Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 238

Travel Guest Post: Stevie Wonder and Sting Head to Curacao

As Curacao gears up for their second Curacao North Sea Jazz festival, event organizers proudly released the news that the closing act will be none other than music legend Stevie Wonder. Held on the weekend of September 2, 2011, the jazz festival will be held at the World Trace Center Curacao in Piscadera Bay.

 

The event promises to draw in a lively audience with additional headliners like Earth, Wind & Fire and Dionne Warwick. Grammy winner Sting will be opening the festival with a performance on Friday. Ticket prices for the concert series begin at only $185 for musically inclined visitors eager to join the festivities. Last year's event sold over 18,000 tickets, and was a great success with performers like John Legend and Natalie Cole.

 

Event guests are advised to make travel arrangements in advance, to ensure that lodging facilities don't fill up with other concertgoers. Suggested accommodations in the Piscadera Bay area include the Floris Suite Hotel, and the Curacao Marriot Beach Resort & Emerald Casino, which offers beautiful vistas of the bay.

 

Interested in checking out the action but don't want to splurge on a ticket? The North Sea Jazz Festival guarantees to be worth the entry fee, but vacationers can still get a taste of island partying during the events leading up to the big weekend. Throughout the week prior to the festival, concerts and street parties are held throughout Curacao to jump-start the lively spirit of the island.

 

Acclaimed by the Huffington Post as being one of the 'Best Islands in the Caribbean for Bar-Hoppers,' Curacao is an excellent travel destination for people looking to put on their dancing shoes, grab a fresh cocktail and enjoy a night out on the town. Whether you plan on attending the North Sea Jazz Festival, or simply want to take in everything that the island has to offer, a vacation in Curacao promises to deliver memories to last a lifetime.

 

About the Author: Katie Boue is a Cuban-American writer who studied at Florida State University's Creative Writing program before setting off on worldly adventures. An avid rock-climber and photographer, Katie has a passion for exploration. Her recent adventures include briefly living along the southern coast of France, eating her way through northern California and an upcoming road trip throughout America in search of the best climbing spots. She currently writes for a network of Caribbean travel guide sites, including caribbean-guide.info. Feel free to contact Katie at kboue@iiwinc.com.

 

Filed under: adventure, events, guest post, holiday, luxury, travel, travel planning Tagged: concert, curacao, island travel, stevie wonder, sting

Travel: Summer Villa Rentals

Summertime is here, and with that comes the perfect time to take a vacation. Leaving the city to escape to the countryside is one favorite way for the jet set to vacation. Check out these destination villas all around the world:

Cornwall, England

Escape city life with a weekend on the beach in the small seaside town of Cornwall. The North Cornwall Coast is simply gorgeous, crossing the River Tamar from England is like entering another realm. Porthtowan is a hidden gem of a beach, with sands that stretch the coastline and clear blue skies overhead. It is well known to local Cornish families though its place in the development of surfing in the UK has increased its popularity. If you dream of a weekend in a home with a sea view, luxurious amenities, 5 bedrooms, patio, barbeque and summer house this is the property for you. No driving to the car park, just walk down and back at your leisure. Of course Cornwall has many other attractions and Porthtowan is centrally located for most of them. Local past times include golf, swimming, body boarding and cycling.

Villas in San Martin Sur, San Jose Area, Dominical Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Located in the hills of Costa Rica is a villa with 5 bedrooms, breathtaking views, pool, 2 sitting areas, custom cabinetry, wet bar, verandah and barbeque. Experience nature by climbing down the local waterfall or picking fresh avocado, bananas, or papaya right from the front yard. Watch the monkeys and birds as they come right up to the windows.

Villa on Brighton Beach, Nr. Bridgetown, St Michael, Barbados, Caribbean

A perfect getaway for families or a large group is this 5,000 sq ft beach house on Brighton Beach. Made entirely out of natural stone and gorgeous woods, 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms are located on the first floor, with a spacious living area on the second floor designed for entertaining.  2 lounges, 14 seat dining table, barbeque, library, bar, rooftop pool and central kitchen.

