Name: Terry Youens
Bio: Ten years in the retail travel industry in central London ignited a passion for travel that has remained with me for almost 45 years. The following 30 years were spent with one of America's oldest and respected travel companies involved in the development and operation of inclusive luxury coach tours throughout Europe, extending to Japan and the Far East, East and South Africa. Seeking exciting new travel experiences coupled with a carefully understated sophistication of mood, service and comfort all in perfect harmony with their delightful setting thereby enhancing the travel experience for the travel connoisseur. During my time in the travel industry, the landscape of the leisure industry has changed beyond recognition. Once a distant dream, travelling to exotic destinations has become a reality for the masses. The new millennium has seen the development of boutique hotels, the transformation and preservation of historic buildings of architectural splendour; banks, insurance companies, post offices and even prisons into dynamic, vibrant, sophisticated and elegant hotels leading me to believe that the next 45 years promises to be as exciting as the previous. Luxury Holidays Direct shares this passion, this proud tradition of innovative travel experiences. It is with this in mind that I hope that the travel articles will inspire you to visit some of the exotic destinations available in the Luxury Holidays Direct portfolio. Luxury Holidays Direct has created a portfolio of excellence for discerning travellers who demand holidays that embody the ultimate in travel style, luxury and refinement, the crème de la crème selection of ideas that we believe deliver an exceptional formula for that truly special faraway holiday.
Posts by Terry Youens:
HAWAIIAN STYLE – GRACE AND CHARM IN PERFECT HARMONY!
June 16th, 2010Just as the islands of Hawaii differ one from another, so their luxury hotels each capture a distinctive charm and character of their own – none more so than the three highly recommended choices below:
Hawaiian Surf
Hawaii, a collection of emerald islands deep in the Pacific Ocean, makes up America’s 50th state. The islands are 2,000 miles away from any continent, so they take a little more work to get to, but, wow, is it worth it. By serendipity or design, Hawaii is a near flawless destination, offering honeymooners, families and thrill-seekers an exotic paradise that is as much a playground as it is a peaceful haven. The cities offer great restaurants, superb shopping and are the economic and cultural powerhouses of the individual islands, but beyond the joyful urban hustle and bustle lie acres of island splendour: verdant mountains, mammoth surf, secluded campgrounds, cavorting whales, cultural gems, active volcanoes, art museums and beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches. It’s an enchanting multicultural melting pot whose roots lie in Polynesia, Asia, North America, Asia, and Europe, and it’s an illustration of nature at its most luscious and divine.
With so much to see and do in this majestic state, it is a great idea to sample at least two of the islands. Oahu has Waikiki beach and Honolulu, while Maui has some unbelievable coastal driving, the Haleakala National Park and whale-watching while Kauai offers fabulous canyon hiking and kayaking in the Wailua River. Whether you choose to twist your way through waterfalls and coastal cliffs on the stunning road to Hana, hike to the rim of the spectacular volcanoes, spend the day sampling fresh mahi-mahi and cool Mai Tai cocktails, grab a surf board or just lie on the beach listening to the crashing waves contemplating that life doesn’t get any better than this!
The Kahala Hotel & Resort is Hawaii’s legendary luxury resort, set on a secluded beach just ten minutes from the world-class shopping and entertainment of Waikiki. This legendary hideaway resort in Honolulu’s plush Kahala district is a favourite with presidents, international royalty and celebrities. From the moment you arrive, you will know that you are truly somewhere special.
This luxurious oceanfront resort features 338 rooms and suites, five stylish restaurants and a world-class spa. Visit the leisure facilities, fitness centre, lush tropical gardens and the private lagoon with its own resident dolphins. As Hawaii’s most luxurious and secluded beachfront hotel and resort, the tradition of impeccable service will make your vacation here memorable in every way.
The Kahala Hotel and Resort Hawaii Pool and Beach
Nestled among the lush foliage of rolling hills and a beautiful beachfront, in the midst of a century-old pineapple plantation, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua provides that rare opportunity to experience a different view of Hawaii – one that hearkens back to unspoiled landscapes, breathtaking sunsets, and swaying coconut palms. Escape to a distinctly memorable tropical getaway, where world-class service converges with captivating island culture. Framed by two championship golf courses, this exclusive Kapalua Maui hotel is the annual home of the PGA Tour season-opening championship, offering a prestigious address, recognised throughout the world. Embrace the spirit of aloha within this Kapalua Maui beach hotel, the quintessential Hawaiian destination.
