Archives for Pacific Beaches category
Posted on May 15, 2010 under Pacific Beaches |
Everybody needs a little romance in his or her life from time to time. The hectic lifestyles of this modern world often leave little time for enjoyment, let alone quality time with a partner or spouse.
Choosing the right hotel is the first step to a great romantic getaway. Some hotels simply ooze romance (particularly in Japan) and can put even the most sceptical of individuals in the mood for love.
Here is your guide to the top 10 romance hotels in the world.
1.Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris – This hotel is beautifully situated in the most romantic city in the world. It is in a quieter area of the city to afford you some privacy but is also only a few minutes away from the top attractions, like the the Louvre for example. Most of the rooms have private balconies and all of them have an old world feel that simply oozes romance. This undoubtedly makes this hotel the best romance hotel in the world.
2.The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice – This Venetian hotel is one of the most spectacular in Italy. It boasts a prime location on the canal, which is illuminated for effect there. All of the rooms are traditional and there unique design serves to inspire the most unromantic of people! It is in a prime location for the attractions of the city but also gives its guests access to a secluded beach.
3.Le Meridien Hotel Grand Pacific Tokyo – We certainly can’t leave out this 5 star hotel located in Tokyo Bay where many “love hotels” are found. This is the biggest hotel in Tokyo and if you book a room high enough, there are beautiful views of Tokyo’s waterfront and the city. There are 884 romantic rooms. Fantastic customer service and facilities available.
4.Seamark On First Sunshine Coast – This hotel boasts individual apartments instead of rooms for that added bit of privacy when on a romantic trip away. It is set in tropical gardens and overlooks a number of the best beaches in the area so you can enjoy spending time in your partner’s company without distractions. It also has a pool and spa area for your convenience!
5.Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas – This hotel offers all types of accommodation and gives you the privacy you need for any romantic break! The hotel is located in a quiet yet beautiful area with the famous Four Mile Beach within walking distance. It has a cocktail bar, sauna and pool. The ambience simply encourages relaxation and love.
6.Petit Palace Art Gallery Hotel, Madrid – This hotel is a renovated art gallery but is still home to the passion of the artists whose works once called it home. It is a luxurious hotel with modern facilities but is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is close enough to take regular trips if you wish, but the hotel is generally quiet and an extremely romantic retreat for couples in love.
7.Royal Palm Hotel & Resort Grand Bay – This hotel is a popular choice for couples wanting a romantic break. It is surrounded by beaches and tropical gardens for an exclusive feel but provides comfortable rooms to make you feel at home. All rooms are facing the sea so you can relax in your room and savour the atmosphere of the destination without moving a muscle.
8.Fenix Hotel, Lisbon – This hotel is a very comfortable base for any visit to the Portuguese capital. It has its own gardens to stroll through, a great little restaurant and easy access to the rest of the city. The roomsare fully serviced with air conditioning, cable TV, mini bar and you can call for room service at any time.
9.Hulhule Island hotel, Maldives – This hotel is perfectly kept with a romantic setting. It has a tropical feel and is located near beaches, quaint cafes and local shops that give an exotic aura of romance for any tourists. All rooms are luxurious with some offering peaceful views of the Indian Ocean.
10.Howard Johnson By The Falls, Niagara Falls – This hotel is superbly located for a trip to view the amazing Niagara Falls. It is designed to provide an elegant luxury for all of its guests and the service is of the highest quality. It is within walking distance of all of the major attractions but also offers privacy, thus combining the best possible factors to conjure up some romance.
If you are planning a romantic break then you need a hotel to match. The ten above are excellent and provide a romantic atmosphere from the minute you check in until the minute you leave. Planning is everything, so always choose the best hotel for the most romantic stay!
E Cho
http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/top-10-romance-hotels-123231.html
Posted on May 13, 2010 under Pacific Beaches |
If you are looking for a great vacation where you dont need a passport, or to exchange money, and place where you dont need a translation book. Then end your
search at an unforgettable Maui vacation.
