Saturday, March 3, 2012

Our day at the Well Spa in Indian Wells

By Mitchell Sussman


Health and happiness is the key to any good, long-standing relationship that desires to flourish and grow with time. And The Well Spa at the Miramonte Resort & Spa is where my wife and I found some time away from the pressure of every day living. It was at the oasis in the desert that we had a chance to unwind and to let our minds be comforted and our bodies stimulated.

When we stepped through the doors of the Well Spa, we were greeted by a welcoming staff who gave us a brief tour of the 12,000 square foot facility that was equipped with men & ladies steam rooms and locker rooms, a river bench water therapy, nine indoor treatment rooms, five outdoor treatment spaces, a watsu pool along with a quiet meditation room, a spa retail shop and a beverage bar.

During the tour, we peeked into their grand fitness studio that was equipped with everything from treadmills to Stairmasters to universal machines to free weights as well as two outdoor pools with hot tubs. But our purpose here was this a day for relaxation and rest.

So came the moment of decision for me and my lovely wife. We were told in detail about the unique services that were provided such as the Aqua Well which combined innovative massage with yoga-like stretching techniques into a whole body dance while floating in a pool of water that is heated to one's body temperature. Also mentioned was the Bagno Vino which is also known as wine baths and Vichy showers that were provided on tables built from 100 year old Acacia cedar.

After showing us the expansive facility the Couples Treatment that The Well Spa provided. So off we were to enjoy a little soothing and rubbing together so to melt away the tension in the confines of our private space.

What ultimately caught our eye and peeked our love interest was the Couples Treatment that The Well Spa provided. So off we were to enjoy a little soothing and rubbing together so to melt away the tension in the confines of our private space.

We started with a 15 minute Couples Seated Barrel Soak. Sitting in a cozy, fit for two, barrel on the outdoor balcony that overlooked the Santa Rosa Mountains, the two of us shared a moment of tranquility as the silence surrounded us and allowed us to breathe. We were given the option of a massage before or after the soak in which we decided to take before. We then moved on to the Romance Ritual which lasted 60 minutes. Here we enjoyed a unique massage that included the moisturizing effect of Shea butter mixed with our choice of a custom raw ingredient like grape seed or crushed pearl or rice powder or olive seed. The deepness of the rub along with livening feeling of the skin made this a heightening moment in our experience at The Well Spa.
We then kicked our feet up, enjoyed the sunset as we sipped a tea ritual.

For the last part of our spa experience we decided on the Couples Massage. Here I got to share the relaxing touch of a therapist with my loving wife of many years who had her own therapists at her disposal. Usually the Maestro Massage is performed but instead we choose to go with the alternative Table Yoga Therapy. This is The Well's version of Thai massage or the "Lazy Man's Yoga". While lying on a table, the both of us go through a series of gentle stretches and compression enhanced flexibility exercises. Though clothed, we go thru an amazing rhythmic experience which only enhances the wellness of the body while allowing the blockages and the stagnation within the body to be released and opened.


When we were ready to leave, we were told about another Couples Treatment called Pittura Festa per Due - Painting Party for 2. Using colorful muds and clays, the couples take their time and paint shades upon eachother while at the same time detoxifying the body.

The Well Spa at the Miramonte Resort was truly an exhilarating moment in time in a remarkable environment that captures the beauty of what it means to relax and find comfort as well as that long deep breath.




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Friday, March 2, 2012

Explore Beechworth Wineries And Events

By Karl Larkins


In North Eastern Victoria, Australia, sits the historically significant district of Beechwood. In addition to enticing many visitors each year, this area is also a rapidly expanding area of wine production. Since the nineteen fifties, the vineyards here have been expanding and opening their doors to visitors. Many of the wines produced in the region are exported around the globe and have become increasingly popular. This is an award winning region that has received accolades for its culture and heritage. The following paragraphs offer an exploration of Beechworth wineries.

Mayday Hills is the former name for Beechwood, which was renamed during 1853. The gold rush, during the eighteen fifties, resulted in a booming economy and the region saw an influx of migrants. Since this era the district has been producing wine and the number of vineyards in the region total twenty four. This district is part of the Alpine Valleys, and nestles amidst the foothills of the Victorian Alps.

