The Best Beaches in the U.S

The Best Beaches in the U.S

Each year, Steve Leatherman (aka Dr.Beach) evaluates America’s seahorse based on criteria like water, safety, and sand quality. This year’s list just came out and I would like to introduce Hawaii’s best beaches and one of my favorite hotels in Hawaii, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach, ranked Hamoa Beach as top 4 best beaches in Hawaii through Conde Nast Traveler. Hamoa Beach has consistently been named one of “Maui’s Best Beaches” by his annual list of top beaches. Located near the little town on Hana on the east side of Maui, Hamoa Beach is also known for many celebrities’ favorite beach. Oprah Winfrey bought over 200 acres right next to Hamoa Beach. To name a few, George Harrison and Chris Christofferson also have made Hana their home. There are several reasons why so many people (including myself) fell in love with Hamoa Beach. Hamoa Beach has beautiful sand, top water quality and most importantly, it’s not crowded. The sand runs into the ocean making swimming easier and the ocean more turquoise. Hamoa Beach is also known for high water quality. Because there is very little development nearby, lack of run off keeps the water clear and clean.

There is another great beach in Hawaii besides Hamoa Beach. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is the number one beach in the 25^th annual Top 10 Beach List, produced by Dr. Beach. Located in the northeastern corner of Oahu in the countryside, Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is often missed by tourists as they cruise through the small village. Waimanalo Bay Beach is Oahu’s longest beach. It is the most perfect beach on the island, providing very clean, perfect sand, and beautiful blue calm water. The water is so azure blue, even on a cloudy day. And guess what? Waimanalo Bay Beach Park was the filming location for Magnum P.I and Baywatch Hawaii. Also one of my favorite authors, James Michener, wrote his noble Hawaii in Waimanalo. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is also the perfect place for the ultimate beach stroll. It is backed by ironwood trees, which provide plenty of shade. When I visited Waimanalo Bay Beach Park last year, I really loved the clean white sand, beautiful aqua waters and mountainous backdrop. Also Waimanalo Bay Beach Park is a picture perfect beach, no Photoshop necessary!

Now you’ve learned Hawaii’s best beaches, let me introduce one of my favorite hotels in Hawaii, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua that you must visit. The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is located on the western edge of Maui near Kapalua Bay, which is situated on 54 lush acres featuring white sand beaches and lava peninsulas.

 I visited The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua with my friends and we really enjoyed recreational activities on land and in the water with the Ambassador team. I personally liked ‘Maunalie Magic’ hiking program, which took about 2-1/2 hours. It was a great opportunity to hear trained hike leader’s knowledge of Hawaii’s natural and cultural history while they interpret the geological formation of the Hawaiian Islands. The Ambassador also customize exciting and unique day and evening activities for children ages five and up (ex. Environmental exploration and cultural discovery).

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua also offers two 18-hole golf experiences, each with distinct character, challenges and incredible views! The resort’s golf course has been recognized in America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses and ranked #1 in Hawaii by Golf Digest. I made an appointment at the Kapalua Golf Academy, Hawaii’s most complete state of the art golf school, and learned from a staff of award-winning PGA Professional instructor. The Kapalua Golf Academy included complete short game practice areas including bunkers, putting, chipping and 85,000 square feet of grass teeing area with ocean views. The staff was professional and it was perfect for all ages and ability levels. TIPS: Juniors 17 and under learn for free when taking private instruction along with a paying adult!

I also loved one of the most luxurious Maui spas, The Ritz-Carlton Spa. The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua offers a variety of treatments and therapies based on native Hawaiian healing traditions and the potent plants, flowers, fruits and herbs abundant in Hawaii. TIPS: I recommend The Ritz-Carlton Spa’s private couples’ cabanas for newly couples!

Whether you are searching for gleaming white sands, turquoise waters or the best surf, Hamoa Beach and Waimanalo Bay Beach Park have something for everyone. Escape to paradise Hawaii and The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua hotel. 

