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Gouvy is Groovy - Belgium That Is

Published November 14, 2008 Europe , vacation rentals 0 Comments
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It always stuns me when I go to Europe and find that jazz–the, um, American music–is more popular there than in the US, at least judging by the clubs spread about everywhere you look.

Just outside of Gouvy, Belgium lies la Ferme Madelonne, a jazz, blues, rock and chanson club, for example. Gouvy, mind you, has but 5000 people.

Le Refuge, Gouvy, Belgium Vacation Rental

Le Refuge, Gouvy, Belgium Vacation Rental

But what I want to point out is a nice little hide away near Gouvy, Belgium that might float your boat. It’s called Le Refuge. That, my super, nuclear-powered translator tells me, is “The Refuge.” It really looks like it is.

You can be sipping some coffee on the porch and then decide to slip into your rowboat and paddle into center of the mirrored lake. Sounds like bliss to me, especially if you can get someone else who’s cute to row the darn thing.

Belgium is quite the country. Small enough to see (superficially, you know-as a tourist) in a few weeks, but diverse enough to make you think you’re in two or three different countries. And the food is top notch, although pricey.

And, when you get tired of watching your sweet honey row the boat, you can always head off to one of Belgium’s cute cities, like Bruges.

CuteTravelTM might be just the ticket. I gotta trademark that.

Enjoy a vacation that you desire in the ‘Land of Eternal Spring’, Canary Island, Spain

Published November 14, 2008 Europe , vacation rentals 0 Comments
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The seven Canary Islands or the Islas Canarias are a part of Spanish territory but are actually geographically much closer to Africa than to the Spanish mainland. They are in fact located nearly 1350 kilometers to the south of the Iberian peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean with  the island of Fuerteventura  being  situated  95 kilometers to the  east of Morocco.

Your gorgeous vacation rental in Gran Canaria which is close to all the hedonistic action

Your gorgeous vacation rental in Gran Canaria which is close to all the hedonistic action

The seven Canary Islands enjoy a year round temperate climate which is guaranteed by the Gulf Stream and the Trade winds as a result of which the islands are perfect for a getaway all year round. This amenable climate brings 11 million tourists to the shores of the Canaries annually.  In fact these Canary Islands are often described as the ‘Land of Eternal Spring’ because they are blessed with this ‘fine’ weather year round.

The archipelago of the Canary Islands is made up of the five main tourist-centric destinations which are  Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote  and La Palma. In addition to these five main islands are two relatively quiet unspoiled natural paradises called Hierro and Gomera which are a favorite with walkers, hikers and nature lovers.

These islands are all volcanic in nature though they are characterized by extremely different landscapes that include towering mountain peaks, tropical forests, white sand beaches, verdant pine forests and majestic sand dunes. Four of Spain’s seven major natural reserves are located here in the Canaries.  The Tiede volcano which is located on the island of Tenerife and is the third tallest volcano in the world is one such natural reserve as is the Taburiente crater on the island of La Palma. Similarly the island of Lanzarote has the Timanfaya Park which is a UNESCO declared globally protected biosphere while the island of Gomera has an old laurel forest which is located in the midst of its Parque Nacional de Garajonay which extends over 10,000 acres.

Enjoy a golfing vacation at your vacation rental on Tenerife's Golf del Sur

Enjoy a golfing vacation at your vacation rental on Tenerife

The liveliest of the seven islands are Gran Canaria and Tenerife as they have well developed tourist centers which are a magnet for package tourists but if you step away from these touristy areas you can actual enjoy the wild beauty of these islands which is made up of volcanic peaks, lush forests, and beautiful beaches. In fact the landscape on  Grand Canaria is dominated by banana, coffee, sugar cane and tobacco plantations as the weather here is perfect for the cultivation of several tropical fruits and trees.

Your vacation rental options on the island of Gran Canaria are located within fully equipped resorts which are located on its main hubs of activity like the renowned Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas from where the many hedonistic delights of Gran Canaria including its all night dance clubs and bars and its camel treks on the dunes of Masplaomas  are easily accessible.

