July 5th, 2008

Whistler-Blackcomb - A World Class Ski Resort

Whistler, British Columbia, is world-renowned as the chosen venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. As one of the top ski and all-season resorts in North America, Whistler beckons travelers from around the world with ski, snow and vacation experiences of a lifetime. This season, snow conditions were truly the best that they have ever been: more than 4.6 m (15 ft) fell in January 2006, making it the snowiest month in the resort’s recorded history.

Whistler offers world-class skiing in the largest ski area in North America and features 37 lifts, over 200 marked runs, three glaciers and 13 alpine bowls. Riders can try out tricks at the award-winning terrain parks. Adults and kids of all ages can take ski or snowboarding lessons from the pros. You can also enjoy heli-skiing, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, ice climbing and winter fishing. Also new this year, experience the Coca-Cola Family Tube Park, a six to eight-lane adventure accessed via a new tube-friendly, carpet-style lift. You’ll probably run out of energy before you run out of things to do!

The pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village bustles with excitement year-round: restaurants, spas, shopping and entertainment ranging from five-star luxurious to comfortably economical. The resort has 115 hotels, condos and bed & breakfasts, as well as many apartments, self-cater lodges and motels. Some accommodations offer ski- in/ski-out access. A free shuttle service operates between Village North, Whistler Village and the Upper Village.

There’s even a nanny service which means everyone can share in the excitement. Caring for families is a Whistler specialty. Whistler Kids offers ski and snowboard lessons for the little ones. The Nanny Network offers reliable childcare and even dog walking and doggie babysitting services. Teens can enjoy the Ride Tribe program and learn free-ride, park skiing and snowboarding. The LUNA program for teenagers offers alcohol-free evening events from pool parties to movie nights.

You can drive the Sea to Sky Highway, Highway 99, from Vancouver, BC to Whistler in two hours. Flights to Vancouver are available from almost any major city. Scheduled bus services from Vancouver and connecting communities arrive in Whistler daily. The Whistler and Valley Express (WAVE) provides year-round public bus service throughout Whistler and between Whistler and Pemberton.

You might also choose to discover the dramatic beauty of the Sea-to-Sky corridor of British Columbia from a unique perspective while relaxing in comfort and style onboard the new Whistler Mountaineer train. This is a premier three hour train trip from Vancouver to Whistler, BC. As the train hugs the oceanfront, winds through canyons and climbs the steep grades of the BC Coast Mountains, you’ll have front row seats to the endless array of breathtaking views riding in one of their modern dome cars. An exciting addition to your holiday in Whistler.

Some pertinent facts about the Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Resort:

Vertical: Whistler - 1,530 m (5,020 ft); Blackcomb - 1,609 m (5,280 ft) Terrain: Whistler & Blackcomb combined - 3,307 ha (8,171 ac) Runs: Whistler & Blackcomb combined - 200 runs Whistler: 100 runs- 20% beginner; 55 % intermediate; 25% expert Blackcomb: 100 runs - 15% beginner; 55 % intermediate; 30% expert Lifts: Whistler & Blackcomb combined - 37 lifts Whistler: 20 lifts - 2 high-speed gondolas; 6 high-speed quads; 2 triple chairs; 1 double chair; 9 surface lifts. Blackcomb: 17 lifts - 1 high-speed gondola; 6 high-speed quads; 3 triple chairs; 7 surface lifts. Operating Season: Whistler - late November to early June; Blackcomb - late November to late April

Renowned for panoramic views and apr

Tag: Tourism

May 14th, 2008

Discover The Boca Raton Resort And Club

Situated in the city of Boca Raton, Florida, just 50 miles north of Miami and 26 miles south of Palm Beach, you will find the beautiful luxury resort hotel, The Boca Raton Resort And Club. This hotel sits on 356 acres of beautifully tended well manicured grounds with gorgous gardens, one half mile of private beach, thirty tennis courts, a full service marina, three fitness centers, two championship 18-hole golf courses and much, much more.

The famous Boca Raton Resort And Club, has five distinct styles of deluxe guestrooms and suites:

1. The Cloister which is the most classic of the Resort’s five accommodation choices. Set within an intricate pattern of tropical gardens, tiled courtyards and sparkling fountains that seem suspended in another era.

