Tag Archives: Florida

Bahamas-Out Islands, Belize, Bermuda, Caribbean, Central America, Florida, Hawaii, Key West, Maui, Plan, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, Trip Ideas

7 Islands to Visit Before the Holidays

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One of the best times of the year to squeeze in a trip is during the fall. November and early December are ideal as the crowds are gone, the rates are lower and the weather is void of storms. Here are some options for that last-minute getaway before the holiday season kicks in.

Puerto Rico

While the Island of Enchantment is a year-round destination the pre- winter season is ideal for a long weekend getaway. November is the official start of the holiday season as Christmas trees and lights are up early and the parties begin. Each town hosts the lighting of the Christmas tree adding decorations throughout the month accompanied by fireworks, traditional Christmas music and food. From November 2 through 30, 2019 town plazas turn into street festivals where artisans and food vendors set up stands for the continual celebrations. The island celebrates its discovery by Columbus on November 19. An official holiday, Discovery of Puerto Rico Day consists of parades, fairs and cultural activities and is celebrated in most towns.

Puerto Rico San Juan

While Old San Juan is magical on its own, it’s even more so during the holidays. The scenery changes as Christmas lights are added to churches, arches and plazas. Photo: Anita S/ Pixabay

Bermuda

The high season in this island nation is during the summer when the beaches, towns and restaurants are hopping. Off-season begins in November and runs through March when rates are lower and crowds have dispersed. And, Bermuda, warmed by the Gulf Stream holds onto its warm waters into November making a dip in the sea possible. During the fall the humidity is lower with cooler temperatures making outdoor activities more pleasant. Hike or bike along the Bermuda Railroad Trail that covers 18 miles. The abandoned tracks wind through lush vegetation and along rugged cliffs and bypass classic old bridges. Although September first isn’t a national holiday, it’s widely celebrated as the beginning of spiny lobster season, which lasts until March. The island’s favorite fare is offered at restaurants around Bermuda. You can even catch your dinner with a local licensed lobster diver and cook it that evening.

Bermuda South Shore Horseshoe Bay

Bermuda’s south coast is lined with pink sand beaches. One of the most famous crescents is the scenic Horseshoe Bay at the heart of South Shore Park. Photo: Bruce/Flickr

Maui

November is the transition month on Maui, right between the island’s dry and wet seasons. It’s the time when humpback whales return to frolic in the waters during their annual winter migration. The season runs through May and sightings are possible from shore as well as a variety of guided boat excursions. Visit Lahaina Arts Society at Lahaina Cannery Mall on Saturdays from November 9 to December 29, 2019. Local artists will be on hand to present and talk about their work. The outdoor festival features photography, paintings, pottery, jewelry and more. The Hawaii International Film Festival runs from November 21 to 23, 2019. Included in showings are documentaries, film shorts, experimental films, animations and digital works. The event reflects the diverse multicultural face of Hawaii supporting Asian and Pacific films.

Maui Lahaina

Dusk along the Front Street shops of Lahaina on Maui. For Christmas, the town’s 60-foot famous banyan tree is wrapped in thousands of Christmas lights. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson

Eleuthera

While sister, Harbour Island is known for its pink sands; Eleuthera boasts it’s own stretches of rosy hues. There are over 100 beaches to choose from ranging from blushing pinks to alabaster whites. Every Friday night brings a traditional Bahamian fish fry where you can sample a plate of peas n’ rice along with the fresh catch. Held at Anchor Bay in Governor’s Harbour, there are Bahamian dishes and specialties, music and dancing starting at 6:00 p.m. On November 30, the Ministry of Tourism Thanksgiving Crafter’s & Cultural Festival also takes place in Governor’s Harbour. It’s a chance to buy local hand made items and take in a fashion show, live band performances and see junkanoo dancers. To kick off the holiday season head to the annual tree lighting in the garden of the wellness center of the Cancer Society in Central Eleuthera on Saturday, December 7. The event includes live music, dancing and native foods.

Eleuthera

A quiet and tranquil beach scene at Current on Eleuthera in the Bahamas. The small quaint town is located in North Eleuthera. Photo: Trish Hartmann/Flickr

Key West

November brings cooler weather and lower humidity just right for exploring the streets, shops and galleries of this quaint town. Discover the literary history of Key West at Custom House Museum in an exhibit (November 1, 2019 through February 9, 2020) of writers who have found the laid-back character of Key West an ideal venue to pen their novels and plays. The holiday season kicks off with Harbor Walk of Lights at the Historic Seaport on November 22. Along the walk, you’ll see the Key West traditional tree made of foam trap floats, a pine decorated in a nautical theme and a lobster trap tree. Check out the Key West Film Festival that runs from November 20 to 24, 2019 showcasing multiple genres and categories. Films and events are hosted at landmark venues throughout the town.

Key West

Sunset cruises are are a common scene at Mallory Square in Key West. Guests enjoy champagne, wine and cheese and await the green flash. Photo: J. Philipp Krone/Flickr

St. Barth

It’s the seaside sophistication of St. Tropez blended with the laid- back Caribbean lifestyle that fascinates visitors coming to this French isle. High season begins mid-December so getting a room or villa from November through early December is doable. The beaches won’t be vacant but it will be easier to find a spot on the sand at one of the sixteen white strands. November 20 to 24, 2019 draws sailors from around the world to the annual St. Barth Cata Cup, a regatta of small catamarans. The Formula 18 catamaran race starts and ends at St. Jean Beach. Christmas is big on the island and every year the port of Gustavia is decked out with lights and holiday décor transforming the harbor into the Christmas Village (December 6 to 22, 2019) where shops, galleries and food outlets become one meandering holiday market. Visiting yachts come in for the season transforming the harbor into a canvas of glistening watercraft.

