Destinations

From guest bloggers: Nannette and Susie Casto Clients

An International Women’s Forum Conference enticed us to South America in May 2008. The conference was in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and post conference tours, arranged by Casto Travel/Rascals in Paradise, took us to Iguazu Falls, Santiago and the Atacama Desert. We found you can still get a very good value for the U.S. dollar in South America.

Buenos Aires offers the experience of a sophisticated European city, with a vibrant South American spin. Starting with the exceptional Alvear Palace Hotel, located in the heart of Recoleta and designated an historical landmark, this hotel has the architectural style and décor of a real palace. On day one, we took a city tour, which we recommend because it gives a valuable overview of Buenos Aires. The city’s architecture was a constant surprise with styles from colonial-era to art deco, and La Boca thrilled us with brightly colorful buildings and sultry tango dancers. We learned to tango, or at least tried to tango, at The National Tango Academy, followed by a lively performance at Café Tortoni, the city’s oldest café. Thereafter, shopping was a favorite activity as fashion abounds, from leather goods on Florida Street to edgy designs found in Palermo Viejo, Buenos Aires’ hippest neighborhood. Of course, be prepared to eat Argentine beef, and plenty of it, while sipping your glass of Malbec wine at the many vibrant restaurants. One afternoon we admired contemporary Latin American art at the Malba, and marveled at the nearby Metallic Flower shaped like a tulip which opens and closes based on daylight. On Thursday, we witnessed the peaceful vigil of Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo which was very powerful and touching. We could go on, and on, but there are some of the snapshots.

Iguazu Falls are magnificent, and a “must see” in our book. These world-famous waterfalls are surrounded by sub-tropical rainforest and are nothing short of spectacular. We toured both the Brazil (you need a Visa) and Argentina falls and viewed them from walkways perilously close to the rim of the falls. Don’t pass up the opportunity to take a riverboat ride into the falls, and we strongly recommend purchasing a water resistant poncho. We screamed and laughed like kids. What fun! Our hotel stay was at the Sheraton in Argentina, with views of the falls from our room. Next time we’ll look into staying at the Orient Express lodge on the Brazilian side; it seemed a lot more exclusive. We stayed two nights, but would have welcomed staying another day or two to hike the national park trails and bird watch. (Continued next week..)

Tags: adventure, comfort, culture, luxury, modern

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Breakfast was amazing..we said goodbuy to our new friends at Byron Bay for a one hour drive to Coolangatta airport for our one hour flight to Sydney. Upon arrival we were met by Australian Luxury escapes transfer service that took us to the Observatory Hotel (orient Express) very English Country house feel without the stuffiness. The rooms are very spacious and luxurious. This hotel is small 100 rooms and is about 15 min. from downtown in a residential neighborhood great for a romantic getaway. Shane our host was charming and fun. Tom our guide took us on an amazing walk of the Rocks area to the Opera House. A wonderful history that Tom knew well.

After a very nice breakfast we were off to The Blue Mountains this is a National Park about 2 hours away from Sydney, which for Australia is pretty near! They’re called the Blue Mountains because the area is full of Eucalyptus trees which give off a blueish light from a distance. Stayed for 2 night at the beautiful Lilianfels (Orient Express) again the rooms are spacious and the views were better than expected..The three sisters is a must see at night. Dinner at Daleys restaurant is a unique experience. A has a great day trip through the Mountains and Tom knows the best secret lookouts. Stunning! and a yummy BBQ. (Tom can cook too) A real treat was a day at Jenolan Caves. A must see! Spectacular limestone caves. Off the mountain back to Sydney’s Observatory hotel for out last two nights. We were able to see the lovely Park Hyatt that is a low rise hotel that on the Harbor and overlooks the Opera House. Very spacious rooms! We also saw the Four Seasons and the wonderful Intercontinental Hotel that is very nice a bit old and new combined nicley. The club level has amazing views!Dinner was at the Sydney Tower restaurant with 360 degree views.

Our last day was full of adventure!! We started off with the sea plane..small 12 seater that really gives you a birdeye’s view of the islands and harbor..really fun, then we hopped on the Jet boat that whipped us around the harbor..fast!! we saw our friends on the Harbor bridge doing the bridge climb.. After the rollercoaster ride we approched 12 Harley Davidson’s!! they came equipped with drivers, leather jackets and helmet’s we cruised through the streets of Syndney back to the Observatory Hotel… A wonderful high tea with a tea leaf reader and all, Then to the Park Hyatt for cocktails in their lovely lounge with live music nightly. We took a small cruise over to the Opera house for a Gala farwell dinner. Great service and perfect views. The return flight in economy was not bad at all. Qantas is a great airline!

I cannot tell you what a wonderful time I had it was packed with adventure. I learned a lot. and the wines…oh my! The best part was the group that I was traveling with 13 women and one gentlemen. It was a real treat that I will not soon forget. I am already planning my second trip.

Tags: adventure, comfort, culture, luxury, outdoors

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I had a fantastic 8 night trip to Australia. I started my trip in Los Angeles taking the nonstop Qantas flight to Brisbane. I was not looking forward to the 14 hour flight .To my surprise we were upgraded to Business class!! So, We started in the business class lounge which is very sleek. Plenty of drinks, food, computers, couches and showers. A nice way to start the trip. The service was perfect on the flight they are attentive and frinedly. The on demand movies in the flat bed made this trip!.

Arriving into Brisbane we were transfered to Dreamworld a nice little amusment park were they brought a white tiger for us to pet! we all had our pictures taken with a Koala..they are so soft and cuddly. After a very nice lunch we were transferd to the MV Circa luxury yacht and cruised the Gold Coast. We arrived at the marina at the Palazzo Versace where we stayed for one night. The lobby is grand and the rooms are very big with a huge spa tube. The pool is also very nice with a man made beach. Evening cocktails at the Sheraton Mirage across the street was very nice. Good beach and a big pool. Evening gala welcome dinner at Palazzo Versace was grand! After a lovely breakfast out at the pool at Palazzo Versace we were off to Byron Bay by stretch limousines..What a enterance to this small artsy beach town. We stayed at The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa for two nights. This resort is set on 46 acres of rain forrest with beatiful walkways, a river and a lake! A short 10 minute walk to a very seculed long beach. What a great hidaway. The resort is luxurious and the staff (Holly and Chrissy) are incredible. even the owners (Lynn and John) who are socialable with all their guests and are very charming and laid back. All the rooms are one-bedrooms suites with kitchenettes, washer and dryer. Very tastefully decorated clean and simple. two screened in pourches..very comfortable. We all enjoyed a very relaxing afternoon in the infinity pool that overlooks the rainforest and then the spa. Dinner was amazing. Grant (the chef) out did himself with all locally gown produce and the deserts and wine were plentiful.

The next morning we had a great trip (hosted by Grant and Holly ) to the local farmers market…The locals are a little hippy like but very friendly and knowledgable about there produce, area and community. Breakfast was at a fantasic restaurant Byron Beach Cafe. It was on the beach and the food and service was outstanding! we were then off to the Crystal Palace a spirtual center with amazing crystals and Buddah’s… we had out aura’s read and I am happy to say that I am well balanced. Back in town we had a delightful dinner at Dish..Very hip great restaurant. (To be continued…)

Tags: adventure, comfort, culture, luxury, outdoors

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