Far and away the most exciting city in Florida, Miami is an often intoxicatingly beautiful place, with palm trees swaying in the breeze and South Beach's famous Art Deco buildings stunning in the warm sunlight. Away from the beaches and the tourists, the gleaming skyscrapers of downtown herald Miami's proud status as the headquarters of many US corporations' Latin American operations. Even so, it's the people, not the climate, the landscape, or the cash, that makes Miami so noteworthy. Two-thirds of the two-million-plus population is Hispanic, the majority of which are Cuban, and Spanish is the predominant language almost everywhere.

Just over a hundred years ago Miami was a swampy outpost of mosquito-tormented settlers. The arrival of Henry Flagler's railroad in 1896 gave the city its first fixed land-link with the rest of the continent, and cleared the way for the Twenties property boom. In the Fifties, Miami Beach became a celebrity-filled resort area, just as thousands of Cubans fleeing the regime of Fidel Castro began arriving here as well. The Sixties and Seventies brought decline, and Miami's dangerous reputation in the Eighties was well deserved – in 1980 the city had the highest murder rate in America.

Since then, with the strengthening of Latin American economic links and the gentrification of South Beach – which helped make tourism the lifeblood of the local economy again in the early Nineties – Miami is enjoying a surge of affluence and optimism.

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The 2000 Olympics were a coming-of-age ceremony for Sydney, with fifty years' worth of development compressed into four years under the pressure of intense international scrutiny. The benefits are still being felt: Sydney has all the vigour of a world-class city, with the reputation of its restaurants in particular turning the lingering cultural sneers to swoons. It seems to have the best of both worlds: twenty minutes from Circular Quay the high-rise office buildings give way to colourful inner-city suburbs where you can get an eyeful of sky and watch the lemons ripening above the pavement, while to the centre's north and south are corridors of largely intact bushland where many have built their dream homes. During every heatwave, however, bushfires threaten the city, and sophisticated Sydney becomes closer to its roots than it might like.

It's also as beautiful a city as any in the world, with a setting that only Rio de Janeiro can rival: the water is what makes it so special, and no introduction to Sydney would be complete without paying tribute to one of the world's great harbours. Port Jackson is a sunken valley that twists inland to meet the fresh water of the Parramatta River, in the process washing into a hundred coves and bays, winding around rocky points, flowing past small harbour islands, slipping under bridges and lapping at the foot of the Opera House. Sydney is seen at its gleaming best from the deck of a harbour ferry, and a ride on one is an experience not to be missed.

It might seem surprising that Sydney is not Australia's capital and indeed, the creation of Canberra in 1927 – intended to stem the intense rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne – has not affected the view of many Sydneysiders that their city remains the true capital of Australia. In many ways it feels like it and the city has a tangible sense of history, with the old stone walls and well-worn steps in the backstreets around The Rocks an evocative reminder that Sydney has more than two hundred years of white history behind it.

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Originally known as Charles Town, NASSAU is the modern-day face of the Bahamas. Though dingy in parts, enough historical flavour has been preserved to make a stop worthwhile. Much of this atmosphere comes from its development during the so-called Loyalist period from 1787 to 1834, when many of the city's finest colonial buildings were built. Before this build-up, Nassau had largely been a rustic haven for pirates, privateers and wreckers.

After alternating periods of decline and prosperity in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the spike in trade and construction that followed World War II led directly to Nassau's emergence as a global centre for tourism and finance. By the mid-1950s, with the dredging of the harbour and the construction of the international airport, Nassau began to host more than a million visitors a year. A decade later, after the construction of the Paradise Island Bridge and the development of Cable Beach, the city was receiving twice as many.

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The area's tourism industry underwent rapid growth during the 1980s, made possible by enthusiastic foreign investment. Large hotels began to flourish - offering complete services and amenities, abounding in luxury and exclusivity. This also applied to shopping centers, which started incorporating some of the finest boutiques, jewelers and restaurants. These factors boosted the area's status. Already considered a paradise of sun and sea for the color of its waters, the delicate beauty of its powdered sand beaches and the exuberant vegetation of its ecological reserves, Cancún was still improving its reputation.

