Archive for May, 2010

Located right at the tip of South America and surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the Caribbean is not just the No. 1 playground for the Americas, but also comprises movie-set beauty, coconut tree-clad mountains, verdant valleys of sugarcane and bananas, and seashore galore. Even the cities here glow with glorious architecture and the towns dotting the region have been established long before the automobile.
The islands are awash with island-flavored culture with just the subtlest hint of European influence, and world-class hotels, resorts, restaurants, activities, attractions, and shopping. There are over fifty island destinations to choose for your Caribbean island travel and each has its own extensive catalogue of accommodations and activities for the Caribbeans famous exotic warm weather.
Below are our top picks for an awesome Caribbean island travel:
New Providence, the Bahamas
Most visitors erroneously call it Nassau because the island is the site of the nations capital, which was named after the Dutch Prince of Orange-Nassau in 1695 after he took over the British throne. In truth, the island is New Providence where about two-thirds of the Bahamian population lives, and where millions of dollars are invested in Nassau, Cable Beach, and Paradise Island. In recent years, New Providence has created a name for itself as one of the top places to visit when on a Caribbean island travel.
Considered an offshore financial center, New Providence is most obviously a fabulous shopping bazaar and Caribbean island travel destination. Stroll along the world-famous Bay Street and side streets and bask in the Caribbean carnival atmosphere. Or visit one of the out islands of the Bahamas – the famous Nassau and Paradise Island, connected with each other by a bridge.
But while the Bahamas has plenty to offer, what it is really most famous for is its island groove. The drumbeat is the essence and the soul of Bahamian culture with the instrument setting the heartbeat for all Bahamian music, including rake n scrape, Junkanoo and goombay.
Bermuda
An isolated paradise, Bermuda sits right in the middle of the great chasm – the Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe. Couple that with a history of English settlement and you have an island that is as unique as its topography. This Caribbean island travel destination is spotlessly clean, quaint, orderly, and extraordinarily pretty. Think pink and green. Pink for the pastel shades that wash this 21-square mile island. And green for the color of money that Bermudas offshore banking and insurance sectors generate. Plus, it is only a convenient 2.5 hour flight from most major cities on the US East Coast.
There are no slums, no billboards, and very, very few fast food outlets. Inconvenient? Not likely. Because all this is minor compared to the glorious sight this Caribbean island travel destination offers. From the colonial architecture of the tidy homes that line its roads to the fragrant tropical flowers – Bermuda is all beauty and grace.

The Cayman Islands is a unique sunshine getaway situated in the western Caribbean Sea and is made up of 3 main islands called Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, each island has their own distinctive characteristics, but all are equally beautiful and unique to the rest of the world. The Cayman Islands are one of the most prosperous places in the Caribbean Sea due to it being a tax shelter and it being the home to 279 banks and thousands of businesses. The average income in the Cayman Islands is around $42,000 which gives them a good standard of living.

Nine out of Ten people who visit the Cayman Islands are not even remotely interested in these financial facts and figures; they usually visit for the miles of sandy beaches, warm clear waters and of course the scorching Caribbean sunshine. Grand Cayman is home to the world famous Seven Mile Beach where people can relax on endless stretches of golden beaches overlooking the crystal clear shorelines. Grand Cayman is also regarded as one of the best scuba diving and snorkelling locations in the world with plenty of underwater wildlife and amazing reefs to experience. Imagine having your very own Grand Cayman vacation home rental overlooking the beach, well it is entirely possible as some of these properties are available for vacations. Cayman Brac is another of the Cayman Islands which should be on scuba divers’ hotspot radar as it has a plethora of underwater sight such as 330 foot sunken Russian Frigate Ship. Little Cayman is not only little by name but it is only little in size and populations, spanning ten miles long, one mile wide and has a residential population of just 17p people, however it does not fall short in attractions such as the famous Bloody Bay and Jackson’s Bight. Throughout the islands, potential vacationers can find stunning Cayman Islands beach villa accommodations; these are very popular however so it is essential to book early before someone else beats you to it.

Finding the right island and the right Cayman vacation rental is essential for experiencing the perfect vacation, but wherever you stay it is guaranteed to be beautiful and life changing for first time visitors. The Grand Cayman beach villa properties are a particular accommodation highlight.

Author: Boris Grosu

DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, recently began work on the first edition of a map of Delray Beach, Florida.  Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities, free to area visitors.

The creation of the Best of Delray Beach Resort Map will show what the area has to offer by highlighting local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Delray Beach area. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate.

These same colorful maps can be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 90+ resort areas to choose from. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information.

“South Florida has always been a popular destination for tourists and it’s become an even greater draw as people stay closer to home during their vacations,” said Chuck Roegge, Resort Maps franchise owner. “The new Delray Beach map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just down for a day or two. Our free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout the area.”

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Delray Beach map, you can call franchise owner Chuck Roegge at 561-212-6582 or e-mail at chuckr@resortmaps.com.

