Romantic Destinations for Valentines

by CajunMama

I’m a romantic at heart and love to hear stories of couples stealing away for a few days of romance. In fact, my travel writing career began by writing about romantic destinations and honeymoons. One thing many couples forget as they become parents, is that one day their kids will grow up and its just the two of them again. Just because you are parents doesn’t mean romance should go flying out the window.
There are a few elements that make a place romantic in my book. There has to be a touch of luxury, with plush bedding, a big bathtub, a shower for two. There has to be Champagne and good wine available. The atmosphere is full of love and a hint of mystery. And the place needs to be downright dreamy. Keep in mind that when these elements combine, the price is not always for those on a budget. But who can put a price on love? Here are some of my favorite romantic destinations I’ve visited over the years:
The Florida Keys, FL - One of the most romantic places I ever visited was the very private Little Palm Island. You can only get there by boat and the bungalows are to-die-for gorgeous. There are a limited number of guests allowed on Little Palm Island, giving you the ultimate in privacy. The Florida Keys offer a number of romantic places to overnight, but Little Palm Island is the tops of them all. Rates run between $800-1500 per night, depending on room choice and season.

Natchitoches, LA - Any true Southerner knows of Steel Magnolias, but did you know that Natchitoches, LA is the site where the movie was filmed? There’s a B&B on every corner, and the downtown area on the Cane River is adorable. Two of my favorites are the Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast and Andrew Morris House Bed and Breakfast. Both offer intimate luxury, yet with an affordable price tag. Rates at these two properties run from $130-$185 per night, breakfast included.

London, UK - The Capital Hotel London located in Knightsbridge is full of warmth and discreet elegance in the middle of this posh area. The accommodations are sumptuous and located a few steps from Harrod’s. The wine list at The Capital Restaurant is supposedly one of the best in London. My room of choice? The two bedroom suite, which offers a private entrance and all the luxury one would expect for such an exclusive property. Room rates vary, starting at around $270 per night for a single room.

Saint-Tropez, France – Pink Champagne, onsite spa, guazey white bedcurtains, and sweeping views  all set inside a chateau. This is romance at Chateau de la Messardiere. I was fortunate enough to spend a few nights in a Junior Suite, which offers a private terrace for breakfast or sun worship, a spa-like bath, and even a small sitting area. This exclusive property is the ultimate in privacy, set on 10 hectares of gardens and lavender fields overlooking the Port of Saint-Tropez.

Moab, UT – I was blown away and surprised by Moab, Utah so much that I had to return for a second visit. It’s an outdoor enthusiast dream set near a number of US National Parks. Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa is set riverside on the Colorado River in the outskirts of Moab. The River View Deluxe Suites are rustic elegance with plush bedding, a romantic porch, and a gorgeous picture window in the bathroom, framing the large tub. Combined with the fine dining onsite and the area’s best spa, this red rock mesa resort is mountain romance at its finest. Rates start at $425 per night.

Taos, NM – There’s just something about Taos that pulls at one’s soul. I enjoyed a nice stay at El Monte Sagrado, one of the most sacred places in the area. Numerous celebrities steal away for privacy and romance at this Kessler property. Dreamy tub? Yes. Plush bedding? Yes. Balcony with stars? Yes. Onsite spa? Yes. Does all this make for one romantic getaway? I say yes. Room rates for a mountain king room start at $189 per night.
Victoria, BC – Victoria’s Inner Harbour is romantic all the way around. A walk around Butchart Gardens is like stepping into a fairytale. For lodging, the Magnolia Hotel and Spa is one of the top hotels in Canada. The rooms are decorated in Old World elegance, with soaking tubs complete with a full line of bath amenities. An onsite spa and delicious dining in the steakhouse roundout this small hotel with big amenities. Rooms start at $169 per night for a standard room.
I could go on and on about romantic destinations for Valentines or anytime. If you are looking for a romantic escape, be sure the destination is a place that offers something that both of you like, be it activities, room amenities, or a romantic view. No matter where you decide to go on your romantic escape, being with the one you love is truly what makes the place special.

Best Places to Propose on Valentine’s Day

We know Valentine’s Day is a few days away but if you want to wow your significant other, the time to plan is now. Especially if you want to wow her (or him!) with a proposal. We’re sure any kind of proposal could have your special someone crying tears of joy in no time. But if you really want to make it a proposal to remember, whisk your better half away on a romantic getaway and propose at one of our favorite romantic spots.

