Hawaii! Is it really paradise?

Hawaii! Is it really paradise?

by | Jan 23, 2017 | Destinations, Travel

Hawaii! Is it really paradise?

As I set to experience my first Hawaiian adventure, I was a little sceptical as most people I had spoken with regarding Hawaii had the same opinion – it’s paradise! Really??? I mean, I’ve seen quite a few Caribbean islands and I’ve found some pretty amazing paradise scenes in some of them, but again personal experiences and opinions can differ greatly. Don’t get me wrong, I was ecstatic to be going to Hawaii, but I was going with an open mind, ready to form my own opinion. And this I did!

 

Planning a holiday to Hawaii can be very time consuming if you don’t have the right resources. A great deal of time was spent researching, organizing and planning. Being a travel advisor helped a great deal and I can’t recommend enough that you seek the same within my agency when you do decide on visiting the Hawaiian Islands or other tropical destinations. Since my husband is a golf addict, I planned our holiday around the fact that the PGA Tournament of Champions was to be held on Maui. So Maui it was! As I started the planning process, the anticipation of visiting Hawaii for the first time was exciting to say the least. I knew it would be an adventure like no other I’d experienced before. The anticipation of seeing with my own eyes what most people call paradise was something that I felt would be a once in a lifetime experience (however…I hope I get the opportunity to experience this slice of heaven again).

 

Deciding where to have your home base on this island is another subject on its own. With so many accommodation options and locations, one must really research which area would be a better fit. Some prefer to split their stay so they have access to more things to see while experiencing more of a resort life. As for me, I don’t like the packing and unpacking deal, so decided to stay somewhere peaceful and accessible to a golfer’s paradise – Kapalua. Kapalua is located north west on the island, with many small towns close by, yet you feel like your away from the crowds but so close to the beauty of the natural surroundings. With the airport an hour away, a car rental is a must, since taxi prices are costly and most tours and excursions can be done by yourself without dishing out more cash. Driving is easy on the island and the sights are like nothing I’ve experienced while being behind the wheel! Our home base, which was a one-bedroom condo, was gracefully decorated with a beach vibe and perched on a ridge (hence the Ridge Rd), with mesmerizing ocean views and tropical surroundings. Exploring the island from our home base was easy and it gave us the freedom to explore many beaches, restaurants, bars, and different sights.

 

OK, so about this paradise saying…. well the sunsets are glorious on Maui! These sights alone made my soul feel as though it was in paradise.

 

I’m not sure if these photos are enough to convince you, but words cannot even describe the feeling of experiencing such natural beauty. From whales breaching in the distant ocean to volcanic rock formations from the strength of the waves crashing, it is like nothing I’ve ever seen AND heard. The sounds from our lanai (Hawaiian word for balcony) in the morning and night was the most soothing way to relax any stress away: the birds singing, the waves crashing on the rocks, the palm trees sawing in the wind, it made for the perfect moments… enjoying nature at its finest.

As for the activities and things to do on Maui, there are so many to do that it really caters to please every traveller. From every price range (but most everything is expensive on Maui – they say it’s the most expensive of the islands), you can do as much or as little as you please with a variance in cost, from free do it yourself to very expensive private charters. We did a few paid excursions which were mostly water based. We had the pleasure to experience two catamaran tours. The first was an Aloha Sunset Tour with Trilogy, just sailing along the West Coast to explore the beauty of the sun setting over the mountains while getting serenaded by an Ukulele.

 

The second tour was a full morning tour – Discover Lanai, again with Trilogy, which I can’t recommend enough for exceptional service. These guys know how to take care of their guests! Lanai is one of the smallest Islands of Hawaii, only 9 miles from Maui’s shore with few habitants and with only a few resorts – it felt like we were a world away! We sailed from the harbour at 6h45AM with the main focus being on the sunrise. Wow! With so many mountains, no doubt any sunrise or sunset can be of exceptional beauty which makes it easy to capture amazing pics! Beginning our sail with yummy cinnamon buns and coffee, it was a very special way to begin the day. As we arrived to Lanai, we were taken to a small beach with amazing snorkelling and ended with a delicious traditional Hawaiian lunch before sailing back to the main land harbour.

