Articles for ‘Romance’ Category
Friday, November 20th, 2009
Kauai (Courtesy: Kauai Visitors Bureau)
By Lena Katz
When people say you may spot dolphins off the shore of Kauai, they don’t mean just one or two. Noisy, fun-loving, fearless spinner dolphins cruise the Na Pali coast in pods, swimming alongside the sailboats and wowing the humans with airborne antics and graceful waterborne power. Spinners can’t be trained, and they can’t survive beyond a few days once taken from their natural habitat. They’re one of many unforgettable Hawaii vacation experiences that can only be experienced with Mother Nature’s permission, and if you’re willing to go a little out of your comfort zone to reach them.
Kauai’s nickname is “The Garden Isle” but its gardens are not merely the pretty floral kind. It’s got thousands of acres of backcountry and jungle where bold visitors can hike or zip line, kayak to waterfalls or four-wheel through swamps — ALWAYS with a tour guide, of course — even the locals know better than to go running around the ancient jungle by themselves.
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Posted in Beach Vacation, Eco-Tourism, Family Travel, Hawaii Vacation, Romance, Sports Travel | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
Fun on the Wine Train. Copyright Napa Valley Wine Train
It’s harvest season in California wine country. Between the crush of people in the tasting rooms and the crush of grapes in the fields, there’s never a moment of downtime for Napa’s winemakers between August and the of October. And this is just how they like it. If you haven’t taken your California vacation to wine country yet, here are some reasons to plan one before the season ends.
- Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Napa Valley Wine Train has upgraded its program considerably in the last year, with a kitchen that focuses on local seasonal fare, and an updated wine list that features 100 labels. The Wine Train is now offering “vintner’s lunch” experiences in all three of its cars. Each starts with a brief wine seminar and tasting at the Depot, followed by a gourmet luncheon and three-hour train ride through Napa Valley.
- To try your hand at picking, de-stemming and grape sampling, visit Schweiger Vineyards in St. Helena—this winery is also one of the most family-friendly, inviting visitors to picnic on the lawn after mom and dad finish the tour and tasting part. V. Sattui is also a great, casual all-ages property. When it comes to a traditional grape-stomping contest, stylish Peju winery in St. Helena is hosting an uncharacteristically rowdy and traditional stomp on Oct. 3, as part of their annual Harvest Party. Special tours, a “Marketplace Reception” and live music are also on the program. (more…)
Tags: California Vacation, travel
Posted in California Vacation, Food & Wine, Romance, Travel Tips | No Comments »
Thursday, September 17th, 2009
A hula performance during Aloha Festivals.
By Lena Katz
When the rest of the world decides it’s time to go back to work, Hawaii throws a month-long party. Truth. The annual Aloha Festivals brings live performances, arts and crafts, traditional costumes and cultural pride to the islands. Not to mention, the biggest block party of the year (Saturday, September 19 at 7 p.m. on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki). The theme of Aloha Festivals 2009 is “Hula, Let the Story be Told.” And in keeping, the theme of this blog is “Hotels, Let the Story Be Told,” in honor of Hawaii’s hotel brands — their Aloha spirit, their hardworking staff, and the hospitality they show millions of visitors on Hawaii vacations each year.
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Posted in Beach Vacation, Family Travel, Hawaii Vacation, Romance | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
Qupe Vineyard
By Lena Katz
September is California Wine Month, and from Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Santa Barbara valleys, vintners are throwing open their doors for sips and stomps and harvest parties galore. Though there’s never a bad time for a California vacation, harvest season might be my favorite — an opinion shared by foodies and wine drinkers from around the globe.
Because of its proximity to LA, Santa Barbara is Southern California’s favorite weekend wine destination, and one of the state’s most dynamic. This season welcomes new tasting rooms from several of the county’s favorite winemaking families: One of the founding fathers of the Santa Barbara wine industry, Bob Lindquist debuts an official Qupe tasting room at 2963 Grand Ave. in Los Olivos. Also in Los Olivos, HOUSE is a “modern vintage tasting lounge” owned by Sarloos & Sons. And finally, in the town of Santa Barbara, longtime local fave The Wine Cask reopens after a brief closure — still a restaurant with tasting room adjacent, and now affiliated with the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail.
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Posted in California Vacation, Food & Wine, Holidays & Events, Romance | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
Hotel Erwin
By Lena Katz
When choosing a place to hang my traveler’s hat for the night, I’ve always been a fan of the boutique and the unique. Which is yet another reason I love California: So many California hotels are designed to bring a sense of place: the sunny-chic Los Angeles hotels on the beach, the cool blue Tahoe mountain resort, the little city-slicker hideaway in the heart of San Francisco. Encouragingly, California continues to see its independent hotels and small hotel chains expand, with many new openings and revamps to announce this summer.
Joie de Vivre Hotels has always been a favorite in its home city of San Francisco. But recently, the medium-sized chain known for mid-priced boutique hotels has gone luxe and moved into So Cal in a major way. The Hotel Erwin raises the bar for Venice lodgings, but with a wink to Muscle Beach’s tattooed-and-funky urban edge. The guest rooms feature pop-art furniture and rock star photos.
