5th Annual Surf Nite in SLO to Honor Irish Big Wave Surfers

Surf_Nite_smallWHAT: SURF NITE IN SLO

WHEN: Thursday, March 18 from 7:30-9:30pm

WHERE: Fremont Theatre, San Luis Obispo

PRICE:
$25 General, $15 SLOIFF Film Society and Students

The fifth annual Surf Nite in SLO is featuring a film from Ireland as part of this year’s focus on Irish films. WAVERIDERS is the critically-acclaimed story of Ireland’s roots in modern day surfing and its most surprising legacy — the emergence of big wave surfing along its forbidding coastline. Paying homage to George Freeth, the father of modern surfing, the story follows the wave of surfing culture from west coast America to Ireland’s unforgiving waters. With stunning coastline, thumped year round by unmatched North Atlantic swells, Ireland is the preeminent destination for big-wave surfers. Featuring pro surfers Kelly Slater, Gabe Davies and the Malloy brothers, and narrated by actor Cillian Murphy, WAVERIDERS culminates in awe-inspiring and nail-biting footage of surfers conquering the largest waves ever surfed around Ireland. In attendance will be director Joel Conroy, European Pro Surfer, Gabe Davies, writer/producer, Lauren McCrossan, and more special guests to be announced soon. The evening will begin with an introduction by AmpSurf founder, Dana Cummings and a portion of the proceeds of the 2010 Surf Nite will go to AmpSurf.

A Surf Nite AFTER PARTY will be happening at Mo/Tav, 725 Higuera St. SLO at 9:30pm. The exceptional Celtic band, Molly’s Revenge, will playing and there will be great drink specials and a chance to meet visiting surf personalities and filmmakers. $10 tickets will be sold at the door (free entrance to Movie Mogul and Filmmaker passholders).

For more information, or to PURCHASE TICKETS, click HERE.

Also sponsored by Dolphin Bay Resort, One-Way Boardshop, AmpSurf, Mo/Tav and Quality Suites San Luis Obispo and the Irish Film Institute.

Beachhouse.com’s BEST VACATION EVER Photo Contest

best vacation ever

Submit a photo from your BEST VACATION EVER to Beachhouse.com Vacation Rental’s Facebook page for a chance to win a great prize and be featured in an upcoming blog post!

The photo can be of anything – your pet, your kids, a beautiful view, whatever you feel best depicts your BEST VACATION EVER!   Please include a few words about where the photo was taken, who is in it, etc.

The contest ends Friday, March 12, 2010, when Beachhouse.com staff will vote for the best overall photo.  The winner will receive a prize from Beachhouse.com, plus, their picture will be featured in an upcoming blog post.

We can’t wait to see what you guys send in!  Good Luck!

Surfrider Foundation Announces Premier of Revolutionary Film to Improve Water Management System

KYH2O_LogoA_color-copy-veryOn World Water Day, Monday March 22, 2010, the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation will premier The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water at The Loft on the campus of UC San Diego. This new short film, narrated by actress Zuleikha Robinson from the television series Lost, dives into controversial problems and solutions related to water management and serves as a practical outline for citizens curious about water issues. There will be three showings of The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water: 4 p.m. (press), 6 p.m., and 7:30 pm. The last time slot includes a free showing of the surf feature, Absolute Mexico.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water – TRAILER 1 from Surfrider Foundation San Diego C on Vimeo.

The film is free and open to all. Government agencies, elected officials, experts, students and the general public will all find the movie intriguing and informative. Following each showing, there will be a Q & A session for the audience to ask questions and learn more about smart solutions to improve water management and the way we use water. Happy hour specials, including beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres, will be served all evening.

From beautiful and climate-appropriate ocean friendly gardens, low impact development and safe water re-use, the video highlights comprehensive solutions for economical and environmentally sensitive water management reform. “These approaches to meeting our water demands will simultaneously achieve multiple benefits like pollution prevention, energy conservation, wildlife and habitat restoration, flood mitigation and more. The video, created by Surfrider activists, presents a truly holistic integrated vision of water management meant to provoke debate and reform,” according to Joe Geever, Surfrider Foundation’s California Policy Coordinator.

“With the communities of San Diego County under Stage 2 mandatory water restrictions, this film comes at an important time,” said Belinda Smith, Co-Chair, Know Your h2o. “We really want people to understand that by following the solutions offered, we offer water managers, and communities the unique opportunity to rethink and fix our outdated water management system.”

