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Tag Archives: luxury resort
Terranea Resort
I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Terranea Resort (terra-nay-a) in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Terranea has a beautiful setting on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California with a view of Catalina Island across the channel.
Situated on 102 acres, this luxury resort offers over 580 rooms consisting of hotel suites, residential style bungalows, casitas and villas. The resort also offers a 9-hole par 3 golf course, a luxurious spa, three ocean view pools and eight distinctive restaurants, bars, cafes and lounges. 
The property was previously Marineland of the Pacific. Marineland was the world’s largest oceanarium featuring sea life, entertainment, and research facilities. Opening one year before Disneyland, many consider Marineland California’s first major theme park, and it remained a major attraction to the area until it closed in 1987. The property has also been the location of dozens of Hollywood films and television shows over the years.
My first full day there, the weather was stunningly perfect so I spent it lounging at one of the three pools, my choice was the adult pool on a cushy chaise lounge. This pool has a hip, contemporary feel. Pops of orange add some drama and a sleek, orange glass fire pit adds a bit a sass to the patio. Conversation seating and lounge chairs on a make-shift sand beach overlook the stunning cliffs and ocean. The pool offers a full bar and snack shack and tunes are played throughout the day for a really relaxing and pleasurable experience.
The next day I decided to give the resort’s luxury spa a try ~ a little workout in the gym, sat in the steam room, sauna and hot tub for awhile and then had a healthy lunch out by the pool.
I ate at a different restaurant each night and they all offered good food. The most popular by far was Nelson’s ~ a casual hangout with a great patio for having drinks and watching the sunset.
With the gorgeous cliffs and grounds this resort boasts, you can bet I’ll be looking forward to returning soon.
@2013 Susan Edel
Guest Post: Vanuatu the Luxury Destination by Danny Duric
Vanuatu the Luxury Travel Destination
If you’re searching for a unique holiday experience, Vanuatu is hard to beat. Once voted the happiest place on earth, it is easy to see why this island is a small heaven on earth. The gorgeous island is located in the South Pacific Ocean and offers many enchanting experiences. It is home to picture-perfect beaches that are a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise. The world’s most reachable active volcano can also be found here in Tanna Island. You will be captivated by the unique cultural dances and ceremonies in Malekula Island as you explore primitive villages and witness ancient living culture.
Vanuatu the luxury travel destination has a lot to offer far away from the crowds. Remote villages, thunderous waterfalls, magnificent mountains, tropical islets, and huge lagoons are some of the things that make this island a paradise on earth. With a total of 83 islands, you’ll simply be spoilt for choice. Honeymooners and couples on holiday will love the island’s secluded aura and families will love the excellent selection of family friendly hotels. Vanuatu offers a wealth of attractions for all types of visitors. These include:
Port Villa
Port Villa, Vanuatu’s capital city is located on the island of Efate. The vibrant capital is a tourist hub with excellent restaurants and quality accommodation. If you want to sample the many attractions in the island, take advantage of Vanuatu holiday packages. The packages help you to discover the unique place that is Vanuatu. You can choose to have a relaxing holiday or try out some sporty options like parasailing over a spectacular harbour, abseiling down a waterfall, or exploring nature’s delights on a small offshore island. The local markets in Port Villa sell handmade carvings, mats, baskets, and necklaces made from sea shells. The capital is home to glorious sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Fishing trips are also available.
Hideaway Island
This Island is one of the most spectacular islands in Vanuatu. It is home to the world’s only underwater post office. There are many snorkelling safaris that offer an opportunity to sample the numerous tropical fish and wildlife found in the island’s waters.
The Secret Garden
Located in Mele just outside Vanuatu, the garden is a haven for nature lovers. It has a reptile park, a botanic garden and is a natural habitat for different types of wildlife. Crabs, foxes, birds, parrots, wild ducks, turtles, and lizards and other wildlife can be found here. Ancient houses that date back hundreds of years are also located in the area.
Travel Tips
Your visitor visa will last a maximum of 30 days. Upon arrival, you will be given an entrance visa as long as you show proof of a scheduled departure flight. You passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your trip. Visa requirements change easily so you can contact the Vanuatu Department of Immigration in case you have any questions.
All drivers must have a valid Australian driver’s license. When driving, make sure you carefully monitor the driving conditions as pedestrians are always walking on the roadside.
