LOCATION: An idyllic magical setting offering stunning views of the crystal blue Adriatic and a short walk to Old Town Dubrovnik. This unique property is built on the side of cliff edged with beautiful terraced gardens and a walkway that leads to a private salt water outdoor pool and beach on the waters edge. From Grand Villa Argentina, each sunset offers an intimate experience, igniting the sky with fiery red, orange, and gold light beams that dance across the clouds and reflect off the mirrored sea. The ancient city is illuminated as if a hallowed fortress of the heavens. Breathtaking!
Dubrovnik Airport is 13 miles or 22 km north of the City Center. Airport transfer cost averages US$ 45 one way by taxi.
ROOMS: 161 rooms and 7 suites, including 4 Private Villas – Villa Argentina, Villa Orsula, Villa Glavic, and Villa Sheherezade. Rooms are charming and comfortable with upscale traditional décor. In room amenities include adjustable climate control thermostat, phone line, television, free high speed cable internet, mini bar, safe deposit box, as well as, plush bathrobes and luxury toiletries. RATES: Vary by Season. Range: US$ 275-$470 (EURO $ 209-$350) TIME OF YEAR TO GO: September is recommended to avoid the Cruise Ship crowds.
Great GIRLFRIEND GETAWAY Destination Hotel: A 10 minute walk to Old Town Dubrovnik shopping, dining nightlife and attractions makes this hotel the perfect home base for any discerning diva. Sun worshipers will delight in this Mediterranean seaside paradise, a rival to any Hollywood celebrity favorite coastal haunt, soaking in Dubrovnik’s over 2700 annual hours of rejuvenating sunshine. No need to leave your lounge chair for nourishment, the Beach Terrace Restaurant and Bar is onsite to meet your every need. For spa lovers indulge in the full service Wellness Center complete with indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna.
HOTEL RESTAURANTS & BAR HIGHLIGHTS:
Caravelle Restaurant: The full service restaurant includes a wonderful outdoor terrace. Rise for an early buffet breakfast and indulge in the morning glory – spectacular views of the sea and Dubrovnik’s old city walls. An incredible way to start the day!
Restaurant Victoria & Lounge Bar: Victoria lives up to its regal name offering a divine Mediterranean menu featuring fresh regional seafood dishes and an extensive wine list. The outdoor bar’s low level white sofas, smooth jazz melodies, soft lighting, evening breezes and starry skies give Victoria an inviting sensual vibe that is hard to resist.
SPECIAL PACKAGE: Superior History Package – 3 night Minimum
Explore Dubrovnik’s history, shopping and best kept local secrets.
• 3 nights stay in Double Room
• Hot buffet breakfast at Restaurant Caravelle
• Transport from Airport to Hotel
• Dubrovnik Card (for 2) – card allows entrance to all museums in the city including the city walls and use of public transport
• Private Tourist Guide for 2 hours walking tour of Old Town
• Cable Car Ride (2 persons) for an incredible panoramic view
Cavtat: This beautiful and quaint medieval village, on the southern coast, is the site of an ancient Greek settlement and home to Dubrovnik’s first settlers after the earthquake. The town is well known as the birthplace of Vlaho Bukovac, one of Croatia’s most beloved painters. It is a 20-30 minute car or bus ride north from Dubrovnik’s city center. If time allows, join in the folkloric festivities of nearby Cilipi, a town that regularly celebrates the Konavle region’s rich traditions every Sunday from April through October. To learn more contact the Konavle Region Tourism Office.
Ston: Historic Ston is well known as Croatia’s “Salt City”, home to one of the oldest active salt work operations in the world, where the traditional production process has not changed in centuries. Ston is a tiny picturesque town consisting of only a few narrow streets lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. But it is the towering wall which surrounds Ston, the longest stone wall in Europe, that is a favorite visitor challenge. Adventure enthusiasts will not want to miss this formidable climb.
