Amanoi

Amanoi, also known as peaceful place in Sanskirt, really lives up to its name as this beach-side resort in Vietnam takes into consideration of your need for tranquility, calmness, and privacy. The Amanoi is well-situated among many different attractions; it is placed perfectly between the hectic yet lively city and the natural wilderness/reserves of Vietnam. The resort is located on a high level point of the Nui Chua National Park, which overlooks the Vinh Hy Bay (one of Vietnam's four most beautiful bays) that is surrounded by unique rock formations. The Amanoi is very easy to get to from the airport for both domestic and international travelers, as it is in close distance from Nha Trang Airport - round trip private transfers are included in The Amanoi's rates! Keep in mind, Amanoi is huge and there are no cars in the resort, but guests have unlimited access around the property grounds by a golf cart, which can be ready for you with one simple call. Guests are able to enjoy full privacy with accommodations that are not split by walls, but by individual pavilions.

The Central Pavilion is not an accommodation; rather it is an inspired traditional Vietnamese communal hall, where guests will walk up the steps upon check-in and be blown away by a panoramic view of the sea and coastline when they reach the top. It is an expansive terrace that occupies the hilltop and houses the Restaurant as well as the Bar. Next to the Central Pavilion is a Cliff Pool, one of two exquisite swimming pools in Amanoi, whereas the second pool is located at the Beach Club, which overlooks the white-sand beach and offers dining and lounging areas.

The Amanoi offers 31 Pavilions throughout the resort, a number of them that have private swimming pools, as well as five Aman Villas, which are all positioned on the hillside with their own impressive views of Vietnam. All accommodations are in line with a similar decor, encompassing contemporary elegance with traditional Vietnamese architectural styles that bring you closer to the culture. Each accommodation have views of either the Nui Chua National Park, the lake on Amanoi property, or the Vinh Hy Bay and the East Sea.

All 31 Pavilions in the resort have an identical layout and design, with a combined living and sleeping area with a king-sized bed, a timber sundeck with sun loungers, an LCD TV with international channels, as well as a mini-bar and an espresso machine. Although the design may be the same, there are four different types of Pavilions that you can choose from: the Pavilion, Pool Pavilion, Ocean Pavilion, and the Ocean Pool Pavilion.

The Pavilion offers a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains or lake whereas the Pool Pavilion is an updated version of the Pavilion, as it gives a similar sight, but is accompanied by your own private swimming pool that are real infinity pools heated with underwater lighting for late night swimming. The Ocean Pavilion gives an expansive view of the Vinh Hy Bay and the East Sea, and the Ocean Pool Pavilion offers the same alongside private swimming pools.
All Pavilions consists of pocket doors on both sides into the walls that can be pushed open for a better and clearer view of the National Park, the lake, and the Vinh Hy Bay.

The Aman Villa is a four or five bedroom with large living and dining pavilions, a large private swimming pool, and a live-in housekeeper and cook who will prepare any Vietnamese or Western cuisine dishes that you desire.

At the Amanoi, you will not only be immersed by the natural breathtaking views of Vietnam's nature, but also by the engaging activities that the resort has to offer. The Nui Chua National Park, awarded the national park status in 2003, is a huge asset to the Amanoi as it offers a number of different ecosystems. The Park is home to at least 1,500 plant species, 160 bird species, and 60 mammal species as well as some endangered species. Once you step foot into the Park, you will be amazed at the grand scenery - a typical tropical forest with streams carving their way through ravines, and rocky outcrops surrounded by vegetation. The Amanoi can generously arrange guides, picnics, and necessary transport throughout the National Park. Guests are also welcome to go snorkeling in calm, clear waters in the coral reefs of the East Sea, home to a myriad of tropical fish, as well as kayaking through Vinh Hy Bay.

There is honestly no better way to wake up and start your day than with a tranquil view of Vietnam's natural preserves with a cup of hot coffee at the Amanoi.

<For 2015, Virtuoso Rate Includes>:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests served in the restaurant
• A complimentary lunch for up to two people once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities 
• Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

For any additional information, visit classictravel.com, or please inquire Jamie Yoo, and she will help create a personalized and fun-filled itinerary for your next trip.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

As summer is nearing by, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa welcomes all who are in dire need of the sun, warmth, and tranquility, and a place to unwind after a hectic, busy winter. Located gently on Kauai's sunny south shore, the resort points you straight to paradise.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa consists of 602 renovated guestrooms, 37 that are suites and an exclusive Grand Room as their suitable accommodations. Each guest room in the resort are committed to environmental conservation, which exploits a natural elegance feel, consistent to the vibe throughout the resort. The guest rooms are built in a classic Hawaiian style, featuring rich mahogany furniture along with a flavorful and tropical decor. The Hawaiian theme truly follows you everywhere you go, whether you're outside roaming around the resort or when you come into your room at the end of the day. The resort is the number one choice, and is perfect for all guests, as it complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act by featuring several rooms that are convenient for people with or without disabilities. For an extra and more personalized accommodation with the Grand Hyatt Kauai, the resort's Grand Club is a private lounge that serves complimentary Continental breakfast by day and hors d'oeuvres at night. The Grand Club caters to your personal and specific wants and needs by personalizing them to the fullest.

