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We were met in Road Town by a limo and transported to the Peter Island Resort’s private ferry pier. We were offered a cool beverage by the waiting room hostess as we relaxed on sofas in air conditioned comfort. Our boat arrived and we were treated to twenty-five minutes of sun, sea and glorious views as we left Road Harbor and crossed British Virgin waters to the exclusive Peter Island Resort.

As we docked in the resort’s marina, Collin Butler, Guest Services Manager, greeted us with Ginger Lemonade, each enhanced with just a splash of rum. He invited us into an electric land rover (no exhaust fumes here) for a tour of this tropical Shangri-La. As we rode up the lush mountain road known as The Loop, he shared a little about himself which added an entire human dimension to this beautiful resort getaway. Collin actually grew up on this private island which is only open to guests and resort employees. His father was the original caretaker. He and his siblings commuted to school on Tortola by boat everyday and after completing his education came back to the Peter Island Resort & Spa to work. Now, as Guest Services Manager, every aspect of the guest experience is his responsibility and he makes it seem effortless. It is clear he and his staff take great pleasure in making people feel right at home… and what a magnificent place to welcome guests!

We drove around the island which is a designated nature preserve as Collin pointed out lush flora and wild life including an island hawk that sat on a tree limb as we slowly approached. The views form the hills are beyond magnificent. At one point, high up on the mountain road, we came upon several lawn chairs painted in bright tropical colors facing west at the edge of a cliff. Collin explained this was available for guests to enjoy the spectacular Caribbean sunsets. Each evening the resort provides a ride, snacks and wine for guests wanting to take in the spectacle from this lofty perch. Since there are no TV’s or Internet connections at the resort (except in the main office), watching the sunset is a major draw!

The resort operates a spa with glorious mountain and beach views from hot tubs and open air treatment rooms along with yoga classes by the spa’s infinity pool. The Peter Island Resort offers just a handful of suites on the beach or near the marina surrounded by hammocks everywhere (the hammock is the resorts signature). There are several private villas that come with a cook and the restaurant is available for good dining options.  We had a delightful lunch at Dead Man’s Beach. The grilled Mahi Mahi had a slight spicy island kick to it and was served with delicious onion rings. The suites are in beautifully decorated bungalows, but are a bit close to one another….perfect for a vacation with family or friends.

After an afternoon of swimming, walking along the almost deserted beach and reading on lounges in the sand, we packed up and headed to the pier for our boat ride back to reality. If our Silversea ship were not scheduled to leave late that evening from Road Town, we would have stayed on this idyllic island for the night…or better yet for a week!

For more information about this special place, visit www.peterisland.com

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By Liadan Hynes
from Independent.ie

As a rule, I tend to dislike group activities with strangers. Music festivals, gym classes, evening courses. Any sort of prescribed, mass participation activity is anathema to me. So I approached my first trip of organised group travel, living in close quarters with strangers, with a certain amount of trepidation.

As it happened, it took less than an hour to cast such prejudices aside. On our way to the dining room after arrival, we encountered a charming American woman in obvious distress over her lost luggage. We got chatting, and next thing I knew we were all having dinner together.

Our point of departure was Budapest, our boat docked on the Danube in the shadows of Buda Castle. The MS AmaLegro river cruise boat bears more of a resemblance in silhouette to an extremely luxuriously appointed barge than your typical gargantuan cruise liner.

It sits low in the water, which means you can lie reading on your bed and watch the water and land swishing by — a river cruise provides endless beautiful scenery rather than boring sea horizons.

Our boat’s capacity was 148 — by the end of the week we’d chatted, if even briefly, with most of our fellow passengers. I thought this might feel claustrophobic, but it didn’t.

Our first morning involved a walking tour of the medieval Castle District in Budapest, a heritage site which enjoys restricted access, as most cars are banned. Its elevated height provides stunning views from the famous Fisherman’s Bastions of both the Buda and Pest districts.

If I’m honest, I had harboured a certain snobbery about this sort of pre-arranged travel. It was for the sort of uncultured tourists who demand everything watered down and easily digested. One day in, I realised the joys of a schedule someone else has researched, with each city’s greatest hits served up on a plate, hassle free. This is particularly true of river cruise travel; you barely notice the amount of ground you’re covering, as you’re either sleeping, eating, or enjoying the views, from the on-deck hot tub if you so desire. Plus you’re spared the hassles of checking in and out, and packing and unpacking, that six destinations in seven days would usually entail.

