Travel Blog

Celebrate the return of Hawaii 5-O at the Four Seasons Hualalai.

 This special Big Island hotel is offering a Hawaii 5-O package including:

* $50.00 per day golf credit (Jack Nicklaus course)

* $50.00  per day dining credit

* $50.00 per day activities credit 

and a dvd of the complete first season of the original Hawaii 5-O.

I’m sitting at my desk remembering the beautiful sunsets, this the place to be for a drink at the end of the day.  My favorite was the restaurant bar on the beach, at night you sit facing the water,  there are lights shining on the surf - I kept going back  for dinner, it’s a special place!  My room was near the beach and near the golf course, and it was wonderful.  If you are a golfer the course goes right to the beach…what a nice way to spend the day. 

If you want to feel your away from the word and at your own island paradise, this is the place.  The beach, the surf and the vegetation enclose this deluxe private paradise.  Imagine the possibilities…

www.fourseasons.com/hualalai

I will be continue blogging about my Hawaii trip and I will write more about this hotel and my stay on the Big Island.   I’m sorry to have gotten off track…but life happens.  I will start very soon. 

I found the sun!  It’s living in Jamaica with white sand beaches and tropical breezes.

After arriving in Montego Bay, I went to Sandals private airport reception area, I was met at the door by a Sandals representative who gave me a drink, took my bags and arranged my transportation to the resort. The driver turned up the Reggae music and off we went up and over the mountain to Sandals Whitehouse.  This is where the Travel Counsellors US Conference was being held, our international conference was held in Spain with 8 countries attending, truly an international company, but this was just for US Travel Counsellors.

Sandals Whitehouse is located on the south west coast of the southern shore of Jamaica. When we arrived at the hotel I was given a cold cloth, to refresh, my bags were taken to my room as I was taken to a sitting area to check-in - no long lines at a counter - I sipped my drink and signed in. 

My room was very nice with tile floors, mahogany furniture and a balcony looking over the beach.  Sandals Resorts are award winning all-inclusive resorts with excellent service. My room had all the amenities of a fine resort and my mini bar was stocked with drinks - the all inclusive resort includes drinks.

The first evening we met at Blue Fields Beach for Welcome Cocktails and Dinner.  We had a wonderful Caribbean Buffett, tropical drinks and white grove service from the Sandals staff.  It was so nice sitting out on a warm night with my toes in the sand listening to the steel band and getting caught up with old friends…a perfect way to start a conference.

Eleanor’s Restaurant, one of seven at Sandals. 

We all met at the conference area of Sandals, where we were welcomed by our Sandals host before the start of our meetings.  We had a full day of information and motivational speakers.  That night we went to Eleanor’s Restaurant, one of seven at Sandals, for a private dinner, it was our Awards Dinner and a lot of fun. 

The Dinner Menu

Farmer’s Salad
Curry Chicken and papaya bruschetts
Hearts of palm, pumpkin, vine ripe tomato
Garden salad greens, Island fruit
Vinaigrette

Allspice Jamaican Pepper Pot - soup
Sweet Potato Dumpling

Sandals Surf & Turf
Grilled beef tenderoin and spiny lobster tail
lemon butter, merlot sauce

Chocolate Lava Cake
Vanilla Ice Cream, topical fruit compote

but If you had a body like his why not show it off. 

Morning meetings and then off to visit some of the other Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Grand Pineapple Beach Resort was first, an all-inclusive resort located on Negril’s famous seven-mile beach, this resort is the economical level of the three brands. Next to Beaches, the family resort brand, where we had a Sesame Luncheon with Cookie Monster and Grover.

Lunch Menu

Appetizer - Jamaica Crab Plaw Salad
St. Elizabeth sunburst greens and tropical fruits

Entree - Land Meets Sea
Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin
with sugarcane Jerk Lobster Kebob
Potato and vegetables.

