TOP DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE

Porto elected best European destination

Porto is exceptional. In more ways than one. Elected Best European Destination 2014 by the european citizens, Porto, the "Cidade Invicta" (unvanquished city) is history, is architecture, culture, gastronomy, trade, encounters and discoveries.

 

Porto has all the charm of towns which happily cohabit with their river. You can stroll along the River Douro (river of gold) in the Ribeira, fly over it by helicopter or discover Porto ‘s architecture, its amazing landscapes and magnificent bridges by taking a cruise on this majestic river. Porto is also a sea city and in the briefest of time a tram will bring you to Foz do Douro’s gentle beaches face to face with the Atlantic.

 

Porto knows how to make you feel welcome; very likely it will conquer your heart and leave a long lasting impression. You will find it hard to leave.

 

#2 ZAGREB

The impressions of many foreigners who live in Zagreb, business people and tourists can be summed up in a single sentence : a large city which managed to stay romantic and safe.

#3 VIENNA

Nowhere is "The Art of Enjoyment" mastered so well as it is in Vienna. And especially in 2014: Dance and party like during the time of the Congress of Vienna at one of the traditional or modern Viennese balls.

#4 NICOSIA

For the lovers of the Mediterranean the island of Cyprus is an absolute must. The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite is famed for its spectacular beaches, its breathtaking sceneries and the warmth of its people.

#5 BUDAPEST

Budapest is a city of full of surprises and wonder, with its lively centre, pretty parks, majestic river, tall church spires and lavish spas. One of the most exciting cities in the world.

#6 MADEIRA

In addition to its stunning scenery and luxuriant mountains, this archipelago offers a mild climate all year round, a warm welcome, peace, safety and security which all together make your holidays unforgettable.

#7 MILAN

Milan is the hub of Italian culture, music, media and sports. With so many things to do and see, take the time to simply enjoy yourself – relax and sip an aperitivo while you consider your options for dinner.

#8 MADRID

Madrid is an open-minded city where culture and entertainment share a thriving space. The Spanish capital makes everyone feel right at home while providing them with some of the world’s most interesting tourist attractions.

#9 BERLIN

More than twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, the capital projects itself as a young, dynamic and cosmopolitan city at the heart of Europe which is constantly re-inventing itself.

#10 ROME

The province of Rome is a matching frame for the many treasures of the capital, and the surrounding area has, more or less directly, experienced the influence of the history of the Eternal City.

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

All eyes are on the host of this year’s World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, where a citywide rejuvenation effort has infused Rio’s neighborhoods with newfound energy. Once-derelict Lapa, for instance, now reverberates far into the night with samba’s percussive beat at venues like Carioca da Gema. And the artsy district of Botafogo—with views of Sugarloaf Mountain—has also become a gastronomic hub. “My go-to place for modern Brazilian cuisine is Iraja Gastro, run by chef Pedro de Artagao; get the pirarucu fish with sautéed banana,” says furniture designer Sergio Rodrigues, whose studio is found in Botafogo. —Colin Barraclough

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Warsaw

Affordable, rich in culture and history, and filled with emerging creative energy. Stay at the refurbished Hotel Bristol. (Coming in 2016: a Raffles hotel.) Don’t miss the expanded contemporary art gallery at the National Museum and the new Museum of the History of the Polish Jews.

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Uruguay

New hotels beckon travelers to two up-and-coming destinations. The beach town of Jose Ignacio attracts a high-wattage crowd that has included Shakira and Jason Wu, yet “the vibe here is not so precious: everyone is so low-key and relaxed,” says insider Carrie Vik, who just opened her third hotel in the area: the 11-bungalow Bahia Vik, tucked among the dunes of Mansa Beach. “I love to horseback ride along the sand, or bicycle up to Laguna Garzon and watch the kite surfers, she adds.” Return in time to catch the spectacular sunset over caipiroskas at La Huella, Playa Brava’s iconic seaside restaurant. To the west, the boutique wineries and farm-to-table dining have made the Carmelo region a go-to weekend getaway for stylish Argentines. Casa Chic raises the cool quotient with its 20 rooms set on 250 acres of untouched forest and a showstopping pool overlooking the Río de la Plata. —Shane Mitchell, Paola Singer

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Cape Town, South Africa

There’s never been a better time to visit Cape Town thanks to a proliferation of edgy boutiques, independent galleries, and forward-thinking restaurants like Test Kitchen by Neighbourgoods Market, where biltong (cured meat) is topped with plum-cured foie gras. And the buzz is spreading: StumbleUpon noticed that Cape Town is one of the top 10 destinations generating interest among its community of 30 million users. The city has been designed the World Design Capital for 2014, with more than 450 events in the works. It’s also an opportunity to pay tribute to the late Nelson Mandela with a visit to Robben Island, where he spent 18 of his 27 years in prison.