The Ritz Carlton Kapalua Hawaii View from Lobby
Intimate in size and individual in style, Hawaii Island’s serene Four Seasons Resort Hualalai exudes the warmth and spirit of the Big Island itself. Located on the exclusive Kona-Kohala coast, this magical, tropical oasis captures the essence of Hawaii’s golden age. It offers seclusion without isolation, complemented by an award-winning Sports Club & Spa plus a private Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers 243 stylish rooms and suites in one and two-storey villa-style clusters, most with ocean views from a private patio or balcony.
Four Seasons Hualalai Lobby Exterior
Enjoy fine cuisine in the oceanfront Pahu i’a Restaurant; dine informally by the pool, or in the comfort of the Clubhouse. On hand are tennis, a championship golf course, three swimming pools, a unique lava rock pool (with snorkelling and scuba lessons), fashion boutiques, and a superb Sports Club & Spa. This showpiece resort captures the spirit of Hawaiian design, culture and tradition.
THE FAIRMONT HOTEL – SAN FRANCISCO IN STYLE!
June 11th, 2010San Francisco, a California legend that’s both a city and a way of life; spectacular in setting and sophisticated in style:
The Fairmont San Francisco
World-renowned, The Fairmont Hotel presents an awe-inspiring picture of historic San Francisco. The grandeur of the fully-restored hotel coupled with its reputation for impeccable service promises a truly memorable experience. Central to the Financial District, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, the Fairmont Hotel is located at the only spot in San Francisco where each of the city’s cable car lines meet. The Fairmont also offers two fabulous restaurants and lounges. With a panoramic view of the city and the bay from high atop Nob Hill, The Fairmont San Francisco holds an unmatched blend of elegance and superb service for an unforgettable stay.
With sweeping views, this famed luxury hotel has been providing a distinguished welcome to discerning travellers since 1907. Recent restoration has brought the city’s Grande Dame superbly back to life in its original turn-of-the-century opulence, with 591 guestrooms and suites reflecting classical elegance enhanced by 21st century amenities.
The Fairmont San Francisco Lobby
Dining in Style:
Crowned by three ornate domes, the Laurel Court houses a signature restaurant and bar featuring one-of-a-kind wines by the glass and speciality cocktails. Located in the hotel’s Lobby, the Laurel Court serves as the centrepiece of the hotel. The culinary talents of the Executive Chef are showcased, featuring the freshest of regional ingredients. The Laurel Court Bar hosts a lively crowd with daily drink specials. Taste one of the exclusive single vineyard designate wines while sampling the fresh and unique menu selections.
The Laurel Court offers a delicious way to kick-off the weekend with specially priced sushi every Friday from 5:00 pm. to 8:00 pm. A chef prepares nigiri sushi and speciality rolls served with homemade ponzu sauce and truffled wasabi in the elegant Laurel Court Bar.
The Fairmont Crown Room
The Tonga Room offers a tropical and festive atmosphere with live entertainment, dancing (and a rain storm) and serves exceptional Pacific Rim Asian cuisine in a tropical setting. It is the perfect escape after a busy day of meetings or shopping along Union Square. Be sure to try the Mai Tai, regularly recognised as the city’s best!
The Hurricane Bar:
The Happy Hour includes an extensive buffet of Pacific Rim delicacies with items such as mini spring rolls with plum sauce, chicken wontons with chilli sauce, vegetable chow mein, Kalua pork and cabbage, assorted cheese and crackers, sliced melons and tree ripened fruit, pineapple bowl and honey coconut dipping sauce, and Szechwan guacamole dip with prawn crackers. The all-you-can-eat buffet is a ‘steal’ with a one drink minimum. To complement this feast fit for kings and queens, the tropical restaurant and bar serves tantalising cocktails at Happy Hour prices. As you marvel at the exciting décor, be sure to hold on to your drink during the surprise thunder and lightning.
San Francisco, a California legend that’s both a city and a way of life; spectacular in setting and sophisticated in style!
BEVERLY WILSHIRE, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL – AN INSPIRATIONAL STATEMENT OF CONTEMPORARY CHIC AND GLAMOUR!
