More... Secrets of Savvy Travelers, Millionaires and Jetsetters.

Last minute travel deals. Should you wait till the last minute?

2012-01-31T17:45:00.003-06:00

Well here we are... Winter. The sun is mostly gone and when it is shining it's lighting up the sludge accumulating all around us. Colds and flues are passing around. Our only solace from heavy coats and wet socks is the florescent lights at work or the chores that await us at home. Our sense of fashion is reduced to dressing in order to deny an arctic chill from freezing our soul.

Thus, the peak of "last minute" vacation requests are officially here at Splash Vacation and Cruise®.

While most travel agencies will try to "wow" you with low-ball prices for last minute travel. Unfortunately the "deals" you try to pounce upon are mysteriously "no longer available" or have little to offer in the form of a vacation customized for you.

Are there last minute deals out there? Most definitely. However, you are better served knowing HOW to book last minute travel rather than us throwing out low prices that don’t exist at hotels that you would probably rather avoid. After all, money saved on a bad vacation is no real deal at all.

First, understand that one of the most misunderstood things about today’s travel industry is that there is all kinds of empty seats and rooms which airlines and hotels are fighting over each other to sell cheap. That’s just not the case. Quite the contrary, the fluctuating economy is causing airlines to limit flights and are filling the limited flights to capacity. So the best deals are always found 5-7 months in advance. That is "prime-time" for suppliers. They are aggressive in pricing and promotions in order to sell space well in advance.

After all, how much does anyone want to gamble on meeting goals and quotas based on what "might" happen in the last 2-4 weeks of the deadline? So the best tip on last minute travel is to book early and not risk getting stuck with what’s left over.

But, you procrastinated or were not planning on taking a vacation this winter. You're busting with stress and a dose of cabin fever and you need to feel the warmth of the sun. a tropical breeze, sink into a sundrenched cotton towel and feel the sand in your toes. Who can blame you? Heck, you deserve it.

There is hope because last-minute vacations can still be found. What you need to figure out first is; do you really know what a good deal is? Then make sure you are really ready to invest uninterrupted time in your research or find a savvy professional travel consultant to do it for you.

What the key is to understand the best time to book a last-minute vacation in order save you money with the highest priority being to enjoy a satisfying and memorable vacation.

Step 1

Book at least two to four weeks before travel. Hotels, cruise ships and airlines can quickly determine whether they are filled to capacity (especially now - the peak season). Once they reach a close-to-full level these companies often raise prices significantly around 14 days in advance of the travel date. Remember that when the economy slumps, available daily flights become restricted, reducing the supply for consumer demand. Booking travel inside 14 days may save on hotels and resorts but plane ticket costs will increase. Thus, wiping out the savings or even end up costing more.

Step 2

Shop on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the best last-minute vacation rates. Last-minute vacations can fluctuate radically in price, midweek purchases offer the greatest deals. By the time Thursday comes around, vendors anticipate weekend travel, and hotels, flights and car rentals will all increase their rates.

Step 3

Schedule departure and return travel during a weekday for the lowest rates on flights. During winter (or any time of the year) weekday flight schedules will offer travelers the best flight deals. It's not always possible, but try to avoid flying out on a Friday or Saturday and back on a Saturday or Sunday. The "so-called" weekend escape rates can be a rip-off. In fact, many times we have priced out a 7 day vacation for the same price on the same airline and staying at the same resort as what was advertised as a "weekend special" rate.

Step 4

Understand the best deals for last-minute travel. You can often save big on last-minute vacations when purchasing a bundled package together (hotel, transfers, and flight). Of course there is also the popular "all-inclusive" vacation that saves (in some cases - not all) on food and beverage costs while on your last-minute vacation.

Bonus Tip: Also consider traveling to the hot spots during their off-season. Booking a Caribbean cruise or a week in Costa Rica in late spring or summer can be done at sometimes half the cost. This is a common plan for our clients that like luxury but only at budget prices.

Step 5

Sign up for last-minute travel e-newsletters to keep you aware of great vacation deals. You can register with us with your travel interests and email address right here for free. We send out 2-4 emails a month with either specials or information that shares hot destinations, resorts, trends and more. You can also do some research for suppliers and websites that offer specials as well. As always, be careful you are not subjecting yourself to spam or getting inundated with irrelevant information.

Step 6

Waive the travel insurance. After all, you're booking your vacation last minute, and you probably already know you have the time off, the state of your health and the conditions of your destination. In most "last-minute travel" instances, travel insurance is not necessary. However, consider buying basic medical coverage for the length of your trip, especially if traveling out of the country. There are exceptions. Research the various travel insurances available through suppliers or 3rd party providers or discuss the options with your professional travel consultant.

Step 7

Scour online travel websites or select a travel agent to cut down the research time to, well, nothing (because you don’t have to do anything). With online websites, each has its own partnerships, so they are compensated to "push" certain airlines and resorts. So, the variance of product and price is mind-boggling. But, you can do well on your own just make sure you are willing to spend the time doing proper research.

Also, make sure you know how to read between the lines on the "reviews" provided as they are all "great" and some are inflated if it’s in the financial interest of the website to promote it.

Then, make sure you are getting reputable suppliers packaged in with each component of the vacation. One malfunction can derail your entire vacation.
Lastly, read the terms and conditions. It's not exactly inspirational reading. However, there are many hidden policies that could end up blind-siding you with penalties as high as the entire cost of the vacation. Selecting a travel agent essentially mean you will bypass the time investment and hand it over to a professional. The choice really comes down to whether you enjoy the process or prefer to have someone do it for you and just "pack and go."

Although massively misunderstood, saving money by doing it yourself is not going to happen. In fact, its reported every year that a professional travel consultant save clients on average $60-$90 per person versus booking online. It’s not a monstrous sum of money. But, it is the reason why people are flowing back to rational travel agencies at an increasing rate every year since 2002. But, that’s another post for another time.

Now, if selecting a travel professional to assist you, if you are a bit adventurous and extra travel flexibility make sure you tell your travel agent. This "creative license" given to your agent will almost always come up with the totally unexpected at a phenomenally low price. It might be just me, but the thought of going to St Kitts in three weeks and staying at an oceanfront suite instead of the trip to Cancun I was thinking about, seems kind of cool.

So, now you are armed with the truth and the basic fundamentals. What are you waiting for... July?

Maldives. Fantasy or Real? (If you know for sure - I hate you).

2012-01-17T22:02:00.004-06:00

Recently I introduced a publication to help clients (and anyone who loves to travel) plan and experience better vacations.

The publication is “The Secrets of Savvy Travelers Millionaires and Jetsetters.” Hopefully you have had the opportunity to review it and apply some of the information when planning and going on your vacation.

Never the less, during the research I had some real “wow” moments. One of those moments the repeated itself over and over again was anytime I came across articles or photos of Maldives.

Did you ever have those times when something just makes you stop in time and just stare? That is what happens to me every time I read about or see photos of Maldives.

Funny thing is it usually happens before I even know it is Maldives. I read, see, stop and think; “wow, where is THAT place?! I look into it and, yep, it's Maldives!

This destination has a certain glow, a certain dream like attraction. More like a Disney animated island of fantasy than a real place that exists for me to actually experience. As I add, yet another, destination to my “must-go” list I decided to take a look at what options there were once I got there.

Much to my surprise Maldives’ has 90-something different resorts. Now, at first glance, they all looked quite similar. What I mean by similar is: Awesome!
But reading further each resort seems to have its own uniqueness. Maldives is a group of islands. Seemingly which island to visit would depend on knowing what sets each one apart from the other.

Okay, so let’s go together, shall we?

We need to arrange flights to the Malé International Airport. From there we will get to our island of choice between 15 to 60 minutes.

I found seven resorts that really stood out. However, in my humble opinion, anyplace on any island must be the closest thing to paradise imaginable.

Let’s take a look at some of the “stand-out” resorts:

Anantara Kihavah Villas

To wine and dine in style and enjoy the beauty of the Maldivian seas all around while we are at it, let’s stay at Anantara Kihavah Villa. This resort features a stylish dining complex perfectly named “Sea. Fire. Salt. Sky.” Where we can indulge in gourmet cuisine over the water with some wine from the underwater cellar, and a nightcap on the rooftop bar. The poolside “Manzaru” bar provides drinks and light snacks, which will be delivered to us while cooling off in the blaze-blue water.

Six Senses Laamu

This is a newer resort and has all the luxury imaginable. The Altitude restaurant is the bomb! Located inside a high glass tower rising out of the ocean, it provides a supreme collection of wine and epicurean dishes that we can enjoy with the amazing backdrop of the sea surrounding us.

Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa and Anantara Veli Resort & Spa

These are Anantara brand resorts which appeal to connoisseurs eager to indulge in gastronomic delights offering a unique ‘Dine by Design’ plan. They also have Thai cooking classes, a resident wine guru and the world’s first salt sommelier as just a few resort highlights.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

With only 150 rooms this is one of the largest resorts. Yep, “largest!” As Maldives resorts definitely go for substance over size. The resort is actually spans across two islands connected by a 1600 foot bridge. This destination is perfection for romantic escapes and honeymooners. It has the world’s first underwater restaurant, Ithaa. It is all-glass with a wonderful view of aquatic creatures at every turn of the head. (View of Ithaa at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island featured above).

Naladhu Maldives

Naladhu translates in English to: ‘pretty little island.’ That’s an understatement! The resort has 19 colonial-style residences which offer every amenity you can imagine including private swimming pools, massive decks shaded in palm trees, with a daybed, hammock, bath, outdoor shower, see-through tub and steam room.

Huvafen Fushi Maldives

This resort has a very unique ‘Dream Calender’, which creates an exhilarating, star-studded adventure. Celebrities from around the world including actors, artists, culinary cognoscenti and renowned DJ’s – frequent the resort to entertain guests in a wide range of special events. Plus, it is renowned for the biggest wine cellar in Maldives.

Soneva brand resorts

Soneva Fushi by Six Senses and Soneva Gili by Six Senses are both environmentally friendly resorts. Both resorts offer cuisine prepared from organic products grown in their own gardens. Soneva Fushi boasts the archipelago’s first and only Astronomical Observatory and an open cinema on the beach, Cinema Paradiso. It is also the first resort to introduce residences that guests can rent as their very own vacation-nest.

So, I’m sold! How about you?

Honestly, the island of Maldives, after all the research and photos, still look like a fantasy created by the animators at Pixar to me. But, I have to believe they exist. If you get there, before I do, please share your experience.

If you have already been there, well… I hate you. In a good way - if you catch my drift. But please, PLEASE tell me and our readers more!

2012 Top 10 Destinations for Value Vacations.

2012-01-05T12:07:00.003-06:00

People are flocking to vacation destinations both domestic and abroad in 2012.
After what seems like a 3 year stint of cabin-fever. Many who have put off vacation due to a skittish economy combined with increased responsibilities are saying; No more, I’m taking some time away for "me!"

Due to this resurgence Splash Vacation and Cruise® is working aggressively for you to find the deals, discounts and promotions that will create a unique vacation experience that includes added value.

While there is really no such thing as a "cheap" vacation (despite all the misleading advertisements) there are very good value added opportunities out there. You just need to know what a deal really is, who has them, and where to find them. Of course "that's" what we do daily. However, whether you decide to be your own agent or contact Splash Vacation and Cruise® to take the "work" out of your vacation, we present you the..

2012 TOP 10 DESTINATIONS FOR VALUE VACATIONS.

1. Argentina

This dimensionally immense country has a lot on its plate. From boat rides in the Iguazo waterfalls to wine sampling in the cellars of Mendoza, to year-round Tango shows and eclectic theatre, it has a charm, completely different from any other Latin American nation. The cost of living here is cheaper than in cities in the United States, but inflation is an issue with prices rising over the past few years. There are other equally exciting cities that are cheaper than Buenos Aires like say Cordoba, Salta, and Jujuy. The best time to go to Argentina would depend on where you want to go. For instance, if it is the mountainous Lake District, you can do so anytime of the year, since it enjoys neutral temperate weather though November to March would be ideal. Then if it is Southern Patagonia that you want to go to, note that May to September will be cold with most facilities shut down. The perfect time would be the summer months of March to April.

2. Egypt

If the recent political unrest does not unnerve you, Egypt is a tremendous value destination. With tourism accounting for nearly one-third of its economy and the industry taking a major hit, there are some great bargains to be made. Travel operators and hoteliers are offering massive discounts on excursions, tours, and daily hotel rates. Also, great deals are on offer at the Great Pyramids of Giza, where room rates have slid 45 percent since 2010, and in the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, where prices dropped by 26 percent to just around $100 a night. Summer is the best time to visit (March to May and September to November).

3. Croatia

A business acquaintance of mine ended up here by accident. He was summoned to visit his daughter who had been sent there for a temporary job assignment. In his words; "It's the most beautiful place I’ve ever been too. I’m already to have you send me back as soon as I figure out the date I can go."
This Adriatic country's recession hit economy is all set to have a record breaking year in so far is tourism is concerned. This former Yugoslav republic is set to join the European Union by 2013 but before that there is a lot up for grabs. Some exotic sights and experiences that veteran travelers suggest include swimming in its crystal-clear water and seeing the bright orange roofs of buildings bombed during the Yugoslavian War from 1991 to 1995. While food and lodging are incredibly in expensive in the "Pearl of the Adriatic."

4. San Diego

This picturesque Pacific coastline has ideal golf weather and family-friendly attractions (Sea World, San Diego Zoo, a LEGO-Land theme park). San Diego has remained as one of America's top 10 most-visited cities for more than a decade. And unlike other more buzzing cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, it relies on numbers to up its tourist traffic by offering attractive bargains on hotels, car rentals and golf resort bookings. If into museums, the best time to visit is February, when the San Diego Museum Month is inaugurated. Prime beach season runs from April to October, when the temperature is perfect and rarely drops below 70 degrees.

5. Jamaica

Jamaica with its mosaic of African, European and Asian cultures has plenty of luxury and budget options with a bunch of things to do - from bird watching, lazing on the beach, taking cruises, indulging in adventure sports, going for long walks, taking off on bicycle tracks and just lounging around doing nothing. Thanks to the island's new international airport, deals on 3,000 new hotel rooms, and clean beaches, it is being seen as a one of the top budget travel destinations for 2012. International airfare too has come down and there are better connections today. The only thing to avoid is the hurricane season (July and August). Winter is good to visit too with plenty of sunshine to soak in.

6. Atlantic Canada

The provinces lining Canada's eastern seaboard tempt the outdoor loving adventure traveler--from scenic kayak rides around Prince Edward Island to whale watching in the Bay of Fundy to wilderness hikes in the glacier-specked Torngat Mountains. A big attraction this year is the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking off the coast of Newfoundland. There's a full calendar of events in Halifax to commemorate the historical (and tragic) event including a town parade, concerts and a film festival. Along with two other eastern cities (Charlottetown and Fredericton), Halifax is one of the most reasonable Canadian cities to visit with rates averaging $145 around a night.

7. Caribbean Islands - Cruise.

If you want to go through the Titanic experience yourself (with a much happier ending) the Caribbean Cruise options come in at number 7 on the "top-value" list Caribbean Cruise departures are plentiful in 2012. The best rates? Hurricane season, which officially spans June through November, but since September and October are the highest-risk months, you can feel safe travelling here in June. But, we know January through March is the time most really want to go and cruise companies are aggressively pricing winter cruise opportunities to accommodate your desire as well as fill their ships this winter!

8. Poland

There is so much to see and do in Poland. Castles, churches, monuments, museums and memorials bring alive its 1000-year old history. With new airport terminals coming up from Warsaw to Gdansk, a hotel-construction boom is already pulling in names like Hilton and Westin. June 2012 will see tourists and sports buffs thronging with the UEFA Euro 2012 soccer tournament coming up. Five star hotels are among the least expensive in the world (in Warsaw, they average $135 per night).

Poland's traditional dishes include beetroot soup, cabbage rolls (cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice) and pierogi (dumplings stuffed with cabbage and mushrooms) are certainly a must-try. The warmest weather, with averages in the low 70's, arrives from May to October. Ideally, July to August would be good to hit the Baltic beaches. By September, the crowds and soccer tournaments disappear, leaving tranquility and low prices for your value Polish vacation.

9. Athens

Never mind Greece's debt crisis, failing economy and woes of bankruptcy. These current issues have nothing to do with its beauty, history and immense value. While hotel prices fell only 4 percent across Greece from 2010 the average room is still only around $150 per night. Despite the recession, the city is beefing up infrastructure with Greece's biggest-ever subway project, an expansion of the Athens Metro (single rides only around $1.89). New subway lines and stations--some stocked with ancient artifacts excavated during construction--will make roaming the city simple, and a full-day pass only costs around $5 - $6. Late winter months and early spring is the best time to visit.

10. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is an attractive budget travel destination for passionate sun-seekers. Santo Domingo, the capital city, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site because there are still colonial elements from Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1492. The island comes alive during Carnaval Dominicano in February and Semana Santa in April. The Dominican Republic is home to a wide range of all-inclusive resort options to fit any budget. You get a great mix of sun, safety and affordability.

Do you have any favorite destinations that didn’t make the list? Please share!

The Gift of Travel Lasts a Lifetime - Special Holiday Gift Edition

2011-12-12T15:08:00.000-06:00

Giving the gift of travel to the one you love provides the realization of a dream and memories that last a lifetime.

