Community Forum - Blogs - LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/ en Sun, 19 May 2013 13:28:34 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.luxurylink.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg Community Forum - Blogs - LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/ Honeymoon Part 2: The Inca Trail http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/honeymoon-part-2-inca-trail-1474/ Fri, 20 Jul 2012 02:09:36 GMT Next time…. Next time…. Next time… That was the start to many sentences during our trip to Peru. Ten days was simply not enough time to take in... Next time…. Next time…. Next time… That was the start to many sentences during our trip to Peru. Ten days was simply not enough time to take in everything Peru had to offer.

We started our Cusco trip with a note from YOUR recommendations and reviews right here in the Luxury Lounge and stayed at the gorgeous Aranwa Cusco. What a treasure this was. The Aranwa was the perfect way to get acclimated to the culture, local food and the altitude.



I really fell for Cusco. The timing of our trip just happened to be during Cusco’s Winter Solstice festivities. Score! This meant parades, dancers, huge guinea pig-pumping-iron-statues, and more just plain craziness.


We got in a few good tourist sites such as the cathedral, Iglesia de la Compania, Convento de Santo Domingo and (last but certainly not least) the Chocolate Museum.


We recommend the fondue.

The Mercado San Pedro was a fantastic place to see. We stopped here a few times for food and gifts for our family back home. (Can’t have a weak stomach walking through this place!)

Loved this sight :)

Food: We had a great meal at Cicciolina. The atmosphere was fun, yet relaxing. We had our first taste of guinea pig here. As an appetizer – sans head, teeth and claws – it was fabulous.

For dessert we asked our waitress what she would recommend and without skipping a beat she blurted out, “strawberries!” We ordered the strawberries in port wine sauce with pisco ice cream. I’m still dreaming about it today… We also loved Jack’s Place. The food was fresh, the portions were huge and the milk shakes were very yummy.

On day four of our trip we sadly said goodbye to the Aranwa to meet up with our tour group, and to hike the beautiful Sacred Valley. The next day we were off to hike the Inca Trail! Day one was not so bad, but day two….ugh. Everyone warned us that day two would be the toughest, and they were right. The trek up to Dead Woman’s Pass was one of the toughest, yet most rewarding things I’ve ever accomplished.

Day three was a breeze and offered some of the most beautiful sights. Then came the final day of our tour – Machu Picchu! We woke up at 3am so we could make it to the Sun Gate at sunrise. Truly spectacular! Every moment of the Machu Picchu tour was what we had hoped it would be, and then some.


While we are thrilled that we were able to do the 4-day Inca Trail trek, it is definitely not for everyone. One of the side notes we told each other was, “Next time we see Machu Picchu….we’re taking the bus!” This truly once in a lifetime trek is one more thing we can check off our bucket list, and we are forever thrilled that we did!

p.s.
This is the Machu Picchu:

Drinking it was almost as difficult as hiking it... ]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/honeymoon-part-2-inca-trail-1474/ Honeymoon (Part 1) - Secrets: It’s a Pleasure http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/honeymoon-part-1-secrets-%92s-pleasure-1455/ Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:19:44 GMT What a wonderful place the Luxury Lounge is… filled with fun travel stories, on-line friends and lots and LOTS of sharing. I share clues. I share... What a wonderful place the Luxury Lounge is… filled with fun travel stories, on-line friends and lots and LOTS of sharing. I share clues. I share contests. I share news about special promotions. I even – sometimes - share hats. But here’s something I don’t often share with you: a glimpse into my personal life. Here it goes…

I recently got married to the most wonderful man on earth (I’m not biased). We’re right for each other in so many ways, but one of the most important ways is in our mutual love for travel. Not just any travel but off-the-beaten-path kind of travel. So that’s why our honeymoon needed to be something special. Something no one normally does on their honeymoon.

After months of deliberating we finally decided: we were going to hike Machu Picchu then go to some interesting place with warmer weather towards the coast (maybe Ecuador….we weren’t entirely sure) and just veg out for a week.

Well, long story short, we ran into some hiccups with the planning and weren’t able to get the government issued permits necessary to hike Machu Picchu for the week right after our wedding. So, I had a few tears while my fiancé had a few ideas. His best one was, “How about we put off Machu Picchu for a few weeks… And why don’t you go on Luxury Link and pick something for the week right after the wedding?” Music to my ears!

After our first round of frustrations with travel planning, we decided to keep this one simple and go very honeymoon 101. Once we decided on an all-inclusive in the Caribbean, we ended up choosing Secrets Royal Beach in Punta Cana, and I am so pleased we did.

