Island-Sity

The little glass container full of sand, sitting there, calmly reminding you of the fun the kids had while gathering up the samples. You catch your self before the smile breaks out across your face wrecking the currant tongue lashing. Sighing inwardly, your mind wanders back to the small beach house your wife found.

What a great job of planning and putting together the whole beach vacation package. From the moment the two weeks began, everything was under control. All the details were worked out before you ever walked out the front door. This was a special time for the family to get away, without the hassles of long lines and angry people. She had the hiking trip, the sailing and the restaurant reservations planned out before arriving. All you had to do was show up. She even got a babysitter for that long romantic walk on the beach.

Your mind snaps back to the present, you try and to focus on what your boss is saying, yet there is the picture of the golf course. What a surprise that was, wondering what you were going to do while she got the spa treatment, and the kids got the snorkeling lessons. With a good-by kiss she whispers in your ear, “You tee of in twenty minutes,” laughing at the look on your face she flies out the door.

This time your smile stops the boss in mid sentence, “What is so funny?” He yells. “Nothing Sir, just a little gas.” The boss buys it,weak though it was, and continues on. A glance at your watch tells you he is winding down.

The Corona commercial does not do the quiet beach justice, as the sound of the waves drives his voice out of your mind. What a vacation, how did she pull the whole package off? What was her secrete? She told you latter that the golf was free, part of the package, along with the spa and and snorkeling lessons. It can not have been that difficult, you start to wonder about spring break. Reaching out you grab a pad and paper, writing down things you want in the package to the coast. Maybe Newport beach, or the warmer beaches of San Diego. The boss, thinking you are working on all of his problems, slaps you on the shoulder as he walks off. Completely forgetting about your boss, you reach for the phone.

The Greek Islands

The choices abound if you decide to make the trip to any of the over 6,000 islands off of the coast of Greece. Of course, not many of these islands have accommodations for those looking for an island vacation. Some of the larger and more populated islands of Greece are Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, Rhodes and a cluster known as the Ionian Islands. The waters off the islands of Greece are clear, making it a popular choice for diving vacations. If you are not interested in diving, you will find something to keep you entertained in the many restaurants of the area.

Hawaii

Hawaii, the big island, as well as the other islands that make up the state, is a beautiful vacation spot. Water sports, such as surfing, are a big part of the culture. For the person who confines their activities to land, choices are abundant as well, with golf a popular and readily available activity.

St.Barts, Caribbean

The white sand beaches make this island a gem. The contrast between the white sand beaches and the deep blue water looks like something out of a Technicolor movie. While the area doesn’t boast of any amusement parks or water slides, it is the home to many top notch restaurants.

French Polynesia

Bora Bora is one island here, but the entire area provides a wonderful option for a secluded, not touristy, choice in island vacations.

Fiji Islands

If you are looking for an island that has unspoiled natural charm, it is not likely that you will find one that matches the Fiji Islands. The beaches are lush with sugar fine sand, and the island is surrounded with a variety of coral reefs which make scuba diving a truly memorable experience. The Great Sea Reef is the fourth longest in the world. The island teems with lush vegetation.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands offer the traveler a variety of choices. The Virgin Islands boast coral reefs which make snorkeling and scuba diving an absolute pleasure, as well as beautiful, unspoiled beaches and plentiful accommodations. The weather and water are extremely conducive to sailing. Also, the inner island offers many wonderful hiking trails. Considering the amount of choices, there is bound to be an island in the British Virgin Islands that will suit your desires perfectly.

Aruba

Located in the Lesser Antilles, Aruba is in the southern portion of the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of South America. While many of the islands in the Caribbean are covered in lush foliage, Aruba has a more arid climate. The weather here is warm and sunny for most of the year due to the dry climate and the island's location outside of the hurricane belt. The island has an active night life with casinos as well as more traditional activities. Sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and deep sea fishing are also fun island activities.