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New hotels and tours, emerging food scenes, and special events.

New hotels and tours, emerging food scenes, and special events make these places the hottest travel destinations in 2014.

On Nicaragua’s Little Corn Island, the fresh lobster is cheap; the hammocks plentiful; and the pace slow. Factor in a new hotel and spa with 16 oceanfront cabanas, and vacationing here is more blissful than ever.
It’s just one of the places that will appeal to travelers seeking what’s new and notable in 2014. They remind us that there are still discoveries to be made, even in seemingly familiar destinations—and that with travel, too, timing is everything.
Consider Iceland, where NASA expects the northern lights to reach the vibrant peak of an 11-year solar cycle in December 2014. For prime views, book a stay at the Ion Hotel, where the bar has dimmable lights and wraparound windows, or a small-group tour with storm chaser George Kourounis that includes volcano hikes and glacier treks.
Culture seekers, meanwhile, will be drawn to Cape Town, which has more than 450 events in the works as part of its World Design Capital designation in 2014, along with hip boutiques and forward-thinking restaurants. StumbleUpon revealed that Cape Town is one of the top 10 destinations generating interest among its community of 30 million users.
Palermo, Sicily, is another destination capturing the collective imagination. TripAdvisor has noticed a recent uptick in searches and positive feedback—and we’ve noticed compelling reasons to visit, like a surprisingly sophisticated wine scene and affordable independent hotels.
Of course, you don’t need to cross international borders to find a worthy vacation spot for the New Year. Enterprising chefs have congregated right in Nashville, where you can hop from Germantown’s Rolf and Daughters to Josephine, a new farm-to-table spot in the emerging 12South neighborhood.
Find out the rest of our picks for the best places to travel in 2014—and share your to-visit list in the comments below.

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Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast

Description of Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast

WINNER of BeachLife's Best of the Beaches Award 3 years in a row! Also voted Rand McNally/USA Today Best of the Road for Best Romantic Hotel!
The Sea Breeze Manor Bed and Breakfast, conveniently located just minutes from a great variety of activities, is the perfect place to stage your Tampa Bay getaway. We are situated across the street from the quiet and relaxing Gulfport Beach on Boca Ciega Bay.
Watch the Snowy Egrets or Great Blue Herons catch fish, meditate while the sun rises, take in the fresh air and tranquil surroundings, or do any of so many other things that we Gulfport locals enjoy year 'round on scenic Boca Ciega Bay. Each room has a separate sitting area and either private patio or balcony that overlooks the tropical garden or beautiful Boca Ciega Bay.

Less Description

Accommodations

• Accommodations: 6 Double Occupancy Suites and Cottages
• Other accommodations: There are 4 Guest Suites and 2 Guest Cottages (with Private Baths)

Room Rates

• Price range: $135 to $180

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Chinatown Hotel Reviews

Chinatown is a pretty unique area of Bangkok still retaining a large ethnic Chinese community from those whom settled in the 1780’s. The area largely conforms to traditional Chinese customs and therefore caters to the existing community, with its vast assortment of markets, religious ceremonies and mouth wateringly good restaurants. This area will be popular with those looking for a more authentic Oriental experience when in Bangkok; modernity has yet to infiltrate the area to the same extent of say Sukhumvit.

