Archive for April, 2010
Phuket’s Secret Beaches
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Phuket’s beaches are world-renowned and tourists flock from across the globe to visit the famous beaches at Patong, Karon, and Kata. So much so that many people complain these beaches have lost their charm. They say Phuket can no longer claim to be an idyllic tropical island getaway. The beaches are too crowded. Sun loungers line the entire length of the beaches, sometimes in rows three or four deep. Jet skis, banana boats and parasail boats plough through the water while vendors ply their wares up and down the beach. They say Phuket is finished as an island getaway destination and only caters to the party crowd.
These people have not spent enough time exploring Phuket. There are more than 40 beaches around Phuket Island and there is something to suit all tastes. If you want a beach with good holiday facilities but not too crowded then Nai Harn, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao and Nai Yang all have good hotels and restaurants yet do not draw big crowds. If you really want to get away from the crowds then Nai Thon and Mai Khao beaches in the north of the island are usually very quiet.
Still all these beaches are well known in Phuket and firmly in the tourist travel guides. In this article, we will look at some beaches that still remain undiscovered to most tourists. We will not even include Laem Sing or Yanui in this list. They are both charming beaches but they have become well known and usually have plenty of visitors. Some of the following beaches are not even known to many of Phuket’s residents. These are Phuket’s secret beaches. Banana Beach
This beautiful beach is in the northern half of Phuket between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach. It is a lovely two-hundred meter strip of sand, studded with rocks in the middle and ringed with trees. It is a good swimming beach and there is some great snorkeling. There is no accommodation and just a single beach restaurant with a handful of sun loungers at the southern end.
There are usually only a handful of visitors at this beach. The majority of them arrive by longtail boat from other beaches but in fact, you can see the beach from the coast road above and there is a trail down.Pansea Beach
Right at the northern end of Bang Tao Beach is beautiful and peaceful Pansea Beach. There are two up-market resorts here yet the location retains its refreshing tranquility. Just offshore is Kala Island (or Kata Island depending who you believe) which shelters the shallow bay from waves so it is always calm. The waters are too shallow for swimming and when the tide is out you can walk to the island. It is a great beach for paddling and ideal for children to play. There are no refreshments here so it is a good idea to bring a picnic.Pon Beach
This secluded little beach is in the headland north of Patong. The locals know it as Nai Yair Beach. It is amazing how few people find this beach considering it is located so close to the hordes at Patong. There is nothing here but a couple of rural shacks and a few grazing cows. It is a sandy beach but not good for swimming due to the rocky seabed. There is some good snorkeling.
There are usually a couple of locals renting sun loungers and selling refreshments. They can also provide you with a small barbecue to cook your own. There may be a small charge for crossing the private land to reach the beach. Paradise Beach
In the headland south of Patong, there are two beautiful beaches that remain relatively unspoiled. They are not as undiscovered as the other beaches we mention on this list but still a break from the heaving masses at Patong. The first is Paradise Beach. Right at the tip of the headland, you can reach it by road (track) or boat.
It is a beautiful beach with overhanging trees. There is no accommodation but there is a restaurant and there are plenty of sun loungers. The beach is not the best for bathing due to the rocky seabed close to shore but there is some excellent snorkeling. There are usually plenty of people around but still it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.Freedom Beach
You can only reach this stunning beach by boat. It is in the headland south of Patong all the way around and back towards the Karon Beach side. Still it is well worth the boat ride with fantastic bathing and snorkeling.
There are a couple of restaurants and plenty of sun loungers under the trees. The locals take great care of the beach and it is always pristine. Plenty of people do make this a day trip from Patong but the beach is never crowded and again it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.Nui Beach
This beach is most known for how difficult it is to reach by land. Located between Kata and Nai Harn, the only way to reach it by land is down a two-kilometer dirt track that is almost impossible to traverse in a car. You can just about do it on a motorbike but it is better to walk or let one of the locals take you down on their ATV for a small fee.
It is also known as the most expensive beach in Phuket because you have to cross private land to reach it and they charge 250 baht for the privilege. This fee does get you a sun lounger and drink. When you do arrive, it is a beautiful secluded spot with good swimming and snorkeling. There is a rustic restaurant overlooking the beach but no accommodation. It is never crowded.Ao Sane Beach
This beach is in the headland at the north end of Nai Harn Beach. You need to go through Le Meridian Phuket Yacht Club’s car park to reach it but they do not stop you. There is a restaurant here and some budget bungalows by the beach. There are usually a few people around but it is never busy.