St. Barth Gustavia

Gustavia Harbor in St. Barth lights up around the holidays with trees, Christmas decorations and visiting yachts strung up with lights. Photo: Martin Varsavsky/Flickr

Belize

Belize offers a slew of activities for the adventure seeker. While many come to dive and snorkel the 180 miles of coral reefs others come for land-based activities like hiking, and exploring caves and Maya ruins. One of the most celebrated holidays is Garifuna Settlement Day, which takes place each year on November 19th. While the Garifuna only make up 4 % of the population of Belize, their cultural contributions play a big part in today’s society. The traditional event includes drumming, street dancing and parades and traditional Garifuna foods. Each year the coastal town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye lights up along the water during the San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade where spectators gather along the shoreline, docks and seaside bars as the boats pass by on Saturday December 7, 2019.

Belize Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is just one of the small Caribbean islands of Belize with balmy breezes and turquoise waters. Visitors come to bird watch, kayak and dive the Barrier Reef. Photo: amon1500/Pixabay

 

 

Oahu Hawaii Outrigger Waikiki Beach
Barbados, Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii, Islands, Key West, Oahu, Oceania, Plan, St. Kitts, Tahiti, Trip Ideas

Christmas, Island Style

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If your idea of a white Christmas involves ivory colored sands, accented by palm tree green and ocean blues, then you need to head for the tropics, where islanders celebrate the holiday season in unique ways that combine familiar traditions with elements of the local culture and setting. To help you start planning, here are six idyllic destinations where you can experience Christmas island style.

Hawaii

Christmas is a big event in Hawaii, but they do things island style. Santa sheds his polar garb in favor of board shorts and an Aloha shirt, and trades his sleigh in for an outrigger canoe pulled by dolphins. Locals decorate palm trees with lights and sing carols in the Hawaiian language accompanied by ukulele, but they also cue up for the arrival of the Christmas ships that bring more traditional pines from the mainland. You may see locals adding a Santa hat to their swimsuits, and call out “Mele Kalikimaka” as they head to the beach. Christmas dinner is served luau-style, with a roast pig as the centerpiece. The best place to catch all the tropical traditions of the season is at Waikiki Beach, with a stay at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, where the trees are decorated with tiny flip flops and surfboards, and hula performers replace Christmas carolers. This is also where Santa paddles his outrigger canoe ashore each year to have breakfast with hotel guests.

Oahu Outrigger Aloha Christmas

At Oahu’s Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, the lobby Christmas tree provides a traditional reminder of the season, while ukulele tunes and bare feet proclaim: “you are in the islands.” Photo: Outrigger Waikiki

St. Kitts

Forget the twelve days of Christmas. On the island of St. Kitts, the holiday season lasts from late November through the first of January. This is the time of the Sugar Mas, an island-wide celebration that combines elements of Carnival with English Yuletide traditions. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, streets are filled with a series of colorful parades and processions. Clowns, stilt-walking moko jumbies and troupes of street performers dance to the rhythms of soca and calypso music, while pageant contestants showcase elaborate costumes. Christmas provides a brief respite as families and friends gather for special holiday meals, then the party returns with J’ouvert, when costumed dancers fill the streets of Basseterre on Boxing Day. The six-week celebration culminates with the Grand Parade on January first. All are welcome at these street parties, but guests who want to mix revelry with relaxation might want to choose a quieter setting for their home base. A favorite is Belle Monte Farm, where cottages sit within a 400-acre farm on the foothills of Mount Liamuiga. This setting provides an authentic sense of local culture, while also reward palates with exceptional dining opportunities.

St. Kitts Holiday Dish

In St. Kitts, Christmas is a time to enjoy the island’s national dish, which showcases flavors of the island with stewed salt fish and spicy plantains, seasoned breadfruit and coconut dumplings. Photo: St. Kitts Tourism Authority

Fiji

In the Islands of Fiji, the Christmas season is about family, fellowship and food. Beginning several weeks before Christmas Day, homes are decorated with candles, lamps and ribbons, and entire communities come together to sing and perform traditional dances. Christmas Eve is the time for traditional lovo feasts, and a special holiday dish is palusami, which is spiced mutton wrapped in leaves and cooked in coconut cream. On Christmas Day, most islanders head to church in the morning, then head to the beach for more food and fellowship. The best ways for visitors to tap into the community spirit is with a stay at a small property such as Navini Island Resort, which is located on a small coral cay near Malolo Island, and accommodates just 20 guests in ten traditional villas. On Christmas morning, the staff begins Christmas Day by singing carols outside of guest villas, and all are invited to partake in a Christmas service. In the evening, the kitchen also serves a traditional western Christmas dinner complete with plum pudding.

Fiji Yasawa Islands

Singing is a core element of Fijian culture. At Christmas time, traditional choirs may perform a mixture of Polynesian folk tunes and European carols. Photo: Chris McLennan/Tourism Fiji

Bora Bora

In the two weeks leading up to Christmas, the island of Bora Bora is humming with preparations. The town of Vaitape becomes the site of Le Village de Noel—the Christmas Fair. Here on the town’s central square, vendors set up stalls that offer a wide variety of local products that includes shell and mother of pearl jewelry to hand-made clothing, colorful pottery and traditional musical instruments. The market overflows with local fruits and flowers, and crowds browse to the sounds of ukuleles and guitar music. An island-wide party takes place on the Saturday before Christmas, beginning with a parade of colorful floats, followed by a night of dancing and dining from ‘roulottes‘, the island’s iconic mobile restaurants. On Sunday, crowds gather once again for Christmas caroling, with performances from island choirs. Visitors can complement these public events with a private holiday celebration at the Four Seasons Resort, where the first class festive package begins with an arrival by private chartered jet and a stay at a premier over-water bungalow. Participants are treated to a special five- course dinner on Christmas Eve, and an even more sumptuous nine-course New Year’s Eve feast, followed by fireworks on the beach.

