Warner Breaks ? Why Adults Should Have Fun Too!

Posted by Mutual-Funds | Hotel Review | Saturday 20 June 2009 10:50 pm

Hotel short break experts have a simple philosophy ? grown ups should be having fun too! It is keeping this belief in mind when they created their innovative ?Warner Breaks? which offer adults the very best in live entertainment, leisure activities and luxury accommodation ? all at a fantastically competitive price. Its easy to see why people like to come back year after year.

Superbreak has been long synonymous with the short break hotel market and consumers can begin their selection by visiting superbreak Warner breaks and choosing their hotel. Here are just some of the great choices available;

The Bembridge Hotel ? Isle of Wight: From the hotel’s glorious secluded vantage point, watch yachts cross the Solent before taking a dip in the sea (depending on the time of year of course!). Back on land, the hotel has 23 acres of beautiful grounds with famous Spanish Gardens that are ideal to explore in the light evenings. The hotel has extensive leisure facilities including a heated indoor pool, sauna steam room and fitness studio – just the thing before a night of fantastic entertainment.

Cricket St Thomas Hotel ? Somerset: Star of BBC’s To The Manor Born, this Grade II listed manor house has its own wildlife park with over 600 rare species. Guests can enjoy the grace and beauty of this historic venue, set in the lovely Somerset countryside. Guests can enjoy great entertainment in the purpose built 430 seater venue, with its full-theatre sound and lighting. There is also the opportunity for guests to get active with tennis, archery or fencing.

Superbreak.com, incorporating Theatrebreak.com, is the internet division of Superbreak Mini Holidays Limited, the market leader for short breaks throughout the UK. Superbreak is part of Holidaybreak plc, a publicly quoted leisure company whose share price can be found in most major UK newspapers, or at Holiday break.

About the Author

Michael Hanna is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland.

E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com
Phone: 0131 561 2251
Michael’s Website: Belfast Airport Taxis

A Clothing Optional Vacation Give A Unique Father’s Day Gift

Posted by Mutual-Funds | Hotel Review | Saturday 20 June 2009 6:50 pm

Sound far fetched? Not really. Nude recreation is the fast growing segment of the travel industry. It is a booming travel niche with over $400 million in annual revenues according to USA Today newspaper. In a recent Roper poll, 25% of Americans have gone skinny dipping in mixed company. You may have too when you were younger. Recapture that feeling of fun and freedom from your youth by vacationing at a clothing optional resort.

Traditionally, Americans had to go to Europe or the Caribbean to find upscale topless or nude resorts. Most American places were old style rustic campgrounds like the nudist colony you saw in the old Pink Panther movie. However, in the last decade, the U.S. has passed the best that Europe and the Caribbean has to offer. No longer to you have to travel overseas to be pampered at a clothing optional resort as some of the best are right here in the USA.

Most American nudist resorts are still the typical weekend getaway located at rustic campgrounds and cater to families and all their kids. However, upscale resorts have blossomed in Palm Springs, CA and Florida in the last decade. Of these upscale resorts, most still cater to families and their kids. However, one very popular place is unique and caters just to couples on vacation. So leave the kids with the grandparents or babysitter. This place is located in Palm Springs, CA and it is always rated by as one of the top clothing optional resorts in the world, the best in the west, and the most mainstream nudist resort in America. Palm Springs is a beautiful city. http://palmsprings.com With its average 340 days of sunshine per year, it is the sunniest city in America. It has championship golf courses, casinos, shopping, theater, and the best nudist resort in America. What else could anyone ask for on a vacation?

Who goes nude sunbathing? Everyone! Even one of our founding father’s Ben Franklin was a big advocate of nude sunbathing. Resort goers average from their 20′s to 70′s in age. They are teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, movie stars, entrepreneurs, police, and firefighters. About the only thing Democrats and Republicans agree on at nude resorts is they both enjoy nude sunbathing. The reason repeat guests love nudist resorts so much is they were tired of the same old boring chain hotel vacations. They wanted something different, fun, and safe. Nude recreation is perfect. It is very romantic. It is a great way for couples to reconnect away for all the pressures and stresses of the work a day world.

So this Father’s Day, or any day for that matter, if you are looking for a new, fun vacation experience and a great present for Dad, contact a clothing optional resort. You will be glad that you did.

