The Spa at Ravella

The luxurious Spa at Ravella in Las Vegas invites its guests an escape from their hectic lifestyle and slip into a tranquil Mediterranean oasis where they can drift off to the hillsides of Tuscany or the Capri coast.

Ravella at Lake Las Vegas features The Spa at Ravella, which is a 30,000-square-foot spa and wellness center and offers 24 relaxing treatment rooms, advanced fitness center, full-service salon, plus seperate men’s and women’s locker rooms.

The Spa at Ravella is gearing up for the holidays with ‘Sip & Spa’ Thursdays in December with holiday party-prep spa treatments and festive winter cocktails.  Round up the girls and head to Ravella at Lake Las Vegas for a mini-escape each Thursday, 6 – 8 p.m.

The Spa at Ravella will offer customers different treatments each week to ensure clients are truly pampered and ready for every joyful get-together on their calendars. An ode to relaxation during the busiest time of the year, seasonal cocktails will accompany the services to help guests unwind.

If you’re feeling lucky, then take a cue from Santa.  Each week The Spa at Ravella will give one lucky guest a spectacular spa gift basket no one would want to re-gift.

Enjoy a mini treatment, cocktail, hors d’oeuvres and spa gift for $25*. Or, indulge in everything BUT the treatment for $10. Space is limited. To make a reservation, call 702.567.4600.

Holiday Sip & Spa Event Schedule:

·         Appletinis & Aromatherapy (Dec. 1): Mix the perfect blend of essential oils into a one-of-a-kind mini body butter for a friend (or indulgence for yourself!) under the guidance of Ravella’s Aroma Artists while mingling with friends over sweet appletinis.

·         Mimosas & Makeovers (Dec. 8): Sip a sparkling mimosa while looking your best  from The Spa’s skilled makeup artists on perfecting a glam or smoky eye – the perfect complement to any winter cocktail dresses.

·         Reindeeritas & Relaxation (Dec. 15): The little ones would never guess Rudolph had a signature drink! If you need a break from the holiday frenzy, a Reindeerita and a revitalizing neck and shoulder massage is the perfect mini-escape.

·         Eggnog & Eye Lashes (Dec. 22): Enjoy this traditional festive drink and adorn your eyes with expertly applied false lashes. You won’t be able to wait to bat your eyes at the cutie at the holiday office party.

·         Mistletinis & Manicures (Dec. 29):  Toast hello to the New Year and goodbye to cracked hands and chipped nails with a much-needed mini manicure, while enjoying a sophisticated take on this classic cocktail.

*Cost is per person and valid only on Thursdays during ‘Sip & Spa’ Thursdays. Credit card and advanced reservations are required with 24-hour cancellation. Reservation telephone line (702.567.4600) is available 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Management reserves all rights.

Learn more by going to The Spa at Ravella

The Halona Blowhole is just a short drive from the center of Honolulu, on the east coast of Oahu. Every day, visitors gather here to see this amazing Hawaiian natural wonder.

Molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago formed the natural occurrence known as the blowhole. The lava tubes extend to the ocean, and when the surf is just right, the mighty blowhole can shoot water up to 30 feet in the air. It’s an incredible site.

You cannot actually get to the Halona  Blowhole itself, at least not easily. People can make it down there, but they worked their way across various lava ledges from nearby beaches.  Anyone wanting to try this must be extremely careful.  There have been numerous accidents because people get caught off guard by the very powerful waves near the blowhole.

The lookout off the Kalanianole Highway at Halona presents an exceptional vista of the coastline and outer islands. The location is also a wonderful spot to watch whales at play in the winter season.

Just to the right of the Halona Blowhole is Halona Beach Cove. This scenic location is best known for the renowned love scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the classic 1953 movie, From Here to Eternity.

Photo: Jeff Greenberg

Pu’u Keka’a” is the Hawaiian term for Black Rock. The large, black lava flow juts out into the Pacific Ocean and virtually divides Kaanapali Beach on Maui, Hawaii in half.

If you do not want to pay for a cruise to do some great snorkeling, Black Rock is supposed to have some great underwater viewing for snorkelers. Black Rock lava flow is the last lava flow on the island of Maui.

If you don’t find the snorkeling good at Black Rock give Old Airport beach a try. It is just around the point from Black Rock.

If you are not staying at one of the hotels that line Kaanapali Beach, there are public access paths so that you can also get down to the same beach where others are paying hundreds of dollars a night to stay.

