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MSM Online, Traveler

Must-Have Travel Items by Style & Travel Expert Nadja Atwal

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Summer is at the front door and almost everyone is making travel plans. No matter if you target the glamour life at the Cote d’azur, the posh escapes at the Hamptons, the family trip to the Bahamas or the sweet escape to Cabo, Mexico, there is always that question about packing some key essentials. I selected my favorites, some with multiple uses and even life-saving qualities. The sun lotion that can actually save your life in the ocean: One day while I was roaming the net for a family resort in Florida, I stumbled upon a newsflash about the deadliest creature of the sea that also likes to swim the shores of Florida: the box jellyfish. Right away I switched my Google search and investigated jellyfish and other unfriendly sea fellows who like to cause us trouble with painful stings. Jellyfish stings are as common as they are painful and can happen at almost any beach in the world. I was mostly concerned about our little son and so relieved when I found a product that functions as both, a water resistant sun lotion and a jellyfish repellent. My entire family now uses SAFE SEA sun lotion – especially before any dips in the oceans of the world. The smell and texture of the lotion is pleasant and the reviews are terrific. The 5-in-1 hairwonder for “Guess-model“ hair all (beach) day long: Big hair is back, but whether your hair is up or down, especially when on   vacation, we need “stuff” that gets us through long days, wind and sand, sun and humidity. That usually calls for several products. Well, not anymore. The highly anticipated Superteased Hair Spray just launched and no wonder it already found an army of followers among top hair stylists. The creator, Jessie Grewal, a young Canadian entrepreneur, delivered something genius here.. Not only does this product give the most volume and lasting hold I‘ve ever seen, it also functions as a styling mousse, texturizer and dry shampoo! This is my product of the year. Now we all can have the hair of a Guess model …all summer long. The painkiller pill and sunburn emergency treatment in one: Yes, we all know aspirin as a fairly reliable pain reliever when a headache strikes (including a hangover after too many beach bar cocktails) plus it can be a life saver during a heart attack. But few know it’s a true skin saver as well, knocking out mild to medium sunburns! Two aspirins taken with plenty of water right after too much sun, brings the inflammation down. An additional tip is to break up an aspirin in a little water and put it on top of the affected area. I tried it and was stunned by the result. Any aspirin will do, but my favorite is the water dissolving fizz tablet Aspirin C from Bayer, that I always import from Europe. It has the extra portion vitamin c (useful when first cold symptoms arise plus an antioxidant the sundrenched skin appreciates) and it dissolves in just a table spoon of water, it’s perfect for applying on the sunburned skin. The miracle face mask in mini format Dryness and aging are often an unpleasant side affects of all the fun in the sun. Since I was seduced by all the hype and ordered the ultimate anti-aging fleece face mask by HADA LABO TOKYO, I got hooked on it. The fact that they come as single-packed means I can just throw one or two in my cosmetic bag and lose almost no space while giving my skin the treatment of a top spa facial. No wonder it was named “product of the year” by the Consumer Survey of Product Innovation 2015. The tunic for anywhere, anytime I’ll never understand why most swimwear designers deliver the same old deep V– neck tunic style that limits us entirely to wearing it by the pool or beach. Suitcase space needs to be used smartly and I was looking for a summer tunic that can be worn from beach to lunch, lunch to cocktail bar, dinner to party. It was many years ago in St. Tropez that I fell in love with the soft, bohemian style tunics from Poupette. Now they are loved and worn worldwide and I even find them at New York’s No1 it-store Scoop – Impressive! Every season they release a new version of their bestselling off-the-shoulder “wear-it- anywhere” tunic . This summer it ‘s the “Monna Tunic” that sets out to be the must-have. www.poupettestbarth.com Have fun in the sun! Yours, Nadja Atwal

