Beach Vacations For Winter

 

During the winter months, finding a beach vacation

spot can be a little difficult.  It doesn't have

to be, which is where this article will really come

in handy.  Below, you'll find some resorts that

offer a unique twist to your winter beach vacation.

 

1.  Molokai Ranch and Lodge

On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of

Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique

tents.  Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on

wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one

unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights,

and a private bathroom with hot water showers.

 

The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offers over 54,000

acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush

valleys.  The outdoor activities here include sea

kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and

horseback rides.  For the kids, the lodge offers

nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and

Hawaiian arts and crafts.

 

2.  Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii

Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make

guests happy.  Now days, resorts compete in water

activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water

slides, and even lazy rivers.

 

The Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions,

such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool,

and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool

which is great for families. 

 

3.  Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas

In the amazing water fun department is the unique

Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in

the Bahamas.  Along with the beach, the Atlantis

has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water

slides, and lazy river rides.  The Atlantis

also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with

exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000

sea animals.

 

4.  Club Med Punta Cana

Over the last several years, the Dominion

Republic has been working very hard to establish

itself as a destination for families, with many

all inclusives being built.  This location has

all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand

out features that include kids programs, and

other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana

one of the most unique beach vacation spots in

the entire world.

 

5.  Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very

unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and

lodging in comfortable tent cottages.

 

As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built

on platforms and designed to be both attractive

and comfortable.  Each one has a sleeping area,

bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice

cooler, and even a private deck.

 

Water sports for the area include kayaking, wind

surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.  There is

also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for

those who want to cook from the privacy of their

own room.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

Air Jamaica Vacations

 

Jamaica is one of the finest islands and tourist destinations in West Indies. The island is filled with delicious food, pleasing music, white sandy beaches and several other things. Air Jamaica Vacations offer a nice opportunity of turning your dreams of visiting Jamaica into reality with holiday packages to the hottest destinations of Caribbean. During air Jamaica vacations, you will visit most famous destinations like Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Jamaica is the most picturesque beach, as the history, nature and culture smash together in a breathtaking islet and by air, Jamaica vacations would start from the very moment you set your feet on this beautiful land. Tourists can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling on the beaches of Jamaica and they can rejoice in excellent reggae music and can taste spicy jerk cuisines.

Some major attractions of Jamaica are Doctor’s Cave Beach, Seven Mile Beach, Treasure Beach, The Black River, Somerset Falls and Boston Bay Beach. All these places are worth visiting and are specially known for their exclusive attractions and histories.

Visit Montego Bay during air Jamaica vacations. It is the second largest city near Jamaica and is famous for Caribbean shopping and the fascinating Rose Hall Great house. This island is always full with tourists and vacationers. The Dune’s River Falls is one of the popular attractions there. Tourists can take pleasure in Snorkeling in the waters near Ocho Rios, which is the incredible, palm lined white sand beach.

There are superior hotels and spicy food stall on all the beaches of Jamaica, where you can tantalize your taste buds. Numerous couples come here to celebrate a honeymoon in the presence of it immense natural beauty. You can enjoy various adventure sports like river rafting and water diving here.

The city of Jamaica is also famous for the finest golf courses in the country. Thus, tourists can enjoy air Jamaica vacations with all these activities.

Air Jamaica vacations offer a nice opportunity of visiting picturesque beaches. Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the popular beaches near Jamaica. This white sand beach is spread over eight km of lands. Water of the sea is plain, so tourists can enjoy swimming and water sports here. There is a beach bar and changing rooms to change clothes on the beach.

Cornwall Beach is another beautiful beach at Montego Bay. The beach is always full and it is surrounded by white, smooth, sugary sand. The water of the sea is clear; therefore, it is an ideal place to visit with the whole family. Treasure Beach is one of the most popular beaches, which is sited on the South coast of Jamaica.

Though the beach is always full with travelers, yet it is not suitable for swimming. The booming waves of the sea convert it into the most impressive beach capes of Jamaica.

Somerset Falls are the most amazing falls, where waters of the Daniel River fall down in a deep chasm through a forest. Blossoming vines, foaming flows and beautiful waterfalls surround the place and increase the beauty of the site.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

Beach Vacations For Winter

 

During the winter months, finding a beach vacation

spot can be a little difficult.  It doesn't have

to be, which is where this article will really come

in handy.  Below, you'll find some resorts that

offer a unique twist to your winter beach vacation.

 

1.  Molokai Ranch and Lodge

On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of

Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique

tents.  Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on

wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one

unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights,

and a private bathroom with hot water showers.

 

The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offers over 54,000

acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush

valleys.  The outdoor activities here include sea

kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and

horseback rides.  For the kids, the lodge offers

nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and

Hawaiian arts and crafts.

