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Japan Tourist Guide: Main Annual Events and Festivals in Matsushima

World Travel Guides — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:08:43 +0000

Here we list the main annual events and impotant festivals with the time in Matsushima, including Lanterns and Fireworks Festivals, Matsushima Japanese garden tea party and Matsushima oyster festival. Which ensure you a exciting cultural travel experience.

Lanterns and Fireworks Festivals in Matsushima
About 8,000 fireworks are let off in the night sky and the lights of 3,000 lanterns can be seen on the bay. It can look at gorgeous view which is not usual Matsushima.
Held on August 17 every year.

Matsushima Japanese garden tea party
Visitors can enjoy an outdoor tea ceremony against the backdrop of Matsushima’s entrancing scenery. There are eight tea ceremony areas for each of the eight different schools.
The first Sunday in October.

Matsushima oyster festival
It is held on the first Saturday and Sunday in February every year as a festival where you can enjoy the representative winter dish, oyster.
You can enjoy various oyster dishes free of charge, and there are large BBQ areas where people can grill oysters and scallops over charcoal by hemselves. Both stomach and heart can be satisfied.

Tags: Japan festivals, Japan Travel, Japan travel destinations

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Fantastic Landscape of Eath and Sea: Matsushima’s Greatest Attractions

World Travel Guides — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:49:34 +0000

The scenic masterpieces of Matsushima, is as spectacular today as it was in the Edo period. This remarkable site, textured by the sea and abundant greenery, has not only touched the hearts of millions of people, but has also served as a colorful background to history itself.

Matsushima has been boasting of its beauty, since the Heian period, and is designated as a national special scenic beauty and a prefectural natural park. A lot of people who visit this place were moved by its beauty and admired it by drawing pictures or composing poems.

The views from four directions, north, south, east and west entices people with the beauty of a different scene from each perspective. A perfect balance between the contrast of colors created by green pine trees and the figurative beauty produced by small islands floating on the large sea is kept, and its beauty is unchanged from whichever direction.

Island-hoping at Matsushima
You can enjoy the changing scenery of big and small rocks one after another such as Nio island, Kane island, and Katsura island by “Regular cruise around the bay”. You can see branches of pine trees and rock surface in islands close-up by “Demand responsive small sightseeing boat”.

You can enjoy the oyster stew from December to March by “Regular course around the bay from Matsushima to Shiogama”. You can enjoy masculine scenery peculiar to the rias coast, which is in contrast to feminine scenery within the bay by “Cruise around Oku-Matsushima and Saga-kei valley”.

You can choose according to your purpose and time.

Zuigan-ji Temple
It is the greatest Zen temple in Ohshu area established by priest Jikaku Taishi Ennin in the fifth year of Tencho, and is the family temple of the lord of Sendai domain Masamune Date.

Masamune completed the current building in 1609 taking five years in total. In construction, 130 skillful craftsmen were gathered from all over the country, and construction materials were also obtained from Mt. Kumano. These efforts showed his enthusiasm as the winner in Ohshu area.

Especially, the paneled door, the fan light, or gorgeous paintings on the sliding doors and the alcove are regarded as perfection of artificial beauty that represents Japanese natural beauty.

Godai-do
It is said to be established by Tamuramaro Sakanoue in 807.
It is called Godai-do because priest Jikaku enshrined Godai Myohoh (Buddhist statue) afterward. The current building was rebuilt by the lord of Sendai domain Masamune Date who invited the carpenters from Kishu when the Zuigan-ji Temple was rebuilt, and is the oldest Momoyama style construction in existence.
Symbolic landmark of Matsushima (National important cultural properties)

Kanran Tei
It is one building of Fushimi-Momoyama Castle. It was given to Masamune by Hideyoshi, reconstructed in the Edo period, and then Tadamune reconstructed it in this place.
It was used by the successive lords of domain as a place to enjoy the cool of the evening and the moon. The taste of the green powdered tea while enjoying the views of Matsushima makes people feel the passage of time. (Prefectural important cultural properties)

Matsushima moon scenery
Did you see the streak of road that glittered in gold between islands of Matsushima? On day near full moon, there is gold wave that moonlight draws for about two hours after the moon has appeared. It is like a moon road.
When the moon begins to rise in the vicinity of the highest point, the sea puts up silver wave, changes into the silvery white world, and begins to draw the shadow of islands and the pine trees beautifully. We can also experience the elegance of the hazy moon, the increscent and the decrescent which Basho sought.

The major specialties
If you want to taste the plump milk-white body of oysters, we recommend eating them raw.
It is suitable for various other dishes such as oyster rice, oyster stew, tempura and so on. Oyster season is from October to March.

Kouren rice cracker
Kouren rice cracker boasts a 700 year tradition as a famous delicacy of Michinoku.
It originated in the event that Sister Kouren grilled the rice crackers from rice flour that worshippers had offered to Kannon-do Temple, while gazing at the plum blossoms that bloomed near the eaves of her late husband Kotaro’s house. Currently, the 43rd descendant is manufacturing it following the traditional method.