Culinary, MSM Online, Traveler

Summer Cocktails: A Taste of the Caribbean

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By Justina Coronel These sunny summer days offer a great way for drink enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean tropics by using these flavorful recipes. Rebecca Tibbitts is the only female certified wine steward in the Bahamas and is the co-founder of AAA Four-Diamond restaurant Flying Fish. She has offered some cocktail recipes and wine pairings. Her expertise and creativity explore and experiment with multiple flavors bringing unique drink recipes to your taste buds. Pictured above, The Rosemary Infused Lemonade contains:  2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 ounce simple syrup (1 part sugar dissolved into 1 part water) 2 ounce rosemary infused simple syrup (1 part sugar dissolved into 1 part water with fresh rosemary stalk infused into mixture while still hot) 2 ounces water (or club soda) 4 ounces dry, light, unoaked white wine (Albarino or Pinot Grigio) In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients over ice and shake.  Serve entire contents of cocktail shaker in a sugar rimmed glass, garnish with slice of lemon. Some of Rebecca’s favorites include: the Cool Breeze cocktail, which is a mix of coconut vodka, muddled pineapple, and a kick of jalapeno pepper; the Mango Cilantro Margarita is one of the most popular concoctions at Flying fish; and the Bahamian Sunset which is Watlings rum blended with fresh pineapple juice and a local liqueur Nassau Royale. Rebecca also suggests crisp, clean white wines such as a Viognier, Grüner Veltliner, and even Pinot Noir from Oregon or Washington State. These light wines offer grape varieties that are essential for the summer. No need to go to the Caribbean to enjoy these cocktails, simply use these tropical recipes and create yourself your own little paradise.

LIFESTYLE, Luxury, MSM Online, Traveler

Apexluxe Offers a Unique Aquatic Adventure with Dolphins & Sea Lions

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By Justina Coronel There is no better aquatic experience than Apexluxe’s offering of a thrilling marine adventure with playful dolphins and energetic sea lions. It will offer unique, up close and personal encounters with the Atlantic Bottle Nose Dolphins and Sea Lions for an approximate three-hour period. This experience will begin with an educational consultation and information based on the animal’s anatomy and biology. Also, it will give feedback on ocean conservation and thorough descriptions of the interactions. But it’s the connection with these spirited creatures that will leave a splash of lifetime memories. Each swimmer will undergo fast-paced behaviors such as speedy foot pushes and dorsal tows. Foot pushes are when the dolphins push the bottom of your feet and swiftly propel you through the water. Dorsal tows are when guests hold on to the dorsal fins as the dolphin rapidly swims and pulls you along. The swimmers will also participate in powerful bows over hoops and poles. You will get so close to these friendly marine mammals that you will even be able to interact with them in intimate behaviors through handshakes, belly rubs, and kisses. You may also test your ability and skills as a trainer by giving the dolphins learned hand signals. The dolphin trainer directs each dolphin’s swim and guides the dolphins and the humans through a series of amusing and exciting behaviors. A professional photographer will record each unforgettable moment and every action along the watery way. And just like dolphins flip in the air, Apexluxe will offer you, a flipping good time. For more information on Apexluxe and their Unique Experiences, please visit www.apexluxe.com

