Category: Resort

Castleburn Mountain Resort – What’s All The Rage

Castleburn resort began as a bare farm in the Underberg region with caravan and outhouse as the only dwelling in 1983. Today it is a luxury mountain resort in the Magic Breakaways Leisure resorts portfolio. The Garden Castle mountain which overlooks the farm and the Scottish name for a small stream a burn are what gave the name to the farm:-Castleburn. Earning their living from the construction trade and smaller farming operations, the Barnett family were the original owners of the land. They dreamed of building a lake with cottages on its shores, both overlooked by their own home higher up in the valley.

The construction of an earthen dam wall as well as a clubhouse and 4 cottages began in 1991, probably a year that the Barnetts remember very well as being the start of their dreams manifesting. One could say that a degree of divine intervention was experienced at Castleburn when the rains filled the lake shortly after completion at the end of 1991.

2 years later, Dave Barnett and Peter Foaden from Magic Breakaways met and created a winning relationship resulting in large scale development at Castleburn. Magic Breakaways operates in the resort development area of the Legacy Group of companies a large African corporation and a leader in the hospitality industry.

Indeed the relationship proved to be a winner and Castleburn is now home to 58 units comprising: 4 Luxury chalets with Jacuzzi bath; 6 single bedroom apartments; 22 chalets with three bedrooms; 4 luxury chalets accommodating 8 guests

Climate in the region is moderate with cool winters and warm summers. The coldest months are April through September with the lowest temperatures dropping to 2 degrees Celsius in winter mornings and highs peaking at 26 degrees during December. The resort is located at the foothills of the Southern Drakensburg, making it witness to beautiful snow-capped mountains and visitors; witness to many a moment to be savoured with family and / or loved ones in the regions peace. All chalets are equipped with heating systems as well as stone fireplaces for the colder months.

Trout fisherman and nature enthusiasts will be in their element at Castleburn however, the resort has many more activities to offer as well. The resort and a Natal Parks Board nature reserve share a border; it is also host to Lake Madingofani (formerly Castleburn Lake) and 7 smaller dams forming the major attraction of the resort. Rainbow, triploid and brown trout are the three main species of trout abundant in Lake Madingofani. The dams are continually restocked and so a disappointed fly-fisherman is an uncommon occurrence.

Other activities available will cater for all and include hiking, rowing, canoeing, sailing, squash, guided horse trail, volleyball court, two walks in the grounds, swimming in a rock-hewn swimming pool, trampolines, outdoor chess, tennis court and children’s playground. If one’s idea of true relaxation does not involve physical exertion the resort is equipped with a health and beauty salon as well as restaurants and cocktail bar, putt-putt and even a recreation centre with darts and pool. Of course the chalets and apartments are kitted out with other indulgent conveniences such as satellite television and comfortable patios inviting al fresco meals and quiet times against a fabric of majestic mountain ranges.

For bird-watching enthusiasts will find themselves busy enough with over a hundred species of bird to be seen. Birds are not the only creatures vying for attention in telescopic vision, Reedbuck and Eland as well as Bush buck, Duiker and jackals also find themselves commonly spotted.

In the class of relaxation destinations, Castleburn is easily the most understated and I implore all readers to consider it as a timeshare or fractional ownership prospect. Castleburn resort has a Four Star Gold Crown rating, thanks to the many skills and experience which Legacy has brought to its offering.

Kerala the best place for honeymoon seekers

Kerala is one of the most interesting and beautiful places in India and the most favored destination for honeymoon seekers. There are various aspects of Kerala and you have to visit this place to experience its rich nature and explore the serene landscape. The many backwaters to boathouses and beaches to an entirely different experience around coffee plantations to hills and the mountains, Kerala have everything to offer and make your honeymoon a special. Other important cities and town for historical importance are Trivandrum, Alleppey, Kannur, Kochi and Kollam that has its own way of offering the best package. The culture and history of Kerala is unique, this is what makes Kerala a unique place for honeymoon packages. Through this article we are concentrating on the various aspect of Honeymoon tour.

Commonly known as paradise for couples, Kerala is blessed with nature’s assets. The vast lush meadows, rivers, backwaters and beautiful hills add to the charm of Kerala. Kerala is never short of places with waterfalls and sunny beaches, these are odd combination, but when it comes to experience the most of the unique, this is the place to be. The place is good for water sport and adventure. So honeymoon seekers can always find their time to have a wonderful experience in the many backwater boats. As always the rules are; honeymoon is best celebrated in silent places away from hassle of the city, the most preferred is house boat trip around the backwaters. There are many luxurious resorts in almost every tourist center, which are again away from the chaos and notice of the city.

