world-class dining and some of Cape Cod’s most astounding beaches and enduring beauty, small wonder millions visit this tiny town at the Cape’s tip every year.

The Crowne Pointe Historic Inn is just one block from the hustle and bustle of buoyant Commercial Street, and with its host of pampering amenities, idyllic location, indulgent guest rooms and suites, full hot breakfast daily, wine & cheese socials nightly, on-site full-service Shui Spa and award-winning Bistro at Crowne Pointe, you'll find every wish is easily fulfilled during your stay. It's a truly perfect, romantic spot for that quick winter getaway you need. Try this perfect getaway package on for size:

•2 Night stay in a charming room
• 1 spa treatment per person at the Inn’s on-site Shui Spa
• Complimentary wine & cheese social each afternoon daily between 5-6pm
• Full hot gourmet breakfast for 2 each morning
• 2-course dinner for two at the Bistro at Crowne Pointe on one evening of your choice
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and Unlimited use of the Inn's DVD library
plus

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Special welcome gift on arrival- surprise! Visit http://www.crownepointe.com/ for more information and please call 508-487-6767 to book this EXPLORATEUR Crowne Pointe package. And, as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

*Valid six days a week valid now thru May 2, not valid turing holidays. Restaurant is not open Monday or Tuesday nights in the shoulder and winter seasons so packages must include a night other than those days

WIN A TICKET TO EUROPE
OK Folks, Saturday Surprise. We've got a British Airways ticket burning a hole in our pocket. Up for grabs, economy-class to anywhere they fly in Europe*, from any gateway of departure they service from the US. All you need to do is spread the word- if you like our e-newsletter and want to win the ticket, just let a few friends know about us. If they sign up and refer you, you get 1 "stamp" on your passport. By Friday 15 Jan, the person with the most stamps wins. Just refer them to www.theexplorateurtravels.com or the super busy folks can just skip a step and go straight HERE to the registration page and make sure they remember to mention your name. Good luck...we can't wait to send one of you to Europe!

POINT IT- Travellers Language Dictionary

You're on a streetcorner, in a foreign land, you can't speak or read the local language, you're getting frustrated and panicked because you're perhaps:

A. Totally and completely lost

B. Really, really hungry

C. Have to buy a toothbrush

D. Need an ATM

E. Got to get to a bathroom- STAT

Or anything else of that sort...you know you've been there, we have too... but never again! Ha ha- we've found a way to outsmart the "Does anyone here speak English???" sweats. POINT IT - the coolest travel book we know. It's a passport-sized savior for anywhere, any place, and just about anything you need when words fail you. It's jam packed with super kitchy 70's style photos of over 1,200 things...random things but useful things- like chicken, toothpaste, taxi, doctor, bed, vegetables, sandals and more. Pick one up and take it wherever you roam, because everyone seems to speak the universal language of POINT.

BAILLIE LODGES- Australia
They're a collection of intimate luxury lodges, in some of the world's most unique and remote destinations, and we think you'll love them becuase they deliver abject luxury, and are bathed in the magic that emanates from the purely natural surroundings of southern Australia and mystifying Tasmania.

Southern Ocean Lodge, their piece of heaven on remote Kangaroo Island, has got a fantastic deal for you, and it's so well worth the very long journey to reach this piece of perfection in the South Pacific. It strikes you at first glance with its incredible organic beauty and intense purity. But walk a bit further and take a step into one of their signature Remarkable Suites and your overwhelmed feeling is taken to a whole other level. Luxuriously scrumptious, with floor to ceiling windows, amazingly spacious bedroom & separate lounge, all of the high tech gadgets you could ask for like an Eco-Smart fireplace and even a rustic chic timber bathtub built specifically to offer awe-inspiring views from high on the cliff, all across to the Antarctic. Don't forget the private terrace lounge spa, it's beyond lavish as is the entire experience. You want seclusion and luxury, you've got it...

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a 3 night package at Southern Ocean Lodge and receive a complimentary upgrade to a Remarkable Suite plus a $100 spa voucher. It's a fantastic bonus worth over $1900! Valid for travel through 30 Jun 2010, please quote offer code EXPSOL when making your reservation. Visit http://www.baillielodges.com.au/ for more information and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

ADVENTURESMITH EXPLORATIONS
We must say we're so excited about this, it's one of the most significant savings we've ever promoted to our readers! And why not, an adventure this amazing would naturally be accompanied by an equally as fab message. If you're like us, you've dreamed of visiting Antarctica in all it's purity, vastness, and sheer wondrous glory. And, if you're even more like us, you've probably been putting it off, waiting for the perfect time. Well folks, the stars have aligned and 2010 is your year, courtesy of AdventureSmith Explorations. This company pioneered the art of small ship cruises combined with adventure treks on the ground, continuously evolving and outdoing each itinerary year after year- always with new and exciting destinations to explore.

