Blogs

Perhaps vacationing at a grand resort may be considered by some to be a thing of the past or only for the wealthy. But that would be a major misconception because this experience flourishes nestled deep in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania. Skytop Lodge, one of the area’s signature properties, is not only grand in stature but classically all-inclusive. Packed with onsite activities and gourmet meals, your stay can be as active or chill as you want it to be…anything from zip lining, fly fishin

by David Paul Appell

On my most recent visit to Iberostar’s ginormous Playa Paraíso spa facilities on Mexico’s Riviera Maya below Cancun, I decided to take a more in-depth look at the modern, elegant spa used by guests at all five resorts here. Situated at the back of the quaint town-plaza-style resort shopping center, it’s an impressive two-story affair open 365 days of the year, with 25 shower-equipped treatment rooms, each of which is identified by a mysterious-sounding Maya name (don’t worr

Mohegan Sun here in Connecticut’s Mystic Country held its first annual BBQ Fest, and I was honored to be invited and check out the festivities, running Friday, June 1 through Sunday, June 3. I picked a Saturday visit, which turned out to be the rainiest! Originally scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m., gates didn’t open until 3 p.m. when miraculously, the clouds stopped dripping and actual shafts of sunlight were able to occasionally poke through. Within minutes, lines were snaking from 6 venerable

by Andy Jarosz

The "Godfather" trilogy comprises without a doubt three of the most celebrated movies of all time. Almost 40 years after the release of the first Godfather movie, the plots, the characters and the memorable lines are well known to a huge fan base, many of whom were born even after Francis Ford Coppola directed the final movie.

Havana Hotel Scene

While the characters in the Godfather trilogy may have been able to ‘arrange’ pretty much anything, the movie production team did not en

Peace, Serenity, Solitude….. These are the words that come to mind for the award-winning Pimalai Resort and Spa in Krabi, Thailand. Add to that elegance, nature and genuine friendly service. Pimalai is perfect for a honeymoon or a break from it all. Pimalai is nestled in a lush tropical forest making it a destination to set your sights on. The resort combines all the right ingredients – subtle five star comforts, natural beauty, far from the crowds, with no noise except the sound of the waves sl

by Andy Jarosz

An out-of-favor American football player turns up in Cozumel in search of a girl. They fall in love amid danger, dirty deals and murder. Jeff Bridges and Rachel Ward add the necessary sparkle while a soundtrack featuring the well-known Phil Collins title song ensures worldwide success. 

But it may be the spectacular locations on the Yucatan peninsula chosen for 1984's “Against All Odds” that really steal the show. Chichen Itza, recently listed as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Wor

A paradise to be explored: Surely those words crossed the mind of Robinson Crusoe, perhaps the most famous fictional castaway in history, when he first laid eyes on the Cape Verde islands while sailing after several failed attempts, a handful of shipwrecks out of London and enslavement in Morocco. En route to Guinea, he and his crew had had a run-in with a Moorish pirate ship, and after a dramatic sea battle, were imprisoned until they arrived at the port of Salle. There, having been presented

Getaway at the Claremont Resort & Spa

Sometimes, we all need an escape from the big city. Cross the Bay Bridge from San Francisco and enter another world. The home of the University of California at Berkeley is more than just a college town. For a perfect getaway head to the Claremont Resort and Spa in the Berkeley Hills, but actually situated in Oakland, on the Oakland, Berkeley boarder.

The historic hotel opened in 1915 and is known as one of the top ten spas in the U.S. and a great place to

Think you’re in Dubai, not this time. You’ve entered a land that only can be called “so Japanese.” Who else, outside of the United Arab Emirates,  could create the world’s largest indoor beach, complete with surf and even a man-made volcano that erupts in fake flames. Why the Japanese, of course. Travel a mere 1200 miles south of Tokyo, on the island of Kyushu, and you’ll hit it. Yes in Miyazaki, Japan there lies an amazingly beautiful beach, where you can sunbathe, swim, and play in the sand, a

The beautiful Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort just outside of Kota Kinabalu has an incredible spa. CHI, the Spa at Shangri-La draws inspiration from the origins of the Shangri-La legend, a place of personal peace, enchantment and well-being. CHI offers a unique spa design concept. It is a stand-alone "spa village" connected to the hotel via a private causeway.  Each of the eight villas has its own herbal steam room, spacious relaxation area and private changing room.  A private yoga pavilion with

There are many amazing things to do at Amazing Resort on Ngapali Beach in Myanmar.  The accommodations and staff at the resort make the name “amazing” a reality. The resort is reached by a one-hour domestic flight from Yangon.

