I must say first that any Mexico spots or travel destination you choose you won’t be disappointed; this is a game/test that will help you understand where to book your next Mexico travel, based on your favourite activities, the things you like to do on vacations and the way you are.

Are you keen of legends and mysteries, archaeological sites or adventurous seeker? Are you looking for secluded spots or quiet Mexico beaches where you can play with your kids? Are you a man looking for business travel or a luxury lover? … And about lovers… Seeking the most romantic spots in Mexico for your Honeymoon vacation?

For each question, select the option that best describes your personality and discover which part of Mexico reflect yourself…

To know what Mexico travel destination is suitable for you, considerate the number of the answer corresponding to your choice, write on a paper and read the related profile below. (Example – if you choose more answers corresponding to the number “one”, you may read the profile number “one”) Good Luck…

Who would you like to bring with you to a Mexico Vacation?
1. Friends 2. My partner 3. My Family 4. Colleagues, Business partner 5. Whoever wants to come 6. Alone

Which one among these activities you prefer?
1. Water sports 2. Horseback Riding on the Beach 3. Visit Theme Parks 4. Golf 5. Archaeological tours 6. Bird watching, Jungle exploration

Choose among these mental image, which one you prefer?
1. Practice Surfing, Parasailing, Kayaking, Water skiing, Diving, Snorkelling, or Fishing and get ready for the exciting Nightlife 2. Assist to romantic sunsets, dining on the beach with fresh lobster, great hotel suites with all the amenities… 3. Play with the kids on a quiet beach and bring them in a theme park 4. Lay down and relax all day on a deck chair by the pool or the Sea, sipping a colourful cocktail, and receive a wonderful massage on the beach 5. Refresh under a waterfall, after a long walk in the forest, admiring the nature 6. Move the branch of a tree and have ancient ruins in front of you, or visit museums, colonial cities and discover the history of Mexico

Which one, among the Spanish words below, does inspire you the most?
1. Fiestas 2. Me Amor 3. Olè 4. Gracias 5. Maravilloso 6. Chido

Choose among this characters
1. Pancho Villa 2. Zorro 3. Speedy Gonzalez 4. Zapata 5. Pakal 6. Stephens or Caterwood

Which among the following contrasts of colours you prefer?
1. Turquoise Blue – Yellow 2. Orange – Red 3. All colours 4. Black – White 5. Red – Green 6. Green – Blue china

Choose the transportation you like the most
1. Motorbike 2. Car 3. Bicycle 4. Airplane 5. Train 6. By walk

Profiles and Mexico Travel Destinations….
1. Energy Vacations – You are young (not necessarily of age), dynamic and athletics, with an unbelievable desire to enjoy minute after minute your Mexico Vacations! The Sea and the nightlife should be an important element for your holidays. The best Mexico spots for your vacation are: Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Acapulco, Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta
2. Romantic Spots – “An eternal dreamer, a lover of love..” If what you are looking for is a place where create unforgettable memories with your beloved, sipping tasteful cocktails while snuggling him/her, watching a wonderful sunset, or walking hand in hand on calm and pristine beaches … the most Romantic Mexico destinations any time of the year are: Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, Huatulco, Puerto Escondido, Riviera Maya, Tulum, Costa Alegre, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos , Isla Mujeres, Hol Box (secluded)
3. Mexico Family Vacations – It is not always easy to choose the destination for your family travel. You may consider the needs of your children and pick a place which allows fun together in a safe and refreshing environment. … but don’t forget that this are also yours vacations! Much thought and preparation has gone into developing the Mexico attractions that will be of interest to family members of all ages , because is important to understand that amusing moments during your Mexico Family Vacation give the energy to continue to love and to conquer day after day the trust of your kids. We suggest to consider the following Mexico travel destination for you and your family: Riviera Maya, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Acapulco, Huatulco, Mexico City, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel
4. Relaxing, Business and Luxury Travel – We live in a jet-fueled world where relaxation is a luxury! Life isn’t just about stress and job, sometimes must be enjoyed! Do you have an important conference and you are looking for the best environment and luxury hotels?! Does it tickle you the idea of some body treatments in a Spa on the beach? These are the best destinations that can offer you all of this: Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, Riviera Maya, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Monterrey, Costa Alegre, Los Cabos
5. Eco Adventures and Natural Vacations – In Mexico you can feel the love for nature and wildlife with its spectacular landscapes, fascinating mix of high mountains, unlimited beaches, vast rainforests, incredible variety of amazing animals of all kind of colours and shapes, volcanoes, cenotes, waterfalls, unique and rare species of plants, but mostly amazing tours for discover all of this… So, if you like the Mother Nature there is no better place! The ideal Mexico Spots for you are: Chiapas, Aguascalientes, Morelia Michoacan, Villahermosa, Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, Copper Canyon, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Cozumel, HolBox, Chihuahua
6. Historical Mexico Travel – Keen of culture, history and curious for other people way of life, and an artist inside… Staying with you it’s always a pleasure and that’s why we recommend you some historical Mexico spots. The history of Mexico speaks of a country full of civilizations and changes. The emotion given by marvelous archaeological sites ( indelible memory of pre-Columbian civilizations, wounded in the jungle), colonial cities, museums full of every kind of memories of past epochs, it’s something you can’t miss! I believe that everywhere you go in Mexico has interesting things to see.. Here, you will never feel alone … Book your Mexico vacation in : Merida Yucatan, Mexico City, Chiapas, Palenque, Riviera Maya, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, La Paz, Queretaro, Villahermosa, Taxco

