Archive for the 'Travel and Leisure' Category


Visit The Meridian Club and Pine Cay Beach

Author: Rhonda Monique
April 15, 2009

Pine Cay, a privately owned 800 acre jewel in the Turks and Caicos Islands (just south of the Bahamas), is home to this unique and exclusive resort. Relax in one of our twelve spacious beachfront suites, the romantic Sand Dollar Cottage, or one of the privately owned rental homes scattered unobtrusively about the island. Enjoy fine cuisine, always including fresh seafood, at our restaurant. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, an outdoor experience with outstanding snorkeling, diving and fishing, or just relaxation in the sun by the sea, you’ll find it here. And the warm aquamarine waters and vast white sand beach of The Meridian Club on Pine Cay will leave you with indelible memories..

For more info visit  The Meridian Club


** Eco Friendly Travel w/Costa Cruises**

Author: Rhonda Monique
April 8, 2009

This Italian company received the “Green Star” award from RINA (Italian Shipping Register) in 2005 for all 11 cruise ships in its fleet. The award means all Costa ships comply with the highest environmental protection standards for prevention of marine pollution—even stricter than the current international regulations (called MARPOL). Two of the ships received the “Green Star Design” award for their state-of-the-art eco-friendly design. In addition, Costa has teamed with environmental groups and also monitors the impact of climate change in the Mediterranean via equipment on board one of its ships.

To find out more about travel click here for Costa Cruises homepage


Ice Hotel - Jukkasjarvi, Sweden

Author: Rhonda Monique
March 23, 2009

Imagine a hotel which is built from scratch every year. A new design, new suites, a brand new reception - in fact everything in it is crisp and new.  Well, there is such a hotel; the Ice Hotel, situated on the shores of the Torne River, in the old village of Jukkasjärvi in Swedish Lapland.  10 000 tons of crystal clear ice from the ‘ice manufacturing plant’, the Torne River, and 30 000 tons of pure snow generously supplied by Mother Nature are needed to build the Ice Hotel every year. The hotel sleeps over 100 guests, and every bedroom is unique.   The Ice Hotel includes an Ice Chapel (in case you want to get married while you’re there!), an ice art exhibition hall, a cinema and the world famous ‘Absolut Ice Bar’. Once there you can partake of several winter-wonderland excursions, such as a dog-sled ride or snowmobile safari, or an overnight trip to a wilderness camp.

http://www.icehotel.com/


RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL **GREECE**

Author: Rhonda Monique
March 20, 2009

Levendis Estate

Organic farm with four houses and amenities, Ithaca, Ionian Islands, Greece

Levendis is a 7-acre eco-chic organic farm on the shores of the Ionian island of Ithaca. Perched on a hillside and having spectacular sea iews, this olive oil producing estate includes four houses each set into its own fragrant gardened terraces, a swimming pool and outdoor amenities, a farm area, orchard and forest.

Levendis offers luxury, family-friendly and romantic holidays where quality and hospitality are the abiding hallmarks. It is a holiday destination for world travellers who want to experience the peace and tranquility of living in Greece for a short while.  It successfully fuses five-star services with independent-styled holidays, and operates in a way which honors the fragile island environment.

Guests are offered organic foods and meals, a child care service gives parents time-out, Breakfasts and picnic hampers can be provided and there are a wide range of activities available for the more energetic guest.

For reservations and more info visit  http://www.levendis.gr/reservations/


ECO FRIENDLY LUXURY AT ITS BEST ***BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU

Author: Rhonda Monique
March 13, 2009

Opened in 1995, Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru is located on the North Malé Atoll, featuring 48 guest villas. They were built on this fascinating island surrounded by shallow crystalline waters and beautiful coral reefs

Responsible Development
To prevent damaging the beautiful coral reefs surrounding the island during construction, the solution was to transfer thatched roofs and other pre-fabricated building materials brought in from Indonesia to small boats and barges that could navigate the shallow waters without threatening its delicate marine life. In addition, the villas were built on the footprints of a previous property to preserve existing trees and prevent erosion on the beach.

Holistic Conservation.
Coral reefs are a primary focus due to the vital role reefs play in supporting the Maldivian Islands and communities. To strengthen and enhance the delicate ecosystem, the Lab team researches the ways the reefs evolve.  BioRock™ technology is used to increase the growth rate and strength of corals, which has been observed to speed up the natural recovery rates of corals on the house reef following the 1998 coral bleaching. The Marine Lab associates also plant corals along bare patches of reef crest, thus enhancing the island’s natural coastal defense system and providing shelter and habitat for fish and invertebrates. Guests are invited to take part in the remediation of small natural reefs in the lagoon, with the intention to relocate corals from areas where it is at risk of damage or where coral colonies are already broken.

