For a truly unusual Hawaii adventure, you can’t beat the allure of a scenic boat cruise up the Wailua River to a lava rock grotto covered with tropical ferns.  The Fern Grotto is only accessible via a short boat trip up the Wailua River.  Along with the cruise boats, kayakers, motor boats and water skiers also make the journey.

The memorable trip up the historic and sacred Wailua River will take about 40 minutes via a long flat bottom riverboat. To keep the crowds moving, boats depart from the south side of the river every 30 minutes.

During the short cruise to the Fern Grotto, you will encounter numerous photo opportunities of the tropical grasslands which line the river in addition to the cloud-capped Mt. Waialeale looming in the background.

Once you arrive at this famous Kauai destination, visitors to the fern grotto will receive a serenade by Hawaiian musicians playing traditional, local songs. The acoustics within this lush, natural amphitheater are incredible and will greatly enhance the singing and guitar accompaniment.

Once you arrive at the Fern Grotto, visitors will view a cave cloaked with ferns and cooled by the mists of a waterfall.

Viewing the Fern Grotto wasn’t as simple as it is now. There was a time when the Grotto was off-limits to all but Hawaiian royalty. But for more than 50 years, riverboats have provided tours of the site. The Grotto and nearby Paradise gardens are a popular place for wedding ceremonies. Another way to see the Grotto is to rent a kayak and paddle up the river on your own.

Directions :
Take Highway 56 north towards Wailua.  Cruise boats and kayak rentals are located on the south side of the Wailua River (before crossing bridge).

(Photo by: Newsday)

The ultra-luxury Caesars Palace, has once again raised the quality standard of sizzling Las Vegas nightlife with this destination lounge.

Shadow Bar at Caesars Palace Las Vegas is a lounge and nightlife hotspot that features shadow dancers.

Shadow Bar offers a long menu of exotic cocktails that are served by bartenders who entertain by juggling bottles, tossing limes, twirling glassed and performing back-flips as they prepare cocktails.

Shadow Bar also offers appetizers in the evenings that include sushi platters, smoked salmon, fresh oysters, fresh fruits, crab cakes, cheeses, and even beluga caviar.

(Photo by: Newsday)

It’s no secret that Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest sports gambling day of the year. The various sports books in the state of Nevada expect to take in over $90 million in bets! This estimate is slightly down from last years amount of $92 million.

Anybody who visits bustling Las Vegas knows it’s a whirlwind of sensory on steroids overload. You experience smoke-filled rooms and larger-than-life televisions in sparkling high-definition.

As the big game nears, betters wait in anticipation of Sin City’s biggest sports gambling day of the year. While the rest of the nation recently wrapped up its holiday season, Las Vegas sports books are readying themselves for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve all wrapped in one glorious afternoon of hedonism – Super Bowl Sunday.

All that matters is what happens on the field, not what bets are made in Las Vegas. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one touchdown favorites in most betting books, over the surprising Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. A missed call by the refs or a muffed play by some rookie back-up can mean a swing of millions of dollars either won and lost.

Yes, economic hard times have even affected the usually nonplussed gamblers among us.

The allure of Super Bowl Sunday is not easy to miss. Given the pairing of our national obsession with the NFL and gambling, it makes sense that the two paradymes join forces so nicely on Super Sunday, considered by many a national holiday.

Regardless of how you feel about football or betting in general, this is really big business, and not for the faint of heart.

In Las Vegas, even though the game is often played on the other side of the continent, the Super Bowl draws visitors at a rate comparable to any national event such as New Year’s Eve, the Chinese holidays and college basketball’s March Madness.

What many don’t realize is that the bets are not only made on the final winning team or score but hundreds of variations and even events that don’t transpire between the two football teams.

For example, sports books take bets on which team will win the coin flip, how long it will take Jennifer Hudson to sing the national anthem (with the over-under opening at 1 minute, 55 seconds), which song Bruce Springsteen will begin the halftime show with, and how many different food types broadcaster John Madden will mention during the telecast.

For those looking for a great thrill, add the Big Shot ride on your things to do in Las Vegas at the Stratosphere hotel.

The Stratosphere building itself is a Las Vegas beacon and an engineering marvel. The futuristic looking hotel stands about 1149 feet, and the Stratosphere Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and the tallest building west of the Mississippi.

On the roof of the enormous building you will find the exhilarating Big Shot.

The Stratosphere is a little intimidating for anyone with a little fear of heights and absolutely terrifying for those with a big dose.