Mexico is a country with a variety of landscapes, changing from snow-capped volcanoes and lush jungles to ancient Mayan ruins and golden beaches. Tourists can enjoy everything from swimming with dolphins to cultural events. With jungles in the south, deserts in the north, stretches of beach along the Pacific and Caribbean shorelines and magnificent mountainous regions in Central Mexico, history and traditions at every corner, it’s obvious why Mexico is one of the most versatile vacation destinations of the entire World!

Enjoy as much as you can during your Mexico Vacation.

A beach vacation is possible at any time of the year. Given the way seasons change around the world, there’s always a beach somewhere that’s full of sand, crystal clear waters, and warm sunshine. The only decisions to be made are where to go, what to do, and where to stay.

Given how popular the beach vacation is, it’s no surprise that the choice of accommodations is as varied as the colors in a setting-sun horizon. From luxury beach resorts to private huts on the shore, you’ll have your pick. Budget can help with some decisions, but for most destinations, there are enough options to accommodate your preference, no matter how much you have to spend.

As for what to do, a beach vacation is naturally the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Recreation ideas include surfing in Waikiki, golfing in Wailea, scuba diving in Fiji, sailing in the Caribbean, or bird-watching in Australia. For those who would prefer to relax, there’s always somewhere quiet to do so. A beach vacation is a way to get away from the noise, crowds, and distractions of daily life. From tropical gardens to tidal pools to kayaking to the center of the sea, visiting the beach is definitely a “right” step towards paradise.

Deciding where to go will depend somewhat on when you plan your vacation, as well as how much you have to spend. Do you have enough to get all the way to Australia? Or will a trip to Mexico leave you with more spending cash? Planning your trip is part of the fun though, as you explore the many destinations around the world ‘ all perfect for a beach vacation. From Kauai, Hawaii, to Jamaica to Thailand to the remote Out Islands of the Bahamas, each offers the visitor something unique and memorable.

The purpose of your beach vacation will also help pinpoint where to go. For a weekend getaway for instance, you’ll likely want to stay closer to home, to cut down on travel time and leave more for relaxation, recreation, sightseeing, and fun. For a family vacation, there are certain destinations that cater to families, such as Maui and Molokai, Hawaii; Palm Beach, Florida; and San Diego, California. For the romantic beach vacation, choose from secluded villages, spa resorts, and peaceful beach rentals right on the sand.

Finally, there’s the destination wedding, where a beach vacation is the honeymoon. For many couples, there’s nothing more romantic than a beach or island wedding, with the sun setting behind them as they exchange I do’s. What’s more, after the ceremony, there’s no place to rush off to for a honeymoon as it’s right there. Guests of the wedding are also totally set to enjoy a beach vacation of their own.

Popular destinations for beach weddings include the Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island; Jamaica; each of the Caribbean Islands; Mexico; and Fiji. In truth however, if you’re determined, you can have a dream wedding with a beach setting most anywhere. All you need is the beach and as said, the destinations are endless!

Copyright (c) 2007 Thomas Husnik

The full moon provides a rare spectacle. A moon lit night has a peculiar attraction to it, and the Thai’s definitely know how to make the most of the night that only comes around once a month.
On the Koh Phangan’s Haad Rin beach, once a month when the moon rises with all its beauty, crowds gather to view a most enthralling view of the moon. Almost 10,000 people gather on the beach at various venues that host the party like the Backyard Club, Beach House Club, Drop Inn, Cactus Bar, Paradise, Orchid and The Rock to name a few.