Tom and Mary Clare Mulhall own the popular Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, CA. http://sunnyfun.com The Chicago Tribune newspaper has reported that their clothing optional resort is one of the 10 Best in the world. They are very mainstream and perfect for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time.

What To Look For In A Hotel

Posted by Mutual-Funds | Hotel Review | Saturday 20 June 2009 2:50 pm

You can trust established chains such as Marriott or Hilton but there is so much on offer that it would be a shame to miss out on the smaller or independent hotels as they may be able to offer you something the larger chain brands can’t.

The Rating System
The star system was created to help guests judge how good a hotel is. Star ratings symbolise the level of standards a guest can expect and are recognised worldwide. Ranging from 1 ? 5, the quality of service, amenities, size and condition of rooms and building, safety and security, atmosphere, quality of food and drink, hotel presence and efficiency of staff are judged.

1 Star
Practical accommodation. Don’t expect anything more than the absolute basics. The shower room is likely to be down the hall, but remember, it’s the cheapest accommodation. If you’re looking for a bargain, and don’t mind not having en-suite facilities, don’t hesitate to consider one-star hotels
? just check the room first. Go for one that offers clean sheets and a nice neighbourhood. It may be cheap but you don’t want to slum it next door to a crack den!

2 Star
Although many offer en-suite facilities you may find in some hotels there is still a need to share the shower room down the hall with other guests. You’ll have a colour television, a comfortable bed, and a restaurant/dining room for breakfast and dinner.

3 Star
Private bathrooms in the (usually smallish) room colour television, occasionally even a mini bar, a phone, laundry service (optional) and a more formal style of service along with the opportunity for room service during certain times to be expected.

4 Star
Four-star hotels are spacious and have the creature comforts with a touch more luxury, including private baths in addition to a strong emphasis on food and beverage, 24-hour room service and a dry cleaning service available. More often in well situated locations.

5 Star
Simply the best. The interiors will be of the highest standards. Opulent, stylish and of absolute luxury. Nothing is too much for guests. Exceptional comfort, 24 hour room service, luxury amenities, for example, spas or star rated restaurants serving superb cuisine are the norm. The concierge will be only too happy to get you want at whatever time of the day, (so long as it’s legal). You will feel very well cared for by professional, attentive staff providing a flawless service. This is the kind of luxury dreams are made of.

The star definitions should be treated as a general guide to what you should expect from a star rated hotel as there is yet no definitive worldwide standardisation available.

Because of this, it can sometimes be abused and you could find yourself booking into a hotel that just doesn’t come up to what you believe to be adequate for its rating.

Due to the lack of consistency in hotel ratings around the world you could find yourself staying in, for example, a three-star hotel abroad which may be better than a three-star hotel in your native country. But be warned, it can go either way and you could find yourself in a less than desirable hotel with exactly the same star rating.

Keep in mind it is your right to view a room before you commit to staying in it. Ask to do so.

Recommendation
If you’re thinking of booking into a hotel, but don’t know what it’s like, www.gate14.co.uk suggests you take the following steps.

Ask trusted friends with similar tastes to recommended somewhere

Alternatively, search the name of your intended hotel and read impartial hotel reviews from people who have stayed in the accommodation.

Reviews can be seen at Holiday Watchdog. It’s free to use and you can even submit a review of your own.

If you would like to see special offers in accommodation, go to http://www.gate14.co.uk/SV4.html.

Lee Fullman is a travel journalist and researcher. His contributions of valuable travel secrets can be seen at web portal http://www.gate14.co.uk/journey.html For further contact email departing@gate14.co.uk

Visiting New York City Connect To Culture And Cultures

Posted by Mutual-Funds | Hotel Review | Saturday 20 June 2009 10:50 am

Most visitors to the New York City area are quite acquainted with it already. After all, much has been revealed about the city via media; many of its attractions are well known. Even if a visitor has been to New York before, there is always much more to explore. Intriguing culture can be experienced at one of the city?s museums, on Broadway, at the symphony, at the ballet, or by the history of New York itself.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibits a multicultural expression of paintings, textiles, photography, furniture, and musical instruments from various points in history. The Egyptian collection is especially massive and undoubtedly mesmerizing. The Cloisters is considered a part of the Metropolitan Museum. Its located, however, in Fort Tryon Park and its collection and the building itself reflects art and architecture of Medieval Europe.

