What is Your Favorite Travel Destination?

Interested in Italy? II- Orsoni Tile Company

(Part 2 in our series on Italy!)
Also in Venice is the Orsoni tile company. Founded in the nineteenth century by Angelo Orsoni, originally a glass maker, the company soon gained fame after Orsoni was invited to work for a famous French mosaic company that had set up shop in Venice. Since then, the shop has been passed down through the generations. These mosaics are found from Westminster Abbey to places in Saudi Arabia and Thailand, as well as the gallery in Venice, where there are original Orsoni smalti, gold mosaic, and other glass works on display.

Orsoni Tile panel displayed in Paris in 1889

Interested in more? Keep checking back!

Interested in Italy? Pt. I – Squero di San Trovaso

Interested in Italy? Here are some extraordinary experiences to try while in Italy- Check back for more soon!:

1.)    In Venice, one stop that you should make is at the Gondola maker at the Squero di San Trovaso. Not only is this one of only five approved gondola boatyards in Venice, this is also the only gondola maker, or squero, in the world that you can watch. Although you must stand on the opposite shore of the Rio di San Trovaso so as to not interrupt the craftsmen, it is still an once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness this classic part of Italy. And here are some fun facts: all gondolas made in Venice must be black, due to a city law, and all Venetians gondolas must be driven by paddle instead of a pole, due to the deep waters of the city.

Squero di San Trovaso

 

New Twitter Account!

Hi everyone!

I just wanted everyone to know that I now have a new twitter account. Follow me @lynntravels

Hope I can assist with all of your travel dreams!

-Lynn

Lynn’s Adventures in Costa Rica

After completing my trip with Rico Tours, a Virtuoso preferred tour operator, I am excited to say that Costa Rica is just as promised.  It is exotic, friendly, lush, and adventurous, with activities and options for everyone. Traveling only 4 hours from Charlotte to San Jose my adventure began at the Peace Lodge.  An exotic animal rescue center and reserve is located at the lodge. The onsite wildlife includes birds, pumas, jaguars, ocelots, snakes and frogs. The butterfly house offers visitors a chance to see brand new butterflies emerging from their cocoons. There is a walk in the rainforest ending near a magnificent waterfall. All rooms at the lodge are tastefully decorated with a view of the forest. Each room has a fireplace, large bath with stone Jacuzzi and a waterfall shower.

   Next stop on my adventure was a trip to the Springs Resort and Spa. Here, there are twenty geothermal pools of various temperatures for your relaxation and enjoyment. Some of the pools have a bar to enjoy a cocktail as you soak in warm mineral baths. Suites in the lodge are spacious and great for families. Many of them have adjoining rooms. Activities include zip line, hiking, rafting, and bird watching for all levels of ability. Several dining options are offered including a sushi bar.  Las Ventanas Restaurant, which serves international cuisine, is a beautiful option for group events with its spectacular panoramic view.

My final stop was in Guanacaste on the Pacific coast.  I was fortunate enough to stay at the fabulous 4 Seasons Resort Costa Rica.  The resort is situated on a peninsula with views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding, breath-taking landscape. This resort offers six restaurants, tennis courts, a 140 slip marina, Beach Club, and an Arnold Palmer designed golf course. For children, the resort offers the “For All Seasons” program, a daily variety of indoor and outdoor explorations for ages 4-12. Younger children are welcome with an attending adult. Teens fourteen and older can participate in activities such as kayaking, sailing, scuba for beginners, snorkeling, Spanish lessons, and many other interesting experiences. Adults also have an extensive list of onsite and local adventure options, including catamaran trips, surfing, diving, or volunteering to assist with the local community. Guests can work at local schools to assist with painting, cleaning or simply donate money to buy a backpack full of books.

Leigh Ann, Coutier of Rico Tours and Lynn Ciccarelli, Valerie Wilson Travel

  Costa Rica is a perfect destination for families or couples. The people are welcoming and the scenery is beautiful.  The variety of activities and resorts can suit any traveler’s style. Costa Rica does not disappoint!

Central Mexico -Beauty, Culture, and History

Searching for the culture and wonder of Europe, but can’t afford the overinflated prices? Try Central Mexico!  In only a two and a half hour flight from Houston, you begin your affordable, remarkable trip to the next hot spot in the world.

Start by flying into Morelia airport and venture out into the city from there. Morelia is a Unesco World Heritage city, offering beautiful churches, restored mansions, and shady parks. Architecturally, the city is in an ornate Spanish Colonial style.

Staying at the local hotels, such as Villa Montaña, is a delightful experience. Each suite at Villa Montaña is uniquely different, and the gardens and views are outstanding. Room 125 is lovely with access to the pool. Room 107 has a spacious balcony, perfect for a quiet morning breakfast offering great views of the city. Count Philippe de Reiset and his wife Ava own and reside in the hotel.

