Category Archives: Luxury Travel

Luxury Travel

Trip Ideas, Luxury Travel, Dream Resorts

The 5 Best Water Sport Resorts In The World

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Watersport has always been very exciting. Both kids and adults love them. It helps to refresh both your mind and body. In my opinion, one of the best vacation spots can be an all-inclusive water sports resort.

Following are my selection of five of the best water sports resorts in the world. Let’s take a look.

Travaasa Hana, Maui

It is located in the town of Hana on the eastern tip of Maui island. Travaasa is the first resort on the island to greet the rising sun. Set amid rolling grass fields and palm trees above Hana Bay, Travaasa will immerse you in the real Hawaii. It has many activities like stand up paddling, husking and throw net fishing.

Salinas do Maragogi Resort, Maragogi, Brazil

Salinas do Maragogi is one of the highest rated hotels in Brazil. It offers a list of activities that include water sports such as diving among coral reefs and colorful fish as well as extreme adventures. The special place of rest in this resort is the spa where they offer body scrubs, massage, aromatherapy, wraps, manicures, and pedicures.

 

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Royalton Cayo Santa Maria, Villa Clara Province, Cuba

TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Awards was won by this resort in 2014. Combining the fascinating culture of Cuba with a luxury product, exceptional service, and incredible attention to detail, the Royalton Cayo Santa Maria promises the adults-only vacation of your dreams.

Their picturesque facilities, warm staff, exhilarating culture and world-class cuisine are the perfect components to create an unforgettable vacation.

Half Moon Luxury Resort, Jamaica

With over two miles of oceanfront, the turquoise and the blue Caribbean Sea gently roll onto the golden sands of the two private beaches of this resort. Its sunset beach is crescent-shaped gem inspired the name of the resort back in 1954 and is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and watersports.

The second beach is the sunrise beach, and its beauty is that you will be alone. This expanse is renowned for panoramic sunrises, and it is just right for sunbathing, scuba diving, beach sports and swimming with horses. It has hibiscus pool, Olympic Lap Pool, and Private Pools.

Hibiscus Pool is family-friendly pool set in the Hibiscus gardens, complete with swim-up bar. Olympic Lap Pool is where your workout will be a lot more fun. A quiet area, it is also perfect for relaxing while most of the cottages and all of the villas come with private pools.

Calabash Cove, St. Lucia

St. Lucia is as enchanting place as it is exotic and luxuriant. It offers old Caribbean charm coupled with luxurious resort amenities of today. From the mouth-watering Windsong restaurant and lively C-Bar overlooking our infinity pool at the Ti Spa, you will have everything at your fingertips when vacationing at Calabash Cove.

It offers luxurious amenities that are designed to keep you calm, relaxed and centered for your entire stay. Calabash Cove has nine beautiful Balinese mahogany cottages, four swim-up junior suites, and thirteen luxury ocean view junior suites. The Water’s Edge Cottages are all equipped with their very own secluded plunge pools, Jacuzzis, and native flora.

You must consider the resorts mentioned above whenever you feel like planning a trip with family. I hope it works. Best of luck!

 

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Author bio:

Tom is a blogger and a nature lover. He is obsessed with traveling and adventures and that too with his family. He believes that water has a steady hold of him. He regularly writes about his experiences at www.kayakcritic.net.

Couples Travel, Food & Cuisines, Luxury Travel

10 Best Wine Tour Destinations in the World

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Wine tourism is the latest trend among travel lovers. Wineries that offer wine tasting and Vineyard tours are on a growth all around the world. They are a must-visit place for people who love to travel and explore the world.

Best Wine Tour Destinations

The wine tour is a journey you make through the valleys of wine making. It is not just the mere bottle with a label on it. It has so many things related to it, that you can’t help, but admire. Wine tours give you an idea about the surrounding, where it is made and people, who make it.

The wine tour is an enchanting experience and should be on everyone’s travel list. Here is our list of top ten wine tourism destinations in the world.

Tuscany, Italy

Being the most renowned wine region in the world, Tuscany is a trending destination for wine tours. The highlight of this region is Florence, which is the beginning spot for all wine tours. The city is famous for its red wine, such as Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

However, there are a couple of other interesting ideas of wine tours in Italy. Wine tours are trekking through fields or valleys, right? And how would you find an idea of a cruise?

Italy Wine Tours

In Italy, you will have the freedom to lounge on the deck and do onboard tastings, as well as do occasional stalls at harbors and visit the vineyards. These cruises are more expensive, than the rest of the tours, but believe us, you will love the 7-night cruise from Rome to Cannes.

