The Viceroy Riviera Maya is a serene hideaway that merges every luxury amenity with dramatic sea and jungle, bringing together the best of the destination.
The award-winning, all-villa resort is set on a sugary-white-sand beach lapped by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and is immersed in a lush jungle ambiance, dense with ferns, palms and guava trees, that is the playground of a resident family of friendly spider monkeys.
    The 41 spacious and elegantly appointed villas feature a completely private patio and plunge pool, outdoor shower, and a high-ceiling thatched-palapa roof that resonates with the jungle environment. Villa locations range from beachfront and ocean view to verdant jungle gardens. Guests arrive to a Mayan Blessing, performed by the Mayan shaman on staff, releasing you from your cares and worries into a new, relaxed beginning at the resort.
Spa Living
At the spa, Mayan healing techniques and traditions infuse every aspect of the guest experience. Guests experience treatments in an array of venues such as an Herbal Steam Room, Jungle Spa Suite for Two, Outdoor Rain Room, Fertility Spa Suite and traditional Mayan Temazcal sweat lodge. Treatments also may be enjoyed on the beach, in the privacy of your villa and on the resort’s pier.
Located on a romantic sea-view loft, La Marea serves refined Mexican cuisine accented with international influences and the creative inspiration of the skilled culinary staff. The Coral Grill, set by the sand with magnificent vistas of the Caribbean, features a Mexican-Mediterranean menu cooked on wood-burning grills. Additional guest amenities include a lagoon pool; a fitness center offering the latest workout equipment and a variety of classes, from yoga and pilates to strength training; day beds at the beach; a library lounge, and a boutique.
Perfect Amenities
The six-acre resort is conveniently located just 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport, and three miles north of popular Playa del Carmen known for its beach scene, restaurants, boutiques and nightlife. From the Viceroy Riviera Maya, guests may stroll miles of beautiful white-sand beach along the spectacular Riviera Maya coast. The resort has its own pier where guests sunbathe, enjoy massages, savor romantic dinners, and may be conveniently picked up by boat for snorkeling, diving and other excursions.  The Mayordomo team provides an array of butler and concierge services, pampering guests with personalized attention to their needs – from arranging spa appointments to coordinating excursions to Mayan ruins.
For more information and reservations:  Direct Dial: 011 52 984 877 3000;  (866) 332-1672 (From U.S. and Canada); (800) 012-3569 (From Mexico); reservations@viceroyrivieramaya.com.  www.viceroyrivieramaya.com