 

Another favorite and VERY popular is whale watching. If you’re visiting between December and March, you are in for a treat! Whales, whales and more whales! You can pay for a tour which guarantees some whale sightings, which of course we did! What a unique experience, to be so close (yet far enough away to respect their space), a must while on Maui! Or if you’d like to save a few bucks, just driving along the coast line or sitting on a beach, you can experience whale sightings pretty much from any point, they are everywhere to be seen!

 

One cannot come to Maui and not experience the beauty of the beaches. Whether you are looking for a calm swimming beach, snorkelling off shore, surfing or just sandcastle fun, Maui offers a diversity of options for every beach lover. With our favorite being Makena Beach, also known as “Big Beach” located South on Maui, we were lucky enough to enjoy it on a calm day. Also known as being one of the most dangerous on the island, not only for strong shore breaks, but also for shark attacks, yikes! So one really needs to be careful when swimming here. There are a multitude of beaches to choose from, just driving along the coast, there are beach parks everywhere you can enjoy with picnic benches and bbq’s making it very easy to explore on a budget.

 

As there are no All-Inclusive options on Maui, which makes it such a unique place to explore, there is a diversity of restaurants to choose from should you want to refrain from cooking everyday in your condo. We experienced some very expensive restaurants to some excellent value with delicious offerings. You won’t go hungry on Maui and there are options for every taste and budget. A local indulgence is the Banana Bread, yum! It quickly became our favorite breakfast item along with those sweet apple bananas, what a treat is was!

 

Well I can’t finish this article without talking about golf, as this was a major decision factor in our trip planning. For myself personally, I am not the biggest golf fan, but I do like to play while we frequent other tropical destinations. Our home base was a golfer’s paradise. The 8th hole of the Bay Course was in our back yard and we could see and hear the golfers in the morning. Just to put it into perspective, Kapalua is engulfed by a golf course. We did have a chance to play this course. Like I said, I’m not the greatest fan of golf, but that course alone could easily make me become one, it was that amazing (although very expensive to play). The other golf club in Kapalua, which is where the Tournaments of Champion was held, was maybe a mile or so from our condo. The Plantation Course is one of the toughest to play on the island, but the views from the holes are mesmerizing, especially with the sights of whales breeching afar. We enjoyed watching the PGA a few days – let’s just say that my husband was in golf paradise!

Although there are a few things we didn’t get to experience while in paradise – like the Road to Hana and the Haleakala National Park (it makes for the perfect excuse to return one day), we did get to experience the beauty of Maui and I can say without any doubt that it is PARADISE for me! I hope I was able to bring you a slice of paradise to enjoy and when you are ready to experience it yourself, don’t be shy, I can get you there!

 

 

Cuba, A Unique Gem!

Cuba, A Unique Gem!

by | Dec 14, 2016 | Blog, Destinations, Resort Reviews, Travel

Cuba, A Unique Gem!

With so many reviews and comments referring to the food in Cuba, it’s no wonder people are sometimes hesitant about visiting this unique country. We’ve all heard it before: “The food in Cuba is bland”. That is one statement I can’t argue with, that’s IF it refers to resort food. BUT, Cuba has so much more to offer.

 

As much as I’ve travelled to different destinations over the years, until recently, Cuba still remained one of my bucket list destination. If you’ve already visited Cuba, you’ll know that Canadians hold a special place in Cubans’ hearts. After my very first visit a few weeks ago, I can now say that Cubans hold a very special place in my heart.

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When arriving at Varadero airport, you feel it right away, the simplicity and sterile feeling of the surroundings. Don’t take this the wrong way, it’s just that things here are very simple and there are no “fralalas” in Cuba. I, for one, found it very charming; it was like being transported to another era. Old cars passing by, horses and carriage passing by, locals walking to work, you could feel that this was a tourism town, but that the culture was different here, a good kind of different.

Resort Review: Royalton Hicacos Resort & Spa, Varadero

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As soon as we entered the resort grounds, the staff was very welcoming and attentive. A glass of champagne and a cold towel welcomed us to our week ‘stay at this beautiful adult’s only resort. We were immediately treated like family and felt part of it for the whole week. The staff at this resort shines in all areas, from concierge to servers to gardeners, a smile and a Hola were always greeting us. Although not a new resort, everything was kept very clean and manicured. Our room was clean, spacious, and the furniture and décor were more traditional. Every room has a spacious balcony with two chairs, which we used in the morning and before dinner to take in the sounds of nature of our surroundings. The in-room amenities are very simple. You have what you need and not more. A mini-bar with soda and a few Crystal beers, two big bottles of water, and ice bucket (but we never found the ice machines). There were no coffee makers, IPod docking stations or other “modern” accessories in the room. Although room service was offered, we never took advantage of it. 