Resort Maps began creating and publishing maps in the northeastern U.S. back in 1986. In an effort to continue the company’s growth and simultaneously maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

“We publish over 20 million maps per year in more than 90 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do make you want to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like them for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Kauai, which is one of Hawaii’s oldest and westernmost islands,
is the ideal example of true paradise. Approximately circular in
shape, Kauai is 550 square miles in area and 32 miles in
diameter. Fringed by swaying palms, Kauai is decorated with
streams of flowers with a landscape that is full of great inland
mountains, making it the ideal getaway for newlyweds. Apart from
that, this island makes a worthwhile and pleasurable destination
through the existence of the famous Kauai honeymoon resorts.
Resorts in Kauai such as the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resorts and Spa,
Hanalei Bay Resort, Radisson Kauai Beach Resort, Sheraton Kauai
Resort and the Princeville Resort – Sheraton Luxury Collection,
offers you facilities for fun, romance and comfort.

One of the famous Kauai honeymoon locations is Poipu Beach, one
of the best developed beaches on the island. Apart from that,
there are the calm and peaceful Princeville and Lihue towns,
which are worth a day’s tour. The town Lihue holds most of the
island’s population in Coconut Coast, one of the most popular
resort centers, and also Wailua, Hawaii’s only navigable river.
In fact, one of the most favored activities is the boat trips
from Wailua to Fern Grotto. If you have a budget for a
helicopter tour, you can observe the island’s most beautiful
scenery from the air and also soar high above some areas of the
island which are not accessible by car.

You will find that most resorts offer seven-day Kauai honeymoon
packages, which also includes full facilities provided by the
resort. Some of these enjoyable and relaxing facilities would be
the interconnecting pools and lagoons, the vast variety of
restaurants and lounges, extensive water sports centers, golf
courses, tennis courts, large gardens and open air courtyards,
horseback riding, fitness centers as well as full service health
spas.

A typical Kauai honeymoon package includes the traditional
welcoming gesture to visitors with a flower lei greeting,
airport transfer and hotel baggage handling, as well as luxury
accommodations that are fit for royalty. For instance, Kiahuna
Plantation (Outrigger) Condominium of Poipu Beach offers the
fifth night free for honeymooners for stays of 5 or more days.
On the other hand, the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa offers
the sixth night free for stays of 6 or more days.

In this exotic destination, nothing is too far away to visit as
touring the whole island can be easily completed with a two hour
car ride. All in all, Kauai honeymoons are about escaping the
bustling and hectic city environment and enjoying each other’s
company along the pristine beaches and within the tropical
gardens of Kauai. During your stay beach activities such as
snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving and sunset
watching should not be missed.

Finally, your Kauai honeymoon would be incomplete without
sinking your teeth into the succulent fresh seafood for which
Kauai is popular for. Apart from that, a visit to the
breathtaking cliffs and valleys of the Na Pali coast, which is a
popular filming location, should not be missed. These cliff
formations with its panoramic views have been seen in
blockbuster movies such as South Pacific, Blue Hawaii, and
Jurassic Park. Taking in the breathtaking view of this scenic
location is already worth your trip and time to this romantic
Hawaiian Garden Island.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

When you step into beach resorts of Koh Samui, the first inkling you will get is that you are entering a delightfully landscaped tropical park. It acts as a true paradise where visitors can spend their vacation with utmost luxury and comfort

Koh Samui is accredited for its attractive beach resorts. Beach resorts of Koh Samui in the midst of tropical gardens and enclosed by thick coconut plantations inspire the visitors who have passion for traveling and holidaying. The resorts have gracefully designed and wonderfully equipped guestrooms where all rooms have their own balcony and terrace. These resorts are deliberated to amplify the effect of autonomy, peacefulness and solitude. Beach resorts of Koh Samui apart from being an admirable place for holidaymakers, are also renowned as a multi-use venue with their outstanding facilities and beautiful settings. From incentive trips to weddings and corporate brain-storming sessions to anniversary parties beach resorts of Koh Samui lying along the island’s most exceptional beach destination, Bophut, transforms your luxury travel dream into reality. These resorts mingle traditional Thai culture with contemporary western comforts.

They include swimming pool, mini bars and telephones with direct international dialing facility and televisions with satellite connection, air conditioners, traditional Thai massage and Kayaking. Many of the beach resorts of Koh Samui provide you with a stunning view of sunset. No, matter which beach resort of Koh Samui you choose, the array of services and facilities provided to you will be unparalleled. Enjoy your holidays with beach resorts of Koh Samui.

In Koh Samui, along with the fresh sea breeze and the picturesque locales, one can enjoy all the comforts of a lively pulsating international tourist town as well, since it has every kind of resort, restaurant and bar that any one can want. A curious mix of both the worlds! The holiday options in Ko Samui take account of every strata of tourist and have budget hotels, boutique hotels and the luxurious beachfront resorts

Everybody needs a little romance in his or her life from time to time. The hectic lifestyles of this modern world often leave little time for enjoyment, let alone quality time with a partner or spouse.

Choosing the right hotel is the first step to a great romantic getaway. Some hotels simply ooze romance (particularly in Japan) and can put even the most sceptical of individuals in the mood for love.

Here is your guide to the top 10 romance hotels in the world.