After a rather action- packed morning, it was back on board for lunch. I’m told that by cruise standards, eating on the MS AmaLegro was restrained. The food was uniformly delicious. It’s surprising how quickly three-course meals, three times a day, become the norm. Breakfast was anything from cereal, to pastries to a full fry. Lunch and dinner offered three options for main — fish, meat or vegetarian, one of which was always a local speciality. You could also choose from salad, soup, sorbet, sweet and cheese courses.

We arrived in Vienna during breakfast on day two, and embarked on a bus and walking tour. The Ringstrasse is almost like driving through a film studio lot peppered with nothing but fantastically grand old buildings.

That evening, we took in a concert, a lovely programme of Mozart and Strauss performed by the Vienna Residence Orchestra. It was at this point that I realised we had become truly institutionalised in the ways of group travel.

“Leave your coats on the bus, don’t bother queuing for the cloakroom, the bus will pull up to the door afterwards,” our guide urged, while handing us vouchers for our pre-paid interval beverages. I began to wonder how we would cope by ourselves with the normal day-to-day tasks of life post cruise.

The following day, I decided on a lazy day. My mother and our new American friend headed off on the tour to the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, also in Austria.

After a run on the boat’s treadmill to stave off actual obesity, I spent the afternoon reading in the lounge and enjoying the beautiful alpine scenery.

Our third country of the week was Germany. While Budapest and Vienna were impressive and beautiful in a grand way, Germany was surprisingly cosy, almost fairy tale-ish.

Passau is a picturesque university town. I was a little churched out by this stage, but St Stephen’s Cathedral, a baroque church which boasts the largest organ outside the United States — more than 17,000 pipes — would impress even the most jaded palate.

Regensburg, in Bavaria, was, by mutual agreement, the high point of the trip.

“It’s just like Disneyland,” our American friend exclaimed, looking rather embarrassed. But she was right. The former home of both Oskar Schindler and the current Pope is one of the few German cities not bombed in World War Two. Nuremberg’s old city, which we visited the next day, did not enjoy the same luck, but, rather enterprisingly, they took an old photograph from the Twenties and recreated the area, complete with dilapidated, listing old buildings.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Regensburg in the run- up to Christmas, the town’s very own palace, the 500-room Schloss St Emmeram, home of Princess Gloria Thurn und Taxis and her family, opens its grounds to the public for a Christmas market for the month of December.

The goods on sale were more authentic than other markets, and I still remember with fondness the delicious sausage roll — Regensburg is home to the oldest sausage kitchen in Germany, dating back to 1135.

On our second last night, we had a gala farewell dinner, so after some shopping we high-tailed it back to the boat to get ready.

We had packed in preparation of almost black tie each evening, only to find that wearing a tracksuit to dinner would have barely raised an eyebrow. Americans are not big on dressing up; jeans and T-shirts at all times were perfectly acceptable. After a week travelling in extreme comfort, we decided to pack all our glamour into one night, and out came the high heels. We were still the only people wearing dresses.

Snap your boots into bindings. Take a deep breath to calm your racing heart before you push off, floating downhill on a snowy slope of virgin champagne powder, an explosion of snow blasting the grin on your face.

Home to more than two dozen backcountry lodges, British Columbia offers up plenty of reasons to smile — it is, after all, why so many powderhounds make their way to Canada’s westernmost province. Here, backcountry adventures run the gamut, from heart-thumping runs down a glacier to snowshoeing across a tranquil alpine meadow. The best part? At the end of the day you can unwind in a sauna, dine on hearty local cuisine with other like-minded folks, then fall asleep in a comfy backcountry retreat. “Each lodge is unique in style and offerings,” says Brad Harrison, Executive Director of the Backcountry Lodges of BC Association. “Go guided or self-guided, catered or cook yourself.” If you’re not into skiing “steeps,” enjoy the backcountry at some lodges on cross-country skis or a snowshoe stomp through gentler terrain. “It’s the perfect healthy and invigorating reward for your body and your mind.”

Safety is at the forefront of lodge operators’ minds so unless you’re highly experienced in the backcountry, guided is the way to go. If you want to feel even safer and wiser, on your own or with a guide, many lodges offer courses on avalanche awareness and search and rescue techniques. Where to start? Here are five safety-conscious (read certified) offerings sure to get the blood pumping.