The Biggest Towns in Maui:
1. Kahului
2. Wailuku
3. Lahaina
In Maui, there are 81 accessible beaches. 39 have public facilities. Sands may be white, gold, black, salt and pepper, green or garnet, due to ancient volcanic activity. Wailea beach is in South Maui. Crescent-shaped and protected on each end by black lava points, the waters of Wailea Beach are exceptionally calm, with light waves that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling (and gentle enough for children.
The beautiful views of the island are seen from a luxury family resort the Wailea Beach Villas. Sunsets and pristine beaches; soothing and melodic waves are everyday sights and sounds for the duration of a stay. Wailea Beach Villa Condos are luxury for United States tourists as well as tourists from other countries. Canadians are frequent and satisfied visitors of this beautiful destination. Most take in the beautiful views from their private lanai while you enjoying coffee in the morning or favorite wine in the evening.
When asking staff on site what is one thing that distinguishes the Villas — ‘Exceptional privacy and security’– tends to be an overwhelming message. This gated community will offer 24-hour security, as well as exclusive access to individual residences through private elevators.
At the Wailea Beach Villas, condos are available for rent for luxury accommodations. Spacious rooms and elegant furnishings are all accessible in every luxury vacation rental. A dream gourmet kitchen with every accoutrement. Of course, there are many great restaurants to enjoy in Wailea Beach. Outside find tropical gardens complete with tiki torches, pools, and waterfalls and fitness centers. Visit the spa and shops (shops at Wailea) nearby; take leisurely moon lit walks on the beach.
‘We are planning our next trip to Maui in February 2009 during school’s winter break and have already booked the same unit for our stay! We loved Wailea Beach Villas!’ — David French said, after returning home from his stay with his family.
December through April is prime whale watching time, and Wailea Beach has some nice vantage points. Rent equipment from the nearby resorts, but prices are much better at places like Snorkel Bob’s or the Maui Dive Shop.
The beautiful Pacific Ocean is steps from the door to swim or surf at Wailea Beach. If, Wailea Beach doesn’t sound right in luxury or paradise then consider the enjoyment of the other 80 exquisite beaches. Rent a car for the freedom of self-guided tours at your own pace or sign up for the many tour packages. Rent a bicycle and enjoy the sights of the island.
Which could include the following five popular sights to visit:
1. Oheo Gulch Kipahulu
2. Hana Highway
3. Waianapanapa State Wayside Park
4. Alau Island
5. Kula Botanical Gardens
Destination weddings are popular, and, if you are planning a wedding, this might be the perfect location for ceremony and guests. Combine your special day and your honeymoon in one romantically beautiful destination. You and your guests can look forward to a tropical Maui vacation. You will find this is an excellent choice for family vacations or a place to gather friends from far and wide.
Some of the free wedding sites or low in cost would be among the beach parks or coves. The best ones are located on the South and West sides of the island. The weather is perfect and the scenery is incredible. There are no fees for these grounds and no reservations are necessary, therefore you might run into other weddings going on at the same location.
Some Popular wedding Locations include:
1. Kapalua Bay
2. Kaanapali Shores
3. North Maluaka Beach
If you feel luxurious and romantic weddings which require a helicopter ride to a remote destination make for a memorable Maui wedding.
No matter the occasion luxury in paradise can be obtained anywhere on your Maui Vacation.
Gabe Gayhart
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/wailea-beach-villas-and-other-useful-maui-vacation-info-443675.html
Posted on May 09, 2010 under Pacific Beaches |
Tropical islands provide a wide range of activities for vacationers. Depending on what you’re interested in, there is an island in the world for you. The number of activities available for vacationers depends on the size of the island and its location in the world.
Most islands offer the standards: snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, and kayaking. Larger islands such as Bali, Hawaii, and Reunion offer many more activities such as hiking, jungle trekking, wild life safaris, and surfing. In fact, surfing is a widespread activity on many of the largest and most popular destinations in the world. Surfing is a very physical sport where beach goers learn to ride the waves and stand up on a board. It’s very hard but a great work out and lessons can be done very cheaply. For those who want something less challenging, you can always go body boarding. Body boarding is when you get a small board and lay on it, letting the wave take you in. It is very fun.