Dinner at Villa Montaña is a special treat. Upon request a private dinner can be created by the chef. If you are lucky, Count Philippe and Ava might even join you for cocktails. In our case they did, and it made for a magical evening Alicia Ruiz Mendoza or Ana Compean can assist in arranging local tours from the hotel.

Options include a city tour or a visit to the Patzcuaro Lake area.  Artists reside in small towns around the lake and offer handmade crafts of fine quality. Everything from hand-made copper to hand-carved wooden mask can be purchased.

Another travel idea would be to adventure to Guanajuato, after Morelia, to discover all of the underground tunnels left from the silver and gold mines, the beautiful mountains, and the colorful homes. Guanajuato is considered the center of Mexico’s independence, due to it being the center of resistance against the Spanish in the 1800’s. It is now a college town, and a Unesco World Heritage site. Many cool cafes, great restaurants and interesting museums can be found.

My favorite hotel in Guanajuato is the Villa Maria Cristina. Its location is just a 10-15 minute walk from city center. There are only 13 rooms, and all have women’s names. Hotel Manager Paloa Garcia Castello is happy to recommend all of the city’s best restaurants and cultural options. Be sure to do a Callejoneada, a walk through the alleys while a band of men dressed in traditional 17^th century clothing serenade you. Guests are invited to join in and sing and drink while following the band.

Finish your trip with the jewel of Colonial Mexico, San Miguel de Allende.  It is beautiful, historic, and loaded with artist and galleries. Many find it hard to resist San Miguel’s charms, and they move there, resulting in a large American population. Things to do here include shopping, visiting hot springs, architecture tours, hiking, biking, and local cooking classes. Bullfighting still goes from April thru June. September 29 is the Running of the Bulls.

Art here is of the highest quality and the prices reflect it. Still, for the one of a kind pieces it would be money well spent. Those looking to redecorate should visit La Aurora Design Center. This is a great place to find eclectic pieces when decorating your home, such as hand painted silks, custom furniture, and pottery, all of which can be shipped back home.

Another  favorite hotel in the area is the Casa de Sierra Nevada.  It is a hotel made up of several refurbished mansions.  My recommendation is to stay in the Colonial Suites. The best room is 144, but rooms 145, and 146 are also outstanding due to their unique character. However, all rooms offer spacious suites and outdoor mosaic tile hot tubs on the ceramic balconies.

Dining options are unlimited. A favorite is Dos Casas which offers the freshest local ingredients, such as fresh goat cheese and lettuce. Guests staying at the hotel can have breakfast in the kitchen with the chef.

The newest hotel addition to the area will be the Rosewood Hotel. This fabulous resort will open in Jan 2011. I had an opportunity to site inspect this latest addition to San Miguel. It will surely be the push to make this lovely little town known worldwide.

Overall, Central Mexico is a very worthwhile trip. With its beautiful landscapes, tremendous art, and elegant hotels, fabulous food, created by talented chefs, rich history, on top of unlimited choices of things to do while there, what reason is there not to go?

Just Back: Iceland

Just found out my article about my trip to Iceland is being published in Luxury Travel Advisor! Since the magazine is only available to travel agents, I’ve decided to post it here as well. Let me know if you love Iceland as much as I did!

Iceland. The name itself suggests cold and snow. Why would anyone go there? But I had a group of willing clients ready for the adventure.

I contacted Iceland Travel (http://www.icelandtravel.is/) and spoke to Johanna Gilsdorf. Not knowing much about Iceland, I explained to her that we wanted to spend five days there and asked for suggestions of what to do. She put together and action packed, fun-filled, interesting trip that none of use will ever forget.

To get to Iceland we used non-stop service from Boston to Reykjavik on Iceland Air. I was very surprised that this was only a 4 ½ hour flight.

The plan was to make Reykjavik our base and do day trips from there. Our guide, Ása Bjork Snorradottir, met us at the airport. From that point on, she saw to our every need.

Be began our adventure in Iceland with a Reykjavik City Tour. The highlights of the city tour were the National Museum and Cathedral. Then off we were to the famous Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak in the blue mineral springs, which many claim to have healing powers. Magnea Gudmunds-Dottir, director of public relations gave our group a private tour and arranged for us to have a “Blue Lagoon Cocktail.” The captivating warm blue waters of the lagoon invite you to step in and relax. The swim up bar is a plus!

The next day we did the well-known Golden Circle Tour. Asa drove us for an hour, stopping at Þingvellir Park, , a World Heritage Site, and a must-see when visiting Iceland. An easy one hour hike was then made along the fault line there, where two tectonic plates are being pushed apart, a feature unique to Iceland. The scenery along the way was breath-taking.

Next stop was Gullfoss (Golden) Waterfall. The waterfall was unlike anything I’d ever seen. As you view it from the top, it seems to just disappear into the earth.

