Limahuli Garden

Located on the north shore of Kauai, Haena Beach Park is one of the most poplar beaches on the lush, Garden Isle.

There are three National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kauai, including Limahuli Garden. The other two are the Allerton and McBryde Gardens, in the fertile Lawai Valley.

You can find Limahuli Garden directly behind Haena Beach on the sheer face of Mount Makana.  It’s an incredible sight as the cliff is thick with ground cover and other types of  plants that cling to its side.

Through its efforts, Limahuli Garden achieves its goal of educating the the public, as well as trying to re-establish native Hawaiian plants among flora that that was recently introduced to the area.

A small sample of the plants you will see there include: Fiddlehead fern, Koki‘o, Water lily, Ko‘oko‘olau, Iliau, Māmaki, Octopus tree, Octopus tree, Gardenia ‘Amy Yoshioka’, Pineapple, Munroidendron racemosum, ‘Awa, Pāpala kēpau, `Ōhi`a lehua, Hau hele `ula and Lobelia niihauensis.

Limahuli Garden offers visitors a chance to view a wide variety of rare and native Hawaiian plants as well as traditional lava rock wall terraces that go back over 700 years.

Located behind the Garden is Limahuli Preserve. Here, restoration biologists along with conservationists are working hard to try and preserve plant species that are native to this local habitat.

To enjoy the beauty of Limahuli Garden up close, take a stroll along an approximately 3/4 mile long trail that the wanders through the terraces and eventually reaches a scenic bluff offering incredible views of the lush, green Makana Mountain plus the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Legend has it that ancient Hawaiians once hurled burning sticks from Makana Mountain, that were then carried out to to sea by the updraft winds from the mountain.

There are 2 hour guided tours available Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30am-4pm.  The price is $25. Or try a 90 minute self-guided tour for just $15. Both tours include a guide book.

Limahuli Garden
808-826-1053
www.ntbg.org

Kona Kai Sushi Bar

Finally, a little restaurant gem in the middle of a surplus of sushi eateries in Honolulu.

James Matsukawa, the head sushi chef at Kona Kai Sushi Bar located in the Moiliili section of Honolulu, hales from Kealakekua on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kealakekua is the quintessential bucolic epitome of what rural Hawaii is all about, located a few miles South of Kailua-Kona.

It is no surprise that a young man raised in such a lovely place with its close proximity to the freshest of ocean harvests, could hone his skills to become one of the premier sushi chefs in Hawaii.

Kona Kai restaurant is a little hard to find, however with the following directions, you can locate it easily: It is located at 2535 Coyne St. in Moiliili. Coyne St. runs parallel to Beretania St. on the mountain side, (mauka), of Beretania. Proceed down a drive way adjacent to the Rock Bottom Bar and go to the rear of the building, then glance up to your left. –It’s on the 2nd floor up some stairs.

We sat at the sushi bar, where we could converse with James and determine what sushi direction to go. Some of the stellar selections we enjoyed were: Ika stuffed with blue crab; salmon w/ a layer of white kelp; deep sea scallop; king crab w/ kani-miso; prawn w/ a topping of black tobiko caviar; Japanese Oyster-Rockafeller w/aioli (slightly baked); oyster with a layer of ikura caviar. A small rock lobster tail grilled with a special aioli topped things off and was incredibly delicious. Our food was accompanied with Asahi Beer and and some of the best saki imaginable.

If you’re looking for a bargain-basement kind of sushi bar, this probably isn’t the right place for you. The old adage, “you get what you pay for”, definitely holds true at Kona Kai. You may pay a little more at Kona Kai, but it is well worth it!

For future reference, James is planning to open a new Kona Kai in the Pan Am Bldg. on Kapiolani Blvd.

Author: Val Patacchi is a freelance writer and avid traveler.

Courtesy of: Romeo Hotel

Naples Italy was made for amore, especially once Romeo came to town – the Romeo Hotel that is!