The Hotel: Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole

The Harvest Dance Suite at the Spring Creek Ranch; Jackson Hole, WY

Set in a wildlife refuge more than 700 feet above the Jackson Valley, the Spring Creek Ranch has arguably the most stunning views of the Tetons in the area. It has a wide array of room categories, from standard hotel rooms to immense two-bedroom condos, and he delicious, popular restaurant and the excellent heated outdoor pool are not to be missed.
Best Spots for Proposing:
If your soon-to-be-fiance is the active type, strap on your snowshoes and take her to a secluded spot on one of the property’s many trails. Beside the lake or in the teepee are also romantic spots for popping the question.

The Hotel: Geejam in Jamaica

Balcony at The Drum and Bass Suite at the Geejam; Port Antonio, Jamaica

The Geejam is made up of only five private, high-tech cottages on the lush (rainy) foothills of Port Antonio. The setting is gorgeous, the service is extraordinary, and one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches is only 10 minutes away.
Best Spots for Proposing:
A love song can make any girl (and some guys, too) swoon. Bring your significant other to the recording studio and serenade her with a song asking “Will you marry me?” Or if vocals aren’t really your thing, book a suite with an ocean view and get down on one knee.

Hotel: &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp in Botswana

The Safari Tent at the &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp; Botswana

This ultra-remote, luxurious safari lodge on an island in Botswana’s Okavango Delta isn’t a hotel, it’s an experience, where everything — including the excellent food and the guided excursions (game drives, bush walks, river cruises) — is included in the price of the stay. Guests can get up close to exotic wildlife on both land and water (think: lions and hippos), and even arriving to the property is an adventure, requiring transport by small plane, safari vehicle, and a boat. The nine safari “tents” are fully screened in and thoroughly high-end, with huge soaking tubs, four-poster beds, lots of wood, and private pools.
Best Spots for Proposing:
Your valentine may be gaga for Prince William but that’s just because he’s a hopeless romantic (and the British accent certainly doesn’t hurt). Propose like a royal (William proposed to Kate Middleton in a secluded cabin in Kenya) by popping the question in one of the camp’s luxurious, airy tents. Beside the private pool is a great spot.

Hotel: Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort in Napa Valley

Outdoor Living Room in the Two Bedroom Lodge at the Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort; Napa Valley, CA

It’s no wonder royalty, A-list celebrities, and athletes keep returning to the luxury Calistoga Ranch: It’s in a class all by itself. Guests rent exquisite private lodges, set on a private 157-acre park-like property complete with hiking trails and a top-of-the-line restaurant and spa. Attention to detail carries over from room design to landscape planning — all modules for the lodges were flown in by helicopter to minimize impact on surrounding trees and to maximize privacy. The property boasts plenty of activities, including outdoor yoga, a beautiful heated outdoor pool, a bocce court, a fabulous fitness center, and wine tasting seminars.
Best Spots for Proposing:
Just about everywhere at Calistoga Ranch is romantic enough for a proposal. If you’ll need some liquid courage, take your better half to the private wine cave. Or if you want to keep it really intimate and cozy, snuggle up in front of the working fireplace in the room or soak in the private Jacuzzi.

Hotel: Travaasa Hana in Maui

Infinity Pool at the Travaasa Hana; Maui, HI

The Travaasa Hana hotel overlooking Hana Bay delivers rustic luxury in the middle of Maui‘s lush, secluded east coast. Incredible service, top spa, excellent food, a long list of stuff to do, and only 70 rooms on acres of uncrowded property. The rooms are large, clean, sleekly furnished — and stripped of TVs, clocks, and radios. Hard to reach, but worth the trip.
Best Spots for Proposing:
Situated along craggy cliffs on the rainforest-like east coast of Maui, hours from other big resorts, the Travaasa offers guests ample chances to be alone (and get down on one knee!). Nearby waterfalls and hidden beaches are ideal for a romantic proposal after a hike (the concierge can direct you on how to get to them) and afterwards couples can take a dip in the infinity pool or the Honua Spa’s outdoor lava-rock pool.

Canary Islands Offer More than Excellent Sunny Beaches

One of the most popular winter destinations for Europeans who are looking for some sun are Spain’s Canary Islands. This is where they’re able to enjoy sandy beaches, warm waters, and sunny skies while the snow is falling on most of the continent.
Many vacationers never leave the top-class resorts while others like to explore the seven major islands, which lie in the ocean about 80 miles off of the African coast. In fact, it’s such a popular spot that many people ending up buying retirement or holiday homes here, especially on the popular islands of Tenerife and Lanzarote.

