PURE INDULGENCE: The Park Hotel Kenmare on
Ireland's Ring of Kerry began construction of Samas, its new
10,000-square-foot spa set to open this October. The Irish-language
word Samas -- pronounced "sa-vass" -- signifies "pure indulgence of
the senses." Located beside the hotel on a wooded knoll, Samas will
have separate male and female facilities, each with a "heat
experience room," sauna, glass-walled relaxation room with terrace,
outdoor pool and six sound-proofed holistic treatment rooms, among
other features. In addition, a beauty suite, two double treatment
suites for couples, a tai-chi pavilion and a fitness center will be
constructed. For more information, contact John Brennan at (011)
353 644-1200, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.parkkenmare.com.
AGENTS WELCOME: In Quest of the Classics is
hosting a seven-night fam trip to Ireland, departing March 16. The
tour departs from London and visits Connemara and Dublin, among
others. The land-only trip is priced from $799 per person, double,
and includes accommodations, sightseeing, some meals and transfers.
Companions are eligible at the same rate. Call (800) 227-1393 or
send an e-mail to [email protected] with questions or to sign up.
WEEKEND BREAK: Hilton is offering two-night
bed-and-breakfast breaks for two at three of its properties in
Ireland through April 27. The properties are the Hilton Belfast,
the Hilton Dublin and the Templepatrick Hotel and Country Club,
located outside Belfast. The deal includes two nights'
accommodations for two, sharing a twin or double room; breakfast
each morning; and dinner the first evening. Prices are about $209
per room in Belfast and Templepatrick, and about $306 in Dublin.
Adjacent to Belfast's new Waterfront Hall, the Hilton Belfast is a
five-minute walk from the city center. The Templepatrick property,
set on 220-acres of the Castle Upton Estate -- 15 minutes outside
Belfast -- boasts an 18-hole golf course and shuttles to the city.
Meanwhile, the Hilton Dublin -- built in 1997 -- is a 10-minute
walk from St. Stephen's Green and Grafton Street. For commission
and booking information, call Hilton's Travel Agent Help Desk at
(800) 635-0025 or visit www.hilton.com.
JEWEL OF A DEAL: Sceptre Ireland brought back
its Emerald Package, priced from $399 per person when booked by St.
Patrick's Day, March 17. The deal includes six nights'
accommodations in hotels and bed-and-breakfasts; a weekly car
rental with unlimited mileage; full Irish breakfast daily; and
sales tax and VAT. Prices through March 31 are $479 from Baltimore,
Boston, New York (Kennedy) and Washington (Dulles); $569 from
Chicago; and $679 from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Prices April
1 to May 31 are $699 from Baltimore, Boston, Dulles and Kennedy;
$799 from Chicago; and $999 from Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Clients can upgrade to the Emerald Castle package with
accommodations at one of five luxury castles for $100 per person.
Rates are based on midweek travel for two people traveling
together; departure taxes are not included. Sceptre Ireland
normally pays 15% on land and 8% on air. For commission information
or to book, call (800) 221-0924 or try out the company's online Web
booking engine at www.sceptreireland.com.