As I set to explore the resort grounds, everything was very well manicured and tropical. Most of the resorts in Varadero have some sort of shrubs separating the ocean from the resort grounds, and this is joined by a bridge/walkway. Upon walking across this walkway, my eyes spotted that gorgeous turquoise water, splashing on the white powdery sand. That beach!!! The color was mesmerizing to say the least. The wind had picked up making the surf rough, but oh so breathtaking. During the week, I was able to have a few days of relaxation on the beach where I played in the waves and I even took time to snorkel from the hobby cat in the middle of the sea where fishes of vibrant colors swam around and in between the snorkelers.

Connectivity in Cuba is still very scarce. There are certain hot spots where you can connect by purchasing an internet card which costs 2CUC for two hours. Fortunately, (or not) the Royalton had a hot spot which we could connect to the internet with the purchase of this card. I only used it once as I was really looking forward to a week of disconnecting from the outside world. Imagine; this is just like how Cuban people live, most of them are not aware of what’s on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or even on television. They simply live through tourists ‘stories, hearing news and updates through their conversations. How intriguing is that?

Although every one has different taste food wise, I was always skeptical about other people’s opinion of Cuban resort food. I was going in with an open mind, but soon realized that the resort food really is bland and simple. We had a few great meals at the A la Cartes for dinner, but that buffet…eesh…we are spoiled here in Canada! On our second night, we ventured into Varadero town, enjoying the old soul feeling of this small tourism town, taxiing in a horse carriage through the streets. We ventured to experience a very delicious meal at one of the restaurants. It was very tasty, well priced and worth every penny to eat that delicious chocolate truffle cake. We then spent the evening at the most happening spot in Varadero; the Beattles Bar! The rock band playing was rocking the audience and everyone was enjoying the show. It’s a venue not to be missed if you’re are staying in the area.

Havana Tour

 

We were blessed with the opportunity to visit Old and New Havana. Blexie, our tour guide was a young, smart English professor with a passion in history. He explained the Cuban history and culture as we drove through Manzatas town, up to Havana. It was a day full of new discoveries. We walked the cobblestone streets of Old Havana, discovering the history behind the famous tourist attractions and exploring the back streets of old buildings housing locals, where tourists are sparse and the streets are alive with Cuban people working, walking and socializing. There was so much to take in, that there is no way to really experience the vibrant beauty of Havana in just a short day. As we finished our short exploration of Old Havana, Blexie then took us to a local restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious seafood lunch. This was another meal that I thoroughly enjoyed. We then ventured to explore New Havana, exploring the Revolution square where I stood on the day of November 25th, 2016. A day where Cuba made history, as Fidel Castro passed away on that night. As we had learned so much about the history, it was a peculiar feeling being in Cuba to experience the atmosphere and feelings that the Cuban people felt towards the passing away of Fidel. His mourning would last nine days, where people would gather to pay their respect and abstain from any music and parties. Our resort, The Royalton Hicacos, even organized a small memorial in a private location with pictures of Fidel where guests could pay their respect and sign a farewell message in a book of memories.

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CUBAN PEOPLE

And this is where Cuba shines! The people; they are the friendliest and most welcoming of any country I have visited so far. Safety here is not an issue, they have learned to respect others and it shows in their conversations and manners. We always felt like we were part of their family. I’m not sure if it’s a “Canadian” thing, but many became friends, even during our short stay.

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I still can’t believe it took me all these years to visit this special country. As much as every destination goes through growth, whether it be tourism growth, government change or complex culture, Cuba still remains that old soul country. But all this might change soon, following the passing away of the “father of the revolution”. To sum this up, I am still in awe with this complex, vibrant country and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit this unique Gem before the changes take place, as some of them have already started to appear. And I hope one day to return and explore more of what Cuba has to offer.

