Category

Luxury

Jan 10
0

🌴✨ Paul Gauguin or Windstar: The Perfect French Polynesia Cruise for Honeymooners, Empty Nesters & Bucket-Listers ✨🌴

By | Blog, Cruise, Luxury, Romance, South Pacific | No Comments

French Polynesia—the very name conjures images of shimmering turquoise lagoons, dramatic volcanic peaks, and postcard-perfect overwater bungalows. If you are dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime trip, cruising these magical islands on either the Paul Gauguin or Windstar yachts will unlock a world of unforgettable experiences.

Here’s why either choice makes an incredible journey for honeymooners, empty nesters, or any traveller checking off that bucket list:

❤️ For Honeymooners: Romance Meets Adventure
Imagine gazing over calm, crystal-clear waters as the sun sets behind Bora Bora’s iconic Mt. Otemanu. Both Paul Gauguin and Windstar offer intimate settings perfect for couples starting their new life together. The Paul Gauguin’s Polynesian-inspired elegance is tailor-made for a honeymoon steeped in luxury and island culture—from private beach picnics to snorkeling hidden lagoons. Meanwhile, Windstar’s stylish, yacht-like atmosphere invites couples to savor every moment with a blend of relaxed luxury and flexible exploration, sometimes with stops at multiple South Pacific jewels for added adventure.

🌺 For Empty Nesters: Leisurely Luxury & Exploration
With grown children and time to truly unwind, empty nesters can dive deep into the wonders of French Polynesia at a perfect pace. Paul Gauguin’s slower-paced and immersive itineraries allow guests to linger longer on each island, soaking in local history, lush landscapes, and exquisite dining experiences. Windstar’s more varied routes present the chance to combine French Polynesia with other scenic South Pacific destinations while enjoying the refined comfort of a yacht. Both options provide plenty of gentle land excursions and onboard amenities designed for a leisurely, enriching escape.

🗺️ For Bucket List Travelers: The Best of Both Worlds
If crossing French Polynesia off your bucket list means embracing variety—from vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to serene cultural encounters—these cruises deliver it all. Paul Gauguin offers unparalleled access to hidden island gems through onboard water toys and expertly guided tours, capturing the essence of the islands. Windstar’s smaller yachts navigate intimate ports larger ships can’t, opening doors to unique harbors and lesser-visited islands. Whether you crave authentic island traditions or breathtaking natural beauty, these cruises are gateway experiences you’ll cherish forever.

Choosing between Paul Gauguin and Windstar comes down to your style and travel dreams—whether you seek a culturally rich Polynesian immersion or a sophisticated, yacht-style adventure spanning the South Pacific.

See some photos and videos from my experience on Paul Gaguin crusing in the Society Islands of French Polynesia at this link – it is stunning, beyond just the descriptions of photos and videos…but it can give you a taste until you are ready to expereince the real thing

Ready to start planning your dream French Polynesian escape? Reach out and let’s make paradise happen.

#FrenchPolynesia

#PacificCruise

#PaulGauguinCruises

#WindstarCruises

#HoneymoonTravel

#EmptyNestTravel

#BucketListTravel

#LuxuryCruises

Jan 08
0

🛳️✨ Discover the Luxury and Charm of European River Cruises with AmaWaterways ✨🛳️

By | Blog, Cruise, Europe, Luxury | No Comments

If you love ocean cruising but are curious about something new and uniquely enriching, it’s time to consider a European river cruise—especially with AmaWaterways, a leader in luxury river cruising. Whether you’ve dreamed of exploring Europe’s rich history and culture or want a magical holiday markets adventure, a river cruise offers an intimate and elegant way to immerse yourself deeply in Europe’s most iconic destinations.

