7th HeavenLIFE’S A FIESTA AT FIESTA RESORT In Costa Rica there are about a million things to do in this beautiful country: hiking through national parks, canopy tours, rafting, horseback riding, paragliding and kayaking. My wife, Karen and I wanted to pack in as many adventures as possible during our one week visit to this natural paradise. We love staying in villas, however, we knew that we would be too exhausted each day to cook dinner. GOING AU NATUREL I sat on the beach beside my wife, buck naked and covered in mud. The mud was part of a spa treatment called fangotherapy at the Natura Cabanas Spa and Resort. Our bodies had been painted in a gray colored mud and our faces in tan. Warm ocean breezes wafted against our bodies as we watched and listened too the pounding surf. VERMONT FOR ALL SEASON I sat
and gently rocked back and forth in the high-back wooden rocking chair. My wife,
Karen, sipped a cup of tea beside me as the late day sun KISSIMMEE'S FANTASY IN GLASS Looking for luxury has never been so much fun, and this time I’ve uncovered Kissimmee’s glass act, the talk of the town in Central Florida. It’s none other than the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, a $450 million monolithic treasure spanning 63 acres on W. Osceola Parkway. POCONO MY LOVE Caesars Pocono Resort at Cove Haven, America’s honeymoon capital, surprised my wife, Karen, and I, in more ways than one. GREEN AT GREENBRIER Windshields wipers beat rhythmically as we drove along one of the less picturesque roads in West Virginia. We passed gas stations, fast food restaurants, a truck stop and liquor stores. Fogged rolled down the mountains and I was beginning to think we were heading deep into Appalachia. Irresistible New York City - Weekenders in New York City have always found it fun and exciting but with the dawn of the new millenium there’s much more to celebrate. MEXICO'S PARADISE -
ISLA MUJERES On the beautiful island Isla Mujeres exists a little bit of
“paradise found” called Avalon Reef Club Resort, just a 30-minute ferry ride
from downtown Cancun. JUST GRAZ Located in the province of Styria, Graz is Austria’s second largest city with an illustrious history that began 900 years ago. It was here that the reigning Habsburgs lived during the medieval and Renaissance periods. THE PEABODY, LITTLE ROCK IS JUST DUCKY Grand Gala Opening invitations are always enthusiastically appreciated by this travel writer. And receiving an invitation to a new Peabody Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas was a big thrill. I have had the privilege of being a guest in the Peabody Memphis and Peabody Orlando and put the hospitality experience at the top of my traveling comforts. ALBERTA'S MAJESTIC BEAUTIES Alberta is a nature lover's paradise... a place where unspoiled landscape lends itself to exploration throughout the year. Banff, Canada's first national park, is the setting of two glorious Fairmont Hotels: The Fairmont Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise. GOING FOR DIAMONDS Nowhere does the spirit of Jamaica rise more proudly than at the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall located just 15 minutes from the airport in Montego Bay's Rose Hall Plantation district. With voices as warm as the weather, everyone says they're happy to see me and that sure makes me anticipate a wonderful visit. SUMMERTIME PARADISE AT MONT-SAINTE-ANNE Mont-Sainte-Anne is mountain biking heaven. All levels of riders can take to their trails of choice. Of the 14 downhill trails four are rated extreme, three are very difficult, six are marked difficult and one is easy. Approximately half of the cross-country trails are very difficult, one-quarter are difficult and the rest are either easy or extreme. NYC: THE WORLD'S GREATEST CITY New York, N.Y. Magic! Climbing up the steps from one of the several subway trains that crisscross Manhattan Island, I am reminded by the sheer magnitude of the excitement of New York City. Christmas in New York was different from any other that the city had experienced. CALIFORNIA DREAMING AT CARMEL VALLEY RANCH Ever since American icon Clint Eastwood was mayor of Carmel, California, the title of former mayor of Carmel is always linked to his persona. He is the best spokesman for this lovely place. RESORT TO CARIBBEAN LUXURY AT SANDALS Island hopping has become one of the most popular and exciting ways to vacation in the Caribbean. It's nice to experience the many splendors of a few islands. Antigua, "The Caribbean Riviera" and St. Lucia, "The Emerald of the Caribbean" were my island favorites. PALM SPRINGS' STAR ATTRACTION - INGLESIDE INN The two-acre estate is such a hotspot of magnetic charm it lures the Hollywood set, but you and I are just as welcome if we enjoy nothing but indulgent, luxurious solace. SUMMERTIME PARADISE AT MONT-SAINTE-ANNE Mont-Sainte-Anne is mountain biking heaven. All levels of riders can take to their trails of choice. Of the 14 downhill trails four are rated extreme, three are very difficult, six are marked difficult and one is easy. Approximately half of the cross-country trails are very difficult, one-quarter are difficult and the rest are either easy or extreme. QUEBEC CITY'S ELEGANT BEAUTY - LE CHATEAU FRONTENAC LE CHATEAU FRONTENAC wins our vote for "Model of the Year" - we never get tired of photographing this beauty because every angle is her best angle - exactly why Quebec City's popular landmark retains the title of "the most photographed hotel in the world." GROTON - NOW A GREAT R&R TOWN Take a step back in time, rendezvous with nature and enjoy the luxury of finding your own space in this countryside wellness center that's more than a B&B. It's a mere 20 minutes from Ithaca, 10 minutes from Route I-81 in Groton, N.Y. ITHACA'S TOPS FOR INNDULGENCE Stunned by my spelling talent for the title of this article? I hope so! It's a totally irresistible reaction to innkeepers Lynette and Ken Scofield who will spoil you to bits the minute you check into The William Henry Miller Inn. TREASURED MEMORIES ARE MADE AT DEERHURST RESORT Unforgettable, even after a century, that's Deerhurst. Destined to become a premier year-round resort, it began with Charles Waterhouse's vision in 1896 as the first summer resort around Huntsville - four acres on Peninsula Lake. ON TOP OF THE WORLD AT THE WALDORF=ASTORIA The allure of this symbol of grandeur in New York City began with television, and piqued on my recent whirlwind visit to Manhattan. GOLF THE HUDSON VALLEY WAY Kerkhonkson, N.Y. Throughout the year every season's beauty explodes around the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa bringing guests an abundance of joy as they explore the countryside. Resort To Relaxation At The Grandview Inn - stroll along the paths and through the gardens or play a round of golf while taking in the spectacular view of Faity Lake in Muskoka. Wonderful meals and luxurious rooms are all part of the relaxing atmosphere. Located just north of Toronto. Resort To Luxury In Costa Rica - located on 6.7 lush acres and just 10 minutes from San Jose, this 5-star luxury resort and spa pampers the soul and assaults the senses with splendid carvings, a wonderful restaurant, luxury suites and sports facilities. Hot Springs and a Volcano - a good mix - bask in hot springs at Tabacon while watching the fireworks of the Arenal volcano as it spews molten lava, putting on quite a show! Haliburton's Sir Sam's, The Inn For All Seasons - A scenic two-hour drive from Toronto winds through the resplendent Haliburton highlands and shining lakes hugging the landscape that lead to Sir Sam's, but there's nothing like being together in a cozy room with a fireplace, whirlpool bath and a panoramic view from your balcony that stretches to infinity. Sun Inn At Delawana - Georgian Bay's Grande Dame - An easy 90-minute drive from Toronto, Delawana Inn is a 25-acre resort that upholds a century of tradition offering the best in leisure and pleasure for their guests. |