Jungle trekking allows people a chance to see the local flora and fauna and get out of the sun for a day. However, it is only the larger islands, most notably the ones in the pacific region, that offer this activity as many other islands in the world tend to be small and don’t offer the extensive amount of jungles and wildlife that these large islands can. Some of the best islands to hike around include Hawaii, Bali, Fiji, Bora Bora, Reunion, and Cebu. You’ll be able to work up a great sweat for when you come back, taking a cool refreshing dip the ocean.
By far the most popular activities involve the ocean. Vacationers look forward to exploring the ocean and seeing the vast reefs and abundant fish that inhabit the waters beneath the surface. Some of the best diving in the world can be found in the Seychelles, the Maldives, Bali, Thailand, and Australia. For those not interested in scuba diving, there is always snorkeling. Snorkelers simply float on top of the water with a mask and fins and stare down and look at the wildlife below.
For adventurous people, you can go sailing or fishing. Many tropical islands offer sailing tours to see dolphins or whales and sunset trips for couples and honeymooners looking to add romance into their trip. You can rent on or have someone take you out. For those looking to fish, you can also rent a boat and head out into the ocean to catch dinner. A lot islands offer deep sea fishing where you can catch “the big one.” You’ll be able to eat for a week when you do!
Beaches offer a wide variety of activities beyond just getting a tan. For those interested in traveling to islands, it’s important to thoroughly research the type of beach activities you want. For those looking to just relax, you can build sandcastles, get a massage, order some fruit drinks and just get a tan. While the majority of islands can accommodate your needs, for those looking for more active island adventures need to look for large islands or large chains of islands so you can get a wide variety of activities to do.
Matthew Kepnes
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/great-activities-to-do-on-tropical-islands-680104.html
Posted on May 02, 2010 under Pacific Beaches |
By: Jim Scherrer
Well, it appears as though the effects of the mortgage crisis in the US which began in March, 2008 followed by the collapse of the stock market in October, 2008 are finally being felt in Puerto Vallarta. Thanks to the strong Canadian Dollar, tourist expenditures in Vallarta for goods and services, including retirement real estate, held up fairly well for most of 2008. However, during the September/October timeframe, the Canadian Dollar plunged by more than 20%, thus reducing the Canadian purchasing power accordingly. Consequently, both the Americans and Canadians are now hesitant to aggressively invest in anything, especially foreign retirement properties.
The airplanes and cruise boats packed with tourists continue to arrive daily in PV; however the visitors are much more thrifty and prudent with their purchases than they were a year ago. Many of the restaurateurs and shop owners are claiming that sales are down from last year by as much as 35%. The construction of new condominium projects has also noticeably decreased as new sales slow to a trickle.
During the past ten years, Vallarta has literally been a boom town with explosive growth and new construction everywhere. Obviously, many of the developers and entrepreneurs failed to see the oncoming global financial crisis and committed to many long term construction projects resulting in a glut of more than 7,000 new condominiums now on the market.
Finally, with the supply of goods and services, including retirement properties, currently exceeding demand, we are now witnessing a true buyer’s market in Vallarta. Even though list prices for real estate have not dropped noticeably, the developers and sellers are much more apt to negotiate than they were a year ago. The same is true for store merchants and other vendors in the area.
Okay, now that we have a better understanding of how the economy in the US and Canada have affected business in Vallarta, we should have a better appreciation for the North American bargaining position in this beautiful resort destination. Therefore, let’s take it a step further. With the exception of real estate, most all other goods and services in Puerto Vallarta are sold on a Peso basis and therefore we must consider the monetary exchange rate.
The Mexican Peso has held steady with the US Dollar for more than ten years at about 10.8 Pesos per US Dollar. It wasn’t until early in October, 2008 when the Peso precipitously devalued to about 13.5 Pesos per Dollar resulting in a 25% increase in the value or purchasing power of the US Dollar relative to the Mexican Peso.