June 10th, 2010The Beverly Wilshire has a flair and style that the connoisseur of world-class hotel accomplishment will immediately recognise:
Positioned at one of the world’s most famous intersections – facing Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Hills – this exclusive luxury Four Seasons Hotel is a renowned Los Angeles landmark dating back to 1928. In the heart of Beverly Hills – steps from renowned Rodeo Drive shops – this historic hotel buzzes with vitality from dramatic renovations, blending tradition and trend. See-and-be-seen dining and glamorous events are balanced by quiet, personal comfort in the spa, the pool and luxury guest rooms. Thoughtful Four Seasons care warms every moment.
Beverly Wilshire Lobby
Beverly Wilshire presents 395 fresh, contemporary guestrooms, including 137 suites. Some accommodations open onto furnished balconies, and many showcase spectacular views of Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Hills and the Los Angeles skyline.
Guestrooms and suites are located in two wings: the 10-storey Wilshire Wing is the original building at the corner of Wilshire and Rodeo, while the 14-storey Beverly Wing is more contemporary and looks across the city. The side-by-side buildings are connected by a beautifully designed central porte cochère. The interior design of accommodations in both wings is similar, offering contemporary décor with soft cream tones for a light, airy appeal.
All accommodations feature well-defined work areas with an executive writing desk, allowing focused productivity. Each room offers multi-line telephones with voice mail, wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, a 42-inch flat-screen plasma television, and DVD-player. Sleek, spacious and thoughtfully detailed, the Italian marble bathrooms include a deep soaking tub and a separate glass-walled shower. Superior-quality towels and toiletries are refreshed by twice-daily housekeeping.
Stylish nights on the town!
A chic destination in the heart of Beverly Hills, CUT is made for stylish nights on the town. Wolfgang Puck’s celebrated cuisine is matched by the timeless interior by Richard Meier, acclaimed architect of L.A.’s Getty Centre. The sleek, all-white environment features a skylight that amplifies the effect of moonlight after dark. A contemporary twist on the classic steakhouse, the menu offers an array of creative steak and seafood presentations, designed by Chef Wolfgang Puck.
Beverly Wilshire - a renowned Los Angeles landmark
The Blvd is the place to see and be seen, this sophisticated all-day dining spot features lofty ceilings and large windows overlooking the fashionable intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. The Blvd encompasses a world-class restaurant and a distinctive lounge area, focused on an 18-foot illuminated onyx bar and a large backlit wine display containing over 1,000 bottles. The outdoor sidewalk patio is perfect for people-watching. Executive Chef, Gilles Arzur, brings a global outlook to his cuisine. His Dungeness Crab Salad ‘Waffle’ with gem lettuce and an Armagnac cocktail sauce was an instant hit, as is The Blvd Burger, made with prime sirloin, foie gras mousse and sautéed wild mushrooms. The Blvd Lounge is the perfect spot for people-watching or for a romantic night out on the town. Live jazz is presented Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
SAN FRANCISCO – JOURNEY INTO THE NAPA VALLEY!
June 9th, 2010
Dining in Style
Napa Valley is one of the premier travel destinations in the world. Breathtaking views abound at every turn – mustard in the late winter, picturesque rolling hills planted with vineyards year-round and wineries of every stature dot the landscape. Whether you are wine tasting, dining at renowned restaurants like the French Laundry, pampering yourself with a mud bath in Calistoga, or just enjoying your stay at quaint bed & breakfasts, hotels or resorts … Napa Valley is your spot of heaven on earth.
Join one of many daily wine tours in the Napa Valley. Make new friends as you tour one of the most prized wine regions of Northern California. Spend the afternoon sampling wines at three or four wineries, sip on Champagne, and enjoy a delicious gourmet picnic lunch at a scenic winery location. Discover the best kept secrets of Napa Valley in the comfort of a luxury limousine!
Or treat yourself to lunch at the sensational French Laundry in Yountville. Embark on a journey featuring two unique nine-course tasting menus – chef’s tasting and a tasting of vegetables – each a series of smaller, focused dishes. No single ingredient is ever repeated throughout the meal. Experience a sense of surprise when you taste something so new, so exciting, so comforting and so delicious. The French Laundry is a memorable experience, a memory that you will cherish for many years to come.