Why Consider a European River Cruise? Here’s Why It’s Perfect for Ocean Cruise Lovers Seeking Something Different:

  • Up-Close and Personal Experiences: Unlike vast ocean ships, AmaWaterways’ stunning river ships glide through the heart of cities like Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Paris, and Strasbourg. You dock right in town, meaning less time at sea and more time exploring charming streets, local markets, and UNESCO treasures.
  • Luxury and Spaciousness Redefined: AmaWaterways ships combine elegant design, spacious staterooms with river views, and high-class amenities. You’ll enjoy world-class dining, wellness facilities including spas and fitness centres, and personalized service that rivals the best ocean cruise lines.
  • Rich Cultural Immersion: River cruises are tailored to enrich your senses with authentic European experiences. Daily excursions include guided tours of historic castles, local artisan workshops, wine tastings in boutique vineyards, and visits to centuries-old cathedrals—all curated to bring history and culture to life.
  • Seasonal Magic: Summer & Holiday Markets: Dreaming of a summer vacation full of sunshine and festivals? Or maybe a winter escape surrounded by twinkling lights and festive stalls? AmaWaterways offers perfectly timed itineraries: from idyllic summer cruises on the Danube or Rhône to enchanting holiday market voyages that feel straight out of a fairy tale.
  • Intimate Social Atmosphere: With smaller ships hosting far fewer guests than large ocean liners, you get an intimate vibe that fosters friendships and a personal touch with your crew and fellow travellers. It’s luxury without feeling crowded.

Why Choose AmaWaterways Over Larger, More Famous Brands Like Viking?

  • A Boutique Experience with Big Benefits: While brands like Viking are household names, AmaWaterways offers a distinct, boutique cruise experience that feels more personalized and less “cookie-cutter.” With fewer ships and smaller groups, you often get a more tailored experience designed to delight every type of traveller.
  • Innovative Itineraries and Unique Extras: AmaWaterways stands out with thoughtfully crafted routes that explore lesser-known gems alongside iconic sites. Plus, they offer extras like complimentary bicycles for onshore exploration, wine and cheese tastings onboard, and a partnership with luxury wellness brands, resulting in spa and fitness options that many competitors lack.
  • Exceptional Culinary Experiences: AmaWaterways consistently receives praise for its cuisine—from regional dishes crafted by expert chefs to extensive wine pairings included with dinner. The food experience feels elevated and authentic, adding a luxurious layer to your journey.
  • Personalized Service You’ll Remember: Because AmaWaterways maintains a smaller fleet, your journey benefits from a crew that often goes the extra mile to remember your preferences and create memorable moments. It’s the kind of service that bigger brands can sometimes struggle to consistently deliver when managing a larger guest volume.
  • Value with Luxury: AmaWaterways strikes an incredible balance between high-end luxury and value, often including extras in the base fare like shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and drinks package options. This means less concern about add-ons and more focus on enjoying your cruise.

If you’ve always loved ocean cruising but crave a more immersive, culturally rich, and truly tailored way to travel Europe this summer or holiday season, explore the AmaWaterways river cruise experience. It’s luxury reimagined on some of the world’s most scenic and historic waterways.

You can see just a tate of the sights, sounds anf flavors of what cruising with AmaWaterways is all about in the photo album at this link – this is really just a sliver of what awaits on a cruise through southern France on the Essence of Burgundy and Provence itinerary – you can also see a video of the cruise on YouTube at this link

Ready to explore this elegant new way to experience Europe?

Reach out, and let’s start planning your unforgettable river cruise adventure!

—
Scott Jones
EZTravelPad
📧 scott@eztravelpad.com | 📞 +1 317-731-2293
www.eztravelpad.com

Oct 31
0

Luxury Adults-Only All-Inclusive Dude Ranch Experience now available

By | Adventure, All-Inclusive Resorts, Luxury, Romance, US Domestic | No Comments

Visit to Triple Creek Ranch in Montana

Recently I took the time to have a look around “Out West” checking out some Dude Ranches and Ski Resorts to get a better understanding of what is available closer to home so that I can best advise clients wanting to keep their 2021 vacation socially distanced and domestic, yet still desiring a luxury experience. One of my favorites was the Triple Creek Ranch

In short, this resort is impressive!

Surrounded by 4 Million acres of National Forests and protected lands, this 700 acre ranch offers 25 cabins nestled into a pristine pine forest in SW Montana. The accommodations are outstanding and perfect for a Honeymoon, an Anniversary celebration, a couples retreat or just some time away to relax and reconnect. Discriminating guests will immediately notice that it is a Relais and Chateaux property confirming that this is a truly excellent resort.

