Are you craving a Summer adventure but don’t have the funds or time to travel outside of the US? Well the United States houses some of the most incredible beaches in the world, so wherever you are, you’ll be able to grab a quick weekend getaway to work on that tan! Here are some of our favorite places that you definitely need to check out:
What are your favorite US beaches??
As we get closer to the summer season, I begin to get a little antsy about all of the places throughout the world that I want to visit. I am easily impressed by various cultures. Our individual lifestyles and experiences are so very different and when fused together, we are just one big melting pot of paradise. Traveling provides me with the freedom and flexibility to not only relax, but to also experience things that are not part of my everyday life. It is one of the best forms of education and it does not always require you to study a lesson in order to understand. This is great for me as I’m the traveler that wants to learn about the history and experience the local culture of each place visited. The sights, sounds and experiences become memories to hold, compare and add to my greater understanding of what makes our world go round.
As you begin to plan your vacations and add to your bucket lists, I encourage you to venture away from the norm and consider opportunities in places you would not traditionally visit. It does not necessarily need to be to another country, but it should provide you with a wow factor. After all, your travels should be an experience and leave you with memories that lead you to say “remember when” as you recall your time at each place.
Leave us a list of some of your bucket list destinations and we’ll begin to incorporate some of them in our future “Around the World” features.
Until next week.
Kim
This week our virtual journey takes us to the island of Curacao, in the Dutch Caribbean. It is one of the colorful and beautiful ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) islands. Curacao is rich in cosmopolitan to colonial culture and is a fantastic getaway for couples, families or friends seeking a great escape. It is an intimate island that is only 6 miles wide and 37 miles long, but has over 40 beaches, an amazing art scene and some of the best water activities around.With several hotels to choose from, you cannot go wrong with staying at the award winning Baoase Luxury Resort, which provides on-site amenities and activities that will make you feel like you are in paradise. One of the premier amenities to experience is the private beach dinning. For the traveler that loves adventure, the shopping and tourist experience is grand. The Punda Shopping District offers opportunity to immerse in the Dutch experience and true flavor of the island. Known for its amazing coral reef, Curacao provides some of the best scuba diving activities. And if you dare to experience one of the best weeks long party, you must visit during Carnival season. The celebration in Curacao does not ever seem to end. For more information about what to do, visit the Curacao Tourist Board to get a list of amazing activities and experiences to suit your travel needs.
With that, we hope you enjoy our journey this week. Wheels up. Next stop Curacao.
Enjoy!
Kim
Private Dining on the Beach at Baoase
Punda Shopping District
When life gets hectic, my mind tends to retreat to dream escapes where access to the fast pace of everyday life is extremely limited. One of my favorite mental retreat destinations is Bora Bora, French Polynesia. It’s a destination where travel from your resort of choice does not require off site excursions to have a great time. With many luxury resorts to choose from, a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is one of the premier destinations for many travelers. Nestled on a 40 plus acre motu (or small island), the resort offers exquisitely designed accommodations for everyone. Guests can select from one of over 100 over water bungalows or one of 15 private villas with private pools along a semi-private beach. This is an ideal choice for couples looking for a romantic getaway to a group of friends looking for a posh experience. Rooted in Polynesian and French culture, Bora Bora and its many attractions boasts an experience that is unparalleled. From helicopter and boat excursions that provide picturesque views of the island to submarine rides, it is truly a picture perfect paradise. It’s one of those destinations where you will be able to remember the vivid imagery and rich colors forever.
If you travel off of the resort, shopping at some of the local artisan shops and boutiques is highly recommended. But a stop at The Farm of the Bora Bora Pearl Company is a must. While the island is known for producing some of the finest black pearls in the world, The Farm provides a unique shopping experience that can also include diving for your own black pearl.
When it’s all said and done, the Four Seasons has a fantastic holistic spa to retreat to that is rich in ancient traditions and rituals that will allow you to relax and unwind, as well as great dining experiences that you can enjoy in the comforts of your accommodations or at one of the resort restaurants.
So with that, wheels up. Our virtual journey this week is to paradise. Next stop is Bora Bora.
Although I am a true City Girl, I love quaint escapes to destinations with immense small town charm. With roots in the mountains of North Carolina, I couldn’t wait to feature one of my favorite cities, Asheville, North Carolina. Rated as a “Traveler’s Choice” by TripAdvisor in 2011, the kudos are more than deserved. It’s a melting pot for those interested in the arts, outdoor festivals and nature. But can provide a comparable experience for foodies, spa connoisseurs and shoppers.
Asheville is home to several awesome hotels, in addition to great bed and breakfast escapes. For those looking for a more upscale experience, The Grand Bohemian provides just that. But if you prefer a more intimate experience, plan to stay at the #2 rated bed and breakfast in the country (and #12 in the world) The Reynold’s Mansion.
The shopping experience is diverse, with opportunities in traditional mall environments or more boutique experiences in Downtown Asheville, the Grove Arcade and the Biltmore Shops. For our foodies, The Biltmore Winery in Antler Hill Village will provide an amazing wine tasting experience and Curate Tapas Bar, the new and always busy restaurant, will provide an amazing journey in Spanish delicacy.
When it’s time to relax, Asheville has something for everyone. My recommendation is to relax in a hot tub under the open sky at Shoji, a Japanese style outdoor and massage spa.
See you next week on our next journey.
Kim
Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville
Biltmore Winery in Antler Hill Village
Shoji Japanese Style Outdoor and Massage Spa