Each night the Sheraton Hotel, which is anchored right into Black Rock, puts on an act where a diver climbs out onto the end of Black Rock with a torch. At the appropriate time, the diver tosses his torch into the ocean and then dives in. This is symbolic because ancient Maui residents believed that their spirits “jumped off” or left this world at this spot.

You can find a covered, one-lane bridge at the bottom of the hill as you descend from the town of Princeville into Hanalei Valley on Kauai – Hawaii.

As cross over the bridge, you arrive in an amazing emerald-green kingdom that seems to transport you to another world.

The one-way steel bridge, is the only access to the Hanalei Valley. But the scenic bridge is just the beginning. You will have the joy of crossing over seven more from the entrance into the valley to the very end of the road at Ke’e.

Years ago, you couldn’t find any bridge that crossed over the Hanalei River. Back in the 1800s, flat ferry platforms were connected to steel cables that ran back and forth across the Hanalei River at the location near where the existing bridge can be found.

Over the years, there has been much discussion to tear down the bridge and replace it with a larger concrete bridge. The concern is the large increase in traffic and larger vehicles traveling into the scenic valley.

The bridge has undergone extensive repairs, but so far the bridge’s character has remained the same.

So enjoy your visit to the beautiful Hanalei Valley, and hope the old bridges remain forever and preserve this pristine part of the world.

Aruba beach

As the colder weather settles in and winter nears, we wanted to share some of the best Tropical Destination Getaways provided by VacationsToGo.

These tropical destinations all offer a variety of sandy beaches and opportunities for great outdoor  fun including swimming, sunning and snorkeling.

Many of these exotic vacation spots also provide unique sightseeing opportunities. Enjoy the list and happy traveling!

Aruba — Beyond the smooth, sandy beaches of this southern Caribbean island lies a rugged and arid interior. In the nearly 8,000-acre Arikok National Park, visitors will find landscapes of candelabra cactus, huge boulders and hills of volcanic lava. The Natural Pool is a cool oasis protected from rough seas by the surrounding rocks (a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to reach this remote spot). Or, explore some of the island’s caves. The Guadirikiri cave has two inner chambers illuminated by sunlight streaming through holes in the roof, and the nearby Fontein cave features pictographs left behind by Arawak Indians.

Bahamas — Pirates of Nassau is an interactive museum in Nassau, where kids can storm the decks of an 18th-century pirate ship — a detailed replica complete with cannons and costumed characters. Entrance fees are $12 for adults and $6 for children. Create your own perfume at Fragrance of the Bahamas just outside Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, where guests can mix essences of flowers and fruits to create a signature scent. A one-ounce custom sample costs $30.

Barbados — Barbados rum is distilled locally by companies such as Malibu and Mount Gay. Both offer factory tours and tastings, as well as the chance to buy duty-free bottles in their Bridgetown gift shops. At the Caribbean Cigar Co. in Bridgetown, you can watch as tobacco is cut, cured and hand-rolled. Tours of the factory are free, and there is a gift shop.

Bermuda — It’s said that Mark Twain was one of the first visitors to Crystal Caves, a series of limestone caverns at Bailey’s Bay. Subterranean lakes and stalactite formations can be explored through guided tours. Admission is $20 for adults and $8 for children. Dolphin Quest at the Bermuda Maritime Museum, located at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Sandys Parish, allows guests to mingle with the creatures in a protected lagoon. Prices range from $160 for a 20-minute encounter to $650 for a five-and-a-half-hour “trainer for a day” session. At the Dockyard Glassworks, visitors can watch artists demonstrate the glass-blowing process.

British Virgin Islands — In Capoons Bay on Tortola, a bar called Bomba’s Shack has become infamous for its wild full moon parties, a tradition since 1989. A family-friendly version takes place at Trellis Bay, where festivities are marked by barbecues and live bands. Both events are free, but bring money for food and drinks.

Curacao — Christoffel Park, the island’s largest national park, teems with bird and plant life. There are eight hiking trails, from a 20-minute, shaded walk through a native white-tailed deer sanctuary to a strenuous trek up a mountain. Fees are $10 for adults and $4.50 for kids. Learn about the island’s namesake blue liqueur during a complimentary tour of the Senior & Co. Curacao Distillery near Willemstad.

Dominican Republic — Amber deposits are abundant on the island’s north coast, and the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata and Amber World Museum in Santo Domingo display some of the samples found here. Baseball is extremely popular in the Dominican Republic, with six professional teams supporting a thriving winter league from October through January.