Another wine tasting destination, Amalfi coast is known for its archaeological remains. In the areas of Paestum, Pompeii, and Herculaneum, you will discover many historical sites. And alongside, there is Campania, where you will study the ancient method of winemaking. By ancient, we mean four thousand years of wine making.

You can book this tour during August and September. Have a taste of wine made of the rare grape collection, and you will never forget this trip!

See it: To view this blog post as an animation, take a look at Tango Tours.

Napa Valley, California

Credit for 90% of wine production in the US goes to California, which is a home to over 1200 wineries. It is the classic example of sprawling vineyards.  Wine lovers from all over the world come here for wine tasting. A five-day tour here is a luxury, which is worth the money you spend on it.

A tour around the Dry Creek, Sonoma Valley, and Napa Valley is a brilliant way to find out more about the wine-making. And don’t worry about the accommodation, as hotels are multiple here. The most famous Californian wines are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Merlot.

Loire Valley, France

The valley, situated along the Loire River, is famous for its white wines. The region is divided into three sections, by grapes and wine produced:

a)   Upper Loire is known for Sauvignon Blanc

b)   Middle Loire for Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc   

c)   Lower Loire is dominated by Melon De Bourgogne

You can take a 7-day tour around the area, visiting beautiful nearby chateaux and vineyards.

Chenonceau, Vouvray, Bourgeuil are gorgeous places, which produce indulgent wine. A wine guide will take you on an incredible tour of the historical vineyards.

Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza produces two-thirds of the entire wine production of Argentina. And you will also find various wine tasting tours here. The area offers some really amazing views, as it lies in the foothills of Andes Mountain Range.

Duero River Valley, Spain & Portugal

Spain is the world’s third-largest wine producer. Duero River stretches from Spain to Portugal, with multiple vineyards along its way. Red and white wines of the exceptional quality are produced here. Moreover, wine cruises are also widely available.

Another famous wine region of Spain is Andalusia. It offers one of the longest wine tours, and if you enjoy Sherry, this trip might become your favorite. La Mancha is the starting point, and you will move around the area, tasting some of the best wines.

You will also enjoy delicious meals of Andalusia on the way. Tapas and Iberico ham are the signature dishes in its gastronomy.

Central Otago Wine Region, New Zealand

New Zealand is the southernmost wine producing region of the world. 70% of the plantations in Queenstown are dedicated to Point Noir. Other 30% host Chardonnay, Reisling, Pinot Gris, and a few more kinds of grapes. The region also offers wine tours for every taste and budget.

Constantia Valley, South Africa

Constantia Valley in South Africa is a vineyard with the glorious history of winemaking since 1685. The region is breathtaking, due to the vicinity of Table Mountain National Park. Numerous travel agencies offer wine tasting tours here, along with great opportunities for shopping, due to its proximity to the city.

Barossa Valley, Australia

Barossa Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in Australia, which dates back to the 19th century. This region is known for its Shiraz grapes, which is used for making Penfolds Grange, the most famous wine in Australia. It is also a major tourist destination.

Chilean Wine Country, Chile

Chile is famous for its wine. Fourteen different valleys of the region, including Valle del Elqui and Valle de Limari, offer plenty of wine tours, suitable for every taste and budget. And the most famous Chilean wines, known all over the world, are Santa Carolina and Errazuriz.

Willamette Valley, United States

Willamette Valley is a gorgeous region in Oregon, surrounded by mountain ranges, is home to almost 500 wineries. Its most famous wine is Pinot Noir. Several exquisite wine tasting tours are available.

To learn more about these world’s best wine tour destinations, have a look at the Gifographic (animated Infographic) shared by Tango Tours.

Destinations, International Travel, Luxury Travel, Dream Resorts

5 Things to do in Palm Springs, California

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Palm Springs have been a popular tourist hub for celebrities. They tour around the sunny city in California. You can also have the time of your life when you visit Palm Springs. It offers you chic boutiques, vintage restaurants, and thrilling adventure sports.

You can pamper yourself at luxury spas. There is a tad many things you can indulge yourself in. Let us have a look at what we can do at the Hollywood playground.

BONDING WITH THE EXTINCT

Palm springs is a desert. There are many species which have lived here over the years. When you drive through the Living Desert, you will come across beautiful animal life. The Mexica wolf which was declared extinct in 1981 can be seen here.

Image Credit

Steps are being taken to revive the species. Not only the Mexican wolf but many other endangered species are conserved with the effort of local volunteers. Many people donate some sum to save the species. The signs you will see portray the name of benefactors.

SCALING THE CANYON

You will be amazed by the giant San Jacinto mountains. Imagine climbing the height of 8600 feet. We know you will not be so eager to do that climb. But don’t worry you do not need to strain your legs. Francis Crocker had a quirky idea of making a cable car that would take you up from the Coachella Valley.