The party starts at dusk and the tables are laid out along the beach, lamps are lit and soon enough the moon light takes over and creates the perfect setting for a night out with singing and dancing. There is food and drinks to keep the partiers going through the night. With the perfect warm waters through out the year, the party becomes even more special with many taking a plunge and enjoying the party from the water as well. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join the party as there is no entry fee to the beach and you can enjoy the atmosphere till your hearts content. The only thing you pay for is the food and drinks you enjoy during the night.

You can surely plan your next vacation to Thailand and enjoy this special party as well as the dates for the event are already set, once a month from January to December and also on Christmas Day and New Years Eve.

A few things to keep in mind always, when you are planning to go to a crowded place are to make sure you leave any valuables, or travel documents, back at your hotel.Keep your wallet and money in front pockets or in places where you will know if someone tries to relieve you of them. You can always find pick pockets at crowded places, be careful and alert to them. Keep your shoes on as there is always a chance of stepping on some broken glass.

Be weary of accepting any drinks from strangers. Party drugs are not uncommon here and the drug related penalties are far more stringent than many other places and often times the consulates can’t provide much help in such matters.

All in all, stay safe and enjoy a great beach party that you will get a chance to be a part of.

On the longtail boat to Koh Yao Noi

Just a one and a half hour ride on a longtail boat from the busy tourist island of Phuket lies Koh Yao Noi, a small island where developers have not yet started their abuse of beachfronts. Rolien, a good friend who lives on Phuket, and I just spend three days there. Three days of doing nothing more than being on Koh Yao Noi. Rooms with views over Pha Nga Bay offer the only activity necessary, looking at it.

.

We took our motorbikes to the island

under this sun we spent our happy lives; under this sunlight we had the time of our lives.

Thank you for the happiness and thank you for giving me memories that I will never forget.

i love you all.

friends and family.

Majorca is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest of the Spanish Balearic archipelago Islands. It has been very popular as a European beach vacation locale, especially by the English, German, and French. Majorca has steadily grown in population since the 1950′. Many Spanish from mainland Spain move to Majorca to work in the tourist industry. This coupled with the huge tourist population that seems to grow annually, makes Majorca a real tourist hotspot.

The following are 10 of the best beaches in Majorca.

Playa de Palma

Palma is the capital of Majorca and also the Balearic Islands. Playa De Palma while small is ripe with opportunities for a good time. There are a host of restaurants, hotels and discos to serve you once you come in from the beach and sun. Try Tito’s for dancing and fun in general, it has the best Disco in Playa de Palma

Sa Calobra

This beautiful little beach was formed by water traveling through the Torrent de Pareis canyon gorge. This makes a wonderful foot tour that goes through the gorge and ends at the beach. The Torrent de Pareis and Sa Calobra are the most popular of the natural wonders in Majorca.

Alcudia Beach

This is a serene beach located in the northern region of the island and it has beautiful fine white sand. This beach is wonderful for young children that do not swim, as it is peaceful and calm.

Palma Nova

Palma Nova is located just west of he capital Palma. Coupled with the bustling resort of Magalluf, Palma Nova is one of the busiest of the Majorcan beaches and offers a promenade along the beach that is traveled only by foot or by bicycle. While there are an abundance of popular fast-food chains, there are also a variety of restaurants serving a variety of food such as Italian, Mexican, French, Italian, Chinese and British. There are quite a few British Pubs here as well.

Calla D’or

This is a beautiful beach resort that is comprised of 8 small coves that provide beautiful beaches to enjoy. The centre of the beach area is ruled by pedestrians and void of auto transport. This makes it an ideal base for families with young children to stay. There are a variety of accommodations that appeal to a variety of vacation budgets.

Es Trenc

Once you park the car and get to the beach it will look fairly crowded, but if you bear to the right for about a 20 minute walk, you will come to magnificent unspoiled beaches. It is important to note there are a few nudist beach areas, so tourists should be aware that you may see some folks enjoying their holidays in their birthday suits.

Calla Millor

Located on the north east coast of Majorca this beach area offers British Pubs that have bingo, karaoke, race nights and live entertainment. There is a golf course here and a variety of water-sports offered. There is also an open-air disco that is fun.

Camp De Mer

This is the place to go if you really want to leave the hustle and bustle behind. You will be treated to a long drive lined by beautiful pine forests.

Puerto Pollensa

This beach is located in the Bay of Pollensa and it is protected from bad weather by rocky formations to the north. A beautiful sandy beach and scenery, with great tourist accommodations makes this a perfect holiday getaway. British holidaymakers frequent this beach.