 

Accommodations

 

Each unique cabin is beyond comfortable, they are thoughtfully outfitted with every comfort that you can imagine, including a wood burning fireplace, outdoor deck , stocked wet-bar and tastefully appointed with curated original western art which sets the tone and never fails to bring a smile. Some feature private hot tubs as well.

enjoy your cabin in the spring, summer, fall or in winter………..

Culinary delights

Personally I believe that the all-inclusive resort experience is defined largely by the cuisine, and Triple Creek Ranch will not disappoint!

Executive Chef Jacob Leatherman has been crafting exquisite dining experiences at Triple Creek Ranch for over fifteen years, introducing a new Dinner menu each evening. His finely tuned and adventurous palate informs a diverse menu showcasing distinctive flavors and imaginative presentation. Chef Jake’s talented team of chefs incorporates the freshest ingredients to prepare uniquely refined dishes to please all palates. For many guests, the meals at Triple Creek Ranch are indisputably the highlight of their visit

 

Activities and Inclusions

Equally important to the cuisine is the array and quality of activities and experiences to enjoy. Obviously when you think Dude Ranch you think of horseback riding, and there are a number of options for daily rides, and you may even think of a cattle drive, which is possible as well,  or fly fishing (which is excellent) but you may not have thought of a Nature Safari to possibly see some of North America’s Big 5 such as Moose, Bear, Bison, and you will likely not miss the abundant Elk & Deer as well as plenty of other charming woodland creatures….

 

 

….but the list of activities does not end with wildlife interaction, there are myriad activities to enjoy seasonally such as hiking, nordic walking, trail running, mountain biking, rucking, snowshoe hiking, fat tire snow biking, cross country skiing, downhill skiing (at a nearby ski resort), sapphire panning, tennis, archery, horseshoes, axe throwing, bocce ball, and that’s a taste of what you can enjoy – with almost everything included in the nightly rate!

Not feeling adventurous? No worries, relax at the heated pool, take time to enjoy spa treatment, release your creative side with an art project or simply relax in the clean Montana air.

 

Location

The location of Triple Creek Ranch is ideal to add on a few days at Yellowstone or Glacier National Park, or if time is short then enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over the nearby national treasures

 

There is so much more to share about this wonderful property.

When it’s time to plan your next great adventure – be it in the US or far, far away then contact “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad – we’re here to help!

Apr 23
0

Europe THIS Fall? Maybe?

By | Adventure, Europe, Family Travel, Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance, Sightseeing | No Comments

Europe This Year? It May Be Awesome!

During this global pandemic especially, but really anytime- trusting experts to rely on vetted in-destination experts may be the key to most fully enjoying your experience.

Over the years I have built a reputation on knowing the destinations that I help people experience. Some of that is a result of direct, on the ground time spent in various destinations and resorts throughout the Caribbean – or on a variety of cruise ships both large and small….but I can’t go or know everywhere, and the other part of the equation that you may not realize is that I spend a significant amount of time at conferences networking with the top experts in destination to better understand what they offer, and who they are.

Going wide-open at a conference for 3 days can be fun, but it’s also hard work – and I do that to prepare to be able to better guide you when you want to experience a destination that I am less familiar with.

One of those destination experts is Titanium Tours specializing in Spain, Portugal and France. They may not be “the cheapest”, but I am not here to guide you to the cheapest experience possible – I am here to guide you to the BEST experience that you will long remember fondly. For that type of experience, Titanium is one of the best!

Below are some ideas from Titanium Tours – ideas that may inspire you to get a trip plan started – and maybe as soon as this fall, the best time of the year to go!

When to Go?

September – November are great months for travel to Spain, Portugal or France. The weather is still beautiful and autumn seasonal activities abound. According to the news coming from each country, we are confident that tourism will resume by then. As you can see above September and October are great months for travel in a typical year.

Furthermore, you can now find good fall airfares going to any of our airports. For example IND – BCN for well under $1000 ($600-700)  with one connection!

What to Book?

