Mahaulepu Beach is one of the best beaches found on Kauai. If you are looking to get away from the crowds, there’s no place better than the unspoiled and rugged beauty of Mahaulepu beach.

Located on the south side of Kauai, Mahaulepu Beach is one of the best-undeveloped coastal regions anywhere on the Hawaiian Islands.

Mahaulepu is a place of beautiful heritage. The undeveloped coast is a habitat for rare and endangered plants and animals.

The surrounding land is quite sacred to the native peoples of Hawaii, who harbor ancestral ties and influential cultural traditions. Native Hawaiians continue their cultural ties including fishing and gathering.

On the western side of the beach, the waters are sometimes calm and good for swimming and snorkeling. But watch for the strong currents that often occur.

It can be quite windy. Even experienced surfers need to be aware of the ocean and weather conditions.

Take time to explore the miles of pristine coastline, and take in the untouched beauty. Stroll along the soft, white sand and enjoy the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Access to Mahaulepu Beach is from private land. You may also be asked to sign in and produce identification.

Rainforest Adventures

Since 1994, Rainforest Adventures has combined unique rainforest adventures (such as tram rides, bobsleds and zip lines), with exceptional, multi-lingual naturalist guides, and tour excursions in Costa Rica (both Pacific and Atlantic), Panama, Saint Lucia, Dominica and Jamaica.

Each Rainforest Adventures location serves as ecotourism attractions, in addition to wildlife and wilderness refuges. Rainforest Adventures’ keen eco-consciousness has earned high marks from conservation groups and government bodies.

Some of the company’s achievements include earning Blue Ecological Flags and the highest rating under the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (Costa Rica Pacific and Atlantic); receiving a Tourism Service Excellence Award from the Ministry of Tourism (Jamaica); and being acknowledged by the Rotary Club of Gros Islet for Outstanding Contribution for Humanitarian Service (St Lucia).

Each park and tour is unique, built around the natural history and culture of each country with its own special attractions. All shore excursions are carbon neutral and the company has been certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) for safety. Below are several wonderful destinations to consider:

– Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic

Located just 80 kms (50 miles) from the Costa Rica’s capital city of San José, Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic was the company’s first park, introduced in 1994 with the non-invasive construction of an aerial tram. Today, the park has grown to include guided tours (pick from nature hikes, bird-watching treks and family-friendly adventures) and attractions like the AdrenaLine – a 700-metre (2,297-foot) zipline that takes thrill-seekers flying 55 km/hr (34 mph) through the jungle. For softer adventure, guests can explore the butterfly and frog garden ( $10.00 USD, per person): a 200-square-metre (1,250-square-foot) open-air space where nature-lovers can immerse themselves in a world of bug-eyed bullfrogs and tiny tadpoles. And with bilingual naturalists overseeing the grounds, this garden is an eye-opening and educational experience for adventurers of all ages. Unique to Costa Rica Atlantic are the 10 modern bungalows, each with private baths and terraces available for overnight accommodation.

è Guests can explore their phobias at the Serpentarium at Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Pacific

Rainforest Adventures’ Costa Rica Pacific park, located outside the beach town of Jacó and about a two-hour drive from San José, is home to a heart-leaping Serpentarium: a snake exhibition located deep in the jungle that showcases 20 of Costa Rica’s finest slithering species. – Admission to the Serpentarium is $10 USD per guest. Adventurers with kids in tow might consider springing for the Family Tour, a package for all ages that showcases the beauty and secrets of the rainforest with every turn. On this five-hour tour, families join expert naturalist guides for visits to the Serpentarium and the Medicinal Plant Garden, a painting workshop (where kids can colour a T-shirt with natural dyes or create a fossil) and a ride through the rainforest treetops on the aerial tram, complete with a nutritious Costa Rican meal. Cost for the Family Tour is $82.00 USD (children) and $78.00 USD (students and adults).

– Take a blind leap on the AdrenaLUNA zip line tour at Rainforest Adventures St Lucia

Guests can up the zipline stakes and leap over to Rainforest Adventures’ St Lucia Park, located the highland community of Chassin, Dauphin, for a little nighttime action. While not for the faint of heart (or for those afraid of the dark), the brand new AdrenaLUNA nighttime zipline tour starts with a dark walk through the rainforest and launch off a volcanic boulder, continuing with a zipline through the high jungle canopy (only a headlamp leads the way) and a swing on a Tarzan-like rope, and finishing with a rappel back down to Earth. Cost for the tour is $79.00 USD (adults).