In this special holiday post we wanted to share several ways for you to make this Christmas the most precious one of all.

– A Very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Custom Gift Certificate Series
Let your loved one choose the exactly vacation experience they want with the help of Splash Vacation and Cruise® professional travel consultants. Select from our custom series of gift certificates for men ("chillin'"), women ("relax"), families ("fun") or couples ("romance). The Custom Gift Certificate Series is available in any dollar amount you choose!

24 Hour Dream Center

You know the exact vacation they want or maybe you need some inspiration? Shop 24/7 for vacation ideas. You can book it yourself or save your info and have our experts help during regular business hours. Start searching now...

Sports Tour Exclusives
Your man will scream "FAN-tastic!" with one of these tour packages under the tree! 2012 Rose Bowl Tour, Brewers Spring Training, Brewers Fantasy Camp, FM 106.1 CMA Country Music Festival and Fan Fair and more.

LuxuryOnABudget™
Not this Christmas? How about next? Take a look at our new Lay-A-Way Plan. Sign-up and save for the perfect vacation gift. And, no last minute shopping!

Our Gift To You!
Who provides $50,000 and 2 years worth of research for free so you can improve your vacations and your entire life? A travel agency that truly cares about you. As a visitor to the Splash Vacation and Cruise® blog we provide you the complete summary series of the entire publication. A must read… your vacations and life just got better.

Worlds 13 Most Haunted Hotels

2011-10-28T10:02:00.005-05:00

Maybe a relaxing get-a-way to an exotic beach is'nt your idea of a vacation? You need some "edge" on your excursions. Why not try traveling during the Halloween season, get into the spirit (get it?) and stay at a haunted hotel. They’re just like regular hotels, except you spend a terrifying night with all the lights on as ghostly intruders walk through the walls of your room to watch you in your most intimate moments.

If that sounds appealing for some reason, check out the hotels on this list of the 13 Most Haunted Hotels In The World.

Banff Springs Hotel – Alberta, Canada

Dying gets a bad wrap. Just look at the positive: you don’t have to go to work anymore. However, not everyone hates their job. One of those people was Sam, a bellman at the Banff Springs Hotel . He loved his job so much that he returned to work… after he died (get a life, dude… oh, wait…). That’s right, Sam the white-mustachioed bellman still wanders the halls of the hotel, helping guests locked out of their room and doing favors — without even asking for a tip. The other ghosts at the hotel aren’t as helpful. In 1932, a bride died on her wedding day when her dress caught on fire and she tumbled down the stairs. Now her ghost can be seen dancing alone in the dining room and generally depressing the guests.

But the most frequent ghostly activity occurs on the eighth floor. Rumor has it than an entire family was murdered in room 873, including a little girl, whose fingerprints couldn’t be wiped away from the mirror. Seeing as how guests would find that terribly creepy, the room was sealed off with bricks and the wall painted over to hide its existence. Even though no one can go inside the room and the hotel denies the room exists, guests report hearing noises coming from room 873.

Castle Leslie – County Monaghan, Ireland

In 2002, everyone’s favorite one-legged golddigger, Heather Mills, married everyone’s third favorite Beatle, Paul McCartney, at the Castle Leslie in rural Ireland. But that’s not the scariest thing about this place. It’s said to be haunted by a handful of members of the famous Leslie family, many of which have died in the castle over its 300-year history. Even one of the young Leslie men named Shane, who died in a war, returned to the castle as ghost to watch over the lake (apparently sensing the need for a life guard at the lake). But perhaps the most famous ghost in the hotel isn’t a person… it’s a dog named Punch.

Crescent Hotel – Eureka Springs, Arkansas

The idea of a tall handsome man showing up to your hotel room and asking “are you waiting for me?” sounds attractive to some amorous travelers… but things get scary when he suddenly vanishes into thin air. This man is just one of the frequently seen ghosts who haunt the Crescent Hotel. There’s also an Irish stonemason who frightens guests in room 218, where he fell and died during construction; guests complain of banging on the walls, lights turning on and off, and the ghostly hands of the man reaching out from the mirror. Then there’s a woman who frequently appears in room 419 and introduces herself as a cancer patient to guests and housekeepers. That’s because back in the 1930's, a man named Dr. Normal Baker turned this hotel into a hospital promising to cure cancer patients… but it was all a sham. Many people died in the hotel because they didn’t receive proper cafe, including the woman in 419. Unfortunately, she’s stuck with Dr. Baker, who also never left. He’s sometime seen in the hotel’s recreation room, the same place where he often spent time not helping the cancer victims he promised to help.

Farnsworth House Inn – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

It’s not unusual for places in and around Gettysburg to be haunted by the spirits of dead Civil War soliders, but what makes the Farnsworth House Inn so special is that it’s haunted by 14 ghosts. During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers used this house as a sniper stronghold. In one tragic incident, a solider accidentally killed a civilian named Jennie Wade; that young solider is said to remain in the house out of remorse. After that incident, the soliders gave away their hiding spot and many were killed in a shootout — the building is riddled with over 100 bullet holes that can still be seen today. There’s even a nurse named Mary that continues to console soldiers in the afterlife, as well as a ghost of a young boy who was run over and killed by a horse and carriage in front of the house.

The Heathman Hotel – Portland, Oregon

The Heathman Hotel is famous for its popular restaurant, luxurious accommodations… and one ghostly resident. Legend has it that not long after the hotel opened in 1927, a woman fell out of room 703 and plummeted to her death. Now, that woman is haunting all of the rooms that she passed on the way down to the pavement. Guests staying in any room that ends in an “03? report hearing noises, objects moving on their own, cold spots, and in the case of room 703, a ghostly face peering out of the corner of the room. We sincerely hope the hotel staff tells guests about this before staying in that room because no one feels comfortable with the idea of a ghost watching them do it.

Hotel Del Coronado – San Diego, California

Ghosts don’t tend to haunt ugly hotels because no one wants to stay in an ugly hotel — not even a dead person. However, when a hotel is named one of the Top 10 Resorts In The World according to USA Today, it makes sense that a ghost would want to hang around forever. That’s why we’re surprised that there’s only one ghost haunts that the Hotel Del Coronado (make it two after I go; this place rules). Her name is Kate Morgan, and back in 1892, she committed suicide on the beach just outside the hotel after her estranged husband stood her up. Today, guests who stay in room 3327, the room where Kate stayed, say lights flicker on and off, objects float around the room and the temperature fluctuates drastically. Some have even seen her ghostly apparition walking the halls in the black dress she died in. Men who’ve hit on her using the pick-up line “Heaven called, they’re missing one of their angels” are sorely disappointed when she disappears.

Le Pavilion – New Orleans, Louisiana

The four ghosts that haunt Le Pavilion have been the subject of over 100 catalouged sightings and incidents. The most frequently seen ghost is Adda, a teenage girl who was killed by a horse and carriage just before she was about to board a ship with her family. Sometimes guests see her ghostly spirit manifest in her old room on the third floor, asking for a ride to the docks. The second ghost is a prankster who wears bell bottoms and walks shoeless through the halls; he likes to rip the sheets off the bed and move thing around people’s rooms.

The other two ghosts are a happy couple who stroll around the hotel grounds holding hands, though we’re not sure how happy they were in real life because they stayed in different rooms. His former room on the fourth floor often smells like the cigars he smoked, even when nobody has been inside (can’t quit a bad habit even when you’re dead), and the girl’s former room on the third floor often smells like her rose perfume.

Lizzie Borden Inn – Fall River, Massachusetts

The Lizzie Borden trial was like the O.J. Simpson trial of its time. In 1892, Lizzie was accused of killing her father and stepmother with a hatchet in their home. Even though the overwhelming consensus was that Lizzie did it, she was eventually acquitted (apparently using the same “if the glove does not fit, you must acquit” defense). Today, guests who don’t like to get a good night’s sleep can stay in the rooms where the bodies were discovered. Many have reported seeing ghostly black mists, hearing noises, feeling cold spots, and some have even seen the shape of a body indented into the bed where her father was murdered.

Ostrich Inn – Colnbrook, England

This story will make you never want to sleep in a hotel again. In the 17th century, the Ostrich Inn was a popular place for travelers. But for some reason, no one ever noticed that over 60 people never left. That’s because the owners installed a secret trap door under the bed in what they called the “best room” in the hotel. This room was located right above the kitchen. When their guests fell asleep, the owners would pry open the trap door and tilt the bed so that the guest would slide into a boiling cauldron. Many of the victims still haunt the Ostrich Inn, probably to make people realize how ridiculously unobservant they are (seriously, no one realized that people were going in and not coming out!?).

Provincial Hotel – New Orleans, Louisiana

Any time a hospital is converted into a hotel, you’re asking for problems. And that’s exactly the case with the Provincial Hotel. It used to be a Confederate hospital during the Civil War, and many of the soldiers that died inside its walls have never left. But here’s what’s really scary: one particular solider has a thing for country music. Whenever the radio is turned to classical, the ghost quickly changes it to a country station. And if the guest insists on changing the station back, he’s been known to materialize and frighten them away from the radio. Don’t mess with a ghost that digs country music (we really hope that’s not the preferred musical genre in the afterlife).

Queen Mary Hotel – Long Beach, California

When the RMS Queen Mary was in service, it was only involved in one tragedy (when it crashed into another boat and killed people on that boat). Oddly enough, it’s experienced more tragedies since being permanently docked in Long Beach. In typical California fashion, most of the hauntings take place at the pool. A young girl who drowned in the second class pool now haunts the first class pool (because it’s easy to get past the bouncer as a ghost). She’s accompanied by another woman who was murdered in the first class women’s change room. Together they walk around the pool, leaving wet foot prints on the deck and making splashing noises… even when the pool is empty. Some guests have even seen the ghosts of the women wearing bathing suits from the eras in which they died.

Schooner Hotel – Alnmouth, England

The Schooner Hotel has twice won the title of Most Haunted Hotel in Britain thanks to over 3,000 ghost sightings through the years. The hotel has been the site of so many murders, suicides and massacres — some involving babies thrown into a fire — that 60 individual ghosts inhabit the property. To get revenge, they freak out guests by making eerie noises, turning on electrical devices, opening and closing doors and sometimes manifesting into ghostly form.

Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado

Remember “The Shining”? Well, Steven King conceived the idea for that book during a stay at The Stanley Hotel. The freaky thing is, he didn’t know the place was haunted until after he started developing the idea. Maybe he got the idea because he heard the ghostly voices of kids running through the halls, or had an encounter with the alleged “ghost thief” that steals people’s jewelry (we think the thief is really just an employee wearing a white sheet and pretending to be a ghost). The hotel is also believed to be haunted by the former owner, Freelan O. Stanley, and his wife, Flora. Apparently Flora liked to entertain her guests, and she continues to do in the afterlife: her ghost is often seen playing the piano in the lobby.

Have you ever stayed in a haunted hotel?

The Truth About "The Worlds Largest Cruise Sale."

2011-10-17T14:55:00.003-05:00

You may not be particularly interested in taking a cruise anytime soon. But if you’re looking for great value, there’s good reason to book a cruise this week: 25 different cruise lines are offering special discounts and promotions for sailings booked (this year) from Oct. 17 to 23, 2011.

The sales are all part of what’s being called National Cruise Vacation Week, a marketing campaign cooked up by the Cruise Lines Industry Association.

Why is the push for cruise bookings taking place now? Traditionally, the busiest time of year for bookings is during “wave season,” which occurs from January to about mid-March. This period isn’t necessarily when the best deals are offered; instead, it’s when cruises are top-of-mind among travelers because the weather tends to be cold and dreary—making a cruise, particularly to a warm destination, sound especially appealing.
Autumn is typically a down season for cruise departures, largely because fall is when hurricanes are most likely to hit the Caribbean, one of the most popular cruise destinations. Autumn is also right after many of our clients have taken summer vacations, and before the cold weather arrives and quickly motivates our clients to escape to more luxurious, warm and relaxation friendly destinations.

So it makes sense that the cruise industry to use this time to create “World’s Largest Cruise Sale” right now.

How do you win? Well the “World’s Largest Cruise Sale” includes 25 cruise lines to offer special deals.

For the most part, though, especially considering that all the major cruise lines know their competitors are promoting special deals this week and each company is trying to stand apart from the pack, the discounted cruise packages currently on the table are quite good. Cunard, for instance, is selling select voyages with special two-for-one pricing. Another luxury line, Oceania Cruises, has two-for-one fares plus free roundtrip airfare to the departure cities. Many other ocean and river cruise lines are including cash back or spending credits to go along with their regular discounts.

Special deals related to “World’s Largest Cruise Sale” aren’t necessarily being promoted at the cruise lines’ websites. The vast majority of cruises are still booked through travel agents, and Splash Vacation and Cruise® certified professional travel consultants will be able to clue you in as to the best offers, help you pick the right itinerary, ship and cabin based on your unique interests.

Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico!?

2011-10-12T12:06:00.004-05:00

Any travel article or blog about Mexico these days has to start with the drug cartel problem. There’s just no way around that, and to ignore that issue is disingenuous at best, and journalistically irresponsible at worst. So let’s get that out of the way right off before I tell you why you shouldn’t be dissuaded from visiting the great country of Mexico.

I don’t need to describe what’s been going on for the past five years since President Calderon took office, immediately declaring war against the brutal drug cartels. The traditional news providers headline their accounts every time someone gets whacked, as the gruesome details of mass graves, torture and innocent bystanders serve to frighten the frijoles out of a public that is way too eager to believe whatever is spoon-fed them in print. But nowadays we have the internet, where we can actually “talk” to people who travel Mexico frequently. Those people? Splash Vacation and Cruise travel consultants, our clients, air, hotel, tour and cruise suppliers.

And they all will tell you that you have nothing to fear. Assuming you or your family members aren’t working drug deals or gun running. The guys, the drug assassins, hit people who are messing with their business. They have no interest in random killing or robbery of tourists, opening up that messy can of worms. They have enough to handle fighting the Mexican feds; they don’t need the foreign governments and embassies in the mix. Yes, of course, there is some crime in Mexico, but it ranks #39 in the world for crimes per capita. By the way, the U.S. ranks #8 (#1 is the worse). So, frankly, if its safety that is the concern we should actually leave the USA and go vacation in Mexico as quickly as possible. For safeties sake - that is.

Some people say to stay away from border towns, but I would cross over to Tijuana from San Diego with no hesitation, as I have for years. Where else am I going to get a mesquite-fired street taco and a cold beer for a couple of bucks? Don’t think you can’t go to Mexico because it is unsafe. It is not. I know many gringos who live throughout Mexico, and through my business, hundreds more who travel there frequently. I talk to these people daily, and to a person, they say that Mexico is as safe as it has ever been. Most of them feel safer there than they do in their U.S. hometowns. And they always tell me what I’ve known to be true for my decades of Mexico travel – there are no nicer, friendlier people in the world.

So, now that you know you can go to Mexico, where do you go? It is such an amazingly diverse country, you need to identify what you like. Do you want to sit on a beach? If so, do you want waves or calm water? Desert or jungle? How about mountains? They have the Sierra Madres populated with cobble-stoned colonial towns that date back 500 years. Pre-Columbian ruins are everywhere.

You want a cosmopolitan city? Try Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey. Or how about that quaint fishing village with the hammock tied between pal m trees? There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, to choose from. Now that you have found the place you want to visit, you need to book a flight. Mexico is easy to get to, and with its proximity to the U.S. you can usually find a great deal. When you settle into a hotel use some time to explore the area. Get out and see the country – eat the local food – interact with the people. You’ll discover what I have always known: Mexico is a wonderful place – the amigo country.

The bonus? There is less tourist overflow, better deals (I mean “crazy” deals) and so many new hotels and resorts that have emerged. Your budget will go along way and you can experience luxury now that could very well be an upgrade that, let’s face it, you so richly deserve.

Dean S. Voss
Owner

Splash Vacation and Cruise®

www.gosplashnow.com

The Lure of the Golden Triangle

2011-10-05T19:03:00.002-05:00

Most of you must be familiar with the Bermuda Triangle and its notorious reputation. However, in the realms of luxury tours in India, there exists a term known as the Golden Triangle. Though it does not trap people for centuries and then throw them back out like the Bermuda is believed to, it does have a spellbinding charm of its own.

The Golden Triangle consists of travelling to three of the most historically and architecturally significant cities in India. It definitely tops the list of every professional travel consultant in the field of organizing luxury tours to India.
The Golden Triangle tour generally starts off with a trip around Delhi, the capital of India, trailing off to Agra and then Jaipur. Ask any travel junkie in India or abroad, the general consensus would be that this tour is a must-do for anyone who would like a quick peek into the cultural and architectural diversity of India.

Beginning from the Capital, the most common features on the itinerary of any Indian luxury tour should include the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple. Though the Mughal Gardens are generally not part of the typical itinerary, one should try to visit them in case time allows. The variety of plants and flowers here is quite exquisite, and is in full bloom during the months of February and March. The cultural diversity of the Capital is reflected in the variety of food on offer. Right from Mughal delicacies such as 'Biryanis' and 'Kebabs', to Italian wood-fired pizza specialties, Delhi has been aptly called a melting pot of cultures. From the shady corridors of Old Delhi, to the trendy lanes of New Delhi, one can experience a myriad of sights, sounds and aromas, all peculiar of their site.

