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The Benson Hotel & Faculty Club

Publisher — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:35:38 +0000

For those searching for Rocky Mountain Romance, The Benson Hotel and Faculty Club, Aurora’s new luxury boutique hotel, welcomes couples with a Once Upon a Time Out West experience.
The new package is designed for a romantic getaway on Valentine’s Day — or any day of the year.
Located on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus., the hotel lies at the heart of Aurora, the Gateway to the Rockies, midway between downtown Denver and Denver International Airport.
It features The Common Good, a 100-seat restaurant that serves locally sourced and freshly prepared cuisine created by Executive Chef Donovan Davis.
The Once Upon a Time Out West package starts with an instant upgrade to a top-floor Mountain View Executive Fireplace Suite where the views of the snow-capped Front Range seem to go on forever. These elegant and welcoming accommodations offer 700 square feet of space and provide the property’s best mountain views.
Each suite has a large open common room, a full kitchen with a sink, a two-burner stove top, a microwave, a dishwasher, a coffee station, and a dining table for four. The large seating area boasts a sofa, a 55-inch panel TV, and a gas fireplace.
The common room offers access to a walk-out balcony with direct mountain views, an outdoor dining area for three, and a seating area. The separate bedroom provides direct mountain views, a king bed, an executive desk and chair, a Juliet balcony, and access to an ensuite bathroom with a deep soaking tub, enclosed glass shower, double vanity, and separate WC.
To help couples unwind, The Benson provides a bottle of chilled Champagne and a charcuterie tray upon arrival.
For more information, you can visit their website at www.thebensonhotel.com.

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Atlantic City: Live it up with a True Original

Publisher — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:50:32 +0000

It may seem like Atlantic City has always been a casino town, but gambling was only legalized here in 1978, with Resorts, the historic beach town’s first casino – and the first one to open outside of Las Vegas – making its debut 45 years ago this summer.
Since that time, gaming has been one of Atlantic City’s major attractions, but along with world-class hotels, restaurants, nightlife, entertainment, and the world-famous Boardwalk and beach, the destination offers a range of classic AC experiences that can only be found within its 12 square seashore miles.
A True Hot Spot for Travelers
While Atlantic City has recently been dubbed a “luxurious hot spot for travelers” (Robb Report), along with its spectacular casino properties and new attractions – such as Showboat’s $100 million Island Waterpark, the world’s largest seaside indoor waterpark, which debuted in July, and Spiegelworld’s “The Hook,” AC’s brand-new permanent entertainment residency – the resort also embraces its nostalgic charm, providing visitors with the chance to explore a variety of authentic Atlantic City experiences.
Really Cool Attractions, Restaurants, and More
The birthplace of boardwalks, saltwater taffy, rolling chairs, and waterfront amusement piers, Atlantic City boasts an array of iconic attractions (such as the 125-year-old Steel Pier, Historic Gardner’s Basin, and the Absecon Lighthouse, the third tallest lighthouse in the country) and legendary restaurants (like Dock’s Oyster House, Tony’s Baltimore Grill, and Knife & Fork) that capture the essence of Atlantic City.
In addition, Atlantic City boasts dozens of authentic dining experiences from around the world, including the newly opened Nobu at Caesars.
Atlantic City has also seen an arts and culture revival in recent years, with an impressive mural arts program, homegrown festivals and events, and venues like the Noyes Arts Garage rekindling the resort’s creative spirit.
Meanwhile, Atlantic City’s Orange Loop, an emerging neighborhood of unique restaurants, bars, live music venues, shops, and even a yoga studio, offers the chance to enjoy local flavors and thrills, just off the Boardwalk.
Summer Rules
During the summer months, Atlantic City boasts a variety of exciting events, from multi-day music festivals and beach concerts (the outdoor country-music Tidal Wave Festival returns Aug. 11-13) to family-friendly happenings like the Atlantic City Airshow, which returns for its 20th year on Aug. 16.
A true Atlantic City adventure wouldn’t be complete without exploring the arcades, shops, and restaurants along the world-famous Boardwalk, and other outdoor experiences, from parasailing and sunset cruises to dolphin watching and bayside dining.
The Real Deal, All Year Round
With so many luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and year-round entertainment options, Atlantic City is the ideal spot to visit in the fall and winter months as well as during the spring and summer.
This October, the annual Atlantic City Restaurant Week returns with six days of specially priced menus at an array of casino restaurants and local establishments (Oct. 1-6), the perfect reason to stay, dine, play, and savor it all in AC. During the month of December, Atlantic City’s Tinseltown Holiday Experience lights up the entire city with holiday cheer, extravagant decorations, pop-up experiences, and not-to-be-missed festive events.
Options Galore
To discover authentic Atlantic City experiences, check out hotel options, view a calendar of events and more, visit atlanticcitynj.com.

