paradise travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

A PARADISE CALLED CAPRI
In front of the Sorrento peninsula, Capri island is one of the most fascinating places in Italy. This cosmopolitan and society island was loved by Caesar Augustus and by Tiberius who spent there the last 10 years of his life, enriching it with luxurious villas. Divided into the two municipalities of Capri and Anacapri and with the typical houses in Marina Grande harbour, the island has mainly a hilly territory. The deep blue sky is furrowed by big erring gulls and watches over citrus cultivations and vineyards that are climbing up the slopes, rich in very rare varietes like the dwarf fan palm. The lapis-lazuli sea hides unbelievably beautiful grottoes, like the Blue Grotto that is famous all around the world. The Faraglioni (Monolithic rocks) are also typical: they are imposing and suggestive rocky massifs. Rich in boutiques and handicraft laboratories, Capri is famous for bergamont extracts – basic essence for perfumes and for a particularly tasty and refined cuisine. The Piazzetta (little square) is ideal meeting-place for VIPs and renowned people who over decades have elected this paradise as the capital for luxury tourism.

GULF DIAMONDS
The island of the Neapolitan archipelago are paradises and peerless natural beauties. Capri, Ischia and Procida – the destination preferred by international jet set and aristocracy since ancient times- are also the homeland of an island craftsmanship with a great artistic value and handed down over time. In Capri, you can find Canfora boutique that was founded in 1946 by Amedeo Canfora – the creator of a marvellous line of very colorful handmade sandals made of real leather and applications of costume jewellery. Among the most famous customers, there is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, sponsoring the famous K sandals. Many VIPs crossed the threshold of the laboratory: Grace Kelly, Princesses Margareth and Caroline, Maria Callas, Oona Chaplin, Sofia Loren, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Anita Ekberg and Naomi Campbell, being always fascinated by Canfora sandals from Capri, in boutique located in Via Camerelle – close to Piazzetta Quisisana – the most elegant street in Capri.

Originally opened in September of 1977, the Paradise has endured as one of Boston’s premiere rock and roll clubs for over 25 years. It holds a place in history as the first venue that U2 ever performed in the USA and has hosted some of rock’s elite including: The Police, AC/DC, Blondie, REM, The Jam, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders, Dire Straits, Billy Joel, INXS, Tom Waits, Tom Tom Club, Television, Mission of Burma, Cheap Trick, Joe Jackson, Rage Against the Machine, The Pixies, Joe Strummer, Coldplay and so so many more!!For large, national acts and the occasional local bill, head into the Back Room where you and hundreds of fans can experience one of the best sound and light systems in town. Ideal sight lines from every angle in this room, topped with plush couches and its own bar upstairs, makes for an ideal live music experience. The more intimate Lounge (which was once a dance club), serves up an ideal after-work menu of cheap eats, quality brews, live music, DJ and occasional burlesque dancers in a warm and inviting setting. Paintings from local artists decorate the walls and private seating upstairs beckons to lovers and xenophobes, alike. The Paradise is here to stay as one of Boston’s best live music venues.
People lined up down the block at The Paradise Rock Club near Boston University to check out Detroit’s The Von Bondies on Monday night.
Bondies’ fans got a special treat with openers Johnny Headband, also from Detroit. The two brothers, Chad (lead vox/keys) and Keith (bass/guitar), hit the stage dressed all in white, with their drummer presiding behind dressed in black. They played inspired danced rock numbers, and it was obvious they were having an illicit amount of fun.

Jamaica is of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and is a very popular tourist destination. Ocho Rios, located on the north central coast of Jamaica. The town is full with attractions – The River Falls, flowers garden, water sports, dolphin cove, Bob Marley Mausoleum and many others.
The sunset beach is amazing. The water is so clear and warm, perfect
you just want to get out and swim in it so bad. The best weather everyday.
Dolphin cove is the Caribbean is newest and Jamaica is only dolphin
attraction. The natural cove is surrounded by four acres of lush tropical
rain. The cove is also home to other marine species such as rays and
sharks as well as tropical birds. Iguanas, eels and other reptiles are fed
as intriguing stories are narrated by your guide. There are gift shop selling
souvenirs.
Many people playing with the dolphins, but also swim, dance and kiss.They are intelligence and interesting animals. The dolphin program includes all of the above activities plus assisting the animals in acrobatic performances. Experience for yourself unique feeling of awe dolphins inspire by their profound intelligence and beauty. In 30 – minute program, children and adults alike will enjoy the company of their new friends. It is located near Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios.