Next up on the itinerary is Agra, the city perched on the banks of the Yamuna River in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the land of the Taj Mahal. Though the 'Agre Ka Petha' or succulent white pumpkin sweetmeat is more popular within the country, the legend of the Taj transcends borders. People from all across the globe flock to the city to see the white marble, romantic wonder of the Taj Mahal, which was built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. However, Agra is not just about the Taj, other architectural highlights include the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, which can be equally intriguing for the history buff.

Last, but not the least, is Jaipur, the Pink City, the Capital of the City of Kings, Rajasthan. This city is strewn with remarkable architectural remnants of the Mughal and pre-modern era such as the Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal and more. Jantar Mantar, which used to be an observatory during the time of King Jai Singh II, now finds itself as part of Wolrd Heritage Sites. Jaipur, the erstwhile residence of the Rajputana royalty, is now home to some of the most outstanding luxury palaces in India. With many royal families turning their palaces into hotels, visitors can have a feel of the way royalty used to live; however, at a price. These luxury palaces in Rajasthan prove to be the perfect abode for those looking forward to an authentic experience, without pulling the strings on their purse too tight.

With such rich insight into the culture, architecture and history of India, it is no wonder then that this tour has been labelled the "Golden Triangle".

Splash Vacation and Cruise of Hales Corners WI has several expert consultants to assist you in planning a Golden Triangle tour as well as many other international destination tours. Contact info www.gosplashnow.com/contact

The Greek Isles (Off The Beaten Track).

2011-08-29T14:32:00.010-05:00

Combine travelers who have been there, are going there or just simply dream of the day they will go there and Greece is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe.

It is so easy to see why with its mix of bright and sunny climate and warm turquoise waters. However, a holiday here doesn't mean you have to get stuck with the crowd of tourists; there are many Greek villas and islands that are a little off the beaten track and provide a great place to stay and an escape from the crowds.

Splash Vacation and Cruise® shares a look at just few of these great island retreats to give you a taste of Greek Isle gems.

The Island of Kalymnos

It's easy to reach, with great connections from both Athens and Kos, and is located close to the island of Leros. The island itself it the very picture of a traditional Greek island, the dry scrub mountains, soft sandy beaches and deep blue seas. The island is also known for its unusual black sand and its sponge diving tradition.

The island of Evia

If you want somewhere even easier to get to, but just as overlooked, then the island of Evia is an even shorter trip from Athens than Kalymnos. It's the second largest of the Greek isles, after Crete, and makes for a great destination for anyone who dreams of long strolls through traditional Greek towns. The island is dominated by Mt Ochi, which is ringed by small towns and villages and makes for a fantastic hiking experience. If you're looking for something more coastal then the island can provide that too with its many small bays and coves, making it the perfect place for snorkeling and swimming.

How about the "postcard picturesque" island of Nisyros?

The mind does not have the color and cropping tools of Photoshop... and there is no need for it here. The tiny volcanic island of Nisyros is often overlooked as a holiday destination; but if you're on a multi-destination itinerary and just planning a short stay in Greece, 3 to 4 days, then it makes for the perfect destination. There's more than enough to pack a short stay with activities, a visit to the steaming volcanic craters, walking the islands fantastic trails, a look at the historical forts and monasteries and a visit the luxurious health spa.

Another well kept secret is the small island of Spetses.

Small but perfectly formed and because minimal automobile traffic, due to severe restrictions on motor vehicles, it's a haven for cyclists and hikers. There's only one town on the island. The beauty of it is everywhere is within walking distance, including two of the islands glorious beaches.

So if you're dreaming of a vacation in Greece, be it one of the family villa holidays, a stay in a quaint hotel or upscale resort, take a serious look at some of the lesser visited islands for a real escape and a unique experience that’s all your own.

Splash Vacation and Cruise® can assist you in planning all of the details. Some of the hundreds of choices that may fit your unique tastes might include a 7 Day Greek Isles Cruise with the big yacht cruise company Windstar. The upscale luxury travel provider Abercrombie and Kent provides villas at a wide range of Greek isles.

Any additional secrets or tips to share from your visit to Greece? Share them with your fellow readers.

The Perfect Night Out at the Moulin Rouge - Paris

2011-08-23T16:35:00.002-05:00

Paris is a spectacular world capital, an entrancing city that teems with unique and distinctively 'Parisian' forms of nightlife. Foremost amongst its options for evening entertainment are its many cabarets, which it is especially renowned for. Of course, the most magnificent and famed of all cabarets is none other than the inimitable Moulin Rouge show, Paris.

The Moulin Rouge is arguably the most eminent cabaret in the world, and was constructed by Joseph Oller in 1889, who also owned the Paris Olympia. Close to Montmartre on Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement, it is distinguished by the red windmill on its roof. In fact, Moulin Rouge roughly translates to 'red windmill.'

Many international stars have performed on stage at the Moulin Rouge including such legends as Ella Fitzgerald, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra and Elton John. They have all put on captivating shows, following in the footsteps of French celebrities such as Maurice Chevalier, Jean Gabin, and, of course, the 'sparrow' Edith Piaf, arguably the greatest French singer of all time.

The Moulin Rouge is undeniably most well-known as the spiritual birthplace of the current form of the can-can. Initially presented as a seductive dance by the prostitutes, the can-can developed into a type of entertainment all its own and facilitated the spread of cabarets all across Europe. In the current age, the Moulin Rouge is a highly sought after destination for visitors, providing musical dance entertainment for those from around the globe. A great deal of the charm of turn-of-the-century France is still evident in the club's furnishings.

An evening of exhilaration and enchantment awaits you at the Moulin Rouge, the world renowned cabaret of Paris. Immerse yourself in the oldest and most famous of all the Parisian cabarets. Admire the spectacular display of 1000 exotic costumes comprising of feathers, rhinestones and sequins, set against shimmering sets and accompanied by some extraordinary choreography, at the riveting show "Féerie". Led by a troupe of 100 artists, this unforgettable evening will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

A potential alternative to this is a Le Lido show. At a Le Lido show, your senses will be overwhelmed, and follow the story of a girl looking for happiness, as four majestic, stunning sets unfurl before you.

However, this Paris show, holds deeply and especially illustrious status. An evening cabaret show is an especially noteworthy and sagacious choice for the visitor. As you relax here with some champagne, marvel at the overwhelming colours and sounds of the "Féerie". Tickets to the Moulin Rouge, Paris, are thus imperative. A visit to Paris is not a visit to Paris without going to an enchanting, world renowned show, after all.

Moulin Rouge Paris holds an illustrious reputation. This remarkable evening cabaret show offers something truly extraordinary. Don't miss an evening of glitz and glamour if you are in Paris!

Have you been there? Share some feedback or insider tips with your fellow readers....

10 Tips for Grabbing the Best Vacation Photos

2011-08-15T11:52:00.002-05:00

Whether you own a "point and shoot" or DSLR camera, you want to bring some 'wow' photos home from your vacation.

In the past, we have all had moments while looking back at our travel photos, when we thought, "Sheesh, why didn't I see and cut out the dude with the purple shorts, black knee socks and white loafers!?"

So, we grow a little wiser as we take more photos. However, if you are still in the "experimental" stage of photography, here are 10 tips from a professional travel photographer for grabbing the best shots on your vacation and show-off to your friends:

1. For photography newbie’s, learn to ditch the 'auto' or the 'P' mode on your camera. Use the selected aperture and shutter speed settings for more control - if you can.

2. Clear out the clutter and focus on a main subject. You don't need to include everything in the frame. Do you really want that tree or mailbox in the frame? What are you trying to tell with your picture?

3. Step up and shoot closer whenever you can. A lot of people tend to stay too far back when taking vacation shots.

4. If you are using a slow shutter speed (say, 1/15 and slower), when hand holding your camera, use a self-timer to trip the shutter to minimize blur and camera shake in low light conditions. Most times, your tripod may not be with you, you'll need to improvise.

5. Vary your camera angle, level and framing on your shots. Shoot low, from high up, from the ground up, up the the Rastamans nose. Take filled frames but also frames with background detail for scale and setting on some shots.

6. Use a pre-focus. Choose an aperture around F8. That way, if you grab the camera and point at an object, say maybe 5 feet away, you'd get sharpness on things lying within 3 - 10 feet in the frame. You can focus on a spot where you anticipate the action will happen using this method. This helps the camera locks focus faster and works great for quick, candid shots, particularly when you don't want to tip your subjects off that they are being photographed.

7. Shoot multiple shots on a subject you like. Take one shot, move two steps forward, take another. Don't forget to take a vertical shot too. Most people tend to frame shots horizontally, but a vertical shot often allows you to fill a frame, looks different and uses space more effectively.

8. Take landmarks, interesting signage, neon lights, colorful things, etc. Observe light direction, and shadow or texture of objects, buildings and landscape. They all add character to your photo.

9. Take care of your camera, and keep it free of dirt and dust when travelling. Buy a good camera bag, a blower brush, microfiber cloth and memory cards. Take a backup camera with you if have one.

10. Be sensitive to cultural differences. Ask permission to take a shot of that nice native woman or the local farmer for example. Remember, you are the guest at your destination, don't try to take photos of things when it is illegal or impolite to do so.

The last thought is... remember you are on vacation! So, make sure you are not seeing everything through your camera lens. You don't need to photograph everything. If you feel you must capture everything on film, you might as well strap a video cam to your head, forget the camera and just relax and enjoy your journey.

The mind is a powerful camera too; allow it to capture its own images in addition to your handheld camera. Make sure you smell, sense, feel, and participate in your experiences in addition to "clicking away."

Share your photography tips with your fellow readers. Have any creative tips for novice photographers that will make their vacation photos "jump" and come to life?

10 Bargain Beach Getaways

2011-08-02T22:24:00.001-05:00

Jetting off to a sandy slice of heaven doesn't have to send you to the poorhouse. There are plenty of budget-minded locales that are light on your wallet, but still heavy on balmy temperatures, swaying palm trees and beautiful beaches.

1. Culebra, Puerto Rico

Located off the eastern shores of the main island, sleepy Culebra is rich with uncrowded playas edging calm and cerulean waters--plus a small clutch of basic but bright hotels, like Mamacita's, averaging $100 nightly.

2. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Stretch your dollar in this laid-back Cancún respite, offering diving, snorkeling, shopping and primo sunset-cocktail spots--not to mention inns from charming to chic, like Hotel Cielo or Kinbé Hotel, for $55 to $150 a night.

3. St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida

This unfussy chain of barrier islands along the Sunshine State's west coast really has it all: a variety of wide beaches, cheap seafood-shack meals, a slew of affordable ($65 a night and up) places to stay and a fun nightlife scene.

4. Punta Cana & Bávaro, Dominican Republic

The DR's best (albeit crowded) beaches have sugar-white sand fringed by rows of coconut trees--with an ecological reserve, golf courses and more all-inclusive hotels (such as Majestic Elegance Punta Cana and Iberostar Bravaro, about $225 nightly) than you can shake a palm frond at.

5. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
The tent cottages at sister properties Maho Bay Camps (from $135) and Estate Concordia Preserve (from $155) provide an affordable way in to this ruggedly gorgeous Caribbean paradise: no-frills, luxury camping, rich with spectacular beaches, hiking trails and views of Virgin Islands National Park.

6. Key Largo, Florida
Find narrow but picturesque beaches, affordable meals and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park--with incredible snorkeling and an oceanside campground (from $35) for a sleep you'll not soon forget. (The camping-averse can enjoy the recently renovated Hilton Key Largo Resort, from $169).

7. Grand Bahama, Bahamas
Sugary sand, a relaxed vibe and cheap Bahamian eateries abound in Freeport and Lucaya, where hotels include the Island Seas Resort (from $100 nightly) to the more upscale Radisson Our Lucaya (from $165).

8. Bermuda
Pink sands, pampering resorts, scenic golf courses and incredible snorkeling are all good reasons to head here--along with recent findings of four-night, all-inclusive deals from $699 per person, with options including Grotto Bay Beach Resort and Coco Reef Bermuda.

9. Destin & Ft. Walton Beach, Florida
With its balance of beautiful white-sand beaches and frenzied tourist attractions (ideal for kids), this pair of Panhandle resorts has cheap oyster shacks and affordable sleeps that run the gamut--reliable chains, stately B&Bs and indie motels averaging $120 a night.

10. Placencia, Belize

The powdery beaches and crystal waters--with exceptional snorkeling, diving and fishing--are far from secret, but Belize provides a vast range of beautiful, budget waterfront resorts, like the Laru Beya (from $120 nightly) and Green Parrot Resort (from $150).

More savings? Contact Splash Vacation and Cruise of Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Splash consultants will help provide the perfect fit for you and shop various suppliers to save you even more on these, or any other destination, you may have in mind.

Share your favorite beaches and savings tips with our readers...

2011 Hot List: The Best New Hotels & Resorts of the Year

2011-07-20T11:17:00.009-05:00

Spanning 43 countries and six continents, this year's Hot Hotels are an eclectic group. Despite the diversity, the hotels share a common standard in their artful blend of high style and a strong sense of place.

If you are looking for an amazing get-away, use the expertise of your travel advisor to get an in-depth, personal approach and unforgettable experience. Splash Vacation and Cruise provides domestic and international travel planning expertise around your unique interests and lifestyle.

This years Hot List includes:

Fairmont Peace Hotel - Shanghai, China
The St. Regis Lhasa Resort - Lhasa, Tibet
W Retreat Koh Samui - Koh Samui, Thailand
Taj Falaknuma Palace - Hyderabad, India
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada

Below we provided a summary the 2011 best hotels and resorts.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

The Cosmopolitan is an original new destination in the heart of The Strip. This unique luxury resort is unlike any other. Enjoy oversized residential-styled living spaces with private terraces and breathtaking views of the Las Vegas skyline. Dining is reinvented with a one-of-a-kind restaurant collection featuring world-class chefs making their Vegas debut. Stylish design and art engage cultural sensibilities while a vibrant nightlife scene captivates perceptions. Combine it all with an eclectic mix of hand-selected boutiques, a 100,000 square-foot casino featuring first-of-their-kind casino cabanas and the serenity of Sahra Spa & Hammam to redefine your luxury resort experience.

Splash Insider Tip: A diverse lineup of dynamic culinary experiences include Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, China Poblano, Comme Ca, D.O.C.G., Milos, Jaleo, Scarpetta, STK, and many more, all new to Las Vegas.

Taj Falaknuma Palace
Hyderabad, India

At this palatial 32-acre hilltop estate with fragrant gardens and views of Old Hyderabad, all guests get an unforgettably personal welcome: Because cars aren't permitted beyond the front gate, visitors arrive at reception in a golf cart or, for VIPs, a horse carriage. In lieu of a formal check-in desk, a standard bearer greets guests by militarily clicking his heels before leading them under a shower of rose petals and into the former ruler of Hyderabad's neo-Palladian palace.

The museum-quality reception rooms are furnished in late-Victorian style, gleaming with burnished wood and leather, glittering with chandeliers. Beyond, the gracious garden courtyard with trees and fountains is flanked by two wings housing most of the 60 rooms. (Just beyond one of the wings, the suites faithfully decorated in a grand Edwardian manner surround a smaller, star-shaped courtyard.) Two accomplished restaurants sit at the other end of the main courtyard, one the Mediterranean Celeste, the other Adá, whose forte is highly refined Hyderabadi slow-cooking. Between these, on a terrace under the colored-glass canopy of the belvedere, guests take cocktails as the sun sets, appreciating the subtly shifting colors of the palace and sky—witness the meaning of falaknuma ("mirror in the sky" in Urdu).

Splash Insider Tip: Book The Grand Presidential Suite, formerly occupied by the Nizam, enjoy a private pool and a personal butler.

W Retreat Koh Samui
Koh Samui, Thailand

Located on Koh Samui Thailand?s most pristine beach whose golden sands give way to the Island?s most idyllic sunsets, W Retreat Koh Samui is the quintessential escape, with 75 contemporary retreats - each with its own dive pool. Explore new levels of refreshment at AWAY spa, and enjoy insider access to worlds of culinary WOW at our 2 signature restaurants. Then wink your way across Samui's most scenic playground - WOOBAR - where W lights up the night with peerless mixology, live DJs, and signature W Happenings celebrating our passion for fashion and design. Whether for a wedding or a wish, Whatever/Whenever has arrived.

Splash Insider Tip: Where day is for relaxing and night is for celebrating, W Retreat Koh Samui is an island within an island and a haven from the everyday. An epitome of a tropical retreat and resplendent with warm charm, it awakens at night and ignites the nocturnal.

The St. Regis Lhasa Resort
Lhasa, Tibet

Located on the "Roof of the World", 3,680 meters above sea level, this stunning resort offers an unrivaled dimension of luxury, bespoke service and refined elegance at one of the most mystical and exotic addresses in the world. Offering awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas from each of the 162 guest rooms, suites and villas, it features distinctive architectural details and décor that entwine modern luxury with traditional Tibetan elements. The magnificent resort offers the signature St. Regis Butler Service and features three world class restaurants, a tea room, wine bar and an Iridium Spa with an ornate gold-tiled pool.

Splash Insider Tip: The St. Regis Lhasa Resort, the first luxury international hotel in Tibet, is just minutes away from the holy Potala Palace and Barkhor Street. It features 150 beautifully adorned oversized rooms and villas and 12 suites, 3 restaurants, a Tea Room, a wine bar and an exclusive Iridium Spa.