Tags: attractions, Japan Travel, Japan travel destinations, Japanese landsacpe, Matsushima, Scenic Spots

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Travel Resorts Guidelines: Top 5 Scenic Spots in Iligan Philippines

World Travel Guides — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:27:50 +0000

Iligan City is situated in Northern Mindanao. Approximately 800 kilometers southeast of Manila. Here are some famous attractions in Iligan City you can’t neglect if you travel to the Philippines.

ANAHAW OPEN AMPHI-THEATER – Located at the Buhanginan Hill in the southeastern side of city hall. It is only 2.3 kilometers from the city proper. Probably the biggest open amphitheater in Mindanao. A beautiful site to view Iligan City, where children can romp around the playground. The road going to the top of the hill is a challenge and favorite destination for early morning exercise.

MARIA CRISTINA FALLS – Iligan’s greatest heritage, the landmark of Iligan City. The most resplendent among the 20 plus waterfalls. Also known as the “Mother of Industry” and “Fountainhead of Progress.” It is 320 feet high, spews 130 cubic meters per second of water and the veritable source of industrial power in the city. Located at the borders of Barangay Maria Cristina, Ditucalan and Buru-un 9.3 kilometers away from the city proper. Since its water is being harnessed for electric power, full grandeur viewing of the waterfalls is every Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 in the morning.

LIMUNSUDAN FALLS – 35 kilometers away from the city proper. It has the claim of being the country’s highest waterfalls. It is a breathtaking two-tiered falls. The lower cascade alone is higher than the 320 feet Maria Cristina Falls. It has a total height of 870 feet. It is close to the eastern boundaries of Iligan, Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. To reach the waterfalls, one has to trek for 2 days from Kalamalamahan, Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City.

MOUNT AGAD-AGAD – Approximately 1,600 feet above sea level, considered as the highest mountain in Iligan City; safe for trekking, mountain climbing and camping. 5.5 kilometers away from the city proper. The hanging bridge connecting the main road and jump off point to the foot of the mountain is an experience in itself.

HINDANG FALLS AND CAVES – a 40 ft. high two-tiered waterfalls with a lagoon ideal for swimming. Located at hinterland Barangay Hindang, approximately 20 kilometers from the city. Other attractions of the Barangay are the 6-8 cave clusters. Most caves have narrow entrance with long and deep chambers.

Tags: Philippine city, Philippines resorts, Scenic Spots, Tourist Attraction, travel resorts

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Philippines Travel Guide: Five Hot Scenic Spots Must-Visit in Philippines

World Travel Guides — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:55:54 +0000

Thinking about a trip to the Philippines? Wondering where to go for best sightseeings and sceneries? The Philippine scenic spots listed below are most rewarding for a visit.

Mayon

Regarded as one of the most perfect cone in the world locates in the Bicol province of Southern Luzon. An active volcano but erupts in centuries interval. The volcano has been a boon for centuries to Bicolano farmers nearby, due to rich farm land brought forth by its tectonic activity.

Sunset at Manila Bay

Anywhere else in the world, exquisite sunsets that continues to fascinate lovers of nature are common sights, but at the historic Manila Bay as the sun slowly marches away from view, appears one of the most ravishing sunsets that nature has to offer.

Taal Volcano

Located in the mountainous region of Tagaytay, Northern Luzon is widely considered the world’s lowest active volcano. This unique land feature is a grand sight to behold on overlooking rest houses that are bathed in gentle and crisp mountain breeze. These well-developed rest houses with enough plain space around for picnic and children’s playground are ideal for taking a break from the humdrum of everyday city life.

Banaue Rice Terraces

Sometimes considered as one of the wonders of the world is located in Batad, Mountain Province in Northern Luzon. This historic rice terraces so unique in the world was built by the native Ifugao of the province. This splendid man-made prehistoric structure is now preserved by the Philippine Government for heritage and for all tourists around the world to see.

Chocolate Hills

A panoramic view of this seeming ocean of hills provided by an elevated guest house lying on top of a mountain is perhaps one of the most arresting sights one could experience his whole life. Geologists speculated these little mountains that turn brown (thus the name chocolate) every summer due to blighting grasses were remnants of corral refs when this tiny Island province of Bohol was under sea some two million years ago.

Tags: Hot Spots, Philippines, Philippines resorts, Scenic Spots, travel destinations, Volcano

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Complete Winter Backpacking Guide: Particular Suggestions and Checklist

World Travel Guides — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:21:18 +0000

Many young people have the passion for trekking. Everyone will agree that winter is one of the most beautiful seasons for trekking! But we have to admit that backpacking for winter camping is not easy. We offer a few tips followed by the winter backpacking checklist, which will help to make your task easier.