Bora Bora Christmas Four Seasons

At the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, the deck at the Sunset Bar becomes the setting for memorable celebrations at Christmas time and New Years. Photo: Timothy Joyce/Flickr

Barbados

On an island where Caribbean and British cultures blend with seamless ease, holiday traditions dating from the old country still hold sway. Radio stations play traditional carols, homes and businesses are decorated in festive arrays, downtown Bridgetown glows under red and green holiday lights, and even the traffic roundabouts are transformed to depict Christmas themes. Locals don their seasonal best to attend the annual Christmas morning service at Queen’s Park, with music performed by the Royal Barbados Police Force Band. Christmas dinner is another cherished tradition, and centerpieces of this meal are great cake, jug-jug and clove-studded ham. Jug-jug is a traditional dish inspired by the Scottish dish known as haggis. The Barbados version is made with pigeon peas, guinea corn flour, herbs and salted meat. Great cake is a seasonal favorite made with dried fruits and generous quantities of liquor. Visitors can sample this traditional fare on the Christmas day luncheon at The Crane. This landmark hotel embraces the spirit of the season with lights, nightly caroling and special holiday menus.

Barbados Christmas

The Barbados Royal Police Band ushers in the Christmas season with traditional Christmas tunes during the annual Caroling on the Green concert in St. James, Barbados. Photo: Andrew Browne/Barbados Tourism

Key West

The town of Key West lights up for the Christmas season—literally. There is the lighted boat parade, the lighted bicycle parade, the City Lights tour aboard the Old Town Trolley, and the Harbor Walk of Lights, featuring whimsical Christmas trees created from lobster traps, fishing floats and other nautical paraphernalia. Organized walking tours of the historic district visit festively lit inns and take in private homes decked out for the season. And not all the events are visual, as there are also performances of Christmas music, The Nutcracker Ballet, Handel’s Messiah, and more. And as expected from a town that loves its parties, Christmas celebrations meld into the island’s legendary New Year’s pageants and parades. Most festivities take place in the downtown district centered around Duval Street. The best place to stay for a Key West Christmas is the Pier House. Here, guests can enjoy a private swath of beach and spectacular sunsets yet are just a few blocks away from the action.

Key West Holidays Dewey House

Like many of Key West’s downtown inns and guesthouses, the Dewey House Bed & Breakfast celebrates the holiday spirit with Christmas decorations and lights. Photo: Florida Keys News Bureau

Duck Key
Florida, Florida Keys, Key West, Palm Beach, South Walton, St. Pete Beach

Florida Fall Beach Resort Specials

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Ah Fall. Football, leaf season, a hint of chill in the air. If you are ready to flip the script on the autumn season, why not plan one more escape to the beach. And there’s no need to max out the credit card to do so because resorts across the state of Florida are offering special enticements and savings to travelers who show up after the summer rush. Here are four top picks.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa

Escape to Florida’s Emerald Coast with the Beauty & The Beach package and you’ll enjoy special rates and complimentary perks such as daily breakfasts and spa treatments. This 2,100-acre property is located on one of the Gulf of Mexico’s best powder- soft sand beaches, and includes a championship golf course, three pools, award-winning dining and the Serenity by the Sea Spa. There, you can indulge in signature treatments that incorporate sea salts and seawater pearls. In addition to a complimentary spa session, the package also provides 20 percent discounts on additional treatments. Experience the Serenity Sea Escape Facial, Seawater Tonic Wrap or splurge on the Tranquility half-day spa journey. Afterward, enjoy some retail therapy with a special shopping pass to the Silver Sands Premium Outlets. The package is available from September 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Minimum night stay is two nights and the package must be booked at least three days in advance. Rates start at $289 for a two or more night stay. www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com; use code PB; 800-559-1805

Sandestin Hilton

An admiral suite at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa rewards guests with panoramic views of Destin Beach and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Photo: Hilton Sandestin

Sirata Beach Resort

The all-inclusive lifestyle comes to St. Petersburg Beach, where the Sirata Beach Resort is offering luxury accommodations, fine dining, libations and a full range of resort amenities at special all- in-one rates. This family friendly hotel in St. Petersburg sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico surrounded by 13 acres of palm- shaded tropical landscape. Each luxury appointed guest suite features a separate bedroom, spacious living and dining area and a fully equipped kitchen; suites include garden, ocean or pool views. Amenities include three beachfront pools, two whirlpools, three award-winning restaurants, a fitness center, premier game room, bike share service, live music, family activities, water sports and more. All inclusive package rates include all taxes and gratuities, and will be available all year. Packages start at $399 per night for two guests in a one-bedroom king, with a four night minimum stay. Additional adult guests are $150 per night per person. Children 12 and under are an additional $75 per person per night. www.sirata.com; 877-214-0421

Sirata Beach Resort St Pete

Sirata Beach Resort sits in a prime section of St. Petersburg Beach. This location combines ocean views with easy access to area attractions such as shops, galleries and museums. Photo: Sirata Beach