Their philosophy is beautifully simple and natural. Small vessels, which are exclusively outfitted expressly for the purpose of viewing wildlife and exploring the wilderness. Lodges on land whose design and staff are deeply rooted in the destination where it stands. Sustainable practices respectful to nature are always employed. And outstanding, knowledgeable guides, who have lived in, explored, and completely assimilated every aspect of each region they service. The time is now, and the offers have never been better.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Savings range from an ASTONISHING $3490 to $7990 per person (and vary by cruise date and category). Explorateur readers enjoy the following extra-deep discounts , leaving you absolutely no more reasons to keep putting off the trip of a lifetime you've always wanted to take on these amazing cruises that trek through some of the most unbelievable natural phenomenons on earth.

-22 Jan - 10 Feb 2010 aboard the Ocean Nova
Standard rate for twin cabin is $17990pp / Explorateur rate is $10200 pp

-24 Jan - 12 Feb 2010 aboard the Orlova
Standard rate for lower deck twin is $13490 pp / Explorateur rate is $10200 pp

-22 Feb - 13 Mar 2010 aboard the Ocean Nova
Standard rate for twin cabin is $15390 pp / Explorateur rate is $10200 pp

For more information, visit http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/159 or call 800-728-2875, or email travel@adventuresmithexplorations.com and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

AER LINGUS VACATION STORE

The holidays are over but for all of us hopelessly romantic Explorateurs out there, Valentine's Day is just around the corner (gasp!). Relax, have we got an emerald of a deal for you that is guaranteed to launch you into VDay rock star status. It's an opportunity to experience one of Ireland's most exclusive 5-star gems, the splendid Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt in charming Wicklow, just close enough to Dublin to experience the vibrance yet far enough to indulge in the serenity of the countryside. When visiting Ireland, it's a great idea to base yourself in one place and plan day trips throughout your stay so this option is ideal, plus at prices starting at $2199* per person including Business Class air, it's a deal you can't afford not to take advantage of! That's right- we're talking:

- Round-Trip Business Class airfare

-6 nights in an interconnecting 2-bedroom suite at Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt

-Automatic car rental with GPS

-1 dinner at Gordon Ramsay's restaurant @ the Ritz-Carlton

-Elegant full breakfast daily.

Trust us, there's no better place to base oneself than at this stunning property, and no better way to get to Ireland than Aer Lingus. Enjoy!

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- $2199 pricing based on 4 people travelling together travelling from NY-JFK, pricing is available for 2, 3, 4 and 5 people travelling as well as from Boston and Chicago, and varies by date & gateway. Promotion valid for travel through 23 Aug 2010. For more information contact Aer Lingus Vacation Store at 800-495-1632 or visit www.aerlingusvacationstore.com and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!


*Terms & Conditions: Advertised prices are per person based on four travellers and include roundtrip business class airfare on valid Aer Lingus transatlantic services between New York or Boston to Dublin and a shared, full size automatic transmission car rental including unlVimited mileage. Based on travel from 01.01.10 - 03.10.10. Package includes 6 night's accommodations at the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt in interconnecting rooms of one suite with Living Room and Deluxe Room both with ensuite bathroom (for 4 or 5 travellers). 2 or 3 passengers' accommodations include one suite with living area. Seats are limited and prices may be restricted to specific flights, class of service, travel dates, length of stay or room type. Holiday periods, flights and dates outside of specified travel period are available at an additional cost. Accommodations include applicable taxes. Full payment is due at time of reservation. Offers apply to North American-originating passengers only. Stated prices exclude government taxes/fees/facility charges of up to $60 eastbound and $120 westbound and the September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 for US enplanements. Flight restrictions/terms & conditions apply. Frequent flyer mileage/points do not apply. Tickets are non-refundable. Stopovers are not permitted. Offers cannot be combined with any other discounts/promotions. Child/infant discounts not available. Valid for new bookings only. Prices are based on the lowest available airfare at the time of printing and may be subject to availability and change. Substantial restrictions apply for cancellation/changes. Call (800) 495-1632 for full details on change/cancellation policy and detailed land offering. Additional terms and conditions will apply.

EVIAN ROYAL RESORT- Evian-les-bains, France
There are few places remaining in the world today that evoke a feeling of well-being in its purest form, luckily we still know a few to be able to enjoy. While we're sure you've certainly sampled Evian water from a bottle, we encourage you to take a step further and visit the source- a place so rich in natural therapeutic energy and exceptional beauty that it's overwhelming at first. The Evian Royal Resort sits almost suspended between the magnificent lake and the mountains, in its own lush regal gardens that are pure perfection with their fragrant blossoms and carefully manicured paths. The resort evokes harmony in its design, service, spa offerings and rooms that are the utmost in quintessential French elegance. The staff here certainly has perfected the art of anticipating their guests' needs which one can not put a price on. For those traveling with children, you'll certainly appreciate the endless, and most thoughtful activities that are as energetic as your little ones, full of curiosity, wonder and an educational theme with everything from cake workshops and pottery, to circus acts and even Mini-Olympics...absolutely adorable, and assuring parental peace of mind which again, one can not put a price on either. Stunning all around and a true 5-star winner in our book.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Special in-room gift treats upon arrival including a splendid VIP welcome basket filled with champagne, chocolates, fruits & more plus 2010 Paul Smith Evian water bottle - all this on top of an amazing savings of 30% off of room rates for travel now through 31 Mar 2010. 3 Night minimum stay required- visit http://www.evianroyalresort.com/ or email reservation@evianroyalresort.com for reservations and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!