Month: February 2017
Spring Break Destinations for Grownups
Congratulations you made it through the holidays. Now do something for yourself by planning an adult Spring Break that you can look forward to while it’s still chilly outside. Because really, why should kids have all the fun? Hear are a few popular beach spots and some emerging alternatives for 2017.
2016: Costa Rica
The Central America country continues to break its own world record in running purely on renewable energy, confirming even more its reputation for “pura vida”. Thanks to its cleanliness and reasonable safety, Costa Rica has long been a first time traveler, beginner-freindly destination, but its popularity means that it may be a spot that is better to visit during the rainy season that lasts until April.
2017: Nicaragua
A less developed destination is Nicaragua, with fewer zip lines and crowds, it’s worth considering. In addition to volcanos and gorgeous beaches, this country has a few undiscovered spots, lik the eco-conscious Jicaro Island Ecolodge and the more artsy Rancho Santana. You should plan a visit soon before developers start cutting the country in half with the construction of the Nicaragua Canal, that if completed , will forever destroy its fragile ecosystem.
2016: The Bahamas
Due to the easy access of flights to Nassau, the islands have long been popular with college and university students. You can still have a wonderful experience, especially at resorts like Kamalame Cay and the One & Only Ocean Club, winners of many awards.
2017: Jamaica
I’d recommend Jamaica as the place to unwind and recharge, Even if you are not the type to laze on a beach all day, the eclectic food scene is a must for adventurous foodies. This island has plenty to offer grownups looking for some R&R, from the Spice Bathing Ritual at the Rockhouse, or a seaweed wrap at Jake’s Hotel or the invigorating Blue Mountain Coffee scrub at the GoldenEye located in a sleepy lagoon on the northeast coast.
2016: Aruba
A gem in the Dutch Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, Aruba has long been a favourite with its welcoming hotels and its temparate climate…a perfect destination for those who don’t want any surprises when traveling.
2017: Turks & Caicos
If you are looking for a place that has less crowds, the Turks and Caicos are for you. With only 8 of the 40 islands being inhabited, you’ll be sure to some quiet cove or beach. If you leave Providenciales behind and head to Como Parrot Bay, you can explore the 1000 acre private island, or take a short 25 minute flight and check out the newly minted Sailrock Resort that opened last month. This resort will be your home base as you discover the unspoiled 8.2 square miles of South Caicos with the world’s third largest coral reef.
2016: Los Cabos, Mexico
This gem on the tip if Baja California Sur is a mecca for Spring Break. It’s been two years since Hurricane Odile created havoc in the area, all the resorts are completely restored and ready for you.
2017: Costalegre, Mexico
For a much more exclusive Mexican experience, head south of Pureto Vallarta, there you will find “Mexico’s Virgin Coast” overflowing with beaches, lagoons and untouched jungles. Preserving this region’s pristine flora and honoring some of the world’s greatest biodiversity are a couple of splendid resorts worth mentioning in the area are the Las Alamandas, with its 16 suites overlooking four private beaches and the Cuixmala, built in a Moorish inspired style and flanked by 25,000 acres of rare tropical forest
2016: St. Lucia
St. Lucia is home to the Pitons, a pair of volcanic spires, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, a collection of endemic plants and birds, and coastal rain forests and mountainous rainforests humming with wildlife and musical waterfalls.
2017:Anguilla
This Spring, the light shines brightest on the other end of the Caribbean’s string of islands: Anguilla.This island has remained wonderfully underdeveloped for a very long time, this eel-shaped islet has a few 5 star hotels worth mentioning, including The Reef by Cuisin Art which grows its ingredients from the property’s own hydroponic farm
Girls Only “Canadian” getaway weekend?
I find that the winter months are a perfect time for reconnecting and spending quality time with “the girls”. Take three days (or five) and get pampered, try something new or get reacquainted with the great outdoors. Here a few unusual suggestions, both local and some a little further a field. Contact Columbus World Travel and we’ll make your winter break a reality.
BE PAMPERED at:
Ste. Anne’s Spa, Grafton, Ontario
The quintessential girlfriends’ getaway involves spa treatments and plenty of pampering. Ste. Anne’s Spa, regularly ranked among the best spas in Canada, is the perfect place to relax with your friends. Ste. Anne’s is best known for the quality and variety of its treatments and its cozy country setting.
BE ACTIVE at:
Elkin Creek Guest Ranch, Nemaiah Valley, B.C.: If the girls are longing to escape to the great outdoors, but still want the comforts of an all-inclusive resort, this Nemaiah Valley property is the perfect destination. Take a horse for a ride, try your hand at fly fishing or take a sailboat out on the lake. This all-inclusive stay includes accommodation, three meals a day, use of the Ranch’s sauna and fitness centre and all activities.
EAT in:
Montreal, Que.: Combine culture with food during a girlfriends getaway in one of Canada’s top foodie cities: Montreal. From Montreal smoked meat sandwiches at the famous Schwartz’s Deli to streetside poutine to Montreal-style bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese at all-day breakfast joint Beauty’s, there is so much diversity and quality on the Montreal restaurant scene. Save room for wine and cheese, chocolates and fresh baked pastries.
DRINK in:
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.: Hire a car or appoint a designated driver and enjoy a day touring the many wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Ontario’s wine region is home to dozens of wineries, all within driving or biking distance, that offer tours and tastings of reds, whites and signature ice wines on-site. The estates of Inniskillin, Konzelmann and Jackson-Triggs are especially worth a visit.
ESCAPE to:
Sonora Resort, Sonora Island, B.C.: If you really just want to get away from absolutely everything, consider a vacation at the secluded Sonora Resort. From kayaking to bear watching to fly fishing, lovers of the outdoors will find plenty to keep them busy. Indoors, guests have access to a gym, mineral pools, wireless Internet service and the Island Currents Spa. Three meals daily are included in the price of your stay, as are snacks, appetizers, beer, wine, liquor and non-alcoholic beverages.
REMINISCE at:
Green Gables House, Cavendish, P.E.I.: Bring back memories of being young and discovering the adventures of Anne Shirley for the first time with a visit to Green Gables House in P.E.I. As Lucy Maud Montgomery’s inspiration for Anne’s adoptive home with Marilla and Matthew, this house now attracts visitors from around the world.
SUN & SAND in:
Wasaga Beach, Ont.: The world’s longest freshwater beach (14 km) awaits you and your friends on long, sunny summer days. Located on Georgian Bay, Wasaga Beach is a great place to relax waterside and offers beach-side shopping, entertainment and dining options for when you need a break from the rays.
GOLF at:
Predator Ridge, Okanagan, B.C.: The 36 picturesque holes of championship golf offered by Predator Ridge are an ideal place to play, while the luxury accommodations at Predator Ridge Resort really complete the package. Both suites and cottages with access to an outdoor hot tub and swimming pool, dining area, spa and clubhouse are available to guests.
SKI at:
Mont-Tremblant, Que.: Just an hour from Montreal in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant is one of Canada’s premier winter destinations and a great place for girlfriends to escape to. Enjoy your apres ski with the fine dining and nightlife options offered in the village.