Mauna Lani Bay is a luxury resort located on the Big Island in Hawaii.

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows are a mecca for golfers, a treat for the gourmets and wonderful hideaway to relax and a nature preserve for rare green sea turtles.  The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows is an oceanfront paradise on the Big Island’s sunny Kohala Coast that has a list of accolades as long as its white-sand shoreline. 

This AAA Five Diamond-rated property on the Big Island of Hawaii, is an award-winning combination of sophisticated luxury and Hawaiian style hospitality.  Guestrooms are spacious and tastefully furnished all feature private lanais.  Ninety percent of the rooms have magnificent ocean views, the other overlook lush tropical garden’s.  The resort’s five restaurants include the widely hailed Canoe House.  Its Pacific Rim fare has received recognition in such prestigious publications as Gourmet, GQ, Esquire, Bon Appetite and Departures. 

Seafood specialties include Nor9-Wrapped Tempura Ahi with tomato-Ginger Relish and Fresh Seared Mahi Mahi with Chinese Black Bean Sauce.  The resort is renowned for its cuisine.  The Mauna Lani tradition of fine food began centuries ago when Hawaiian Ali’i (royalty) first settled on the Kohala Coast, creating the fishponds that are now the heart of this luxury destination. 

If you’re seeking up to the minute, non-stop activity, you will find that the Mauna Lani features the award winning Tennis Garden and Racquet Club, a comprehensive sports center, a wide range of watersports and a picture-perfect 36 hole championship golf course.  In 1991, golf course architects Nelson and Haworth reconfigured the 18-hole Francis H. I’I Brown Golf Course, doubling the number of holes and creating Mauna Lani’s now-famous North and South.  The recipients of six “Golf Medal Awards” from Golf Magazine.

The North Course is built on an older and smoother pahoehoe lava bed.  It features rolling terrain and kiawe tree forests.  A 230-acre protected archaeological district lies on the northern boundary; consequently, herds of feral goats frequent the entire North Course, providing a unique neutral hazard.  James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com has the expertise to help you plan your next vacation to the Hawaiian islands. Give us a call, we look forward to helping you create the custom vacation to fit your needs.

Grand Canyon rail, traveling to the Grand Canyon in Arizona offers this great package for a romantic weekend or honeymooners.

If you are soon to be a newlywed looking for an adventurous honeymoon we would like to suggest: Arizona’s Grand Canyon Railway two-night “Rails and Wedding Bells package.

The itinerary begins with an evening at the Fray Marcos Hotel in Williams, AZ where couples will enjoy champagne, a romantic dinner, and dessert at Max & Thelma’s restaurant, right next to the train station.
Couples will spend the next morning on a rail excursion in a luxury parlor car where they will enjoy a continental breakfast and strolling musicians.  Once at the Grand Canyon the honeymooners are whisked away on an exciting guided motorcoach tour of the most spectacular viewpoints along the south rim.  Couples can also chose from either a Sunset or Sunrise Tour of the canyon during their stay.  Guest then spend night in the canyon and return in the afternoon, enjoying appetizers and champagne in their luxury parlor car.  Call us for this or other Grand Canyon Rail adventures, James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

Nestled in the Hawaiian Island Chain, is the tiny island of Lana’i.  Remote, untouched and dramatically beautiful, this 16,000-acre island holds the mystery of old Hawaii. There are only 2,800 residents, and two world-class resorts on this beautiful island,  top quality recreation is never crowded, and always convenient.  And speaking of sports they’ve got it all–hunting, Sporting Clays, fishing, golf, tennis, horseback riding and hiking or of course everyone’s favorite sport–relaxation.  This sleepy little island is also home to a cultural arts program that surpasses those offered in many metropolitan cities; the visiting arts program brings authors, chefs, filmmakers and other fine artists together with you in a personal, living room setting.

Here you will find miles of sand with no footprints on both the northern and eastern shores, pristine hideaways just as they were thousands of years ago.  Experience incredible snorkeling at the Marine Preserve at Hulopo’e Bay and Manele Day with abundant tropical fish.  Don’t be alarmed if the spinner dolphins break the stillness when they cruise past you in the blue waters, and leap playfully into the air.  The clarity of the water, the fantastic lava tubes, and the underwater cathedrals provide the most dramatic diving in Hawaii.