For those of us fortunate enough to still be holding a few US Dollars, almost all goods and services in Mexico just went on sale! For example, we recently purchased a high-end brand name washer/dryer set, normally priced at $1,300 US, for $1,015 US. Most all grocery and food products, clothing, hardware, and electronics manufactured in Mexico, gasoline, electricity, and other native commodities are also 25% less expensive to those of us holding US Dollars.
Through inflation over time, the costs of these Mexican products will eventually rise until they return to where they were only a few months ago. The one category where costs will rise much more slowly is that of labor. Almost every worker in Mexico just took a 25% reduction in wages relative to the US Dollar! That includes all maids, gardeners, restaurant and store employees, taxi drivers, doctors, architects, engineers, etc. It will probably require several years for the Mexican labor rates to be equivalent to where they were only six months ago.
One very important labor group is that of the construction workers which represents a significant portion of the total cost of retirement residences, all priced in US Dollars. Add their 25% cut in pay to the cost of Mexican concrete and other native materials which also dropped by 25% and you can imagine how that will affect the completion costs of the thousands of condos currently under construction!
Now, with the demand for goods and services reduced relative to their supply and the US Dollar being 25% stronger, you can see the benefit of shopping in Paradise at this very moment; the time for buying your retirement dream could never be better!
As Billy Mays, the famous TV pitchman would say, “But wait, there’s more”! Yes, aside from the 25% savings associated with the Peso devaluation and an increase in willingness of the local vendors to negotiate lower prices (caused by the reduction in tourist consumption brought on by the uncertain US economy and the devaluation of the Canadian Dollar), effective in June, 2008, you now receive a rebate for the 15% IVA tax that you pay on many of your purchases while visiting Mexico.
The 15% IVA or Value Added Tax (VAT) is returned to foreign tourists who can prove they have spent a minimum of 1,200 Pesos (approximately $90 US Dollars) on Mexican territory and who are returning home by sea or air. Tourists now have the right to receive up to 50% of the net rebate, an amount not to exceed 10,000 Pesos (approximately $750.00 US Dollars), in the form of cash; the remaining 50% will be refunded via electronic funds transfer within a period of 40 days.
In conclusion, after being exposed to the past six months of economic frustrations, you deserve to escape from the prevailing gloom and doom. If you have ever considered traveling to or retiring in Paradise, now is the time and Puerto Vallarta is the place! You will find many great values on everything this season; values that have not been seen for almost a decade and may not be available again in the near future. As Billy would say, “Why wait, pick up the phone” and call your travel agent. The weather is guaranteed to be perfect during the months of November through May, the scenery of the Pacific Ocean, the sandy white beaches, and the Sierra Madres is world class, the margaritas are ice cold, and the Mexican hospitality is second to none. So, come on down; you’ll find bargains galore while enjoying the time of your life on the Mexican Riviera!
Jim Scherrer
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/bargains-galore25-discount-on-everything-in-puerto-vallarta-mexico-683199.html
Posted on Apr 29, 2010 under Pacific Beaches |
There is more to California than its theme parks and celebrity culture. Sure it’s fun to drive around and see the houses where Lucille Ball and Charlie Chaplin used to live. It’s exciting to wander in and out of the same stores that your favorite actors shop in or know that you could run into Charlie Sheen at a Whole Foods. But the true fun of California is all of the little out of the way places that you won’t find in most of the guide books.
Fans of independent stores will love shopping for music in Amoeba. Amoeba began in 1990 as a retaliation against the corporate conglomerates that were quickly buying up all of the independent music sellers and replacing them with top 40 chain music shops. Amoeba, unlike its corporately backed competitors, sells new and used music in every format. Yes, you will find original vinyl here. You’ll also find iPods. The original store opened in Berkeley and was quickly followed by a San Francisco and a Hollywood location. If you’re tired of shopping at Sam Goody, you will find a musical Oasis in the California independent music seller: Amoeba.
