Category: Activities

Experience the Condado Vanderbilt Spa in Puerto Rico

Luxury spa experience with ocean view in the upscale neighborhood of Condado, Puerto Rico.

I love the complete escape that I experience enclosed in happy spa time.  My mind and body relaxes as I prepare for a wellness treatment to sooth my aches, address specific skin concerns (the main concern is that I am getting old), and enjoy a treatment for both mind and body.  A good friend suggested, “hey let’s try the Spa at the Condado Vanderbilt” which kicked  off a relaxing day in Condado for food, shopping, afternoon cocktails, and finish our day at the spa.

Condado Vanderbilt Patio with Ocean view

Condado is a neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico  known for shopping and fantastic food.  After a little retail therapy in the shops across the street, we returned to the hotel to watch the ocean from the Vanderbilt lounge while sipping delightful rum drinks. 

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Sail Away to Cayo Icacos, Puerto Rico

Cayo Icacos is a small, uninhabited island approximately 1 mile wide and over 1 mile long located 3 miles off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. There are no restaurants, no shopping centers or vendors, no electricity, and no facilities of any kind.  The little island is just lush green foliage and perfect white sand beaches.

Day Sail to the Pristine White Sand Beaches of Cayo Icacos

The best option to visit this tropical paradise is by boat.  There is a water taxi service that departs just north of the El Conquistador resort in Las Croabas neighborhood of Fajardo, providing drop off and pick up service to Icacos as the least expensive option.  A slightly more expensive option is the powered Catamaran sailboats that provide transportation, snorkel gear, shade, food & drinks, and (darn important) onboard bathrooms.

For us, the decision was easy – comfort and leisure on a Catamaran!

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Sedona Arizona Travel Guide – Reviews and Recommendations

Sedona, Arizona attracts nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, adventure seekers, foodies, art lovers, mystics, and curious travelers from around the world.  Located in the center of Arizona, Sedona is 100 miles North of Phoenix and a popular road trip for Valley residents. Usually a 2 hour drive between Phoenix and Sedona, allow extra time for holidays and weekend travel.

The iconic mountains of Sedona are formed from layers of sandstone in various shades of bright, bold red.  Many people believe that the red rocks of Sedona are an Energy Vortex of healing properties.  These power centers are a huge draw for New Age Enthusiasts.  There is much debate and discussion around the magical properties of the area, but most visitors will agree that the red rocks are stunning!

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Phoenix Zoo Lights | Winter Holiday Tradition

Every winter (since 1991) starting Thanksgiving week until early January, the Phoenix Zoo decks out the grounds in an amazing light show.  Phoenix ZooLights is a holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike.  For these few weeks every year, the Phoenix Zoo transforms into a holiday wonderland at night.  

phoenix-zoolights

The mild winter temperatures in Phoenix (early evening in the 60’s F/18 C) are perfect to enjoy hot chocolate and walk around the Zoo admiring the light show.  Only some of the animals may be visible during the ZooLights event, but you may still get to see a Unicorn!

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Puerto Del Rey Marina, Puerto Rico

Puerto del Rey is the largest marina in Puerto Rico, and even the largest in the Caribbean!  I am slowly falling in love with this marina and all of the businesses and events hosted there.  I am a certified scuba diver and all around fan of boats and water, sadly I am not a boat owner (yet).  I still manage to visit the marina and enjoy the boats on a regular basis.  Here is a quick guide of the services and facilities at Puerto Del Rey for non-boat owners.puerto-del-rey-marina-guide

Sea Ventures is 5 star PADI scuba company, and recently awarded the blue flag for Sustainable Boating Tourism Operator.  They are active with Project Aware and PADI events.  Sea Ventures is the #1 reason that I go to the Marina.  There are a fantastic group of instructions and scuba divers.  I feel safe and welcome every time I dive with Sea Ventures!  With only 20 dives logged, I am still considered a newbie diver and I will continue my advanced certifications and instructions with the knowledgeable staff at Sea Ventures.

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