The readers of Condé Nast Traveler recently heralded Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades as a winning combination, placing three area properties in the 2010 Top 100 Reader’s Choice for Mainland U.S. Resorts.

Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Longboat Key, Florida, as the No. 2 island in all of North America, for its blend of wild, natural beauty and manicured elegance. Visit Florida reports.

The Pacific was not pacified. Between the strong wind and the deafening sound of rushing waves there was no place for a peaceful stroll on a beach or a picnic under a rock. I had to scramble the initial plan and resort to just standing there, tightly draped in my pea coat, on an otherwise warm sunny day.

History and Travel on Anna Maria Island, Florida, narrated by Lisa Codianne Fowler. “Video of Anna Maria Island.com” is a Rich Media site exploring the old and the new on Anna Maria Island. The video is produced by Charles Robert Neuf and is part of the Gulf Beaches Story. Check it out at videoofannamariaisland.com

Puerto Rico is a hotspot for music lovers, thanks to its diverse musical and dance traditions. An excellent place to sample five important aspects in one night is at the Le Lo Lei Festival, a weekly performance, sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. This VIDEO highlights the impressive performance that takes place very Tuesday night, when the Guamanique dance company takes to the stage at the Castillo San Cristobal, a colonial era fort that dates to 1783. For the price of a $3 admission to this historic site, you get a lively show in a beautiful location.

Planning a wedding can be stressful. Ask any bride. But working with an ASTA travel consultant who specializes in honeymoons means one less thing to worry about. And finding the perfect agent is even easier, thanks to the ‘Find a Travel Agent’ directory on TravelSense.org, where grooms and brides can search for a travel agent who specializes in honeymoons or a given destination.

“Working with a travel consultant who specializes in honeymoons gives a couple some much-needed breathing room when it comes to planning their wedding and everything it entails,” said ASTA President and Chair Chris Russo. “A professional travel consultant can take care of all the planning details and that gives the happy couple much needed time to focus on what’s important—each other.”

Among ASTA travel agents’ tips for planning a honeymoon are:

Begin early and share the planning. To ensure that both parties enjoy the honeymoon, couples should consider making all the decisions together.

Define “Ideal.” If just one person will be doing the planning, he or she shouldn’t assume that because they have always dreamt of honeymooning in a tropical paradise their soon-to-be-spouse shares that dream. Consider these questions as soon as honeymoon talks begin:

What is most important? Suntan lotion, sand and surf or the privacy and seclusion a cozy mountain retreat?

Are you looking to experience new cultures or do you just want to get away from it all?
Are you more interested in going around the corner or around the world?

Do you want to spend more on the wedding or the honeymoon?

What sounds better: a cruise, a package vacation or an all-inclusive resort, something tailored just for you?

Pick your paradise. When it comes to honeymoon planning, most couples try to select the destination first, yet ASTA travel agents suggest a different approach: Unless the dream destination has already been set in stone, couples should first decide what type of vacation (all-inclusive resort, cruise, adventure vacation, cultural trip) they want and then narrow down their list of destinations accordingly.

Make time for yourselves. Pad the honeymoon schedule with generous amounts of free time. A rushed and overly organized honeymoon might feel too much like the wedding. Instead, plan a few enjoyable activities and leave lots of opportunities to just enjoy each other’s company.

Set a tentative budget. Talk about expectations and priorities from the very beginning and decide what you might splurge on and where you might cut corners.

Splurge on accommodations. No matter what type of vacation package a couple chooses, they will spend an enormous amount of time in their room or cabin. This is not a place to cut corners.

Brides-use your maiden name. Unless a couple is planning on taking a delayed honeymoon, the bride won’t have time to change the name on her passport and driver’s license. She should use her maiden name on visas, airline tickets, etc., so they match as it appears on official documents.

Leave it to a professional. After “I do,” a couple’s two favorite words will be “stress free,” if they opt to work with an expert, such as an ASTA travel consultant who specializes in planning honeymoons. For stress-free travel plans–especially those with multiple steps like a honeymoon–seek out the expert advice of a travel agent. A good travel agent can save money as well as time, two enormous factors for a couple trying to plan a wedding and a honeymoon simultaneously.

Regardless of travel plans, using a professional ASTA travel consultant can save time and money. For information, visit TravelSense.org. There, consumers not only can find travel tips and advice but an ASTA travel consultant in their area who specializes in a particular destination or type of travel on the Find a Travel Agent Directory.

Beachfront rental options in beautiful and historic St. Augustine.