1.Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris – This hotel is beautifully situated in the most romantic city in the world. It is in a quieter area of the city to afford you some privacy but is also only a few minutes away from the top attractions, like the the Louvre for example. Most of the rooms have private balconies and all of them have an old world feel that simply oozes romance. This undoubtedly makes this hotel the best romance hotel in the world.

2.The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice – This Venetian hotel is one of the most spectacular in Italy. It boasts a prime location on the canal, which is illuminated for effect there. All of the rooms are traditional and there unique design serves to inspire the most unromantic of people! It is in a prime location for the attractions of the city but also gives its guests access to a secluded beach.

3.Le Meridien Hotel Grand Pacific Tokyo – We certainly can’t leave out this 5 star hotel located in Tokyo Bay where many “love hotels” are found. This is the biggest hotel in Tokyo and if you book a room high enough, there are beautiful views of Tokyo’s waterfront and the city. There are 884 romantic rooms. Fantastic customer service and facilities available.

4.Seamark On First Sunshine Coast – This hotel boasts individual apartments instead of rooms for that added bit of privacy when on a romantic trip away. It is set in tropical gardens and overlooks a number of the best beaches in the area so you can enjoy spending time in your partner’s company without distractions. It also has a pool and spa area for your convenience!

5.Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas – This hotel offers all types of accommodation and gives you the privacy you need for any romantic break! The hotel is located in a quiet yet beautiful area with the famous Four Mile Beach within walking distance. It has a cocktail bar, sauna and pool. The ambience simply encourages relaxation and love.

6.Petit Palace Art Gallery Hotel, Madrid – This hotel is a renovated art gallery but is still home to the passion of the artists whose works once called it home. It is a luxurious hotel with modern facilities but is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is close enough to take regular trips if you wish, but the hotel is generally quiet and an extremely romantic retreat for couples in love.

7.Royal Palm Hotel & Resort Grand Bay – This hotel is a popular choice for couples wanting a romantic break. It is surrounded by beaches and tropical gardens for an exclusive feel but provides comfortable rooms to make you feel at home. All rooms are facing the sea so you can relax in your room and savour the atmosphere of the destination without moving a muscle.

8.Fenix Hotel, Lisbon – This hotel is a very comfortable base for any visit to the Portuguese capital. It has its own gardens to stroll through, a great little restaurant and easy access to the rest of the city. The roomsare fully serviced with air conditioning, cable TV, mini bar and you can call for room service at any time.

9.Hulhule Island hotel, Maldives – This hotel is perfectly kept with a romantic setting. It has a tropical feel and is located near beaches, quaint cafes and local shops that give an exotic aura of romance for any tourists. All rooms are luxurious with some offering peaceful views of the Indian Ocean.

10.Howard Johnson By The Falls, Niagara Falls – This hotel is superbly located for a trip to view the amazing Niagara Falls. It is designed to provide an elegant luxury for all of its guests and the service is of the highest quality. It is within walking distance of all of the major attractions but also offers privacy, thus combining the best possible factors to conjure up some romance.

If you are planning a romantic break then you need a hotel to match. The ten above are excellent and provide a romantic atmosphere from the minute you check in until the minute you leave. Planning is everything, so always choose the best hotel for the most romantic stay!

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a popular destination for tourists. The island is home to large plantations, impressive agricultural lands, and has a haunting history. According to the local lore, William Hilton, an English sea captain, stayed in South Carolina when he was looking for places suitable for settlement by the British in 1663. He claimed the island for England and planned to establish profitable plantations on the land, taking advantage of its rich soil.

Captain Hilton was not the first person to discover South Carolina. Many explorers from Europe had been there before him. The Spanish named the headland of South Carolina “la punta de Santa Elena” in 1525, for example. The actual first settlers on the island, which is known as the lowlands of South Carolina, probably lived there in 10,000 BC. Many artifacts and relics have been discovered dating from this time and representing the early Native American way of life on the island. These artifacts are on display in the local museums, and they remind the visitor of the civilization that existed long before Europeans came to the area.

The island is famous for its art and entertainment as well as its interesting history. There are many opportunities for visitors to attend theater, music, and dance events on Hilton Head Island. The Self Family Arts Center offers a showcase for various entertainers every year. The center includes the Elizabeth Wallace Theater as well. This theater offers live concerts on a regular basis and presents music of many types, from the Big Band era to jazz and blues to classical and rock. There is something for everyone at the theater. An excellent display of fine art is available at the Walter Greer Gallery, which has an assortment of works including sculpture, paintings, and photographs. Juried art shows and other events happen throughout the year, providing a display of the varied and rich cultural environment of the Hilton Head Island community.

Also on the island are many year-round recreational activities. Visitors can participate in deep-sea fishing, jet skiing, boating, or water skiing. They may prefer just to walk on the wonderful beaches or to go biking, rollerblading, or skating their way around the island. There are many points of interest on any route. If golf is you game, there are many golf resorts, or if you love history, you can take tours of the many historic plantations that illustrate Southern style and charm.

Whatever interests you may have, Hilton Head Island can accommodate you. Be sure to try some of the excellent dining establishments, a night at the symphony, and fabulous shopping opportunities as well. After you’ve been to Hilton Head Island one time, you’ll want to return again and again.