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

The hotel Royal Corin is a luxury resort in La Fortuna Arenal, with views of the majestic Arenal volcano. The hotel is located in one of the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica.

The hotel has 54 rooms with an elegant design.  It’s very clean and the rooms as well.

Every room has phones even in the bathrooms, plus mini bar, drinkable hot water system, LCD TV.  Royal Corin offers Internet service and electronic latchkeys with security key.

Amenities: Airport shuttle, Business Center, Concierge, High-speed Internet, Parking, Room Service and more.

Hotel Royal Corin provides a full-service health spa, an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and complimentary breakfast.

The Royal Corin means an excellent chance to rest and enjoy several sports with recreation options.

Emperador Restaurant featuring a delicious variety of national and international cuisine.

Lava Bar offers delicious options in their varied menu; from Asian to Italian dishes which satisfy even the most demanding palate.

 

Lavender is the mark of Provence Region, France. This region slightly inland from the coast, has a great diversity and also great general views that are very characteristic of the typical France village: houses with red roofs, narrow streets and their exposure to the sun. The lavender of Provence blooms from the end of June through July and August, and when is the festival season in Avignon. True lavender is native to the Southern Alps with huge diversity sorts – different varieties grow in the dry mountainous areas from 600 to 2000 m.

Between July 20 and late August, under a scorching sun, the locals live according to lavender time. After it is cut and dried, the flowers in bulk or in bunches are stuffed into the beaker of still which is used to extract lavender’s essential oils.

Hamilton Island is situated amongst the 74 tropical Whitsunday islands, at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The island is one of the Australia’s favorite destinations. Hamilton Island is the perfect choice for your ideal tropical holiday. Surrounded by amazing coral beaches, the island has its own Jet Airport and 5 Star International Resorts.

It houses underwater coral, tranquil clear water, secluded beaches, azure waters, and a calm tropical ambience. The island includes resort accommodation, boutique shops, swimming pools, restaurants, and etc.

Hamilton offers different activities to entertain including go-karts, mini-golf, the Wildlife Experience with kangaroos, koalas and crocodiles, and etc. Snorkeling and diving are among the most popular water activities. Beach cruises, water skiing, wind surfing, yacht race, sailing, kayaking, game fishing are also available.

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Miami is a world of man -made islands and the original polo fields are new golf courses – Miami first make a loud at the beginning of the 20th century. Many times I wrote about Miami but this time I will mention some other interesting facts. I love Miami in part for all its flashy invention. In my opinion the big constructions are adding some serious substance to this subtropical city.

I suggest you this time exploring Miami on a two-day bike tour visiting city streets, galleries, delicious drives, one stop Haitian voodoo shops. You can covered 40 miles and 11 islands and used up an entire tube of sunblock.

One of my favorites building in Miami is Bacardi Building north to downtown Miami, at Biscyne and Northest 21st. This building is the greater example of how the International style meets the subtropics. I’m a modernist and I reckon we should protect the buildings of the past, but also the new architecture should reflect our own times and aspirations.

A fantastic way to experience Miami cultural diversity is through its culinary culture. Just north of downtown it’s Enriqueta, a delicious little Cuban spot with hundreds of fun and mostly family-run restaurants. There are incredible Cuban Nicaraguan, Peruvian, Brazilian and Argentine food. Miami has an extraordinary influence of cultures, but you have to get out of South Beach to feel it. The botanicas in Little Haiti are just an example for getting a sense of rich Haitian culture here.

For the first time, there is massive residential development in the downtown area that will transform what was once a dark working center into a great downtown. In addition to Museum Park (the new Miami Art Museum/Museum of Science complex) and the Performing Arts Center, over the next several years we will see a new Frank Gehry Soundspace for the New World Symphony and new Herzog & de Meuron and Enrique Norten buildings here in Miami Beach.

 

No man is an Iceland. Iceland is a mysterious land, nestled between Europe and North America with ties to Scandinavia. The countryside includes dramatic textures like moss, magma, roiling hot springs and glacial crevasses. Much of it tiny population lives in highly rational architecture in the capital, Reyjavik. The national language is literal and lacks preciousness. The highly efficient brand of economy is tempered by faith in fairies, the hidden people who inhabit stones.

 The population of the country is really small, only 300,000 in the whole land and it is always cold. Summers are more playful and people do not take work too seriously (like everywhere in the world). You also may see a sign on an office door reading ” Due to very pleasant weather, we are taking the rest of the day off”. Pleasant weather means more than 68 degrees. I reckon that many creative inhabitants fill their heads during the summer. You know winters are more for sitting down at your table taking those things that you collect in your mind during summer lifestyle.