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

This fall, you can vacation like the other half for a third less. The Eau Palm Beach Resort is one of only two Forbes Five-Star resorts on this upscale island, situated on a private beach with seven acres of oceanfront with lush tropical gardens, breathtaking ocean views and cooling tropical breezes. All guest rooms and suites offer private balconies with ocean, pool and gardens views. Suites have separate bedroom, living room and two bathrooms. Club level rooms include a personal concierge, four indulgent meal periods in the Eric Villency designed Club Lounge, unlimited featured beer and wine selections, and daily pressing service. The resort features five restaurants, a fitness center with, spinning, yoga and Pilates classes, three Har-try clay courts, two pools, a range of child and youth programs and a 42,000-square- foot spa. Stay a minimum of three nights through October 31, 2017 and get the third night on the house. Enjoy! www.eaupalmbeach.com; 844-482-1788

Eau Palm

The Eau Palm Beach Resort is an upscale oceanfront enclave of luxury. A recent redesign of the property’s 309 rooms and suites showcase the design work and furnishings of Johnathan Alder. Photo: Eau Palm Beach

Hawks Cay Resort

It’s a tropical island you can drive to. Hawks Cay sits on the small island of Duck Key, half way between Key Largo and Key West, and just a short causeway away from the Overseas Highway. The resort’s 60-acre grounds face a private lagoon with direct access to coral reefs and the aquamarine water of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests enjoy offshore, flats and backcountry fishing, diving, kayaking, kite boarding and standup paddle boarding programs. The resort boasts 177 guestrooms and 250 two- and three- bedroom villas, a full-service marina, six restaurants, saltwater lagoon, five swimming pools, kid and teen clubs and the award- winning Calm Waters Spa. During the fall, the resort is offering the Fall into the Keys activities special that includes a $50 dining credit, half-hour kayak rental for two, half-hour paddleboard rental for two and one-hour bicycle rental for two. The package is available when two or more guests book a three night or more stay. Bookings must be prepaid and travel completed by December 21, 2017. www.hawkscay.com

Hawks Cay

Hawk’s Cay is a small slice of the Caribbean set in the heart of the Florida Keys. Its waterfront location makes it a favorite with divers, fishermen and boaters. Photo: Jason Stemple/Hawks Cay

 

 

Juvia Miami
Eat, Florida, Miami, Miami Beach, South Beach, Trip Ideas

Miami’s Best Rooftop Bars

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The streets of Miami’s South Beach district pulsate with chic sidewalk cafes and clubs, and downtown’s Brickell district is also trending. But there’s another side to the scene that is best enjoyed from above. A select number of rooftop bars add sweeping views of city and ocean to the menu. Here are three local favorites.

1 Hotel South Beach

This is our top choice for a cool, relaxed vibe. The 1 Hotel offers big views of Miami Beach and the Atlantic Ocean from a rooftop bar some 170 feet above the sand. This elevated space includes an adults-only pool, a lounge/cabana and the Watr At the 1, which serves up tempting Polynesian/Asian fusion tastes. The setting draws a chic crowd, and DJs keep the grove going. If you are not a guest at the hotel, you can still visit; enjoy cocktails and a nosh while soaking in the views anytime after 5 p.m. during the week, and all day on the weekends. www.1hotels.com/south- beach

1 Hotel South Beach

On the rooftop deck of 1 Hotel South Beach, a collection of comfortable couches and conversation pits create a relaxed setting for intimate al fresco gatherings with ocean views. Photo: 1 Hotel

Juvia

Juvia rises above the bustle of Lincoln Road to deliver all-around views of Miami Beach and the city. If you want be part of the see- and-be-seen crowd, this is the spot to go. Just be sure to ditch your cheesy souvenir Sobe t-shirts and come dressed to impress. It’s more of a nightspot, versus daytime hangout for the trendy. Come for cocktails only, or splurge on dinner from the exhibition kitchen, which serves up an eclectic mix of French, Japanese and Peruvian dishes. www.juviamiami.com

Juvia Miami Beach

The dining area at Juvia is flanked by a unique vertical garden created by French botanist Patrick Blanc, who drew design inspirations from the natural order of tropical rainforest canopies. Photo: Juvia

Sugar

Sugar at East Hotel is a rooftop oasis in the hip downtown Brickell district. Set high on the 40th floor, with lush plants and trees that create a unique Asian jungle vibe, it’s a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown Miami’s financial district below. Go for happy hour and enjoy stunning views of the bay all the way to the ocean. Go at night, and take in the bright city lights of Miami’s mini “New York.” If you do opt for going after 10 p.m., be prepared to wait in line and make sure you are dressed appropriately! http://www.sugar-miami.com/

Sugar East Hotel

The rooftop gardens at Miami’s East Hotel creates a unique setting for Sugar, where patrons gather at an intricately carved bar to enjoy signature cocktails and Asian tapas. Photo: Sugar

Key West Parrot Key
Florida, Florida Keys, Key West, Stay

Key West’s Most Unique Hotels

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Key West has a wide range of places to stay, from ultra-lux resorts to cozy B&Bs. If you are looking for something a little different, and with an authentic island vibe, these three hotels should be at the top of your list.

The Perry Hotel, Stock Island Marina

Paying homage to Key West’s maritime heritage, the edgy design of this boutique hotel blends reclaimed woods and weathered metals into hip and modern spaces. For the lobby, Florida artist Daniel Siefert created a sculpture wall made of boat propellers, hand crafted in weathered copper patinas. Other artwork includes paintings and photography by Leo Gullick, who works with a contemporary vision in abstract and saturated colors. On the walls, images of rusted and weathered boats and tarnished nautical rusty relics mix with weathered portholes, vintage tools and a steer skull, all reminders of the property’s Stock Island history as a working boatyard and cattle yard.