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Vallarta Gardens Resort & Spa

Pros

• Quiet, peaceful location away from the bustle of Puerto Vallarta
• Incredibly spacious, private villas with gourmet kitchens and big patios
• Outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees (some villas with private pools)
• Sheltered, private beach with plush day beds for lounging
• Excellent villa amenities including flat-screen TVs, media rooms, free Wi-Fi
• Luxurious spa with couple's treatments and sunny fitness room
• Master bedrooms offer in-room Jacuzzis and separate walk-in showers
• Some villas with rooftop Jacuzzis and incredible views

Cons

• Far from Puerto Vallarta
• Limited dining options

Bottom Line

The Vallarta Gardens Resort & Spa features three- and four-bedroom, two-story villas overlooking a curvy swimming pool and small private beach. Located about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta near the town of La Cruz de Huanacatle, this resort offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of Puerto Vallarta. Villa interiors are chic and stylishly contemporary with gourmet kitchens, flat-screen TVs, media rooms, free Wi-Fi, laundry rooms, and secure garages. Some villas have private pools and rooftop Jacuzzis with sweeping views out to the Pacific Ocean. Additional perks include a lavish spa and sunny fitness room. For a family or group looking to rent a large house rather than rooms in a hotel, this is a fabulous option

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Haramara Retreat

Pros

• On 12 acres of wild land a 5-minute drive from Sayulita
• Quiet, private beach with a few loungers and free use of towels
• Hillside location allows for great ocean and jungle views from most rooms
• Standalone, palm-thatched, rustic-luxe huts amid lush tropical vegetation
• 2 yoga pavilions with 360 degrees views
• Open-air spa offering great treatments at reasonable prices
• Room rates include breakfast and dinner
• Organic, vegetarian restaurant with a few seafood options

Cons

• No electricity, TVs, fans, air-conditioning or Wi-Fi in rooms (a pro for some)
• No pool (but one in the works)
• Bathrooms lack privacy
• Limited cell phone service (a pro for some)

Bottom Line

Haramara is arguably one of the most special hotels in Mexico. It is a luxurious yoga retreat located on 12 seaside acres of wild vegetation just outside Sayulita. The structures have been built using traditional construction techniques to minimize the environmental impact, and there is no electricity anywhere besides the restaurant and the yoga studio -- not even in the rooms. Each room is housed in a private standalone thatched hut with no window panes or screens separating it from the jungle, and only gauze curtains and mosquito nets to avoid bugs and critters. It is geared towards those in need of some detoxification and relaxation, with yoga and meditation classes, an open-air spa, a vegetarian and seafood restaurant, unpaved trails, and limited cell phone service

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Playa Escondida

Pros

• On a secluded beachfront spot outside Sayulita, amid lush tropical grounds
• Beautiful open rooms with canopied beds, balconies, and rustic-chic decor
• Stunning spa with two massage huts offering ocean views
• Pleasant infinity-edge, chlorine-free pool and whirlpool, both with ocean views
• Private sandy beach with padded loungers and bar service
• 2 outstanding restaurants with ocean views, plus a wonderful on-site bakery
• Rental bikes, free non-motorized water sports, and yoga classes available
• Limited cell phone service, limited Internet access, and no in-room TVs (a con for some)

Cons

• Some might feel bathrooms lack privacy
• Bird Canyon rooms are far from the main facilities (golf cart provided)
• Children accepted during certain holidays only (a pro for some!)
• Limited cell phone service, limited Internet access, and no in-room TVs (a pro for some)

Bottom Line

This secluded, romantic retreat is tucked away in a beachfront spot in the jungle outside Sayulita. It offers 25 beautiful rooms housed in standalone huts built using natural local materials and offering ocean or jungle views, rustic-chic decor, terraces, and no window panes. The idea is to deliver an unplugged, in-touch-with-nature vacation, so rooms have no TVs, while cell phone and Internet service are limited to some common areas. The beautiful infinity pool, gorgeous massage huts, tasty restaurants, and private sandy beach are all highlights. Just note that Bird Canyon rooms, while as gorgeous as the other accommodations, are far from the main facilities (a golf cart is provided). The vibe is definitely adult-oriented, and kids are only allowed during certain holiday periods.

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Four Seasons Punta Mita

Pros

• On 2 private fine-sand beaches in exclusive Punta Mita
• Access to 2 Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses with striking ocean views
• Elegant rooms with upscale amenities and marble bathrooms
• Full-service spa with great treatments and salon services
• 10 tennis courts, a 55-foot yacht charter, and fun lessons
• 3 pools, including an adults-only one and a lazy river
• 4 solid restaurants, all with ocean views and outdoor seating
• Large fitness center with personal trainers and free classes
• Kid-friendly amenities include: outstanding kids’ club, kiddy pool, and kids’ menus

Cons

• Fee for Wi-Fi
• 45-minute drive from the airport, in an area with little local flavor

Bottom Line

The Four Seasons is one of the grand dames in Riviera Nayarit. It’s been around for over two decades, but still wows with its manicured grounds, elegant rooms, outstanding restaurants, and slew of activities both for adults and kids. Its location in exclusive Punta Mita means guests won’t get to experience much of the local culture, but the hotel is a short drive from quaint little villages full of Mexican flavor.