Orphan Andy’s is quite possibly the best hamburger joint in California and it is located in the Castro district of San Francisco. This is a twenty four hour diner and yes, you will have to wait for a table—even at two in the morning! Be careful, the apartments upstairs frequently have parties and party goers are not careful about where they spill their drinks or flick their used cigarette butts. Orphan Andy’s, in addition to it’s fantastic food, has affordable prices—broke college students can eat here without having to worry about whether or not they’ll be able to afford the bus fare home.
The Egyptian theater isn’t exactly off the beaten path: It’s right on Hollywood Blvd. It is, however, a California classic. It was once one of the most famous theaters in California and was famous for its glitzy movie premieres. Then it went through a period of being “just another theater.” Luckily, it recently went through a restoration and transition period and now it is back to its “old days” glory. It shows older movies and there isn’t a bad seat in the house! You can’t go to California (especially Los Angeles) without partaking of a little bit of Hollywood history!
California also has plenty of natural beauty as well—its mountains and coastline are the envy of everywhere. East Coast residents will readily tell you that the Atlantic Ocean just isn’t as magnificent as the Pacific Ocean. For those who love to hike or bike ride or camp, there are plenty of great places to do just that—the redwoods up north and the surfing beaches down south—California has it all!
This blog entry is sounding a little bit like a love letter to California, and there are already television commercials that do that. The truth is, no matter what the hype: California is worth exploring. Everyone should take a California vacation at least once.
For more information on California, visit http://www.californiamicroblog.com and http://www.microblogcalifornia.com.
John Parks
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/more-than-disneyland-679984.html
Posted on Apr 26, 2010 under Pacific Beaches |
If you fly directly east from northern Queensland for 2500 kilometres, you will be over Fiji. Looking down, you would see more than 800 islands – some large enough to hold thousands of people, others are very small. About 100 of these island are inhabited. If you flew down to 1323 metres while over the island of Viti Levu, you might hit the top of Tomanivi, Fiji’s highest peak. South-east of Tomanivi is Suva, the capital of Fiji. Main cities include Nadi, Sigatoka and Lautoka on Viti Levu and Labasa and Savusavu on Vanua Levu.
Fiji was populated for more than 3000 years before contact with white people. Most people living in Fiji had come from other islands in Melanesia, although some came from Polynesia and Micronesia. Villages developed their own traditions and language. Although the Dutch visited Fiji in the 1600s, regular visits from Europeans did not begin until traders and missionaries made contact with the Fijians in the early eighteenth century. This delay was partly due to the reputation of Fijians as ruthless cannibals.
In 1874, Fiji was declared a British colony. The British brought to Fiji many thousands of Indian labourers to work on the sugar cane. Indigenous Fijians resented so many non-Fijians settling in their land, and the British government introduced laws that banned non-Fijians from owning land. Fiji became an independent country on 10 October 1970 with a system of government based on that of Britain.
About 800 000 people live in Fiji. The nearest Australian city in size is Adelaide, with a population of 1050 000 people. Three-quarters of the population live on the island of Viti Levu. Indigenous Fijians make up about 50 per cent of the population, with Indian Fijians accounting for 45 percent. The remaining five per cent are of European or Chinese or people from other Pacific Islands.
Most Fijians live in rural areas, but the number of people migrating to the cities has increased. Life for indigenous Fijians in rural areas revolves around their village. Each village has a chief, who is usually a man. The way of life in the villages is communal, with everybody helping everyone else. Indigenous Fijians speak Fijian and English.
Indian Fijians speak Fijian Hindi and English. Although most Indian Fijian families have lived in Fiji for many generations, their culture remains similar to families in India. Women wear saris, and most marriages are organised by parents when their children are young.
Fiji, like Australia, has a high literacy rate. About 90 per cent of Fijians can read and write (in Australia, it is 98 per cent). However, unlike Australia, education is not compulsory in Fiji, but it is encouraged. The government pays for children to attend, school until year nine, then fees must be paid by students’ families. Most schools are run by religious or community organisations. Fiji also has the University of the South Pacific and the Fiji School of Medicine.
