Gulf Shores, Alabama
Whether you are a newly-wed, celebrating an anniversary or just plain madly in love, there is no better place for romance than the beach. And the most romantic stretch of beach in the country by far is the sugar-sand coastline of Gulf Shores, Alabama.
The warm, white sand is soft and inviting ' perfect for lounging ' and the myriad of romantic activities and boundless beautiful panoramas are ideal for romantic interludes and creating treasured memories that will warm your hearts for years to come. No matter what your budget, the duration of your stay or your intentions, don't miss the opportunity to rekindle the spark ' or a light a new one ' in Gulf Shores, Alabama.If you really want to "wow" her, try taking her on a soaring adventure into the skies. Nothing could be more beautiful or awe-inspiring than watching the Gulf Shores, Alabama coastline stretch out beneath you while a powerful helicopter pulls the two of you into the air. Book a special sunrise or sunset tour for added panoramic splendor. And if you're planning to pop "the questions," it makes the perfect backdrop. (we promise, the pilot won't look!)
If your loved one likes dolphins and other marine life, the two of you should be sure to check out the dolphin cruises and dolphin experiences offered in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Whether you would rather watch these delightful sea creatures frolic from a distance or actually interact with them in their native environment, Gulf Shores, Alabama has the opportunity for you. Watch her steal a kiss from Flipper, and then steal one (from her, of course!) for yourself. If you enjoy deep sea fishing, there are also combination packages available so that one of you can sun and sightsee while the other reels in a tasty dinner.Finally, top off your day with a hearty meal at one of Gulf Shores, Alabama's highly-rated restaurants. Whether it's down-home cooking, fine cuisine or award-winning seafood, Gulf Shores, Alabama dining is some of the best in the country. A little-known musical community also flourishes in the area, and live musical accompaniment is not uncommon at dinner.
Reserve an ocean-front table, then settle in to watch the sun set and listen to the waves lap on the shore. No matter what your plans are for after dinner, a sun-and-starlit evening is definitely the way to kick them off in the right mood.
Call Travel Travel at 701-492-5000 for more information or to book your getaway today!
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Jamaica
Pictures from a trip to Jamaica. Read about the trip here:
The trip was amazing. After being greeted at the airport in Montego Bay, we were treated to a two-hour, entertaining and informative, transfer in an air-conditioned bus to our resort in Ocho Rios. Midway to our destination we made a stop where we were able to purchase souvenirs, grab a bite to eat or just enjoy a refreshing Red Stripe.We had the pleasure of staying at the All-Inclusive, Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa.
Upon arrival at the Sunset Jamaica Grande, a live Jamaican band greeted us. We were escorted to our ocean view room, with a beautiful view of the dock area and the Caribbean Sea. Our room had two double beds with a sitting area, a small balcony with deck chairs and a table. The room was very clean with a nice sized bathroom and an in-room safe.
There are two beach areas with paddleboats, kayaks and water bikes. There are ample beach loungers to relax and watch the cruise ships disembark in the bay. There are also two hot tubs, five pools, one with a replica of the Dunnﾒs River Falls that cascades from the lobby. There is also a childrenﾒs area at the resort.
The resort has several restaurants. The Grand Palm Buffet that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The South Beach Grill and the Lighthouse Grill that offers jerk chicken and sandwiches from 10AM until 1AM. There is also the Jamalicious Caf￩ that serves traditional Jamaican fare for lunch and dinner. There are also three reservation only restaurants. La Diva that specialized in Italian food. The Ginger Lily, which serves Asian Cuisine, and the South Beach Grill, an outdoor restaurant specializing in Jamaican/American dishes. I would recommend making reservations for these specialty restaurants upon arrival. On Tuesday nights there is an outdoor Jamaican themed beach party with a Jamaican style buffet, live entertainment including a steel drum band and fire dancers. The hotel has eight different bars, including a disco and two swim-up bars."
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Hawaii
As soon as I arrived I wondered why I had not ever been there before ~ absolute paradise! It was my first trip there, and I was incredibly amazed by the beauty, hospitality, and culture of the islands.
I spent three nights on Oahu, and four nights on Maui. I stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for the first three nights. There, I had a breathtaking view of the ocean in a deluxe king room. This property has over 3,000 rooms, 90 shops, and 22 restaurants/lounges. It is within walking distance to the International Market Place, and right along the Waikiki Beach Walk. This resort has the widest beach on Waikiki. They have a beautiful new wedding chapel for destination weddings right onsite. I would recommend this property to anyone, from families to honeymooners.
Another favorite was the JW Marriott on Oahu. Each room is quite unique with exceptional views of either the mountains or the ocean. They have a fabulous brunch that I had the pleasure of enjoying and a little pond with friendly sting rays swimming around. This property would be a great wedding spot or perfect for honeymooners.
One day I went to the North Shore and inspected the Turtle Bay Resort. This property is very spacious and would be perfect for golfers. It is pretty close to the Polynesian Cultural Center, and not too far from the Dole Plantation. Of course there were great views, great food, and a nice wedding chapel.
The Sheraton Maui was another great hotel I toured. It is quite spread out, offering something for everyone. There is a torch-lighting every evening, followed by their signature ﾓCliff Diverﾔ.
When I go back to Maui sometime I want to stay at the Grand Wailea Resort. It truly is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It is close to the Shops of Wailea, beachfront, and has a very nice wedding chapel with great views. This property would also be great for families or couples.