French Laundry
Soak up the stunning scenery as the day unwinds and you journey back to San Francisco; enjoy a picture stop at the Golden Gate Bridge to witness the awe-inspiring view of the city from the Marin Headlands – a picture perfect ending to one memorable day. As you approach Nob Hill and the famed Fairmont San Francisco Hotel, with sweeping views of the city and the bay from its location atop Nob Hill, the grandeur of the hotel coupled with its reputation for impeccable services promises another truly memorable experience!
Photographs courtesy of French Laundry
SANTA MONICA – HOME OF THE CALIFORNIA BEACH LIFESTYLE!
June 8th, 2010For many the single greatest reason to visit Santa Monica is to enjoy the ultimate Southern California beach.
Shutters on the Beach
Santa Monica has 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of well-maintained California beach locations and enjoys, on average, 340 days of sunshine a year plus a nearly constant gentle ocean breeze. Cycling, movie shoots, beach volleyball games, and the finest of people-watching all happen here, and it’s no wonder. People love to gather at this California beach, partially because it is so pristine.
Conveniently located on Los Angeles’ western edge, Santa Monica is the perfect gateway to the many attractions of Southern California. Whether here for a day or a week, there’s always a great variety of things to do on your California vacation, from award-winning dining and top-rated shopping and accommodations to Santa Monica beach and the attraction-packed pier.
Shutters on the Beach, classically grand in scale yet intimate in mood:
Shutters on the Beach, an elite oceanfront hotel in Santa Monica, offers the ultimate California experience. The hotel evokes a sense of comfortable elegance that one would find in a grand, yet unpretentious, beach home, while affording panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and California coastline. Classically grand in scale yet intimate in mood, it harmonises contemporary elegance with a pervasive sense of tradition harking back to its origins in the era of America’s great beach hotels of the 1930s.
Come home to beachfront living at its finest. Generously spacious rooms with stylish personal details throughout will seduce you into serenity. The newly renovated interiors by renowned designer Michael Smith (recently appointed President Obama’s White House designer) honour the understated elegance of this beachfront property while enriching their deliberately residential charm. Each guestroom and suite, just like a private beach cottage, boasts all the comforts of home. Add to this the amenities of modern technology and the unparalleled excellence of the staff and the new Shutters is simply more of what you already know and love in an ultra luxury boutique hotel.
Majestic views across the boardwalk and out to the Pacific Ocean:
One Pico Restaurant in Santa Monica is situated on a prime coastal stretch of sand, with majestic views across the boardwalk and out to the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Michael S. Smith, One Pico has emerged from its recent makeover to continue its presence as a great composed dining option in Los Angeles. The talented and acclaimed Executive Chef Michael Reardon has created a market fresh menu that is continually relevant to the seasons and the best available products. To complement the cuisine and décor, Master Sommelier, Peter Neptune has produced an exciting and affordable wine programme that the Wine Spectator recognised with its Award of Excellence for 2009. One Pico entertains with a scenic view, modern American cuisine, and a romantic atmosphere.
One Pico Restaurant
Casual elegance describes the mood at Coast, a popular weekend brunch spot. Coast is one of the many prime spots for sunset and people watching. Come in for breakfast, lunch, brunch, happy hour or dinner at this Santa Monica beachfront dining venue.
Enjoy a wonderful and memorable vacation at Shutters on the Beach, home of the California beach lifestyle!
FONTAINEBLEAU MIAMI BEACH – THE GRANDE DAME OF MIAMI RETURNS!
