Jun
29
British Columbia’s Sonora Resort
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The Sonora Resort, located on the named island in British Columbia, Canada is a unique property because the luxury traveler will experience the great outdoors; coupled with the comforts of a lavish hotel. The property offers a deluxe experience including first class accommodations, wilderness activities like fishing and a spa / wellness center. A 50 minutes seaplane or helicopter ride from Vancouver International Airport or a boat ride from Campbell River lands you in the paradox of luxury and wilderness. Resort Website.
The all inclusive resort includes fist class helicopter or aqua transportation to and from activities such as golf courses, ski adventures, glacier tours and hiking within a 100 mile radius. Expert fishing guides host salmon and fly fishing adventures and eco-tours include whale watching and grizzly bear tours. On the Sonora’s property, guests may enjoy the peaceful surroundings, play tennis or use the golf simulator to pay virtual golf games at 33 top rated courses. This is the perfect Canada venue for outdoor activities surrounded by lush accommodations.
Island Currents, the spa which exudes serenity and out door beauty, has a menu of world class services. Indoor and outdoor mineral pools, yoga classes and the fitness center are state of the art with views of the forest or ocean. The massage rooms are light and airy, with doors opening to the woods. And the swimming pool and outdoor mineral bath over looks the sapphire ocean.
The remote British Columbia draws those guest seeking privacy and a retreat from city life. VIPs can book the four bedroom retreat with its own office space, executive kitchen and theater. Many luxury travelers make use of this space for a temporary residence while loving the views, grand piano and stone fireplace. Larger groups will find satisfaction with the meeting space and selection of team building activities. Photos provided by the resort, copyright Darren Bernaerdt.
A Vancouver resident commented that the visit to the Sonora Resort was the trip of a lifetime. “In all my travels I’ve never encountered a better service anywhere. Your staff made me feel like an old friend. They catered to my every whim even before I realized that I had any whims at all! Sonora’s glorious setting, perfect room, exceptional food and outstanding mix of activities made this a vacation of a lifetime. I never imagined an awe inspiring Grizzly tour and a luxuriously relaxing massage all in one day, let alone at one resort. Now that’s amazing; but that’s Sonora!”
Jun
27
Saturday’s Quotable Traveler
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“There’s an amazing release that comes when you drive coast to coast, when you plug one ocean into another in your mind.”
- Michael Paterniti / Driving Me Albert
Jun
26
Terranea Resort – Los Angeles and Southern California’s Newest Resort
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Is the newly opened Terranea Resort poised on the Palos Verdes Peninsula the only luxury resort destination to grace the Los Angeles coast? YES! The dramatic setting with 270-degree panoramic ocean views; coupled with the impressive selection of resort activities makes the Terranea Resort one of a kind.
A pineapple crowned fountain welcomes visitors to the luxury resort destination that cares deeply for its environment, embraces its natural shoreline setting and promises to deliver a distinctive, classic California lifestyle experience. Terranea Resort (derived from the word Mediterranean pronounced Terr-a-NAY-a) opened its doors just a short two weeks ago and with the exception of some newly planted landscaping; the resort review looks and operates like it’s been nestled on the Palos Verdes Peninsula for years.
The destination resort captures exquisite Mediterranean décor with the ocean as the background in every picture and the abundant list of services will keep guests entertained and involved or opt for a host of California laid back activities. A walk through the resort reveals a spectacular, well appointed property that services exclusive get-a-ways, special events and family fun.
Location: 100 Terranea Way Drive – or – 6610 Palos Verdes S. Dr / Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Contact: phone (310) 265-2800 – fax (310) 265-2700 – web www.Terranea.com
The grandeur of the 120 acre property is not obvious as one drives up to the entrance and looks through the main lobby directly to the sapphire ocean. At first glance, guests will feel like they have arrived at a secluded villa; but after a few short steps through the lavish lobby, views are exposed of the tiered buildings accommodating 400 spacious hotel rooms, suites and bungalows, 50 private casitas and 32 private villas, 135,000 square feet of meeting space, a world class spa and seven dining options.