Enjoy Lanzarote's pulsating nightlife from your conveniently located vacation rental

On the largest Canary island of Tenerife you have a plethora of choices for your vacation rental and depending on what kind of holiday you want to have  you can choose to book a vacation rental on the Golf del Sur which would make teeing off a breeze  or  then you  could book a vacation rental located in the quaint district of  Puerta del Cruz which is populated with historic buildings or you could choose to stay at a vacation rental located  near the stunning cliffs of Los Gigantes on the south west coast of the island. No matter where you stay on this 2000 square kilometer island you can indulge in its many delights. You can either choose to be a sun worshiper and lay out on its black volcanic or imported golden sand beaches or you could party away all night at its many night clubs and bars or you could join its  band of enthusiastic eco-tourists and go on to explore the various natural bounties of Tenerife like its ancient dragon trees that have grown here since the ice ages.

On the island of Lanzarote, you can choose to book a vacation rental in its main tourist areas of Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise where nightclubs, bars and restaurants abound but the  nightlife here is trifle tame  when compared to  that on Gran Canaria or Tenerife. If you are a beach lover then perhaps you will opt for a vacation rental on the island of Fuerteventura which though not as lively as its neighbors is blessed with the longest beaches in the archipelago and is an ideal destination for a quiet family vacation especially of you are looking to escape the winter sun.

Whatever you want from your vacation get away as long as you choose your island with care you are sure to find it in the Canary Islands  which have something for every kind of traveler.

Romp around in America’s Desert Playground, Palm Springs, CA

Published November 12, 2008 USA , vacation rentals 1 Comment
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Set amongst verdant palms and azure pools is your ideal getaway

Set amongst verdant palms and azure pools is your ideal getaway

Palm Springs, a desert city located in Southern California used to be known as the ‘Playground of the Stars’ in the 1930’s for many Hollywood leading lights escaped  from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives to seek refuge in  the many luxurious resorts located here in the midst of palm lined canyons and gushing waterfalls. Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard all spent time in this desert city which is known for its great natural beauty which is characterized by desert flora and fauna. Al Capone a notorious mobster from Chicago also used the Two Bunch Palm resort to hide from the police and rival gangs in the 1920’s.  In fact Sonny Bono of pop duo Sonny and Cher fame served as the mayor of Palm Springs in the late 1980s such has been the association of this desert city with the rich and the famous of America.

The original residents of Palm Springs were Native American Indian who named the city for its many natural hot water springs which they believed had medicinal properties. People initially flocked to Palm Springs for these hot water springs but today they come to Palm Springs for its many myriad attractions like its more than hundred championship golf courses which host a variety of golfing tournaments and have led to Palm Springs being labeled as “The Golf Capital of the World”. Many of the golf courses located in the luxurious resorts of Palm Springs have been designed by golfing greats like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman. Apart from golfing, visitors to Palm Springs also enjoy the many outdoorsy activities offered here like hiking and trekking in the nearby Tahquitz Canyon and the Joshua Tree national Park as well as horseback riding  in the  mountainous trails of San  Jacinto Mountains which tower over the city.

A vacation rental overlooking a 'green' is perfect for the golf enthusiast

A vacation rental overlooking a

When you book a vacation rental in Palm Springs you can enjoy all what this fascinating desert city has to offer, for in addition to its many recreational activities, Palm Springs also has a delightful ‘Village’ located in its downtown which is a vibrant space alive with a variety of restaurants, trendy shops, historic sites and annual festivals and is perfect for the vacationer who prefers more sedentary pursuits. You have a plethora of vacation rentals options available in sunny Palm Springs and depending on your preference, you can choose to stay in a vacation rental that overlooks a championship golf course or in a rental that is located among verdant palms and one of more the more than 30,000 swimming pools that dot the unique landscape of this city which is known as America’s desert play ground.

Once you have your Palm Springs vacation rental you can set out to explore its many delights. You can take a ride on its Ariel Tramway and get to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains which tower over the desert city from a height of 8500 meters. In winter the San Jacinto Mountains are covered in snow and trip on the Ariel Tramway into the mountains can provide a welcome respite from the searing heat of the desert in mere minutes. Another way to experience the natural beauty of Palm Springs is to take an Elite land tour at dusk which is conducted aboard a fully stocked Hummer vehicle. From your perch inside the Hummer where you are equipped with a pair of night vision goggles you get to see much of the desert wildlife that abounds in the desert around Palm Springs and the Joshua Tree National Park located nearby. After you have spent the day sightseeing and indulging in the various recreational activities offered here, you could head back into the Village and enjoy a scrumptious dinner at one of Palm Springs many renowned restaurants. A vacation in sunny  Palm Springs has something that is bound to appeal to every kind of vacationer.

