With the beginning of May finally here, so is the beginning of a dream that we call: vacation! A little vacation in which we can relax, forget the daily chores, and recharge us with new energy for the months ahead.
We are thinking of places full of beauty and charm. One of them is a place of gently hills and pines, cypresses that are caressed by the wind, vineyards that produce spectacular wines and food so good that elevates living to epicurean heights-
That place is Tuscany.
After a transatlantic flight, a well deserved plunge in one of the thermal spas that have catered to a wellness inclined clientele for many years is in order. We are thinking of the Saturnia spa and golf resort in the town of Saturnia which is the oldest Italic city in the heart of Tuscan Maremma. This breathtaking location is designed to awaken your senses. The structure consists of centuries old travertine construction facing a millenary spring and thermal waters, royalty is in the air: Maria Theresa of Austria, Napoleon and his sister Paulina, as well as the poet Shelly have indulged in this wellness spa. One feels like royalty in a place like this and truly is a blissful place to consider.
Tuscany is one of the most famous wine regions of Italy. Brunello di Montalcino and the red wines of Chianti will enchant you for their unique vineyards that maintain the rural traditional techniques. If you want to taste a rare and refined treat, go to San Giovanni D’asso and to San Miniato: that is where the white truffle-the most precious tuber in the world-comes from.
The castles of Tuscany are old gems to discover full of mystery and legends. Visiting them means stepping back into medieval times and falling into an enchanting fairytale.
If you want to see the tuscan landscape from an even higher point of view, a hot air balloon can be an unforgettable experience!
We also think of another place totally different but very attractive as well: Costa Rica
We will land at the Juan Santa Maria International airport on the first day and we can explore the city of San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, and enjoy the energy of Avenida Central, and the Catedral Metropolitana, we can take a picnic lunch at the Sabana Metropolitan Park to rest and enjoy the landscape. A visit to the Central Market is a most where one can buy souvenirs and taste local food.
The following day, maybe we could enter into a world of its own at the retreat Bajos del toro Amarillo, where we feel the peacefulness of the river and its waterfall, the exuberant forest, and its trails. First, waking through a garden full of hummingbirds, passing through trails surrounded by forest and several lookouts before reaching the waterfall. A good tip is to be prepared with comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, a bathing suit and plenty of water. Then, let us visit the Volcan Arenal National Park! While we are here, we can choose from a variety of activities like zipping, horseback riding, hanging bridges, hiking, or taking a dip in the hot springs. The volcano that, by the way, has a perfect conical shape, can be visited all seven days of the week. Call your travel guru for details!
Next, is a visit to Nosara, which is located in Nicoya, is a destination for surfing, yoga and smoothies of every flavor. The main beach is Guiones, which is a 7 kilometers of white sand. There are footpaths to tour the sandy beaches and instructors are nearby to help you take the plunge and get on the board. You should also know that the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge is just some kilometers away and it is the nesting grounds of Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, Leatherback Sea Turtles and Green Sea Turtles. Truly an unforgettable experience!
If you are looking for a place with magic hospitality, plan a trip to the Maldives.
Scattered like pearls across the deep blue Indian Ocean, the islands of Maldives is home to sandy white beaches, glistening waters, and a dizzying variety of marine life. It is really dream for travelers across the world. but the secret of their success is their spirit and hospitable nature of their community.
The Maldives location, being in the middle of the Indian Ocean, benefits from the exposure to southern swells make excellent conditions for surfing on the outer reefs of atolls, the most popular being the north male’ atoll with surfers, and the most accessible as well due to the large number of resorts and its close proximity to the international airport. The consistent waves at various surf points in the atoll offer some of the longest rides in the country.
Another out of this world place is the Addu Nature Park in the southernmost atoll in the Maldives atoll chain. There are five inhabited islands, which form very unique characteristics that are different from the rest of the country. Addu atoll hosts a very large wetlands area in the Maldives. The park features charming piers extending out to the lakes, mangroves, and scenic cycling routes through the lush vegetation of the wetlands. A guided nature tour can be taken through the park to observe the unique fauna and flora of the rich habitat. Canoeing in the bay area would allow you to see the famous red mangroves and baby stingrays- one of the most memorable experiences in the park!
Last but not least in the central region of the atoll chain that form the Maldives is the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve considered globally as one of the most famous in terms of its biodiversity. It includes coral reefs, islands, seagrass beds and mangroves, a home to a high degree of reef species and of marine turtles, manta rays, shale sharks, and seabirds. For those in love with nature, this place has no parallel.