Digital Edition, The Issue, Traveler

Top U.S. Summer Outdoor Adventures

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By Gisel Habibnejad The world is our playground and it’s waiting to be discovered. So put down your cell phones and gadgets, because the outdoors is calling your name. The U.S. has plenty of hidden gems; all you need is the perfect map to guide you in the right direction. We scoured the country in search of some of the most overlooked destinations in America. What better way to celebrate the beauty of our country than with the great outdoors? THE GORGE & GREEN RIVER ADVENTURES, NORTH CAROLINA Opened in 2006, the youngest destination on our list might also be the most adventurous one. Securing its #12 spot on National Geographic’s Ultimate Adventure Bucket List last year, The Gorge and Green River Adventures, located in Saluda, North Carolina, gives vacationers lots of fun activities to choose from; zip lining and white river rafting are among the many. However, the most unique attraction includes waterfall rappelling. What began as a kayaking staple rapidly turned into a full-blown water adventure park. The 200 foot waterfall will leave you soaked but is sure to give you all the experience you need to fulfill your rappelling skills. You might even be lucky enough to have a helping hand from a salamander that can be seen clinging to the wall. Now, for those interested in zip lining, this attraction has a special treat for you. Home to the steepest and fastest zip line canopy in America, their zip line drops 1,100 feet, landing in the Green River. For more information, please visit www.thegorgeline.com & www.greenriveradventures.com ITHACA, NEW YORK Ithaca, New York has much more to offer beyond Cornell University. It houses beautiful and jawdropping waterfalls with a lovely green backdrop. This destination is comprised of the perfect getaway if you are looking to relax. Waterfalls here come in all shapes and sizes. The beauty of it all is that anywhere you turn, an alluring scenery is waiting to take your breath away. Take long walks, climb hills, or just watch the waterfalls in their majestic setting. The history behind its natural charm comes from ice 15,000 years ago. When the glaciers separated and disappeared, the waterfalls came into existence. The exposed rocks that can be seen all around are actually considered to be evidence of the sea that once covered the landscape half a million years ago. For more information, please visit www.visitithaca.com KARTCHNER CAVERNS, ARIZONA In 1974, local cavers discovered Kartchner Caverns hidden away between Benson and San Pedro River in Arizona. The cave passageways were kept a secret for fourteen years in order to prevent vandalism. The cavers decided the best way to preserve the caves was to make it property of the state park. In 1999, it finally opened to the public. The two main attractions featured here are the Big Room and the Throne Room. The Big Room houses the world record of largest formation of brushite moon milk. For those who are not speleologists, these are pale prismatic, creamy crystals found in limestone caves. The Throne Room contains the world’s longest soda straw stalactites, which are long, thin tubular stalactites that leak water. However, these are blocked where it would normally leak and therefore form stalactites. As for the animal life, thousands of bats nest during the late spring and summer in the Big Room. For more information, please visit www.azstateparks.com WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK, NEW YORK Watkins Glen State Park, located in New York, has been in business since 1924. The park’s center attraction is given to a 400-foot deep gorge which has a stream of waterfalls and rapids running along it. This beautiful sight was caused during the Ice Age by glaciers that deepened and later formed what we see today. Here, visitors can climb the waterfalls from mid-May until November. The park contains three trails that extend along the gorge where you can set up picnics, shop at the gift shop, and adventure through the playground. For more information, please visit www.nysparks.com MENDENHALL, ALASKA The 12-mile long Mendenhall Glacier located in Alaska is able to do something only a few other places in the world can do. This destination allows you to experience every stage of the water cycle at once. The spectacle of it doesn’t end here; the hollow glaciers contain running water while being surrounded by ocean-blue walls and ceilings. Words and photographs will never do justice to such a natural wonder. Visitors can even kayak through the ice caves until they reach the glacier. Then, they can climb over the caves. Unfortunately, this magical destination is rapidly retreating due to global warming. It has been closely monitored since 1942 and since then has decreased in size by 2 miles. For more information, please visit www.beyondak.com From gorges to glaciers, adventure can be explored in our very own backyard – you just have to discover it!

