Often overlooked, art and music are a big part of Hawaii’s culture. The art and artisans, music, and dance of the Islands range from traditional to contemporary. The realm of the arts offers fun and immersive ways to explore and enjoy Hawaii’s diverse multicultural landscape. Music and cultural festivals to art exhibitions and theater productions should be a must on your Hawaii visit!

Hawaii’s cultural festivals are many!

If exploring local art is a must on your vacation, check out the Honolulu Biennial, an Oahu art exhibition that contributes to local and indigenous perspectives, knowledge and creative expressions. This event is March 8th through May 5th.

In early summer, the annual Molokai Hula Ka Piko festival, happening May 30th to June 1st, celebrates the traditions of the island’s early history that speak of it being the birthplace of hula.

In September, attend the Kauai Mokihana Festival, a week long celebration of Hawaiian culture featuring music, hula competitions and educational lectures.

Hawaii’s unique art exhibits!

Oahu’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum for “The Untold Stories of Easter Island.” Running through May, the exhibition showcases artifacts from the South Pacific nation of Rapa Nui and aims to transport visitors beyond the island’s world-famous moai (carved stone statues). Learn about its unique environment and history.

On Maui, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center is a year-round art exhibit focusing on paintings and ceramic works, to two- and three-dimensional depictions exploring the history of surfing.

Are you a theater enthusiast? visiting Kumu Kahua Theatre in Oahu offers a variety of year-round productions featuring locally inspired narratives written and produced in the Islands.

Hawaiian cultural workshops are also a great way to experience the culture. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens and Kauai Cultural Center, offer a variety of activities ranging from creating kapa (bark cloth) and weaving fishnets, to cooking with the Hawaiian dietary staple ulu (breadfruit) and making the steamed kalo (taro) and coconut milk dessert kulolo. Personally, I would love to learn to cook a few Hawaiian dishes!

Hawaii’s Music Scene!

Music festivals are happening on the Islands year-round. Experience the musical styles of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festivals on Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the island of Hawaii by attending the Ki-Ho Alu Foundation’s series. On the island of Hawaii, check out the Kahilu Theatre, which schedules a diverse selection live musical performances.

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At Excellence El Carmen you are secluded but not isolated. This is a all-adult, all-suite resort and it is situated on a beautiful Caribbean beach in a palm grove on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. Its architecture is in the Contemporary Caribbean style, and there are 23 pools winding throughout the grounds! Excellence El Carmen gives you free rein to create each day your way.

Destination Highlights

• 12 international restaurant options–(no reservations required).
• There are 16 bars including poolside and beachside. Also available are a cigar lounge and coffeehouse.
• Fully equipped fitness center & Miilé Spa.
• Spanish lessons, dancing lessons, and cooking lessons, board games, air rifle shooting, bocce, aerobics & water aerobics, yoga, and football on the beach.
• 39 minutes for PUJ airport.

Things To Do

• Lots of day & night activities are scheduled.
• Local excursions like day trips to Santo Domingo, Outback Safari tours, Marinarium, Caribbean Pirates tour or Zip Lines tours.
• Active activities at the resort include: Use of snorkeling gear, 607-meter jogging course, introductory scuba lessons or bicycling. That’s just to name a few..

So what can the Excellence El Carmen offer you?

I think the Excellence El Carmen has a lot to offer. I had the pleasure of staying in a luxury suite with a private plunge pool. It was so nice to sit on my patio and have breakfast. I had my own Bali bed to lounge on, and get work done:). The set up between the 2 buildings with the large pool was awesome. The pool had its own wait staff & bar. All of us were in those 2 buildings, so we would just meet at the larger pool to visit. The nice thing was, that pool was not super close, there was a grassy area between my room/outdoor patio area and the pool, so I didn’t feel crowded.

The Miilé Spa and Wellness Center was really well designed. Fantastic facility! Massages, facials & body treatments. They also offer couples treatments and bridal spa packages.

The Restaurants! You probably already know this about me, but FOOD is a big part of my vacation. I love trying new things. They have a really good variety of options, but you will have to try The Lobster House! It is an open-air thatch-roof palapa with a tropical atmosphere and a garden view. For Breakfast, they have an la carte continental breakfast menu. For dinner, the restaurant turns into a wonderful destination for all things lobster! Really good!

The Dominican Republic has some amazing resort options and lots of activities to choose from. Customizing a vacation package to suit your needs is what I love doing. Give me a call and let’s customize your next vacation.

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Eden Roc

Eden Roc at Cap Cana is a five-star resort providing an intimate Caribbean hideaway with a focus on privacy, wellness, serenity and romance in an ultra-luxury private boutique hotel. Located in the exclusive gated community of Cap Cana, this breathtaking resort is surrounded by a tropical rainforest, pristine beaches, towering cliffs, a bustling marina and a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. Eden Roc at Cap Cana is a blend of the French and Italian Rivieras with the charm of the Caribbean.