– Jungle bobsledding at Rainforest Adventures Jamaica

With Rainforest Adventures Jamaica, on Mystic Mountain, bobsledding isn’t just a wintertime sport for northerners. Guests who visit the park, located in the resort town of Ocho Rios, will discover a wild ride that’s inspired by the famous Jamaican bobsled Olympians and ranked by TripAdvisor.com as one of the region’s top attractions. Bobsledders are safely strapped into a sled and then sped, using only gravity, down a 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) mountainside track through the dense rainforest. (Going a bit too fast? Slow down using a handbrake). While the experience of bobsledding in a Jamaican jungle is priceless, guests do pay $62.00 USD per ride. To get back to earth, guests can drop by the butterfly garden (a spot designed to attract these insects in non-enclosed setting) and the hummingbird garden (a place for visitors to see and learn about Jamaica’s national bird in a natural setting). Finally, guests may cool off after a long day of jungle adventures with an exhilarating ride down the 77-metre (253-foot) mystic waterslide, ending in an infinity-edged pool.

– Leap across a 107-metre (350-foot) cavernous drop at Rainforest Adventures Dominica

Located at the edge of the lush Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Rainforest Adventures Dominica offers guests a range of activities, such as aerial tram tours, jungle hikes and, the most adrenaline inducing of all, the gorge zip challenge. Home to the highest zipline in the southern Caribbean region, Rainforest Adventures Dominica boasts three cable lines, culminating in 361 metres (1,185 feet) of heart-leaping fun. The grand finale of the park’s zipline experience is a clammy-hand journey across the Breakfast River Gorge, a 107-metre (350-foot) cavern filled with plants and waterfalls. Cost is $50 USD (trail walk and zipline) or $99 USD (aerial tram ride and zipline).

– Exploring the depth, breadth of the Pearl of the Pacific – Rainforest Adventures Panama with Panama Excursions.

To open visitors’ eyes to the true heart and soul of Panama, Rainforest Adventures offers seven diverse tours, adventures and experiences: Shaping of Panama, Chagres River Adventure, Authentic Embera Indian Village, Miraflores Locks Observation Center, Eco Cruise on the Gatun Lake, Panama Canal Partial Transit and Panama Canal Railway. On the Authentic Embera Indian Tour, guests take a dugout canoe ride into Chagres National Park en route to a remote village. Once there, explorers will meet the chief, watch a series of traditional dances and take time to explore the village, meet the local people and purchase a crafted keepsake. With four exhibition halls, a visit to the Miraflores Locks Observation Center is an eye-opening and educational look at the shaping and importance of the Panama Canal and its locks. Nature-lovers wanting to be immersed in Panama’s lush flora and fauna needn’t look further than the Eco Cruise on the Gatun Lake tour, an experience that takes guests aboard a small boat for an exploration of back channels, islands and bays and to the Gatun Locks. Birds, monkeys, sloth, iguanas and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that can be spotted on this tour.

Prices range from $10 to $100 USD per person, based on the level of experience, with group and individual packages available.

For more information, visit www.rainforestadventure.com or call 1-866-759-8726.

Vegas Uncork’d

Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit will be back in Las Vegas for its sixth year, featuring a star studded line up of celebrity chefs and cooking events.

This year’s Vegas Uncork’d event will be held May 10-13. This incredible four-day festival gathers culinary icons along with dozens of events from cocktail competitions that overlook the remarkable Bellagio fountains. Also enjoy a celebrity chef poker tournament at the new and stylish Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is known for its fine dining and home to world-famous chefs like Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Michael Mina, Todd English, Jose Andres, Rick Moonen, and many more.

Below is a list of some of the amazing events scheduled at this year’s Vegas Uncork’d –

Wine & Cocktails

· Mix-Off, Friday, May 11: Overlooking The Fountains of Bellagio, guests enjoy a dynamic cocktail competition featuring Bellagio Master Mixologist Matt Myers, Hyde Bellagio Mixologist Jose Zepeda, Akira Back and other cocktail talent from across the country. Sample each cocktail and vote for your favorite during a tasting hosted by Restaurant & Drinks Editor Andrew Knowlton. Small bites from Executive Chef Roy Ellamar of Sensi accompany the cocktail extravaganza.

