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.

Morocco, Africa luxury adventure awaits, Marrakech the Sahara, Fes and Rabat are some of the magical cities to explore.  

On a winding road in the High Atlas Mountains between Ourzazate and Marrakech I realized I had to tell of my adventure in the Sahara.  These snowy mountains have watched over us since returning from the desert, and red colored foothills loom formidable, while delicate terraced fields glow green along the riverbanks.  The balance of life is more pronounced than anything I have ever seen.  Morocco is like a jewel lying between the sea and the Sahara.

Berber tradesmen once traveled along the routes between the Imperial cities of Fes, Rabat and Marrakech to Timbuktu. Now they are settled in towns that fringe the dunes and up into the mountains.  Herdsmen still roam with their goats, camels and black wool tents following the best grazing land. From atop the grand kasbah Ait Ben Haddou we watched a man and hundreds of goats scramble along the rocky terrain on their daily search for sustenance.

We met our drivers in the town of Erfoud, where we transferred to Range Rovers for an exhilarating hour long sunset ride.  Dust spewed out behind our wheels and the other vehicle’s lights glowed and danced around us like fireflies as we made our way to Merzouga.  The way is marked on the map as a “regional road track”, starting out roughly paved and turning into imperceptible sand covered tracks.  Our turbaned driver knew the way and laughed at our amazement.  Seeing that he had a tape deck, we asked if he would play some music.  He whipped out a worn cassette, whacked it a few times, blew out the dust and we were in business.  The exotic melodies of drums and horns were then interrupted by the ringing of our guide’s cell phone, keeping us in the present. 

A bonfire and drums greeted us at the camp.  The staff dressed in blue robes and turbans offered dates and goats milk from bronze trays.  Two rows of black tents for sleeping formed a courtyard where the fire burned before an area set with carpets, couches, poofs and low tables.  Everything sparkled as the full moon lit up the dunes as far as the eye could see.  Orion and his pals filled the sky as we dined and drank wine, danced and sang into the night.  Then we slept in our Berber tents, keeping warm under thick fleecy blankets, marveling at the shine of sequins reflected in the candlelight.

We awoke to the sound of a lone drum, then the mooing of camels and the calling of drivers.  The sun was not up yet, just a faint glow that made the sky a deep titian blue.  Warm clothes kept us warm in the chilly Saharan morning, as we sat atop our camels.  Mine was a sweet animal, with a beautifully thick curly brown coat, upon long light colored legs.  As we walked out into the sand my body found its balance in step with my majestic mode of ancient transportation.  The driver was a handsome brown weathery man in a grey chellabah. His pointed hood silhouetted by the sand, as he led us out to greet the sun.

We passed small dunes with sparse, course grasses growing in patches.  Deep valleys in the sand sheltered larger clumps of wonderful green desert plants that surprised me with their rare lushness.  In the distance a great dune stood over a hundred feet tall.  We road on and on enjoying the awe inspiring scenery, when at the foot of the great dune we stopped.  By now the movement of my camel seemed second nature, and I leaned back into a standing position as he sat upon the sand.  After settling on his great legs a moment I climbed off.

My unnamed guide held out his hand and led me on the steep climb up the gigantic dune.  It was a struggle straight up the side. At the point where I thought no way can I make it I looked up, we were so close I could not quit.  One more groaning effort, as the smiling desert man pulled my arm, losing his shoes in the shifting sand, and we were up.  He retrieved his shoes and we happily sat upon the crest to watch the sun rise.  I felt like we sat on the edge of the world, nothing but wind swept sand spread out to what could be infinity. The timelessness was accented as the sun peaked over a distant dune, its bright beams warming our faces and our hearts. 

Call the experts at James TravelPOINTS to plan your adventure 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.

Jaipur, India, in South Asia is known at the Pink City offers palaces, forts, festivals and bazaars, one of India’s most vibrant and exotic destinations.  The James TravelPOINTS experts would like to let you in on our secret The Oberoi Rajvilas.  You will feel like royalty at The Oberoi Rajvilas a unique way to experience Jaipur, a luxury resort with its own distinctive character, it revives the gracious lifestyles of India’s legendary Rajput princes.