Luxury Home in Paia, Maui North Shore, Hawaii, USA

On the beautiful island of Maui, escape to this luxury home complete with 5,000 sq feet of living space and 6,000 sq ft balcony.Three suites and 4 bathrooms provide enough space for 10 people comfortably. The home features gorgeous views of the volcano and mountains, private gym, office, upstairs TV room, outdoor jacuzzi and tree house. Entertain yourself by swimming, snorkeling, wind surfing, biking, kayaking, boating and helicopter rides.   The house is located a mere 90 feet from the waters edge.

Filed under: adventure, holiday, outdoors, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: villa

Travel Guest Post: Scottish Holidays Cottages in Loch Tay

At 14 miles long Loch Tay is Perthshire's longest loch and surrounding is some outstanding scenery and beautiful Scottish towns and villages. There is so much to do around here a week may not be long enough so many people come back to a Scottish cottage year after year. From Aberfeldy on the northern end of Loch Tay to Killin in the south there are lots to take in so why not have a two centred two-week holiday to make the most of this beautiful part of Scotland?

Surrounded by magnificent scenery, Aberfeldy lies on the River Tay and is the perfect base for touring the famous Perthshire lochs and glens or exploring west to the Trossachs, Argyll and Oban. Within a few miles are Loch Tay, the remote solitude of Glen Lyon and the grandeur of the high peaks of Schiehallion and Ben Lawers.

Mackays has several Cottages in Scotland in and around Aberfeldy such as 2 delightful semi-detached cottages enjoying panoramic views over the historic Birks of Aberfeldy and the Tay Valley. Each property has a garden area with patio and garden furniture and a private path leads down to the spectacular falls and woodlands of the Birks, a popular circular walk. Completely refurbished with great attention to detail and comfortably furnished, these cottages are ideal for a relaxing holiday at any time of year.

You can not get much closer to Loch Tay than the picturesque conservation village of Kenmore sitting as it does at the end of Loch Tay where the River Tay begins its journey to the sea and is surrounded by magnificent mountain and forest scenery. The village has a shop, historic hotel, an acclaimed restaurant and golf course all within easy walking distance. The loch offers sailing, mooring, water sports and angling while the river offers white water rafting, canoeing, gorge walking and fishing. Mackays offers a large self catering cottage in Kenmore which was originally the home of the village policeman. Why not bring your whole family and take a boat out on the water?

All the way to the south-western tip of Loch Tay and little beyond you find the village of Killin. Nearby you may glimpse ruined castles and dramatic waterfalls but you can not miss some of Scotland's finest landscapes that fill every horizon. The village itself is thriving and welcoming community that make it a perfect base to discover the area.

Mackays self catering Scotland has a charming semi-detached house forming part of a sympathetic conversion of a 200-year-old stables courtyard, in a tranquil rural setting, one mile along a private road from Killin. The conservatory has wonderful views over Loch Tay to Ben Lawers and deer and red squirrels can often be seen in the shared mature grounds. There is a private patio with garden furniture to sit out and fully appreciate the lovely surroundings.

About the Author: Deo K. can be reached at mackayspr@gmail.com.

Filed under: adventure, outdoors, scottland

Event: Tory Birch NYC Benefit

Filed under: charity, events, fashion, luxury, new york Tagged: charity, new york, Tory Birch, Waner Children's Foundation

Charity: Name Richard Branson's Plane

Ever wanted to name a plane?

Well now is your chance.

Billionaire and entrepreneur Richard Branson has partnered with luxury charity auction site charitybuzz.com to offer a lucky bidder the exclusive chance to name a Virgin Atlantic A330 aircraft. Bidding is open through June 15th at: http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/2631092. This is the first time a member of the general public has been able to name one of the A330 aircrafts. The plane will take to the skies with the winner's chosen name in 2012.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit Free The Children, a nonprofit organization committed to free children from poverty and exploitation and free young people from the notion that they are powerless to affect positive change in the world.

Branson is also auctioning the opportunity to join him for an intimate private cocktail party he is hosting in Miami. The incredibly exclusive cocktails, with only 25 guests, will celebrate the 25th birthday of Virgin Atlantic on June 15, 2011.

After the cocktail hour, the two winning guests will be given VIP entry to a private party on Ocean Drive, and the next night, the guests will join Virgin Atlantic's party of the year in South Beach.

