 Catalina Island is located 22 miles/35 kilometers off the coast of Southern California, but it feels like a world away. The name alone conjures up images of the charming seaside village of Avalon, as well as picture-perfect harbors and sandy beaches. Visitors frequently compare Avalon, the island's compact town, to Amalfi, Italy, or a resort town on France's Cote d'Azur. Perhaps the rocky palisades rising from the sea hint at a Mediterranean setting. Perhaps it's the tiled fountain, charming storefronts, and Moorish-style casino. Foreign visitors have been known to inquire whether local merchants accept US currency. Avalon There are two sides to the island with the most visited being the island’s only city, Avalon. For most visitors, going to Catalina means a trip to Avalon, the island’s only city. This vibrant seaside village, with its Mediterranean vibe, features numerous restaurant options, and charming shops offers a unique destination for fun and entertainment. If you want a bustling vibe with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and activity options, then Avalon is the place to be. Two Harbors If you love the outdoors, your paradise awaits you on the west end of the island. The rustic, tiny village of Two Harbors is also known as the “Isthmus” because it separates Isthmus Cove and Catalina Harbor. This is the quieter side of Catalina and a favorite place for those who may want It's a dream for outdoor lovers, who can engage in everything from hiking and mountain biking to snorkeling, diving, and boating. Those eager to experience Two Harbors can take the passenger ferry from San Pedro directly there, or they can take the Cyclone powerboat from Avalon.  Things to See and Do Catalina Island, which has a Mediterranean climate all year which makes it perfect for outdoor activities. Scuba Diving If you enjoy scuba diving, Catalina is the place to be. Scuba Diving Magazine named it the "World's Healthiest Marine Environment," and you should experience it for yourself. Divers of all levels are welcome to dive from Two Harbors, which is the most popular spot. Snorkeling If you don't want to scuba dive but still want to enjoy water sports, this next activity in Catalina is perfect for you. Take advantage of Catalina Island's excellent snorkeling in the turquoise waters and swim with the iconic orange Garibaldi fish. Paddling around will allow you to see what's beneath the turquoise waters. Kayaking Head to Descanso Beach, where you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards by the hour, paddle and float around the harbor while basking in the sun, looking for the bright orange Garibaldi fish hanging out in the turquoise waters! If you're feeling adventurous, you can kayak around the island for a while, but make sure you save enough energy to get back! Boating Tours Catalina Island offers a variety of boat tours, including a glass-bottom boat and an under-the-sea submersible boat. There are even seasonal nighttime flying fish boat tours where you can literally see fish soar through the sky towards the light for a memorable experience. Hiking Hiking is easily one of the best things to do on Catalina Island because it allows you to take in all of the breathtaking views. There are easy one-hour hikes as well as multi-day hikes along the Trans Catalina Trail, also known as the TCT. We’ll help you book a tour where they will help you carry the load and set up camp while you focus on hiking and enjoying the views. Descanso Beach This next thing in Catalina is for you if you're looking for the best place to sunbathe and relax on the beach! The Descanso Beach Club is the best place to relax on the beach in Avalon. Bring a towel and find a spot on the sand, or take your beach day to the next level by renting a private cabana or chaise lounge wby renting a private cabana or chaise lounge with an umbrella for shade, your own personal beach butler, and other Descanso Beach Club perks. After you've worked up an appetite, you can order a meal and a drink at the Descanso Beach Club! Wrigley Botanical Gardens Another beautiful thing to do in Catalina is to visit the Botanical Gardens. The inland Catalina Island Conservancy and botanical garden, as well as a memorial to William Wrigley Jr., is a truly breathtaking place to walk 1.5 miles inland on Avalon Canyon Rd. You can walk, bike, rent a golf cart, or take the local shuttle up to the entrance, where you will be greeted by endemic island plants. These one-of-a-kind discoveries will also include rare and endangered plant species. The Twilight Casino Tour The Twilight at the Casino tour will take you back to the days of Big Bands and ballroom dancing. Your guide will have you twirling in no time on the famed hardwood of the Casino’s world-famous ballroom. Then you'll toast twilight views of Avalon with complimentary wine and cheese on the Romance Promenade. Dining There are over 200 restaurants on the island, so there’s sure to be something that pleases even the most discerning palate. Enjoy a romantic dinner with harbor views at Avalon Grille, and receive tickets to a first-run movie at historic Avalon Theatre, the first grand movie palace in America designed and built to show talking motion pictures. On the bayside deck, Bluewater Grill serves delicious seafood with stunning views of Avalon Bay. Steamed mussels and clams, grilled artichoke with pesto aioli, and San Francisco-style cioppino are among the standout dishes (clams, mussels, crab, shrimp, scallops, and fish in spicy marinara sauce). The Pancake Cottage This casual restaurant, formerly known as the Pancake Cottage, is a great place to carb-load up on pancakes and waffles (with plenty of warm maple syrup on the side) before hitting the beaches. Ready to get started on your journey? Contact us and let us personalize your luxury vacation to this beautiful island. Written by Kimberly ThomasKimberly is a mother, freelance writer, and traveler currently living abroad in Mexico with her daughter.