Amazingly, the architecture of the Soloman R. Guggenheim Museum is one of its major attractions. Its brightness and its layers jump out as its juxtaposed with the other 19th Century architecture in the neighborhood. Inside the museum offers, among others, modern, impressionistic-from early to post, Surrealist, and abstract art. Interestingly, the private collections exhibited at the Guggenheim are viewed as a whole without distinction as to type of medium.

A plethora of other exceptional museums can be experienced in New York. For example, the Museum of Television and Radio houses credible glimpses of the history of these popular forms of media. Depending upon a visitor?s preference, there?s also the colloquial American Folk Art Museum and the eminent Whitney Museum of American Art.

Even if a Broadway show is not on the agenda, a visit to the area bordered by Sixth Avenue to Eighth Avenue and 41st to 54th Streets is well worth it. Just absorbing the ambiance emits a level of fascination.

There are an exorbitant amount of other cultural adventures in New York. Namely, the New York City Ballet, which is the largest dance organization in the United States. Notably, as well, the New York Philharmonic with an origin dating back to 1842. The busy Philharmonic plays over 180 concerts a year.

How about a concert in Central Park? The richness of nature totally surrounded by urban greatness is an especially appealing venue for plays, readings, and concerts. Two other city parks are also connected to New York?s culture and history. Battery Park is a reminder of an almost-ancient fortified city. Washington Square Park reflects a casual, lazy-afternoon feeling despite its regal arch.

Famous New York architectural feats reflect culture influenced by the time period they originated in. Views from atop the famous Empire State building shed light on the overall layout of New York. Art nouveau is reflected in the architecture of the Chrysler Building. The incredible 19th Century Flat Iron Building was an experimental architectural feat for its time and is still considered a marvel.

Finally, the Statue of Liberty that sits in New York harbor is a beacon, continually making visitors aware of the diversity of cultures that have influenced the city. New York then radiates these cultures within its domain and cultivates through experience all who visit.

Stan Smith writes for Four Corners Hotels http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/US-NY-New which offers hotels in cities around the world including hotels located in New York City.

Discovering Castles In Scotland

Posted by Mutual-Funds | Hotel Review | Saturday 20 June 2009 6:50 am

Are you looking for something to do in Scotland that will combine not only fun, but a little bit of learning and knowledge? If you are, then you should look no further than the abundance of castles in Scotland. Scotland is an old country whose history goes back through the centuries. Deep in the heart of each Scottish person is a love of country and understanding of where they came from and where they can go.

Scotland is a country that has survived many battles and many changes of power. Those facts are evident on the first stop of your Castles in Scotland tour. There is nothing like walking into a castle the first time. You feel yourself almost transported back in time as you look around you. And allow yourself to go there; allow yourself to be taken back to another place and another time. As you stand in the great throne room, allow yourself to see the kings and queens of old as they sit on their thrones and do their best to govern.

The only way to truly appreciate the experience of castles in Scotland is to know where you are and know the history of the castle. Make sure that you have a castle guide in your travel pack. It?s not hard to find a castle guide that includes descriptions of the main castles you will see in Scotland. In fact, there are so many castles in Scotland that you will probably not be able to see them all before you have to leave the country. For that reason, make sure you know what castles you want to see before you begin looking at castles in Scotland.

Many people are almost disappointed the first time they walk into a castle. They expect castles to be these great and glorious things, which they are, but at the same time it is important to keep in mind that these castles are old. Most, if not all, are no longer inhabited and all are in various states of disrepair. The draw of castles in Scotland is that they are old, not that they are still the current homes of kings and queens.

That being said, there are also many castles in Scotland that are in great shape and used regularly for functions. Those castles are also available to see and tour. People have long understood the allure of castles in Scotland and many families have restored the castles of their ancestors to their glory or at least made them habitable for people to see and tour. If you are looking for restored castles in Scotland, then make that a priority.

As you wander through the Scottish countryside, you will probably be surprised how many castles and remnants of castles in Scotland that you will see. As stated earlier, the history of Scotland is everywhere and everyone knows that. You will see just pieces of what once stood as the pride and joy of an area. You will see what could still be a working castle today. There is so much history and so much pride that surrounds castles in Scotland, you will always have something to see and something to experience. A word of caution; if you happen upon the ruins of a castle and want to explore, proceed with caution. While the Scottish people are kind and generous people, ruins are not always safe and not always place where visitors are welcome. If there is a home nearby, you would do well to inquire about the ruins before you enter. To some, castles in Scotland are sacred.