A must see is Kanepu’u, where the Garden of the Gods is located.  Described as eerie, beautiful, serene, and spiritual, these badlands were sculpted by the raging forces of nature.

Hiking throughout Lana’i is superb.  The Munro Trail winds up from Koele though mountain grasslands, where rain forest of ohia lehua, pine, ironwood, and eucalyptus line the mountain’s backbone ridge to the summit of Lana’ihale.  Lean about the ancient Hawaiians and hike around Kaunolu in southwest Lana’i.  This area is the location of a deserted pre-contract Hawaiian village, which was once a fishing community.

Visitors can horseback ride around the uplands or take a horseback tour of the island’s many off-road trails.  Keep your eyes open for wild game such as the axis deer, mouflon sheep and an abundance of game birds-pheasant, quail, chukar partridge, and wild turkey.

The Lana’i Pine Sporting Clays is the only resort course in Hawaii. The rustic 14-station course is situated within a 200-acre pine-wooded valley overlooking Molokai.  There are different levels of play, challenging enough for the experienced and easy enough for those new to the sport.

If it’s time you got back to nature yet spent your nights in luxury it’s time you experienced the island of Lana’i, give the experts at James TravelPOINTS a call we will get you on your way 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

The island of Hawaii, commonly called the Big Island, is the youngest and the largest of the Hawaiian Islands.  Five massive volcanoes built the Big Island and in the fires of creation formed an island twice as large as all the other islands combined.  The Big Island continues to grow as Kilauea Volcano, the worlds most active volcano is constantly adding acres of lava to the island’s shoreline.  Geographically it’s the most diverse island with deserts, rainforests, volcanoes and surprisingly, snow-capped mountains.  The mountain create a huge barrier that block the northeasterly trade winds and makes the leeward, western side of the island the driest region.  This coast has the best beaches and water conditions.  The windward, eastern coast is predominately rugged, with pounding surf, plenty of rain, tropical rainforests, deep ravines and majestic waterfalls.  Kona, Waikoloa and Hilo are the main centers for accommodation and restaurants.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is hands down the most unique park in the US National Parks system.  The park represents life and growth and creation of the most natural, basic kind.  This exceptionally large park encompasses two active volcanoes, a still-steaming sunken crater and geologically awesome landscape of cinder cones, pumice pillars and hardened rivers of lava.  Its terrain ranges from tropical beaches to the subartic summit of Mauna Loa, and includes lovely rainforests and fern groves.  It is a fascinating, exciting place to visit.  Plan to spend at least two days in the area, exploring the hiking trails, the unusual attractions and the scenic points. 

The lush, coastal Waipio Valley is the largest and most spectacular of the series of valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains.  It is enclosed by near-vertical 2000-feet-high cliffs and is accessible only by a narrow, excessively steep 4WD track, making hiking in the best option.  The valley is a fertile tangle of jungle, flowering plants, taro patches and waterfalls; this is a magical place to experience the spirit of the “old” Hawaii.

Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park encompasses ancient temples, royal grounds, burial sites and a place of refuge. Take time to check out the carved-wood representations of ancient gods; the stone board for playing konane, an ancient form of checkers played with black lava and white coral; and the wonderful snorkeling found off the natural lava steps just north of the place of refuge.  The beautiful stretch of white sand at Hapuna Beach is the island’s most popular beach.  It has good snorkeling, swimming, diving and bodysurfing.  Avoid the winter surf, which can pound the shoreline and get unsuspecting swimmers in trouble.

The Big Island is a perfect adventure for everyone; there are accommodations for every price range, great adventures, great beaches, and amazing scenery.  Give the experts at James TravelPOINTS a call and we’ll take care of the rest, 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

Secrets Resorts & Spa located on the Riviera Maya just south of Cancun Mexico is a luxury all-inclusive resort  for honeymooners and romatice couples looking for a beach vacation getaway.  Jan Geiser, CTC, with James TravelPoints International recently visited this Resort &  Spa on the Riviera Maya in Mexico and is considered a  Master Agent for Secrets Resorts & Spas.