· Sip, Swirl & Select Like a Sommelier, Friday, May 11: During this blind tasting led by Jason Smith, David Lynch, and Raj Parr, attendees learn to taste like a sommelier when they test their taste buds with a high-quality, moderately priced wine vs. a “break-the-bank” bottle. Tuscany Kitchen hosts this grape-laden duel. May the best palate win!

· Unusual Pairings, Friday, May 11: Guests will learn how to find accessibly priced wine to pair with elevated menus with the best 20 bottles under $20. Learn about best bargain buys under $20 with Dave Lynch and Mina Group Wine Director Raj Parr at STRIPSTEAK with a special menu of bites paired by chef Michael Mina.

· My Favorite Things, Friday, May 11: At Bellagio, Chef Michael Mina and Sommeliers Raj Parr and Jason Smith, MS, discuss their “favorites” and host a sampling of unique wines, extravagant cocktails and the most memorable fare ever tasted (and created).

· Kings of Cabernet, Saturday, May 12: Bellagio Wine Director and Master Sommelier Jason Smith and Bon Appétit Contributing Wine Editor Dave Lynch are joined by three of the world’s best winemakers, including Andy Erickson, for a round-table discussion and tasting of their top Cabernet Sauvignons. Get the scoop on all that goes into making world-class wine, from the soil to the very first sip. In a setting overlooking The Fountains of Bellagio, wine connoisseurs and novices alike will be able to appreciate this experience.

· Uptown Downtown, Saturday, May 12: From Chandelier Bar, Vesper Bar, and other hot spots at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas play host to Bon Appétit Editor in Chief Adam Rapoport, nationally renowned restaurateur Scott Conant, Cosmopolitan mixologist Mariena Mercer, and you for an afternoon of cocktails and cuisine.

 Nightlife & Special Events

· VIP Saber-Off, Thursday, May 10: Caesars Palace hosts all chefs at this year’s VIP Champagne Saber-Off.

· Follow That Food Truck, Thursday, May 10: Mingle with renowned chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Todd English, Michal Mina and Julian Serrano and enjoy live music from restaurateur Joe Bastianich at this exciting Bellagio event. Confirmed Food Trucks include fukuburger, Red Neck Kitchen and Rusty Pickle.

· Celebrity Chef Poker Tournament, Friday, May 11: The pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be the hub for a world-class celebrity chef poker tournament with live performances, flavorful dishes and delightful drinks. A specialty menu of handrolls and more from Blue Ribbon Sushi and specialty cocktails from David Myers’ 18A cocktail program will be featured.

· Grand Tasting, Friday, May 11: Sixty restaurants participate in this ultimate outdoor culinary experience at Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis.

· After-Hours, the Remix, Saturday, May 12: Chef Alain Ducasse is joined by chef Hubert Keller and Mandalay Bay executive pastry chef and master chocolatier Vincent Pilon for a late-night party at Mix, the rooftop lounge at Mandalay Bay.

· Surfside Beach Clambake, Saturday, May 12: Along the waves of the Mandalay Bay Beach, guests will enjoy live   music, cocktails, and fresh seafood. Chefs Charlie Palmer, Rick Moonen Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger will dish out their unique twist on this family-style American Classic as attendees pull up a seat at the long communal tables located under the stars.  

Interactive Sessions

· Too-Hot Tamales Live Demonstration, Friday, May 11: Hosted by Bon Appétit editor in chief Adam Rapoport, chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger prepare a four-course menu with tequila pairings at Mandalay Bay’s Border Grill.

· Paella Lunch with José Andrés, Friday, May 11: One of the restaurant industry’s most captivating personalities, José Andrés lets loose with a live demo on how to make one of Spain’s signature dishes. He’ll prepare it on a wood-fired paella grill—the only one of its kind in the U.S.—at Jaleo in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

· Master Pastry with Francois Payard, Saturday, May 12: Chef François Payard welcomes you into Payard Patisserie & Bistro for an insider demonstration. Guests will be privy to techniques and skills as shared by one of the world’s most renowned pastry makers.