Designed to reflect the new face of Naples – the Romeo Hotel, an eighty-three room boutique hotel is literally a work of art.

Alluringly masculine and yet sweetly seductive in design (just like Shakespeare’s young Italian lover), this Neapolitan boutique hotel juxtaposes modern architecture with soft, natural décor elements and a rare antiquities and art collection.

Further embracing its shared name, they have crafted a Valentine’s getaway guaranteed to sweep every Juliette off her feet.

Acting as guests’ contemporary “castle” from which to explore Naples, mornings can be spent strolling along the coast taking in views of Mt. Vesuvius.

Evenings allow for sharing tastes of fresh mozzarella, homemade pasta and local seafood delicacies guaranteeing an ending opposite of the final scene in the “Bard of Avon’s” classic tale.

Romeo Hotel’s St. Valentine’s Package includes:

* Two nights accommodations with breakfast “at your leisure” each morning to allow extra moments of peace before the “nurse” bursts in
* Champagne and roses upon arrival to set a festive tone
* Personalized Romeo Hotel City Guide to aid in exploring the city and uncovering its hidden secrets (each entry in the guide was hand chosen by the hotel staff to ensure it included the best insider recommendations)
* One gourmet dinner for two at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant Il Comandante, inclusive of a selection of wines from the hotel’s 1,000-label collection
* Complimentary entry to Romeo Wellness, the hotel’s spa and fitness space, to unwind after a day of touring
* Rates begin at 625.00 EURO for a Deluxe Harbor View Room and are based on double occupancy inclusive of two nights, service and all taxes.

Bookings can be made by calling the hotel directly at +39 081 0175008 or visiting www.romeohotel.it

Courtesy: Pineapple Grill at Kapalua

Located on Maui, Pineapple Grill in Kapalua Resort is a wonderful romantic restaurant.

Pineapple Grill just celebrated its one year anniversary and has been a popular restaurant on Maui for both locals and tourists.

Kapalua’s Pineapple Grill has been popular with food critics as well. The restaurant has recently been awarded two best new restaurant honors in two separate reader polls.

Food lovers will find a tasty menu featuring several excellent seafood entrees. Pineapple Grill calls their food offering Maui-style “Pacific Island Cuisine.”

Chris Kaiwi, who is Pineapple Grill’s managing partner was quoted, “We’re creating a fun atmosphere without sacrificing a sense of elegance.”

The restaurant also offers a wonderful beer and wine list.

Courtesy: Pineapple Grill at Kapalua

Pineapple Grill features a popular happy hour. As you enter the restaurant, you’ll walk past the large bar, featuring a black-marble island with plenty of stools for enjoyable bar-top dining.

Pineapple Grill overlooks the golf course at Kapalua Resort – The Bay Course and there are distant ocean views to be enjoyed.

One of the favorite dishes is a dessert – the restaurant’s famous pineapple, upside down cake!

For a fantastic fine dining experience, without the high price, Pineapple Grill should be your choice.

The restaurant is open daily for both lunch and dinner.

Pineapple Grill
200 Kapalua Dr
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 669-9600

Villa Aquamare

Villa Aquamare is the ultimate summer house share for sophisticated, urban dwellers looking for an alternative to the exclusive Hamptons scene in New York.

Virgin Gorda in British Virgin Islands is a tropical paradise. Why not enjoy a luxury stay at a buzz-worthy private beachfront villa in the Caribbean? Aquamare is set on the scenic Western coast of Virgin Gorda at Mahoe Bay, along half a mile of pristine beach frontage. The luxury property consists of three 8,000 square-foot private villas.

The Beach Buddies Week is a tropical twist for well-heeled singles looking for an international summer getaway, where absolute luxury is paired with the cost-saving benefits of a classic Hampton’s house-share.