Though good weather or season is never a constraint for ‘true’ hikers. After all, the atmosphere is good, i.e. it does not make one sweat and nor does not it make one so wet that it becomes impossible to move even a step ahead! The atmosphere in winter is pleasant, but that does not mean that backpacking for winter camping is very easy. Everything needs to be carried in double quantities for winter! Here are a few tips for winter backpacking, which will help to make your task easier. The tips will be followed by the winter backpacking checklist. Read more on camping gear.

Winter Backpacking Tips

The winter vacation spots are generally the places which are secluded and difficult to reach. Which means that along with the trekking equipments, basic things, which are utmost necessary for survival need to be backpacked. What are those things? First and foremost, the clothes. As it is going to be extremely cold, you need to carry the right type and amount of clothes. You will need one inner layer of clothes, through which you can get insulation in the cold weather. Above that a lightweight layer of clothes will be required, that will help to regulate the body temperature. Talking about accessories, the list is quite big, which is given below as the winter backpacking checklist. One of the important winter backpacking tip will be, remain warm as much as possible. Also check the weather reports before proceeding. Drink lots of water. One generally does not feel thirsty at all in low temperatures, but the body does require water. The lack of water can lead to dehydration, which can further lead to drop in body temperature. Make sure that your shoe laces as well as the the gloves are not too tight, because tight gloves and socks can constrict blood flow, due to which your hands and feet won’t remain warm. And yes, remember to carry a lightweight backpacking! Read more on how to pack a backpack.

Winter Backpacking Checklist

Clothing
Waterproof/breathable jacket
Waterproof/breathable pants
Insulated parka
Wool clothing
Wool cap
Fleece jacket or wool sweater
Fleece pants
Waterproof gaiters
Synthetic hiking pants
Base Layer
Synthetic long sleeve T-shirt
Warm coat (down or polyester filled)
Mittens or gloves (preferably wool)
Socks with extra set
Expedition-weight long top
Expedition-weight long bottoms
Midweight long john top
Midweight long john bottoms
Synthetic briefs
Winter Backpacking Gear List
Waterproof hiking boots
Wool or synthetic socks (3)
Liner socks
Sleeping bag
Air mattress / sleeping Pad
Air pump
Pillow
Sheets & blankets
Backpack
Flashlight or headlamp
Extra Batteries
Knife or multi-tool
Insulated camping booties
Wool or fleece hat
Balaclava
Midweight wool or fleece gloves
Heavyweight wool or fleece mittens
Synthetic liner gloves
Waterproof overmitts
Water filter or iodine drops / tablets
First aid kit
Repair kit
Map and compass
Utility bags
Insect repellent
Toilet paper
Lip balm
Camera and film
Lighter and waterproof matches
Trekking poles
Rope (for clothesline or bear bagging)
Lantern (with fuel or batteries)
Whistle
Toiletries (razor, toothbrush, etc.)
Soap and shampoo
Folding table & chairs
Travel alarm clock
Fire extinguisher
Lightweight rubber sandals (thongs) for wearing around camp
Camp shoes
Stove (white gas)
Fuel (fuel bottles)
Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
Lighter
Waterproof strike anywhere matches
Cook set
Spoon, bowl, mug
2 water bottles
Cooking pots

Tags: backpacking, take hiking, Travel Guide, Travel Tips, winter vacation

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Travel Agency Guide: Where to Rent a Apartment in Venice

World Travel Guides — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:05:04 +0000

To try the life of a Venetian on for size, all you have to do is rent an apartment in the city. The problem is that the rental process isn’t as simple as hailing a gondolier. Here are the pros and cons of the four basic approaches.

Sometime around day three of an apartment stay in Venice, a transformation occurs. The welcoming ‘buon giorno’ you’ve been receiving at the neighborhood cheese shops, butchers, and bakeries grows more enthusiastic, with an obvious trace of recognition.

You find yourself in situations the weekend visitor never experiences–buying wine by the jug at a vineria, picking tomatoes out of crates from a greengrocer’s boat moored in a canal. The evening routine you’ve established includes nibbling on cicchetti (appetizers) with uno spritz (Campari, soda, and white wine) at a cantina, before heading home to cook a delicious feast in your kitchen.

The fabled Italian lifestyle you’ve always envied is suddenly your own. You’re even able to navigate the city without getting lost–though that won’t stop you from wandering aimlessly every day, just because.

International agencies

The main benefit of booking through one of the big international agencies is ease of use. Prices are often listed in U.S. dollars, and you can always pay by credit card, rather than having to arrange bank wire transfers. Most international agencies are based in the U.S. or have representatives there, which means they’ll have proven track records and Better Business Bureau ratings, and you won’t have to deal with long-distance calls or a language barrier.

The apartments that larger agencies work with are often magnificent: Using Villas International, for example, you can rent a two-bedroom unit in a 14th-century building that was once the vacation home of German writer Goethe. The apartment, known as Palazzo Grevira, is located just 325 yards from Piazza San Marco and was available this past October for $1,490 per week.

