Tag Archives: cruise

Puerto Vallarta – Why It Should Be Your Next Vacation Destination

Posted on by

Puerto Vallarta Villas for Rent

Villas for Rent

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most stunning, cultured, and vibrant vacation spots in Mexico and, arguably, the world. It is a modern destination that offers contemporary entertainment, a rich history, and world class villas, while still retaining its traditional Mexican town essence.

There is an abundance of things to do in Puerto Vallarta. See the region from a different perspective…from out at sea!The area is known for their visiting cruise ships, but if you would prefer to stay in Puerto Vallarta, you can still check out one of the local cruises that the area offers. For an adventure, take in 360-degree views and participate in a one-of-a-kind experience aboard the Marigalante “Pirates of the Bay” cruise. Or charter the Geronimo catamaran that can take you to the beautiful Marieta Islands, or to a private beach where you can snorkel, swim or relax in the sun with your favorite book. Ask your captain about the stunning and secluded beach, Las Caletas, where visitors will find guided walks through the jungle and orchid gardens, kayaking tours and snorkeling tours.

Puerto Vallarta's Hillside Homes

Puerto Vallarta's Hillside Homes

The town has a variety of breathtaking beaches including Playa Conchas Chinas (Chinese Shells Beach), Playa Camarones (Shrimp Beach, Playa Olas Altas (High Waves Beach), and Playa Los Muertos. Each of these beaches is unique, nearby and worth-visiting. If you feel like driving or experiencing the local bus system (be prepared to share your seat with a chicken!) the towns of San Francicsco (to the North) and Mismaloya (to the South) have their own charm and beaches that are definitely worth a visit!

Puerto Vallarta is an especially vibrant and cultural town and loves an excuse for a good fiesta! Why not plan a vacation around one of these holidays and experience the excitement! Perhaps the area’s biggest day to celebrate is December 12th, Our Lady of Guadalupe day. In the days leading up to the 12th, the Malecon (boardwalk) and the town’s zocolo (plaza) are gathering areas for festivities and excitement. Locals, visitors and those making spiritual pilgrimages participate in parades and celebrate with music, Aztec folk dances, traditional costumes, fireworks, and women carrying baskets of flowers, food and other colorful gifts to give to the Virgin. The culmination is the night of the 12thwhere the entire festival wraps up with a special gathering and Mass held at Our Lady of Guadalupe church, one of the most recognized buildings in Puerto Vallarta’s skyline. Christmas and New Years host similar traditions.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church

Holidays aside, Puerto Vallarta has a wide selection of lively clubs and bars, including the Sunset Club, the BeBotero Bar, Carlos O Brians, and Blanco Y Negro, just to name a few. Puerto Vallarta also has some of the finest and eclectic restaurants in Mexico…either follow the crowds or venture off to find one of the small family run restaurants specializing in mole, ceveche or pazole.

Puerto Vallarta is a must-see destination that will leave you with fond memories that you will cherish all your life.

Spotlight: Kona, Hawaii

Posted on by

Kailua BayKailua-Kona, often referenced as simply “Kona”, is an infamously beautiful tropical getaway located along the shoreline of Kailua Bay and up the southern slope of Hualālai volcano.  Reputed for the region’s bold Kona coffee beans, which are cultivated on the slopes of Mount Hualalai and Mauna Loa in the North and South Kona Districts, this exotic Hawaiian destination is also hosts popular events such as the annual Ironman World Championship Triathlon and the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.

Stay at one of the island’s gems, The Dolphin House, located in the exclusive, gated and security-guarded community of Kona Bay Estates!   The Dolphin House is situated directly on the deep sapphire blue waters of Kona Bay and is just steps away from a private sandy beach (not to mention within walking distance to tennis and town!).  This stunning oceanfront home, known as “Ka Naia” in Hawaiian, is an upscale 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home that boasts an atrium entry with cathedral ceilings, skylights, large living room, family room, convenient indoor/outdoor dining, and a game room with a fully equipped bar.  Take a dip in the heated swimming pool and splash under the spectacular pool waterfall!

The Dolphin House, Kona Bay Estates, Kona, Hawaii

The Dolphin House, Kona Bay Estates, Kona, Hawaii

A short oceanfront stroll leads you to a sandy, reef-protected beach cove lagoon, great for swimming, snorkeling, and playing in the sand.  Tide pools offer great exploration for children and teens, and can be found scattered along the lava rock shelf.  Enjoy nature’s marine creatures and catch a glimpse of turtles, dolphins, and whales!

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a myriad of activities for every age.  Exciting and exotic island activities include visiting the Kona Coffee Farms, Botanical Garden Tours, Sunset Dinner Cruises, Parasailing, Whale Watching, Hawaiian Luaus, Horseback Riding, Submarine Rides, Snorkeling and Volcano Viewing, just to name a few!   Take one look at this slice of paradise and you will instantly fall in love with The Dolphin House!

5 luxurious ways to get to your next Vacation Destination

Posted on by

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.