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The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

Pros

• Stunning, private white-sand beach
• Three distinct, beautiful pools
• Ocean and garden views from every room and suite
• World-class Jack Nicklaus golf courses
• Excellent spa with world-class treatments
• Three gourmet restaurants
• Golf carts for on-site transit
• 22 acres of beautifully groomed grounds

Cons

• Far drive to downtown areas
• Some beachfront areas are too rough, rocky for swimming
• Fees for Wi-Fi, free in lobby

Bottom Line

This luxurious 120-room enclave is located in posh Punta Mita, and smartly sited on 22 acres amid undulating fairways and verdant tropical gardens. It's one of the most luxurious properties in the region, and every element is stunning: the three fabulous beachside pools, the acres of peaceful gardens, the ultra-luxurious spa, and the immaculate rooms that look straight out of a decor magazine. The stretch of white-sand beach on-site is interspersed with rocky coves, and there are a couple of pretty little islets just offshore -- as well as the Mariettas Islands, a marine preserve, a few miles farther out to sea.

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Novodevichiy content

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Weekend is going on!

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Moscow State University

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Moscow traffic

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Ceramics, Mosaics & an evening in the Valley of the Temples

Our tour starts early in the morning - the journey leads us to the Capital of the Ceramics, Caltagirone. First destination is the Museo Regionale della Ceramica, which is located in the lovely, shady and well maintained town park. On display are pottery and ceramics from prehistoric times to the early 20th century, with particular reference to Caltagirone, which is known for the manufacture of colourful ceramics since the Muslim conquest of Sicily. The next must-see is the famous staircase Scala di Santa Maria del Monte. More than 180 stairs, each decorated with hand painted tiles, lead up to the Baroque church Santa Maria. Hungry? Time for a bite (or two)? Then head for Ristorante Coria, a charming place, just some steps from the staircase - perfect for a light lunch based on fresh fish. After a yummy dessert and a strong caffè we head for the next highlight of the day, the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, where the worlds largest Roman floor mosaics tell of mythology, hunting and daily life at the times of the Roman Emperors. These wonderful artworks are another must-see for every Sicily visitor. The last stage for today is Agrigento, where we will spend the night. But before resting our heads in one of the most beautiful and elegant hotels in the whole of Sicily, Villa Athena, we will first have a wonderful dinner on the terrace of the Ristorante Il Dehors, which belongs to the hotel Baglio della Luna, and then go on the evening tour to the Valley of the Temples. It is an unforgettable experience: the ancient Greek Temples bathed in golden flood light, under the black star-spangled sky. Very kitschy and very romantic, so it is best to come here with your love.

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6 Tips for Men Visiting The Hotel Spa

Julien Farel's JF Men grooming station at The Loews Regency. Hotels have been very keen on hotel spas in recent years--whether opening their own full-blown facilities with a dozen treatment rooms and exotic therapies or simply having one or two treatment rooms available with the basic rub-downs all travelers need. But just because a hotel might be five-star, doesn't mean its spa is. We told you what to look for in a very good spa as well as signs of a very bad spa. Now, here's a little spa love for the men out there.
Often aimed at women, hotel spas can be daunting places for men. However, more and more treatments especially tailored to men’s needs are popping up on spa menus all over the world and it’s no longer a rare sight to see a man getting a massage, facial or even, (gulp) a wax.
Yet despite the evolution in spa culture, there aren't many male specific tips for navigating the spa. So we thought we'd come up with a few of our own. These aren't too dissimilar to those for women but here are few things that can optimize a man’s spa experience, whether a first-timer or a veritable spa hound.