The beauty of custom independent tours and partnering with a company like Titanium Tours is that they can guide you to areas where COVID-19 is not present or has had little impact. They can help us help you to pick boutique hotels, less crowded routes, private experiences, etc where you will feel safe while traveling abroad. Their 3 countries in which they specialize have been impacted very differently and different areas of each country have been affected very differently. They can guide you to create an itinerary that’s both exciting and safe.

For instance, Portugal has had significantly less cases than France and Spain. If you want off the beaten path experiences, they can for example, take you 90 minutes north of Lisbon to our Castles and Wild Horses experience.

In France, you can avoid crowded areas to visit the Hill Top Villages of Luberon in Provence and go truffle hunting. Winter truffles are more aromatic and their season starts in November.

In Southern Spain, where COVID-19 has also had a much smaller impact, you can go to the private workshop of a silk shawl craftsman who’s family has been embroidering silk shawls, most typical in this region, for generations. Not only will you observe an artist at work, but you can even try your hand at it.

Or perhaps this is the year to go admire the beauty of the Azores….

The point is simply this – there is a big wonderful word of experience and the tourism industry is eager to help you discover them. In Europe it’s not all about cafes and museums – there are wonderful experiences to enjoy and still be safely guided!

EZTravelPad is here to guide you to the best tour operators with the best guides – who will help you have the best experience possible – custom designed for YOU!

We’re here to help when you are ready. Contact us today for more info

 

 

Apr 02
0

A Day on Waiheke Island – Wine Tasting & More

By | Adventure, Dining, Family Travel, Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance | No Comments

Waiheke Island in New Zealand is a Wine Lover’s Paradise

 

A day on New Zealand’s Waiheke Island is as relaxing as it is beautiful. The gorgeous scenery, combined with a diverse amount of vineyards and dining options along with the welcoming residents combine for a fantastic day trip  from Auckland via ferry, or opt to stay for a few days because 1 day just might not be enough!

On a recent visit to New Zealand we had the good fortune to experience a full day on the island. The day trip was booked with a reliable tour operator that we use for many clients in many destinations. The portal offers terrific access to all sorts of the best day tours & activities across the globe including this one.

Upon departure from Auckland’s main ferry terminal the 45 minute trip across the Hauraki Gulf can be a bit chilly and breezy so determining whether to opt for the very comfortable accommodation in the climate controlled main decks or enjoying the view from the top deck exposed to the elements is a decision to consider from the outset. We opted for the breeze (and breezy it was!). But it greatly enhances the arrival in Matiatia Bay.

Starting out from the ferry terminal it takes just a minute to disembark, then a couple more to find your group for the tour (unless opting for a completely private tour) then you are off to a terrific tour of some of the islands top vineyards for tastings and more.

Our group started out at Stonyridge Vineyards for a brief overview and history of the property courtesy of some of the staff as well as wine tastings along the way.

then is was on to a delightful lunch that far exceeded our expectations outdoors near the olive tree plantation.

Quiche, excellent cheeses & guacamole & homemade chips, more wine….(not pictured – we were hungry)

The exterior at Stonyridge Vineyard

As one of the first vineyards on the island it certainly set some of the standards and some high bars, which we were soon to find out would be exceeded!

After Stonyridge we enjoyed some additional tastings at a nearby olive orchard which featured not only some nice olive oils, but additionally some chutneys and other delights were available for sampling and purchase.

But it was wine that we came for!

So on to Casita Miro

To say that this place was memorable is such an understatement. It is quite obviously a labor of love created and curated by the owners Barnett & Cat Bond. Cat focuses on the award winning restaurant

 

 

While Barnett focuses on the wine. A quick overview of the vineyards and brief history of the property….

 

quickly led to tastings of some of the best wines that we experienced in destination – especially the Madame Rouge, which is both outstanding and unforgettable! (and that’s not easy for me to say, as someone who does not generally care for sweet wines)

 

The Spanish influences and Gaudi inspirations are everywhere beginning with the unmistakably Gaudi-esque retaining wall that greets you upon arrival, throughout the property and on to the tasting bar pictured below…

The visit to Casita Miro was excellent, and if ever I get the opportunity to return for a special dining experience this one is near the top to the to-do list for New Zealand, but as they say on television commercials all too often….but wait, there’s more!

The most talked about and highly regarded vineyards on Waiheke Island has to be Mudbrick.