· Chronicles of a Couple That Cooks Together, Saturday, May 12: Q&A lunch with renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and his wife, Marja, host of Kimchi Chronicles on PBS. Before delving into your meal, Jean-Georges and Marja will elaborate on each course as Bon Appétit Editor in Chief Adam Rapoport chats with the famous culinary couple now cooking together.

· At the Fish Market with Costas Spiliadis, Saturday, May 12: Join chef Spiliadis at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as he shares his secrets to selecting the highest-quality fish at the market, secrets on making fish at home, and healthful eating through the Mediterranean diet.

 Specialty Dinners

· Master Series Dinner with the Pellegrino Family: Rao’s Italian Feast, Thursday May 10: Tables will be turned as the Pellegrino family invites you to join them at their famed restaurant. Be treated to a multi-course extravaganza featuring Rao’s southern Neapolitan dishes served family-style.

· Master Series Dinner: Dinnertime Decadence with Guy Savoy, Thursday May 10: Secure your place at this exclusive multi-course dinner with internationally renowned chef and restaurateur Guy Savoy. Indulge in what promises to be the ultimate experience in refined dining, complete with wine pairings.

· Master Series Dinner: French Elegance with Francois Payard, Thursday May 10: Be transported to an authentic dining experience reminiscent of a charming Paris café at award-winning chef Francois Payard’s charming bistro. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with first-class service and traditional savory and sweet French fare.

· Master Series Dinner: Spices of Life with Bobby Flay, Thursday, May 10: Awaken your taste buds as things heat up with an evening of bold flavors and signature Southwestern cooking from chef Bobby Flay at Mesa Grill.

· Master Series Dinner with Michel Richard, Thursday, May 10: Caesars Palace adds a new restaurant to its Master Series dinners—Central, helmed by renowned chef Michel Richard and his James Beard Award–winning staff.

· The Nature of A Good Party with Alain Ducasse, Saturday, May 12: Chef Alain Ducasse hosts a new eXperience at miX at Mandalay Bay that includes champagne with the Chef, a five-course special menu with wine pairing and a signed copy of the Chef’s latest cookbook “Nature: Simple, Healthy, and Good” © Rizzoli.

Brunch

· Rao’s Family Affair: Italian Brunch with the Pellegrinos, Sunday, May 13: The Pellegrinos host a backyard BBQ on the patio of Rao’s Las Vegas as only they can. Enjoy refreshing Italian cocktails and savory dishes offered as an exclusive preview to their soon-to-be released cookbook, Rao’s on the Grill.

· Sparkling Brunch with Guy Savoy, Sunday, May 13: Don’t just treat your mother; spoil her with an unforgettable experience at the elegant Restaurant Guy Savoy. World-renowned French chef Guy Savoy will create a special menu in honor of Mother’s Day.

· Steak & Eggs with Charlie Palmer, Sunday May 13: Recover from a fun-filled weekend and enjoy Mother’s Day with a hardy Steak & Eggs Brunch at Aureole. Chef Charlie Palmer, Aureole Executive Chef, Vincent Pouessel and Mandalay Bay Executive Pastry Chef and Master Chocolatier, Vincent Pilon will put on an extravagant brunch paired with sparkling wine options provided by Christophe Tassan MOF Sommelier and Mandalay Bay Wine Director.

Courtesy of: La Plage Resort

Isola Bella is Sicily’s famous nature island preserve.

Italy’s Ragosta Hotels Collection has combined “luxury with nature” with the launch of its chic new boutique resort, La Plage Resort.

La Plage Resort was created to attract the growing travel trend of up-market travelers seeking an extraordinary hospitality experience that incorporates elements of their own lifestyles, including modern yet stylish accommodations and innovative dining options.

La Plage Resort will open as a five-star boutique property with only 61 guestrooms and suites.

La Plage Resort was designed by the architecture firm of Pantha, and created on the philosophy of “luxury based on nature.”

The luxury resort is located in a secular pine forest, and all design aspects and furnishing feature natural elements such as stone, woods and plants.