Architects and designers worked hard to incorporate the natural beauty of the land and magic of the ocean in all elements of the resort. Restaurants and public spaces embrace ocean views, walkways and paths include indigenous plants and mature trees and the two mile Discovery Trail at the perimeter of the property is open to the public, pet friendly and has benches and a snack bar for non-guests.
Terranea Resort offers up the California lifestyle that includes relaxing on the terrace next to a warm fire place or sitting in the well appointed living room having organic cocktails. Each evening at sunset, the sound of ringing crystal bowls signifies the end of day; an ancient ritual known for healing and relaxation.
A sanctuary and retreat, The Spa at Terranea is a 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the art oasis; offering customized wellness treatments. The Spa offers treatments responding to nature’s bio-rhythms. In mornings, treatments and activities are brisk and invigorating while in the afternoon, guests indulge in calming and relaxing options.
The Resorts Spa pool has comfortable lounge chairs and is decorated with tall terracotta pots, capturing the sense of a private Mediterranean ocean villa.
Adults will enjoy the sanctuary of the over 18 pool, adjacent to the ocean and surrounded by a glass wall to protect sun bathers from the wind. Funky tangerine chairs surround the rectangular pool and the cushioned lounge chairs are set on a bed of soft sand, overlooking the ocean. The snack bar serves the guests at the pool so one never has the leave the luxury of this contemporary landing.
For family fun, the property has a large swimming pool with a water slide and an interactive fountain. To the south of the property and down the discovery trial, is a secluded cove offering up lounge chairs and umbrellas on an imported sandy area with kayaking, snorkel and scuba available.
The resort staff is proud of the Children’s Center, a kid program and offering innovative activities such as a chance to create their own Rock Band, re-create their favorite movie scene or participate in a snap and shoot photo scavenger hunt. The Tide Pool Adventure Camps take kids on a journey though Terranea’s history using creative activities, microscopes and science experiments.
It should be noted that the resort does not have a “sandy” beach. Access to the ocean is from the rocky shoreline of the cove. Entering the water could be very risky during high surf. No life guard is on duty.
Seven restaurants populate the Terranea property and the fine dining Mar’sel restaurant is a destination in and of itself. It serves fine modern California cuisine using fresh herbs and product grown on the property with plush seating indoors and dining al fresco available.
The Catalina Kitchen offers up good food at any time, located in the center of the property near the family pool. The Terrace Sea Bean coffee boutique has a selection of snacks.
For a causal beach vibe dining experience, Nelson’s sits overlooking the water and is themed after the Lloyd Bridges character from the late 1950’s TV series Sea Hunt. In an earlier day episodes of Sea Hunt were shot here when the property was a marine park. Terranea Resort guests and LA locals enjoy a simple bar menu that includes shrimp tacos and fish & chips, while peering through the patio glass partition at the large fire pit surrounded by plush chairs.
On the other side of the patio is the Discovery Trail where visitors are welcome with their canine companions and can take a break, enjoy the view and order up a sunset cocktail.
Catalina Point is the place to have a perfect wedding. The outdoor ceremony setting overlooks the ocean and the resorts spacious ballrooms offer a combination of rustic and modern with rows of lamp shades decorating the ceiling.
Adjacent outdoor patio areas are ideal for a cocktails. The staff specializes in accommodating bridal parties at the spa and the gentlemen can enjoy a fun 9 hole, par 3 round of golf at the resort, or visit the Trump National Golf Club, just minutes away.
Ocean front rooms have views of the Pacific and include a sitting lanai with chair and table. The rooms are spacious and include flat screen TV, wireless internet, and IPOD holder. The décor combines rustic beauty with beach color schemes.
A love seat with leather ottoman faces a solid wood desk with an impressive guest directory. And walking into the bathroom, one feels a sense of calm with the sea foam green color scheme with glass tiles, sea shell decorated lamps, separate tub and shower, toilet closet and storage drawers.
