Living The Beach Life In Grenada

Your choice of Grenada hotels can help you experience all the best beaches and diving spots this picturesque Caribbean island has to offer.

Experience the original Spice Island when you hit the shores of this Caribbean paradise. As you gaze out of the balcony of any luxurious Grenada hotels, you are greeted by crystalline waters, endless miles of white sand and the perfect weather that made the Caribbean a haven for pirates and lords alike. Pack your sunscreen and set sail for cool winds, dramatic beaches and a slice of beach heaven.

Mimosas by the Beach

Grenada's unique geography and temperate climate makes it a center for spice-growing and exporting. Grenada is part of a three island system that includes Carriacou and Petit Martinique and can easily be accessed by plane or boat.

Your pick of Grenada hotels depends on which beach you prefer. The Grand Anse Beach's famously calm waters and sparkling white sand ensures this two mile stretch attracts tourists year-round. This is true even during rainy season, because the island enjoys very little rain throughout the year. There are a handful of top rated resorts and boutique hotels which boast well-reviewed supreme service.

Book one right by the strip of shore so you can open your windows to the sound of the surf.

Book near the beach if you love to sunbathe, drink the day away and love swimming. Snorkelling is also a favourite activity - but be warned that the shore is so pristine fish can be a rare sight. If you want a more local flavour, book Grenada hotels by the Bathway Beach on the other side of the island. Bathway is not as developed as the Grand Anse and you will bump elbows with locals while you set up your beach blanket and pop open a beer.

Underwater Paradise

After a morning at the beach, saunter down to Levera National Park near Bathway Beach for one of the best (and little-known) snorkelling sites on the island. This small site is surrounded by mangroves and breaks into a freshwater pool teeming with life. Unlike Grand Anse, you are more likely to find cozy inns and rest houses on this side of the island.

If your idea of a perfect beach trip involves donning a mask and diving into the cool Caribbean blue, this island boasts some of the most breathtaking dive sites in the world. Head on over on a day trip to Sandy Island in Carriacou for a snorkelling experience like no other. Many Grenada hotels can help you book a dive trip with the island's specialist dive groups. Other hotels have their own dive school and instructors.

The Calabash Hotel by Grand Anse beach in particular works with the ScubaTech near the southern tip of the island. Seasoned instructors can help earn that open dive certificate for adults and children alike. If you want to experience ten or more days of diving, contact Dive Grenada, a full service trip that includes over ten different dives that include night dives and open water certification classes.

You should not forget to book a dive to the Underwater Monuments off Moliniere Bay. These sculptures are a tribute to the many slaves who lost their lives during the height of the slave trade. The area makes for a memorable dive and a little bit of a history lesson. Do not forget to bring your underwater cameras!

A trip to this Caribbean island would not be complete without enjoying its wondrous beaches and exceptional diving sites. Dig your feet into pristine white sand and enjoy your choice of cocktails, head down to Bathway for a more authentic experience, or slip those fins on and dive into adventure.

Cheryl Matthews works for the Essential Hotel Collection. If you're looking for Grenada hotels, we offer a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels. We have an intimate knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect Grenada hotels to make your island dreams a reality.

Explore More of Grenada By Going Beyond the Beach

When you check into luxury Grenada hotels, expand your horizons by going beyond to beach for all the attractions the island has to offer.

If you look out from any Grenada hotels window, you may think there is nothing else to this beautiful island than that expanse of sea and sand. But there is more to this Caribbean paradise than meets the eye. Spend a day out of the beach or nights dancing your heart out to beat of island drums.

Experience Nature

Leave the beach behind and make your way from your hotel to Grand Etang National Park. Do not forget to bring your swimsuits! One of the main attractions is the Seven Sister Falls. Walk through the rainforest until you hear the rush of the falls and dive right in! The area is safe and perfect for swimming. Hike your way to Concord Falls near St. John to experience the thundering 65-foot waterfall and a cool mid-afternoon swim.

To complete the waterfall experience, the Royal Mount Carmel Falls are a double set of falls that are the highlight of a guided tour through the forest. This waterfall features a unique smooth pool that you can slip into after a short hike through the forest. During your stay in Grenada, hotels should also be able to point you in the right direction no matter what type of experience you are looking for.

The Bay Gardens boast over 3000 different species of flora and provide great photo opportunities. For a small fee you can happily scamper about, photograph your favourite flowers and enjoy the diversity of the Caribbean. You can also choose to tour the Co-Operative Nutmeg Associate for a peek into the spice that fuels the island's export economy, plus you can buy a few spices to take home.

