RBF Consulting Selected for I-605 “Hot Spots” Feasibility Analysis

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–RBF Consulting has been selected by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to provide transportation planning and engineering for the Measure R funded I-605 Congestion “Hot Spots” Feasibility Analysis. “Hot Spots” are identified as major traffic congestion areas, attributed to increasing passenger car and truck traffic, localized capacity and/or operational constraints on the freeway, or arterial street system.

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RBF Consulting Selected for I-605 “Hot Spots” Feasibility Analysis

Irvine Company Properties Earn Four #1 Spots in the Orange County Register’s “Best of Orange County – 17th Annual People’s Choice Awards”

IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IRVINE COMPANY PROPERTIES EARN FOUR #1 SPOTS IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER’S “BEST OF ORANGE COUNTY – 17th ANNUAL PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS”

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Irvine Company Properties Earn Four #1 Spots in the Orange County Register’s “Best of Orange County – 17th Annual People’s Choice Awards”

Culinary Ambassadors: Locals-Only Spots in Puerto Rico

Culinary Ambassadors: Locals-Only Spots in Puerto Rico — Tue Sep 14 11:00:00 UTC 2010 In addition to some more general food-culture topics that our Culinary Ambassadors have been sharing, we also asked them if they’d recommend some great locals-only spots to eat for any SE’rs who might be visiting the country or region in question. Here…

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Culinary Ambassadors: Locals-Only Spots in Puerto Rico

The Top Ten Honeymoon Spots

This is my list of the top ten honeymoon places. These spots all have wonderful scenery, great service, and great beaches and wonderful hotels to breathtaking scenery and incredible, world-class service.

On your honeymoon, you want a destination that has fewer kids and caters more to adults, specifically, couples. These places below are all exceptionally romantic, providing everything you need for your perfect romantic vacation.

1. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is no longer a remote getaway for only the most adventurous travelers. Blessed with incredible coastlines, amazing jungles, and a wonderful, laid-back vibe, its a paradise that has yet to be overdeveloped. You can find some wonderful resorts here, and the service is great too. A honeymoon in Costa Rica can be relaxing, exciting, and, quite simply, unforgettable.

2. St. John, U.S.V.I.

St. John might just be the most stunningly beautiful island in the Caribbean. The color of the water there defies description, and the island itself is lush, uncrowded, and wonderfully quiet. Stay at one of the handful of the island’s world-class resorts, and you are in for the most romantic experience you can imagine.

3. Tahiti

Tahiti is blessed with perfect beaches, picturesque lagoons, amazing landscapes, and some of the most unique and incredible resorts anywhere. The ultimate Tahiti honeymoon suite is an overwater bungalow, where you can just relax, surrounded by turquoise waters and amazing scenery. Now that’s romantic.

4. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is about as beautiful a spot as anywhere on Earth. The beaches are amazing, and the resorts are great too. For a long time, it’s been known mainly by Europeans, but more and more, North Americans are discovering this tropical paradise.

5. Kauai

Arguably the most amazing and beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai has incredible beaches and jaw-dropping scenery (especially along the Na Pali Coast and in Hanalei Bay). It’s a wonderfully romantic place too, with a hand full of wonderful hotels. Stay at a resort on Poipu Beach and make sure to visit Waimea Canyon, the wettest place on Earth (and also one of the most beautiful spots anywhere).

6. Alaska

Alaska is majestic, serene, breathtaking, and surprising. No matter who you talk to who has been there, they pretty much all will tell you that Alaska exceeded their expectations. An Alaska cruise can be wonderfully romantic too – its a great way to see some of the most amazing spots on Earth, all while enjoying the luxurious accommodations aboard a world-class cruise ship.

7. Cabo San Lucas

With a beautiful, rugged coastline, great weather, and some of the world’s premiere resort hotels, Cabo is a wonderful place to get away from it all yet have access to incredible nightlife, restaurants, and activities. If you’re looking for incredible facilities, service, and natural beauty, then put Cabo near the top of your list.

8. St. Lucia

With its dense rainforest, volcanic peaks, and stunning coastline and beaches, St. Lucia is one of the most beautiful islands in all of the Caribbean. St. Lucia has everything from quaint bed and breakfasts to world-class all-inclusive resorts, so there is something for everyone on this island. It’s really a wonderfully romantic place and a great destination for a honeymoon.