Below are some of La Plage Resort amenities:

Guestroom and Suites:
* Standard Rooms
* Bungalow Garden View Rooms
* Bungalow Sea View Rooms
* Deluxe Bungalow Sea View Rooms
* Suites
* Deluxe Suits

Dining:
* Fusion Restaurant featuring Italian and Asian cuisine overlooking Isola Bella
* Lounge Bar located near Fusion Restaurant
* Seaside Bar with refreshment services
* Reception halls with accommodations for up to 200 guests

SPA/Fitness:
* On-site ExPure SPA facilities featuring four-person Jacuzzi, emotional shower, Turkish bath, massage room, relaxation area with tea corner and Panoramic solarium
* Gym

Additional services and signature amenities at the resort include: in-room customized toiletries from ExPure SPA, Amaretto Lazzaroni cookies, luxurious linens, robes and towels.

In addition to enjoying the uber-luxury items in the guestrooms and villas travelers will be able to customize their hotel stay in the manner in which they are accustomed but with an element of surprise and pure decadence.

For additional information, please visit La Plage Resort

The Lodge at Pico Bonito

The Lodge at Pico Bonito is nestled on 400 pristine acres of Honduran rainforest. The Lodge at Pico Bonito is the perfect destination for couples seeking a magically, romantic jungle escape.

The Lodge at Pico Bonito is a unique ecolodge as finding a property of this magnitude is virtually unparalleled in Central America, offering lovebirds a remote setting that manages to highlight the beauty of the expansive rainforest while still affording the very best of luxury amenities for which Small Luxury Hotels of the World is known.

An easy trip to Pico Bonito’s observation tower allows guests to experience the depths of the rainforest with exquisite views of the valley below and mountains beyond.

Whether a pair of thrill-seekers, bird watchers or nature enthusiasts, couples of all ages and experience levels can enjoy an array of hiking trails, whitewater rafting trips, bird watching tours and other excursions amongst the wonders of the region’s eight thriving ecosystems.

The Lodge at Pico Bonito has just announced a special on its “Lovebirds in the Rainforest” package to those couples who book their escape before May 1, 2012. The four-day, three-night package includes:

· Romantic Candlelit Dinner — Couples will enjoy the restaurant’s gourmet cuisine during a secluded meal overlooking the dazzling Rio Carinto.
· Guided-Trek to the Unbelievable Fall — A journey through the unexplored cloud forest, culminating at a breathtaking double drop waterfall, which descends almost 100 feet into a dazzling swimming hole.
· Choice of Adventure Excursion – Couples can choose either thrilling whitewater rafting down the Rio Cangrejal or boating through the lagoons of the nearby manatee refuge.
· Luxurious Cabin—Set off one of the property’s winding paths, the cabins are built of stone and native pine, appointed with soft, indigenous furnishings, and feature private verandas with hammocks.

For those guests that book a reservation at The Lodge at Pico Bonito prior to May 1, 2012, couples can enjoy complimentary extras, including:

· Relaxing Couples Massage — A sensory experience set to the sweet melodies of the jungle’s chirping birds.
· Couples How-To Cooking Class — A lesson in preparing Meso-American cuisine.

Package rates at The Lodge at Pico Bonito are based on double occupancy and start from $1,095. This rate includes all meals, a private tour of the butterfly farm and serpentarium, access to the loop trail and transfer to and from La Ceiba Airport.

For further info, please visit www.picobonito.com or call 888-428-0221.

Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore, has four beaches and the beautiful strip of sand that connects them is absolutely gorgeous.

The formation of the bay at Hanalei makes for the perfect harbor, and many world-class yachtsmen call Hanalei their home port for a few months during the summer. The nearby Hanalei Canoe Club is famous for the many world-class canoe teams it has produced.

The mid-point of Hanalei Bay’s 2-mile-long beach, Waioli is a popular spot among expert surfers and the major contest site on the North Shore of Kauai.

This is not the best beach for swimmers and families because of the surf and strong currents, however surfers love the waves here. In fact, surfers visit Kauai’s Hanalei Bay from all of the Hawaiian Islands and around the world simply because of its unbelievably large and long lasting waves.

Waikoko Beach, Wai’oli Beach Park, Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park, and Black Pot all make up the Hanalei Bay Beaches.

Waikoko Beach – This beach is easy to get to and when the surf is calm it’s a nice place to snorkel. Of course, care should always be taken because the ocean can change at any time. There is pretty good protection from a reef here so swimmers do find this a nice beach at times, although the water is shallow which is not the best for swimming. Waikoko Beach is located between mile markers four and five.