2. The Tower which is a dramatic contrast, being a sleek and modern high-rise soaring 27 stories above the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Florida Gold Coast. The decor is contemporary, yet comfortably inviting and the views from the guest rooms and deluxe corner suites are truly inspiring.

3. The Boca Beach Club presents the irresistible lure of staying and playing on the Atlantic seashore. Lanais and guest rooms provide views that beckon guests to pursue their favorite water sports by simply stepping out the door. Recreation amenities include a half-mile of private ocean beach, two pools, private cabanas, a whirlpool, and a variety of watersports.

4. The Yacht Club, which is Reminiscent of a grand Venetian palace, commands the Resort’s waterfront, with 112 of the country’s most luxurious guestrooms and suites, the Yacht Club features custom-designed appointments and luxuries as well as private balconies with sweeping views of the Resort’s marina, the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.

5. The Boca Bungalows, casual and quiet, are available with one-and two-bedrooms, have an easygoing charm all their own. Many are conveniently equipped with kitchens for informal entertaining. They provide an opportunity for golfers to stay near the beauty of the rolling fairways and manicured greens.

The Boca Raton Resort & Club offers its guests an unmatched variety of sports and leisure activities. Boca Raton Resort & Club offers two championship 18-hole golf courses with fully-stocked pro shops and complete practice facilities. The Resort Course which is located directly on the resort grounds is a 6,253 yard, par 71 course highlighted with a variety of elevation changes and 12 surface acres of water including a signature water feature designed by Hugh Hughes. The Country Club Course is located at the Boca Country Club, just minutes from the Resort and is a 6,585 yard, par 72 course with an 18th hole island green.

The full-service marina features 30 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 170 feet and longer. The Resort also offer one of the widest varieties of water sport facilities in the United States. From fishing and sailing charters to cigarette boat rides and yacht rentals, the Resort delivers an ocean of good times.

The new tennis facilities include a tennis clubhouse with viewing deck and elaborate pro shop, as well as 18 Har-tru clay courts. These courts utilize the latest in HydroGrid technology to maintain a consistent level of moisture on the courts’ surface. Tennis Magazine listed the Resorts in it’s “The 50 Greatest Tennis Resorts in the United States”, list.

There are 19 dining and entertainment venues housed in a variety of unique locations, these many eateries share several common themes - fantastic food, impeccable service and total exclusivity. Because every one of these establishments is open only to guests and members, the Resort can consistently provide access to great tables and personalized service.

Check out the Spa Palazzo, a perfect sanctuary of peace and tranquility, in a private, beautiful and unique environment. According to the Resort, “At Spa Palazzo your every desire will be met, and more importantly, your need to invigorate the body and restore the spirit will be fulfilled.”.

Boca Raton Resort And Club isn’t cheap, but it is definitely worth the price and more. Relax, be pampered and enjoy the beauty of the Resort and of the city. When you come home after your vacation you’ll feel rested and wonderful.

For more information about the city of Boca Raton, Florida see: http://bocaratonfl.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to the city of Boca Raton, Florida guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, real estate brokers, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Tags: boca raton resort and club, , , , , , , destinations, hotels, leisure, Tourism, travel, vacations

May 11th, 2008

Why Bulgaria Should Be At the Top of Your Destinations List

Bulgaria is perhaps one of the under estimated destinations in Europe. Many may not even be able to accurately describe it’s location. It is however one of Europe’s increasingly popular destinations with a steadily increasing tourist population reaching 4.4 million in 2005 and a population driven and motivated to provide the best services to the visitors. The country is simply teeming with attractive landscapes, snow-capped mountains, low set valleys, wind-blown plateaus, expansive vineyards, first class ski and beach resorts and beaches set on over 200km of some of the Black Sea’s most beautiful coastline. A jewel in eastern Europe, Bulgaria has enough attraction to mesmerize and charm even the most stoic of visitors.