Dessert - Warm Cheese Cake
with stewed fruits

Then on to Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa, this is the award winning adult only all-inclusive brand.  On the way back to Sandals Whithouse we stopped at Rick’s Cafe, voted on of the Ten Best Bars in the world, to have a drink, watch the divers and the sunset.  People dive from the cliffs, the highest area is 35 feet where some of the locals dive from.  It’s a wonderful area for people watching, from the tourist who are hesitant about diving in - to the local man who put on his own show!  He started doing hand stands before climbing to the highest platform, where he posed and did one hand pull ups on a branch…but if you had a body like his why not show it off.  After leaving Rick’s we stopped for some Jerk Chicken, spicey local chicken.  Later that night some of us had  dinner sitting out by the water.

 We had one more dinner, I was told it would be special …and it was!  

Today we attended an intense Sandals Workshop to become Sandals Certified Agents.  So much information - ask me about having a Butler on your next vacation; or maybe you would like to be one of the many wedding couples that have chosen Sandals or Beaches for their wedding…Imagine the Possibilites!

I spent the afternoon in the main pool, the water was like bath water, thinking I didn’t want to leave the warm, sun and wonderful service I found at Sandals.  I hated to get out of the pool, with swim up bar, but we had one more dinner and I was told it would be special…and it was.

It was called the Vineyard Dinner.  The room was decorated beautifuly, music was paying and each table setting had 5 wine gasses!  The Executive Chef expained each course before it was served and the Wine Stewart told us about the wine for the course and why it was chosen.

VINEYARD DINNER MENU

Wine - Moet Chandon

Seafood Cocktail
Shrimp, scallop & Calamari

Avocado and Tomato Tartar
Gazpacho, Parmesan Crisp

Wine - Gabbiano Pinot Grigio

Allspice Pumpkin Bisque
Yellow Corn Flan, Yam Chip

Wine - Lindemans 65 Chardonnay

Caramelized Onion-Goat Cheese Pie
Prosciutto Crisp, Garden Salad Greens Black Olive
and Basil Pesto, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Sour Soap and Giner Granite

Wine - Rosemount Shiraz

Beef Tenderloin Wellington and Lamb Chop in Potato Jacket
Mushroom-green peppercorn sauce, horseradish mint cream

Wine - “Pink”

Pastry Chef’s Trio:
Caramelized Banana Torte - Dark Run Syrup
Double Vanilla Ice Cream Profiterole - Chocolate Sauce
Coconut Papaya Parfait - Red Berry Coulis

All served by white gloved waiters, the presentation was flawless.

This was our last night, before going back to my real world where I have to make my own meals and clean my own room…being so pampered was nice while it lasted!

Life is not about waiting until the storm passes…it’s about learning to dance in the rain!

This comes from a conference I attended, at Sandals in Jamaica, last week.  I will be posting on my Jamaican adventure in the next few days.

This was not just a cruise… it was a family memory.  

I took my two nephews on a Carnival Cruise as a graduation gift. It started with giving them
Passports for their birthdays, truly the gift of travel, in preparation for our cruise. I
have been very fortunate to have traveled to over 50 countries and islands, and wanted to
share the adventure of meeting new people and experiencing different places with my nephews.

We flew to Miami to board the 110,000 ton Carnival Freedom, for our Western Caribbean
cruise. For dinner we had our own table, it was good to have the time to get caught up on
what was happening in their lifes.  When they were little guys I often spent time with them,
as one said “when we were little you always took us on little adventures”, then they went
off to college and I only saw them on holidays, so I enjoyed our time together.

One night we dressed up and went to the Sun King Supper Club, there is an additional charge but it was worth it - for another little adventure.  There were beautiful tapestries and antique mirrors and we sat by the window watching the sun set, as we were pampered with great service and a wonderful meal.