The ride can accommodate 16 people at a time and they’re strapped in to the ride and shot skyward. This thrill ride will launch you 160 feet straight up in a mere 2.5 seconds with a speed of about 45 mph, which is basically 4Gs of force. You then drop to 0Gs and bungee up and down, then return back to the launch pad. Beware that this ride is not for the faint of heart!

Thrill seekers will love the crzy experience. Where else can you feel the ‘G’s and have your legs dangle in the Las Vegas skyline?

Only in Las Vegas!

We all hate to travel – the crowded airports, long lines, rude people ….. But there are ways to make our traveling experience a little nicer and also be pampered at the same time.

Check out these luxury airport lounges that are sure to impress even the most seasoned traveler.

1. The Wing – Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong
The Wing is a 43000 sq ft open-air facility that features and 80ft bar (The Long Bar – featured above), four restaurants and a full-service day spa. This luxurious terminal lounge also features private cabins with showers, beds and Jacuzzi tubs. Top it all off with free Wifi, and executive office suites and you’ve got yourself quite the lounge. There’s no doubt why this lounge is always featured near or at the top of every one’s favorite airport lounge.

2. Premium Terminal – Qatar Airways, Doha International Airport, Qatar
First of all, you are greeted by a porter to take your bags and a concierge just to make sure you find all the other enclosed luxuries. If you are in need of secretarial or medical services, you’ll find both in here. Pretty nice. There is also a complete world-class spa where anti-aging facials and deep-tissue massages are administered. You can also take advantage of the Jacuzzis, and If you have kids there are a number of Wii consoles as well as a free nanny service. Definitely a relaxing way to get ready for a flight, or to recover from one.

3. Golden Lounge – Malaysian Airlines, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
KL’s airport deserves mention to this list if only for the fact that there is a rain forest enclosed within the airport itself. Within the Malaysian Airlines Golden lounge, you will also find a river that literally runs through the terminal. Other notable amenities include: a gym, private rooms, and arcade and a full-service daycare center.

4. Lufthansa Lounge – Lufthansa, Frankfurt International Airport, Germany
Lufthansa’s Frankfurt terminal consists of a 12,000 square loft-like lounge with plenty of seating, a dining area and private office space (if you travel for work). This lounge also features a cigar lounge, and if you are a first class traveler you will have a personal assistant from checkout to departure (where you will be driven out to the tarmac on a Porsche Cayenne).

5. Virgin Atlantic Lounge – Virgin Airlines, London-Heathrow, England
Virgin’s flagship at London-Heathrow features: a lounge, a den as well as a clubhouse all done in typical Virgin style. In the lounge, you can take to the roof where you can grab a drink while you wait for your flight and catch some rays. Leave the kids in the Den where billiards and video games will occupy their short attention spans until just before departure. And if you are hungry, you can take to the clubhouse to grab a drink, where you can get anything from a light snack to a hearty and tasty plate of bangers and mash.

6. Air France Lounge at Terminal #2 – Air France, Charles de Gaulle International Airport, France
The Air France lounge at CDG Terminal 3 features some of the most useful amenities: showers and massages. While all the modern bells and whistles are nice, nothing beats a nice hot shower upon arrival. And, If you weren’t able to sleep that well, or you’re just tired from the overnight flight, treat yourself to a massage. Because hey, you deserve it.

7. Terraces Lounge – British Airways, JFK International Airport, USA
British Airways is always known to up the ante, and the Terraces Lounge at JFK International is no exception. Put trickling water fountains and nature sounds together with hydrotherapy showers, and pre- and post-flight massages and you have a way to truly relax if your coming or going. Special bonus is the faint smell of cut grass in the terminal to give it an outdoorsy feel.

8. Admirals Lounge – American Airlines, John F Kennedy International Airport, USA
American Airlines flagship lounge is a 7,000 sq ft facility that features a complete business center and cyber cafe with complimentary printer and fax services. If you want to take a break from your work there is a renowned commissary complete with world-class wine list and a diverse menu from which you can eat to your heart’s content. A number of plasma TVs (so you can watch what YOU want) and private shower facilities round out some of the most useful amenities offered here.

9. Qantas First Class Lounge – Qantas, Sydney International Airport, Australia
Designed by the world-renowned/ native Australian Marc Newson, this lounge features a 180 degree view of Sydney’s beautiful Botany Bay. The main feature of this lounge is the day spa with a number of complimentary treatments to help you relax. There is also a dozen desktop computers free-of-charge, if you didn’t bring your laptop, and private office suites if you require a bit of privacy. And if you are hungry, there is a 48-seat restaurant that boasts a menu of exotic meals from around the world.