The River Falls – This is popular attraction is visited by thousands of
visitors each year. You will beat the crowds you climb the 600 feet water -
falls with the help guides. Everyone is suppose to hold hands as you go
up the falls. Also special shoes can be rented but are not required, to
climb the falls. After climbing the falls , we headed back down to the relatively,
small but uncrowded beach where the River meet the ocean.

Ocho Rios is once a sleepy fishing village it is discovered by tourist. Also Golf, Tennis and many others games.

The glistening shores of the Caribbean Sea in Ocho Rios are a magnificent setting for your favorite resort activities. Water sports are some of the most popular activities here. Lessons in windsurfing, sunfish sailing, and kayaking are available daily.

Bob Marley Mausoleum -
Reggae music fans from the world over make the pilgrimage to the famed singer/songwriter’s grave site at the village of Nine Mile, about 65km south of Ocho Rios. Marley lived in the Nine Mile hamlet between the age of six and 13. The two-room shack in which he lived is open to view, filled with memorabilia, and alongside it is the mausoleum in which Marley and his half-brother are buried. The site also has a vegetarian restaurant and small shop. Reggae concerts are held at Nine Mile each year on 6 February, Marley’s birthday.
Jazz Festival – This year at the 17th annual Jamaica Ocho Rios internacional Jazz festival. The greatest names in Jamaican Jazz which featuret the likes of Ernie Ranglin, Maurice Gordon Trio, Peter Hudson and many musicans every year.
The cristal blue Caribbean sea, the warmest weather, the exotishen tropical fruite and beautiful restaurants , luxury hotels, and flowers garden made Ocho Rios- paradise town.

A chic retreat, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is situated high overlooking Paradise Valley and the mountains beyond. This boutique property has an exhilarating atmosphere with its modern architectural design, huge infinity pool, Asian-inspired Spa and minimalist ‘elements’ restaurant with Jade Bar overlooking the glittering Valley.The Sanctuary Spa features Asian-inspired design and philosophy and includes indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a fitness center with movement studio, meditation garden, a therapeutic Watsu pool and an outdoor lap pool. The resort also offers Arizona’s largest infinity-edge resort pool, 6 newly resurfaced tennis courts and hiking and biking trails.Sanctuary offers 98 luxurious mountain and spa casitas that make the most of the spectacular mountainside setting with breathtaking panoramic views. Features range from outdoor balconies and kitchen alcoves to wood-burning fireplaces and private outdoor soaking tubs. For a private getaway, choose one of the luxuriously appointed Mountainside homes or Spa casitas.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
98 casitas, 4 private residences
4 Private Mountaintop Homes
12 One-Bedroom Spa Casitas
12 Deluxe Spa Casitas
37 One and Two Bedroom Mountain Casita Suites
37 Deluxe Mountain Casitas
AMENITIES & SERVICES
At the hotel: Concierge, 24-hour Front Desk, Gift Shop, High Speed Internet, Laundry Service, Non Smoking Rooms, Parking, Room Service, Turndown Service, Valet Parking.

In your room: Luxurious, soft-textured Frette linens and robes, Exclusive Erno Laszlo signature in-room amenities, Slippers, In-room coffee service, Designer furnishings customized for comfort, Roomy desk with comfortable chair, Oversized chairs and sofas, Hair dryers, AM/FM radio, Alarm clock, Dual-line phone, Voice-mail, Dataport, CD player, 32″ remote control, elevision, DVD rental, Iron and ironing board, In-room private bar, Newspaper delivered daily, Nightly candlelight turn-down service, In-room massage available.