Wai’oli Beach Park – This beach may be reached by Weke Road in Hanalei. It is also at the end of He’e and Ama’ama roads in Hanalei. The ocean is strong at this beach and it can be hazardous to swim here. Of course, when the sea is very calm swimming can be enjoyed, but the tides can turn at any moment and swimmers should always be on the lookout.

Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park – Weke Road will also lead you to Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park. This beach has all the facilities you might need not to mention a lifeguard. One would think that swimming conditions are ok since a lifeguard is on duty, however this is not the case. In fact, you will want to avoid swimming here unless you are a good surfer or boogie boarder.

Black Pot – If you want some beautiful photos to take home than a photo at the pier at Black Pot beach might be just for you. The name of this beach is based on a big black cooking pot that was once left at the beach by locals. There are facilities at this beach and camping is an option with a valid county permit.

Swimming on the other hand is generally not great. This is because the beach is close to the Hanalei River’s mouth and the waters are murky and not good for swimming. When the surf is calm during the summer months boogie boarders do find this a good beach.

On the other hand, if you are interested in paddling up the Hanalei River then this is just the spot for you to put your kayak in the water and get started!

Courtesy of: Blue Palace

If mountains could grow hotels, then the Blue Palace in Crete would certainly be one such case, magically combining rugged, arid mountains with the warm, turquoise ocean, the cool breeze drifting in from the bay with the warmth of the rocks from which the villas, bungalows and private suites seem to have formed naturally over time.

There are few places on earth where infinity really seems to be something tangible that you can experience, yet at the Blue Palace, infinity is just a step through your veranda doors and into your private pool.

The Blue Palace is nestled within a picturesque, quiet bay that exemplifies the natural beauty that is Crete. With the well known coast of Elounda on one side, the ancient and majestic relics of Spinalonga Island on the other, the 251 stylish and contemporary rooms and villas enjoy one of the most remarkable locations.

Carved from the rocks down which the bungalows and villas appear to tumble towards the warm ocean, every room and every villa enjoys magnificent ocean views. With most villas and suites having their own private infinity pools, you can quite literally step from exquisite comfort to infinity in a single breath.

The Blue Palace has truly been designed to provide the perfect retreat to help calm and relax both the body and the mind, with infinity pools and a white pebbled beach both providing escape, and the exclusive Elounda Spa where thalassic pools are filled each day with fresh heated seawater drawn directly from the Cretan Pelagos, providing the ultimate in relaxation and therapy.

The Elounda Spa provides a range of Thalassotherapy treatments and is situated on the white pebbled beach on three levels, offering unbeatable indulgence that’s guaranteed to wear away the troubles of the other world you used to worry about. The other world seems to grow faint as the serenity and peace combines with the outstanding natural beauty of the resort to provide an experience which is likely to stay with you for a very long time.

But whilst all this luxury feeds the soul, the body needs feeding too – and the Blue Palace does not disappoint here either. In fact, with five restaurants to choose from you may find that deciding which one to choose each night is the most stressful part of your stay!

At the very top of the resort, boasting the most astonishing views across the Aegean Sea is The Olea Main Restaurant. The award winning L’Orangerie is where you’ll be able to choose from a range of Mediterranean dishes which use locally sourced ingredients, in addition to an enviable wine list.

Alternatively you may choose the Blue Door right on the water’s edge where the day’s catch will be served up with a traditional Greek salad, for a dining experience that’s one of the freshest possible. An Asian dining experience is available at the aptly named Asia Blue, where the menu includes dishes ranging from Chinese and Polynesian to Thai and Japanese.

The experience of staying at the Blue Palace – Crete, is one which might be considered the closest possible opportunity to fulfill William Blake’s suggestion to ‘Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, And eternity in an hour.’

Relais Paradiso is located along the shores of the idyllic Amalfi Coast in Italy. Relais Paradiso, a five-star hotel invites travelers to enjoy the very best it has to offer with its unique all-inclusive package concept.

From world-class cuisine, luxury accommodations to truly personalized service and much more, guests can experience the ultra-exclusivity of the luxury boutique resort for just the cost of a night’s stay.

The Relais Paradiso All-Inclusive Package features deluxe accommodations in the hotel’s well-appointed guestrooms overlooking the town of Vietri sul Mare and the pristine Bay of Salerno.