9. Bermuda

Bermuda is an island with its own unique vibe. Somewhat akin to the nearby Caribbean Islands, Bermuda also has elements that remind me of Cape Cod and even Great Britain. From its amazing architecture to its historic forts, which date back to the British colonial period, Bermuda is a unique mix. The weather is amazing, the beaches are beautiful, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet also classy. A short flight from the Northeastern U.S., Bermuda is the perfect place for a quiet, romantic honeymoon.

10. Banff, Alberta

It might not be a tropical paradise, but Banff has a beauty all its own. The Canadian Rockies are simply one of the most amazingly beautiful areas anywhere. A short drive from Banff, Lake Louise is an incredibly romantic spot. If you love the outdoors and appreciate the romance of natural beauty, then consider a honeymoon in Banff. It’s a trip you will never forget.

Overseas Real Estate Investment Hot Spots for 2008

With oil prices almost touching $100 a barrel, the Iranian leadership still belligerent, the US still in the Iraqi quagmire, the sub-prime rates influencing the world largest economy the investment opportunities are fast shrinking. Even the Federal Reserve Board believes the economy is looking at a long period of slow growth. Sub prime mortgages and collateralized debt market is chaotic. Most sectors are in the negative territory, except the multinationals in the technology sectors that seem to fare better. Investors are sure to experience painful hits to their earnings. Investing in real estate overseas is a good idea in these circumstances as some of the emerging markets are changing fast and offering a more than good returns on your investment.

Some of the top places that are attracting global investors in the real estate sector are:

Thailand: Political crisis and the weakening of the Baht have led to a fall in the property prices. This has made investment in real estate an attractive proposition. Thailand is one of the most breathtaking destinations with its white beaches, blue waters, rain forests and fascinating wild life. It is a tourist magnet and attracts visitors from all over the globe. Investing in modern villas, flats will fetch extremely good returns as the property prices are increasing. Properties can be rented to tourists; rents are going up by as much as 15% year on year basis. Investment climate in Thailand is one of the best in the world, it also has a robust economy, and another important factor to consider is that foreign investors don’t have to pay capital gains tax. Thailand unarguably is one of the most attractive destinations for real estate investors.

Morocco: Exotic North African country bordering Algeria, Mauritania, and Spain. A culturally diverse place with beautiful monuments and mosques, it has sun-baked beaches, vast coastline, hike-worthy hills, dense forests, apart from beautifully laid out parks and gardens. It is going to be the most sought after destinations for travelers from Europe and Asia. Tourism is going to be the growth that will drive the Moroccan economy. Massive influx of cash rich tourists from Europe offers huge investment opportunities in 5 star hotels, resorts, villas, golf courses and associated infrastructure. It is estimated that by 2010 Morocco will attract more than 10million tourists and holiday takers. Moroccan government has announced a 5-year tax-free holiday on income from renting properties. It makes sense to buy real estate in Morocco before the boom.

Dominican Republic: This Latin American country, that boasts heavy weight tourist attractions like Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Cuba as neighbors, is an underdeveloped but fast emerging tourist hot spot in the Caribbean. The never-ending beaches on the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, dense forests, mountainous landscape and rich biodiversity combined with the availability of low cost labor make it an attractive investment destination. The government is actively promoting foreign direct investment in the hospitality and real estate sectors.

Property purchase laws are friendly and straightforward making investment in this sector highly rewarding. In the coming years, there is going to be a huge demand for quality hotels, spas, golf courses, luxury villas, and apartments to cater to the ever-swelling flood of tourists from North America and Europe. Investors can take advantage of these opportunities.

7 Ways To Avoid Dreaded “Age Spots”

Looking spectacular is very important to many people in a culture that is obsessed with youth and good looks. So a brown skin spot on our face or hands is a source of horror for many folks. There is a misconception that brown spots are the result of ‘getting old’, so our first panicked thought is, “How can I get rid of this horrible age spot?” But the passing years are not the villain, and knowing this crucial fact is critical to know if we want to prevent a dark skin spot from damaging the beauty of our skin.

Actually, those hated and dreaded brown spots are the result of extreme, repetitive exposure to the sun. Too much sun will bring about dark spots over time, but it’s the continual exposure – not simply living a lot of years – that causes brown spots on the skin. It’s possible (although rare) to find twenty and thirty year olds who have brown spots on their otherwise young-looking skin.