DINING

Elements has changed the view on dining in the Valley. Nestled exclusively on the North slope of Camelback Mountain, elements offers a breathtaking view of Paradise Valley, a premiere enclave of Scottsdale, Arizona. Executive Chef Charles Wiley presents his signature cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Selected as one of “The Ten Best New Chefs in America“ by Food & Wine Magazine, Wiley has earned international acclaim for his innovative cuisine.

ACTIVITIES

On-site: A vast infinity-edge resort pool (the largest in Arizona), 25-yard outdoor lap pool, 2 heated mountainside swimming pools, 5 championship tennis courts, Spa/Fitness.

Nearby: Golf courses, Hiking trails & nature walks, Bicycling, Desert horseback riding, Desert jeep rides, Hot air ballooning, Visit prehistoric Indian ruins, World-class shopping, Art galleries / museums.

SPA & FITNESS

Sanctuary Spa – 12,000 square foot indoor and outdoor Spa. State-of-the-art fitness center, weight room and movement studio.

An intimate retreat, Sanctuary Spa offers a menu of Asian-inspired treatments in 14 indoor & outdoor treatment rooms. Enhanced by modern architecture and the breathtaking setting, the Spa’s relaxing meditation garden, reflecting pond and Watsu pool provide a tranquil experience. Spa services and classes in the state-of-the-art fitness center and movement studio include Pilates, meditation, Yoga, fitness & nutrition consultations, and more.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Camelback Mountain hiking – adjacent
Scottsdale Fashion Square – 3 miles
Old Town Scottsdale – 4.5 miles
Biltmore Fashion Park – 5 miles
Phoenix Zoo – 8 miles
Heard Museum – 10 miles
Phoenix Art Museum – 10.5 miles
Taliesin West – 14 miles

The Best Islands and places in Oceania and Australia

As a hikers’ paradise, you will find more than 80 miles of trails that meander through woodland canyons and lush riparian springs, or zigzag up steep switchbacks directly into the park’s rugged wilderness. Many trails are available for horseback riding if you bring your own stock. The park is a wonderful place to look at fossils and learn about Permian Age geology, enjoy bird watching and wildlife observation, delve into nature photography, or enjoy unlimited opportunities for stargazing under ancient night skies.
As part of the nation’s rock collection and an outstanding outdoor laboratory, Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers limitless opportunities for everyone to learn about its unique resources. Professional scientists and amateur naturalists alike will find the rewards of the park to be many.

More than 300 bird species are known to frequent Guadalupe Mountains National Park; there are more than 40 species alone that nest in McKittrick Canyon. With several unique life zones and a myriad of habitats, the park is a birder’s paradise.

The Las Vegas Strip is one of the best places to go for entertainment on the west coast of the United States. Sporting a wide variety of Las Vegas hotels and casinos, nightclubs, restaurants and other attractions, you will be able to find a little bit of something for everyone.This site is dedicated to giving you all of the information necessary for you to plan your trip to Las Vegas without having to wonder what is available for you when in Vegas.When you visit Las Vegas, there are a lot of attractions to see, so you’ll want to plan your time accordingly. First, you’ll want to find a hotel in Las Vegas that meets your travel needs and near all the attractions you plan to visit. A hotel on the strip puts you right in the action 24 hours a day but there are also beautiful hotels off the strip.

Las Vegas hotels turn into an adult’s paradise when the sun goes down. Many shows begin after dark, and the casinos move into full swing action. Many restaurants cater to the early evening crowds, letting people start the long night with excellent food and service. The Mirage’s volcano eruption happens every 15 minutes, letting you see the display if you happen to be in the area. Lights and sound dominate the streets, starting the evening at full swing.In addition to the shows and the casinos, the Vegas strip has a lot of shops to offer, ranging from the themed stores in the hotels to massive malls nearly as large as some of the hotel and casino complexes. This helps add to the variety of things that you can do. Many of the hotels do offer pools, but these tend to not be open at night.

There are 113 hotels in Las Vegas. On the Las Vegas Strip itself, there are approximately 38 large hotels for you to choose from. Most of these include at least 1,000 rooms. A few of the popular hotels on the Strip include the Wynn Las Vegas, the Venetian, the Bellagio, the Hard Rock, the Sahara, Paris Las Vegas, Caesars Palace and Mandalay Bay. Off the Strip, you will find luxurious hotels like Green Valley Ranch and the Fairfield Grand Desert Resort.

