The Exterior of the Mountain View Grand

The winter this year in New England has been pretty brutal, with record snowfall amounts in some areas.  While most New England residents have been complaining, the skiers are rejoicing.  Spring skiing this month is better than ever – with lots of snow still on the slopes, but nice mild temperatures!

Take advantage of ski season at Cannon Mountain, in Franconia Notch, which has received over 200 inches of snow.  The Mountain View Grand, located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is offering a great deal for spring skiers wanting to get a few more trips down the slopes in before the thaw.  Midweek, you can stay at the resort for $99 and you can ski or ride at Cannon Mountain for free, with the Mountain View Grand Ski and Stay Package.  This rate is per person, per night (based on double occupancy, plus tax).  Guests will receive two complimentary Cannon Mountain ski tickets per room per night’s stay.

The Mountain View Grand is a gorgeous landmark hotel offering several onsite restaurants, a spa, a farm, an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool.  It’s a wonderful family-friendly resort – perfect for your end-of-the-season ski getaway.

Mountain View Grand
Mountain View Road
Whitefield, NH, 03598
866.484.3843

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: Last year, I received complimentary lodging at the Mountain View Grand for purposes of review.

Welcome to the opulent oasis flanked by the impressive vistas of the Biscayne Bay! Nestled just at a stone-throw distance from the dazzling Biscayne Bay, the in the heart of the town gifts its guests a classy metropolitan retreat that is accessible from the major attractions such as the Miami Convention Center, Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, American Airlines Arena, and Bayfront Park in Miami. The Four Seasons Hotel Miami is a lustrous tower of comfortable rooms including suites that offer the soaking views of the city as well as of the bay.

Rooms

At this Miami hotel, there are some 221 guestrooms including 38 suites scattered elegantly in a tower of 70 storeys. With the size ranging from 500 to 1,050 square feet, all rooms and suites offer the views of the scenic bay as well as cityscape vistas. Coming to its décor, it reflects the colors schemes of blue and taupe with the dark green granite accents, shimmering white marble, cushioned window seats, and Venetian glass lamps. If the luxury beds offer the down duvets, Egyptian cotton bed linens, and hypoallergenic pillows (on request), the generous marbled bathrooms are deeply swept into the large vanities, tubs, thick terry bathrobes, L’Occitane or Bvlgari bath amenities, and glass shower stalls.

Other amenities:

Premium television channel(s), DVD/CD player, pay movies, complimentary newspaper, air conditioning, climate control, voice mail, mini bar, housekeeping, turndown service, private bathroom, bathrobes, hair dryer, bathroom phone, mirror, in-room massage, slippers, bathroom scale, separate bathtub and shower, electronic check-out, electronic/magnetic keys, welcome amenities, desk, clock radio, iron/ironing board, in-room safe, rollaway beds, cribs, multi-line phone, fax machine, microwave and refrigerator (on request), curtains, cordless phone, speakerphone, cable television service, wired/wireless high-speed internet access (surcharge), wake-up calls, on command video, extra towels/bedding in room, signature bedding, in-room childcare (surcharge), flat-panel television, high-definition television, and wheelchair amenities. » Read more: Four Seasons Hotel Miami

No place other than Cancun can ensure you a stressless holiday, as it features the most tranquil surroundings, rejuvenating spas, and relaxing beaches. If you are looking for true peace, then you must take yourself towards this lovely coastal city on the shores of Caribbean. Nested on the Yucatan Channel’s Quintana Roo, Cancun is the Mexican Caribbean retreat. From the airport, a comfortable transport will drop you on 324th km – the address of Puerto Morelos – a small fishing hamlet offering many attractions as well as different accommodation choices. I must agree that the Puerto Morelos hotels are surely worth a stay as most of them offer high-level comfort, unbelievable luxury, and warm hospitality. Easy to find, the hotels here offer unmatchable tranquility as well as seclusion required for discarding stress and inviting inner joy.