Many of the vineyards are located on the hillsides and ridge tops, and offer what some would argue, the most stunning scenery. Often family owned and worked for generations, the owners of the vineyards regularly host wine tasting sessions and guided tours. Individuals and groups of visitors are welcome, and some of the wineries offer lunches and entertainment, in addition to opening cellar doors.

Some commentators argue, that this region, due to it's cooler climate, produces some of the finest wines in the country. However, the main production of wine is centred around Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz.

The most widely planted grape throughout Australia, is the Shiraz variety. Consequently, Shiraz wines account for one fifth of all wine grape production in the country. Both nationally and internationally, it is claimed that Shiraz is the most popular of all Australia's red wines.

The cooler temperature of the Victoria regions, are believed to promote an optimum environment in which the Pinot Noir grape may thrive. Because of this factor, the Pinot Noir wines produced here, are believed to be some of the best in the country, despite the Pinot Noir grape only making up around one percent of Australia's grape crush.

The hot sunny days, and cool evenings of Beechworth, are claimed to be the ideal environment for the Chardonnay grape, producing a fine chardonnay wine. Internationally acclaimed, exports of this particular wine have increased rapidly during recent years and are enjoyed around the globe.

It is widely known that Riesling wines originated in Germany. However, this variety of grape has been grown in Australia's vineyards for many years. Again, this district is believed to produce a quality Riesling.

There are also wineries that are producing a range of bio dynamic, organic wines. In order for the wines to be labelled bio dynamic they have to meet a stringent set of standards set by the certifiers. Some experts argue, that wine produced in this way, is of a much higher quality than wine that is not.

Beechworth wineries produce some of the finest wines which are also exported and enjoyed around the world. With two dozen vineyards to choose from, visitors will be spoilt for choice. The owners open their cellar doors for wine tasting events, and also offer individual and group tours.




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Travel Tips That Can Help Change Your Life

By Victoria Greengrass


New worlds await you, whether near or far, and travel is the way to open the door to unexpected sights, sounds and experiences. Though it can be intimidating on some levels, travel need not be stressful if you take some tips beforehand from those who have tread the paths before you. A few bits of knowledge will go a long way in preparing you for an unforgettable trip.

Financial institutions will generally provide better currency exchange rates than local currency exchange shops. If you are traveling to a foreign country and use an international bank, you can save some money by going to your bank or using one of the bank's ATMs in the foreign country. You might get a better rate than in your own country.

Get in touch with someone who runs a local blog in your destination city. Most often, these bloggers are highly knowledgeable about the ins and outs of their city, and are happy to share tips or tricks, helping you get the most from your trip. Make sure to actually read their site, so you can comment or compliment them on it before asking them for help.

To find good deals on your air fare, make sure you get prices from as many companies as possible. Booking on the internet should save you money: most travel agents take a commission on their sale. Consider taking a route with several stops and changes if it is cheaper.

Try and get as much knowledge of the destination you're going to travel to before you arrive there. You want to have an idea of the things you want to do rather than finally getting to the hotel and feeling lost and bored. You can also ask hotel employees and locals where good places to check out are.

Knowing what to take with you on a trip can be tough and you can often forget important things. Put an hour aside, to sit down a few days before your trip and compile a list of things that you need to take with you. Make a second list of things that you may need, but you are okay without if there is only limited space. Making lists, ensures that you won't forget important items.

Make use of social media when traveling and when planning your trip. Many blogs and online forums have first-hand reviews of the locations you'd like to visit, plus you can ask people directly about their experiences. In addition, if you use sites that allow you to update your status, your friends might have good suggestions on what to do next.

Armed with the knowledge from these tips, you can now go out into the world with more confidence and less stress. Take the time to enjoy your new surroundings as you travel and learn from the people you encounter along the way. You'll return to your everyday life refreshed and with a new appreciation for the things you normally take for granted.




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5 Tips for a Great Golf Holiday

By Ian Tate


There is nothing like a vacation to an exotic location with new courses if you're a golfer. With the popularity golf rising worldwide, there is no shortage of destinations or golf courses, and you can choose from the many golf resorts around the world, or opt for a hotel near several fabulous courses. Here are some tips for a great golf holiday.