Your Truth may not lie in crystals, astrology or past life regression, purveyors of which you’ll find in abundance in the quirky, New Age capital of Sedona, Arizona. But you are guaranteed to experience an overwhelming, maybe even mystical sense of exhilaration in the presence of Sedona’s ubiquitous red rock mountains and cobalt blue sky. Not only is this area nature’s visual masterpiece, but the rock formations are said to emanate an energy—call it psychic, spiritual or scientific—that makes it what thousands believe to be one of the planet’s most intense “power spots.”

The basic theory is that the simultaneous presence of certain minerals, lava and fault lines converge to create natural earth energy fields, or vortices. In Sedona, the high content of iron oxide that gives these mountainous rocks their warm red color also creates a natural magnet and conductor of energy, drawing more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the world.

Lightning fuses sandstone and silicone into quartz, which amplifies the energy, resulting in varying effects on the human nervous system and providing “opportunities for human transformation.” The Native Americans call it sacred earth, and New Agers call it a center for psychic activity. I call it simply breathtaking.

My vantage point was Enchantment Resort, where my husband and I stayed during our brief pilgrimage here. Set on 70 acres and nestled deep within the majestic, crimson walls of Boynton Canyon, Enchantment provided the  quintessential setting from which to explore the area’s natural, cultural, and artistic charms.

The resort offers awe-inspiring views of the legendary red rocks, instilling at once a sense of wonder and serenity.  Numerous hiking trails lead through forests blanketed with wildflowers to Native American ruins and caves. There is also a unique healing spa and fitness facility, award-winning cuisine, golf, tennis, croquet, four swimming pools and all the amenities you would expect to find at a top-rated, full-service, luxury resort.

What you won’t find anywhere else is Uqualla, Enchantment’s Native American Cultural Ambassador.

A Native American Havasupai born and raised in the Grand Canyon, Uqualla provides guests with a deeper understanding of the ancestral peoples whose voices once reverberated through Boynton Canyon. This warm, colorful character is quite formidable in appearance, especially when donned in full ceremonial garb of tunic, moccasin leggings, lioncloth, jewelry and eagle feathers.

We had the honor of having Uqualla accompany us on our helicopter and hiking tour of the Grand Canyon, one of many excursions available through the resort. A two and a half hour scenic drive from Enchantment led us to Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, where we embarked on what was unequivocally a life highlight.

It’s what a bird must feel, gliding, soaring, swooping, except we sat comfortably in cushy seats wearing BOSE headsets, listening to music choreographed to the flight and occasional narration by our pilot. The views were a singularly thrilling sensation… the Colorado River flowed restlessly below us between dramatic rock formations and clusters of verdant forests.

The helicopter landed at the bottom of the canyon in rustic Havasupai Village, Uqualla’s homeland. We took an exhilarating hike down a long, somewhat arduous trail (Native American-guided horseback tours are also available) to another of nature’s magnificent displays… Havasu Falls.

Powerful gushes of baby blue-green water poured down from the skyscraping cliffs. We rested on the rocks below, just above the sinuous stream created by the great waterfall. The resort provided a gourmet picnic lunch, which we feasted on as we watched a show like none other.

Enchantment offers a number of other must-do adventures, among them, an array of red rock backcountry jeep tours. We journeyed across the rugged terrain through scenic canyons, juniper forests and prickly pear cactus, on a wild, rough and tumble ride. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for seekers of nature, heritage and spirituality, this excursion was as inspiring as it was exciting.

Red Rock Jeep Tours provides a variety of themed tours; we found The Vortex Tour most intriguing. It explores the mystery of the four energy spots in Sedona, where thousands of people have supposedly had incredible metaphysical experiences, including enhanced psychic abilities, visions, weight loss and healing. The Airport Mesa vortex is a mountainous rock that offers a panoramic vista of the town and surrounding scenery and “facilitates certain human experience,” depending on the individual. Mine was a profound sense of well being. Vortex-invoked? Maybe. Beauty-inspired? Definitely.

As for more worldly pleasures, visit the little known ghost town of Jerome, hillside home to all those hippies you haven’t heard from since the 60’s, and a delightfully quirky collection of galleries, shops and cafés.

Power shoppers will love Sedona, with its dozens of fine art galleries, elegant boutiques and restaurants. Stroll Tlaquepaque; a charming Mexican-style shopping plaza inspired by an actual Guadalajara village. Across from Tlaquepaque is the Center for the New Age, where, if you’re so inclined, you can have an artist paint a portrait of your Spirit Guide, have your aura photographed, regress to your past life, or simply browse the books, crystals and aroma therapy products available en masse.

All of the businesses in town conform to a building design code that includes a specified height and palette of colors, keeping natural beauty in the forefront and enhancing the town’s quaint, Southwestern ambience.