Educational Tours

If travelling with children or teenagers, luxury Grenada hotels often have different activities to keep them busy but who wants to be cooped up all day when this beautiful island is calling out for you to explore? Why not take the family off the beaten path and visit the Grenada Chocolate Company for an inside look at one of the best chocolatiers in the world? Although remote and a long ride from town, the trip will be worth its weight (in chocolate). Another interesting attraction worth looking into is the River Antoine Rum Distillery for a day tour. Yes, you can buy a bottle and there are free samplings of the rum varieties. Pirate jokes are optional.

There is also no shortage of museums. Cricket lovers should take the time to visit the West Indies Cricket Heritage Center, a lesser-known museum that displays cricket memorabilia, uniforms, caps, equipment and jackets. Explore how life was by visiting the National Museum and visit the historic Carenage Harbor for dining, shopping and island crafts.

Take the family to Fort George for a look at olden times and a chance to see some of the island's most beautiful panoramic bay views. After take a stroll through the bay and dine in the many restaurants around the area.

There is more to this fabulous destination than the beautiful beaches. Day tours are available for all of the attractions for convenient prices. Explore the island and discover its hidden sights, hidden secrets and colorful history.

Cheryl Matthews works for the Essential Hotel Collection. If you're looking for Grenada hotels, we offer a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels. We have an intimate knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect Grenada hotels to make your island dreams a reality.

Caribbean Vacations: Barbados Travel Guide And Advice

Barbados travel agents can be an extremely valuable asset to arrange a nice and memorable tour on this Caribbean island, and provide you with valuable information about where to go, what to see and where to stay.

Barbados is one of the most picturesque islands among the Lesser Antilles. It was discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1536. The island was given the name 'Los Barbados', which is translated as 'bearded' because of the huge banyan tree with roots, forming a real beard around the trunk. The main attractions of the island are St. James Church, Sugar Museum, Folkestone Park and Marine Museum.

By the time when the development of this piece of land began, the island was uninhabited. The oldest city in Barbados was founded in the early 17th century. At that time the settlers planted vast sugar plantations. Until the middle of the 20th century, rum and sugar production was practically the only growing sector of the local economy. Only at the end of the last century, booming tourism gave additional stimulus to the development of the island. Thus it became one of the most popular resort areas in the Western Hemisphere. The year-round sun and the warm sea, picturesque beaches and beautiful coral reefs, fields and wineries, a variety of historical monuments, the traditional carnival as well as a huge number of cultural events make this island a great destination in the Caribbean Sea.

Also, there are lots of places associated with the heyday of piracy, Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados, the island's commercial center and one of the major Caribbean ports. This small town with a population of only eighty thousand people is a picturesque place with colonial-style houses, with narrow streets, rum shops and historical monuments. Here one will find the seat of government and the offices of major companies.

The center of the city is Trafalgar Square or Heroes' Square. It is almost a complete copy of the same name place in London, there is even a statue of Lord Nelson. The square offers a picturesque view of the harbor since water moves right into the city center, and there is a parking lot of many yachts and cruise ships. To the east of the 'Heroes Square' one will see a large Anglican Cathedral of St. Michael. The theater, Queen's Park House, used to be the residence of the commander of British forces. The Gothic building of Parliament of Barbados stands at the beginning of the main street. The main shopping area of the city is Broad Street, which runs from the Heroes' Square with a series of banks, department stores and duty free shops.

Outside the city, there are also many interesting places, such as the Bayshore shopping mall with a lot of shops and antique shops, a few rum factories, including the well-known Gay-Rum Factory with a small museum of Rum.

Not far from the capital, there is a tiny historic village consisting of six old houses representing various projects, and a few shops with the products of traditional crafts. The original botanical gardens, Flower Forest and Francia Plantation, are considered the most attractive places on the island. Other noteworthy places include the huge terraced garden, a fire tower on Gun Hill, a small military museum and a small canyon. The island is also known for its unique flora and fauna.

Stormy east coast is the most beautiful part of Barbados. High Atlantic tides create good conditions for water sports. The northern part of Barbados is the least visited area of the island. However, the region offers a huge variety of places for recreation and sport activities, and the most popular sights here include Barbados Wildlife Sanctuary, Christ Church, Accra Beach mentioned in numerous legends about pirates, and Sam Lord's Castle. The west coast of Barbados is also known as the 'Platinum Coast'. It is the land of bays and sandy beaches.

