Marian comments on her recent trip to Punta Cana.
We went to Punta Cana from December 10-15th. We flew out of Orlando on American Airlines and stayed at the 5 star Excellence Resort. Our accommodations were in the Excellence Club section of the resort which offers many extra amenities. Every room in the resort is a Junior suite complete with two person jacuzzi tub. Excellence, like most of the resorts in Punta Cana, is all inclusive.
We found the food to be quite good with many choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We especially liked the Barcelona restaurant for breakfast and lunch. The drinks were also good and plentiful. The grounds are beautiful and well kept with a sanctuary complete with parrots and flamingos.
The beach in the Excellence Club area has some interesting lounging facilities such as double wicker lounges with the most comfortable, soft pads. There are also a number of four posted elevated lounges with curtains which can be opened or closed for privacy. Throughout the day attendants pass by offering fresh fruit, sandwiches and even pizza, in addition to your favorite beverage.
The pools were quite large (and very clean)with waterfalls, swim up bars and a lazy river type flow. There are plenty of comfortable lounge chairs throughout. The Dominican people are lovely and took very good care of us.
Punta Cana is located on the Eastern tip of the Dominican Republic directly on the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is palm tree lined, and very walkable. Just beautiful!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Ireland
Marian reports on her October trip to Ireland.
We flew business class on Delta to Dublin and had a fabulous week. We spend three nights in Dublin and stayed at the Brooks Hotel, which has a great location within walking distance to all of Dublin's attractions. The hotel is a member of the Small Leading Hotels of the World and was quite nice with very comfortable beds and a delicious complimentary breakfast. The staff was quite attentive and couldn't do enough for us. We walked to Trinity College and the Temple Bar area and on our second day purchased the Dublin Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour. This is a great way to see Dublin and stop at the attractions that interest you.
We rented a car on the third day and headed out to County Cork. A Garmen is a must for driving and finding your way around. Driving on the highways is fine, but use caution when driving in the cities as the streets are very narrow and difficult to navigate.
In Cork we stayed at the Hayfield Manor, another one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a member of Virtuoso. The rooms were positively beautiful with attention to every detail. Can't say enough about the staff-they were wonderful. Breakfast and dinner at the Manor were exceptional.
From Cork we visited the lovely seaside village of Kinsale and then on the Cobh, which was the last stop for the Titanic before it's fateful cruise. The second day we visited the Blarney Castle. The grounds of the castle are magnificant with walking paths throughout. The climb to the top of the castle is a bit harry but well worth the effort. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. While at the top I kissed the Blarney Stone.
We then went on Killarney and stayed at the Loch Lein Country House Hotel. The drive through the Ring of Kerry was beautiful!
I would highly recommend a visit to Ireland!!
We flew business class on Delta to Dublin and had a fabulous week. We spend three nights in Dublin and stayed at the Brooks Hotel, which has a great location within walking distance to all of Dublin's attractions. The hotel is a member of the Small Leading Hotels of the World and was quite nice with very comfortable beds and a delicious complimentary breakfast. The staff was quite attentive and couldn't do enough for us. We walked to Trinity College and the Temple Bar area and on our second day purchased the Dublin Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour. This is a great way to see Dublin and stop at the attractions that interest you.
We rented a car on the third day and headed out to County Cork. A Garmen is a must for driving and finding your way around. Driving on the highways is fine, but use caution when driving in the cities as the streets are very narrow and difficult to navigate.
In Cork we stayed at the Hayfield Manor, another one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a member of Virtuoso. The rooms were positively beautiful with attention to every detail. Can't say enough about the staff-they were wonderful. Breakfast and dinner at the Manor were exceptional.
From Cork we visited the lovely seaside village of Kinsale and then on the Cobh, which was the last stop for the Titanic before it's fateful cruise. The second day we visited the Blarney Castle. The grounds of the castle are magnificant with walking paths throughout. The climb to the top of the castle is a bit harry but well worth the effort. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. While at the top I kissed the Blarney Stone.
We then went on Killarney and stayed at the Loch Lein Country House Hotel. The drive through the Ring of Kerry was beautiful!
I would highly recommend a visit to Ireland!!