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Canyon Ranch Woodside – a New State of Adventure

Publisher — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:50:01 +0000

Canyon Ranch Woodside was created as a place where you can adventure into an immersive nature experience underneath the California redwoods, but also adventure into yourself and own wellness escape.
They all have their own definition of “adventure” and Canyon Ranch Woodside offers an intentional investment into your own wellbeing.
Unmatched Experience
Canyon Ranch Woodside is an all-inclusive retreat where guests can quiet their minds, engage their bodies, and take time to explore the avenues that can lead to inner peace.
The natural beauty of the ancient forest surrounding the property gives their guests the chance to recenter themselves and discover new insights along the way through expert spiritual guides, activities that build energy and stamina, and fresh and nutritious meals.
A State of Adventure
At Canyon Ranch Woodside, adventure may mean trying your first guided 3-5 mile hike or a mountain biking adventure with incredible views, trying forest bathing for the first time, or traveling alone for the first time and not feeling lonely.
Or, maybe trying meditation for the first time. The journey may also lead you to taking a deep dive into your spiritual well-being.
Imagine taking a culinary adventure into new and nutritious foods and healthful eating made easy with fresh and available ingredients in a new way.
Transformative
Canyon Ranch is a pioneer in wellness guidance with more than four decades of experience inspiring guests to pursue a lifetime of wellbeing. Guided by world-class experts across a broad range of disciplines, guests gain personal insight, skills, and motivation that lead to true transformation long after their stay.
More and more people come to Canyon Ranch to invest in their personal wellness and set intentions on their journey, especially post-pandemic.
That’s why they’ve started to develop dedicated Pathways to help guide their visitors through their specific intentions, while opening their minds to new experiences and wellness possibilities along the way.
Canyon Ranch Woodside is the perfect avenue to experience this soulful journey.
Visit: www.CanyonRanch.com for more info.

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Destin-Fort Walton Beach: Florida’s Gold Coast Doesn’t Disappoint