Santa Ponsa

The full name of this beach is Platja de Santa Ponsa and it is located on the southwest coast. British Pubs are plentiful here and trees located at the back of the beach are a welcome source of shade.

If you’re looking for ambience and cultural flair in your next beach vacation, we have the place for you.

We found all we needed in Ventura, one of those places that we always wondered about as we drove through this area on our way up to other scenic destinations on the Central California Coast. For us, this was drive-by country – scenic, yes, but always someplace we just passed on the way to someplace else.

Ventura’s location is really quite an advantage for travelers. For Southern California residents, it’s an easy drive that takes you just beyond the megalopolis where back-to-back cities finally give way to a coastline that is less overwhelmed by development. Beaches along the Central Coast are great, but if you’re coming from the south and don’t have a lot of time, Ventura is a fun beach destination all on its own.

For Northern Californians, Ventura is a just close enough to the “Big City” to be a reasonable base of operations for visits to many L.A. tourist attractions, most within an hour’s drive. Yet, you’re staying in the quintessential California beach community that is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t want to go into the city for a day? Just chill out on some of the state’s most scenic beaches.

The one reminder of the city was our hotel – the Crowne Plaza, a former Holiday Inn that is being converted to the more upscale brand name. At 15 floors, it’s the only high-rise in the area and could not be built again with today’s stringent coastal regulations. The hotel offers incredible views of the ocean, the Channel Islands and the verdant hillsides at Ventura’s northeastern edge. The Crowne Plaza is situated so that every room above the second floor offers guests spectacular coastal views.

Within minutes of arrival we were walking the promenade that stretches far from the hotel in both directions along the shore. A great beach is just footsteps from the hotel, and there are restaurants and plenty of activity at the nearby Ventura Pier. Bikes and other contraptions are available for rent and, on this Sunday, vendors offered a variety of wares in the plaza just between the beach and our hotel.

Just up California Street from our hotel was a colorful small-town shopping district with shops of all kinds, restaurants and a high concentration of antique stores that are fun to browse. Several surf shops are nearby and, like other California beach towns, the feel is more retro than trendy. The historic City Hall sits majestically on a slight hill at the edge of the downtown district, serving to remind us that Ventura really is a town and not just a stretch of uncoordinated beach development.

Intersecting with California Street is Main Street and, if you walk just a few blocks, you come upon the Mission San Buenaventura. This mission was established on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1782 and became the ninth California mission founded by Father Junipero Serra. Fires and earthquakes have taken their toll on the mission but, over the years, local residents have restored the building to much of its former glory. In any event, the mission “feels” original and is worth a stop when you’re downtown.

Just across the street from the mission is the Museum of History and Art, which offers a broad range of exhibits tucked into a relatively small space. Historical artifacts, farm implements, 18th Century figurines – the museum offers quite a variety.

One thing you notice after spending a few hours in Ventura is that, every place you go, you’ll hear ’60’s music. It’s probably not unrelated to the fact that many surfer and beach types from that era continue to hang out in this popular beach town. But no doubt about it – whether it’s the hot dog vendor on the promenade, the antique store on Main Street or even the downtown sushi restaurant, they’re all playing music from the ’60’s.

The aforementioned sushi restaurant is the Sushi Marina, a local hot spot where we stopped by for dinner. But a word to wise here – the restaurant apparently is quite popular with locals, yet it has relatively few tables and no real space to wait for your table to be called. The food was good but we definitely will time our future visits to avoid the rush.

There are about two miles of beach in the Ventura area that are considered to be part of the local State Park, and visitors are enthralled by the wide, relatively unpopulated beach where one can look out on the Channel Islands and also get a spectacular view of the coastline stretching west and north to Santa Barbara. At sunset, we made a point to stop by Surfer’s Knoll where you can walk through the sand dunes to find an ideal place to view the sun going down in the western sky. Folks around here treat the sunset much as they do in Key West – it’s an event, and people make a point to amble down to the beach each night to celebrate the area’s scenic beauty.

If the beach and a vibrant local shopping district aren’t enough to get your attention, here are a few other visitor attractions from the Ventura area:

The Ventura Harbor Village and Marina – If you like boats — or just being close to them — the harbor area has hundreds of them along with a 33-acre shopping and entertainment complex, Harbor Village. There are lots of boat rentals, fishing charters and an assortment of restaurants. Be sure to check out the “almost” antique Carousel with its 36 animals that was built in 1955. This arcade also offers home-made fudge, fresh popcorn and enough games to keep your youngsters occupied for hours.

Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center – Located in the Ventura harbor area, the center offers exhibits on the flora and fauna of the island as well as a graphic relief map that gives visitors some idea of the islands’ size. The islands are visible from the Ventura area and are a favorite for daytrips, diving, snorkeling, swimming, and bird watching. It’s also possible for visitors to camp, hike and picnic on the islands, with tours leaving from the harbor area.

A.J. Comstock Museum – a look at early firefighters and their methods. It’s a free museum and open all the time.

The Albinger Archeological Museum – Located near the mission, this free museum features artifacts dating back 3,500 years and several different cultures. You can also see the original mission foundation in the dig area. AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Ventura is located about 65 miles north and west of Los Angeles on one of the state’s major north-south freeways, Highway 101. If you don’t want to drive, it’s easily accessible by Amtrak and the Ventura stop is only two-tenths of a mile from the Crowne Plaza.

WHAT: Ventura is the quintessential California beach community with miles of broad beaches and an eclectic shopping district that blends the surf subculture with a touristy downtown. It’s Small Town, yet close to the Big City.

WHEN: Anytime. Ventura enjoys a sunny climate, although its location can make it breezy at times, especially on the beach.

WHY: Ventura truly has its own character and charm. Geographically, Ventura is located in one of California’s most scenic coastal areas.

HOW: For more information on Ventura, contact the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau at 800-483-6214 or visit www.ventura-usa.com. For information on the Crowne Plaza Hotel, phone 1-800-980-6429 or visit http://www.cpventura.com.

Maybe the coolest California vacation you could take is a visit to Santa Monica, but be prepared for some very hot fashion and dining trends.

There are 400 restaurants around here, a lot of them considered “trendy” or “hip.”. Throw in a few art galleries, some luxury hotels and – oh yes – celebrities, and you have the makings of an eye-popping diversion from your everyday hometown.

Our recent visit to Santa Monica reminded us of why we moved to California. The weather was one of those clear-as-a-bell L.A. days that do come around more often than you might think, the haze having been efficiently removed by some winds and moisture the day before we arrived. It was reminiscent of a trip years ago we took from the soggy Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles that introduced us to what bright sunshine was all about. We couldn’t wait to return and eventually relocated to Southern California to get our regular dose of California sun.

Such weather shows off Santa Monica as it was meant to be. The views from Palisades Park are breathtaking and take in not only the expansive beaches but such distant features as Malibu on the north and even Catalina Island to the southwest. It’s no wonder that half of L.A. seems to be down here jogging or walking. Wide, tree-lined and well-landscaped Ocean Avenue stretches along the coastline offering about as pretty a downtown street as you’ll see considering this is all modern office buildings and not historic mansions.

The Santa Monica Pier is the dominant feature on the water’s edge – and also over the water — and is a favorite for families. We lingered with our five-year-old in Kids Cove, the part of the pier’s Pacific Park that has kiddie amusement rides and, when all was said and done, our daughter declared her time on the pier “the best day ever!”

But the Santa Monica Pier can also be very adult. During our visit a local anti-war organization had put up more than 2,000 white crosses on the beach to help people visualize the number of casualties from the war in Iraq. While most crosses didn’t have names, many of them did and it was obvious that grieving families had brought flowers and photos to create makeshift memorials on the beach.

Just up from the pier are blocks and blocks of shopping in the popular Downtown Third Street Promenade, an area where city fathers have taken a street and turned it into a pedestrian mall. There are fascinating shops and an unusual number of movie theaters along this walkway that seems to attract people from all walks of life – young and old, wealthy on down to the homeless. On weekends there is always an assortment of street musicians and entertainers willing to do just about anything to get a tip and a warm round of applause.

Many of the city’s restaurants are located in Third Street downtown area, although many others are spread about in various parts of the city. Our dinner choice, Thai Dishes, actually is about 20 blocks off the beach in the mid-city area and turned out to be a surprisingly affordable spot to enjoy a wide selection of expertly prepared Thai entrees. It’s not formal, but it’s good.

If you’re looking for trendy – oh, there’s that word again – the place in Santa Monica to look is Montana Avenue. There is a 10-block section of this street that has become the center of the universe for celebrity-watchers because this is where we are told the famous like to come out and be semi-real people. The businesses along here are kind of an eclectic collection of specialty stores and quiet little sidewalk cafes and more nail salons per square mile than anyplace west of New York City.