The backcountry may be wild, untouched and remote, but it starts as close as the mountains that backdrop Vancouver, BC’s biggest metropolis. The nearest steep-roofed log lodge half-buried in backcountry powder is just 2.5 hours from the bright lights of the city and 30 minutes from Whistler. Here, McGillivray Pass Lodge is a family operated outpost run by Whitecap Alpine Adventures in the tradition of European mountain huts. These days, a third generation of skiers and boarders is enjoying this magical valley, finishing up days skiing the Southern Chilcotin Mountains in the cosy lodge with a wood burning fireplace and all the mod cons — heck, even the out-houses are heated.

Start the day with homemade muesli, omelettes and “Ronnie’s Coffee” before heading into glades, high alpine summits, or glaciers — moderate to advanced ski terrain. This is a great place to join a “girls only” class, designed to help women move more confidently in the backcountry. Cross-country ski in the valley or hop a helicopter to nix the first uphill trek of the day for more time on downhill curves. Then curl up in front of the fireplace with a steaming mug of hot chocolate.

With more of an eye on luxury, Mistaya Lodge, nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, is a post-and-beam outpost with private rooms complete with fluffy duvets. Here you’ll find a clean wood-fired sauna — which heats the lodge’s new shower — composting toilets, and an abundance of glass in the public areas that allows for leisurely armchair reconnaissance of the nearby peaks and glaciers. Just 18 minutes from Golden by helicopter, the area is pristine. “Anyone who skis Blue runs at downhill resorts can ski here,” says owner Cindy Galligan, who is proud to keep Mistaya footprint-free. “And it’s one of a few places where you finish up the day by skiing downhill to the lodge.” Only 14 guests are accommodated at one time and there are three guides, including Cindy’s partner, David Birnie, who knows this pocket of glaciated terrain tucked between Yoho and Banff national parks like the back of his hand.

While the Rockies are classic backcountry country, Northern BC doesn’t usually come to mind when you haul out the skis in fall. But Burnie Glacier Chalet, located on Wet’suwet’en First Nations land, is just a helicopter hop from the lovely town of Smithers. The Northern Coast Mountains are a place of big snow — more than six metres (20 feet) on the glaciers — and big verticals. Since this is serious ski territory, owner and IFMGA Mountain Guide Christoph Dietzfelbinger, who built the lodge with friends in 2001, offers only guided touring and he uses a Canadian system called InfoEx to tap into the Canadian Avalanche Centre to keep everyone safe. And after a day of pushing peaks and carving big turns through massive slopes of untouched powder in sunshine that leaves you raccoon-eyed with a goggle-tan, what have Molly and Debbie got cooking on that Amish-built wood stove? How about samosas and curries? Lemon meringue pies? Lamb with mint sauce and fine vegetables? Bliss — as is knowing Burnie is 500 kilometres (311 miles) from the next nearest lodge.

British Columbia promises no less of an adrenalin rush with its offering of snowy hut-to-hut adventures. In the Thompson Okanagan region, for example, you can catch a scenic 15-minute helicopter ride to Flight Meadow Cabin, one of three run by Wells Gray Adventures. The comfortable cabin, enveloped by meadows and low hills, sits smack in the middle of cross-country ski and snowshoeing terrain. Want to take it up a notch? Adventurists can catch a snowcat ride to start a hut-to-hut ski adventure to Trophy Chalet and Discovery Cabin — both at over 2,000 metres (6,562 feet). With views of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains, there are challenging chutes, gullies and long tree runs to warm the heart. “We’re not luxurious, but we are incredibly eco-friendly, affordable, and we are the only hut system in a provincial park,” says co-owner Tay Briggs, who, with her husband, has been operating the low carbon footprint operation for 25 years.

For those looking for a more tranquil mountain experience, point the skinny skis to the Bowron Lakes in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region. A renowned summer canoeing circuit, it’s less well known as a charming winter destination to explore on a four-day ski excursion with Whitegold Adventures. What’s in store? A guide leads your small group of six safely into the wilderness for a cross-country excursion, everyone pulling their supplies in small sleds across frozen mountain lakes and over snowy portages, on the lookout for otters, moose and wolves. Each night ends at a snug cabin with a stove; after dinner, relax in your bunk or go for a moonlight ski, enjoying the glitter of the snow beneath a star-filled sky. Bonus: there might even be a chance to try kite-skiing or spend the night in an igloo.

