Mauritius

When planning a luxury vacation, there are so many things to decide on. Do you want a hotel, villa, yacht or cruise ship? Beachfront, rainforest, or city break? But of course, the most crucial decision is destination.

Location is incredibly important. It can make or break your vacation or holiday. If you desire to stay in luxury hotel or resort, what are the best luxury travel destinations?

Here is a list of 5 top luxury vacation destinations:

Male, Maldives

This group of islands regularly referred to as a “tropical jewel” is located south west of Sri Lanka. Male is just one of 1900 islands among tens of thousands of coral reefs making up the Maldives. It’s a premier scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing destination. A huge amount of sunshine and a relaxed atmosphere make this a fantastic luxury holiday destination.

St James, Barbados

Known as the “Platinum Coast”, St James in Barbados is fast becoming the benchmark in luxury holiday destinations. Fantastic hotels, turquoise water, friendly people and sandy beaches makes St James a fantastic place to visit. Add in the luxury restaurants, colorful local character and rich historical significance and you can have a truly unique luxury holiday.

Mauritius

Tranquility surrounds the white beaches of Mauritius. From golf courses to botanical gardens, water sports to rainforest and a volcano. The small island of Mauritius enchants every visitor leaving a lasting impression of beauty. Once home to the Dodo, it is now firmly placed on the list of luxury travel destinations.

Paphos, Cyprus

With an average of 325 sunny days a year, diverse cuisine, landscapes and bags of history; Cyprus has become ever more a sophisticated destination since its EU inclusion in 2004. Paphos in particular is a very fashionable and sought after luxury travel destination with beaches, architecture, shopping and top class restaurants.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is a growing and exciting city with 5 star restaurants and exclusive venues. Plus, it’s just a short way from the Malaysian rainforests and coral gardens. Whale sharks, orangutans and flying foxes make Malaysia a wildlife lovers paradise. Its mix of cultures, unique festivals and gastronomy make it a must for those booking a luxury holiday.

As Winter has set in with the snow and ice piling up, many people are looking to escape for a luxury winter getaway.

Located on the Pacific Ocean, also known as the Mexican Riviera, Manzanillo is an also an easily accessible winter destination. Known for its rich history, Manzanillo has preserved much of its turn of the century architecture for tourists to enjoy.

Take the colonial tour of nearby Colima and view its volcano. Visit the Zocalo downtown for a feel of the local marketplace. Or surf at Playa Miramar for a different perspective of Manzanillo. Manzanillo is also known as one of the top golfing destinations in Mexico.

Staying in a beachfront rental allows convenient access to the ocean while enjoying home amenities you won’t find in a Manzanillo hotel or resort.

If you are looking for a luxury resort during your Manzanillo stay, consider the Chateau Manzanillo.

This beautiful 15,000 square foot luxury retreat is overlooking Manzanillos’ bay of Santiago on the Mexican Rivera. There are 4 golf courses nearby and we have a 9-hole putting green on the premises. Visitors will also enjoy SCUBA diving and other adventures surrounding this wonderful tropical paradise.

The Chateau Manzanillo grand room includes a gaming table and bar area lit with a beautiful chandelier that hangs from the 22-foot tall ceiling. The indoor/outdoor pool is accessible from the Living Room area, which is next to the billiards room. There are 12-foot tall arched French doors that open onto the patio next to the pool for a wonderful nighttime swim and a sweeping view of Santiago Bay.

This newly constructed Chateau/Villa is complete with commercial kitchen, complete purified water throughout the house, (we test at laboratories) fully air-conditioned,(28 tons) 5 bedrooms, 4 of which have there own bathroom, cable TV, stereo, VCR and telephone. They also have sweeping views of Santiago Bay. All Chateau Manzanillo rooms have a great ocean view. The grand master bedroom has a king size bed separate Grand Bathroom, double showerheads, walk-in closets and a private balcony.

The Chateau Manzanillo is a private home. There is a staff of 4 with a English speaking host, and a day maid. You purchase, or we will do it for you, all groceries and prepare some of the meals, unless other arrangements for a chef or other special services are made prior to your visit. When you arrive there will be a fabulous meal waiting for you.