Fairmont Peace Hotel
Shanghai, China

Proud, legendary and lavish, Fairmont Peace Hotel, overlooking Shanghai?s Huangpu River, boasts a history that overshadows that of any other hotel in the Far East. With origins dating back more than eight decades, this beloved landmark served as the social heart of the city and a glamorous playground for the elite; indeed, diplomats and celebrities from across the globe have made its luxurious suites their home and turned its lore into legend. Today, we invite you to be among the first to experience a new chapter of history in the making, as Fairmont unveils an attentively restored icon. Features 270 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites with a selection of six restaurants and lounges, the historic Peace Hall and Fairmont's award-winning Willow Stream Spa.

Splash Insider Tip: Shanghai's legendary landmark, since 1929. Located on the Bund and the famous street in Shanghai, Nanjing Road. All major attractions are within walking distance from the hotel. Willow Stream Spa and Pool offers guests unique treatments with the addition of guided Tai Chi classes on the hotels rooftop

What resorts are on your Hot-List? Share your favorite or favorites with our readers...

25 Secret European Villages - Part 2

2011-06-09T10:30:00.010-05:00

Summer brings the perfect time and climate to star in your own sereal adventure to the hidden towns of Europe. Log off the laptop, shut down the iPhone and find your ture escape.

No traffic jams, no Internet cafés, just centuries-old charm and an authentic way of life. That's what you'll find in these towns all over Europe where time stands still.

Here is the second of our two part series featuring 13 more of our 25 Secret European Villages.

13 Molyvdoskepasti
GREECE

Molyvdoskepasti sits just below an Albanian border crossing station which reopened last fall after being sealed nearly 60 years ago following World War II and the beginning of Communist rule in Albania. While its neighbor to the north has changed, much of this Greek village is still as it was before the war, with three Byzantine churches, a tsipouro (moonshine) distillery, an 800-year-old monastery, itinerant tinkers shining pots in the main square, and grizzled retirees sipping coffee with young soldiers in open-air cafés. The pristine Voidomatis River, the cleanest in Europe, is not far from Molyvdoskepasti and is perfect for white-water rafting.

POPULATION 103

HOW TO GET THERE Molyvdoskepasti is an hour's drive north of Ioánnina.

WHERE TO STAY Townspeople say that their little village is where Europe begins, pointing to the upscale, clubby Hotel Bourazani (doubles from $65) as evidence.

WHERE TO EAT The hotel's dining room (dinner for two $54) offers wild boar, venison, and other game dishes.

14 Papingo/Mikro Papingo
GREECE

There's not a whitewashed house or thong bikini in sight in the most traditional and, some would argue, most beautiful region in Greece. The Zagorohoria, a ring of 46 villages surrounding the 2,950-foot-deep Vikos Gorge (the deepest in the world), are known for their distinctive gray stone architecture. At the top of the Gamila Massif mountain range are Papingo and Mikro (Little) Papingo, two towns that offer something for everyone. Adventurers hike Vikos Gorge; sun-seekers bask on the rocks around a mountain-fed swimming hole; and history buffs wander cobblestoned paths leading to 18th-century churches and slate-roofed cottages.

POPULATION Papingo: 280; Mikro Papingo: 77

HOW TO GET THERE Just one mile apart, both towns are a 45-minute drive up a winding mountain road from Ioánnina, a 45-minute flight from Athens.

WHERE TO STAY The rustic Papaevangelou Inn (doubles from $76) has the best sunset views in Papingo.

WHERE TO EAT Estiatorio (dinner for two $20) serves spanakopita and stuffed tomatoes.

15 Giethoorn
HOLLAND

This 13th-century village has rivers and canals instead of streets. At rush hour, about the only traffic you'll encounter is villagers in push boats, taking their sheep out to pasture. Fanfare, a popular Dutch movie, was filmed here in 1958, and the town seems to have modeled itself to reflect the movie's vibrant, friendly spirit: the houses have massive gardens bursting with pink, yellow, and white tulips, and almost everyone sailing by calls out hello.

POPULATION 2,500

HOW TO GET THERE Giethoorn is an easy 93-mile drive northeast of Amsterdam.

WHERE TO STAY Experience the town's slower pace by renting a boat and a waterside bungalow. Zwaantje (doubles from $48; boat rentals from $16) is a six-bedroom A-frame in the village center.

WHERE TO EAT The specialty at the Fanfare Café (dinner for two $66) is baked eel.

16 Staphorst
HOLLAND

Little has changed in Staphorst over the past couple of centuries. Two stoplights have been put in, but its strict-Calvinist villagers still adhere to old Dutch traditions. On Sunday afternoons, the cobblestoned streets are crowded with families in their churchgoing best: women wrap hand-painted shawls over blue skirts and black aprons and wear their hair twisted and pinned with gold brooches. Men are dressed in solemn black shirts with two rows of silver buttons, and dark pants with coins for fasteners. The town's businesses are also largely unaltered. The five-and-dime store sells a dozen varieties of clogs, while Folkloren Stoffen ("Folklore Fabric") peddles classic Dutch linens. One more concession to modern times: shops here now accept euros.

POPULATION 15,227

HOW TO GET THERE Amsterdam is 85 miles to the southwest; the drive to Staphorst takes under two hours.

WHERE TO STAY Less than 10 miles outside town, the two-year-old Copper Heights Hotel doubles from $164), a former water tower, offers a chance to see Staphorst from above. An exterior elevator rises past 18 standard rooms to the royal suite, a glass-enclosed bedroom.

WHERE TO EAT The hotel's restaurant serves excellent Dutch and French fare (dinner for two $90).

17 Bormio
ITALY

The mountain resort of Bormio, nestled in the Valtellina Valley to the north of Milan, is best known for World Cup ski events. But with the renovation of its 2,000-year-old Roman baths, the village is quickly becoming a spring and summer retreat for stressed-out fashionistas who flock here from Italy's style capital. Among the natural luxuries at the Bagni Vecchi spa are a 65-foot-long hot- water tunnel carved into a cave; warm waterfalls; and an outdoor thermal pool that looks onto the snowcapped Italian Alps.

POPULATION 4,100

HOW TO GET THERE Bormio is 122 miles northeast of Milan; it's a three-hour drive.

WHERE TO STAY The rooms at the spa hotel Château Les Bains (doubles from $200, including spa admission) are furnished with early-19th-century pieces.

WHERE TO EAT Make time for a platter of salt-dried beef and a glass of Braulio, a medicinal-tasting herbal liqueur, at the pine-and- stone Bar Braulio.

18 Castagneto Carducci
ITALY

Publicity-shy celebrities in search of an authentic Tuscan hideaway head for Castagneto Carducci, a hilltop village (circa a.d. 1000) surrounded by vineyards that sweep down to the sea. A-listers frequent the private estate of Count Gaddo della Gherardesca, whose annual June fte has drawn the likes of Naomi Campbell and Jetsun Pema, the Dalai Lama's sister. Among the village's other, less star-studded attractions: prizewinning "super Tuscan" Sassicaia wines from neighboring wineries, plus wool felt coats and corduroy hunting jackets made by a tailor in a nobleman's workshop that dates back to the early 1900's.

POPULATION 760

HOW TO GET THERE Castagneto Carducci is 85 miles south of Florence; the drive takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.

WHERE TO STAY The friendly, family-run Hotel Bambolo (doubles from $72) is an excellent value.

WHERE TO EAT At the just-revamped Da Ugo (dinner for two $66), ordinary mortals often rub shoulders with supermodels (Elle Macpherson) and creative types (maverick photographer Oliviero Toscani) over dishes of inventive Italian cuisine.

19 Montepertuso
ITALY

A lot of visitors to fashionable Positano never even make it to Montepertuso, an unassuming village mere minutes away. Too bad, because they miss outstanding views of the Galli Islands, where dancer Rudolf Nureyev famously secluded himself, which are among the best on the Amalfi Coast. Do as the Italians do and take the sociable public bus up, up, up from the beach, and then spend the morning at a café perfecting the art of far niente—doing nothing. Make the exhilarating descent to Positano on foot via a meandering path from the church of Santa Maria della Grazia.

POPULATION 900

HOW TO GET THERE Montepertuso is a 20-minute bus ride away from Positano, which lies 19 miles south of Naples. WHERE TO STAY After your day trip to Montepertuso, check into Positano's Le Sirenuse (doubles from $434).

WHERE TO EAT Il Ritrovo (lunch for two $66) is a noted follower of the Slow Food movement. Try the cavatelli with zucchini and scamorza, a stringy cow's-milk cheese similar to provolone.

20 Possagno
ITALY

Rome, Athens...Possagno?Architects, artists, and designers adore the giant Neoclassical temple built by 18th-century sculptor Antonio Canova in his native village in the Veneto. With its dome, 90 feet in circumference, and its sweeping flight of steps up to the double-columned façade, the structure wouldn't look out of place in one of Europe's grander capitals. Canova's house, now a museum, is not far from the temple; visiting art-lovers head straight for the 1957 wing by architectural genius Carlo Scarpa to view Canova's smooth plaster sculptures, bathed in pools of natural light from cleverly placed skylights and box windows.

POPULATION 2,075

HOW TO GET THERE It's a 90-minute drive to Possagno from Venice, 50 miles to the south.

WHERE TO STAY Design die-hards can overnight 12 miles down the road at the Ca' Sette (doubles from $175), a classic-meets- contemporary villa-hotel that had a makeover in 2001. Ask for a frescoed room.

WHERE TO EAT The hotel's restaurant (dinner for two $80) overlooks the garden; young chef Mauro Poggio creates nouvelle versions of local vegetarian and seafood platters, such as black squid-ink pasta piled with fresh shrimp and tomatoes.

21 Mundal
NORWAY

The Jostedal, one of Europe's largest glaciers, is only six miles from tiny Mundal. But that doesn't worry this small farming village in the Fjærland Valley. Indeed, the inhabitants have celebrated their proximity to the mountainous ice mass with the stunning concrete-and-glass Norwegian Glacier Museum, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Norwegian architect Sverre Fehn. Mundal also has dozens of multilingual bookshops set up in old barns and boathouses throughout town.

POPULATION 300

HOW TO GET THERE Mundal is four hours northeast of Bergen and seven hours northwest of Oslo. (doubles from $177), a turreted Victorian, has been run by the same family for more than a century.

WHERE TO EAT The hotel's restaurant (dinner for two $114) features Norwegian cuisine; try not to think of Santa as you order the reindeer.

22 Kazimierz Dolny
POLAND

When Warsaw's café society heads for the hills in summer, they go to Kazimierz Dolny, a sleepy farm town that became a river port under the 14th-century Polish king Kazimierz the Great. Visiting artists often stop to sketch the sumptuous early Baroque houses lining the Rynek, the main market square, while thrill-seeking types climb the rocky ruins of the king's stone fortress, which was destroyed by an army of marauding Swedes in the 1650's.

POPULATION 4,500

HOW TO GET THERE Kazimierz Dolny is a 2 1/2-hour drive east of Warsaw (75 miles).

WHERE TO STAY The 37 rooms at Dom Pracy Tworczej Architekta (doubles from $66) are furnished with dark woods and bright artwork. where to eat Domu Michalakow (dinner from $18) serves salads, grilled fish, and traditional Polish soups in a flower-filled garden.

23 Tarifa
SPAIN

Although folklore says Tarifa's infamous blustery winds can drive a person mad, the powerful gusts have instead drawn Europe's adventurers here, among them wind surfers who skim the Mediterranean and kite surfers, who catch a breeze in their parachutes to soar high above the sea. The small Old Town is surrounded by a Moorish fortress wall, while Tarifa's newer district, on the other side, has a distinctly Californian vibe, with surf shops and bohemian cafés that spill out onto the aptly named Coast of Light—the undeveloped beaches that stretch all the way to Cádiz.

POPULATION 17,000

HOW TO GET THERE Tarifa is located on Spain's southern tip; on a clear day, you can see across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Seville is 140 miles to the north.

WHERE TO STAY Vines hang over the balconies of the oceanside Hurricane Hotel (doubles from $125), which has 33 airy rooms.

WHERE TO EAT Café Central (lunch for two $26) has been the meeting place—for breakfast, drinks, or just tapas—since 1894.

24 Sigtuna
SWEDEN

Sigtuna is Sweden's oldest town (dating back to 980), and it might have become the nation's capital if it hadn't been for the Black Death in 1350. Thankfully, the lakeside village is feeling fine. Filled with wooden houses painted red and mustard, Sigtuna also has dozens of 11th-century standing stones, an early Gothic church dating from 1230, and the photogenic ruins of three more churches.

POPULATION 7,000

HOW TO GET THERE Sigtuna is 28 miles north of Stockholm; Arlanda, Sweden's main airport, is only 11 miles away.

WHERE TO STAY The Sigtuna Stads Hotell (doubles from $253) juxtaposes old and new Scandinavian styles: traditional wooden furniture paired with Arne Jacobsen chairs and Bang & Olufsen televisions.

WHERE TO EAT The spartan Amandas Krog (dinner for two $71) serves hearty Swedish cuisine.

25 Gimmelwald
SWITZERLAND

Accessible only by the longest aerial tramway in the Alps (it's the first stop), Gimmelwald is a dairy-farming town that has more breeds of cattle than family names. Generations ago, this car-free village was declared an avalanche zone, which restricted development and helped preserve its original 18th- and 19th-century buildings. (Don't worry: while nearby glaciers are prone to icefalls—which sound like distant thunder—no major slides have been recorded.) Come summer, after the snow melts and the grass is long enough, farmers lead their herds up the mountain amid a chorus of cowbells.

POPULATION 130

HOW TO GET THERE Trains run hourly from Interlaken (10 miles to the south) to the Stechelberg bus depot; take a bus from there to Gimmelwald's tram station.

WHERE TO STAY The eight-room Hotel Mittaghorn (doubles from $52) is affectionately known as Walter's, after the kindly owner who serves guests a shot of schnapps with his signature coffee.

WHERE TO EAT Take the gondola farther up the mountain to get a little movie history with your dinner at Piz Gloria (dinner for two $24), a solar-powered revolving restaurant featured in the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. (Check Out "Be Like Bond" for more travel destination ideas from the best of Bond Films).

This is a list gathered since 2003. We reccomened contacting your Splash professional travel consultant to vrify lisitnfgs, closing, new opportunities and additional travel arrangments: visit Splash Vacation and Cruise at www.gosplashnow.com/contact for contact information.

25 Secret European Villages (Part 1 of 2)

2011-06-02T13:31:00.001-05:00

Hotel Korcula, Croatia

Summer brings the perfect time and climate to star in your own sureal adventure to the hidden towns of Europe. Log off the laptop, shut down the iPhone and find your true escape.

No traffic jams, no Internet cafés—just centuries-old charm and an authentic way of life. That's what you'll find in these towns all over Europe where time stands still.

Here is part one of our two part series featuring 12 of our 25 Secret European Villages.

1 Schwarzenberg
AUSTRIA

There are countless Baroque ski villages with immaculately groomed slopes in the Bregenzerwald in western Austria, but none of
them trumps the superb Schwarzenberg. Every window box is blooming. Villagers would never go to market wearing anything but a
regulation loden jacket. Dairy farms scattered across an impossibly emerald landscape enhance the timeless Alpine scenery.
Angelica Kauffmann, a founding member of London's Royal Academy of Arts, painted the frescoes of the Apostles in the parish
church.

POPULATION 1,637

HOW TO GET THERE Schwarzenberg is 125 miles north of Salzburg; the drive takes approximately 21/2 hours.

WHERE TO STAY Gasthof Hirschen (doubles from $194), a post-and-beam house built in 1757, has 34 bright guest rooms filled with antiques, including sleigh beds and simple pine furniture.

WHERE TO EAT The hotel's wood-paneled restaurant offers Austrian specialties such as Tafelspitz, a boiled beef dish (dinner for two $108).

2 Korcula
CROATIA

The island village of Korcula is a jumble of colors: gray-green hillsides of terraced olive groves; black-cypress forests; red-roofed town villas; the intensely blue-green Adriatic Sea. Its architecture has a precision that is similarly jewel-like. Crowned by the spire of St. Mark's Cathedral, Korcula is filled with miniature Venetian Gothic and Renaissance palaces whose balconies almost touch above the narrow streets. Some historians question whether native son Marco Polo was actually born here, but locals are convinced—his family home is clearly marked.

POPULATION 3,225

HOW TO GET THERE The village—and the island it's named for—is a three-hour ferry ride from Dubrovnik.

WHERE TO STAY Watch lively street life from the loggia of the 24-room Hotel Korcula (doubles from $39).

WHERE TO EAT Konoba Adio Mare (dinner for two $30) serves grilled fish and octopus caught daily on nearby beaches.

3 Telc
CZECH REPUBLIC

People in Telc still talk about the Great Fire, a conflagration that leveled the town in 1530. Luckily, the rebuilt ring of pastel-hued structures has survived almost intact. Two medieval stone gates guard the entrance to Zachariase Z Hradce, a vast square bounded on one end by a late-Renaissance château. There's definitely a small-town sensibility in Telc: Hardware stores and a drogerie selling soaps, mops, and brooms are found alongside a handful of souvenir shops, and locals buying daily necessities almost always
outnumber the very few tourists.

POPULATION 6,000

HOW TO GET THERE Telc is less than 100 miles southeast of Prague; it's a two-hour drive from the Czech capital.