Publisher — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 14:35:18 +0000

Known for pristine sugar-white sand and vibrant, emerald-green waters, Destin-Fort Walton Beach naturally welcomes families to explore together and set out on memorable, water-based adventures.
The Gulf waters are typically calm and crystal clear making ideal conditions for not only snorkeling and diving, but for kids to take their first steps from the shore and dive right in.
These adventures are not only possible but welcoming for every member of the family with activities ranging from legendary fishing and boating to watersports, and an abundance of wildlife to observe along the way.
Sugar-white Sand + Emerald-green Water
The signature sugar-white sand beaches found in DestinFort Walton Beach are some of the most beautiful in
the world and have a history all their own. Appalachian quartz crystals, washed from rivers and tumbled by tides over thousands of years, form the fine white powder sands that exist today.
The sand remains cool to the touch year-round and gives the water its trademark emerald color by reflecting sunlight through the surf, creating a picturesque backdrop for a perfect photo.
Getting Out on the Water
Play on the water isn’t just fun for kids it’s a transformative experience. With more than 20 miles of coastline, plus protected bays and bayous, the best way to explore is on the water.
For memories that will last a lifetime, guests can rent a pontoon, kayak or paddle board to explore the waterways with Island Watersports Company, experience underwater beauty with Destin Snorkel, or opt instead for a cruise on the Cattywampus Catamaran that boards from The Gulf on Okaloosa Island.
Nature Lovers
An environment that is diverse in nature awaits including vibrant reefs, coastal waterfronts, inland forests, and
cultural centers. It’s a setting that encourages kids to not only interact with their surroundings, but with parents and siblings.
The destination’s many parks provide an opportunity to be immersed in a coastal landscape whether checking out the endangered coastal scrub at Henderson Beach State Park, or spotting herons, pelicans, and other coastal birdlife along the walkways of Liza Jackson Park.
For an up-close encounter with some of the destination’s most well famous residents, seasonal Nighttime Educational Beach Walks (June through October) provide locals and visitors alike information about protecting the sea turtle population. Offshore adventurers can spot an abundance of marine life including dolphins, goliath groupers, angelfish, Spanish mackerels, spadefish, octopus, and more.
The calm, clear waters of The Gulf are as ideal for first-time snorkelers as they are for those that are PADI certified. Divers can explore artificial reefs, wrecks and a limestone shelf at depths of up to 90 feet.
Along the Shores
Beachgoers can lay out on the sand, letting time slip away or break up their stay discovering treasures on land. Strolls down Destin’s Harbor Walk Village or The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island are feasts for the senses.
Savor Gulf-to-Table seafood served at restaurants just steps away from the fishing boats that just recently pulled them from the water or chart a course for shops brimming with sweet treats, gifts, and beach apparel.
A bit further inland, antiquing and unique shops line Downtown Fort Walton Beach, and well known brands can be found at Destin Commons, an open-air mall, that is home to a multitude of shopping and dining destinations. to may book at one of several resorts and hotels.
To bring friends and extended family along for the journey, roomy vacation rentals provide a comfortable option. A more peaceful intimate experience awaits, over at RV campsites, and at campgrounds including Henderson State Park where families can sleep under a canopy of stars.
To learn more, please visit www.destinfwb.com.

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Unforgettable Experiences Await in New Smyrna Beach