1. Do Proper Prep Before Facials
A facial offers countless benefits for cleaning, nourishing, hydrating, and rebalancing sebum, the skin’s naturally secreted moisture. However, a facial doesn’t just focus on the face and its relaxation qualities are often underestimated. What could be better than someone cleaning your skin - getting rid of razor burn, ingrown hairs and black heads - followed by a transcendent face, back and scalp massage that takes you all the way up to nirvana? That’s right. A good therapist has exactly that power and will have you booking your next facial even before you’re off the massage table. In order to prepare for a facial, men should have a close shave at least two hours before a treatment for the whole face to be accessible. Never have a facial right after shaving as this could accentuate any skin irritation.
2. Avoid Creams Before, Um, Manscaping
It might sound like a given not to use creams before a wax, but actually a lot of people forget or don’t want to look like they neglect their skin in front of the therapist. However, it doesn’t matter if your skin is dry when you get to the spa and it doesn’t matter that the therapist sees it – remember that they are used to seeing all sorts of unsightly characteristics and dry skin is the least of their worries. Using creams less than five hours before a wax will make it less effective, and who wants to suffer for a half-done job?
3. Ask For a Private Treatment Room
While massages are usually done in a private massage room, not all beauty treatments are. Pedicures and manicures are often done in a communal area. For spa virgins who feel a little embarrassed about having to step up for a pedicure in public while feeling like the women in the room are staring and sniggering (although they probably are aren’t) a private treatment room can be requested if the spa is given advance warning. You can then rest assured that no one will be looking while the therapist grates at your corns and calluses.
4. Don't Be Afraid to Express Yourself (No, not like that)
The key to getting the most out of your treatment is to tell the therapist exactly what you want. Not only will the experience be even better but so will the benefits. Before arriving at the spa for your treatment, think about how your skin feels and looks, or if having a massage, how your body and muscles feel. It is good to give it a few minutes thought in order to instruct the therapist. If having a massage, think about any areas of the body that need special attention – for example, people with a desk job will often have aches and pains in their shoulders and neck. Also, think about how you would like to feel as massages can be tonic, rejuvenating or relaxing. Last, always remember to let your therapist know if any recent injuries or aches and pains even if it’s right in the middle of the massage as this can lead to further pain.
5. Avoid Exposure to The Sun After a Treatment
This goes for both men and women, but is often ignored by men. If you’ve just had a massage or beauty treatment, it’s not a good idea to head straight for the beach or pool right after – even if you’re just dying to show-off that new-found million-dollar complexion to the rest of the world. Skin is usually sensitive after a treatment, even if men tend to have stronger skin than women, and if you’ve just had a massage, it is likely that the therapist used oil, meaning that the skin is doubly exposed to sun. You don’t want to bake your skin like a chicken in the oven, so wait at least half a day if you’ve had a facial and a day if you’ve had a body scrub.
6. Happy Endings.
Don't. Even. Try.
[Photo: HotelChatter]

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10 Essential Palm Springs Hotel Pools

The adult pool at the Parker
Palm Springs: a place so good we’re devoting an entire week to it. To celebrate summer in the desert, longtime Palm Springs lover juliab will be sharing tips for the perfect PS stay all week.
First we told you how to get there on the cheap. Then came your must-stay hotels. Today, let’s move onto the pool scene.
Pools are difficult, of course, because everyone wants something different from them. I want to do a bit of swimming. You want to tread water under the sun wearing your brand new fedora. He wants to read by it. She wants to drink so much that she vomits on it. And that couple – you know there’s always that couple – wants to dry-hump in it. Is there one Palm Springs pool to rule them all? Not really. But here are 10 that might get you what you want.

FOR SWIMMING: RENAISSANCE

The largest pool in Palm Springs is obviously your best bet to put in some proper lengths. The Renaissance’s main pool is 5000 square feet and heated, and comes with your standard chaise lounges and cabanas (for rent) plus fire pits at the Patio Lounge, just beside it. There’s also a heated kid’s pool and sandbox (hey parents, how about you stick to that bit), and a whirlpool too, to treat swimmed-out limbs.
HONORABLE MENTION: CALIENTE TROPICS

A massive pool (the third largest in town) and a ‘lanai’ lawn, in keeping with the tiki theme; plus a hot tub, straw cabanas (free – first come, first served) and BBQ grills. Plenty of room to stretch out.
FOR CHILLING: THE PARKER

It’s my favorite hotel so of course it’s going to feature, but the reason I love the Parker’s pool scene is that, despite the monied clientele, it’s relatively laid back. There are two pools – a smaller one (above), that’s open to kids and has a hot tub, beside the North building (patio rooms open directly onto the pool area), and a big, oval-shaped saltwater lagoon of a pool (main photo) hidden away in the undergrowth at the far end of the property. That one is adults-only, and is actually quite quiet – as is the Lemonade Stand bar beside it. It’s a little more rundown than you’d expect (rusty loungers with mouldy cushions), but that doesn’t matter, because it’s open 24 hours – and there’s nothing like going for a secret sunrise swim or midnight dip. (Friendly request: No shenanigans in my pool, please.)
HONORABLE MENTION: DESERT RIVIERA

