Search results for 'captiva island'

Is it just me or is there mystery and romance surrounding a lighthouse?  Every time I’m near one, I just have to go and explore and dream of what it would be like to live in one, even for a day or a week. Well, dream no more, I have found a working lighthouse where you can stay and actually be a keeper, which is a lot of hard work, but oh, what an adventure!

Susie was pleased to find an inn in the United Kingdom that really speaks to dogs and their human companions. On the web site of the Joiner’s Arms one of the main menu items is “Man’s Best Friend.”

Hello Boomers! Remember when you went to Florida for Spring Break? Well, I was lucky enough to do that in college and just ran across a motel where I stayed back in the late sixties! It’s still there and owned by the same family! I was really excited to see the place and it brought back many fun memories. Oh no, I won’t be telling any stories - what happens in Cocoa Beach, stays in Cocoa Beach.

In the past year, I’ve written many articles and hotel reviews and thought I’d share my top 10 choices for summer fun. In case you’ve missed reading some, here is your chance to find that special spot before summer makes it’s exit.

If you want a great Florida get-away for you and your dog at a reasonable price, check out the Low-Key Hideaway at Cedar Key, Florida. Cedar Key is an island off the west coast of the Florida peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico. Cedar Key is 57 miles southwest of Gainesville and 143 miles north of Clearwater and Tampa.

If you and your dog want to have an incredible southwest adventure, this is the place. The Sunglow Ranch is rated in one list as one of the ten most pet friendly lodgings in the United States.

If you believe in fairy tale locales, then you won't be disappointed in Bermuda. Everything here is so pristine and lovely, it will take your breath away. I stayed at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort, which is close to the airport and St. George – I really loved the location. Because the entire island is only 21 square miles, you are never really far from anything.

So here's a spot you probably haven't thought to explore in Paris – the area known as Bercy. This is actually a great place to spend a few nights especially if you are traveling with your grandchildren. The Pullman Paris Bercy is one of the most reasonably priced hotels while visiting the City of Lights. Granted, you are not in the heart of Paris, but a mere 15 minute Metro ride into the center. The hotel has a very modern feel with amenities the kids will like – it is child and pet friendly. The beds are very comfortable and the food and service is quite good. The bathrooms are equipped with amenities and are quite large – all of which is hard to find in the center of Paris.

For many years, I took groups of people on charter flights to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Oh, those were the days - unfortunately, the charter flights stopped, economies took a hit, 2 hurricanes came through, and the number of tourists dropped. The good news is that things are looking up and people are returning to visit this friendly and fun island. There are some changes from my trips from the past and now most of the activity centers around Lucaya where the magnificent Grand Lucayan Hotel sits overlooking the turquoise waters of the ocean. You have a choice of 3 types of views – the Marina, The Island and the Ocean – obviously, the price goes up for an ocean view, but it is so breathtaking, you may want to spend the extra cash.

Situated facing the pristine white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, sits one of my favorite hotels stateside, the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa. I try to get there every chance I get and sadly, that's just not often enough!

If you like visiting the Mediterranean, you will LOVE coming to Catalina Island. Only 26 miles from the Long Beach pier, you arrive within one hour in the magical town of Avalon. If you have never been here, you must do yourself a favor and put it on your Bucket List. I'm always surprised to find that many people are unfamiliar with this destination. I attended a Film Festival there last year and had the opportunity to spend some time with Stan Lee (yes, THAT Stan Lee!) and learned that this was his first visit to the Island. He said he was coming back with his wife because he was so enamored with this place. He lives in L.A. and never took the time to come the 26 miles.

The “Violino d'Oro”, which translates to “The Golden Violin”, is that gem in Venice that you just wish someone would share with you. That's how I found out about it. Friends of mine who own a time share in Venice and travel there every year told me to be sure and check it out for my clients.

I love to tell you about hidden little gems around the world and Mary's Boon is one of the pearls. Located in the Dutch West Indies in the town of St. Maarten, this is a family owned and operated establishment since 1970. And yes, the same family still owns and runs it today. There are 37 rooms that sit directly on the beach on Simpson Bay. Is it 5 minutes from the airport – yes. Can you almost feel the airplanes – yes. However, the airport is closed at night, so if you have enough cocktails during the day as you sit on the beach, you'll never know the difference! This beach is so pristine and private that you will gladly put up with the noise during the day. If that would be an issue, just be forewarned.

So why am I telling you about a place in Florida that's not on the beach? Because it's really cool and is located in the “best walking town” in America according to “Walking Magazine.” Dunedin sounds like it should be in Scotland, but it is about 45 minutes from the Tampa Airport and believe me, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what this area has to offer.

When I showed photos of this area to my friends, I had them try and guess the location. The answers ranged from Switzerland to Fiji to California – that's how incredibly beautiful this island is on the Adriatic. It is part of the Elaphiti Islands and only one hour away by boat from Dubrovnik.