If you are Iooking for a special but typically unique “olde worlde” Spanish restaurant in a fantastic location read on. So many Spanish restaurants have now lost what everyone expects of a typical Spanish country restaurant – but not Verdi  Vent.

It took the husband and wife team of Loretta and Stephane (who are German and Belgique respectively) to recognise this some 11 years ago and who turned a 300 year old semi derelict Spanish farmhouse into probably the most successful and memorable dining experience to be found anywhere on the Costa Blanca – and it doesn’t cost a fortune!

So come with me on one of the prettiest journeys of the Valencian Region to the Jalon Valley and the small typically Spanish town of Jalon/Xalo (yes like many towns in the Valencia area the town has 2 names – normal Spanish and the other Valenciano). From here take the scenically stunning twisty road in the direction of the Bernia and its mountain range. The scenery is quite breathtaking and the drop to one side a little scary (if you choose to look over the edge!). After about 7 kilometers we arrive at the small hamlet of Maserof with just a few very old properties – the first of which is now a country museum (whose history is a fascinating story in its own right – perhaps I will tell you about it another day). This area is rural with a capital R. No mains water or electricity. But don’t be put off!

Almost next door you might pass this building by without a second look as apart from a small insignificant sign saying “Verd i  Vent” it looks a bit like a very old not very inviting farmhouse. Park in front of the building avoiding the rocks and climb the steep steps with a chain hand rail and enter through a rather flimsy doorway. You are immediately transported back in time. This converted goat farmhouse retains many of its original features. Once your eyes become accustomed to the gloom there are barrels of wine; exposed stone walls; barrels supported on beams sticking out of the wall presumably in time gone by for storing wine and olive oil; hooks in the old walls for tethering animals; an open log fire in the cooler months with a small cauldron of warm potato and herb salad; original hand made terracotta stone floors; a minstrel’s gallery  where the farmer and his family slept. It takes you back decades and you wonder how life was then….

Having been warmly welcomed by Loretta and shown to your table in one of the several distinctly individual dining rooms you will find there is no menu as such – just an interesting 5 course meal which follows much the same format every day with slight variations. The only choice is with the main course where you can have local shoulder or leg of lamb usually with herbs and honey from the surrounding mountains cooked in the oven or the choice of one other excellent main course dish which changes regularly. On your table will be a bowel of peanuts in their shell plus large carafe/s of local Jalon red wine which get automatically filled up by the attentive staff as they empties – all included in the set price.

Without wishing to spoil the enjoyment of experiencing this great value meal a typical meal would be warm potato and herb salad with local rustic bread; a large terrine of superb home made vegetable soup for you to serve yourself as many times as you wish; an interesting mixed salad and dressing which changes regularly; roast shoulder of lamb in herbs with vegetables; crepe with a marmalade sauce and of course as much red wine as you want. To finish off there is a complimentary glass of sweet Muscatel dessert wine also local. Coffee and mineral water extra. This excellent meal will cost you just about 17€ a head – really good value by anyone’s standards.

But before we leave another lovely touch that adds to the atmosphere – an excellent Spanish singing guitar duo originating from Colombia who wander the restaurant playing and singing a wide range of Spanish music (and taking requests).

If you are looking for a plush, swish, modern restaurant, then this is not for you. However if what you what is excellent, quality rustic food and wine in surroundings that will take you back a century or two then this is the place of you.

Home made produce is for sale and local artists display their works of art for sale.

Open all year just for lunch times. Closed Tuesdays. This year they are also for the first time opening some evenings in July and August.

Verdi  Vent is just inland of Javea, Moraira, Calpe and Denia. The area is excellent for walking or just taking in the views; an interesting donkey sanctuary is nearby with many rare donkey breeds; the Country Museum is almost next door; on Saturdays the famous rastro market is spread along the river bank at nearby Jalon down below.

This restaurant is a must for anyone visiting this part.

Costs for the all inclusive meal around €17. Book early to reserve a table (and only have a small breakfast before going!).

Telephone number (+34) 96 597 3413.