No matter which path you choose, be sure, at day’s end, to bundle up and stand outside to watch the Northern Lights cavort like colourful crinolines blowing across the sky. Then get up in the morning, slip into the skis and do it all over again.

Learn more about BC’s backcountry at www.hellobc.com/backcountryski and www.bcbackcountry.ca. For more on British Columbia’s destinations and travel information, call 1-800 HELLO BC® (North America) or visit www.Hellobc.com.

Contacts:

Backcountry Lodges of BC Association: www.bcbackcountry.ca

Whitecap Alpine: www.whitecapalpine.ca

Mistaya Lodge: www.mistayalodge.com

Bear Mountaineering: www.bearmountaineering.ca

Wells Gray Lodge: www.skihike.com

Whitegold Adventures: www.whitegold.ca/winter-trips.html

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We planned an early December Winter getaway. Good time to cruise…great prices and fewer people tend to travel between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We decided to shoot the lock off and go ultra Lux, taking advantage of some very nice “special” rates available on Silversea’s new flagship, the Silver Spirit. At 36,000 tons, the ship accommodates only 450 guests with just 390 booked on our sailing. The epitome of ultra luxury cruising, Silversea’s reputation reflects the best in service, cuisine, accommodations and entertainment:

December 1

Fly JetBlue from JFK to Ft Lauderdale and spend the night at the Ft Lauderdale Air and Cruise port Marriott Courtyard to avoid any winter weather delays on day of ship departure.

We arrived early at JetBlue’s JFK Terminal 5. Paid the airline an extra $2 dollars per bag for curbside check-in (and tipped a stunned sky cap an extra 5$ for handling our bags). We had purchased extra legroom seats which included expedited security and passed thru the indignities of TSA without incident. We planned on having dinner at the terminal rather than carting sandwiches onboard and discovered a variety of great options. We decided on a sit down meal at 5ive Steak and had great rib eye steaks with red wine served by an attentive waiter. Nice, leisurely way to spend time before a flight.

Got to the gate for our 8 PM flight just before they started boarding and discovered I had misplaced my boarding pass (with attached bag check)…Agent just printed a new one and assured me the bag check number was in the record. From now on I will ask for the bag checks for my wallet rather than having them stuck to the back of a boarding pass.

Flight to FLL was smooth and our extra leg room seats were even more comfy because no one sat in the middle seat. JetBlue’s Direct TV makes the time fly and after several soft drinks and bags of Taro chips we arrived.

December 02 – Embarkation

After a comfortable night at the Marriott Courtyard, we took their last scheduled shuttle at noon to the port. We passed lines with hundreds of people waiting to check in for a Holland America ship. We arrived at our terminal for the Silver Spirit and after security were escorted to a check-in desk with no wait.  We were immediately welcomed onboard the Silver Spirit with a glass of champagne and invited to have lunch either at The Restaurant or the Terrazza Buffet. We elected to dine at the Restaurant where the service was a bit slow, but the meal was well worth waiting for.

Suites (everyone on Silversea gets a suite and butler) were available after 2:30 PM and we found our luxurious digs and decided to unpack. Beautifully appointed in beige and light browns, the suite had a living area with sofa and coffee table separated from the bedroom area by lush drapes, a walk-in closet and enormous bath with marble counters, separate shower and tub. Both bedroom and living areas had virtually floor to ceiling wall mirrors with two wide screen televisions embedded in them. It took some getting used to as we were distracted by our own reflections while watching CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. Our Butler, Lorenzo introduced himself and offered us a choice of either Bulgari or Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, asked how we would like our mini-fridge stocked and invited us to contact him at any time.

After the boat drill and departure from Port Everglades, we decided to make it an early night and ordered from room service. Lorenzo set the table with fine linen, silverware and china. We dined on the most delicious Chicken Consommé, grilled Chicken Breast in pan gravy and ice cream. The table was cleared and we settled in under lavish duvets with our Wheat Berry pillows selected from the Silversea pillow menu (an ironic twist to breakfast in bed when we noticed Wheat Berry Pancakes on the room service menu!).

December 3 – Rough Seas

It is so rare to encounter rough seas when sailing out of South Florida, but we sure did on this trip. I am usually a good sailor, but I just found twelve hours of pitching and rolling a bit relentless. As a result, we chose to indulge ourselves and stayed in bed all day, watching movies (and our own reflections), sleeping and ordering room service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each room service meal was better than the last and all were served on fine linen, with lovely china and silverware. Even the Tex-Mex Turkey Burger, served with salsa and Guacamole was made to order and absolutely delicious.

