Blog
Posted by: Nancy Gray on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 3:10:19 pm
St. Thomas was fabulous; Chamber of Commerce weather and an island unspoiled by the huge tourism business they have. Our group stayed at Marriott Frenchman’s reef and Morning Star Resort, portions of the group in each section. The property has a bit of a split personality, which is wonderful if guests have varying requirements while traveling. The rooms at Morning Star are reminiscent of Gidget’s beachfront Bungalow. They are clean, practical and certainly built with the idea of guests spending their time at the beach, not in the room. There are no elevators to the upper level rooms (3 levels), so something to keep in mind if you are traveling with small children. However, the views from those rooms that face the ocean are exceptional. Morning Star was not part of the much advertised multi-million dollar renovation that closed the resort for 9 months. The Reef Tower rooms, which are offered at a lower price point than Morning Star, have been beautifully updated. The Reef houses the two infinity pools, which are lovely; one with a swim up bar and the other has a splash area where smaller children can be a part of the water experience. In addition, the Reef contains several shops, the LaZule Sea Spa and the dock to the water taxi service. Our guests dined in all of the restaurants, but most enjoyed Havana Blue, Coco Joes and Aqua Terra. Havana Blue (at Morning Star) is noted as the best restaurant on the Island. It has an exceptional wine list and offers a variety of cigars for after dinner enjoyment. Coco Joe’s has an Island neighborhood pub/restaurant feel. It overlooks the beach and has a more economical price point. I believe the draw of Aqua Terra was the floor to ceiling windows that overlook the docks; it was a favorite breakfast location for all. Our guests were often seen moving between the two properties either by the scenic walk down the hillside, enjoying the many iguanas of varying size along the way, or on the complimentary resort shuttle. The trip was a success and our guests have some wonderful memories of a beautiful island.
Gigi Gernand
Posted by: Nancy Gray on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 11:23:26 am
Andi’s Irish Adventure:
Ireland is FABULOUS. You must go. I understand this is a very bold statement, not knowing what your own personal travel preferences are, but having just completed my first trip to Ireland, I can definitively say it has something for everyone. From historians and culturalists, outdoor enthusiasts, those who enjoy scenic beauty (everywhere you look is a “Kodak Moment”!), singles, couples, families and foodies. Yes foodies….who knew Ireland is a little culinary gem. I do now!
Of course, everyone knows Ireland is famous for its’ golf….and the courses are both beautiful and challenging, but let’s not forget its’ equestrian legacy. Horseback riding and racing (The Irish Derby) are alive and well. Can you say “Release the Hounds!”? Yes, fox hunting can also be arranged! You’d better have a “good seat” as they say though, because it will be an adrenaline packed adventure. For those of us not that well versed in horsemanship, we can still cheer them on from the sidelines.
For those interested in more elusive sports, the art of Falconry is still practiced in Ireland today. How exciting it is to learn about these beautiful birds, and become skilled in the commands to send them flying and have them return to a perfect and trusting landing on your arm. The power of that relationship with nature knows no words.
Do I have any shoppers out there? Well, get ready, because Ireland is a shoppers’ paradise. Seriously….from the woolens, crystal, whiskey, jewelry and incredibly talented local artists, you’ll need to pack at least one extra suitcase to bring home your treasures!
Musicians? Ireland is all about music. From the soul-stirring strains of the “pipes” to the happy, lilting jigs played out on fiddles and penny-flutes across the country, you’ll be wiping away a tear or kicking up your heels in no time!
I could go on and on about the surprising gem I found in Ireland, but I’ll rein in the gift of gab I apparently also acquired on this trip (that pesky Blarney Stone!), and close by telling you the most wonderful aspect of Ireland are her people. There no better hosts or companions you could wish for in your travels.
So, what are you waiting for? Call me. I’m excited to plan your own great adventure in Ireland!