For 2015 Virtuoso Rate Includes:

For 2015 - 2016

o   Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

o   Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests

o   (served in the Terrace Restaurant)

o   $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit,

o   to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

o   Early check-in/late check-out

o   subject to availability

·         

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

·        

Philippine’s Palawan Island and Amanpulo

‘Visiting the Most Beautiful Island in the World’

Philippine’s Palawan Island and Amanpulo

Philippine’s Palawan claimed top spot based on over 76,000 votes in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2014 and ranked as #1, The Most Beautiful Island in the World in 2015. Philippine’s Palawan Island was also once named as the best islands in the world by National Geographic Traveler. Let me explain why so many travellers voted the little Philippines outcrop of Palawan as the most exotic island on Earth!

Palawan is a slice of heaven, an island that boasts crystal clear water, incredible beaches. Palawan Island is also UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a silver of an island that teems with exotic wildlife, quaint fishing villages and home to some of the best locations for snorkeling and diving.

Luckily, getting Philippine’s Palawan Island is not too difficult by air. Due to increasing access to Amanpulo, Phillippine Airlines has now launched direct flights between London and Manila five times a week.

“…when the plane lands I heave a sigh of relief and gasp at the same time. Belinda Carlyle was right: heaven is a place on earth” by Lifestyle, Hong Kong

This quote explains how I felt when I first visited Amanpulo, which is situated in the north of the Philippiine province of Palawan. In order to explore different sides of the Philippines, Amanpulo offers a variety of activities that capture the beauty of this island.

Amanpulo ranked #1 The World’s Best Top Overseas Holiday Hotels by Conde Nast Traveller. Since Philippine is considered the perfect location for snorkeling and diving, Amanpulo offers exiting and fun activities for everyone.

I really liked Amanpulo’s scuba diving program, which was two-hour introduction program. I highly recommend to anyone who is willing to try. This program included a short safety briefing, a shallow-water session and one open water dive. I was able to see a variety of completely different fish, sharks, coral and much more. Including myself, it was the perfect program for beginners to enjoy their first dive in safety.

My second favorite was Amanpulo’s turtle hatching program. Every year from March until October, females come up to the beach at night to lay their eggs. To assist in protecting this endangered species, Amanpulo staff monitors the laying process. Whenever baby turtles are hatching, Amanpulo’s guests are invited to watch the release of the baby turtles into the sea (Kids love this too!)

Also the hotel provided snorkeling kits so I could swim and meet all those beautiful fish and giant turtles! (If you are lucky, you might even see a turtle swimming around the colorful coral reefs!)

Amanpulo is also a perfect location for family vacation. Amanpulo offers arts and crafts at the Kids Club and provides exciting activities for children as well, such as pizza making, herb planting, tree planting, and so much more.

Overall, Amanpulo was inarguably the most beautiful island resort. You must visit Amanpulo and Philippine’s Palawan Island if you have not been here or want to travel somewhere extraordinary beautiful.

For 2015 Virtuoso Rate Includes:

*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

*   Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests

* A complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people per room, 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, Jamie@classictravel.com  and she will help create a personalized and fun-filled itinerary for your next trip. 

Costa Rica, Home of Natural Paradise

Best Places to Visit This Summer

Costa Rica, Home of Natural Paradise

Conde Nast Traveler introduced 10 destinations that offer great weather, value, food and culture. If you are looking for lovely tropical beaches, grandest adventures, wonders of nature, Costa Rica is the perfect travel destination. The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo hotel & resort in Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica will make your vacation even more memorable.

Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica stands out for its variety of aquatic ecosystems and its beautiful white and black sand beaches, providing an ideal setting for activities such as sport fishing, sun bathing, and snorkeling. Costa Rica, home of natural paradises, has created a perfect combination between these environments and adequate infrastructures, for health and fitness enthusiasts.

Costa Rica offers all the necessary components of an ideal vacation. Costa Rica is also a land of volcanoes, rain forest, waterfalls, and rivers. Adventure travelers can choose from a variety of activities such as rafting, snorkeling, kayaking, sport fishing, surfing and lots more. Costa Rica is now very convenient for a quick vacation, thanks to a state-of-the-art airport terminal at Liberia and new resorts like the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo. Airlines are even offering more nonstop to the Guanacaste region on the Pacific Ocean; JetBlue added flights from Boston in 2014, in addition to its New York/JFK route, and this year Southwest announced its own new route to Liberia from Baltimore.