Bulgaria lies on the Black Sea, sharing the western coast with Romania and Turkey, with Greece on its southern border. If pristine white sand beaches and jagged coastline is not enough, Bulgaria also has some of the most impressive mountain ranges as it’s located at the southern reach of the Balkan range, it’s highest peak in the Pirin mountains reaching nearly 3000 meters. The mountains serve for more than just ski resorts; they also have an abundance of wildlife, forests and lakes for exploring.

Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coastline holds riches beyond belief. It’s sometimes difficult to fathom that such a small country could harbour such diverse environments in the abundance that Bulgaria provides; the coastline is no exception. The sandy beaches are clean and well cared for whether you spend your time in the resorts or hunting for the special, remote, secluded beaches. The current is mild and the temperature is warm; ideal for Bulgaria’s long summer days when a morning swim is definitely on the menu for utter relaxation. Along the coast you’ll also find a multitude of spas of still mineral waters, many of which are open to the public 24 hours per day. The north coast features high plains of vineyards, cliffs and 2000 year old Roman era ruins that make a mystical type of setting. The rocky beaches of the north are often free from the hustle of thousands of bathers in the south. Little known to the grand majority of tourists is that nestled on 100 meters on the beaches beneath the cliffs of the plateau are bathing spots and some of Bulgaria’s best sea food restaurants.

While there is more than enough fun to be had exploring the country by your own whit, driving, hiking, sailing, rowing, biking, walking and more, Bulgaria is full of resorts. The resorts also have a lot to offer on the coast. The largest of them, Sunny Beach (Bulgaria’s largest resort), Golden Sands and Albena are well known and attract visitors that come year after year to enjoy these cities constructed with only one goal in mind: Having the time of your life! Many of the veterans simply buy apartments on the resorts, especially popular in Bulgaria’s recent property boom. The resorts are continually changing with new attractions appearing every year, the latest of which are three new world class golf courses.

You’ll also find a lot of cultural events along the coast in the largest of Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast cities, Varna (or Pearl of the Black Sea) and Burgas (respectively). The small island towns of Nessebar and Sozopol are among the most charming in Europe with history going back to ancient Greece and Rome preserved in sections of the towns. Sozopol also has one of Bulgaria’s most attractive cultural festivals lasting 10 days in the beginning of September. As the cradle of modern wineries, Bulgaria has vistas in which vineyards are visible for miles around in the mountains and plains west of Nessebar and Sozopol.

Bulgaria has a lot of offer for all of the seasons. From late autumn till mid spring Bulgaria’s three most popular ski resorts are open. Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo (which are in contest to hold a Winter Olympics event) are among the best resorts in Europe. These resorts are set in the Pirin and Rhodope mountains, the former of which carries the tallest peak in the Balkans. The mountains offer more than just some of the best skiing and boarding available. They have a number of lakes and forests that are simply remarkable in the early autumn for camping, hiking and living outdoors for weeks at a time in the mild weather.

Further south, the capital of Bulgaria’s wine culture, Melnik sits in rocky mountains close to the Greek boarder. Many, Bulgarians and foreigners alike visit Melnik to tour the vineyards, sample the wine and visit the monasteries which are numerous in the hills and mountains of the southwest. The winding mountain roads and multitude of small rivers, lakes and damns make for an enjoyable landscape and would satisfy any outdoor-centric individual.

With an abundance of high classed resorts, divine beaches, stunning mountains and forests, vibrant animal life, some of the friendliest people you’ll have the pleasure of meeting and the surprisingly low prices make Bulgaria a wonderful regular holiday destination, especially well suited to family holidays. There are few places that can compete in both the resort and tourist activities, a culture and people that are open, welcoming and warming as well as an abundance of natural and compelling reasons to visit this country for more than just a swim in clean waters.

Karim is an American expat currently residing in Bulgaria after completing a BFA in Fine Arts in the US and a MSc in Computer Science in the UK. He currently runs a number of businesses based in Europe including http://www.homesandinteriorsbg.com and http://www.investmentconsultingbg.com, primarily in Bulgaria.

Tags: beach, , , , , , , , , , Black Sea, Bulgaria, Coast, holiday, Resorts, Sea, Tourism, travel, vacation

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