Travel Tip St Martin St Maarten Island Caribbean

Here's a great travel tip to tuck away for your next cruise to St Martin Island in the Caribbean. If you are looking for free WiFi go the Greenhouse restaurant on the Dutch side of the island or St Maarten. 

Have a couple of cold Carib beers while you are there!

Celebrity Millinium - Great Cruise to Cozumel and Isla Roatan

We just returned from a great cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium.  Our ports of call were Isla Roatan and Cozumel.

Millennium next to the huge Oasis

The Celebrity Millennium will be undergoing an upgrade shortly  It is currently a millennium class ship. There are for ships in this class. 

Celebrity Cruise Line says; These four award-winning ships are visually stunning and superbly designed. Marvel at the expansive atrium that spans 11 decks. Soak in the sophisticated ambiance resplendent with teak and glass accents. Ride the glass elevator along the outside of the ship. Take in endless ocean views. Retreat to one of the most luxurious spa facilities at sea. Every detail is designed to capture the romantic exhilaration of travel.

It will be upgraded to a Solstice class. Celebrity describes this class as; The most stylish ships at sea. Each, a destination unto itself, offers more unique experiences, more restaurants, and an entirely new approach to stateroom design. Currently, there are three in this class, with our newest poised to premiere in 2012.

Having been to Isla Roatan before we wanted to delve into the countryside and island life more this time around.  My wife, Sally, discovered a private tour company called Christopher Tours. Our one-on-one guide Charley met us just outside the gates at the cruise dock.  He was great! We told him what we wanted to experience and he custom designed our day for us.  We learned a lot about the political structure and history of Roatan as well as family life.

 Beautiful panoramic mountaintop views Roatan

We had asked Charley to take us to his favorite lunch spot before the tour was over.  We ended up at a great little restaurant.  His cousin was the chef.  We ate our huge bowls of excellent fish chowder right on the water.  Our waiter gave us even more insight into the political structure of the two governors of the island.  Great day, excellent company.

We do love Cozumel.  After the hurricane hit a few years ago they have really recovered.  It is really turning into a great cruise destination.  The diving and snorkeling are exceptional.  We always, always go to our dear friend Veronica's Cozumel Spa for the best massage treatments in the Caribbean.

 Our dear friend Veronica at Cozumel Spa

Veronica was kind enough to take us to the beach for the day.  Sally gave her daughter Dany a swimming lesson while they snorkeled looking for "big fish".  It was a wonderful day.  We can't wait to go back to this beautiful island and it's warm people. 

Dany and Sally looking for "Big Fish"

Punta Cana

Well I finally made it to the Dominican Republic. Our stay was in Punta Cana at the beautiful Gran Bahia Principe Esmeralda.

Apple Vacations sponsored our trip. We were joined by 110 of our fellow travel agents.  This is a great all-inclusive resort with nice beaches. I especially enjoyed all of the mature palm groves on the beaches.

One of our agents had suggested a company that supported a local grade school. She contacted them and arranged for each agent to bring a book bag with school supplies

 Later on Sally and I along with two other of our agents booked an excursion through this company, Jungle Outback Safari, to see more of the island. Part of the excursion was to stop in for a visit to the school they support.

We were allowed to donate more school supplies or candy but never money. They do not want to teach the children to beg. They told us many of these children walk five days a week 2-4 miles up rough country roads to get to school. There are two sessions per day. It's not unusual for the first group of kids to have siblings that attend the second session. They may even share uniforms.

If the parents are unemployed the children can not get a free education. There's a high unemployment rate here. Groups like Outback Safari step in to sponsor schools so these children can go to school. They also sponsor a clinic/hospital so that people in this area can have medical care.

This excursion was one of the most rewarding parts of our trip.

Loved this B&B and already planning return stay!

Garden Gate Get-A-Way Bed & Breakfast in Amish Country

Our review from Trip Advisor

Reviewed August 14, 2011

 

This beautiful bed & breakfast in the heart of Ohio's Amish country is a must stay! Off the beaten path, yet close to shopping and many wonderful Amish style restaurants.

Each room has it's own theme.

You will really enjoy the evening social hour around the traditional nightly "campfire". It was great fun to get to know guests from other parts of the country. Inn Keepers Herb & Carol kept the conversation lively. They know every road and buggy trail there is in Millersburg and surrounding area. They really are experts on the area and local culture.