In many of the vegas hotels, you will find casinos to enjoy exciting evenings in. Some of the most popular casinos include the one at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, the Hard Rock Casino and the casino at the Venetian.

Las Vegas Nightlife

When looking for social based entertainment in Las Vegas, the nightclubs are the first place you should look. Ranging from wild parties at the Coyote Ugly in the New York New York to sophisticated evenings of wine and champagne at the Risque, there is a club to suit everyones desires and tastes.If you intend on being in Las Vegas over the holidays, such as around New Years, you will want to arrange in advance for reservations, as these clubs become the soul of the party in Vegas. Most hotels in Las Vegas have at least one club within them.

Las Vegas Restaurants

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of Vegas is experiencing the various restaurants located on and off of the Strip. Every hotel tends to have a variety of different restaurants. The Venetian, as an example, has world class restaurants like the Delmonico Steakhouse and the Royal Star. The Bellagio sports the Le Cirque and Michael Mina. The Mandalay Bay has the House of Blues and the Chocolate Swan. There are also many buffets and good deals to be found, which makes the strip a surprisingly affordable place to eat if you take the time to have a look.

Las Vegas Attractions

There are many attractions on Las Vegas Strip to attract visitors. Among them include seeing the world’s largest gold nugget at the Golden Nugget, the Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio, the MGM Grand and at Treasure Island, and Celine Dion at the Caesars Palace. There are many other shows and events, such as the Fremont show every night, the Volcano eruptions at the Mirage, and the Bellagio fountains that are free of charge for any who want to see it. With this much to see and do, there is never a dull moment when staying at Hotels in Las Vegas.

There are many popular things to do in Las Vegas, ranging from day time activities to night time ones. On account of this, there are a variety of things that can be done. The most popular, however, are the top 10 free or inexpensive things to do in Las Vegas.

Top things to do in Las Vegas:

Bellagio Fountains

This show is a light and sound show, coupled with the fountain display. This takes place in front of the Bellagio Hotel, and is acceptable for everyone of all ages.

Gallery of Fine Art at the Bellagio

Located in the heart of the Bellagio you’ll find the Gallery of Fine Art. Stop by and visit the current exhibits to see the artworks that have come from museums as well as private collections.

Eiffel Tower Replica

The view from this vantage point is amazing, and you can even take the time to visit the restaurant in the tower, if you are interested in having a little dinner as well. Take a virtual tour at the base of the Paris Las Vegas.

Viva Las Vegas Show at the Stratosphere

When you arrive in Las Vegas, check out the What’s On magazine, where you can get free admission coupons for this show. The only catch is you have to purchase a $4 to $5 dollar drink. The shows start at 2 and 4 pm and last for one hour each.

The Volcano Eruption at the Mirage Hotel

Starting at 6 pm and ending at 11:30 pm, you can go to the Mirage and witness the eruption of the Volcano. This occurs once every 15 minutes.

The Fremont Street Experience

This show is perhaps one of the most energetic of the top 10 free things to do in Las Vegas. Taking up a large portion of Fremont Street and using some of the largest screens in the world, this show is good fun and entertainment for individuals of all ages.

Treasure Island Battleship Show

These shows run every 90 minutes starting at 4 and ending at 11:30pm at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.

Largest Golden Nugget

In Downtown Vegas, you can see the largest golden nugget in the world at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel. Open 24 hours a day.

Liberace Museum

This museum has a $6.50 entrance fee, but is well worth it. You can see everything possible dealing with the pianist, and spend a lot of time marveling at the wonders this Museum has to offer.

Gaming Classes at the Las Vegas Hilton

If you are planning on gambling, these 30 or so minute classes can be fun and education. Most of them are free. You will need to inquire on class times at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Visit the Strip

This is the heart of Las Vegas. All along the Strip, you will find shows, activities and amazing sights that make just taking the time to leisurely stroll the Las Vegas Strip well worth the effort.