All meeting rooms have state of the art flat screens, most with ocean views. The board rooms on the 6th floor have amazing ocean views, plush leather chairs around large wood tables, decorative lamps with ample terrace space for outdoor lunches or breaks. For a larger event, the resort has the areas largest ocean resort ball room, 18,000 square feet, named after the founding father of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Frank A. Vanderlip. NOTE: All Photos Copyright Bruce Murray.
When one measures the wording carefully Terranea Resort may or may not be LA’s only luxury ocean front resort. The resort is not central to Los Angeles but actually located closer to the city of Long Beach and lacks a true “beach”. But unlike other LA ocean front accommodations Terranea offers multiple pools, a large spa, golf, and a compound like property offering families a secure feeling. But I don’t think the fine print is of any importance. Terranea is definitely one of Southern California’s top destinations and sure to become a favorite get-a-way for locals and area visitors.
Jun
24
Traveling By The Book
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Make Steady Money as a Travel Writer
Secrets of Selling Travel Stories – Without Traveling
By Jack Adler
Click Here – Buy The Book
I spoke with Jack Adler the author of this new book and asked him to tell us a bit about it. I’ve known Jack as an online travel writer for almost 15 years. As a moderator of the travel section of the Prodigy online service he was an early adopter of new technology.
From The Publisher: Do you dream of being a travel writer but need or want to stay close to home? Make Steady Money as a Travel Writer is loaded with specific methods and ideas to generate a dependable and consistent income as a travel writer, and the best part—without spending money on travels abroad or far afield in the U.S. Read this book and discover ways to carve out a niche for yourself as a travel writer concentrating on service articles.
- Earn a secure flow of income.
- Write and sell travel articles without traveling!
- Develop a lucrative side line or even launch a career!
- Or if you are already a travel writer, spice up your repertoire of ideas, refresh your enthusiasm, and have more fun writing!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jack Adler is a widely published travel writer/columnist with several books to his credit including The Consumer’s Guide To Travel, Southern India, Exploring Historic California, Travel Safety (coauthored), and There’s A Bullet Hole In Your Window. He teaches travel writing courses for UCLA Extension and the Writer’s Digest School.
Jun
24
The Photo Escape
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Spring in California’s Yosemite National Park
Jun
22
Snake bite kits from camping and recreation stores may not work; and they may do more harm than good. The best treatment for a snake bite is to seek nearby medical help. Obviously if one is hiking or camping, calling 911 may not be an immediate option. Therefore, use prevention and first aid to help the situation until you can be treated by a medical professional.
While enjoying the outdoors, wear long pants and boots taller than the ankle. Avoid tall brush, deep rock crevices and be careful where you sit when resting. If you see a snake, avoid them. One way to keep snakes away is to make plenty of noise; causing vibrations while walking. This will keep the sometimes scare deadly rattle snakes away.
If you are one of the 7,000 to 8,000 yearly victims of venomous snake bites; the pit viper family, rattlesnake, being the most common, here are some tips that may be more helpful than a $10 snake-bite kit.
Get away from the snake and call 911 on the cell phone. When you call 911 from a cell phone, the call often lands in a regional center. A call-taker in a far-away city or county may answer your call. To get help to you, there are two pieces of information the call-taker needs to know (10 which city you’re calling from and (2) what type of emergency. Wireless carriers are required to complete 911 calls, even when the phone is not activated. Any phone that turns on and can receive a signal is capable of making a 911 call. In the case of a snake bite, don’t wait until you experience symptoms, call immediately to get help, even if you feel okay at first.
In transit to the hospital or while waiting for help, do not elevate the bitten area—keep the bite below the level of the heart. Wash the area with warm water and soap. Remove constricting clothing and jewelry from the extremity. Watch for swelling. Follow the basics of first aid and monitor the snake bitten person for potential shock.
If the snake is killed, bring it to the nearby hospital. Local hospital staffs are likely familiar with snake bites and the more information you can provide, the better. Or, a digital picture to help medical crew identify the animal and assist in the treatment protocol. Rattle snakes have two fangs and the bite often has two holes. Medical crews in areas prone to snake bites can often identify the animal just from the wound so don’t spend time gathering the corpse or shooting a spread for National Geographic.
