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Rockwater Secret Cove Resort on the Sunshine Coast Canada

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort

The Rockwater Secret Cover Resort on the Sunshine Coast in north western Canada is a place that dreams and memories are made of.

The canvas tents sprinkled about the shoreline are an amazing juxtaposition. While the outside is surrounded by the rugged outdoors and the walls are just canvas tents, the inside is heated slate floors, bathtubs built for two, showers, beds with ceiling fans, fireplaces and iHome docking stations. Every comfort you have in four and five star hotels is on the inside.

While the tents are near each other you can at the same time see out of your tent nature all around, but no one else can see inside your tent. It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. The resort is at one a throwback to yesteryear and fully embracing the future with both arms wide open.

If you truly want to get away from it all the Secret Cove Resort is the place.

Melting Away the Stress on Maui

Banyan Tree in Maui

Banyan Tree in Maui

Maui is simply amazing from the towering Mt. Haleakala to Iao Vaalley to the winding road of Hana to the beaches of Makena and Kaanapali. Each stop opens your eyes to another island wonder.

Beautiful Stay in Brisbane Australia

I love Australia.  While I have only been there twice I have spent almost a month split between Sydney and Brisbane.  They are both wonderful cities full of friendly people, great food and beautiful sites.  A while ago I got to spend two weeks in Brisbane in an apartment that  was a stone’s throw away from the Brisbane Bridge.   Whether during the day or at night it was a beautiful site to behold.

It’s said that the Brisbane Bridge and Sydney Bridge were made by the same and are just inverts of each other.  Whether you want to walk, run or ride a bike across it allows you to see out over the city and the river that snakes through the city.

My time in Brisbane was one of my best travel experiences as I got to spend time there and have a weekend holiday over on Moreton Island.  Australia is known for it’s crystal clear water and amazing beaches and Moreton did not disappoint.

 

Arizona Memorial on Oahu Hawaii

Arizona Memorial in Oahu Hawaii

Arizona Memorial in Oahu Hawaii

If you’ve ever been someplace on the earth where there is just a different ‘feeling’ about it you’ll know what I’m talking about in regards to the Arizona Memorial on Oahu in Hawaii.  From the moment you walk into the introduction theater you get a feeling that you are on hallowed ground.  It has a sense of reverence about it like if you were visiting a graveside or hallowed place.

You can almost sense the sacrifice that was made by so many and glimpse the pain and sorrow that so many felt that infamous day here in Pearl Harbor.  The visitors center is a fitting memorial to all those who suffered and loss that day.  A short boat ride out to the Arizona memorial where you get a front-row seat to the wreckage of the USS Arizona as it lays on the bottom of the harbor still leaking oil to this very day.

From the memorial you can see the other book-end of the USS Missouri.  The Arizona and the Missouri are called the book-ends of World War 2 as they mark the beginning and end of the war.  Just a solemn as the Arizona was I could feel a sense of joy and relief on the Missouri as I walked the desk.  While I’m sure there were many sorrows and pains felt aboard this ship, it marked the end of a war that encompassed the world.  There on the deck of the Missouri the cease fire was signed that officially ended the battles.  Any trip to Hawaii and Oahu necessitate a visit to these great monuments.  Only by coming here can you begin to get a real feeling for this part of our countries history.  It’s well worth the time and price of touring Pearl Harbor.

Midnight in Paris

Arch De Triomphe in Paris France

Arch De Triomphe in Paris France

Ever since Junior High French 1 class I’ve always wanted to go to Paris and see France. It’s been there on my bucket list of travel spots my whole life. A bit ago I had a chance to have a layover in Paris for about six hours. That was the good news, the bad news was that my flight got into Paris about two in the morning. By the time I got to the hotel I had about three hours to sleep. While I didn’t have a lot of time to see the sites nor were many of them open, I got the chance to glimpse my beloved city.

I hired a cab to take me downtown to the Eiffel Tower, Arch De Triomphe and Champs-Elysees avenue.

Even in the twilight hours the Eiffel tower was awe-inspiring. It’s massive and beautiful and I so want to come back to see it in the day light.  My cab drive was great and even though he spoke little English and my sporadic French was pitiful I could tell that this wasn’t his first rodeo as we say out here in the west.