1. Resorts or Golf Hotels

All inclusive golf resorts will build your entire vacation around the game of golf, often including workshops with tips and techniques to improve your game. This could be ideal if your spouse plays golf too. If you aren't traveling with a golfer, you should make sure your companion has stuff to do.

2. Arranging to Travel

Remember that you will be taking your golf clubs with you. Additional weight may give you a charge to travel, but pack them up well. Some resorts hire out golf clubs, and this may prove to be the less expensive and easier option.

3. The Dress Code

Just because it is a holiday, does not mean that the resort will relax the dress code. Pack according to the way that you would to your home course. You'll have some holiday gear with you anyway in case they are a little easier on holidaymakers. If you're staying in a resort, make sure you know what their dress code is for dinner too - some are more formal than others.

4. Golf Course

If you decide to not stay at a golf resort, you need to scope out areas you'd like to play around there. There may be some private courses that you will need to make special arrangements to play. If you are traveling a long way to play on a specific course, make sure the course is open to visitors, and that they are not holding a five day tournament the week you are there!

5. Carefully Pack

Don't forget to pack items like sunscreen, tees, balls and your glove and shoes. You may find these items easily replaced, but the local rates where you go may be shocking. You'll play better with your own stuff, so it's better to be prepared. Consider local weather when you pack, as well. A golfing holiday in Scotland will require different gear to one in South Africa.

A new surrounding will make for a wonderful golf holiday trip if you plan well. You'll get to play golf in a wonderful, new environment. How can you beat that?




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Selecting A Suburb In London For The 2012 Olympics

By Rich Williams


The Olympic Games are among the most awaited occasions. And for the year 2012, it has its eyes set on London England. Certainly this is going to be just one more spectacular landmark for the country. Needless to say, all sports buffs from all over England and the globe alike will be lined up at the gateways to complete the Olympic arena's seats. Having described that not only British enthusiasts will be in presence during this epic event, definitely lots of visiting buffs will start to canvas for Olympic house rentals apart from their tickets to get in.

London is a vast area and there's a wide array of areas to choose from. For most of us fresh of the jet, residing in the city center is not an alternative unless we are staying in a hostel or if we're already doing work at a live in job in a pub or conventional hotel. But that is fine because as you explore away from the town center, you will establish that London is surrounded by some really cool suburbs, each with their own unique atmosphere.

Most newcomers tend to go to the west. Places like Shepherd's Bush, Fulham, Hammersmith and Acton are filled with inspired working travelers. If you wish to be more daring and do it up at Aussie pubs or house parties on the weekend when you are not inside the Olympic area then you should make sure you are in an area that is full of individuals with the same mentality and cafes that focus on that group.

It's a sensible idea though, particularly for visiting Olympic enthusiasts, to choose a suburb that is pretty near the Olympic arena. Since it will not only save you the bucks, it can also save you the effort and time. Rush hour can be extremely complicated in London in case you take the the bus with the Olympic Games currently taking place. In the event you truly choose to go with the public transportation.

A travel of an hour each way to your destination is not unusual, but you wouldn't want it to be much longer than that, considering that this is the 2012 Olympic Games. Also, remember the fact that specific tube lines are notoriously annoying ( specifically District and Northern) while others are viewed as really good (Jubilee) so try to avoid poor, congested tube lines if you possible could.

Where you decide to live will have a huge impact on your London adventure, So Finding a place to live in for Olympics accommodation is a very important thing and there are many panoramic locations to pick from. All you should do is select the one you feel most comfortable in. As soon as you have made your decision about where you will stay, just delight in your visit and make the most out of your 2012 Olympics encounter!




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Thursday, March 1, 2012

Bond Insurance For Much-Needed Security

By Aaron Lee


Summary: In the simplest of terms, Bond Insurance can be explained as the manner in which coverage is offered to a person in opposition to situations in which losses occur because of dishonesty, fraudulence or incompetence. This kind of coverage, also referred to as 'bonding' is most required for people who work beyond the regular working hours.

Most of the times, people who are in the cleaning staff or are in charge of dealing with cash are the ones to require bonding and for them, it is compulsory. As the bond is purchased, the insured gets entitled to get all the benefits of the claims that arise out of the mentioned types of differences. To insure better, the insurer can even be changed into monoline insurance providers. The most common place where these bonds are found is the city market.