Cancún can be divided into three main areas: The Hotel District, the Town and the Ecological Reserve, blessed with incredible lakes and mangrove swamps.

 
five-star luxury hotels). Hotels and shopping centers are distributed along the main Boulevard Kuculkán, which runs the length of the 21-kilometer (13-mile) island. This district undoubtedly generates the greatest revenue and has the greatest economic impact on the nation, as compared to the rest of the state. This area is where the trendiest, most popular discos, the finest international restaurants and the largest entertainment venues are situated.

Town of Cancú The Town of Cancún changes the scenery, albeit not too drastically. Peaceful provincial life here is more picturesque, folkloric and the simplicity of some of the shops provides a stark contrast to the million-dollar hotel chains. Restaurants in this district serve typical local food and snacks, providing a real opportunity to taste some genuine homemade Mexican dishes. There are also a lot of shopping opportunities in town. For additional entertainment, theaters and cinemas are located on the main streets.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Last, but certainly not least, the third district is in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve , where nature still reigns supreme in the history of this area. Occupying hundreds of kilometers, it constitutes Mexico's largest genuine ecosystem, home to a diverse number of plant and animal species. The government and non-profit organizations do their best to preserve this area as a wildlife refuge containing many species in danger of extinction.

Archaeological sites can be found in the vicinity, extending towards the four cardinal points. Structures tell the history of the settlements of the Mayan people on this peninsula, and just about every rock reveals traces of the historical and cultural legacy which these inhabitants left behind.

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 California has many luxury resorts to choose from, but there are a few that have set the bar for pampering guests. Experience world-class body treatments along the coast of California.Aquaterra Spa at the Surf and Sand Resort, Laguna Beach

 An All You Need Is Love package includes champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, rose petals, tea lights and a romantic 3-course dinner for two at Splashes restaurant. A selection of four treatment styles is offered by the spa: the Ocean Ritual, using seaweed extract for everything from body masque to the aroma therapy massage; Earth Ritual, using an antioxidant scrub; Botanical Ritual, with the essence of lavender; and Artistic Ritual, with a bubble bath for two and a massage lesson.

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No place on earth probably equals the extravagance and wealth that is Palm Beach. And no place in Palm Beach provides the experience and culmination of excess than The Breakers. Built by the great Henry Flagler himself, the Breakers is the catalyst of Palm Beach society. Although the masses of New York Society have returned North for the summer, Palm Beach remains a destination of luxury with Worth Avenue shops beckoning and the golf courses waiting. The legendary Breakers has been updated and rooms are luxurious and service prompt. Fabulous details abound in the decadent resort modeled after a Italian Palace. This year, the hotel is opening 2 new pools and cabanas to cater to the entire family. One will be a quiet pool (i.e. No Kiddies,) while the other will be a family pool for everyone to enjoy.

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Those in need of a country house experience, look no further. Wheatleigh is a dramatic Italianate mansion in Lenox, Massachusetts that borders on the other worldly. The house is ornate and everything a gilded age home should be. Except, instead of being stuffed with a gaudy Victorian decor, a soothing modern decor surrounds guests in delicate fabrics and soft colors. The Berkshires may beckon you outside, but be sure to be back for dinner at the AAA Five Diamond Dining Room.

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Located on the Georgia coast, Sea Island has been an exclusive community that has managed to stay low on the radar while providing an indulgent environment in which knowledgeable travelers can relax and enjoy a slower pace of life. At the heart of this island is The Cloister, a delightful resort designed by Addison Mizner in 1928. The decades passed and The Cloister grew and expanded all around a building that soon limited the resort from providing the ultimate service. But, in March of this year, The Cloister opened its doors again to a $350 million rebuild of the main building. Parts of the original building were included into a new hotel that serves as the hub of island life. Guests can chose to stay in the new Cloister that fronts the Black River or the Ocean Houses that are on the beach.

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The glories of the Rockies surround the Four Seasons Jackson Hole. Located at the southern end of Grand Teton National Park, the hotel is a prime location from which to venture into the wild. In the winter, this hotel is a busy slopeside hotel catering to the ski crowd. The summer brings warmer weather and far fewer guests so be prepared for some actual peace and quiet. The hotel blends well with its surroundings and provides a rustic yet throughly modern atmosphere in which to enjoy the scenery.