Another reason brown spots are likely to appear in our 40′s-60′s is that our skin isn’t as efficient as regenerating as we age.

Now that we understand the “why” of our scorned spots, we will know how to:

* Prevent more of the wretched brown discs, (if we already have some) …

* Ensure that we avoid any of the ugly little things in the future …

The famed ‘southern belle’ was very wise … she was fanatical about staying out of the sun so that she could keep her skin milky white. We can be pretty sure that she didn’t have sun spots in her later years.

Dark Skin Spot Prevention 101

#1. The fundamental rule, the Numero Uno rule, is obviously: Stay Out Of The Sun! Sorry for all of you who love to sun bathe for that beautiful tan, but it’s unquestionably true that the spots on your skin are are result of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you avoid those rays in your youth, you will never have to inquire about how to get rid of sun spots 20 years (or two years!) later – because there won’t be any!

#2. If giving up sun bathing and other outdoor activities is just way too painful, then choose your hours carefully because if you genuinely want skin sun spots, then spend long hours outside during the peak danger hours:

10AM – 4PM in the spring, summer and fall 10AM – 2PM in the winter

#3. If you’re invited to an outdoor event that is simply irresistible, head straight for the shade. An umbrella, a pergola or a shady tree is a marvelous substitute for full sun and might prevent skin spots treatment in your future.

#4. For best sun protection, choose lightly colored clothing made of fabric that’s a tight weave, rather than a loose one, even if the temperatures are high, higher and highest. A pale color reflects the sun’s rays, rather than absorbing them, and tightly woven cloth keeps out the sun’s hazardous UV rays, unlike loosely woven garments.

#5. Whatever outdoor chore you tackle, consider always applying sunscreen. I haven’t personally found a sunscreen I’m happy with because of the risky chemicals they contain. Still, it’s preferable to cover yourself with the chemicals – and rinse them off as soon as you get out of the sun – than to bake your tender skin.

Two more advantages of sunscreen is that you will prevent any more sun spots on your body – and keep the ones you already have from getting darker. Simply remember to periodically re-apply your sunscreen because sweating or water will wash its protection away.

If you’ll only be outside a half hour or less, then an 15 an SPF [Sun Protection Factor] is probably sufficient.

For a all-day visit to the beach, tennis court or golf course, choose a minimum of a 30 SPF cream.

Don’t forget to apply your sunscreen a half hour or so before going outside

#6. Don’t forget about your head! I’ve recently recognized that my baseball cap is a pretty dreadful choice. You must have at least a four inch brim on your hat for best protection.

Straw hats or hats with a porous or wide-weave fabric don’t do the job because the sun can shine right through them. Actually, there are hats made with a liner of ‘sun protective’ material and if you choose one of these, along with a wide brim, that will be the best protection you can obtain from a hat or cap.

#7. Remember your lips: dark skin spots on your lips aren’t attractive and surely don’t make you more kissable. Lipstick or lip cover is minimal protection, but unless it has a high SPF – and some do – it truly isn’t that much help. When we become active our lip cover wears off, eliminating even its slight protection. Some lip balm is helpful, but never forget this vulnerable area when in the sun.

Since we can now understand the cause of the dreaded dark skin spot, it’s simple to avoid looking “spotted” as we age, because the remedy is simple: brown skin spots are caused by too much sun … avoid sun, avoid spots.

Wonderful Top Beach Vacation Spots

No matter what season it may be, taking a beach vacation is both fun and relaxing. There are many beaches all over the world to pick from. You can choose from a white sandy beach, lava rock beach, secluded beach, or a popular beach – as the choice is entirely up to you.

1. Polo Beach – Hawaii The Polo Beach of Hawaii is a sandy beach with clear water, making it ideal for swimming and also snorkeling. It’s located in South Maui and fronted by the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, which is a luxury beach vacation resort.

2. Seven Mile Beach – Jamaica The Seven Mile Beach of Negril is the longest stretch of white sand in Jamaica. Located near Negril on the western tip of Jamaica, this beach is truly an awesome sight to behold. Here, you can find your favorite stretch of the beach and coconut palm tree and just relax near the ocean. You can also stay at the Caves, which is located very close to the beach.

