Best Holiday Steals and Deals

Photo: Annie Schlechter

The St. Regis Princeville Resort

Hawaii

Set on 9,000 acres of lush landscaping along the shores of Kauai’s Hanalei Bay, none of the rooms at the St. Regis are far from the water. The resort’s 251 rooms and suites have views of the gardens, mountains, and bay, and the sleek, comfortable accommodations are outfitted in ivory and taupe with splashes of color. The 300-thread-count linens make naps a priority, but the infinity pool is hard to resist, as is the afternoon tea ritual served poolside. Dine in one of four restaurants, and visit Halele’a Spa for treatments infused with local flowers and fruit. The on-site Young Voyagers Program for 5- to 12-year-olds offers daytime activities.

DON'T MISS: an exclusive Princeville Ranch Adventure through the resort to try kayaking, hiking, or zip lining through private acres on the North Shore; 877/787-3447 or stregisprinceville.com.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Book four nights and get the fifth night free, free breakfast daily for two, and a family-oriented welcome amenity: Rice Krispies sushi with local tropical sodas, or the signature St. Regis Aloha Mary cocktail for two. Rates start at $625. Offer valid until March 31, 2012. Mention the Coastal Living Getaway and promo code LCPKG1 when booking.

Photo: Courtesy of The Reefs

The Reefs

Bermuda

Bermuda is wonderful around the holidays, when the pink beaches are deserted, and the temperature hovers around 70 degrees. Blissfully situated on a limestone cliff, The Reefs is a complex of pink buildings that cascades down the hillside to a private beach. At the top, 19 new pastel-washed club suites are ideal for larger families, with two or three bedrooms, a spacious living room, kitchen, dining room, and private balcony with hot tub. The bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open to long balconies overlooking coral grottoes, surf-lapped beach, and blue ocean. Bounteous breakfasts and dinners are served in Ocean Echo, a semicircular glass-fronted restaurant with sweeping views. If you feel adventurous, rent a moped and explore Hamilton, the island’s capital, and picturesque St. George’s, its oldest town.

DON'T MISS: relaxing at La Serena Spa before joining other guests for caroling and eggnog; 800/742-2008 or thereefs.com/CoastalLiving.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Book five nights and get the fifth night free when reserving an ocean-view room or Club Condo. Rates for double occupancy start at $410 and include full English breakfast, afternoon tea, gourmet dinner, and a bottle of Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries upon arrival. Offer valid until December 27. Mention Coastal Living when booking.

Photo: Courtesy of Porto Cupecoy

Porto Cupecoy

Caribbean

St. Martin is shared by two nations (the Netherlands and France), so it oozes Dutch solidity and European flair. At the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, the 37-square-mile island boasts white-sand beaches and important historical attractions including Fort St. Louis, which overlooks Marigot Bay on the French side and dates from 1767. St. Martin boasts accommodations of every category, but Porto Cupecoy is the newest: Situated around a cove on the western side of the island, the Mediterranean-style ivory- and ochre-colored buildings have balconies and covered terraces with plunge pools, gardens, or sitting areas, and there are 184 chic and sophisticated one- to four-bedroom units. Relax in the pool, play tennis, or head for the beach across the road.

DON'T MISS: duty-free shopping in neighboring Philipsburg or Marigot Bay; 888/412-9922.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Book seven nights and get three additional nights free (for a total of 10 nights) for one- to four- bedroom rentals, based on availability. Rates start at $375. Offer valid until December 31. Mention Coastal Living when booking.

Photo: Courtesy of Grand Solmar, Land’s End

Grand Solmar, Land’s End Resort & Spa

Mexico

The new Land’s End resort opened in Cabo San Lucas in May with stunning water views from all 119 luxury suites. Take in the scene from the spacious private terrace, or keep your sliding glass door open while relaxing in the king-size bed. All suites have flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, and marble flooring. Head to the family-friendly swim-up bar for a gourmet burger, or enjoy unobstructed ocean views from the adults-only infinity pool. The resort is within walking distance to town, and shopping on Luxury Avenue is a five-minute taxi ride away. Later, you can wind down with a casual libation in the grand lobby at the Infinity bar.

DON'T MISS: swimming with the dolphins at nearby Cabo Dolphins, or riding a camel by the sea on Cabo Adventures’s Outback & Camel Safari (both set up through the resort); Contact Eugenia Montes at 011/52/624/145-7528 or e-mail emontes@solmar.com.mx.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Book a four-night stay and receive 50% off, a $400 resort credit for food and beverage purchases on property, and a 15% discount at the three off-property restaurants: El Galeon, Romeo & Julieta, and Hacienda el Coyote. Rates until December 22 are $557 (junior suite) and $748 (master suite); rates until January 31 are $998 (junior) and $1,297 (master). Offer valid until January 31, 2012. Use promo code Coastal Living Special when booking.

Photo: Courtesy of Omni Amelia Island Plantation

Omni Amelia Island Plantation

Florida

When Omni bought the 1,350-acre Amelia Island Plantation last year, they revamped the 249-room hotel with new decor and kept the spacious living areas in the one- to four-room villa options. The grounds include three golf courses, a private beach, 23 tennis courts, a fitness center, three pools, and nine restaurants. The on-site Kids Camp has games and a sea turtle program. To pick up last-minute gifts and see Santa, swing by the shopping village’s 11 boutiques.

DON'T MISS: the town of Fernandina Beach, a vision of gingerbread houses and casual seafood restaurants; 888/444-6664 or omnihotels.com.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Book four nights and get the fourth night free at a discounted rate of $149 (regularly $249), plus 20% off a peppermint pedicure at the spa, and hot cocoa turndown service. Offer valid until December 31. Mention code PROCLV when booking.