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USA Gateway Romantic Sunset Beach
This wonderful beach is sunset is most beautiful for couples.During the summer months Sunset Beach is tranquility at its finest. Clear water, tide pools, seashells and soft, white sand line this long stretch of paradise. However, once the summer has gone it turns into a surfer’s haven. With waves approaching 20-foot heights it is a favorite destination for surf competitions. Just be aware of the infamous Sunset Rip. Beginners should probably test their skills at a different location and watch the pros how it’s done. They are reason enough to come to Sunset Beach.

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USA Gateway Romantic Perdido Key State Park
It is another sexy and wonderful beach.The state of Florida can get overwhelmed with visitors but the beach located along Perdido Key seems to get overlooked… and that is great news for you. This is a swimmer’s dream come true. The waves are just the right size to have some fun in the water, the sand is soft and there are usually lifeguards on hand. Make sure you pack along your snorkel and goggle and take advantage of the clear water. Plus, you can explore the nearby sand dunes or keep your eyes open for the dolphins in the distance.

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USA Gateway Romantic Carolina Beach
The most beautiful and romantic beach is  but take the half hour drive and explore Carolina Beach. This is an all around fantastic place to enjoy a day in the sun. Located along the Atlantic Coast the beach here is packed full of water activities from deep-sea fishing to body surfing. Plus, the locals keep the sand clean making it ideal for families. Once the sun goes down though the parties get started. Spend time along Carolina Beach’s boardwalk and choose your perfect restaurant.

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USA Gateway Romantic Coronado Beach
A greate Located about a mile from San Diego lies one of its best treasures. Coronado Beach is a great destination for the whole family. Your little ones can look for shells while the older kids will love body boarding in the gentle waves. The added bonus of coming here is that the beach is close to the community of Coronado and that means there are great places to fill up that tummy. Need another reason? Coronado Beach is considered one of the top beaches in the state.

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Beverly Hills Hotels

Beverly Hills was wealthy and famous long before it was discovered by the movie industry. At the beginning, our fabled El Dorado was blessed with a commodity more precious in Southern California than jewels: water.

The source of this fertility comprises three dramatic canyons: Franklin, Coldwater and Benedict. Moisture from the Southern California sky gathers on the hills and wends its way down to form streams flowing to the nexus of Beverly Drive and Sunset Boulevard. Native American inhabitants, the Tongva or Gabrielinos, considered it a sacred site, naming it the Gathering of the Waters or, in Spanish, El Rodeo de las Aguas.
Before the arrival of Spanish explorers, the Tongva led a peaceful life nourished by abundant game and meadows filled with wild oats, cucumber, buckwheat, cress and prickly pear. Their everyday lives were guided by animistic religious practice inspired by an environment filled with color: blue lupine, orange poppies, red foxtail, wild roses, fuchsia and golden rod.
The fateful first contact between these peaceful natives and Europeans occurred just north of what are Olympic and La Cienega boulevards on August 3, 1769. Friar Juan Crespi, who served as Chaplain on the legendary expedition of Don Jose Gaspar de Portola, kept a journal. He recorded a magical passage through a "large vineyard of wild grapes and an infinity of rose bushes. After traveling about half a league we came to a village of this region," recorded the Friar, "people came into the road, greeted us and offered seeds."
Their "gift of life" proved ironic, for these armed Spanish tourists spelled doom for the Gabrielinos. Their medicinal arts were powerless against an imported smallpox epidemic, which destroyed two thirds of the local Native population in 1844. Mistreatment by European settlers soon did the rest.
In 1838, the Mexican governor of California deeded the land grant El Rodeo de las Aguas to Maria Rita Valdez Villa, the Afro Latina widow of a Spanish soldier. Maria Rita, an early California feminist icon, built an adobe ranch house near the intersection of present day Sunset Boulevard and Alpine Drive. She employed a vast posse of cowboys and proceeded to raise cattle and horses.
As was the custom of a time, Maria Rita permitted her livestock to wander freely, but once a year a festive roundup, another kind of rodeo, was held beneath a huge eucalyptus tree at the corner of Pico and Robertson boulevards.
In 1852, three Apaches ambushed Maria Rita's rancho. A shoot-out and siege followed in a grove of walnut trees at Benedict Canyon and Chevy Chase Drive. Maria Rita survived, but the battle may have influenced her decision just two years later to sell the ranch to Benjamin D. Wilson and Henry Hancock for $4000. However, the legendary waters deserted the new owners; a drought decimated their crops and their cattle died in parched streambeds. However, their names live on today in nearby Mt. Wilson and Hancock Park.