LIFESTYLE, Luxury, MSM Online, Sports, Traveler

Apexluxe Presents a One of Kind Experience at Monaco’s 73rd Grand Prix

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By Justina Coronel Located on France’s Mediterranean coastline, Monaco is a destination known for its yacht-lined harbor, extravagant casinos, rich cultural heritage, and the prestigious Grand Prix motor race. Now, the 73rd Monaco Formula One Grand Prix will take place on May 22nd-24th, 2015, as this exquisite race will maneuver through the narrowing and winding streets of Monte Carlo. This street circuit challenge is widely known and regarded as one of the most demanding races. Monaco Grand Prix is considered to be a gem and the crème de le crème in the F1 crown with its spectacular scenery, alluring social scene, and its historic battles between driving legends dating back for 100 years. And if you are in the need for speed in this picturesque atmosphere, then Apexluxe has an exclusive invitation for you! Apexluxe is known for its reliable and resourceful high-end transportation accompanied with its flawless concierge services and it has provided a unique experience during this lavish event that will make you feel like royalty. It provides a 150-foot private superyacht moored in a prime harbor location with private high-speed water tenders that lead you directly back to the yacht. It offers three days of gourmet hospitality including fine wines, bubbly champagne, and an open premium bar. The Royal Friday Night reception is also included, which is traditionally honored by the presence HSH Prince Albert II and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco, and attracts over 250+ guests, drivers, Hollywood celebrities, Olympians, and models. Don’t worry, you can even have the joy of being the ultimate speed racer by having a “hot lap” on the closed GP circuit while screaming au revoir out the window. After all these offers, you must be cursing sweet nothings. But it’s okay, think to yourself this lyric that Kanye West said, “Excuse my French, but I’m in France.” For more information on Apexluxe & their unique experiences, please visit www.apexluxe.com

Digital Edition, The Issue, Traveler

Top Beaches of the World

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By Dawn Wilson When traveling to the beach, everyone has their ideal image of how they plan on spending their time. Some people may choose to find an isolated beachfront, where they have the beach all to themselves. While others may want to be surrounded by tourists, moving from one water activity to the next. There is certainly no shortage of beaches for which you are able to design the ideal vacation for you and your family. Here are four of the most popular beach destinations in the world. You can decide which one appeals to you the most and begin making plans to visit on your next vacation. COOK ISLANDS Muri Beach in Rarotonga is one of the most popular beach destinations in the world. It is a white sand beach lined with palm trees around the exterior. The beach, with its Pacific Ocean reef, makes it possible to safely swim here. While it is a fairly quiet beach, you will still find some water sports offered, such as, wind and kite surfing. No trip to Cook Islands would be complete without learning a bit about its history. You can do this by visiting one of the islands’ main attractions, the Cook Island Cultural Village. It is situated in a garden setting with water surrounding it, while performances take place on floating stages. Nightly shows, set overwater, explain the Polynesian history and culture. For more information, please visit www.cookislands.travel TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS The most visited beach in Turks and Caicos is definitely Grace Bay Beach in Providencials. There are 12 miles of exquisite white sand beaches to explore. Grace Bay Beach is a rather active beach as it offers a variety of sporting activities, such as diving and deep-sea fishing. A favorite attraction at Grace Bay Beach is the private guided horseback tours of Caicos Corral. It is offered just West of the beach where there are few tourists around. This is great for first time riders because they are able to gallop along at a more comfortable pace, while learning how to ride. Experienced riders go at their own pace, enjoying the scenery while riding along the beachfront. For more information, please visit www.turksandcaicostourism.com BORA BORA, TAHITI Bora Bora’s Lafayette Beach is located on the main island of Tahiti. If you’ve never experienced a black sand beach, you can experience it for the first time at Lafayette Beach. The waters are calm, warm, and inviting. It is usually very quiet and an ideal place for swimming. Huahine Beach has soft white sand with waters of deep, rich blue hues. Many attractions can be found here, as the waters are ideal for snorkeling and other water activities. A must do while visiting Bora Bora is breakfast by canoe. It is more about the presentation than the food. A canoe will arrive to your bungalow, outfitted with lots of exotic flowers, full of delectable pastries, fresh fruits and juices. You are treated like Polynesian royalty. For more information, please visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com SEYCHELLES, AFRICA One stretch of beach where many romantic escapades take place on is Anse Takamaka Beach in Seychelles. It is a pure, unspoiled, white sand beach that beckons romance. The waters are warm and surrounded by lush tropics. Few people are on this beach, which makes it ideal for couples to explore and enjoy. It offers plenty of photo opportunities, as this beach is picture perfect. It is great for long walks and private picnics. If you are up for something interesting to do, after a day at the beach, visit Trois Freres Distillery. This is where the famous Takamaka Rum is produced. You will find out how the various flavors of rum are made while on a rum tasting tour. For more information, please visit www.seychelles.travel