I had the wonderful opportunity to stay at Secrets newest resorts — Secrets Silversands and Secrets Maroma Beach. I also re-visited Secrets Capri where I had previously stayed.

Secrets Maroma Beach and Secrets Silversands are both exceptional resorts. Secrets Maroma Beach is set on Maroma Beach, voted the World’s Best Beach by the Travel Channel four years in a row. You will understand why the moment you step foot on this beautiful white sand beach. This impressive all-suite resorts offers an infinity pool that breaks off into 12 smaller pools providing direct swim-out access to many of the suites.

Food, service and entertainment were excellent! So if you are looking for luxury and opulence in an Adults only resort, Secrets Maroma Beach is the perfect match

Secrets Silversands is a chic, upscale and contemporary resort. It too is an Adults-only, all-suite, unlimited luxury property. It features oversized suites with Jacuzzis for 2, suspended king-size beds, captivating lighting and alluring décor. It offers 43,000 sq.ft. of pool area. Not to mention excellent food, service, and entertainment!

Finally, Secrets Capri is still a gem. Its design reflects the charm of a Mexican hacienda.

All 290 rooms and suites offer superior amenities. And, every floor has a private concierge! Its newest addition is an enlarged Secrets Spa by Pevonia.

So, whether you would like to plan your Wedding, Honeymoon, Special Occasion, or a well-deserved vacation, I am certain that there is a Secrets Resort perfect for you!

Please call Jan at 800-274-0436X231 or 303-442-2340X231 so that we can discuss your Secrets’ Unlimited-Luxury Vacation.

If you are soon to be a newlywed looking for an adventurous honeymoon we would like to suggest: Arizona’s Grand Canyon Railway two-night “Rails and Wedding Bells” package.

The itinerary begins with an evening at the Fray Marcos Hotel in Williams, AZ where couples will enjoy champagne, a romantic dinner, and dessert at Max & Thelma’s restaurant, right next to the train station.
Couples will spend the next morning on a rail excursion in a luxury parlor car where they will enjoy a continental breakfast and strolling musicians.  Once at the Grand Canyon the honeymooners are whisked away on an exciting guided motorcoach tour of the most spectacular viewpoints along the south rim.  Couples can also chose from either a Sunset or Sunrise Tour of the canyon during their stay.  Guest then spend night in the canyon and return in the afternoon, enjoying appetizers and champagne in their luxury parlor car. For this or other Grand Canyon Rail adventures please give the specialist at James TravelPOINTS a call 1-800-538-7461,www.travelpoints.com. 

Of all the world’s oceans, none captures the imagination of the traveler quite like the pleasant tropical islands of the South Seas.  Stories of adventure, romance and discovery in unforgettable places with unpronounceable names have built a legend. Here the Fijian people live as they have done for centuries, retaining their ancient traditions and living a simple and carefree lifestyle supported by the harvest of a generous land and plentiful sea. 

Visitors to these islands are embraced by their warmth an simplicity and drawn into the simple lifestyle, the gentle pace and ease of which is irresistible seductive

The Fiji Islands lie at the very heart of the romantic south seas, straddling the tropical latitudes at 12 to 20 degrees south of the Equator. The main island of the Fiji group is Viti Levu, which is approximately 300 miles in circumference.  Nadi is the hub from which all regions and smaller islands are easily accessed.  The islands of the Mamanuca group are just 10 miles off shore from Nadi with the spectacular Yasawa Islands stretching some 75 miles to the North and West.

From Nadi, the Queen’s Highway sweeps South and East along the coastline, through fields of sugar cane, past local villages and on through tropical rainforest to the capital city Suva some 120 miles away.  The coral reefs that adjoin the coastline create a never-ending variety of protected lagoons and sheltered palm fringed beaches.  These regions know as the “Coral Coast”, is an area of great natural beauty, with the sea and the reef dominating the vista.

The beach resorts located along this coast offer as much in size, style and variety as the coastline itself.  Just 20 minutes from Nadi airport the five star Sheraton Fiji and adjoining Royal Denarau Resort are located on the beach of Denarau Island.  This superb 500 acre resort playground includes the challenging Denarau Golf and Racquet club, 18 hole championship golf course, and the Denarau Marina which is the departure point for launches servicing the off shore island resorts of the Mamanuca group and popular day cruises.