Key West Perry Hotel Pool

The pool at The Perry Hotel is a focal point of resort activity, with private cabanas, a casual pool bar to one side, and an upscale outdoor dining area on the other. Photo: Perry Hotel

This 100-room boutique property sits between a mangrove forest and the new state-of-the-art 220-slip Stock Island Marina. Rooms have oversized patios or balconies to allow the sea breeze to keep afternoons cool and water views to gaze at the blue-green Atlantic. Fishing and boating are close by and guests have kayaking, snorkeling and paddle boarding for active days. With two restaurants on site, waterfront dining and sunset views complement the boat-to-table cuisine. Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar features a communal chef’s table, while the Salty Oyster Dockside Bar and Grill offers a casual menu. The hotel got its name from legendary Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who was the first to plant the American flag on Key West, declaring it U.S. Territory in 1822.

The Perry Hotel Key West

A grand suite bedroom at The Perry Hotel takes full advantage of the harbor view, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a shaded terrace for added outdoor living space. Photo: Perry Hotel

NYAH, (Not Your Average Hotel)

The name says it best. This compact downtown property puts a different spin on a Key West vacation, and encourages you to bring the whole gang. A unique transforming bed arrangement, known as build your own room, allows anywhere from two to six people to share a room at the same rate, without anyone having to sleep on a rollaway or sleeper sofa. Instead, the furnishings flip and flop to reveal bunk beds, doubles and even kings, all fitted with premium memory foam mattresses and 300-count linens. Couples can book a private room, and solo travelers have the option of hostel-style dorm rooms at very attractive rates.

NYAH Pool

Decks and balconies at the NYAH hotel overlook an oasis-like outdoor space that includes three pools and two hot tubs, all arranged to encourage social mingling. Photo: Paul Stoppi/NYAH

But the NYAH is no bare-bones youth hostel. From the street the hotel appears to be a private Key West home, with a white picket fence and the typical Key West front porch running the length of the building. Inside the world changes to modern, cool, and trendy. There are no B&B-style doodads draped or hanging around, no bright flashy colors; just subdued colors that bring the outdoors in by reflecting the colors of the sand and sea. There are three pools, two hot tubs and plenty of deck space to hang out and enjoy wine and cheese during happy hour. In keeping with the “bring the gang” vibe, the hotel organizes daily activities from bike rides to snorkel trips, and all are welcome. The shopping and party scene of Duval Street is just three blocks away; close enough for an easy stroll, but also far enough to be away from the crowds.

NYAH Rooms Key West

Rooms at the NYAH feature beds that convert from singles to doubles or bunk beds. Each sleeping station provides premium memory-foam mattresses and USB charging ports. Photo: Paul Stoppi/NYAH

Parrot Key Resort

If ocean views, privacy and plenty of elbowroom are must-have amenities for your Key West vacation, then this is your resort. Set on five waterfront acres overlooking Florida Bay, Parrot Key has the look and feel of a private Caribbean island. Front porches on the Conch-style cottages are furnished with brightly painted Adirondack chairs, and open to colorful tropical gardens and a swath of palm-shaded white sand. Guest rooms are larger than at other area hotels, with choices including garden views rooms, water view one and two bedroom suites and large three bedroom private villas that can sleep up to eight.

Parrot Key Florida Key West

Lush landscaping, ocean views and the traditional Key West Conch architecture of Parrot Key’s guest cottages set the tone for a barefoot luxury experience. Photo: Greg Wilson/Parrot Key

Located just two miles away from Key West’s Old Town, the resort is a quiet oasis that has everything you need. Furnishings, fabrics and pottery throughout the property are inspired by the colors of the parrot. There are four pools, each with their own unique personality enhanced by whimsical art displays. Water sports enthusiasts will find a wide range of opportunities, from more sedate pastimes such as kayaking, paddle board tours and sunset cruises to wild dolphin safaris and parasailing. Bicycles are available to ride through the wandering paths of the resort, or venture into downtown Key West. Or, if poolside relaxation is the order of the day, the Café Blue can supply the libations. At the end of the day, the place to be is the Sunset Pier to watch the sky turn shades of orange as the sun sinks below the waters of Florida Bay.

Key West Parrot Key Room

The bright blues and red colors of a room at the Parrot Key are inspired by the resort’s namesake bird. Water views are accentuated by French doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. Photo: Parrot Key

 

Fort Lauderdale Beach
Florida, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, South Walton, St. Pete Beach

Florida’s Best Memorial Day Parties

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Memorial Day is certainly a time when we should pause to remember and honor those who gave service to our country. But it’s also a three-day weekend, and the start of the summer season. Cities across the State of Florida will celebrate the holiday with concerts and beach parties. Here are six of the best.

Great American Beach Party, Fort Lauderdale Beach

The Venice of America kicks off the summer season in style with an all-day beach party. Seven bands perform everything from surf rock and oldies to funk and country. There are plenty of vendors, food and drink, and activities that include a sand castle building contest, classic car show, family fun zone and a military tribute to our service men and women. It all starts at 10 a.m., Saturday May 27.

Sunset Music Festival, Tampa

On Saturday, May 27th and Sunday, May 28th, fans will gather to dance the weekend away to the hottest acts in electronic music. More than 50,000 are expected to fill Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium to take in performances by more than 40 artists on three stages. Headliners include Major Lazer, RL Grime, Above & Beyond and Zeds Dead.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jacksonville

Now in its 36th year, this event has grown to become one of the country’s largest jazz festivals. From May 25 to 28, a 15-block area of Jacksonville’s downtown will be transformed into a lively street festival, with local food, art, vendors and live jazz on three stages. The all-star lineup of performers includes jazz icons and Grammy winners such as Chic Corea, the Rippingtons, Commodores and the Pacific Mambo Orchestra.