Hotel Matilda is a trend-setting boutique hotel set in the heart of enchanting San Miguel de Allende, the renowned crown jewel of colonial Mexico that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rather than recreate the traditional Old World ambiance typical of San Miguel, Hotel Matilda celebrates the lifestyle of today’s international traveler and the contemporary art scene. The vibrant, gallery-like ambiance, in graphite and white, is filled with dramatic contemporary art, many of the pieces commissioned specifically for the hotel.
Guests are immersed in sophisticated designer rooms and suites, experience an innovative holistic spa with a Turkish-style Hammam, enjoy gourmet dining blending classic Mexican with today’s international trends and tastes, and sip cocktails in a popular lounge known for its creative mixology.
Hotel Namesake
Hotel Matilda was eponymously named for the subject of a famous painting that is part of the hotel’s collection: revered Mexican artist Diego Rivera’s 1940s portrait of Matilda Stream. Hotel Matilda personifies the artsy destination of San Miguel de Allende – known for its stunning architecture and décor, art schools and galleries—and is the ideal base for experiencing this famed 469-year-old colonial city in the central highlands of Mexico.
The 32 rooms and suites are luxuriously appointed with artistic touches, from fine 400-thread count linens and Mexican calcuta marble floors to art works by acclaimed Mexico City photographer Eduardo Zaylan. Most feature a balcony or terrace, while many boast panoramic views of San Miguel de Allende. Restaurant Matilda is on the dining cutting edge with an exciting menu that begins with authentic Mexican dishes, re-imagines them with the latest international trends and enlivens them with creative touches. Bar Matilda features premium brands, specialty spirits by artisanal producers, classic and original cocktails employing the latest in mixology, and a huge 82″ HD TV for the ultimate viewing of sports and other shows.
Spa Matilda
Spa Matilda, set in an intimate and tranquil garden, focuses on achieving total well-being through a collection of global and locally inspired treatments and integrated personal care experiences customized to individual needs and preferences. Among the other guest amenities are an infinity-edge swimming pool, fitness facility, pet program and green operational profile.
Contact Info
For more information and reservations: info@hotelmatilda.com. 1-855-MATILDA (1-855-628-4532). www.hotelmatilda.com
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An exclusive luxury boutique hotel, nestled within a private nature reserve by the Pacific, Las Alamandas is Mexico’s ultimate romantic beach hideaway. This secluded oceanside haven and playful Mexican paradise, developed by Ms. Goldsmith-Patiño, offers guests the highest standards of luxury, comfort and personalized hospitality. Its pristine beaches with soft white sand, turquoise sea, lush tropical gardens aflame with fuchsia and orange blossoms, and lagoons shaded by flowering trees provide a habitat to multi-colored birds in a serene eco destination.
Villas & More
The seven villas and one house, in vibrant contemporary Mexican chic décor, offer 18 extraordinarily spacious and beautifully appointed suites with panoramic ocean and garden views.  At the Oasis Restaurant and the beachfront La Palapa Beach Club, guests enjoy innovative contemporary Mexican cuisine prepared with freshly caught seafood and organic produce grown on-property.
At a pavilion by the sand, massages and treatments are enjoyed to the soothing sounds of the surf. Estrella Azul, the “Blue Star,” is an open-air, rooftop bar-lounge decorated in shades of blue for enjoying the extraordinarily colorful sunsets. Guests enjoy numerous activities, such as nature hikes, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, tennis and surfing, as well as a 60-foot Swimming pool, fully equipped gym and Kids Club with games and activities.  Paths of inlaid pebbles and stones meander through gardens fragrant with the alluring scents of jasmine, gardenia and the vivid yellow Alamanda – the flower for which the resort is named.
Nature Reserve too
More than a luxurious vacation retreat, Las Alamandas is also nature reserve traversed by lagoons and streams and lapped by untamed beaches. Guests walk to lookout points with dramatic panoramas of the coast, focus binoculars on numerous varieties of birds, bike on trails through the jungle terrain and swim in waters shared with pelicans diving for lunch. The resort is operated under a comprehensive, stringent green program that leaves no imprint on the natural environment. The secluded 1,500 acres of unspoiled tropical paradise, located midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo along the famed Costalegre region of Mexico, set the scene for privacy, romance and relaxation. With Las Alamandas’ private 3,300-foot airstrip, guests may arrive by private plane.
Contact Info
For more information and reservations:  toll-free from U.S. and Canada:  1-888-882-9616. (011) -52-322 285 5500.; info@alamandas/com. www.alamandas.com

Filled with history, music, dance, pubs, unusual landscapes, world-class golf courses, and friendly people, Ireland is a country on many people’s travel bucket list. For accommodations on the Isle of Green, you’ll find everything from cozy bed and breakfasts to metropolitan high-rise hotels.
Quay House
My first gem is quaint bed and breakfast in the Connemara Region. Nestled amidst mountains and a rugged coastline is the town of Clifden. Originally built for the harbor master about 200 years ago, the Quay House is one of the best bed and breakfasts in Ireland. Each of the fourteen bedrooms with full baths has a different theme. Twelve rooms overlook the harbor and two have garden views. There are romantic rooms with four poster beds to rooms that accommodate families. The decor is eclectic but homey with the family portraits, period furniture, collections, and cozy fireplaces.
Breakfast is the only meal served at the Quay House. The Conservatory is airy, earthy and bright filled with flowers, plants, and even vines intertwined across the ceiling. With their Irish hospitality, owners Paddy and Julia will make you feel like you are part of the family, while making sure your stay in Clifden and exploring the Connemara Region is nothing short of outstanding.
Adare Manor
My second gem is a golfer’s dream in the unusual town of Adare. The Adare Manor is a five star manor hotel and golf resort. Originally built for the Second Earl of Dunraven and his wife, Lady Caroline Wyndham, construction of Adare Manor started in 1832 but wasn’t finished until 1862.