10. The Royal Orchid – Thai Airways, Bangkok Airport, Thailand
The Royal Orchid offers complimentary traditional Thai massage to its visitors, as well as a host of other amenities, most notably world-famous Thai hospitality. Complimentary, gourmet Thai cuisine makes for a nice touch, and private meeting rooms with wifi definitely can come in handy. And just to show you that you are in fact a VIP, you can expect tarmac transport from via the airlines fleet of Mercedes-Benzes.

Source: DepartureSpa (includes additional photos)

Fairmont Kea Lani Resort

The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort in Wailea Maui, is a great vacation destination for honeymooners and family vacationers. Situated on 22 landscaped acres facing Polo Beach within the Wailea Resort community, The Fairmont Kea Lani is a luxury all-suite and villa resort.

The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort offers a full activities program, several swimming pools, and many dining options on the southwest shores of Maui, and is approximately 16 miles from Kahului Airport. Local attractions include Iao Valley State Park, approximately 17 miles away, and Kihei Town, located three miles from the resort.

The Fairmont Kea Lani is a paradise for those that love to swim. The resort has direct access to Polo Beach, as well as three swimming pools, including an adults-only pool. Also located in the swimming area are a 140-foot water slide, children’s pool, and two whirlpools.

Filling the days at the Fairmont Kea Lani is the onsite activities program, offering snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, canoe paddling, scuba diving, excursions, yoga classes, and water fitness classes.

The fitness center is open 24-hours a day, and personal training sessions may be booked. The spa offers a full menu of massages and beauty treatments.

Other amenities include business services (fee may apply), babysitting services, children’s activity center, elevators, laundry services, laundry facilities, parking, and retail shops.

Dining options include light fare at Caffe Ciao Deli, Italian-Hawaiian cuisine at Caffe Ciao Restaurant, buffets at the Kea Lani Restaurant, Nick’s Fishmarket Maui, Polo Beach Grille and Bar, and romantic twilight dinners in rental cabanas. There is also an open-air lobby bar, featuring local musicians.

Guest rooms feature air-conditioning, alarm clocks, hairdryers, minibars, microwaves, refrigerators, coffeemakers, TVs, DVD players, CD players, VCRs, stereos, movies on-demand, high-speed Internet access (fee may apply), irons and ironing boards, safes, and furnished lanais.  Source: MauiHotels.com

Elegant style. Timeless glamour. High rolling excitement. Bally’s Las Vegas has always set the standard.

When you stay at Bally’s, you’ll see why Las Vegas’ best rooms share the same address! You’ll experience world-class amenities and service so you can leave the pampering to the professionals!

For nearly 30 years, Bally’s Las Vegas has been the pulsating soul of Sin City – a neon city that refuses to sleep.

With its unwavering service, comprehensive dining and signature style this jewel of the Strip has attracted high-rollers from around the world.

Bally’s is one of the classic Las Vegas names, with a central location on the monorail and next door to the Paris Las Vegas. In addition, a covered moving walkway transports visitors to the sleek silver towers that look like a futuristic palace.

Recent room renovations have brought the accommodations up to date, featuring beautiful marble bathrooms and sleek modern furniture. Rooms in the South Tower offer a bird’s eye view of the majestic Bellagio fountains, without the high Bellagio price.

Although the hotel probably best known for its massive casino and endless rows of slot machines, Bally’s has a lot more to offer visitors, including a full scale shopping mall and the hit show Jublilee!

When you envision feather-bedecked showgirls, this is the show you’re picturing – beautiful women act out various historically improbable scenarios involving the Titanic, the Temple in Jerusalem, and more.

Visitors also flock to Bally’s Harley-Davidson store for clothing and accessories that capture the free spirit of Harleys and their devoted riders. If it’s leather, rugged, or motorcycle-related, Las Vegas Harley Davidson has it. Get decked out for your next road trip, or outfit your home in Harley-inspired decor.

See for yourself why Bally’s embodies the spirit of Las Vegas.  What are you waiting for?

Bally’s Las Vegas
3645 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Ph: (877) 603-4390

Badlands Golf Club more than lives up to its name. The three nines of this Johnny Miller/Chi Chi Rodriguez design weave through deep canyons. Whether it’s the Outlaw, the Desperado or the Diablo nine, Badlands gives players shotmaking challenges.

