Sure, chocolates and flowers on Valentine’s Day show you care—but if you really want to WOW your significant other, we’ve got you covered. From winter wonderlands and beachside escapes to weekend getaways and international jet setting, JPR clients are offering the perfect packages to make this Valentine’s Day truly memorable. xoxo

Escape to the whimsical realm of South Vermont for a romantic getaway at the charming

Windham Hill Inn

Windham Hill Inn. Couples will fall for their “Romantic Getaway Package” which includes overnight accommodations, a bottle of Domaine Chandon Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, couples massages, and a mouthwatering dinner for two at the Winham Hill Restaurant (tax and gratuity not included).  Each morning guests will awake to a three-course gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea, evening savories, and also have full privilege to explore the Inn’s 10 km of groomed hiking trails, heated outdoor pool and tennis courts. Rates start for the Inn’s “Romantic Getaway” packages at $781.50. For more information, call 802-874-4080 or visit http://www.windhamhill.com/special-offers/romantic-getaways/.

Guests will find everything they desire when they are wonderstruck by Fairmont Chicago’s

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park

$100,000 “Romantic Getaway Package” which includes accommodations in the President Suite adorned in six-dozen roses, a $10,000 gift card to Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago and a stunning 18-karat white diamond and sapphire necklace from Marshall Pierce & Company. The package also includes a “Fairy Tale Moments” bubble-bath-for-two, complete with Cristal Champagne and strawberries, an in-room 90 minute massage-for-two as well as full use of your own private butler throughout the duration of their stay.  A Breakfast Du Jour in Bed is provided each morning as well as two amazing dining experiences, one of which is a Chef’s Table for two at Aria. Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Hotel’s One Enchanted Moment is available February 10-14, 2012. Please call 312-565-8000 for more information. www.fairmont.com/chicago/

Located in sizzling Tucson AZ, Tanque Verde Ranch is offering a Valentine’s Day

Tanque Verde Ranch

 deal with its “Back in the Saddle Package” perfect for sweethearts everywhere. Guests who book a room and stay anytime during February 10-19^th will receive 20% off the all-inclusive resort perfect for couples that desire a getaway romantic retreat to reconnect and escape the outside world. Couples can get lost in one another while taking part in the 60,000 acre Ranch’s activities like horseback riding lessons, trail rides, hiking, swimming and fishing.  Rates start at $225 per person, per night. For more information, please call 800-234-3833 or visit www.tanqueverderanch.com.

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The Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal will make guests heart skip a beat with its

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

 “Bare Your Heart Package”, which includes a luxurious one night accommodation, a heart-healthy breakfast in bed and En Coeur Kir with strawberry liqueur for two.  Moreover, with each package booked during the month of February, the hotel will donate $10 to Foundation En Cœur, a Quebec-based foundation dedicated to helping children with heart disease and their families. Rates start from $219 CAD for two adults. For more information, please call 514-861-3511 or visit http://www.fairmont.com/queenelizabeth.

Indulge with your special someone in one of OPUS Vancouver’s “Exclusively Yours”

OPUS Vancouver

Package on Valentine’s Night (or valid weekends in February, subject to availability). Prior to arrival guest are granted a Personal Cupid to customize the romantic ambience with a half-dozen roses or orchids, a half-bottle of Veuve Clicquot, a framed photo of your choice and a handwritten message from the guest. Upon arrival lovebirds will be presented with sparkling wine, breakfast in bed, and a late check-out of 1PM. Rates start at for $295 per night for the Exclusively Yours Package and rooms can be upgraded to a suite for an additional $100. For more information, please call 604-642-6787 or visit http://vancouver.opushotel.com/

Whether it is to celebrate February’s day of love or just celebrate your love in general, give yourself

OPUS Montreal

and your special someone a love filled evening with OPUS Montreal’s “Forever Valentine” Package. Located in the heart of Montreal, this sleek and modern boutique hotel is ideal for a romantic escapade in a historic and vivacious city. Guests will enjoy one night in a chic boutique room with a soaker bathtub and a welcome romantic gift. The next morning cozy up with a delicious in room breakfast and a lazy, late-check-out at 1pm. Rates for the package start at $239 and are valid until March 31, 2012. For more information, call 514-843-6000.      d

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Escape to Kennebunk Beach, Maine, where The White Barn Inn invites guests to celebrate for

The White Barn Inn

the month of February with their “Romance Package”.  The package includes an evening’s stay in one White Barn’s deluxe rooms that has been adorned with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.  Guests will fall in love with a charming country style continental breakfast, an enchanting afternoon tea and seasonal treats and a special romantic dinner for two.  Rates start at $600 for one night, but if guests wish to stay for two evenings, rates start at $565 per night. For more information, visit http://www.whitebarninn.com/ or call 207-967-2321.

