All aboard the Safari Quest!

As we got closer to the rocky island of Los Islotes, which rose out of the crystal waters of the Sea of Cortez like an ancient monolith, the sound became ear-splitting. Sea lions, hundreds of them, lounged on every available surface, barking at the top of their sea lion lungs and making quite the din. We skirted around in our dinghy to the sunny side of the rock, the smell of guano pungent in the air.

Amelia Island: Kick Back at this Environmentally Friendly Florida Destination

Amelia Island Plantation has been hip to the whole green movement since way before Al Gore came on the scene. In fact, the largest resort on this verdant spit of land in the extreme northeastern corner of Florida lived in harmony with nature since its development in 1971. Looking out from one of the upper floors of the comfy Amelia Inn and Beach Club, the 1,350–acre property stretches out as a vast tree canopy, full of live oaks draped with Spanish moss and rich with birds, tree frogs and other friendly critters. 

Muscial Adventure Deep in the Heart of Austin:

Pinetop Perkins shuffled slowly across the stage at Antone’s, the divey blues joint that’s been around in Austin, Texas for just about forever. Although the club was packed, a hush of anticipation fell over the crowd. Then, the 94–year-old former sideman with Muddy Waters lit into a blistering rendition of “Got My Mojo Workin’,” and the place went wild. Perkins, who earned his first Grammy a few weeks later for his part in “Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live in Dallas” is a living legend, and we got to see him. 

A Visit to Dublin.

Ask a Dubliner what’s happening in Dublin these days, and he’s liable to quote this line from a Yeats’ poem: “All changed, changed utterly.”  And it’s true, as this historic city on the Irish Sea morphs into one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the U.K.

What’s New in Atlantic City:

Atlantic City has its groove on. Once equated with busloads of senior citizens headed to the slot parlors in shuffling masses, these days Atlantic City is, as the town’s new tagline proclaims, “always turned on.”  While gaming revenues have dipped in response to the opening of Philadelphia area slot parlors, Atlantic City still draws more than 35 million visitors a year to its seaside playground. 

Vegas for High Rollers

If $40,000 a night seems excessive for a hotel room, then maybe Vegas isn’t your town. In a destination known for coddling big money players with complimentary everything, the current boom in luxury suites is also geared toward attracting celebs, sport stars and anybody with enough scratch to afford a 10,000-square-foot luxury loft overlooking the Strip. 

An Island Beyond Expectations

Bali is a place that isn’t so much of this world, as truly out of it.

Set squarely at the crossroads between good karma, aesthetic beauty and pampering luxury, Bali is a destination unlike any other.  Even describing the Indonesian island is a challenge: Paradise meets reverence? Spice collides with the sweetness of genuine hospitality? Natural beauty enhanced by body-loving TLC?  Yes, it is all of these things, and so much more. 

SoHo, New York City.

New York is nothing short of spectacular this time of year. Grinches might bemoan the crowds, but for anybody who loves the holiday season, the city’s transformation into a shimmering wonderland is sheer magic.  But after you’ve done the traditional tours including Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue, consider taking another bite out of the Big Apple and discover a neighborhood through a local’s eye. 

Seasons may Change, but Autumn’s a Perfect Time for a Beach Vacation.

Summer beaches are best enjoyed family style.  But once the weather chills, it’s time for a grown up beach experience. Consider heading south, and not as in Jersey. Think refreshing trade winds, crystal blue waters, and fabulous resorts that cater to a sophisticated crowd.  

Culture, History and Fabulous Food … What More Could You Want?

Southeastern Turkey is not generally the first thought when it comes to vacation hot spots.