Less than one hour from Nadi along the Queen’s highway, Shangri La’s spectacular 105 acre Fijian Resort on Yanuca Island is linked by causeway to the main road.  The picture post card beach and lagoon, landscaped grounds, resort golf course, and the wide range of water, cultural and other activities are enough to satisfy the most particular visitor.  Other major “Coral Coast” resorts include the Naviti and Warwick, which nestled on the shores of their own private beach and lagoon.  A wide choice of less pretentious, smaller resorts offer personal service and excellent value.

Activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, golf, tennis, game fishing and sailing are catered for by most resorts and in the evenings, island music, dancing and beach parties make for a perfect holiday.  Getting around is easy.  Rental cars are available at resorts, taxis are plentiful and public transportation is inexpensive but basis.

The Mamanuca and Yasawa Island groups extend from between 15 km to 120km to the North and West of Nadi.  The remote Yasawa Islands have oftern been described as a string of pearls sprinkled on an blue sea.

To cruise the Yasawa Islands is to be enchanted by one of the most charming places in the South Pacific.  Blue Lagoon Cruises are part of the South Seas legend, taking you to places where the Fijian people live as they have done for centuries, keeping the spirit of island legend alive with their traditional and simple lifestyle.  It is in this corner of the world’s that clear white beaches fringed by tall palm trees and calm blue lagoons can be explored. 

Every day one of Blue Lagoon Cruises’ six modern yachts slips away on the afternoon tide to explore the bays and coral cays of the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands.  The pace is easy and relaxed with cruising time about four hours a day, with plenty of time ashore to stroll the beaches, visit native villages, swim, snorkel, fish, sunbathe, join in cruise activities or simply relax and do nothing at all.  Their are Island feasts, beach barbecues and great entertainment. If you are considering a unique south sea’s vacation let us help you with a custom designed vacation to Fiji.  James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com

Club Med Vacations offer All-inclusive packages for singles, families, adults, honeymooners world wide. 

If everyone in the family has a different interest, or maybe you’re travelling by yourself, or possibly planing a family reunion.  We’ve got the prefect vacation, one that will satisfy everyone’s needs…. CLUB MED.  Did you know that Club Med invented the “all inclusive” vacation back in 1950?  They are still offering the same great value that they did when it all started.  A single price covers your room, 3 meals a day with wine or beer at lunch and dinner, most sport, entertainment, activities for the kids, they even include the fun!

Each village at Club Med is set in the most idyllic location and each has its own personality, a few are only for adults, many include children’s programs (from babies to teenagers), some are more sports intensive than others are.  This is a world unto itself; everything is readily available and with easy reach: restaurants, bars theatres, nightclubs, sports and excursions. The clubs international flair allows you the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world.  The villages most frequented by American’s are throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific, if that’s too close to home, don’t worry, there are villages throughout the world.    Here, is the freedom of choice and the chance to re-connect with your fun-loving, relaxed spontaneous self.

Club Med is the world’s largest sports school with facilities for all of the most exciting sports.  Trained instructors will help you learn something new or develop your skills.  Whether you’re an experienced athlete or an amateur - Club Med gives you everything you need to play and progress at your own pace: instruction at your level of ability, with plenty of the latest equipment, from tennis to diving to rock climbing to biking to kayaking.   Oh and did we mention; at many sites you will actually have the chance to run away and join the circus, flying on the trapeze, juggling and more.  (Many clients plan their Club Med vacation only at villages that offer a circus, it’s that much fun!).

Several villages offer intensive sports programs such as dedicated dive centers,  SCUBA Program, golf academies, tennis Academies and intensive tennis clinics. 

For those of you travelling with children, you’ll enjoy your vacation that much more, knowing your young ones are have the time of their lives, with other children from all over the world! You have the opportunity to spend as much or as little time together as your child prefers.  Your child will be delighted with the sports, arts, learning experiences, and even kid-size meals, all under the safe guidance of qualified leaders.

No matter what your age or vacation inclination it’s at Club Med that you will have the time of your life.  Call the travel professionals at James TravelPOINTS, together; we can pick a village that is just right for you 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.