Reykjavik has many designers, whose work is very craft-based, with materials like ceramics, wool and fish skin. Good examples of this are shops like Kirsuberjatred, Kraum and the work of ceramicist Kogga. You can sight see city shining in the creations of young desgners. For instance Mundi Designs is an exiting new fashion label directed by a young graphic designer.

Reykjavik is a big part of culture, but the countryside is even bigger. Many people have summer houses in the country. They take inspiration from nature and their sagas. They know where to look to create something new from their past.

Go to a local pool and you will find out that important conversations take places – about politics, culture, gossip, design and etc. During the winter go outside and fill the weather in all its strength.

The Bahia Principe Resort is formed by (Tulum and Akumal) and is located in Riviera Maya, on the east-side of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula is only a 60 minutes drive away from Cancun airport, 35 minutes away from Playa del Carmen and 20 minutes away from Tulum. The hotel complex is comprised of three Gran Bahia Principe hotels, forms a stunning spread of luxury and comfort.

The resort offers a total of 1,259 guestrooms which are distributed in three-story villas housing 18 rooms each.The rooms are divided up into 3 story villas dotted throughout the property and making it feel a more intimate and cozy.The rooms come with a complete bathroom with hairdryer, direct dial telephone, satellite/cable TV, radio, minibar, 2 full size beds or a king size bed, air conditioning, balcony or terrace and living room.

Four restaurants: two in Gran Bahia Principe Tulum and two in Gran Bahia Principe Akumal,  are at the disposal of the AI guests; Tulum: the grill Gran Tortuga and the Mexican Tequila: the Italian Dolce Vita and the fish restaurant Fruits del Mar. Snacks such as hot dogs, nachos, French fries, hamburgers,  nuggets, salads and fruit.

All Inclusive Entertainment: Close to the beach,  bar and buffet. 7 bars, two pools, sporting activities, five tennis courts, water sports/dive center on the beach, sailing,  entertainment, drinks in the bars and in the disco. Include gym, aerobics and meringue lessons, windsurfing,  snorkeling, catamaran, soccer, boogie boards, bicycles, volleyball, diving classes, kayaks and basketball as well as daily activities, night shows.

Govedartsi is a village with moderate climate in the foot of Rila mountains some 30 km from Borovets ski resort and 75 km from Sofia - the capital of Bulgaria. It is a national mountain resort.

There are excellent conditions for ski during the winter.

The village of Govedartsi is surrounded by virgin nature and unique eco system. Near the village is situated Iovchevo Lake. The air is very fresh and surroundings are amazing.

Just 3km outside the village, one can find many holiday houses, recreational centres, private villas, as well as a tourist base with 100 beds in bungalows. Infrastructure of ski resort is well developed; there are regular buses to all surrounding towns and taxi services as well.

The Cayman Islands is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle and Caribbean charm. Marriott Grand Cayman is located on West Bay Road on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman BWI in the Cayman Islands. The Resort is located next to Treasure Island and just north of George Town. The hotel beautiful complete with a courtyard to hang out in the palm trees and relax.
All 305 spacious rooms are drenched in tropical hues of melon and other accented with rich dark woods. Each room is equipped with high-speed Internet access, private balcony, an in-room safe, mini refrigerator, coffeemaker, hair dryer and an iron with full-size ironing board. The bathroom was functional and large if not luxe with a single sink and shower. The resort boasts 4 restaurants, some offering oceanfront dining. Restaurants are pleasingly placed for charming environment and also serving delicious foods.

Hotel’s Amenities: spa, fitness room, outdoor freshwater pool, salon and other.

Activities: Snorkeling, Volleyball, Water Skiing, Tennis, Sailing, golf.

The Radisson Aruba Resort Casino is located on 14 acres of Palm Beach, approximately eight miles from downtown Oranjestad and nine miles from Queen Beatrix International Airport. The resort truly encompasses all the tropical charm and ambiance that’s uniquely Caribbean.

This resort offers a wide stretch of ivory-sand beach, two zero-entry pools, open-air dining by the sea, a water-sports center, and a glittering casino.

353 guestrooms, including 30 luxurious suites and exclusive Plaza Club accommodations. Indian inspired teak furnishings; with balconies, coffeemakers and complimentary high-speed Internet access.

The bathrooms’ Italian marble floor, soapstone sink, and stylish fixtures argue that good things come in small packages.

Four restaurants and lounges feature spectacular culinary delights.

Spa features nine treatment rooms offering a full menu of services including skin care, massages, body treatments and a full service Salon and state-of-the-art Fitness Center.

Water Sports: Banana boats, canoes, Hobie Cats, tube rides, paddle boats, waterskiing, windsurfing, parasailing, waverunners and more.