 

2.  Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii

Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make

guests happy.  Now days, resorts compete in water

activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water

slides, and even lazy rivers.

 

The Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions,

such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool,

and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool

which is great for families. 

 

3.  Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas

In the amazing water fun department is the unique

Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in

the Bahamas.  Along with the beach, the Atlantis

has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water

slides, and lazy river rides.  The Atlantis

also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with

exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000

sea animals.

 

4.  Club Med Punta Cana

Over the last several years, the Dominion

Republic has been working very hard to establish

itself as a destination for families, with many

all inclusives being built.  This location has

all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand

out features that include kids programs, and

other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana

one of the most unique beach vacation spots in

the entire world.

 

5.  Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very

unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and

lodging in comfortable tent cottages.

 

As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built

on platforms and designed to be both attractive

and comfortable.  Each one has a sleeping area,

bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice

cooler, and even a private deck.

 

Water sports for the area include kayaking, wind

surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.  There is

also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for

those who want to cook from the privacy of their

own room.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

Barcelona: This One Is For The Foodies

Barcelona: This One Is For The Foodies

Is it on your bucket list? Have you been?

International travel allows people to gain a new appreciation for other cultures of the world, and a big part of any culture is the cuisine. The food of a region is a reflection of their history and their geographical location and the resources that they have available to them. Barcelona is a city on the northeastern coast of Spain on the Balearic Sea. The food fare that travelers will find there is reflective of the colorful history of Barcelona and its’ centralized location (in relation to northern Africa and all of the Mediterranean).

Here are some of the great foods (and a couple of drinks) that all travelers (and foodies) definitely need to indulge in.

Beverages

Let's kick this list off with a couple of great drinks that anyone who is traveling to Barcelona will need to try.

Sangria- Everyone knows that you have to try a great glass of Sangria. This is a great refreshment on a hot day. The great thing about Sangria is that every restaurant and Sangria maker has a different take on it, and some places will even offer up to 6 different varieties on their menu.

Cava- This is the sparkling wine of Spain. It usually is a drink that is on the sweeter type, but there is a variation. Brut Cava is a cava that is drier, and it tends to taste more like traditional champagne.

Traditional Meats

There are a couple of meats that are traditional to Spain, and they should be any everyone's list of foods to try.

Iberico Ham- Iberico ham is to Spain what prosciutto is to Italy. This ham has become a famous ingredient known well to world-class chefs as one of the best hams in the world. This ham can be served on its’ own or as an ingredient in a dish. It is cut thicker than prosciutto, so it is not as delicate and a little meatier.

Chorizo- Chorizo is a spicy sausage that is eaten in many different ways, including sliced up like salami or used as an ingredient in many dishes.

Cheese

Manchego - This sheep's milk cheese pairs wonderfully with Iberico ham. It has a salty, earthy flavor to it, and it originated in the La Mancha region of Spain (hence the name). It is eaten throughout Spain with great popularity.

Dishes And Other Fare

Gazpacho- This is a chilled tomato soup that is incredibly satisfying on a hot Spanish summer day. It sometimes comes served with Pa amb tomàquet or with sides of croutons, red peppers, and onion. No matter how it is served, it's delicious.

Bocadillos- This is the Spanish version of a sandwich. They are made on baguettes that are soft and crusty all at the same time. You can choose the meat that you want on it, and then they are topped with multiple sauces and toppings that can include lentils, lettuce, corn, or cucumbers.

  

Seafood- Barcelona is located right on the Balearic Sea and just a stone's throw from the Mediterranean. This makes Barcelona a central place for fantastic seafood. One of the great dishes to try is the calamari and squid, which you can get either fried or grilled.

Bombas- Bombas are a combination of mashed potatoes and meat that are rolled in bread crumbs in the shape of a ball and fried. They usually come in two different sizes (like snack and meal size), and they are generally served with one aioli on top and another on the bottom.

Spanish Omelet- Not the breakfast omelet that is probably coming to your mind right now. This is an omelet that is eaten all day and can come in an individual size or larger and served in slices. It is filled with chunks of potatoes and onions and served with some type of aioli.

Pa Amb Tomaquet-  A bread that is served with many dishes in Barcelona. It is so popular that if you don't order it, many servers with ask you if you want it. It is a slice of bread topped with a rub of olive oil and tomato and a dash of salt. Everyone puts their own twist on the dish like some will toast the bread, and others will serve it with more chunks of tomato.

Croquettas- This is a dish that is a lot like the Bombas. Croquettas are filled with meat (usually chicken or Iberico ham) and cheese. They are a long, oval shape.

Spain can be a food lover's dream. Some fantastic restaurants and cafes line the streets, and all of the best Spanish fares are at a traveler's fingertips. They love to serve their food in the small-plate style, so the portions are great for eating all day long. One thing that you need to be aware of is that there are going to be different serving size options. A pintxos serving is a portion that is like a two-bite snack, and that is perfect for on the go. A tapas menu is going to be a bigger serving size that is meant for sharing amongst a couple of people.