This best of luxury hotels has earned several accolades including the ‘Best Value Award’ from both Trip Advisor and the Budget Travel Magazine for giving the best value for money. Cape Town being the exotic wonder it is will hardly let you remain inside your room for too long. Yet the room in one of theyou will ever possibly step into, offers comforts and luxuries that need to be described in this space. All the guestrooms – 25 suites and 51 classic rooms – look out onto the mountains or the seaside. Whichever way you turn, you cannot miss nature’s bounty and munificent beauty.

The best among luxury hotels comes equipped with satellite television featuring international channels, wireless internet, telephone, air conditioning, in-room safe, coffee and tea making facilities, and a mini bar. There is also a lounge for your guests as well as a heated pool and sun deck.  And if you happen to check in at the really top end Robben Island suite you will have an ensuite double bedroom with a spacious lounge area as well as a guest room. There is also an optional second bedroom if you are traveling with your family. Enjoy some truly exotic views of the Atlantic while sipping your cocktail in the evening watching the sun set in its blue waters turning the ripples orange and red.

If you find your mind turning towards cocktails you might want to sample the ‘sundowner’, a specialty drink available only in select places in Cape Town. The terrace of Harveys of one of the world’sis where you can savor this exclusive experience. The Harveys restaurant dons a different avatar during the day when it becomes a bistro. And you simply must sample its Sunday Jazz Brunch if you visit during the summer months. The cuisine as well as the music is par excellence.

Winchester Mansions, universally acclaimed as being among the best resorts, also has a great spa to boast of. The therapeutic techniques comprise a holistic blend of modern as well as ancient methods to offer the best healing by touch and massage. The hotel prides itself in hiring the best trained staff with prestigious CIDESCO certifications. The healing techniques applied in such a luxurious setting are just one of the things that sets Winchester Mansions apart from the rest.

Disney Hilton Head Resort

What could be more fun than a vacation at a Disney Resort? The villa style accommodations provide views of the marsh and marina; and you can relax on the wide, southern porches that are outfitted with old fashioned rocking chairs.

Kids have daily planned activities throughout the week and adults can golf, play tennis, go sailing or just relax around the pool. There is even a fishing pier for everyone to enjoy and any equipment you need is available for rent.

Crowne Plaza Resort Hilton Head

This Hilton Head Island resort is part of Shipyard Plantation and is located just a short distance from the beach. While not on the ocean you will still find that the views and surroundings are exceptionally lovely. The landscaping at this hotel and the accompanying golf course are incredibly beautiful and the designers have been very sensitive to the needs of the native plant and animal life.

Hilton Oceanfront Resort

The Hilton Oceanfront is another of the top Hilton Head Island resorts and this secluded treasure is located in the community of Palmetto Dunes. Spacious, open rooms allow you to enjoy the wonderful sea breeze and give you ample room to relax. Onsite dining, a fitness center and a world class spa are also available for the enjoyment of all guests.

Holiday Inn Hilton Head

The Holiday Inn is one of the budget friendly resorts in Hilton Head. The oceanfront location is a great bonus, especially when you consider the relatively low cost of the rooms. There are restaurants onsite, as well as a swimming pool and fitness center, which means all you need to do is relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Westin Hilton Head Resort

For guests who are planning to spend time on the Port Royal Golf Club greens this is definitely a top Hilton Head Island resort to consider. The Westin welcomes kids, families and pets but generally this property attracts more couples who are looking for a resort that features quieter surroundings. Room prices begin at about -100, which is a great bargain for resorts in Hilton Head considering the upscale accommodations and long list of amenities you will enjoy.

The Inn at Harbour Town

The Inn at Harbour Town combines Southern hospitality with English charm and sensibility. A large number of travelers who have played golf at Harbour Town Golf Links or tennis at the Sea Pines Racquet Club have quickly fallen in love with this unique resort. Families are welcome, but this setting is best suited for adults.

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is consistently one of the best rated family style Hilton Head resorts. Not one of the resorts in Hilton Head but it is situated along the banks of the Low Country’s May River just 15 minutes driving time from Hilton Head Island.