3. Atlantis Paradise – Bahamas Here, you can experience the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean. Atlantis Paradise gives you long romantic walks on the beach or the chance to play in the water at the resort. This paradise offers you tropical climate with your own personal slice of heaven – something every beach lover will truly appreciate.

4. Heron Island – Australia Located on the Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island beaches offer excellent swimming and snorkeling with truly amazing marine life. The tropical island of Heron offers scuba divers over 20 different diving sites. You can forget the stress of everyday life here and just immerse yourself in wonder.

5. Madeira – Portugal The beach here at Reid’s Palace Hotel is quite the rocky beach, with sharp black rocks. You can spend time lounging by the pool taking in the views, or swimming in the ocean. The weather here is pleasant most of the time, making your beach vacation something you’ll remember for a long time to come.

6. Miami Beach A great spot for movie stars and fashion models, Miami Beach offers plenty of sandy beaches, several restaurants, and night long parties at one of the local nightclubs. If you are looking for the ideal place to stay, The Tides is a luxurious hotel with many spectacular views. Miami Beach is also popular in the United States – one of the best beach vacations out there.

Dwvc’s Top 5 Holiday Vacation Spots for the Christmas Season – Part I

To know more of DWVC, a revolutionary new idea launched in 2000 as Dream Works Vacation Club, later becoming Designer Way Vacation Club when it was discovered that a very large film making company existed in the USA with a similar name; Designer Way Vacation Club is an exclusive holiday and consumer discount members club that has been growing rapidly throughout the early part of the new millennium. In that time it has established a very enviable reputation for both outstanding performance and trustworthiness.

Everybody’s busy nowadays since the Christmas Season is fast approaching and many are now planning where to spend a well deserved holiday vacation with their families and loved ones.

To help you out, some of our DWVC members have contributed their most exciting Christmas vacation experiences and here are the TOP 10 vacation spots that they have recommended that our clients can choose from:

I. BAHAMAS – By Keith Martin

As a member of Designer Way Vacation Club (DWVC), you can have an unforgettable Christmas by booking a week’s holiday starting Monday 24th of December in Nassau either online at dwvc or by phoning your account manager at Timelinx’s reservation office. Even in December you can expect temperatures from 26°C during the day to 18°C at night and under 2” of rain throughout the whole month.

For absolute luxury the Hilton British Colonial Hotel is hard to beat. DWVC can offer a week’s bed and breakfast for two adults and two children in a Colonial room for £847. Booking through an online agent South Travel, you would be paying £1,571 for the same room and dates but excludes breakfast. DWVC is £724 or more than 45% cheaper.

The hotel may look familiar to any James Bond fans reading this, as it appeared in both “Thunderball” and “Never say never again”.

It is ideally located on a beautiful private beach and is situated within 5 minutes walk of Nassau’s shopping and financial centre.

The hotel offers an array of recreational facilities, including a private beach, freshwater swimming pool overlooking the ocean, full fitness centre, lush tropical gardens, non-motorized water sports, snorkelling and scuba facilities and shops. Golf is also available nearby.

The hotel also offers various bars which include, the Blue Note Club which offers a unique flavour of Jazz and other contemporary music, The Palm Court Lounge is the perfect spot within the hotel to enjoy our their famous “Time 4 Tea” in a relaxed atmosphere, Portofino is a casual restaurant located on the first floor, serves Italian favourites with a Caribbean flare, The Patio Grill And Pool Bar, whether you’re sampling one of the many tropical mixtures, or diving into a tantalizing sandwich, there couldn’t be a better place to be.

The rooms are decorated in tasteful Caribbean style furnishings and feature an en-suite bathroom, mini bar, oversized desk and safe.

Due to its close proximity to Florida, if you have a young family, you could combine your visit to the Bahamas with a trip to Orlando to partake in the Christmas build up at Disney and the likes. After a week or two in Orlando, most people would need a week to unwind. Again you can get net cost accommodation with DWVC and have your account manager at Timelinx book/tie in all your flights and activities.

From Nassau, cross the bridge to Paradise Island where beaches are first- class and the resort selection is excellent — from upscale chic on stately estate grounds, to a yoga retreat, condo facilities (great for family vacations), and large luxury properties (one with a glass tunnel for viewing marine life and a low-key water park). Activity abounds at every turn. Paradise Island has an excellent golf course and its own small airport.

