Archive for the ‘beach island destination’ Category

Guide To British Virgin Islands

07.25.10

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is made up of many small islands in the Caribbean that is east of Puerto Rico. The BVI major islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and Anegada. Tortola is the largest island and the center of most yachting activity. More than 60 islands make up the entire BVI, as there also are many secluded islands, islets, and cays. The lush tropical zone is a haven for both water-sports enthusiasts and those seeking to do nothing but sunbath and eat.
Today we look at the Caribbeans BVI. Rest assured that other island destinations are forthcoming. Rest assured that coverage of additional Caribbean hotspots is forthcoming.
Luxury Hotels in British Virgin Islands
Virgin Gordas Biras Creek Resort consists of 33 suites on Bercher Bay on a 140-acre estate. It is called a resort but it is more like a private community. The spa and restaurant at the harbor are fabulous. The resort just completed a million-dollar makeover before reopening in October. The ocean and garden suites are mini-mansions. Peter Island Resort has been named as one of the worlds top resort by both Travel + Leisure magazine and Conde Nast Traveler. A recent multimillion-dollar makeover enriched the resorts tropical charm. A new villa and a spa have been added.

The exclusive Guana Island resort is seven beaches spread over 850 acres with cottages and villages for only 32 guests. There are numerous water-related sporting activities as well as biking and hiking trails. The establishment is serious about making this resort a world apart, as the rooms do not have telephones or televisions.
Best Restaurants in British Virgin Islands
The Brandywine Bay Restaurant reserves four moorings for drop-in guests. However, the easily approachable moors support yachts up to 50 feet only. The menu, which is masterfully prepared by owner/chef Davide, changes daily. Additionally, check out Davides other place, the Capriccio di Mare, an Italian cafe promises the best pizza in the entire Caribbean! The Eclipse Restaurant and the Luna Lounge are a package deal. The Eclipse offers an eclectic-fusion cuisine (i.e., unique dishes) and an extensive wine list. The restaurant is located in Fat Hogs Bay of Penns Landing Marina on Tortola. The Pavilion at the Rosewood Dix Bay is an open-air restaurant that serves up elaborate breakfast and lunch buffets as well as a dinner menu of Caribbean-influenced dishes. The breathtaking view alone is worth the price of admission.
To Do in British Virgin Islands
Is there a better part of the world in which to charter a yacht than the BVI? Island hop; take a tour; go fishing; go sailing; go snorkeling, scuba diving, or skiing. BVI Yacht Charters Horizon Yacht Charters and North South Vacations are three seaworthy chartering companies to consider. Why not try some island hopping via a chartered helicopter? Island Helicopter offers custom flights and tours with hourly and daily rates available.
How about trying something that does not involve the water while staying in the Caribbean? There is a 92-acre national park on Tortola Island around Sage Mountain. The mountain peak is the highest of the Virgin Islands at 1,740 feet. There also are national park trails on Virgin Gorda Island. Parasailing is a fairly new sporting activity to the BVI. A parasailing boat leaves from Soper’s Hole Marina in the west end of Tortola from Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda. The info was brought to you by of all places no less the BVI Scuba Organization .

Canary Islands – A Great Vacation Paradise For Beach Bums!

07.01.10

Having a vacation with the family is a great thing to do. I will enjoy a holiday cruise anytime of the year. I especially like great beaches with the blue skies. Of course, it helps, when the people are friendly too.

When I travel for leisure, the Canary Islands off Spain is never far from my mind. You can get there by cruise. If you choose to do so, remember to go to a cruise-only travel agent or an online agency that specializes in cruise vacations. They probably can give you better cruise holiday deals.

You can also get there by air. All the islands have airports. Most international flights and those from mainland Spain goes to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. You can also fly to the Canaries from most European cities. If you are flying from North America, flights usually go to Madrid, where you can get a connecting flight.

An unknown North African aboriginal group originally inhabited the Canary Islands. Later, in the 15th century, a Frenchman Bethencourt discovered the islands. Some popular Canary Islands destinations to explore are: Fuerteventura, Gomera, Grand Canary, Lanzarote and Tenerife.

If you want an all-out summer holiday with sand, beaches, and babes, the Canary Islands is a good choice for travel. There are numerous activities here. The mini golf course will give you hours of fun. There are also many tracks for biking and hiking.

One of my favorites is the Teide National Park. It is a marvel of nature with its stunning volcanic landscape. It is also home to Spain’s highest mountain, the dormant volcano Teide. There are numerous walking trails and a cable car to the top of the volcano. Truly awesome!