Destination Highlights

• 3 restaurants & 3 bar/lounges. Also available, in-room dining and meal plan options with diverse culinary selections.
• Luxury, private roundtrip transportation between the airport and your hotel is included in your package
• Each suite offers its own private swimming pool and golf cart (excluding Beachfront Suites)
• Solaya Spa offers a full spa menu of massages, body treatments and facials along with a beauty salon offering manicure, pedicure and haircut options.
• Koko Kids Club
• Located 10 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport

Things To Do

• Shopping and activities within walking distance
• Scape Park – Natural theme park
• Los Establos Cap Cana – Equestrian Center
• Punta Espada – a Jack Nicklaus 18-hole golf course
• This resort also offers Yoga, Pilates, wine tasting, cooking and cocktail classes, Spanish lessons, Dominican Rhythms lessons and water sports. Some activities require an additional fee.
• OUT of the ORDINARY EXPERIENCES include:
  • Flying over Paradise: Helicopter & private Jet Excursions
  • Saona Island: Excursions available via Private boat/ Catamaran/ Private Jet/ Private helicopter.
  • Private Ecotourism Safari’s

Pure Luxury offered here at Eden Roc

This 30,000-acre resort and residential complex is an ecological marvel. Walking around the grounds here, I was amazed. Truly stunning! Luxury, relaxation, wellness, cuisine.. All at your fingertips here. To up the ante, Eden Roc now offers In-Suite services by Solaya Spa, which allow you to experience an authentic spa treatment without leaving the comfort of your room.Eden Roc Cap Cana has two distinct resort areas:

• the in-land Boutique Suite segment, offering 34 stand-alone Suites & Villas overlooking the garden or the lagoon-style pools. These lavish boutique villas have their own private swimming pool and gazebo, exterior rain shower and spa area and exclusive use of a golf cart. The kid rooms in these villas were set up perfectly. They thought of everything!
• Eden Roc Beach Club is surrounded by 26 stunning Beachfront Two Bedroom Suites and 4 new Oceanfront Pool Villas.

Traveling as a couple or with your family, an experience here, at Eden Roc, will leave you breathless.

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Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is a sister resort to Hurawalhi, is just a five minute by boat ride away. It is the perfect location for a secluded, romantic getaway.

Kudadoo is the country’s only truly all-inclusive resort with only 15 luxurious overwater villas. Each villa boasts a large private sundeck and sizable infinity plunge pool.  Inside your villa gaze at the beautiful sealife through the glass dining table and floor.  Your villa would not be complete without your own personal butler! This resort is set apart by its all-encompassing AAA concept.

Anything, Anywhere. Anytime!

Kudadoo is a creation of sustainable luxury with sustainable building materials, environmentally conscious activities, amenities and food. An island that is 100% powered by the sun. It is an eco-hideaway where luxury and nature prominently complement each other.

The Retreat at Kudadoo

The Retreat at Kudadoo is a two-story masterpiece which allows for resident socializing.  The Retreat includes a Restaurant, a Spa, and a Fitness Center.  The restaurant offers open-air and air-conditioned seating.  Need a little self-pampering? Let the Sulha Spa take relaxation & rejuvenation to a whole new level.  Keeping up with your fitness will be no problem while at Kudadoo.  Enjoy the state-of-the-art gym and take advantage of a session with your own personal trainer or meditation guru.  The all-inclusive amenities at Kudadoo are unparalleled.

Guests also have access to a broader range of restaurants and land activities at the Hurawalhi.  This includes tennis, badminton, football, and beach volleyball.  Enjoy water sports?  Check out the jet skiing, paragliding, water skiing, and wakeboarding all free of charge (with exception of the 5.8 Undersea restaurant).

Seeking a dining experience like no other?  Check out the world’s largest undersea restaurant 5.8 Undersea.   The space inside 5.8 has been designed for intimate conversations, accommodating no more than 10 couples at a time.  5.8 is open for lunch (two sittings) and dinner (one sitting).  5.8 is also available for a Private Champagne Breakfast upon request.

Unparalleded All-inclusive Luxury is waiting for you at Kudadoo Maldives!

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Is planning a family vacation to an all-inclusive worth it? I get asked that all the time. In my opinion, yes. But, with family travel there are many variables with recommending a specific all-inclusive resort. It all comes down to my clients specific priorities and preferences. Each all-inclusive resort has their own features and amenities. With family travel, there has to be something for adults & kids of all ages.  Being easy is one of the main benefits of an all-inclusive family vacation! The biggest advantages for families planning an all-inclusive vacation is that every last detail is taken care of. The variety of dining choices is a big plus! Activities for all age groups is another. All-inclusive family resorts are stepping up their game by offering amazing kids clubs, age specific, babysitting services and other amenities not just kid friendly but parent friendly as well. Family style accommodations is another advantage. Connecting rooms and family suites are becoming more available. All-inclusive resorts can simply be easier for families.