The accommodations are small cottages that are designed to resemble the homes you would see in a seaside community. The large screened in porches are the ideal place to relax at any time of day or night. If you are searching for casual elegance then these accommodations will be perfect for you and your family.

Main Street Inn & Spa

This tiny boutique resort is upscale elegance at its finest. There are only 33 rooms available which means that this is one of the most intimate of all Hilton Head resorts. The formal gardens are exquisitely maintained and you can wander through them at your leisure.

Marriott Hilton Head Island Resort

If you want a tropical, oceanfront location then this is another of the Hilton Head Island resorts that is located at the Palmetto Dunes Plantation. The Marriott features a wonderful sports and recreational program for guests of all ages. You can arrange for your family to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including parasailing, horseback rides, biking, sailing, Jet Ski adventures, tennis or golf.

Before choosing your exclusive St Lucia Resort, and parting with a lot of your hard earned cash, take the time to research what could be the finest luxury resort in St Lucia above Marigot Bay.

This exclusive resort blends into the hillside above Marigot Bay on the sheltered west coast of St Lucia. Marigot Bay was described by author James Michener as the most beautiful in the Caribbean, and after spending time at this top St Lucia Luxury resort, you can’t fail to agree with him.

Discovery at Marigot Bay is designed and has as its main aim to enable its visitors to escape, even for a brief period of time, the pressures of everyday life, and recharge batteries, even to reflect a little on life, and what family time means to each individual.

It is a luxury resort in every sense of the word, possibly one of the top three luxury Resorts in St Lucia, and here you will find every modern facility you can think of.

Starting with the accommodation, there are 57 extremely well appointed suites, and half of them have plunge pools, and there are 35 rooms, each with a large deck with stunning views of the sparkling waters of Marigot Bay, and the myriad of yachts at anchor or elegantly coming and going.
Everything about the rooms and suites shouts style, with contemporary design, state of the art fittings, and the suites even have a fully equipped kitchen, and dining, and entertainment areas opening onto a large veranda. You can hardly fail to be impressed. The one thing to be careful about is where your accommodation is situated because the resort is on a hill, so there might be steep inclines and steps involved, and there are no lifts or escalators, so if you have difficulties in these areas you should ensure your booking is as stressless as possible

Exclusive luxury resorts should have exclusive luxury dining and Discovery at Marigot Bay is no exception. There is the very best haute cuisine at the Boudreau, or if your tastes are less haute and more ordinary then casual eating at the Hurricane Hole bar will keep you happy. If you choose to leave Discovery at Marigot Bay in the evening then the hotel boat called the Gingerbread will take you to any of them free of charge, then a phone call summonses them back to take you home. You should try Rainforest Hideaway which has a set price menu, and Chateaux Mygo has 2 for 1 cocktails at a happy hour every night, decent food, and sometimes a band.

If you need some retail therapy then the very attractive wooden Marina Village with a courtyard garden is at hand. Boutiques bakery, bar, bank, supermarket, art gallery, and art shop about covers all the bases.

If its action you want, then on the water there is sailing, under the water scuba diving and snorkelling, or a gymnasium.

The Lapli Spa will invigorate or relax, and comes strongly recommended by many guests

Discovery at Marigot Bay has no beach of its own, but a speedboat will take you to the Jalousie beach, which takes about 15 minutes, but is restricted to eight passengers, so book early to avoid disappointment.

If there is a complaint it is the lack of a beach, in fact the lack of anything much in the way of night life in the immediate area. Mind you most people come for lazing by the pool, water sports, and going to the beach, followed by early bed!!

Discovery at Marigot Bay is an exclusive Luxury resort which has added to the choices for the demanding traveller in St Lucia, and it stands comparison with many well known luxury Caribbean resorts.

Like it or not, kids today indeed rule the roost so you may want to make sure the vacation is something they will have a great time and enjoy. Most resorts nowadays offer better amenities to lure family vacationers. These amenities include child-proofed rooms, toddler tennis lessons, family bonfires, kids rides, kid’s menus on a gourmet restaurant, and even a mountain vacation kids wouldn’t forget for the rest of their lives.