Whether you are looking for castles in Scotland that remain untouched by conveniences such as electricity and running water or are looking for castles in Scotland that could be the perfect place for a wedding reception, there is a castle that seems to have come right out of your dreams. Get familiar with local customs and geography and step back in time with castles in Scotland. Go exploring with an open mind, a curious heart, and a great attitude and you will see just how amazing castles in Scotland can really be!

Smooth Hound http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/ offers affordable hotel, guest house and bed & breakfast accommodation throughout Scotland and the rest of the world.

Antwerp Hotel Guide

Posted by Mutual-Funds | Hotel Review | Saturday 20 June 2009 2:50 am

Antwerp is a city in Belgium, which is a center of commerce. It has a population of just under half a million people and is the capital of Antwerpen province, one of the three areas of Belgium. The city is situated on the right side of the Scheldt River.

The city is quite old, its name being mentioned as far back as the 4th century. It was the headquarters of Edward III, and the golden age of the city is closely related to the Age of Exploration. The city has had three economic booms in its history, the first being the result of the pepper industry and later silver.

When it comes to tourism, Antwerp is gravely underrated. This can be considered bad or good depending on the tastes of the traveler. If you want to travel off the beaten track to a city, which isn’t as well known as Brussels, Antwerp is a great place for you.

Antwerp is one of the most important cities in Belgium when it comes to culture and economy. Along with New York and South Africa, Antwerp is one of the most important centers for the diamond industry. The city also has a large seaport and is an important area for oil refineries.

Very few cities perfectly mix the medieval with the modern, but Antwerp does this well. You will be amazed by the castles and Renaissance villas as you eat and drink at the local cafes. The city is well known for its museums and galleries which demonstrate artistically the different moods of the city.

Included in the art galleries are the works of the 15th century Flemish Master Jan Van Eyck, and 17th century Baroque artists such as Antoon Van Dyck. The city has also been given international recognition as a city known for its fashion design. Many students who have graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts have went on to become world famous designers.

Thos who enjoy wildlife will want to visit the Antwerp Zoo, which is world famous and is located in the center of the city. Next door to the Antwerp Zoo is the Central Sation, which visitors will also want to see. Like Brussels, Antwerp is fairly expensive, and visitors will want to bring ample sums of money when touring this city.

If you are looking for a tourist spot where you can avoid the large crowds and head off the beaten track, Antwerp is a city you will want to visit

Rahul viz recommends that you visit Antwerp Hotels for more information.

Parador Sos Del Rey Catolico

Posted by Mutual-Funds | Hotel Review | Friday 19 June 2009 10:50 pm

Located in the far reaches of Aragon, Spain, the Parador of Sos del Rey Catolico is kind of in the middle of nowhere. The result of this is that relatively few tourists ever find their way here to this sleepy little village of less than a thousand inhabitants. When you enter, you’ll feel as if you’ve just stepped back several centuries in time. The village has a distinctly medieval feel.

The Parador Sos is of a typical Aragonese character. The building conserves and fits congruously with the monumental and historical atmosphere of the town of Sos del Rey Cat?lico. Though by looking at it one would never realize – the Parador here is a modern building. Because the whole town has been declared a National Historic Monument, none of the standing buildings could be changed or altered. The government of Spain hired one of the most renowned architects to create a building that would completely blend in with the historical ambience and appearance of the town. He succeeded completely.

The regal and elegant interior offers beautiful views of the town from some of the rooms. There are wooden interior columns and the furniture is predominately of a Castilian style. The bedrooms are spacious, and because each has it’s own balcony with double doors, and large windows – they fill with light. From those windows can be seen the Aragonese and Navarrese foothills of the Pyrenees in the far distance.

The town of Sos del Rey Catolico has been declared a National Monument. It was the birthplace of influential nobles and of the great Catholic King Ferdinand (who married the equally famous Isabella). From the Parador, a few steps takes you directly into the old quarter of the town.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Sos del Rey Catolico:

- As stated earlier, the entire town has been declared a National Historic Monument. It’s great to just meander around with out any special agenda. The town is very small and you can’t get lost.

- See the Sada palace.

- Visit the monastery of Nuestra Se?ora de Valentu?ana.

Interesting day trips from the Olite Parador include:

- Javier Castle (19 km)

- Uncastillo (17 km)

- Yesa Reservoir (25 km)

- Leyre Monastery (28 km)

- Valles de Hecho (89 km)

- Roncesvalles (96 km)

Interesting festivals during the year:

- Local summer festivities in Sos during the 2nd two weeks in August.