Companies performing jobs that are specific are given financial backing in the form of transaction guarantee through performance bonds. The premiums for such bonds can be extremely high, costing as much as to a percent of the agreement, thereby boosting the cost of the project. This can be a difficult bond to obtain if the number of jobs within the bond capacity stands exhausted. The completion of a project might be hampered as a result of unavailability of this bond. Performance bonds protect property owners from battling financial loss and also ensure the completion of a project based on specifications and plans.

A bond which is given to a client or contractor to prove the financial stability of an employee is called a surety bond. This is insurance the location where the insurer guarantees that if the contractor doesn't produce results as per the contract, then the client makes use of his resources to employ a new firm to complete the work undertaken. Mostly corporations of large standing and government agencies need surety bonds to prove that contractors can finish a certain project. The applicant's credit and many other challenges like the form of bond being sought decide the cost of the surety bond.

Fidelity bond is supposed to provide coverage for different companies together with organizations. This bond assures the business of defense against losses incurred because of misdeeds of thieves or other forms of deceitful activities by the person employed. This excludes the mistakes or accidental errors dedicated by the employee. Among those bodies which can issue this type of bond, are carriers of policy and FBP or Federal Bonding Program. Any employee having a poor financial history, including bankruptcy and failure to settle debts, usually are avoided under this bond. This holds true for all those with records of criminality.

These bonds are granted by companies so that the fact that the bonding company would cover the unexpected losses. Many of these also seek insurance to cover liability claims. The amount for these covers varies from one state to another and most of the times, states make it mandatory for companies. The license of the company and individual is used to check through the various complaints and issues that have seemed against it during the past.




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Ways to Get the Best Rate on a Hotel Room

By Dmitry Vasenyov


Frankly speaking, these days one hotel may easily offer different rates. You can spend literally a fraction of the price, but only if you mange to get a great deal. Nowadays there are a lot of different methods for you to get the best rate at the hotel rooms. Below there are a few strategies that might help you.

- Find a coupon book. You should know that coupon books might offer you a lot of great deals. You should read the coupon properly as they could have different limitations as days of the week or the amount of people. Some of them will allow you to call beforehand for making a reservation, but others will make you come in. Bear in mind that you are not always assured that the hotel will have some rooms left. Even though they have rooms, in several instances they will just sell a certain amount at that certain special.

- Besides, you could search for the best rate guarantee. In the majority of cases the hotel has a best rate guarantee. If you manage to find a better deal elsewhere they will honor it. However sometimes this has got several restrictions and hence you have to ensure that you check with them in order to make sure that they will honor it.

- Besides, you may see what discounts you could be eligible for. These days, the majority of hotels offer numerous discounts. Aside from this, some hotels will give great discounts to members of the military, seniors, certain workers, members of certain organizations and others.

- Another proper way to get the best rate on the hotel room is to look at some travel web pages on the web. Nowadays there are a lot of different web pages which specialize in giving great deals for hotel travelers. Most of these websites will compare different rates. In addition, you could even combine coupon codes with these and so save some money.




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Copacabana Beach Keeps Your Interest Whenever Vacationing In Rio De Janeiro

By Maria Cunha


Brazilian beaches by nature's layout and status are exceptional. 1000's of kilometers of shifting surroundings and scenery are filled with fantastic waves for the passionate surfer and peaceful emerald green coves for the unhurried tourist. Up and down the numerous kilometers of Brazil coastline rest actually 1000's of beaches, from the globally well-known to the seductively hidden.

All of the beach locations of Brazil although are best suited for all of the people wanting to visit them. Each has their particular quirks as well as attributes. Many are conveniently obtainable by public transport and so are in the middle of the creature comforts we have come to count on and appreciate. Others are extremely distant, isolated, spotless and untainted by the hands of man.

Beach tourism to Brazil draws in thousands of foreign travelers and their companions (acompanhantes) on a yearly basis as the Brazilian people eagerly and with excitement endeavor to accommodate each and every one, combining a pleasant combination of hospitality, fantastic food, impressive scenery and a true desire to provide great value to folks on which their livelihood depends.