Visitors to Kerala have to be assured that the state is well connected by Air, Train and Bus. The important cities like Trivandrum, Cochin, and Calicut has their own airport so this makes it easy for tourist to visit places near by. The peak season for tourist is said to be during October – December, but it will be better if visitors do a research and know more about what they have to offer. The public transport is pretty good with access to every part of the state. Check out for the best option before you take a trip down to Kerala for your honey moon trip.

For more information about Kerala Resorts , kerala honey moon resorts and kerala hotels and resorts, please visit http://www.mirresorts.in/

Swinger Cruise The Ins & Outs On This Lifestyle Vacation Option

The Swinger Cruise is a term for a type of vacation that combines the best of two different lifestyles; Swinging and Cruising.

SWINGER CRUISES: HOW THEY CAME TO BE
The Swinger Cruise idea was generated over the years by many swinging couples who decided to travel together on cruise ships for their vacations. After a time Swinger Cruise vacations were organized by lifestyle travel agents. They worked with various cruise lines to form these type of cruises.

This worked well for a time but unfortunately the lifestyle couples on the Swinger Cruise felt uncomfortable around the vanilla passengers and the vanilla passengers on the cruise felt a little uneasy in the presence of swinging couples who tended to stay up a lot later and were, shall we say, a little less uninhibited.

In April of 2009 The Swinger Cruise as we know it today was born. The first 100% full ship charter was organized by Yolo and sailed April of 2009. This allowed the lifestyle couples on the Swingers Cruse to enjoy what they were seeking and the vanilla couples wouldn’t be bothered by so many free spirits being around. We sailed on this first 100% cruise as TheSwingerCruise.com and it was a BLAST!

SWINGER CRUISES: WHAT HAPPENS ON BOARD?
One of the key features of a lifestyle cruise is that it allows a lot of entertainment options you would not find on a regular cruise ship. Some of the features you will see on this type of cruise are multiple playrooms on the ship for couples who like to play in public and in a group setting. Another feature you will find is parties that are more erotic in nature and that allow couples to mingle freely. The tone on a lifestyle Cruise is also a lot more suggestive and enticing then what is commonly worn on a normal cruise. This all helps set the atmosphere on the cruise and raise the excitement level. If you like the swinging lifestyle you will enjoy a lifestyle cruise.

SWINGER CRUISES VS ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT VACATIONS:
A Swinger Cruise allows couples to explore their erotic nature in a safe and friendly environment with other like minded couples. Many land based resorts also offer this environment but are limited in size.

Some of the larger resorts that cater to this segment of travelers hold 200-250 couples. One of the distinct advantages of this type of vacation is the ability of the ship to carry up to 1150 couples. This is nearly 5 times as many couples on this cruise as you would find on a traditional land based lifestyle vacation.

Some of the other advantages this type of cruise offers over a land based vacation is the ability to visit various different locations and countries while still enjoying a high and consistent level of service in the company of the same people you have become friends with. This is an excellent feature of the Swinger Cruise and one of the many reasons they have become so popular.

Another popular feature is the high level of guest services and mealtime options. Many lifestyle vacation travelers became accustomed to lower levels of service and somewhat average meal plans at the lifestyle destinations. Lifestyle Cruise vacations raised the bar in terms of both service and dining options. Couples can now eat at different restaurants each night and with other friends they have met.

The ships have created a much higher expectation from guests in terms of both service and dining options. When combined with the attractive pricing levels of most cruises, it’s apparent why these types of cruises have become so popular and demand is increasing.

HOW TO FIND A SWINGER CRUISE:
When considering your next cruise we recommend that you look around for a knowledgeable and trusted agency who has both experience and direct product knowledge. We also recommend that you chose a reputable agency that has a long business history.

Escape To The Beaches Of Pangasinan

Are you looking for a place to escape to, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life? Well, arent you the lucky one! Theres a gem of a place somewhere north of Manila that offers sanctuary to those individuals looking for a quiet solitude. And that place is none other than Pangasinan.