The 27 holes offer dramatic shot values, so no matter which 18 holes golfers play, it will be a very memorable outing. Four sets of tees make the course playable for beginners to pros — just make sure to select the right set of tees for your handicap.

On the Desperado nine, the eighth hole, a 196-yard par 3, is a knee-knocker. Players face a tee shot that carries over a deep ravine. Shots short or right will wind up in the ravine, making a drop almost a necessity. Par here is a good number. If you wind up with a birdie on this tough hole, you’ve earned your bragging rights.

On the Diablo nine, the 389-yard, par-4 15th brings out the best — and sometimes the worst — in players. There are a pair of ways to attack this hole: Play conservative and hit the fairway to the left or — and here’s the tricky shot — grab the big stick and carry the ravine and take a short wedge into this green. This is another hole where a birdie is a possibility, but more often than not, par is a fine score.

On the Outlaw nine, the 27th hole — the grand finale — is everything a finishing golf hole should encompass. There’s challenge (511-yard, par 5), and it’s got risk/reward (go for it in two and try to avoid a watery grave). This hole will let golfers rip it off the tee, but then comes the dilemma.

A carry of 240 yards or so will get golfers onto the green, but there is a catch — anything less is wet. Playing conservative will leave players with a short iron into a green giving them a shot at a closing birdie — always a great way to head to the clubhouse.

This course is a solid test of golf and offers a rugged look at the beauty of the desert — a nice combination that will bring golfers back for more.  Source

Silverton Hotel & Casino boasts several aquariums including the main tank which includes a 117,000 gallon artificial reef home to more than 4,000 tropical fish, 3 species of stingrays and 3 species of sharks.

The massive tank is octagonal in shape. You can easily walk all the way around it and view the marine life from every angle.

Silverton aquarium holds underwater shows where a marine biologist dives into the aquarium and communicates through the mask to the audience, and following with a question and answer session.

There’s an additional show offering a mermaid-themed performance. The best part is both shows are free.

Guests can also find several smaller saltwater and freshwater tanks around the Silverton Hotel casino.

Silverton Hotel
3333 Blue Diamond Rd.
Las Vegas NV 89139
Phone: (702) 236-7777

Circus Circus in Las Vegas has long been a family favorite for many years. Circus Circus has it all, from the thrilling rides and midway games in the Adventuredome to fine gourmet dining at The Steak House. This anchor Vegas hotel pleases everyone.

Circus Circus Las Vegas is a circus-themed 3,774 room hotel and 101,000 square feet casino. It’s owned and operated by MGM Mirage. Circus Circus features free circus acts on a regular basis throughout the day.

A runaway hit since opening in 1968, Circus Circus has the unique distinction of appearing in two classic Las Vegas stories: as a malevolent wonderland in Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and as a backdrop to foreign intrigue in “Diamonds Are Forever.”

While neither story correctly describes this Vegas resort as it truly is — a classic hotel-casino and a great place to bring your kids — they cannot help but illustrate Circus Circus’ distinctive charm, unique not only to Las Vegas but also to the world.

The world-famous main casino floor is always jumping. Overhead, live circus acts — acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers — perform around the clock. A carnival midway offers games of skill and chance for all ages.

Nearby, the largest space-frame dome in the United States houses the Adventuredome, an indoor theme park featuring the Canyon Blaster, a double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster guaranteed to put a scream on your face.

Don’t let the bright pink exterior fool you, the Circus Circus Adventuredome is jammed with action and thrills. Lying under a five-and-a-half-acre glass encasement, the crazy Adventuredome promises fun for the whole family, both young and old.

Circus Circus also includes several restaurants, a popular poker room, a huge race and sports book, the unique rotating cocktail lounge and a new shopping promenade should serve to reinforce any desire to run away and join the circus.

Circus Circus
2880 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 734-0410

The Flamingo Las Vegas resort is home to a colorful flock of live Chilean Flamingos. These beautiful birds, as well as a collection of other feathered friends populate the resort’s popular Wildlife Habitat.

The Wildlife Habitat is an outdoor setting, and part of 15 acres of tropical gardens with lush foliage and waterfalls.

In addition the Chilean Flamingos, you’ll also find African penguins, swans, ducks, Koi, and turtles populating these grounds. All of the animals are carefully tended by experts and live on islands and streams surrounded by sparkling waterfalls and lush foliage.

In addition to the birds on display, you can also view a variety of fish species, from Japanese koi to albino channel catfish, plus grackle birds, house sparrows, mallard ducks and hummingbirds in the menagerie.

There is also lush foliage, imported from around the world.

Click Here for more information