It’s impossible to walk up and down Montana without wondering if that young 30-something “dressed down” with jeans and a pullover sweatshirt is really some starlet taking a break in between movie shoots. Writer Irene Ricasio listed several local celebrity haunts in a recent article for the New York Post. “If it takes you more than 24 hours to see a star in Santa Monica” says the article, “you’re not looking.” The closest we came was seeing an obvious paparazzi stalking Montana with his camera and two-foot-long telephoto lens. No doubt someone had tipped him about a “sighting.”

The cool factor also comes from Santa Monica’s art world where the rich and famous buy while average working stiffs look and wish they could buy. According to the Santa Monica Visitors Bureau, the area is “exploding” with avant-garde galleries, museums and public art. In fact, the city averages more than 10 galleries per square mile and has a total of 38 public works of art.

The words “trendy” and “hip” can also be used to describe many of the lodgings in Santa Monica – especially the small out-of-the-way boutique hotel where we stayed most recently. The newest hotel in Santa Monica, the Ambrose is just 77 rooms and is located about a mile and a half from the beach in a quiet residential area of Santa Monica. The hotel is the brainchild of Deirdre Wallace, a 31-year-old who designed a hotel like she would have wanted during the years she was traveling and working in the film industry. The result is an impeccably decorated, thoroughly updated hotel that pays special attention to detail.

For example, the continental breakfast – included with your room – is catered by Rockenwagner, one of the local celebrity chef eateries. The rooms are done in dark brown and soft gray-green tones and furnished with stylish cabinetry, tables and chairs. The beds have just enough firmness and are decorated with Custom created Matteo Italian bed linens and duvets. Each room was designed with Feng shui in mind which, in our case, included a scenic fourth-floor view of Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean.

The Ambrose could just as well be a health retreat. No candy and chips at this honor bar — more healthy fruits and nuts, vegetable chips and other items are featured for your between-meal snacks. Instead of soda water, it’s vitamin water. Another product on hand in your room is the Organic Honey Sugar Glow for your skin, or perhaps you’ll want to try the Power Plant Elixer Tonic.

There is also a gym on property that includes a Stairmaster, elliptical machines, pilates mats, balance balls, a ballet bar and a fitness library. If you want to read about something other than fitness, the Ambrose also has a cozy fireplace library with a variety of reading material.

The Ambrose is just the right choice for “trendy” Santa Monica – an experience far and apart from the everyday life most of us lead and a great topic of conversation Monday morning when you’re back in the office.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Santa Monica is just west of Los Angeles and on the coast south of Malibu. It’s easy to reach by taking Interstate 405 or Interestate 5 to Interstate 10 and driving west.

WHAT: Santa Monica’s spectacular setting on the ocean has made it one of the most popular beach getaways for people from the Los Angeles area and well beyond. A combination of trendy shops, galleries and restaurants make this a favorite for the famous as well as everyday people. Interestingly, the beach city of Santa Monica actually is close to the mountains as well. The Santa Monica Mountains are just a few-minute drive from the glamour and glitz of the city and offer a wide selection of trails and nature hikes in the 150,000-acre Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

WHEN: The weather in Santa Monica is sunny most of the year – about 343 annual days of sunshine to be exact – so there’s no bad time to visit.

WHY: The scenery’s great, but there’s also an electricity that comes with a getaway so close to celebrities and the entertainment business.

HOW: For more information on Santa Monica, phone the Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-544-5319 or visit www.santamonica.com. For more information on the Ambrose Hotel, phone 877-AMBROSE or visit www.ambrosehotel.com.

Capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palma de Gran Canaria is an attractive holiday destination enriched with culture and heritage. Form historical sites, rich architecture to exotic beaches, Las Palma has lots of imposing activities to offer for an incredible holiday.

Below are some of the things to do and see when holidaying in Las Palma:

Pueblo Canario

Designed and structured by Nestor and Miguel Fernandez de la Tore in the year 1930, this tourist attraction is a canary village formed by island houses, turrets, atriums and gates. Tourists and visitors on a holiday in Las Palma can shop for arts and crafts in the large square situated at the centre of the village. The centre square is also famous for being a venue for shows on the island’s folklore.

Parque Santa Catalina

Popular as a park and a town square, this tourist attraction is an amazing beauty of Las Palma. Those holidaying in Las Palma must visit this square which presents superb nightlife with discos, bars and clubs as it gets dark. The same site is completely different during the day time with most of the activities being a centre for shopping, cafes, a place for people to sit, relax and play chess, cards, and dominos or simply have a relaxation time with friends. On the other side of the square stands another tourist attraction, the museum of science and technology.