It is actually a series of three small beaches split by little rocky headlands. None of them is good for swimming due to rocks and corals close to shore. There is some excellent snorkeling.Laemka Beach
This little beach is at the southern end of Phuket between Rawai and Friendship Beach. It is not signposted and a little difficult to find but a beautiful spot. The Evason Resort and a small bungalow resort are nearby but still the beach remains quiet. It is one of the few southern beaches where you can have a swim and there are nice views out to the southern islands.Ao Yon Beach
Nestled deep into Cape Panwa is Ao Yon Beach. This is the best beach on the southern side of Phuket. Although it is well developed with residential property, there are no hotels or restaurants by this beach. It is home to Phuket Yacht Club and there are always plenty of boats moored in the bay.
It is a beautiful stretch of sand and a good bathing beach. It is usually very quiet and a real getaway.
read comments (0)Tulum Beach House Turns Hip
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It is difficult to write about one’s own hometown objectively when you only have superlatives to describe it. Tulum is located at the southern end of Riviera Maya in Mexico. It is one of the most visited of all Mayan ruins because of its location where it’s the only major Mayan ruin to be found along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. In Maya, Tulum means “Wall”, named after the city itself which was surrounded with walls, one of the very few the ancients ever built.
Tulum beach house in Mexico is a perfect destination for a laid back vacation. Just from its look, it’s certainly not your typical beach accommodation; instead it is built with enticing beauty of nature. Most Tulum beach house utilizes solar energy to power their amenities including television and satellite network for the house. This means that high energy consuming appliances should not be use in these facilities.
The usual Tulum beach house has an open living space with a full kitchen, living and dining area, and a flight of wooden stairs that leads up to a loft bedroom with double beds. Off the living room doors open to a beautiful ocean side terrace with a view of the Caribbean. Several wooden beach chairs, tables and a comfy hammock make this a great place to lounge, socialize and enjoy the tropical splendor. There is also a full bedroom on this level which opens onto the terrace. It has one king size bed, a dresser, built in closets, and bedside tables and lamps, and a private bathroom to the rear of the bedroom.
Visitors really enjoy the beautiful sunrise over the Caribbean Sea and sunsets over the jungle. No one can resist the enticing crystal blue water just perfect for a dive or simply for a swim in a secluded pristine beach. If more daring, one can opt to try snorkeling and even scuba diving. Of course, the next day is for calming down and relaxing tired, aching but jubilant muscles in a serene spa located near the beach house.
Say “hello” to the friendly locals you meet. Most of the staff is very accommodating and cheerful where you will feel at ease in your stay. In a lazy day, you can choose to shop for a souvenir in a nearby boutique or enjoy a nap in a comfy hammock rocked by a soothing ocean breeze and end your day with a walk under the stars with a fresh juice margaritas and mojitos made from fresh crushed sugar cane juice for a more romantic ambiance.
They also offer fresh and healthy Mexican cuisine with herbs and vegetables from their own organic garden. Of course, it will be difficult to tear yourself away from the gorgeous landscapes surrounding the beach house.
You see, there’s the charm of staying in Tulum beach house to fully explore and understand the diversity of a laid back and stress free lifestyles, you have to come back time and again.