MSM Online, Traveler

Living Out a Fantasy in Tuscany

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By Dawn Wilson If you have ever fantasized about living in a real life Tuscan Village, now you can at Toscana Resort Castelfalfi. Located in the center of Tuscany sits Toscana Resort Castelfalfi. Life in Castelfalfi is something straight out of a fairytale. Here is where you will find an 800-year-old castle with an entire village built around it. In this village resort, the authenticity of Tuscany is preserved because only a small amount of the land is approved for development. While the architecture remains reminiscent of old Tuscany, much of the amenities offered are in keeping with today’s modern society. Toscana Resort is a great place for home base while exploring the Medieval and Renaissance cities that are close by, such as, Siena, Florence and Pisa. It is slated to become a #1 destination for world travelers who want to experience all that this beautiful side of the world has to offer. Currently at Toscana Resort, you will find a 31-room boutique hotel, La Tabaccaia, which was formerly a tobacco factory. It offers all of the modern amenities of a five star hotel, WIFI, en-suite bathroom, LCD televisions with satellite, air conditioning and a mini-bar. Also, available during your time at the resort, you will be able to savor the cuisine of an authentic Tuscan restaurant, Trattoria II Rosmarino, enjoy swimming in the resort style swimming pool, receive spa treatments, shop and take in 18-holes of golf on the mountain course or 9-holes on the Lake course. Imagine doing all of this while living out a childhood fantasy of living in a Tuscan Village. A vacation in Castelfalfi at the Toscana Resort would be a dream that you wouldn’t want to wake up from. It is beyond your imagination. You have to experience it for yourself in order to believe it actually does exist. To make reservations or for more information, please visit http://www.castelfalfi.co.uk

MSM Online, Traveler

St. Lucia: An Island of Unsurpassed Beauty

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By Dawn Wilson The sovereign island country of St. Lucia is situated in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The capital city is Castries, a port of call for many cruise ships. St. Lucia’s, Hewanorra International Airport is one of the two airports in St. Lucia. Once you arrive, the best mode of transportation is by way of taxi. Although English is the dominant language, most St. Lucians speak Patois (French Creole). There are approximately 174,000 people who call it home. St. Lucia offers year-round sub-tropical temperatures, so a break from the cold is possible just about any time of the year. This island has everything from rainforests to Sulphur Springs. If you enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors or you prefer lounging on the beautiful white sand beaches, you can do it in St. Lucia. Although it is not as large as some of the other Caribbean islands, it has just as much to offer, if not more. One of the islands most prestigious, five star boutique resorts is Cap Maison. This incredible resort sits atop a private bluff overlooking the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. The resorts design is a Spanish Caribbean style with colonial furnishings throughout. There are six different suites to choose from during your stay. Some have private rooftop terraces and a pool, while others offer private balconies, pools and a Jacuzzi. It is obvious that close attention was given to the interiors of Cap Maison. Since the resort is not massive, you are able to find those secluded areas of the property that suit your mood, whether you are seeking romance or seclusion. The resort offers many of the standard luxurious you would expect of a five star resort. Cap Maison is a quiet, tranquil resort with exceptional service and the most stunning views imaginable. What more can one ask for?  Photography Courtesy of Cap Maison