December 4 – Calm Sea Day Relaxing Poolside

Woke up to the gentle motion of a calm sea. Showered and went off to the most civilized buffet breakfast at sea, before exploring the ship. La Terrazza is the buffet venue for breakfast and lunch on the Silver Spirit. At night the restaurant becomes one of the best Italian restaurants on any ship. The Maitre de escorted us to a table with a window view (we could have dined outside, but in the Caribbean we prefer A/C) and a waiter took our order for eggs, juice and coffee. We were then invited to explore the buffet. Laden with a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, nuts, yogurt, smoked salmon and an endless choice of breads, rolls and pastries, each item was beautifully presented. I do love a buffet that provides a wait staff to do all the selecting and running back and forth for you!

After checking e-mails at the internet café ($85 for 200 minutes), we relaxed poolside in the shade, read cheap novels on our Kindles and took dips in the pool. The deck stewards offered cool towels, cold drinks or cocktails (on Silversea, all beverages are included). For lunch we ate at the poolside grill enjoying grilled Sword Fish and burgers.

Dinner was in the main restaurant. After declining a table directly next to a service station, we were seated at lovely table for two by a window with a sweeping view of the Restaurant…great fun to watch the comings and goings of such an eclectic, well heeled group of guests.

Dinner was perfection…even the sparse European portions worked since every morsel was delicious. The meal began with crab meat and avocado, followed by a fantastic pasta in cream sauce (all pastas are made daily onboard, as one would expect from an Italian owned cruise line). Then a delectably prepared fresh fish of the day with capers in olive oil was followed by a delightful “Butterfly” dessert pudding.

December 5 – Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Visited the Peter Island.…caught their private ferry from Road Town to this beautiful private luxury resort, toured the island, had snapper for lunch and spent the afternoon swimming in Dead Man’s Bay.

Before dinner we stopped for a cocktail at The Bar. A beautifully decorated lounge with aqua blues and dark woods, it is virtually at the center of the ship with the shore excursion desk and reception nearby. The drink was wonderful and so was the music, but we left shortly after “The Trio” started singing selections from the American Songbook with heavy Pilipino accents…yikes! With so many talented Broadway/Cabaret artists available, it mystifies me why cruise lines, especially a luxury company like Silversea, cut corners when it comes to entertainment?

Went to La Terrazza for Italian. What an exquisite treat! Top notch attention, fantastic food and lovely atmosphere. We feasted on the restaurants signature Antipasti “La Terrazza” presented on a bone china tasting dish with no less than nine “tastes”.

Then the Pasta course…on this ship absolute heaven! The menu offers a variety of homemade pastas served with a selection of authentic Italian sauces, one more flavorful than another.  This evening I had the Spaghetti alla Carbonara. Thank goodness the portions were reasonable, because I just could not stop until I had polished it off completely! On subsequent evenings, I reveled in the Pappadelle with Duck Ragout or the herb filled Ravioli in Walnut Sauce.
The main entrée, Veal Escalope prepared in Orange and lemon sauce was perfection!

December 6 – St Martin

Having been to St Martin several times, we chose to stay onboard and enjoy this Luxury seagoing resort.

Had a very healthy breakfast of yogurt with fruit, an egg white omelet and coffee. Then it was off to the upscale fitness center for an hour on the recumbent bicycle. Silversea provides a fridge in the gym, stocked with individual water bottles. There are plenty of fresh towels and ear phones to listen to a selection of workout tapes or watch television.

After our workout, we headed for the pool deck…Which we had practically all to ourselves as most everyone else was off the ship exploring the island. There is nothing like enjoying a “private” pool, a good book and a comfy poolside lounge. Attendants continually offered cold drinks and moist towels to cool down from the Caribbean sun. For lunch we simply enjoyed healthy wraps or turkey burgers (without the bun) at the Pool Grill.

After enjoying a magnificent sunset, we were off to Stars Supper Club where we happily enjoyed some good quality Cabaret and a glorious tasting menu. As we enjoyed a variety of popular songs and music, we were treated to an incredible culinary adventure. Dinner consisted of six courses with each course comprised of a three portion tasting. Service and presentation was a delight and each course was joyful!