The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is surrounded by natural and cultural richness and offers a wide variety of experiences. I spent the afternoon at the family pool, and relaxed at dusk with one of The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo’s signature spa treatments. Designed for family relaxation, the family pool was the perfect place for a sunny afternoon adventure. But I personally liked The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo’s adult only pool better. Adults only pool offered incredible views of the coastal mountains and delicious poolside service, which made the perfect retreat for relaxation, serenity, and rejuvenation.

I also enjoyed some light fare at Rio Bhongo restaurant. I had fresh wraps, homemade breads, pastries and desserts, made with Costa Rica’s locally sourced ingredients. My favorite part was the live Latin music. I loved the sunset with Latin music and had a great time listening the best local live bands at The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo.

Overall, I tremendously enjoyed The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo. From the moment I stepped onto the property until the moment I left, the staff at this resort took care of all details concerning my stay. The rooms were incredible with a big terrace and beautiful views. Once again, the adult pool was great to find some quiet space. PLUS, I also enjoyed watching monkeys climbing around the trees!

Are you looking for lovely tropical beaches, grandest adventures, wonders of nature travel destination? Conde Nast Travler and I recommend Cost Rica and The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo for your summer retreat vacation.

Book with classictravel.com/Jamie and receive exclusive offers.

For 2015 Virtuoso Rate Includes:

*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

*   Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests

*   $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit,  to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

*   Early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability)

  

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

Fairmont Southampton

Fairmont Southampton

“You go to heaven if you want- I’d rather stay here in Bermuda” by Mark Twain. I couldn’t agree more. The first week of August is coming and if you are still having a hard time choosing the perfect summer vacation spot, you can read my journey to Bermuda and Fairmont Southampton and see why I fell in love with Bermuda and Fairmont Southampton.

I hopped to Bermuda for a long weekend stay at the Fairmont Southampton with my family. What I like the most about Bermuda is its convenient location. Bermuda is only a short flight from NY, under 2 hours and Fairmont Southampton is located about 25 minutes from the airport. Fairmont Southampton is located on Bermuda’s stunning south shore with miles of pink and sand beaches. I believe Fairmont Southampton is the only one that truly stands out in terms of luxury and this is why I visit Fairmont Southampton every year. Fairmont Southampton is also a great family vacation spot because Fairmont Southampton offers every family members endless possibilities for recreation and relaxation.

There are activities for kids at the hotels as well as golf for adults. Fairmont Southampton provides unparalleled amenities throughout the entire property, such as movies on the beach, bingo, music at the dock, games, ping pong, children’s programs, and so much more.

One of my favorite parts is Fairmont Southampton’s private beach. The Fairmont Private Beach Club is situated on one of Bermuda’s finest beaches, a secluded private cove with impossibly pink sand. There’s nothing you really need to bring to the beach because Fairmont Southampton provides almost everything you need, including sun shade wheelchair with umbrella, towels, lockers, dive shop, great restaurants (a refreshing line-up cocktails from Ocean Club Restaurant & Terrace Bar is a must!). You can conveniently take Fairmont Southampton’s shuttles to the beach (comes every 5 minutes) and it is only a two minute ride from the top of the resort.

I also really enjoyed Fairmont Southampton's The Resort Pool (outdoor heated pool), which features a hot tub and a kiddie splash pool with mini water slide. The resort pool is steps away from The Fairmont Southampton Beach Club and I’m sure this will make you a lovely afternoon walk. The resort pool is open 24 hours a day and you can also rent the Orbit Loungers for a private & relaxing resort pool experience. (Helpful TIPS: there are no lifeguards on duty at the Fairmont Private beach, the resort pool so please exercise caution while swimming!)