May 4th, 2010Oozing glamour and charm, the grande dame of Miami’s golden era has been gloriously restored and is ready to seduce the most discerning traveller. Following a $1 billion refurbishment, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach has been reborn as an inspirational venue for modern times. Contemporary interiors blend sympathetically with the famous avant-garde architecture, creating a totally unique experience. Two luxury towers have been added, poised elegantly beside the original buildings on 22 acres of Miami beachfront. Your room or suite in one of four uniquely designed buildings will feature all the modern comforts you might expect, including marble bathrooms, advanced sound and entertainment; every residence is complete with an iPod docking station and a Mac® computer. Many rooms have spacious balconies.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Within the property you can enjoy eight individual pools. Relax at the Lapis Spa, which offers no less than 30 treatment rooms, where thermal therapy inspired treatments use mineral-rich water as mist, rain and steam to renew your energies. Six signature restaurants among a choice of 11 outlets feature celebrated chefs creating innovative dishes: from pan-American breakfasts to a Cantonese supper, dining is an integral part of the unique Fontainebleau experience you will never forget. And into the night? LIV at Fontainebleau Miami Beach offers a high energy, DJ driven atmosphere to see and be seen, attracting celebrities and Miami’s local party crowd.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach Spa
Transform intense anticipation into reality. A total of 1,504 guestrooms, including 846 rooms and suites in the two original Fontainebleau buildings and 658 suites in two new all-suite towers, offer luxurious comfort and privacy. From guestrooms to three-bedroom suites, penthouses and triple connecting rooms, your stay will be made unique by providing a variety of room/suite configurations.
Many guestrooms and suites have breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the twinkling necklace of lights that reveals Miami Beach at night. Rooms and suites are fully equipped with high definition flat-screen televisions, advanced sound systems, 20-inch iMac® and ultra-luxurious amenities. Modern, sophisticated interior designs create an atmosphere of quiet and calm for effortless relaxation.
Signature dining experiences include Gotham Steak by Michelin-star chef Alfred Portale, Chef-Owner at New York’s Gotham Bar and Grill. Portale was named ‘Most Outstanding Chef’ by the James Beard Foundation in 2006. Scarpetta by Scott Conant, The James Beard award recipient has created a regional Italian menu that combines the simplicity of Italy’s cucina rustica with the refined flavours of fine cuisine. Hakkasan is recognised as the pioneering concept that single-handedly changed the face of Chinese cuisine within the UK. The award-winning restaurant has made its U.S. debut at Fontainebleau offering diners authentic Cantonese fare. La Côte by international culinary celebrity Sean O’Connell, offers a lively atmosphere inspired by the Côte d’Azure. La Côte serves cocktails, tapas and fresh seafood, salads and desserts.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach One Bed Tower Suites
THE SETAI – AN ASIAN INSPIRED LUXURY HOTEL ON MIAMI’S SOUTH BEACH!
April 30th, 2010Truly distinctive and luxurious with an underlying Asian aesthetic and value:
The Setai is a meticulously replicated Art Deco landmark, situated in the prime oceanfront district of South Beach, Florida. Originally built in the 1930s as the famed Dempsey Vanderbilt Hotel, The Setai recreates the style and charm of the city’s fabled past, while seamlessly blending Asian traditions of simplicity and elegance to its overall appeal. A magnificent oceanfront resort hotel, adjoined by a 40-storey regal residential tower, set in a breathtaking oasis of tropical gardens, sparkling pools and sundecks leading down to a gorgeous stretch of white sand beach. The Setai features 75 impeccably detailed guestrooms and 50 suites, an intimate private spa, three pools and remarkable restaurants and bars.
The Setai
The Setai is a place so calming and serene that it is sure to change guests forever – whether staying for a night or longer. Born out of a vision, The Setai reflects a passion to provide an experience that few can imagine. Starting with an intimate setting, The Setai creates a private world that connects guests with what has always been the greatest attraction of South Beach: the sea, the sun and the beach. To this idyllic oasis, hotelier extraordinaire, Adrian Zecha, has added his own signature touch: passionate service and a profound and abiding respect for individual privacy.
The Setai comprises two buildings, different yet built on the same foundations of superlative service and exceptional design. The impeccable details of each guestroom are exemplified by authentic jade pieces that were discovered in the antique markets of China and displayed to perfection on teak walls.
Choose from The Restaurant, The Grill and the Pool & Beach Bar. The Restaurant offers exceptional Asian-inspired fare and an award-winning wine list. The Grill’s more relaxed atmosphere delivers simple good fare that’s simply delicious. The 90-foot-long poolside bar offers a quintessentially South Beach atmosphere to enjoy cool beverages and Mediterranean-style dishes.
The Grill
The Spa at The Setai transports the traditions of the Pacific Rim to South Beach. The treatments open the door to a world dedicated to the restoration and realignment of the body and the spirit. The exclusive, specially designed suites celebrate the personalisation of the treatments. Each suite has ocean and pool views, a private bath and steam room. With room for up to two people to enjoy special treatments in tandem, The Spa at The Setai is able to craft a unique spa experience for you.
