Displaying items by tag: Luxury Travel

Many of us have put our island vacation plans  on hold. When the time is right, these island destinations, not too far from home, will be eager to welcome you. 

St. Martin & Anguilla . 

After a long wait, you deserve double the fun.

And Belmond’s two island treat delivers. A unique package makes is possible to experience the dazzling beachside luxury at Belmond La Samanna on the Caribbean island of St Martin, paired with the pristine paradise you’ll discover at Belmond Cap Juluca on neighboring Anguilla.

At La Samanna, you’ll enjoy hiking adventures, island discovery tours, art programs and guest lecturers as well as al fresco massages, evening cruises and plenty of beach time.

Don your sun hat for the semi-private boat transfer to Anguilla and prepare to immerse yourselves in the dreamlike beauty of Cap Juluca,  where every room is a beachfront haven. Pristine white walls and Greco-Moorish columns frame a stunning turquoise sea that will surely tempt your loved ones in for kayaking, paddle boarding and splashing about. Pamper yourselves in the luxurious Arawak spa where ancient healing treatments and locally sourced ingredients will nourish your spirit.

Both resorts are scheduled to reopen in November. 

Contact: www.Belmond.com.

Rhode Island.  

While most of “The Ocean State” is located on the mainland, it is home to 30 islands, some of which are popular and possible vacation spots. 

Block Island, a 45-minute ferry ride from the mainland, and perhaps the most popular of the small state’s island options, boasts 17 miles of public beaches, rugged ocean bluffs and historic 18th-century lighthouses. You won’t find any chain motels but you can check into small family-run inns and B& Bs. Block Island is also home to the first offshore wind farm in the country, which  produces renewable energy for the island.

On Aquidneck Island, with rocky cliffs and dramatic ocean views, 

you’ll find Newport, the historic summer destination and sailing capital of the world. Lovely beaches, colonial homes, and gilded age mansions draw visitors. 

Just off of the coast of Aquidneck lies Goat Island,  so-named because early settlers used the island for goat herding. Today the island plays host to the Tall Ships Festival and world-class sailing regattas. It’s also home to Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina. 

Contact: www.VisitRhodeIsland.com

Coronado Island, California. 

Located just across the bay from downtown San Diego, this family-friendly  getaway is famous for its gentle surf and wide, welcoming beaches. It’s home to the Hotel del Coronado, an iconic Victorian gem considered the island’s crown jewel.  The long, wide stretch of sand provides easy access to the water and thus the perfect home base for your family’s seaside activities. Get out the boogie boards, issue a beach volleyball challenge, take surfing lessons, learn the secrets of mermaid fitness or join a clambake. Top-notch children’s and teen programs and spa options are also available.

Nearby, is the Loews Coronado Bay Resort where family members can choose from beach activities, pool time and ideas spurred by the pros at the kids' activity desk. Guests can call ahead to reserve child-friendly resources ranging from cribs and baby swings to pool toys and strollers. 

Contact: www.Hoteldel.com  ; www.LoewsHotels.com

 Amelia Island, FL.  

With 13 miles of beaches, abundant native wildlife and a pristine environment,  this barrier island, located off the coast of northeast Florida, has been luring families for decades. Stay at the 446-rooom Ritz Carlton on the Atlantic shore and the kids may want to join the hunt for fossilized shark teeth on the beach or learn to balance on a stand-up paddleboard. Add other water sports to the mix by trying jet skiing, boogie boarding, kayaking and surfing. Children five through 12 can look forward to the Ritz Kids program that offers immersive adventures designed to introduce young people to the natural wonders of the island. They’ll learn about sand dunes and ancient forests and how recycling can make a difference through storytelling, art and even food.   Hopefully, the kids won’t be too tired to appreciate story time, snacks and a tuck-in offered by a friendly pirate and his friend the princess.  

Contact:   https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/florida/amelia-island

Mackinac Island, Michigan. 

You’ll find Michigan’s iconic island in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas.  You won’t find chain hotels or even cars. So hop on a bike or in a horse drawn carriage to explore the picturesque island along with locals and other visitors. In just under four square miles, you’ll find a spacious lake front, outdoor dining, casual picnic spots, putt-putt golf,  interesting shops and farm-to-ferry culinary offerings. Consider a stay at The Grand Hotel for it’s historic grandeur or check in to the iconic Mission Point Resort and enjoy the sprawling Great Lawn dotted with colorful Adirondack chairs. 

 It goes without saying that you shouldn’t leave the island without sampling the world-famous Mackinac Island fudge. 

Contact: www.MackinacIsland.org

• Bali has its own language – one of 583 languages and dialects spoken in the Indonesian archipelago. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language; English is widely spoken in Bali’s main tourist areas.

• Bali is home to approximately four million people. The vast majority follows a special version of Hinduism, different to that practiced in India, and witnessing the rituals and ceremonies of daily life is a highlight of visiting the island.

• The island is home to more than 20,000 temples, earning its nickname “the island of a thousand temples” or “the island of the gods.”

• Some temples date back as far as the 9th century; Pura Besakih at Mount Agung is the island’s Mother Temple, the stunning Pura Lempuyang in Karangasem is at the highest elevation and has breathtaking views of Mount Agung, while the cliff-top Pura Uluwatu is touristic with its sunset kecak dance performances and cheeky monkeys. The Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, it has its own Resort temple and guests are welcome to take a guided tour of it with Resort Priest Aji Ngurah, or visit the nearby Goa Gong cave temple for a water purification ritual. 

• Bali's central mountains include several peaks over 2,000 metres high (6,500 feet); the highest is Mount Agung (3,031 metres or 9,944 feet), known as the "mother mountain." Adventurous travellers can enjoy panoramic sunrise views across Bali’s mountainous interior with a trek up Mount Batur (1,717 metres or 5,633 feet). 

• Bali’s volcanic landscapes and climate support the highly productive agriculture sector. Spend a Day in the Life of a Balinese Farmer and learn about the UNESCO-listed 9th century subak waterways that connect the island's paddy fields.

• Bali is home to the first sea-floating toll road in the country, stretching across the gulf of Benoa 12.7 kilometres (8 miles) in length, an example of the modern development that blends with Bali’s very traditional lifestyle.

• Three small islands lie to the immediate south east and all are administratively part of Bali: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Great for an extension to your stay on the mainland, or for a day trip especially for excellent snorkelling and diving.