(photo credit: sanderovski)

The island of Lanzarote is quite intriguing as much of it is made up of volcanic ash and lava rock. You can get a good close-up view of this at Timanfaya National Park where you can take a volcano tour. This is where Timanfaya and several other volcanoes erupted between 1730 and 1736 as well as in 1824. These eruptions destroyed many of the surrounding villages.
Most of these volcanoes are extinct now, but Timanfaya is listed as semi dormant. You’ll still be able to see hot rocks and steamy geysers here as there’s still a lot of heat just below the surface of the earth. You’ll also be able to use the volcanic heat for cooking as there’s a restaurant at the park that grills its food over top of a red-hot volcanic barbecue. There’s also a bus tour that takes visitors past lava fields and old craters.
Timanfaya National Park attracts close to a million visitors a year and is the second most popular park in all of Spain after Teide National Park, which is also located in the Canary Islands on Tenerife. This park features Spain’s highest peak, which is Mount Teide, also known as the third-biggest volcano in the world. It’s also the second most visited volcano on the globe after Mount Fuji in Japan.
Teide Park features colourful plants and flowers that often grow to almost 10 feet in height, making it a spectacular sight to behold. You’ll be able to walk around in the park to explore the volcanic rock formations by yourself and you can also take a guided tour if you prefer. You can climb Mount Teide, but you’ll need to obtain a permit first. Also, the climbs are limited to 50 at a time. Climbers are taken part of the way up by a cable car and then hike the rest of the way. It takes approximately 45-minutes to reach the peak.
The park is also home to a parador, which is a state-run hotel, which is usually located in historic places such as palaces, castles, monasteries, and fortresses. Each of the Canary Islands is volcanic and it’s been reported that there’s a new one slowly forming between Gran Canaria and Tenerife in the ocean.
Lanzarote has close to 345 days of sun annually and the temperatures usually range between 66 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 during the year. There’s hardly any rainfall and you won’t find many lakes and rivers on the island because it’s so dry. The volcanic ash and dryness also makes agricultural land hard to find. However, the island has quite a bustling wine industry and tours around the wineries are quite popular.
While the beach life and nightlife are huge attractions in the Canary Islands, there are plenty of things to do and see for people who like to get out into the countryside and do a bit of exploring. This makes the islands an ideal destination for visitors of all interests and age groups.

Northern Ireland’s Popularity Picking Up

Belfast has seen some rough times over the year, but thankfully that’s all behind us now. It’s now becoming one of the world’s more popular places to visit and 2012 will be even busier due to the anniversary of Titanic tragedy.
The Titanic was built at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast and since 2012 marks the 100^th anniversary of the sinking of the ship there will be quite a few curious onlookers.

(photo credit: lyng883)

Many people are attracted by the city because it hasn’t been known as a tourist destination so many areas of it haven’t changed over the decades. There will be numerous attractions that are related to the Titanic, including tours and even a beer named after the ship. There will be a $150 million visitor center known as Titanic Belfast where the great ship was launched along with the Britannic and Olympic, which were both sister ships of the Titanic.
The six-level site will feature nine different galleries that will tell the story of the Titanic and the people who built the ship via films, artifacts, and other exhibitions and displays. It will also provide a live feed from the Titanic’s resting place, which is about 370 miles southeast of the Canadian province of Newfoundland. It’s expected this Titanic site will attract about 150,000 overseas visitors to it as well as local residents.
One of the best ways to soak in the atmosphere of the city is to take a tour on an open-aired bus. Here you’ll see some of the history of the past troubles such as peace walls and murals that relate to the problems between Catholics and Protestants. The peace walls were erected to separate the religious neighborhoods from each other and are a solemn reminder of Belfast’s past.
However, times have changed and Belfast’s considered to be as safe as other major European centers and this is why many visitors are coming from continental Europe. The rest of Northern Ireland is also an interesting destination. The city of Londonderry has been announced as the United Kingdom’s City of Culture for 2013 and there will be a brand new visitor centre opened up close to the Giant’s Causeway, which is a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another popular attraction in the country at the moment is golf. The sport has boomed in popularity ever since Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, both of Ulster, won the US Open in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Golf’s always been pretty popular in Northern Ireland along with soccer and rugby, and visitors now flock to the Royal Portrush golf course in County Antrim to play a round. This is the home golf club for both Clarke and McDowell.
The Chinese Olympic gymnastics team will also be training in Northern Ireland in County Antrim as they’ve selected the charming town of Lisburn to be the headquarters. In fact, Northern Irelands became quite a popular destination with travelers from China over the past year or two.
There’s a lot more to this historic nation than just Belfast, golf and the shipyards. You’ll find a lot of cultural attractions, historical sites, friendly pubs, and shopping opportunities. It is well worth a visit to Northern Ireland now as the country has gotten back to a normal way of life.