One cannot even think of a beach in Brazil without the world renowned Copacabana beach firstly coming to mind. Situated inside the city boundaries of Rio de Janeiro, this 4 kilometer strip of beach serves up an animated menu of activities and sights. Swimming in its crystal blue waters, sun tanning in its sun baked sand, kicking around a ball in a game of sand soccer or beach volleyball and experiencing the sights from unbelievable real estate property like a luxury penthouse rio de janeiro apartment rental all could be wonderfully enticing.

Copacabana beach was titled after the luxurious vip Copacabana Palace Hotel which opened in 1920. The attraction of the wide white sand beach, acompanhantes rj, round the clock celebrations, bikini clad ladies, luxurious rio apartments real-estate, spectacular restaurants, radiant pubs and dance clubs, will promptly gain and retain your attention through your stay in Rio de Janeiro.




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Why Punta Cana Is A Popular Springbreak Destination

By Ben Pate


If you are going to be traveling overseas this Spring Break it is critical to remember that you will need to possess a valid United States passport in order to be allowed entrance into a foreign country. There are many wonderful Spring Break destinations all over the world that students can have a great time in. However, in recent years, young people have been flocking to Punta Cana for their Spring Break activities. If you don't already have your passport you can easily go get an online U S passport application and fill it out in time for your overseas trip.

International Travel

Obviously, anyone who is planning on going overseas this Spring Break will need to have a valid United States passport with them in order to be granted access into another country. If you get to another country, and have your passport stolen, you will need to get a replacement before you are allowed to return back home. Thankfully, there are many passport services online that make it much easier than before for travelers to obtain a replacement American passport.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is located in the Dominican Republic. It has many beautiful and scenic beaches and a fast-paced nightlife for travelers to enjoy. Since the 1970' Punta Cana has been a favorite among students who are looking to go somewhere unique for Spring Break. Punta Cana is very easy to get to and there are many direct flights from the United States that go there every day. The best way to find a great deal on a trip to Punta Cana is by going online well in advance of your vacation and looking for travel specials on travel agency websites.

Attractions

Aside from the lushes sugar white sand beaches that Punta Cana has to offer there are over twelve professional golf courses. As well as the cultural sites featured in the nearby 500 year old city of Higuey. Higuey features the Basilica Catholic Monument; this structure was built in 1962 and was devised by two French architects. This is a popular tourist site in the province. These sites combined with the resort area of Punta Cana make it a perfect destination for a vacation.

Hotels And Spas

If you are going to be visiting Punta Cana for Spring Break you can go online and try to find hotel deals so you can have a place to stay when you are there. There are many spectacular resorts and spas located in the Dominican Republic that cater to travelers. Punta Cana has many incredible restaurants for tourists to dine at and get a better understanding of the local culture. Residents of Punta Cana are generally very friendly towards visitors and are happy to show people all of the wonderful attractions their town has to offer.




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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

How important is tourism to the UK economy?

By Lakeshia Eubanks


The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) used to, condescendingly, be named 'the ministry of fun' within government. But no one is laughing about its responsibility now, for it is this department which deals with Tourism, digital infrastructure, the arts and other creative industries. And it is all of these industries which are looking to provide Britain with its much needed growth.

Now for the facts and figures. A recent study for Visit Britain, undertaken by Deloitte/Oxford Economics, Tourism generates 4% of the GDP in the UK directly, which translates as 52billion. Indirectly, through the interaction with other sectors, it produces nearly 9% of GDP, or 115billion, as well as 1.36 million jobs. The tourist industry is predicted to outperform other key sectors in the British economy, including that of manufacturing.

There is a particularly vital role for tourism in the rural areas of the UK. The reason behind this is the fact that it is easy in these areas to break into the industry. As a result, in the beautiful places such as Wales and Scotland, there are a disproportionately large number of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) taking advantage of the great conditions for entrepreneurial endeavours.

There are, however, great challenges ahead for the DCMS, for there are a lot of things that could stifle this otherwise hopeful part of the UK economy. The most worrying thing is the fact that transport and accommodation cost much more here than in other places on the continent. If this is not taken care of, then many people will be put off spending so much money here, when they could go other places, just as beautiful, for cheaper.

This is vital this year, for it is this year that London Hosts the Olympic Games. If we are to entice foreign travellers to stay in Britain after they have seen the games, and perhaps travel to other parts of the country, we are going to have to make sure that the prices for doing this are competitive.




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