Monday, June 28, 2010

Top Marina Resorts in North America

Whether you’re an avid boater, love to yacht, or simply enjoy the marina atmosphere – if you’re in the market for a marina resort vacation , you’ll want to know about the top destinations in North America.

Find out where the most elegant, luxurious & extraordinary waterfront resorts and fractional property opportunities are – from Canada to Mexico. Read below to find out about the most popular marina resorts, based on location, amenities, value and service.
  1. The Westin Key West Resort & Marina

This popular Key West marina destination offers luxury, comfort and style – all backed by the Westin name. The remarkable, low-rise resort is fashioned in the time-honored Victorian style that is so distinctive to Key West.

2. Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki

This amazing Oceanfront Twin Tower Hotel is located on Ala Wai Yacht Harbor at the entrance to Waikiki. Not only does this resort have a marina, it is also the only Waikiki resort to boast a 27 hole championship golf course designed by Arnold Palmer.

3. The Ritz Carlton, Marina del Rey

This high-class California marina resort features a traditional European ambience with fine, exquisite furnishings and Juliet balconies. The resort is set on five splendid acres along the water’s edge overlooking the marina.

4. The Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport (Maine)

This classy Maine marina resort features the Victorian Charm of Maine’s yesteryear with contemporary amenities. The resort offers recreational activities such as scenic Lobster Boat and Sailboat and Sport Fishing tours plus Kayak rentals from the marina.

5. Montauk Yacht Club Resort Hotel and Marina

Named one of the Top Ten Marina Destinations in North America, Mexico, Bahamas and the Caribbean by Yachting Magazine, the Montauk Yacht Club Resort Hotel and Marina is the Hamptons’ premier marina resort. The resort’s landmark lighthouse complements its contemporary Cape Cod design.


6. Harbor View Hotel & Resort, Martha’s Vineyard

The delightful Martha’s Vineyard Hotel dates back to 1891, and evokes the ultimate in elegance by blending Victorian ambience and charm with all of today’s modern comforts. The Harbor View Hotel and Resort overlooks the scenic Edgartown Harbor on Martha’s Vineyard.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

World’s Top 10 Beach: Tulum Beach—Cancun

A visit to white limestone sand Tulum Beach will be eye-treat for those looking to soak into crystal blue waters. There is an aura of mystery around the beach as ancient Mayan ruins tell their own story.Tulum is 80 miles southeast of Cancun part of Riviera Maya. Its southern part called Boca Paila is the only beach which can assure you of much needed privacy. Derived from Mayan word 'wall' Tulum has ruins overlooking the beach ,the most prominent being Castillo the castle .It was Mayan civilization's only walled city defending its frontiers from invaders from both sea and land. The tourists can experience the best beach in Mexico along with it explore and admire the architecture of the ancient Mayan civilization. The most interesting being Temple of the Descending God and Temple of the Frescoes presenting beautiful murals. Another interesting place to visit is 'cenotes' which are the freshwater pools located south of Tulum Pueblo. These were part of underground network of rivers which once provided fresh water to ancient Mayan people.

You can reach international airport at Cancun from there it is two hours journey to Tulum.Airconditioned shuttle service is available to Tulum.

The best time to visit Tulum is from December to April. The tropical climate ensures full sunshine and infrequent rains. But being in hurricane zone September and October gets maximum rainfall.

Tulum offers number of accommodations ranging from high-end hotels, smaller cabana hotels and campsites. Most of these hotels are located in Hotel Zone which is an area earmarked on the beach for hotel industry. The most popular are Azulik villas which have 15 private villas constructed from hardwood with unique features like tree trunk bathtubs, massages and waterfront views.

World’s Top Beach: Barcelona—Spain

Barcelona has many popular beaches at Platja Barcelona at Vila Olimpica which was home to 1992 Olympics and Platja de Sant Sebastia which is kid friendly with clean sand, life guards and shower facilities. For more adventurous there is nudist beach Platja de la Mar Bella with coarse sand stretching miles. Barcelona offers you beaches coupled with sightseeing in form of beautiful buildings and cultural centres as any European city. These beaches offer welcome respite from the hectic life styles of the city. You can visit the Sitges which is a popular coastal town. It is favorite with young crowd making it a hot spot. Visit the city when you are tired of beaches .The streets of Gothic Quarter and Les Rambles invites you with neatly lined shops, beautiful houses and street performers. Enjoy the night clubs full of music, food and nonstop dancing.

Barcelona's airport El Prat de Llobregat is directly connected with all the major cities of the world. As it is located seven miles away from city centre you have to take either a cab or train to reach the centre of the city. The city has an efficient metro service and other transport services include bus system, private taxis and funicular which present stunning views of the city. The best time to visit Barcelona is in spring and fall .Summers is hot and humid. August is usually crowded as it is holiday time in Barcelona has many hotels and resorts both for the budget and luxury loving tourists. Hotels which are located near the beaches tend to be on the higher side but they offer the best facilities.

Barcelona's restaurants offer multi-cuisines. You must check Talaia Mar which is best for Catalan cuisine and chef's specialty which is bacon ice -cream. Can Costa offer best seafood and waterviews. For budget travelers there is choice of bread, cheese and smoked sausage or ham.
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