Jamaica

Jamaica is particularly well-known for its laid back culture, but there are other attractions too. The beauty of the island, combined with the great local cooking flavors, make Jamaica an island that must be included on any list of top islands. Located in the Greater Antilles, Jamaica, an English speaking island, has a distinctly African feel, such as with the popular jerk-seasoning Jamaican food is known for. In a sea of beautiful islands and vacation destinations, Jamaica’s wonderful culture sets it apart.

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a whimsical choice for island vacations. The Keys offer the United States traveler the ability to vacation on a gorgeous island, far enough south to be enjoyable during the winter months. The Keys are connected to the US by a series of bridges, and the drive itself is a treat.

Whether you choose one of the islands on this list, or another island, it is important to carefully research your destination to get the most from your island vacation. There are so many beautiful islands to visit, it can be hard to decide whether to visit a new island each vacation, or return to an old favorite.

Creole culture is at its finest here and festivals throughout the year showcase the rich history and deeply intertwined roots of African and French heritages. Dining also reflects these roots with a mix of spices and technique from both cultures, combined with abundant Caribbean resources like tropical fruits and fresh fish. A handful of luxury hotels and resorts have sprung up on the Guadeloupe Islands, each one unique and offering excellent accommodation.

For those fascinated by nature, Guadeloupe National Park boasts an active volcano, La Sofriere. The volcano allows nature-lovers to hike all the way up to its mouth. On the way, you will pass breathtaking waterfalls, rich tropical flora and plentiful banana trees. Guadeloupe Island offers a wealth of vegetation, culture and history, all combined with a distinctive lack of tourism. The main town of Pointe-à-Pitre is the place to begin your experience; the central port boasts the influence of Paris in a small Caribbean community. Traveling there is a breeze with multiple direct flights from the US to Pointe-à-Pitre every week.

Nevertheless, Hawaii is much more than just a group of islands with gorgeous beaches. There are tons of options and opportunities to choose from when it comes to making of your Hawaiian trip an unforgettable experience. We now invite you to join us here to discover what these fabulous islands have got to offer to you so you can stop dreaming and start living it.

As you probably imagine, one of Hawaii’s most impressive attractive is its nature. No matter which island you choose, what time of the year or what area, Hawaii will always surround you with its breathtaking natural setting and this is why activities like hiking, eco tours, walking guided tours, air tours, horseback and mule riding, trekking, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, boating, whale watching, shore tours, dolphin encounters and sightseeing excursions are a must in your itinerary. These activities will let you stay in close touch with Hawaiian unique nature and to really fall in love with it.

But this is not the only option you have in Hawaii. These islands count with a varied number of cities, towns and villages that differ in terms of size. While Honolulu is almost similar to some important continental cities, there are tons of small and even tiny towns and villages where relax and pleasure are the only permanent inhabitants.

These urban spaces offer you a lot of opportunities that go from tours and visits to historical sites, museums, cultural centers, to more typical activities such as romantic Hawaiian honeymoon cruises, Hawaiian dining, dancing, cultural events and a truly interesting nightlife. If you are thinking to spend your romantic honeymoon in this beatifull place, there many unique and exclusive Hawaiian honeymoon suites around the island where you can spend your romantic vacation.

There’s no mistaking Sicily for part of mainland Italy. Only a few blocks beyond the monuments to Vittorio Emanuele II outside the train station in Palermo are palaces and churches with the domes, mosaics, and geometric loveliness of medieval Arab architecture.

Baroque details line graceful, decaying buildings that shade sprawling markets and tanned children playing soccer in the streets. Most visitors come to Sicily for the weather: the climate is warm year-round, and in the summer months the sunshine is constant and temperatures hover around 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

One adventure worth having, though, is a voyage to the Aeolian Islands off the north coast. The ancient Greeks and Romans called these islands the home of the winds, and their breezes offer some relief from the constant beat of the sun. One boasts the forge of the fire god himself: Vulcano, a volcanic island reachable by ferry or hydrofoil with sulfur baths and dark umber beaches.

Here, the intrepid and long-winded can climb to the top of the sleeping volcano that spewed forth much of the island and peer into the crater once said to be the entrance to Hades. The rock that surrounds the crater is as brittle and sharp as ceramic.