With the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa’s “Romance in Wine Country”package,

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

guest can be sure they find romance as it includes two 60-minute spa treatments, sparkling wine and a chocolate covered strawberry amenity, rose petal turndown and sparkling wine tasting passes at Gloria Ferrer Winery.  Santé, the Inn’s Michelin star restaurant, will also be offering a Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu available Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 19 for $125 USD per person exclusive of tax and service. The “Romance in Wine Country” Package is priced from $429 USD per night.   For more information, please call 866- 540-4499 or visit http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma.

L’Auberge de Sedona, set in Sedona’s romantic Red Rock Country, is offering a

L'Auberge de Sedona

“Snowmance” package for starry-eyed couples to get cozy in plush new guest rooms with mountain views.  The package includes a two night stay in a guest room or luxury cottage and for each day booked guests will receive two adult ski lift tickets to Flagstaff Snowbowl and $75 F&B or spa credit. Snuggle up with your loved one and drink complimentary winter beverages by the fire including ciders, teas and cocoas for an enchanting experience. This offer is Valid through: March 15, 2012 with rates starting at $265 for guest room and $320 for cottage. For more information, please call 928-282-1661 or visit http://www.lauberge.com/.

The romantic, calming waves of the Pacific Ocean make the oceanfront Surf & Sand Resort

Surf & Sand Resort

ideal for a romantic getaway for beach-loving couples. Guests will fall in love when they watch scenic sunsets and sunrises from their private balconies, by saying I love you with the “Spa & Splashes”. The package includes one night of accommodations in a beachfront room, a signature spa treatment for, a amazing dining experience for two at Surf’s signature Splashes restaurant, and a gourmet breakfast for two. Rates starting at $625 per night. For more information, please call 888-869-7569 or visit http://www.surfandsandresort.com/.

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Throughout the month of February, guests at the Vanderbilt Grace will be enchanted with its

Vanderbilt Grace Hotel

exclusive Valentine’s Day Package which includes accommodations in a deluxe room and champagne breakfast. Guests will also have the opportunity to create their box of delectable chocolates during a 30-minute Chocolate Lovers private class to later enjoy over a three course set menu by Chef Jonathan Cartwright in Muse.  Package runs $380 for two people and any additional nights at a 15% discounted daily rate. For more information, please call 401-846-6200 or visit http://www.vanderbiltgrace.com/.

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This February, couples can cozy up at La Jolla’s intimate and charming La Valencia

La Valencia Hotel

Hotel with its “Romance by the Sea” package. Available February 1^st through the 29^th, sweethearts can enjoy a one-night stay complete with a champagne and chocolate welcome amenity, three-course dinner for two in the hotel’s Mediterranean Room or the Whaling Bar & Grill and double kayak tour through the seven caves of the La Jolla Cove. The cost of La Valencia’s Romance by the Sea package is $460 plus tax. On February 11 and 12, La Valencia is offering a “License to Love” promotion, the ultimate dine and drive experience with chauffeur service for reserved dinner guests in a stylish Jaguar.  For more information please call 858-454-0771 or visit http://www.lavalencia.com/.

The new year brings fresh beginnings for JPR client Rancho Valencia, as Rancho Santa Fe’s exquisite luxury resort welcomes both a new owner and a $20 million renovation of the 45-acre property.

Rancho Valencia's iconic reflecting spa

Owner Jeff Jacobs, former chief marketing officer of Qualcomm and four-time Ironman world champion finisher, told Riviera Magazine that his decision to buy the property with his brother Hal was a fresh beginning of his own, allowing him to be closer to family while taking on his latest adventure. The current renovation of Rancho Valencia will include the redesign of the resort’s guest room villas, lobby and meeting spaces as well as the restaurant and spa. In addition, Rancho Valencia will debut a brand new wellness program offering yoga, pilates, cycling and more to complement their already renowned tennis program. Although 2012 is a year of renewal for Rancho Valencia, Jacobs promises to preserve all that makes the Rancho Santa Fe property timeless. “There is so much charm and character,” he tells Riviera. “We need to keep it authentic.”