WHERE TO STAY Hotel Celerin (doubles from $50) has spacious rooms overlooking the main square.

WHERE TO EAT U Marusky (lunch for two $10) serves upscale pub food and frothy mugs of Platan Regent, an excellent Czech beer.

4 Castle Combe
ENGLAND

Tucked into a verdant valley in the Cotswolds are a 14th-century house (now a hotel) and a clutch of stone cottages beside a trout stream. Castle Combe was once a thriving center of the cloth trade, but now the most exciting event that's likely to happen here is an alfresco display of a 16th-century folk dance known as a morris: on one recent rainy day, a stalwart troupe in outrageous
costumes bounded about while a small audience took shelter beneath a 14th-century carved stone cross that marks the site of the town's former wool market.

POPULATION 347

HOW TO GET THERE Castle Combe is 85 miles west of London; regular train service runs to Chippenham.

WHERE TO STAY The castle for which the village was named no longer exists, but you can book a room in the Manor House Hotel (Castle Combe doubles from $228).

WHERE TO EAT Call ahead for high tea at the popular Fosse Farmhouse (Nettleton Shrub, Nettleton; high tea for two $13).

5 Chalfont St. Giles
ENGLAND

When John Milton fled London's Great Plague in 1665, it took him almost 24 hours to travel the 25 miles to Chalfont St. Giles. Today, the 11th-century village is only 40 minutes away by car. But Milton's cottage—where he finished Paradise Lost—still stands (it was to have been shipped to America in 1887, but Queen Victoria said no). William Penn, the Quaker who gave his name to Pennsylvania, is buried in town as well, alongside his first and second wives.

POPULATION 6,600

HOW TO GET THERE Chalfont St. Giles is west of London; take the A40 to the A413.

WHERE TO STAY There are seven classic British pubs here; the best is the White Hart (Three Households - doubles from $138). Four of its 11 rooms are housed in former stables.

WHERE TO EAT Try the smoked salmon fish cakes at the pub (dinner for two $80).

6 Lacock
ENGLAND

In 1944, Matilda Talbot, whose family had lived in Lacock's well-preserved 13th-century abbey since 1539, donated her house and
most of this medieval Wiltshire village to the National Trust. As a result, Lacock has remained in a time warp, with nary a satellite
dish, telephone wire, or neon sign in sight. A favorite location for BBC costume dramas such as Pride and Prejudice and Emma, the
village has also escaped infestation by the twee tourist trade, so you won't see a single T-shirt vendor along streets lined with
leaning Tudor houses and limestone cottages.

POPULATION 300

HOW TO GET THERE Lacock is south of the Cotswolds in southwest England; the drive from London takes just under two hours.

WHERE TO STAY Sign of the Angel (doubles from $200), a half-timbered 15th-century inn, has 10 antiques-filled bedrooms.

WHERE TO EAT The inn offers a classic British dinner of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, served before a huge stone hearth lit with
a blazing fire (dinner for two $94).

7 Kuressaare
ESTONIA

When the Soviets closed the island of Saaremaa to visitors in the 1940's, mainland Estonians lost their favorite summer playground, the village of Kuressaare. It reopened to the public in 1991; 50 years of isolation had preserved its small-town charms. On market days, the cobblestoned square smells of salted fish, wool, and juniper wood. A 14th-century dolomite castle dominates the waterfront; wander the maze of Gothic halls and passageways up to the battlements for a view across 40 acres of rolling hills.

POPULATION 16,000

HOW TO GET THERE Kuressaare lies 134 miles west of Tallinn; the trip takes less than four hours via car and ferry (there are also daily flights to the island from Tallinn).

WHERE TO STAY The modern Hotel Ruutli (doubles from $70; treatments from $3.50)still offers mud and mineral baths, a Saaremaa tradition that dates from the 1830's.

WHERE TO EAT Sample Estonian fare—marinated eel, herring salad—at Vanalinna Restaurant (dinner for two $25).

8 Cantobre
FRANCE

It's hard to distinguish the stone buildings from the blocky dolomite cliffs in Cantobre, a sky-high village—some 1,800 feet above sea level—in the Midi-Pyrénées, where falcons and eagles outnumber people (at last count, there were 11 full-timers). Residents Inge Hill and Dietmar Hagen have converted two ancient barns and a ruined castleinto the village's only inn. Their pool overlooks rocky outcrops—with wild orchids—and a confluence of river gorges, excellent for canoeing over rapids or paragliding with the raptors.

POPULATION 11

HOW TO GET THERE Cantobre is six hours south of Paris by car; the TGV can get you to Montpellier (60 miles away) in 31/2 hours.

WHERE TO STAY Auberge de Cantobre (from $744 per week) has two three-bedroom houses, both dating from the 18th century.

WHERE TO EAT The auberge's restaurant (dinner for two $43) serves Provençale cuisine made with local ingredients, such as cheese
aged in the caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, a few miles down the road.

9 Caseneuve
FRANCE

With its slender pedestrian ruelles stalked by tabby cats and fields of wild hollyhocks, Caseneuve is the last great virgin village of Provence's Lubéron Valley. Don't miss its annual rummage sale: on the last Sunday in July, locals lay out the contents of their attics, then gather for a communal lunch in the school courtyard. (Nonresidents are welcome, but reservations are crucial) Bring an empty wine bottle to fill with warm lavender essence drawn from a nearby still.

POPULATION 313

HOW TO GET THERE Caseneuve lies just beyond the market town of Apt, 40 miles east of Avignon in southern France. The TGV runs every hour from Paris to Avignon.

WHERE TO STAY The village has no hotels, but to the west is La Bastide de Marie (doubles from $417), an 18th-century farmhouse with rooms designed by Jocelyne Sibuet, France's leading tastemaker.

WHERE TO EAT Order the catch of the day at Bistro de France (67 Place dinner for two $50).

10 St.-Cirq-Lapopie
France

St.-Cirq-Lapopie is on a craggy escarpment high above the Lot River, and its stone-paved lanes, too narrow to accommodate any but the tiniest cars, wind steeply downhill from the village's ruined 13th-century castle. Surrealist poet André Breton lived here in the 1950's, but now only a handful of people inhabit the tile-roofed houses. Arched storefronts that once housed 19th-century artisans, mostly wood-turners, are again occupied by craftsmen, who still fashion boxwood into the spigots traditionally used in regional
wineries.

POPULATION Under 200

HOW TO GET THERE St.-Cirq-Lapopie is 15 miles east of Cahors, in southern France. You'll need a car—a small one, of course—to
reach it.

WHERE TO STAY At the foot of the village is La Péllissaria (doubles from $90), a hotel in a 16th-century house; the 10 whitewashed
guest rooms have leaded windows and canopy beds
.
WHERE TO EAT Not far from La Péllissaria is L'Oustal (dinner for two $44), a minuscule restaurant that serves seared foie gras
caramelized with chestnut liqueur.

11 Arnis
GERMANY

Technically, Arnis is a city— albeit Germany's smallest. But this spit of land extending into the Schlei fjord—which runs through the east coast of Schleswig-Holstein, just south of Denmark—hardly has the feel of a buzzing metropolis: there's just one main street. Most residents can trace their families back to the generation of fishermen and boatbuilders who helped found Arnis in 1667, giving the Teutonic village the air of a New England coastal town.

POPULATION 382

HOW TO GET THERE Arnis is 92 miles north of Hamburg.

WHERE TO STAY The nearest lodging is the Hotel Stadt Kappeln in Kappeln, 21/2 miles down the road (doubles from $78).

WHERE TO EAT Schleiperla (dinner for two $62) serves no-frills seafood.

12 Cochem
GERMANY

The Rhine may be Germany's best-known wine region, but there's a stretch of the Moselle Valley that's a little secret among wine cognoscenti—especially fans of the dry white Riesling produced here. On a dramatic bend in the river is Cochem, a medieval village dominated by the neo-Gothic Reichsburg castle (the original was built in the 11th century, destroyed in 1689, and rebuilt in 1868). Surrounding hillsides are covered with 1,200 acres of terraced vineyards, most of which offer tours and tastings.

POPULATION 5,700

HOW TO GET THERE Cochem is 56 miles south of Bonn and 106 miles west of Frankfurt.

WHERE TO STAY Most suites at the Moselromantik Hotel Kessler Meyer (doubles from $142) command impressive vistas; room No. 53 has prime 180-degree views of the river.

WHERE TO EAT Sample that famous Riesling with Arthur Schmitz, proprietor of the Antique Weinstube Alte Gutssehanke, who organizes tastings from a vast collection that includes varietals from his own vineyard.

This is a list gathered since 2003. We recommend contacting your Splash professional travel consultant to verify listings, closing, new opportunities and additional travel arrangements: visit Splash Vacation and Cruise at www.gosplashnow.com/contact for contact information.

Imagine the Eiffel Tower on Acid.

2011-05-18T11:00:00.006-05:00

... that would be the Orbit Tower in London. Just one of the world's coolest new tourist attractions.

As destinations vie to create their own “Bilbao Effect,” Splash Vacation and Cruise clients are getting savvier about what to see and what to skip. It takes more than tall buildings and new museums to titillate today’s tourist.

Even as the Web has increased the visibility of these cool new sights, there’s still no substitute for seeing the real thing in person. Let us point the way.

1. Cancún’s Underwater Museum, Mexico

As you snorkel past coral reefs and angelfish in the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea, you suddenly come across an eerily beautiful tableau: hundreds of life-size human sculptures. No, this isn’t loot from some sunken pirate ship. It’s the world’s largest underwater museum.

This ingenious twist on Cancún’s popular dive tourism shows that tourism sights get bolder and more innovative each year, often thanks to the involvement of big-name architects, artists, and designers.

The world’s largest underwater museum opened three miles offshore in November 2010 with hundreds of sunken life-size human figures. Artist Jason deCaires Taylor used pH-neutral concrete to create these sculptures, which double as a home for peacock flounder, white telestra coral, and other aquatic life that have becoming increasingly threatened by the 750,000-plus annual divers who visit the National Marine Park’s coral reefs.

2. Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi

Dubai typically hogs the limelight with its ambitious projects, but now Abu Dhabi is defying gravity with this glassy 35-story landmark—the world’s furthest-leaning man-made tower. The glinting 18-degree tilt (four times more than that of Pisa’s leaning tower) catches your eye among the city’s jumble of skyscrapers and cranes. You can’t miss it on the drive to the Grand Mosque, but to get a peek inside, book a stay at the Hyatt Hotel slated to open in mid-to-late 2011.

3. Cheetah Hunt Roller Coaster, Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida

Theme parks invested heavily in new attractions during the recession’s staycation trend, and 2011 sees fruits of those efforts. No new ride has more daredevil spirit than the Cheetah Hunt: a multilaunch coaster that jettisons riders from 0 to 60 mph, corkscrews up 100 feet into a skyscraping figure eight, narrowly grazing over the cable lines for the Skyride, and clips a waterfall before plummet-torqueing into a trench in the park’s Serengeti area. Can we do it again, please?

4. Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain

If you want to know what Alice felt like in Wonderland, head to Seville, where a trippy new pavilion has sprung up in the Plaza de la Encarnacíon. Undulating blonde timber structures with a honeycomb roof make up the world’s largest wooden building, known by locals as “Setas de la Encarnación,” or the Mushrooms of Incarnation. It’s home to an archaeological museum, a farmers’ market, and an elevated plaza with bars and restaurants.

5. 11 11 Lincoln Road Parking Garage, Miami

Car culture gets the starchitect treatment at this garage. The modernist open-air structure designed by Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron opened in 2010 and has become a hot spot for events, while hip shops and restaurants like Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack draw daytime crowds. Developer Robert Wennett refers to the trapezoidal house of cards as a “parking sculpture,” complete with an adjacent water garden and a Dan Graham–designed glass pavilion. The mixed-use venue was a winner of the 2011 T+L Design Awards.

6. Orbit Tower, London

Imagine the Eiffel Tower on acid or a roller coaster that’s survived a hurricane. These are the kinds of images that London’s twisted, blood-red, 377-foot-high sculpture brings to mind. Artists Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond collaborated on the controversial skyline addition, which is being designed for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The tubular steel tower will feature a platform nested at the midway point and become London’s latest must-see attraction when completed in December 2011.

7. Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City

There’s a new reward for walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: this necklace of six leafy plots that stretches along the waterfront between the neighborhoods of DUMBO and Cobble Hill. The initial two segments opened in spring 2010 and were heralded as Mayor Bloomberg’s most important legacy by the New York Times architecture critic. An expansion of Pier 6 debuts this summer along with a restored 1920s carousel in a pavilion designed by Jean Nouvel. Time your visit to catch the sunset over the Statue of Liberty, then linger to witness Manhattan light up at night.

8. Nanjing Sifang Art Museum, Nanjing, China

Not many people are familiar with Nanjing, whose population of 7.7 million somehow ranks as “small” by Chinese city terms. But that’s beginning to change as the local art scene outpaces that of Beijing and Shanghai and welcomes a high-profile museum of contemporary architecture. Several years in the making, the Nanjing Sifang Art Museum rises from the quiet, shaggy hills of the Jiangsu like a postmodern Star Wars vehicle. U.S. architect Steven Holl collaborated with international architects on the abstract, stilt-supported design and factored in eco-friendly features like a green roof and a geothermal heating and cooling system.

9. Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

In a year of Asian hotel one-upmanship, Hong Kong emerged a quiet victor with its cloud-grazing Ritz-Carlton on the upper 16 floors of the 118-story International Commerce Centre (the world’s eighth tallest building). The heavenly property is fitted with crystal fire pits, sun-dappled pools, and a chocolate library. After all, it’s one thing to jostle with tourists for a view from a sky-high building—it’s quite another to wake up in a 600-thread-count, down-feathered bed at 1,600 feet in the world’s highest hotel.

10. Strings Bridge, Jerusalem, Israel.

In an ancient, tradition-bound city famous for its Wailing Wall, Temple Mount, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Strings Bridge provides a much-needed jolt of modernism—and a chance to relieve traffic congestion. Santiago Calatrava’s bridge will be used for Jerusalem’s light rail, which has overcome construction delays and some opposition to finally open in Summer 2011. Made of gleaming Jerusalem-stone and glass, the bridge resembles the shape of a set of chords, inspired by King David’s harp.

11. Harpa, Reykjavík

Times have been rough for Iceland, where the economy imploded and Eyjafjallajökull volcano exploded. But from the ashes of ruin comes the magnificent 1,800-seat Harpa Concert Hall. The postmodern venue is a luminous and kaleidoscopic glass-and-steel cage designed by artist Olafur Eliasson and Copenhagen-based Henning Larsen Architects. The inaugural season kicks off in May and includes performances by Cyndi Lauper, Jamie Cullum, and emerging Icelandic musicians like Ólöf Arnalds (Múm) and Skúli Sverrisson.

12. Riverside Museum, Glasgow, Scotland

It won’t open until June 2011, but already this transport museum on the site of an old shipyard has been nicknamed the “Steel Tsunami.” Credit goes to Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, who gave the exterior her signature futuristic look: a glass façade, a zigzag-shaped roof. The interior is a soaring space big enough for historic trams and trains. Exhibitions also include three re-created Glasgow shopping streets, dating from 1890–1930, and the Tall Ship, which is berthed in the harbor alongside the gleaming new structure.

Props for this post to Adam H. Graham travel writer for Travel+Leisure!

Got any must-see attractions on your list? Share some with us in comments here or on our Facebook page.

Jamaica: Still Jammin'

2011-05-09T12:29:00.021-05:00

Its reputation took a dip after after reported riots and iresponsible press coverage, but the Caribbean's most musical island is moving on. Splash Vacation and Cruise accessed Graham Boynton of The Telegraph, for expert insight on a destination as diverse as the urban cool of Kingston and the relaxed vibe of Ocho Rios in Jamaica. The first thing I notice when I walk into Kingston's Tuff Gong recording studio is the overwhelming stale-sweet smell of ganja that seems to hang from the walls. "Ah, yes," says Lorna Wainwright, the cheerful Rasta woman who runs the studio. "We had Jah Cure recording here last night." Enough said.

Tuff Gong is in many ways Jamaica in microcosm – slightly shabby, somewhat chaotic, a whiff of ganja, and a foundation for musical excellence. The Marley family bought what is the old Federal Studios in 1984, three years after Bob Marley's death, and now the site serves as a memorial to the great man, complete with active recording studio (Sinéad O'Connor, Sly and Robbie, Alpha Blondy and various Marleys have all recorded here recently), the distinctly underwhelming Berhane Selassie Art Gallery and an overgrown herb garden that appears to be more weeds than herbs.

"Tuff Gong's motto is: 'We'll free the people with music,' " says Lorna, "and we're working on freeing everyone."

I don't know about that, but I do end up spending the day with a gaggle of friendly, freewheeling people who are as carefree as anyone I've met in recent years. Firstly, there is Lorna herself who came to work for Rita Marley "as I couldn't get a job anywhere because they wanted me to cut my dreadlocks… and there's still prejudice in Jamaica against dreadlocks and Rastafari." Then there are the Tamlins, Carlton, Junior and Derrick, a vocal group who made their name in the Seventies backing Peter Tosh and had a couple of minor hits of their own. Carlton walks me through the record pressing plant – they still sell vinyl LPs mainly to Germany and Canada – and then the trio, now grizzly and grey-haired, clown around like teenage Pop Idol wannabes for the camera.