Snuggled between the Haupu Mountain and the Pacific, the Poipu Bay Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course on 210 oceanfront acres that was designed by a nature designer, Robert Trent Jones Jr. This 18-hole golf course consists of 85 bunkers and five water hazards - a course that was even a high challenge for professional golfers who participated in the PGA Grand Slam of Golf (which the Poipu Bay Golf Course hosted from 1994-2006. The challenging yet intriguing course itself is not the only thing that attracts so many players. The scenic backdrop that surrounds the golf course - from the lush, emerald mountains to the rolling plateaus carefully sculpted above the Pacific Ocean, Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed this course around historical attractions of Hawaii. The Poipu Bay Golf Course wraps around several ancient Hawaiian heiau, places of worship, handmade stone walls, and cultural treasures that are constantly protected and maintained by Poipu Bay staff. Players who wish to play on the golf course will also receive amenities that are special only to the Poipu Bay Golf Course:

• In-cart satellite navigation system that tells the exact distance to the hole and pin placement, shows graphic depictions of each hole and the course layout, course rules and pro tips
• Citrus-scented chilled towels
• Daily clinics and video instruction
• Group tournaments
• Youth programs
• Poipu Bay Clubhouse - perfect for a quick stop for breakfast or lunch
• Golf shop with full line of Poipu Bay Logo wear
• Golf club rentals
• Club storage and locker facilities

The golf course invites golf players to play, learn, and indulge in Hawaiian culture.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa hosts events from professional and business meetings to social events, catering, and weddings; however, the resort is known for specializing in weddings. The Grand Hyatt Kauai assures that they will be with the bride and groom every step of the way, and makes sure that the burden is off of you, and onto them. Following your wedding ceremony at the resort, the hotel also offers a Grand Hyatt Kauai Honeymoon Package with the following amenities:

• A bottle of sparkling wine, compliments of the resort
• One day complimentary use of your own poolside cabana
• 15% off Anara Spa's Couples Treatments
• Complimentary dessert with your dinner at Tidepools or Dondero's

Whether it be for a wedding, honeymoon vacation, family getaway, or for a golf paradise, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is waiting to give what they can in return!

<For 2015, Virtuoso Rates Includes>:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
• Evening appetizer Seaview Terrace once during stay
• Complimentary daily spa access for 2 ($60 value per day)
• Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

For any additional information, visit classictravel.com, or please inquire Jamie Yoo, and she will help create a personalized and fun-filled itinerary for your next trip.

CASA DE CAMPO

Earlier this March, I had the luxury to spend a 4 nights 5 days vacation at the best all-inclusive resort hotel just off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. Since Casa de Campo is a resort, I wasn't expecting just a simple property hotel with a few services here and there, and I certainly knew that the property was going to be big. However, right when I got to the resort, I was surprised to see the actual layout of this resort. Casa de Campo was huge, it was bigger than any resort I've ever seen.

As I was checking in to my suite, the front desk handed me a key to a cart - one similar to a golf cart - for me to use and ride as a transportation service throughout my stay at the resort. This cart was bigger, fancier, and ran on electric. The cart was useful throughout my whole stay as I was able to place a lot of my luggage in the back trunk of the cart. A resort so huge that they rent you a complimentary golf cart to ride your way around the property?- Of course!

At the Casa de Campo, I stayed in the Elite Suite, which I booked through the Casa de Campo Resort Complete Supplement package. Luckily the Elite Suite gave an astounding view of the famous golf course, Teeth of The Dog. With the Complete Supplement package, every restaurant in the resort as well as drinks at its bars were complimentary, which I definitely took advantage of. Food, drinks, along with resort activities such as horseback riding, tennis, skeet shooting, and water sports were all included in this package as well (you can also enjoy the view of the Teeth of The Dog course at Lago Grill, a traditional Dominican buffet-style breakfast cuisine with performances from live bands). When it comes to resorts, most people generally stay inside the perimeters of the property but occasionally like to scope out what's around the resort as well. However, the sporty person that I am, I found myself at the shooting club, taking horseback riding lessons, and polo game watching. Although the golf courses are not included in the Complete Supplement package, they are an absolute must-go.