We arrived in Punta Cana about 26 hours after saying, “I do,” and after a 25 minute ride from the airport we were greeted with champagne. I couldn’t get over how quiet everything was. The lobby, the outdoor lounge, the pool area. We were escorted to our room by a gentleman who pointed out where the locations of the various restaurants, spa and gym areas. We arrived to our room and were greeted with a cute “Honeymoon” banner placed over our door. It was a sweet welcoming and I was very pleased with the size and cleanliness of our room.



We set off exploring the resort, walked around the pool area then went to one of the seafood restaurants for dinner. The food at this restaurant and overall was fabulous. We looked forward to the breakfast buffets every day. There was so much variety and everything – especially the fish – was incredibly fresh.



While the beach was beautiful, and the weather was perfect, it was the service that was the highlight of this trip. Whenever I would say, “thank you,” their response was always, “it’s a pleasure!” It was such a sweet and simple touch. They ALL were very genuine, kind and accommodating. Everyone from the concierge in the lobby to the poolside bartender all wanted to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. The place was immaculate, too. Every room we stepped in, every hallway we walked in, any pool/beachside chair we lounged in was impeccably clean.



I would love to return. But now we’re back home and gearing up for our next big trip – aka: Honeymoon Part 2. Stay tuned… ]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/honeymoon-part-1-secrets-%92s-pleasure-1455/ Win a Luxury Beach Vacation! http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/win-luxury-beach-vacation-1383/ Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:16:46 GMT Dear Community, Enter for your chance to WIN a luxury beach vacation! Defrost from the chill winter, enjoy sun drenched beaches and the swaying... Dear Community,

Enter for your chance to WIN a luxury beach vacation!

Defrost from the chill winter, enjoy sun drenched beaches and the swaying of a palm tree, as you take in the beauty of Hotel Las Palmas in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. One lucky traveler will receive a luxury beach escape for two that includes:

•4 Nights at Hotel Las Palmas
•Welcome margaritas
•Breakfast each morning
•One dinner for two at the Palmeras Restaurant & Bar

For more information on how to enter, click here:
Five-Star Hotel Deals | Luxury Link


Courtesy of:





Best of luck! ]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/win-luxury-beach-vacation-1383/ Introducing a Central American Stunner... http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/introducing-central-american-stunner-1380/ Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:53:48 GMT Luxury Link is excited to announce their newest property: Aqua Wellness Resort in Nicaragua. This stunning, one-of-a-kind boutique hotel is located... Luxury Link is excited to announce their newest property: Aqua Wellness Resort in Nicaragua. This stunning, one-of-a-kind boutique hotel is located within the Pacific Lowlands of Nicaragua in Central America. Live in luxury among the tree tops and gaze at the incredible views of the Pacific at this coastal retreat.



This fabulous resort invites you to cast off from the world and relax in paradise. With one to three bedrooms, each luxurious villa seamlessly blends its indoor and outdoor spaces with a modern elegant style and serene tropical beach house ambiance. Crafted from gleaming local hardwoods and gorgeous hewn stone, with a design that allows the cool ocean breeze to flow perfectly through.



This secluded and peaceful natural setting is ideal for a relaxing beach holiday, yoga, meditation and spa treatments that nourish the soul. Wander down to the pristine white beach and welcoming Pacific Ocean. Hang out on our beachside lounge deck, or tan in private and cool off in your own plunge pool. Dine on your deck, or sip champagne in the beachside Barracuda Bar as the sun goes down.



Aqua is not only a place of luxury and wellness, but also a place of giving back and green living. Aqua's vision statement is to “lead luxury sustainable development in Nicaragua” and as such they have conceived, built, and operated the resort in close partnership with local communities.

At Aqua Wellness Resort, the beauty of Nicaragua will captivate your heart, and enchant your soul as you create memories you will cherish forever.

View live offers now on Luxury Link: Aqua Wellness Resort in Tola, Nicaragua - Hotel Travel Deals | Luxury Link

and

www.familygetaway.com ]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/introducing-central-american-stunner-1380/ A New Kind of Paradise on Oahu http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/new-kind-paradise-oahu-1374/ Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:17:46 GMT Image: http://www.luxurylink.com/images/por/0-11698/0-11698-gal-xl-25.jpg When you picture the island of Oahu, what do you see? Pearl Harbor,...

When you picture the island of Oahu, what do you see? Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, epic surf breaks off Waikiki? Not to mention the vibrant tropical buzz of Honolulu.

Luxury Link and Family Getaway have brought on a brand new property located on Hawaii's Oahu, but don't let this location fool you. Though just 25 minutes outside of Honolulu, what you've come to know about Oahu is not what you will find at Ko Olina Beach Villas. This is paradise.



Located on Oahu's sunny West Coast, just a short drive from Honolulu and Waikiki, Ko Olina rests on one of four crystal-clear lagoons. The main resort features a large lap pool, lagoon pools and a sand-bottom pool for kids.