You will love this place!

Room Tip: Google Garden Gate Get Away Millersburg Ohio to learn about the different room themes.

Top Ten Summer Beaches

With summer in full swing take a look at the viewers choices for the top 10 beaches for the summer!

• Lanikai Beach - Kailua, Oahu
• Horseshoe Bay Beach - Southampton, Bermuda (if you've never seen pink sand this is a must!)
• Rosemary Beach - Panama City Beach, FL
• Rialto Beach - Olympic National Park, WA
• Crane Beach - Ispwich, MA
• Orient Beach - St Maarten/St Martin
• Gold Rock Beach - Grand Bahama Island
• Smuggler's Cove - Tortola, British Virgin Island
• Paradise Beach - Cozumel, Mexico 
• Hapuna Beach - Kamuela, Hawaii

Summer is the time for beaches and many of these beaches are perfect even in "not so summer months"!

Trip Advisor Post on Cedar Brook in Seattle

Cedarbrook Lodge

 

“While in Seattle area a must experience, we will be back!”

Reviewed July 28, 2011 

 

1 person found this review helpful

 

Fantastic property with top notch staff. All about service and will NOT accept tips! Full service FREE breakfast with wait staff and omelet chef. Superb rooms with common areas in each themed building. They stock the common area kitchens with fresh sandwiches, bagels, fruit, soft drinks, juices, bottled water, coffee and yogurts so that you can "raid the refrigerator" after hours if you like. How fun is that?

There is a great little bar with a billiard table, reading area, social area in front of a floor to ceiling fireplace. If you need a business retreat this place is it.... over the top conference facilities.
You want to stay here. Watch hotels.com for good rates ;-) 

http://www.cedarbrooklodge.com/

Punta Cana on the Horizon

Duty calls! Sally and I have been informed we will be going to Punta Cana for 7 days in October 2011.

Very exciting times! More details to follow!

Venus Sunshine Spa Puerto Vallarta

When you travel to Puerto Vallarta area you must schedule a massage with our friend Norma at Venus Sunshine Spa downtown.

The ladies here are professionally trained massage therapist. On the average fees are only $45-50 USD for a deep tissue full body massage. You would expect to pay closer to $80 an hour for the same treatment in the U.S.

We were here fall of 2010 and took 5 travel agents with us. They loved it!!!

Enter to Win FREE 9-Night Cruise Vacation on Celebrity's Newest Ship!

Enter for a chance to win an exhilarating, 9-night inaugural cruise vacation for two aboard the newest Solstice Class ship, Celebrity Silhouette

Their newest masterpiece, Celebrity Silhouette, is getting her finishing touches and will be introduced this July 2011. Enter for a chance to win an exhilarating, 9-night inaugural European escape for two and be one of the first to experience an innovation in luxury with an extraordinary ship and vacation package.

Attend Celebrity Silhouette’s two-night naming ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, and then her 7-night inaugural cruise from Hamburg to Rome.

Enjoy the good life in your suite featuring a private, spacious veranda and 24/7 butler service.

Receive round trip airfare to Europe with complimentary transfers to and from the ship.

Get a $300 onboard credit to use anywhere on the ship, including their specialty restaurants and rejuvenating spa treatments. And they’ll cover the taxes and fees.

Enter to win (clicking here will take you to our website) Simply scroll to the bottom for the contest link.

This will take you right to the entry form. It is painless to fill out... good luck! Share this blog entry with your family and friends. Who knows maybe they'll invite you along if they win!!

New Travel Sites

Well they have finally arrived! Our two new travel sites are finally live! For great information on vactioning and traveling to the Caribbean, Mexico and other beautiful spots in the world check out Caribbean Cruise Travel Guide

Caribbean Cruise Travel Guide is a dynamic interactive site loaded with information for you to learn more about this part of the world.  But what's even better -- content pages are built into several pages where you can leave a post on your favorite cruise, beach, all inclusive resort and more. These content pages are very interactive and much like facebook! Other people can comment on your comments and you can choose to be notified by email, if you like, when someone comments on your review! How cool is that!