Gullfoss (Golden) Waterfall

From the Gullfoss, we went to the famous Geyser. Walking to the site, we were greeted by Chef Bjarki Hilmarsson- head chef at Hotel Geyser. To our surprise, we were treated to a traditional Icelandic meal. Chef Helmarsson prepared our meal by wrapping eggs in cheesecloth and boiling them for twelve minutes in a nearby bubbling spring. Rye bread was then dug up from the warm ground where it had been placed to bake overnight. We were served the eggs and some herring on the buttered rye bread, accompanied with Icelandic schnapps. Thank you Johanna fro a wonderful, unexpected treat!

Chef Helmarsson, Asa, and myself at lunch

On the third day, Johanna arranged for us to ride the famous Icelandic horses. We were picked up at our hotel and transported by van to the stables. Arriving, gear was provided, and horses selected, then off we went! The good nature and size of the horses make them a perfect choice for children or novice riders, as well as being fun for the more experienced. The whole group agreed it was the perfect ride. The scenery included interesting landscapes, trotting through streams, and climbs to the top of hills, offering great panoramic views.

Day four highlights included the spectacular waterfalls Selvandsfoss and Skogarfoss. We drove through farmland and observed the high amount of volcanic ash left over from the March 2010 eruption.

Our group had decided to stay at The Radisson 1919 (www.radissonblu.com/1919hotel-reykjavik), which is centrally located, comfortable, and moderately priced. It had a very accommodating staff, friendly bar, and nicely appointed rooms, though it could be noisy in the morning. Other nearby hotels included the 101 Hotel Reykjavik (www.101hotel.is) and the Hotel Borg (www.hotelborg.is). The 101 Hotel Reykjavík is a more contemporary hotel. You can request corner suites for a wonderful view. Hotel Borg was another nice option, with art deco charm and 7 available suites. All three hotels are within walking distance of one another, as well as shopping, good restaurants, and historic sites.

The city of Reykjavik also had a wide variety of restaurants, both traditional and modern, within walking distance of our hotel. One favorite was the Fish Company (www.fiskfelagid.is), and eclectic restaurant in the heart of the city. Chef and owner Larus Gunner Jonasson creates modern Icelandic food using only local, fresh ingredients. Another fun spot was Tapis, which offered Spanish appetizers, as well as more unusual items, such as whale meat and horse capriccio. Hotel 101 also had its own restaurant and bar. It offered a contemporary and welcoming atmosphere with a variety of light dishes. Overall, we enjoyed the very organic and resourceful Icelandic food and restaurants.

You can compare Iceland’s landscape to Ireland or New Zealand, although its unique terrain often has you thinking of the moon. However, unique is best way to describe Iceland. This uniqueness of the food, the citizens, and the terrain, so unlike anything we had ever seen before, pleasantly surprised us all. In short, there is no place on Earth that provides you with the same opportunities and travel experiences as Iceland.

Top 25 Travel Agent!

I just made Travel Agent Magazine’s Top 25 Travel Agents of 2010 list! How exciting!

Here’s the link: http://www.travelagentcentral.com/agent-profiles/top-25-agents-2010?page=2

“Mexico is one of Ciccarelli’s specialties, but she likes to show clients the Mexico they don’t know, offering insights into the culture as well as selecting hotels that best suit their budget. “As a world traveler myself, I use my experience to create stress-free travel plans,” she says. She starts by asking questions to find out what they are really looking for. “Once the trip is designed, I will send a guidebook, offer suggestions on what to do, how to pack, where to eat and the best things to do to utilize the time they have. Once that is done, I contact the hotel or cruise line to make sure my clients are offered any additional upgrades or special attention they can get.”

Her biggest challenge, she says, is making the public aware that there still are travel agents. “Many think that online booking is the only way,” she says. “I find that it is a great opportunity to let them know how much knowledgeable advice a professional agent can give to help them select the right cruise line, hotel or resort for their budget and personal interest.”

One memorable trip was a 105-day around-the-world journey that took a couple to Australia, China, Thailand, India, Egypt and Spain. “It was a challenge to be sure that [they] had the proper transfers, air and time change calculated,” Ciccarelli recalls. “I can say the entire trip went off without a hitch. One flight was delayed and I was able to rebook before they knew what happened.”

A Look at Hotels in Hvar, Croatia

Part II about Hvar, Croatia by: Mira Silic

Now here’s a look at Hvar’s beautiful hotels:

Hotel Adriana, Hvar Spa Hotel

Hotel Adriana

This 5 star hotel, probably the most stylish hotel in Hvar and one of Croatia’s first members of The Leading Small Hotels Of The World, is located on the Promenade, facing The Old City  Center of Stari Grad, close to St. Stjepan Cathedral, Sveti Stjepan Square and Hvar Fortress.

Adriana has 50 deluxe guest rooms, 9 suites and spa-specific suites, a year-round rooftop seawater swimming pool, Val Marina restaurant,  Top bar, lounge and multi-level garden terraces with sea and marina views.

Its spa is famous for its three level indoor and outdoor options for massage, yoga and relaxations.

Among its awards is 2008 award from Conde Nast Traveler.

Amfora, Hvar Grand Beach Resort

Amfora Hotel. Looks magical, doesn't it?