In the Manor House, there are 62 rooms and suites. Just a 15-minute walk away from the Manor House are 46 luxurious villas set in the heart of the 840-acres estate. Directly across from the clubhouse and just a 3-minute walk from the Manor House are 13 two-bedroom and 4 four-bedroom garden townhouses. The Carriage house is perfect for a group with ten bedrooms, each with a full en-suite bathroom.
With the architectural castle design with towers, turrets, and stonework ornamentation, the Manor House is in the perfect storybook setting surrounded by spectacular gardens, majestic trees, and ruins that date back over eight hundred years.
The most intriguing architectural aspect of the house is the “calendar house” design with 365 stained glass windows for each day of the year, 52 chimneys for each week of the year, 7 pillars in the lobby for each day of the week, and 4 towers for each season.
Start the day with breakfast on the terrace overlooking the formal French gardens. In the afternoon, enjoy a spot of tea in the Drawing Room. In the Oakroom Restaurant, you’ll enjoy fine-dining of locally sourced food done in a contemporary Irish approach with strong classical influences. The Carriage house Restaurant offers equally outstanding food, just in a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. In one of the oldest parts of the Manor House, cap off the night in the Tack Room listening to live music and enjoy a drink in front of the open fireplace.
Top Ranking…
Conde Nast Traveller voted it the number one golf resort in Ireland and the UK in 2011. The 18-hole championship course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. With the River Maigue meandering through the course, it measures 7,453 years from the championship tees and of course there are Jones’ signature cloverleaf bunkers. A 14-acre lake dominates the front nine and the woods the back nine.
You can also enjoy fishing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, horseback riding, garden tours, and even Irish Whiskey tasting without ever leaving the estate. You do want to venture in to the town of Adare. With it’s thatched roof cottages it is known as “Ireland’s Prettiest Village.”
Cliff House Hotel
In the county of Waterford is my third gem, The Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore. It almost seems like this five star luxury hotel was sewn into the coastline as it cascades down the cliffs of Ardmore Bay. The House Restaurant is only one of six restaurants in Ireland with a Michelin Star. It is the only one outside of Dublin and only one of two in a hotel in Ireland. They use locally sourced food, most found within 30 kilometers of the hotel.
The 39 rooms are cosmopolitan yet cozy like an Irish cottage. With the earthy color schemes and numerous windows, the rooms almost feel just like an extension of the incredible landscape with incredible sea views. In the two-level suites, even the bathroom edges out onto a private veranda, giving you the opportunity to end the day with a shower under the stars or start the day with one watching dawn break.
Spoil yourself with face and body treatments in the Well Spa. Your worries will wash away as you soak in one of two outdoor baths gazing out onto the sea. The Organic Seaweed outdoor bathing experience uses seaweed hand-harvested from the unspoiled Voya range on the Atlantic Coast of Ireland to help relax muscles and rejuvenate your skin.
Keep your fitness routine going with a walk or run on the Cliff Walk. If you have a sense of adventure, go kayaking in Ardmore Bay, surfing in Whithing Bay, whale and dolphin watching from the Cliff Walk, or golfing on one of the championship courses nearby.
The Cliff House Hotel is home to Ireland’s most unique golf hole. If you hit the small green out in the bay, you get a bottle of champagne.
Want to Get Away?
If you would like to get Swept Away to the Emerald Isle, contact Rennert Travel, leisure travel division of Corporate Travel Planners, at 210-524-3300.
Post by: Jennifer Broome – Swept Away with Jennifer Broome