Reptilandia

Situated close to Agaete, this tourist attraction displays a variety of reptiles and crawlies. The major attraction of this park is the largest lizard, Komodo dragon. Other such remarkable attractions offered in this park are tortoises, snakes, monkeys, spiders and turtles.

Beaches

Tourists and visitors looking forward to some beach time during their holiday in Las Palma should not miss the Alcaravanera and Las Canteras beaches. Known as a major tourist attraction, Playa de Las Canteras is a 3 kilometer long beautiful beach that attracts sports lovers and swimmers alike holidaying in Las Palma. The best way to relax when on a holiday in Las Palma is to take a stroll along the beach and enjoy its cafes, restaurants, snack bars and shops. You can also find impressive street entertainers. Playa de las Alcaravaneras is the second longest beach as well as a sandy tourist attraction of Las Palma. The beach is the pride of the local people and attracts many tourists and visitors holidaying in Las Palma. You can take a stroll on the beach, drink the local beer called Cana de Tropical and enjoy the local cuisines.

Festival

When on a holiday in Las Palma do not miss its most important town festival. The Las Palm Carnival is a yearly tourist attraction that is held during the month of February and presents a glimpse of the amazing tradition and culture of the Canary Islands.

Best time to holiday in Las Palma

This canary island is cooler as compared to other islands in Gran Canaria. The ideal time for a holiday in Las Palma depends upon the purpose of holiday. The summer temperature varies from 26 ºC to 28 ºC or more, the winters in Las Palma are somewhere between 22 ºC and 24 ºC.

Think of yourself lounging in a luxurious bed, completely relaxed and letting your senses to awaken to the world around you. You listen to waves quietly breaking on the sugar-fine sand just outside your patio. Your nose catches the faintest echo of salt and the wispy remnants of last night’s breeze through the open shutters. A quiet wind delicately caresses you from head to toe. You are completely and utterly relaxed for the first time since you can recall.

No, this is not a fantasy exercise – it’s the place that savvy travelers are increasingly discovering in new Oahu development, Ko Olina Beach Villas. A vacation in Hawaii is always memorable and full of innumerable new experiences, but a vacation in Ko Olina is something entirely different. Its protected location makes it one of the most desirable destinations in all of Hawaii. Simply put, Ko Olina is total relaxation in a stunningly beautiful setting.

Ko Olina offers an incredible assortment of activities for those who want to stay busy alongside their relaxation. Ko Olina is famous for its 18-hole championship golf course, which was designed by legendary course architect Ted Robinson. The course features lush greens, no parallel fairways, and gorgeous landscaping. Even if you aren’t a golfer, the Ko Olina Golf Club is a lovely place to spend an afternoon just enjoying the surroundings.

When romance is on the menu, you will delight in experiencing Ko Olina’s romantic activities. Take an adventure on a boat skippered by a professional captain to catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales. Hold your loved one tight as you sail by the light of the moon, sipping champagne and watching the stars reflected in the water.

Rich in history and folklore, Oahu is a wonderful place to explore. If you can pry yourself away from sunning on the beach for an afternoon, there’s no telling what thrilling activities you may find. Hiking is a popular daytime activity that allows you to get up close and personal with this island paradise. Snorkeling is another activity that you would be remiss to leave without experiencing. You’ll gain a new perspective on the fascinating sea life while communing with the powerful yet gentle ocean.

With all these tempting activities and many more to try, it’s no wonder Ko Olina has become the most popular destination in Oahu. Just as you might expect from a five star resort area, the accommodations are spectacular.

For a long-term stay – or if you just want to feel like you live in Ko Olina – there really is just one choice for accommodations: the Beach Villas. Folks who rent condos do so because they want the feel of being at home. All furnishings are provided for you, as are linens, tableware, and all the other comforts of home. Instead of leaving the beach every night for a long walk back to a cramped hotel room, return to a breathtaking condo that is right on the beach.

It’s one thing to vacation in Ko Olina – it’s another thing entirely to live as though you are a local. That’s why smart travelers are choosing Ko Olina for their Hawaiian vacations. And when you are finally forced to return to reality, you’ll always take with you the memories of the time you spent in Ko Olina: the Hawaiian playground of kings and queens.

Kiera Knightley may be the one bringing in the money at the box office (and with it, the dirty ol’ men cult following) for the upcoming film version of Kazo Ishiguro’s futuristic suspense novel, Never Let Me Go, but her name may be overshadowing a more important one that didn’t make it on the marquee.