Pangasinan is a province of coastal villages and lovely beaches. Located 250 kilometers (or 5-6 hour drive) north of the Philippines busy capital, the place is picture perfect for weekend getaways as it provides a refreshing break from the madness of city life. Although primarily known for its most famous tourist attraction, the Hundred Islands National Park, Pangasinan has a lot more surprises to offer. And the beaches in this coastal town are among those surprises. Indeed, they never fail to amaze local and foreign tourists. Among the provinces charming beaches are the following:

Abrak Beach.

Just a few minutes drive from Bolinao town proper, Abrak is a beautiful and secluded beach that offers affordable rental beach huts (at 500 PhP) for those who are on a budget. For visitors who want to spend a day or two frolicking by the beach, there are also several resorts available in the area.

Arnedo Beach.

Also located in the town of Bolinao, Arnedo Beach is a must for surfers looking for surfing facilities with reasonable fees. For those who want to relax, there are also quite a few resorts around the place. One of the popular ones is the Rock Garden Resort.

Colibra Island.

Known also as Snake Island, this island beach in Dasol boasts a magnificent shoreline with crystal clear waters perfect for recreational activities such as diving and snorkeling. Prepare yourself to get a mean tan, though, as the island offers no shade, except for a few coconut trees planted in the area. Visitors can reach Colibra Island by boat from Tambobong Beach, which is about 20 minutes away.

Tambobong Beach.

Tourists looking for some quiet time alone can enjoy their privacy here in this beach located in a quaint fishing village in Dasol. Tambobong White Beach Resort offers affordable accommodation, with the amenities being very simple and basic compared to other upscale resorts. But at least you get to take pleasure in your own personal retreat, so whats not to love in this place?

Tondol Beach.

Located in the town of Anda, Tondol Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Luzon. The best time to visit is during low tide as it isnt that extraordinary when its high tide. Nevertheless, the place is still considered one of the best in the region.

Local and foreign tourists, especially those who prefer an outdoor travel destination other than the more popular ones like Boracay, are welcome to spend their vacation in these charming Pangasinan beaches.

If you are wondering, getting to Pangasinan is easy. From Manila, Pangasinan is accessible by bus going to Alaminos, one of the provinces four cities. From there, public transportations can take you to the different villages that lead to these beaches. However, since these destinations are not yet fully commercialized, transportation options are quite limited. There are not so many tricycles and jeepneys that ply some of the routes so you may have to wait for available rides. You dont have to worry though, because your patience is sure to be rewarded upon setting foot on these beautiful beaches of Pangasinan.

Oasis Hotels And Resorts In Cancun Offer Complimentary Smart Car To Guests

For guests treating themselves to hot and sunny Cancun holidays this winter season, the Oasis group is bringing them with a special winter warmer by offering them with a great new special gift to help them get about and about during their stay at Oasis selection of Cancun hotels.
Oasis Hotels & Resorts are now offering guests the ultimate facility to reward tourists choosing to stay at their group of hotels in Cancun: complimentary use of a Smart Car!

The new offer has been launched in order to entice more travellers to take holidays in Cancun this winter season and the new range of Smart cars featuring the logo Oasis Loves U has been designed as the ultimate treat for guests.

“Our goal is to provide more value to guests when they come to stay with us. While guests at our all-inclusive resorts want for little as everything is included, we feel the ultimate amenity is to offer them use of a complimentary Smart Car so they have the freedom to explore beyond the resort…to go shopping, dining, sightseeing, and more”, were the words from Enrique Klein, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for TravAmerica, the exclusive sales and marketing representation company for Oasis Hotels & Resorts in North America.

The car will also prove convenient for guests enjoying Cancun holidays at newly renovated Oasis Sense del Mar hotel and who choose to take advantage of the Oasis Runaway Program, where guests of the Grand Oasis Cancun, Sens Del Mar, and Grand Oasis Palm are free to avail themselves of the facilities at any of the other resorts including dining, entertainment, and more.

After investing $7 million in renovating the newly revamped Oasis Sens Del Mar, which reopened to guests last December 2011, along with the refurbishment plans, the Oasis group acquired a fleet of Smart Cars to make available to guests for free and thus enhance the holiday experience they offered to guests staying at their collection of resorts.

Oasis Hotels & Resorts purchased 200 Smart Cars for guests embarking on holidays to Cancun and staying at any of the above-mentioned participating Cancun hotels. As part of the new complimentary offer Oasis resorts will assess a nominal daily insurance charge for those who use the cars. Guests staying in the “Sens” category of accommodation at the Grand Oasis Cancun and all guests staying at the Sens Del Mar enjoy complimentary use of the Smart Cars.