Le Meridien Bora Bora



       Discover The World: We're in need of some fun in the sun to escape this bitterly cold weather we've been having.. even if it's only through a photo. No better time to dive in and discover Bora Bora's beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and warm climates! Don't you you wish you were in one of those bungalows right now!?

     

Airlines that provide special perks for kids at no extra charge.  Unfortunately only one US airline made the list.

  Jet Blue airline offers kids an activity reading kid developed with PBS

 - El Al Israel Airlines goes all out with activity books for kids; special children's meals at no extra charge on flights between New York and Israel; summer and holiday discounted fares for children traveling with two adults; and, also in summer and during holidays, an onboard clown who performs magic tricks and skits.

- German carrier Air Berlin provides first-row cots on flights of 90 minutes or more and supplies bags with diapers, baby bottles and bibs. On long flights, the in-flight entertainment system includes cartoons and audio programs, and special children's meals are served free of charge.

- The United Arab Emirates national airline, Etihad,Airways offers passengers in first and business classes lounges in a number of its airports (Abu Dhabi, London, Dublin and Manchester, England) special family rooms. In the Abu Dhabi lounges, nannies take care of the kids.

Gulf Air, Bahrain's flag carrier, does Etihad one better by offering a free Sky Nanny service.

Virgin Atlantic dispenses backpacks to kids that contain a book, a Virgin Atlantic baseball cap, a digital watch, candy and a coloring pen. There's also kid-dedicated entertainment programming on board.

Highlights of Paris




The twin towers of Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral beckons in the background as a tour boat passes by

Contrary to the popular classic Coke Porter song Paris does'nt only sizzle in the summer, but after this long harsh winter that has blanketed this part of Europe, this summer is going to be a welcome treat for Parisians and for all of us who loves this city,  Whether its for a weekend tryst, a month long vacation or what ever reason you are in this city I have the skinny on some of the things that are gleaming in this city of lights.
For fine Arts lovers, the Musee D'Orsay museum with over 20 million dollars in renovations were designed to show case fine art in the best possible way. All of the walls are colored in vibrant bold colors and even the seating are built like spectacular artwork themselves.  There are three whole floors dedicated to the fine arts so art lovers that spend almost the entire day exploring.  The Musee D'Orsay is a famous Paris landmark,




Crazy horse Paris's famous cabaret show is celebrating its 60th birthday this year and to kick off this celebration will be putting on a new show called Desirs.  Guest at the Le Pavillion Des Lettres will be given VIP tickets to the show.  The hotel is located near the Elysee Palace just around the corner from Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore.  This hotel is a literary themed hotel with each of its 26 rooms representing a letter of the alphabet.

Paris is a fun city to shop and a place to spend some serious money in.  if you love fine watches you might want to check out Richemont in the old english building in Paris' charming La Madeline district.  This will be the largest store of its kind in the world.  Rumor has it that Hermes will also be opening a boutique on the Sevres.

After a day of some serious shopping a good massage or facial would be a relaxing and refreshing treat and I would recommend Le Bristol, a new spa by La Prarie. There are three level to this spa yet there is a cozy setting with an intimate feel with natural lighting and view overlooking the courtyard.

Paris is known for its fine food and drink and hotel concierges are schooled to know the best places to eat and drink.  One shining example is Saint James Paris where a chef on the staff can recommend the best places to find the best food and drink in the city.   For families with children I will recommend Hotel Fouquet Barriere.  This hotel offers kids program, including workshop and shows, family breakfast complementary soft drinks and a swimming pool


There is so much to do in Paris the possibilities are endless.  Happy exploring

 

Have you been a little sluggish with your Valentine's Day plans this year? Well there is still time to book a romantic getaway.  Los Alamandas on Mexico's pacific course is offering a special including two nights in an ocean view suit, fresh lime magaritas upon arrival, tropical fruit platter in room, and three gourmet meals a daily.  Alcohol is not included.