Before you choose any of the Puerto Morelos hotels, take into consideration the different settings here. Either choose the zone of reefs as well as mangroves, which is an ‘ecological preserve’, be amidst the busy main road that takes one to the zocolo (town plaza), or select a site where you can see children playing and adults gossiping. And yes, hotels are also at the beachfronts where musical vibes of surf and simple charm fill you with unique joy.

Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort

This is an all inclusive hotel at the beachfront offering all modern amenities including a great restaurant. It is also perfect for a family stay. Expect activities such as kayaking and wind surfing, special programs for children, and nightly theme shows. There are luxury rooms, junior suites, and family suites. The rates start from $492 per night.

Secrets Silversands

Offering a private beach and located near to attractions such as Crococun zoo and national park, this is a stay amidst opulence. Rated 4.6 out of 5 by the guests including me, this resort is really worth a stay at least once in lifetime. Do also experience its spa and recreation facilities. The suites herein offer pool as well as ocean views and the booking rates start from $224.

Ocean Coral All Inclusive

Recognized by 2009 Travel + Leisure 500, this is the blue retreat of pools, spa, and mouth-watering cuisines by six restaurants. Even this one is close to the zoo and the national park just as the above one. The rooms here offer ocean views, terraces, and personal Jacuzzi. The booking rates begin from $257.

Carmen Hacienda

This is set on a beach offering great views, relaxing pool, stunning diving and snorkeling, comfortable guestrooms, and American as well as Mexican cuisine. The rates here start from $100.

Hotel Ceiba del Mar Beach and Spa Resort

This is the latest boutique hotel for those who are hunting the best. Expect personal space, ultimate tranquility, dazzling Mayan and Mexican architecture, ambience of luxury, and unmatchable hospitality. This is certainly for the rich people as the booking rates start from $2000 for Deluxe as well as Master Suites.

Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa

This is where your dreams come true for sure! At this luxurious resort, you can expect all kinds of facilities and services along with the spa, swimming pools, and some tempting restaurants. It is near to the Caribbean beach boasting the second largest reef with the underground rivers and caves. Wow, this is really exciting! Rates begin from $620.

Puerto Morelos enjoy warm and tropical climate, but hurricanes often strike the city. So, before you book any of the Puerto Morelos hotels, check out for the weather. And yes, winters are also chilled, while the summers are very hot.

Can you believe that a resort on this planet has won 9 awards in last 5 years? Well, even I could not, but after staying in this Fiji resort, I had to! Nestled on the Vanua Levu Island and flanked by soothing coconut plantation, Jean-Michel Cousteau in South Pacific is an award-winning, five-star retreat that is among the prestigious vacation spots in Fiji. Offering opulent accommodations that watch over the calm waters of the Savusavu Bay, this much-admired Fiji resort is a worldwide favorite for weddings as well as family fun where heavenly surroundings, extraordinary dining, and supreme array of eco-friendly activities win the hearts of everyone – young and old. Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is the only of its kind that provides a full-time marine biologist for exploring the spectacular underwater world of Fiji as well as combines leisure with luxury.

Coming to its awards, it is the top eco resort in the world as per Trip Advisor, leading resort in Fiji and top green hotel in the nation according to World Travel, and No. 1 resort according to Conde Nast Traveler. And yes, it is also awarded as the best hotel for scuba diving in the world. So, if you want to go for scuba diving, go for Stay 7/Pay 5 package meant for families, which include gourmet meals, 3 days of 2-tank dives, foot massage, and much more.

Rooms and facilities

Accommodations here are in form of The Villa, Point Reef Bure, Oceanfront Bure, Oceanfront Suite Bure, Garden view Bure, and 2 Bedroom Bure. All of these have ultra modern facilities. Passing via the scenic lagoons, curving stone route boasting tropical foliage and flowers takes one to the Villa reflecting Fijian essence amidst bamboo reeds and hardwood timbers. Herein, the Master Suite has an opulent bathroom, spa tub with whirlpool, lounge, indoor shower, vanities, and beveled gilt mirrors along with lit stone pillars by copper torch lights. Other amenities here are walled windows, sliding doors into tropical gardens, waterfall into the bathroom, café table, enclosed lavatory, four-poster canopy bed, a generous safe, quality sound system, writing desk, reading chair, imported furniture, Daybed Pergola, the Horizon Edge Pool, relaxed living area with kitchenette amenities, alfresco dining deck, and stone patio.