It is named the Palm Springs tramway. The route it takes is from the valley to the tip of the mountain. There is classy restaurant “ Peaks “ waiting for you at the station. Cable car taking you through the Eagle route is the largest rotating tram in the world.

FRENCH GOURMET

Southern California has tons of places you can savor the French cuisine. But on the top of the list is Le Paon. You can walk in the classic restaurant with a warm atmosphere. Located in the El Paseo. It overlooks fancy shopping options. You can have a table on the first floor.

Southern California has tons of places you can savor the French cuisine. Antoine will welcome you with a warm smile, and you can bite into the decadence of Eddie’s French dishes. Citon restaurant is another option where you can have an open air table. Delight in the popular Napa wine. Enjoy the sheer luxury of stardom here.

SHOPPING IN EL PASEO

We mentioned the region having top hotels. But did we say that it is the shopping capital in Palm Springs? You will be spellbound by seeing all the brand names in one place. From Ralph Lauren to Kate Spade.

Bay street shopping mall emeryville by Mercurywoodrose CC BY-SA 3.0

Not only is it rich in elegant boutiques it has amazing sidewalk cafes. Just take a break from the shopping spree and relax. If you are out for a whole day, there are many affordable places you can lunch. The shiny and posh blocks featuring gorgeous storefronts will make you wish you had a platinum card to swipe.

A BUMPY RIDE IN SAN ANDREAS

We did not make the ride sound interesting. That does not mean it is not interesting. San Andreas fault is one of the misshaped places in the world. It is really unpredictable when the ground beneath you might start to tremble. The North American and Pacific tectonic plates align themselves here.

Cement Plant Road Overcrossing – panoramio by Kurt Minard CC BY-SA 3.0

The landscape is thoroughly uneven. So, it is sure that your ride will be bumpy. But it is a place of geographical importance to visit. You can visit the nearby village. People settled here centuries ago. Have a look at their way of life. It will be an all-around trip.

 

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Destinations, Luxury Travel

5 Most Expensive Places on Earth

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Expensive places are generally off the charts for many of us. We don’t have that kind of money to spend on a luxury hotel or an extravagant dinner. But a few have that kind of cash to spend on luxury travel. Maybe you will get tons of money someday. In that case, here are the expensive places you can travel to.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

You would love to stay on the islands. The CEO of Virgin corporation has bought a Villa on the island. It’s a dream even to get there. The Villa is rented out. You can imagine how much it costs in this private island. Guana is another expensive place near the island. It is generally unreachable to the public. You will have to fly privately to Beef Island. From there take a boat to reach Guana.

If you want a holiday here, be ready to spend $700 on a hotel room. And that is only for one night. Your bill will start from that price. So while you are in the islands, take advantage of whatever you can. You are paying a huge sum for it; better enjoy it.

The game of the golf is practiced here. Tennis, bird-watching, snorkeling and many outdoor sports can be played here. There are not many people hanging around here except the A-list. If you have money to spend, why not go for the best?

TUSCANY

You must be totally surprised with this name on the list! We like being unpredictable. Tuscany is not as visited as other Italian cities. It is not overcrowded with tourists. You might think that is the reason it has low prices. But sadly, the prices here are no less than Rome. They might be even higher as compared to them. It is still a rural place.

The ancient structures and lavish suites will take you to the glorious Roman times. You cannot trust public transport here. That is why you have to rent a car. There goes another expenditure on the list. The price might be hefty, but if want a peaceful Roman vacay, Tuscany is perfect.

DUBAI

Here comes the giant of all expensive places. Dubai has become popular in the past few years. It is a place where oil companies flourish. The backbone of the economy is oil wealth. A city is a common place if you look from the surface. But add money to anything and it seems wonderful. The luxury of Dubai has attracted many tourists over the past years.

There is nothing else do besides shopping, a beach day for regular tourists here. But if are here for luxury travel, Man! You are in for the best time in your life. From sailing on yachts to riding a helicopter, everything will be at your fingertips. Just have a fat wallet and you will have one of the best trips in most expensive places. Just a day at luxury hotels will cost you $20,000!

NEW YORK CITY

If we are talking about expensive, how can we leave NYC behind? A city which is the dream for many travelers. It is on the bucket lists of many amateurs. Don’t be fooled by the glittery skyline of nightlife in NYC. Whatever you have seen in Sex and City is different from reality.

You need to have at least $350 to stay at a normal hotel room. It that is not overpriced enough then be ready to pay the same for a steak. Budget travel and NYC don’t go together. You will have to pay a $1000 for a sundae! We can imagine the look on your place. But remember, we are talking about expensive. At least it seems affordable than Dubai.