Texas has no shortage of natural wonders, exciting attractions and educational experiences for travelers of any age.  From sunny beaches and authentic western experiences to theme parks, zoos and museums, Texas is a year-round destination that offers families a world of fun for summer vacation and beyond. There’s so much to offer, families could spend all 365 days of the year in the Lone Star State and continue to find something new each day!
WESTERN AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Families traveling with little cowboys and cowgirls will find saddles just their size across the state.  Texas’ many guest ranches offer diverse attractions, including horseback riding, hiking, swimming and western entertainment. From visiting dude ranches across Texas to touring historic working ranches, such as the King Ranch near Corpus Christi or the George Ranch in Houston, families can experience a true taste of the Old West. For adventure-seeking families, cattle drives are a great way to truly embrace the western lifestyle. Saddle up and ride out with trained professionals to round up herds of cattle across vast open ranges, all while learning about the origins and history of the Texas cowboy. Every spring and fall, the Longhorn Cattle Drive is offered in Big Bend Ranch State Park, one of the state’s most scenic areas.
For those who wish to spend quality time in the great outdoors, Texas offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for every age. Families can enjoy hiking, backpacking, rock climbing and camping adventures everywhere from Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle to Enchanted Rock in the Texas Hill Country. Experience the beautiful landscapes and local wildlife that Texans call their own, snapping photos of the incredible vistas awaiting beyond each turn of the trail.
SUNNY BEACHES, FRESHWATER LAKES AND LAZY RIVERS
Nothing is more enjoyable on a summer day in Texas than diving into one of the many bodies of water the state has to offer. Enjoy a lazy day, floating in an inner tube in the cool waters of one of the 15 major natural rivers such as the Comal, Guadalupe, Frio and San Marcos. Some, being spring fed, remain crystal-clear, refreshing and inviting all year long. In addition to the many rivers, other swimming holes are a main attraction to many locals and visitors alike including Barton Springs in Austin, Krause Springs in Spicewood and San Solomon Spring in Balmorhea State Park located in the Big Bend region. Natural cold springs fill these man-made pools, offering invigorating and refreshing swimming opportunities on summer days.
Lazy rivers in family-friendly, full-service resorts are offered state-wide as well. Well-known favorites include the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort, Hyatt Lost Pines, Great Wolf Lodge and La Torretta Lake and Spa on Lake Conroe where beautiful pools connect to slow-moving rivers.
For full-day adventures, visit one of the many exclusive waterparks including Schlitterbahn® Waterpark Resorts in New Braunfels, Galveston and South Padre Island. At the park in New Braunfels, families can experience the world’s longest waterpark ride known as “The Falls.” At 3,600 feet, the ride is filled with raging rapids, careening waterfalls and giant waves.
The warm waters of the Gulf Coast, from Galveston Island to Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, invite families to enjoy scuba diving, parasailing, boating, deep-sea fishing, and dolphin or bird watching in addition to onshore activities like sand castle building and sunbathing.
Kayaking and canoeing remain a popular attraction and Texas offers myriad opportunities for paddling adventures. The Texas Paddling Trails provide well-mapped, accessible day trips in a variety of settings and for all levels of paddling experience. With 34 trails now available, enthusiasts will find just what they are looking for – in an incredibly picturesque setting!
THEME PARKS
Texas’ world-class theme parks, zoos and aquariums present families with thrilling rides and exotic wildlife.  Texas is home to three Six Flags® theme parks: Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.  They feature monster roller coasters, stunt shows, musical productions and land and water rides to entertain excitement-seekers of all ages.  Texas is also home to SeaWorld® San Antonio, which features the iconic killer whale Shamu, as well as dolphins, sharks, seals and sea lions.  Visitors to the Panhandle Plains can spend the day at Amarillo’s Wonderland Amusement Park, one of Texas’ largest privately-owned theme parks and packed full of log rides, water rides and carnival games.  Those heading west should not miss El Paso’s Western Playland, with its El Bandito roller coaster and 37-acre Wet n’ Wild Water World.
ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS
The Lone Star State’s myriad zoos and aquariums offer families both adventure and educational experiences, perfect for children of all ages. From the Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston Zoos, to wildlife centers such as Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in New Braunfels, from Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose to natural parks such as Cameron Park in Waco, visitors can get an up-close look at their favorite animals from around the globe.  Not to be outdone by their land-and-air counterparts, underwater creatures also abound in Texas’ many aquariums.  The Dallas World Aquarium, the Downtown Aquarium in Houston and the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi all exhibit flora and fauna from even the most remote parts of the world.
MUSEUMS
Texas is home to a wealth of museums, from fine art and interactive history museums, to innovative museums just for children.  The Waco Mammoth Site is open to the public, showcasing remains and fossils of prehistoric mammoths from 68,000 years ago, and featuring a shelter and scenic trailway.
The remodeled Fort Worth Museum of Science and History also features a planetarium, cowboy culture, dinosaurs, 3-D films and much more. In Austin, kids of all ages can look into the past at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, or visit the Austin Children’s Museum for plenty of creative activities.  A trip to Houston means a chance to discover natural treasures like butterflies, gemstones and dinosaur bones at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, or to explore new worlds at the NASA/Johnson Space Center.  Visitors to the Panhandle Plains can stop at the must-see Frontier Texas! in Abilene, a 14,000 square-foot facility on 6.4 acres, which brings the Old West to life with the help of state-of-the-art technology, and puts visitors in the middle of a buffalo stampede, a prairie thunderstorm and even a card game shoot-out.
SPORTING EVENTS
Just like their loyalty to their state, Texans possess the same pride and loyalty to their sports teams. Home to some of the most famous teams in the nation, Texas boasts athletic talent in all sporting leagues from football and baseball to hockey and soccer. Families can attempt to catch fly balls in Arlington and Houston at the Rangers and Astros baseball games, bang against the glass of a Dallas Stars hockey game or chant “D-E-F-E-N-S-E” for one of three champion basketball teams, the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets. Additionally, families can enjoy riveting, edge-of-your-seat Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys football games in some of the most magnificent and largest stadiums in the country. Come early with the kiddos and take a behind the scenes tour of the facilities – even the most experienced travelling fan will be pleasantly surprised!
CAVERNS
Texas is renowned for its beautiful landscapes of all kinds, even ones underground. Several natural caverns have been discovered across the state. Tours of these natural formations showcase awe-inspiring details that have been centuries in the making. Natural Bridge Caverns, located north of San Antonio, is one of the most beautiful caving systems in the state. Descend to 180 feet below ground while listening to an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide.
Designated as a Natural Landmark of the United States, the Caverns of Sonora in West Texas preserve natural beauty in its highest form. Take an individual or group tour and observe the surreal passages that will leaves visitors in awe.  Go back in history and visit the river-formed Longhorn Cavern State Park, learning how native Comanche Indians and Civil War Confederates occupied the hidden space in Texas’ past.
For more information about these attractions, visit www.TravelTex.com.