Fairmont Southampton also provides different activities, such as tennis, diving, water sports, business services, and much more. If you are a water sports lover, I also encourage you to explore the Bermuda waters and pristine coastline by jet ski or private boat. I hired a private boat with my friends for a half day excursion and it was a great experience. Fairmont Southampton’s Bermuda private boat rental provided shaded area under canopy, cooler with ice, 1 tank of fuel, 4 sets snorkel gear, noodle swimming floats, and more.

If someone asks what is it about Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda that draws me back every year, I would say Bermuda’s beautiful beaches, crystal clean water, pink sand and Fairmont Southampton’s excellent facilities, amenities, friendly staffs and its convenient location. The first week of August is near and if you are still having a hard time choosing the perfect summer vacation spot, now you know where to go! You will fall in love with Bermuda.

If you book through classictravel.com/Jamie, you will receive exclusive Virtuoso amenities and Fairmont Southampton’s summer promotion!

<Fairmont Southampton 2015 Summer Promotion>

*20% off rates
*Receive an extra $150 Resort Credit (along with your Virtuoso amenities)

 For 2015 Virtuoso Rate Includes:

*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

*   Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests

*   $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit,  to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

*   Early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability)

  

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

The Most Scenic Islands in Italy, Ischia

 Introducing Ischia, one of the most scenic Islands in Italy. Conde Nast Traveler recently ranked Ischia as 2^nd most scenic islands in Italy. Ischia may be less popular than Capri, but it’s also less crowded and offers much better beaches. It has a permanent population of approximately 58,000 and up to 6 million tourists. Ischia is an excellent island for everyone, providing a perfect spot for beaches, shopping and many historic sites to visit. It is situated in the hills above the sea and is nestled in a great private location.

Ischia is a volcanic island and many tourists enjoy the health benefits of its hot springs and volcanic mud. Ischia offers many different reasons to visit. Ischia is a great choice for spa vacations and for those who are interested in wellness. For the natural lovers, I recommend hiking to Mount Epomeo or visiting botanical garden. Also there are different museums or modern art galleries (If interested, please check UPCOMING EVENTS below). Last but not least, Ischia has beautiful beaches around the island. The best time for the travelers to visit Ischia is from April to October and is also a safe destination, even for women travelling alone.

*UPCOMING EVENTS*: There is a special festival even going on between August and September, called Settembre sul Sagarato. This is a festival held every year since 1988 in the village of Piazzale Battistessa, opposite the Church of San Pietro. The festival lasts for two weeks and is filled with painting exhibitions, parades of traditional costumes; wine tasting, fagiolate (bean stew tasting), concerts and shows;

Now, let me introduce Mezzatorre Resort & Spa. It is a five star resort set like a gem between the sky and the sea of Ischia on the northwestern side of the islands of Ischia, at the end of the San Montano Bay. Surrounded by seven hectares of pine wood and perched on a bluff above the sea, Mezzatorre Resort & Spa is is near the town centre of Lacco Ameno.

Mezzatorre Resort & Spa features 45 rooms and 12 suites with beautiful furnishing and modern amenities. From the hotel, guests can enjoy beautiful views from the Epomeo Mount up to the Vesuvio volcano. Mezzatorre Resort & Spa also provides swimming in the ocean, and offers many options with amazing view and privacy. I personally loved the heated seawater pool, which is set above the sea. There is also an excellent pool terrace lunchtime venue that provides excellent seafood with good local wines. 

The cuisine of Ischia by chef Giuseappe D'Abunto is top notch and provides a perfect blend of sea and land flavors. Mezzatorre Resort & Spa offers many signature local or Italian dishes; One of the most appreciated (also one of my favorite) is "Thick spaghetti with sea-urchins". Executive Chef Giuseppe D'Abundo is one of the main reasons for guests to come back to Mezzatorre. 