One of Palm Springs’ teeny midcentury gems, the Desert Riviera’s pool may be in the middle of the property, but its adults-only, no personal music, no guests, quietness-encouraged rulebook means it’s a haven of calm. Extra points for the lights in the surrounding trees at night.
FOR SOCIALIZING: ACE PALM SPRINGS

The Ace describes its Swim Club pool as “a deep, cool, people-made sea”, and that should tell you whether you’re pretentious an Ace type of person. If you are, it’s perfect – a big zigzag of a pool with plenty of hipster reflector-style sunshades (it’s fairly exposed) and a bar serving cocktails – or “housemade Rx”, as they say at the Ace. There are weekend DJs, regular concerts and events, and the last Saturday of the month sees Reggae Sol parties (in the photo).
There’s also another, smaller pool (the Commune) and the nearby Amigo Room bar hosts things like bingo and crafting nights. Yes, it’s very… Ace. But if you like that, this is the perfect pool for you.
HONORABLE MENTION: SAGUARO

Along with the Hard Rock, the Saguaro is one of the locations for Splash House pool parties this summer, and there are regular other events at the large, asymmetric pool. The young and trendy abound.
FOR SHENANIGANS: RIVIERA PALM SPRINGS

There are three heated pools at old Ratpack haunt, the Riviera: the gorgeous main, cloud-shaped Bikini, and two smaller ones. Pool parties take place every Saturday, and though the hotel aims for a more high end vibe, when I stayed (2011), it was full on Vegas-style debauchery, and by the looks of recent reviews, not much has changed (this is on weekends, of course; midweek is probably different). If you’re ready to partayyy, start early to nab a chaise lounge; otherwise, cabanas fit 10 and start at $120 midweek, $900 weekend.
HONORABLE MENTION: SKYLARK

With its self-declared “sexy” pool party, The Dip, and total inclusivity (“we’re not gay-friendly or straight-friendly; we’re just friendly” is the slogan), Skylark is the pool to party on a Sunday.
FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING: COLONY PALMS

I had dinner at the Colony Palms last week, at the poolside restaurant, Purple Palm. The backdrop to my meal was the pool - and, inside it, a couple who were snogging for our appetizers, indulging in light frottage over our entrées, and getting as close to full-on penetration as is possible in your swimpants by the time coffee came around.
The Colony Palms pool is for those who like a scene to their pool. It’s intimate – small, the chaise lounges clustered tightly round it (apparently you sometimes have to reserve seats, though this wasn’t the case when I stayed a couple of years ago), hemmed in by exotic foliage (the gardens are a mini version of the Parker’s) – and the restaurant sits along one side. It’s also overwhelmingly couply. If you’re an exhibitionist, or a people-watcher (the people are all beautiful LA types), or just want a couples pool, this is the one for you.
HONORABLE MENTION: VICEROY

Like Colony Palms, the main Viceroy pool is intimate, tightly packed and the restaurant, Citron, backs onto it. Not the place if you want some space, but perfect for grabbing a cabana and watching the beautiful people. (There’s another pool that’s the same size, but not by the restaurant.)
Got your own favorite pools? Feel strongly about in-pool frottage? Drop your comments in below!
[Photos: Juliab, except for Desert Riviera by Kendall the Cavalier, Riviera by JetsetCD and Ace and Colony Palms from the hotels' Facebook pages]

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Meet The Coachella Valley Hotel With Its Own Waterpark

When we were writing about Palm Springs all last week, we were trying to stick to hotels in Palm Springs itself. But as well as the 10 in town that we already mentioned, there’s another desert pool that deserves a mention: that of the Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage.
We say pool – but actually, it’s a waterpark. Yes, a hotel with its own waterpark. Splashtopia Water Playground is 2 acres of family-friendliness, with a sandy beach, 100-foot waterslides, a 450ft ‘lazy river’ (traversable by inner tube), a ‘cliffside’ Jacuzzi, water play zones with sprinklers and fountains, as well as an adults-only pool, Azure. As if that wasn’t enough, they also have ‘dive-in movies’ every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, featuring animated family-friendly films, like Frozen and Despicable Me 2.