After a signature Silversea Margarita (the secret ingredient is a dash of Grand Marnier), we began with a combination of Shrimp & Avocado, Beetroot Gorgonzola and Duck Foie Gras. Next was a selection including a steamed mussel, Quail breast and duck…then a seafood variation including a taste of Red Snapper, Cod and Scallop. A pasta course (with a selection of three different sauces) was followed by just a forkful of three flavorfully prepared meats…lamb, beef tournedos and pork. Dessert consisted of a trio of delightfully prepared sweets…Baby Pear, Cherry Crumble and Chocolate Fondant. Although each item was just a mouthful, we were surprisingly full by the end of the meal. We stayed to enjoy the entertainment, took a walk around the deck in the moonlight then off to bed under those exceptionally plush duvets.

December 7-11

We enjoyed the relaxing shipboard routine so much we never left the ship for the balance of the cruise! Our days consisted of in suite movies, exercise, relaxing days by the pool and trying not to eat too much. We actually ended up not gaining any weight. Including the gym in our daily routine was a great motivator. We went to tea just once and we did not eat between meals or late at night. The Silver Spirit is truly a luxury resort and a destination unto itself. I was truly sad to have to leave her!  Cruising does not get better than Silversea! For more information visit www.Silversea.com

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You may not have looked past Paris’ iconic sights, but its countryside will provide a totally new experience of France. For one, it has miles of well-marked trails that go on and on for thousands of miles. Whether you choose to hike the country’s GR or PR trails, you will certainly be delighted with what they have to offer.

Hiking is especially called for in the Auvergne region where wild and rugged terrain are the walking themes. Idyllic wooden valleys and vast grasslands await, you can even climb up the towering Puy de Sancy if you still have more energy to spare.

The Alps region is also another fantastic hiking destination. Dramatic landscape of snow covered peaks, soaring glaciers and vibrant meadowland are for you to enjoy and savor. There are also the lush valleys and dramatic mountain ranges of the Pyrennes with rich fauna population as an added bonus. Finally, Provence is a must hike for those who revel in the thrills of spectacular gorges or delight in the romance of lavender fields and rolling purple hills.

If you are an avid fan of the Tour de France, you just have to try the world renowned cycle paths for yourself. Imagine following the trail of your favorite athlete and testing how you measure up in this demanding sport’s favorite venu. There are also plenty of mountain biking trails around if you are more into rugged terrain. However, if you are more interested in exploring stunning scenery then you just have to pedal your way around the vineyard-lined roads of Burgundy or the picturesque paths of the Loire Valley.

If you love horses more than you do bicycles, France is still a perfect travel destination for you.  Horseback riding is a popular sport in the country and you can find plenty of places in many towns to practice your skills. If you are sure you can hold your ground on top of the majestic animal, you can then explore the alpine trails of the Rhone Delta, Rhone-Alps or the Pyrenees.

If you don’t care for exploring the country on foot, on a bicycle or a horse, there is nothing wrong with driving around either. You can drive in all directions and not get tired of the changing scenery of charming towns, vibrant cities, stunning countryside and scenic mountain views.

You do not need to travel half way around the world to find the perfect romantic getaway. Hawaii is the perfect place!  Aside from its awesome natural beauty, you also get to enjoy the comfort of staying on US territory and not worry about getting lost in foreign translation while you are there.

For couples who want to experience lush foliage, picturesque mountain scenery and stunning beaches, the island of Kauai is a perfect choice when planning to spend your honeymoon in Hawaii. I recommend you combine a few days here before sailing on an American Safari Hawaii cruise.  Small and intimate with no more than 36 guests, the Safari Explorer sails to quiet beaches away from major commercial tourist areas.  http://www.innerseadiscoveries.com/hawaiian-seascapes

Although Kauai has plenty of beaches to offer, the romantic vibe of Kauai lies outside its sun-kissed coastlines. Go for a drive around the island and get acquainted with charming traditional villages, magnificent waterfalls, gorgeous waterways and breathtaking natural vistas.

Start at the east shore and drive past the residential area of Wailua until you find yourself facing the mighty Wailua River. Go on up Kuamoo Road where you will be treated to the picturesque view of Opaekaa Falls cascading noisily down to the river below. You can then take the winding road nearby and visit the traditional Kamokila Hawaiian Village where you will find plenty to learn about the cultural heritage of the Kauai’s warm and hospitable natives.