Grand Cayman — The clear waters that ring this island chain make wildlife-spotting a favorite activity. In the calm, shallow waters of Stingray City, dozens of southern Atlantic stingrays swarm divers and snorkelers. Numerous day cruise companies visit the attraction, and prices vary. Boatswain’s Beach is a 23-acre protected park that offers up-close views of small sharks, green sea turtles and iguanas. Entrance fees that allow access to the entire park are $45 for adults and $25 for children; tickets to the turtle farm only are cheaper.

Hawaii — Early risers can witness the sunrise from the top of Haleakala Crater in Haleakala National Park on Maui. On the Big Island, visitors can walk through the Thurston Lava Tube at Volcanoes National Park. The tube was formed more than 500 years ago when an underground channel of molten lava drained from its already cooled walls. The fee for both parks is $10 per vehicle.

Jamaica — Just outside Ocho Rios, the cascades of Dunn’s River Falls form a series of pools as they flow over miles of river rock and into the sea below. Many visitors like to hike through the surrounding jungle, where bamboo, ginger lilies and orchids flourish, before taking a dip. Entrance fees are $20 for adults and $12 for children.

Mexico — Sunny Acapulco, Mexico’s first true resort town, is famous for its cliff divers, whose daredevil 12-story plunges from rocky La Quebrada are a daily occurrence. Xcaret is one of the biggest attractions in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. In addition to a beach, underground rivers, lagoons and pools, the park offers a marine turtles exhibit, jaguar sanctuary, manatee lagoon, a spider monkey island, Mayan archaeological sites and a replica of a Mayan village. Tickets start at about $80 for adults and $40 for kids.

Turks and Caicos — The Conch Farm on Providenciales is the world’s only commercial conch hatchery, where the Caribbean queen species of this mollusk is harvested for the meat and the shells are used in art and jewelry. Entrance fees are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. A favorite local mascot, JoJo the dolphin, has greeted visitors to the islands since 1980, when the Atlantic bottlenose first began to interact with humans in the shallow waters of Providenciales.

U.S. Virgin Islands — Virgin Islands National Park covers about half of St. John and offers numerous hiking trails, among them the 2.2-mile Reef Bay Trail, which leads to the remains of four sugar estates and to ancient rock carvings. At the St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens, set high in the island’s volcanic peaks, you can see waterfalls, tropical birds, fish ponds and more than 400 species of tropical flowers, including many orchids, from trails winding through the property.

The Trastevere area of Rome Italy, is well known for its restaurants, clubs, theaters, arts and its famous narrow cobbled alleyways.

In the evening, all of the cafes and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, especially in the area of Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. The morning is better to appreciate the antique charm of Trastevere’s characteristic narrow alleyways.

Trastevere is the district that lays on the right bank of the Tiber. It was called “Trans Tiberem” (across the Tiber) and it was considered a precarious region.

It belonged to the Etruscans until Rome conquered it again and get back in control of both banks of the river. “Pons Sublicius” bridge (from Latin: “bridge built on piles”) was the only one way from Trastevere to the city (Rome). With the Emperor Augustus this area soon began to be considered part of the city.

During the Republic era in 509, the number of sailors and fishermen making a living from the river had increased, and many had taken up residence in Trastevere.

Later, with the wealth of the Imperial Age, luxury villas and gardens were constructed on the hillside of Trastevere. To name a few: Clodia, (Catullus’ “friend”) and Julius Caesar (his garden villa, the Horti Caesaris). The flat land below was occupied by the houses of the poor and small shops. Some of which are still there today!

Trastevere grew in a network of small, curly streets in the Middle Age because of structures on the front of buildings that left no space for carriages to pass.This is why a strong contrast between large houses for rich people and small houses for poor people are still creating such a contrast.

Until the 15th century Trastevere streets had no pavement. Bricks were used first replaced by sampietrini (cobble stones) in a second time.

The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, perhaps the first to ever host an open ceremony. This is the queen of all churches in Trastevere. This basilica became the focus of devotion to the Virgin Mary by its people. It is believed that perhaps it was in this church Mother of God was worshiped in Rome. In the piazza, one can admire the Octagonal fountain which has now become a meeting point. Along the years the church has been altered with modifications, but despite of the 18th century additions, Santa Maria has retained its medieval character.

Today this area still has its own style due to the narrow cobbled streets built in the medieval era. At night, both italians and tourists gather together around its many restaurants and pubs. Trastevere is attracting tourists, locals, artists, foreign expats, and many famous people and it is incredibly charming.

The area is home to John Cabot University, a private American University. Also to the American Academy in Rome, and the Rome campus of the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. The Canadian University of Waterloo School of Architecture (between the months of September and December), and the American Pratt Institute School of Architecture therefore serving as a temporary home to an International student body.