Bidding is open through Wednesday, June 1 at: http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/2631091

 

Filed under: adventure, charity, contest, luxury

Travel Guest Post: 10 Amazing International Travel Destinations

The following is a comprehensive list of some of the most prestigious and luxurious international travel destinations across the world. Every single one of them offers their own unique appeal. Grab your passport, sign up for some international travel insurance, pack your bags and get away!

One of the world's most luxurious destinations is the ultra-modern city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Formerly a barren desert, Dubai rises almost magically, dominated by the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, at 2,716 feet. Enjoy indoor skiing in the middle of the desert. Watch thrilling falconry exhibitions or choose a sojourn across desert sands on camel or horseback. The city is served by all the world's most prestigious luxury hotels, and the architecture alone is awe-inspiring.


Standing at the crest of historic Beacon Hill in Boston awaits a luxurious adventure at the exclusive XV Beacon Hotel. The neighborhood has quaint brick-lined sidewalks, romantic gas-lit streets and picturesque Greek Revival architecture. Fifteen Beacon offers guests the ultimate in amenities and the award-winning on-site restaurant Mooo is available for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and is perfect for an intimate get-together.
For a luxurious Caribbean getaway, The Crane Resort in Barbados is a favorite of international travelers, and is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Overlooking the blue sea, The Crane offers an exclusive old-world experience that is secluded and a popular retreat for the "Rich and Famous."
Ocean view rooms featuring mountainous deserts meeting crystal blue waters are just a small part of the One and Only Resort in Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico, experience. Watch grey whales majestically breaking the waters while you enjoy an in-room breakfast. The red-tiled roofs of Old Mexico, surrounded by palm trees and exotic birds will entrance the visitor as they enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride.
Long a favored destination for travelers seeking a romantic, Old World adventure, Monte Carlo has much more to offer than casinos. Located just south of France on the Mediterranean, Monte Carlo is one of the playgrounds of the rich and famous. The Hotel de Paris, built in 1864, is one of Europe's most luxurious, with its Exclusive City View rooms the ultimate in extravagance and specialized service.
18th-century tapestries and private terraces are features of the historic Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris. Just steps from the Champs-Elysees, the George V is the pinnacle of international travel. World-renowned menu selections of the famed Le Cinq as well as the French elegance of La Galerie will satisfy the most demanding of palate.
In the secluded mountains near Asheville, N.C., is the luxurious Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa. Perhaps not as well-known as some, the Grove Park nonetheless stands alone in terms of luxury and exclusivity. With a guest list including presidents, kings, novelists, composers, Hollywood legends and even Harry Houdini extolling the unique experience, the Grove Park Inn remains one of the world's favored international travel destinations.
The Lodge at Verbier, Switzerland, is one of the more recent luxury resorts, and has quickly become a favorite among the international travel set. Indoor-outdoor hot tubs, private pools, an ice skating rink, dedicated gourmet chefs and unlimited champagne compete with the Lodge's spectacular Swiss Alps views.
Known for its seclusion and beauty, Fiji invites international travelers to the ultra-exclusive Yasawa Island Resort and Spa. Luxury bungalows sit just steps from pristine beaches, world-famous for colorful coral and exotic marine life. Dine at the Resort's spacious al Fresco restaurant which features breath-taking views of the scenic South Pacific.
Overlooking Lake Como in Italy is Villa d'Este. Featuring exquisite Italian cuisine, impeccable decor and trademark extraordinary service along with fine works of art and incredible sight-seeing opportunities make this Italian delight a favorite of international travel.

Author Bio: Check out Robbie's website at www.cooksandtravelbooks.com.

Filed under: luxury, travel, travel planning, travel tips, travel writing

Food: Per Se Giveaway

The Mecca of fine dining. That iconic blue door, with all the world-renowned deliciousness that lies behind it, can now be yours thanks to a Per Se Giveaway by Bloomspot.

Thomas Keller's ultra-luxe New York restaurant located in Columbus Circle is one of only 7 in the United States to receive three Michelin stars, and every day top chefs prepare an exquisite tasting menu and matching wine pairings. Rated the 9th best restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine, the typically dinner here is $295.00 per person.