While the ancient Greeks assigned their gods’ homes on the outer islands, though, they worshiped them on Sicily itself. And after experiencing Vulcano’s primordial power, you can remind yourself of the force of human culture in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.

Here a complex of Greek temples was hewn from the native red sandstone and erected on a ridge overlooking the countryside, with the hazy cerulean smudge of the Mediterranean visible below the swell of the fields. Modern Agrigento rises to one side, and majestic sandstone forms cascade down the slope, linked by a pale road the Romans called the Sacred Way.Each temple has its own appeal.

The temple to Hera offers the best view and perhaps the most picturesque profile, perched atop the high point on the temples’ ridge. The temple of Zeus, meanwhile, is massive and almost completely destroyed, its ruins now poetically crumbling courtyards and staircases among the aloes and olive trees. Sicily’s mysteries are too many and too varied to explore in one short trip.

The location is partly the reason that Quinta das Vistas has become a unique property on the island on Madeira. In a commanding position with breathtaking panoramic views and with easy access to the city of Funchal and surrounding villages, you will be very hard pressed to find a better location with such a wonderful mild healthy climate.

FACILITIES
The hotel offers a full range of facilities including a beautiful south-facing swimming pool complex with a heated indoor pool featuring a passage leading to a hanging outdoor pool that has a waterfall linking to a second heated outdoor pool. Furthermore, there are an ice chamber, Turkish bath, sensation shower, foot spa, jacuzzi, treatment rooms, fitness room, lounge, reading room, a piano bar with veranda and esplanade as well as the gourmet restaurant ‘La Belle Terrasse’, also with veranda and terrace, where guests can enjoy the pleasant Madeiran evenings whilst savouring the chef’s delicious and creative dishes.

In this classy Quinta, the small details really make the difference! From the moment of the arrival, when you are surprised with a private check-in in your room and a welcome gift, guests can expect a first class service throughout their stay in this unique hotel.

SPA
The blue Madeiran Sea, a warm breeze that whispers through the trees, a continuity with nature that extends through verdant native outdoor gardens to embrace a fine semi covered swimming pool and surrounding relaxation areas, while necks and shoulders are caressed and soothed by the whirlpool spa that offers lush views over the bay of Funchal.

An impossible dream? The CHANDRA SPA brings those sought-after qualities even closer, with a diverse menu of choice and several environments each inspired by DIFFERENT CULTURES and personalized to the lifestyle of each guest.

Based in a hotel that takes its visitors’ well-being seriously, guests will actually be able to spa-hop – sampling an Inspired Tropical Rain Massage one day, an Asian-inspired treatment the next day, followed by indigenous relaxing or revitalizing herbal body wraps and facials. The extensive menu includes a comprehensive spa golf program, a Mexican Hot Stone massage, sensorial shower, Hammam experience, group workouts, Yoga and Meditation and several other thrilling experiences!

GOLF
Guests staying at Quinta das Vistas profit from 30% discount on the green fees from Palheiro Golf Course and Santo da Serra Golf Course. Guests can buy the discounted green fees at the front desk of the 4 Quintas.

DINING
The Restaurant “La Belle Terrasse” at Quinta das Vistas Palace Gardens, a gourmet restaurant with a covered and an open terrace offers you the atmosphere of the mild Madeiran evening with an outstanding view over Funchal. Add to this the delightful creative dishes from Chef Magno and you have the perfect recipy for a memorable evening.

The dining room has been decorated in such a way as to protect the original elegant architecture of the past romantic Madeira. Open for lunch and dinner. Further guests can enjoy dinner at Albatroz Piano Bar, sitting in the traditional manor house this bar serves the winter garden, lobby, veranda and terrace.

Pool-Bar - At the pool area creative and original snacks and drinks are served. It opens for light lunches in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying a unique panoramic view over Funchal and its bay. The Royal Tea or Coffee with fresh scones and various pastry can be served also on the veranda or terrace.

