I Love The Smell Of Coconut Oil
September 8th, 2010 by Carrie Haley, under Vacations. No Comments
I have been in the massage field for nine years and one of my choice things to express on the subject of massage is, “It’s something that feels good and is good for you.” Let’s face it, it is frequently challenging to find the two together.
If you are visiting the Riveria Maya, it is obvious you already appreciate the finer things in life. It does not get any finer than it is here in this area amid the white sand beaches, turquoise sea and jungle paradise. And while you are here, it only makes sense to treat yourself to a little body pampering and maintenance.
Massage itself dates back hundreds of years and exists in almost all cultures. Tulum boasts quite a large healing community making available many different types of massages and body treatments allowing you many choices.
If you are in pain and needing some relief, you will be looking for a deep tissue massage and one that focuses in on the area(s) that are creating your suffering. I am a big fan of deep tissue massage and have witnessed the benefits within myself and my clients. It is very rewarding to have someone enter your massage room in pain and leave pain free. However, you do not need to be in pain to appreciate a good deep tissue massage. Although it is not the most relaxing of massages while you are receiving it, afterwards one tends to feel more loose and light and have more range of motion.
If your body is not overly stressed and you are not in pain, choosing a massage can be like choosing an ice cream flavor, a bit challenging because there are so many yummy flavors to choose from.
If you are looking to relax, a Swedish massage is a fine way to attain that. A Swedish massage is sort of like a dance on the body that loosens the facia (skin) and truely facilitates the body to breath much easier. Done correctly, it sends you into the zone.
If you are feeling adventurous you should try some energy work. Combining a Swedish with Reiki can bring about a deep sense of relaxation. Allowing time for a nap after this type of massage is always a good idea. Consider having this massage done on the beach with the cool breezes blowing by or in your Tulum hotel room. Paying ahead of time will also allow more relaxation after the massage.
Different therapists experience energy in different ways. For me, I am skilled in both Reiki and Polarity. When I place my hands on someone’s body, I frequently experience the sensation of waves. Clearing and strengthening our energy bodies, which reside out of our physical bodies, can be a method to bring us back into our emotional bodies and improve our awareness of how we are really feeling. No matter if you are exhausted, cheerless, or delighted to be getting a wonderful body treatment in Tulum.
Tulum also has a fantastic reflexologist. Reflexology is the ancient healing art of working the entire nervous system through the feet. Trained exclusively in Reflexology in England, Tania will impress you with her skilled hands and nurturing energy. You can reach Tania locally in Tulum, Mexico at 1-984-877-5793.
If you are arriving with scaly winter skin, you may want to get a salt glow or a lavender scrub to rid you of your old dull skin and start your tan on fresh, glowing skin.
If you cannot make up your mind on which treatment you are in most need of, let me suggest an Ayurvedic treatment. What body type are you? A Vata, Pitta or Kapha? I was trained by a woman from the states who trained in India. Ayurveda is a system of healing that encompasses the entire body. If you are new to the world of Ayurveda, this massage is a lovely introduction. It is a stylized massage that allows for both deep relaxation and energy work combined with healing essential oils. You will leave the massage table lighter, calmer and more knowledgeable about your body type.
If you are brand new to the world of body treatments and your budget is a kind of low, you can always benefit from a 15 minute chair massage. Stop in at Tee Totum’s Restaurant and Hotel, on the road to the beach, to see when you can catch me there with my chair.
In a perfect world, massage would be a weekly part of every one’s routine. Massage relieves stress, keeps muscles and skin in better health and boosts the immune system. Plus, it certainly does make us all feel much better! So whether you need deep tissue work, a relaxing Swedish massage, a pampering Ayurvedic massage, or a quick tension relieving chair massage, please call me locally in Tulum at 984-120-4960. I can come to your Tulum beach hotel with my massage table, or give you a treatment on the beach with the sounds of the sea. I will leave you with my massage slogan, “Promoting world peace one massage at a time.” Hope to see you soon in Tulum!
Carrie Haley is a freelance travel writer living year round in Tulum, Mexico focusing in news about yucatan hotels along with life in the Yucatan Peninsula. Feel free to get in touch with Carrie directly if you want local tips as well as information for experiencing a memorable adventure within Yucatan.
Surfs Up In Hawaii
September 3rd, 2010 by Wesley Mathews, under Vacations. No Comments
You may not be aware of it, but surfing is a Polynesian innovation that dates back several hundred years. Europeans first saw it when they visited Tahiti in 1767. Hawaii of course was settled by Polynesian immigrants from Tahiti almost one thousand years ago, and brought the sport with them. It was in Hawaii that surfing first caught on with Euro-Americans back in 1907.