The town in the North West of the Alps, Chamonix, Mont-Blank is famous as a skiing resort. Mont Blanc became famous in 1924 with the organisation of the First Winter Olympics Games. The Chamonix Mont Blanc ski region covers 4 major ski resorts; Brevent/Flegere, Grands Montets, Domaine du Balme and Les Houches.

In twenty minutes, two cable-cars will take you from the valley floor in Chamonix up to the arrival station perched on a rocky spur at an altitude of 3842 m, in the heart of some of the highest peaks in Europe.

Fancy a bit of skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, cross-country skiing, ski-touring, mountaineering, ice climbing or snowshoeing.

Or if you prefer something a little more sedate then just enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh Alpine air.

Chamonix, the cradle of alpines, remains the meeting of nature and mountain lovers.

The hotel is situated in a picturesque position – a top a panoramic hill, surrounded by majestic mountains, offers an breathtaking view of the spectacular valley of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Cristallo Palace is located just 3 km from Bergamo airport. The hotel’s design in a Gustavian style, pastel colors and precious crafts work, such as 16,000 hand painted roses, create a pleasant atmosphere. The hospitable and intimate atmosphere makes the hotel ideal as a summer and winter holiday destination.
This more than 100-year-old hotel offers luxurious wellness & beauty center, including solarium, sauna, Turkish Bath and hydromassage. The old historic building have also indoor swimming pool, piano bar and 3 top quality restaurants. You can experience unforgettable sensations on the popular La Veranda del Cristallo, known for its unique panoramic view, that regularly take away the breath of its guests. The restaurants offers a seasonal menus based on traditional Italian cuisine with the aromas of the Mediterranean and an excellent choice of local and national wines.All the 90 rooms are elegantly furnished, and soundproofed, equipped with A/C, minibar, satellite TV with high speed Internet connection, movie on command, direct-dial telephone and radio.  In 2007 the Cristallo Palace Hotel & Spa won the World Travel Award’s as Europe’s leading ski resort and Italy’s leading ski resort.

Casa del Abad (The Abbot’s House) is a refurbished 17th century building that stands out in the main square of Ampudia, in the Leon region in Spain. This is a charming and friendly hotel that offers comfortable accommodation to make your stay a memorable one. The integration of an atmosphere of the old with the most modern and advanced technology expected of a present day 4 star hotel has been made possible by the architect Angel Garcia Puertas.

Its architect has kept most of the original structures and used building materials that are typical in the region to maintain the traditional and picturesque mood of the house and the rooms, which he has superbly complemented with antique furniture, contemporary design details and modern equipment. The decoration of the house is amazing, comfortable and stylish – stairs and steps, objects of great curiosity, a tiny chapel, wonderful splashes of color, restful public rooms, superb restaurant, very well appointed rooms with all the comforts you might need. If you are looking for relax, rest and reading, this is the right place for your holidays. Casa del Abad  is a rich combination of color and style that always leaves first-time guests breathless. Inside is a 17th-century chapel which still has its original altar. Adobe walls, original forges and wood furnishings adorn the interiors, creating a highly tranquil atmosphere. Lovely hotel in small Spanish village 20m/30km from Vallalodid airport. Many unique items displayed throughout the hotel give it character and make for an interesting stay.

Things to enjoy
You can workout in the state-of-the-art gymnasium, have a bracing dip in the swimming pool or indulge in the game of tennis. The hotel also offers a wellness center, which includes a hydrotherapy, massage service, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar and gastronomy experiences.

Attractions: Colegiata, Tower of San Miguel, Museum of Sacred Art, Monastery routes, Cultural Romanesque Routes, Ampudia Castle and church – 5-min walk, 5 Golf Courses, mountain biking, wine tasting in 5WineRegions, cycle through the ancient streets of the village, follow along the ruins of the wall and continue underneath the arcades of the houses until you arrive at the castle. In a nice and quiet atmosphere you will relax and rest before or after hydrotherapy baths,  massages or any of the treatments and programs chosen.

The five star Marbella Club Hotel is located in a natural paradise on the shores of the Mediterranean, Spain, with 320 days of sunshine and a mild year round average temperature of 21ºC. Marbella Hotel was once the private residence of a prince. The Prince’s definition of luxury was a blend of privacy and gardens which has resulted in the Marbella Club Hotel which is one of the leading small luxury hotels in the world. Today the hotel is a member of “The Leading Small Hotels of the World” as one of Europe’s finest and most fashionable resorts. The 121 luxury rooms and suites spread on 42.000 m2 of lush subtropical gardens, with their own private gardens and some of them with private pools. Each guest room is decorated with the finest of Mediterranean interior design, reflecting the surrounding natural elements, has a furnished terrace, marble bathroom and 6 different Aromatic bath amenities.