It was recommended and name dropped by everyone who I spoke to regarding putting this New Zealand experience together, and it did not disappoint.

Well, to be honest there was a bit of disappointment involved, but the lovely staff at Mudbrick had nothing to do with it – it was the weather…gloomy, overcast, hazy, chilly & cool meant that spending an extra couple of hours on the patio to enjoy the sunset was not going to be terrific this day, but maybe next time because if it were clear I can only imagine that the view of the sunset across the bay with Auckland in the distance would be amazing!

Still, the overall ambiance is a cut above.

Mudbrick is not only a terrific place for a small group tour or Cellar Door tasting, and of course an excellent choice for a memorable lunch or special occasion dinner, but as well is a top choice for events such a weddings or corporate events.

Strolling the gardens….

Dining al fresco….

Enjoying a libation….

Mudbrick is a cut above. Next time it will be enjoyed “on the fly” after checking the accuweather forecast!

In the end though, Waiheke is not only about vineyards and wine tastings (although I would be equally happy with a few days here as a few days in Napa & Sonoma), there is more to the destination.

A chill little laid back beach town is how I would describe the primary community of Oneroa. A bit of shopping, a stroll along the beach,

along with hiking, biking, paddleboarding, horseback riding, zip lining & more can help you unwind in this pristine little gem.

When it’s time to talk about incorporating a stop at Waiheke Island into your larger adventure to New Zealand then get with “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad for the help you deserve.

We specialize in unforgettable leisure vacations and we are here to help.

Email info@eztravelpad.com for more

May 03
0

Friends Party at Private Villa – Chic Mansion

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Dining, Luxury, Uncategorized | No Comments

Seriously- how cool would it be to share this amazing mansion with 5 other couples?

This is an 11,500 square-foot luxury house with six stunning guestrooms each with dedicated en suites. As a part of one of the hippest adults-only all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic.

The villa offers guests six suite-style bedrooms which mean that you and eleven friends can enjoy the house’s private amenities and the resort’s Diamond Club™ privileges together.

Your stay in the Mansion include luxurious round-trip airport transfers, butler service, private pool cabana with attendant and even a complimentary spa treatment for each guest. The villa has its own private pool, hot tub, patio, sound system and games room with a pool table.

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It’s gorgeous, it’s spacious, and it’s perfect for a private party such as a couples retreat or even to celebrate a Bachelor/Bachelorette party

Check out the Private pool complete with hot tub!!

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Game room is complete with bar, pool table and stripper pole (not pictured)

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Amazing living space with huge screen and more…..

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and when the smallest and least amazing bedroom looks like this….

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oh wait….you also get a private dinner with private chef!

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But remember – this is not just a stand-alone mansion, it’s also located on the same property as one of the coolest 5 Star Adults-Only All-Inclusive resorts in the Caribbean

Dine around outside the mansion at restaurants (included!) featuring cuisine such as

  • Italian
  • Ceviche
  • Steak House
  • Middle Eastern
  • International
  • Pub Grill

…and more

With nightly entertainment, a terrific beach, several bars and even a mermaid pool this is something to experience and share with your friends

All this and you can get in for under $1500 per person for 5 nights!!

So what are you waiting for…get your friends together for the ultimate couples retreat!

Contact “Your friends….in the travel business? at EZTravelPad for more info

 

Feb 08
0

Greg Norman on Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Luxury | No Comments

Golf Enthusiasts Wanted at Greg Norman Designed Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course

Sick of the cold weather? Ready for a break – and a round of golf on the most gorgeous course in the Caribbean?

Maybe it’s time to hit the links at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf course on Great Exuma in the Bahamas. But don’t hear it from me, let Greg Norman tell you why….

By the way, if you saw The Golf Channel’s Big Break Bahamas series, you know how gorgeous this place is…

Sure, you can book it yourself, but why pay too much and worry about whether you are selecting the room category that best suites your needs? Get a little help from “Your friends….in the travel business” let EZTravelpad help with the little details, and even the tee times! You just pack your bags and get ready to relax in the sunshine!

Jan 03
0

Loews Don CeSar Resort in St Pete – Perfect for a Destination Wedding in the U.S.