Most Fijians work on the land, and the main crops are sugar and coconuts. Fishing is a large part of Fiji’s agricultural sector. Gold mines also provide work and much-needed income for the country. Fiji’s most important industry is tourism, and many of Fiji’s tourists are Australian. In 1987 and 2000, military coups discouraged foreigners from visiting Fiji, which resulted in economic hardship.
Fiji’s major attractions are its natural attributes: the sea, the highlands and the islands. Most visitors to Fiji go to enjoy the beaches, with diving and snorkelling being popular pastimes. The Mamanuca group of islands, off the west coast of Viti Levu, have some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. The Abaca Cultural and Recreational Park, north-east of Nadi, contains waterfalls, rainforests and walking tracks that guide visitors through unimaginable beauty.
In 2000, George Spejght, an indigenous Fijian, led a coup against the Fijian Government. Speight and his followers kept Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and other Politicians captive for more than three weeks before releasing them and forming their own government. Chaudhry is of Indian Fijian descent. Speight claimed he was representing indigenous Fijians who did not want Indian Fijians to have political rights. Speight was arrested, and power was given to a newly elected president.
John Hacking
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/fiji-country-profile-for-australian-holiday-makers-706257.html
Posted on Apr 20, 2010 under Pacific Beaches |
Adelaide, the state capital city of Southern Australia, has lots of interesting attractions to offer to its tourists. Anything, from its classical art galleries, museums, natural parks and garden, pristine beaches and great restaurants, name it. Adelaide has all of these outstanding features which made this Australian city an ideal holiday destination for all types of travelers. Listed below are some of its great places and activities that you can do when you take a vacation in Adelaide.
Natural Parks and Gardens
When it comes to natural parks and gardens, Adelaide is always be one of the bests. With its unique gardens that have many exotic and native plants, your eyes will surely become amazed to see them. One of its best loved gardens is the famous Adelaide Botanic Gardens, a 16 hectare open area, that features Victoria Palm House and the Bicentennial Conservatory. This is perfect place to visit if you want to have a quiet and relaxing ambiance.
Art Galleries and Museums
This city also takes pride to its famous historical art galleries and museums. One of its great museums is the South Australian Museum which is located on North Terrence. It has lots of great exhibits like Aboriginal and Pacific artifacts, an Ancient Egypt section and other famous collection of fossils. This is the reason why it’s considered as a home to the largest collection of indigenous Australian artifacts in the world.
Pristine Beach
Adelaide is also lined with pristine beaches that are perfect spots for most tourists who want to spend their holiday vacation in this city. One of its great beaches is Glenelg Beach, a popular tourist spot which is a short drive away that will only take a few minutes from its central business district. This long white sandy beach offers you a quite and peaceful ambiance despite of being hustle and bustle of this city. Along its sandy shore also beckons visitors to linger and soak up the water sun.
Glenelg Beach also offers a plenty of adventure sports to do such as swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing and diving for those tourists who are looking for some escapade activities. Apart from this, it also becomes a favorite tourist destination because of having nice and affordable accommodations to choose from including hotels, apartments and hostels.
Great Cafes, Restaurants and Shops
You could also go on an eating spree in Adelaide because this city has also a remarkable number of exquisite restaurants which have varieties of great and innovative cuisines to choose from including authentic sea foods and other international dishes.
When you get tired of sun bathing or swimming, take a coffee or lunch at some of Adelaide’s great cafes which also give you some scenic views of the beach.
So what more can you ask for? Secure now your Australian Tourist Visa or Australia ETA Visa at Australian Immigration site to start your journey exploring and discovering Adelaide’s superb tourist attractions. Don’t forget also to book for your flight and hotel accommodation. It’s really best to plan well these important things to have a joyful and memorable vacation in Adelaide.
