Jun 25 2017

Namaste Nicaragua Travel: In Search of Peace and Familiarity

Nicaragua Travel: Namaste

The following are excerpts from a larger story on my Adobe Spark page. Start here and finish the experience by clicking the bottom photo below.

For decades, Nicaragua was synonymous with poverty, death and corruption. Most Americans would’ve never been caught dead traveling here.

Three decades later Nicaragua welcomes savvy American travelers with open arms.

The Nicaragua from my childhood was a country suffocating from oppression and violence. I didn’t know much about politics in the 80s. However, I knew enough from my father’s daily commentary, a uniquely Caribbean perspective, that the Central American nation was deep in the excrement of a zero sum game with the United States.

Nicaragua is a country of contrasts.

You never know what you’re going to get when you travel to Nicaragua during the rainy season. I had my fair share of rain storms last time I visited the Solentiname Archipelago.

You can not experience its’ beautiful natural landscapes without the level of rain it gets.

The rain can last several minutes or a few hours. I visited during a storm system that textured the skies with cumulus clouds and shadows.

Luxury travel in Nicaragua

As with any country, seaside property is a hot commodity. Nicaragua is no different.

Luxury resorts and manicured communities dot the picturesque Emerald coastline.

There’s a bit of guilt that runs through you when you’re sitting in an air-conditioned vehicle barreling past impoverished communities on the way to an oceanfront resort. I couldn’t help but think about common life in the area as I peered at shacks, barefoot children, stray dogs, clothes lines, muddied pigs and countless adults lingering about seemingly not working on a Friday morning.

Click the photo below to read more of my Nicaragua travel story, complete with the sounds of Nicaragua.

Apr 08 2017

6 Things to See Inside the Corinthia Hotel London Spa

The Corinthia Hotel London is modern hotel luxury at its finest

The hotel couldn’t be more centrally located on Whitehall Place in Westminster. This modern luxury hotel is just steps from the Hungerford and Jubilee Bridges.

If you’re taking the train to get there, the closest Tube stop to the Corinthia Hotel London is Embankment station.

The main hotel area

Depending on which entrance you use, your introduction to the Corinthia Hotel will either be bright and lively or dark and intimate.

Opt for the main entrance and you’ll stand within the domed Lobby Lounge, designed in a circular motif.

Beneath the impressive glass dome dangles a spectacular array of crystal lights. This is the Full Moon chandelier. It was created by Parisian designer Chafik Gasmi and produced by Baccarat, the prestigious French crystal manufacturer.

Aside from its notable architecture and stunning interior, the Corinthia has a history. I learned that the building has secret tunnels and passageways.

Unfortunately these aren’t open to the public but maybe you’ll stumble on something when you visit.

Entering through Door #2

I entered the Northumberland entrance of the Corinthian hotel. I wanted to stop for refreshments in one of the hotel’s bars before attending a function there.

It was an atypical London evening: cold and damp. But once I walked through it’s doors my weather woes melted.

The furnishings and flowers around the hotel are what first caught my eye.

This side of the hotel was dark, lively, and sophisticated – right where I wanted to be.

Instead of something cold and alcoholic I opted for a fancy pot of rich hot chocolate to warm my bones.

I didn’t eat much at the hotel except for a small appetizer of fish n’ chips at the party I was attending.

It’s the best I’ve had in London so far. Granted, that’s not saying much since I’ve yet to do a fish n’ chips tour as I’ve done with chicken shops.

Impressive as the treats, furnishings, and flowers were, the spa at the Corinthia hotel in London was more up my ally.

A walk into the fabulousness of ESPA at the Corinthia Hotel

Marble floors, textured walls, and strategically placed lights take the experience at ESPA to another level.

Water elements found throughout ESPA create a subliminal feeling of tranquility and fluidity.

Spa Corridor ESPA Life at Corinthia — Hallway leading to Spa reception. Photo courtesy of Corinthia Hotel London.

The spa reception area is bright and sterile.

Spa Reception ESPA Life at Corinthia — Photo courtesy of Corinthia Hotel London.

There’s nothing overly impressive about the area that would make me want to stand there longer than I need to.

Ladies Changing room ESPA Life at Corinthia — Photo courtesy of Corinthia Hotel London.

Here are 6 things to see in the Corinthia Hotel London spa that are impressive

A great spa is as much about its service as it is about its amenities. And there are just a few amenities that a spa snob would like to have in her life while she’s spending her day (and car note) at the spa.

1. A gorgeous swimming pool

Pool ESPA Life at Corinthia — Photo courtesy of Corinthia Hotel London.

The indoor swimming pool with its blue glass water is surrounded by inviting cream-colored couches, perfect for a quick rest before the next few laps.

