The Must-See Wildlife Of South America

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Apr27

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The Must-See Wildlife of South America

Posted in: Western Hemisphere

You don’t often hear of South America’s wildlife, but the country is home to some of the most interesting animals, reptiles, and fish on earth. We at Well Designed Journeys have chosen five fascinating species to share with you today.

Jaguar

The magnificently-colored jaguar is an endangered species that roams the jungles of South America. They are large cats, with males weighing up to 250 pounds and females weighing up to 200 pounds. The jaguar is a fierce predator that will eat rodents, fish, and large game and can hunt on the ground, in water, or from trees. While it is fast over a short distance, it is not built to chase prey for long distances. Read More | Comments
Mar9

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Eco-Friendly Hotels in Costa Rica

Posted in: Eco-Travel

The magic of Costa Rica is the sounds, sights, and smells of nature. Immerse yourself in Costa Rica by staying at one of these eco-friendly hotels, and prepare to be mesmerized by its beauty and simple sophistication. When luxury travel meets nature, both are enhanced.

Lapa Rios, Osa Peninsula

The jewel in the crown of the lovely Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios features bamboo bungalows with romantic nets over the bed, private decks, and garden showers. It’s truly a place for newlyweds and lovers, with stunning views of the Golfo Dulce and gourmet meals prepared by local men who bring their culture to the table.

Tiskita Jungle Lodge, Southern Pacific

Known as “the best-kept secret in Costa Rica,” remote Tiskita Jungle Lodge is nestled in the rainforest amid tropical fruit orchards, and it boasts wilderness beaches teeming with wildlife. The cabins are simple yet lavish, the food is flavorful and fresh, and the activities include rainforest hikes, snorkeling, horseback riding, sea fishing, surfing, and bird watching.

Arenas Del Mar Nature and Beach Resort, Central Pacific Coast

A new arrival on the Costa Rica eco-friendly hotel scene, Arenas Del Mar Nature and Beach Resort was the first 100% sustainable development project in Costa Rica. Situated in a wildlife reserve, the resort features three types of accommodations: air-conditioned bedrooms with decks that overlook the rainforest, suites with living areas and private hot tubs, and premium suites with two bathrooms and a spacious deck.

The Iguana Verde Tree House, Southern Caribbean

Located in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge, you’ll find four tree houses owned by the Green Iguana Foundation. Each tree house features two bedrooms, a shower room, and a kitchen. You’ll love the rich hardwood, and your tree house is fully air-conditioned and contains a Jacuzzi and barbecue.

You may be tempted to spend all your time enjoying the views from your treehouse, but you’d be missing the exciting activities surrounding you: surfing, whitewater rafting, yoga, and Cahuita National Park.

Which hotel is your favorite, and why?
Oct28

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5 Reasons Why Travel is the Best Kind of Gift

Posted in: Holidays and Events, Tips and Ideas

As the holidays are fast approaching, we’re making our gift lists and preparing to go shopping. We realized that we offer one of the best presents available: the gift of luxury travel and distinctive journeys.

Why give travel to your friends and family?

You literally give your loved one the world.

We’ve always heard that expression, “I’d give you the world if I could.” When you give a luxury vacation, you can. Your family member or friend can choose practically anywhere on earth to visit, and we can accommodate his or her wishes. Read More | Comments
Aug19

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What’s the Difference Between All-Inclusive and Non-All-Inclusive Vacations?

Posted in: Accommodations, Beach Getaways, Tips and Ideas

All-inclusive vacations and packages aren’t right for everyone. Some travelers prefer to rent a villa or home so they can explore different cuisines and restaurants, activities, and locations, while others enjoy the ease of an all-inclusive vacation: having all amenities, meals, and activities at their immediate disposal and leisure.

Some packages offered by various travel providers have some all-inclusive features mixed with some non-all-inclusive features. These packages usually require you to pay separately for your alcoholic beverages and / or your activities and excursions. For the purpose of this article, we’ll focus on the benefits to the all-inclusive vacation vs. the non-all inclusive vacation.

In order to help you better understand whether an all-inclusive or non-all-inclusive package best suits your needs and preferences, see below for a breakdown of these two types of vacations:

All-Inclusive Vacations

All-inclusive vacations range everywhere from island resorts to cruises. Although each all-inclusive vacation varies, depending on the company, most all-inclusive resorts have guests pay a set budget that includes all meals, accommodations, entertainment, activities, and airport transfers in the initial fee.