Here are a couple of examples for you to check out: Comments on Sandals White House Resort Jamaica or a review on Why Cruise! Read why Lynette loves cruises so much -- she's been on 23! Feel free to leave your own comments or even start your own new review!

Our second new trave site is very exciting and new in the travel industry! It is going to rival sites like Orbitz & Travelocity -- only better -- why? Because you can actually reach a real live personal travel agent! Check out SAND Travel to plan, shop or even book your own vacations now!

Amazing Haitian Artist - Jean Claude Martin

While take a brief break from our midwest Ohio winter this year we decided to spend a couple of days in beautiful Savannah, Georgia before driving on to Florida.

When in Savannah we always love walking through the historic squares and along the river front.  The Savannah river front is home to many different restaurants, shops and stores. It also has some amazing street performers and vendors.

I have to admit my wife, Sally, is much more of a shopper than I am. Sometimes, like this time around, I like to just sit in the sun with a good book and read or people watch.

Within a few minutes an artist named Jean Claude Martin from Haiti starting setting out his paintings. As I sat on the brick wall reading I asked him if I could move down so he could have more room for his paintings.  He said maybe just a couple of feet and I would be fine.

As I viewed his paintings I became interested in the beautiful blend of vibrant colors and Caribbean scenes.  As I casually began to ask Jean Claude about himself and his art I became intrigued.

Jean Claude Martin setting up his paintings

A sample of Jean Claudes vibrate colorful talent!

Jean Claude Martin was born in the impoverished country of Haiti. At an early age he become "a man".  Jean Claude was forced to learn a trade (skill) at an early age if he wanted to survive.

Jean spent his time watching his elders as they farmed and harvested the crops, carved sculptures, made baskets, prepared the animals they raised for the market and painting pictures.  These were the things the native Haitians did daily to prepare for trade at the markets.

After much time spent observing and practicing, Jean discovered his talent and destiny. He became an artist.

I returned later to discuss with Jean Claude's which of his paintings I would like to purchase

We ended up buying the one in Jean Claudes hand. Love it!!

Jean Claude paints three styles 1) the market place 2) the countryside 3) and the ocean view.  All of his paintings are done in acrylics which are much more durable than oils. He has been painting for over 20 years!

If you want to collect some one-of-a-kind art you simply must stop by to see aspiring Haitian artist Jean Claude Martin. He can also be reached at 912-441-2725

Traveling is Exceptional: Latest Travel Updates: Mexico's West Coast

Traveling is Exceptional: Latest Travel Updates: Mexico's West Coast

Latest Travel Updates: Mexico's West Coast

We absolutely loved Puerto Vallarta and Rivera Nayarit! With a beautiful hospitable people and scenery that is second to none.

If you love Palm Trees like I do you will want to stay at the beautiful Westin Resort and Spa

Built on an old Coconut Plantation with over 200 mature palms!



Want to Step-up Your Game?

If you are looking for a more upscale experience try the Marival Residences and World Spa. Located in Rivera Nayarit these are beautiful condo like villas. An all-inclusive property where all really is included (except your spa services). We stayed here a week and plan on going back in November 2011.
We will be splitting our stay between the Marival Residences, Marival Resorts, Westin Resort and, downtown beach front property, the Buenaventura Grand. We really wanted to go back and explore each one of these fabulous properties and their surrounding areas.

Our spacious condo at Marival Residences and World Spa

A very good bottle of Merlot on the house



Street Performers Puerto Vallarta

Amazing aireal street performers on the beach downtown

Buenaventura Grand

Close to downtown for great shopping and right on the beach!

We loved the Buenaventura Grand. We plan on staying here Nov. 2011

Sally's BFF Louie the Silver Guy

Sally buying her silver from Louie on the beach

Louie is located right by the Marival Resort

We've all done this before!

Our friends Josepha and Kevin burying Yasmina in the sand.

This is winter weather in Puerto Vallarta!

Massages and Spas

We did get our massages at Venus Sunshine Spa! Sally arranged for 5 of us to go in! One of the best massages I think I have ever had. I would highly recommend them to you! Our friend Onelly has promised to take us to a spa that the locals go to next time we visit. $20-30 and hour. I'm in!

Book Your Own Travel

Do you like to find and book your own travel online, but like the idea of having a travel agent to ask questions of? If so check out SAND Travel.