Taste of Brickell Food & Wine Festival, Miami

Exceptional tastes from more than 40 of Miami’s premier restaurants will be complemented by fine wines and spirits when the 6th annual Taste of Brickell returns to downtown Miami on Saturday, May 27. Festivalgoers will enjoy gourmet samplings, cooking demonstrations, and interactions with featured vendors. The event also includes live concerts throughout the day and evening, an exotic car exhibit, and arts and crafts booths.

Johnny Chisholm’ s Memorial Weekend Party

In a tradition dating back to the 1960s, LGBTQ groups from across America will gather at Pensacola Beach over the Memorial Day weekend. Since 1991, a weekend-long series of celebration has been organized by nightclub owner Johnny Chisholm. Nightly happenings include stage shows, costume contests, dances and concerts. The party runs from Thursday, May 25th through Monday, May 29th.

Bands on the Sand, Treasure Island

This small oceanfront community just west of St. Petersburg will once again host Bands in the Sand. This two-day beach party and music festival kicks off on May 25th with a lineup that includes some of the top names in the Tampa Bay music scene. Now in its ninth year, this family friendly event includes food, art exhibits and crafts tables. The grand finale of the event is a fireworks show over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Clearwater Beach Opal Sands Resort
Clearwater Beach, Florida, Stay, Trip Ideas

Clearwater Beach’s Newest Artful Resorts

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With its powder fine white sands and turquoise waters, Clearwater Beach has long been known as one of Florida’s finest stretches of coastline. But not one of the most sophisticated. Resorts along this two-mile barrier island have long trended towards comfortable and family-friendly. But the scene is evolving, thanks in part to a pair of sister properties that blend art and architectural elegance into the town’s oceanfront vibe.

Sandpearl Resort

Modern beach casual meets Old Florida hospitality in this four- diamond resort. The narrative begins in the lobby, which is dubbed “The Living Room.” Here, clusters of comfortable seating are flanked by sculptures of sea turtles and egrets, and walls are hung with artwork and vintage images depicting the history of Clearwater Beach. Throughout the hotel, paintings, mosaics, and artwork by Floridian artists continue the theme, and include some signature works by noted narrative mural artist Christopher Still. The design scheme in both public areas and rooms employs a combination of warm and neutral tones complemented with wood accents and beach-inspired patterns.

Clearwater Sandpearl Sunset

Indoor and outdoor living spaces merge on the grounds of the Sandpearl Resort. The powder soft sands of Clearwater Beach are just steps away from guest rooms. Photo: Sandpearl

Rooms have either bayside views of downtown across Mandalay Bay, or expansive vistas of the Gulf of Mexico beyond the white glistening sands of Clearwater Beach. Once settled in, guests can relax around a climate controlled, zero-entry pool, which is styled as a tropical lagoon. The Tate Island Grill is nearby. In addition to chaises and towel service, there are cabanas available for rent, set up with fans, couches, refrigerators and more. Beachside are chaises set under yellow and white umbrellas, and seaside cabanas set front and center on the 700 feet of white sand beach.

Pool Sandpearl Resort Clearwater

The pool deck at the Sandpearl Resort is a focal point of guest activity, offering food and beverage service, private cabanas and immediate access to the beach. Photo: Sandpearl

Opal Sands Resort

Sitting at the southwestern end of Clearwater Beach, the Opal Sands takes full advantage of available water views. Every guest room and suite in this contemporary chic property delivers unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico. To complement the scenery, the Duncan Miller Ullmann design team tapped a coastal- inspired palette based on natural colors and touches of blue and turquoise. An art tour of the property is a must, as local artist Christopher Stills was commissioned to create and curate works that celebrate the natural beauty of Clearwater Beach. Also represented is sculptor Mark Aeling, who created a series of works in metal and glass that mimic the serene landscapes of the coast.

Resort Pool Clearwater Opal Sands

The color palate on the pool deck of the Opal Sands Resort was chosen to reflect the colors of the sky, sand and waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Photo: Opal Sands

Well-appointed rooms include large balconies to take in the water views, and interiors where subdued warm tones complement unique and original works of art. Resort amenities include a zero entry pool and hot tub, an on-site spa and a fitness center with ocean views. Casual beachfront dining can be at the Sandbar cafe, while the signature Sea-Guini restaurant features regional Italian- themed creations sourced from local farmers and fishermen. A highlight of any stay is the sunset hour, which can be enjoyed from private balconies, or at the waterfront tiki bar.

Opal Sands Resort Clearwater

Rooms and suites at the Opal Sands Resort employ subdued warm and neutral tones that complement the views, and showcase the regionally themed artwork. Photo: Opal Sands

1 Hotel South Beach
Florida, Miami, Miami Beach, Play, South Beach, Stay, Trip Ideas

Best Pools in South Beach

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On Miami’s South Beach, pool culture isn’t just about getting wet. From private cabanas and chair side concierge services to DJs and afternoon-into-the-night parties, the best pools are places where the beautiful people mingle and indulge. Favorites come and go, but for the moment, these are the places to be.

Delano South Beach

Just steps from the sand, this classic infinity-edged beauty continues to hold a prime position on the A List of SoBe’s pool decks. Chaise lounges set under white market umbrellas provide a cool, breezy venue for relaxation or taking in the scene, while a flanking row of canopies provide private couches and day beds where one can order up libations, spa services and noshes from Chef Brian Massie’s award-winning kitchen.

