Sublime tranquility in Oia

Posted by Staff in Greece, Luxury Monday

Clinging to the cliffs of the magical Greek isle of Santorini, the Katikies Hotel is a white refuge hanging above the deep blue Aegean Sea.

Although this five star hotel is known for it’s stunning views and fabulous service, some guests are surprised at how simple the rooms are considering the high-price…but what you pay for here is location, location, location. The hotel is located in the picturesque town of Oia…which is the posterchild of Greece with it’s white buildings, cobalt blue domed roofs and windmills…even if you have never heard of the place I guarantee you have seen a picture of it.

The maze of steps that connect all the hotel’s rooms and common areas are what makes the place so magical…with the added benefit of a involuntary workout. An especially breathtaking part of the hotel is the main infinity pool, which hangs off a cliff and offers completely unobstructed views of the sea. 

Each room has it’s own private terrace where your complimentary breakfast is served each morning…but seclusion does not end in your room, as the Katikies is full of secret nooks where you can feel as if you are the only guest on the island, making this the ultimate destination for romance. 

So if you are looking for dream-like serenity in a white cloud…Katikies is your answer…katikies.com

The sun makes an appearance

Posted by Staff in Foto Fridays

The sun peaking through the clouds in the Anza Borrego Desert….the largest state park in the contiguous United States lies between Palm Springs and San Diego in California….the desert covers 600,000 acres.

Recycle your maps

Posted by Staff in Souvenirs, Tip of the Week

Don’t know what to do with old travel maps, blogger Teena Hughes from A-Night-In-Paris.com has some great ideas…like using them as creative wrapping paper…to read the rest of her ideas click here

Hobbit-esque travel

Posted by Staff in Budget Thursdays, New Zealand

If wacky travel is your forte, then you must check out Woodlyn Park, located on the North Island of New Zealand.

Woodlyn Park is a working farm and home to the popular “Billy Black’s Kiwi Culture Show,” where you will see a sheep shearing demonstration and get to know the different varieties of bush animals. The owner decided to build on the idea of his cultural heritage show and added on various motels, housed in relics of New Zealand history. 

The Plane Motel is set in a 1950’s Bristol Freighter that was one of the last allied planes out of Vietnam.  The plane features two self-contained rooms that each sleeps four…one in the cockpit and one in the tail of the plane.

The Train Motel is housed in a 1950 train cart and features three separate motel rooms. If sleeping in a train does not fit your style then why not try out a night in the Waitanic…a grounded WWII Patrol boat that was built in Auckland in 1942.

My favorite is the newest edition to Woodlyn Park, the Hobbit Motel.  Built into the side of a hill and featuring oversized furniture…this place really lets your inner Frodo free.

Woodlyn Park is located only two minutes from the Waitomo caves, home of the infamous glowworm…and many guests that come to see this natural wonder decide to crash at Woodlyn…so advanced reservations are recommended. All this wackiness starts at the bargain price of $75 per night.  

For more info visit www.woodlynpark.co.nz