He new some great spots to take me to take in some amazing views of the city including dropping me on the corner of the Champs-Elysees for a quick shot.  They say Paris is the city of lights and they didn’t disappoint this early morning either.

In short, I got to glimpse my dream but not really fulfill it yet.  Plus I wasn’t there with my beautiful wife to share in the city of love.  I guess there’s a dangling chad on my bucket list for Paris while technically I can say I’ve now been there a few times but I still want to come back to Paris to experience so much more that this beautiful city has to offer.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji

Likuliku Lagoon Resort Fiji

Likuliku Lagoon Resort Fiji

Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji is a true wonder of nature. Likuliku voted “BEST OVERSEAS RESORT” for the 3rd consecutive year in the annual 2012 Gold List Awards by Australia’s Luxury Travel Magazine readers.

“Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a haven of subtle luxury and the first and only resort in Fiji with over-water bures.   It is a unique and special place designed with integrity to cultural values, traditional designs and architecture, and is embraced by the renowned warmth of the Fijian people.

From the water it looks like an ancient village, so traditional is the style.   The beating heart of the Resort is a magnificent building in the design of a Fijian canoe house.   Surrounded by sprawling ceilings, hand-woven thatch and an exotic mix of natural materials and modern elements, Likuliku embodies the richness of an ancient culture with vibrant present-day lifestyle touches.

Welcome to Fiji’s most unique luxury escape for couples.”

Just like Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows, Likuliku Lagoon Resort overwater Bure provide a unique lodging experience.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji

Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji

The over-water bures are Fiji’s first and only.

The bures feature traditional architecture and materials. They are made using all natural elements specific to this region.  The furnishings are elegant and styled to peak your interest in the detailed woodworking and the ‘magi magi’ desigs in the fabrics.

You can kick back and relax on your own private deck or private bathing pavilion where you can overlook the tropical lagoon from your bathtub.  If there isn’t enough tropical breeze to cool you off, each bure features air-conditioning, music, phone, and a DVD player and luxurious king sized bed.

This piece of paradise runs $1000 to $1500 USD per night.  They do run specials where you get the 6th night free when you pay for 5.  If you want to add Champagne as well you can book the Romance Package.

Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa on Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa on Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa on Rangali Island

I’ve posted this at least a hundred times before, but every time I see it I want to again.  The underwater bedroom/honeymoon suite at the Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa on Rangali Island is simply breathtaking and mind boggling.

This is so at the top of my bucket list right there with Bora Bora and walking to Mordor.   This is probably about as pricey as outfitting a fellowship to Mordor as this type of magic doesn’t come cheap.

If you want to spend the night, it’ll cost you — about $1,000 an hour and you must give a two weeks’ notice to reserve the overnight suite.  I think it would be worth every penny though, but that is a lot of pennies.

Jade Mountain resort on St. Lucia Straight out of a Painting

Jade Mountain resort on St. Lucia Straight out of a Painting

Jade Mountain resort on St. Lucia Straight out of a Painting

The Jade Mountain resort on St. Lucia is straight out of a painting.  It’s hard to believe that there is someplace this beautiful on earth.

“Rising majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain St.Lucia is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty.”

Imagine swimming in an infinity pool with your special someone and looking out over the ocean and island.  It’s one of the most amazing panoramic shots you could imagine.

Each infinity pool sanctuary at Jade Mountain is a carefully designed, individual work of art and architecture. All of the sanctuaries celebrate an unparalleled view of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. In all of the sanctuaries, the 4th wall is open to the views while at the same time allowing for complete privacy. An additional panoramic quality is provided by sanctuaries on particular elevations and those located on corners. Four rate categories of infinity pool sanctuaries have been created to reflect the square footage of the sanctuaries and size of pool. Also, there are five Sky jacuzzi suites.

With lodging names like star and moon you can imagine your stay will be nothing short of celestial.  How do you pick just one room to stay in though?  Take a look at their accommodations.  I’m ready to go stay for a month, how about you?

 

 

Temple of the Blue Moon at Treehouse Point

Temple of the Blue Moon at Treehouse Point

In THP’s own words, “TreeHouse Point is an intimate alternative for individuals and groups who seek comfort and style in friendly and natural surroundings. All accommodations are well designed and artfully decorated, with touches like handmade beds, original art and charming vintage furnishings.”