In addition, Relais Paradiso hotel guests will enjoy the gastronomic pleasures of the Amalfi Coast as the package features a complimentary buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by the resort’s executive chef who focuses on incorporating only the freshest seasonal ingredients indigenous to the region.

A true highlight of the luxury hotel package is the Privilege White Card that is presented to each hotel guest.

This card, which is valid for one year at all Ragosta Hotels, provides guests with complimentary late check-out/early check-in, a welcome cocktail, complimentary newspapers, 10 percent reduction on SPA treatments and 10 percent reduction on events at all Ragosta Hotels.

The All-Inclusive Package also includes complimentary transfers to and from Vietri sul Mare to the beach, room service, mini bar access, a complimentary Sun Care Set and much more.

Relais Paradiso All Inclusive Package:
€240 per person, per night for 1-2 night stay or €205 per person, per night for a 3 night minimum stay.

Package Inclusions:
* Guestroom Accommodations
* Daily Buffet Breakfast
* Lunch and Dinner (beverages included, served in glass)
* Privilege White Card: provides guests with late check-out/early check-in, welcome cocktail, complimentary newspapers, 10 percent reduction on SPA treatments and 10 percent reduction on events at all Ragosta Hotels Valid one year
* Welcome Champagne Cocktail
* Personalized Service
* Room Service
* Mini Bar
* Internet Connectivity
* Transfer with driver to and from Vietri sul Mare and the beach
* Refreshing Sun Care Set
* Complimentary Access to Panoramic Outdoor Swimming Pool (from May to September)

Relais Paradiso offers guests a unique hotel concept in the spectacular Mediterranean town of Vietri sul Mare. In keeping with Ragosta Hotels Collection mantra, guests of the luxury property are invited to “define their lifestyle” with the hotel’s chic offerings such as its chic rooftop pool, exclusive executive lounge and its 24-hour honor bar, featuring cocktails, coffee, wine, beer and champagne.

Upon opening in August 2009, Relais Paradiso Hotel features 22 spacious guestrooms and suites with panoramic terraces overlooking the pristine Bay of Salerno and the lush landscape of the fragrant and colorful Amalfi Coast.

Additional in-room amenities include plasma-screen televisions, a courtesy collection by ExPure SPA, complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity, fresh local flowers and much more. During their stay, guests will enjoy truly personalized service from a welcome Champagne cocktail to personal car transfers to the nearby town of Vietri sul Mare.

In addition to its luxurious guestroom accommodations and amenities, the hotel features an expansive outdoor area with suspended gardens, solarium and a panoramic outdoor swimming pool. Dining facilities include a hip yet relaxing Lounge Bar, the Lounge Restaurant, which features Mediterranean cuisine, as well as the Honesty Bar, which is located in the hotel’s foyer and is open 24 hours a day.

For additional information and reservations, please contact Ragosta Hotels at www.ragostahotels.com or +39 089 763 4111

The romantic and mind blowing atmosphere of the famous Spanish Steps are one of the most popular sites and most visited areas in Rome.

Its 138 steps full of class and elegance, brightens up the square bringing life and energy to this great area. Built in the late 1700s, this area attracts and is still frequented by locals and tourists to absorb its magnificent atmosphere.

The Spanish Steps in Italian are called “Scalinata”. These are famous set of steps in one of the most well known areas of Rome. Despite of its name, the famous Spanish Steps were actually built by the French.

“Scalinata di Spagna” was built between 1723 and 1725 by tienne Gueffier, a French diplomat. It’s easy to recognize it at the Piazza di Spagna square rectangle like shape.

The Piazza di Spagna is one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome. The Scalinata is without a doubt the longest and widest staircase in all Europe.

At the base of the Piazza is the Early Baroque fountain called “La Fontana della Barcaccia” (“Fountain of the Old Boat”), built in 1627-29 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Legend has it that, Pope Urban VIII had the fountain installed after he had been impressed by a boat brought here by a flood of the Tiber river.

Bernini is said to have used the Boat as a sign of safety from floods from the Tiber River.

The steps are covered by pots of beautiful “Azalea” flowers in spring (flowering shrubs are part of the genus Rhododendron and subgenus Pentanthera), Romans named them “Garden Stairs”.