Photo: Courtesy Hyatt Regency Coconut Point

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point

Florida

The Hyatt’s peaceful 26-acre resort overlooks Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, 30 minutes from Ft. Meyers. The hotel’s 454 comfortable rooms have balconies and attentive service. Pull up a lounger at the heated adult pool, plunge pool with waterfall, or kiddie pool, or take a ride on the thrilling 140-foot corkscrew slide in the family pool. The supervised Camp Coconut for kids includes holiday-themed family activities poolside.

DON'T MISS: the elaborately decorated trees, twinkling wreaths, and life-size gingerbread village. Then get to a fire pit for s’mores!; 239/444-1234 or coconutpointhyatt.com.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Book four nights (double or king rooms) and get the fourth night free. Rates start at $159. Offer valid through December 31. Use code SALE11 when booking online

Photo: Courtesy of Cottage Rental Agency

Cottage Rental

Seaside, Florida

This evocative pastel-colored village has become an iconic example of New Urbanism on the Gulf of Mexico. The brick-paved streets, white picket fences, and cozy tin-roofed cottages create a family-friendly escape where it’s easy to lose track of time as you enjoy the white-sand beaches, deep-sea fish, or bike along designated paths. Choose among more than 225 houses that range from one-bedroom hideaways to grand six-bedroom homes. Create a feast in the fully equipped kitchen, or dine out at Great Southern Café or Bud & Alley’s for innovative menus focused on fresh local seafood. Kids are totally spoiled in the Land Yacht District in the town center, where a collection of vintage Airstream trailers serves up everything from shaved ice to hot dogs.

DON'T MISS: the holiday cheer, starting Thanksgiving weekend with a parade and lighting of the town by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The festivities continue through New Year’s Eve with live music in the outdoor amphitheater, followed by fireworks over the Gulf of Mexico; 866/976-0533 or cottagerentalagency.com.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Receive 20% off the lowest rate of any rental in any category, plus free holiday dinner delivered to your house. Rates start at $200. Offer valid until January 1, 2012.

Courtesy of Jamaica Bay

Jamaica Bay Inn

California

The softly clanging lanyards in the crowded marina near this four-story inn make us think of bustling Stockholm. Inside, though, the soothing West Indies–inspired decor creates a tranquil atmosphere. It’s Marina del Rey’s only hotel with a pool on the famous beach, and is close to dining, shopping, and local attractions including Santa Monica’s Looff Hippodrome, a National Historic Landmark with a 1920s carousel. There are also plenty of watery diversions, from kayaking and paddleboating to sportfishing excursions. For lunch, dine on the patio of the on-site Vu Restaurant & Bar. You might also head to the downtown farmers’ market and admire the dewy, just-picked produce that inspired Alice Waters’s farm-to-table crusade.

DON'T MISS: the boat parade on December 10 that segues into the dramatic Manhattan Beach Fireworks Festival the following day. There are more fireworks on New Year’s Day, and of course the Rose Bowl Parade on January 2; 888/823/5333 or jamaicabayinn.com.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Book four nights and get the fourth night free, plus American breakfast for two each morning. Rates start at $239. Offer valid until February 29, 2012. Mention promo code COAST when booking.

Photo: Courtesy of Seven Gables Inn

Seven Gables Inn

California

Celebrate the 125th anniversary of this iconic 1886 Victorian mansion. The inn has 25 bedrooms in seven buildings with spectacular views of the ocean, Monterey Bay, and Monterey Peninsula. Days begin with a full English breakfast, followed by wine and cheese at 4 p.m. and warm homemade cookies and milk with nightly turndown service. Explore the walking trail that skirts the spewing sea, and tour the 1855 Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. A visit here also means a stroll through the vineyards and the nearby town of Pacific Grove, home to restaurants and shops just two blocks away.

DON'T MISS: Pacific Grove’s holiday season kickoff, with the Christmas at the Inns bed-and-breakfast tour on November 30; 831/372-4341 or thesevengablesinn.com.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Book three nights and receive a $50 gift certificate for dinner at nearby Fandango restaurant and a bottle of fine Monterey wine. Rates start at $209. Offer valid until January 31, 2012.

Photo: Courtesy of Calabash Cove Resort & Spa

Calabash Cove Resort & Spa

St. Lucia

Calabash Cove feels like a nest perched on the hillside along Bonaire Bay, with buildings on a gentle slope toward the sand-rimmed, turquoise sea. Framed by coconut trees and vibrant bougainvillea and facing some of the island’s most fiery sunsets, the 2-year-old resort is conveniently located on the northwest coast of the island, less than 15 minutes from the airport. The 26 accommodations include nine Water’s Edge Cottages with secluded plunge pools, hammocks, and outdoor rain showers. Inside, crisp, clean lines punctuated by bright accents and textures define the sleek decor. Hit the boardwalk that leads to the beach, where you can snorkel among the reefs in the clear, warm sea. The trendy C bar features Caribbean entertainment, and Windsong restaurant always emphasizes local fare, such as St. Lucian crab with sorrel chutney, pan-fried king prawns infused with Pernod, and coconut-nutmeg crème brulée.

DON'T MISS: driving to Soufriere volcano, the world’s only drive-in volcanic crater, or taking a hiking tour through the rain forest. To make reservations, e-mail hotel@calabashcove.com.

EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Book seven nights (minimum) in an Ocean View Junior Suite and receive 15% off; a dinner for two prepared at your choice of beach, pier, gazebo, or private patio; and round-trip private airport transfer. All-inclusive rates start at $695. Offer valid through January 31, 2012.

Holiday Steals & Deals