There is an option for a gourmet meal set up,or if you prefer a gourmet picnic with sparkling wine.  Sunset margaritas are served daily from 5 to 7 pm and a one hour horse back ride for two.



just imagine having a romantic dinner for two here

A perfect view from the Villas Flamingos Hotel On Holbox Island Mexico,  (I will call this Looking at the Horizon),


Just 26 miles long ( it reminds me of growing up in Antigua a small eastern Caribbean island) the Island is separated from Mexico's mainland by a shallow lagoon and is considered to have some of the finest restaurants along the coast with diverse choices from Mexican cuisine to international dishes,  in fact the small island has more than 25 specialty restaurants.  Some of the specialty dishes includes lobster pizza, stuffed pastor mushrooms and stuff squid just to name a few.

Most of the people on the island make their living by fishing and you will often see fishermen walking through the village with they nets filled with their catch of the day.  (another simple example of tropical life and is part of what I miss living in the US).  The island is also situated near three other small islands. (Yalahua, Passion Island, and Bird Island. (Isla Morena).

To get there Aerosaab a small airline flies tours there daily from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.  There is even an airstrip to accommodate Aerosaab's 5 seater Cessna aircraft.

Villas Flamangos and Xaloc are some of the accommodations on the island.

Some of the recommended places to eat on the island (recommended by Travel Agent Magazine) are
Viva Zapata the islands most popular and vibrant dining spot on the island serves traditional Mexican food.  It has a lively ambiance with music so you can dance the calories off and will remind you that you are on a authentic Mexican getaway

Edelin another great option if you want to party.  Its lobster pizza is one of its most popular dishes

La Isla Del Colobri is a smaller a  more quieter option for those looking for a more cozy setting.

These a just a few of the dining options available on the island

 

The Mahaulepu coastline, noted as a good place for a safe and easy winter hike, is also threatened by development, according to an Aloha Friday commenter

From "Readers share Hawaii travel recommendations":

On Kauai ...

Hanalei Pizza in the Ching Young Village shopping center. Carlos, the owner, is usually cooking and often will comp toppings or charge less if he doesn't think your pizza or slice is large enough. Get your adult beverage at the grocery store a couple doors down. Wonderful pizza! Often live music in the evening. Call first if you want a large takeout order. — by citydweller

On Oahu ...

Try breakfast at Boots & Kimo's in Kailua for pancakes with mac nut sauce. Also Leonard's malasadas, and lunch at Cooke Street Diner in Honolulu for Korean chicken. — by jimmay

International Marketplace in Waikiki has nightly free entertainment. It's fantastic. — by ciaobello

On Maui ...

Da Kitchen in Kihei -- great kalua pork at a great price, around $10. And for touring to Hana or other areas around the island, rent a Gypsy Guide. I've used it and it's a great GPS tour guide with audio. — by bobmichaelson

Kimo's at Lahaina. Great food and great service. The setting and views? The best. — by warmuse

Go to the Maui Kitch'n Cook'd Potato Chips,factory on Lalo St. in Kahului for the originals, made since the '50s. Eating fresh chips from the bags there is like biting into a champagne glass: bite, snap, explosion of shards of the best potato chips in the world. — by davoid

Star Noodle in Lahaina — fantastic Asian fusion! — by popedm

From Hawaii's top diamond-rated hotels and restaurants":

The Halekulani was the best overall hotel experience I've ever had, and Le Mer was a really exquisite meal. If it is possible to give a higher than 5-star rating, they deserve it. — by areawoman

My heart has been set on the Mauna Kea on the Big Island for years. Beautiful location and spectacular beach. — by brew2day

From "All-new activities and recently discounted fun in Hawaii":

Take the Bus in Honolulu and save even more that that made-for-tourists double-decker. — by LowerCasename

From "Where to chow down in Hawaii":

On Kauai ...