The big players handle all sorts of destinations: apartments in Bangkok, ski condos in Aspen, Caribbean villas, Orlando townhouses, London flats, and more. While each company represents thousands of properties around the world, only a handful will be in Venice. We surveyed dozens of agencies, and the two offering more than 20 options in Venice are listed below.

You’ll generally find more choices–and often, superior knowledge of the city–at a local agency. Also on the downside: The international agencies tend to be rigid when it comes to bookings, rarely willing to adjust the minimum-stay or other requirements. And prices tend to be higher, on average, than at smaller agencies.

Local agencies

Dimora Veneziana, a Venice-based agency that represents two dozen units in the city, knows that guests arriving past a certain time are unlikely to find any markets or restaurants open in residential neighborhoods. To help late arrivals, the agency outfits apartments with a couple essentials to get them through the night: a bottle of wine and penetta alla siciliana (all you have to do is heat it up). The personal touch is just one reason to book through a local agency.

These agencies tend to work with lots of apartments–Rental in Italy books more than 70. Because of sheer numbers, these agencies are more likely to have units available for only a few nights, and they’ll also offer rentals in less obvious locations, like Venice’s peaceful outlying islands. Italian agencies also generally provide the most information on each property, including locator maps, lots of photographs, and, in the case of Dimora Veneziana, floor plans.

Apartments run the gamut, from basic to upscale, and many have that perfect mix of charm, location, and value. Magica Venezia, for example, has the three-bedroom Remer, in a palazzo with Gothic-arched windows looking over the Grand Canal. The apartment starts at $54 per person per night when split six ways.

Most local agencies accept credit cards, so the rental process is smooth and standardized, and it can be conducted via the Internet. At least someone in the office will speak English. Some of the best Italian agencies are listed below; for others, go to Venice’s official tourist board website, turismovenezia.it. Click on “Accommodation” and then on “Estate agencies for rental apartments.”

Direct from owner

In its “Accommodation” database mentioned above, the Venice Tourism website lists 488 holiday apartments in the center of town. While plenty of them are represented by agencies, many are individual apartments for rent directly from the owner.

Skipping the middleman is an age-old formula for finding deals. The problem is that renting direct can be tedious and difficult. Sifting through properties eats up time. Many owners haven’t set up flashy websites, and you’re left with little more than an address and a phone number. Even with the apartments sporting websites and e-mail addresses, the rental procedure is rarely easy. Few owners accept credit cards; you’ll usually have to wire a deposit via bank transfer and pay the balance in cash on arrival (though PayPal is becoming popular). You might need to call Italy several times to confirm rental and payment details, and the language issue may get in the way.

All apartments on the Venice site have been registered and inspected by the tourism association, so there’s no reason to be concerned about scams. But bypassing an agency leaves you little recourse in the rare case something goes wrong. An agency is better equipped than an ordinary owner to arrange for substitute lodging, if it comes to that.

The prizes that turn up in the tourist office’s database can be fantastic, however. Casseleria, run by owner Francesco Bramante, offers four antique-furnished flats between Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge starting at $165 per person per week, split among four guests. That’s just $24 a night per person, about what local hostels charge for dorm beds. Venetian Atmosphere is the name of a trio of apartments in a palazzo a few yards from St. Mark’s Square. Prices start at $58 per person per night. The Villa Santa Caterina, a rustic house on the tiny island of Mazzorbetto, starts at $236 per person per week–$79 per person for the weekend–and includes your own motorboat.

Hotel-owned apartments

Many hotels rent apartments, sometimes in the same building, sometimes halfway across town. Booking one can be as easy as calling the hotel or going to its website and providing a credit card number. Hotels allow you to rent for shorter periods (usually a three-night minimum) and take advantage of typical hotel amenities, including toiletries, maid service daily or several times a week and, for a few additional euros, breakfast at the hotel.

On the downside, hotel apartment prices tend to be higher than on the open market. Also, some “apartments” are little more than hotel rooms with a kitchenette crammed into a closet.

Still, there are some true finds. Hotel Ai Due Fanali offers units overlooking the busy waters of the Bacino di San Marco, from $227 per night for two. Pensione Guerrato, next to the Rialto market, rents a three-bedroom apartment upstairs from the hotel, a one-bedroom with space for four near San Marco, and a fantastic three-story home just off the Mercerie shopping street that can sleep up to six, starting at $42 per person per night.

Tags: apartment rental, hotels, travel agency, travel deals, Venice travel

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Caribbean Travel Encouragement: Resorts Package Reimburse Travelers’ Passport Cost

World Travel Guides — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:42:58 +0000

To entice travelers who might be turned off by the $97 cost of a passport, resorts throughout the Caribbean have dreamt up a wide range of discounts; some will even reimburse travelers for the cost of a new passport.

Beginning on January 23, the much-debated Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require a passport for all air travel to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada (with the exception of U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.). The new rule has not been popular in the Caribbean, which relies heavily on tourists–Americans in particular. In 2004, Americans accounted for about 52 percent of arrivals, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization. For details on the new passport requirements, which will likely extend to land and sea travel.