 Here comes my favorite part of this hotel! If you want to benefit from the well-known thermal water and muds of the island, Mezzatorre Resort & Spa’s Health & Beauty Center is a must. According to the general manager of Mezzatorre Resort & Spa, its philosophy is “Nourish your body, nourish your soul!”. They offer guests the possibility to nourish their body by means of the different health & wellness programs of their thermal spa, which prevent or cure diseases. Its offering of treatments is inspired by the salus per aquam philosophy. All the treatments provided the use therapeutic thermal water flowing at 45° from the hotel’s private spring. The treatments include mud therapy, balneotheraphy, anti-stress massages, and anti-aging facials. Guests (also one of my favorites) love the open-air massages sessions performed in the cozy gazebos with a sea view.

If you are looking for magical atmosphere, stunning setting with breathtaking views in Italy, I highly recommend Mezzatorre Resort & Spa. Mezzatorre Resort & Spa provides beautiful location with a very relaxed yet luxurious travel destination.

For 2015 Virtuoso Rate Includes:

*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

*Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests

*A complimentary 4-course dinner for two people

*With a minimum 3 night stay guests also receive: One Themal water treatment in pool per person (value 50 EUR)

*Early check-in/late check-out

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

Mezzatorre Resort and Spa

Fairmont Princess Bermuda

Have you even been to Bermuda? Bermuda is one of my favorite summer vacation spots and it has been a favorable destination for generations of travellers. Bermuda is known around the world for beautiful pink sand beaches, world-class golf, clean water, and warm, friendly people. Bermuda has appointed as the home of the 2017 America’s Cup and this is an exciting announcement for both Fairmont Princess Bermuda and Bermuda.

 Looking for travel destinations for honeymoons or family trips this summer? Bermuda is the perfect place and I HIGHLY recommend Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

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I recently visited Hamilton Princess & Beach Club a few weeks ago and I’m still in love with Bermuda and Hamilton Princess & Beach Club hotel. I was excited to visit Hamilton Princess & Beach Club after its major renovation. According to general manager of Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, this renovation project is the most exciting in the 130-year history of the hotel. The extensiveness of Hamilton Princess & Beach Club’s $90 million dollar renovation has upgraded Hamilton Princess & Beach Club’s guests/suites rooms and opened new private beach club (only accessible to their guests) and a famous restaurant, Marcus’, owned by a celebrity chef, Marcus Samuelsson.

 The renovation of the 88 guest rooms and suits include all new furniture, fixtures and equipment, and upgraded wireless Internet and audio visual features. If you are an art lover, you will also enjoy Fairmont Princess Bermuda’s new quick art tour of some original work by Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Mandela and others.

 Hamilton Princess & Beach Club guests will also experience the Princess Beach Club on the island’s dramatic South Shore where they can lounge, swim, and snorkel.  It is a great addition and is accessible in about 15 minutes by luxury shuttle vans that run every half hour to provide easy access to the beach club.

What I enjoyed the most while staying in Hamilton Princess & Beach Club was Marcus Samuelsson’s new signature restaurant, Marcus’. As a famous restaurant owner in Harlem, Red Rooster Harlem, Marcus is an internationally acclaimed chef who has thrilled the food scene with a blend of culture and artistic excellent. Amused by Bermuda’s beautiful nature and pink sand beaches, he recently opened another restaurant, last May 27, 2015, Marcus’. Located in the former Gazebo Room, the restaurant features an open kitchen complete with wood burning barbeque pit, a central bar, and a new 1,500 square foot outdoor terrace overlooking the hotel’s marina. The menu reflects Chef Samuelsson’s signature international style while incorporating the favors and culture of Bermuda. Marcus’ is a must try if you are in Bermuda!

What I also love about Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is its convenient location. Bermuda is only 90-minute flight from NY and Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is conveniently located within walking distance to downtown Hamilton, the ferry dock and bus station. So the location makes it easy to explore the city and dine at many of the great restaurants.

If I were to return to Bermuda, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club would be my number one choice. I loved the infinity pool, new private beach club, Marcus’, and their friendly staffs. Life is good in Bermuda! If you book with classictravel.com/Jamie, you will receive special exclusive offers, including specialized gifts, welcoming letters, and so much more!

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.

For 2015 Virtuoso Rate includes:

- Upgrade on arrival

- Daily full breakfast for two in restaurant

- $100 USD Hotel credit

- Early check-in/late check-out



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