Gondola Ride at the Venetian

Experience a little bit of Italy right in Las Vegas. Ride through the Grand Canal in an authentic Venetian gondola as you go under the bridges, pass by the cafes and more. Your gondolier even serenades you with a song to make the experience that more romantic

The Cook Islands are a Polynesian paradise consisting of fifteen islands scattered over some one million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. They lie at the center of the Polynesian Triangle of the South Pacific with Tonga and the Samoas to the west, and Tahiti to the east.

They are in the same time zone as Hawaii and are the same distance south of the Equator as Hawaii is north. The Cook Islands are self-governed, but their benevolent big brother, New Zealand, watches over them and takes care of the mundane necessities of life—banking, post offices, medical facilities, communication, hotel managing, etc. The New Zealand dollar is the official currency and although Maori is the local language, everyone speaks English. The Kiwi laid back philosophy prevails throughout the islands.

Most of the Cook Islands population resides on Rarotonga, the main island. Its capital town of Avarua is the heart of the Cook Islands. Polynesian heritage is evident in the dance and drama performed at various events throughout the year, particularly during the Constitutional Celebration on August 4th. The people are simply lovely—warm, friendly and welcoming of island guests.

The climate of the Cooks is pleasantly warm and sunny all year round. From April to November are the cooler and drier months, while November to March marks the warmer season with occasional tropical showers. Severe weather is very rare in the islands. The Cook Islands are a great stopover on the way to New Zealand or Australia or if you are island hopping around the South Pacific.

Crown Beach Resort, the newest 4-star property on the Cook Islands, is located on the sunset side of Rarotonga. Combining genuine island hospitality, gorgeous surroundings and excellent accommodations, the resort is an exclusive tropical getaway for divers, honeymooners and families. The resort`s gardens are beautifully kept, the lagoon safe to swim at any tide, and there is a large freshwater pool.

Relax by the pool with drinks from the pool bar, have a game of beach volleyball, windsurf, kayak, rent a motorcycle and explore the island, or swim and snorkel in the lagoon. Golf is available nearby, and scuba diving is excellent here. For children there are escorted children`s activities, and baby-sitting can be arranged. The resort`s tour desk is able to organize village visits, island tours, game fishing, island treks, horseback riding and many other activities. And after a fabulous active day, enjoy a romantic dinner at the resort`s Windjammer Restaurant—the food is great, and the sunsets sensational!

The lands of the great gods of Greece and Rome come to life on this unique eight-day cruise across the beautiful Aegean Sea. Throughout this exciting journey, experience the rich history and culture of ancient Greece and Turkey and the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires while cruising aboard the m.s. Le Diamant This superb vessel is one of the finest cruisers in Europe and offers well-appointed, deluxe accommodations, as well as excellent service and gourmet cuisine.Begin with the resort island of Mykonos, known for its picturesque seaside villages and windmills, and the nearby island of Delos, mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis Next, explore the stunning volcanic cliffs of Santorini, experience the fantastic Greco-Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture of Rhodes and visit the ancient Monastery of St. John on the island of Patmos. Conclude with a tour of some of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman ruins at Ephesus, and the legendary city of Troy, immortalized by Homer Throughout the cruise, expert guides will lead the excursions and special onboard lectures will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the region.

To make your Aegean experience complete, join a low-priced, optional two-night pre-cruise program in the ancient Greek capital of Athens and/or an optional two-night extension in legendary Istanbul.

Santorini is the most extraordinary island in the Aegean. You sail into a strange, enclosed sea, shut off by the Burnt Islands. The volcanic cliffs of Santorini are red, brown or greenish, surmounted by a string of white villages. It is rather like a model of a monster’s jaw made by some infernal dentist; a sinister and alarming place, like nowhere else.

Jetting out from the deep blue sea its volcanic sheer cliffs topped with gleaming white village homes and churches, resemble snowcapped mountains. The thunderous fury of nature left its mark on the island, the home of Greece’s last active volcano which still smolders today. Layer upon layer of red volcanic rock interspersed with white buildings and specks of greenery form a visual demonstration found nowhere else.
The entire center of the circular island sank into the sea during the tremendous volcanic explosion of 3.500 years ago. The eruption caused tidal waves which virtually wiped out the advanced Minoan civilization of Crete 70 miles to the south. Some scholars believe that the island is part of the legendary lost continent of Atlantis which supposedly slipped underwater during the disaster.