Top 16 World Famous Beach Destinations for Winter Honeymoon

Many of the winter newly weds are tempted to postpone the honeymoon until spring or summer so they could enjoy a peaceful romantic time in warm weather and sunshine.
The good news is that, if winter spreads a cold blanket over some parts of the world, the exotic destinations retain all the splendor and amazing beauty that can offer a young couple a spectacular chance for a beautiful vacation.
Here are the most spectacular exotic beach destinations able to make honeymooners feel all the joy and romance of the first days spent as a wedded couple.

1. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas

Bahamas Archipelago is known for the paradise appearance and the amazing blue waters. Pink Sands Beach is perhaps the crown jewel for the ones seeking a honeymoon destination. Tropical grounds, luxurious treatment, clear waters and endless beautifully colored sands, make Pink Sands Beach a memory you would want to treasure.

2. Tranquil Lagoon, Bora Bora

Bora Bora is the land of promised perfect time. The newly weds can find here the sweet chance of freedom in a secluded picturesque beach called Tranquil Lagoon. The exotic nature all around the lagoon offers the best as view and natural beauty are concerned.

3. Whitehaven Island, Australia

Endless blue and endless fun are waiting for the newly weds here. Beautiful white beach and amazing places to party are making this place ideal for a young couple ready to have amazing good time during the honeymoon.

4. Boracay Beach

Philippines are famous for the beautiful exotic places they hold. Of all of those amazing beach destinations attracting tourists, the most beautiful is Boracay. The spectacular beach is completely seductive and a honeymoon there would offer any couple the best possible memories.

5. Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles

Almost like it was brought down from the endless sky Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles is truly a place where love can flourish. The wild beauty of the unique scenery and the peaceful nature bringing only the best in sounds and impressive landscape makes this one the perfect honeymoon getaway.

6. Palm Beach – Aruba

There are many Palm Beach destinations in the world but none like Aruba’s. The island itself is filled with all a love story would need as scenery and Palm Beach Aruba retains the wild side of nature next to the finest treats of civilization. A modern couple wanting to mix the rest and fun would find here exactly what they need.

7. Anguilla, Lesser Antilles

You would have to say : “Oh my!” when looking at this exotic fairytale place. If you plan a honeymoon cruise make sure you pick one that stops on this island because it is a lifetime opportunity to see its tremendous beauty. The beach here has the smoothest sand and shallow waters harbor a picturesque adventure for the passionate about snorkeling.

8. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

If there ever was a paradise for young people, Poipu Beach it is. Hawaii is one of the most famous exotic vacation spots and Poipu Beach is a surfer’s paradise. Beautiful scenery and the most spectacular morning and evening sky make it a romantic spot filled with magical beauty.

9. Natadola Beach, Fiji

Fiji is a place known for keeping its exotic beauty untamed. The island with all its magical wonders is perfect for a honeymoon and Natadola Beach offers all that nature has best in landscape, food and treatment. Here the young couple can make sweet memories to treasure for a lifetime.

10. Negril, Jamaica

Jamaica and the fabulous music and rum! One of the top exotic beach destinations for young couples, Negril is the right place for those couples that want to feel life with all its wonders. Here they can find adventure, fun and joy and also amazing waters to dive and swim.

11. Fernando de Norohna, Brazil

Brazil in all its luxuriant nature is a place where exotic and cosmopolite meet to have a good time. Fernando de Norohna is one of the famous beach destinations of this country ready to invite newly weds to savor all that such a romantic destination has to offer.  The sightseeing is outstanding here and you can have a wonderful time no matter what you choose to do for fun.

12. Horshoe Bay, Bermuda

Bermuda and everything about it reminds everyone about a truly beautiful heaven on earth. Horshoe bay is the place where the nature remained untamed and filled with all the wild beauty untouched by technology. The bay is not exactly the largest beach but the white sand and shallow waters are perfect for a close to nature romantic getaway.

13. Tulum beach, Cancun

Part of the recently made famous Mayan Riviera, Tulum beach is the right place to go for young married couples on a budget. Beautiful beach destinations with green waters, historical sites to enrich your knowledge and not very expensive food and accommodation can be exactly the place you would want to spend your honeymoon.

14. Amankila, Indonesia

If luxury getaways are your thing then the right honeymoon for you is the one spent in Amankila. Here the notion of privacy is sacred and the honeymoon couple can take advantage of a royal treatment. Spa sessions and endless relaxation can be enjoyed in a beautiful paradise where everything is at your disposal.

15. Caneel Bay, Virgin Islands

A paradise spot on the territory of Virgin Islands, Caneel Bay is a place fit for honeymooners of all ages. The place has pretty much everything for everyone and the royal treatment is part of the tourist package you purchase.