You can’t talk about the Canary Islands without talking about the Bahia de Pozo Izquierdo which is the best beach on Gran Canaria. It is great for windsurfing, deep sea fishing and sailing. When you snorkel or scuba dive, you will probably see grouper, barracuda, turtles, rays, tropical fishes and the occasional shark.

If you are at Gran Canaria, a hotel to stay is “ClubHotel Riu Vistamar”. It is well maintained, and the service is good. Although the pool area can be crowded, the food more than makes up for it. You get pancakes, cereals, toast and even champagne for breakfast! On certain days, you’ll even get smoked salmon. Quite frankly, I don’t mind having it everyday! Remember to attend the 6:30pm dinner to enjoy the night entertainment too.

The Canary Islands has a population of 1.84m people, most of whom are Roman catholic. The weather is generally warm and sunny all year round. If you hate winter, this is the best place to be a lazy beach bum, and have nice and friendly people around you!

How About Some Caribbean Island Travel

05.28.10

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.

Tips For Planning Your Next Beach Vacation

04.01.10

An annual beach vacation is almost a must. It’s a chance to relax, catch up on reading, enjoy dinner by the water and take in that fresh sea air. Here are five crucial tips for planning your next beach vacation and choosing the perfect destination:
Choosing a Destination:
1.Check up on the location’s reputation. If you’re looking for a subdued and relaxing vacation, you don’t want to wind up at Daytona Beach during spring break. Don’t be afraid to call up and ask local businesses about what their regular clientele is like or the general ‘vibe’ of the place. You don’t want to accidentally schedule the girl’s getaway at a hot spot for single seniors.
2.Check the price points of surrounding areas. If the beach destination of your dreams is a bit out of your price range, try checking the lesser-known surrounding areas. Sometimes a spot’s popularity means the prices will soar, while a quiet beach front location just a few miles down the road might be just as beautiful but available at a more reasonable price.
3.Ask about kids and pets. If you’re traveling with children and animals, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing a beach vacation destination that welcomes them. Some popular resorts also offer kid-specific programming so parents can have a getaway too. And, for those who’d rather not play with the tots, there are destinations that advertise as kid-free.
4.Set some parameters before you look. Do you know if you’re looking to rent a self-service beach side cottage? Or do you want an all-inclusive resort? Is your family happier at a communal resort with lots of planned activities or a quiet getaway spot where you can do your own thing? Do you want a fly-to destination or one that’ll include a road trip. By deciding some of these boundaries before you look at your options, you can make your search a lot faster.
5.Check the weather. You don’t want to be in Maine in March, you don’t want to be in Florida for hurricane season, and you don’t want to be in the islands during the rainy periods. A quick web search or browse through a travel guide should give you a good idea about the annual weather conditions for your destination. Weather can be the best or the worst thing about your vacation, so be sure that you are prepared with the correct clothing, sunscreen, gear, etc.

Why Lanikai Beach is a Must Visit Hawaii Attraction

03.17.10

Are you in the process of making your Oahu travel plans? If so, you may be looking for that perfect island destination or you may be looking for unique attractions to visit. If so, Lanikai Beach is a must examine.

Did you know that Lanikai beach is rated as one of the best beaches in Hawaii? It is. Not only does it come highly rated and recommended by locals and other tourists, but a number of well-known travel magazines and television programs have rated this beautiful beach a must visit.

Another reason why Lanikai Beach is a must visit is because it is off the beaten path. Although it is increasing in popularity, it is still relatively private and overcrowding typically isn’t a problem, especially on the weekdays. If loud, overcrowded beaches are a turn off of yours, this beach is definitely a must visit.

What makes Lanikai Beach a hidden treasure is that it is located in a residential area. Unfortunately, many tourists make the mistake of believing this means the beach is off limits to them, but it isn’t. Don’t make this mistake, as you will miss out on an amazing opportunity. Although surrounded by residential homes, you can use numerous public access paths to gain access.

As previously stated, Lanikai Beach is surrounded by residential homes. While this does mean no Oahu vacation resorts, it does mean Oahu vacation rentals. If you have yet to make reservations for your overnight accommodations, you may want to examine private Oahu vacation rentals near Lanikai Beach. Booking a reservation gives you easy access to the beach and if you are like most travelers, you won’t want to spend your vacation anywhere else.