Point Reef Bure in a secluded area offer a balcony, foot deck, a king bed, two separate day beds, and spectacular ocean vistas. Children are allowed to stay only in these bures. Oceanfront bures are for hammock resting and water views and are just perfect for a family of four. Oceanfront Suite Bure for a family of four or five offer splendid views, big stone mosaic patio, and king beds. Garden view Bures dominate over tropical foliage, exotic plants, and colorful flora. » Read more: Fiji Resort in Excellency: Jean-Michel Cousteau

Kapama River Lodge is a 5-star safari stay that is nestled in the South Africa’s picturesque Kapama Private Game Reserve. Acting as the majestic backdrop is the Northern Drakensberg Mountain range in the Greater Kruger National Park region, which makes this largest private game lodge even more enticing. The lodge offers the ideal mix of the opulent accommodation and memorable stay with its 44 bedrooms, spa suites, Royal Suites, a family room, and Siyatla Lounge perfect for dining, events, and conferences. Although big, the Kapama River Lodge is quite stylish, alluring, and roomy stretching itself for making enough space for you to wonder and explore along a dry riverbed.

Each of its spacious rooms is well-equipped with an en-suite bathroom as well as offers continuous vistas of this wild reserve. The central guest entertainment zones areas offer a layered swimming pool, curio shop, lounge, and boma. Then, the L-shaped, long relaxation lounge tucked below a double-volume thatch, pool flanked by curves, and a big double-sided fireplace all together form an amazingly cozy atmosphere. As the Kapama River Lodge is within the national park, you can expect several activities such as bush walking and game viewing in making up for a perfect safari experience. These offers range from just bed and breakfast to a complete experience of morning as well as evening safaris guided by the qualified rangers.

Rooms and suites

You have four types: Standard, River Royal, River Lodge Family, and River Lodge Spa. No matter which you choose, each of them is well equipped with the hair dryer, air conditioning, coffee & tea making facilities, en-suite bathroom, safety deposit box, and telephone.

Coming to the Standard ones, there are 40 air-conditioned ones with African furnishings under a golden thatch. It offers a private balcony for spotting animals, complimentary toiletries and lotions and towels. The River Royal Suites are only two offering you a bigger experience in terms of size and amenities – a separate lounge, recliner couches, and extended balcony along with the en-suite bathroom looking towards the bush. On the other hand, the River Lodge Family Suite has three balconies along with a separate area meant for kids. If you want to be isolated, book the River Lodge Spa Suite (20 in total) tucked on a private setting, but offering superb vistas of the reserve from any corner.

Amenities

• Afternoon tea on request
• Airport shuttle
• Meals
• Babysitting
• Business center
• Conference rooms
• Fitness facilities



• Gift shop/newsstand
• Guest activities
• Guest library
• Lounge
• Guided safaris
• Housekeeping
• Internet
• Laundry
• Non-smoking rooms
• Parking
• Restaurant
• Rooms/facilities for disabled
• Spa for children
• Swimming pool



• Valet & pressing service
• Wheelchair accessible

Sports Facilities: Game drives, bird watching, walking safaris, botanical interests, elephant safaris, hot air ballooning, Cheetah Park, Big Five Spotting, and animal rehabilitation centre

Fitness Facilities: Standard Swimming Pool, masseurs, aromatherapy, beauty salon, curio shop, and wellness centre.

Dining

Expect meals to be of pan African cuisine served in a buffet style. The Rhino Boma dining area in a horseshoe curve below a low thatch offers a mid-open space that is lighted in dark by a big outdoor fire brightening your evening meals.

Location

Kapama River Lodge is very close to the Eastgate Airport and so the lodge offers many open vehicle transfers. Further, its location in the mid-Lowveld area makes it the ideal starting point to the several nearby attractions.

Rates

$683 and above, but subject to change as per the seasons – For more information on prices and policies, log on to http://kapama.krugerpark.co.za