LIFESTYLE, Luxury, MSM Online, Traveler

Unique Experiences with Apexluxe & Aurora Trust Foundation

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If you’re seeking for some adventure in your life, or if you consider yourself a flat-out thrill-seeker then Apexluxe has an ideal offer for you! The luxury and logistics company has already made its name in the private transportation world with its charter and executive vehicles services. Now, you can enjoy their Unique Experiences partnered with Aurora Trust Foundation. Explore ancient 2,000-year old Roman shipwrecks. You will adventure through the shipwrecks accompanied by a three men crew in an air-conditioned C Explorer submarine. Only a privileged few will witness such historical evidence, aside from an archaeologist and professional submarine pilot. The accommodations include boarding a luxurious yacht and a lovely on-shore villa. This package is best-suited for those interested in explorations with a luxurious twist. The incredible opportunity is only available for a limited time so be sure to book your spot immediately. For more information, please visit apexluxe.com For questions, please contact mail@apexluxe.com or call (305) 799-1540

The Issue, Traveler

Six Places You Need to Visit in 2015

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By Gisel Habibnejad WHETHER YOU WANT TO TRAVEL OVERSEAS OR STAY WITHIN THE BORDERS, RARE LOCATIONS ARE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED BY YOU. THIS LIST CONTAINS A SPOT FOR THE TROPICAL TOURISTS, CAVE-DIVERS, UNDERWATER-DINERS, BRIDGE EXPLORERS, AND MORE. MAKE 2015 YOUR YEAR OF TRAVEL WITH THESE SIX UNIQUE AND UNDER-THE-RADAR DESTINATIONS! MONT SAINT-MICHEL. Located in Normandy, France, the island is home to ancient monasteries and religious culture. However, the main attraction of the historical landmark is the Mont Saint-Michel castle. The divine monastery was first built on dry land, many centuries ago. The small island, of only 240 acres of land, has a population of 44. Besides the spectacular architectural structure and magnificent details the castle holds, the most unique attraction is the tide that surrounds the castle. The castle offers the beauty of both land and sea; normally surrounded by sand, twice a day, the tide comes in and virtually separates the castle from the mainland to form its own little island. The tides come in quickly, measuring up to 46 feet high! For more information, please visit www.saint-malo-tourisme.com TROLLSTIGEN, NORWAY. If you’re a mountaineer, Trollstigen, Norway is one place you don’t want to overlook. Opened in 1936, Trollstigen, meaning “troll’s footpath,” takes its name from its steep incline of 10% and a 656 ft drop on its highest platform. The breathtaking landscape encourages hike routes with stunning scenery everywhere you turn. You can also make your way through Geiranger Road which takes you through Trollstigen’s mountainside and valleys. For more information, please visit www.visitnorway.com ESPIRITU SANTO, VANUATU. Looking to take a refreshing dip in natural cool waters? The magnificent Blue Holes in Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu are made of fresh, crystal blue waters through layers of limestone and coral. A blue hole can be considered as an inland cave or sinkhole that is naturally-formed with freshwater containing sea life unique to the ocean. Besides the awe-inspiring factors and views of the natural swimming pools and green forest, you will fall in love with the crystal clear water surrounding you. Other activities provided here include: rope swinging, wooden water slide, boardwalk, picnic area and more. For more information, please visit www.espiritusantourism.com ITHAA UNDERSEA RESTAURANT, MALDIVES. The Conrad Hotel, located in the Maldives, features first-class amenities and suites you would expect from a luxury hotel. Still, what sets this lovely resort apart is none other than its underwater restaurant! Prior to this, one could only dream endlessly about such a marvelous experience. Now, visitors can enjoy fine dining at the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. Rightly so, it was rated as “the most beautiful restaurant in the world” by the New York Daily News last year. Diners will relish the view of various species of ocean life (including sharks!) surrounding the restaurant while marveling at the coral gardens within eye sight. On the menu, you’ll find six- course contemporary European cuisine items. For more information, please visit www.conradhotels3.hilton.com CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE, CANADA. At the heart of rain forests filled with evergreens and charming wildlife, you can find the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Located at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in Vancouver, Canada, the bridge leads visitors through the enticing park 230 feet above the Capilano River! Tourists have been exploring through since 1889, but a lot has been added to the park since. The most recent addition, Cliffwalk, allows visitors to walk to the granite cliff just above the Capilano Canyon. Another popular attraction, Treetops Adventure, takes you 100 feet above the ground through 7 suspension bridges! For more information, please visit www.capbridge.com WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES, NEW ZEALAND. Feed your adventurous spirit with a visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand. You may never find these glowworms anywhere else in the world as they are unique to this destination. Enter the two-story cave to view the astounding guiding light provided by thousands of glowworms hanging from the cave ceilings. The cave was formed over 30 million years ago from an earthquake fault creating adornments of limestone crystals, so you can imagine the intense history this alluring cave is filled with! For more information, please visit www.thlonline.com & www.waitomo.com WHENEVER YOU FIND YOURSELF WITH A BAD CASE OF THE “TRAVEL BUG,” DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE UNIQUE TRAVEL SPOTS! Click here to view post on the 2015 March/April issue.  