The Villa Aquamare experience combines the best standards and services of a five-star hotel with the exclusivity of a private villa stay, offering luxury, discreet service, and complete seclusion. Staffed with an on-site concierge and beach attendants, Villa Aquamare offers Bulgari amenities and the luxury of large open living spaces. At Villa Aquamare, there are no distractions, just complete privacy and discretion.

Villa Aquamare

The Beach Buddies Week provides an 8,000 square foot five-suite villa with expansive living areas and equally spacious guest quarters, all with floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the unobstructed views of the islets in Drake Channel and some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the Caribbean. The villa has a private infinity pool.

The Beach Buddies Week is priced at only $2,728 per suite (based on renting an entire five-suite villa for a five-night stay).

The Beach Buddies Week package includes:

• Five nights/six days in one of Aquamare’s 8,000 square foot five-suite villa’s
• Private Beach Park overlooking the islets in the Drake Channel that’s ideal for sunset cocktail parties
• Energetic diversions, including sea kayaks and snorkeling equipment to explore the reef that lies just offshore
• Complimentary five-hour sailing excursion (based on availability) aboard the Bravura, a custom-built 48-foot Hans Christian luxury sailboat (with an open bar)
• Complimentary use of a Mini Safari excursion vehicle to explore Virgin Gorda, from the party scene in Leverick Bay to The Baths, the most beautiful rock formations in the Caribbean.
• Meet & Greet at Virgin Gorda airport or marina
• Beach Buddies package rates: $13,642, based on a minimum five (5) night stay and a maximum of 10 guests
• Tax and service charge not included

For reservations or additional information, please visit www.villaaquamare.com or call (787) 461-2638

Bordered by the majestic Rhone River on the west, Provence France is coincidentally a Province in France. The Rhone River forms a natural frontier with its neighbor Languedoc.

Provence France is a region of mountains, fertile plains and rivers that display all the magnetic beauty and contrast of Mediterranean mountain country.

The Rhone River borders the Provence France on the west which is a fast flowing river. The true artery of the Province of Provence France is the Durance River which was one a seasonally destructive torrent that has since been tamed by the use of dams.

The Durance River sluggishly curls around a broad valley like a snake. People who are interested in sight seeing on their trip, will definitely want to see these two rivers during their trip to Provence France.

The landscape of Provence is filled with many distinct contrasts and characters. You will find lush valleys throughout Provence. These lush valleys are commonly associated with areas with less fertile vegetation. The Alluvial plains are lined along the edges of the major rivers. The Camargue offers an interested landscape that is great for sight seeing as there is often a blurred distinction between the land and the sea. The wildlife of Camargue is similar to that of an African environment.

You’ll find carved caves between the limestone rocks in certain parts of Provence where the water meets the land. There are some really large and easily accessible caves located in Provence. These caves happen to be the some of the most popular tourist spots in all of Europe. In some located rivers have cut deeply into the limestone forming gorges. The Verdon Gorge is one of the most popular sight seeing gorges in the Province of Provence France.

You will find a very complicated range of mountains in the Provence France. These mountains lay west of the Verdon Gorge. This is the area where the Alpine and Pyrennean folds meet. You will also find Mont Ventoux in this region which is the highest peak in all of Provence. If you travel further south you will find the buckled mountain ridges of Montagne Ste Victoire. These mountains were one of Paul Cezannes favorite perspectives.

Provence France follows in suit with the rhythms of the common Mediterranean climate in which seasons tend to change in abrupt succession. You will find that the rapid autumn rains of autumn quickly end the extensive heat of summer. Winters really tend to be mild in Provence France. The region gets the most rainfall in the spring which is around the same time that the plant life explodes into growth.

The Province of Provence France happens to be located in the northern section of the Sahara Desert which means that the summers in this region tend to be brutally hot. The Provence would be nothing but Saharan without the Mediterranean which is a strongly salted inland sea that is almost tide less. There are times within the Algeria when there will be six months without rain. The Provence can go three months without rain at times.