Talk to a licensed agent when scouting for a beach house in Rio Del Mar, Santa Cruz, CA. You will make a good investment in a lovely place.Investing in a beach house is almost always a good thing. If you are thinking of doing so in Rio Del Mar, Santa Cruz, CA, then you will not be disappointed. The place has beautiful beaches and beach fronts for real estate, good weather that is comfortable all year round, and a wide variety of protected state parks that make it a prime location for great real estate. Beach front property is always in high demand, so that prices will always stay high in Rio del Mar, and they will keep on going higher. If you want to invest in a beach house, now is the time to do so.There are several things that you should remember about investing in real estate in Rio del Mar, Santa Cruz, CA. First, you need to look for an agent who is experienced, and who has worked in the field for at least two years. This agent also has to be certified by the National Association of Realtors. Talk to this agent about what kind of house you want to have, and look at all the property that the agent can offer. You need to talk to a professional who has a lot of experience so that you get the fairest price for this high quality, high priced property.When scouting for houses, ask about the eco-friendly houses that are being built along the beach. Such houses might help you keep the environment healthy, but they also might be costly. Take a look at the possibility of getting a regular house, and then fixing it up so that it is more eco-friendly in the future. Ask your real estate agent about what it will cost for repairs and maintenance, and what you may need to do for certain building materials. Should you buy them on site? Are there places in town that sell house maintenance supplies? You may also want to ask about air-conditioning and furnaces, since many residents of the area claim that you don’t need them for the weather of California.If you are only using the house as a vacation spot, then you may want to ask about home security, as well as home insurance. You will not be in Santa Cruz to watch over your house, so you need to be wary about people passing through, as well as people that you might rent your house out to. These are only a few tips for investing in real estate in Rio del Mar. For more information, do research and look for real estate agents online.
Daytona Beach is located in Volusia County, Florida. It has a population of 64,421. Aside from this, it is a year round resort known for its motorsports. Thus, Daytona is a seasonal town that caters to large groups of guests, visitors and tourists for various events annually. The smooth, wide beach and hotels attracts a lot of motorcycle and automobile races. There are many wonderful areas you can stay at and even have a chance to join the racing activities. These activities play a great part on the progress of Daytona Beach’s Tourism industry.
Daytona Beach is located in Volusia County, Florida. It has a population of 64,421. Aside from this, it is a year round resort known for its motorsports. Thus, Daytona is a seasonal town that caters to large groups of guests, visitors and tourists for various events annually.
When it comes to their history, the Timucuan Indians were the first ones who inhabited the place. Matthias D. Day founded it in the year 1870, and incorporated it in the year 1876. During the urging of the civic leader J.B. Kahn, Daytona Beach and Seabreeze merged as one in 1926. Thus, the world’s famous beaches of Daytona became known during 1920s.
It was also in the year 1902 when motorcycles, bikes and automobile racers came to witness the compact sand of the beach. The first stock car race was held last March 8th of the year 1936. Hence, replacing the beach course, William France created the Daytona International Speedway in 1959.
Furthermore, the beach is typically located at the southeastern part of the United States. This is along with a total area of 168.7 km2 and a humid subtropical climate. Aside from dry and mild winters, summers were generally hot. The spring months would start at the early days of March. This also start the season where many tourists and visitors visit the beaches and famous attractions that Daytona can offer.
Hence, records indicate that Dayton has a 33% tornado activity historically noted during its hurricane seasons. The areas chances of receiving hurricanes are possible because of its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Moreover, with over 8,000,000 tourists a year, people from all walks of life have come and still come in order to witness the beauty of the City and the beach, along with the great accommodations of Daytona hotels.
You don’t need to worry when you’re staying at a beach hotel in Dayton, strict hotel security and multiple surveillance cameras surround the vicinity. Thus, these hotels become more strict during special events like: the Daytona Beach Bike Week (Daytona 200}, the Speedweeks – Daytona 500 NASCAR race, Rolex 24 sports car race, Biketoberfest, Turkey Run car show, Spring break, Coke Zero 400, NASCAR race, and the Black College Reunion.
Furthermore, workforce and talented communities of Daytona began uplifting the tourist economy so as to get more businesses in the city. Prior to this, there were already several destination hotels and resorts in the region.
Here are the top 10 hotels at Daytona Beach.
#1 Bahama House, Daytona Beach
Price starts at: $229
The Bahama house is located at the Atlantic Avenue of Daytona Beach. The south central beach area has a total of 87 rooms. Hence, a six mile drive is all it will take tourists to get to the Daytona International Airport and only two miles away would be the Daytona Lagoon. It is also nine miles away from the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, 5 miles away from the Daytona International Speedway and 4 miles away from the Volusia Mall.
This resort was built in the year 1984. Its amenities would include:
An outdoor pool
Air Conditioning (In Room)
Daily complimentary breakfast
Direct beach access
Iron with ironing board
Microwave Oven
Daily Maid Service
Non-Smoking Rooms
Refrigerator
Coffee Maker.