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                                                      castle_hill rsort for honymoon couples

Castle Hill is located approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Sydney in the Shire of Baulkham Hills.

The exact origin of the name Castle Hill is not known. One origin is thought to be the fine views offered by the hills in the district. Governor Phillip first saw the area on one of his exploratory trips in 1791. Governor King began ‘Government Farm’ in the area in July 1801, referring to it as Castle Hill in March 1802. The farm of 34,539 acres ranged from West Pennant Hills to Maroota, although only a small portion was cultivated. In 1804, 266 Irish convicts escaped the farm with stolen rifles and makeshift weapons, intending to march on Parramatta before overthrowing the English authority in Sydney Town. Their plot was betrayed and they were consequently defeated by the English redcoats. It was the first European uprising on Australian soil and is known as the Castle Hill rebellion. Castle Hill Heritage Park in Banks Road is a remnant of Government Park.
Castle Hill Heritage Park in Banks Road remains a remnant of Government Park. The first free settler in Castle Hill was Frenchman, Baron Verincourt de Clambe, who received a grant of 200 acres in 1802. It has been suggested that de Clambe's house "The Hermitage" was commonly called 'The Castle' by locals, because of the Baron's noble status.Castle Hill is a vibrant hub for Sydney’s northwest. It offers visitors a selection of attractions including the annual Castle Hill Show and Orange Blossom Festival along with a huge variety of restaurants, diverse shopping opportunities, accommodation and leisure activities including; movies, ice skating, tenpin bowling, rock climbing and major sports facilities.Towns surrounding Castle Hill include: Baulkham Hills, Bella Vista, Dural, Glenhaven, North Rocks and West Pennant Hills.

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Porto Elounda Resort

The Porto Elounda is the latest five-star creation of architect Spyros Kokotos, designer of all the well-known luxury resorts in Elounda. Unique in many respects, Porto Elounda is the only 'Insignia Resort' in Greece.

The Resort lies 500m from the renowned Hotel Elounda Mare, the only Relais & Chateaux in Greece. Both Hotels are under the same management and receive the personal attention of the Kokotos family.
The Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort is built on the seafront, on a plot of 110,000 m² with a 150 meter long private sandy beach. The view from the Main Building, the Villas and Bungalows over Mirabello Bay and the distant mountains, is magnificent. The rooms and suites in the main building have all been renovated in 2003/2004, providing excellent accommodation with large balconies or terraces. The public areas are decorated with antique and contemporary furniture and rugs. Porto Elounda is also the sole Greek resort that includes an Executive nine-hole Golf Course and a Golf Academy.
The first view from the hilltop is a panorama of the Bay of Mirabello, where the foreground is dominated by the Porto Elounda De Luxe Resort and the green expanse of its golf course. Designed with respect to the architectural tradition of the land, this unique complex is an oasis of recreation and discreet luxury comprising the hotel and the seafront bungalows and villas.
Staying at Porto Elounda is a delight of traditional Cretan architecture and interior design. The typical whitewashed surfaces bind harmoniously with the brown and gray rock walls, the local carob and olive trees. The decoration is exclusively antique pieces of folk-art: carpets, chests, tapestries, mantelpieces with fine Cretan marble throughout the Halls and Salons.
Some Rooms have direct access from their balconies to the large oblong pools. Right on the seafront are Bungalows with direct access to the sandy beach or platforms on the rocks and there even is a Grande Suite with its own private beach, outdoor pool and garden, indoor pool and more.
The Resort has been awarded the European Blue Flag for the past six consecutive years in recognition of the continuous efforts of maintaining the environment in pristine condition, for efficient water management, wastewater treatment and for the participation in the raising of environmental awareness among the staff and local schoolchildren.
The Porto Elounda Resort is situated 7 km to the east of Agios Nikolaos in what is generally considered the most beautiful part of Crete and 70 km, approximately 1 hour’s drive, from Heraklion International Airport. Fly to Athens and take the connections to Heraklion, or fly direct to Heraklion by charter flight from many European cities.

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