Category: Islands
Hilo Hawaii – Best Authentic (Logo Free) B&B
Hilo…If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know I’m not a fan of highrise hotels covered in corporate logos. This is particularly true in places like the Big Island where the local laid-back lifestyle includes surfing, hula, and celebrating the culture of Old Hawaii. On my most recent trip to the Big […]
Lava Lava Beach Club – Eat, Play, Slumber
Lava Lava Beach Club. Isn’t that a great name? And here’s the best part: unlike many cool monikers that aren’t as great as they sound – this place is even better. Located right on the beach on the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii, the Lava Lava Beach club is both a great […]
Let’s Send Kids Books To Nevis
Kids books are in short supply on many Caribbean Islands, so it’s wonderful when thoughtful guests tuck a few in their suitcase before leaving home and drop them off at local schools. Now, books can also be sent to one island via a U.S. mailing address. This guest post, outlining ways to help school children on […]
Nevis – a Caribbean Island for Savvy Travelers
Nevis wasn’t the first Caribbean island I visited. Like many travelers, I started with bigger, more obvious places. Some of these have international airports and almost all of them are on the cruise ship circuit. But what I wanted was an authentic experience, a chance to meet local people and learn about their culture. So […]
Lanai Hawaii – Why You Should Go Now
Lanai is the only accessible Hawaiian Island that I haven’t experienced. I’ve stared at it across the water from our Maui vacation rental, but just never felt motivated to plan a visit – mainly because I didn’t know much about it. That all changed when I received this Lanai guest post from Elaine Masters. Read […]
Romantic Turtle Island Fiji
Turtle Island is not just the most romantic resort in Fiji, it’s one of the dreamiest places in the world. I’ve written about Turtle Island before, but my husband and I recently visited again, and I can’t resist telling you about the improvements. But first – some Turtle Island things that didn’t change The scenery […]
Best Big Island Boutique Hotel
I was excited to find this Big Island boutique hotel because I love authentic accommodations that reflect the local culture – and that’s just what the Holualoa Inn does. Before making this discover, I thought that mega-resorts were the only luxury option on the Big Island of Hawaii, but now I know better. Located mauka (toward the […]
Ibiza, Spain
This guest post was contributed by Dan Perdomo. Is it just me or does anyone else find planning the perfect romantic holiday stressful? One of the most important decisions to make is the destination. Sure, Paris instantly springs to mind, but it’s a little clichéd don’t you think? So I started searching for other destinations […]
Name This Beach, Win a Prize
There’s nothing quite as wonderful as a day at the beach. Can you identify this one? If so, leave a comment below with the name and location of this inviting stretch of sand. The first person with the correct answer will win a cookbook full of recipes for this area’s cuisine. The 200+ page book is printed […]
Huahine – the Best of French Polynesia
Huahine is one of many spectacularly beautiful islands in French Polynesia. It’s also my favorite, primarily because it doesn’t feel touristy. When my husband and I explored the island on foot and by car, we encountered only friendly locals and felt very welcome. Many readers have told me that if they could go anywhere in the world, it […]
Vacation Rentals in Hawaii – Maui & Big Island
Vacation rentals in Hawaii are perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. As I said in an early post on this topic, rental homes cost considerably less than a flock of hotel rooms and provide more space, privacy, and conveniences. And what could be more authentic than staying in a real home instead of […]
Great Deal at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Maui
I rarely write about big hotels because I think it’s more likely that travelers will have authentic experiences in boutique places or heritage properties. However, I visited this property in July, and I think you might want to take advantage of this great deal at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. The hotel will be 20 years old […]
Bermuda Like a Local
Each time I return to Bermuda, I enjoy it more. I’ve always liked the islands’ combination of tropical climate and old-world English ambiance, and on a recent trip, native Bermudian Barb Jones gave me a great insider tip: “If your readers want to enjoy Bermuda like a local, they should visit during one of […]
Abu Dhabi – Sir Bani Yas Island Wildlife
Abu Dhabi – the UAE’s hot new destination Dubai was the first destination in the United Arab Emirates* to draw large numbers of overseas visitors, but now that city is sharing the spotlight with Abu Dhabi. Here, one of the big draws is Sir Bani Yas Island, home to an Arabian Wildlife Park and three luxury Anantara resorts. This island was […]