MSM Online, Traveler

Three Travel Packages to Take Advantage of Now

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By Angela Betancourt The travel theme for the 2015 seems to center around adventure and exploration. While traveling to another country is a worthwhile pursuit, cities around the US are stepping up their game to provide experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Pack your bags and leave your passports at home; there is a lot to experience at these destinations. Scottsdale, Arizona– Scottsdale has a lot to offer travelers, including spa retreats, nature trails, and the Sonoran Desert. Thanks to the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale can now satisfy the need for speed. The resort created the Ferrari Casita Package that offers a half-day rental of a Ferrari California worth $229,000. The package starts at $1,383.88 (including tax). Pompano Beach, Florida- Named one of the top up-and-coming U.S destinations by TripAdvisor, Pompano Beach offers plenty of opportunities for adventures in the sun. The oceanfront  Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa has created a package called Sun, Sand and SiSpa, that includes a 50-minute spa treatment per night and reserved beach chairs and umbrella. The package is available through March 31, 2015. Lake Placid, New York- Lake Placid is known for being a two-time site for the Winter Olympics and the 2000 Winter Goodwill Games. When it comes to winter adventure this city aims for the gold. The Whiteface Lodge created a Winter Games Experience Package that gives guests the opportunity to participate in winter activities including ice-climbing, bobsledding, tubing, speed skating, and downhill skiing. The Winter Games Experience Package is available Dec. 5, 2014 through March 31, 2015. Rates start at $476 per night.