Enchantment Resort also blends surreptitiously with its natural red rock environs. Bordered by the Secret Mountain Wilderness and the Coconino National Forest, our sights and senses were awakened by nature at every turn. When we visited Enchantment’s Mii Amo Spa, we chose to have our massages outside in the gazebo, amidst fragrant pine and juniper trees overlooking the dramatic canyon walls. There are many types of body enhancing therapies—and venues—to choose from. Specially trained and licensed therapists proffer everything from facials to body wraps, from a soothing stones massage to “An Awakening,” a treatment facilitating the movement of Chi along the pathways of the body—resulting in the flow of peace, joy and tranquility.

Enchantment serves up three culinary venues: the gourmet Yavapai, the casual Tii Gavo and eclectic Mii Amo. Executive Chef Steven Bernstein oversees them all, using local and regional herbs and spices to create “bright fusions of flavor.” His epicurean artistry combined with the views of Boynton Canyon make these dining experiences hard to beat.

Accommodations at the resort range from studios to two-bedroom Haciendas with full kitchens. Our room was comfortably in between and presented a stunning view of the legendary canyon. (Not all rooms have views, so be sure to request one.) Boynton is the largest and most powerful vortex in Sedona, having a balance of male/female and electromagnetic energies. It certainly cast its spell on us.

The ineffable beauty of the sun-drenched landscape, the resort’s countless amenities, and gentle Uqualla’s fascinating insights stir up a bewitching blend. And even in this mystical land of healers and soothsayers, it doesn’t take a psychic to predict our return.

For more information, visit www.enchantmentresort.com.

Reprinted from Style Magazine

The only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves against our boat, the soft hum of the engine, and the ubiquitous serenade of our seagull companions. The sea breeze sweeps the hair from my face with a cooling mist. Engulfed in the ineffable beauty of the cobalt sea, my husband and I motor past secluded palm-fringed coves and forested hillsides, languishing in this sun-drenched paradise. We round one last bend and are disarmed by the spectacular sight before us.

Rising majestically from the water’s edge over a half mile into the sky, the twin peaks of the Pitons suddenly present themselves. These dramatic spires, for which the Caribbean island of St. Lucia is most famous, are remnants of long-dormant volcanoes, having withstood the ravages of both man and nature. Gros Piton and Petite Piton stand respectfully apart, yet nestled side by side for all eternity, as if bound to a sacred covenant. Underwater, the firmly rooted mountains continue their descent to the depths, cementing their commitment.

In reverent silence, we cruise beyond the crescent-shaped bay at the foot of The Pitons, finding ourselves at Anse Couchon. We plunge from the boat and swim to its black volcanic sands, where ours are the only footprints on the shores of this romantic hideaway. Beneath these sunlit waters is a sensory explosion in tropical technicolor. Indigo seafans undulate at the ocean floor. Neon fish in electric blue, fuchsia and marigold scamper past boulders of brain coral and patches of seagrass in multicolored hues. And white coral fingers stand outstretched toward the sky’s golden spotlight as it glitters on the entire dazzling display.

We scheduled this boating excursion through Rendezvous resort, our home during our stay in St. Lucia.  The resort bills itself as “the escape for romantics,” and as such, provided the quintessential setting from which to explore the area’s natural and cultural treasures. This elegant, all-inclusive, couples-only resort near Castries is set amid seven acres of tropical gardens on a long sandy beach. Fiery Flamboyants and brilliant Bougainvillea are never out of sight, and lavender orchids grow as parasites on stately oaks. Hammocks for two are strategically placed for the optimum combination of privacy and ambience.

Happily lacking in toga parties and wet T-shirt contests for which all-inclusives have gained notoriety, this quiet retreat was not without a lively complement of optional social activities. Though the swim up bar in the free-form pool closed at dusk, evenings offered sing-alongs at the piano bar that continued until the last guest leaves.  There was live entertainment and dancing nightly at the Terrace Restaurant and Bar, a West Indian barbecue and beach party on Wednesday and Saturdays, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets at the Terrace, and a more formal dinner by reservation at The Trysting Place.

We had for days indulged in Rendezvous’ decadent offerings of food, wine and entertainment, so we decided to venture into the native night to experience St. Lucia as only a local could.  We alone hopped aboard the 10 p.m. resort shuttle to the town of Gros Islet, final destination “jump-up,” a Caribbean street party described as a not-for-tourist glimpse into local culture.

The night was black as coal…no lights, no stars, no moon.  With wild abandon our oversized van wound precariously around cliffs miles above the sea. As we neared town, cars lined the roadside and pedestrians appeared in our headlights, making it impossible to drive any further. The walls of the van were vibrating to quasi rap/reggae rhythms punctuated by pungent aromas of grilled fish and meat.