If you have that anxious feeling and you know you need to get away this spring – It’s island time! Why not escape to beautiful Galveston Island where relaxing on 32 miles of beaches is worth the trip alone. And, if the beach isn’t enough, Galveston Island has new attractions and a wide variety of activities to make your trip exciting!

New Pirates
Museum Now Open
A new museum has opened in Galveston and Y’ARRR sure going to enjoy it! Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast is a pirate-themed family attraction where visitors can learn about the legends, myths and stories of the last buccaneers. The interactive museum features historical information, pirate artifacts, the deck of a pirate ship, a captain’s cabin and actors portraying the notorious Jean Laffite and his brother Pierre, as well as the life that all pirates led. The museum, which opened Jan. 27 in downtown Galveston, is open daily. For more information visit www.piratesgulfcoast.com.

‘Red Tails’ Planes at the Lone Star Flight Museum
Have you seen the Red Tails movie? Do you want to see the real airplanes the Tuskegee Airmen flew? Then take a short drive to Galveston and visit the Lone Star Flight Museum to get up close to the famed P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt.
The Lone Star Flight Museum is one of few organizations that feature both of these premier fighters from WWII. You can also see the rugged B-17 Flying Fortress bomber that the Tuskegee Airmen often escorted on their missions over Europe. These three airplanes, along with 10 others from the museum’s collection, actually fly without the help of computer animation. In fact, the P-51 and B-17 are available for flight experiences in which you can fly aboard these amazing aircraft that defended freedom across the globe. For more information, please www.LSFM.org.

New Exhibit: ‘Bodies Revealed’ at Moody Gardens
A new exhibit at Moody Gardens is bringing light to science and the human body. “Bodies Revealed” – an exhibit that allows you to see inside carefully preserved real human specimens – is opened at the Moody Gardens Discovery Museum now through September. The exhibition takes visitors through galleries providing an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the human body. Visit www.moodygardens.org details on this exciting exhibit as well as all Moody Gardens attractions.