A Mauritius vacation is one of those rare gems that you always treasure and never forget. As you spend your days soaking up the warm sun rays, listening to the rhythmic waves crash on the white sandy beaches, watching the vast clear blue waters sparkling as far as the eye can see, life truly becomes more enchanting.

The gorgeous white sand beaches are not the only thing you can count on to be stunning beyond all measure. There are majestic mountains that provide rolling fertile terrain that displays magnificent natural beauty. Not to mention that when hiking or on a guided tour you’ll be able to over look portions of the island and see the outstanding beaches in the distance.

Mauritius holidays are perfect for tourists at any time of the year. There is no schedule to plan by, when you’re ready to go Mauritius is sure to have blissful weather. They do not experience harsh or extreme temperatures. This island oasis has warm sunny days regardless the season which makes it very convenient to fit your calendar.

Because of the excellent weather conditions there are many water activities to take advantage of on Mauritius holidays. The colorful coral reefs are a spectacular sight to see in the tepid yet refreshing waters of the ocean. You can get up close with the marine life, explore underwater ecosystems and develop a whole new respect for life in general. If you would rather not have the hands on experience tours and sporting games are every where you turn depending on your mood and desires.

The architecture of the Sugar Beach Resort is one of a kind. Following the setting of a classic sugar plantation it really gives a feel of tropical paradise pleasures. These accommodations are modernized for all of your technological needs making this superbly convenient as well as all around charming place to stay.

The One and Only Le Touessrok is a spectacular resort ready to make you smile. They provide a private retreat that allows the guests to escape for precious moments, a comfortable atmosphere and even some entertainment in the evenings for your enjoyment. The restaurants are each themed and provide very distinct flavors and ambiance to their guests including Indian, Asian as well as so many more ethnically inspired environments and dishes.

The Residence is a deluxe hotel offering quality accommodations for their guests. Benefit from spacious quarters, a private setting, internationally inspired dishes, and of course a butler to tend to all of your needs. This is where quality and service form a sacred bond for the convenience and delight of all visitors.

All over the island there are countless eateries that are ethnically themed such as Indian, African, Asian, Italian and more. Not only are the meals robust and full of flavor but the atmosphere is just as genuine. There are several places that will also offer a dinner show, live music or dancing as well to add to the ambiance and fun.

Mauritius holidays are packed full of fun, sun, entertaining elements, the best food in the world, and all the pleasures you can possibly have in life. If you can dream of it or imagine it you’ll find it here on this paradise island.   Author: Amanda Robins

Have you always dreamed of traveling to an exotic place in a far corner of the world? What about staying on your own deserted island in the Pacific, or climbing the heights of Macchu Picchu?

Why not also get married there, in an authentic Andean ceremony? If you think that sounds amazing, but would possibly be a logistical nightmare, you’re right.  That’s only  if you’re thinking of planning a traditional wedding. Consider eloping and now ….. it’s a little more feasible.

Forbes Traveler has compiled a list of some of the most stylish and unique places to elope, because, as they put it: “The classic elopement … has been modernized and redefined. It’s less about keeping secrets than keeping the experience personal-and perfect.”

The popular image of an elopement is that it’s a spur-of-the-moment decision made by a young couple sneaking away to get married before anyone (read: parents) can stop them.

Of course, we all know that’s not always the case anymore. Instead, elopements can be as elegant or complex as any other wedding – except for the fact that there is no guest list. (Which let’s face it, is a major source of stress for many engaged couples.)

Check the article for some truly amazing locales, and get some inspiration for your perfect elopement!

The imagination factor of most intimate hideaways rarely stretches beyond chocolate on the pillows and dinner for two. But we’ve scoured the world for the top-10 hotels that raise the temperature on the idea of romance.

1. Las Ventanas al Paraiso: Los Cabos, Mexico
Cabo’s celebrated beach retreat takes its loving so seriously it’s hired a Director of Romance. Pick from a menu of amorous experiences, including “cinema on the beach for two,” “sea & stars massage for two,” and the “men in white” program – where male guests learn how to prepare a meal for their sweethearts.