Click Here For Reservations


VISIT CHINA… EXICTING TOURS OF BEIJING

Author: Rhonda Monique
February 25, 2009
Beijing At Night

Beijing At Night

China has so many outstanding places to visit  during a vacation that it is difficult to choose among them. A trip to China would not be complete without a tour of Beijing’s attractions. Beijing has long been the Capital of China and offers a number of world-class palaces, monuments, and mausoleums for the tourist’s inspection.   Be sure the see the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Ming Tombs and The Great wall of China Built as a defensive wall, construction started between two and four hundred years B.C. When finished, the Great Wall guarded approximately four thousand miles of border.  Although many sections of the wall have fallen into decay, there are numerous locations where you can see the Great Wall at its best:  the most commonly visited Great Wall site is north of Beijing in Badaling.

Touring China


PORTOFINO ISLAND RESORT AND SPA OF PENSACOLA, FL

Author: Rhonda Monique
February 9, 2009

Portofino IslandWhere Mediterranean styling meets Florida oceanfront luxury—welcome to Portofino Island, Florida.  Your search for the perfect Florida oceanfront vacation is over. Just one look at our pristine Florida beaches, luxury condo accommodations and oceanfront resort amenities, and you’ll know. You’ve found paradise.

Each oceanfront condo at Portofino offers spectacular views of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico or Santa Rosa Bay, plus all the comforts of home. Our condos offer fully-equipped gourmet kitchens, easy-access elevators, expansive garage parking and oceanfront patios and balconies.  Each of Portofino’s five towers offers its own amenities, including a pool, a whirlpool spa and private parking.

Portofino is a one-of-a-kind, ecologically-based oceanfront Florida condo community offering a blend of luxury oceanfront living and a commitment to preserve our pristine Florida habitats.  Pensacola Beach is a Florida beach community like none other—our history is rich, and our present is dazzling. Our luxury accommodations offer a Florida oceanfront condo vacation you’ll never forget.

Portofino Island


GET AWAY CLOSE TO HOME AT CANAAN VALLEY RESORT, WEST VIRGINIA

Author: Rhonda Monique
January 21, 2009

Secluded CabinsEnjoy A Captivating Four-Season Destination At Canaan Valley Resort. Situated in one of the most scenic and tranquil settings in the Mid-Atlantic - with unlimited recreation and family-focused activities - Canaan Valley Resort is a four-season destination providing the perfect escape from the pressures of daily life.

Cannan ValleyFifteen miles long by three miles wide, Canaan Valley is the highest mountain valley east of the Rocky Mountains, with a base elevation of 3,100 feet. Canaan Valley Resort is nestled on a plateau overlooking the valley, offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.

Cannan ValleyRecently named one of “America’s Best Parks” by Arthur Frommer’s Magazine, and among the “50 Great Places to Stay” in Washingtonian Magazine, our Canaan Valley ski resort offers a 250-room lodge, 23 cabins, and 34 campsites; a full-service ski area, fine dining, a conference center, and a championship golf course; a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a whirlpool spa; and miles of hiking, biking, and cross country ski trails.

Cannan Valley WVBreathtaking Natural Beauty And Splendor In Canaan Valley, West Virginia Nestled in the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains, Canaan Valley Resort boasts rustic accommodations, fun recreational activities, legendary downhill skiing, and spectacular golf. Book your Canaan Valley reservations online today for special rates. 

So when you’re ready to relax, unwind, and shake off your stress, come up to the valley - where the views and fun stretch forever.Click here for West Virginia Vacation Specials.


VACATION DESTINATION **POST RANCH INN**

Author: Rhonda Monique
January 13, 2009

Ocean HouseThe resort is located on 98 acres, perfect for hiking, picnicking and romantic walks. There is a heated outdoor pool, fitness room and a private massage studio. Post Ranch Inn offers a number of weekly complimentary guest activities such as yoga, Tai Chi, Quigong, guided nature walks and herb garden talks. Every night from 9pm to 10pm guests can observe the starry night sky above Big Sur through a ten-inch Meade telescope.

The five Ocean Houses at Post Ranch Inn offer amazing ocean views from the bed, bath, window seat and terrace.

For more info visit postranchinn.com


TAKE A ROMANTIC HOLIDAY GETAWAY TO THE WHITE BARN INN AND SPA

Author: Rhonda Monique
December 22, 2008

Loft SuiteThe White Barn Inn & Spa is one of the leading Kennebunkport hotels and inns; a base for you to experience all that coastal Maine has to offer… Kennebunkport shopping, all the Maine attractions and the many great Maine events that Kennebunkport and the coastal Maine region hosts each year. 

A truly romantic experience, classic style and savoir faire in hotel accommodation, restaurant and spa services awaits you, as do the team of experienced hotel professionals, all eager to deliver that truly memorable experience that has built the enviable reputation of The White Barn Inn Kennebunkport, Maine.

Pamper yourself or a loved one with one of their luxurious Spa Treatments. In your room or by the outdoor pool, the luxury Spa will relax your mind and rejuvenate your soul.

Make an online hotel reservation or enquire online, call us on 207.967.2321 or explore our other Kennebunkport hotel and inn special offers, deals and packages.