Search results for 'costa riva'

If you're up for adventure with a hint of relaxation, Costa Rica is the place for you. This is the country in Central America whose catch phrase is “Pura Vida”, which translates to mean pure or good life, and that is what you will experience in this country of “Ticos”, the term they use to refer to themselves. They are outgoing and friendly and most people speak English.

Remember the 60’s? Well, of course you do – you’re a Baby Boomer! Do you recall going on vacation with your parents to Florida and staying in a motel? I know I have fond memories of those trips and that’s why I was happy to stumble across this hidden gem in Clearwater Beach. Say ooh la la to Frenchy’s Oasis Motel. This is a trip back in time in the nicest way possible. “Frenchy,” a Quebec native moved to Clearwater a few years out of high school and worked many jobs. Over the years, he created four restaurants, all of which, 30 years later, are still going strong. That shows me he must be doing something right, so in 2010 when he purchased and remodeled a motel, you knew it was going to be special.

Located just 2 hours south of San Francisco is a magnificent property surrounded by vineyards and mountains and fantastic food. Welcome to the Bernardus Lodge. Nestled about 20 minutes from the city of Carmel, you are greeted upon your arrival with a generous glass of wine from their vineyard – what could be a better start to your stay? Perhaps entering your room and seeing fresh flowers, a basket of goodies with fruit, cheese, chips and crackers along with 3 half bottles of wine and opening the door to your fridge and seeing cheese to accompany your crackers along with soft drinks.

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.

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!

No, this is not a typo, the accommodation I bring to your attention is actually called, “A Room in Paris” because that's what you get and it's in a private residence! The city itself is charming, so why not stay in a place that makes you feel like Paris is your home.

O.K. all you Boomers – here's your chance to leave a mark on the world. This is not exactly about a hotel, but it is about staying somewhere in the world that can use your help. There is a wonderful organization called Global Volunteers based in Minnesota and Boomers played a significant role in developing partnerships worldwide for this organization in its early days.

They engage short-term volunteers for long-term projects “to create, nurture and sustain the well-being of the world's children.” Have I struck a chord?

Central America has much to offer and one of the beautiful countries to visit there is Guatemala. It is rich in Mayan culture and history, so there is plenty to explore and experience. Let’s start our journey to this country around Lake Atitlan. This 1,000 foot deep lake is surrounded by three volcanoes, Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. Located about 90 miles from Guatemala City, you will find a boutique hotel suited to Boomer couples called Hotel Casa Palapo. There are only about 7 rooms plus a private villa, so if you plan on visiting, think well in advance.

On Saturday, June 1, the team left Erie to drive to Albany, NY to be close to the camp the night before our arrival in Vermont. Albany was a good stopping point because it put us within 70 miles of Marlboro for an easy drive to registration between 12:30 and 2:30 pm on Sunday.

Wines from the United States are getting more and more recognition and they're not just from California. Case in point is the Wine Country Farm in Dayton, Oregon. They are located about one hour from the city of Portland in the beautiful Willamette Valley. This historic Bed and Breakfast is a 100 year old estate that sits at the top of a hill with gorgeous views of the Valley and the Cascade Mountains. You are right in the middle of their vineyard and within walking distance of several other wineries in the area.

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.

Ah, summer time, and the living is easy! Well, if you’re on Cape Cod and staying at The Mansion at Ocean Edge that certainly appears to be true. The Cape is full of laid back activities that will remind Baby Boomers of vacations we took in our youth. Not many high rise hotels, water parks and fast food restaurants, just nature, family and fun.

It's always a treat to find an unexpected property in an area that most people visit and stay in high rise hotels. Although many of those properties sit right on the beach and offer a lot of amenities, sometimes it's just plain nice to stay in a cozy, comfortable spot that feels more like home. The Channel Road Inn is just one of those places.

I have always loved glamour, luxury and castles. I am a true romantic and do believe that all of us, if just once in our life should stay and dine at a castle. Even if you could just dine here that would make me happy for you! You can tell by the photos that this is a must while in Scotland.

So I'm guessing you've been to New York on numerous occasions and have stayed in various hotels around the City, and you know there are many surprises here. In case you haven't had the pleasure, let me tell you about a BandB in the City. The owners refer to it as an “Urban BandB.” As you traipse around the concrete jungle, wouldn't it be nice to come “home” to a library stocked with wonderful books, great art and a piano, not to mention a house cat? If not, stop reading. If so, this is a great find with lots of charm and character. The rooms are themed and some can feel kitschy, but it will be an experience like no other you've had with a stay in New York, unless you are lucky enough to have a friend with an apartment and lots of extra room.

Looking for an incredible place to enjoy luxury accommodations for both you and your pet, the Allison Inn & Spa in Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a great place to stay. The Inn is listed as one of the top pet friendly hotels in the United States.  There is a one-time fee of $50 per pet whether you stay a night, weekend or spend a week enjoying the Spa and Oregon’s wine country.

Come on, you're never too old to believe in Santa Claus and I think I found out that he lives here in Finland, not the North Pole! This amazing Igloo Village and Hotel is located in the vicinity of Urho Kekkonen National Park, just about 21 miles from the Ivalo Airport.

Cala di Volpe, is a destination and an exclusive hotel, located on the breathtaking area of Sardinia, called Costa Smerelda. Discovered and developed by the Aga Khan, this area is noted for its exclusivity, extravagances, elegance and glamour. As you can imagine, Costa Smerelda means – Emerald Coast, because of the green sea surrounding the coastline. It’s as if someone color painted it different shades of green merging eventually into the blue Mediterranean.

West Baden Springs Hotel is a world-class spa built around a mineral springs in the middle of rural Southern Indiana. Built in 1902, it consists of a six-story domed atrium that is 200 feet in diameter. When you first see this unique structure, you are sure to wonder how and why it is located in Southern Indiana. 

Susie is always looking for great places for pets to stay and one of her friends told her about this great bed and breakfast in West Central Massachusetts. Restful Paws really got her attention because it might be classified as people-friendly because it is geared to pets first. Susie said what with “Great Name!”

Rumi means “stones” and Punku means “door” which is exactly what you will see at the threshold to this hotel. This Inca doorway is considered a Historic Monument of the City of Cusco and it was once the entrance to a very sacred place. Feel the energy of this ancient civilization as you enter the building.

Speaking of unique places to stay that are also pet friendly, the two shepherd’s huts at Wriggly Tin in Hampshire certainly fill the bill. Being a herding dog, Susie is especially interested in the possibility of her and Beau or her European buddies to stay in a place where she can once again say, “Where are the sheep?”

If you've stayed in enough hotels over the years, you pick up a few clues along the way. 

Well, I promised you a variety of accommodations and I certainly don't want to disappoint anyone, so here goes a good one! I know you travel to most destinations by airplane, but how many of you have actually stayed overnight in the fuselage of a 727? Hmmm – I didn't see too many hands go up. So, here's your chance to explore something new. Located on the edge of the National Park in the Costa Verde II area is a refurbished vintage 1965 Boeing 727 airframe. It sits high on a 50 foot pedestal so you have the illusion of flying, but with all the comforts of a hotel room. There are 2 bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, a flat screen TV, kitchenette, dining area and high speed internet. A beautiful river rock spiral staircase leads up to your suite with teak wood interiors. There are gardens all around and you have a 360 degree view of them. There is also a private terrace with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. So, do you have any neighbors? The answer is yes – they are frogs, toucans and monkeys that will provide you with songs and shows.