A little Miami on Plum Island, a lot of Picasso in Provence

Blue, the Inn on the Beach, may be nestled in the dunes of Plum Island, Newbury, but it takes its styling cues from the boutique hotels of Miami's South Beach. This is the first year the inn is open year-round, so to encourage off-season visits, a 2-for-1 special is being offered through the end of March. Stay two nights and the second night is free, resulting in a nightly rate beginning at $122.50.

Visit www.blueinn.com and click on Special Promotions or call 978-465-7171.

Provence and Picasso

How would you like to see 3,000 Picasso paintings illuminated on giant limestone walls in an underground quarry? The dramatic show is one highlight of a Provence Escapes seven-day, villa-based tour hosted by travel writers Judi Janofsky and Rich Steck and limited to 10 participants each trip. The dates are May 23-30 and May 30-June 6, and both tours include seven nights of villa accommodations, transfers from and to the Avignon high-speed train station, local ground transportation, breakfast and lunch or dinner daily, tours and admission tickets, wine tastings, a cooking class, and other amenities. The price is $3,175 per person. Book before Feb. 28 and get a discount of $200 each.

Visit www.provenceescapes.com or call 770-998-7800.

Escape with the kids

The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel has an escape for both parents and pint-sized travelers: the Kids Just Wanna Have Fun package. Included are room-service delivery of root beer floats for all the family, two adult and two children's tickets to the Boston Children's Museum, free dining for youngsters under 12 at the 606 Congress restaurant with two paying adults, an in-room movie, and use of the health club and lap pool. Rates start at $199 a night and the package is available through April 5. Reservations must be made 72 hours in advance.

Visit www.renaissanceboston.com or call 617-338-4111.

Jumping perfect puddles

Winvian, an upscale resort in Connecticut's Litchfield Hills, is featuring a Puddle Jumper package through April 30, which includes accommodations for two in a cozy cottage, all meals and snacks, all open bars (excluding wines) and an in-cottage wet bar; one spa treatment per person, a Winvian umbrella; and two tickets to a show at the Palace Theater in Waterbury. Rates per couple for a two-night minimum stay are from $2,200 midweek (a Sunday-Wednesday arrival) and $2,700 weekends (Thursday-Saturday).

Visit www.winvian.com or call 860-567-9600.

RICHARD P. CARPENTER

Most prices quoted are for double occupancy, minus taxes and fees. Offers are subject to availability. Richard P. Carpenter can be reached at carpenter @globe.com.