Hobbies in Action

“Feel the beat of the rhythm”

Dancing takes to the waves by storm.  2013 will be the 6^th and final Aventura Dance Cruise on board the Carnival Victory ship. After the premier of dancing with the stars, I think we all craved a little of that ballroom atmosphere, and nearly 7days a week you can go out on the town and find a small corner of the city dancing to the Caribbean rhythms of the two most popular styles of Latin dance, Bachata and Salsa. It has become a great fun way to meet people in a far less awkward manner than the usual bar banter, or something you can go do with that someone in your life.

Now that you have learned the steps, let’s talk about how to have fun with it! You have been waiting for the right time to take a vacation and with the abundance of options, where do you begin? Why not start with your newfound hobby of dance, and get a tan while you are at it. The Aventura dance cruise has become quite the fall event. I write this as an avid salsa dancer in the twin cities, but you do not need to be a pro to participate. With more than 40 hours of all different levels and types of workshops taught by world renown artists and performances by the most fun dance companies, how could not have a great time?

Having attended a few salsa conventions across the country, I can advocate for the fun times you can have, even without knowing many people at all. At my first salsa congress, I spent the days on the beach and picked maybe two classes to attend throughout the 4 days. The shows are the most fun and definitely get you in the mood for the social dancing that will go until all hours of the night. You can stay for a dance or two, or stay until 5 in the morning. It was nice to have my option on how much I wanted to participate or just watch.

Just a thought for the next trip J

Hard Rock...Resorts?

Palace Resorts has recently begun development of their new brand, Hard Rock Resorts. The first all Inclusive Hard Rock Hotel and Casino opened early this year in Punta Cana located in the Dominican Republic. This 1800 room resort has really made a splash in the all inclusive market. Most Hard Rock brands are said to be more adult focused, but this property has lots of activities for kids, even musical summer camps for the whole family, or just a group a friends! This Resort will definitely shake the average vacation routine by really focusing on the entertainment value for guests.

What will it set you back? Rates are about $250 per day, which is high for an all inclusive, however with the hip trends and savvy style, they make quite the impression! Also, when staying at Palace resorts, you are allotted a $1500 resort credit available for use in the shops, spa, golf, however there may be limits on what you may use in specific areas.

They also have a casino, of course, 15 pools...yes 15... 15 bars, 11 restaurants to accommodate, well, anyone! Not to mention the live bands playing constantly, whether it's a cover band one night, or Bob Marley's touring band, you will be thoroughly entertained.

In case the Dominican Republic is not your style, Palace Resorts are set to open more all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels in Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta!

-Hospitable Me

"I need to get away"

That's right, we have all said it at one point or another. The travel bug hits, or maybe it's just a change of scenery to clear our heads. In the past 30 years we have seen a dramatic shift in the travel industry. Where most people did, and still do, travel for business, the leisure traveler has taken the stage. I mean, everyone needs a vacation, right? Travel is now a matter of well being, and life/work balance and we have come to see travel and an inherent need. What are we traveling for? To relax, gain balance, center your mind, all kinds of reasons. Let's take this idea one step further and and not only get away, but go to a place that fosters relaxation and bliss... sure a beach may work just fine, but what about a destination spa?

More and more we see resorts with fantastic amenities and spa facilities, and now we have full service, extended stay wellness centers. Destination spas have come into the market full force finding a niche in the vacation industry. You can travel a spa to take personal training classes, nutrition classes, therapy, cooking classes, all of which are designed for better life balance and both mental and physical health. Canyon Ranch Resorts, has medical doctors onsite to do consultations or treat medical problems that may need to be addressed during your stay. Celebrities have found these places to be a great escape from their busy lives and cities for years, why not look into what the hype is all about?

Top Spas in the U.S.

1. The Biggest Loser at Fitness Ridge- Ivins, Utah

2. Birdwing Spa- Litchfield, MN

3. Cal-a-vie Spa- Vista, CA

4. Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires- Lenox, MA

5.Copperhood Retreat and Spa- Shandaken, NY

Next time you think you "need" a vacation or some time away, a spa may be a good choice to rejuvenate!

-Chelsea B.

Meet me at Duke's- Honolulu December 2011

Imagine the first week of December 2011, with the cold looming over skyscrapers of Minneapolis. Great time to get away, right?

Room at Outrigger Reef on Waikiki

This was the plan as owner of Riverdale Travel, Sandy Anderson, and myself boarded Delta Airlines on our way to Honolulu, Oahu for some much needed R&R. The Outrigger Reef would be our home for the next 3 nights, located right on Waikiki Beach. A great property with a casual vibe and plenty of activities going on around the hotel, I loved it! This hotel has 3 restaurants, however we only ate at 2 of them. The Ocean House restaurant located right on the beach is a great choice to sit and overlook the ocean and the food was excellent. the Shore Bird is the hotel Bar and Grill with free Karaoke every night beginning at 9:30pm. Great atmosphere!

Hiking in the rain forest

Although the beach is such an amazing place, Oahu has much more to offer. Sandy and I ventured into the Rain forest on day 2. Winding paths, clay-like mud, and some absolutely beautiful plants. Our 2 hour hike, was very informative and  It is a great way to get up and away from the hotel and move your body...yes some people do actually do that on vacation! Watch out for the mosquitoes though, they bite!

Duke's Waikiki

No better way to unwind than with a few drinks at Duke's bar and restaurant located in the Outrigger Waikiki hotel. Every night this place was packed with tourists and locals alike. Patio Had live music playing as the sun set on the horizon, everyone dancing around having a great time. Known as the most popular hangout on Waikiki, they also happen to have incredible food! Breakfast buffet, salad bar, and entrees that make your mouth water, you can't go wrong here. One evening I had a tuna steak with a side of rice (which included the salad bar as an appetizer), I could have stopped at the salad bar and been extremely satisfied with my meal. The tuna was perfectly seasoned and seared to perfection! A perfect gem in the heart of Waikiki.

Moana Surfrider a Westin Resort at Waikiki

Of course time had to be spent on the beach! On day 3 we moved to the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort just a few buildings down from the Outrigger Reef. This hotel distinctly different in every manner, aimed more towards the upscale luxury market. With plantation style architecture, it embraces a sophisticated look and vibe, with a nightly piano player as you walk in. There is a fine dining restaurant located on the property as well as pool bar, that makes some great drinks with quite a kick. Be sure to order the tropical itch to get your complimentary wooden back-scratcher.

Dinner at Roy's

We spent the evening at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine. Some of the best food I have tasted in my few years around here! We split the appetizer sampler, with beef skewers, egg rolls, bok choy and sushi, all of which were impeccable. We then split the red snapper entree, the fish was tender and flaky and utterly mouthwatering (my mouth is watering just thinking about it). Can't leave out the Hawaiian Martini; this fruit infused cocktail is refreshing yet potent, a couple of those and you will end up back at Shore Birds singing karaoke all night.

This property is ideal for R&R, or a wedding (we saw atleast 3 weddings happening during out stay). Not to mention, next door you have Duke's! We decided to mosey on down for breakfast, and quickly learned that you have to get there early. A wait for breakfast at 10am, you know it's good. With everything from bread pudding to eggs Benedict, this buffet did not disappoint. I still crave it two months later.

In all, a great trip with fabulous drinks and food! One for the books for sure, and can't wait to go back to dukes!

-Chelsea B.