FIJI

We made a study on adventure travel recently, and according to it, South Pacific is attracting a lot of travelers. Fiji is an island on South Pacific. The main islands are frequented by travelers. They can be affordable. But we are talking about luxury here. So, a secluded destination coupled with natural beauty is an expensive place.

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The tiny islands here are bought by rich individuals or are owned by resort companies. Matangi Island is an island of Fiji. You can do snorkeling, enjoy the beach and hike up on the nearby volcanic areas. It will be a visit worth your money when you take a lava rock shower.

Compared to other locations Fiji is a bit affordable. It will cost you $ 600 for a night. It might be less than Dubai but is more than NYC. Spoil yourself if you have some cash to burn.

*Note: We have left Tokyo, London, Singapore and other expensive destinations for another post.

 

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International Travel, Luxury Travel

The 7 Best Luxury Hotels In The World

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The best luxury hotels are deemed to make you feel like you are royalty. Your comfort is the priority. Your wish is the command. When you want to feel good about yourself, reside in these hotels when you travel.

The magnificent display of class will make your jaw drop. Here are the top seven most luxurious hotels.

EMIRATES PALACE, ABU DHABI

Like a crystal fortress in the midst of a golden desert, Emirates Palace stands out on the shore. It took $3 billion to build this regal hotel. The Palace consists of 394 rooms and forty conference halls.

A luxurious spa and myriad of pools adorn this palace. Marbles from thirteen different countries were used to build this fortress.

It is an opulent option for royalty to get pleasure. Modern facilities are well coupled with luxury for today’s business tycoons also.

MARDAN PALACE, TURKEY

Located in Antalya this palace seems to have been taken straight out from a Disney movie. Built by billionaire Telman Ismailov, it ranks second in the budget. With posh mattresses and sleek furniture, Mardan is an elite’s rendezvous.

Mardan Palace by FoxZh CC BY-SA 4.0

It houses the biggest pool in Mediterranean. The seventeen lavish bars and an aquarium full of exotic fish are just added charms. It gives a 24/7 butler service. Now, how cool is that?

WESTIN EXCELSIOR, ITALY

The decadent symbol of Italy. Built-in 1906 it’s one of the oldest luxury hotels. Though its rooms can be affordable the Villa la cupola suite which was renovated recently is a lavish display of luxury. It retains the grand style of the Victorian era but has modern high-tech facilities.

Image Credit

Its domes built in cathedral style are a beauty to behold. Cupola suite is the biggest suite in Italy with own private fitness gyms and sauna. If you are not worried about money and want to live lavishly in the luxury of Italy Westin is it.

BURJ AL ARAB, DUBAI

The most photographed hotel in the world. It’s known for its incredible views and luxurious amenities. Which includes tennis courts, attached heliports. It has a wide range of clubs and nightlife options.

Their hospitality is over-the-top including a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce. They offer even more special care to their VIP clientele. You can pamper yourself in any luxurious suite.

THE PLAZA, NEW YORK CITY

Coming seventh in the list of one of the oldest hotels it stands mighty in the Manhattan sky. It is designed in a charming Victorian way.

The Plaza New York by Carmelo Bayarcal CC BY-SA 3.0

The suite consists of a three bedroom and three bathrooms set up with its own gymnasium, library a grand piano, a rich library. For elite foodies, The Plaza is a dream come true with personalized kitchen and chefs. You can even ride up to your suite in your private elevator. Wow, sounds like something out of Palace.

ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS

Just hearing the name Atlantis makes you curious, doesn’t it? The long drowned mythical island. Built in the tribute of Atlantis this island is a 141-acre facility. Its premium resort Royal towers bridge suite is located on the twenty-third floor.

Rapids Atlantis Paradise Island by D Ramey Logan CC BY-SA 3.0

It beats all the luxury hotels in its swankiness. With long windows mimicking the French style to 22-karat gold chandelier, Atlantis Paradise Island will surely win you over.

Every one of us desires for someone to cater to our every need. Your every wish can be fulfilled here with a personal staff of seven to fulfill all your needs and demands.

THE LAS VEGAS PALMS

Palms may be ranked on number seven but for every man, this will be on the top. Las Vegas may well be your number one choice to host a bachelor’s party. The Hugh Hefner sky villa is a rooftop suite.

It accommodates two hundred and fifty people if you want to get together.

Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), The Strip by Dietmar Rabich CC BY-SA 4.0

An inbuilt glass elevator, media room, gym, sauna is at the flick of your finger. There is also an extra perk for your bachelor party that is an awesome Jacuzzi hanging over the Strip. Woohoo… isn’t it a dream of every guy to own a full bar.

It’s all yours at the Palms. Come indulge in sin.

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