ANGUILLA: The Arawak Beach Inn’s four-night Passport to Paradise package includes accommodations, a complimentary private excursion to a secluded beach, and a gourmet packed lunch, starting at $240 per person, based on double occupancy. Travelers must be first-time passport holders or veteran passport holders with two or more Anguilla stamps.

ARUBA: The Westin Aruba is offering a $50 food credit per person per stay. Similarly, the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is giving out a $75 food-and-beverage credit per room. The MVC Eagle Beach (011-297/587-0110) and the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort (800/932-6509) are both giving out $25 food-and-beverage credits per person per stay, with a five-night minimum stay. The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has a $100 resort credit per room with a five-night minimum stay.

PUERTO VALLARTA: Present your new passport at check-in at the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort to demonstrate that the property is your first destination stamp and you’ll receive a $100 resort credit for one person per room. The deal is good for travel, and a five-night minimum stay is required.

ST. LUCIA: The eco-resort Ladera will reimburse the cost of a passport for travelers who make St. Lucia their first stop with the new passport. Guests will also receive a leather passport case, a 30-minute massage at the Ti Kaye Pose Spa, and a cocktail from the bar. A five-night minimum stay is required.

ST. THOMAS: The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa is offering a Pass by that Passport package that includes an all-inclusive stay (meals, drinks, non-motorized sports, and admission to the Grotto Grove Kids Klub) from $414 per room per night, based on double occupancy.

Tags: Caribbean island, Caribbean Travel, passport requirements, travel agency, travel deals, travel passport

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Urban Travel Guide: Enticing City Sibiu, Romania Hold Spotlight again

World Travel Guides — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:22:28 +0000

To prepare for its stint as a European Capital of Culture for 2007, the city’s baroque architecture has been restored, and the treasures that these buildings once housed have been returned to their rightful places. Forgotten for the last two decades, Transylvania’s prettiest city is enjoying a year in the spotlight.

“The Communists saw these things as subversive and bourgeois,” says the owner of a shop named Antik, describing a Latin and German manuscript, written by a Hungarian nobleman in 1814, that synthesizes everything that was known about the world’s languages. “So the intellectual families took them into the forests and buried them in wooden crates. They stayed buried for almost 20 years. Then Nicolae Ceau¸sescu decided that culture was good for the nation, and they dug them up.”

Romania betrays little evidence of Ceausescu’s affection for culture. To construct a single monstrous building in Bucharest in 1984–the House of the People, today known as the Palace of the Parliament–he razed a historic area roughly the size of Venice. Even places like the beautiful Transylvanian city of Sibiu, spared the wrecking ball, were so neglected during the tyrant’s 24-year rule that the town may as well have been destroyed: Churches rotted, palaces crumbled, and museums were looted.

Ceausescu was overthrown (and shot by a firing squad) in 1989; Romania joined the European Union on January 1, 2007. The Romanians couldn’t be more excited. The word Europe, which in luckier parts has a tinge of meddling bureaucrats and high taxes, here means a chance to recover the culture and identity that, in Romania’s terrible last century, were so violently blown up and bulldozed.

Each year, the EU chooses one or two member cities to showcase–with exhibitions and performances–to the rest of the union. This is meant to foster a greater understanding between the many cultures. To prepare for its stint as a European Capital of Culture for 2007, Sibiu spruced up everything from its public squares to its sewers. The city’s baroque architecture has been restored, and the treasures that these buildings once housed have been returned to their rightful places. Jan van Eyck’s masterpiece, Man with Ring, is back in the art galleries of the National Brukenthal Museum–the Communists had taken it to Bucharest–as is a stolen Titian, Ecce Homo, that was recovered by customs agents in Miami.

Casa Luxemburg is a small symbol of the European solidarity that has given Sibiu a new chance. The city of Luxembourg is also a Capital of Culture for 2007, and its government has taken the opportunity to fund the renovation of this historic building on one of Sibiu’s main squares. It now holds the Luxembourg consulate, a tourist information center, and a small guesthouse with six bedrooms. The country’s relationship with the town dates back centuries. Migrants from the Moselle River Valley–part of which is in modern-day Luxembourg–founded Sibiu in the late 1100s.

Near one of Romania’s oldest restaurants, the 500-year-old Butoiul de Aur, there are plenty of places that boast of Sibiu’s connections to other parts of Europe, like Ciao Italia pizzeria and the British-pub-style La Turn.

Even though it’s had a serious face-lift, Sibiu is still Romania. In the mostly unrestored lower section of the city–where you can walk past faded pastel facades (such as that of homey Hotel Ela) and wizened old women selling vegetables on bedsheets spread on the cracked pavements–you’ll feel as if you’ve wandered into a sepia picture of the Old Country from an immigrant grandparent’s scrapbook: a piece of the past, dug up and returned miraculously to life.