Journey Mile
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/great-tourist-destinations-in-adelaide-australia-745475.html
Posted on Apr 17, 2010 under Pacific Beaches |
Baja Mexico is a state located in the northernmost part of Mexico. It literally means “lower California” in Spanish. For those wanting to make an investment in real estate, Baja Mexico gives a host of possibilities. It is a good destination for people, who are looking to relocate or buy a second home or a vacation home. In terms of location options, you will be spoilt for choice, if you are investing in real estate in Baja Mexico.
Baja Mexico can be your apt choice because it provides easy accessibility to the United States. The California peninsula connects it to the continental United States and residents here are within arms length of the Pacific shoreline stretching up to 1,100 miles. The popularity of Baja Mexico as a premier real estate destination can be gauged from the fact that, its population has soared beyond anybody’s expectation in the recent years. Moreover, the tropical climate of this region attracts many senior citizens, who have made it a retirement destination of choice.
Baja Mexico is a heaven for water sports enthusiasts. Recreational activities like snorkeling, diving, small boat cruising and windsurfing are found in abundance. You can enjoy the same in the numerous marinas that dot the area. Investing in Baja Mexico can be a wise decision as you can then reap the benefits of the burgeoning real estate boom that has taken this part of Mexico by storm. A premier investment location can be the Puerto Los Cabos. It is one of the most popular resorts in this region. It gives interested investors an array of ownership opportunities in a new and growing community. This scenic location boasts of miles upon miles of pristine beaches, two golf courses, and a multi faceted marina complex. Coupled with exclusive restaurants, shops and clubs, this resort town is indeed an investment destination to-die-for. It is also a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, as it is in close proximity to the some of the best fishing areas in the region.
Another destination to look at, if you are investing in Baja Mexico, is Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas. It is a brand new resort complex, with nightlife that is renowned throughout the world. It provides all manner of aquatic activities, including game fishing and has many other attractions that make it a tourist paradise. For parents, whose main area of concern is their children’s prospects of education, there is a bilingual elementary school, located along the border of resort compound. Coupled with some great facilities geared towards making the life of its residents comfortable, this is an ideal location for people wanting to buy a home in an exotic location.
Another location in Baja Mexico that investors can look at is the magnificent location of Tortuga Bay in Los Cabos. The place has numerous penthouses, villas, and condominiums that cater to the needs of the real estate investor. This area is so popular, that these accommodations are sold-out in the preconstruction phase itself.
However, do not fret; you can still invest in myriad number of luxurious beachfront property found here.
Another attraction of Baja Mexico is that it is affordable and not too expensive. Moreover, the real estate brokers can direct you to best developers in the region.
Phil Laboon
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/investing-in-baja-mexicocalifornia-real-estate-55230.html
Posted on Apr 14, 2010 under Pacific Beaches |
Paradise. For some, the word conjures up images of white sand beaches, clear blue water and little fruity drinks. Not me.
For me, terms like ‘white sand beaches and clear blue water’ sounds a little like the beginning of a worn out slogan, the tropical vacation version of ‘order now, operators are standing by’. It may be that I’m jaded by the over-the-top advertising or maybe I just imagine a white sand beach with 5000 overweight pasty Americans overrunning it. Whatever the case, I don’t want the same old thing.
My paradise is different. Since it’s a Honeymoon paradise, the most important element of course, is my significant other. For me, that’s all the people I really need. I want to spend time with my new bride, and share some experiences that are really different. We have beaches and fruity drinks in California, and picking from the top 10 vacations menu seemed like a sure-fire route to sameness. I recoil at sameness and thought I could do better for our honeymoon.
I thought about it. I looked on the web. I talked to people. I had always liked the green feeling of the Pacific Northwest, but the idea of a Honeymoon to Seattle didn’t really captivate me. I had loved learning to ski in Utah when I was young, and have always gravitated towards mountains, but my new bride loves the water (though not necessarily the beaches in the worn out brochure). The elements I wanted to include in our vacation seemed to be accumulating and I didn’t have a plan yet.