A cruise is a good choice for a family trip, there are activities for everyone. I’m
realistic enough to know that my nephews wouldn’t want to spend all their time with their
aunt, so a cruise worked well for us. On days that we went in different directions, we
always met at dinner and talked about the day. Nights, did I tell you there were 22 bars and
lounges aboard, there were shows, an outdoor poolside 12-foot wide LED screen for movies,
sporting events and concerts; and music for every taste. I’m not sure what time the boys got
in…maybe just as well.

This was not just a cruise…it was a family memory, another little adventure to talk about
for years to come.

Minus 5 Ice Lounge - Las Vegas

Imagine ice walls, tables, chairs, sculptures and even the glasses are ice…what better way to enjoy a special vodka drink!  The Minus 5 Ice Lounge is the only one in the USA, there are 14 total in the world.  I stoped to see this Cool place on my last visit to Las Vegas, it’s located at Mandalay Place. They supply sheepskin-lined parkas, gloves and booties before entering this special ice room. It was fun to see, especially all the ice carvings, so if you want to get out of the desert heat keep Minus 5 in mind.

The Burger Bar

Also at Mandalay Place and a favorite of mine, it’s located right near the ice lounge. When I’m in town, I try to make it over for a great burger. They have a good menu, you build your own burger - several kinds of burgers including, Angus, Kobe, buffalo, turkey and vegetarian. You can be creative or just go for the classic burger. I have gone with friends and on my own,  I always feel comfortable and always have a great meal.

A DAY IN NEW YORK CITY - WITH A SPECIAL GROUP OF YOUNG WOMEN
Travel should create special memories - I will never forget this group.

I spent a wonderful day in New York City with a special group of young women - Alycia, Ashley, Emily, Grace, Sara and Sophia.  We met early on a Saturday morning to start our adventure.  This was a special trip to the American Girl Place, so what better way to travel then in our own stretch limo!  Beside the six young women, we had four mothers, one aunt and a grandmother - and six American Girl Dolls! After time to shop, a visit to the beauty salon (for dolls only), we met for a group lunch.  When we arrived for lunch we were asked, not how many people but how many dolls.  Each doll had a special doll seat and their own tea cup.  We had a nice lunch with lots of choices before going to the American Girl Theater for the show.  After the show we had time to explore the city before being picked up - in our limo - for the trip back home.  Emily said “it was the best day of her life” (all 11 years) and I have to say it was one of my favorite groups.  I could not have traveled with a nicer group of young women and their beautiful dolls.  This was one of those special trips - that make you want to just keep smiling.

COSTA RICA
No Artificial Ingredients

Don’t Worry, Travel Happy

Victor C.
My Costa Rica Guide

Victor was my expert guide on all aspects of Costa Rica, his knowledge and charm added much to my adventure. He went into great detail describing what I was seeing as we walked through the rainforest or drove through the country side; he also gave insight into the history, culture and the people of Costa Rica. A good guide can enrich a travel experience.

I flew 3 hours from Boston to Miami and then connected to a Martinair flight, 2 hours to Costa Rica. It was a good flight, they serve food with wine – memories of how travel use to be! After arriving at the San Jose airport I headed out to the Los Suenos Marriott in Jaco, a beach resort on the pacific side, for my first night in Costa Rica. A beautiful hotel, Spanish style with stone and tile floors; rod iron hanging lanterns and lots of candles- warm and inviting. My room had a view of the Pacific Ocean and offered the very comfortable Revive Bedding by Marriott. The 25,000 square foot pool, with blue tiles making the water seem even bluer, was a wonderful way to relax after a day of sight seeing. They also have a Spa and 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course to enjoy.

First day of sightseeing, I boarded a small boat for a Crocodile Tour on the Tarcoles River, one of the most crocodile populated rivers in the world. At one point the river guide got out of the boat to feed a crocodile…yes got out of the boat! These crocodiles were up to 15 feet long and seemed every bit that big as they came by the boat. The guide stands in the water and holds up a piece of fish for the crocodile to come and eat. The guide kept looking behind him to make sure there were not other crocodiles coming. We are in the middle of the river not in a controlled area. The crocodile came right out of the water and took the fish – an interesting way to make a living, he did get good tips. This was a bird watching as well as crocodile tour, with over 50 different types of birds including the rare scarlet macaw, there was lots to see on my first adventure since arriving.