2. A spacious sauna

A sauna amphitheatre isn’t necessary but in the case of ESPA’s unique offering, we’ll take it. It’s a sauna design I’ve never seen before but is a perfect feature for a group of friends spa-ing together.

3. A vitality pool

In case you thought one pool was enough, you’re wrong. The spa snob wants options. You get that at ESPA life at the Corinthia hotel.

This is what I loved a lot about my Costa Rica wellness getaway as well: water options.

Note that the pool in Line item 1 was still and calm. This pool is full of movement and action. We need both in our spa lives.

4. The ice fountain

What a wonderful way to cool off after exiting the sauna – a refreshing ladle of ice sitting at your beck and call.

Ice ice baby.

5. Sleeping pods

Once I saw this room it seemed so obvious to me, yet no luxury spa I’ve ever been to had a sleeping pod. All I ever want to do after I’ve had hours of relaxing (and potentially life-altering) spa treatments, is sleep. But there’s nowhere to lay down in many of these spas except a lounge chair in a relaxation room.

Thankfully ESPA Life gets women.

6. A dreamy lounge

This is one of those areas where a photo does it no justice. The gazillion dainty lights that dot the ceiling of this lounge lend an ambiance that deserve a visit instead of a description or explanation.

How much do treatments at ESPA Life at Corinthia London cost?

Of course the answer to this question depends wholly on how much pampering you’re looking for during your visit. However, you can get a body treatment for as low as £145.

If you’re only looking for access to ESPA Life, just pay £5 more and you can enjoy the facilities for the day along with a delicious one course lunch complemented by a glass of Champagne or freshly squeezed juice.

Next time you visit London and you’re looking for a different level of pampering, stop by ESPA Life at the Corinthia Hotel London.

Check out other spas that I’m in love with on Flipboard:

View my Flipboard Magazine.

Apr 08 2016

2016 Presidential Race Heats Up With Captain Obvious

It’s obvious that the 2016 Presidential Race is on every voting age American’s mind (most little kids could care less). What isn’t obvious is who will win this hot contest. At this point, it seems like it’s anybody’s race except that there’s one candidate hanging in the wings, watching, taking notes, and running for President, literally: Captain Obvious.

He loves travel, supports hotels at great prices, and has some good jokes. I don’t know about you but that makes him the obvious choice for me.

How hotels(dot)com and Captain Obvious won my vote

Let me tell you, I’ve used hotels(dot)com at least 5 times in the last 8 months to find quick options for hotels from Maryland to Costa Rica. As a matter of fact, this time last year I was searching the site for a place to stay in Costa Rica for my sister and me.

I had read about several beautiful resorts online when I was researching properties that offered hot springs. I checked prices directly on resort websites but something told me I could probably find better rates elsewhere. This is the normal part of my trip planning process – I search multiple sources before I make a decision.

This is where hotels(dot)com came into the picture. #TrueStory. They are one of several booking sites where I do my research. The site offered ample photos, reviews, and a rewards program.

It’s like they knew that I needed a room because the resort that was at the top of my list just so happened to have a deal on it. Score!

Just like Captain Obvious with this Presidential race, I couldn’t run fast enough to book our room. As a matter of fact, when it comes to a good deal on hotels, I could probably take him in a race. But I have to say, he got jokes. You should see some of his funny tweets throughout the whole presidential race.

You HAVE to see what jokes he had for other states. So far D.C. and NY are the funniest that I’ve watched.

Hilarious!

Back to my experience (cause obviously someone else loves the spotlight)…When I got to Costa Rica, there was no issue at the front desk as happens so often when people book rooms at what they think are great rates only to have to deal with drama in-destination.

It was my first time using the site to book a room. That’s how the booking engine and Captain Obvious won my vote.

Race for President

I can’t give you advice on who to vote for – well, actually I can but you do you (God help us all). However, I can give you advice on a good place to search for hotels based on my personal experience.

Who did I use when I booked a hotel room for my son’s sleepover birthday party in January? Hotels(dot)com.

Where did I get a sweet deal on a last-minute getaway for my Valentine’s birthday? Hotels(dot)com. This deal was that much sweeter because it was at a Kimpton hotel in Alexandria, VA nonetheless. Just sayin’.

Choose who you wanna choose when it comes to booking hotels (or picking Presidential candidates). For me, there’s an obvious choice.

About Hotels(dot)com

Hotels(dot)com is supporting Captain Obvious during the 2016 Presidential race because they believe in simplicity as much as he does – and he’ll need a place to sleep at night. They’ll be providing him with running shoes, socks, shorts and everything else he needs for his run.

They see the presidential race as a creative opportunity to utilize Captain Obvious as a way to be a part of, share in the broader cultural experience and to engage.