Publisher — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 12:27:42 +0000

New Smyrna Beach, Fla., the beautiful barrier island on Florida’s East Coast which has 17 miles of pristine white sandy beaches, is the perfect summertime getaway. The area is home to beautiful beaches, delicious dining, outdoor activities for all ages and a thriving arts community.
Beach Life
Named one of the best beach towns in Florida, New Smyrna Beach is perfect for those who prefer to spend the day relaxing on the beach and building sandcastles to those who enjoy adventurous activities. Along the oceanfront, there are many beaches with different offerings that will appeal to all.
A few of the options are included below:
Smyrna Dunes Park is pet-friendly and ideal for walking the beach and enjoying the surf. Perched on 73 acres of pristine land at the northern tip of the New Smyrna Beach peninsula, the area is surrounded by water on three sides. The two-mile boardwalk with overlooks is ideal for enjoying the breathtaking views.
Mary McLeod Bethune Park is ideal for families who are traveling with children. Nestled on six acres between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean, this quiet spot south of New Smyrna Beach features a boardwalk on the ocean side and a fishing pier on the riverside where visitors can often see manatees.
Cape Canaveral National Seashore is one of the longest stretches of pristine coastline in the country. For a truly relaxing experience, the undeveloped Playalinda Beach was rated “Quietest Beach” and one of USA Today’s Top Ten Florida Beaches.
Activities for Everyone
New Smyrna Beach is one of the best spots for surfing in the country, and local instructors offer classes and camps for those of all skill levels.
New Smyrna Beach is also an ideal location for fishing, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, cycling and kayaking. One of the most popular family attractions in the area is the Marine Discovery Center, which offers daily educational boat tours of the Indian River Lagoon, educational programs and children’s camps in the spring and summer.
Let’s Eat!
New Smyrna Beach offers a variety of options for families, no matter what their preferences. From dining in a treehouse to enjoying live music on the water, New Smyrna Beach has an abundance of unique, locally-owned restaurants with outdoor dining options.
Artistic Endeavors
The New Smyrna Beach area is rooted in local culture and has been named one of the “100 Best Small Art Towns in America.” Many visitors enjoy creating their own unique piece of art through jewelry making, paintings, taking a class in glassblowing and pottery, or learning Bob Ross-style painting techniques at the Bob Ross Art Workshop.
The local galleries on Canal Street feature the work of hundreds of local artists for viewing and purchase. Music lovers can delight in New Smyrna Beach’s plentiful concerts, featuring world-famous musicians and local hidden talent. The area is also home to many festivals and special events throughout the year.
Come and See Them
The New Smyrna Beach area includes the communities of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, Osteen and Port Orange in east Central Florida. New Smyrna Beach is an eclectic mix of old and new; of subtle sophistication and bohemian soul that is as “real” as Florida gets.
It occupies a notable place in history as the second oldest city in Florida, site of the largest single attempt at British colonization in the new world. The city’s barrier island is recognized worldwide for its incredible surf with Surfer magazine recently touting it one of the “Best Surf Towns in America” and National Geographic magazine including it in its “World’s Top 20 Surf Towns.”
More information, please visit www.VisitNSBfl.com

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San Antonio to Host IPW 2023

Publisher — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 13:35:29 +0000

For the first time, U.S. Travel Association’s signature IPW comes to San Antonio, May 20-24, 2023. With the anticipated positive return of global travel, and the pent-up demand for new, authentic American cities to discover, San Antonio is looking forward to a successful IPW that will wow visitors with its culture, culinary, history, art, entertainment and natural wonders.

San Antonio has long been known as one of America’s most cultural, historic, and forward-looking destinations. The blending of cultures harkens to the founding of the city – from Indigenous, to Spanish Settlement, to Mexico, Texas as its own country, and of course the United States. Located on the cusp of the verdant Texas Hill Country, the destination also still proudly reflects the influence of German settlements, and other countries and cultures that shaped this special part of Texas. This rich history is expressed in everything from the architecture, performing arts, culinary scene and more.

As much as San Antonio embraces and preserves its past, this thriving dynamic city propels into the future with world class offerings, a robust and growing business outlook, and cutting-edge technology and development.

IPW 2023 will generate a positive impact on the San Antonio economy, with projections for more than 395,000 new international visitors and $614 million in international visitor spending in the three years following the show. In addition, IPW 2023 is anticipated to create more than 2,700 new jobs for San Antonio, and contribute $143 million in state and local tax collections.

Even as America’s seventh largest city hosting more than 41 million visitors a year, delegates will find the downtown core intimate and walkable, all flowing from the lifeline of the San Antonio River. The Rive Walk runs 20 feet below street level, and for 15 miles of glistening hotels, shops, museums, peaceful pockets of parks and public art. This treasure extends south along the Spanish Colonial Missions, which along with the Alamo, are the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.

“San Antonio is ready to welcome all in 2023 and plans are well underway for a productive and powerfully memorable IPW and your San Antonio experience will be unparalleled,” said Marc Anderson, President and CEO, Visit San Antonio. “One thing we know for sure, you will leave San Antonio with our city in your heart – because it is the real and true warmth and hospitality of San Antonians that will stay with you forever. We cannot wait to host you next year.”

The tradeshow will meet in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, right on the River Walk. Plans call for “Viva San Antonio,” a grand and colorful opening night in historic La Villita on the River Walk.