Finally, there is Empress and her small entourage. Empress is really Philadelphia-born Louet Hall but she had visions, was discovered by Gregory Isaacs, fell headlong into Rasta, and changed her name to Empress. She is here overseeing the artwork for her single Not Easy Jah and she's crouched over the computer with the person she calls her "king man" Ras Teachings, her close friend Lion, and Tuff Gong's computer artist, Reginald Henclewood. She says she used to be shy and insecure but "this is me resurfacing now that I have a positive, Godly King Man, so my spirit will always be in Jamaica". Ras Teachings smiles beatifically.

The following day I am across the island in Ocho Rios, as far away spiritually from Rastafarian Kingston as Knightsbridge is from Peckham. I'm having lunch with Dr Osmond Tomlinson, a GP and sometime politician, at his wife's restaurant, Miss T's. Dr Tomlinson represents the more down-to-earth Jamaican community, professional people who move easily around the world and are comfortable with the country's place on the planet.

On the way down from Firefly, Ernest Turnbull, my driver and guide for the day, complains about the fall-off in tourists since the riots and launches into a fire-breathing tirade against those who rioted, "those stupid people who are non-productive elements, most of them just blocking up the place so nobody could go about their business. And they are going to cost my pocket in the budget. We, the small people, will pay the tax for this." As we wind down the potholed road to the coast, Ernest delivers a political lesson of some magnitude, all encased in the poetic patois that is the Jamaican form of English. In the end he says: "I don't want to put my goat mouth on this, but thank God that trouble is behind us." (Putting a goat mouth on is to jinx something.)

"On one extreme is the tough life in the Kingston ghettos, on the other is the lives lived by the descendants and successors of the plantocracy. In the middle are people like me. Most Jamaicans are in the middle, I'd say.
"Of course, I can take you to parts of Kingston that are dismal, but I'm sure you can do the same for me in London. You find these conditions in China, Brazil, India and in the so-called First World."

While all of this is true, it was the dismal parts of Kingston that exploded in riots in May that killed more than 70 people, led to a stand-off between the poor of Tivoli Gardens and the authorities, and caused news bulletins around the world that suggested Jamaica was on the verge of civil insurrection. The trouble lasted several weeks and when it was over, the man at the centre of the brouhaha, the alleged drug overlord Christopher "Dudus" Coke, was duly extradited to the United States to stand trial, Tivoli Gardens calmed down and Jamaica returned to business as usual.

The only problem was that it left the country's tourism industry, one of the principal earners of foreign revenue, in some disarray. There were mass cancellations – Jon Baker, the owner of the very cool Geejam Hotel in Port Antonio, said he had to refund $37,000 from his summer bookings – and Jamaica's international reputation took a hammering. And when I told friends in London that I was heading to Jamaica soon after the Dudus debacle they advised me to cancel as, they said, the island was "volatile". I decided to ignore them.

Here in Ocho Rios, according to Dr Tomlinson, you would not have known there was any disturbance at all. In Ocho Rios, Jamaican life takes on a rather languorous pace and it is not surprising that it was here that the likes of Noël Coward, Ian Fleming and their social entourages escaped the humdrum world of post-war Europe and set up homes in ramshackle villas overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It was the physical beauty of Jamaica that drew many of these people – for while many Caribbean islands are scruffy coral reefs, this is a lush volcanic island covered from coast to mountain tops with majestic royal palms, banana trees and breadfruit trees, and the most exotic flora: great swathes of hibiscus in pink, white, red and yellow; red and pink ginger lilies.

Noël Coward's home, Firefly, high in the hills outside Ocho Rios, is now a rather unkempt museum, or rather period piece, that is open to the public. It was left to the nation on Coward's death in 1973, is managed by Chris Blackwell, and has been looked after by a diffident local by the name of Victor Taylor for the past 18 years. In fact, Firefly is just as it should be with tins of beef suet lying unopened in the kitchen, Coward's clothes still hanging in the cupboards, and half-used bottles of Coppertone fast-tanning lotion, That Man talcum powder, and Satin Feet foot balm neatly arranged in the bathroom cabinet. The dining table is laid as it was for the visit of the Queen Mother in 1965 and Mr Taylor proudly points out "the china the Queen Mother actually used". Everything is as it was and you can almost feel the presence of visitors past, of Charlie Chaplin and Richard Burton and James Mason.

What makes Jamaicans so different from their fellow Caribbean citizens is that they manage to be outrageously outspoken, aggressively opinionated at one moment and then languorously laid-back the next. So, soon after Ernest has delivered his pumped-up political oration he is wreathed in a gentle smile and using that phrase that is a Jamaican mantra – "soon come". As Ian Thomson writes in Dead Yard, his award-winning book on contemporary Jamaica, "you can fume and fuss all you like about Jamaican lack of punctuality but you quickly learn to accept the relaxed Jamaican attitude to time; you have to."

You can love Jamaica for its music, for its beauty, for its sea and sunshine but above all you have to love Jamaica for its people. According to Josef Forstmayr, the managing director of Round Hill, the celebrated luxury resort at Montego Bay: "They are above all utterly honest. They are the Sicilians of the Caribbean – aggressive and self-confident." Actually, I think the good Dr Tomlinson summed it up best when he said of his fellow countrymen: "We probably don't have the most motivated of workforces but we must never forget we are a wonderful people – we have produced some of the world's most magnificent musicians, some of the best athletes, great artists and great authors.

"We seem to excel at everything at the top of the pile as well as everything at the bottom of the pile. We are proud of our heritage and our accomplishments."

My last few days are spent at Round Hill, which serves as Ralph Lauren's Jamaican home – he actually has two stunning designer villas here – and which over the years has had as guests JFK, Clark Gable, Cole Porter, Grace Kelly, Groucho Marx and on and on. Noël Coward was an early convert and before he bought Firefly he had a villa here which he described as "overlooking an absolutely ravishing tax advantage". Paul McCartney and family have holidayed here for many years, Bob Pitman, one of the founders of MTV, is a regular and also owns two villas.

As with Josef Forstmayr himself, who came to Jamaica from Austria 30 years ago and now regards himself as a patriotic Jamaican, these are people who could have homes and take their holidays anywhere in the world and yet they choose an island that many outsiders see as volatile. Of course the luxury resorts of the north coast are not the same world as the Kingston ghettos but, as everyone points out throughout my visit, it is the same the world over.

Here the Caribbean Sea laps gently onto perfect white beaches while guests sit in the shade of the beach bar sipping margaritas and pina coladas and the gentle shuffle beat of the house mento band floats on the afternoon breeze. I know I have a plane to catch and a busy life waiting to envelop me back home but for a few precious moments I am able to think like a Jamaican, take another sip of pina colada and think "soon come".

Extreme Spa Treatments from Around the World.

2011-05-04T13:38:00.043-05:00

Frozen to (near) death: Porvoo, Finland

Spas in European countries like Finland and Slovakia, where winters are long and cold, offer an Arctic-inspired treatment called cryotherapy. Here's how it works: You enter a cryogenic chamber in which the temperature is typically set at around negative 184 degrees Fahrenheit. You can't spend more than a few minutes inside the chamber, as too much time in such frigid temperatures will quickly cause hypothermia and death. What are the benefits of trapping yourself in a below-freezing icebox, you ask? Cryotherapy is said to remove toxins and strengthen the immune system. The Haikko Spa in Porvoo, Finland is a popular spot for travelers seeking the chill of cryotherapy treatments.

Eaten by fish: Sivas, Turkey

The good news: The fish nibbling on your feet don't have teeth. The bad news: There are fish nibbling on your feet. Of course, this probably won't be bad news to spa-goers concerned with the unkempt state of their well-traveled hoofs. (Ichthyophobiacs, however, should stay out of the water.) In need of a pedicure? Stick your feet in some "doctor fish"-infested water, sit back and relax as hundreds of tiny mouths consume the dead skin off your dogs. This treatment originated in outdoor Turkish pools, but spas offering doctor fish pedicures can be found around the world, including in the United States. For an authentic doctor fish experience, travel to Sivas, Turkey, where travelers can literally swim with the doctor fish in natural thermal pools.

Faced with feces: New York, NY

Manhattan's Shizuka New York Day Spa
garnered a wave of publicity in 2008 when it
announced its Geisha Facial, also known as
"the bird poop facial." The spa claims that
nightingale droppings have properties that
"brighten, heal and retexturize the skin due to
their natural enzymes and guanine, which
imparts a pearly luster to the skin." The bird
poop is powdered and sanitized with a UV
light, so the experience shouldn't feel icky —
this is a luxury spa. The whole shebang lasts
50 minutes and costs $180, which covers a
facial cleansing, a pore extraction, a light
massage, an antioxidant face mask and a
slathering of bird droppings. This treatment, at
first glance, may not appear to have anything
to do with regional culture or customs. But
look closer: Expensive, attention-grabbing
marketing ploys just scream New York.

Bathed in beer: Chodova Plana, Czech
Republic

Bathed in Beer

The Czechs take beer seriously ... very
seriously. They have beer festivals, beer
gardens, breweries galore — heck, they even bathe in the stuff. Don't believe us? Take a trip to a Czech beer spa, where the yeasty brew is used for more than just quenching thirst. At beer spas, you can soak your bones in a warm, foamy beer bath, emerging slightly sticky yet fully relaxed. The baths are brewed from a combination of mineral water, beer and various beer ingredients such as hops and yeast. According to the Web site for the Chodovar Brewery, a popular brew house and beer spa located in Chodova Plana, "The procedures have curative effects on the complexion and hair, relieve muscle tension, warm up joints and support immune system of the organism." We'll drink to that.

Covered with snakes: Talmei Elazar, Israel

Ada Barak's Carnivorous Plant Farm and Spa in Northern Israel sells a slithering, slinking massage featuring one of the planet's most feared creatures. Travelers who've got the guts for it can experience a snake massage in which a half dozen of the things will crawl and writhe across one's back. Why snakes? TIME.com reports that "many of Barak's regular clients claim that the snakes help ease migraines and soothe sore muscles."

Massaged with fire: Beijing, China

Fire cupping, a traditional Chinese method of
acupressure, is purported to alleviate scores
of ills, from muscle pains to respiratory
afflictions like the common cold. Glass cups
are heated and placed onto the client's body,
creating a suction effect on the skin (the
heating reduces the pressure inside the cup
and generates the suction). The results,
honestly, are quite scary looking. People
who've undergone the therapy are typically left
with circular bruises where the cups were
placed. Have we convinced you to try fire
cupping? Book an appointment at the upscale
Oriental Taipan Spa in Beijing, which offers a
Chinese Meridian Oil Massage that features fire
cupping.

Covered in chocolate: Hershey, PA

You know you're in Hershey, Pennsylvania — "The Sweetest Place on Earth" and home to one of the world's most famous candy companies — when you're floating in a bath of whipped chocolate milk or wrapped in layers of chocolaty fondue. The Chocolate Spa at Hotel Hershey offers a unique menu of cocoa-themed treatments—- a heavenly indulgence for chocoholic travelers. There are also plenty of conventional spa treatments, like aromatherapy massages and anti-aging facials, available here. But the spa's claim to fame, naturally, is its distinctive chocolate-themed treatments, which spoil visitors with the chance to luxuriate in chocolate sans all those unwanted calories.

Living the dream: Hales Corners, WI and Oak Creek, WI.

Inspired? Call or see a Splash Vacation and Cruise professional travel consultant to help plan your next "extreme spa" vacation or any other destination that brings out the best in you! www

Special thanks to our source: Caroline Costello IndependentTraveler.com

These Events Are Tops! Some Even Fit for a Queen.

2011-04-26T14:47:00.002-05:00

Carnival, cooking and even quaffing: All will guarantee you a great time.

Binche, Belgium

The Gilles of Binche take part in the Carnival parade in Binche, Belgium. The Binche carnival, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage event, is the biggest and the liveliest annual event in Belgium.

The insanity of what's billed as the World's Biggest Street Party begins in Amsterdam the night before the annual celebration of the Dutch queen's birthday. Throngs of revelers clog every town in the Netherlands, but particularly Amsterdam, where decorations in orange, the Dutch national color, hang from buildings, adorn canal boats and sit atop almost every head in a bewildering array of headgear. Music pours out of canal house windows, mugs of beer are seemingly in every hand and everywhere you look, the streets are choked with people drinking, eating and dancing.

Equal parts St. Patrick's Day (with orange substituted for green), the Fourth of July and the world's largest flea market, Queen's Day is an outdoor party like no other. "The best part of Queen's Day is actually the night before," says Dimitri Tokmetzis, a Dutch journalist working in New York. "The flea market starts at around 5 p.m. You meet your friends early, stock up on cheap beer and start looking for cool stuff to buy and fun things to do. There's always a lot of live music, cabaret, theater and games to play."

"It goes on all night long," says Tokmetzis. "In the morning, when children and their parents start arriving at the market, the last drunk people scatter home."

What are the best annual events in the world? We sought to identify 10. We've included some because they attract hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions, of participants. Others made the cut because of their reputation and critical acclaim. Mostly, we looked for events that are better than any other of their kind — something that provides an experience no comparable event can offer.

There are many pre-Lenten Carnival festivals, from Venice to New Orleans to Belgium, but no one celebrates excess before pious fasting better than Rio. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is four concentrated days of insane costumes, dancing and debauchery. It is the largest carnival in the world, running this year from March 5-8, attracting millions of Brazilians and an estimated half-million foreign visitors every year.

If the prospect of four days of dancing, romancing and drinking seems exciting, then maybe two weeks' worth of Munich's world-famous Oktoberfest is right down your strasse, suggests Fodor's editor, Salwa Jabado.

The merrymaking, camaraderie, and liters of suds are what draw Müncheners and visitors alike," says Jabado. "Depending on the beer tent, the experience can be raucous, with a young, international party crowd, or more sedate but no less fun. Live bands get people up and dancing to everything from traditional Bavarian music to American pop."

Dancing is optional at any music festival in which indie pop stars take the stage, but you'd be hard-pressed to find an annual music festival that is as diverse, jam-packed and musically forward as Coachella in Indio, Calif.

"It's the king of American music festivals," says Jonah Weiner, a pop critic at Slate.

"Time was, it would have been tough to imagine a single festival hosting acts like, say, the Pixies, Jay-Z, deadmau5, Radiohead, the Black Keys and Kanye, but Coachella has carved out a really influential, relatively big-tent aesthetic." This year dusty, happy music fans will pack the California desert around Indio from April 15-17 to hear acts including Kanye West, Arcade Fire and Kings of Leon.

Secrets of Rome Revealed

2011-04-13T09:05:00.002-05:00

Special delights discovered during a nearly three-year stay include the best gelato, pizza place, church, art gallery and rose garden.

San Lorenzo fuori le Mura may be the least well-known of Rome's great pilgrimage churches. It was built where San Lorenzo was grilled on a gridiron. (Photo by: Holly Hayes)

After LA Times travel writer, Susan Spano, lived in Rome for almost three years, she moved back to the U.S. at the beginning of the 2010 summer. She packed up her apartment, gave her books to friends and left her potted plants for the next tenant.

Now someone else is standing at the window overlooking Via Baccina, its west end butted against the Roman Forum, its east end opening onto the little Piazza della Madonna dei Monti. The florist on Via dei Serpenti is teaching someone else the Italian words for "daisy" and "lily," and the woman who sleeps on the stoop next door is getting spare change from another pocketbook.

Outside her window now is an easy bend of the Housatonic River framed by goldenrod and Queen Anne's lace, as fine a view as any in New England. But sometimes she looks out and sees Via Baccina — an image that will stay with her always because it is drawn in her heart.

Her memory is less reliable, alas. For fear of forgetting some of the secrets she learned while living in Rome, and she was passionate enough to pass them along.

In her own words...

San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, Piazza San Lorenzo, is perhaps the least well-known of Rome's seven great pilgrimage churches. Small, cozy, off the beaten track, on the southeast side of the city beside Campo Verano cemetery, it was built by Emperor Constantine I where San Lorenzo was grilled on a gridiron in AD 258. (His purported last words: "This side's done, turn me over and have a bite.") Among the church's treasures are a 12th century Romanesque campanile, six ancient Ionic columns incorporated into the narthex and resplendent Cosmatesque tile.

Alle Carrette. Just east of the Forum is one of the best pizza places in town, with alfresco seating on the Via Cavour side. Open for dinner only; starting about 7:30, it gets jammed as the evening wears on, partly because prices are easy on the wallet (about $15-$20 a person). Have the fried zucchini flowers and excellent house red wine, then a basic Margherita pizza. It's about as perfect as it gets north of Naples.

Foro Italico, beyond the Ponte Duca d'Aosta north of the historic center, is one of Rome's stranger places, a sports center built at the behest of Benito Mussolini by Fascist-era architects Enrico del Debbio and Luigi Moretti. You know you're there when you see the 50-foot obelisk with the Latin inscription Mussolini Dux. Soccer fans crowd into the 100,000-seat Olympic Stadium, but Foro Italico is most atmospheric when no one is around, except for the dozens of colossal statues of nude Roman athletes surrounding the Stadio dei Marmi, built in 1928.

Gelateria del Teatro, tucked in an alley halfway between Piazza Navona and Ponte Sant'Angelo, has overtaken old favorites Ciampini and Giolitti in the Roman gelato sweepstakes. Opened a few years agoby an Italian-Peruvian couple, the place uses only fresh, natural ingredients and specializes in out-of-the-ordinary flavors such as sesame, caramel with pear and 80% cacao cioccolato puro. Plus, there are windows between the shop and kitchen so people can see how Del Teatro makes its manna from heaven.