Tucked into a tranquil bay, surrounded by a lush pine grove, and only a short ten-minute walk from the historic city of Hvar, Amfora, member of the Special Hotels of the World, is the most exciting new resort in the Adriatic.

Located in a peaceful bay and surrounded with pine grove, it is only within walking distance from the historic city center of Stari Grad.

Amfora is member of Special Hotels Of The World and has 324 rooms and suites.

Hotel has spectacular view on Paklinski islands.

With its super sleek rooms, beholding breath-taking views of the Paklinski .

Riva, Hvar Yach Harbour Hotel

A veiw out

Waterfront property, Yacht Harbour Hotel, centrally  located in the city of Hvar,  Riva is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Completely remodeled in 2006 this 100-year-old building, combines the old charm and the today’s luxury required for 4 star hotel. Spectacular views of Paklinski Islands.Hotel has 56 rooms and suites.

Riva Hotel

Riva is recipient of World Travel Awards in 2008.

Hvar, Croatia -The History

By: Mira Silic

Name Hvar  came from Greek word, Pharos, Φαρος and  was transformed to Croatian dialect, Hvar.  Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, located off the Dalmatian coast

The island of Hvar is unusual in the area for having a large fertile coastal plain, and fresh water springs. Its hillsides are covered in pine forests, with vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields in the agricultural areas. The climate is characterized by mild winters, and warm summers with many hours of sunshine.

Hvar’s location at the center of the Adriatic sailing routes has long made this island an important base for commanding trade up and down the Adriatic, across to Italy and throughout the wider Mediterranean. It has been inhabited since pre-historic times.

The ancient Greeks founded the colony of Pharos in 384 BC on the site of today’s Stari Grad, making it one of the oldest towns in Europe.

They were also responsible for setting out the agricultural field divisions of the Stari Grad Plain, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In medieval times, Hvar (city) rose to importance within the Venetian Empire as a major naval base. Prosperity brought culture and the arts, with one of the first public theatres in Europe, nobles’ palaces and many fine communal buildings…

Today, the island of Hvar is a popular destination for tourists, consistently listed in the top 10 islands by Conde Nast Traveler magazine

Hvar, Croatia

Why Use a Travel Agent?

Why should you use a travel agent instead of booking online yourself?

• Save time. A professional agent can find the best rates in a matter of minutes not hours.
• Save money. Travel agents have access to better rates and more perks than you are able to get. Cruise lines often work with agencies and offer great shipboard bonuses. Certain hotels and resorts offer to discounts for AAA and others for American Express, MasterCard or their best rates might be directly with the hotel. A good agent will know this.
• Knowledge of different products. An experienced agent will work to have a great experience for their client. How is this achieved? By matching the right cruise line, tour company, hotel, or rental car company for that clients needs and expectations.
• Guidance. There are so many travel products to choose from. All of them have different areas that they are good at. A travel agent can help you decide which one it the right company for you.

Girlfriend Getaways–a Hot New Travel Trend

By Lynn Kubrick Ciccarelli

Need some “time out”? The hottest new travel trend is a Girlfriend Getaway.

Womens attitudes are “we deserve a break “ from work and yes even our families. More and more married women as well as single women are taking off for a fun filled vacation with female only trips.

Instead of staying home while the guys are golfing, the girls are off on their own trips. Shopping, spa treatments, cooking classes in Tuscany, cruising, golf, visiting places that their husbands won’t go to are destinations the ladies are traveling to

For those that have more time to spend on their vacation exotic places are popular. China, Egypt, Africa, South America all top the list. Spa and wellness trips to self improve are also in demand. Wine and food maybe with the added bonus of a chef and cooking classes appeal to some.

Where are they going? Usually a long weekend is planned. Top destinations are ones that can be reached with non-stop flights. Good choices are South Beach, Cancun, Chicago New York , Las Vegas, Santa Fe. All are easy to get to and offer a wide variety of things to do. Cruises are another fun choice.

To learn more about a fun getaway, visit www.BellaVacations.com

Shop for Chocolate and Support Breast Cancer FREE SHIPPING

Hi All–Laurie Moroco is a fantastic gal in Western PA who has a chocolate business.  I love her goodies, and she gift wraps and ships all over the country.  I will often use her products as thank you gifts for my clients or for a referral.  She is offering a fundraiser for October, so check out her website, buy some chocolate and support cancer research. Just $3 and Free Shipping!

Lynn Kubrick Ciccarelli, Bella Vacations

www.BellaVacations.com

Pink Ribbon Pretzels

Show your support for breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by purchasing a twist pretzel with pink chocolate, white jimmies, and pink ribbon candy confetti. You can feel good knowing that HALF of the proceeds of this pretzel will go directly to the Win-Win foundation — a local organization dedicated to financially helping those in need who are stricken with breast cancer. Choose this pretty in pink pretzel and we all WIN.

Order thorugh October and receive FREE SHIPPING!