The Ko Olina Beach Villas is located near a trio of luxury resorts. This exquisite luxury villa affords some of the most premiere accommodations on the island. Over 1,300 square feet of living space - including a private lanai that overlooks lush mountains, sparkling waters and the peak of Diamond Head - welcome you to relax in comfort, with a range of fabulous amenities.



It's truly a destination that has something for everyone.


View Live offers on Luxury Link: Ko Olina Beach Villas in Ko Olina, Oahu - Villa & Estate Travel Deals | Luxury Link

and Family Getaway: http://www.familygetaway.com/vacatio...-beach-villas# ]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/new-kind-paradise-oahu-1374/ 2008 Photo Contest - Results! http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/2008-photo-contest-results-1307/ Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:28:20 GMT
Congratulations to our 3 winners and a big "thank you" to all those
who entered the 2008 Community Photo Contest!

We received some absolutely fantastic photos, therefore making the judging process a very difficult one. For your enjoyment, all the entries have been posted below.
(Please note: with the exception of the 3 winners, the others are all in complete random order.)

Enjoy the photos, and feel free to comment on your own personal favorites!



Cheers,
LL
]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/2008-photo-contest-results-1307/ Cow on a Beach in Cumbria, England http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/cow-beach-cumbria-england-1306/ Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:02:17 GMT Cow on a Beach in Cumbria, England By: Littlejohn Image: http://www.luxurylink.com/images/community/PhotoContest_2008/littlej-Cow.jpg Cow on a Beach in Cumbria, England
By: Littlejohn

]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/cow-beach-cumbria-england-1306/ Floating Market on the Mekong River, Vietnam http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/floating-market-mekong-river-vietnam-1305/ Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:58:46 GMT Floating Market on the Mekong River, Vietnam By: M. Taube Image: http://www.luxurylink.com/images/community/PhotoContest_2008/MT-market.jpg ... Floating Market on the Mekong River, Vietnam
By: M. Taube







Message Edited by LL_Moderator_ks on 10-17-2008 05:59 PM ]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/floating-market-mekong-river-vietnam-1305/ Shadowplay, Dawn in London http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/shadowplay-dawn-london-1304/ Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:55:52 GMT Shadowplay, Dawn in London By: L. Jones Image: http://www.luxurylink.com/images/community/PhotoContest_2008/LJ-London.jpg Message... Shadowplay, Dawn in London
By: L. Jones






Message Edited by LL_Moderator_ks on 10-17-2008 06:00 PM ]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/shadowplay-dawn-london-1304/ Hanging Garden, Grenada http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/hanging-garden-grenada-1303/ Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:53:35 GMT Hanging Garden, Grenada By: B. McClintock Image: http://www.luxurylink.com/images/community/PhotoContest_2008/bmc-Garden.JPG Hanging Garden, Grenada
By: B. McClintock

]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/hanging-garden-grenada-1303/ Great Plaza, Copan National Park, Honduras http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/great-plaza-copan-national-park-honduras-1302/ Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:52:22 GMT Great Plaza, Copan National Park, Honduras By: Omegaet Image: http://www.luxurylink.com/images/community/PhotoContest_2008/oet-Plaza.JPG Great Plaza, Copan National Park, Honduras
By: Omegaet

]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/great-plaza-copan-national-park-honduras-1302/ <![CDATA[Musee d'Orsay, Paris, France]]> http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/musee-dorsay-paris-france-1301/ Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:51:03 GMT Musee d'Orsay, Paris, France
By: Jsattapr2

]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/musee-dorsay-paris-france-1301/ Tikal, Guatemala http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/tikal-guatemala-1300/ Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:49:45 GMT Tikal, Guatemala By: Bonniejoy03 Image: http://www.luxurylink.com/images/community/PhotoContest_2008/bjoy-tika.JPG Tikal, Guatemala
By: Bonniejoy03

]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/tikal-guatemala-1300/ Sailboats, Nice, France http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/sailboats-nice-france-1299/ Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:46:11 GMT Sailboats, Nice, France By: J. LoSardo Image: http://www.luxurylink.com/images/community/PhotoContest_2008/jl-sailboats.jpg Sailboats, Nice, France
By: J. LoSardo

]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/sailboats-nice-france-1299/ The Gulf of Mexico, Carabelle, Florida http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/gulf-mexico-carabelle-florida-1298/ Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:43:41 GMT The Gulf of Mexico, Carabelle, Florida By: G. Brown Image: http://www.luxurylink.com/images/community/PhotoContest_2008/GB-Florida.jpg The Gulf of Mexico, Carabelle, Florida
By: G. Brown

]]> LL_Moderator_ks http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/ll_moderator_ks/gulf-mexico-carabelle-florida-1298/