Chef Masa Takayama

Las Vegas will welcome another fine dining restaurant for patrons who want the ultimate foodie experience. Later this summer, both Forbes and Michelin-decorated Chef Masa Takayama will introduce the first teppan concept to his extraordinary culinary repertoire.

The new Tetsu restaurant will be located at the luxurious ARIA Resort & Casino, and will be an intimate and interactive dining experience, offering guests the first taste of Chef Masa’s passion for fine Japanese grilling.

Located inside Masa’s famed Japanese restaurant, barMASA, Tetsu will replace Shaboo, which closes April 28. The exclusive venue will feature four blackjack-style tables and two communal teppan grill tables seating 20 and 19, respectively.

Tetsu will feature highly skilled teppanyaki chefs, who will also cleverly oversee the evening’s culinary entertainment – prepping, cooking and plating orders specific to each guest’s request. A produce table will serve as the room’s centerpiece, displaying the finest quality meats, seafood and vegetables, and will allow guests the opportunity to hand select the proteins of their entrée, specifying the exact cut, portion size and preparation style they desire.

“ARIA is a leader in the evolution of the Las Vegas culinary scene, now a recognized contender as one of the world’s top epicurean destinations,” said CityCenter President and COO Bill McBeath. “With Tetsu, we continue to set the pace by offering guests a brand new, exclusive concept from Masa Takayama, arguably the world’s most celebrated Japanese chef.”

Tetsu Executive Chef/Creator Masa Takayama said, “With a passion for the finest-sourced ingredients, I have always been intrigued by the sizzling vegetables, meat and seafood prepared on a teppan grill. The act of choosing your ingredients and interacting with the chef as he prepares them elevates the conventional dinner – creating memories – which is how food is meant to be experienced.”

The teppan grill menu allows guests to try a variety of offerings at smaller portions and reasonable prices such as the Toro Tartare with Caviar, Wagyu Beef Steak Tartare and Pacific Lobster Sashimi Ceviche in addition to Tataki selections. Tataki, meaning to “pound,” is a traditional manner of preparing fish and meat so they better absorb other flavors, therefore enhancing the protein in the dish. The cuts are briefly seared over a hot pan, marinated in vinegar, sliced thin and seasoned with ginger. Tetsu’s tataki offerings will differentiate the restaurant with the finest culinary creations, such as the Wagyu Ribeye, and Filet Mignon-Soy Vinaigrette.

Main course offerings include prime cuts of beef such as Center Cut Lamb Chop and Filet Mignon. Seafood and steak also will delight guests with the incredibly fresh ingredients for which Masa is renowned, such as Butterflied Scottish Langoustine, Mediterranean Turbot and decadent Fatty Tuna. Side accompaniments including Kobe Garlic Fried Rice, Yakisoba Noodles and Seafood Udon will complement the main course. Completing the meal are unexpected and refreshing desserts such as Masa’s famous Truffle Ice Cream, Grapefruit Granite and Yuzu Sorbet.

Tetsu’s hours of operation will be Wednesday through Sunday 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Guests enter Tetsu through barMASA, located adjacent to the stunning ARIA lobby.

The centerpiece of CityCenter Las Vegas is ARIA Resort & Casino, a stunning AAA Five Diamond resort on The Strip featuring an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service, spectacular amenities and premium meeting and convention space.

For additional information or to make reservations at the new Tetsu Restaurant at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, please call 702.590.7111 or visit www.arialasvegas.com

Sky Combat Ace

Las Vegas is well known for extremes and ultimate thrills. Now try the latest craze – Sky Combat Ace (SCA) – the nation’s ultimate flight experience.

Suit up for a wild aerobatic flight of non-stop spins, barrel rolls, hammerheads and loops high above Las Vegas. Sky Combat Ace offers the adventure-of-a-lifetime.