Mountain Vacation

Mountain vacation is not just for the adventurous adults to enjoy. Kids will sure to love the assortment of rides and fun activities from the Alpine coaster, Alpine slide, ZipRider, horseback riding and scenic lift rides some of these mountain vacation resorts offer. Adults and kids alike can also join the mountain biking and hiking group to test their physical prowess and mental skills by exploring and discovering the selected trails at the same time enjoying the green scenery of the place. Some mountain vacation resort like Park City Mountain has Little Miner’s Park that is just perfect for kids 2 years old and above. Kids can have the fantasy rides of their lives here. And for the teens and adults who are not much into sports, they can head off to the caricatures studio where they can be awed and amazed to see the caricaturist displays his drawing skills.

Increase happiness and unity in the home as well as personal satisfaction. Family bonding will help make communication happen and open the doors to let you discover each others’ hidden talents and ambitions and prepare for an exciting future.

As you plan your next family vacation, think beyond the cruises and Walt Disney World and consider something a little different. Find the best resorts for kids and start from there. You get only one shot at family, and if you experience everything you’ve always loved about getting away together, it is just great.

Paris, well-known as “The City of Lights”, stands for a romantic paradise for travelers. It has always been a most popular tourist destination in the world due to the amazing landscape and unique cultural atmosphere. People of different age, nationality, gender or background will all be deeply fascinated by everything this city provides for them. The glamour of the city lies in the hospitality and romance expressed in Parisians’ attitude towards life. If you are looking for a place to relax your soul and feel love, Paris will be on the top of your list. It is an ideal place to breathe life into your soul and especially when the entire city is lit up at night, you will find Paris come to life. In addition, the rich culture and heritage of art and history will help you broaden your horizon and discover yourself. Nowhere but in Paris will you visit so many world-famous galleries, museums and landmarks. Today, as one of the most prosperous international metropolis, Paris has its own great influence on politics, arts, media and fashion and it is absolutely worth visiting.

Fully immerse yourself in the fantastic natural scenery that God has gifted to the city of romance. Then you will learn and review how to discover and appreciate the beauty that lies in our daily life in this charming city. Don’t forget to inhale the sweet fragrances in the air of Paris and supreme joy will fill your mind and senses.

Eiffel Tower, the Lourve Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral are the three most symbolic landmarks in Paris. Missing any of them will leave your trip to Paris incomplete. Notre Dame Cathedral, called ‘the heart of Paris’, represents a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. The cathedral’s immense interior, a marvel of medieval engineering, holds over 6000 people and has spectacular rose windows.

When people talk about Paris, romance is the first word that comes to mind. This city has everything that a tourist can ever expect from a dream city. From grand shopping centers where you will fulfill all your shopping desires, to tourist attractions which will give you an incredible experience and memory, Paris is just the perfect city to win everyone’s heart. Above all, the vigor and romance are the key to making the city more appealing and adorable.

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Paris lives up to all the essential requirements from a rich history to being a capital of cinema. World renowned intellectuals and artists are the pride of the city. Also, being referred to as the “city of gastronomy”, Paris is famous for its restaurants, bars and cafes. What’s more, various kinds of music in Paris such as jazz, avant-garde, salsa and, currently, Europe’s most vibrant African music scene, will definitely make you swing with the charming rhythm.

Although the influx of tourism and tourists cannot be avoided, Paris still succeeds in retaining its own countryside charm and keep a balance between them. If you want to escape from the busy and noisy city life to a peaceful and tranquil place where you can find peace for your inner soul, Paris is going to be a perfect choice. So don’t hesitate. Come and be captured by its enchantment.

New York City is one of the busiest cities in the world. The everyday hustle and bustle of the modern world has made New York a hub of professionals and workaholics, glinted with style and the extravagance of city living. Like other popular cities around the world, New York City boasts of great food and great restaurants. Food is essential to keep up with the day-to-day activities in a very busy city and great food feeds people with big appetites and luxurious cravings. New York City holds some of the best and famous dining restaurants that can surely satisfy one’s hunger and meticulous taste for quality food. Famous NYC restaurants pride tastes coming from different cultures around the globe and world-renowned dishes that has made every country’s cuisine known to the tastes of different nationalities.