I would be more than happy (I would actually be excited) to assist anyone with travel plans to these amazing islands. I have some great recommendations as far as what you can do while you are there, and where to stay. Please contact me to plan your trip of a lifetime!"
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Hawaii - Romance in the Islands of Aloha
http://www.travelsense.org/destinations/hawaii.asp
As one of the oldest languages, Hawaiian is a beautiful, flowing collection of words and phrases that captures the natural beauty of the islands with melody, hidden meanings and wonderful mysteries. A special language is needed to describe Hawaii, for Websterﾒs words cannot adequately portray the palm trees on the coast of Oahu backlit and ablaze by the setting sun, let alone the endless black sand beaches of Kalapana, the dominant rainforests across the Big Island or the cascading waterfalls that prance over Molokaiﾒs volcanic rocks.
Yet the Hawaiian language contains no word for romance. While some say Eskimos have over 20 words for snow, Hawaiians should have over a hundred words for romance considering the islandsﾒ idyllic surroundings, luxurious hotels, celebrated restaurants and relaxing spas. Even without the definitive word, Hawaii stands alone as the tropical beacon of romance, dedicated to the secrets and songs that stir the heart.
Romance and paradise go hand-in-hand for couples in Hawaii, defined by moonlit walks on the beach where only palm trees hear your whispers, clear ocean views from the balcony of your suite and leisurely horseback rides in the surf. The Islands of Aloha add a special backdrop that is simply unavailable anywhere else.
Small wonder that Hawaii is the number one dream destination for honeymoons in the world. It comes down to timing, for any time of the year is perfect for a romantic visit according to knowledgeable travel agents. Well versed in the ways of aloha, travel agents combine experience in finding the best air and hotel rates with extensive knowledge of the islands to give you peace of mind long before you set foot in paradise.
Peace of mind is important to newlyweds, for some weddings can be as stressful as they are joyous. Nothing relieves wedding stress more than the melodious rush of the warm Pacific waters surging around your ankles as your feet delightfully sink into the moist white sand. Nothing is more relaxing than lying in an over-sized hammock steps away from your bungalow, waiting for the sun to slide below a crisp horizon. Hawaii is as therapeutic as it is romantic.
Which of Hawaiiﾒs islands is the most romantic? Luckily this is not a choice with dire consequences, for each island provides a unique and irresistible charm along with the tropical elegance to create the perfect romantic setting.
The tumultuously beautiful power of creation itself is highly visible on Hawaii's Big Island, twice the size of the other islands combined and growing larger every day as its active volcano, Kilauea, sends new land into the ocean. This primordial landscape gushes with waterfalls and lush rainforests that conceal secret paths to unspoiled beaches.
On Maui, the Magic Isle, whales swim close by to admire the heavenly beaches. The best sights on the island, though, are rewarded to those who wake up at 3:30 in the morning to trek up to the top of the Haleakala volcano to catch the sunﾒs first peek at the new day.
Solitude is easy to come by on Lanai, Hawaiiﾒs most exclusive island. Amazing geographic landmarks astound visitors, such as the Garden of the Gods where boulders are strewn across a crimson landscape as if abandoned by a Herculean child after playtime. The trails of the Kanepu'u Preserve always lead to wonder, while the summit of Lana'ihale, a 3,370-ft-high windswept perch, provides a view of the other islands floating in the distance like passing ships.
The roads on Molokai are few and usually empty, for there is little traffic and no traffic lights on an island where no building stands taller than a coconut tree. Steeped in tradition, its small population prefers to live by raising crops, catching fish and adhering to the old ways, creating an authentic Hawaiian experience far away from commercial luaus and vast resorts.
The heart of Hawaii beats in Oahu, where city and scenery harmoniously unite. Here you can ﾓhang looseﾔ at the world-famous Waikiki Beach, learn to respect the wave on the legendary North Shore and dine at Hawaiiﾒs finest restaurants in historic Honolulu.
The islands are indeed beautiful, but for beautiful memories romance must take center stage. To ensure honeymoon bliss, hotels and resorts offer packages guaranteed to add spark and sizzle to an already perfect vacation.
Packages include amorous highlights such as champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries waiting in the room to ocean view rooms and tickets to a show. The ﾓPassion Packageﾔ at the Kohala Coastﾒs Mauna Lani Bay Hotel offers unlimited golf, a professional massage and dinner for two. While the ﾓPerfect Honeymoon Packageﾔ at the Big Islandﾒs Hilton Waikoloa Village provides a daily breakfast, a seaside cabana massage for two, dinner and a sunset catamaran sail.
Romance and beauty in Hawaiiﾗaloha sums it up best, a word that not only means hello and goodbye, but also love. More than a beautiful word, aloha is both prized and practiced, spreading a special warmth throughout these magical islands. It's Hawaii's unique gift to you and the world.
Discover the true meaning of aloha with a loved one the Hawaiian way. Whether it is a honeymoon getaway, an anniversary celebration or a romantic escape, your Hawaiian romance can be designed just for you. Find a travel agent specializing in romantic getaways to handle the travel arrangements, leaving you to discover new ways to say romance.
Say aloha for hello, goodbye and love. Call Travel Travel Carlson Wagonlit today and discover the magic and romance of Hawaii.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
PGA MasterCard Championship Golf Tournament ﾖ January
Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival ﾖ February
Annual Stampede Rodeo ﾖ March
Annual International Festival of the Pacific ﾖ May/June
Annual WaikiﾒI Music Festival ﾖ June
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival ﾖ November
Peamanﾒs Post Pig-Out Plunge Biathlon ﾖ December
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