Click here to view entire Pink Ribbon Collection

Our Price: $3.00
S & H: $ FREE

People are Still Traveling Despite the Recession, but Making Slight Adjustments to Their Plans

I have not seen an adverse affect to the travel industry since the latest downturn in the economy. People who travel are still traveling, although now considering other locations or traveling at off peak times to save money. Those that were not normally willing to traveling off season are now considering the idea because it can reduce overall costs by up to 30%. Some travelers are opting to use a train and doing group tours instead of private guides while visiting Europe.

If you are interested in visiting Europe, A 3-4 star hotel in a great location is what I am recommending. Airfare is less expensive in the Nov-March timeframe.

Countries such as Italy are still in demand and I find people are traveling there regardless of cost, especially for destination weddings and the trips of a lifetime that people have been saving up for.

I find those that enjoy traveling are still going. It has become a way of life for so many looking to enrich their life. The key is to be creative with a set budget!

Lynn Kubrick-Ciccarelli
Bella Vacations
an Associate of Valerie Wilson Travel
Certified Virtuoso Travel Planner

Stockholm Train Station

412.795.5252
www.BellaVacations.com

A Great Idea For A Fundraiser!

Do you know of an organization or charity that needs to raise a significant amount of funds? If you do NOT want to sell candy bars, then consider a unique and popular fundraising option with Bella Vacations.

Here is how the fundraiser works: Bella Vacations will arrange a luxury mid price vacation to the location of your choice. All travel arrangements are made at no cost to the organization. The organization will offer raffle tickets or chances to win for the price of $5-$10. Ticket sales need to cover the cost of the trip, and any funds over that will be earned by the charity.

Tickets are sold for a predetermined amount of time. The drawing is held on a specific date and time which is also predetermined. The winner then has the option of using the vacation as arranged, or the plans can be changed to any destination. Winners also have the option of adding additional travelers, upgrade/downgrade, etc. The winners have one year to use their free vacation.  A GREAT IDEA, a GREAT FUNDRAISER, and a SIMPLE WAY TO PROFIT!

For more information visit www.BellaVacations.Com

Top Ten Cities To Visit

Travel and Leisure Magazine puts out a Top 10 List Each Year, according to a survey done by their readers.  If you are looking for a new place to visit, consider these Top Destinations:

Top 10 Cities in the US and Canada

1. New York

2. San Francisco

3. Chicago

4. Charleston, SC

5. Santa Fe

6. Quebec City

7. Montreal

8. Vancouver

9. Savannah, Georgia–First time on the list!

10. Victoria, British Columbia

Top Ten Cities in the World

1. Bangkok

2. Buenos Aires

3. Cape Town

4. Sydney

5. Florence

6. Cuzco, Peru

7.  Rome

8. New York

9. Istanbul

10. San Francisco

The cities were chosen by over 11,000 Travel and Leisure Magazine Subscribers rating the destination, properties and their recent experiences. If you suffer from the winter blues, choose one of these top destinations to visit or come up with a list of your own!  Visit www.BellaVacations.com for some great travel ideas.

Beautiful Vancouver

San Francisco in the evening

Call Lynn Ciccarelli to plan your Winter Getaway!  www.BellaVacations.com

Honeymoon Travel Trends

Honeymoon Travel Trends
According to The Travel Institute, several new travel trends signal the growth of an unconventional attitude towards honeymoon travel and will transform the way couples plan and enjoy honeymoons in the future. The Honeymoon Gift Registry is one example of a new service that offers modern couples a practical alternative to the traditional gift registry.

With the average U.S. couple delaying marriage into their late 20s, most have already acquired their living essentials (toasters, linens, etc.), and some are choosing to not register for traditional gifts at department stores. Working with their travel agent, couples select their dream honeymoon package, and then family and friends make a gift purchase towards the total cost of the trip. With the average U.S. couple spending over $4,000 on their honeymoon–three times the average amount spent on other types of leisure travel—-the Honeymoon Gift Registry can provide newlyweds with a honeymoon that might otherwise been out of their budget.

Another new trend shows honeymooners locating and utilizing “traditional” travel agents via the Internet. Due to the significant emotional and financial investment involved in honeymoon planning, many Internet savvy couples are NOT utilizing large travel Web sites to book travel. Instead, they’re seeking the services of “traditional” travel agents who have made the successful transition from conventional to e-commerce business. Though typically not located in the couple’s hometown, these travel professionals provide the personalized attention usually offered at a “bricks and mortar” travel agency, but instead via telephone, fax and e-mail.

In addition, many honeymooners are delaying the start of the honeymoon by as much as a week to several months after the wedding day in order to recover from the wedding festivities or travel to a desired destination in season.

Eco Friendly Honeymoons & Vacations

Earth Conscious families  feel good about choosing a vacation that helps the planet rather than add to its  environmental problems. So one of this year’s major trends — and undoubtedly a trend for years to come — is planning a eco friendly honeymoon or vacation, where small changes in travel plans can make a big difference.