Famous NYC restaurants range from the traditional and very familiar tastes of the American culture, up to the extents of the Scandinavian flavors. Eating good food in New York can start at a very low price of up to as much as 0. There are many choices of good restaurants in New York for your adventurous tastes. The most famous restaurants offer American, French and Italian cuisines, as well as great choices of international bestsellers.

One of these is Per Se, which is operated by a chef recognized all over the world, Thomas Keller. The restaurant offers two prix fixe tasting menus, nine course tastings of seasonal vegetables and the chef’s menu. An additional five delicious short servings for lunch is also available. Per Se aims to soothe your huge cravings for great food with a touch of emotional sensitivity.

Another place to go to is 21 Club. 21 Club existed for the last twenty-five years with its classy dining rooms and bars. This bar and restaurant is known to be famous for hosting celebrity meals and other first class meals, which can include great political leaders and dignitaries from different nations. The Bar Room of 21 Club is not just a simple dining area, but a tourist attraction to every stranger getting a glimpse of New York’s beauty and history.

Chef Daniel Boulud’s specialties are hosted in a restaurant that comes after his name – Restaurant Daniel. With three stars from the 2010 Michelin Guide, Restaurant Daniel boasts of mouth-watering French flavors that are truly one-of-a-kind and have earned the restaurant a position in the list of the world’s most popular restaurants.

Le Bernardin, another recipient of the 2010 Michelin Guide’s three stars and New York Times’ most coveted rating of four stars, makes seafood dishes like no other restaurant can. Another French style cuisine is the Adour Alaine Doucasse that combines the traditional sophistication of fine dining with today’s modern world, plus sophistication in delivering only the best tasting food with great wine.

Going around New York City can be truly satisfying if one is to recognize the unique blend of international cuisine packed in one great city. Exploring New York City includes a flavorful ride in the city’s most popular restaurants. These famous NYC restaurants earned their reputation for their many years of existence and their great skill in cooking only the best dishes that can satisfy everyone with high quality and unparalleled dining experience.

India is one of the most sought among holiday destinations in Asia with great tourism opportunity and excellent tourist attraction. Enjoy the vacation alongside the flourishing green tea gardens or travel and explore the natural beauty in India. It attract the tourists from all over the world with its rich culture & tradition, natural sites, wildlife sanctuaries & rich cultural heritage destinations etc.

There are many wildlife sanctuaries and parks in the country which are globally famous for wildlife expedition and wildlife holidays in India. Mc Resorts in India is among one of the best resorts, located in Bandipur. MC Resort was established in 1999, spread over 5 acres of land with  lush green background behind the resort, the Luxury Resort consists of 20 Standard Rooms and 3 Suite Rooms, accompanied with efficient employees. MC Resort can be traced adjacent to Bandipur forest boundary. It is among one of the Best Resorts in Bandipur.

The Bandipur parkland of Karnataka is a beautiful forest reserve of southern India. This was established with the aim of conserving the nature and its resource. In 1930, the present Bandipur National Park was Maharaja Wodiyar’s hunting land which was converted into Venugopal Wildlife Park. Later in the year 1941, the third estate was expanded to the nearby Nagarahole and named as the Bandipur National Park.  The rivers Kabini, Nugu and Moyar pass through this.  The flora & fauna comprises of the deciduous forests, the evergreen forest and grassy woodlands. The forest has a rich collection of rosewood and teak. As it lies on the highway between Mysore and Ooty, the parkland is only 2 hours drive from Mysore.

Now this is a part of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which is considered as the extensive tracts of protected forest in India. In the year 1973, this was declared as the Tiger Reserve of India. Now it is the best managed Tiger Reserve of India.

If you are looking to experience great cooking and a first-class dining experience in France, the best place to visit is Bras.  This restaurant is one of the two French restaurants that have managed to grab a spot in the top 10 restaurants of El Pellegrino World’s 100 Best Restaurants list.  The other restaurant is Pierre Gagnaire.  While Chef Gagnaire’s restaurant landed the 9th spot, Chef Michel Bras restaurant secured the 7th spot.  Needless to say, Bras is the best restaurant in France.  The credit can be given to the chef and owner Michel Bras and his son Chef Sebastien Bras.