Jan 08 2013

Welcome to Penn State’s Other Secret: The Carnegie Inn and Spa

The Carnegie Inn and Spa is a perfect retreat for couples, adult family members, and girlfriends. This bed and breakfast-style Inn is designed after Scottish country inns and breathes relaxation, and romance.

Although my children accompanied me to the Carnegie Inn and Spa, understand that there are other hotel choices in the State College area that are better suited for traveling with kids. I couldn’t help but laugh when my son remarked, “ooh, fancy.” I translated it as “this is great, but where’s the pool?” Unfortunately, for his sake, there wasn’t one but that was quite alright by me. It meant that mommy and daddy were actually going to get a chance to sit down and take a load off. He and his brother had to entertain themselves another way.

Carnegie Inn & Spa — My Little One Just Before Settling In

Our double-queen room was spacious, a decent size if you insist on having kids in tow. After our three-hour drive from Maryland, the plantation-style rice beds welcomed us with fresh in-house baked cookies and rich, comfortable bedding, as well as end-of-bed benches, perfect for sitting. An armoire with a tube television stood against a parallel wall – a good location for watching TV in bed, on the couch, or from the writing desk, set back in an alcove with a window. Another recessed area, adjacent to the sitting desk, housed the room’s heating and cooling unit. After my eyes finished their dance on paisley linen wall paper, checkered throw pillows and other old country style patterns in the room, I notice all the archways and angles that make the space even more interesting.

Breakfast at the spa is complimentary for guests and it’s not just some continental breakfast. It’s a full breakfast, made to order. My boys tried the french toast topped with fresh whip cream and strawberries. I have to admit that I probably enjoyed it more than they did while my husband was very happy with his garden omelette. I think the best part of breakfast at the Carnegie Inn is the view. The dining room overlooks the adjoining golf course, which, at this time of year, is vacant and fresh with cold morning dew.

There are all these different nooks and crannies worth exploring around the Inn, even with your kids. My son had a good time walking with me to the West Wing to discover an elevator on that side and a third floor. Our wing was the smaller of the two with just six of the twenty rooms that make up the Carnegie Inn. We also had the spa on our side.

There are a number of things to do in the State College area, outside of Penn State. If you decide to do something off the beaten path from the more popular Pennsylvania cities and attractions, visit State College and stay at the Carnegie Inn. Kids in tow, or traveling solo, you will not be disappointed.

Disclaimer: The Carnegie Inn and Spa hosted my family for the weekend during our visit to State College. All opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

Sep 23 2012

Gaylord National Harbor: Family Travel Guest Review

Guest post from Tricia Clarke, freelance journalist, who recently traveled with her family to the Gaylord National Harbor resort in Washington, D.C.

I first fell in love with the Gaylord National Harbor after attending a weekend conference there in 2010. When I returned recently to celebrate my son’s birthday, the huge 18-story glass structure, set along the shores of the Potomac River, seduced me all over again.

The lavishly decorated hotel offers a variety of specials but one of the features that draws hundreds of families in is the chance to meet the Dream Works characters. Our room was on the 17th floor and my sons loved riding the glass elevators at the Gaylord National Harbor. Our room was nicely decorated and the beds were very comfortable. (I especially liked the magnifying makeup mirror in the bathroom). The free WiFi and bottles of water were nice amenities but it turns out they’re not so free, as we learned at the end of our stay with the $15 resort fee.

For breakfast, we ate buffet-style at Pienza – an Italian eatery, one of three onsite restaurants in the Gaylord National Harbor’s atrium. It wasn’t the best hotel breakfast I’ve had and my son’s weren’t really keen on anything but the cereal and fruit.

After some fun in the indoor pool and getting soaked by the splash zone fountains and a trip to D.C., which is only 20 minutes away, we spent the evening up close and personal with Dream Works characters like Alex the Lion, Princess Fiona and Kung Fu Panda. All four of the Gaylord’s locations (the others are in Orlando, Dallas and Nashville) feature the ‘Dream Works Experience’ and the ingenious idea offers families a ‘Disney-like’ encounter without the lines and the crowds.

The Dream Works packages include breakfast with the characters, a 2-hour party, and plenty of picture-taking opportunities. My boys had a wonderful time doing the ‘cha cha slide’ with Puss in Boots, the’ wobble’ with Shrek and dancing to the Madagascar theme song with King Julien. Later on, our room on the 17th floor provided the perfect view for Saturday night fireworks, launched from a boat on the river.

Despite catering to a variety of travelers (during our stay we witnessed a wedding, a conference and a Beatles music festival!) the Gaylord National Harbor does it all at a very high standard. It’s a great place for a family break, offering a slice of luxury at an affordable price.

Tricia Clarke is a freelance journalist and creator of www.britsacrossthepond.com – a website celebrating all that’s British in America. Follow her on Twitter @britsacrosspond.com. Photo courtesy of Tricia Clarke.