Before you embark on a boat trip, ask the boat operator for life jackets and proof of insurance as all boats are required to be seaworthy.
Most local beaches are privately owned, so make sure you get permission before visiting one. You may be charged a few dollars for access.
Vanuatu holidays are spectacular and offer out-of-this-world experiences. During your stay, you will feel truly safe and happy. The locals love their country and offer a warm welcome to visitors. While there are many things being sold, there is no pressure to buy. Vanuatu the luxury travel destination is a truly refreshing place to visit.
All statements of fact and opinion are those of the guest authors.
Guest Post: Top Five Places to Visit in Singapore
I love that through my guest posts I am able to bring you information from around the world. This guest post was submitted by Will Smith and he has listed the Top Five Place to Visit in Singapore. Enjoy!
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Top Five Places to Visit in Singapore
By Will Smith
Asia is fast becoming the most popular tourist hotspot in the planet and one of the emerging attractions in the region is the city nation of Singapore. The Lion City cannot be untamed, both in terms of economic progress and in innovating and creating places which tourists from all over the world can marvel at.
Singapore holidays won’t be complete without visiting the following upscale tourism destinations.
Image from designboom.com
An modern day engineering and architecture miracle, the Marina Bay Sands is the most expensive integrated hotel-resort-casino in history. From its magnificent architecture featuring three towers with undulating glass facades topped with a ship-shaped deck, Luxury family holidays in Singapore have been elevate to a new level. Gamble a little, try out the cuisine in one of its world-renowned restaurants, have a cocktail in the viewing deck – the options are limitless.
Image from destination360.com
2. Orchard Road
Singapore is one of Asia’s shopping capitals and Orchard Road is one of the finest shopping strips not only in the country, but the entire region. Indulge in opulence as the brightly-lit street is lined by the most famous designer labels in the world. The phrase “shop ‘til you drop” is very much applicable in this shopping mecca.
Image from singapore.la
3. Sentosa
This is another tourism staple which should never be absent in your itinerary for your family’s Singapore holidays. Singapore’s version of adventure island will never disappoint with its wide array or recreational and leisure options including a beach stretch, a zip line, retail spaces, historical landmarks and an impressive golf course.
Image from asiatours.com.sg
For Singaporeans, this evening attraction is already passé, but for tourists, this is definitely a sight to see. For lovers of the wildlife but not really into getting torched in the African savannahs, Night Safari is a great alternative and should never be missed when going on Singapore holidays.
Image from singart.com
5. The National Museum of Singapore
Luxury family holidays should always include a day spent to bask in arts, culture and history and the National Museum of Singapore gives exactly those things. This grand depository holds the most significant artefacts in the country’s history and you owe it to yourself and your family to see them.
About Author: Will Smith is involved in writing about luxury holidays. In the above post he has focused on luxury Singapore holidays and explains about the various destinations for luxury family holidays. The spots are famous for making holidays memorable and amazing in Singapore.
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Thank you Will for sharing some interesting adventures for us to consider!
All statements of fact and opinion are those of the guest authors.
Online Booking Engine Up and Running!
I’m so excited to announce that my online booking engine, powered by Classic Vacations a part of the Expedia family, is up and running! You now have the convenience of searching and booking your own vacations, along with the added support of having a personal representative (me 
) should you have any questions, need additional information or run into any issues after booking. Try finding that personal touch on one of those mega booking sites.
So take a look and see what amazing destinations are awaiting you! Click on the logo below or on the Online Booking tab on the menu bar above to connect to the booking engine.
Where will life take you?
Exciting Property Inspection Coming Up!
After my incredible stay at the Amangiri Resort in Utah last year (see post here), I am so excited to have confirmed my stay at Aman Resorts‘ only other U.S. location, Amangani in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the end of September.
The timing couldn’t be more appropriate as after doing the post on Glacier National Park (here), I am now longing to see some amazing landscapes and wildlife (and hoping I’ll get some images that might rival my friend, Dave’s ) .
It’s a tough job, but I make these sacrifices so I can share this information with you! Can’t wait to report back.