Seabourn Pride
Nella reports on her October cruise on the Seabourn Price:
My first cruise with the Yachts of Seabourn was a great experience. The ship is small, with under 200 passengers and 1 staff member per guest, the service was outstanding. The cuisine was also superb, and the suites were spacious.All drinks and gratuities are included. With Seabourn. Our cruise sailed from Bangkok to Shanghai, with visits to Ho Chi Minh city and Danang in Vietnam, and Xiamen in China. Since this was a Virtuoso Voyager Club cruise, we hosted a private shore event in the Unesco World Heritage city of Hoi An. This was a special event, which included visiting a temple, experiencing a cyclo ride and enjoying a delightful lunch of Vietnamese specialties. We also stopped at the famous China Beach. Seabourn is an excellent choice for the client who enjoys the “small ship experience” .
My first cruise with the Yachts of Seabourn was a great experience. The ship is small, with under 200 passengers and 1 staff member per guest, the service was outstanding. The cuisine was also superb, and the suites were spacious.All drinks and gratuities are included. With Seabourn. Our cruise sailed from Bangkok to Shanghai, with visits to Ho Chi Minh city and Danang in Vietnam, and Xiamen in China. Since this was a Virtuoso Voyager Club cruise, we hosted a private shore event in the Unesco World Heritage city of Hoi An. This was a special event, which included visiting a temple, experiencing a cyclo ride and enjoying a delightful lunch of Vietnamese specialties. We also stopped at the famous China Beach. Seabourn is an excellent choice for the client who enjoys the “small ship experience” .
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Panama City, Panama
Marian just returned from a 4 day excursion to Panama. Panama City was a pleasant surprise. The city has many skyscrapers which include office building, condos and hotels. They skyline resembles that of Miami. She stayed at the Bristol, Panama, which is a Virtuoso property. This boutique hotels offers a luxurious retreat from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Just two years old the hotel offers personalized service including butlers, gourmet dining including one of the finest restaurants in the city, and rooms with state of the art amenities including the most comfortable beds in Panama complete with Hungarian down pillows.
While in Panama she toured the city. There is an area there called Casca Viejo which is being renovated and will resemble New Orleans in its hay days.
She toured the Panama Canal where she witnessed a large container ship transit the canal and then off to the Northwest Pacific Coast to the sister property of the the Bristol, the Bristol Buenaventura. This luxury beachfront resort, also a Virtuoso property, is the finest hotel on the coast. It has a long stretch of beach, 2 miles, that is perfect for walking or running, and the warm waters of the Pacific are inviting for swimmers, kayakers and jet skiiers. The resort offers horseback riding, complete spa services, fitness center, gourmet dining, two pools, jacuzzi and swim up bar. The accommodations are very luxurious with the same wonderfully comfortable beds with Hungarian down comforters, flat screen tv, in-room wifi access,
soaking tub with separate shower, and balconies. The resorts open-air lobby is both inviting and comfortable with cool breezes constantly blowing through. Check out this incredible property on line at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4ARHpZze-c.
Nearby activities include ziplining, nature hikes in the rain forest, birding, cycling, trips to local craft markets, and taking in the natural beauty of this area.
The average temperature is 85 degrees and on the coast there is almost always a wonderful, cooling breeze.
If you are looking for a destination that will both surprise and delight you, Panama is it. Call Marian plan your Panamanian experience. You may even come home with a Panama hat!
While in Panama she toured the city. There is an area there called Casca Viejo which is being renovated and will resemble New Orleans in its hay days.
She toured the Panama Canal where she witnessed a large container ship transit the canal and then off to the Northwest Pacific Coast to the sister property of the the Bristol, the Bristol Buenaventura. This luxury beachfront resort, also a Virtuoso property, is the finest hotel on the coast. It has a long stretch of beach, 2 miles, that is perfect for walking or running, and the warm waters of the Pacific are inviting for swimmers, kayakers and jet skiiers. The resort offers horseback riding, complete spa services, fitness center, gourmet dining, two pools, jacuzzi and swim up bar. The accommodations are very luxurious with the same wonderfully comfortable beds with Hungarian down comforters, flat screen tv, in-room wifi access,
soaking tub with separate shower, and balconies. The resorts open-air lobby is both inviting and comfortable with cool breezes constantly blowing through. Check out this incredible property on line at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4ARHpZze-c.
Nearby activities include ziplining, nature hikes in the rain forest, birding, cycling, trips to local craft markets, and taking in the natural beauty of this area.
The average temperature is 85 degrees and on the coast there is almost always a wonderful, cooling breeze.