Take a history lesson while you enjoy the hedonistic pleasures of Qawra on the island of Malta.

Published November 10, 2008 Europe , vacation rentals 0 Comments
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Cerulean waters, white sand beaches, hidden coves and bays, traditional villages, historic and megalithic sites are all to be found on the island of Malta which is one of the two inhabited islands that make up the Maltese archipelago that lies almost bang in the center of the Mediterranean and also includes the islands of Gozo, Comminotto, Filfla , Fungus Rock, Manoel Island, Commino and the Islands of St Paul.

Malta through the ages has been a strategic base for navigation as a result of which it has been visited by several civilizations the first of which existed here as early as the third millennium BC.  Subsequently the island was also visited and occupied by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and of course the British. In fact the Maltese secured their independence from the British only in 1964.

Recharge your batteries at your holiday home in Qawra

Recharge your batteries at your holiday home in Qawra

Having been exposed to these various civilizations all of whom managed to leave their mark on the island, Malta is often described to be one  big open-air museum as the island has tons of   historic megalithic and Neolithic sites  all of which enthrall and delight history buffs. However it is not history alone that draws the many summer visitors to Malta, the island is also renowned for its great natural beauty and is blessed with a warm and amiable climate. Moreover it is also well developed as a resort destination which is both alluring and fascinating to visitors who enjoy exploring this compact island and experiencing its many vibrant summer time fiestas which are held in honor of the patron saints in the many tiny traditional villages that dot the landscape of Malta. The island has several well developed tourist enclaves including its capital city of Valetta and other areas like Vittoriosa, Mdina, St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra.

The settlement of Qawra extends southwards from Bugibba and is part of the resort of St Paul’s Bay which is  located on the North East part of the island. St Paul’s Bay derives its name from the shipwreck of St Paul in AD60. St Paul is believed to have been shipwrecked on St Paul’s Isles which are located in this stunning bay.

Well equipped Qawra holiday homes are perfect for a much needed break

Well equipped Qawra holiday homes are perfect for a much needed break

The resort of Qawra is geared towards the pleasure seeking tourist and though it does not have its own white sand beach (the beach at Qawra is quite rocky) it has a well developed water front which is peppered with many hotels, restaurants and night clubs. The seafront at Qawra also offers many popular water sporting activities like banana boat and speed boat rides which are enjoyed immensely by its many sun-seeking visitors.

Your holiday home in Qawra affords you easy acess to its waterfront

Your holiday home in Qawra affords you easy access to its waterfront

Qawra also has its own piece of Maltese history in the form of its Qawra Tower. The Qawra Tower which now houses a restaurant and a swimming pool was one of the fortifications built by the mediaeval order of the Knights of St John in 1637.  The Knights of St John reigned supreme on the island of Malta for 270 years from 1530 onwards during which they used the island to staunchly defend Christendom.
If you in fact choose to holiday in Qawra, you have a wide variety of holiday homes to choose from. Most of these holiday homes are located within easily accessible resorts which are equipped with all the necessary amenities like swimming pools, health clubs, restaurants and snack bars, children’s play areas, Jacuzzi’s/ saunas etc. Many of these picturesque holiday homes also afford gorgeous views of the Mediterranean and are located in close proximity to Qawra’s busy animated sea front promenade.
So next time if you are looking for an easy getaway which would be a no-brainer to plan why not give Qawra on Malta a try?

Discover intriguing Roman ruins at the birthplace of love

Published November 3, 2008 Europe , vacation rentals 0 Comments
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The city of Paphos is located on the south west coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The city which served as the capital of the island during Roman times is believed to be the birthplace of the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite.  Paphos which is blessed with a year-round amenable weather is popular with sun seeking visitors and as many as 2.4 million visitors head to Paphos every year via its bustling international airport.