Tags: cultural travel, Europe scenic spots, Romania travel guide, urban travel

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Australia Wine Lifestyle Retreat at Yarra Valley’s Private Hotels

World Travel Guides — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:06:19 +0000

At the new “wine lifestyle retreat” , hotels in Yarra Valley make efforts to attract visitors. No. 1 features an array of early-Australian antiques; No. 2 is decked out floor-to-ceiling in provocative reds.

You don’t have to like wine to enjoy this region northeast of Melbourne (but it helps). Just check in to one of these friendly retreats and drop out in style.

DIXONS CREEK
Immerse in the Yarra Valley
Former corporate couple Stephen and Helen Myles visited the Yarra Valley for the first time in 2000, and a mere 24 hours later they bought an abandoned vineyard called Lovey’s. Soon after, they renovated what had been the top floor of a mansion in suburban Melbourne (which had been relocated to the Yarra Valley by the original owner about two years before). At the new “wine lifestyle retreat,” the five guest rooms cater to different personalities (No. 1 features an array of early-Australian antiques; No. 2 is decked out floor-to-ceiling in provocative reds). Most have tin ceilings, big Jacuzzis, and terraces opening onto the 48 acres, and all of the rooms have double doors that reveal bathrooms. Sympathetic to overworked urbanites, the Myleses have put together a menu of appealing vacation packages for guests to choose from (including gourmet picnics, hot-air-balloon excursions, and treatments at the hotel’s in-house spa), though they’ll also customize travel plans for anyone who asks. With the addition of 10 new guest rooms in 2007, Immerse in the Yarra Valley will become one of the region’s larger inns, but guests will still run the show. “If you want to be alone, then we’ll leave you alone,” says Stephen. “But if you want to be spoiled, we’ll spoil you.” weekend packages start at $289 per night.

HEALESVILLE
Healesville Hotel
While the Healesville’s restored 1910 dining room features $33 steaks and its bar stocks bottles of Pol Roger champagne, the seven rooms up the worn wooden staircase have few amenities and share bathrooms at the end of the hall. The first step in making sense of this peculiar situation is learning that a “hotel” in Australia was historically not primarily a place to spend the night–it was a pub that might or might not have rooms for rent. At many old-school hotels these days, the presence of electronic poker machines and drive-through liquor stores preempts any rustic charm. But husband and wife Michael Kennedy and Kylie Balharrie saw real possibility in the Healesville, in the Yarra Valley’s biggest town. Over the six labor-intensive years that the hipster restaurateurs have owned the business, they’ve spawned a mini Healesville empire, comprising the hotel’s nationally renowned Dining Room; the casual Harvest Food and Wine Room, with its adjoining wood-paneled bar; a beer garden out back; Healesville Harvest, a café and shop next door; and now even a butcher shop. “We’re food and wine people,” says Michael proudly. “She’s food, I’m wine.” Upstairs, rooms come in contemporary hues (burnt orange, mustard yellow, and olive green) and the crisp linens atop the queen-size beds would suit rooms twice the price. The luxuries are limited, but there’s something refreshing about a hotel room that costs less than a bottle of wine at an upscale restaurant.

Kangaroo Ridge Retreat
The accolades come in pairs. Jacky and Toby, Simone and Simon, Lance and Michael, and loads of gushing couples like them are immortalized in Kangaroo Ridge’s leather-bound guest books. Staying in one of the two mud-brick, cedar, and glass cabins is like playing eccentric millionaire for the day. Owner Olga Szymiczek (a wine country veteran who has served as a manager at regional standouts like Coldstream Hills and TarraWarra Estate) has decorated the cabins with Chinese and Japanese antiques, fabrics from Thailand, and handwoven Pakistani rugs. The secluded property is deep in the bush, at the end of a winding road that separates town from farm country. Kangaroos are indeed at home on the wooded hillsides, as are wombats and wallabies. You can look for the animals (and admire the stars) from the triangular balconies that jut out above the trees, or through the picture windows that line the spa baths. This kind of splendid isolation shouldn’t be disturbed, and luckily guests don’t have to drive down the hill in search of food. A cheese platter greets you upon arrival, each cabin’s kitchenette is stocked with breakfast provisions, and for $35 extra Olga will put together a BBQ hamper for two with plump steaks and sausages ready for you to throw on the outdoor grill. 38 Turners Ln., 011-61/3-5962-1122, kangarooridge.com.au, $190 weekdays ($173 for midweek stays of three nights or longer), $224 weekends.