Tips for an eco-friendly vacation:

1. Pack Light, don’t take more than you need.  Lighter luggage will lessen fuel consumption.

2.  Visit Eco-Friendly Resorts and Hotels

3.  Use public transportation when you are on vacation, which is not always a bus..many countries offer a monorail, train, ferries, and buses and subways.

4. Instead of a car rental, try the new SMART CAR–share a vehicle and get it only when you need it.

5. Use your digital camera instead of a disposable

Here are tips that you can use to conserve energy at home and on vacation:

1.  Consume Local Goods.  Purchase and Eat foods grown or harvested locally which will avoid excess fuel used in shipping.  Local wines, produce and meats will give you a better appreciation of where you live or visit while saving precious energy.

2. Conserve in home and in room energy.  Simply put–SHUT OFF THE LIGHTS!

3. Save on laundry–when staying in hotels, use your towels for two days, and your sheets for your entire stay. This saves water and heating fuel.

Mundo Maya–Discover the Magical Region!

Mundo Maya comprises 5 states which cover Mexico’s Southeastern Peninsula.  The area covers Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo.  This destination offers an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy history while enjoying gorgeous crystal clear turquoise waters and exceptional luxury accommodations.

The Mayan Culture rose up to become one of the most accomplished cultures of all time over 3,000 years ago.  Their vast architectural, artistic and intellectual achievements included awe-inspiring cities, masterful mosaics and carvings, an intricate writing system and most dramatic archaeological sites in Mesoamerica.  Chichen-Itza has been declared one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Traditional Mayan villages still exist in this region along with charming colonial cities, luxurious haciendas, nature preserves and stunning seaside resorts.

Call Bella Vacations to arrange a custom itinerary to this magical part of the world.

Magical Mundo Maya

Maroma and Maroma Secrets-Paradise in Riveria Maya!

Day 1- Maroma Resort-Paradise in Riviera Maya!

(http://www.maromahotel.com/web/ocan/maroma.jsp)

Leaving the hectic Cancun airport, there was a young man waiting to help us to the private transfer. Once I left the main highway and traveled through the jungle, I knew Paradise was near!!!
When you arrive there is staff to greet you. They know your name, and they offer you a margarita. (Nice!) Then the welcoming continues as you tour the lovely grounds. As you are escorted around the property, it is hard to take your eyes off of the amazing white beach and azure water. After our tour, we were escorted to our room. To get to our room, we had to pass through a balcony with a beautiful ocean lookout.  In our suite, there were flowers to greet us, an elegant oversized bathroom, and a bed with an ocean view.
Then we had to go to Freddie’s Bar. Beer and ceviche were waiting! A walk on the beach then time for a nap! Well, maybe not. I needed a pedicure. The spa is so peaceful I completely relaxed and enjoyed my much-needed pedicure! Then it was time for dinner. Grill night! We started with champagne and enjoyed some local fish, then capped the night off with a Frank Sinatra CD. No TV here! (Not like we need it, it’s so beautiful!)

Days 2-5: Maroma: I am amazed! I slept all night! Coffee and birds are waiting for us on our balcony. Day begins. Coffee is ready for 7:30am, Yoga at 9. Snorkeling at 11! Just ten minutes from Maroma is the 2nd largest reef in the world (the Belize Barrier Reef)! Thought I would be bored? I feel like I am lost in time, peaceful and content. Maroma is the perfect 5 star hotel, perfect setting, memorable views, warm and welcoming staff. Do we have to leave?

View of Maroma Hotel Entrance

I guess we do…on to the next place, Maroma Secrets! Check-in was efficient and friendly (always nice on a vacation!) We opted for a swimout room.

(Check it out here:http://www.secretsresorts.com/maroma/index.asp ) All rooms here are jr. suites, and all but two buildings offer a room concierge, who will explain how your room operates and make dinner reservations if you need them. They are only needed at the Japanese restaurant, and if you want to sit at the chef’s table. (TIP- Do this immediately. Every night there is a restaurant closed, so you need to plan if you want to eat! 8PM is the time when they are full, so if you are with a group, there is an issue.) We got in at 9:30; couples seemed to get in quicker.
As far as the amenities go, the spa was lush and spacious, the pool in the swimout rooms was heated! (I’m not too fond of non-heated pools!) The gym was a bit on the small side, though. However, I really enjoyed it here. Beautiful rooms, nice staff, good food. (What more do you need?)

Now on to Zoetry!

Arriving to Zoetry,we are seamlessly checked in and escorted around the property to see the grounds. They are lovely! Champagne is waiting in our oversized suite. Golf carts are used to take guests to their suite. (All are oceanview.) Looking forward to our sunset cruise, which sets sail at 4:30pm! You can make reservations ahead, but it is complimentary with your “endless privileges” package. For dinner, there is a choice of 3 restaurants-we selected La Conoo-wonderful place. Service, food, and atmosphere-all perfect! Back to our suite afterward.