Grand Bahamas, with resort development at both Freeport and Lucaya, has the same features on a smaller scale. Golf, tennis, water sports and duty-free shopping are popular and plentiful. And the island moves at a leisurely pace.

II. KOS ISLAND – Sandra Patterson

Kos sits bang in the middle of the Dodecanese chain of Greek islands that hug the Turkish coast. Kos Island is about 45km long while its width varies from 2km to 11km.

This is a hugely popular resort with the British and it is a Greek island that has gone for mass market tourism is a very big way. Kos has its own airport and ferry connections.

Kos is a popular island with all nationalities, with some beautiful sandy beaches and good tavernas it’s well worth a visit.

The coast of Kos is swept by magnificent sandy beaches and the island has some of the most interesting archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.

The combination of sand and sightseeing give Kos a uniquely broad appeal, though most visitors will probably prefer island beaches to Greek history and, for an all in beach holiday, Kos must be considered one of the best of the Greek islands.

There are many empty coastal areas to be enjoyed by those who prefer to get away from the holiday crowds.

Members of DWVC (Designer Way Vacation Club) have access to net cost accommodation at numerous resorts in Kos. One such resort is the Alexandra Hotel, a weeks bed and breakfast for two in Nov would cost just £311 to members. To put that price into perspective it would cost a non member £599.90 booking through an online operator. DWVC is £288.90 or around 48% cheaper!

The hotel is an upgraded A class town hotel with high standards. The interior has recently been enlarged and redecorated in order to offer luxury and comfort to the guests. It has a conference room with 140 person capacity, pool, three modern lifts, comfortable and luxurious bar and a reception.

The Hotel Alexandra has 62 guest rooms. All rooms are equipped with a balcony, air conditioning, mini bar, coffee machine, satellite TV, safety deposit box, music, telephone and internet, WC and a hair dryer.

Breakfast is served in a buffet style. The hotel’s bar is the perfect venue to enjoy a cocktail and unwind or the place to meet for a pre-dinner drink. The hotel features a fully equipped fitness centre with the best gym equipment which is complemented by a separate sauna and Jacuzzi.

III. GOLF DEL SUR – Keith Martin

Ever since it’s 1987 inaugural event, a competition for professionals, the 27 greens and fairways of Golf del Sur have provided the backdrop for various international tournaments.

In 1989 they bore witness to Jose Maria Olazabal´s victory in the Open de Tenerife, a feat he repeated in 1992. The following year they watched as David Gilford won the event, as did Mark James in 1994. In 1995, Golf del Sur hosted the Shell Wonderful World of Golf tournament and its head to head battle between Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson.

Golf del Sur has also been the setting for two golf driving distance records, both of which were set by Britain’s Karl Woodward. First he set a new record of 398 yards and then, a few months later, he managed to break the legendary 400-yard barrier with a huge stroke, which sent the ball flying 408 yards.

This Tenerife golf course, designed by Pepe Gancedo, is a thoroughly enjoyable layout in which one’s attention is immediately caught by the black volcanic sand in the bunkers. The wide fairways are lined with such a wide variety of indigenous plants that, with it’s palm trees and giant cactus plants, this 800 square meter course beside the Atlantic Ocean is like a veritable oasis.

Particularly difficult is the 3rd hole of the course. To the right of the wide fairway is a water hazard, behind which lies an impressive ravine with an ochre-coloured rock face, while to the left is a gaping bunker of black sand.

You can dine in the Buffet El Patio which provides a selection of meals, all served buffet style. There is also a snack bar on site, La Corbeta and a number of other bars and restaurants including Legends Bar, The Sundowner Pub and the Caddyshack. You have a choice of three swimming pools, a main pool, a smaller pool (which is heated in winter) and a children’s pool. There is also a large sunbathing deck equipped with free sunbeds for you to relax. For the more energetic there is a tennis court or table tennis.

The apartments are good sized and bright, tastefully furnished and comfortable. They have a kitchenette which comprises of hob, fridge/ freezer, cooking utensils, bathroom with bath and shower. A TV and safety deposit box can be hired at an additional cost, also cots or highchairs can be hired. All apartments have a large private balcony or terrace.

This charming resort is situated on the southern coastline and is not only a golfers paradise but is also ideal for family holidays and couples looking for a relaxing break. You can spend your days relaxing and soaking up the sun on the new pebble beach and when the sun gets too hot you can cool down with a drink from the beach bar.