VIVA LAS VEGAS
January 7th, 2010Viva Las Vegas
As the dazzling neon lights of Las Vegas emerge from the desert landscape of Nevada, the world famous sights of this entertainment Mecca are instantly recognisable, from the gondolas at the Venetian to the dancing fountain at the Bellagio. And now, with the grand opening of CityCenter, Las Vegas is the place to visit.
Las Vegas Famous Sign
The brand new multi-billion dollar CityCenter is a place of high-tech environmental technologies providing brilliant accommodation, world-class spas, extraordinary dining, sophisticated gaming and modern art, and seductive bars with the Aria, Vdara and Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas showcasing unparalleled luxury and style. The CityCenter is a new phase in Las Vegas’ ever changing environment. From the soaring lobbies to the naturally lit casinos the new CityCenter concept evokes openness and freedom. Art and interior design will greet guests in warm, comfortable surroundings and provide a sense of wellbeing. Impeccable hospitality and personalised attention will join with an incredible array of amenities to provide each guest with an unforgettable experience in Las Vegas.
Bellagio Fountains
Las Vegas features a variety of dining experiences, from the casual comfort of bistros and cafés to culinary masterpieces. After satisfying your hunger, the nightlife in Las Vegas will provide your senses with an unparalleled, unforgettable night of entertainment. Guests will be able to choose from a varied selection of lounges, bars and nightclubs with the finest DJs - don’t miss the Bank at Bellagio or the Tao at Venetian (two of the finest celebrity hot-spots on the strip.) Dress to be seen!
If you thought Las Vegas was all hustle and bustle you’d be wrong, there are plenty of places to escape to relax or recover after a wild night out. For a day of relaxation (or recovery) the luxurious spas in Las Vegas are incredible – none more so than the brand new Spa at Mandarin Oriental. On two levels, covering 27,000 square feet it offers a complete menu of skincare, massage and hydrotherapy treatments. The spa experiences are perfect for hen parties as you can pamper yourself in relaxation or prepare for the night ahead.
Beach Bar and Grill Casino
GUIDE TO USA
June 13th, 2008USA
The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor
The world’s most powerful and most inventive nation. All 3.6 million square miles of it. Say ‘USA’ and the instant images come thick and fast. But there’s more to the US than legends and icons. You can follow the heartbeat of America through New York’s pulsating Big Apple and other exciting cities. Through jaw-dropping vistas of mountains and deserts, forests and canyons, beaches and fjords. Through amazing regional contrasts of accents and lifestyles. Through a brief but dramatic history. And, of course, through those friendly citizens as colourful as the scenery.
Catch up with the future. Shop around the clock. Explore America’s Great Outdoors. Swop the everyday for a little Disney fantasy. Play golf in a desert oasis. Try a little California dreaming beneath Pacific palms. There’s a USA for everyone.
USA Adventure
That American Great Outdoors is the key to a whole raft of ‘adrenaline sports’. The Florida Keys and Gulf of Mexico coast offer just about every kind of watersports activity, while California’s Pacific shores are the place for some serious surfing. Inland you can choose from canoeing, kayaking and white-water rafting in fabulous surroundings, while on terra firma there are countless venues for hiking, mountain-biking, horse-riding and climbing – and skiing and snowboarding for winter visitors.
Nightlife & Party with Locals
In the USA’s great cities 24/24 is the norm and there’s an awesome supply of bars, discos and nightclubs designed to keep night-owls from their beds. In flamboyant settings like Las Vegas and Miami Beach ‘entertainment’ is a way of life and dawn comes all too soon! Even in desert resorts like Scottsdale and Palm Springs sampling all the nightlife on offer will prove an impossible challenge.
Gourmet Cuisine & Dining Out
Dining options here reflect the ethnic diversity of the USA itself. Whether you’re a fast-food addict or fine-dining gourmet you’ll not have to look far for a tempting venue. If your tastes are global a host of options awaits in every major city (New York alone has 17,000 restaurants). Resort hotel and restaurant menus tell the same story. So if your palate demands variety then choose from European, Oriental, Indian, Middle Eastern and Latin-American options – not to mention Caribbean, Cajun Creole and the very latest fusion cuisines.