When I added something seemingly obscure to my wish list, the solution actually became easier. We had been to Alaska in 2001 on a bicycle ride to raise money for AIDS research and had experienced, albeit at a distance, the Matanuska glacier. We were intrigued by the idea of a glacier in person – climbing it, touching it, experiencing a frozen goliath that seemed ancient. We had an agenda though, and we moved on. The great Matanuska and the idea of a glacier experience was mostly forgotten. Until now.
Glaciers actually brought it together. The mountains, the water, fewer people, open, unspoiled nature and someplace we’d never been were the core pieces. When I added glaciers, something new popped up – Iceland. We wanted something different and exciting and we were going to get it. Yes, it is more than slightly north of the equator, with not so much of the fruity drinks.
There was to be one other benefit for me, too. Among the elements of an Icelandic adventure, I could squeeze in the guilty pleasure of a tour in a Super Jeep, or in American terms, a monster truck. If I offered my new bride a long weekend trip or short vacation stateside that centered around giant SUVs and off-road touring, there would have to be some reciprocal girly trip in recent context to pull that off, or maybe some jewelry. In Iceland, I figured we could do several things and when I brought up the Super Jeeps, she’d probably dig it. …I still stacked the deck by setting up a horseback riding day in advance.
How did it go?
The trip was a hit! From the moment that the crisp, clean air greeted us in Keflavik, we were in another world. We had trailside meals on a quiet mountainside, bathed in hot springs and heated lagoons (we had warmth and a beach, just not in the common way!) and rode Icelandic horses. We spent a little time in Reykjavik too, enjoying the nightlife a bit, but the time we spent outside was the best part of the experience. The trip was otherworldly and left us wanting to return. Fortunately, anniversaries provide a great reason to go back!
Dan Patrick
http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/honeymoon-in-paradise-714411.html
Posted on Apr 11, 2010 under Pacific Beaches |
Vacationers come to Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific coast of Mexico, to get away from it all. The vibrant culture, the fabulous restaurants, the long list of attractions combine to deliver an unbeatable destination. And those who have a luxurious Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta are almost guaranteed a great stay. No trip to Puerto Vallarta would feel like the “real thing,” though, without some time in the sun on the beach on Banderas Bay.
There are a number of lovely beaches in town, and more than a few beach lovers use them. For those who don’t mind putting on their walking shoes, though, a couple of beach experiences offering a bit of privacy and elbow room await just down the road. Grab a towel and some sun block and head out.
Conchas Chinas – Chinese Shells?
The nearest less-used beach, Playa Conchas Chinas, is just beyond Los Muertos beach on the south end of town. In fact, the beach path at the far end of Los Muertos beach will take you there. Although a trip to Conchas Chinas requires a walk from Playa Los Muertos or from the coastal road, the reward is worth the effort – a bit of peace and quiet on the beach.
It’s a bit misleading to refer to Conchas Chinas as a single beach; volcanic rock formations run to the sea to create a series of three small, secluded beaches. Visitors who spend an entire day at Conchas Chinas bring snacks and beverages because the vendors and pub owners haven’t landed here yet. Despite the quiet, laid-back environment, there is plenty to do; beach-goers fill their day swimming and snorkeling; exploring tide pools and collecting sea shells; and just enjoying each other’s company.
Las Gemelas – The Twins
Farther south along the bay, near the town of Mismaloya, lies Las Gemelas Beach. The name, Las Gemelas, means “the twins,” and it works for this spot, where you’ll discover two pretty little coves, each with its own beach, north and south. The north beach offers a bit more shade for those who need a break from the Pacific sun. Both beaches front on calm water, perfect for splashing with young children or floating with a cool beverage. On the other hand, it will disappoint if you’re looking for rollers to body surf.
If you are staying in a villa Puerto Vallarta, you will need to catch a ride to Las Gemelas; it’s too far to walk. You can always hire a cab, but the bus to Mismaloya is very affordable and it will stop at the El Presidente Hotel just above Gemelas South. Walk through the hotel to the beach and find yourself in another world. Relax. Sink into the soft white sand and seize the day in a quiet way.
Editor-123
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