For a sampling of the finest oysters in the Mediterranean, one must visit Vila Koruna Restaurant in nearby Mali Ston. If you are lucky, the owner may invite you by boat to harvest this treasured ancient sea delicacy from his private adjacent oyster beds for a truly exceptional and memorable meal. Villa Koruna promises an authentic, organic and fresh seafood dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds! For more information contact the Ston Tourist Board.
Pelješac Peninsula: Wines and Vineyards
The rocky terrain and sunny climate make this area perfect for cultivating grapes and olives.
The local grape, Plavac Mali, which name translates to “small blue grapes”, is said to be the ancestor of the California Zinfandel grape and directly related to the Primitivo grape. Popular Croatian Plavic Mali coastal reds are Dingac and Postup with vineyards on the peninsula.
Special Note: Even California winemaker, Mike Grgich, a native Croat, sees the potential for top wine production in the region. He now operates a successful winery in Trstenik. For a list of wineries, contact the Pelješac Peninsula Tourism Office
Hey Divas! If a trip to the Emerald Isle isn’t on your agenda for the New Year, start planning now! Here are just a few reasons why a trip to Ireland will keep you coming back for more! With a wealth of diverse events planned for 2011 this captivating country is sure to dazzle you every step of the way.
Explore the cultural jewel of Ireland, Londonderry, as BBC Radio Ulster commemorates the city’s recognition as a UK City of Culture 2013 in a celebratory concert featuring classical singers and musicians.
The Lake District of County Fermanagh, with its stunning views and rugged terrain, caters to adventure-seekers and families alike. For a taste of Ireland’s thrills check out Northern Ireland’s Big Adventure Weekend at Share Village. With activities ranging from climbing and low ropes, to kayaking and canoeing, to sailing and archery, there is something for everyone.
For a true taste of the spirit of Ireland head to the lively capital city of Dublin for the kick off of the largest celebration of the year, St. Patrick’s Festival. From parties and parades to fireworks displays, Ireland celebrates their patron saint in style.
I had the opportunity to visit this fascinating country recently and I was so enraptured by the people, the landscape, the culture, and the history that I felt I had to share my experience. Here is a short excerpt from my article to introduce you to all the wonders that Ireland holds.
“There are those places in life that captivate your mind and enchant your soul. They are the places that envelop you with the quiet sense that you belong, the places that catch you unawares and completely capture your heart. Ireland is that place for me.” Check out my article to find out more about the enchantments awaiting you in the magical land of Ireland.
For more information on upcoming events in Northern Ireland click here.
For more information on upcoming events in Ireland click here.
The Maltese Islands were voted the best diving destination in Europe by DIVER Magazine. Get your chance to dive these beautiful waters with the 7-day “Dive Malta” package. Travelers will embark daily to the best dives sites in the Mediterranean, including WW2 wrecks, reefs brimming with ocean life and underwater cave explorations – while still having plenty of time to explore the historic island of Malta in the evenings.
Rates for the “Dive Malta” travel package start from $3025 pp, and include the following:
A Diving Officer/Guide as well as the Ship’s Captain & Crew
Boasting impeccably sunny weather, sprawling beaches, tempting cuisine, a thriving nightlife and more than 7,000 years of intriguing history, Malta has something to appeal to every travelers’ tastes. If you’re interested in booking this diving adventure, call 1-866-357-4155 and ask for either Marc Stafrace or Valerie Jobst.
Yellowstone National Park Lodges is offering a special rate of $49 for rooms with shared bathrooms in the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Jan. 4 through March 6, 2011 (with the exception of Feb. 18-21, 2011). The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel opens Dec. 21, 2010. The lodges provide the only wintertime accommodations within the park.
The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is located five miles inside the park’s northern entrance and is convenient for visitors who want to drive to the Lamar Valley to view wolves, bison, elk and other wildlife. The road from Gardiner, Mont. to Mammoth Village and on to Cooke City, Mont. is the only road plowed all winter. Just outside Mammoth Village are groomed cross country ski trails and access to the park’s interior via snowcoach and snowmobile.