Perfect for thrill-seekers, Sky Combat Ace offers aerial joyrides high above Nevada desert. Sky Combat Ace pairs you up with actual fighter pilots to learn the art of basic fighter maneuvering.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time flight fanatic or advanced aviator, Sky Combat Ace (SCA) offers a package suited for everyone with five types of flying experiences:

· Aerobatic Flights – Star in your very own air show! Become wingman to one of SCA’s 10 professional fighter pilots and learn the art of basic flight maneuvering. You fly the plane under the supervision of SCA’s pilots to execute loops, rolls, hammerheads and spins.

· Aerial Dogfighting – Reenact your favorite “Top Gun” moment as you chase your opponent through the Nevada skies like a real fighter pilot. Feel the thrill of “the kill” as you aim and shoot your adversary using SCA’s special effects. If your aim is good, you’ll get instantaneous feedback as smoke flows from your opponent’s plane. Fight’s on!

· Multi-Day Adventures – Can’t choose just one? Indulge your need for speed and break up your SCA experience over a few days time span. Or, build your skills by reattempting the same package the next day!

· Sightseeing Packages – In an open-cockpit biplane fit for two (plus a pilot), enjoy aerial views of the Mojave Desert while flying over Las Vegas landmarks such as the Hoover Dam, Red Rock State Park, and the world-famous Las Vegas Strip (night flight options also available).

· Spectator Packages – Invite your friends to watch the action in SCA’s non-aerobatic aircraft, where they can take in your incredible experience from an unrivaled vantage point only a short distance away.

Guided by an expert aerobatic pilot, take the controls and live out your “Iceman” or “Maverick” fantasies with the Top Gun package; or take on the extreme (and aptly named) Adrenaline Rush, combining world-class aerobatics with air-to-air dog fights.

IF you’re looking for a great experience without all the thrills, then enjoy a sightseeing adventure in an open-cockpit biplane for incomparable views of the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Mountains, or a night flight over the bright city lights.

Flying in SCA’s spectacular airplanes is undoubtedly the highlight of any trip, but we didn’t stop there. Groups also can reserve the Sky Combat Ace Hangar for events pre- or post-flight to enjoy our state-of-the-art sound system, flat-screen TVs, foosball, darts, pool table, a Golden Tee and our Redbird Full Motion Simulator.

All packages include photos before take-off and video captured by one of four airplane-mounted cameras; specific packages can be found at www.skycombatace.com.

For additional info or to book your reservation, visit www.skycombatace.com or call 888-494-5850

If you are going to be flying to Las Vegas, you can be assured that you will have a great time in the city. Believe it or not, Las Vegas is more than just The Strip.

There are many things to do even for those who just want entertainment and do not care about gambling. If you want to go out gambling, by all means, do it.

There is more gambling in Las Vegas than anywhere else. However, you should not feel like that is the only option that you have.

The following will show you a few things that you can can do once your plane as has landed without putting your money on the line.

First, check out the Titanic Exhibition. This is not an exhibition showing the ship itself, of course, but showing various artifacts that have been brought up and rescued from the most famous wreck in the history of man-made vessels.

The Titanic Exhibition artifacts will offer you a very unique look back into the past. They will show you what the time period was like and what it was actually like to be on the Titanic ship when it left port and set out on its doomed voyage.

The movies are one thing but real life is something else altogether. Take a look at all of these different Titanic artifacts to explore that real life in a way that you have probably never done before.

If you are not as interested in history, check out Vegas Indoor Skydiving. This is an experience that is like nothing else save throwing your body from a perfectly good airplane and plummeting toward the ground below.

The wind tunnel is the perfect way to get the rush of air that goes along with skydiving, to get that feeling of weightlessness, all without having the fear of falling or the danger that is inherent to the sport. This has been advertised as something that grandmothers and five-year-old children can do, something that anyone can enjoy. You can even rent the tunnel out for a whole group of people to use for fifteen minutes, a great way to get everyone involved.

Maybe that does not sound like your thing either; maybe you want to see something that has to do with history and the nearby American West. If so, you should take a look at the Atomic Testing Museum.