Galveston Beach Parks
Spring is a great time to have fun on the water and what better place to experience water adventure than Galveston Island’s beach parks, which open March 3. Stewart Beach – one of Galveston’s premier family beach parks, includes umbrella and chair rentals, volley ball courts, an outdoor pavilion with an elevator, snack bar, souvenir shop, restrooms and showers. East Beach and Pocket Parks 1, 2 and 3 also offer special amenities. With the exception of East Beach, alcohol is not allowed on any Galveston beaches. Visit www.galveston.com/beachparks for more information.

Surf Lessons are Fun for the Entire Family
Surfing is a great activity for kids, adults or the entire family. In Galveston, Ohana Surf & Skate offers private surf lessons for individuals and groups during the spring. With lessons, you can learn to surf for the first time or improve your skills and knowledge. Reserve your lesson 48 hours in advance. Ohana also offers surf camps beginning in June. For pricing and more information, visit www.ohanasurfandskate.com.

Galveston Home to Best Indoor Water Park in World
Visitors can also splash into adventure at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, home to the best indoor water park in the world according to Amusement Today. The indoor park is open throughout the winter and spring, offering a variety of thrill rides, attractions and pools. Summer season – which includes both indoor and outdoor water attractions – begins in April. For more water activities in Galveston, visit galveston.com.

Spring Over to Galveston for Eco-Tourism
Because of Galveston’s natural resources and year-round warm weather, the island is one of the top locations in the country for nature and birding enthusiasts. Located on the trans-Gulf migration route, Galveston is a central location for novice and expert birders, offering more than 300 species of birds that reside and travel through Galveston during fall and spring migrations.
Eco-tourists exploring on their own or as part of a tour in the Galveston Bay area can go birding, dolphin-watching, fishing, kayaking, and camping or tour national wildlife refuges and nature parks. An annual event, FeatherFest (www.galvestonfeatherfest.com), attracts birders from across the country to Galveston each April for birding and nature photography workshops and field trips.
Historical Sites & Museums on Galveston Island
There are plenty of opportunities to learn about Galveston’s unique history this spring, from touring historic mansions Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion to visiting any of the island’s museums. Galveston is home to the Texas Seaport Museum and 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, Galveston Railroad Museum, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, the Lone Star Flight Museum and the Rosenberg Library Museum. In addition, the island has one of the largest well-preserved collections of Victorian architecture in the country, located throughout the island’s several historic districts.

Downtown Shopping & Activities
After you’ve had fun at Galveston’s many attractions, discover the beautiful Historic Downtown District, a 35-square-block area filled with marvelous shops, antique stores, art galleries and some of the finest cuisine on the island. In downtown boutiques, shoppers can find everything from high-fashion clothing, souvenirs, beach apparel, jewelry, homemade candy and more. The downtown district is just steps away from the Galveston Cruise Terminal and Pier 21, where visitors can take boat rides and dolphin tours or watch films in the Pier 21 Theater.
Downtown is also home to Haunted Mayfield Manor – a year-round-haunted house – and a new pirate museum, Pirates! Legends of the Gulf. Be sure to also catch live performances at The Grand 1894 Opera House located on Postoffice Street.