To qualify for the special rate rooms must be reserved before January 14, 2011 using the promotional code “WOB49.” Reservations can be made by calling 1-307-344-7311 or toll-free 1-866-439-7375 or online at www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com.. This rate cannot be combined with other specials or packages.
We’re down to crunch time here, and if you STILL haven’t bought your significant other a great Xmas prezzie, it’s ok–as long as you act fast. You have until December 31, to buy discounted tickets to the 17th Annual San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLOIFF) March 9-13, 2011. What film buff wouldn’t be thrilled with such a thoughtful gift?
This extraordinary cinematic showcase features over 100 films including indie documentaries, cutting edge feature films, classic faves, local and internationally made shorts as well as scintillating Q & A’s with some of the visiting filmmakers. (Tickets will still be available next year, but not at the discount price–although they still are quite affordable.)
Lights, Camera, Action
2010 King Vidor Award recipient Alan Arkin, and former recipients James Cromwell and Norman Jewison share stories and answer questions from the audience.
Choose from a full roster of special events, Filmmaker Mixers to Red Carpet Receptions, where you’ll be able to get all chummy with Hollywood celebs while enjoying award-winning wines and gourmet grazing courtesy of the best local restaurants and wineries.
Two popular events that will be making a return engagement are Surf Nite, which features an epic surf flick with professional surfer guests on board and the King Vidor Award Night honoring a top Hollywood personality (to be announced early 2011). The amazing Alan Arkin was last year’s recipient.
Surf Night
“Chicks ‘n Flicks”
Thanks to a grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, SLOIFF will present “Chicks ‘n Flicks” an exciting new program about Women in Film: Past, Present and Future. Through film, panel discussions and hands-on workshops, “C ‘n F” will examine the role women have played in the film industry during the last one hundred years.
“We are so delighted to have the support of the most respected and venerable film organization in the world,” said Festival Director, Wendy Eidson. “This program will add an exciting new dimension to the 17th Annual SLOIFF.” Eidson worked as an assistant director for many years before moving to San Luis Obispo, and understands the challenges women filmmakers face in a male-dominated industry. “I’m really looking forward to the panel discussions that are sure to be provocative, fun and will relate to issues shared by many women still working for equality in the workforce,” said Eidson.
And San Luis Obispo is where exactly?
For those of you who aren’t exactly sure where San Luis Obispo is located, it’s about midway on the coast between San Francisco and L.A.
The Film Festival will be roving around all over the county with screenings in eclectic venues such as the nation’s original solar-powered theatre and a 1940s art-deco Fremont Theatre.
Recently recognized as “the happiest place in the country” there’s plenty to do in SLO (as the locals fondly refer to San Luis Obispo) between films: from barefooting it to the sandy beaches, to visiting world-class wineries, to scouting out the best paths for hiking and biking and if the weather is nice, some stellar surfing. Wind down at one of the local spas or hot springs before getting glammed up for the night. City slickers will enjoy shopping historic downtown and checking out the local landmarks – like SLO’s eccentric bubblegum alley.
FESTIVAL PASSES 2011
There are many festival passes available at various price points, with EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNTS available until DECEMBER 31, 2010. I don’t know if your sweetie’s been naughty or nice, but I’d suggest springing for the big daddy Movie Mogul Pass to ensure good behavior for the coming year. Just look at all it offers!
MOVIE MOGUL PASS – $250
Early Bird Discount – $225
FULL ACCESS pass allows admission for one person to all regular Festival screenings, workshops/panels, all parties including VIP events.* Also includes admission to Best in the Fest award-winning films screenings.
Back by popular demand! All purchasers of Mogul Passes will also receive a Wine Tasting Pass, good for complimentary wine tastings at the following participating SLO County wineries: Baileyana/Tangent Winery, Claiborne & Churchill Vintners, Derby Wine Estates, Frolicking Frog Cellars, J & J Cellars, Pithy Little Wine Company, Rangeland Wines, St. Hilaire Vineyard (at Zoller Wine Styling), Sculpterra Winery, Talley Vineyards, Tolosa Winery.