World’s Best Scuba Dive Sites
With over 1,000 miles of coastline, Florida has a huge variety of marine habitats, with both shore-entry dives and wreck dives. Its clear waters and warm Gulf Stream currents make the lower Atlantic coast very popular for year-round diving. Best are the 31 islands of the Florida Keys, on whose Atlantic side lies the Florida Reef, North America’s only living coral garden. Key Largo is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. On the Pacific coast California’s Channel Islands are major dive spots that offer something for all divers. Santa Barbara Island is a unique favourite thanks to its large sea lion population.
World Class Golf Courses
The terms ‘golf’ and ‘USA’ are synonymous in the minds of many enthusiasts. The United States has about half of the world’s 30,000 courses. Here you’ll find some of the of the world’s finest championship venues – yet with a large number that can provide rewarding play for all levels of skill. The desert states of Arizona and Nevada are awash with fabulous settings, including the world-famed Scottsdale courses. Like its theme parks, Florida’s golf courses vie to be the most extravagant and impressive of their kind. And nestled between California’s coast and mountains are a range of pristine sunlit courses with that true Californian style.
Family Holidays
From its larger-than-life cities and legendary landmarks to its superb Pacific, Gulf and Atlantic beaches, from its fantasy theme parks to the vast horizons of its Great Outdoors – the USA is one of the best family destinations you could choose. In most cases children are extremely well catered for at resort hotels – and will revel in the excitement of it all.
USA – Sightseeing & Activities
Whatever your plans, there’s one thing you can be sure of when visiting the USA – it’s big! This is a country that will keep you on your toes with all there is to see and do on holiday. Don’t be too ambitious. Allow plenty of time to enjoy the spontaneous and unexpected. They’re all part of the fun!
WHAT TO SEE
The East Coast
New York
The landmarks and legends of New York are inexhaustible. Some are iconic, Others everyday and familiar. The Manhattan skyline, the glitter of Broadway, the glamour of Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, the Lincoln Center, Central Park, Yellow Cabs . . . the names just keep coming.
Boston
Events in USA
However long you allow here, it will never be enough! New England’s Boston is no less vibrant, cosmopolitan and compulsive – and mixes contemporary flair with a garnish of colonial history. Busy modern boulevards, the quaint old cobbled streets of the Beacon Hill district, the wide open spaces of Boston Common and the Charles River waterfront – Boston is a metropolitan tour de force. It’s also the gateway to New England, perhaps the most historic corner of the USA and certainly one of the most beautiful.
Florida
Miami Beach, Palm Beach & Key Biscayne
‘The Sunshine State’ can offer you any setting and style to suit. From the Atlantic beaches of legendary Miami Beach with its trendy Art Deco district to the sophisticated luxury surroundings of Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Key Biscayne.
Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico & Orlando
From the islands and watersports-orientated world of the Florida Keys to the gentler shores of the Gulf of Mexico whose sunlit white beaches defy excess activity. And then, by contrast, there’s Orlando, ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, where the activity never stops!
The West Coast
San Francisco
This is the USA California-style, long a magnet for fortune-seekers and a world where the American Dream comes into its own. Effervescent San Francisco more than lives up to its name, with hills and waterfront framed by the epic Golden Gate Bridge – and those cable cars, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown just as you’ve seen them on the silver screen.
Los Angeles
Big, brash and bemusing, part-city and part-legend, ‘LA’ has a mood and a setting for every taste – be it shopping in Beverly Hills, star-spotting in Hollywood, admiring the art exhibits at the Getty Centre or just people-watching beside the beach at Santa Monica.
San Diego
Down South, towards the Mexico border, sun-drenched San Diego is the perfect family destination, whose beaches, watersports, parks, galleries, open-air markets, fascinating Old Town and renowned Zoo and Sea World will all prove too much to fit into just one visit!
The Desert
Scottsdale & Palm Springs
When it comes to harnessing the strong sun, blue skies, fresh air and oasis springs of the desert to create swish garden resort settings then the USA takes some beating. Exclusive Scottsdale in Arizona’s ‘Valley of the Sun’ and California’s prestigious Palm Springs both provide sophisticated living in the most relaxing of environments, with a suntan virtually guaranteed.