Travel Agencies in Barbados can provide a better travel experience and, probably, a better price. Also, Barbados tour operators are the local experts in providing such trip components as hotels, tour guides, transport etc.

Djibouti Travel Notes and Advice

Travel agencies in Djibouti invite you to explore this unusual and beautiful country. They are the experts in preparing effective trips to this country and can help you organize such things as flights, hotels, excursions and more.

The special appeal of Djibouti consists in the fact that it is a rather rarely visited country. Unforgettable is the sunrise on the shore of the desert lakes inhabited by flamingos. The black lava fields and fantastic natural volcanic formations, common to the area of the Great African Rift, deliver the hot steam and volcanic gases onto the surface. Endless barren plains of the 'Martian landscapes' can be seen on this tiny part of the African land. And at the same time, there are quite ordinary beautiful uninhabited parts of the coastline and the magnificent underwater world of coral reefs of the Red Sea that make snorkeling and diving in these places an incredibly attractive occupation.

The country practically consists only of the port city of Djibouti. Djibouti is a beautiful capital city, and the largest city in this country, located in an amazing and beautiful place that bears the name of the Afar Triangle. This area is known for the hottest desert across the globe. Djibouti is built below sea level, surrounded by lava fields and the long-extinct volcanoes. Due to the very dry climate, as well as its specific location, the capital is always dusty and very hot.

The main sights of the capital include the Presidential Palace and the Central Market. The majority of buildings in the city have the typical features of the colonial style. Central Market is the attraction of Djibouti, which is a must for foreign tourists. Located to the south of downtown, it attracts foreigners, primarily because it is one of the best places to buy different kinds of goods, from seafood to exotic fruits. Walking around the town, one will thoroughly examine the beauty of Djibouti, its magnificent theater, called L'Escale, as well as the marina, which is considered one of the best in the world. Here you can listen to traditional music and dancing. Also, the city has a community theater, called 'Saline'. One should visit the Tropical Aquarium of Djibouti and walk past the Presidential Palace.

Ali Sabeh is an exotic desert land, a large salt plain and a kind of paradise for 'sand surfing'. On the way from Djibouti to Ali Sabeh the motorway crosses two unique, perfectly flat desert plains - Petit Vara and Grand Bara, which serve as a 'stadium' for windsurfing on wheels. The lakes of the country are rather unusual natural formations. Lake Assal lies below sea level and is surrounded by dormant volcanoes and black lava fields. Some of these lakes are called 'pits of demons' by the locals.

People, who love beach holidays, will be delighted by the spacious beaches of the city. In Djibouti, there are many beaches, mostly picturesque and secluded. Underwater divers will appreciate the bewitching beauty of coral reefs and crystal clear sea water. The best beaches near the city are Dorale and less accessible Khor Ambado, where you can easily rent a boat and sail to the nearby protected islands of Mascali and Mush. In the Gulf of Aden and in the vicinity of Bab el Mandeb Strait one can also find spectacular coral reefs. They are the dream of every diver, but are considered rather complicated and dangerous for diving because of the peculiarities of local currents. This is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in the world due to the unfortunate reputation of the Bab el Mandeb Strait, where from 1,500 to 6,000 shipwrecks took place.

Visit Djibouti with the help of one of Djibouti travel agents using their knowledge of local conditions and extensive experience in the tourism industry. Djibouti tour operators can provide better offers for flights, land arrangements, hotels, transport and other key tour components.

Hawaii the Big Island - 6 Reasons to Choose It for Your Honeymoon

Remember the first day that you crossed paths with that special someone? It may have begun with a simple greeting, a smile, an introduction, or even an argument. Eventually, this encounter transformed into one of the most beautiful experiences that a person can live throughout their lifetime. This of course, developed even further and led to one of the greatest days of your life, the engagement to become married.

The wedding day can come in all different shapes, sizes, and forms. Some believe that a huge wedding is the way to go while others thrive with simplicity. However, there is something else that deserves a fair amount of thought and planning. The Honeymoon! In this article, we are going to talk about one of the most fascinating places in the world, Hawaii (The Big Island). Below you will learn 6 reasons to pick Hawaii (The Big Island) for your Honeymoon.

1) Beaches: The Big Island has some of the most captivating beaches in the world. If you appreciate beautiful scenery, diving, snorkeling, sun bathing, and fishing, the Big Island will not disappoint. Kahalu'u beach is one great example of the type of beaches found in Hawaii.