Check out Jeff Jacob’s interview with Riviera Magazine here for more on Jacobs and Rancho Valencia’s exciting future!

Holstein's Shakes and Buns

From now until game time, Holsteins Shakes and Buns in Las Vegas is serving up two burger specials that reflect flavors from each state for fans to savor during the big game. The University of Alabama Roll Tide BBQ Burger features a beef patty topped with BBQ chopped pork, chili lime BBQ sauce, pickled onions and cabbage slaw. Louisiana State University (LSU) is represented with the Bayou Burger – a Cajun crusted beef patty topped with crawfish, lettuce, tomato and creole remoulade. With six televisions throughout the restaurant, guests can watch the Alabama Crimson Tide take on the LSU Tigers while they chow down. Holsteins is located in the posh Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas hotel with a neon-hued heifer logo and “tastefully vandalized” decor. The affordable fare is house-made from carnivorously delightful speciality burgers and house-made sausages, salads for those seeking greener pastures and smaller bites for grazers to milkshakes of boozy proportions.

Wesley Keegan, Founder of TailGate Beer

What goes better with burgers and football than beer? San Diego-based brewing company TailGate Beer, is jumping on the BCS bandwagon by challenging its Facebook fans and Twitter followers to submit their most creative game predictions. Fans can weigh in on anything from the players to the crowd to the announcers, with the best and most accurate predictions winning TailGate Beer swag after the game. The BCS showdown between Alabama and LSU is a fitting kick-off to 2012 for TailGate Beer, as the award-winning canned craft beer company will focus the first half of the year on opening distribution in the Southern states.

Next stop…Super Bowl!

November 28, 2011 is Cyber Monday, one of the biggest shopping days of the year where stores offer outrageous online discounts. But why should retailers have all the fun? This year, JPR clients are offering hot travel deals on Cyber Monday:

Escape the winter chill with a visit to Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. Guests who

Tanque Verde Ranch

book a stay on Cyber Monday, and stay at the Ranch anytime between December 3 and December 18, 2011 (subject to availability), will receive the 4th all-inclusive night free when booking a 3-night stay.During their stay, guests can explore the Ranch’s 60,000 acres desert landscape by horseback, mountain bike or guided hikes, enjoy sunset cook-offs with live entertainment, partake in family activities and/or children’s programs or relax at the spa. Rates start at $164 per person, per night. For more information, call 800-234-3833 or visit www.tanqueverderanch.com.

Come Cyber Monday there’s one travel deal that can’t be missed with OPUS Vancouver‘s

OPUS Vancouver

“Lights Out” package at $199/night CAD plus taxes. The package includes a stay in an Executive King Suite and over $170 worth of perks and inclusions, so the room cost balances out to $29 a night!The package includes accommodations in a stylish suite; martinis for two; OPUS Perks Card providing exclusive offers at 14 Yaletown Retailers; VIP access to OPUS Bar; chauffer driven BMW sedan and breakfast at the hotel’s famous restaurant, Cento Notti. The package is bookable on November 28, 2011. For more information, call 604-642-6787 or visit www.opushotel.com/vancouver.html.

The luxurious Vanderbilt Grace in Newport Rhode Island is offering guests who book

Vanderbilt Grace

reservations on Cyber Monday 20% off any room and any package on November 28, 2011 only when using the code CYBER. The Vanderbilt Grace offers the perfect holiday retreat amid the classical splendor of a Newport mansion within minutes of the waterfront and many cultural attractions of Newport. Step back in time to a Gilded Age and savor exquisite comfort, the finest food and drink and the attention to detail that has become a hallmark of Grace Hotels around the world. For more information, call 401-846-6200 or visit www.vanderbiltgrace.com.

The Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego is at your service with a Cyber Monday package,

The Westin Gaslamp Quarter

with a twist. For every night booked at the downtown hotel, guests will receive a $100 Macy’s gift card, which can be used online to take advantage of the company’s Cyber Monday deals. From the comfort of a signature Heavenly Bed®, enjoy getting a head start on holiday shopping in your newly designed Westin Gaslamp Quarter room. Package rates start at $179 per night (including the $100 gift card). For more information, call 866-716-8137 and mention promo code CMY or visit www.westingaslamp.com.