When planning your Hawaii surfing vacation, keep in mind that the islands have two major seasons for this activity. You should pick the time of year if possible according to your surfing familiarity and ability. The winter months, November through March, are best suited for practiced surfers, as the waves tower twenty five feet or more as they crash just before the beach. Beginners will want to plan their surfing vacation for the summer and fall months between the beginning of June and mid-October, at what time the waters are calmer. Where better to learn the art of he’enalu than with the citizens who invented surfing? Bring a few friends and reserve your beach vacations early to locate just the right place to call home.
Complexity levels can also differ from one area of Hawaii to another. Of course, Oahu is where the majority of of the well-known surfing beaches are located, and Waiamea Bay is perhaps the most celebrated of them all. Waiamea Bay and other surfing places such as Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline are a skilled surfer’s paradise when waves generated by winter storms in the Aleutians come swirling south. In the summer, beginner surfers may want to go to Waikiki on the south side. These waves are the outcome of the austral winter storms off Antarctica and have a great deal further to travel and therefore they are much gentler waves and better for learners.
Because Oahu’s surfing areas are so well known and visited, you might be competing with a lot of other people for space. A less crowded option is Kauai. Hanalei Bay on the north side provides difficult waves for experienced surfers, while Poipu and Kalapi to the south are better for learners.
Visitors to Hawaii can choose Kauai as their destination for reasons other than surfing by the way. Just because most vacationers head for Oahu does not indicate that Kauai does not possess more than its share of fun interests. Kauai, which was the last island to exist under Kamehameha’s rule back in 1810, only when the island’s ultimate ruler died without a successor, is not called the Garden Island for nothing. This luxuriant paradise offers mountain inner tubing and kayaking along jungle rivers as well as hiking and romantic travel inns, many of which can only be reached via helicopter. In fact, the Kauai helicopter tour is a popular choice of visitors.
Hawaii is a tourists paradise with amazing surfing, swimming, diving, snorkeling and magnificent views of the mountainous terrain beside the stunning blue ocean. Delicious and fresh food and drink, delightful friendly people and native music combine to make Hawaii a vacation to never forget.
Wesley Mathews is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on cabin rental accommodations and things to do.
Racing In The Streets In Daytona
August 12th, 2010 by James Harden, under Vacations. No Comments
If riding a wave that swells over your body, at which point is known as “tubular”, is your concept of a fun time, then a beach vacation at Daytona Beach, one of the USA’s leading surfing spots, is a great option. Situated on Florida’s central Atlantic Coast and only 90 minutes from the theme park capitol of the world, Orlando, Daytona is home to white sandy beaches with world class surf, motor sports and a spirited nightlife.
Whether you’re here to visit Ron Jon’s and different surf shops, going to an event at the Daytona International Speedway, taking part in Biketoberfest or just tanning on the beach sipping exotic drinks, beach rental accommodations are so much better in a wonderful accommodation. You will be happy to learn that there are a lot of beach rental deals obtainable in Daytona Beach these days. A number of beach rentals present deals of over 80% during the off season. If you are planning on attending a speedway event while on your beach vacation, you can locate some package deals that will enable you to save on both lodgings and speedway admissions.
Heart of Florida’s Fun Coast area, the city of Daytona Beach itself is less than 70,000 people except when guests arrive for various activities all through the year. Because of the tightly packed sand, Daytona Beach lured motoring fanatics early on. Motor sports date back to 1902, and the first of stock car races that would ultimately evolve into NASCAR race and the Daytona 500 was held in 1936.
Since the 1920s, Daytona Beach has had a reputation as the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” and it is no small wonder. The offshore environment with its sandy bottom and regular swells make it the idyllic surfing spot, predominantly at Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna. You can visit the Volusia County Website for frequent updates on surf conditions.
For the kids, there is a plethora of fun activities that include miniature golf, go-karts and even a ghost tour. Haunts of the World’s Most Famous Beach Ghost Tours will appeal to history buffs, budding scientists and folks who like a good ghost story. It’s not all about the water, however. In nearby DeLand, you can charter a balloon for a bird’s eye look at the area. Another way to see the area from the air is to go parasailing at Ponce Inlet.
After a day with the kids, Mom and Dad will appreciate an opportunity to get away by themselves for a little bed breakfasts, and might consider treating themselves to a romantic evening dinner cruise out of Caribbean Jack’s in Daytona Beach. The soft, sub-tropical climate lends itself to this and other activities throughout the year, but the springtime is especially enjoyable with balmy days and cool nights. And by the way, if you are worried about running into rowdy college kids on spring break, don’t be. The city council has taken action to discourage such behavior and with other alternatives available, the college crowd has dwindled making Daytona Beach a family-friendly vacation spot any time of the year.
James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on bed breakfasts and things to do.
Hotels In Hong Kong – A General Guide To Accommodation For Different Budgets
July 12th, 2010 by James Brad Lee, under Vacations. No Comments
Hong Kong is known for its vibrant way of life which encompasses a diverse range of cuisines, excellent shopping opportunities, state-of-the-art convention centres, and of course, its world-famous tourist attractions. Looking for hotels in Hong Kong to be your base while you enjoy all that this exciting city of possibilities has to offer?