Rooms Facilities: en suite bathroom, hydro-massage shower, hairdryer, air conditioning, central heating, plasma satellite TV, direct dial telephone, high speed internet access, safety deposit box available for hire, mini bar, room service, luxurious toiletries for him and her.

The Marbella Club Thalasso Spa is one of the best spas to be found in a major European tourist destination. Located on the beach, the Thalasso Spa occupies 800 sq. m, including a dynamic indoor sea-water pool, Turkish baths, saunas, a relaxation room overlooking the sea, and 12 treatment rooms. The Thalasso Spa Club offers a full range of thalassotherapy and beauty treatments, with Rejuvenation, Weight Loss and Anti-Stress Programs, ShiTao massages and facial massages with seashells.
With its magnificent 18 hole golf course and its superbly equipped riding stables, the Golf Resort and Riding Stables of the Marbella Club Hotel is a haven where golf enthusiasts, riding fans, and nature lovers can enjoy their favorite pastimes. It is also an ideal spot for pleasant walks amongst the hills and for taking in the spectacular views of the Sierra, Gibraltar, the North African coastline and the Mediterranean.

Hotel facilities and amenities: Four restaurants, Cocktail bar and Piano bar, Beach Club with bar and grill, European Cafe, Fitness Center, Hydrotherapy Spa, Jacuzzi, five swimming pools, Beauty and Business Center, squash course, 24 hour room service, babysitting service, doctor on call, laundry service, boutiques, sun beds and beach services, golf reservations and club hire, car rental and currency exchange. Both of the 2 outdoor heated swimming pools invite you to relax in the surrounding gardens or enjoy the views of the Mediterranean through the palm trees of the famous Beach Club. Prices from £1,055 per person

Hua Hin (Huahin) is a tourist city and famous beach resort in Thailand, located 281 kilometers south of Bangkok. Hua Hin is the oldest beach resort of Thailand.
If you enjoy walks through the quiet winding streets of a friendly coastal village, sampling delicious seafood in restaurants overlooking the brightly lit fishing boats on the Gulf of Thailand or a round of golf on one of the several international standard links, Hua Hin could very well be what you’re looking for.

In Hua Hin you can visit the Majestic Creek Country Club and Beach Resort – The inland road to the club passes through rural Thailand with small farms producing pineapples, sugarcane, bananas and mangoes. The journey is interesting, and it becomes more scenic as the road approaches to the golf resort, which lies beneath the natural-lying mountains to the west of Hua Hin.

You can ride horses and buggy around the temples and beach of Khao Takiab Bay, just 10 minutes south of Hua Hin town centre. Horse Riding is available on the beach.
In Hua Hin is famous also the Elephant Polo.

If you want real relaxation you must visit the Khao Takiab Bay and Hua Hin spas. People in Hua Hin like Fishing trips. Fishing Boat charters from Takiab Fishing Village in Hua Hin. Offshore fishing and boat rides. Fishing is available off Koh Singto.

The white sand goes for miles from the Sofitel at the end of Damnoenkasem Rd. At the main beach there are umbrellas for lounging and vendors will satisfy your needs for drinks and snacks, and even pony rides, jet skis and a Thai traditional massage. Many beach front hotels have concessions for wind surfing and sailing needs and power boats can be hired. Walks down the beach will take you to temples and fishing villages.

Though the beaches and swimming pools are always beckoning, the Hua Hin area also has shopping, temples, waterfalls, caves, quaint neighborhoods and historical sites that will create memories for all members of the family. A leisurely drive though the countryside, where one can see rice paddies and pineapple plantations, children playing in the canals, and the beautiful scenery of Prachuapkirikhan and Petchburi provinces is also a must.

Boulder is the first city in the United States which imposes an additional tax on residents who use electricity made from coal. About a third of the total waste steam here is recycled.

 

The city has one of the largest solar hydronic systems in the country and it is ringed by 43,000 acres of protected open space, which is nearly three times the landmass of Manhattan. Boulder is also laced with greenways and designated bike lanes.

 

In Boulder you can get anywhere on bike, almost as fast as a car can. As well as in this beautiful city, the community program gives bikes to homeless people in exchange for work and there’re a bounty of new routes and trails in recent years.

 

The Boulder Creek Path is the main artery of Boulder bikeland. But Boulder is not for everybody. Some people hate the place. The town is rigorously conformist in its alternative way- if you wear river sandals and sport rucksack.

 

All the restaurants there use organic ingredients that are free of synthetic chemicals and pesticides.