Galleria Colonna, houses the mostly Baroque art and memorabilia of one of Rome's grandest aristocratic families, the Colonna, whose single-column emblem appears on stone crests throughout the city. The gallery is in the southeast corner of the family palazzo, begun around 1300 by Giordano Colonna (brother of Oddone, later Pope Martin V) and inhabited since then by 23 generations of Colonnas. To prepare, read Anthony Majanlahti's marvelous "The Families Who Made Rome: A History and a Guide." Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays only.

Real foodies prefer the market in Testaccio, Rome's old meat district south of the Aventine Hill, open Monday to Saturday mornings. Along with extraordinary fresh, local produce, gorgeous meat, seafood, flowers and housewares are for sale. Around the corner, check out Gastronomia Volpetti considered Rome's best specialty food shop (with an adjacent tavola calda for quick meals).

I love St. Paul's Within the Walls (at the corner of via Nazionale) the first non-Catholic church built in Rome's historic center in 1873, just after religious freedom was proclaimed by the newly united Italian state. Though young compared with the rest of Rome's churches, Anglican-Episcopalian St. Paul's has its own glories, including marvelous mosaics by the English pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones. The church hosts concerts, celebrates Eucharist at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sundays and welcomes political refugees from Africa and the Middle East at a drop-in center.

You have to be in Rome in the spring to enjoy the Aventine rose garden, home of the prestigious Premio Roma, an internationally renowned rose competition held annually in May. The 2.5-acre municipal garden is the progeny of Pennsylvania-born Countess Mary Gayley Senni, who donated her rose collection to the city in 1924. It occupies a flank of the Aventine Hill overlooking the Circus Maximus that served as the city's Jewish cemetery from about 1650 to 1900 — commemorated by the menorah-shaped landscaping of the garden's upper section. It now has 1,000 varieties of roses, including one with green blossoms from China and Condesa de Sástago, Spanish winner of the first Premio Roma in 1933.

Context, offers sophisticated walking seminars in Rome led by scholars and specialists. For example, a three-hour practicum on St. Peter's, a visit to Ostia Antica and popular culinary seminars led by Italian food writer Maureen Fant. Groups are limited to six; special visits to generally closed sites such as the Pyramid of Caius Cestius can be arranged. The company also offers in-depth walking tours in Florence, Venice and Naples.

Although Rome's budget hotels are far from exhilarating, one cozy, reliable old chestnut stands out: Hotel Navona in the medieval heart of the city near the Pantheon and Sant'Eustachio, everybody's favorite cappuccino spot. Simply decorated rooms with private baths are in a palazzo built on the site of the Baths of Agrippa, renovated by owner Corry Natale, a friendly Roman aristocrat with five names. He also owns the nearby Residenza Zanardelli, which is fancier. Doubles at the Navona start at about $110, including breakfast.

Schedule some or all of these secret spots on a vacation to Itlay by contacting Splash Vacation and Cruise. For contact information go to www.gosplashnow.com/contact

What are your some of your favorite secret spots?

Splash props to:

Spano, Susan. LA Times. Travel. Los Angeles Times. 2010

Top Trips for Everyone (That You Never Even Would Have Thought Of).

2011-03-30T21:27:00.012-05:00

You've got to do a foodie trip. The best? Try the Sichuan capital of Chengdu in China.

France offers the best gambling trip.

Looking to get away with kids? Vancouver, British, Columbia, is the place to be.

While it's true that most travel destinations aren't like haute couture -- "in" one year and "out" the next -- there are some points on the map particularly worth visiting in 2011.

For good reasons, this is the year trip through Palau's underwater psychedelia and -- yes, you can -- tackle the mighty Himalayas.

Here's a planner for the year's best trips.

Best foodie trip: Chengdu, Sichuan province, China

In August 2010, the Sichuan capital of Chengdu was honored as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

That same month on Twitter, American TV host Andrew Zimmern could barely conain his enthusiasm for the budding food scene. He uploaded a photo of local dumplings that could be mistaken for giant jellyfish. Chengdu's meat market was packed with every type of dried pork, including pig skin face.

For those less adventuresome, an easy first stop on the Chengdu food safari is the bustling Chuan Chuan Xiang hotpot restaurant. Here, meat and vegetables are cooked together rather than piecemeal. (Chuan Chuan Xiang, 45 Double Bridge Road, Chengdu)

Another Chengdu favorite: Grandma Jin's Handmade Noodles (Xiaojiahe St, Chengdu), where hand-pulled "bedspread" noodles resemble a large and chewy sheet. The most popular order is noodles topped with spicy red braised beef.

Located near Wen Shu Temple, the intimate BuddhaZen hotel is highly rated on TripAdvisor and other web forums. The spacious rooms go for $64-$76. (BuddhaZen hotel, B6-6, Wenshufang Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu)

Best road trip: Ireland clockwise

The endless highways of North America or Australia are inviting, but in 2011, the Emerald Isle makes for a more mystical (and affordable) setting for a long, freewheeling drive.

Ireland native Herbie Brennan is the bestselling author of more than 100 books, many with themes of mystic exploration.

For a short trip, Brennan recommends driving 32 kilometers (about 20 miles) northwest from Dublin to Newgrange.

"It is probably the most spectacular megalithic site on the planet, beating Britain's Stonehenge," he says.

Far more satisfying is a ten-day, 1,320-kilometer (820-mile) Ireland clockwise road trip starting from Dublin. First big stop is Kilkenny, a preserved medieval village, followed by a session with the Blarney Stone.

The route takes in Kerry's 4,000-year-old stone forts, majestic Cliffs of Moher and rugged Connemara, then zips back around to Belfast. Along the way you'll get your fill of sodden bogs, picturesque towns, Irish music, charming country pubs and, yes, green, green, green hills.

Visitors can lease a ride from Dublin-based Argus Car Rentals for as low as $10 a day (See what we mean about affordable?) Go Ireland lists rates and specials for hotels all over the country.

How to make the most of the drive?

"Visit the country pubs and talk to people," advises Brennan. "Or rather, listen. With the Irish it's difficult to get a word in edgeways."

Best eco trip: Borneo

Described by Charles Darwin as a "great luxuriant hothouse made by nature for herself," Borneo is one of the world's most eco-diverse zones. For now.

On Sipadan Island, the most famous island off Borneo, divers can swim with exotic creatures -- batfish, clownfish, lionfish, harlequin ghost piefish. To get there, fly to Kota Kinabalu or Tawau, then continue for one hour by car to Semporna for a boat launch.

Animal lovers can play with primates at Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, a rehabilitation center that re-trains the displaced animals for life in the jungle. The sanctuary is reached by bus or taxi, a 23-kilometer (14-mile) ride from Sandakan town. (Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Batu 14, Jalan Labuk Sandakan Sabah, admission $10.)

Selingan Island is home to green and hawksbill turtles that creep onto the beaches after dark to lay their eggs.

Since access to Selingan Island is restricted, joining a day tour is the best option. There are several tour operators at the floating village on the Sandakan waterfront. A guided tour and overnight stay from Journey Malaysia begins at $280.

Another way to help preserve the island's future: stay at an ecolodge. North Borneo's

Sukau Rainforest Lodge has its own generators and uses solar-heated water. Down south, Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodges offer rainforest strolls and wooden boat rides.

Best tropical island trip: Palau

In 2010, Palau withdrew support for Japanese whaling, called for an end to shark finning and became the third country worldwide to ban the bottom-trawling fishing method of dragging nets across the sea floor.

That commitment to marine health put the Pacific Island nation on the 2010 Ethical Traveler's list of 10 best destinations in the developing world.

With ongoing eco-initiatives in 2011, Palau is preserving its reputation as a destination for undersea exploration.

Jellyfish Lake is famed for the millions of harmless gold jellies that pulse through its waters. To reach the lake, take a 45-minute boat ride from Koror to Eil Malk island. Highly regarded Sam's Tours offers a full day of diving and snorkeling for $139.

Sam's also operates land tours of the "big island" Badeldoab, best known for its 98-foot high Ngardmau Falls. Also of note: ancient stone monoliths and WWII gun emplacements. Sam's Tours has $150 day trips.

The only hotel with its own beach is the Palau Pacific Resort. Rooms with oceanfront views begin at $280, and the hotel is conveniently located in the business district of Koror.

Best budget trip: Morocco

Owing to a certain Humphrey Bogart film, many think of Morocco as a mysterious and extravagant place. However, once travelers touch down in North Africa, the sightseeing costs are surprisingly bearable.

In Marrakesh, foodies can fill up at the vegetarian Earth Café for $5-$8 (Earth Café Marrakesh, N 2, Derb Zawak, Riad Zitoun Kedim, Medina, Marrakesh). The restaurant is known for its fresh juices and generous portions of flavorful food, such as pastille (savory pie) and amlou, a thick almond dip.

A camel trek is a classic Moroccan experience that won't break the bank. For $20, travelers can ride up the Sahara dunes at sunrise and catch a glowing red view of the desert.

At sunset, your Ship of the Desert ambles to a desert hotel, where you can relax and listen to live Berber drumming.

To access the Camel Tours takeoff point, take a bus from Bab Doukala station in Marrakesh to Rissani; it departs at 3 p.m. and arrives 7 a.m., and costs $21. Guides will then transport you to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

The Riad Charlott has four-star-quality rooms for $98-$183. Visitors enter a classic courtyard and are greeted with mint tea and biscuits, and rose petals on the bed. (Riad Charlott, Derb Sidi Ahmed Bennacer, Kaat Bennahid, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco)

Best gambling trip: France

Gambling in France is a classy affair, with nearly 200 upscale casinos around the country populated by elegant socialites imbued with the highbrow 'tude of the Riviera.

Early this year, the France Poker Series finals played out at Cercle Haussmann's 25 tables. (Cercle Haussmann, 22 rue de la Michodière, 75002, Paris)

Blackjack originated in 17th-century Paris, and Cercle Wagram's paneled walls and chandeliers keep the old-time feel. (Cercle Wagram, 47 avenue de Wagram, 75017, Paris)

The casino in Divonne-les-Bains, a spa town bordering Switzerland, is the largest in France. Gamblers can choose between French and English roulette, and shift from Texas hold 'em to stud poker. (Domaine de Divonne, Avenue des Thermes, 01220 Divonne les Bains)

Lorraine's Casino de Contrexéville was established in 1900, its Baroque architecture inspired by the Paris Opera House. The casino recently added a hall for nearly 200 slot machines. (Domaine de Contrexeville, 13 Rue de Metz, 88140 Contrexéville)

Best trip with kids: Vancouver, Canada

Prettiest big city setting on the planet? Vancouver, British Columbia, has got to be in that discussion.

And the scenery isn't just for show -- in British Columbia, kids can wet their pants over the towering Coast Mountains while getting up close to wild animals, such as whales, eagles, sea lion and deer.

"Outdoor activities, like hiking and kayaking, are available right from the city, and at fairly affordable rates," says Asta Mail, a marine biologist at Vancouver Science World.

Mail recommends a walk in Richmond Nature Park, which has four easy trails totaling seven kilometers in length. The "Nature House" has a small collection of live animals and an active beehive. (Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC)

After catching age-appropriate buzzes on Tim Hortons famous coffee and/or donuts, families can hit Deer Lake Boat Rentals to rent canoes, rowboats or pedal boats for about $17 an hour, while blue herons, beavers, turtles and other creatures dart between the lily pads. (Deer Lake Boat Rentals, 5435 Sperling Ave., Burnaby, BC)

Several kid-friendly music and theater festivals are slated for summer 2011.

The popular Children's Festival moves to Granville Island for the first time in 2011, increasing the number of performers and stage capabilities. The May 30-June 5 lineup includes Al Simmon's Juno Award-winning musical comedy.

Best revolutionary trip: Che Guevara's Route, Bolivia

Because of its high, isolated plateaus and devout, indigenous population, Bolivia is sometimes called the "Tibet of South America."

The trails are welcoming to backpackers, and the living is easy: trekkers can eat and sleep well for $25 a day.

On one of those trails, modern history buffs can relive a Che Guevara journey on "La Ruta Che," which follows the guerrilla fighter's path as he tried to advance a socialist revolution in South America.

Swiss Bolivian Adventures (Swiss Bolivian Adventures, Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz, Handal Center Planta Baja, Oficina 6, La Paz, Bolivia) offers three- and six-day tours of the trail, beginning at $125.

From Santa Cruz, the path leads to the Vallegrande laundry where the leader was exposed, to Abra del Picacho where his guerrillas fought, and finally to La Higuera, the site of Guevara's execution in 1967. The route is fine for beginners.

Hostels such as Jodanga in Santa Cruz are tailored specifically to backpackers. The communal atmosphere and Spanish lessons let fellow trekkers meet and exchange info.

A bed in the dorm is $10; a private bathroom and room with air-conditioning is $31 a night. (Jodanga Backpackers Hostel, El Fuerte N0)

Best volunteer trip: Cambodia In November 2010 the Cambodian bridge stampede that killed hundreds drew attention to both the country's beauty and incessant troubles.

"Cambodia faces problems of health, corruption, poverty and lack of education," laments Chi Lo, a travel blogger and volunteer at the Women's Media Centre.

Opportunities for visitors to help Cambodians are plentiful. Visitors can do human rights work, dig wells and latrines and teach everything from English to hospitality to hairdressing.

Travelersphilanthrophy.com has tips on giving responsibly.

Star Kampuchea's volunteer programs are four to 24 weeks long, with volunteers working 30-40 hours per week. The organization helps visitors acquire visas (about $43) and connect with host families. Cost begins at $770 per month; an independent stay is $490 per month. Training begins the first and third Monday of each month.

La Carmina. CNNGo. January 10, 2011. Splash Vacation and Cruise.

Most Romantic Experiences in Africa.

2011-03-14T16:58:00.000-05:00

Last year Adrien Glover, a deputy editor at Travel + Leisure had the pleasure of meeting the mother-daughter team behind Extraordinary Journeys. As their name implies, Marcia and Elizabeth Gordon custom craft some pretty swoon-worthy adventures—to Africa, a place they know top to bottom (and all the secret spots in between) and that easily inspires dreamy visions of exotic animals, ancient baobab trees, and untamed landscapes where it’s impossible not to get away from it all.

The information share with us seemed to be more than worthy to give you a vicarious dose of travel-inspired romance. Save this post, dear readers. Sleeping under the stars on the Savannah should be added to your travel "must-do" list.

So, what are some of the most romantic and memorable experiences in Africa?

Sleeping under the stars and waking up to the Savannah all around you.
In a Star Bed in Loisaba, Kenya, only mosquito netting separates you from the African sky.

Sundowners on a dhow.
At Greystoke Mahale on Lake Tangyanika, there’s nothing like sailing on a traditional fisherman’s boat in the last sunlight of the day. The camp is about as remote as you can get—and close to over 800 chimpanzees!

Spending the day on your own desert island.
Aside from the staff on Mozambique’s Vamizi island, who provide everything—shade, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, pillows—you won’t see a soul.

Spending the night in a tree.
Alex Walker, a fourth generation Kenyan from long lineage of guides, never ceases to amaze us with the memorable experiences he creates. The Serian Tree House may be rustic, but it’s thrilling to sleep so high in the air, be tuned into the wildlife around you, and hear elephants rubbing against the tree in the morning.

Waking to the sounds of the Zambezi River.
You arrive at Zambia’s Sindabezi Island Camp by short boat ride or a guided canoe trip down the Zambezi. There’s no electricity (everything is lit by lanterns and candles); and there’s definitely something magical falling asleep to the sounds of the river.

Taking a bath in the middle of a sand bar.
After a long day on safari in the Selous Game Preserve in Southern Tanzania, soak in two big copper tubs in the middle of a sand bar on the banks of the Luwegu River.

Ballooning and breakfast along the banks of the Mara River.
As the sun rises, the stunning Savannah below is revealed (look for elephants and gazelles). The balloon follows the direction of the wind and eventually drops in what seems to be the middle of nowhere, only there’s a breakfast table set with champagne waiting for you.

Tasting your way through Stellenbosch.
Even though you’re close to Cape Town, you feel close to Nature here. Everything is fresh—the food, the air. And there are 130+ wineries to boot. We especially like Waterford Wines; visitors can sample great bottles with views of South Africa’s Boland Mountains in the distance.

Offer your insider tips on romantic hide-a-ways in the comments area and contact Splash vacation & cruise for a romantic journey to Africa or anywhere your imagination will allow.

OOH LA LA! TOP FASHION HOTELS.

2011-03-08T18:29:00.003-06:00

Where the stylish stay, from New York to London to Milan to Paris.

Paris Hiltion at the Gray Hotel - Milan

The clothes, the glamour, the shows are all heavily covered in the media, but where does a fashionista stay when visiting New York, London, Milan and Paris for fashion week? This Boutique hotel collection found on Todays luxury travel page from Reuters, rounds up 10 of the most style-sussed stays in the world's fashion capitals.