Our driver let us off with simple directions: Walk toward the music. Smoke rose up from the hot coals of hibachis lining the streets, local women hawked handmade jewelry and young men sold beer from Styrofoam coolers, cleverly proffering an oasis from the thick night air. The masses multiplied as we neared the music’s source — pulsating speakers the size of cars. Everyone was dancing in the street. We decided to reconnoiter from the second story of the corner bar.

Looking down on this sea of St. Lucian humanity, I suddenly felt very small, and decidedly American. There really were no tourists here, except for Don and Sue, the couple scrunched next to us at the bar. We learned they were also staying at Rendezvous. So we had actually run into someone we knew, sort of, and were suddenly feeling adventurous and stirred by the primordial beat of the blaring bass. We looked at each other, then ran down the narrow stairs and danced our hearts out, or at least, moved with the sardine-packed crowd to the beat of the music.

A young St. Lucian man pulled my arm toward him… my husband yanked me back with my other arm and I became caught in a tug of war. I flashed my biggest smile at this local guy and yelled above the noise and music, “no thanks!” He smiled sweetly, released his grip and retreated into the darkness.

We returned at some morning hour to Rendezvous’ piano bar, where, along with the pianist and other vacationing couples, we sang tunes like “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,” “Day-O,” and “Yellow Bird.” A far cry from “jump-up,” but rounding out the evening, or rather morning, experience.

The resort’s guest services personnel arranged other outings as well — to the colorful market in Castries; to the world’s only drive-in volcano; a visit to one of many historic plantations; to rain forests, sulfur springs and botanical gardens and to the fishing village of Soufriere. They were all worthwhile excursions, each instilling a sense of intimacy with this lovely Caribbean culture and terrain.

Still, some of our most moving moments came as we witnessed several weddings a day either on the beach or in the gardens at Rendezvous. I cried at every one. Blushing brides and hopeful grooms vowing to stand side by side throughout eternity … much like the Pitons.

Travel Sidelines:

What’s included: In addition to accommodations, room rates include all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except French champagne and certain wines); all entertainment; all organized and individual activities including use of all sports facilities and equipment; sports instruction, including scuba diving; dance lessons; airport transfers, room tax and all gratuities. Spa treatments extra. Tipping is not permitted.

Getting Married: Arrive at least three days before the ceremony with original, notarized documentation.  If you bring copies it can take several more days. Weddings at Rendezvous are complementary, with optional extras such as strolling guitarist or steel band, photography and videotaping.

Getting there: American Airlines is the most prominent carrier to St. Lucia, offering a number of daily round-trip flights from San Juan.

Currency:  St. Lucia deals in the Eastern Caribbean dollar, though American dollars are accepted throughout the island with varying exchange rates.

For Rendezvous reservations and information call toll-free (800) 544-2883 or visit www.rendezvous.com.lc.

Reprinted from Style Magazine

Nestled amid the glitzy high-rises on Longboat Key lies Forgotten Florida; The Sandpiper Inn. An anachronistic single-story resort perched on the Gulf, the intimate enclave is a step back in time… to when innocence prevailed and nature ruled.

I have a passion for wildlife, but also for domesticated creatures. Which is a key reason my husband and I chose this property for a “family” weekend getaway. It’s not only a naturalist’s wonderland, but it’s also pet-friendly. So we packed up the dogs, the coolers filled with food, some casual clothes and stole away for a few magical, stress-free days.

All or Nothing

Since we live in Sarasota, just south of the Key, we frequent St. Armands Circle – an international shopping mecca lined with outdoor cafes – and as nature lovers, we’ve often toured Mote Marine Aquarium and The Pelican Man’s Bird Sanctuary. Foodies that we are, we’ve attended a cooking class at the acclaimed Euphemia Haye restaurant just across the street from The Sandpiper Inn. Chef Ray Arpke holds a series, in season, of imaginative, educational and entertaining sessions. Ours was entitled, “Little Italy” and featured a sumptuous menu of cannellini bean salad on bruschetta; Italian manicotti/crepes stuffed with homemade ricotta; chicken and veal cannelloni and tiramisu cake, all paired with wines from Southern Wine and Spirits. A tasty experience and a must-do while on the Key.

Out-of-town visitors and locals shouldn’t miss any of this, all minutes from the Inn. But alas, we were here for the area’s biggest attraction: the beach. A laid-back vacation with our dogs, Sadie and Mimi and an attempt at actually doing… nothing.