If the above mentioned reasons weren’t enough, there are even more reasons why Lanikai Beach is a must visit for those on Oahu vacations. One of those reasons is the pictures that you can take home and show off to friends and family. Lanikai Beach is, literally, picture perfect. The clear water, white sandy beaches, and the twin islands of Mokumanu and Mokulua, which are not far from the shore, make any picture breathtaking. That is one reason why beachside weddings are increasing in popularity in the area.

The beauty of Lanikai Beach is perfect anytime of the year and all day long, but one activity that you must do is make it in time to see the sunrise. It is one of the biggest recommendations made by travelers, just like you. Many state that you will never experience something so amazing or wonderful in your life. If you arrive to watch the sunrise in the week, you may be surprised just how quite and peaceful the beach is. Not having to travel far to watch the sunrise is another benefit to booking a stay at a nearby Oahu vacation rental.

Another reason why Lanikai Beach is considered a must visit attraction is because of the fun activities that you gain access to. Before focusing on these activities, a word of caution is needed. Due to being relatively secluded and off the beaten path, there are no onsite facilities. This means no restrooms and no on-duty lifeguard. This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy Lanikai Beach, but it means that you need to display caution and use your best judgment.

As for the activities that you can enjoy, a few great beach and water activities include kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing. In fact, when kayaking, you are encouraged to visit the above mentioned twin islands. They are beautiful bird sanctuaries. Rental stations for kayaks and snorkeling gear are located not onsite, but nearby.

As it was previously stated, it is important to display caution when entering the waters of Lanikai Beach, due to no lifeguards; however, you may be surprised how inviting the water is. The beach is protected by a coral reef. This helps to reduce the surf and make the water calm most of the time.

So, doesn’t Lanikai Beach sound like a great place to visit? If in the area, stop by and see for yourself, as you will be glad that you did. If you have yet to make reservations for your overnight stays, examine Lanikai Beach vacation rentals. They are well-worth the already affordable rental rates!

Finding the Best Beach Wedding Invitations

02.17.10

When considering wedding invitations, it is essential to consider the theme for the wedding. In recent trends, a surprising number of wedding ceremonies are being held in exotic locations. Destination weddings are a big hit, with an overwhelming majority of them occurring in beachside areas. When having a destination wedding, the wedding invitations should adequately reflect what the guest is expected to experience. Thus, it is advisable that beach weddings send out beach wedding invitations to the guests. Couples can find solace in the ample amount of companies and individuals who are willing to cater to every wedding need. These companies can furnish beautiful beach wedding invitations to fit most guest lists and budget requirements. These companies and individuals can also help generate creative ideas and entertainment that will make this special day all the more memorable.

Wedding invitations should adequately reflect the theme, if there is one, of the wedding. While simple wedding invitations can suffice, beach wedding destinations can spring some creative and inviting ideas that can produce some of the most beautiful and unique beach wedding invitations. Some of the more creative ideas incorporate tiny props, such as seashells, with elegant details. Others incorporate modern trends without looking kitsch, and invite prospective guests to celebrate this special event. More commonly, beach wedding invitations can be simple yet exotic with aquatic color schemes and subtle hints of coastal and island delights.

When choosing beach wedding invitations, couples should consult with different companies to garner ideas and receive quotes. Many companies catering to wedding invitations can provide couples with unique ideas within their budget. While expectations should not be unreal, most companies and individuals are able and willing to help couples seek an invitation that will make the occasion most memorable. Couples should be ready to provide wedding invitation companies with a general idea of what they would like and budget requirements to ensure the optimal results.

Couples should also provide the wedding invitation company with an estimated guest list. Both sides of the family should be consulted to ensure the guest list adequately reflects the needs of both parties. Also, it is advisable for couples to order more invitations than necessary, if budget allows. These extra invitations may come in handy for last minute invites or for scrapbook memorabilia. Regardless, the wedding invitation company needs to have a clear estimate of the number of expected invitations, the estimated budget, and an idea for what the couple would like.

With this information, the wedding invitations can adequately reflect the wants and needs of the couple! From here, the beach wedding invitations can be as creative or as traditional as the couple wants. Such creative ideas can include photographs of the couple and destination, small lightweight props, ribbons, color schemes, and much more! Destination weddings provide ample opportunity for creativity and imagination. What better way to express this side of the couple than by creating beautiful and imaginative invitations!

A creative and original wedding invitation is a great way to invite guests to this special occasion. Couples should take care in adequately reflecting their theme and destination in the invitations, so the guests can know what to expect! For the best results, couples should submit their wants, as well as their guest list and budget requirements to the selected wedding invitation company. With enough provided information, the wedding invitation companies can create beautiful and inviting invitations that will be cherished forever.