Paris — Hotel Keppler A welcome retreat from the fast-pace of Champs-Elysées shop-hopping nearby, this classic 39-room boutique hotel is great for glamourpusses. Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon blends a sophisticated Hausmannian hideaway with a relaxed home-from-home feel, deftly wielding bold toiles, animal prints, stripes and dark wood details. For high-contrast chic check into one of the black, white and yellow Executive Rooms, or for a real treat the four Superior Suites offer balconies with Eiffel Tower views. Elegant accessories in the lounge span outsize vases, statement mirrors, modern art and welcoming flowers.

Paris — Murano Resort Paris For a flamboyant, fashionable funhouse in the heart of the bohemian Marais quarter, opt for the full-on French wow factor of Murano Resort Paris. The 52 rooms are no slouch in the style stakes; accessed by finger-touch gadgetry, rather than keys, they feature pastel-pretty mood lighting, with private pools in two of the nine suites. Venetian glass, shiny inox, white marble and deep-red velvets add to the Murano's sex appeal, as does its avant-garde restaurant and DJ-hosted bar with 130 vodka flavors to choose from. If you can tear yourself away from the endless white Chesterfield sofa in the bar, warmed by a luxurious linear fireplace, the Marais' beguiling bars and boutiques beckon.

London — Shoreditch Rooms East London is currently the capital's most creative hub, with edgy fashion labels, art galleries, boutiques and bars in and around epicenter Shoreditch. So where better to soak up the scene than style-savvy Shoreditch Rooms, attached to buzzy private members club Shoreditch House? Set in a converted warehouse, the hotel's 26 compact but cool rooms come in Tiny, Small and Small+ sizes, with sunloungers on private terraces off the largest boudoirs. What they lack in space, they make up for in access: guests enjoy the full run of the club, including the Cowshed spa, bowling alley, House Kitchen restaurant, several sexy bars and the must-visit rooftop pool. Perfect for partying after taking in the East's up-and-coming shows during London Fashion Week.

London — The Connaught Venerable 121-room hotel the Connaught, which has welcomed guests in monied Mayfair for over a century, may seem an unlikely place to find London's beautiful people, but this stately dowager has recently had a seductive makeover. Its old-fashioned values are still intact, with top-notch service, English grandeur and elegant antiques, but now you can also hang out at the glitzy Connaught Bar (revamped by Brit interiors whizz David Collins), sip cocktails at the contemporary Coburg Bar (with witty cameo portraits, styled by Parisian designer India Mahdavi) and dine on sophisticated cuisine by chef Hélène Darroze. Fashionistas will also love Europe's only Aman Spa, where the green-tea foot bath soothes paws fatigued by gadding about the area's high-end shops.

London — Sanderson There's nothing stark about French design guru Philippe Starck's deliciously playful contemporary sanctuary Sanderson, an iconic, theatrical 150-room hotel in super-handy Fitzrovia, just north of Soho. One of London's original boutique boltholes, founded by Ian Schrager, the Sanderson has always attracted the fashion set, with suites often commandeered for magazine shoots and media events. The outside may be austere, but inside you'll find a dramatic look-at-me lobby with vibrant, quirky furniture, a purple billiard table and the catwalk-inspired Long Bar, where silver and white bar stools sport all-seeing eyes. Strike a pose at Malaysian eatery Suka, then repair to the guests-only Purple Bar to compare shopping finds.

Milan — Maison Moschino With dress-shaped floor lamps and decorative sheep in the lobby, you know you're in for a surreally stylish experience at this quirky Milan boutique hotel, founded by Italian mega-brand Moschino. Set in a classical, shutter-strewn building that once housed the city's first railway station, the Maison's 65 avant-garde rooms are inspired by a dreamy mix of fairytales and, of course, fashion. Book Sleeping in a Ballgown if you fancy bedding down under a giant princess-worthy frock or Alice's Room to sit at a tea-cup table. Pamper yourself in the in-house Culti Spa, then sample Italian sushi at the hotel's sleek restaurant Il Clandestino Milano.

Milan — The Gray You can never have too many swings in a hotel lobby! Certainly at chic central Milan retreat the Gray, you'll be tempted to pose elegantly on the fuchsia-upholstered swing that greets guests on arrival. A playful den for modern lovers, or just lovers of up-to-the-minute fashion, the hotel's 21 individually designed rooms are plush and inviting (101, 201 and 301 have king-size beds, round hydro tubs, and views of vaulted designer shopping arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele). Two rooms even offer private gyms, should you need to tone up before slipping on that body-con Dolce & Gabbana number. Don your largest dark glasses for dates in the lobby cocktail bar, where velvet banquettes beckon. Both the Duomo cathedral and La Scala opera house are nearby.

Milan — Hotel Straf If industrial-chic is your bag, then Milan's minimal Hotel Straf should be right up your street. In a jaw-droppingly prime location just doors from the Duomo, this hip 64-room hideaway is beloved of fashion and design folk in the know. The unassuming façade masks a bold modern interior, where raw concrete, scuffed-satiny walls and tactile floors rule, care of Italian architect and fashion talent Vincenzo De Cotiis. Corridors are adorned with distressed fabric under glass and a moody palette of chocolate-brown, greys, rust tones and metallics adds luxe to spacious rooms. Breakfast and lunch are served in bijou Bar Straf, which has a happy hour come evening for those in party mode. Dress up for fashion week or when the Milan Furniture Fair takes over town.

New York — The Standard NY For a stylish stay in New York, the Standard NY is anything but standard. The latest creation by boutique hotel trendsetter Andre Balazs, this glassy high-rise lords it over the Meatpacking District, home to alluring restaurants, bars and boutiques, and sensational aerial park the High Line. Enjoy gob-smacking views of Manhattan, the Hudson River or even the Statue of Liberty from your bed or bubble-filled bath, depending which of the 337 cool contemporary rooms you select. Aim for the eighth floor or above for the best vistas; then hit 18th-story bar Top of The Standard for cocktails. To refuel pop to the Standard Grill for meat and seafood with a twist. Black and gold bikes are on tap for exploring the area with attitude.

New York — Crosby Street Hotel Fancy a dash of eclectic English charm in NY's cobbled SoHo? Book into quirky Crosby Street Hotel, which sports salvaged vintage phone lights and comic-coated dog figurines. Firmdale Hotels' interiors whizz Kit Kemp's first outpost in the city comes with her signature kitsch-meets-classic-yet-contemporary furniture, art and accessories, sealed with vibrant colors and stamped with British humor. Pewter-countered bar-restaurant the Crosby Bar serves tasty modern American meals, with socializing spilling out into a foliage-fringed courtyard. It's proving a hit with the media crowd, as is the basement movie screening room. The 86 color-coordinated rooms are all individually designed, with fashion-forward upholstered mannequins to match; we also love UK perfumier Miller Harris' classy toiletries.

Top 10 Greatest Places for Family Spring Break.

2011-02-22T18:01:00.029-06:00

If traveling with the family leaves you needing a post-vacation vacation, consider booking an all-inclusive kid-friendly package to help put the "break" back into spring break.

Family travel experts share with Splash Vacation & Cruise (formally Travel Leaders Splash) some fantastic ideas for hassle-free family vacations.

Atlantis

Paradise Island, Bahamas

Atlantis' Serpent Slide propels riders through the dark interior of a Mayan Temple and concludes with traveling through an acrylic tunnel, embedded in a shark-infested lagoon.

Each family member is likely to find something to get excited about at this resort, from exploring 14 lagoons to shooting down nearly a dozen waterslides, from rock climbing to swimming with dolphins. Children age 11 or younger eat free when their parents sign up for a dining plan in advance.

Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line

The first new ship in a decade for the line, the 2,500-passenger Dream was christened in January. Cutting-edge innovations abound, such as the "virtual portholes," showing real-time sea views in windowless cabins. The ship is good for all ages, Ogintz says. "Disney's spaces are amazing whether the kids are little or teenagers, and they make sure the adults are taken care of well."

Beaches Resort

Turks and Caicos Islands

With more non-stop air service to the Turks and Caicos, it's easier to plan a getaway to this all-inclusive resort. Younger kids will enjoy the 27,000-square-foot waterpark and the Sesame Street characters strolling the grounds; older kids can hang out at the teens-only Beach Shack, listen to non-stop reggae jams, or compete in the Xbox 360 Game Garages. "If your kids like the clubs or your teens are eating a load, then (the price) is worth it,"

Azul Sensatori

Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Tennis, snorkeling, kayaking and scuba clinics are part of the package at this resort, 20 minutes from the Cancun airport. It also has a Fisher-Price toy-lending library for younger kids and Wii, beach volleyball and nightly dances for teenagers. "It's the kind of place where the staff would know your kids' names,"

Four Season Guides

Grand Canyon, Ariz.

Now in its 12th year, the outfitter offers hiking, backpacking and kayaking trips in the Southwest. Trips range in length, price and difficulty level, but "if you are an adventure-loving family, you will have a memorable trip for probably not much more than an all-inclusive (resort) will cost,"

Curtain Bluff

Antigua

This upscale resort has added family-friendly features, including tennis camps. It's been on both the Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure "best" lists and attracts a loyal clientele. "Kids feel comfortable having the run of the place,"

The Moorings

British Virgin Islands

Sailing skills aren't necessary for families looking to rent boats from this outfitter, which offers the option of hiring skippers and cooks as part of the deal. "Think of it like camping on water," "The boat is your entertainment." To keep costs down, families can share the experience and the tab.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

San Ignacio, Belize

Nestled in the rainforest, this eco-friendly resort offers nature-loving families the opportunity to immerse themselves in well-preserved beauty and a different culture. Guests can focus on land-based activities, like horseback riding among Mayan ruins, or choose elements of surf and turf with the Jungle & Sea family package.

Bohio Dive Resort

Grand Turk Island

The resort offers all-inclusive packages for both divers and non-divers, and boasts an award-winning beach and top-notch scuba opportunities for certified divers. Just steps from the world's third-largest coral reef, it's a "cool place for introducing a teenager to your passion or (learning) to do something new together."

Kona Village

Kailua Kona, Hawaii

This quaint collection of thatched-roof bungalows is Hawaii's only all-inclusive resort. It offers a variety of packages, from water-centric activities to stargazing or golf. "You just get into the Aloha spirit,"

For any of these or more family style spring break gems contact Splash Vacation & Cruise.

What is your favrorite spring break "must see" family destination?

TEN MOST ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS.

2011-02-11T09:33:00.000-06:00

You have already fallen in love with great destinations like Paris and Hawaii, so this year we decided to change things up a bit and head off the typical tourist path in search of lesser-known romantic places. Whether it's a candlelit wagon ride in Montana or a visit to Cupid in Copenhagen, each of these destinations promises something unique for you and your sweetheart.

Without further ado, here are 10 hidden places from around the world that are sure to sweep you off your feet.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina And Brazil

With cascading waterfalls taller than Niagara Falls and a love story that rivals Romeo and Juliet, Iguazu Falls is the perfect place to fall in love all over again. Legend has it that Guarani tribesmen would sacrifice young virgins to appease a monstrous serpent named Boi that inhabited the river. One day a warrior named Taroba fell in love with the chosen offering, Naipi, and the two ran off together. Boi, seeing the lovers escape, lashed its mighty tail and split the river, forever separating them and creating the Iguazu Falls. Whether the story is true or not, you and your loved one can stand together and witness the glory of more than 270 falls shared by Brazil and Argentina

There is an array of accommodations in the nearby city of Puerto Iguazu.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Sometimes overlooked for the more popular European canal destinations such as Venice or Amsterdam, Copenhagen has everything a couple needs for the ultimate romantic getaway. Not only can you meander through the old canals with your better half, but you can pay a visit to Cupid at the Thorvaldsen Museum. Couples can also pass the time at Tivoli Gardens, an adventure park within the city, where they can stroll among the flowers or watch the fireworks as the sun sets. In addition, the Danish capital offers opera, theater, shopping, and fine dining galore.

The Copenhagen visitors' bureau recommends several romantic hotels within the city.

The Resort At Paws Up, Montana

If the idea of stargazing while cozying up with the one you love in a horse-drawn wagon sends you to the moon and back, then The Resort at Paws Up might be the ideal landing spot for you and your significant other. The Montana resort not only offers starlit wagon rides, but also offers many other activities with packages that are tailor-made for two, including couples' massages, private horseback rides, wine tastings, and fire and fondue. Located on a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch not far from Missoula, this luxury resort combines the great outdoors with the finer things in life, and even offers the chance to go "glamping" (short for glamorous camping), where you will be treated like royalty on the range.

Paws Up offers a variety of accommodations, from riverside camping to luxury camping, and plenty of indoor options in-between. Rooms start at about $720 per night, and come with three meals per day and access to most of the resort's activities. Packages are also available.

New Caledonia, South Pacific

Described as the place "where the French Riviera meets the South Pacific," New Caledonia brings together Melanesian culture with French influence to create the best of both worlds in an idyllic island setting. About a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Sydney, Australia, the archipelago boasts the world's largest lagoon and second-largest coral reef—both named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As a popular honeymoon destination, there is plenty for lovers to do outdoors as well as in the capital city of Noumea, where you'll find exotic cuisine, unique boutiques, and French Colonial architecture. You and your beloved can enjoy all of the romance of France in a totally unexpected atmosphere.

There are a variety of available accommodations, including bungalows situated over the water

Kelowna, British Columbia

Want to experience the romance of wine country but go a bit off the beaten path? If so, skip the typical go-to spots like Napa Valley or Bordeaux and head to Kelowna, British Columbia, located in the heart of Canada's Okanagan Valley. Not only can you sample the area's award-winning wines, but you can also treat your honey to a hot-air-balloon ride, vineyard cycling tour, or couples' massage at a local spa. For something truly unusual during winter, take your sweetie on a snowshoeing tour by moonlight. As the largest city in the Valley, Kelowna combines big-city amenities like fine dining, art galleries, and boutique shops with a small-town ambiance, all surrounded by mountains, lakes, and pine forests.

The city offers a range of accommodations, from cozy B&Bs to upscale boutique hotels.

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany

Love can sometimes feel like a fairy tale, and there's no better place to have a happy ending than in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The medieval town is located along the Romantic Road and is considered the best preserved city in Germany, with architecture dating back to the 12th century. You and your sweetheart can walk along the wall that encircles the charming half-timbered town, visit the year-round Christmas Village, or climb to the top of the Rothenburg Town Hall Tower for views of the surrounding countryside. Couples can also enjoy the many shops, restaurants, and guided tours available within the walls.

You can find all kinds of accommodations in Rothenburg from B&Bs to hotels.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida

When it comes to the ultimate romantic splurge, there's nothing like escaping to a private island, especially one that is home to one of the world's best hotels (as recognized by Travel & Leisure). Set among the Florida Keys, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa gives new meaning to seclusion, and can only be reached by a seaplane or boat. You and your beloved can completely escape the rest of the world, as there are no telephones or televisions, and guests under the age of 16 are not allowed on the island. The resort offers 30 oceanfront thatched-roof bungalows scattered among its five-and-a-half acres. While on the island, lovebirds can enjoy many activities, such as kayaking, swimming with dolphins, and scuba diving or snorkeling.

Room rates start at $690 per night (without taxes and fees), and include boat transfers, minibar beverages, and watersport activities.

Chaa Creek, Belize

If you and your sweetheart prefer something a bit more adventurous than the typical getaway, Chaa Creek offers a stay unlike any other. The Belizean rainforest eco-lodge, located on a private 365-acre nature reserve near the foothills of the Maya Mountains, provides an ideal setting to reconnect with nature and one another. Wake to the sounds of the rainforest in one of the lodge's many different accommodations, including thatched-roof cottages and treetop Jacuzzi suites. Once you've taken in the surrounding beauty, you can enjoy together time with on-site activities like horseback riding, canoeing, or relaxing at the spa. The lodge also offers helicopter rides, snorkeling, and tours to Mayan temples for when and if you decide venture out.

Rooms start at $450 per night (without taxes and fees) for the treetop Jacuzzi suite. Packages are also available.

Zihuatanejo, Mexico

When it comes to romance, it's hard to beat an old fishing village that combines historic charm with modern comforts. With its luxurious boutique hotels overlooking the water, Zihuatanejo (pronounced see wah tah NAY ho) offers a respite from the high-rises and all-inclusive resorts of more well-known Mexican beach destinations. Couples can enjoy the days lounging on the sand surrounding the bay, shopping in the small market downtown, having a drink at one of the lazy beach bars, dining under the stars, or listening to the wandering musicians who are always standing by for spontaneous serenades.

A wide of variety of lodging, including luxury resorts, boutique hotels, bungalow rentals, and B&Bs, are available in Zihuatanejo.

Langkawi, Malaysia

Located off the coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is comprised of 99 islets and is a couple's dream getaway. This popular vacation spot offers stunning beaches perfect for a little R&R with the one you love. Since Langkawi isn't just geared toward tourism, there are many spots to experience everyday life among the paddy fields. Langkawi provides a great deal of activities, including the cable car that takes you to the top of the island's second-highest peak; a mangrove forest that offers an opportunity to feed the eagles; or the Underwater World, which is features more than 5,000 varieties of freshwater and marine species.

There are a range of accommodations that will suit any budget.

Other Romantic Places

The theme of romance has certainly been in major headlines already this year, particularly with the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton, and some publications are already speculating on where they'll spend their honeymoon (perhaps the relatively unknown and near-to-home Isles of Scilly?). What hidden romantic escapes are you planning for this year? Are you hoping to go near or far? Are you aiming for somewhere unexpected and exotic, or someplace simple and sweet?

Please share your favorite locales with other readers in the comments section below.