Delano Pool Miami

The classic rectangular pool at the Delano has long been a favorite gathering place of the glamorous crowd, as well as the site of South Beach’s longest running Sunday pool party. Photo: Delano

At night, the scene takes a sensuous turn as subtle lighting transforms the Philippe Starck-designed landscape, and cabanas become settings for tete-a-tete meetups. Not to be missed are Privileged Sundays, which are the hottest ticket on the beach, with resident DJs, dancers and body-painted models setting the scene from mid day through sunset. Visit: https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/delano/delano-south-beach/pool-beach/beach-club

Nautilus South Beach, A Sixty Hotel

Following a sweeping renovation and update, this Collins Avenue classic quickly became a local’s favorite. Within the lavish landscaping of an expansive private garden, teak decks lead from beach to the Nautilus pool. This chic oasis enhances warm saltwater immersions with an in-water sound system. In addition to the requisite collection of poolside daybeds and lounges, there are eight private cabanas offering dining tables, minibars and entertainment system.

Nautilus Pool Miami

The saltwater pool at the Nautilus lures a mix of sophisticated locals and international travelers, offering an underwater sound system and lavish private cabanas. Photo: Nautilus South Beach

A lively waterside bar serves signature cocktails and tempting bites, and just steps away is the Nautilus Cabana Club. This signature venue features both indoor and outdoor dining experiences based on locally sourced ingredients. The pool deck is a favorite setting for special events, and a regular weekly highlight is Rosé Sundays Brunch, which is followed by a pool party with cabana rentals and DJ sounds. Visit: http://www.sixtyhotels.com/nautilus-south-beach/

1 Hotel South Beach

Guests at 1 Hotel have four pools and more than 50 daybeds and cabanas to choose from. But it is the newly reopened rooftop option that draws Miami’s in crowd. Perched atop this 17-story landmark property is a 110-foot-long pool that is Miami Beach’s largest rooftop water feature. Delivering stunning views of island and ocean, this adults-only setting features a quarter-acre deck served by a rooftop restaurant and lounge.

1 Hotel Rooftop

Set on the 17th story rooftop, the adults-only pool at 1 Hotel delivers sweeping views of Miami Beach. On Sundays, it is a popular party scene. Photo: 1 Hotel South Beach

There are intimate two-person daybeds and cozy cabanas, plus a lavish rooftop living room cabana that can accommodate parties of up to 20. Show up for Organic Sundays to sample gourmet offerings and launch a day of sun and fun with a brunch that morphs into an all-day pool party. This event can draw a crowd, so it’s best to reserve a table or VIP cabana to ensure admission. Visit: https://www.1hotels.com/south-beach

The Miami Beach Edition

More than a pool, the decks and lushly landscaped outdoor spaces of Tropicale at the Miami Beach Edition were inspired by the classic beach clubs of Havana. The beachfront setting includes expansive lawn with games, outdoor movie nights and more. The property’s iconic 1950s-era swimming pool is now restored and includes a period diving board, while a second pool is surrounded by custom teak lounges and custom private cabanas with oversize daybeds, mini refrigerators, private safes and televisions.

Miami Beach Edition Pool

The original 1950s-era pool at the Miami Beach Edition has been meticulously restored and updated, but still includes a classic high dive platform. Photo: Miami Beach Edition

The Matador Bar sits in the shade, surrounded by beautiful greenery, while the landmarked Sundial restaurant and bar offers a palate of fresh and light menu selections with the option of poolside or beachfront dining. For a refreshing change after the heat of the day, you can head downstairs to Basement, an entertainment complex that includes a nightclub, bowling alley and an indoor ice skating rink. Visit: http://www.editionhotels.com/miami-beach

 

 

The Brando
Belize, Central America, Florida, Guatemala, Islands, Oceania, Stay, Tahiti, Trip Ideas

The Best Celebrity Owned Resorts

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Fame has its perks, but even sophisticated jet setters may appreciate a bit of home-style comforts when they travel. For a select few stars, this wish has translated not just into favorite stays, but actual ownership where they are able to put their personal stamp on every detail of the property’s ambiance, décor and services. Here are five premier resorts formed and transformed by star power.

Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

When film director Francis Ford Coppola discovered an abandoned jungle camp deep in the jungles of Belize, he transformed it into a family retreat. A decade later, he opened the Blancaneaux Lodge to the public as a 20-room luxury hideaway. Here, nestled in the lush foliage of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, a collection of thatched roof cabanas perch above a rushing jungle creek where waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools. Each cabana is finished in a regional Guatemalan décor, with unique native art and local textiles. Some offer private plunge pools, outdoor showers and open-air living rooms with kitchens.

Belize Biancaneaux Lodge

The dining terrace of Blancaneaux Lodge’s Montagna Ristorante serves classic southern Italian fare and surrounds guests with lush rainforest vegetation. Photo: Coppola Resorts

The lodge’s Montagna Ristorante features classic Italian cuisine with a special focus on Coppola family recipes drawn from the Basilicata region. Daily activities include hikes into the forest reserve, horseback rides, orchid hunts, mountain biking and tours of Mayan archeological sites. The Waterfall Spa specializes in the art of Thai massage, and features a professionally trained staff that has studied ancient techniques in Bangkok.

Belize Biancaneaux Lodge

Deep in the rainforests of western Belize, a hillside cabana at the Blancaneaux Lodge sits on a cliff above the flowing waters of a jungle stream. Photo: Coppola Resorts

Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, Vero Beach, Florida

The décor says Miami-modern, but this beachfront retreat is far removed from the hustle of South Beach. Music icons Gloria and Emilio Estefan lent their personal touches on every aspect of Costa d’Este, from the sea grass furniture and teak paneling to the iconic porthole windows. Sitting on 1,000 feet of golden sand in the heart of the quiet central Florida town of Vero Beach, this waterfront retreat is designed for unpretentious luxury. Each of the property’s 94 guest rooms and suites feature outdoor patios and balconies that usher in sea breezes and ocean vistas. The resort’s oceanfront pool deck takes a page directly from Collins Avenue properties, with manicured palms and market umbrellas shading parallel lines of chaise lounges.