Mount Rael Retreat
Each of the five suites at Mount Rael Retreat has its own subtle style. There’s the Shecky, with somber furnishings offset by a fuzzy purple rug and African tribal art; the Louie, a springy bungalow painted in a palette of greens; the Tzar, modeled on a 1950s smoking lounge; the Tane, the largest room but with the fewest high-design toys; and the Sharman, where the views are dazzling and the sparkling wine is part of the deal. The vintage furnishings and objets d’art were part of co-owner Sean Lee’s personal collection. “Pretty much all we had to do was buy five beds,” he says, explaining how he and his partners transformed what had been a mountaintop lodge with peeling paint and lace curtains into quite possibly the most impressive design feat in the valley. Regulars flip through back issues of Wallpaper while waiting for tables at on-site Restaurant 3777, where dinner might include a tart of locally grown zucchini flowers, crispy-skinned duck breast with a sweet-potato-and-orange raviolo, and, for dessert, a marquise made with chocolate from Kennedy & Wilson in the nearby town of Coldstream. Outside, the restaurant’s terrace takes in 180-degree views of Mount Riddell, Mount Donna Buang, and the Great Dividing Range. 140 Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd., 011-61/3-5962-1977, mtrael.com.au, $173-$302, with continental breakfast (discounts sometimes available midweek).

Outlook Hill
The vineyard at Outlook Hill is dotted with a trio of midnight-blue wooden cottages, as well as a rustic building that houses a tasting room and restaurant. Two of the cottages (which can sleep up to four) are outfitted with kitchens stocked for breakfast and snacks, spa-quality bathrooms, potbelly stoves for warming up in winter, and retractable doors that open onto an expansive deck. The third is the same size but set up for just one couple, making it a contender for the world’s biggest hotel suite. There are two chocolate-brown couches with embroidered blue and beige throw pillows, a kitchen with a 10-foot counter, a wooden dining table fit for a dinner party, and a bedroom closed off by French doors. Owners Lydia Snow (a marketing consultant) and her husband, Peter (a former accountant), have brought in two strong personalities to run Cru Restaurant: Gil Spence (a veteran of the Conran Group in London) manages, while Leonard Kusnezow (known throughout the valley for inventive dishes like duck-and-porcini agnolotti) cooks. The narrow dirt road to the vineyard can’t accommodate large tour buses, which is appreciated by discerning locals, who favor Outlook Hill when they need a break from the crowds. 97 School Ln., 011-61/3-5962-2890, outlookhill.com.au, $190 weekdays ($173 per night for two or more nights), $224 weekends (two-night minimum on weekends).

SEVILLE
Ainsworth Estate Winery
The best days to visit Ainsworth Estate, a working vineyard and inn, are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when there are no wine-touring groups and even owners Kerri and Denis Craig take off, giving guests the run of the place. On working days, the Craigs pour samples of their unoaked chardonnay and Shiraz, which you can supplement with antipasto platters or even a full meal at the restaurant, which is open for lunch Thursday through Monday and for dinner on Saturdays. The three adjacent apartments (laid out as duplexes, each with an elevated sleeping area and a lounge below) are aligned in such a way that if your neighbors wanted to invade your privacy, they’d really have to work at it. Amenities at Ainsworth Estate Winery are generic but reliable: a television with a VCR in front of a plush purple couch, and a fully equipped kitchen with breakfast provisions in the fridge; the Yarra Suite also has a hot tub for two. There are so many windows that you could take in the unobstructed vineyard view from the bed. Wander through the grapevines and you’ll meet the ducks and frogs that jump in and out of the irrigation reservoir. This patch of rural terrain off the Warburton Highway is home to a cluster of other family-owned wineries; if you only have time for two, make a beeline for Seville Hill and Five Oaks.

Tags: Australia travel, hotel deals, hotels, retraet, Travel Packages

Iflove Proudly Presents

Caribbean Best Islands Resorts and Reasons for Winter Vacations

World Travel Guides — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:48:36 +0000

Your favorite islands are now a nonstop flight away. The warm blue water is reason enough to go, but let us fill you in on a few more excuses to pack your bags for a winter getaway.

BEACH AND FEAST
St. Kitts

Get there American Airlines has new nonstop service from Miami seven days a week.

Reason to go now Few Caribbean islands are celebrated for their food, but tiny St. Kitts is one of the exceptions. An outpost of stately sugar plantations and white sands, the isle has landed on the culinary map thanks to the newly opened Beach House, a restaurant in a colonial mansion on Turtle Beach. Executive chef George Reid, a transplant from Anguilla’s famed Cap Juluca resort, specializes in Caribbean fare that borrows inventively from French, Spanish, African, and Dutch cooking. After you’ve feasted on his cumin-crusted wild swordfish or lobster gumbo, head to the restaurant’s outdoor pavilion to sample from the cigar and rum menu (entrées from $14). Later this month, the oceanfront Carambola Beach Club restaurant opens on South Friar’s Bay. The place gets its name from the Averrhoa carambola, or star fruit, which is put to punchy use from the starters to the desserts. Nab one of the 12 beach cabanas—they have waiter service and prime sunset views.

Beach locals love Schools of yellowtail snapper, balahoo, and angelfish surround the reef near Cockleshell Beach, a two-mile-long stretch on the southern coast that’s often empty during the week. At the entrance, the new Reggae Beach Bar & Grill serves conch fritters and jumbo coconut shrimp (appetizers from $7).