Fairmont Mayakoba wants guests to enjoy a last minute escape before the hectic Holiday

Fairmont Mayakoba

Season and has created a package that will do just that. Available on Cyber Monday between November 28 to December 23 travelers can book the “Mayakoba Escape” promotion and receive up to 30% off overnight accommodations. Rates starting at $199 subject to taxes, resort fee and based on availability per room, per night. In addition, includes daily breakfast buffet for 2, $50 resort credit per stay, complimentary margarita for two when dining at El Puerto Las Brisas and a complimentary upgrade to the next room category. www.fairmont.com/mayakoba

On Cyber Monday, Lake Placid Lodge is offering up to 50% off rooms. The sale will begin

Lake Placid Lodge

min-morning on Monday, November 28 and run through noon on Friday, December 4. Also available that day is $40 credits towards food and beverage for $25 and 30% off Mountain View Cabins midweek during winter months. Prices begin at $250 per night. www.lakeplacidlodge.com

What does it mean to be the ‘Best in the World?’ Just ask several of our clients who made the list for Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2011. With more than 8 million votes cast, these awards reflect the combined opinions of 28,876 Condé Nast Traveler readers rating the cities, islands, and hotels they visited in the past year, and the airlines and cruise ships they traveled with. 

Fairmont Mayakoba

We are extremely excited and proud  to congratulate Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards winners and JPR clients L’Auberge de Sedona, La Valencia Hotel, Vanderbilt Grace Hotel, Regent Palms, The White Barn Inn, Fairmont Mayakoba and several other Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. In addition, we’re thrilled to congratulate JC Resorts’ Scripps Inn, sister property of JPR clients Rancho Bernardo Inn and Surf & Sand Resort. 

From their perfect location, to the highest standard in accommodations, to unparalleled service each of these properties was ranked among the best by readers. The Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards serve as some of the most reliable travel awards of the year and we’re ecstatic to see our clients recognized for their outstanding hospitality in the world of luxury travel.

L'Auberge de Sedona

This October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrates its 25th Anniversary. There are currently more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors reported to reside in the United States. To continue on this positive pink road, we’ve compiled a list of JPR client initiatives currently supporting this tremendous cause. Every little bit counts!

1. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa - Cosmo for a cure

The Lobby Bar, Big 3, Water Tower and Spa Café venues at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa will be crafting “Pinkalicious”, a Cosmo For a Cure cocktail. A total of 30% of the signature drink’s proceeds will be directed to Susan G Komen. And to really make a splash and honor “Pinktober,” the resort’s iconic main fountain will be appropriately tinted the color of a fine Sonoma Rosé October 10-17, 2011.

Sprinkles Pink Ribbon cupcake

2. Sprinkles Cupcakes – When calories don’t count

From October 1-7, Sprinkles is donating 100% of proceeds from their Pink Ribbon cupcakes to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund. Just look for the strawberry cupcake with pink sugar ribbon to know you are eating for a great cause. Since 2005, Sprinkles Pink Ribbon cupcakes have raised $150,000 for women’s cancer research. Their donations are funding EIF’s Biomarker Discovery Project, a multi-year effort to isolate a unique protein that would reveal the presence of breast cancer in a blood test and provide early detection of the disease.

3. Fairmont Vancouver – Raise your pinkies

Fairmont Vancouver is holding “Pink Ribbon Tea” throughout October with $2 from each afternoon tea donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  Pink Ribbon Tea promises Fairmont’s grand tradition of afternoon tea with a pink twist and charity component – select tea treats will also be frosted pink.

4. Willowstream Spa - Fairmont Empress in Victoria - Get tickled pink

The Fairmont Empress in Victoria is creating a “Pink Room” in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Guests who request this room for their spa treatment will receive 10% off the treatment cost donated to Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. A “memory wall” in the Pink Room will also provide an opportunity to name someone special on a pink ribbon and post the ribbon to the board in their memory.

The ONEHOPE wine and Pink Roll combo

5. Ra Sushi - Even sushi is turning pink this month

For the whole month of October, Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant is offering a wine and sushi special to benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Ra Sushi will donate 100% of the profits from the ONEHOPE wine and Pink Roll combination to the foundation. ONEHOPE is a California wine company that donates half of its profits to a variety of causes, including the fight against breast cancer.

6. Regent Palms Turks and Caicos – Dress to impress

On Saturday, October 15, Regent Palms Turks and Caicos has organized a special event in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., an array of activities will be on, starting with an In The Pink clothes sale inclusive of pre-party pink drinks and nibbles, prizes throughout the evening for the best dressed (obviously in pink!) as well as other games and competitions. There will also be surprise guest bartenders at the Regent Palms bar, Plunge, serving custom pink cocktails, sangria and bubbly. A portion of the proceeds will go towards breast cancer research.