From the sheer cliff-top, where the villages are built, you look down on the gentle, green outer slopes of the mountain: the sea has filled the crater of the volcano. The contrast between these two faces of Santorini is dramatic and extraordinary.

The beauty of Santorini must depend on light and line; there is hardly any vegetation apart from vines, and the volcanic earth has no charm of color, unlike the earth and rock of the limestone islands. Yet it has a strange and uncanny fascination of its own. It has rightly been called the black pearl of the Aegean.
The sunsets of Santorini, with the Burnt Islands in the foreground, the islet of Thirassia behind, Sikinos and Folegandros farther off, and the great rock of Christiana, are among the most exciting aesthetic experiences that the Aegean can provide.

The official name of the island is Thira, but foreigners refer to it by the name given in honor of the island’s patron saint, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, who died here while in exile in 304 A.D.Santorini, which covers 73 square kilometers and is located 127 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus, has an important wine trade. In September visitors may tread the grapes and taste the wines. The rich volcanic soil also produces popular small sweet tomatoes. The island also exports pumice stone, china clay and pistacchio nuts. Two million tons of volcanic soil is exported every year for use in the cement industry. A member of the Cyclades group of Aegean islands, Santorini has a permanent population of aapproxiimately 10.500 but during the tourist season this number swells dramatically.

Santorini has 13 villages. Fira, also known as Thira or Hora, is the island’s capital. It is situated 27,5 m. above the sea and may be reached from the port of Skala climbing the steep, 566 broad steps. This should only be attempted by the untiring while the traditional way up the zigzag path is by renting pack mules or donkeys. For those who prefer modern conveniences, a funicular lift is available.
The cable car lifts 800 persons per hour. The duration is only two minutes and offers unforgettable views of the volcanic island.

This group of nine remote islands located 95 km northwest of Phuket was designated as a national park in 1982. The Similan Islands are some the worlds most beautiful and unspoiled islands and together with the splendor of the rich and varied marine life, and stunning coral reefs they offer a world class underwater paradise for scuba divers. elow the surface the Similans offer a wide variety of underwater scenery and marine life. You can draw a line roughly down the middle of each island in the chain separating them into two parts, with each offering totally different diving environments. On the western side of the islands, huge granite boulders are stacked on top of one another creating magnificent archways, and plunging drop-offs. Most of these granite boulders are so completely covered in colorful soft corals that the rock is no longer visible.

Diving on the eastern side of the islands can give you the impression of diving in another part of the world. Here hard coral gardens gradually slope down to approximately 30-40 meters where sand takes over as the water depth increases. Massive schools of colorful tropical fish are attracted to the nutrient rich water that swirls around these islands. Sightings of large fish are rather rare in these waters but you may occasionally encounter leopard sharks and even whale sharks here.There are more than 20 documented dive sites in the Similan Islands, many of which have developed there, own international reputation. Christmas Point, on Island #9, Ko Bangru: is famous for a series of dramatic archways for divers to swim through while they swim with the schools Blue Fin Trevally, and Jack Tuna. Fantasy Reef, on Island #8, Ko Similan: is a popular site to exploring the massive underwater rock formations, and for a likely encounter with some of the many species of rays that live there. Elephant Head, on Island #8, Koh Similan: is probably the most famous dive in the group, the site is named after an unusually shaped group of rocks that jut out of the water just to the southwest of Koh Similan.

The Similan Islands are consistently ranked as one of the top ten dive sites in the world, and there is good reason to believe they will remain that way for future generations. The Thai Government can be justly proud of their efforts to preserve and protect this group of pristine islands. In one effort the Fishing Dept placed mooring buoys in the most popular anchorage’s allowing visiting boats to tie up rather then dropping an anchor and risk damaging the fragile reef. It is easy to applaud all efforts to preserve the wild, unspoiled beaches, magnificent coral reefs, and the turquoise blue water of this special area.