The Issue, Traveler

Rediscovering Las Vegas

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By Angela Betancourt From “Sin City” to a world-class city, Las Vegas has undergone a major transformation over the past several years. It’s embarked on a mission to go beyond its infamous reputation and expand its audience in order to remain one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) announced that in 2013 $3.6 billion was invested into new attractions, amenities, and experiences. The rise of luxury resort hotels, award- winning restaurants, a downtown revitalization, and other revamping initiatives, helped Las Vegas attract nearly 40 million new visitors in 2013. With so many new and exciting things unfolding, Las Vegas craves to be rediscovered. Yes, you can still get caught up in shenanigans, but now is a great time to explore how much more Las Vegas has to offer. It’s hard to top that kind of an experience, but Vegas will welcome you back from the Grand Canyon with a long list of exciting new things yet to be discovered. Catch Wicked at The Smith Center, Sing along at the Britney Spears Concert, or dance the night away at LiFE Nightclub; the possibilities are endless. Getting there It’s never been easier to travel to Las Vegas; especially from South Florida. On October 29th, JetBlue celebrated the launch of its new direct flight from Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) to McCarran International Airport (LAS). The airline celebrated with a cocktail launch party on the 28th at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and charmed passengers with games and giveaways during the inaugural flight.   Where to stay Selecting a hotel in Vegas can be overwhelming. In 2013 the city had 150,593 hotel rooms; a number which grew with the addition of several new hotels. Among those hotels is the Delano Las Vegas which opened in September. Formerly, THEHotel at Mandalay Bay, the Delano Las Vegas is a collaboration between MGM Resorts International and the Morgans Hotel Group; the creators of the Delano South Beach. While there are some South Beach influences, the Delano Las Vegas stands apart by paying homage to the Mohave dessert. Two enormous boulders greet you when you enter the hotel. The lobby is a harmony of warm woods and giant columns draped with white sheers. A rug with a depiction of the Colorado River guides you to the front desk as you pass a suspended rock sculpture by Korean artist Jaehyo Lee. There are 1,117 luxurious room suites, a 14,000 square-foot-spa called The BATHHOUSE, and no casino in sight. The ambiance is zen-like; an escape from the frantic energy found just outside the hotel doors. Culinary Adventure Las Vegas is climbing the culinary ranks at tremendous speed. Delia’s Kitchen in the Delano is a great place to begin a culinary journey around the city. The farm-to-table concept offers scrumptious items like Blue Crab Benedicts made with artisan brie, spinach, and roasted tomato; and the Tuscan Kale made with organic quinoa, Chenel goat cheese, sun-dried cranberries, and walnuts. For coffee lovers, the Delano’s 3940 Coffee and Tea cafe, is the perfect place to grab artisan roast coffees, teas, fresh juices, and specialty drinks like the S’mores Mocha. Continue your culinary journey at Jaleo at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Meaning “revelry,” Jaleo is the creation of famed Chef Jose Andres, the mastermind behind the Bazaar at the SLS Hotel in Miami. He’s evoked the authentic flavors of Spain in an impressive array of tapas and paellas while creating a complete sensory experience. A massive paella grill centerpiece high-jacks your visual focus from the moment you enter. An aromatic symphony of spices dances around the room and the food is vibrant and full of robust flavor. For a more intimate dining experience, head to La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at the Wynn. La Cave’s menu showcases contemporary American cuisine and small-plates created by Chef Billy DeMarco. The dishes were created to harmonize with their extensive wine collection that includes 250 bottles and 50 wines by the glass. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but there are two items that must be ordered: the mushroom grits and the bacon wrapped dates. A ten minute drive from La Cave is Lao Sze Chaun at the Palms Casino Resort. This authentic Chinese restaurant was created by Chicago Chef Tony Hu. Chef Hu brings his success to the Vegas strip with an expansive selection of Chinese dishes. The menu is wonderfully overwhelming with more than 100 beef, chicken, pork and seafood options. When in doubt, start with the dim sum followed by Tony’s Chicken with Three Chili dish. Buddy Valastro, internationally acclaimed chef and reality TV star of the Cake Boss, opened his first Italian Restaurant, Buddy V’s, at the Venetian. The menu offers Italian-American classics from Valastro family heirloom recipes like Grandma’s Meatballs and Nona’s Lasagna Al Forno. With pictures of the Valastro family along the walls, it feels like you’ve stepped into his grandma’s house for a family dinner. You can’t have a culinary adventure in Las Vegas and not go to a buffet. Consider visiting the mother-ship of all buffets at Caesars Palace for brunch. Not only has it been voted best buffet in Las Vegas, Brunch at Bacchanal is a good deal if you love champagne. On Saturdays and Sundays brunch comes with unlimited bubbly. From chicken and waffles to Japanese curry, and everything in between, this buffet is every foodie’s dream come true. Try everything and anything that catches your eye but leave some room for the mouth watering dessert station. Vegas off the strip Some of the best new things in Las Vegas are hap- pening off Las Vegas Boulevard. About 15 minutes north of the strip is Downtown Las Vegas, home to Fremont Street. Fremont Street is the original “strip” from when the city was founded in 1905. Today, part of this historic street has become the Fremont Street Experience, a five-block canopy-covered entertainment district featuring a plethora of new activities and live musical entertainment that co-ex- ists

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