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When you go to Greece, it's really a must to hit the Greek islands. Not only is it what the country is famous for. Each of the Greek islands has something unique, and each of them has its own, good reason to go to it. Here are a few to consider:  Milos: Have you ever been to a beach with sand that's so white it looks like snow? That's Milos – an unreal, un-crowded Greek island that's like something out of a movie – or maybe an alien planet. From beach relaxation to cliff jumping for the adrenaline junkies, Milos has it all! Mykonos: Here’s the classic Greek party island. Overrun and overcrowded? Maybe. But there's a reason. Mykonos is the place to be in the Aegean. Nightlife galore. Food to die for. Pristine white buildings that feel like a movie set. This island has it all, and well earns its crowds! However, unlike some of the smaller, laid-back Greek islands, you can’t just show up here and expect to find a decent accommodation. For the best hotels, book with 3-6 months of anticipation. Naxos: This is one of the more picturesque islands in the Aegean. Here you can drive (or hike!) up into the hills and catch a spectacular view of a delightful, quaint town across the valley. Perfect for families, this is an island where you can bring your kids to relax – or run all around, if that’s what the kids prefer doing! Paros: This island is the ideal place to take a break from all the running around to ancient ruins. And just chill. Where else can you stand on a stone dock on the shores of the Mediterranean, and gaze at the pile of vibrant white houses on the hill beyond, topped by a two-spited white cathedral? A less touristy island than many, the locals here are fantastic. And the food – often straight from the sea – is, if possible, even better. A must-see in this stunning country. Antiparos: Does this name resemble any other island we’ve talked about? Paros, maybe? Well, as you might suppose, Antiparos is located right next to Paros – a mere five minute ferry ride away. But in terms of tranquility, it’ll feel like you stepped into Heaven. Not that Paros is a bustling metropolis, but Antiparos is even more tranquil – and the water is, somehow, even more translucent and blue! Sifnos: If you’ve never tried Greek cooking, you’re going to want to, on Sifnos. This island’s most famous inhabitant is Nicholas Tselementes, who – in 1910 – wrote the first Greek cookbook. And on this island, a feast is just a matter of course. It’s not just moussaka; it’s stewed capers and chickpea croquettes and stewed capers are taverna staples, and potteries that produce the casseroles used for revitháda (baked chickpeas) and mastello (lamb with red wine and dill).   Romance travel is the perfect way to reconnect with the one you love, visit new places and check some things off your bucket list all at the same time! By far, one of my favorite parts about being a travel curation specialist is when I get the opportunity to plan a dreamy couples travel experience and help my clients create memories that they will never forget. In my opinion, there is no better way to grow closer together than seeing the world and indulging in the luxurious side of life with one another! Whether you’re traveling together for the very first time or you’ve been together for decades, the secret to planning the ultimate romantic getaway is in the little details. Sure, a tropical beach-front paradise or cozy, secluded cabin in the woods can make for the perfect backdrop to set the scene for your trip, but it’s the thoughtful gestures that lead to those special romantic moments and create the most memorable experiences! If you and your partner are planning your next vacation, here are some surprises you can bring along to really enhance the romance! 1. Bring candles to set a romantic atmosphere. I highly recommend the Diptyque Votive Candle Trio if you really want to impress your partner. This candle set comes with 3 mini-sized candles that are easy to hide in your suitcase until the perfect moment. Each candle is sensually decadent. It’s such a simple, but incredibly thoughtful way to create a romantic atmosphere and add a touch of luxury to your night. 2. Champagne. Chocolate. Nuff said. My second suggestion is truly a winning combination. There is nothing wrong with going the classic route and prearranging a nice bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries or other special treat for you two to enjoy when you settle in to your hotel room. Whatever your S.O. would enjoy - you know best! 3. Massage upon arrival? Yes please! This one is what I would call the over-achiever move – a surprise massage after a long flight! Absolutely. This is a sure fire way to set the mood for relaxation from the very moment you arrive at your destination. 4. Get creative! One of my clients surprised their special someone by arranging for their first-dance wedding song to be playing as they entered their hotel room! It’s thoughtful moments like these that evoke that true romantic feeling and set the tone for you to fall in love all over again. Have a romantic trip... Whether you’re planning a destination elopement, honeymoon, babymoon, anniversary or just a romantic getaway for you and the one you love, I hope these tips come in handy. A little surprise goes a long way! If you and your partner are looking to travel in luxury, there are plenty more tips where these came from. The ultimate romantic getaway is just a phone call away. :)  |
Jenita LawalYour Travel Advisor Archives
April 2022
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