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Posted in Beach Vacation, California Vacation, Romance, Travel News | No Comments »
Thursday, August 20th, 2009
(Courtesy: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson)
By Lena Katz
Six months ago a certain guy from Hawaii introduced the “Yes, we can!” mantra to the American public, and now we’re reprising it right in time for the end of summer. After too many months of denying yourself all things fun and sunshiney, the question as August rolls around is, “Can I somehow manage a Hawaii vacation after all, even on a shoestring budget?” And my answer is …YES YOU CAN…
…get a cheap meal in the islands
In Oahu, Haili’s Backyard Luau, the new lunch wagon at Ward Centers, serves the same great Hawaiian plate lunches that were popular at former neighborhood fave Haili’s Hawaiian Foods for more than 50 years. The Makai Market food court at Ala Moana Center offers everything from Japanese noodles and Korean BBQ to Hawaiian plate lunch and deli sandwiches. Diamond Head Market & Grill is especially well known for bakery items like the signature blueberry cream cheese scones, but later in the day it offers gourmet plate lunches, sandwiches, wraps, and desserts.
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Posted in Beach Vacation, Family Travel, Hawaii Vacation, Romance, Spa Vacation, Travel Tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009
By Lena Katz
“That chicken club sandwich cost $25 dollars? But it didn’t even have cheese on it!!” *Cue sputtering outrage.
Paradisus Palma Real
As anyone who’s ever had this reaction to a poolside lunch tab knows, a boatload of extra charges for beverage, food and activities can nearly sink the vacation vibe, particularly if you’re traveling with kids during a cash-strapped spell. That’s why so many people have turned to all-inclusive vacations these days…you pay upfront, and you know there won’t be a second reckoning at the end. Lately you may get even more than you expected, as so many of these beachside paradises are introducing new and innovative extras to improve the vacation experience.
The greatest example of this that I’ve seen is the Paradisus chain, an all-inclusive brand within the Melia family. For all the different room categories, one round of golf and one SCUBA dive per day are included in the package price. Paradisus properties tend to be on the large side, so for a slight price hop, Family Concierge and Royal Service programs give family or adult groups the extra personalized attention and perks they desire. For families, it’s kiddie amenities and snacks; for Royal adults, dry-cleaning and laundry service, private butlers and a business lounge with wireless access and other business amenities.
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Posted in All Inclusive Resorts, Beach Vacation, Caribbean Vacation, Family Travel, International Vacations, Mexico Vacation, Romance, Spa Vacation | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
By Lena Katz
RIU Palace Pacifico All Inclusive
Just like the Riviera Maya separated from uber-developed Cancun, the Mexican Pacific coast north of the Nayarit state border is divorcing itself from overbuilt Puerto Vallarta to the south. And what does that mean to travelers? Many more beach hotels — many of them self-contained and/or all-inclusive resorts. More golf courses, more marinas, more spas, all competing for your vacation business. The Riviera Nayarit aims to be a more upscale, more family-friendly alternative to PV. As yet, it’s really just an annex — but still, if you’re looking for a relaxing Mexico vacation, this region’s got all sorts of options.
All-Inclusive for Families
Both the European-based RIU chain and the Mexican-owned Palace Hotels are great for family vacations on a budget. With hundreds of rooms and a half-dozen restaurants per property, these self-contained properties offer the package vacation experience: a week of sun, swimming, buffet dining and group activities for one up-front price. Three RIU properties in Nayarit offer a range of price points and experiences, and since all are located on Playa de Flamingos, guests staying in one property can enjoy certain privileges at the neighboring properties. Guests of the RIU Palace — which is the priciest of the three — can use all three hotel pools, and drink at any of the bars.
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Posted in All Inclusive Resorts, Beach Vacation, Family Travel, International Vacations, Mexico Vacation, Romance | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
Sunset Beach on Oahu
By Lena Katz
Whether the Hawaii headline of the minute is a fancy food festival, a football game or a visit from The Bachelor, the real story is always the same: Beaches, beaches and more beaches. Hidden coves where you can cuddle in private with your sweetheart; epic scenescapes with 10-foot waves and world-class surfers; calm sunny hangouts where families picnic and splash around in lapping 2-footers… If you’re planning a beach vacation, here’s a few of Hawaii’s best, from legendary to the little-known.
When you’re on Oahu and you’ve got wheels, it’s practically a rule you’ve got to get out of Honolulu at least one day. A lot of people head to the North Shore to gawk at the surfers on Sunset Beach and Waimea. Impossibly buffed and bold in the face of walls of water twice a man’s height, the North Shore pros are quite a sight. And if you want to spend a few days of your Hawaii vacation exploring that side of the island, note that its most famous hotel, Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, just added eco-friendly kayak tours to its daily schedule. Eco-tourism outfit Shaka Kayaks will run the tours, which feature plexiglass-bottomed PeekabooTM kayaks.
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Posted in Beach Vacation, Eco-Tourism, Family Travel, Hawaii Vacation, Romance, Spa Vacation | No Comments »
Monday, July 13th, 2009
Hotel Savoy (Courtesy: Anthony Grant)
By Anthony Grant
Few destinations evoke images of slowness and beauty the way Florence does. There’s something about the way this Italian city is cradled in the lush Tuscan hillsides and about the richness of its Renaissance past that’s still such a force here you can practically taste it. And art, art everywhere, beginning (or ending) with Michelangelo’s gleefully in the buff David: we’re talking hardcore gorgeousness here.
Florence doesn’t have, and probably never will, a particularly hopping restaurant or nightlife scene, preferring to beat to its own, resolutely Renaissance, drum. In fact, for gay nightlife, aside from a few standbys like YAG B@R and Piccolo Caffe, it’s a non-scene, and Florentines looking for one take the one-hour train ride north to Bologna. You can too, but between the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace and frescoed cathedrals, or just lingering in the lap of luxury at a well-located hotel like the Savoy, there’s plenty to keep you anchored in Florence for a few days or more.
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Posted in Europe Vacation, Food & Wine, Gay Travel, International Vacations, Nightlife, Romance, Spa Vacation | No Comments »