Aside from this, the Bahama House offers free wireless high speed Internet access throughout the hotel, free parking, cable TV, private balconies, laundry facilities, complimentary local calls and newspapers and a safe partial or full kitchen.
#2 Wyndham Ocean Walk, Daytona Beach
Price starts at: $118
The Wyndham Ocean Walk is located at Atlantic Ave. It is considered as a traffic free beach area. This place is only 10 miles from the Daytona Beach Airport, 45 miles from the Saint Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center, a quarter mile from the Adventure Landing, five miles from the Daytona International Speedway and Volusia Mall, 12 miles drive from the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, and a half mile from the Main Street Pier.
Amenities include:
Hotel house dining room
Health club
Fitness room
Lounge
Golf-training center
Non-smoking Rooms
Meeting rooms
game room
Convenience store
Furthermore, this hotel offers two outdoor and two indoor swimming pools, a restaurant, landscaped beach access, free parking, children’s activities, wheel chair access, Internet access, laundry services and a hot tub. Room features would include washers, a refrigerator, DVD/VCR players, hairdryers, microwaves, cable TV, balconies, Jacuzzis, ceiling fans and air conditioning. Thus, upon request, cribs can be available. Check-in time is at 4: PM. Check-out time is at 10:00 AM.
Other fees would include:
Per person: one way fees of $5-$15
Per family: $16-$25
One way taxi fare: $16-$25
#3 Nautilus Inn, Daytona Beach
Price starts at: $113
The Nautilus Inn is located at Atlantic Avenue. It was built in the year 1986. This hotel has 90 comfortable and spacious rooms. This is along with its ten floors. It features private balconies, fully equipped kitchens, a heated outdoor pool, continental breakfasts, a telephone, free high speed Internet access, Cable or Satellite TV, a coffee maker, a microwave oven, air conditioning, daily maid services, dry cleaning facilities, a kitchen, and a balcony among others.
#4 Daytona Beach Regency Resorts, Daytona Beach
Price starts at: $189
The Daytona Beach Regency Resort is located only a short walk away from the Daytona International Speedway. It is a half-block from the boardwalk and five miles drive from the Daytona Beach International Airport.
Amenities:
Jacuzzis
Indoor pools
Outdoor pools
Laundry facilities
Barbecue area
Exercise facilities
Game room
Playground
Parking
Fitness Facility
Car Rental Desk
Business Center
DVD/VCR
Telephone (with Voicemail)
Balcony
Refrigerator
Air Conditioned rooms
Iron with ironing board
Microwave oven
Television
Coffee Maker
Daily maid service.
#5 Live Oak Inn Bed & Breakfast, Daytona Beach
Built in 1871, this hotel is located at beach St. This hotel also boasts of the many amenities in can offer. This would include: Newspaper (Free), Television (Cable/Satellite), Air Conditioning (In Room), Non-Smoking Rooms, DVD/VCR, Balcony, Telephone and Daily Maid Service.
Hotel Details
Concierge Services
Smoke Alarm in Rooms
15 Rooms / 2 Floors
Fax (For Guests)
Room Service
Business Center
Common/Public Areas Accessible to Wheelchairs
Sprinkler in Rooms
Multi-lingual Staff
Hot Tub
Fishing
Complementary Coffee
#6 Sunrise Beach Club, Daytona Beach Rated
Address: 1212 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach
Phone: (386)252-4633
#7 Copacabana Motel, Daytona Beach
Address: 1201 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach
Phone: 386-252-1452, 877-352-2672
This motel was in operation throughout four decades. It is a family owned business that offers a choice of 40 well appointed guest rooms equipped with refrigerators and basic appliances.
#8 Tropical Winds Oceanfront Resort, Daytona Beach Rated
Price starts at: $86
Tropical Winds Oceanfront Resort is located at Atlantic Ave. It is famously situated onsite the Daytona’s famous beach. It was built in the year 1988, having approximately 8 floors and 94 rooms.