The biggest advantage for families planning an all-inclusive vacation is the ease of it.

When I look at an all-inclusive resort for a family vacation, there really needs to be something for everyone. Kids’ clubs usually range from age 3-12. Activities can include beach games, face painting, puppet shows, arts and crafts, pajama parties and more. Your teens and preteens have their own activities, too, including supervised trips to an outdoor campsite, beach parties, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, all-terrain bicycle trips and other field trips. If you have infants, there are babysitting services available, usually for an extra charge, but available none the less. With that extra free time, Mom and Dad have plenty of time to go golfing, go to the spa, get a massage, read a book, take an excursion of their own, or enjoy a quiet meal at an adults only restaurant. Take a look at 10 Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Family Resorts for 2019 an article recently done by Family Vacation Critic.

Every last detail is included! Enjoy your vacation!

What’s nice about an all-inclusive family vacation package is it will usually includes lodging, food and drink (including alcoholic beverages), transportation to and from the resort, taxes, gratuities, non-motorized water sports, organized games and activities, kids clubs (though some resorts add a fee for this) and evening entertainment. If you work with your travel agent and they include your air and travel insurance, you will have a complete package. One bill and its paid before you leave! One tip, ask your travel agent to present you with some options for some excursions. They can be added, confirmed and paid before you leave. Then you don’t have to wait in long lines at the tour desk.

If you are wanting to plan a family vacation, don’t dismiss an all-inclusive resort. There is a wide variety of resorts, to fit any style or location. With the wide variety of amenities offered, there will definitely be one that fits everything on your wish list.

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Hawaiian Islands offer more than just beautiful scenery.

In Hawaii, nature and healing are considered one in the same. Wellness tourism is travel for the purpose of promoting health and well-being through physical, psychological, or spiritual activities. Ok, that sounds too techy. A vacation in itself can benefit your health but intentionally add activities has become a focus in today’s travel trends. Why not do it in a beautiful location like Hawaii?

Trips organized around wellness should include healthy food, exercise, spa treatments, and opportunities to experience or expand your spirituality and creativity. From peaceful retreats and yoga festivals to healing techniques and massage treatments inspired by Hawaiian culture, Hawaii’s diverse array of health and wellness offerings leaves visitors feeling rejuvenated, energized and inspired.

Restore Health and Balance in Hawaii

 You learn how to better care for yourself, physically, mentally and spiritually.

Are you a yoga enthusiasts?

The Hawaiian Islands have festivals dedicated to yoga! October brings with it the Kauai Yoga and Peace Festival, an annual event dedicated to positively influencing global consciousness through peace mediation and yoga practices. October also has the Hawaii Yoga Festival on the island of Hawaii. Featuring digital detoxes, diverse yoga classes and rituals connecting attendees to nature and Hawaiian culture.

Is a spa visit on the top of your list?

Try a lomilomi massage, a traditional Hawaiian healing art. Add warmed pohaku (stones) and you will literally feel your tension melt away. A volcanic Treatment combines volcanic pumice, Hawaiian sea salt, taro and honey for a hydrating exfoliation. Facials with local flowers will rejuvenate your skin while adding Kona coffee as a scrub will leave you invigorated!  If your interested in a culturally inspired spa experience, might I suggest a treatment at the Hale Ho’ola Volcano’s Spa on the island of Hawaii? Hawaiian cultural traditions and healing practices are incorporated into a wide range of services.

Cuisine!

After all, food does the body good. Fresh fruits and vegetables, local poultry & beef but let’s not forget the local seafood. Hawaiian cuisine is a colorful tapestry of traditions and flavors. Ancient customs meet international influences brought to Hawaii over hundreds of years, giving local food culture countless layers of style and flavor.

Lets get moving!

The Hawaiian islands bring out the adventurer in everyone. For avid cyclists, some of Hawaii’s most stunning routes await on the Big Island. If your ideal vacation includes hiking, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling or paddle boarding, Maui and Lanai or Big Island multi-adventure tours are just what you have in mind. Every Hawaiian island offers activities for every one and at every level.

 Relax, Revive & Rejuvenate

Focusing on health & wellness in Hawaii is truly an easy feat. A vacation helps shrink stress and anxiety while boosting the mental and physical health of the entire family. Multi-island itineraries are also easy to attain. Inner island flights are frequent and inexpensive. If you are torn on the island or activities to do, try combining them. We can help customize a vacation package just for you.