7. The Aventine – “Restaurant Row” raises for the cause

Three of the neighboring restaurants that make up JPR client The Aventine’s “Restaurant Row” in La Jolla’s UTC area are offering food and/or drink promotions this month in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is pouring a pink-hued 99 calorie “Stiletto” cocktail, and 100% of the drink’s proceeds will go to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Fleming’s is also serving Cline Cashmere wine: Sold by the glass, Cline Cellars will be donating a portion of the proceeds to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Cafe Japengo is offering a Pink Protein Roll and a Pinkalicious Cocktail. The Melting Pot is crafting a “Pink Ribbon-tini” Cocktail and 25% of each sale will be donated to the Susan B Komen Foundation.

Think Pink!

As the resident foodie in the San Diego JPR office, I am routinely asked for recommendations on where to dine out.  And luckily, I can’t resist sharing my favorite spots and food-loving knowledge with an office of hungry girls looking to impress in-laws and out-of-town friends or find just the right spot for a date night. I’m certainly someone who loves to dine out and I get chills thinking about experiencing new restaurants. I also try to be fair, taking into account that we represent some of the best restaurants in San Diego and beyond. I always try to inform my colleagues about new restaurants and chefs taking San Diego, recently named by Travel & Leisure readers as one of the best foodie towns to live in, by storm.

For this reason I have a love/frustrate (I try not to “hate” anything) relationship with San Diego Restaurant Week. Yes, it brings attention to the San Diego dining scene. Yes, it gets people to try new places. Yes, it gives our restaurants the patronage they deserve. Love!

But why, WHY, does it take discounted menus, limited options and a designated week to get people to brave the wonderful world of San Diego restaurants? Frustrating!

Eating at restaurants is an experience that often opens the door to new conversations, new friends, new tastes and is a highlight in the days, weeks and months that fly by in our lives. I encourage everyone to take advantage of Restaurant Week, try as many places as possible. Restaurants like the Grant Grill have a stunning progressive menu featuring bone marrow and local red rock cod, served with smoked butter as an accoutrement? Amazing! Café Chloe has a rabbit rillette and mussels on their menu, how perfectly French.  Flavor Del Mar is focused on seasonal offerings with a trio of local heirloom tomatoes and a local sweet corn and roasted jalapeno pepper soup, delish! Cavaillon’s new chef Michael von Euw stays true to the restaurant’s sophistication with a wild mushroom risotto and locally caught sea bass on rataouille. Signature dishes like the New Zealand pan seared salmon and sticky English toffee pudding are available at Roppongi. El Bizcocho has a diverse main course selection with bison, pheasant or monkfish, oh my.

But, when it’s not Restaurant Week and you are reaching for your phone to speed dial the local pizza shop or find yourself pulling into your favorite go-to Mexican haunt, look further, go farther and experiment. I’m always here to give advice.

Think Pink! Dawn

JPR’s client list got a little sweeter this week when Bravo officially announced the second season line-up of “Top Chef Just Desserts” including two contestants hailing from client Holsteins Shakes and Buns.   Come August, viewers will see Carlos Enriquez, Corporate Pastry Chef of Block16 Hospitality, Holsteins’ parent company, and Craig Poirier, Pastry Cook at Holsteins, competing alongside 12 other contestants for the coveted title of Top Chef (not to mention a pretty fab prize!)

JPR also reps the two restaurants from former “Top Chef” contestant Brian Malarkey, just opened Burlap in Del Mar, CA, as well as Searsucker in downtown San Diego.

More info on the upcoming season of “Top Chef Just Desserts” can be read here.

Holsteins “Candy Bar”

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For publicists, award announcements are akin to waiting to see what Santa has brought you for Christmas! Last week was one of those weeks as we eagerly awaited word on who was named to Travel + Leisure‘s 16^th annual “World’s Best Awards.” The results revealed the globe’s crème de la crème in hotels, cities, islands, airlines and more and we’re proud and excited to announce that several of our clients have made the list. Huge congratulations to Surf & Sand Resort, The Regent Palms, The White Barn Inn, Lake Placid Lodge and several of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts properties for being some of the most highly recognized properties in the world for their accommodations, service and overall guest experiences. The “World’s Best Awards” often serve as a guide for discerning travelers and we’re thrilled to have many of our amazing clients recognized in it!

The Regent Palms, Turks and Caicos

Surf and Sand Resort, Laguna Beach