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Aug10

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A Look at Paris’ Unique Architecture

Posted in: Culture, Eastern Hemisphere

From food to shopping to scenery, there’s so much to love about Paris, France. It’s easily one of the top destinations in the world. However, one of the best parts of Paris which has stood the test of time is the city’s unique architecture. Fortunately, Paris was untouched during World War II, meaning that much of its best examples of architecture have not only stood the test of time, but can easily be experienced and not just seen from a distance. Today we take a look at Paris’ unique architecture.

1. Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is nothing short of an international icon. Standing at nearly 1,000-feet tall, it’s a stunning example of iron craftsmanship. Built in 1889, Paris’ most popular landmark has endured through the years and is still just as accessible as ever by visitors. A climb up the Eiffel Tower offers a view of Paris that is second to none.

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Aug8

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Stepping Back in Time to Explore the Aboriginal Culture

Posted in: Culture, Eastern Hemisphere

Aboriginal culture is one of the most extraordinary and well-known in the world. Dating back centuries, Aborigines are one of the most storied people groups in the world. One whose story continues to be told, as Aboriginal settlements still exist in Australia. Just as visiting the beaches and the outback are important to experiencing the best of Australia, so is experiencing different parts of Aboriginal culture. Step back in time today as we explore Aboriginal culture and share with you some of the can’t-miss experiences of a visit to Australia.

Visit Iga Warta. If your interest has ever been piqued about how Aborigines live, then this is the opportunity for you. Guests are introduced to Aboriginal culture by living like Aborigines. More specifically, guests experience Adnyamathanha culture: living among locals, learning about their history, taking tours of the local area, and taking part in other cultural activities. This is a unique, secluded experience, providing a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors of Australia.

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Aug3

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The World’s Most Uniquely Designed Luxury Hotels: Part I

Posted in: Accommodations, Culture

Image to the left of the Nordic Light Hotel taken from the Nordic Light Hotel’s website.

Here at Well Designed Journeys, we like our five-star hotels. Who doesn’t? We like our turndown service, bellhop, chocolates on the pillow, jacuzzi tub, and balcony. What makes a hotel even better is when it features unique décor, designs, or amenities you won’t find anywhere else. Today we begin a new series that spotlights some of the world’s most uniquely designed luxury hotels.

Nordic Light Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden. When your country is noted for a hotel made completely out of ice, you can expect to find some other unique accommodations. As the name alludes to, the Nordic Light Hotel is a light show for your lodging experience. Each room features different designs and shapes that come to life through light. However, for the most extraordinary experience, book one of the mood rooms, which features customized light beds in which you control the color, tempo, and intensity of the lights. Don’t miss out on the Light Bar and Lounge, which is a unique blend of lights, sound, and cocktails.

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Aug1

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Spice Up Your Annual Vacation with a Trip to Grenada

Posted in: Beach Getaways, Western Hemisphere

Image above taken from travel.nationalgeographic.com.

It’s hard to believe August is here. This time of year often marks the beginning of the end. The summer travel season is coming to a close and it’ll soon be time to pull out warmer clothes. However, it doesn’t have to mark the end of the travel season. It just means travelers need to head further south. And what better place to get plenty of sunshine, warmth, and beach than the Caribbean? Today we head to the southeastern part of the Caribbean Sea and give you a guide to Grenada.

Food. Unlike destinations such as France or Spain, finding quality dining in the Caribbean can be a challenge. Nonetheless, Grenada has numerous restaurants that’ll leave a lasting impression on your vacation. For an extraordinary experience, you’ll have a tough time topping the Lighthouse Ship Restaurant, Vastra Banken. The restaurant is literally aboard a ship. Part of the Le Phare Blue Marina and Boutique Hotel, Vastra Banken features creative dishes that include variations of chicken, steak, and duck. Make sure to save room for dessert. For a versatile, yet fine dining experience, it may be hard to rip you away from Savvy’s Restaurant and Bar at Mt. Cinnamon Hotel. Entrees range from traditional Caribbean dishes to fresh, local seafood to gastro-pub fare. It also features one of the best views in Grenada, overlooking Grande Anse Beach.

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