It is important that you choose the right hotel that will provide you with a memorable experience that complements your visit, be it for business or pleasure. A stay at a good hotel will leave you feeling rejuvenated after a long, tiring day exploring the city. So how should you go about searching from the numerous hotels that Hong Kong has to offer? You can read on to find out more about the different types of hotels in the various districts which cater to your specific needs and budgets while providing great value for your money at the same time.
Good Value Accommodation Which Costs Less Than in Other Major Cities
In Hong Kong, you will be able to find good hotels in different districts that cater to various budgets, from less well-known local budget hotels to famous international hotel chains. Generally there are many affordable hotels in every price range. For example four- star hotels in Hong Kong offer rates that are cheaper than similar hotels in other big cities in the world. However, for most hotels here with the exception of the extremely high-end ones, the rooms tend to be smaller than average unless you are willing to spend more to obtain more spacious rooms in higher categories.
Kowloon and New Territories – Your Choice for Budget to Middle-Ranged Hotels
If you are looking specifically for budget and middle-range hotels, you would be well advised to search for them in Kowloon and the New Territories. Kowloon in particular is recommended for budget travelers, as the hotels there are not only reasonably priced compared to those on Hong Kong Island, the district is also located in the vicinity of major shopping belts and offers easy access to various popular sites in and around Hong Kong. Furthermore, Kowloon allows you to experience authentic Hong Kong culture and cuisine, thus allowing you to get the most out of your visit.
Hong Kong Island – Luxury Accommodation with a View and Various Amenities
For those with a larger budget looking for luxurious accommodation, you can check out Hong Kong Island which is home to more luxury hotel chains, many of which are part of big name Western franchises. With the splendid Victoria Harbour, large shopping centres and the state-of-the art Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) located here, this location is an ideal base for big-spending tourists and business travelers.
Easy Access to Other Parts of Hong Kong by Taking Public Transport
A valid concern you may have is whether it is easy getting around Hong Kong from these hotels. To ease your fears, the comprehensive and well-developed transport network in Hong Kong consisting of the MTR (Mass Transit System), buses, tramways and ferry services will get you around the territory quickly and efficiently.
I shall now recommend a website where you can place online bookings for hotels in Hong Kong at competitive rates – Chan Brothers Hotel Portal. This website enables you to efficiently narrow down to the hotel that best suits your budget and criteria. Moreover, it utilizes an intuitive and hassle-free interface that allows for instant confirmation of your booking.
It Always Rains While In A Tent
May 22nd, 2010 by Wesley Mathews, under Vacations. No Comments
Many do not realize that in addition to theme parks and seashores, Florida is additionally splendid for camping in its National Forests. Year round moderate temperatures keep the National Parks open throughout the winter months.
Ocala National Forest and Apalachicola National Forest are some of the premier hiking and camping hotspots in Florida. Trails range from effortless to moderate in difficulty. The temperatures for the dry months of November through February range from a daily median of 50 F to a high of 72 F.
There are a lot of activities to enjoy in Ocala National Forest. The Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail is a challenging 22 mile long ride through live oak domes, verdant prairies and stands of pines. Given that the trail is in a figure eight shape, shorter loops can be ended at the central point. Because this trail is not smooth, mountain bikes are ideal. There is not a charge to ride the trail and there is complimentary parking available at the trailhead at Clearwater Lake and the parking area of FR 538. Alexander Springs is located at the north end of the trail and Clearwater Lake is located at the south end. Water, showers and flush toilets are accessible at both areas, but please note there is a fee to use these amenities. Water is not available along the trail, so be certain to bring plenty of water. The trail is marked with yellow diamonds and arrows and posts at road crossings. Other interests are horseback riding, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. Camp fires are permited at camp sites.
If camping is a little too rustic for you, but you still enjoy day trips to the National Forests, Florida cabin rentals are plentiful all throughout the northern regions of Florida within short driving distances to parks.
Near Tallahassee is the Apalachicola National Forest. The Apalachicola National Forest has water based recreation such as boating and fishing along the Ochlockonee and Apalachicola Rivers, and swimming in the many lakes. Trails and roads accommodate hiking, mountain bike riding, horseback riding, and off road ATV and motorcycle riding. Rustic camping is allowed throughout the Forest; rate campsites offer restrooms and water, picnic tables and fire rings. Hunting for deer is the popular activity in December and January.
After a couple of weeks traveling and camping in the National Parks, a little relief in a Florida bed and breakfast will feel like luxury. Inn keepers are very knowledgeable and helpful with area recommendations for restaurants, shopping, golf, night life and the like. Most country inns are close to city conveniences so that you will be relaxed and ready for your next camping adventure in more Florida National Parks and beaches.
Wesley Mathews is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on Florida beach rentals and things to do.