Costa D Este Vero

Guest rooms at the Costa d’Este feature state-of-the-art electronics and are decorated in Miami modern style, with subdued warm tones that complement ocean views. Photo: Costa d’Este

Fine dining is a keystone of the Costa d’Este experience, and the acclaimed Wave Kitchen & Bar takes a creative approach to the culinary arts, utilizing fresh seafood and locally sourced produce in a range of original creations and select Cuban specialties. Another signature of Chef Armando Galeas’ menu is a special emphasis on premium wines and hand cut steaks. There is a full-service spa on site, and a range of water sports to enjoy, including ocean kayaking, paddleboards and snorkeling.

Vero Costa De Este

At first glance, you might think you were chilling poolside on South Beach, but the Costa d’Este Beach Resort sits well to the north in the quiet town of Vero Beach. Photo: Costa d’Este

Turtle Inn, Belize

This intimate beachside inn is a world away from high rises and tourism corridors. It sits on a narrow peninsula in the wilds of southern Belize, flanked by the Caribbean Sea and the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon. Francis and Eleanor Coppola acquired this beachside hideaway in 2001 and transformed it into a relaxing refuge that could also become a base for adventures on land and sea. The Belize barrier reef lies just offshore, offering coral gardens for snorkelers and divers to enjoy, and expansive flats for exploration by fishermen and kayakers. To the west, the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak rise above wetlands and rainforests that is home to monkeys, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles and jaguars.

Belize Turtle Inn

The palm-lined beach at the Turtle Inn provides a quiet and secluded setting on Belize’s unspoiled southern coast, with coral reefs just offshore. Photo: Coppola Resorts

After a day of adventure, guests can relax in thatched cottages decorated with handcrafted Balinese furnishings, Japanese baths and outdoor showers. Open floor plans usher in the ever-present sea breezes, and white sand beaches are just steps away from private decks. For those seeking the ultimate escape, the Inn also offers a private island villa that can only be reached by boat. The Turtle Inn is also home to the Mare Restaurant, which serves traditional Italian cuisines with an emphasis on fresh-caught local fish and vegetables from the on-site organic garden. For local flavors, guests also have the option of Auntie Luba’s Kitchen, the resort’s authentic Belizean diner, which serves regional fare in a setting overlooking the waters of Placencia Lagoon.

Belize Turtle Inn

The chefs at the Turtle Inn’s Mare restaurant pair local seafood with fruits and vegetables grown at the resort’s on-site gardens and groves. Photo: Coppola Resorts

The Brando

The island of Tetiaroa is home to one of the world’s most idyllic resorts. Once the exclusive retreat of Tahitian royalty, this private enclave delivers all the elements expected of a South Seas paradise, from swaying coconut palms to white sand beaches and a sparkling lagoon. Tetiaroa first caught the eye of Marlon Brando while scouting locations for his iconic movie, Mutiny on the Bounty. Years later, he would return to fulfill his vision of creating an eco-friendly resort that would both showcase and protect the island’s biodiversity and pristine environment.

Brando

Beachfront villas at The Brando are spaced around the island for privacy. Each offers separate bedrooms and social areas with high ceilings and large windows. Photo: The Brando

A 20-minute flight from Tahiti brings guests to the all-inclusive grounds of The Brando, where a collection of 35 beachfront villas are spread out across the island to provide serene privacy for each guest. Each 1,000-square foot villa includes separate sitting rooms that merge indoor and outdoor spaces, along with a private media room, pool and large windows that frame lagoon views through a screen of pandanus, miki miki, and coconut trees. A pair of signature restaurants showcases Polynesian inspired dishes, East-West fusion and classic French cuisine. Amenities include an on-site spa, tennis courts, library and cultural center, two bars, a large infinity pool and an environmental research station with guest programs.

Brando

On the private island of Tetiaroa, villas at The Brando feature private pools, outdoor living areas and secluded settings where lush landscaping frames beach views. Photo: The Brando

La Lancha, Guatemala

A stay at La Lancha is akin to an invitation as a houseguest at a treasured family retreat. In fact, most every detail of this intimate 10-room lodge, from the furniture and fabrics to the locally sourced carvings that adorn each room, was personally selected by the Coppola family. The property sits on a rainforest-clad bluff above the sparkling waters of Guatemala’s Lake Petén Itza. Just across the lake are the cobblestone streets of the colonial- era town of Flores, and the area is home to a number of significant Mayan sites, including the expansive ruins of Tikal, where ancient temples rise above jungle green.

La Lancha Guatemala

At La Lancha lodge, locally sourced materials, traditional Guatemalan architecture and handcrafted accents create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Photo: La Lancha

The area’s rainforests offer a wide range of eco-experiences, from relaxing hikes and birding tours to adventures such as aerial walkways, zip lines, and jungle horseback rides. The lake can be enjoyed by canoe, kayak, or tour boat. Each of the lodge’s Casitas is furnished with pieces sourced from Guatemalan producers, and feature locally made arts and crafts. Covered decks feature hammocks and lake views. An open-air restaurant situated under the thatch roof of the main lodge provides dramatic views of the forest canopy and Lago Petén Itzá. The menu features authentic Guatemalan dishes. In the evening, the lake itself becomes a source of entertainment, with dramatic color changes that shift from cobalt blue to turquoise, and then take on the warm glows of sunset.

Guatemala La Lancha

A path leading from hillside rooms at La Lancha lodge brings guests to a private deck on the inviting shores of Guatemala’s Lake Petén Itza. Photo: La Lancha