Next day- Started the day off with a yoga class, followed by a beautiful five minute walk to breakfast at Kaax Restaurant.  We were seated outside, facing the amazing ocean, an option I definitely recommend. Coffee was served immediately, and the breakfast options were creative, with an assortment of organic food and beverage selections.

After that, time to snorkel! For $60 per person, you can leave from the hotels private dock. It’s only seven minutes from the world’s largest reef!  Wonderful trip! Saw so many fish and coral.

Now to sit by the pool. Beige, double lounge chairs with fluffy peach towels, steps away from the pool, with a view of the ocean, add to the romantic ambiance of Zoetry. Lunch can be served poolside, and we definitely took advantage of that!

Overall,  Zoetry is a lovely hotel, relaxing with beautiful grounds. What really makes it stand out from other hotels are all of the options to guests, such as:

-Private, chauffeured, airport transport
-All suites have an ocean view
-Complimentary, unlimited worldwide calls
-Daily shopping excursions by boat
-Complimentary 20 minute massage per guest
-Complimentary 24 hour laundry service.
-Hydro-thalasso pool (salt water pool)

For more pictures, check out our facebook album: http://bit.ly/al42YS

Royal Hideaway -A Different Kind of Resort

            My next adventure was the Royal Hideaway. Arriving to Royal Hideaway in Riviera Maya, Mexico was a different experience. You arrive through a very nice residential neighborhood that leads to the property. (Imagine living there!) The hotel is located by Playa del Carmen, in Playacar, known for its resorts, beaches, and night life. A cool towel was offered upon our arrival, which felt great in the hot weather! Check-in was smooth and our escort to our room gave us a great overview of the property.  This property is spread out, unlike most hotels, which makes escorts like these a necessity. Rooms are spacious, but the TVs seemed a bit outdated compared to comparable hotels. Linens too need upgraded. Each building has its own concierge. They are used by guest for any and all reservations or optional activities.

Isn't it beautiful?

Optional activities at the resort are scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and jet skiing. Included in the price are palates classes, a small gym, and water aerobics many optional non-motorized sports.

The pool area at this resort has great view and plenty of lounge chairs. Crowd is a nice mix of younger and older people, which allows you to meet all different types of people, and allows for a welcoming atmosphere. Beach outside is restored. It is wide, with clusters of palm trees, for shade, a rare find in this area.

Jacuzzis are throughout the resort.

And if you get bored with all of this, there is the Playa del Carmen, which I found was only a twenty minute walk away. (Or a $5 cab ride.) Here there is great shopping and lively nightlife.

And more great news! Congo bongo is now in Playa del Carmen. It was a pretty wild experience, with many impersonators, dancers, and LOUD music!

 On a side note, Hertz taxi offers a great private transfer at the hotel for $35 each way

 There are also some wonderful options of restaurants. Las Ventanas is my favorite. You can have both breakfast and dinner there. Spices was my favorite for lunch, offering authentic Mexican cuisine, something I always enjoy when traveling to Mexico!Least favorite was the Grill outside. View is amazing but food is at best mediocre.

You do need reservations, and the options change daily as some of the restaurants are closed.

My  advice is to book your reservations when you arrive to make sure you get to enjoy all of the different choices. There are no crowded buffet lines, but there are a la carte meals offered throughout the day.

For more pictures, be sure to check out our Facebook albums!

La Ville-Lumière- The City of Lights

Ah, Paris. The City of Lights, as well as romance, food, and other wonderful things. Personally, my favorite city in the world to visit.

The City of Lights

As famous as Paris is, do you know its origins? Or its present-day wonders? Well…

The city’s name comes from the Parisii tribe, which was another name for the Gaulish tribe, a group of Pagans who inhabited the original island and surrounding lands before the Romans arrived. (France and the surrounding area also used to be called Gaul.) The Romans called the city Lutetia until about the sixth century, but slowly the name formed into the Paris we are all familiar with.

At the heart of Paris is a small island named the Île de la Cité, where some people believe the original city began. Translated, it means “island of the city.” Most of the tourism industry is here, due to there being many historical and architectural monuments, such as  Notre Dame de Paris, Sainte Chapelle, the Conciergerie, and the Palais de Justice. There is even a golden plaque on this island, representing the exact middle of the city!

Point Zero, the heart of Paris

There is another island connected to the Île de la Cité by the pont Saint-Louis named the  Île Saint-Louis. This is a mostly a peaceful residential area, with no metro stations and mostly narrow, one-way streets. A famous church here is the Saint-Louis-en-l’Île Church.

A sky-view of the two islands

Both these islands are accessible from both the Right and Left Banks of Paris  by the many bridges surrounding them. The Left Bank, La Rive Gauche, is the smaller of the two, and historically known as the artistic part of the city, where many famous writer and artists, such as Picasso, Matisse, and Hemingway called home. Today, you’ll find the Montparnasse neighborhood as well as the Latin Quarter, known for the Sorbonne University and its many young-adult-focused clubs and cafes. Some other attractions here include the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Catacombs, the Luxembourg Gardens, and the Pantheon.