One good or bad thing depending on what kind of poolside experience you’re after – it’s "conservative swimwear only" because of the “family environment”. (If you want to dress like this, go to the Riviera or the Hard Rock in Palm Springs.) You have to wear a wristband (ugly) but at least entry is kept strictly to resort guests only.
Rates at the Omni start at a very reasonable (nay, insanely good) $119 this summer. Plus the obligatory $28 resort fee (#sigh #youcan'thaveeverything #pleaseletresortfeesbethenewwififees).

Azure, the adult pool
[Photos: Omni Rancho Las Palmas Facebook]

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Tuscany's Principe di Piemonte Wants To Gift You The Med

Does getting free access to the beach at your beach hotel sound like it should be a given? You obviously haven’t been to Italy. Il bel paese is also the land of privatized sand, and even when your hotel owns a strip of it, there’s no guarantee it’ll include access in the room rate.
Which is why the summer deal just announced by the Principe di Piemonte in Viareggio, on the Tuscan coast, is actually a good one. Viareggio has a spectacular beach, but it’s practically all private. Not even the Principe – the best hotel in town – has its own beach, though it does have access to one, and normally charges each guest €35 ($47) per day to enter.
From today until 31 August, though, if you stay for at least three nights, they’ll cover the beach cost: entry, one sunshade, two deckchairs and one sunlounger. You also get access to a seawater pool, but why would you need that when the Mediterranean is right there, sparkling at you?

A room at the Principe tonight will set you back €180 ($242) – which really isn’t bad for a five star beach hotel in peak season. If you want to put that saved beach money to good use, sea view rooms start at €220 ($296).

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Why Is The Pool at Sharq Village Doha So Deserted?

Blue sky, palm trees, plenty a deck chair, and a beautiful resort pool. So where is everybody? At Sharq Village, a Ritz-Carlton hotel in Doha, the answer lies in what you can’t see: the temperature.
Taken early afternoon, it was pushing 113F (45C), which felt like having a hairdryer on max in your face at all times, and meant no guest was brave enough to lounge in the scorching sun. We certainly weren’t, and headed straight to the lovely Six Senses Spa to hide out until the evening cool set in.

“Cool” being a relative term, because even in the middle of the night it didn’t drop much below 90F (30C), but the darkness did show the pool in a different light, with the star-filled sky effect adding a nice touch.
A Bed and Breakfast package at Sharq Village starts at 1395QAR ($380) a night, with a number of other offers available.
[Photos: JasonD]

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5 Things Everyone Does in the Hotel Lobby But Won't Admit

You've all copped to doing at least a few of these scandalous things in your hotel room but staying in a hotel room is only one part of your stay. Your shenanigans also extend downstairs into the hotel lobby. So here are 5 Things People Do in a Hotel Lobby But Won't Admit.

1. Flirt With Escorts: You may not have known they were working women/men (or maybe you did) but if your story starts with something like this, "I couldn't believe it but the hottest girl/guy came up to me at the hotel bar and started flirting with me!" then you've just been seduced by a professional.

2. Charge Drinks at the Lobby Bar to a Random Room: Whether you're a Frank Abagnale, Jr type or you're a sociopath down on you're luck or if you're just curious if it could work, you've at least tried to give a random room number to the bartender. It's harder to do that these days thanks to technology yet it could still work at smaller, older hotels. But if they ask for the last name on the room, you're screwed.

3. Conduct Shady Business: A lot of strange, shady business goes down in hotel lobbies from politicians taking cash bribes and businessmen threatening er, reasoning with their partners to more sinister dealings like murder-for-hire plots. Yet the hotel lobby is the perfect sort of place for this--it's in public, but not too public, there's usually comfy seating and most importantly, a bar to wash away any nerves.

4. Scream at the Front Desk: It could have been because you're room wasn't ready. Or if could have been because they overcharged you on the check-out folio. Of you could have just been a pompous asshat, demanding an upgrade simply because you have an Amex card (bonus points if you throw a Black Amex card at the front desk agent and ask them if they even know what it is. True Story.)

5. Drop a Deuce in the Lobby Bathroom: You did it, just admit it. Especially if your room upstairs didn't have a bathroom fan.
[Photos: Google; HotelChatter and Alex Schecter/HotelChatter]

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