Las Vegas
Nevada’s larger-than-life Las Vegas, desert resort and gambling capital of the world, is a place where virtual reality can sometimes seem to take charge – and whose spectacular stage shows, theme parks and 24/7 activity ensure this is ‘the City that Never Sleeps’.
San Diego
A distinctly beach and sea-orientated city and resort, with an impressive choice of watersports, as well as a year-round festival and concert programme. Enjoy its many galleries and museums, open-air markets, smart shops and restaurants. Take an evening cruise to see the lights of the city coming on and enjoy some whale-watching by day (Dec – Mar).
USA – Events & Weather
EVENTS IN THE USA
‘Events’ and the USA are synonymous. Whether it’s a big city or a beach, desert or mountain resort you can be pretty sure that a celebration, exhibition or sporting happening of some kind won’t be long in coming . . . Be they national or local, there are few occasions when the visitor is not mighty welcome.
New York
The Big Apple is rarely without exhibitions, concerts, celebrations or competitions of note at any time of the year – too numerous to list here. Among many key events are Chinese New Year celebrations (January), the St Patrick’s Day Parade (March), the Manhattan Easter Parade, the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival (May),. The Great July 4th Festival, the Lincoln Center Festival (July), Central Park Summerstage (June-August) and the US Tennis Open (August – September).
Boston
Like New York, Boston has a prodigious round-the-year events calendar. An arbitrary list includes the St Patrick’s Day Parade (March), the New England Spring Flower Show (March), Patriot’s Day Celebration (April), the Dragon Boat Festival (June), the Fourth of July Celebrations, Boston Harborfest (June – July), Bastille Day (July), the Boston Film Festival (September).
Miami Beach
Miami Beach folk love to throw a party – and if it’s outdoors so much the better. Major events include the Miami Beach Festival of the Arts (February), the Coconut Grove Arts Festival (February), Calle Ocho Cuban Carnival and Street Party (March), Florida Dance Festival (June – July), Fourth of July Celebrations, Afro-Cuban Dance Festival (July), Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival (August) and Miami Carnival (September – October).
San Francisco
Diversity is all in San Francisco. Events indoors, outdoors, sporting, cultural and unclassifiable – they’re all here! Among some key occasions are the Chinese New Year Parade (March), the Grand National Rodeo, Horse & Stock Show (April), the Northern California Sailing Season Opening Day on the Bay (April), the San Francisco International Film Festival (April – May), the Bay to Breakers Foot Race for up to 75,000 runners (May), the Fourth of July Fireworks, the San Francisco Lovefest Dance Music Celebration (September), the San Francisco Blues Festival (September), Castro Street Fair (October) and the San Francisco Jazz festival (October – November).
Los Angeles
Entertainment is what ‘LA’ is all about and the events diary is worthy of a city of this size and reputation. A few dates are the Chinese New Year Celebrations (March), the Los Angeles Film Festival (June – July), the Long Beach Jazz Festival (August), the Hollywood Bowl SummerSounds Festival (July – August), the Hollywood Film Festival (October) and the West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnival (October).
WEATHER IN THE USA
It’s impossible, of course, to categorise ‘the weather’ of a continent in a few words. Between them our cities and resorts offer climates and temperatures for all tastes – from desert to high mountain and tropical to temperate. Study the form and check whether you hotel has air-conditioning and/or central heating, according to need!
USA – Weddings & Honeymoons
YOUR WEDDING IN THE USA
If you’re thinking of getting married in the USA then the obvious choice of venue is Las Vegas! There’s a wedding them and venue to suit most tastes – and the glamorous backdrop of this glittering resort will add a host of memories to your special day.
Top Value Luxury Holidays Wedding Packages: In Las Vegas you can take advantage of our special top-value Wedding Packages with the ceremony in The Little Chapel of the Flowers, and including transport from your hotel, bridal bouquet, groom’s buttonhole and wedding photographs automatically included. A wide variety of personalised extras can also be added. Special themed ceremonies are also available. In New York we can arrange your ceremony at the top of the Empire State Building or in Central Park – please ask for details.Friends & Family are welcome to witness the ceremony by prior arrangement and special gala meals can be planned for the party.
For full details of Luxury Holidays Direct USA Wedding Packages please visit http://www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com .