 

Resort Review: Couples Swept Away

Resort Review: Couples Swept Away

by | Dec 2, 2016 | Resort Reviews, Travel

Resort Review: Couples Swept Away

Are you looking for a picturesque getaway for your destination wedding or honeymoon? With it’s unparalleled romantic atmosphere, you won’t find any spring breakers here. The décor throughout this resort is unpretentious with a true Caribbean vibe. Tropical plants, palm trees, grape trees amongst beautiful tropical flowers and little koi ponds engulf the pathways and buildings of it’s surroundings. It is literally this inspiring! Visiting the same resort twice is very rare for me, as I love to experience different places. Admittedly, I have visited this one twice, and would go again in a heartbeat; I love it this much! Here are some highlights of this amazing romantic oasis located in Negril, Jamaica.

Romance Rewards Program – Once booked at this resort, you can access their rewards program to do your pre-check in, receive some rewards and resort credits based on the number of nights previously stayed. With this, you can pre-order your mini-bar and make your room requests. On my 2nd stay, my significant other & I received two t-shirts with the Couples’ logo, a resort credit of $300 which I used at the spa and my hubby used against his upgraded diving course fees. A great little bonus to make you feel special as a repeat customer.

Dedicated private airport lounge (Montego Bay) and private shuttle – at no extra cost! Here you can enjoy a cold red stripe on tap, change into lighter clothes while your private airport transfer becomes available. No matter how you book this resort, the airport transfers are all privately dedicated to Couples’ customers, either couples staying at Couples Negril or Couples Swept Away, so there are no other stops along the way.

The service – As we entered the lobby, we were instantly greeted with a cold towel and a glass of champagne. Although no one steps over your feet to wait on you constantly, the general service around the restaurants and bars were top notch. Beach service was a hit and a miss, so if you’re someone who needs this kind of attention, don’t be disappointed if no one waits on you every minute of the day.

Rooms – Although the rooms are very basic with a rustic flare, they all have amazing spacious balconies. There are multiple room categories, but my favorite is the Beachfront Verandah Suite. It is literally steps from the beach. Waking up and having coffee in my rocking chair on the balcony while looking and hearing the waves crash on that smooth sand was one of the highlights of my trip! Yep, I’m this simple…

Food – One thing that stood out to me was the freshness of the food. All prepared to order, from jerk chicken to sweet potato chips, everything was mouth watering. With 5 restaurants to choose from, you won’t go hungry here. The snack bar, which offers delicious jerk chicken and more fast food options, is open 24 hours; or you can choose to eat at one of the finer restaurants with a more romantic atmosphere.

Amenities – One of my favorite; the sports complex. A full blown sports complex located across the road from the resort with a lap pool, a running track, open air weight room, gym class room, tennis court and spa. It has a fresh juice bar on site, some loungers and a very serene atmosphere near the spa area. A great way to shed some calories from the indulgence of Jamaican food and Red Stripe beer!

All included activities – This is where the resort shines from the others. Everything, I mean EVERYTHING is included. From tips, snorkelling, diving, golf to the catamaran excursion, you won’t have to dish out your extra hard cash here. Unless you want to buy some souvenirs or indulge in a spa treatment, no money is required for the duration of your stay. The catamaran excursion is a great way to explore Negril’s sea side from the water, sailing along the coast up to the Cliffside area. The crew on board knows how to make sure everyone has a good time with rum punch, beer and some singing and dancing.

Beach – So, I’ve saved the best for last. There are no words to describe the beauty of the water and sand that make up 7 Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica. White powdery sand with crystal clear turquoise water is what it’s all about. As another bonus, Couples offers chair cushions that serves as a floating mat for your use in the warm Caribbean Sea. I mean, what more could you ask for? A drink in one hand while laying in this glistening sea! Pure Bliss!

At the end of my week ‘stay I felt like a new woman. Rejuvenated and relaxed. A true romantic getaway that couples need every now and then to re-spark that connection. If you would like to learn more about booking this resort, reach out to me HERE and I would love to plan your next romantic getaway to the beautiful Couples Swept Away!

P.S. I could go on and write more amazing things about Negril, but I’ll save that for you to go explore and see for yourself. Once you go, ya know!