To enter the giveaway, click here.

To learn more about Per Se, visit www.PerSeNy.com.

Offer Details:

No purchase required. Purchase will not improve chances of winning.
All entrants must be 21 years of age or older.
Open to US residents only. Void where prohibited.
Sweepstakes ends on 9/1/2011 at 11:59PM PST.
Grand Prize is a $800 certificate to Per Se.
Read official rules.



Filed under: contest, drink, food, luxury, new york

Travel Guest Post: London 101

Planning A Trip To London

London is one of the most vibrant and gorgeous city in the world.  Samuel Johnson once said "By seeing London, I have seen as much of life as the world can show" for there is in London all that life can afford. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and every year millions of people from all over the world visit London.

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations London offers a wide selection of hotels, luxury accommodations, hostels, guest houses and service apartments to suit every pocket. London offers some of the most gorgeous hotels in the world with great views.

Best Hotels to stay in London  

Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa – It is located in the Chelsea – Knightsbridge neighborhood of London which is one of the most posh locations of London.  It has a full-service spa, an indoor pool, a steam room, a sauna, and a fitness facility. The hotel offers easy access to key bus and train routes and is within walking distance to Sloane Square and Victoria Station.

51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences – Located just minutes from Buckingham Palace it is one of the finest hotel in the area. The decor of the rooms is modern and stylish and the food at their Indian restaurant is delicious. The main features of the hotel include spa, steam room, sauna, gym, limo car service and lot more. The nearest tube station is St James's Park which is 3 minutes walk from the hotel.

Corinthia Hotel London is a 5 star hotel located near many famous landmarks of London. Huge staircase, high ceiling, beautiful chandelier and vast lobbies give it a grand and classy look. The hotel has London's largest spa and wellness centre and its restaurant offer all day dining and it serves modern British food

The Grand is located just next to Trafalgar square and three blocks from National Gallery.  The nearest tube station is Charing Cross which is just 3 minutes walk from the hotel.  It has some excellent features including upper level Grand Gallery, high ceilings and state of art windows. They have opened a new restaurant named Boyd's Bar and Brasserie that serves British cuisine. There are lots of other facilities available in Grand like- health club, wireless internet, meeting rooms etc.

Things to do in London

Visit Westminster Abbey – It is a Gothic church in Westminster and one of the most famous landmarks of London. It is located west to the Palace of Westminster (House of Parliament). Visitors can see the stunning medieval architecture inside the church as well as they can view hundreds of years old paintings, stained glass and textiles.

Take a ride on London Eye- London Eye is a giant wheel that carries 32 sealed egg-shaped passenger capsules and each rotation takes about 30 minutes. On a clear day you can see around 40km from the top as far as Windsor Castle where Queen lives. In order to ride on the London Eye visitors need to buy tickets. It is recommended to buy the "fast track tickets" online; even if a bit more expensive they'll help you to avoid huge queues. You can also buy regular entrances from the nearby counter.

Take a boat ride – Thames river cruise is very popular among the tourist. As Thames flow through the heart of the city so you would be able to see all the iconic structures – Tower Bridge, London Eye, Parliament House and many more. You won't have to stay hungry during the tour as snacks and drinks are available inside the boat.

Visit National History Museum – Natural History Museum has one of the largest collections of natural history-related artifacts in the world. The museum is divided into four zones – Red, Green, Blue and Orange and each zone is divided into various sections. The entry to the museum is free and it is open every day from 10:00 – 17:50 except 24-26 December

Visit Tower Bridge – Tower Bridge is the iconic symbol of London and the most photographed and painted bridge in the world. Tower Bridge exhibition is located in the north-west tower allowing entrance to high level walkway between the two towers and then down to south tower into the engine room. The Victorian engine room once used to raise and lower the bridge for ships to pass. It has been maintained beautifully and visitors can see the immaculate chambers that are spacious and comfortable. 

Take a tour of Madame Tussaud's – It is a globally famous wax museum that houses wax models of famous people from all over the world. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London and it receives 2.7 million visitors annually. Madame Tussauds is open every day except for 25th December. It opens from 9:00 every morning but the closing time varies depending upon the season.