A sign that the Summer is fast approaching. The weather in Rome can get quite hot, even in the Fall. So the many cafes, shops and restaurants near the Spanish Steps are always popular full of people absorbing this fine, elegant atmosphere.

Eating on the stairs is forbidden by Italian regulations, anyway you will probably still see some people having a “tramezino” (Typical Roman Sandwich) and a cold drink when everything is calm and peaceful.

Spanish Steps turned into a meeting point and the place where to take a romantic or scenic ride in a carriage pulled by a horse. At the very first step to the right, is the house where John Keats (the English Poet) lived and died in 1821.

Today there is a museum open to the public dedicated to his memory, full of memorabilia of the English Romantic generation.

Halfway up on the right is where Bernardo Bertolucci directed Besieged (1998) and where The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone was filmed as well.

American singer/songwriter Bob Dylan refers to the “Spanish Stairs” in his classic “When I Paint My Masterpiece” (1971). Today modern terraces lay in perfect harmony with the surrounding baroque context.

When visiting Rome, enjoy the Spanish Steps on your trip. Rent an accommodation near the Spanish Steps and get the best Rome has to offer.

Author: Sarah Dudleymore

Vatican City

The amazing city of Rome, Italy raises so many eyebrows when mentioned. This magical city has a long history. The civilization of ancient Rome was the largest the world had ever seen.

Rome the “Eternal City,” has long been a sacred place and internationally, it has been an important city dating back to ancient times.

Rome is about 31 centuries old and is often discussed equally between both its historical and religious past.

We feel the best way to see the city is by walking around its ancient streets, just like Romans many hundreds of years ago did. But first you need to get there.

You have two choices when arriving by air – the Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) and the Ciampino airports are the two options to choose from.

The Fiumicino airport is considered the main airport that provides international flights all over the world. The Clampino airport is smaller than the Fiumicino, and offers less expensive and budget airlines, as well as charter lines.

Arch of Constantine

Once you arrive, you’ll find several options of transporaton: buses, trams, trains, taxis, and subways. One tip is make sure you always get the metered fare and not the negotiated fare when you ride in a taxi.

Provided your taxi driver suits you, you can hire the driver as a travel guide, so he or she can make sure you don’t miss any points of interest.

There are many, many hotels in Rome, in a wide variety of price ranges. Staying at a hotel near the center of the city will allow you to walk to most places, despite Rome’s size. Of course, you might spend less money if you stay further away from the city and are willing to take public transportation to your destinations.

Rome has some amazing history and if you are traveling to Rome to see some of the historical sites, then you cannot miss the St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.

At the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Arch Of Constantine and Palantine Hill, you will also view many of the most amazing and ancient Roman architecture.

Roman Colosseum

Built so close to the stars, it was tempted to catch them: Five stars adorn the “Riffelalp Resort” at 2,222 meters above sea level, the highest location for a luxury hotel of this kind in Europe.

As incongruous as it might seem, one can find oasises in the mountains. The Riffelalp Resort, located just above Zermatt in Switzerland, resides at an altitude of 2,222 meters above sea level, is such a place. Riffelalp Resort is definitely an oasis of calm and luxury awaits fortunate guests here.

The resort was built at the dawn of the new millenium, and offers every creature comfort one could wish for, such as various restaurants and bars, a wine bar, an indoor pool, a sauna, a solarium, and a gym.

But this luxury Swiss hotel also offers something that no architect or designer could make: unobstructed views onto the majestic Matterhorn mountain and pure, fresh air.

In winter, the hotel has ski-in facilities, due to its location halfway up the mountain. In summer, this advantage offers many thrilling mountain excursions right at the door. Or simply ride the jolly Riffelalp tram to the Gornergrat Railways and either go up to the Gornergrat or down into Zermatt. By the way, this nod to luxury has a prolonged tradition: the original Grandhotel Riffelalp opened its doors in 1884.

How to get there:
Drive or take public transportation from Lausanne or Bern to Zermatt via Brig/Visp. In Zermatt take the Gornergrat Railways to the Riffelalp. If driving: park car in Täsch and take train to car-free Zermatt.

Riffelalp Resort
3920 Zermatt
Tel. +41 (0)27 966 05 55
Fax +41 (0)27 966 05 50
reservation@riffelalp.com