 

How to make the most of Vancouver in 4 days

How to make the most of Vancouver in 4 days

by | Nov 16, 2016 | Destinations, Travel

How to make the most of Vancouver in 4 days

Travelling solo for the first time can be intimidating. But it can also be freeing. After finishing my travel consulting training, I was offered the opportunity to travel to Vancouver for the annual conference with my host agency. Having one of my close friend move to Seattle not long before, this opportunity gave me the perfect excuse to get this adventure on path. As I took care of all the details, my bags were packed and I was on my way to Toronto to catch my flight to Vancouver. I still couldn’t believe I was going to Vancouver AND Seattle! Yep, this girl was EXCITED! Here’s a summary of not to miss places to visit if you’re in the area on a short time frame:

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The Westin Wall Centre

After settling in my hotel, The Westin Wall Centre, I was ready to take on Vancouver by the horns! The views of the mountains out of my room were breathtaking! Unfortunately, the evening took its toll, and I settled for a glass of wine to unwind, relax and catch up on my zzzz’s as I prepared for my 2 days of conference with travel suppliers and other advisors. (By the way, the Westin heavenly beds are by far my favorite when staying at a hotel). Fast forward 2 days of conference and networking and I was ready to explore this beautiful city!

First stop – Gastown! – Beautiful lush greenery follows the roads and sidewalks. Even the gigantic buildings have greens growing on the rooftops! How amazing is that! (Yep, it doesn’t take much to get me excited – remember I come from a VERY small community) My first stop was dinner at Steamworks Brewing Co. A great little pub with locally brewed beer. Food was delicious with lots of options, from steak and seafood to burgers and salads. After indulging in the delicious food and locally brewed beer, it was time to continue my explorations.

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I discovered lots of little boutiques shops, coffee shops, pubs and historic sights to explore, including the famous Steam Clock. This was a hit! If you’re in the area, it really is worth visiting and exploring.

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Stanley Park

There was no other way than to finish the evening with a drive through Stanley Park and the Lion’s Gate Bridge. It was just what the doctor ordered – some time to relax and get lost in that gorgeous sunset. A sight not to be missed! A true way to rejuvenate the soul.

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As I settled for the night back at the hotel, I was more than satisfied with my day of exploration. My next day was proving to be a busy one as well. I was itching to explore and see more…I mean I can’t come to Vancouver and not see Canada Place or Granville Island!

As I started my day refreshed – I had the most amazing night’s sleep (I am in love with the Westin heavenly bed!), I was ready to take on the day with my first stop at Granville Island.

Granville Island

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The easy to navigate streets made the perfect morning to shop in the markets and unique boutique shops around every corner. As my feet got tired, I even took time to sit and enjoy the breathtaking views that surrounded me. I think I could have stayed here for a while…but there is so much more I want to see. Off I go to continue my journey. I decided on taking a water taxi to navigate the waters towards Yaletown and finally to Canada Place.

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Yaletown to Canada Place

Ok so I’m downtown Vancouver, literally! Even in this congested city, the sights are amazing. I could sense my eyes glaring at Canada Place. My lucky day! There were a few cruise ships in port! I had never seen a real cruise ship with my own eyes, so this was exciting! There were people buzzing at every corner, coming and going with suitcases, this city was on fire!

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As I walked around the area, my day was coming to an end and so was my brief stay in Vancouver. I had to go pack my bags & continue my journey to….yes….Seattle!

Seattle baby!

After an uneventful 4.5hrs coach ride to Seattle, my friend met me at SeaTac airport. I thought Vancouver was congested, well getting out of there proved to be a little hectic, but we made it home!  As I only had a few days in Seattle, we spent the next day exploring Pike Place Market.

First stop, Starbucks! Yes, the original. The line-up was brutal! I wasn’t up to waiting in line an hour for a coffee, so I settled for a picture.

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This place has endless shopping booths…

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As we made our way towards downtown, we settled to eat lunch at The Crab Pot. Holly crab legs!

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Deciding to head home before the end of the work day rush didn’t go so well. A 50 minutes ride home took 2.5 hours. Oh well, the day was a great one of new explorations & what better way than to bond with my girlfriend!

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As much as I love to travel, I also love to go back home (well sometimes, but I think I like to travel more…) Vancouver is truly a magical city with endless possibilities. I could have stayed longer to explore more and it is still someplace I would like to re-visit one day.

Are you ready to explore Vancouver or Seattle? Let me help you plan your perfect holiday. Connect with me here.