The best time to visit London is the summer season when temperature varies from 18 °c – 27 °c and sunlight remains till 10 o'clock at night and sunrises at 4 o'clock in the morning.

Best places to eat:

Butlers Wharf Chop House –Set in a stunning location right next to the river Thames, it's serves hearty British food. Their service is very good and their food is lovely but bit expensive.  Wine lovers will enjoy the wide-ranging list that features English and Welsh wines. Their signature dish is Roast Shorthorn rib of beef, Yorkshire pudding and roast potato.

The Library- If you want to take your partner on a romantic dinner near Buckingham palace then it is the best place to take him/her. The restaurant specializes in seafood. One of their popular dishes is red mullet with rosemary-scented mussels. You can also try their black pepper tiger prawn with crusty French bread, Hastings Dover Sole or west coast scallops pea shoots, summer beets and pea puree.  They are open daily from 19:30 – 22:00.

Brasserie Joël – This restaurant is opened by an award winning chef Joël Antunes and is located near Big Ben, London Eye and House of Parliament.  The interior of the restaurant is casual and modern. It is a perfect restaurant to have a romantic dinner in one of London's most posh location. It serves contemporary French cuisine like Oxtail tortellini, spinach and Swiss chard.

The best time to visit London is the summer season when temperature varies from 18 °c – 27 °c and sunlight remains till 10 o'clock at night and sunrises at 4 o'clock in the morning.

Author Bio: Sujata Ghosh loves to travel and writes about cheap hotels in London city centre for her next trip. =)

Filed under: travel, travel planning, travel tips, Uncategorized

Travel Guest Post: 10 Tips to Prepare for a Long Trip

With summer right around the bend, it's time to start planning your vacation. Below you will find 10 tips that will help you to prepare for a long and enjoyable trip.

1. If you have pets, then their comfort should be one of your top priorities. Left alone in your home, they will be lonely and become unhappy. Look into pet kennels that would keep your dog or cat while you are away. Better yet, ask your friends, relatives, or neighbors if they would care for them until you return.

2. Decide if you need someone to house-sit for you. Although this is not always necessary, most people need someone to do small jobs such as pick up the mail, tidy the house, and trim the lawn while they are gone. A house-sitter can make short stops by your home every day, or you can ask them to live within the house as if it was their own. A house-sitter should be someone completely trust-worthy.

3. Taking your own vehicle on the trip may prove to be impossible or impractical. If you plan to fly part of the way or need a car with better gas mileage, look into renting a car. You can find cheap car rentals using the internet.

4. If you're flying, always book your flight well ahead of time. Contact an airline to find out about the best travel deals and when it would best to book your flight.

5. Rather than wait until you arrive to look for a hotel, choose one in advance using the internet. After reading reviews and looking at their accommodations, reserve your room online or by phone.

6. Choose your apparel ahead of time. Don't fall into the bad habit of packing your bags the night before you leave home. By thinking over your clothing options, you can pack appropriately and have a much more enjoyable trip.

7. If you are going to be stuck in an airplane for several hours, then take some entertainment along with you. By carrying along some interesting magazines and books, your trip will be much more pleasant.

8. Make a list of everything you need to take with you such as tickets, passport, driver's license, and personal ID, so that you can pack them before you leave. These important and irreplaceable items should be carried close to you in a purse, wallet, or small suitcase.

9. Trips can be long and, depending on where you are traveling, you may not have the opportunity to buy food or drinks every time you want them. Take along some bottles of water and healthy snacks such as fruit or mixed nuts.

10. Even with the best planning, disaster often occurs. Have a second plan for what you will do if your flight becomes canceled, your hotel reservations become confused, or bad weather strikes.

Once you have finished making these preparations, you can relax and spend some time making a list of the things you want to see and learning about the places that you are going to visit. This is a great way to reward yourself after all your hard work planning everything you need for the trip.

Author Bio: Marina Dukic can be reached at marina@vroomvroomvroom.com.au.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Travel: Friday Photo

The Lone Tree on Harbor Island, Bahamas has been published hundreds of times by photographers from all over the world. Here is a version taken by Jetsetera.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: bahamas, beach, harbour island, lone tree