Posts Tagged ‘tourism’

Choosing the Right Lanzarote Resort

March 17th, 2010

Great beaches, surreal volcanic scenery, unique visitor attractions.  The small Canary Island of Lanzarote boasts all the right ingredients for a holiday in the sun.  And thanks to it’s year round climate and close proximity to the UK it can be enjoyed all year round. Offering good value holidays during both the winter and summer seasons.

The island was first subdued by the Spanish crown in the early 1400´s.  Before becoming a strategic asset to the nascent Spanish empire.  As galleons docked and refuelled here whilst transporting Inca silver across the Atlantic from the New World.  Today 250,000 tourists still arrive by ship on board cruise vessels.  With the majority of visitors – around 1.5 million annually – arriving by air. 

The majority of these tourists will stay in one of Lanzarote´s main holiday resorts; Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca.  All of which boast their own individual charm along with modern facilities and good quality accommodation options.  Such as luxurious Lanzarote villas and four and five star hotels.

The quality of Lanzarote villas and also apartments in Lanzarote has always been maintained but increased competition means that standards have been raised even higher for the most part.

In the north of the island Costa Teguise is located just ten minutes away from Arrecife airport, Lanzarote´s sole international terminal.  The resort enjoys an open and spacious feel and was first developed during the 1970´s under the aegis of the ubiquitous local artist César Manrique.  Proving very popular with tourists from across sun starved Northern Europe.  Whilst also offering a good selection of accommodation options. 

Puerto del Carmen is the largest resort on the island, located a twenty minute drive south of Costa Teguise.  Boasting great beaches and excellent value accommodation.  In the form of numerous affordable apartment complexes which are located in both the New and Old Town areas.  Local tourist authorities have just spent over 16 million Euros improving and renovating the resort.  With a new luxury marina in place and the main beachfront strip now pedestrianised.  So further enhancing Puerto del Carmen´s appeal as a holiday destination.

Playa Blanca is the new kid on the block.  Relatively speaking.  Having only first started to evolve after Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise during the 1990´s. 
Playa Blanca is located at the southern end of the island and this position tends to ensure that it enjoys the best of the weather that Lanzarote has to offer.  Playa Blanca also boasts some great accommodation options too – and is home to some of the most upmarket hotels and villas in Lanzarote.

Click here for for information about Lanzarote Holiday Villas.

St. John Tourism

March 13th, 2010

The U.S. Virgin Islands attract millions of tourists each and every year, and with good reason too. They offer all of the luxury and beauty of the Caribbean, but with the security and safety that comes with being governed by the U.S. Of the three major U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John tends to get the least attention, but this is because it has withstood the temptation to commercialize itself, and not because it is a less worthy destination than St. Croix or St. Thomas, which are the other two major Islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In fact, if you want a relaxing time in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and to immerse yourself in natural and unspoilt surroundings, then St. John stands out as the obvious choice. With two-thirds of the Island designated as National Park, it is the most undeveloped, easygoing and laid back of the large U.S. Virgin Islands. That is not to say that it is the ‘dull’ choice – far from it. There is plenty to do and see there if you want to spend a a few days away from one of its many stunning beaches.

Of particular note, and something which should not be missed under any circumstances, is the Virgin Islands National Park. It includes hiking trails and a wonderful range of wildlife, some of which is unique to the Island. The beaches within the National Park, are amongst the best to be found in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and there are enough of them for you to visit a different one on each day of your stay.

The main towns are Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, and staying in one of these two places allows easy access to restaurants, bars and shops. There are lots of hotels and resorts to choose from, which range from the quaint to the exceedingly lavish. Booking early is always advisable as finding anywhere to stay at the last minute is normally impossible.

Luxury resorts tend to be the preferred choice. Most lead directly on to the beach, offer amazing views, and provide full guest services. You literally would not have to leave the resort if you did not want to. For those looking for tranquility and seclusion, there are few places in the world that can match it.

Find out more about the Island of St. John and St. John hotels by visiting cruzbayusvi.com

U.S. Virgin Islands : Don’t Miss Out On A Trip To Cruz Bay

March 13th, 2010

Cruz Bay has a distinctive atmosphere which sets it apart from anywhere else in the U.S. Virgin Islands. There is a perfect combination of contemporary  attitudes and West Indian tradition. The locals who live their permanently are supplemented by a cosmopolitan mix of predominantly European and American tourists, many of whom, attracted to the exotic, yet comfortably familiar getaway, visit there every year.

It is the site of most of the Island’s restaurants, bars, and stores, and pretty much all visitors to St. Johns spend at least some time there. However, despite being the St. John’s center of commerce, it is nearer to being quiet than it is to being busy. The pace of life there is considerably slower than in a U.S. coastal town, and visitors cannot help but be influenced by the vibe, making it easy to forget about the troubles and problems they have left behind them at home.

If you fancy a day or two away from the beautiful, secluded, scenic beaches that are located just 5-15 minutes away from Cruz Bay, then you can hike through the spectacular Virgin Islands National Park, hire a jeep to take you on a tour of the Island, or browse the quaint shops that line the backstreets of the town. Alternatively, you can indulge in some of the wide variety of water sports activities available. Scuba diving tours tours to offshore reefs are very popular, as are parasailing and jet ski tours.

Whatever you choose to do with your day, you can be sure that the weather will not be a hindrance, as the weather in Cruz Bay ranges from good to excellent. Air temperatures range from 80-90 degrees during winter months to 80-95 degrees during the summer, and water temperatures are 75-80 degrees in winter and 80-85 degrees in summer. Rain is infrequent, so leave your umbrella at home and stock up on sunscreen.

Find out more about Cruz Bay and Grande Bay resort st. John rental by visiting http://cruzbayusvi.com