Fantasy vacations are in. If you`ve got the money to spend, chances are that fantasy can be built into a trip somewhere.
A recent travel study found a new emphasis on the experimental and emotional aspects of travel and noted that people need to escape their daily routine-and more travelers are seeking places that feel like make-believe.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts is taking this study to heart. In 1988 on the Big Island of Hawaii, it opened the Waikoloa-a resort with a mile of winding waterways and lagoons as well as a lagoon for swimming, snorkeling and windsurfing.
Last month Hyatt opened a $200 million resort on Kauai, complete with a lagoon with a romantic cove for two, islands reached by swimming or a raft, waterfalls and a huge spa.
At the Hyatt Regency Cerromar Beach in Puerto Rico, it takes 15 minutes just to float through its riverpool, a waterway that includes a jungle, gorge, 14 waterfalls and a 187-foot spiral water slide.
Hyatt is now building three resorts, and ”none of them will be ordinary,” says Darryl Hartley-Leonard, Hyatt president. For Hyatt information, 800-233-1234.
At the lavish Stouffer Grand Beach Resort on St. Thomas, between April 8 and Dec. 19 is the time to visit to save up to 30 percent off winter rates. But while a couple can have a grand five-day vacation for $830, it is the
”Ultimate Lifestyle Breakation” at a mere $10,900 that appeals to me.
The package is for eight days and includes a suite with Jacuzzi; airport transfers in a limo; full breakfasts; a fully stocked in-room bar, which includes Dom Perignon; seven ”exciting” dining experiences, including one in Puerto Rico via helicopter and limo; two full-day sails; private scuba-diving lessons; a private island tour with a champagne lunch; and, very important,
”a thank you for staying with us” gift.
The time to go is now-the package jumps in price to $13,750 on Dec. 20. And, even at this four-diamond resort, you can buy a fantasy for less-a five- day Romantic Fantasy Breakation with some of the above features is offered at $2,140 a couple. For more information, telephone 800-HOTELS-1.
Going on a cruise can be a fantasy-Carnival Cruises even has a three-day- or four-day-sail aboard a ship named Fantasy.
But some people just want to be in the spotlight, and Holland America Line is allowing just that aboard all its ships with a music system that has been popular in Japan. Karaoke is a system that provides all the
orchestrations and background vocals, allowing the ”star” of the moment to provide the lead vocal tracks. And, just in case the passenger doesn`t know the words, the lyrics appear on a video monitor.
At the new Sonesta Hotel Beach Club & Casino in Aruba, a ”fantasy island” is provided guests. The resort is in the heart of Oranjestad, making it easy to shop for duty-free bargains in stores selling Swiss watches, Japanese cameras, French perfumes and designer clothes.
The resort offers a European-style casino featuring everything from high- stakes gambling to five-cent slot machines. Beachgoing guests simply head for the five-story atrium lobby where every 30 minutes a boat will take them to a 40-acre private isle.
And for honeymooners, there is another ”Fantasy Island” just for them. One thing that is not a fantasy about Aruba is its wonderful weather-sunshine every day. For information on the resort, call 800-SONESTA.
Why settle for a vacation, when you can just as easily fulfill a fantasy?