Bar Acuda's tapas rock, and Mediterranean Gourmet has an both an incredible view and great food. — by BornAgainByBay

Kintaro in Kapaa for good Japanese food. — by bayreasame

Poipu Grill. Literally a hole in a wall: Order, wait and go. Good, reasonably priced, fresh food. — by iliamna

Hamura's Saimin in Lihue. — by dtf24

Garden Cafe at Common Ground and Kilauea Fish Market. — by stryker

On Oahu ...

Grass Skirt Grill in Haleiwa served me the best grilled fish I have ever had, anywhere, or ever expect to have. — by jamesbond

Kahuku Shrimp Truck, Ono's, Rainbow Drive Inn, Side Street Inn, Sorabol and Soon's may not be five-star restaurants (OK, some only have a few tables outside to sit and eat your takeout), but they have the best tasting food. — by igantbelevit

Pho To Chau in Chinatown (not open for dinner, so go early), Cream Pot in Waikiki (for breakfast) Byron's Drive In by the airport (for comfort food). — by tillermoon

On Hawaii ...

The Big Island Grille in Kailua-Kona was my go-to for brunch and dinner; the Super Moco is wonderful. There's also Ken's Pancake House over in Hilo ... first diner I've ever seen that serves oxtail, slides right off the bone! — by kentuckyfried

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Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/alohafriday/article/Readers-share-their-tips-for-Hawaii-travel-4205608.php#ixzz2JUcw108T

FIJI'S LUCALA ISLAND

    This private island paradise was once owned by the Forbes family, but was purchased in 2002 by Dietrich Mateschitz CEO of Red Bull drink company.  In 2009 ut became the islands largest private island resort 

Lucala Island has 25 private villas and activities ranging from the par 72 championship golf course, horse back riding, scuba diving, and snorkeling.  The resort incorporates elements of the entire island into each guest experience, from island made spa products to cuisine derived from native plants, fruit, and water life.

HULA DANCING IN HAWAII

      The fragrance of flowers and the sound of music filled thePolynesian Cultural Center’s (PCC) Pacific Theater recently as gorgeous lei and live music accentuated the beauty of hula at the 23rd Annual Moanikeala Hula Festival.

Every January, many of the world’s premier halau hula (hula schools) from Hawaii and Japan take the stage in this hoike (exhibition) to honor PCC’s first Hawaiian instructor, "Aunty" Sally Wood Naluai and her 60-year dedication to hula.

Originally a keiki hula competition, Moanikeala has since evolved into an annual hoike that allows dancers of all ages – from keiki to kupuna – to share the spirit of hula without the pressure of competition. This year’s festival featured a new element, the kupuna solo competition. Kumu Hula (hula instructors) of participating halau selected one haumana (student) to demonstrate their mastery of the art, and it was JoAnn Evalei Loa of Hula Halau O Kawananakoa whose hula won the heart of the judges.

“Aunty Sally would be so proud to know that hula is thriving in today’s modern world," said Cy Bridges, cultural director at the PCC, and one of Aunty Sally’s former haumana (student). "In the last few decades we have really seen a reclamation and revival of the Hawaiian culture, and hula is great way to perpetuate and celebrate the culture. Not only is hula thriving in Hawaii, but it is immensely popular internationally as seen by the many dancers from Japan, Russia and the Ukraine that joined us this year.” 

    How to explore Tasmania's Wilderness....
Roaring 40's kayaking offers premium sea kayaking eco-tours that range from two to seven days along the southwest shore.  Visitors can paddle past sea cliffs protected by the Tasmanian wilderness World heritage area.  Tours include overnight camping around bathurst harbor and travelling over pristine waters by day in one of the multiday paddling expeditions.

this three day Southwest Tours expedition starts at US2125.00 per person
Take a scenic flight with par Avalon wilderness tour which has been providing the bushwalking community with reliable air travel

Strahan is the gateway to Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness on the island's wild west coast.  This working fishing village tells the story of 19th century protesters who stopped the damning of Tasmania's Franklin River that led to the World Heritage listing of the Tasmania wilderness