Place to stay St. Kitts has blessedly few hotels. A standout is the Ocean Terrace Inn, where each of the 71 rooms has a private balcony overlooking the Caribbean. The one-bedroom suites come with kitchenettes, but there’s no need to do your own cooking. The hotel has a West Indian restaurant, a poolside bar and grill, and an oceanfront spot that specializes in lobster and mahimahi cooked over an open flame (from $195 in high season).

Have a ball Isabelle Carr has been concocting her JC’s Tamarind Balls, a sweet-and-sour snack made from native tamarind fruit, for more than 20 years (City Drug Store, 869/465-2156, $1).

ADVENTURES ‘R’ US
Cayman Islands

ADVERTISEMENT | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOWGet there Cayman Airways has new nonstop flights from Washington, D.C., operating Wednesdays and Saturdays, and just introduced nonstop flights from Chicago on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Reason to go now The beyond-belief underwater world of the Caymans—made up of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman—keeps expanding. Offshore from the recently opened Lighthouse Point, a condo resort in Grand Cayman’s West Bay, divers can investigate a newly accessible 19th-century shipwreck (daily tank rental $5). And come June, another vessel is joining the graveyard off Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach: Local authorities plan to sink the USS Kittiwake, a WWII American rescue ship, to create a 250-foot-long reef.

Beach locals love With its unusually smooth waters, Barker’s Beach, on the west side of Grand Cayman, is a favorite, especially among kiteboarders out to test tricks. Ready to join them? For advanced wave riders, Ocean Frontiers gives lessons at Barker’s. Beginners can learn the sport (picture balancing on a surfboard as a kite whisks you across the waves) on the even calmer East End Sound. For gondolier wannabes, the company also offers stand-up paddleboarding clinics (lessons from $250).

Place to stay The oceanfront Little Cayman Beach Resort has a collection of Hobie cats and kayaks—and a fresh new look. In December, all 40 rooms got a makeover: Out went the dated wicker furniture and grandmotherly wallpaper borders; in came maple furniture and granite countertops. Sign on with the dive shop for a scuba trip to the Bloody Bay Wall, breeding grounds of the rare longsnout seahorse (from $175 in high season).

The Cayman safari Grand Cayman is the only place on the planet where the five-foot-long Blue Iguana exists. The Blue Iguana Recovery Program organizes daily outings to catch glimpses of the creature, including a behind-the-scenes tour of an egg-hatching center (345/947-6050, blueiguana.ky, $30).

THE UNTAMED BEAUTY
Martinique

Get there American Eagle flights to Martinique from San Juan, P.R., now depart at 7:30 P.M. instead of 12:30 P.M., so you no longer have to catch an early plane from the U.S. to make your connection.

Reason to go now It’s called the Isle of Flowers for a reason: Between February and May, lotus, red ginger, and West Indian jasmine bloom across this overseas département of France. You can take in more than 200 species of flora at Le Jardin de Balata, a garden named for the balata gum trees that shade the grounds; it just reopened after months of post–Hurricane Dean replanting (011-596/596-64-48-73, jardindebalata.fr, $8). By March, the island emerges from the rainy season, making that an ideal time to go volcano trekking and bird-spotting on Mount Pelée. Outfitter Le Bureau de la Randonnée leads hikes to the crater, where the red-throated mountain whistler and blue-headed hummingbird nest. Rappelling into Mount Pelée’s river gorges was recently banned, but the company can arrange canyoneering trips—you hike, climb, and rappel your way through a valley—in the Pitons du Carbet range (011-596/596-55-04-79, bureau-rando-martinique.com, tours from $43).

Beach locals love While most tourists sink their toes into the white sands of the south, islanders head to the protected cove of Anse Couleuvre, a black-sand beach with the best snorkeling. Wear good walking shoes—you have to hike down a steep hill to get there. Luckily, the palm trees on the quarter-mile-long stretch provide enough shade that you won’t need to lug an umbrella.

Place to stay French-inspired hôtels de charme (cozy family-run establishments) have been sprouting up on Martinique in the past few years. One such spot is the nine-room Hôtel Villa Saint-Pierre on the northwest coast. Owners André Givogre and Maryse Imbert quit their jobs at a casino and a bank in France, respectively, to take over the art deco inn. Guests wake up to fresh-baked croissants topped with homemade mango jam (011-596/596-78-68-45, hotel-villastpierre.com, from $150 in high season). Another hideaway, the Hôtel Cap Macabou, is a five-minute walk from the powdery beach on the southeast shore that shares its name. Designed to resemble a plantation, the hotel has 44 rooms and two West Indian restaurants (011-596/596-74-24-24, capmacabou.com, from $190 in high season). —Amy Chen

Stir crazy Island bartenders mix cocktails using swizzle sticks whittled from bois lélé tree twigs, which mysteriously smell like maple syrup. Although souvenir shops hawk plastic replicas, the craft market in Fort-de-France sells the real thing for about $2 each.

Tags: Caribbean island, Caribbean Travel, island scenery, travel resorts, winter vacation