- Romer?a Valentu?ana (Procession) Easter.

Sos del Rey Catolico is a very special kind of place. This is not your usual tourist destination – it has none of the hustle and bustle, garrish attractions, or fine restaurants and museums of those places. However; the whole town is like a museum and the Parador serves as fine a cuisine as you’ll find in Spain. Sos is one of my personal favorite places in Spain. Come here for the tranquility and the medieval ambience – you’ll add it your list of favorites as well.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain. http://www.SpainParador.com

Vacation Giveaway Scams

Posted by Mutual-Funds | Hotel Review | Friday 19 June 2009 6:50 pm

The scam is when you call the number, you soon find out that you have to purchase another vacation package or pay some overpriced service charge. These fees can be anywhere in the ballpark of $200 to $600. All you will receive is a travel package describing your vacation with many restrictions on when you can take your trip. You will get an expiration date that is almost impossible to stay within, because your preferred travel dates will most likely be unavailable. You can expect additional charges for booking your reservations, which can range anywhere from $50 to $100 per booking. If you have complaints they will offer you an upgraded plan for an additional fee.

If you are one the few people, who do receive a vacation package, you can expect to receive low class accommodations. Please be aware that most of these scams do come from the southeastern part of Florida and these ?vacation offers? may be an offer for you to pay $200 or more. It?s not a free vacation. They may sound enticing but keep in mind businesses can?t stay afloat selling goods or services for less than they really cost.

If you have been a victim of this fraud, you can file complaint with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service @ http://www.800helpfla.com/ccform.html

Tiffany Thomas is a professional vacation planner, internet marketing expert, who also runs a home based business. For ideas on how to start and market a home based business, Tiffany can be reached at tiffmas@gtitravelbiz.com

Website: http://www.tiffany.globaltravel.com

Indianapolis Wines Show There Is More To The State Than Just Sport

Posted by Mutual-Funds | Hotel Review | Friday 19 June 2009 2:50 pm

Indianapolis is renowned for several things, especially its sporting heritage, from the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall Of Fame Museum where you can tour the famous race track through to the Pacers basketball team and the Colts Football team. Until recently, however, it has not been widely recognized for its many wineries. The opening of the Gaia Wines Contemporary Winery in 1996 has sought to change this state of affairs, bringing the art of the winemaker squarely to the Indiana area.

As Indiana?s 19th winery, Gaia has needed to fit in to its surroundings, whilst creating its own niche in the marketplace. Nestled centrally in the up market historic gallery and theater district on Massachusetts Avenue, just 2 minutes walk from the exclusive luxury Conrad Hotel, the company has needed to quickly gain a high class reputation in order to suitably fit into the area. In the short time since it set up, Indiana’s newest winery has succeeded spectacularly by managing to create 14 new award winning wines, introducing tours, wine tasting, as well as providing meeting rooms and hosting private functions.

Gaia Wines is owned and run by Angee Walberry and Margaret Broderick, making it the only solely woman-owned winery in the United States, and upholds an ideal to provide an enjoyable and educational winery experience within a contemporary, urban environment.

Margaret Broderick believes, ?If we, as a winery, are going to succeed it is vital that we educate and make more Americans aware of the benefits and pleasures of wine.?

With gifts and accessories, wine appreciation classes, and additional entertainment such as Sunday Jazz and comedy shows, as well as monthly specials, this small winery fits nicely into the growing wine tasting scene which has begun to emerge over the past few years.

Other highly recommended wineries worth visiting in Indiana include the Chateau Thomas Winery and the Easley Winery, with both offering free tasting sessions and regular guided tours, as well as meeting rooms, events and activities.

Although often not widely recognised outside the state, the Indiana soil and climate provide great growing wine conditions, especially for the ever popular and dependable Cabernet Sauvignon grape varietal. The strength of these wines has however now gradually started to be noted by the wider vintner community, with the Easley Winery recently receiving a well deserved Gold Medal for their lively Cabernet packed with fruity overtones and black currant aromas, although some of their sweet blush wines are also definitely worth a taste to see what the region can truly provide in the way of rich vibrant tastes.

Though it may not currently be as widely regarded as California?s Napa Valley for the consistent quantity, quality and depth of the wines produced, Indiana is certainly an up and coming region with some forward looking producers, who are managing to create some interesting wines which deserve to be taken seriously, and are well worth visiting if you get the chance.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.