Later in the day, during the Carara Biological Reserve walking tour, my guide pointed out a bright colored Dart Frog and Leafcutter Ants. Coming down a tree and across the trail was a parade of ants carrying parts of leaves they cut with their scissor like jaws, they can carry up to 50 times their weight. This is also the home of 150 scarlet macaws, great egrets, boat-billed herons and trogons; this 11,600 acre reserve is popular with bird watches. The reserve is located in the northernmost region of the Pacific rainforest and is the beginning of the transition zone between the tropical dry forest of the northwest and the more humid southwest.

Driving through the country side, passing coffee plantations, we arrive in Sarchi where we had a typical Costa Rican lunch of beans, rice, potato and a choice of chicken, beef or fish. After lunch it was time to explore, this area is know as the Cradle of Costa Rican Artisans with wood working and craft shops, a good place to purchase local crafts for that special gift. Also this is where you can find the shop that builds the bright colored oxcarts, a national folkloric symbol of Costa Rica. I visited the Joaquin Chaverri Oxcart Factory, built in 1902, and still making the brightly colored carts.

I went from the ocean to the mountains to see the famous Arenal Volcano (5,328 ft.). My room at the Hotel Arenal Springs had a great view, from my bed, of the active volcano. In the morning I heard what I thought was thunder, then realized it was the volcano right before a puff of smoke came out of the top…a little entertainment during breakfast. After breakfast it was off to La Fortuna Waterfall for a hike…I need to get in better condition! I hiked down to the swimming hole, at the bottom of the water fall, and slowly hiked back up using muscles not often used. Then it was off to the Tabacon Hot Springs, a series of natural thermal springs, lagoons, waterfalls, and trails winding through exotic gardens with a view of the volcano. They have an area to rent a locker with showers, towels and changing rooms. Imagine sitting in a hot spring pool as the sun sets…a lovely end to the day. The temperature in the pools decreased as you move down the line of pools. The hot natural springs felt good after the waterfall hike.

It was an enjoyable trip, the beautiful surroundings, lush and green, from the ocean to the mountains. The people were friendly and helpful and prices reasonable – all and all a good vacation choice. If you love nature, you will love Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s population is 4,248.508; literacy rate is 95% and is the size of West Virginia. Travel areas are divided into 6 regions – San Jose, The Central Valley, The Northern Plains, North Pacific, Central Pacific, South Pacific and the Caribbean with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. Costa Rica is known as an ecotourism destination, where the environment is protected and preserved. Approximately 25% of the country’s land has been set aside as protected area and the hotel industry keeps improving on ways to be nature friendly.

Entry Requirements: U.S. Citizens need a valid passport for stays up to 90 days.

Departure Tax: $26.00, can be paid in US Dollars, Colones or with a credit card. This is paid at the airport before check-in.

What is the Currency: The Costa Rican currency is called Colon. U.S. dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.

When to Go: Costa Rica has many microclimates, weather can vary dramatically from one area to another. For example the Central Valley lacks he oppressive seasonal heat and rain and is almost always suitable for travel; where the Northern Plains has a rainy season July – December. It depends on what area you plan to travel as to when is the best time to go.

This is just a few of the things to enjoy in Costa Rica:

Butterflies – 2,000 species

Orchids – 1,200 species

Ferns – 800 species

Bird Watching – 875 species.

Rain Forests – can have 100 species of trees.

Surfing – year round waves and warm water.

Beaches – 799 miles of cost

Volcanoes – 5 active

White Water Rafting – all levels

Kayaking – all levels

Fishing – world class sport fishing

Hiking - rainforests, trails and reserves

Horseback Riding – popular everywhere

Canopy Tours – Zip lining – Rappelling

Mountain biking and scuba diving.

Imagine the Possibilities…