If you love to go frolic amidst verdant surroundings, go on up Kuamoo Road and follow the marked trails to the peak of the Sleeping Giant. It is an easy enough hike but the spectacular panorama waiting on top will surely make it one of your favorites. The Keahua Forestry Arboretum at the end of the Kuamoo is also a romantic place to visit where you can just enjoy each others company in natural breath taking surroundings, go swimming or take short hikes while you are there. Of course, the Wailua River is also a wonderful place for adventure where newly weds can enjoy the romantic environment on a kayak or go for a more exciting ride along the rapids on a raft.

Proceed to Kauai’s north shore where dramatic ocean panorama and mountain vistas will welcome you. The Napali Coast is the ultimate destination on Kauai and is where white sand beaches, azure waters and sunny days are yours to enjoy. Also, make sure to visit Kilauea where a gorgeous lighthouse can be explored. The area speaks of romance and makes for a perfect setting for two people in love. There is also the nearby Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge for avid bird and wildlife watchers.

The grassy park area of Anini Beach makes for a great picnic stop. If you feel like getting back to where the action is, stop by Princeville where resort facilities, luxury hotels, exciting nightlife and upscale restaurants can be found. From the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Princeville, you can then visit the iconic Kauai panorama of Hanalei. This vast field of greens, the majestic mountains at the background with waterfalls cascading down and the pristine Hanalei Bay makes for a fun, picturesque and very romantic day trip destination.

For snorkeling enthusiasts, take advantage of the so-called tunnels at Ha’ena Beach Park and its amazing underwater wonderland. Ke’e Beach is also a fantastic snorkeling site but what makes it even more special is the spectacular sunset that fills its sky with dramatic colors when the sun kisses the horizon farewell for the day.

Finally, to cap off your Kauai romantic getaway, drive south and discover the breathtaking Waimea Canyon (often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific). The lookout points from Koke-e State Park are the perfect sites to view this dramatic geological phenomenon. Also, not to be missed is the nearby Kalalau Valley whose lush vegetation, oh’a trees and brightly colored flowers viewed from a vantage point above, make for an unforgettable Kauai experience.

Kauai deserves some time to explore!  A week on the island followed by a week on the Safari Explorer would be the Cruise Gourmet’s ideal Hawaiian getaway!  http://www.gohawaii.com/kauai

As we slowly pulled into Mandraki Harbor, one of the most beautifully preserved Medieval harbors in Europe, I imagined what it must have been like 2250 years ago. Said to be the location of The Colossus of Rhodes, a huge Bronze statue of Helios, the Sun God, it was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world until it was destroyed by an earthquake around 226 BC. For a history of the Colossus with images of what it might have looked like, visit here.

Today, the harbor is home to cruise ships, ferry’s and assorted yachts. It is adjacent to the walled Medieval City of Rhodes(The Old Town), a World Heritage site. Its narrow cobblestone passages and main streets are thriving with shops, restaurants and museums. Wandering thru this beautiful old city is fascinating and requires several days to really appreciate all it has to offer.

Just outside one of the main gates to the Old City is the lovely Rodos Park Suites and Spa Hotel. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World since 1997, this luxury oasis in the center to the city is a pure indulgence. Nearby the old city and a short taxi ride to beautiful beaches just outside the city center, the service, accommodations and dining are all outstanding!

The lobby decor is charming, combining modern with touches reminiscent of the Islands’ ancient origins. The staff and service is excellent and the dining suburb. The suites are spacious with elegantly traditional decor. The pool area is just beautiful and provides a lovely getaway from the bustling old town just steps away. The Spa is full service and provides a variety of relaxation treatments in lovely surroundings.

The Rodos Park has one of the most inviting poolside restaurants of any urban hotel. The Club Sandwich was delicious and the fries were perfection! Dinner was spectacular. The hotel has a wonderful roof top bar and lounge with fantastic views. Upon request, you may dine there…a privilege made available only to guests staying in the hotel. Along with outstanding Greek specialties, the chef’s favorite, grilled salmon in champagne sauce was outstanding! My dessert was a fabulous home made Orange Cake…the recipe of the owners wife. It was so good, I would suggest she seriously consider opening a bakery featuring her favorite dessert recipes!

The Rodos Park Suites and Spa is a lovely place to consider an extended stay on this island of beautiful beaches and incredible history. For more information, visit here.

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