Contact me today: jbennett@dreamvacations.com

5 Great Stops on Dubrovnik for Game of Thrones Fans

Are You a Fan?

The Game of Thrones has gained impressive popularity over the years. Dubrovnik, Croatia, is the lovely city where the production of the show takes place. The land has a rich culture, and these five places are top attractions for fan visitors.

The Jesuit Stairs – These famous Baroque stairs appeared in Season Five of the series during the infamous 'Walk of Shame' scene. The stairs extend from Gundulic Square to St. Ignatius Church and embrace Spanish architecture. The iconic scene catapulted the location's popularity and has become a frequently visited landmark. The view from the top is charming and gives you a great view of the city.

Fort Lovrijenac – This area is often referred to as St. Lawrence Fortress and is a theater located on the outskirts of the western walls of the Old Town in Dubrovnik. The interior of the fortress is used for filming the halls of the 'Red Keep' while the exterior captures Blackwater Bay. Visitors are welcome to navigate the fort and experience the ancient history that lies within.

City Walls – The amazing City Walls of Dubrovnik were a major deciding factor with producers when selecting Dubrovnik to shoot this beloved series. Countless scenes feature the Medieval style walls, including scenes near the Narrow Sea and many private walks taken on the show. You can take a tour of the walls for a small fee. There are three main entrances, and while taking the tour, you will get a chance to see Lovrijenac Fortress and capture beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea.

Tresteno Arboretum – This site is a major filming location, known as the Kings Landing and Red Keep's Garden on the show. It's located 10 miles from Dubrovnik. The park is stunning and encapsulates the privacy that's represented in the series. It's one of the oldest arboretums in the world, and the hedges combined with the floral selections are immaculate.

Island of Lokrum – This island is located 600 meters from the city and is home to the popular 'Iron Throne.' The throne is housed in the Visitors Center and is free for spectators. You are welcome to pose and snap a few pics sitting on the throne if you'd like. Other Game of Thrones points of interest in Lokrum include the botanical gardens (located off the coast) featured in the city of Quarth as well as the monastery.

The essence of the show is everywhere in Dubrovnik. As you walk the streets you will surely recognize details and signature scenes from the series.

Call (909) 990-1124 today to book your Croatia Vacation!

8 Top Greek Island Vacation Destinations

Greece is a Must Visit Destination!

Greece has always been an ideal Mediterranean vacation destination. With over 1,400 islands (230 inhabited), it can be hard to choose which one to visit first. Hopefully, these eight guidelines will assist with your decision.

Best nightlife: Mykonos, also known as 'The Island of the Winds,' is world-renowned for their vibrant nightlife. Little Venice and Paradise Beach are popular party destinations where clothing is optional, and the LGBT scene is major. There are male go-go dancers everywhere, and parties typically last all night. July and August are the primary months for tourism and the wildest parties.

Best traditional village life: The island, Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and has a little over 6,500 inhabitants and a bit over 20 small villages. Naxos has ancient towers, paved streets, and has maintained its unique Venetian architecture.

Best kiteboarding and windsurfing: With gusty winds that can be seen from a mile away, Paros island is best known for kiteboarding and windsurfing sports goers. Santa Maria, Prassonisi, and Pounda are the main beaches where the sport is practiced. The Thalasea Sports Center is the bay of Mikli Vigla and is a popular hub for the sport.

Best beaches: Located in the Aegean Sea, Milos is a beautiful volcanic island that is rich in minerals as well as rich history. Firopotamos, Kastanas, and Paliorema are some top beach destinations in Milos. The white-washed Cycladic villages and black sands are picturesque backdrops. Although some may be only accessible by boat, there are over 80 mini beaches throughout Milos that you can explore.

Best for nature lovers: Ikaria has some of the World's most pristine and untouched nature territories. It has been identified as a place that promotes life longevity and better overall health.

Best Robinson Crusoe destination: Koufonisia is comprised of two islands, Pano (upper) and Kato (lower). The preferred way to navigate the area is by foot or cycling, as everything is within walking distance. The island has a museum and many sightseeing options.

Best couples getaway: Folegandros does not get the crowded tourist scene as most Greek towns do. They have a broad selection of restaurants and cafes. Chora is the main village and has been preserved well, noting open landscapes and clifftop housing.

Best food: Cretan cuisine focuses on all-natural ingredients and can be enjoyed at any local tavern throughout the islands. Some dishes include Dakos, Gamopilafo, Mizithropita, and Apaki.

Now you're all set! With a myriad of beautiful architecture, scenic waterfronts, and rich history. There is much to enjoy.

Call (909) 990-1124 to book your Greece Vacation!