The city is divided into two distinct sections while Kato Paphos(lower Paphos) which overlooks the Mediterranean  is the playground of leisure seekers, Ano Paphos(Upper Paphos) is its main urban center. Both the sections of Paphos are well served by a local bus service so you can choose to stay in either part of the city depending on your preference. Kato Paphos also possesses many of the world-renowned UNESCO listed heritage sites archeological sites like   the mosaics of Nea Paphos and the Tombs of the Kings.

Your gorgeous vacation rental located in the heart of Paphos.

Your gorgeous vacation rental located in the heart of Paphos.

The resort city which has world class recreation facilities also has many breath- taking natural sights located in close proximity to the city of Paphos like the Paphos Forest, the Akamas Peninsula and the Troodos Mountains. The Troodos Mountains which are located to the north east of Paphos and can be accessed via an hour’s journey are popular with hikers and trekkers who enjoy exploring the lush indigenous flora and fauna of these mountains. In the Paphos winters, the Troodos Mountains are covered with a blanket of snow and the vacationing tourists also enjoy skiing on the slopes of the Troodos Ski Centre. At this time, visitors to the island can often enjoy both the ski slopes and the beaches of Paphos within the duration of a single day. Such is the unique charm of this popular Cypriot resort.

The city of Paphos is an ideal resort destination for all the family as it has great beaches (Municipal Beach, Faro Beach and the nearby Coral Bay) all of which offer many water based recreational activities which are a hit with both children and adults alike. In addition to beaches, Paphos also boasts of the wildly popular Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark which is another major family centric attraction on the island.

Your self- sufficient Paphos vacation rental affords easy access to the many attractions of Paphos

Your self- sufficient Paphos vacation rental affords easy access to the many attractions of Paphos

Your vacation rental options in Paphos are all located within close proximity of the city center and are available in a variety of sizes from studios to two bedrooms. Using your vacation rental as a base you can easily explore the myriad charms of the city or you could also if you wish choose to remain within the boundaries of the self-sufficient resorts where many of these vacation rentals are located.

However if you have made the journey to Paphos it is fitting that you take in its most popular sights which include:-

The Tombs of Kings
No actual kings are buried at this site which is located one mile north west of the Paphos harbor though the site does contain the tombs of approximately a 100 Ptolemaic aristocrats who were residents of Paphos . The tombs are extremely impressive as many of them are carved out of solid rock and are adorned with Doric pillars and frescoes.

The mosaics of Nea Paphos
These mosaics are located in a number of ancient Roman villas which are located near the Paphos harbor and are still being excavated. These gorgeous mosaics have been fashioned out of small squares made of marble, stone and glass paste and are definitely a must-see on any trip to Paphos.

The Catacombs of  Agia Solomoni
These ancient catacombs were carved into the Fabrica hill below the ancient Roman city wall in the 4th century BC and they also served as underground chapels for the early Christians. The catacombs are adorned with frescoes and graffiti which were created by the 13th century Crusaders.

Venice in the Off Season

Published November 2, 2008 Europe , vacation rentals 0 Comments
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Venice in Late October

Venice in Late October

I’m just back from Venice. Lots of folks ask about the weather this time of year. Yeah, it’s not balmy. But hey, look at that picture over there to the right. Here we are eating proper seafood on tables outside along a canal.

Venice eats don’t get much better than this.

A few clouds (and fewer tourists) make Venice much more attractive in the off season. So what if you have to wear a sweater or jacket? Venice isn’t one of those places that depend upon endless sun. It’s not like you’re going to need to do a half gainer into the grand canal to cool off or anything.

Venice is great in the off season. You can get into popular restaurants and bars without a reservation. You can watch folks tiptoe around the acqua alta, the high water. But if you had an apartment in Venice, you could plot the times of the acqua alta and go out when the water isn’t flowing over the sidewalks, or you could identify yourself as a resident of Venice by wearing rubber boots and all the tourists would envy you.

So try renting an apartment in Venice in the off season. It’s not so expensive. And it’s better.