Go ahead.  Speak it, and see if you don’t feel like going there. “Jaipur.”  A word that stirs the senses, representing that vibrant part of India that glows with exotic pageantry, where the daily culture itself is the country’s principal wealth. Intoxicating, particularly if one is well kept, as in the case of Oberoi Hotel’s fantastic new resort, Rajvilas.

Built as an oasis of elegance an luxury, worthy of a new Maharajah if ever that were to be India’s way again, Rajvilas spreads itself with regal grace over thirty acres of beautiful gardens, pools and fountains, in the peaceful countryside just outside the Pink City of Jaipur.

Inside you’ll find deluxe rooms with four-poster beds and sunken marble baths; and the grounds, romantic Rajasthani-style “tents” (air-conditioned, permanent guestrooms with teak floors, exquisite furnishings, luxury baths and incredible suspended ceilings).  Rajvilas is so appealing that Architectural Digest did a spectacular piece on the hotel (August 1998).

James TravelPOINTS destination experts will help you with the process of planning a unique journey thru India that includes this magical destination, 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.

Here is a review from one of our Mexico Specialists who recently returned from Iberostar Gran (Iberostar Grand) in the Riviera Maya, Mexico just South of Cancun.  Read about this luxurious, gourmet, spa resort. 

 I did not feel like I was in Mexico when my mom and I checked into the Iberostar Grand as Mr. and Mrs. Barnett (you can tell this romantic resort mainly caters to couples).  With it’s giant chandeliers, beautiful artwork, and rich ambiance I felt like I was in a luxurious Las Vegas hotel.  We were taken to our oceanfront room in a golf cart by one of the employees who told us about the 5 delicious restaurants we could eat at any night, the 3 beautiful pools, and the giant spa.  It was when we were walking into the building where our room was when I finally said to myself, “Ah, Mexico.”  The building was maybe 15 yards from the ocean and mere steps away from the first lounge chair.  I couldn’t believe how nice our room was.  It had 2 lounge chairs on the large balcony, a giant bed, and french doors that open to a bathroom that had his and her sinks even.  Our personal butler greeted us immediately and we told him we preferred Corona in the free minibar fridge and  wanted 8pm reservations at the surf and turf for our first big meal.  I couldn’t believe the high quality of the food as well as the relaxed atmosphere of the resort.  My goal is to go back as often as possible.

James TravelPOINTS 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com

Consider Ceiba del Mar Resort and Spa in the Riviera Maya, Mexico just south of Cancun.  It’s a perfect quiet, luxury getaway for couples, honeymooners or anyone who likes to be spoiled.  You can choose from  gourmet all-inclusive or “Al a carte”.  I just returned from this beautiful property and here is my report. 

Do you want Mexican luxury that’s only 20 minutes from the Cancun airport?  Try Ceiba del Mar, a small resort, with under 100 rooms.  The service can’t be beat.  They will transfer you to and from the airport, enjoy a bottled water on the trip.  Once you arrive at the hotel you get a lovely drink while the front desk workers explain the many things Ceiba del Mar has to offer its guests.  Leave your breakfast request outside your door and it will be delivered to the butler cabinet at the time you request in the morning, no worries about answering the door in your pj’s.  All rooms are just steps away from the private beach which is swept clear of sea grass everyday.  If you don’t like salty water, the saline pool is large and looks out over the ocean.  Don’t worry about bringing a towel to the beach, pool butlers will cover your chair with a giant towel and leave another for drying off.  At the Ceiba del Mar, you can get an all-inclusive meal plan or go European style.  The food is delicious and one appetizer was more than enough for the two of us to be satisfied for dinner.  Every morning and evening we went to yoga, usually outside on the hotel’s covered dock.  This is the yoga you imagine you’re doing when you’re at the gym at home, listen to the waves and relax.  The spa offers a large variety of treatments for such a small hotel.  The Ceiba del Mar is great for all travelers, we saw families, honeymoon couples, and sisters out for a last hoorah.

Call James TravelPOINTS to book this or anyone luxurious hotel and spa 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.