These tips may be more useful than the snake bite kits which usually include a scalpel, a suction device and a constriction band to be tied around the limb to slow the spread of the venom. Get help fast is the most critical action item. Medical professionals are not in favor of cutting the skin which could cause more problems. The consensus is that a constriction band may help, but it must be loose enough to fight a finger in to avoid cutting off circulation. The suction devices are under debate; there is no evidence that the amount of the venom that is sucked out is clinically significant. Research studies show that only 1% to 2% of venom was removed in a mock trial. The jury is still out on the suction devices and producers of the product say leaving the syringe-shaped plunger that creates the vacuum for 10 to 15 minutes works to extract the venom. Most would argue using precautionary measures to reduce the risk of a snake bite and seeking immediate professional help are the best courses of action to take.
Jun
20
Saturday’s Quotable Traveler
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“Not all the early delights of train travel have gone, it seems. Here you can still nibble at the pleasures which were once the prerogative of the rich and famous.”
- Eric Robson / Great Railway Journeys Of The World
Jun
17
The Photo Escape
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Historic North End of Boston.
Jun
15
Dogs Deserve a Spa Day Too!
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The California coast line is punctuated with dog friendly beach parks however; this park has a unique feature which dogs and their owners will appreciate after romping in the shore, a state of the art self serve dog wash. As you drive into the entrance of Arroyo Burro Beach Park in Santa Barbara, you’ll see the canine cleaning service. This do-it your-self dog wash is not unlike the self-serve quarter car wash with its individual bays and pressure nozzles.
The Wripples Pet Spas has a reliable coin operated system that is simple to use. You exchange credit card or cash for tokens and start the “spa” process at one of two wash stations. Once your dog is in the tub and secured by the lanyard, you select from one of three of the Earthbath products (Orange Peel Oil deodorizer and degreaser, Mango Tango shampoo and Conditioner, Tea Tree Oil itch relief shampoo). One couple was washing their pair of dogs and wasn’t using any of the 3 cleaning options. They were using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to get the skunk smell out of the dog’s fur. They explained that they discovered the skunk spraying consequences when the dogs bounced into their bed room the night before.
After the shampoo or anti-skunk concoction, there’s the warm water rinse cycle and just like at the human spa, there are blow dryers to put the finishing touches on your beloved pet. The owners of the skunk dogs brought their own towels to help the drying process and there is the self-serve dog wash vending center for terry cloth towels and nutri-dent all natural dog bones for clean breath.
The self-serve dog wash will come in handy after you spend some time in the beach park splashing in the water and running on the beach. One side of the beach is for dogs off the leash and the other with a leash. As with most dog parks, there are bags provided for owners to pick up after the dogs. Kids flying kites, surfers, runners, sun worshipers, walkers and all the traditional beach activities are presents. There is one parking lot parking very close to the narrow beach and there are plenty of easy, paved walkways and benches. Signs are posted stating the most recent bacteria testing indicated the ocean water is within acceptable health standards.
The new Self-Operated Pet Spa at the Santa Barbara County Park opened on Sunday, March 8, 2009. The press release stated that Arroyo Burro Beach is a popular destination for dog owners, due to its proximity immediately to the west of the City of Santa Barbara’s off-leash beach below the Douglas Family Preserve. A constant refrain from many dog owners was the dearth of a convenient place to wash their pets after runs on the beach. Now, dogs and their owners can run and splash on the beach and not worry about getting dirty.
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park is located at 2981 Cliff Drive, just west of the Las Positas Road (CA Route 225). Wripples PetSpas is conveniently situated next to the parking lot along Cliff Drive.
Wripples Warm Water PetSpa www.wripples.com
Jun
13
Saturday’s Quotable Traveler
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“It was John Hemming, Director of the National Geographic Society, who advised me that a true explorer never turns down a meal. It may be the last he’ll be offered for days.”
- Michael Palin / Around The World In Eighty Days