The Teeth of The Dog golf course is ranked as #1 in the Caribbean and 43rd in the top 100 courses worldwide. This golf course is as difficult and intricate as it gets. The Teeth of The Dog includes devilish dogleg shots and signature Dye obstacles. I even found myself on this exact golf course for a good chunk of my stay. The beach and the resort's collection of villas add to the already beautiful landscape. Even if you're not a golf person, or you're a beginner, I highly recommend at least stepping foot into the golf course- even if it is to enjoy the scenery.

I don't know about you, but for me, when it comes to vacations one of the first things I do is go restaurant hunting. I search for all the must eats, which then leads me to the must go restaurants around the area, then I read the reviews. However, since the Complete Supplement package gave me access to all the restaurants in the resort, I decided to fill up my taste with as many different cuisines as I could.

The first restaurant I stopped by at was La Piazzetta, a traditional Italian restaurant situated in Altos de Chavon. Altos de Chavon is a 16th century replica of a Mediterranean village that features its own amphitheatre, museum, restaurants/bars, The School of Design, and St. Stanislaus Church. As you walk through this town, you'll be able to submerge yourself into a different era in a different town. (Andrea Bocelli will be hosting a concert in this town during April!)

The second restaurant I went to was La Casita, a Spanish tapas restaurant located in La Marina. If you like to have your food with an amazing view, definitely visit La Casita since you have the option to dine in their waterfront seating area, or in the al fresco structure overlooking the Marina. I would recommend getting a seat a little early so that you can watch the sunset pass behind the yachts, through the Marina.

Another restaurant I thought was a must go is The Beach Club by Le Cirque. The Beach Club is a restaurant located right on the Minitas Beach with a full out beach theme- palm and coconut trees, straw huts, the ground floor as sand, and beach chairs. There's honestly no better place to enjoy your lunch and/or dinner with the feel of the tropical breeze and a breathtaking, up-and-close view of a beach.

The Coco Mar, along the Minitas Beach is a Caribbean bar that is just as popular as The Beach Club. Make sure to check out the Coco Mar, and stop by the resort lobby bar as they host events almost every night, filled with live music and jazz.
The bar inside the resort's swimming pool is also an option for anyone who wants a little extra to their normal routine in the pool!

The Casa de Campo is also well known for its private and hotel owned villas. The villas are categorized into three sections: the Classic Villas, Exclusive Villas, and Oceanfront Villas. These villas are separated into the number of rooms that they house; however, each villa has features that are unique to its own. I had the privilege to get a tour of some of the hotel owned villas in the resort, and I have to say- I would definitely buy one...if only. Every villa has its own individual architect, which means that the architectural designs are different and special in its own way as well. I visited the Villa Bambu, the Villa Vogue, and the Villa Infinidad. The Villa Bambu and the Villa Vogue are both Exclusive Villas with 4 and 5 bedrooms, respectively.

The Villa Bambu is a one-story villa with four bedrooms. This Villa is more on the sophisticated and modern style- the architecture and interior come from those of interior design magazines, while also utilizing natural materials such as real bamboo, wood, and stone.

The Villa Vogue is also a one-story villa with five bedrooms. The Villa Vogue is also modern, with a hint of Asian influence embedded in its architecture and design.

The Villa Infinidad is an ocean-front four bedroom villa that soaks up the amazing view of the beach.

Sure, these villas add a specific feature to the resort as a whole, but they also have a widely known reputation for housing and hosting some important figures in the entertainment industry. One of the villas of Casa de Campo was filmed on the show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Michael Jordan was also a guest who definitely enjoyed his stay at one of the villas.

The Casa de Campo attracts not only families, but also leisure travelers who come as couples or groups that want to have fun during their vacation. This resort is great for all travelers who like to be active and want to be engaged in their favorite sports- or even sports that they may not have the chance to enjoy on a regular basis. The Casa de Campo certainly deserves five stars for its impeccable service, warm welcomes, and attention to details, despite the fact that it is an all-inclusive resort. Even without the Complete Supplement package, guests can receive Virtuoso benefits that are comparable with the ones offered in the package, by booking through classictravel.com.

<For 2015, Virtuoso Rate Includes>:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability from Elite Patio to Elite Balcony
• Buffet breakfast for up to two in-room guests daily
• $100 USD Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay
• $200 USD Spa Credit for Inclusive Reservations
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Now what better way to spend a short and/or long vacation with The Casa de Campo- a resort that goes to far extents to ensure that their guests are content and satisfied, to the point that it also offers private transfers via a heliport to and from the resort?

For any additional information, visit classictravel.com, or please inquire Jamie Yoo, and she will help create a personalized and fun-filled itinerary for your next trip.