P.S. The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s, VisitSlo.com website can help you plan tours and wine tasting and SLO Vacations will be happy to hook you up with hotel reservations.
Celebrate Artistic Genius with a visit to the Virginia Museum of Fine Art. Picasso’s very own private collection is showcased in a special exhibit – February 19- May 15, 2011 – as part of a world tour. The Virginia Museum of Art is one of only three museums in the United States… and the only East Coast Museum to offer this coveted experience.
The Picasso Masterpieces are on loan from the famed Musée National Picasso, Paris. This is an event that is a must see for every art enthusiast and the perfect excuse to visit a true southern city – full of down home hospitality and a rich history.
Complement your visit with a taste Virginia’s finest in dining, wine and more. There are over 75+ wineries within a short drive of the city center. Moreover, Richmond offers an eclectic selection of accommodations.
Rock’n Diva – Grace Potter hits the stage with the Winter 2011 tour in Covington, Kentucky…making her way south to Sunny Florida and my favorite North Florida Venue, the historic Florida Theatre in Jacksonville on March 3rd.
Madame Grace, a sexed up powerful mix of a brunette Stevie Nicks and a fiery Tina Turner, belts out cult classics like the KINKS ” You Really Got Me” with unparalleled vocal emotion. This once small town Vermont band has grown into a national sensation with sold out shows and an army of fans.
A force of nature, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals will lift you up… and leave you begging for more.
When I think of West Palm Beach, I think of a Martini – the quintessential American cocktail. West Palm mirrors the drink’s colorful iconic past… serving as an inspiration for artists, celebrities, politicians and the wealthy. But like the Martini, West Palm has evolved. The destination remains true to its socialite roots and legacy, but a hipper sophistication and youthful spirit now prevails. When once a perpetually tan George Hamilton in a tailored white suit set the standard as the Palm Beach poster boy… no longer. The destination is now eclectic and culturally diverse on many levels.
Combine world class art, theater, dining, shopping and the warm Florida sunshine, and you have a recipe for a wonderful experience.
Wildly shaken or gently stirred, West Palm will quench your thirst for little self-indulgence and R&R.
A lively Friday night performance at the Kravis Performing Arts Center and a nightcap at City Cellar is the perfect way to kick off a West Palm weekend. Wake early for a Saturday morning walk, jog or bike ride along the city waterfront promenade enjoying spectacular views of the Intra-Coastal Waterway. Then, pop over to “the island” for brunch and explore fashionable Worth Avenue, Florida’s famed Rodeo Drive. Ease into the afternoon a with leisurely stroll through Historic El Cid, a neighborhood known for its architecture showcased in stately Old Florida homes and mansions. ( photo courtesy of Palm Beach CVB)
A tour of El Cid would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and the world renowned Norton Museum of Art. The gardens, home to the studio and select works of Ann Norton, second wife to businessman/philanthropist Ralph Hubbard Norton, are a perfect place for reflection and meditation amidst the palms. The Norton Museum of Art, featuring distinguished permanent collections ranging from American to European Art, will celebrate a big birthday on February 8th, 2011 - 70 years as a international treasure. On that special day, visitors will be treated to FREE admission and the opportunity to join in the champagne toast and birthday cake.
Even after a full day of sightseeing, you will still have time before the sun sets, to sneak in some power shopping. City Place, just minutes from the Norton Museum is the perfect spot. Over 100 shops and restaurants, including a Macy’s, Panera Bread, Barnes and Noble, and South Florida’s popular Taverna Opa, will keep even the most discerning travel diva happy. Cityplace also boasts its very own cultural and performing arts center, the Harriett Himmel Theatre, which dates back to 1926.
Wind down with drinks and dinner on Clematis Street just north of City Place in Historic Downtown West Palm. Clematis is funky and flavorful and a top local favorite for nightlife.