Face Meets Typewriter

Tapped to come out from behind the desk and write the screenplay was Alex Garland, author of The Beach, among other works. This is by no means Garland’s first shot at screenwriting (he did the screenplay for 28 Days Later and Sunshine), but it will be interesting to see how Garland works with director Mark Romanek to recreate Ishiguro’s understated, tender style.

No doubt the issue becomes even more interesting due to the wild liberties that Danny Boyle and screenwriter John Hodge took with Garland’s own work while creating the film version of the Beach. A cult hit despite being a commercial flop, many blamed Boyle and Co. for dismembering the true power of the novel’s eerily addicting prose.

But after all, what good are movies if they don’t completely negate your favorite books? Either way you slice it, the film version of Never Let Me Go will be a resounding success if they manage to capture even a portion of Ishiguru’s emotion – sometimes touching, sometimes unsettling. And with Garland on board, I for one am going to be in the theater.

Plus, watching Kiera Knightley on screen for 90 minutes won’t be too bad either.

Photos: Tina Eriksson

The Deportees concert yesterday was fantastic! Peder Stenberg has a very different sound to his voice which really contributes to each song. He also knows how to move on stage! The band really got the audience going (despite it being a seated concert) and even had the entire audience whistling along to one of the songs. Not to mention clapping the beat to Under the pavement, The beach. Once the band had said their thanks everyone howled, clapped and stamped until they made their way out on stage again to do two extra songs.

I got some video footage that I’ll put together this weekend for you to see. All in all, a fabulous concert and a great night!

If you know me, you know I don’t give two shits about hipster-type indie rock stuff.  It’s usually real boring and I can’t tell the difference between bands, much like an assessment of metal by an indie rocker.  That’s pretty unfair I guess, so I’ll throw you a bone.

I like what Fool’s Gold is doing.  They are an 11-piece band in Los Angeles, CA and one member is Brad Caulkins of The Sun, who also happens to be my buddy.  They have a real nice tropical vibe going, and the sprinkling of hebrew lyrics brings it to a very international place.  This really brings me back to the beach in Tel-aviv, even on a cloudy grim late fall Columbus day.

Perez wrote them up, so I’m a bit late but still in time to bump this on your spring break trip to Majorca.

While you’re at it listen to Zohar Argov as well.

Tomorrow evening after work I’m going straight to a Deportees concert. It’s going to be awesome! My friend is actually in the band… well, he’s the producer but always plays with the band at live concerts, he’s just not part of the public image.

Listen to some of their music here:
Deportees – Damaged Goods
Deportees – Under the pavement, The Beach
Deportees – Missing you, missing me

This week on An Alan Smithee Podcast, the great W.C. Fields makes a grand return and Leonardo DiCaprio does some dopey navel gazing.

The Bank Dick like many Fields pictures is the story of a man who never meant anyone a bit of harm, whom the whole world has conspired against to keep from his next drink. With the sudden opportunity to be mistaken for a hero, he takes it. With the sudden opportunity to better himself and his family, he wastes it. With some good production value from Universal, there’s a little more traditional plotting happening than at Paramount Pictures in 1934 (the place of his last film we saw, It’s A Gift) but Field’s fractured, unique approach to funny screenwriting is perfect onto himself: never before has one man been so besieged by everyday life and taken it so laconically.

As if he needed it, Fields is joined by an excellent supporting cast of comic supporting actors like Preston Sturges regular Franklin Pangborn as J. Pinkerton Snoopington, baby faced Grady Sutton as Og Oggilby, chorus girl Una Merkel and spinster Cora Witherspoon as Agatha and Myrtle Souse, and America’s least favorite stooge, Shemp Howard as Fields’ faithful bartender.

From 1997 to 2000, Leonardo DiCaprio was the biggest movie star in the world thanks to a little sleeper called Titanic and every 12 year old girl who saw it 12 times each. By not starring in any movies during that period, he rode a rising tide of expectations for his next role as one in a series of many great roles to come. Then he starred in The Beach, a completely pointless exercise in Thai island cinematography. As an aimless jerk, DiCaprio travels to a secret island that’s an exclusive club apparently for underwear models, where everyone can party all day and all night and look fabulous. How boring is the dark secret behind this seeming paradise? More boring than you can possibly imagine, and not even really a secret. There’s actually sharks in the water, and that’s not even the dark secret. What dark secret is about to harsh Leo’s mellow buzz?

If this hipster porn came out today it’d be a huge hit, and would still suck.

NEXT WEEK: SLAP SHOT (1977, GEORGE ROY HILL) & CRUISING (1980, WILLIAM FRIEDKIN)