The basis for the Surfrider Foundation’s Know Your h2o program, the film will be a centerpiece in Surfrider Foundation’s campaign to bring holistic solutions to water management. As Southern California enters another year of drought conditions, changing the way we use water is imperative to the sustainability of our San Diego communities.

Founded in 1992, Surfrider Foundation’s San Diego chapter is the largest within the national Surfrider Foundation. The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people through conservation, activism, research and education. San Diego chapter membership totals 5,000 people throughout the county. Nationally, Surfrider Foundation membership includes more than 50,000 concerned lovers of the ocean and beaches. More information can be found at www.surfridersd.org or by calling (858) 792-9940.

Travel Deal – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!

Book 6 nights and stay the 7th night FREE! Offer good through May 31, 2010 – Please mention Beachhouse.com to receive discount.

Casa Dos Palmas Luxurious On-The-Beach Villa

Casa Dos Palmas Luxurious On-The-Beach Villa

This newly built, privately gated, fully furnished villa has the attention to detail that can make your vacation an unforgettable experience. Its lush courtyard with tropical gardens and beautiful swimming pool provides the perfect background to relax. Normal occupancy 4 persons.

View Of Garden Sitting Area

View Of Garden Sitting Area

Let Casa dos Palmas with its beauty and tranquility surround you. Fabulous sunrises and sunsets await. Located directly on the beach, the ocean is calm and under-tow free. A velvet carpet of sand awaits underfoot. Walk or jog along miles of spectacular beach. Visit and explore the enchanting town of Bucerias.

Ocean/Pool View From Master Bedroom

Ocean/Pool View From Master Bedroom

During the day, many activities are available within a short drive. Or simply utilize the on site kayaks or bicycles to view the surrounding area. Try your luck at catching lunch or dinner surf casting with the poles provided. Bring your snorkel gear, and try your luck at collecting your own fresh oysters which abound. Enjoy golf? The nearest golf course is five minutes away.

Or just settle back with your favourite book and look up to see the sea birds plunge for their meal. One can also see the dolphins at play, and in the early months of the year witness the Humpback whales. They use the bay to give birth to their young.

After that day in paradise, casually walk the beach to one of the seaside restaurants in Bucerias for dinner, or make arrangements with our concierge to have the meal of your choice cooked for you right in the casa, and served to you poolside.

5353-6

Master Bedroom With Ocean View Balcony and Wet Bar

Location
Casa dos Palmas is an oceanfront property in Bucerias, Mexico, located directly on the beach, with nothing but sand and ocean in front of it. This private villa with its magnificent ocean views and quiet beach is but a scant 15 minutes North of the charm of Puerto Vallarta, but still close to local stores and restaurants.

5353-7

Guest Bedroom

Air Conditioning in bedrooms, with ceiling fans in all rooms. There is a shared pool, as well as an outside shower, Beach palapas and lounges. Free bottled water is provided, and maid service is included (three times weekly) for full cleaning and linen changes.

The master bedroom has a Jacuzzi tub in bath, as well as a balcony with panoramic ocean views, and built in wet bar and refrigerator.

Additional amenities include:

  • Complementary DSL Wireless Internet Access
  • BBQ grill
  • Hair dryers
  • Washer/dryer
  • All linens
  • Dishwasher
  • Telephone
  • Microwave
  • Toaster
  • Coffee maker
  • Blender
  • Library
  • CD Player
  • DVD Player
  • Room safes
  • Enclosed one car garage
  • Pool (others have access, but rarely)

Located on site are:

  • 2 kayaks
  • 2 mountain bikes and surf casting fishing gear
  • Beach Palapas/Lounge Chairs
  • Satellite TV/HBO/Premium Movie Channels!

Please Inquire about Rental Car services.

English-speaking Property manager on call.

Activities available on site, or locally:

  • Swimming
  • Kayaking
  • Cycling
  • Fishing (surf casting, inshore and offshore charters)
  • Snorkeling/Scuba
  • Diving
  • Surfing
  • Windsurfing
  • Para sailing
  • Horseback Riding
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Swimming with Dolphins
  • Water Parks
  • Shopping
  • One can leisurely walk to the heart of Bucerias to casually shop, or have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants.

Vibrant downtown Puerto Vallarta is a 15 minute drive away.

For the golfer it is a question of which course today……

Flamingos is a 5 minute drive. Paradise Village is 10 minutes away, as is the Mayan Palace. Punta Mita Four Seasons is a 20 minute drive. Vista Vallarta (home to the PGA World Cup in December 2002) is 20 minutes, Marina Vallarta is a scant 15 minutes.

Directions
Casa dos Palmas is located in Bucerias and accessible via Mexican Highway 200 (a new 4 lane highway), 10 miles North of the Puerto Vallarta airport.