Local Attractions:
Shoreside Entertainment Complex
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
Daytona International Speedway
Amenities include:
wake-up calls
an indoor heated pool
24-hour front desk
safety deposit box
Air Conditioning (In Room)
Non-Smoking Rooms
maid service
Poolside Café
outdoor oceanfront pool
Refrigerator
Telephone
Coffee Maker
Cable TV
Balcony
Kitchen
#9 Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, Daytona Beach Rated
Price starts at: $117
This is an oceanfront hotel that is located directly on the sun blessed beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. This hotel was built in 1989 and only a few minutes away from the Daytona International Airport.
The amenities it offers would include:
Beachfront cabanas
744 newly renovated guest rooms
room movies
high speed internet access
Sony Play station
room service
coffeemaker
Complimentary USA Today newspaper.
Charges for parking during special events would be:
10ft Trailer – $20.00
Motorcycles – $8.00 per day (first come first serve basis only)
18 Wheeler & Cab – $150.00
20ft Trailer – $40.00
Over 30ft – $100.00
Truck – $10.00
30ft Trailer – $60.00
Hotel Details
§Car Rental Desk
§737 – 801 Rooms
§No of floors – 16
§Swimming Pool
§Family Rooms
§Fitness Facility
§Golf
§Swimming Pool
§Health Club
§Fitness Facility
§Tennis Court
§Business Center
§Wheel Chair Access
§Indoor, Outdoor and children’s pool
§Dining
§Game Room
§Meeting Room
§Hot Tub
§Health Spa/Massage
§Dry Cleaning
# 10 Aruba Inn, Daytona Beach Rated
Phone: (386)253-5643
Room Amenities:
Microwave Oven
Air Conditioning (In Room
Refrigerator
Kitchen/Kitchenette
Television (Cable/Satellite)
Refrigerator
Hotel Details
§Beach
§32 Rooms
§2 Floors
§Outdoor Pool
Moreover, the transportation in Daytona Beach provides faster access to its destination spots and hotels. You can fly using the Daytona Beach International Airport since they have different airlines, such as, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Vintage Props and Jets and AirTran Airways. Buses like Greyhound Bus Lines routes from Daytona Beach and connects with hubs to Orlando and Jacksonville. A VoTran local bus with a $3 pass can have access to a number of sites. Thus, the A1A Beachside Trolley operates from January to September each year.
Daytona Beach is really one of the many places in the world where in the whole family can enjoy the ocean beach. A tight security will be one of this areas many advantageous points. Tourists can stroll and visit the nearby places and attractions that Daytona can offer. Thus, after a long day of tours and enjoyment, you can spend the night relaxing in the convenience and comforts these Daytona Beach Hotels can provide.
With the cost of everything from gas to food rising it only makes sense that going on vacation is starting to get prohibitively costly for many people and their families. Fortunately for those who are considering a tropical destination there is one way you can save money and avoid all the hassles that comes with planning such a trip. Many resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean offer what are known as all inclusive beach vacations where all you vacation needs are included for one price.There are literally hundreds of resorts to choose from in these two regions and the vast majority offer all inclusive deals among fierce competition for tourist dollars. In fact many of these resorts specialize in specific types of vacation experiences which makes it easier to match your vacations wants and needs to a specific location. With everything from romantic couple’s only resorts to family friendly resorts to choose from you can find yourself enjoying the tropical climate and beautiful sandy beaches at a reasonable price.Here’s the really nice part of an all inclusive beach vacation. Once you pay everything you need for your vacation is included in the price of admission. This means your travel arrangements and resort hotel accommodations are taken care of. All your meals, snacks, drinks, entertainment, and beach side activities are also included in the overall price.The family friendly resorts will also include in your price entertainment and activities for your kids. These activities and programs are usually age specific which means that your kids will be making new friends that are in their age group. You can also find babysitting and daycare services for infants and toddlers, freeing up the parents to enjoy everything the resort has to offer.Because there are so many all inclusive resorts to choose from it is important to do a little background research to be sure to choose one that fits your needs. A couple looking for romance and intimate surroundings does not want to find themselves at a resort that is geared towards families with children. This is easy to do with a little research into what type of guests the resorts you are interested in cater to.While one set price may seem like a lot when planning all inclusive beach vacations you need to remember that if you were to plan and pay for everything separately it would cost much more. Plane tickets, hotel accommodations, meals, activities, and tours can all add up. By packaging all these items into one price you can save a lot of money and ease the stress of planning your vacation.