By | Blog, Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance | One Comment

For a Destination Wedding at Florida’s Sunset Capital it’s Loews Don CeSar Beach Resort

Don CeSar Beach Resort – a Loews Hotel in St Pete Beach is a perfect spot for a U.S. based Destination Wedding. Stately, Classy, Gorgeous, and with a first class spa, this is a wonderful choice for discriminating couples interested in tying the knot beachside…

Don CeSar Exterior 1

If coming in with a low budget is something that you want to accomplish for your Destination Wedding then this might not be the first choice, but compared to other more modest resorts in the area Don CeSar is surprisingly affordable.

Your Destination Wedding is in Good Hands

When putting together a destination wedding there are a few things to think about- location & reputation, capabilities and quality. Don CeSar has you covered, with 3 wedding coordinators on staff preparing to host over 400 weddings this year, rest assured that you are in good hands. If the service and attention to detail is anything like I experienced there recently I couldn’t be anymore comfortable in suggesting this as a great spot to tie the knot.

Offering exemplary service at every turn, you will not be disappointed by the staff, by the facilities, or by the dining options….

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Flatbread topped with shredded island chicken, black bean spread & vegetables – Potato & plantain chips served with traditional guacamole and pineapple guacamole – Yum!

For some people a grilled chicken breast over a rice pilaf is just fine- others require something a bit more interesting. A more interesting menu is what you will find at Don CeSar, but is doesn’t stop there. The spa features 16 treatment rooms as well as a private deck overlooking the gulf – oh, and it smells like heaven when you walk through the door of the spa! Body toning water aerobics and beach yoga are complimentary for all guests.

Beach Resort = Beach + Pools

Beachside pools offer full service including complimentary refreshments (Italian ice, frozen grape kabobs, smoothies, chilled towels , etc) plus a full menu of activities include volleyball, beachball dodgeball, cannonball contest, and lots & lots of pool pampering are all in store for you if you stay for a few days.

Putting a Price on Service

How can you put a price on service? It’s the little things that mean so much – like the general manager stopping to have a chat – or walking into a restroom that smells of mint and eucalyptus – or being greeted by smiles from all the staff….lots and lots of staff can you put a price on that? Would you want your wedding celebration to be anywhere that offered less?

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view of Don Cesar from beachside – looking great from every angle

My reason for stopping into Don CeSar was to find a Destination Wedding and Honeymoon resort located in Florida that I could feel good about recommending. I found it. So if a Florida based Honeymoon or Destination Wedding is something that you want, let EZTravelpad help guide you there – or wherever else your heart desires. After all, it’s your special day – but it’s not your responsibility to plan it all.

Dec 28
0

Honeymoon in St Lucia – Anyone?

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance | No Comments

A Honeymoon or Destination Wedding at Sandals in St Lucia is Top Pick

A St Lucia Honeymoon, particularly at an all inclusive resort such as one of the 3 Sandals resorts located on the north end of St Lucia is one of the most sought after and romantic destinations in the Western Hemisphere.

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Maybe it’s Oprah’s endorsement or maybe it is just the rare beauty this tropical paradise provides, it could even be that the last episode of The Bachelor was shot there last season, in any case it is real. It is beautiful, it is romantic, and it is in demand. Whether you choose Sandals Grande St Lucian (pictured above), Sandals Regency La Toc, or Sandals Halcyon Beach, you simply can’t go wrong.

If lounging in a tropical paradise – sharing a couples massage on the beach – dining in an over the water seafood restaurant – driving thru a volcano – scuba diving wrecks and reefs – golfing in a tropical paradise – if any of these things sound like what you want your honeymoon experience to include, then perhaps a Sandals luxury included vacation to St Lucia is your ideal Honeymoon spot.

 

But Sandals is not the only option – there is also The Pitons

So what about these Pitons you keep hearing about? What about the 3 walled suites? Just imagine waking to this in your Honeymoon suite….

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Sure, this is Brad and Angelina stuff, right? Well, it’s not inexpensive. This Jade Mountain suite might run $10,000+ per week- if you can get in (better book it very, very far in advance), but there are other options that afford the same sort of view and the same concept of 1 wall being omitted so that you have an unbelievable view of one of the top 5 places in the world to visit.