Become one with nature at your rural retreat in the western highlands of Scotland

Published November 2, 2008 Europe , vacation rentals 0 Comments
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The western highlands of Scotland encompass some of its most rugged parts. These highlands are believed to be the birthplace of the Scottish nation as they are closely associated with the ancient history of the formation of Scotland. The land here is harsh and wild and it is dominated by sharp mountains that rise suddenly out of the surrounding wet marshy areas. This dramatic terrain is made up of  sea lochs, narrow ridges, and wooded glens and is home to wildlife like eagles, ospreys, wildcats, antlered stags, whales and dolphins.

Ancient History
South Lochaweside is located in a county known as  Argyll  in the Western Highlands of Scotland. Argyll begins on the outer limits of the city of Glasgow and has within it some parts of Scotland’s First National Park – Loch Lomond and Trossachs as it extends into Ardnamurchan. The county of Argyll also includes twenty six inhabited Islands which can be reached by commuter ferries. This area is the core of the Scottish nation and it was first established as the Kingdom of Dalriada in 500AD. The region is also the birthplace of the Gaelic language in Scotland. The people from the North of Ireland came here to Argyll in order to establish the Kingdom of Dalaid and brought with them the Gaelic language, which  is still spoken here until today.

The wild rugged beauty of the Western Higlands Photo Credit-Philip C

The wild rugged beauty of the Western Higlands Photo Credit-Philip C

The region is also credited with bringing Celtic Christianity to Scotland. This happened when the Irish monk, St Colomba set up camp on the Isle of Iona in 563 AD.  It is in this historically prominent and wildly beautiful area of Scotland that your vacation rental is located at a historic 16th century tower house known as Ardbrecknish House.  Your vacation rental at Ardbrecknish House is especially scenic as it is located among twenty acres of lush woodlands where red and roe deer roam freely. Ardbrecknish House is located  on the banks of Loch Awe which is  the UK’s longest freshwater loch that extends for  26 miles.

Magnificent historic Ardbrecknish House your gateway to the delights of South Lochaweside

Magnificent historic Ardbrecknish House your gateway to the delights of South Lochaweside

The clean waters of Loch Awe are an ideal breeding ground for wild brown trout and the loch is a favorite with fishing enthusiasts who love to come out here and try their luck. In fact the British rod caught record has been broken four times at Loch Awe during the past decade.  Apart from fishing, your vacation rental at Ardbrecknish house will give you access to much indoor and outdoor activity depending on your mood and preference as it has the fortunate location of being off the beaten track yet highly accessible to the various attractions of Lochweside and Argyll which lie at its door step.

If you are the outdoorsy sort, you could go hiking or mountain biking on the various trails around Loch Awe, the staff at Ardbrecknish house would be happy to assist you in planning these walks for you. For the avid hiker and mountain climber there exists a wealth of options as Ben Cruachan and its three neighboring Munros(Scottish mountains), Stob Diamh, Beinn a’ chochuill feet and Beinh Eunaich  are all within  close proximity to  Ardbrecknish and Loch Awe. More Munros are also found within a 50 mile radius from the area like the Arrochar Alps, the Crianlarich Hills, Lawers Group, Bridge of Orchy Hills, Mamlorn Hills, Etive Range and the magnificent Glencoe (which has skiing facilities as well), Rannoch and Glen Lyonn. So for a mountain climbing enthusiast a vacation rental located here would be akin to heaven.  The more sedentary and not so adventurous, have the option to leisurely stroll along the magnificent woodlands of Ardbrecknish House or on the waterside of Loch Awe.

Beautiful Argyll the birthplace of the Scottish Nation- Photo credit Ceiling

Beautiful Argyll the birthplace of the Scottish Nation- Photo credit Ceiling

Loch Awe has much to offer for the water sports enthusiast as well as you can rent canoes, row or motor boats here and head out to explore the various islands with their ruined castles, burial sites and secret bays or you could head out in a kayak to the sea lochs to discover the many  hidden  coves and beaches along the coastline. If all this activity is not your cup of tea  you could even drive out to the busy harbor town of Oban for a day trip and take a ferry  to cruise the western isles.

At the end of your busy and activity filled day, you could then come back to the bar at your vacation rental at Ardbrecknish house and relax in front of a roaring fire as you play pool or darts and  imbibe some excellent Scottish malt whiskies.

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