There is an excellent selection of restaurants and bars here but if you are looking for something a little more lively then Playa De La Americas and Los Cristianos are a short distance away where you will find a vibrant atmosphere with everything you need for your entertainment.

IV. ALGARVE, SOUTHERN PORTUGAL – Keith Martin

The Algarve, in Southern Portugal, with its year-round sunshine, miles of golden sand beaches, and picturesque villages, has become one of Europe’s most popular golfing destinations. But while there are many courses suiting all abilities, the Algarve is also perfect for non golfers, especially the eastern region around Tavira, with its stunning nature walks. At the other end of the scale, resorts such as Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo are mega destinations with all the golfing and sporting options you could want. Then, in Western Algarve, around the bustling holiday destination of Albufeira, you can holiday 24/7, combining championship golf with a hectic nightlife.

Golf holidaymakers should check out the renowned Pinta, one of the best courses in the Algarve, designed to retain natural valleys and undulations.

Vale do Lobo, Portugal’s biggest luxury golf and beach resort, around 20 minutes from the airport at Faro, is one of Europe’s finest. Its two golf courses, the Royal and Ocean, provide stunning views of the coast, and its 5 km-long sandy beach, with dramatic red sandstone cliffs, provides non-golfers with seriously good beach and swimming options. The resort also offers tennis courts, a gymnasium and health and beauty centre, as well as restaurants and shops.

Members of DWVC (Designer Way Vacation Club) can get a weeks accommodation at Barringtons Golf and Health Spa for two from now until 31st of March 2008 for just £105.

Barringtons Golf and Health Spa is centrally located within the Vale do Lobo 1,000 acre estate, Barringtons provides the complete holiday experience. The hotel is only a short walk from the pristine golden beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and some of the best golf courses in Europe.

The hotel offers fabulous year round facilities set amidst pine trees and beautifully landscaped sub tropical gardens. Whether you want a short golfing break or a two-week holiday in the sunshine, Barringtons can tailor make your holiday to suit you, giving you a complete flexibility. When the sun goes you can relax in the Beat Bar. The Eagles Café Bar at the Barringtons Golf Academy is open for breakfast, lunch and snacks.

The accommodation combines both style and comfort. The superb décor and thoughtful design create a peaceful ambience in which guests can truly unwind. The rooms are furnished to the highest standards with its own private terrace. The bathrooms feature large showers and double sinks. Other amenities include a telephone, air conditioning, satellite TV and a private sun terrace. Plus when guests stay in the hotel’s accommodation, guests have club membership which includes use of all the clubs facilities.

Unwind in the lap of luxury in the tranquil spa area featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and solarium. The Barringtons Golf Academy is a great place to fine tune and to improve all aspects of your game. The covered floodlit driving range has target greens and bunkers, which add realism to practice sessions. The highly equipped gym features the latest Matrix cardio-vascular and weights equipment to cater for all training needs. The hotel also offers add-on courses such as pilates, yoga, ballroom dancing and kick boxing.

Members of DWVC also receive a 50% discount at the Royal Vale Do Lobo golf course and a 50% discount on tennis sessions.

V. BINTAN HOTEL, INDONESIA – Allan Bond

To put all this to the test I choose one of the further flung resorts they have available and searched online to try to find like for like accommodation at a lower cost.

The resort I choose was the Bintan Lagoon Resort in Indonesia. It is a four star hotel on the north western shores of Bintan island.

Quality wise the resort is very nice, set in landscaped gardens and close to the beach, it offers golf courses, leisure centre, numerous bars, cafes and restaurants.

The rooms are tastefully decorated and equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar/fridge, safe and phone.

The cost for a weeks bed and breakfast in March for two as a member of DWVC is £441 all in.

Conducting an extensive search online, the lowest cost I could find offering the same accommodation and dates was £574 through either asia-hotels. com or hotelclub. net. DWVC is £133 or around 23% cheaper.

The savings are there as claimed and regardless of where and how often you go on holiday, everyone likes to save money. For more information on the company you can look on their website.