Where to Stay – Beach Houses, Resorts, Condos and More!
Galveston Island is home to a wide variety of accommodations sure to meet the needs – and budget – of all visitors. The island’s three AAA-rated four-diamond resorts include Hotel Galvez, the San Luis Resort and the Moody Gardens Hotel.
The island is also home to the European-style boutique hotel The Tremont House, located in downtown Galveston, and numerous budget hotels, beach condos, bed & breakfasts and campsites. While the island’s center is full of activity, you can drive 10 miles to Galveston’s West End and find a peaceful paradise in nature where an abundance of beach house rentals are available to accommodate families of all sizes that want to get away together.
Visit www.galveston.com/lodging for details.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa, Jupiter is an exclusive and luxurious residential community located just 30 minutes north of Palm Beach, Florida.
This 285-acre gated enclave offers memberships to a private country club featuring a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, a world-class Ritz-Carlton spa and four distinctive home-ownership options – The Estates, The Residences,  the deeded, fractional ownership, Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Homes and The Villas.
Incredible Layout
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa, Jupiter is architecturally-inspired by the South Florida tradition of Addison Mizner, Florida’s most historically prominent designer.  As the focal point of the community, the 68,000 square-foot clubhouse offers amenities such as The Ritz-Carlton Spa, two HAR-TRU tennis courts, member’s lounge and locker rooms with stewards. The Audubon-certified, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Spa, primarily serve residents of the property, although a limited number of non-resident memberships are available. Additional amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, a Ritz Kids program and private dining facilities including a Ritz-Carlton signature restaurant and a casual pool bar and grill.
Spa Days
The 15,000 square-foot, full-service Ritz-Carlton Spa is designed to uplift the mind, body and soul.  With amenities such as personal nutritionists and trainers, fitness center, movement studio, variety of treatment rooms, nail salon and whirlpool spas, Members will revel in the relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.
Estate Home Sites
The 30 Ritz-Carlton Estate Home sites are nestled in a private setting overlooking the fourth, fifth and eighth fairways and adjacent to a protected, oak-dotted forest and bald eagle preserve.                 The 34 Ritz-Carlton Residences offer three-, four- and five-bedroom designs featuring private courtyards with golf course and lake views, custom-designed pools, summer outdoor kitchens and exterior landscaping and maintenance services provided by The Ritz-Carlton.
Club Homes
The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Homes are comprised of 50 elegantly furnished residences affording Home Club Members exclusive access for 21 to 35 days each year. These fully equipped golf and lakefront homes offer two- or four-bedroom floor plans.
Featuring a formal dining area, living room, full kitchen with granite counters, two master suites with walk-in closets, marble sinks and flooring in the bathrooms, double-headed shower fixtures, private outdoor splash pool with imported cast stone terrace flooring, full-size washer and dryer and wood crown molding throughout each residence, the Club Homes will be accented with native Floridian decor.  Portfolio Members also have access to The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa Jupiter. The 17 Villas consist of two-bedroom and four-bedroom single family homes and offer the same floor plans at The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club residences.
Membership
The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club is an equity-based luxury travel program where Members select either a Home Club Membership which provides a titled residence and usage at a property they can return to every year, or a deeded Portfolio Membership which affords the opportunity to discover a wide variety of locations and experiences.
Members at all Ritz-Carlton Destination Club locations enjoy the privilege of a dedicated concierge staff providing services that include everything from airport pick-up and pre-arrival provisioning of the residence, to unpacking and pressing pre-sent garments and arranging a complete vacation itinerary.
Looking for more information, please visit them at www.ritzcarltondestinationclub.com.

The changes from Winter to Spring bring a sense of hope and a yearning for incredible getaways. As life moves us in a myriad of directions, it is easy to get lost in the day-to-day mundane details and not think about the importance of experiences.
Our publication strives each issue to exceed the usual and give you a true taste of what this great world has to offer.
In this edition, you can get whisked away to the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Spa in beautiful Jupiter, Florida or take a trip to Ireland where are own travel partner Jennifer Broome with “Swept Away with Jennifer Broome” guides us mystically through three Emerald Isles gems.
Thinking Mexico and beaches may be more your scene? Well, then you must read about the Viceroy Riviera Maya and the Las Alamandas in Costalegre, Mexico or journey to the Hotel Matilda in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Mexico has so much to offer a traveler.
If your journeys are closer to home, the impeccable Arizona Biltmore is a true fascination. Texas bound? The Lone Star State has a myriad of great things for families to do – along with some of our highlighted areas of Harlingen, Galveston, and the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort in Graham, Texas.
     Book Your Travel…
Remember, our comprehensive travel website allows you to book ALL your travel needs – including Accommodations, Car Rental, Airlines and even, Cruises. We are your one-stop shop for traveling in Texas and beyond!
For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here.
See the latest edition online at www.thehotelguide.com.

Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that its newest arena show, Quidam, will be performing in three Texas cities, including Frisco, Austin and San Antonio beginning now thru March 18th, 2012.
City Stops
This incredible presentation begins in Austin, Texas from February 29th – March 4th at the Cedar Park Center. Following that the show heads North to Frisco where it will be seen at the Dr. Pepper Arena from March 7-11th.
The show finishes its Texas Tour in San Antonio at the Freeman Coliseum and runs March 14-18.
Quidam…The Show
Quidam had its world premiere in Montreal under the Big Top in April 1996. Since that time, the production has toured on five continents and been experienced by millions of people. In December 2010, Quidam embarked on a new journey, performing the same captivating production, but now in arenas throughout North America. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, musicians, singers and characters.
Young Zoé is bored; her parents, distant and apathetic, ignore her. Her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world—the world of Quidam—where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul.
Cirque Club
Advance discounted tickets for Quidam are available now online exclusively to Cirque Club members. Cirque Club membership is free and benefits includes access to advance tickets, special offers and exclusive behind the scenes information. To join, go to www.cirqueclub.com.
Tickets for the general public are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/quidam or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Ticket Information
• Adults: From $40 to $80
• Children (12 & under):
From $32 to $65
• Military, Seniors & Students: From $36 to $67.50
A limited number of Premium tickets are also available for all performances.
Show Info
For show and ticket information, please visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/quidam.
About Cirque du Soleil
From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 artists from more than 50 different countries.
Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents.
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Carmel-by-the-Sea’s attraction as a romantic destination is well documented, from the days of poet Robinson Jeffers hand-built Hawk Tower, that he fashioned stone-by-stone for his bride. This season, put romance on the front burner and turn up the heat—fairytale poet style.
The Ultimate Getaway
Carmel-by-the-Sea is the spot for visitors seeking an ultimate getaway with the many options from superior shopping, restaurants, wine tasting and beachfront walks, complete with bonfires and a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean; rose petals included.  A haven for romantics, artists and Hollywood “A” listers, Carmel also has a reserve of activities and inns that accommodate on many levels. Remaining in the Top 10 Conde Nast Travel Readers Choice Awards, Carmel continues to be the go-to option for travelers in-the-know. Luxuriously romantic, upon arrival guests can relax, rejuvenate and nurture relationships—the perfect escape getaway.
History Lesson
Once a Bohemian playground, drawing the likes of Ansel Adams, Jack London, Sinclair Lewis and Upton Sinclair, today visitors might run into ex-mayor Clint Eastwood (1986-1990), or pro golfers, players, and celebrities on a break from the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, (February 6-12, 2012) in the quest of relaxation.
Twist through secret pathways, hidden courtyards, award-winning gardens and enchanting fairytale cottages or tour Robinson Jeffers’ hand-hewn Tor House or a wine tasting room along the Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea. Travelers can step back in time over two centuries at one of California’s oldest Missions, the Carmel Mission Basilica, or partake in dog-friendly happy hour at Doris Day’s Cypress Inn.
Tons of Lodging Choices
From historical treasures to quaint seaside inns, Carmel has a multitude of lodging choices. The inventive line-up of hotel packages includes options for lover’s, families, pampered pets and singles. Dotting the landscape amidst oceans of flowers and Cypress trees, and bathed in Pacific breezes; the village’s hotels and inns provide an unparalleled sense of discovery. Each is the landing place for a wholly unique vacation with a host of Carmel hotel and inn romantic special offers available at www.carmelcalifornia.com.
The Innkeepers of Carmel-by-the-Sea are ready to assist guests with their plans; some indulgent selections include:
-  Fan the flames with a bonfire at Carmel Beach; no permits required
-  From vine to wine, visit more than a dozen tasting rooms within walking distance
- Cruise the lush landscapes and national marine sanctuary along Scenic Road
- Scout out one of more than 100 art galleries in one square mile
-  Stroll along Carmel’s top-rated, white sand beach during sunset
- Attend a first-run play at the Pacific Repertory Theater or performance at Sunset Center
- Surprise a loved one with champagne and roses upon check-in at most hotels
- Shop hundreds of Carmel boutiques and get concierge service at Carmel Plaza
-Reawaken and realign with a rejuvenating spa treatment at charming Carmel spas
Contact Us
This winter visitors can spark the romance, renew vows or lure a loved one to this enchanted coastal paradise with a number of romantic packages that have been designed just for you by the friendly Carmel Innkeepers. For a line-up of romance packages and special seasonal offers, visit the Official Travel Website of Carmel-by-the-Sea at www.carmelcalifornia.com.