While celebrating Thanksgiving in late November is technically an American tradition — unless you indulge in pumpkin pie in solidarity with our neighbours to the south, in which case, Happy Thanksgiving! — here in Canada, we can still reap the benefits of the iconic event that follows the next day (minus the post-turkey food coma): Black Friday, and its online counterpart, Cyber Monday. And since these amazing holiday sales are super time-sensitive, we rounded up the best luxury travel deals that you won’t want to miss — especially when it’s negative-20 degrees in January and you’re dreaming of a sunny escape. All you have to do is get your credit card ready and decide which exotic locale you’ll be heading to next. Bon voyage!
1. Atlantis, Paradise Island
Paradise Island, The Bahamas
From now until midnight on Friday Nov. 27, island-hoppers can enjoy up to 50% off on nightly rates at this luxe Caribbean resort destination. Book a minimum four-night stay (not too hard considering the array of sun, sand and ocean-themed activities available, plus the Mandara Spa and 141-acre waterpark) and receive a resort credit, depending on the tower chosen (either Beach, Coral, Royal Towers, and The Cove). Then pack your bags for travel between December 1, 2015 and November 22, 2016 (blackout period Dec. 24, 2015 to Jan. 2, 2016). If cuddling up with a dolphin is your idea of a holiday in the sun, on Monday Nov. 30 only, book a minimum four-night stay to receive a one shallow-water dolphin interaction at Dolphin Cay Atlantis with a resort credit.
Where to Find:
Atlantis, Paradise Island
Paradise Island, The Bahamas
1-800-Atlantis; atlantisbahamas.com
2. Rail Europe
Given that the best way to see the rolling hills of the English countryside or majestic views of the Swiss Alps are by train, then this deal is not to be missed. Wind your way through the storybook Christmas markets in Germany with 20% off the German Rail Pass (book by Dec. 10, 2015; valid for travel until Jan. 31, 2016). The Black Friday/Cyber Monday offer also includes $300 off a first-class train tour of Switzerland for two adults (book from Nov. 27 through to Dec. 4).
3. The Peninsula Chicago
Chicago, IL
If you ever needed a reason to visit the Windy City (in case world-class theatre or a vibrant foodie scene hasn’t lured you here already) then 20% off your hotel stay and a guaranteed upgrade to a luxury suite will have you booking your flight in no time. Reserve your stay at one of The Peninsula Chicago’s newly renovated rooms and suites between Friday Nov. 27 and Monday Nov. 30 to soak up this limited offer (travel between Dec. 13, 2015 and Apr. 30, 2016; rates start at $300 USD/night).
Where to Find:
The Peninsula Chicago
108 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL
1-312-337-2888; chicago.peninsula.com
4. Contiki
Just in time for the holidays, treat yourself to the gift of travel. And with Contiki’s biggest-ever Black Friday sale, the only lingering question will be island-hopping in Thailand or ski adventure in Austria. From now until Dec. 7, all remaining 2015 Contiki trips are 30% off. And with 18 different itineraries to suit every type of traveller, there’s no excuse not to finish off the year with an epic adventure.
5. Half Moon, A RockResort
Montego Bay, Jamaica
The mercury is dropping, signaling the cold Canadian winter underway, but that doesn’t mean that poolside yoga and fruity cocktails have to remain distant summer memories — especially with 40% off of suites at this oceanic Jamaican paradise in Montego Bay. Until Dec. 1, book your stay at this four-diamond-rated resort and you can be dipping into the turquoise waters in no time. (Suites start at $556; travel by August 2016.)
Where to Find:
Half Moon
Montego Bay, Jamaica
1-800-626-0592; halfmoon.rockresorts.com
6. 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel
Clayton, NY
Plan a must-see getaway to New York’s picturesque Thousand Islands Region, located on the St. Lawrence River, during 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel’s $99 flash sale, available from midnight on Nov. 27 to midnight on Nov. 30 (for travel until April 2016). Reserve online using the discount code “CYBER”. This is the cozy wintry escape you’ve been looking for.
Where to Find:
1000 Islands Harbor Hotel
Clayton, NY
1-315-686-1100; 1000islandsharborhotel.com
7. Green Mountain at Fox Run
For the health-nut traveller, or someone who just wants to incorporate their 2016 fitness goals into their wanderlust lifestyle, then Vermont’s renowned residential healthy weight retreat is your next stop. Save 20% on your 2016 visit when you book starting Cyber Monday and lasts for 14 days. Your healthy and mindful new life awaits.
Where to Find:
Green Mountain at Fox Run
262 Fox Lane
Ludlow, VT
1-802-228-8885; fitwoman.com
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