Featuring Aruba


Aruba Specialist
Last visit December 2006

As an “Aruba Ace Certified Agent” accredited by the tourist board, I have been exposed to an array of travel tidbits and unique gastronomic dining options of this wonderful destination. I have visited this friendly desert island on six occasions thru out my travel career. The island just keeps calling me back for more over and over! I can’t say enough about the dining, activities, nightlife, beaches, friendly locals and plentiful shopping.

I have recently developed a rapport with a local jeweler and am pleased to share this with future clients in the mood for some serious jewelry shopping.  I recommend them highly as I to have been the recipient of some fine purchases within the past several years. They specialize in trendy precious and semi-precious jewelry designs and of course can also fulfill a need for some overrated Bling Bling, just in case you are in the mood.

Over the years my husband and I have returned to dine at our personal favorites and seem to always locate a new dining hot spot each time we visit. Just a few of our favorites:

Papimento-150 year old manor house offers inside dining amongst family antiques or outside dining surrounding an outdoor patio/pool area with lighted palm trees in the evening, affording a wonderful ambiance----offering an array of local gourmet fare;

Ventanas del Mar..located at the Tierra del Sol Golf Course-which offers 5 star Caribbean cuisine with tableside serenading or outside dining boasting spectacular views of the lush golf course by the sea and the historic California Lighthouse;

The Flying Fishbone....just in case a client is feeling adventurous and would like to dine off the beaten path I would suggest dining here.  It is located just a 30 minute drive to Saveneta offering a combination of European gourmet cuisine with the Caribbean charm of Aruba. Arriving before or just after 6p will afford you the best spot on the island to view a memorable sunset. Once the sun sets you will be dining underneath a star-filled sky while your feet are swaying in the sand on their own private beach dining area. You will be serenaded by romantic live music as the smooth breeze and gentle swaying of the palm trees surround you for this outside unique tropical dining experience; Don't forget to ask for the "Cakebread Chard".....

Hostaria Da’Vittorio...Last but by no means least why not try your taste buds at the best Italian Ristorante on the island-----the last time I dined here I sat with the chef/owner for an after dinner drink and was told that the majority of the italian food, vino and bira (beer) are shipped in from Sicily. It's quite evident as you partake in the cuisine…..once again they offer indoor/outdoor unique dining and are conveniently located just across from the "Hyatt Hotel" on Palm Beach.

Pincho's...This is my latest find.  This an over the water restaurant and is located near the landing path of the airport.  The sunsets are gorgeous and the arriving European jets are intrigueing as they approach the nearby airport.  This restaurant was by far my favorite new find.  The reality series "The Bachelor" was filmed here several years ago.  The cuisine is grilled and offers very innovative menu choices.  After dinner...take a ride on the oversized swing as you watch the stars. 

As a Certified Agent I always set aside a morning of the trip to arrange for a private site inspection with the Tourist Board and Hoteliers of at least 5-6 properties. What a wonderful way to view renovations, new hotels and connect with the onsite reservation managers. This has definitely proven to be a great selling tool and enables me to choose the perfect accommodation for my client’s overall expectations.

There are a wide variety of properties to choose from starting with a 5 star beachfront high-rise hotels located on Palm Beach with great dining options, casinos, pet iguanas and birds on property. Perhaps a client would like the ambiance of a low-rise hotel located on Eagle Beach offering a European/chic flair for décor with all the bells and whistles and rooms overlooking the ocean. Just next store they can visit the brand new Balinese Spa set amongst a tropical garden setting and massage cabanas with a magnificent ocean view.

This is truly an island destination that offers superb dining, choice hotels, abundance of shopping, wide array of island adventures, (2) golf courses and much more! Once you choose to plan your vacation excursion with me I can assure you that you will be utterly pleased with my overall knowledge and personal favorites on this “One Big Happy Island”. 

                                      

      



    Featuring Canyon Ranch

Canyon Ranch Specialist
March 2004/August and November 2005 trips highlighted.

The Canyon Ranch Resort, simply known as “The Ranch” has become a second home to me. In March of 2004, I had the pleasure of visiting the Lenox Resort and experiencing this incredible place first hand. After three days of pampering, lectures and medical consults, I returned home with a sense of renewal and a new approach to my overall outlook on life. Upon my return home, I was excited to share my new passion for the "The Ranch" with friends, family and clients.

Within a week’s time, I had arranged my first group to visit the Lenox Resort, in November of 2004. The group was a complete success. They returned home fulfilled with a new sense of appreciation towards their health, mind, body and spirit. Due to the success of this group, I have decided to specialize in Canyon Ranch and market to; groups, couples, singles and mother/daughter packages.

During an inaugural two-day cruise out of NYC, I had the opportunity to visit the Canyon Ranch Spa aboard the Queen Mary II. The spa facilities were simply wonderful.

On a humorous note…….a friend and I had simultaneously scheduled our appointments at the spa. The ship was scheduled to set sail prior to our treatments. However, due to a delay, the ship departed while we were in the spa. When we emerged several hours later, we heard a a Canyon Ranch Spa, you leave the world behind. I will never forget this for years to come!

I also visited the Tucson Canyon Ranch Resort after attending this year’s Virtuoso Travel Mart in Las Vegas. Having seen both resorts, I feel confident in suggesting either property based on an individuals personal venue preference.

Canyon Ranch has been the first wellness resort that I have had the opportunity to experience overnight. Over the years, I have visited various spa facilities throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the United States. "The Ranch" far exceeds any experience I have had in my 25 years of spa hopping. I am looking forward to my upcoming visit with my returning group in November 2006 and look forward to continuing my own wellness in years to come at "The Ranch". 

If you would like to view the Canyon Ranch Special Offers please click here.

Group and Special Offers