About DWVC (Designer’s Way Vacation Club)

A revolutionary new idea launched in 2000 as Dream Works Vacation Club, later becoming Designer Way Vacation Club when it was discovered that a very large film making company existed in the USA with a similar name; Designer Way Vacation Club is an exclusive holiday and consumer discount members club that has been growing rapidly throughout the early part of the new millennium. In that time it has established a very enviable reputation for both outstanding performance and trustworthiness.

7 Great Spots for a BC Vacation Home

Now more than ever, the dream of owning a vacation home in British Columbia is more attainable. With low interest rates and declining house prices, this is truly a buyer’s market. In fact, the most difficult part of taking this step, is deciding where to buy your second home. With so many gorgeous locations available to you, it can be hard to choose. Here is a sampling of a few B.C. vacation home spots and why they are special.

1. Big White

For those looking for an exceptional ski-getaway, Big White is an excellent choice. Great for families and singles, this is the largest ski-in/ski-out resort village in Canada. The resort boasts 15 lifts to access 2,765 acres of prime skiing, with the longest run being 7.2 km.

Big White is located 56 km south east of Kelowna, just off Highway 33 in the Okanagan Valley.

2. Golden

A home in this town will likely boast views of the snowy peaks of the Purcell and Rocky Mountains. In the summer, hiking in this fresh mountain air is sure rejuvenate you on weekend stays. Stroll downtown in the evening and grab a quick bite, or take in free street entertainment at the Fountain Plaza. The nearby Kicking Horse Resort offers world-class skiing, cross-country, and snowboarding in the winter, and mountain biking and hiking in the summer. The Kicking Horse River boasts some of the world’s best whitewater rafting and flyfishing.

Golden is located at Highway 95 and Highway 1, 281 km north east of Cranbrook.

3. Kelowna

For relaxing lake country living in the heart of the Okanagan, Kelowna is the choice for many. In fact, this place is so hard to leave that many who started out with a vacation home have become permanent residents. Built around Lake Okanagan, it’s easy to find a place with a gorgeous view. For those who enjoy water sports, this is the place. Kelowna is known for it’s wakeboarding, boating, swimming and fishing. The town is full of charming shops and restaurants and free summer entertainment is available in City park and Waterfront Park.

Kelowna is located at the junction of Highway 97 and Highway 33 – 395 km northeast of Vancouver.

4. Radium Hot Springs

Tucked between the Purcell and the Rocky Mountain ranges, Radium Hot Springs is the perfect vacation home location especially for the outdoor enthusiast. Hiking, rock climbing, birding, and of course relaxing in warm, mineral hot springs after a long day are popular activities in this scenic area.

Radium Hot Springs is located 143 km north of Cranbrook, at the junction of Highway 93 and 95.

5. Revelstoke

Revelstoke is being hailed as the next “Whistler”. Real estate opportunities here range from scenic properties bordering meadows and forest to lake front and mountainside villages. Located between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains, this is considered the “Gateway to Mountain Adventure and National Parks”. Local attractions include Revelstoke Glacier National Park (home to over 400 glaciers), BC Hydro Revelstoke Dam and Generation Station, world class skiing, hiking and opportunities for wilderness photography.

Revelstoke sits at the junction of Highway 1 and Highway 23; 565 km northeast of Vancouver, and 192 km northeast of Kelowna.

6. Salmon Beach, Tofino

The lots at Salmon Beach offer seasonal cottage living in a remote area on the west coast, bordering Barkley Sound. Residents have access to a community beach and provides a perfect water access for endless hours of kayaking, fishing or prawning. Visit this area on a warm sunny day and you’ll never want to leave.

Salmon Beach is located halfway between Ucluelet and Toquart Bay, off of Highway 4.

7. Ucluelet

For those looking for the rugged shoreline of the west coast, but with more amenities than can be had at Salmon Beach, a vacation home in Ucluelet could fit the bill. With stunning ocean views and access to hiking on the Wild Pacific Trail, luxury resorts such as Oceanwest or Black Rock provide year round getaways with gourmet restaurants, lounges, spa and fitness facilities. A Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is currently under construction and located minutes away.

Ucluelet is located 8 km south west of Highway 4 and the Pacific Rim Highway junction.

Spectacular Summer Beach Holiday Spots

Of course a summer break could include all kinds of other locations, such as a visit to famous city, some high altitude walking in the mountains or time spent in one of the famous Lakeland areas of the world such as the Italian Lakes like Garda or Como, the Canadian great lakes or the Swedish Fjords. But more often than not there is likely to be some type of beach involved in most people’s summer vacation. The Spanish Canary Islands are a small group of islands that have their own variety of beaches that provide holidaymakers with plenty of choice, whatever their preferences.