In the sixties and seventies, the American musicians/composers Frederic Rzewski and Richard Teitelbaum, of the group Musica Elettronica Viva, lived in Via della Luce. Sergio Leone, the director of Spaghetti Westerns, grew up in Viale Glorioso (there is a marble plaque to his memory on the wall of the apartment building), and went to a Catholic private school in the neighborhood.

As you can see Trastevere is the real heart of Rome!

Poor Brussels. The attention it gets as capital of the European Union and home base of NATO suggests a city of functionaries and bureaucrats: stolid, good for business (and breweries), but hardly the center of style.

That moniker belongs to Paris, of course—except among the cognoscenti, who know that Brussels, the 1,000-year-old city of a million-plus, can be more radical in fashion, more adventuresome in cuisine, and much more fun to plunder for antiques.

To go antiquing in Brussels is to bask in civility and ease—especially if you’ve ever suffered the apathy of the 2,500 dealers at Paris’s legendary Marché St.-Ouen. Stay hard by the Gothic, gilded Grand Place—a square called one of the most beautiful in the world by no less than Victor Hugo.

At the Hotel Amigo (1–3 Rue de l’Amigo, 32-2/547-4747; hotelamigo.com; doubles from $335), you’re barely a half-mile walk from the best dealers in and around the Place du Grand Sablon, also a cobbled and gabled but far more sweeping square.

For decades the premier address for fine antiques, the Place du Grand Sablon is still the site of a small weekly antiques market (all day Saturday, half a day on Sunday) that sets up in jaunty red and green–striped canvas stalls.

Here are mostly small wares of good quality but modest distinction—brass candlesticks, clocks and boxes, porcelain and silver for the table.

Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

Luxurious Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa in Florida was just voted as a reader favorite in the Condé Nast Traveler 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa was ranked #93 among the Top 150 Mainland U.S. Resorts. The resort finished alongside Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal (Orlando) and Pines Lodge (Beaver Creek), on a list topped by the incredible Resort at Pelican Hill (California).

Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa is a nine-story resort and the only oceanfront AAA Four-Diamond resort in northern Palm Beach County.

Treasured for its effortless blend of classic Caribbean-style and barefoot elegance, Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa proudly features renovated guest rooms and suites with designer Mahogany furnishings, marble bathrooms, and private seating balconies to showcase stunning ocean views.

Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa offers 168 guest rooms featuring Caribbean-style décor and private seating balconies overlooking 1,000 feet of secluded Florida shoreline.

Resort guests will enjoy the 7,500-square-foot spa, four award-winning dining options, a heated oceanfront pool, game room, fitness center offering private instruction, lighted tennis courts, and a unique beach landscape of white sand and rocks.

To have fun in the warm Florida sun, guests can try the outdoor lounge area that offers cabana and hammock seating and oceanside fire pits.

For additional information on Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, please visit www.jupiterbeachresort.com.

Jewelry is an incredibly subtle accent for any ensemble. What you choose to wear and how dramatically effect the way you see yourself and the way that others see you. A special piece of jewelry can either make or break your outfit. It can add the precise accent you need to compliment your attire. Your jewelry is timeless.

The timelessness of jewelry perfectly defines the very character of Murano glass jewelry. Its color, detail, designs and uniqueness surpasses the dictation of fashion trends. In a list where diamonds, emerald, and gold is included; there surely is a fine Murano glass jewelry to complete the list with.

Murano glass is more popularly known for its high-end glassware, which never fails to leave an impression of fine artistry and craftsmanship.

Murano glass was originally used to make chandeliers, wine goblets, which is why jewelries made from such material is not yet popular. However, it gives the sparkle and luminosity that it gives to exquisite glassware to its glass jewelries.

Very few people are familiar with Murano glass jewelry. All these people are drawn to its sophistication and uniquely beautiful colors and design. Hence, every piece of such jewelry will surely make a fine addition to any jewelry or accessory collection.

Murano glass is actually made using raw materials such as flux or melting agents, sodium oxide, sodium, nitrate and arsenic. It is blown at low temperatures, using the flux and other melting agents. The sodium oxide content of the glass mixture then determines how fast or how slow the glass solidifies; the more sodium oxide content the slower the glass solidifies. In the creation of the glass, nitrate and arsenic may be added to the glass mixture to make the glass surface opaque and to eliminate bubbles.