Where better to accomplish this monumental task than at the beach? And these private sun-kissed strands were ours alone. Sea oats performed a graceful dance in the soft sea breeze. All we could hear were laughing gulls, lapping waves and pelicans as they splashed down for a fresh catch. The water was crystal clear and soothingly warm.

Dogs, by law, are not allowed on the beach, so our girls waited in our room for our return. Upon which, the four of us took a leisurely stroll along Gulf of Mexico Drive to Joan M. Durante Park – just steps from the resort to this shady pet-welcoming place laden with tropical flora… red hibiscus, golden trumpets, blue plumbago, roses of all variety and a tranquil lake punctuated by a gushing fountain.

On the way there and back we encountered rollerbladers, bicyclists, and families walking with strollers in tow.

A Room with a Hue

For our first evening, we chose to avail ourselves of the barbeque grills on-property, my chef-husband cooking filet mignon to perfection. We dined al fresco on our sprawling tiled patio, which afforded a panorama of azure Gulf waters framed by sea grape trees and palms. There are just 11 units at The Sandpiper Inn, strung like pearls along a pavered path leading straight to the beach. Most face the well-tended gardens, cascading waterfall and lily pond.

Two of units are right on the beach, and ours was one. All the rooms are immaculate, well laid-out and include fully-equipped kitchens.

As the sun set, the skies turned dark. We were here during turtle nesting season, which means, lights out. Baby sea turtles can easily stray to danger – and demise – by following artificial light on shore at night mistaken for moonlight on the water. So, evenings were pitch black. Perfect for midnight swims.

Next morning we were greeted with a plethora of brilliant butterflies fluttering outside our door. The Inn’s thoughtfully landscaped gardens are comprised of colorful, fragrant flowers that attract these winged marvels of nature. We spent the day decadently chilling; reading, sunning and swimming, intermittently re-visiting the park with our kids. Bicycle riding along the key is a favorite pastime for visitors and locals alike. As is fishing. Were we so inclined, we could have easily booked a fishing excursion from here with Captain Mark Gore, an expert in trolling these fish-fertile waters.

Dinner this evening would be at The Beach House just down the road. I am ashamed to admit that we have lived in this area for more than 10 years, yet we had not experienced this gulf-side eatery complete with spectacular sunset. The menu is bright fusion of seafood, pasta, steaks and chicken. We shared crunchy conch fritters, calamari and shrimp and crab ceviche, one of this night’s many specials.

Be sure to request a table at the water’s edge. It affords an unobstructed view of the golden orb slowly melding into the horizon.

Our second day here was much the same as the first; the exception being meeting the new arrivals at the Inn. Thomas and his family were visiting from Lakeland, Florida. They had planned to spend a night here; then move on to Fort Myers beach. But one day at The Sandpiper Inn turned into two, three and more. And plans to leave were abandoned in light of the discovery of what Thomas called, “Paradise, this is truly IT!” Then there was the three-generation family from Tampa, Florida. Gleeful grandkids seemed mesmerized by their aqueous surroundings while parents and grandparents just chilled.

One in a Million

There’s a special secret about summer here that only Floridians know. It’s when crowds are diminished, rates are at their lowest, and afternoon rains cool and refresh. The beaches are desolate. It’s one of the very best times to be in the Sunshine State, and especially at the gem that is The Sandpiper Inn. Most of your neighbors here will likely be white herons, seagulls, songbirds, geckos, butterflies, and of course, sandpipers.

Our last evening was spent at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub on the bay; an historic institution built in 1912 and a popular watering hole since 1950.

Fresh seafood is a specialty, along with steamer pots featuring snow crabs, shrimp, clams, mussels and lobster, though landlubbers will also find plenty to choose from. We savored chilled raw oysters and middle neck clams sautéed with garlic butter and white wine.

Chances are you’ll be drawn to the outside dining area, as we were, with centuries-old trees, flaming tiki torches and a gorgeous view of the bay. But be sure to peruse inside the restaurant… read the history and see the hundreds of signed dollar bills and, perhaps leave your own.

Mar Vista has been named one of the top places to meet a millionaire. In fact, Longboat Key boasts a boatful. I don’t lay claim to millions, nor to a millionaire. But I can tell you, unequivocally, that our time at The Sandpiper Inn on Longboat Key was priceless.

For more information about the Sandpiper Inn, call 941-383-2552 or visit www.sandpiperinn.com/FL/; to learn more about the Chiles restaurant group, including The Beach House, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub and The Sandbar Restaurant call 941-778-1696 or visit www.groupersandwich.com. For information about Longboat Key, call 941-929-7177 or visit www.floridasgulfislands.com.

Reprinted from Real Travel Adventures Magazine