16. Grand Baie, Mauritius

Grand Baie is the right place for those not minding traveling a long way for just the fun of discovering new places of paradise. Beautiful beach destinations, palm trees whispering in the wind and all the beauty nature reserved for this spectacular place can’t wait to be explored by honeymooners.
Here you can have a great time partying but also make the most of your adventure seeing the historical places of this colony. There are plenty to do here and the locals will make sure you have a wonderful time.

10 Reasons to Visit the Bahamas

There are dozens of reasons to visit the wonderful Caribbean nation of the Bahamas. The weather’s excellent and the beaches are spectacular, but there’s more to the islands than just that. These are some of the other reasons a trip there is always a good choice.

 

(photo by triterion)

1. The Pirate Museum

This intriguing, interactive museum sits in downtown Nassau and gives guests a realistic, in-depth look at the lifestyle of old-day pirates who used to terrorize the Caribbean back in the 18^th century. It’s an ideal place for anybody who wants to step back in time and experience the mayhem that pirates caused.

2. Atlantis Paradise Island

This famous resort lies on Paradise Island, which is just off the shore of Nassau. It’s one of the most popular in the Caribbean and features a water park and casino. The resort also attracts some of the world’s top performers and has hosted shows by singers Katy Perry and Michael Jackson in the past as well as comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

3. The Queen’s Staircase

This is one of the most-visited sites in Nassau. The Queen’s Staircase consists of 63 solid limestone steps which were carved by slaves back in the late 1700s. The staircase is 102 feet in height and was named the Queen’s Staircase to honor Britain’s Queen Victoria. The staircase also leads to Fort Fincastle, which is another of the Bahamas’ fine attractions.

4. Bay Street

Bay Street sits close to the Straw Market in Nassau. It’s the most popular shopping districts in the Bahamas and you’ll have no problem finding some of the world’s top designer brands here such as Fendi and Gucci. The street is also home to some of the nation’s most beautiful architecture, which shows the influence of British colonialism.

5. Junkanoo Festival

The Junkanoo celebration is often compared to the Carnival in Brazil and New Orleans’ Mardis Gras. It’s an annual street festival that celebrates the local culture, food, dancing, music, and costumes. It’s such a hit with residents and visitors so it’s held twice each year. The biggest version takes place near the end of December and a smaller version is held usually on July 10^th. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the local African-Caribbean culture.

6. The Straw Market

This vibrant open-air market takes place in the middle of Nassau, close to Bay Street. It features dozens of vendors who sell just about anything you can imagine when it comes to local arts and crafts. It’s a great place to do your shopping if you’re into haggling. In fact, you don’t even have to buy anything to have fun here, just soak in the atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of the market.

7. The Ardastra Gardens

This beautiful and colorful conservation opened up in Nassau back in 1937. The popular flamingos were added to it during the 1950s and the location quickly became the first zoo in the Bahamas. If you visit Ardastra Gardens today you’ll find hundreds of exotic reptiles, birds, and mammals from all over the globe.

8. Fort Charlotte

There are several colonial forts in the Bahamas, with Fort Charlotte being Nassau’s largest. It was built in the 1800’s and was constructed with everything you’d expect from a fort such as dungeons, a drawbridge, and a moat. In fact, if you look closely, you’ll actually be able to spot graffiti on some of the fort’s walls that was placed there by the soldiers who armed it. The fort also offers some fantastic views of Nassau Harbour, which is what it was designed to protect.

9. Local Sea Adventures

Since the Bahamas is surrounded by beautiful and warm ocean waters, it’s an ideal place to take a boat trip and smell the salt air. There are several boating trips to choose from as well as deep-sea fishing excursions. You can either take a leisurely cruise or quick-paced sea adventure.

10. Scuba diving/snorkelling

Speaking of beautiful, warm ocean water, the Bahamas is an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkelling. This part of the Atlantic ocean offers some of the best diving spots around. All of the scuba companies are approved and monitored by the Bahamas Diving Association, so you’re guaranteed to deal with a safe and secure firm when diving and exploring the crystal clear Bahamian waters.

Ha Long listed among world’s best travel destinations

The UNESCO World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay in the northen province of Quang Ninh, has been included in the 2011 list of the world’s best destinations for hotels, family vacations, beaches, and food by the prestigious online travel website Tripadvisor.

Ha Long is also one of the top 25 most attractive destinations in Asia.
According to Tripadvisor, Ha Long’s beautiful natural landscape, impressive caves, and its recently gained status as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World are some of the aspects that appeal to tourists from all over the world.
The website also listed Hoi An, in Quang Nam province, as one of the best culinary   destinations in Asia.