HERE WE COME A-CAROLING: THE BRANDMAN HOLIDAY REPERTOIRE

‘Twas just days before Christmas, and we’ve compiled this long list of travels with care, in hopes a direct flight will soon take you there.  Deck the Halls, and get in the spirit(s), and sing along to the chortles and strains of the holiday carols below, most preferably, without four feet of snow!

SERVED FROSTY, LIKE THE SNOWMAN:

Copacabana Palace serves holiday-inspired cocktails at the Bar do Copa, drawing inspiration from the “Holiday Inn” star to create the Fred Astaire (Gentleman Jack + Crème de Amora), and from the “One Christmas” movie star to mix the Katharine Hepburn – (Vodka Citron, Maracujá  + Frozen Yogurt). www.copacabanapalace.com  

Toast to the holiday with Portugal’s Reid’s Palace, with a variation on the dry martini in honor of the unique history of Madeira winemaking (dating back to the 16^th century). The “Madeirini” replaces vermouth with local Madeira wine – amazingly robust due to the grapes’ exposure to extreme temperatures and oxygen. Other great concoctions to keep an eye out for: top quality vintage Madeira wines are also being mixed with premium vodkas to create other delicious cocktails. www.reidspalace.com

TREK THE FALLS:

Guests of the stunning Hotel das Cataratas – the only hotel in Brazil’s Iguassu National Park, on the border of Argentina – have exclusive access to the wonders of the falls and the 700+ acres of natural paradise surrounding them before the park opens to the public at 9:00a. Fresh from a three-year renovation (and newly welcomed to the Orient-Express collection), the two-story Portuguese Colonial-style hotel offers excursions such as helicopter tours over 275 waterfalls, boat rides through the rapids, a four-wheel drive jungle adventure and nature walks within the national park. www.hoteldascataratas.com

SILENT FLIGHT:

Recognized worldwide for an impeccable safety record and a nearly 90-year history of bringing innovations to the flight industry - from the invention of business class in 1979 to the inaugural A380 flight in late 2008 - Qantas Airways is offering passengers a wonderful way to experience their own silent flights. Passengers can book a Business seat from New York, Los Angeles or San Francisco to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane at some of the best fares in the past decade, about 50% discount off regular fares. Book by January 29^th, 2010 (for travel from 50 to 330 days in advance) to receive the best fares throughout the new year. Comfortable “smart designed” seats by Marc Newson mean extra leg room for all, and to all a good night!  www.qantas.com.au

FIVE GOLDEN RINGS:

At La Mamounia, the shopping is as much a draw as the pristinely restored architecture at the historic and iconic Marrakech property. Pick up one of your true love’s twelve gifts at one of the top-notch jewelry boutiques  - diamonds and gold from Mystere  or a trinket from Chopard and any number of things from the on-property boutiques from Gucci, Fendi  and Dior. Of course, ordering “poulet” from the hotel’s  Le Francais restaurant menu would also fulfill “Three French Hens”… but the “Nine Lords a-Leaping” are up to you.   www.mamounia.com

VISIONS OF SUGARPLUMS DANCED IN THEIR HEADS:

[Back to Press Releases Main]