Known, as the snorkel beach, Kahalu'u is usually a pretty calm beach and has more than 100 species of colorful fish. Sea turtles, butterfly fish, parrot fish, and beautiful corals are some of the things you will come across when snorkeling in Kahalu'u beach. The north part of the beach is a little rough since this is where the wave's break which is great for those that enjoy body boarding and surfing.

2) History & Culture: Learning about the history and culture of The Big Island will enchant any traveler, ranging from the least to even the most experienced. Mookini Heiau State Monument, over 1,500 years is one of the longest standing and historical sites in Hawaii Island. This religious monument was once used as a temple for human sacrifice.

A short walk away from the Mookini Heiau State Monument, you will find another historical site, the birthplace of Hawaii's greatest King, known as Kamehameha I. The Kings birthplace is marked by a sign in front of a stone wall. Many of the Hawaiians and others consider this area to be a spiritual place, and it is important not to walk on the rocks or move them.

Due to an earthquake in this area, it may not be what it once was, but it is still considered a great historical site. The history and culture found in the Big Island makes it a great place for newlyweds to start off on the right path and learn about a new culture, which is ironically an essential step in marriage.

3) Attractions: Another great aspect of Hawaii's Big Island is the variety of activities and attractions. At The Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, one can experience a mixture of Hawaiian culture and astronomical research conducted at Maunakea.

Another great attraction is the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Bring your camera because you will see more than 2,000 species of beautiful plants. You can also take a trip to World Botanical Gardens and Waterfalls and observe Hawaii's most beautiful waterfall.

The Hawaiian EDventure is another attraction you will not want to miss. They will allow you to experience authentic cultural activities and programs with the purpose of honoring and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.

If you and your mate need something that will get your adrenaline pumping, take a trip to Aloja Jet Ski. You have the choice of renting a jet ski for thirty minutes or one hour if you prefer, and they are incredibly fun. The best part about a Jet Ski is that they are extremely easy to operate, even if you have never experienced driving one.

4) Animals & Nature: Are you a nature and animal lover? The Big Island will provide you with an experience you will never forget. Imagine having the opportunity to interact with some of the smartest and most beautiful animals on the planet? Dolphin Quest allows you to do just that. You get to swim and engage with these amazing and therapeutic mammals for thirty minutes.

If the dolphin experience isn't enough, how about taking a glimpse at an animal that weighs forty thousand pounds and is forty feet long. Watching the Humpback whales off the Big Island's shore will cause any human being to feel a dreamlike outburst of amusement and joy. These amazing animals can be seen from December to May, when they reach Hawaii's warm waters to breed and give birth to new calves.

5) Hotels & Beach Resorts: Hawaii is no stranger when it comes to hospitality and pampering their visitors. There are plenty of hotels and resorts with magnificent beach settings, eager to provide you with their world class amenities.

One example of this is the Hilton Waikoloa Beach resort which includes two championship golf courses. The first one is the Waikoloa Beach course designed by Robert Trent Jones and the Waikoloa Kings course designed by Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish. If the above isn't enough, a putting course can also be found in this resort which includes a romantic ocean setting.

Another example of the kind of Hotels found at the Big Island is the Mauna Lani Bay Resort. Want to include a few lessons of Hula to your Honeymoon? The Mauna Lani Bay includes this, and it's complimentary. The Mauna Lani Bay also includes two championship golf courses and has received Golf Magazine's Gold Medal Award every year since 1988.

6) State Parks: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one location that you will not want to bypass. The natural scenery that is found in this park is unparalleled to anything else. Some of the things that make it unique include the rainforests and scalded deserts, a walk in lave a tube, hiking trails through volcanic craters, and a favorite for many, two active volcanoes. You get to experience seeing a real live volcano which has not stopped erupting since it started on January 3rd 1983 known as Kilauea and Maunaloa which last erupted in 1984.

The Thurston Lave Tube can also cause an incomparable impression. Imagine walking through a cave that was formed by lava 500 years ago? This is one of the activities found at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and it is lit to allow you to get a detailed view of the lava tube. If you are brave and carry a flash light, you can continue walking further into the dark area of the tube for another 50 yards which leads to light at the end as you reach the grand finally and walk into an enchanting tropical rain forest.

All things considered, the Big Island is the perfect place for a honeymoon and the perfect place for a great vacation. Start making the necessary preparations well in advance and buckle up to experience the greatest adventure of your life.

Mike Tailor is an avid traveler, he loves nature, he is a passionate blogger, and is the owner of a tourism information website. For great ideas on where to go on your next vacation, grab his free 26 page report "Delightful Beach Vacations" at: http://www.nextvacationspot.com/report/

St Lucia - Sampling the Local Cuisine

St Lucia honeymoons: the phrase rightly suggests idyllic tropical sunsets over the ocean as you start your married life together. Yet a visit to this gorgeous island will also give you the chance to sample some of the unique Creole cuisine for which it is famous.