If you are looking for a destination that will both surprise and delight you, Panama is it. Call Marian plan your Panamanian experience. You may even come home with a Panama hat!
Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea
Deb sailed the Society Islands on the luxurious Paul Gauguin in August 2010. She flew into Tahaiti and spent 7 incredible days visiting the islands Of Bora Bora, Tahaa, Moorea, Raiatea, and Papeete. The ship's small size, just 300 passengers, offered a friendly yet sophisticated atmosphere. On the Paul Gauguin, gratuities and cocktails, wine and beer are included in the price. The ship is one of a kind offering very personalized service, gourmet dining, onboard naturalists and guest speakers, dive classes and more. It was a complete imersion into the gentle culture of the people of the Society Islands. Deb liked the island of Tahaa best. But you may like another one better. Call Deb today and she can help you plan your trip!
Monday, July 19, 2010
CANADA AND BEYOND
Deb just returned for a week's jaunt in Canada and Montana. She flew into Spokane and drove up to Banff and Lake Louise, where she stayed at the Fairmont Lake Louise. She then drove down to Panorama Ski Resort and through Montana to Glacier National Park. Her favorite activities were hiking and biking, soaking in the Radium Mineral Baths near Banff and enjoying the luxuries of the Fairmont Lake Louise. Cool weather and the natural beauty just couldn't be beat. Call Deb for details or to book your trip!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Escape to the exotic without leaving the States. No passport required!!
The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne is Miami's Island Oasis. And now they are offering a exclusive package for travel bewtween May 1st and September 30th 2010. Book any ocean front room or any higher room category and enjoy a complimentary cabana during your stay. Book between April 15 and June 30. Offer not combinable with any discounted rates or any package. Quantities are limited and applies in the pool cabanas only, food and beverage are additional. Call Odyssey Travel at 888 333-8113 to reserve your space!
The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne is Miami's Island Oasis. And now they are offering a exclusive package for travel bewtween May 1st and September 30th 2010. Book any ocean front room or any higher room category and enjoy a complimentary cabana during your stay. Book between April 15 and June 30. Offer not combinable with any discounted rates or any package. Quantities are limited and applies in the pool cabanas only, food and beverage are additional. Call Odyssey Travel at 888 333-8113 to reserve your space!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
South America
Nella just returned from a Trafalgar escorted tour of Brazil and Argentina. She enjoyed visiting Rio with its beautiful beaches, fantastic weather, Folklore and Carnival shows and sumptuous dinners! She took the cog train up Corcovado Mountain to view the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer. After more sightseeing in Rio including Sugar Loaf Mountain she was off to see the imposing Iguassu Falls, two miles of cascading waterfalls complete with rainbows!
Her stay in Buenos Aires included a Tango and dinner show, sightseeing with views of the Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, La Boca, and Avenida 9 de Julio. She especially enjoyed her trip to see the world famous gauchos (Argentine cowboys) and loved the beef BBQ. For more information about Brazil and Argentina, e-mail Nella at Nward@odysseytravel.com or call her at 800 333-8113.
Her stay in Buenos Aires included a Tango and dinner show, sightseeing with views of the Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, La Boca, and Avenida 9 de Julio. She especially enjoyed her trip to see the world famous gauchos (Argentine cowboys) and loved the beef BBQ. For more information about Brazil and Argentina, e-mail Nella at Nward@odysseytravel.com or call her at 800 333-8113.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
African Safaris
Deb just returned from an amazing 12 day African Safari with Micato Safaris. She visited Amboseli National Park where she saw the Big Five (buffalo, rhinos, elephants, lions and leopards) and the largest congregation of elephants in Africa. Accommodations there were at the luxurious Tortilis Camp with incredible views of Mt. Kilamanjaro. She visited the Maasai Mara Park and stayed at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club with hundreds of hippos and crocodile swimming in full view. She also visited a Maasai Village and interacted with the warriors. The Ngorongoro Crater was next on the safari where she saw 14 lions in one day! Cheetahs, black and white rhinos, cape buffalo, wildebeest, wort hogs, giraffes, zebras, baboons abound. There was certainly no shortage of wildlife. Off to the Mt. Kenya Safari Club in Kenya's central highland, Deb visited Jane Goodall's Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The luxury camps were amazing and the guides and hosts from Micato Safaris were second to none. To find out more about her amazing experience, contact Deb at deb@odysseytravel.com or call her at 800 333-8113.
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