GETTING THERE Madeira International Airport (airportcode = FNC) in Santa Cruz is the main gateway to the region and is used regularly by the main European airlines. It takes around 1hr 30 min to fly from Madeira to any of the Portuguese airports and a little over two hours to get to airports in the centre of Europe. Madeira Airport is the largest construction project ever undertaken on the island. It used to be called Funchal Airport. Its runway has been extended from 1,600 m to its present 2,781 min length. The new part of the runway is built partially over the sea and is very impressive.

The modern, spacious terminal building has a tourist office, a residential tourism booking office, a post office, car rental services, travel agencies, exchange bureaus, a restaurant, bars and shops. It also has two Netpoints for free wireless internet access. The airport is about 16 km, a 15 minute ride, from Funchal.

The course originally opened in 2006 as part of the swanky Temenos Resort, but was forced to close in 2008 when its owner and resort developer, Flag Luxury Properties, ran into financial and construction problems with the resort end of the project.

(Interesting side note: according to the Wall St. Journal, the major player behind the project is Robert Sillerman, a media mogul whose CKx Inc., company holdings include Elvis Presley Enterprises, the marketing rights to Muhammad Ali, and your favorite TV show, American Idol.)

Until recently, the course’s future was uncertain, but the local government apparently helped broker a temporary solution: the highly acclaimed Cap Jaluca resort will maintain and manage the course this season. After that, the government says it plans to purchase the property and hire a management company to operate it, thus keeping it available for Caribbean golf vacations in the years to come. We’ll see.

One thing’s for sure: all the upheaval has certainly had an affect on the price of Caribbean golf vacations in Anguilla. Green fees that were once $400 can now be had for the “bargain” rate of $225 (call the Temenos pro shop at 1-264-498-5602). Twilight rates are available, too, as are discounts for “belongers,” citizens and longtime residents of Anguilla and St. Maarten.

Not already a subscriber to Golf Vacation Insider? Use this link to stay in the loop with our free tips and expert advice on which golf courses, golf resorts, discount golf vacations, and golf vacation packages are truly worth your time and money. As a bonus, we will send you a free copy of Planning the Ultimate Golf Vacation, a 40-page book filled with some of the best golf travel secrets from the editors of Golf Odyssey.

It’s not surprising why: the luxurious Las Ventanas has the perfect formula for any traveler looking to escape a dreary winter. There’s a long, crowdless, milky-white beach that stretches for miles; giant suites with private Jacuzzis on big balconies overlooking the sea; and Mini Cooper convertibles and fully loaded Kindles to borrow.

But what really draws J-Lo (and fellow superstars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Charlize Theron, Adam Sandler, Fergie, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Brad Pitt) is that the resort is private and remote. It doesn’t even have a sign.

And when it comes to a getaway, “the number one thing celebrities look for is seclusion and privacy—places out of the reach of the paparazzi,” says noted wedding planner Mindy Weiss, who has organized nuptials for Jessica Simpson, Gwen Stefani, and Adam Sandler. Privacy at Las Ventanas begins at check-in, where there’s not even a desk. It’s handled in rooms so stars can come and go without being noticed.

Privacy is essential in cold-weather destinations, too, and part of Aspen’s appeal is that celebrities can just blend in—especially at places like the Little Nell. Right at the base of Aspen Mountain, the resort has been a celebrity hot spot for two decades, attracting the likes of Mariah Carey and Kate Hudson, who can mix in with minimal rubbernecking.

“The celebrities really don’t stand out,” says Carol Hooper, the Little Nell’s head concierge, who has seen her share of A-listers eating burgers and going unnoticed during après ski, like any other guest. “They hang out in the lobby; they have lunch in the restaurants. They feel very comfortable here,” she says.

Another important element for stars: hotels that can handle any request. At the fashionable Setai in South Beach, which has played host to celebrities like Bono, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Leonardo DiCaprio, there’s a dedicated entertainment sales manager whose sole responsibility is to look after famous guests and be in touch with assistants and publicists. It’s one-stop shopping for anything the celebrity needs.