Coloring and opacifying substances are commonly used particularly in materials used for making special pieces of Murano glass jewelry such as beads and pendants. Also, the glass is specifically hand made and blown by an artisan. That explains for its uniqueness and high regards for craftsmanship. Add up the details such as enamel painting, engraving and submersion that artisans bring to every piece of jewelry and a beautiful piece of jewelry comes to life.

The colors, technique of creation and design of each piece of this jewelry created from Murano glass redefines what delicate and exquisite in jewelry is. It simply recreates the awe-effect that diamonds normally posses. On the other hand, simpler yet chic designs of Murano glass necklaces, rings and bracelets also goes well with everyday wear. Hence, the look of these glass jewelries brings style versatility and wearability under its fine list of features.

Murano glass jewelry is slowly reaching its pinnacle of production. So many designers and celebrities have grown fond to the distinct, exclusive, bracelets, pendants, rings and necklaces. See for yourself, and add a touch of elegance to your life with a noteworthy piece of Murano glass jewelry.

Author: Patty J. Matherson is a jewelry lover with an expertise in Venetian Glass Jewelry. If you would like to see a bold collection of Murano Glass Necklaces she invites you to visit Hilary Londons site.

The Lion, the king of the jungle reigns supreme within The Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Vegas is known for over-the-top displays and events. This one is a must see.

This is a one-of-a-kind, indoor habitat that encourages hotel visitors to learn more about these majestic creatures and offer a unique opportunity to see these lions up close and personal.

The mission statement of the MGM Lion Habitat exhibit is – To honor the lion and safeguard its preservation for future generations. People love to see wild animals, so this is a VIP experience that should not be missed.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and a clear Plexiglas tunnel in the The Lion Habitat provide optimum viewing for guests of all ages. Up to six lions can be seen each day.

Actually, the Lion Habitat is just their home away from home.  Several lions are driven in each day from a huge ranch just outside Las Vegas.  The lions are rotated throughout the week.  This ensures that none of them have to make the trip each day.

Although the lions have a tendency to sleep long hours throughout the day, occasionally informal shows will happen as handlers feed and entice the lions to play.

For more information, Click Here

Las Vegas– there’s else like it in the world. From the glitz and glamor of the lit-up strip at night to the amazing shows and high-stakes gambling, Vegas is an entertainment mecca.

When planning your trip, take a few moments to decide your priorities and pick out things to see, places to eat, and shows to catch. A bit of preparation can save lots of time and indecision during your vacation!

Because the venues, hotels, and casinos want tourists to come and stay, Las Vegas flights are typically much cheaper than others, and because of the number and quality of round-trip flight offers you should be able to save some cash on top of that. You’ll need it for all the exciting options you’ll have once you arrive.

First and foremost, let’s talk gambling! No trip to Las Vegas would be complete without a great gambling story or two. Above all, it’s really important to understand the games you’re playing and the very basics of the odds. There’s no need to try to memorize everything you need to know before you head out, but keep some tips in mind. Never make bets you don’t understand.

Many casinos offer variants of better known games with more complicated odds structures in order to confuse new players. Stick to the games you understand to maximize your value. If you’re a slots player, play big for a shot at the progressive jackpot! Many of the best casinos in the world line the streets of Las Vegas, so your options are nearly unlimited. The most popular choices for most visitors include the MGM Grand, the Luxor, and the Bellagio.

Las Vegas is certainly known for its food; the legions of visitors that flock to town for the shows and gambling have attracted top culinary talent from around the world. After flying to Las Vegas, fuel up before hitting the strip so that you can stay entertained later without worrying about a rumbling stomach. Charlie Palmer Steak in the Four Seasons Hotel is arguably one of the finest steakhouses in the city, so if you’re a fan of gourmet meat, start there.

For something more exotic, check out Lotus of Siam, just off the strip proper. Zagat recently rated Lotus of Siam as one of the best food options in the city; the restaurant is widely considered to be one of the best Thai restaurants in the United States. The inviting social atmosphere of popular tapas spot Jaleo will make your dinner party into a cheerful event with plenty of delicious communal options.

Sightseers who prefer the city’s neon vistas will find much to their liking. The strip includes landmarks such as the Luxor pyramid and the Venetian canals; visitors who travel further afield often choose to make the trek to the nearby Hoover Dam, an absolutely gargantuan hydroelectric power generator that provides Las Vegas its electricity.

Back on the strip, the Paris Hotel’s front entryway includes a variety of miniaturized Parisian structures, including a half-scale, 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower. Whether you enjoy architecture, natural views, or the hustle and bustle of America’s most exciting city, there’s always something to see in Las Vegas!