1. In the morning walk the beach to discover the pagoda on the rock and the in the evening walk the other way to discover the mermaid.

2. Each evening order an Amazing Cocktail while watching the brilliant sun set in the Bay of Bengal.  Watch while a necklace of lights app

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand.  It is a busy place perfect for shopping but it can be hot and hectic. The best place to stay while visiting Chiang Mai is just outside the city at Baan Nam Ping Riverside Village.  It is less than 20 minutes from the airport and city in a tranquil rural setting.

The small, intimate resort on the Ping River has spacious accommodations most of which have a large porch perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee while the morning mist rises off the rive

REVIEW:

Beaches is the ultimate all inclusive family vacation resort. Voted World's Best 10 Yrs In a Row! This All-Inclusive resort is set on the widest stretch of Seven Mile Beach. The resort is located on twenty acres of some of the most amazing property in Negril with tropical gardens and in my opinion the widest stretch of  Negrils famed 7-mile beach. Beaches Negril is truly a resort in paradise. With something for everyone in the family, this resort is a must see for families, couples, singl

Enjoy Palma Real: An all-inclusive beach resort on the Honduran mainland

Located only 30-minutes from La Ceiba on the road to Trujillo, Palma Real is a first class all-inclusive beach resort.  The setting is breathtaking with the long sandy beach and ocean in front and the green mountains at the back.  Truly a tropical paradise.

There are a variety of accommodations with160 rooms and suites decorated with a tropical flair in two connected adjacent properties. Every room is equipped with air condi

It is an honor to watch someone as skilled Tek Roka, the pastry chef at trendy Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Chef Roka create chocolate delights at the five-star resort on the Adriatic shore that opened in July 2009. Roka is originally from Nepal but worked for ten years in Dubai where he won first place in the sugar pastry decoration category.  His roses creations are truly amazing.

Chef Roka has created the Radisson’s signature dessert – Chocolate Fingers. The smooth creamy

Check out these two amazing winter getaways inSE Asia

One of the best beach destinations in the world is in Myanmar (Burma).  Ngapali beach is long, the sand is cool and soft, the sea is gentle and warm, and there are none of the pesky annoyance found on many beaches. No bugs, no vendors, and no rip tides. Like the rest of Myanmar the beach is very safe.  If that sounds amazing, it is.  Amazing Resorts Ngapali is located on the Bay of Bengal and while it is growing in popularity, especially with

For over 100 years the impressive Mohonk Resort Hotel high above the Hudson River has offer excellent accommodations and service for people looking for a place to escape the hectic pace of everyday life. Their Midweek Winter Getaway offered from Sunday to Thursday until March 30 makes a visit even more affordable. With wood-burning fireplaces indoors and spectacular vistas outdoors, Mohonk Mountain House is a wonderland during the winter season. Experience this special time of year with a fanta

Seneca Casino’s Hickory Stick Golf Course name one of the best

Think spring.  Think golf getaway! In only its second season in existence, Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course has received another impressive honor: Golfweek magazine named it one of the “Best Casino Courses” in the U.S.  The news is featured in the magazine’s just-released January 2012 issue. Seneca Hickory Stick is one of the newest courses listed among Golfweek’s top 50 casino courses and is one of four recognized from New York State

One has to look no further than Vinny D’Agostino’s homemade limoncello served at the King and Prince Resort's tavern to get a sense of how deep the passion runs here for locally sourced ingredients being incorporated into craft-made cuisine and beverages. Vinny, the resort’s new Food and Beverage Director, is just getting started here having been on staff less than year. But his previous 23 years in the restaurant business reads like a top who’s who industry profile. Crisscrossing the country wi

Roatan, one of the Bay Islands just off the north coast of Honduras has long been a favorite of the dive crowd, but Turquoise Bay is great not only for divers but also for leisure travelers.  Located on the North Coast on a beautiful bay protected by a long reef, guest can go diving and snorkeling but also kayaking, jet skiing, or just lounge on the beach or by the pool.  Turquoise Bay is set on a hillside with spectacular ocean views. The protected bay means the water is calm - perfect for swim