The Beaches Of Puerto Vallarta

Posted by Mutual-Funds | Hotel Review | Friday 19 June 2009 10:50 am

The beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta may be the most diverse in Mexico. Located at the midpoint of Banderas Bay, the area surrounding Puerto Vallarta boasts 34 miles of coastline, 26 of which are sandy beaches. Within the city, the beaches are elegant and pristine, bordered by restaurants and resorts. Beaches to the north of the city tend to be longer and wider, with great opportunities for surfing and swimming. South of Puerto Vallarta, the mountains topple into the sea in places, creating placid coves and intimate sandy pockets.

Playa Los Muertos is the most frequented beach in Puerto Vallarta. This sandy beach is long and wide with small waves perfect for swimming. Despite its popularity, there is usually plenty of room to spread out a towel and soak up rays. Los Muertos is a bustling place full of craft and food vendors; the beach itself is lined by numerous resorts, restaurants and bars. This is also a great place to ride a parasail and get a bird?s eye view of the city. The beach has the added attraction of being on the edge of Viejo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta?s beautiful old town.

Several other beautiful beaches lie in close proximity to the city?s Hotel Zone. Playa El Saldo, also known as Marina Vallarta, primarily caters to hotel guests. However, the beach is wide and well-maintained, offering stunning views of the city and its mountainous backdrop. Playa Pelicanos is generally quiet, making it a great place to escape the beach crowds while remaining in the heart of the city. Playa Las Glorias is the name of the sandy stretch between Playa Pelicanos and Marina Vallarta. If you?re staying in a hotel north of the primary Hotel Zone, you will find this excellent swimming beach outside your back door.

North of the city, the beach of Nuevo Vallarta offers a wider stretch of sand with fewer rocks than most beaches within Banderas Bay. As favorites of families, visitors to Playa Destiladeres and Playa Bucerias can expect mild waves (perfect for boogie-boarding or learning to surf), elegant white sand beaches and fresh seafood at charming palapa-shaded restaurants. To the North, Punta Mita, also known as Playa Anclote, is distinguished for its row of pleasant beach restaurants and gentle slope, making it a perfect beach for all ages. With consistently low, rolling waves, Punta Mita is also celebrated as an excellent place to learn to surf. There are even a few surfing schools that offer instruction to travelers. For those with more experience on the waves, the tiny community of Sayulita is the place of choice. A surfing mecca of international renown, the shoreline of this picturesque fishing village is home to abundant coves and beaches where surfers hunt perfect waves and day trippers relax in the sun. As Sayulita has developed over the past few years into a surfer?s town with a bohemian feel, travelers will be treated to a refreshing, laid-back attitude. A few miles beyond the northern-most point of the bay are the beaches of San Francisco and San Pancho. Sporting a windswept and primitive feeling, with deeper, creamier sand and rougher waters than inside Banderas Bay, these beaches are ideal for travelers who want a taste of pristine nature and the open sea.

To the south of Puerto Vallarta lie such treasures as Playa Gemelas, Playa Garza Blanca, and Playa Punta Negra. Because both are slightly more difficult to access, you?ll find beautiful beaches that are fairly secluded and scarcely used, with great rock outcroppings for snorkeling. In this area, you?ll also find Playa Mismaloya, where John Huston?s The Night of the Iguana was filmed in 1963, putting Puerto Vallarta on the international tourist map. With a rustic South Seas feel, Boca de Tomatlan is a small sandy cove at the jungle?s edge three miles south of Mismaloya where the Tomatlan River meets the bay. Boca de Tomatlan is the last beach stop on the primary road heading south from Puerto Vallarta. It is another great site for swimming or snorkeling with a couple of lovely beach restaurants where you can sit under a palapa on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood.

To the south of Boca de Tomatlan are a number of quaint fishing villages, secluded beaches and peaceful coves. Playas Las Caletas and Las Animas are elegant, rock-lined stretches ideal for quiet relaxation. Quimixto, one of the largest fishing villages in the southern half of Banderas Bay, features a number of excellent restaurants and the best surf south of Puerto Vallarta. Near the southern-most point of the bay, Majahuitas and Yelapa allow visitors to feel completely removed from civilization. Bordered by lush jungles, these beaches are the definition of tropical privacy.

This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in Mexico for the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort. – http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/PVRMX