La Tour Eiffel- The Eiffel Tower

The Right Bank, La Rive Doite, is the large of the two banks and is known for traditionally being the wealthier bank. Many of the city’s big businesses are located here, as well as many tourist destinations. However, this does not mean you have to stay in a hotel here, since the Paris Metro has many stations around Paris to help you get around. The magnificent Champs-Elysees is on the Right Bank, which leads to the Arc de Triomphe (as well as plenty shopping opportunities.) Some other attractions are

the Louvre Museum, the Sacre Coeur Basilica, the infamous Moulin Rouge, the Musee Picasso, and the Opera de Paris.

Sacre Coeur

There are also some attractions around the city which aren’t so famous, which I’ll explain more about in the next blog post! Have any more questions? Leave a comment, and I’ll try to answer them!

And on a last note, how did Paris even get the name “City of Lights?”

Well….

This is the nickname it was given both for its fame as a center of education and ideas, plus its early adoption of street lighting.

Iceland- An Unknown Beauty

I’m getting ready to go on a new adventure to Iceland, so I figured I’d give everyone a taste of what Iceland has to offer. (Contrary to popular belief, Iceland is NOT a land full of ice!!!)

These pictures were sent to me by Iceland’s Tourism Board.

Now can you see why I am so excited?

Rio: Not to be Missed on your Travel List

Colorful! Exotic and Fun! Music always in the air, and gentle breezes even on the hottest day! These, combined with the cool ocean currents and wide beaches make Rio and exciting choice for any vacationer. If the beach is not enough, iconic landmarks and a variety of rich cultures make Rio de Janiero, Brazil a magnet for the well-traveled and adventurous.

Of the many available opportunities in Rio, places like the magnificent Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain, a peak at the mouth of the Guanabara Bay, definitely become part of the “must do” list-typical tourist sites that everyone must experience. To mix it up a bit, arrange to take a tour of a Favela- a vibrant and historic shantytown built on the hillsides in the outskirts of Rio. Or, you can opt to go to less traveled places. Instead of the well-known Copacabana or Ipanema Beaches, go to Leblon Beach, located in an upscale residential area of the city.

Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio

Another amazing part of Rio that must be seen is the Santa Teresa neighborhood. Although once in decline, it is now thriving as a hip and edgy part of Rio. Enjoy walking around, visiting the local shops and restaurants where you can talk with the local shopkeepers and artists that dot the street. Do not miss the famous tile staircase here created by the artist Selaron. You can even stop by and meet him in his studio located midway on the staircase.

Famous tile staircase in the Santa Teresa neighborhood created by the artist Selaron

Other activities in the city include a visit to one of the many local markets where you can find a wealth of crafts and fun souvenirs.  If you happen to be in Rio on a Sunday, ask to go to the “Hippie Market,” a fun marketplace filled with locally-made crafts. Talk a walk through the Botanical Gardens and enjoy native plants and nature with the bustling city in the background. Or, arrange for a tour of the Carnival area to see the permanent stadium seating or visit a Samba school or museum.

My suggestions for a great stay in Rio (based on my experience):

Begin your visit with a few days stay at The Santa Teresa Hotel, located at the top of the meandering streets of the artistic Santa Teresa region. While staying there, I recommend enjoying a pre-dinner drink at the Dos Descasados Bar ( http://jetsetreport.com/nightlife.php?articleId=388&cityID=41&ver=2), an elegant, open-air bar overlooking the neighborhood. Afterward, enjoy a meal at Therese (http://www.relaischateaux.com/en/search-book/hotel-restaurant/santateresa/) , a Relais and Chateaux restaurant in the hotel. During the day, spend some time at a refreshing pool or enjoy the spa. Overall, I recommend staying two or three nights to fully enjoy this vibrant neighborhood.

Next, you can transfer to Leblon Beach for the remainder of your stay. There, you can schedule for tours of Rio’s famous sights as well as take time to enjoy the beach. For an off-the-beaten-path hotel, try the Marina All Suites. It is located directly across the street from a beach in the trendy, upscale neighborhood known as Leblon. The hotel rooms are spacious, with many great views. What I love most about this hotel is that you are in walking distance of the beach, wonderful restaurants, and a nice local shopping district.

Leblon Beach, across from the Marina All Suites

When walking through town, be sure to enjoy a refreshing, cold beer and snack at the Devassa Cervejaria Bar. However, if you want a seat at the outdoor bar, be sure to make a reservation.

There are options for many price ranges and experiences. If you want more upscale service, try the Famous Copacabana Palace in Ipanema, another neighborhood in the city, or the Fasana, a five-star boutique hotel. The Palace, in the very heart of Rio, was designed by French architect Joseph Gire, and is well-known throughout the world.

Overall, Rio has everything to offer- city and beaches, culture and adventure. Every traveler should make a point to visit this beautiful and interesting city!