Andi Dosey
(Fan of Ireland)
THE TRAVEL AGENT
A Member of the Tzell Travel Group
630 W Carmel Dr., Suite 150
Carmel, Indiana 46032
317.846.9619
317.805.5726 Direct to Andi
800.347.2512 toll-free
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andi@thetravelagentinc.com
www.thetravelagent.travel
Posted by: Nancy Gray on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 10:03:47 am
To: Julie Tourville
Subject: Report from Russia
Julie,
Jeanne and I are having a great time visiting Russia. The Viking line arranged several tours in Moscow to show the arts (a very good presentation of folk and classical music), Red Sq. the Kremlin, etc.
An optional tour was the military museum (wreckage of U-2 spy plane) and tour of Moscow by night.
On the river we visited Uglich, Yaroslavl and several other cities. In one, we visited in the home of a local teacher, in another we visited a pre-school prep school, in another we saw how they restore log houses uning early tools. On board we have had classes in the language, history of Russia, and culture. Food is great, service outstanding--and we are looking forward to a Vodka tasting event this eve.
Weather is chilly--sometimes cold--with a good bit of rain. The rain is mostly light so hasn't interfered with tours. Just cloudy.
Talk with you soon.
Jeanne and Bruce
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Posted by: Nancy Gray on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 2:38:48 pm
The Dominican Republic is an easy skip (2.5 hours) by air from Miami and a good destination for both couples and families.
The Dominican is a nice change from Cancun and other Mexican cities. (Spanish is still the common language) There are several cities to choose from to relax and enjoy. Available are standard hotels and resorts as well as “All Inclusive Properties”
The water is clear and clean and the beaches are pristine and lush with palm trees. I particularly like the La Ramana area.
There are several resorts to choose from but I will focus on Case De Campo http://www.casadecampo.com.do
This is a large (7,000 acre) full service resort, hotel and residential community.
- Beautiful grounds with shopping, dinning restaurants and more
- Hotel - Condo’s – Villas are all available
- 3 Pete Dye golf courses
- Equestrian riding and Polo
- Tennis – Biking - Hiking
- Marina - Water sports -
- World Class shooting and hunting opportunities – Skeet and Trap as well as Quail, Dove, Pheasant, and Ducks
I stayed in a lovely villa with 6 bedrooms a large pool, hot tub, golf cart for transportation, a maid and gardener. Having the freedom to come and go throughout the grounds was very enjoyable.Some of my friends joined us for a surprise birthday celebration that was wonderfully memorable!
The best time of year is winter as the Caribbean sun can be brutal June – September. But the advantage is that it is quite and costs are greatly reduced during ‘off season”
The resort is a great place to be seen with beautiful people, luxury yachts and wonderful weather December - April!
Mark M
Carmel, IN
Posted by: Nancy Gray on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 7:15:59 pm
In mid-August of 2010 my wife and I travelled to Ireland with CIE Tours. To this day, our time spent in Ireland still rates as one of the best trips we have ever taken. It is no small detail to work with a travel professional who will make sure to match you up with the right tour company. Our Travel Advocate, Andi, listened to our ideas about the trip and matched us up with CIE Tours. It turned out to be a match made in heaven, or perhaps the mischievious minds of the Leprechauns. Either way it was perfect! We did have a bit of the "luck of the Irish", as our motorcoach was only half full. Therefore, we could all stretch out next to our window seats and soak in the beauty of Ireland. It also allowed for fun times in the jumpseat of the motorcoach, where our fantastic driver/guide, Luke, would tell endlessly engaging stories as only the Irish can! He would also direct us to the most lively pubs where we could always enjoy a good meal and a pint, while listening to local musicians. What was so fun about this was, one person would enter the pub and start playing an instrument. Later a couple more would enter and join in, and before you knew it you had a whole band performing in a random Irish jam session. It was so much fun! In closing, the best thing I can say about Ireland is....GO! It's history, beauty and the soul of it's people will leave you breathless.
Mr and Mrs. C./Carmel