Hospitality Photography is an Accommodating Business…
…At least it is for my friend, John Sutton of John Sutton Photography located in the San Francisco Bay Area. John specializes in architectural, interior design and hospitality photography. I met John and started working with him (as his client) well over a decade ago. John was hired to photograph our architectural firm’s completed design projects and the firm still works with him today. His commitment to quality and attention to detail (I ought to know, I was usually the prop girl on set) is what makes him stand out above the rest.
It has been exciting to see how John’s career has flourished over the years and has expanded into the hospitality industry. Over the years, I’ve seen his images from hotels all around the world ~ always drooling with jealousy at the locations he has been able to shoot. A great gig, if you can get it, right? When I saw John’s most recent photo shoot, images from the Hotel Yountville, I contacted him and asked if I could use his images on this post. He graciously obliged.
As many of you know, I have posted several times on the Yountville area in the Napa Valley and I would normally include my own photos but to be able to showcase John’s professional work is a real treat!
The Hotel Yountville is a luxury boutique hotel located in downtown Yountville and recognized by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the “hot 100 new hotels and restaurants in the world.” The hotel exudes a casual elegance which is quite inviting.
Enjoy a peaceful evening in your beautiful hotel accommodation and spend your day riding the complimentary bicycles, wine tasting, hot air ballooning, shopping or just hang out at the Spa AcQua and pamper yourself.
Enjoy the evening by the fire with a great glass of Napa Valley wine.
The Hotel Yountville is also a great location for your special events or company gatherings.
This is a great time to visit the Napa Valley as it is the beginning of harvest season! I personally think the fall is one of the most gorgeous seasons in this region as the vineyards start to change colors.
I sincerely thank John for allowing me to use his images and I will be highlighting many more of his images in upcoming posts.
John Sutton Photography has been providing professional photographic services to the architectural, hospitality and design industries for thirty years. They travel the globe creating images that appear in marketing material, magazines, books, brochures and advertising campaigns. Their success comes from a fundamental commitment to their clients: when on location John Sutton and his staff will utilize their technical expertise and creative vision to produce the highest quality and the most visually compelling photographs in an environment of respect and good humor.
“If you are facing in the right direction, all you need to do is keep on walking.” Buddhist Saying
Half Moon Bay, CA
Enjoy the journey, no matter where it takes you.
Where will life take you?
Calling all USA residents! Explore Australia with Trafalgar
Trafalfgar ~ making travel easy!
For more information on Trafalgar journeys contact me at skedaddle61@gmail.com.
Shutters on the Beach ~ California’s Ultimate Seaside Resort
When I think of my stay at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, I get a warm and fuzzy feeling all over. It might be partially because I was there for a personal family event and I had my closest family and friends with me, but I also believe that it’s because it is Shutter’s philosophy to treat their guests as if they are family and friends staying in their “home”. And you do get that feeling.
Shutters is probably considered the most luxurious seaside resort in this area ~ if not in all of California, yet because of their casual elegance in decor and demeanor, it does not feel pretentious. It would not be unusual to spot a celebrity in the lobby or to sit next to a movie producer or director discussing his/her most current project. There is always a sophisticated buzz in the air of the open lobby/bar area.
There are plush sofas and club chairs arranged to encourage conversational groupings ~ some are quite cozy around the fireplaces. My friends and I made ourselves at home here and felt like we were chatting in one of our own living rooms.
The guest rooms are luxurious with their divine beds with fresh cotton sheets, gingham plaid and floral fabrics, woven rugs, built-in bookcases with interesting reading materials and accessories and, of course, plantation style shutters. The bathrooms have a large soaking tub with lush amenities and candles for your relaxing pleasure. A word of caution, do question where your room will be located as some rooms do not have a oceanfront view and if you are located in the back building, your view might be an alley-way so try to avoid these rooms, if possible. If you are in the back building, request the highest floor but for the ultimate experience, try to splurge for the oceanfront room.
The restaurant, One Pico, has a wonderful light and airy, Hampton’s style feel. They offer fresh dishes and an extensive wine menu for the most sophisticated palates.
The pool looks like it’s right off of a movie set with it’s cabana style seating.
Shutters has an excellent location right on the beach, a few blocks down from the Santa Monica Pier, and they are walking distance to Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade where the hub of activity circulates around the many retail stores and restaurants.
Overall, this is one of my favorite seaside resort memories and I can’t wait to return.
*Images without my copyright when you scroll over the picture are promotional photographs belonging to Shutters by the Beach*