Honeymoon packages in Riviera Nayarit offer great value and for an added free bonus, breathtaking Pacific ocean sunset views
Celebrate love in Riviera Nayarit with honeymoon packages offered in a variety of hotels from luxury resorts to intimate B&Bs. Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, is ideal for couples looking for a romantic Mexican beach vacation made even easier with the several hotel packages available to elevate romance, ensure fun and guarantee relaxation.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
My sister is on the hunt for affordable vacation lodging this summer in/around Somerset, England, and asked me to put together a list of websites that could help.
Here’s my shortlist. But I’m sure you know lots more. So, come on, let’s get her a house!
VRBO.com (Vacation Rental by Owner)
Caretaker.org (Caretaker Gazette)
Homebase-Hols.com (Home Base Holidays)
Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum (House sitting & swaps)
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
THE REAL THING AT THE MERRION
The Merrion in Dublin is the perfect backdrop for all things romantic in the heart of a city where none other than St. Valentine found his final resting place. Created within four Georgian townhouses, one of which was the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington, The Merrion has intimate drawing rooms, working fireplaces, a very private 18th-century style garden, an extensive art collection and a two-Michelin star restaurant. Three weekend escapes lead the way to romance:
Real Love: Looking to rekindle that flame? The Merrion has partnered with The Gate Theatre to offer guests the best seats in the house for the forthcoming production The Real Thing - “a play which reminds you why you go to the theater and why you fall in love, and why, just sometimes, it is all worth the effort.” The Real Thing was written by Tom Stoppard, one of the giants of modern playwriting. His razor-sharp wit burns with passion in this tender and poignant semi-autobiographical play of marital manoeuvring and the mysteries of love, commitment and authenticity. Real Love at The Merrion includes two tickets to see the production, overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast in bed, a bottle of chilled rosé champagne, Valentine’s chocolates and a Champagne Afternoon Tea served in one of The Merrion’s log fired, cozy Drawing Rooms. Available from February 13 to 15, 2009 and priced at €515 (approximately $714), per couple, per night.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
And The Winners Are…
American Historic Inns, Inc. (AHI), publisher of more than 2.7 million guidebooks and parent company to iLoveInns.com, an award-winning Web site, has announced the 2009 Top 10 Romantic Inns.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
IMMERSE AND RENEW WITH A PAMPERING SPA AND YOGA RETREAT AT LORETO BAY
LORETO, Mexico - Stepping out from the protective shade of a thickly thatched palapa, you greet the day with a sun salutation of warm rays of sunshine peaking over majestic mountains and dancing upon glistening waves. Conveniently positioned between the Sierra de la Giganta mountains and the Sea of Cortez, Loreto Bay Resort, an 8,000-acre community neighboring the quiet fishing town of Loreto in Baja Sur, Mexico, offers its newest escape: a three-night spa and yoga package that introduces guests to the quieter side of Baja.
At just $880 per person, the spa and yoga relaxation package calms both mind and spirit with three nights of luxurious guest room accommodations at the Inn at Loreto Bay; a full meal plan of healthy offerings, including three daily low-carbohydrate meals and all-natural beverages; multiple yoga sessions with a certified yoga instructor; one facial and reflexology treatment; a full one-hour massage; a choice of one manicure or pedicure with foot or hand therapy; one back and neck massage; and other relaxation services.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Austin-Lehman Adventures Founders Outline Top Inn Favorites Included in 2009 All-Inclusive Itineraries
When you’re on a panel of experts, what kind of advice do you give? Dan Austin and Paul Lehman, founding partners of Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) that specializes in immersive, active travel experiences, enjoy positions on the Forbes Traveler 400 Experts Panel. As travel authorities, they recently outlined the top 10 favorite inns ALA will utilize on its 2009 all-inclusive itineraries.
“Narrowing the field to 10 really challenged us,” says Lehman. “But it was a good exercise because it was strongly influenced by guest feedback so it gave us an insight into what folks look for when it comes to choosing an active travel vacation.”
As longtime travel veterans and founding partners of ALA, Austin & Lehman have served on the Forbes Traveler Panel of Experts Since 2006. They just completed their nominations for the Forbes Traveler 400 Luxury Hotel List, due out Oct 1.
Lehman notes that while ALA seeks the best accommodations in each of its destinations spanning Alaska to South Africa, in ALA terms “best” doesn’t necessarily mean the most exclusive, the biggest or most expensive.
“We look instead for intimate, locally run inns, lodges, B&Bs and resorts whose unique charm and history give our guests a true feel for the region. Each of our properties offers surprising luxury with an absence of pretension. From claw-foot tubs to wood-fired saunas and overstuffed pillows, we’ll indulge you in all the comforts and then some,” notes Lehman.
Austin & Lehman’s 2009 Top 10 Accommodations Picks:
- Fox Island, Kenai, Alaska: Guests boat-in to log-hewn cabins sited in rocky cove on a private three-square-mile island. ALA’s Alaska: Best of the Greatland.
- Burrowing Owl, Okanagan Wine Region, BC: Dramatic views of mountains and vineyards from the balcony of a charming 10-room guesthouse. ALA’s Okanagan Valley: Canada’s Wine Country.
- Spring Creek Ranch, Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Year-round luxury resort on a wildlife sanctuary enjoys Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List designation. ALA’s Grand Teton: Valley Floors to Jagged Peaks.
- Hotel San Juan de Dios, Chiapas, Mexico: Gardens and private gardens, antiques and chimneys grace guest accommodations of this one-time hacienda in the historic region of San Cristobal de las Casas. ALA’s Mexico Chiapas: Rainforest to Ruins.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".