Sunday…time to sleep in…and soak in the rays poolside for a few hours. By 1p.m., be dressed and ready to partake in the Flagler Museum’s Gilded Age Luncheon. This special seasonal tradition is a “Full Tea” hosted in the Beaux Arts Cafe, designed in the style of a 19th Century railway palace, overlooking Lake Worth. The prix-fix menu includes an assortment of tea sandwiches, scones, and sweets served with the Flager Museum’s own custom tea blend. Reservations are highly recommended.
You can only get a taste of West Palm Beach in a weekend. Be sure to extend your stay at a savings with some very special offers.
Take the time to enjoy all that West Palm Beach has to offer … a refreshing escape… to sip and savor like a good martini!
Best Bet – Accommodations:
Travel Diva Top Pick: HOTEL BIBA -Affordable Small Boutique Hotel with complimentary parking, breakfast and wi-fi. Hotel Biba was originally a Motor Lodge – one of the first built in the U.S. Miami Designer, Barbara Hulanicki, has brought new life to the property with her signature avant-garde colorful touches. The rooms are simplistic, unique, colorful, and awash with hip South Florida design. A 5 Star location within walking distance to Norton Museum, Waterfront, Ann Norton Gardens and El Cid Historic District.
This digital era, while sometimes overwhelming, really does help out travelers! Take, for instance, the new trend in digital travel: a personal guide book on your phone. Now you can figure out your itinerary without the bulk of travel guides in your luggage.
Why we like the mTrip Travel Guide series:
A travel guide with substance: attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping destinations and more with ratings, reviews and image galleries.
Trip planner: Trip itineraries are automatically built based on your trip dates, accommodation, travel preferences (attractions, religious sights, parks and monuments), trip pace preference and traveler ratings.
Offline Maps & Directions: Get directions everywhere, offline with no roaming fees.
Traveler-generated updates – Take the advice of those who know first hand. Travelers can update the guide with their own ratings, reviews & pictures. Updates are made daily and free to all users
Sharing postcards: Use mTrip’s sharing feature to send your friends and family electronic postcards via Facebook & email. Do it on the go while you travel!
And the best part: no Internet required and no roaming fee!
mTrip Travel Guides are available for twenty US, European and Asian cities: New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, Moscow, Rome, Venice, Vienna, Istanbul, Dublin, Shanghai, Tokyo and Singapore. The guide is available in five languages (English, French, German, Spanish and Italian).
Enter to win 30 Gift Giveaways! There’s even a trip to Albuquerque including two nights hotel stay, hot air balloon rides, museum passes, brunch and local foods plus a $200 Visa gift card to go toward airfare, gas or shopping.
LOCATION: An idyllic magical setting offering stunning views of the crystal blue Adriatic and a short walk to Old Town Dubrovnik. This unique property is built on the side of cliff edged with beautiful terraced gardens and a walkway that leads to a private salt water outdoor pool and beach on the waters edge. From Grand Villa Argentina, each sunset offers an intimate experience, igniting the sky with fiery red, orange, and gold light beams that dance across the clouds and reflect off the mirrored sea. The ancient city is illuminated as if a hallowed fortress of the heavens. Breathtaking!
Cavtat: This beautiful and quaint medieval village, on the southern coast, is the site of an ancient Greek settlement and home to Dubrovnik’s first settlers after the earthquake. The town is well known as the birthplace of Vlaho Bukovac, one of Croatia’s most beloved painters. It is a 20-30 minute car or bus ride north from Dubrovnik’s city center. If time allows, join in the folkloric festivities of nearby Cilipi, a town that regularly celebrates the Konavle region’s rich traditions every Sunday from April through October. To learn more contact the Konavle Region Tourism Office.
Ston: Historic Ston is well known as Croatia’s “Salt City”, home to one of the oldest active salt work operations in the world, where the traditional production process has not changed in centuries. Ston is a tiny picturesque town consisting of only a few narrow streets lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. But it is the towering wall which surrounds Ston, the longest stone wall in Europe, that is a favorite visitor challenge. Adventure enthusiasts will not want to miss this formidable climb.