While people now think of nothing but gambling when they think about Las Vegas, it used to be a hotbed for nuclear activity. The government set up 928 nuclear tests in the mainland United States, just sixty-five miles from Vegas. This museum is dedicated to preserving that history and the advancement of science.

You do not have to worry that this is a boring science museum, for it is set up in such a way that you will be drawn right in. You can watch videos of the processes and the tests. You can see the old equipment that was used. When you leave, it will be with a new appreciation for the things that began in the 1950s deep within the desert.

One way to see all of these things is to look for flight offers that include tickets to local attractions. Many Las Vegas flights will include these tickets because the airlines want to get your business. They are willing to spend a little money on you if you will fly with them.

Even if you do not use a flight like this, you can be sure to find a lot to do in Las Vegas — and a surprising amount of it has nothing to do with gambling.

Hotel Belgraves London

Contrary to high-risers and hundreds of hotel rooms, Thompson Hotels took a different approach with their new Hotel Belgraves London.  Its premier transatlantic addition is located in Central London’s affluent Belgravia neighborhood, minutes from internationally renowned shops and the famed Sloane Square.

Infusing American bohemian attitude into traditional British hospitality, Hotel Belgraves London translates the signature Thompson luxury experience into a creative movement in design, dining, art, and luxury, pioneering the “new Brittania.”

The property features bold interior architecture and design by acclaimed British designer, Tara Bernerd, and architectural design by EPR Architects.  The 85-room hotel includes an 80-seat restaurant, an intimate library bar, and a fitness center. The chic and eclectic lobby is set to become a second home for both hotel guests and London socialites alike.

Each luxurious room boasts custom-made 400 thread count SFERRA linens, marble flooring, and bathroom amenities by the 140 year-old London luxury skincare and cosmetics brand, Penhaligon’s.  The hotel also features original artwork by a variety of contemporary UK & US artists including Mat Collishaw, Stephen Webster, Natasha Law, Miranda Donovan, Tim Noble & Sue Webster, Rachel Howard, Gary Webb, and many others.

The luxury hotel features an onsite restaurant, the HIX Belgravia, led by Mark Hix.  True to Mark Hix’s approach to luxury dining, with passionately sourced ingredients that are prepared and cooked simply.  Exclusive to the HIX restaurant menu is Mark Hix’s personal favorite dishes inspired by his travels from around the world.

To celebrate its opening, Hotel Belgraves London has launched their #loveLDN photo contest where the winner receives a two-night weekend stay at Belgraves & an all-access pass and VIP tour to capture Belgraves London through the Instagram lens.

To view the contest, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/belgraveslondon/app_254553244581393.  Submitting in a photo for a chance to stay one of the premier luxury hotels in London, is definitely worth a shot.

Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona

The Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona is a four-star luxury hotel is in the bustling center of Barcelona, Spain.

Located within the stylish Born and historic Barrio Gotic Districts, The Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona offers easy access to many of Barcelona’s major attractions.

The Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona features one of the finest social gathering spots in Barcelona  with its luxurious, rooftop Sky Bar.

The trendy and stylish rooftop Sky Bar lounge features a bar, light menu, an infinity pool and breathtaking views of Barcelona.

The four-star Grand Hotel Central consists of 147 guestrooms and suites that welcome its guests to take refuge in a tranquil atmosphere of contemporary minimalist design, providing a stylish urban sanctuary in the heart of Barcelona.

Owner Pau Guardans opened the hotel in 2006 taking inspiration from the grand hotels of the 1920s and international neighborhoods like Soho in New York.

The hotel’s foyer and lobby are accented with wrought iron lamps, stone cornicing, wood floors, and restored antique bronze doors.

The Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona features fine dining at the Avalon Restaurant & Café, under the helm of Michelin-starred chef Ramon Freixa.

Other hotel services at the Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona include a library, business center and conference rooms.

For additional information, please visit: www.grandhotelcentral.com