Bras stands out in France for its outstanding cuisine and ambiance.  The restaurant offers a unspoiled link between classic and modern cooking.  If you are merely looking to be fed, hit McDonalds.  But if you are looking for an exceptionally memorable dining experience while in France, Bras is the place to go.  Every dish reaches out to your senses.  Dining there is like feasting on everything that France has to offer.

Chef Michel Bras can be described in one word – pure.  His cooking style, techniques and ingredients are completely unadulterated.  He often chooses simple local ingredients, but he uses complex cooking methods to prepare his dishes.  Not surprisingly, the end products are not something you could just easily prepare in your own kitchen.  He could start out with bread, mushroom and onion; and he would end up with one smack-inducing dish.  The taste can be astonishingly unique for such simple ingredients.

In truth, Chef Bras has always been known for his signature dishes.  Have you tried a salad with more than 60 ingredients?  If you haven’t, you should definitely check out this chef’s gargouillou.  What is unique about this salad though is that it can change flavor each day.  Since not all 60 ingredients can be available daily, Chef Bras often changes ingredients.  Aside from the gargouillou, Chef Bras is also famous for his molten chocolate cake.  A piece will spoil your appetite for any other dessert.

Chef Bras is a private person.  You can even liken him to a monk.  He rarely speaks especially when he is working.  He would spend hours preparing ingredients and cooking dishes without speaking.  Cooking monopolizes his complete attention, and this does not leave room for anything else.  Ironically, he may be a silent man, but his name echoes loudly in the culinary world.

Antigua, the exotic island in the West Indies is famous world over for its number of beaches and each having its own unique beauty. There is a whooping 365 beaches in Antigua alone and one can very well imagine the number of tourists and visitors that these beaches would be attracting daily. Accommodation and hospitality for all of them becomes the main motive here which has resulted in quite a number of resorts. Of these many are Antigua All Inclusive Resorts which means they provide all type of facilities to the guests that include accommodation, wine & dine, sports & entertainment.

To facilitate the guests from far and wide these Antigua All Inclusive Resorts provide different attractive package deals with a whole lot of discounts and additional facilities. There are so many that it does becomes a confusing factor to select the right one. Here’s a list of selected top three such Antigua All Inclusive Resorts that one can try out.

Cocobay – This Antigua All Inclusive Resorts is quite romantic in its look and atmosphere. It is also quite famous for its mouth watering delicious foods and the varieties of beverages. The other notable facilities include Recreation Pool, spa / hot tub, bar, onside lounge services, beach access etc. One can fix a business meeting or even a wedding here as there are adequate facilities available here. You can arrange an open wedding on a private terrace with the azure bay in the backdrop or even decide to have an exclusive wedding on the unmatchable beach.

Sandals Grande Antigua – Located on the Dickenson Bay this is a sure romantic and honeymoon getaway resort. It has the credit of bagging the ‘World’s Most Romantic Resort’ title for a continuous period of 12 years. Surrounded by a green stretch of palm and the blue bay at the backdrop, it is sure to take away one’s breath when you simply go to relax at the seaside garden oasis. The multi cuisine multi restaurants are sure to appease your appetite and tickle your taste buds.

St. James Clubs & Villas – Part of the Elite Island Resorts chain these come with an all-inclusive facility as a special package and also have room-only rates separately. Dining here would give the best experience not only due to its delicious tasting food but also the atmosphere and the visual scenery that one would get. All its restaurants are designed and located in such a way that they either face a poolside, beachfront, or the Moroma Bay. You can enjoy two beaches here or take a plunge in any of the four swimming pools or try out a match in any of the six tennis courts (four lighted). If you are more inclined towards water sports you get complimentary non-motorized facility for it too.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as there are too many such Antigua All Inclusive Resorts out there. So hope you are getting ready to backpack and make a trip to this dream destination and enjoy the unmatchable beauty of the island.