So what is it about a beach that attracts so many people? After all warm sunny weather can be experience in most locations, and swimming opportunities are found in many inland areas, either in lakes or rivers. Beaches have several unique characteristics that perhaps contribute to their allure. First there is the sand itself. The soft sand is comfortable to lie on, feels nice to walk on and of course provides a great play environment for small children. But sandy beaches are not the only popular ones, with shingle and rocky beaches also proving attractive. The views offered by coastal locations are also a factor. There is something pleasing about an outlook where the land has ended and the sea stretches off into infinity. Imaginations run riot about what may be over the horizon, and the hustle and bustle of the world inland can be left behind. Of the course the sea itself plays a part. Unlike lakes, the sea is altogether a more dramatic and powerful beast. Gentle swells or crashing waves make the sea and ever changing environment and one that can either be just looked at or made use of as part of other pastimes. Fishing, swimming, surfing, sailing, diving, kayaking and windsurfing are just some of the sports and hobbies that make use of the sea. One other aspect is of course wildlife. Either in the water, above it or along its shores the sea supports a myriad of life forms that vary across the world. Beaches can be a naturists heaven at all times of the year.

For those seeking a place to lie in the sun there are beaches all over the world that easily fulfil that requirements. From the beaches of the Spanish Costa Blanca to Australia’s Gold Coast, long sandy beaches are everywhere it seems. For the ultimate in sandy beach tranquillity one of the 1000′s of Maldives islands may be the ideal. Tiny islands, some with room for just one dwelling and surrounded entirely by white soft sand, these are perhaps the sand lovers dream. On the island of Fuerteventura are perhaps some of the Canaries’ best sandy beaches. In the north of the island is the biggest beach, stretching for several kilometres south from Corralejo. The waters here, looking across to the nature reserve on the Isla of Lobos, can be a turquoise blue and soft sand reaches inland across dunes for over 2 kilometers. They present almost a desert scene looking inland towards the hills of extinct volcanoes like Volcan de la Olive.

Sports also have their favourite beach locations. From the surfing beaches of Hawaii like the North Shore, Oahu, the home of surfing, where huge waves provide the ultimate thrills for surfers during the winter. Waimea Beach is another spot where massive waves frighten the life out of all but the bravest surfers. In the Canaries surfing is also a popular beach activity, although the waves don’t compare with the size of those in Hawaii. It is however one of Europe’s favourite surf locations with Sotavento in the south of Fuerteventura and Playa de Famara on Tenerife both popular places.

As far as landscape and scenery are concern there are many spectacular beaches around the world, some of which are hardly visited due to their remoteness. Africa has some amazing places, like the beaches of the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. Paje beach on the east coast is a seeming endless stretch of white sand, fringed by palm trees, with an outlook across the Indian Ocean. In the UK there may not be the vast expanses of beach areas enjoyed by some larger countries but there are some equally spectacular spots. Kynance Cove in Cornwall is one example of a small dramatic beach reached by a steep footpath and Three Cliffs beach on the Gower Peninsula in Wales is regarded by some as one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.

On the North West coast of Gran Canaria, beaches are few and far between as steep jagged cliff sides plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, but these places have their own beauty too. Driving north along the coast road towards the town of Agaete, the traveler is presented with some breathtaking views.

Finally let’s not forget the children, those for whom the beach presents the perfect play ground. Praia de Rocha close to the town of Portimao on the Portuguese Algarve is a favourite family holiday spot. Along Spain’s Coast del Sol are many golden sandy best favoured by European tourists. Two such examples are at Villajoyosa where the El Paradis beach has almost a mile of golden sand to enjoy and further south near Alicante the Playa Muchavista and the Playa de San Juan form a sweeping arc of almost 4 miles of wonderful sandy beach.

In the Canaries the south of Gran Canaria has perhaps some of the best children’s beaches. The vast sand dunes of Maspalomas and the long sandy beach of Playa del Ingles are both ideal places for children to play the days away in the sun, sand and surf.

These are just a few examples of the best beaches around the world and an illustration of how resorts like Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Gran Canaria can offer equally spectacular alternatives in a single location.

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