A culinary heritage

French, African and British cuisines have all left their mark on the island. Whilst part of the British Empire, people from all around the globe came and settled on the island and also made their own contribution to local tastes and cooking techniques. Today, St Lucia honeymoons will provide romantic couples with the chance to sample some of these delights including:

Pepperpot Stew. Truly delicious and comprises a very lean beef stew with a rich mixture of potatoes, onions, green beans and of course pepper.

Callaloo Soup. Callaloo is a local vegetable not dissimilar to spinach. It is stewed, sometimes with coconut milk, together with beef (perhaps salted) and dumplings.

Jerk Chicken. There are various recipes for this and they do involve a pretty hot chilli but having said that, the trick of the best local chefs is to make this classic dish spicy and pungent without it burning off your taste buds.

Pork Chop and Pineapple Salsa. If this sounds absurdly simple, you'll be surprised! Somehow the local chefs manage to combine a very tangy and flavoursome pineapple salsa with a marinated chop and make it a truly unique and delicious taste.

Green fig and Saltfish Pie. This is a great dish to try on St Lucia honeymoons, as you may not find it easy to obtain elsewhere. It's essentially fish, peppers, cheese and breadcrumbs and of course, green figs. It's absolutely superb when done well.

Baked Stuffed Breadfruit. This is a mixture of minced meat, ham, tomatoes and garlic, baked in a hollowed out breadfruit. Once again, it sounds simple but the taste isn't.

Banana Chicken. This is chicken and ham, rolled together with banana and then fried in a sort of batter with coconut flavouring. A uniquely exotic taste - and it works!

This is, of course, just a totally inadequate sample of the fantastic tastes that await you on St Lucia honeymoons.

Contrary to what you might have heard, Caribbean and St Lucian cuisine is not just about heat and spices. When authentically prepared, it offers a range of taste experiences that compare favourably with any cuisine anywhere in the world. So, St Lucia honeymoons don't just have to be about beach and sea - you can think about your taste buds too!

Ross Stevenson is the General Manager of Cap Maison. With a reputation as the foremost luxury hotel on St Lucia, they provide a wide selection of services for St Lucia honeymoons and options for couples who want to enjoy a blissful Caribbean experience.

Enhance the Aesthetic Value of Your Property With Aluminum Fences

Are you looking to protect your property from thefts or trespassing?? Are you looking to enhance the aesthetics of your property? If the answers are affirmative, then one of the best alternatives for you would be to invest in an option which looks stylish and is in your budget.

Investing in an aluminum fences is a lifetime investment... An aluminum, a durable material is quite popular these days, which requires low maintenance. These fences are available in various attractive designs and colors giving an ethereal look to any façade.

In the last few decades, a rising number of customers are choosing these powder coated fences. Read on to know more about the advantages of installing this inexpensive option over other fences:

Advantages of choose these Aluminum fences

Sturdiness - An aluminum is a sturdy material, which is durable in nature. These are also long lasting as compared to other construction material such as wood, iron and steel. Moreover, an aluminum as compared to iron does not rust on being exposed to air. This means that they have a longer life in comparison to iron fences.

Attractive - The malleability of the metal aluminum makes it easy to cast into attractive designs. In addition, it also has various adornment options that make it enhance the aesthetic beauty of the surroundings.

Easy installation - These enclosures have an easy installation, which means that a property owner does not need to spend cumbersome amounts on the installation of these fences. Most of these fences have a pre-punched hole that makes it easy to be installed. Since, most of these structures are available in sections; it is a easy to replace the damaged part without interrupting the complete structure.

Low Maintenance - Fences made up of aluminum are low on maintenance since, it is available in powder coat finish. This finish not only gives them a smooth and attractive finish but also makes them easy to maintain. Moreover, the powder finish gives the customers a wide variety of choices, as they are available in many different colors.

Competitive pricing - One of the biggest advantages these fences offer, over other types, are that they are reasonably priced. These fences are available at different prices. The pricing may differ depending upon the grade of aluminum being used.

Those looking for competitive pricing and good quality can benefit from the various advantages that these fences have to offer.

If you are looking for aluminum fences for your house or commercial property and want to see a huge collection and options that are available in the market, log on to http://www.discountaluminumfences.com to choose from a wide variety of designs and style, and that too at affordable prices.