The Sandals experience is All inclusive – the 3 walled view of The Pitons experience is generally not all inclusive, but you can combine the 2 as many people do, you can have it all. You can split your honeymoon into a few days of all inclusive fun in the sun + a few days of total relaxation in the most romantic place in the world, and you can get it done from between $5000-8000 total for a week including air from Chicago this September.

How do you plan such a once in a lifetime experience? How can you make sure that your Honeymoon in St Lucia is all you dreamed it can be? How can you coordinate a Destination Wedding to St Lucia, a place so far from home? One way is the best way, consult with a travel professional that specializes in Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, a travel pro like EZTravelpad

Dec 22
0

Intercontinental Thalasso Resort & Spa – Bora Bora in French Polynesia – A Review

By | Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance, South Pacific | No Comments

Intercontinental Thalasso Resort & Spa in Bora Bora is Phenomenal

 

Welcome….

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The Intercontinental Resort & Thalasso Spa is located on a motu (small islet) just off the main island of Bora Bora in The Society Islands of French Polynesia – or in short- The South Pacific. Actually the name of the spa is The Deep Ocean Spa so check out that link….

As the name implies, this resort is all about the spa. From the moment you step foot into the reception area you immediately notice soothing mood music – relaxing – totally. The decor, layout and furnishings are all designed to be in harmony with the spa nature of the resort….

Initially I wondered, what is a Thalasso spa? As they say everyday is a school day, so if YOU don’t know – here goes….

A Thalasso spa specializes in Thalassotherapy (derived from the Greek word ‘thalassa’ which means ‘sea’). The spa uses the beneficial aspects of the marine environment- the climate, sea water, seaweed and algae, mud and sand—all for therapeutic purposes. This spa even uses the seawater for air conditioning!

Sea water is sucked from a depth of 3500 feet (trust me- it’s cool down there) and circulated amongst the buildings on property for cooling purposes. The water is available from this fountain in the spa and guests are encouraged to take a daily sip – maybe 1/2 oz or less for better health. I did, and it’s not bad…

 

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Like nearly every resort in French Polynesia the bulk of the buildings are bungalows. All guest rooms are in bungalows at this Intercontinental resort, as are the massage therapy rooms which are located in the overwater bungalows pictured below.  Guests can enjoy a soothing massage while relaxing as they watch fish swimming in the reef immediately below the massage tables – Clear viewing windows in the floors allow an up close experience and are a fixture of most overwater bungalows in the area, another part of the experience of French Polynesia…

 

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Had a long flight and feeling like your ankles are swollen from the lack of mobility combined with the warmth and humidity of the climate? This may be just the ticket- a Deep Chiller Walk pool. The pool of cool water is approx 25 feet in length and designed to  allow you to walk back and forth in shallow cool water while being pounded by current…nice!

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Tying the Knot

Considering French Polynesia as a destination for your wedding? There may exist a more romantic view than this, but if there is I am unaware of it. Imagine exchanging your vows in front of a huge plate glass window featuring Mt Otemanu as a backdrop – and standing on a clear floor with the reefs below….. this is the wedding chapel that dreams are made of.

A memory that will never, ever fade

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Yes, I have an inside shot of the view, but trust me- it just doesn’t do it justice. Maybe a more professional photographer can- check this link

 

So yes, the spa is amazing – the wedding chapel is to die for – but what about the accommodations? How are the bungalows? Are they nice? How are the views? See for youself at their website. Suffice to say that the huge picture windows that are located at the foot of the King-sized beds in the bedrooms of the bungalows will afford a view like no other – provided that you know what to ask for…..

 

So is the Intercontinental Resort & Thalasso Spa the top resort in Bora Bora? Probably not for everyone. Some might opt for a larger resort – others may choose somewhere a bit more family friendly….but if you are a spa enthusiast who supports Green initiatives and you want to totally relax during your escape in paradise then this may be the best resort for you in all of French Polynesia…..

Can you book it thru some online “discount” source?

Sure- but why would you when the voice of experience is waiting for you – “Your friends….in the travel business” are here to help – Consider EZTravelpad – your source for unbiased advise and best price.