5 luxurious ways to get to your next Vacation Destination

If you’re like me, when you go on vacation, getting there is a big part of the fun. Whether you go by plane, train, or automobile, traveling can sometimes become stressful completely ruining the whole vacation experience. If you have the extra cash, there are ways to travel that are both luxurious and stress free. Here are 5 that could end up being more of a “vacation” than the destination itself:

Suite, Royal Canadian Pacific from Luxury Train Club

Suite, Royal Canadian Pacific from Luxury Train Club

Luxury Train
While the NYC MTA system isn’t exactly the lap of luxury, there are some terrific train rides that will simply blow you away. It’s still one of the more popular ways to travel around Europe, and the Japanese bullet trains are more than just luxurious, they’re downright fun.

Luxury train tours combine luxury style travel (including 5 star accommodations) with the breathtaking views of the countryside. Sure it’s a slow way to get where you’re going (unless you opt for a bullet train) but if you’re looking to relax and enjoy the trip as well as the destination, this could be the perfect option.

Perfect for: Europe, the US West Coast/Rockies, and Japan.

Galapagos Odyssey luxury yacht cruising in the Galapagos Islands, wildlife cruises and nature tours in one of the most unique wilderness sanctuaries on the planet.

Galapagos Odyssey luxury yacht cruising in the Galapagos Islands, wildlife cruises and nature tours in one of the most unique wilderness sanctuaries on the planet.

Yachts & Cruise Ships
Cruises are still one of the most popular kinds of vacations today. With no real “destination” in mind, the focus is on the open sea and the over-the-top luxuries on the ship. Bouncing from Tropical Island to Tropical Island, it’s the perfect vacation for those looking to pamper themselves in luxury and get out and “see the world”.

Another variation of this, which requires a bit of a deeper pocket, is Yachting. Whether you own one or you intend to rent a boat, this is the ultimate in luxury travel. Essentially private cruise ships, Yachts are the choice method of sea travel for the uber-rich. If you have the means…it’s highly recommended.

Perfect for: The Caribbean, South Pacific, and Mediterranean

Ideal Luxury Private Jet for large groups and long trips - Challenger 600 is available for private jet charter or business jet charters.

Ideal Luxury Private Jet for large groups and long trips - Challenger 600 is available for private jet charter or business jet charters.

Private Jet Charters
Chartering your own jet sounds really expensive, and it can be, but you’d be surprised how reasonable it is compared to some first class ticket prices. And considering how frustrating it is to travel by air these days, more and more people are choosing private jet charters for their travels.

This option really makes the most sense if you have a group of travelers and/or your destination is a bit on the “remote” side. You probably won’t be saving money by chartering your own plane, but the convenience and luxury is not to be underestimated.

Perfect for: Private Islands, Alaska, and anywhere major airlines don’t go.

Luxury RV living quarters

Luxury RV living quarters

RVs
If your next vacation includes passing through national parks or any other wondrous places of interest, don’t just fly over them, stop and smell the roses! If you’re an adventure freak like I am, traveling by way or RV just might be the perfect way to go. Getting to your destination is part of the vacation, so make the most of it.

I know what you might be thinking: RVs don’t qualify as luxury travel, but if that’s your take, I’d have to completely disagree. With the exception of some private Yachts, none of the other methods I’ve listed will include king sized beds, showers, a kitchen, and private living room. Not to mention, this actually might be the least expensive option (especially if you’re renting). Seriously, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. The US national parks are not to be missed, so if you’re going from NY to LA, there’s just too much to see to fly.

Perfect for: Cross country trips (especially the US)

"Manned Cloud" - a luxury airship/hotel, able to accommodate 60 passengers, proposed by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud.  It is being currently being developed and could accommodate travelers on a 3 day cruise around the world.

"Manned Cloud" - a luxury airship/hotel, able to accommodate 60 passengers, proposed by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud. It is being currently being developed and could accommodate travelers on a 3 day cruise around the world.

Airships/Blimps
Don’t worry: the Hindenburg tragedy is one part of history I think we can safely say will not repeat itself. The technology has certainly improved, and as a result airship travel is starting to make a come back.

While definitely not the fastest way to get where you’re going, airship travel is a sightseers dream. While most have seats, you probably won’t be sitting back all that much as peaking out the window is the point, here. This method of travel, while luxurious isn’t generally used to get you from point A to point B as much as it is to circle around as a sightseeing tour, but where available, it’s not to be missed.

Perfect for: Germany, California, and wherever available.