That person proved helpful a couple years ago, when an A-lister asked if one of the bedrooms could be converted into an exercise studio. No problem. And could the hotel bring a giant exercise ball? Done. And could that exercise ball be pink? Of course. The world’s best hotels get a lot of odd requests (see our story on outrageous concierge requests) but do their best to take care of their clientele—especially big names who are hibernating there for the winter.

Atlantis through the back door
Dream of heading to the Bahamas? Bringing your kids to Atlantis doesn’t have to empty the family coffers. Book a room at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island and you get a key perk: unlimited, free access to next-door-neighbor Atlantis and its 141-acre Aquaventure water park, 10 pools, beaches, lazy river rides, health spa, tennis, golf and kids’ camp. Plus, you get signing privileges in all of Atlantis’s restaurants and lounges. Comfort Suites features a nice pool, restaurant, free Continental breakfast and rooms spacious enough for spreading out during family downtime.

No passports? No problem!
Never got around to getting passports? Consider Puerto Rico, where one of the island’s most lavish resorts just made a major splash with families. The recently-renovated, 750-room El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, Puerto Rico — a member of the upscale Waldorf Astoria Collection of hotels — just opened its brand-new Coquî Water Park, which boasts four water slides (including an adrenaline-spiking speed slide as well as a gentle one just for little splashers), an 8,000-foot lazy river, three pools and interactive elements such as a rope bridge. The resort, close to the El Yunque Rainforest (brimming with coquî tree frogs), also has a private island and offers water sports galore, a spa, golf course and kids’ club.

Activities during this period include the Calypso Monarch competition, Carnival Queen Show pageant, the Junior Calypso Monarch competition, Carnival Street Jump Up and a National Carnival Costume Street Parade; the Sensay costume will be widely worn during this final event. West African in origin, the Sensay is made of frayed rope, leaves and other materials, accompanied by a mask and often horns.

Hike Fest in May, officially known as Tourism month in Dominica, will see the third annual Hike Fest over a period of one week. The island is a haven for hikers, offering trails ranging from the sedate to the challenging and this event allows visitors to explore some of Dominica’s landscapes. A series of scheduled hikes will be on offer so that walkers can enjoy the trails accompanied by locals and guides, knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, history and points of interest along each route.

From the July 9th to 18th Dominica holds Dive Fest, when scuba diving, snorkelling and other water-based activities mark the Caribbean’s longest running dive festival. Dive Fest gives absolute beginners the chance to try scuba diving or snorkelling for the first time – often completely free of charge.

For experienced divers, events include an underwater treasure hunt and underwater photography competitions, with equipment provided by event sponsors. Whale watching excursions, beach barbecues and the popular Carib canoe race are amongst the other activities that take place during the festival.

Independence celebrations from October 24th to November 3rd mark the island's independence from Britain, which was achieved in 1978. Next year October 24th is Heritage Day and a local village will be recognised and awarded for its uniqueness. Each year, a different village is chosen to highlight its individual, community and institutional achievements.

Creole in the Park runs from October 25th – 28th at the Botanical Gardens in Roseau. The day-time festival features performances from local, regional and international artists, blending traditional Creole steel pan drum music with local cuisine. October 29th is Creole Day, where most Dominicans will wear some variation of the national dress, the Wob Dwiyet. Local schoolchildren participate in a parade through the capital, Roseau, to showcase the different styles of dress.

Independence Day is celebrated on November 3rd itself, with a series of cultural events, parties, folklore, music and dancing. During this time, citizens and friends of Dominica unite to reflect on the progress and development that has taken place on the island over the years and reaffirm their commitment to contributing to a positive future for ‘The Nature Island’

The World Creole Music Festival takes place from October 29th to 31st during the Independence Celebrations, and sees beats and rhythms fill the Windsor Park Stadium until dawn, with live music acts from the Caribbean and beyond drawing in the crowds. Over the years, the festival has attracted some of the most renowned groups and solo artists from the Creole-speaking world, with recent headliners including Maxi Priest, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Morgan Heritage and Shaggy.