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Since I was a kid, I have been in love with pools. Pool hair? I don’t care! Growing up, I was lucky enough to have grandparents that had a really nice in-ground pool- which I spent hours of my kid-life in.  Now I am an adult, and yes, I am STILL in LOVE with a good pool- and continue to spend many adult hours in!   If I can’t swim in the ocean, then I need a good pool!  Here are some gorgeous, jaw-dropping pools at some gorgeous Vacation Villas to drool over and maybe book your next trip to with family or maybe some friends!

Picturesque pools! Imagine yourself here.

Balinese Villa Turkes & Caicos……almost nothing beats that ocean view!  Imagine being on your floaty with your drink in hand with that view! The pool and the ocean almost become one.

Los Cabos, Mexico- the Villa Serena bring that beautiful beach and Pacific waters together in this amazing infinity pool.

Naiik

Get a load of this amazing rooftop Infinity Pool in Riviera Maya, Cancun. Be pleasantly WOW’D with the view of this amazing pool!

Palmasola Punta Mita, Mexico

One of my most favorite romantic locations in Mexico- Puerto Vallarta.  This villa has a gorgeous pool with all the beautiful palm trees to feed your happiness!  I an imagine reading a good book here, can you?

All of these Vacation Villas & jaw-dropping pools are a short plane ride away!  Here at ATA, we have unique relationships with villa rentals around the world. Give us a call to talk about a Villa that would be right for you and your travel plans!

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There are so many breath-taking points of interest when considering Central American Vacations. From snorkeling to zip-lining to cave explorations and of course, stepping into a civilization’s past when discovering the Mayan Ruins of Tikal.

Tikal 101 – A Central American Vacations fact sheet

Tikal is just two hours away from the Belizean border and remains one of the most popular attractions in Guatemala. Almost any traveler who visits the western part of Belize (San Ignacio Town) travels to Guatemala for the day to visit this majestic Maya site.

Located in the Peten Region of Guatemala, Tikal is an early classic to late classic Maya City. Here are 12 surprising things about Tikal:

1.) Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya Civilization.

2.) The name Tikal may be derived from ti ak’al in the Yucatec Maya language; and it is said to be a relatively modern name meaning “at the waterhole”.

3.) The Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes passed within a few kilometers of the ruins of Tikal in 1525, however, he didn’t mention them in his letters.

4.) There are traces of early agriculture in Tikal that dates as far as 1000 BC.

5.) The architecture of Tikal is built from limestone and includes the remains of temples that tower over 70 meters high, large royal palaces and a number of smaller pyramids, palaces, residences, administrative buildings, platforms and inscribed stone monuments.

6.) In 1979, Tikal was declared a UNESCO world heritage site.

7.) According to Archaeologists, Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya.

8.) Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca 200 to 900 AD during this time the city dominated much of the Mesoamerican region politically, economically and militarily.

9.) The Tikal National Park covers an area of 575.83 square kilometers and was created on May 26 1955 under the auspices of the Instituto de Antropologia e Historia and was the first protected area in Guatemala.

10.) The population estimates for Tikal vary from 10,000 to as high as 90,000 inhabitants with the most likely figure being at the upper end of this range.

11.) The dynastic line of Tikal, founded as early as the 1st century AD, spanned 800 years and included at least 33 rulers.

12.) The tallest structure in Tikal is 65 meters in height and is the temple of the two-headed snake that was built by King Yaxkin Caan Choc in 470 A.D. This temple is a must climb for the adventurous!

What would your dream itinerary to Belize look like if you were to create one of the countless options for Central American Vacations? Here is one to consider…

Day 1 Belize City

Day 2 Belize City/Flores
Cross the border into Guatemala and continue on to Flores.

Day 3 Flores
Enjoy a guided tour of the Tikal archaeological site. Return to Flores and opt to swim in Lake Petén Itzá or hire a boat for a relaxing day.

Day 4 Flores
Enjoy a full free day to explore Flores and surrounds.

Day 5 Flores/San Ignacio
Cross back into Belize and opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

Day 6 San Ignacio
Enjoy a free day to visit sacred Mayan caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal or Crystal Cave. Opt to check out Barton Creek Cave, Mountain Pine Ridge, and Caracol, or check out the seldom-visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

Day 7 San Ignacio
Enjoy a 1-day guided canoe trip on the Old Belize River. Spend days spotting wildlife and nights sleeping in tents along the river banks.

Day 8 San Ignacio/Hopkins
Travel to Hopkins and visit a part of Belize that has not yet hit the well-trodden tourist trail.

Day 9 Hopkins
Opt to visit nearby palmed Tobacco Caye and do some snorkeling, take in a Garifuna drumming show and lesson, or explore the area by bicycle.

Day 10 Hopkins/Caye Caulker
Travel day to beautiful Caye Caulker. Later, explore Caye Caulker
Day 11 Caye Caulker
Enjoy a full-day sailing and snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and two other sites on the Belize Barrier Reef.

Day 12 Caye Caulker
Depart at any time.

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