2. L’Hotel: Paris, France
A “Pavillion d’Amour” in the early 1800s, L’Hotel is now among the most seductive Small Luxury Hotels in Paris. Its six-story atrium leads off to 20 lavishly designed bedrooms, while the original cellar is home to a private steam room and Roman bath that can be booked for couples’ private use.

3. Nam Hai: Hoi An, Vietnam
Nam Hai’s private villas are set on a secluded stretch of the famed China Beach. If a private butler, outdoor shower and ocean-view vistas aren’t enough, couples can slip into the spa and have a specially prepared Love Bath, laced with “love potion” (a blend of essential oils) and flowers, topped off with champagne and canapés.

4. The Bungalows Resort & Spa: Cofresi, Dominican Republic
The magazine that gave us “Secret Sex” and “Celebrity Bastards” has, improbably, opened one of the hottest resorts in the Caribbean. To get your blood pumping, The Bungalows Resort & Spa marries high luxe with high adrenaline (think kiteboarding and couples yoga). Alternatively, you can charter their 55-foot yacht for a private sunset cruise.

5. Tides Zihuatanejo: Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Terracotta-tiled suites with personal plunge pools kiss this exclusive patch of Pacific shoreline. But it’s the resort’s private isle in an azure lagoon that sets the scene for a romantic candlelit dinner. After reaching your table by canoe, dinner begins with champagne and a menu delivered in a bottle.

6. Mykonos Grand: Mykonos, Greece
Perched above the beach where “Shirley Valentine” was filmed, the white sugar-cube boxes of Mykonos Grand offers a romantic package: Book a suite with a private pool and the hotel will throw in a personal chef, a rose petal turndown service and a Kamasutra Seduction box — which includes naughty delights like vanilla crème body soufflé and sweet honeysuckle dust.

7. The Fairmont Orchid: Big Island, Hawaii
After a massage in Fairmont’s waterfall gardens, retire to your oceanview suite for a special “Make Room for Romance” turndown. Then follow a trail of orchids leading to a floral heart on the bed. Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries prep you for a steamy bath laced with salts, bubbles and floating candles.

8. Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire: Hampshire, England
Reenact Darcy’s love for Elizabeth at this Georgian manor presiding over gorgeous heritage gardens. Couples can tour the estate by horse-drawn carriage or drift down wooded canals in the hotel’s own cruiser. Pause for a picnic lunch, or better yet, learn to make “a romantic meal for two” from the executive chef in a private demo.

9. The Rania Experience: Maldives
The ultimate fantasy-island experience where couples stay on their own private atoll in a three-bedroom villa serviced by 30 hosts (including chefs, butlers, spa therapists and scuba instructors.) The $12,000-per-night package also features exclusive use of an 86-foot yacht with a jacuzzi and cinema.

10. Jade Mountain: St. Lucia
Only 24 three-walled “sanctuaries” compose this exclusive hillside resort. With open floor plans, you can slip straight out of bed and into your couple-sized chromotherapy tub — or into your glass-tiled infinity pool with views of St. Lucia’s green-peaked Pitons.

The days of drab dress, expressionless people and communist rule are long gone. Eastern Europe is displaying a vast array of phenomenal vacation spots for all to enjoy. It’s virtually uncharted territory for the luxury traveler.

There’s a surge of luxury resorts being built. What causing this? Tourism is quickly becoming a source of economic growth. The other main reason is that historic buildings in the region are a virtual bargain, as compared against real estate in western and central European countries.

Many of these Eastern European countries, such as Poland and Hungary, offer tax breaks to foreign businesses that bring in tourism dollars. This allows hoteliers to save up to 15% on their investment.  Full article

Orca or the Killer whale, is the largest species of Delphinidae (oceanic dolphin family). They can be found in the world’s vast oceans, from the icy cold waters of the Arctic and Antartica to tropical warm waters.

They often get a bad rap, but feed mostly on fish. Some populations will hunt warm-blooded marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions and sometimes even larger whales.

Seeing one of the majestic killer whales can be a once in a lifetime experience.  Esther Kiviat wrote an article about her first-hand account seeing a killer whale near Vancouver Island.  Full article

Since its opening in 1914, the Panama Canal has been an engineering wonder.  The new project will create a new lane of traffic along the Canal by constructing a new set of locks, and will double the canal’s capacity and allow more traffic. Full article