Just for IPW 2023, San Antonio will host an open night River Walk parade in delegates’ honor as guests dine riverside.

IPW 2023 will certainly “Remember the Alamo” on closing night – title sponsor Travel Texas will take over the grounds of one of America’s most iconic sites with the “Spirit of Texas” event. Music, food, entertainment and more will showcase the great State of Texas, and all will see up close the Alamo’s major revitalization project in progress.

One of America’s most iconic sites is undergoing a significant restoration and expansion, known as The Alamo Plan, which will encompass both preservation of historic buildings and new construction projects, all with the goals of fostering reverence and dignity at one of the most important sites in Texas history. The plan aims to memorialize those who lived, fought and died at the Alamo, and share the stories of more than 300 years of Alamo history with an enhanced visitor experience that is both moving and informative.

The new Exhibition Hall & Collections Building will have just opened in late 2022, providing five times more exhibition space than has been available. This will house the Phil Collins Collection given to the Alamo by the British rock star. March 2026 will see the opening of the world-class Visitor Center and Museum, directly across the street from the Alamo, toward the River Walk. These 40,000 square feet of gallery space for dynamic installations of the Alamo’s collection of original documents and artifacts that deepen visitors’ understanding of history, and open just in time for the Alamo’s 190th anniversary.

The Alamo Plan is just one exciting development delegates will experience in San Antonio. IPW 2023 planners are assembling an exciting line up of tours that will offer experiences for buyers and media – cultural, culinary, history, fun for all, Hill Country, adventure, and more. The State of Texas will present a thrilling slate of tours to showcase diverse and excite locales around the state.

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Adventure Awaits in Clarksville, Tennessee

Publisher — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 13:53:30 +0000

Boating, fishing, kayaking, golf, disc golf, mountain biking, hiking, cycling, spelunking and rock climbing…how’s that for an adventure seeker’s paradise?
Adventure travelers will find all these activities and more, plus a surprising diversity of local restaurants and breweries in Clarksville, Tennessee, just 40 minutes northwest of Nashville on I-24 and within a day’s drive for about 66% of Americans.
Dunbar Cave State Park
Dunbar Cave State Park is one of the region’s most popular outdoor sites. This 144-acre natural playground includes almost five miles of trails, picnic areas, wildlife and seasonal cave tours. The cave is the only public cave in the world where Native American Mississippian Art dating to the 14 Century is visible.
The cave is also a stop on the Tennessee Music Pathways, celebrating its history as a venue for popular Big Bands in the 40s and WSM Radio broadcasts in the 50s.
The meandering Cumberland Riverwalk is the city’s crown jewel, where the whole family can enjoy walking, biking, boating or finding a swing to take in a spectacular sunset. The Riverwalk connects directly to Clarksville’s historic downtown restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and public art via the urban Upland Trail. At its opposite end (north), the trail intersects and follows the Red River for a six-mile out-and-back total.
Paddlers can launch from the Red River at six public access points. Kayakers and canoers can float for 2-14 miles with local outfitters, with stops for swimming and bluff jumping.
Rotary Park
Rotary Park is a 111-acre forested local park with five-plus miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, creeks, playgrounds, disc golf and picnic areas.
You’ll also find large, open spaces for play and an impressive new 4,200-square-foot Nature Center with displays and hands-on activities that show the natural history of the area.
Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy a range of trails at North Ford Street Mountain Bike Park – from a newly constructed children’s area to technical routes that challenge even the most advanced riders.
Climbers of all skill levels will have fun and relish the bird’s-eye river views at King’s Bluff Park. The limestone crag is 9.78 acres with more than 160 routes traversing the Cumberland.
Visit: visitclarksvilletn.com.

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Unforgettable Experiences Await in Los Cabos, Mexico

Publisher — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 12:59:21 +0000

Located at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos is made up of the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo connected by a 20-mile corridor. The peninsula reaches into the Sea of Cortez and the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean making this a perfect getaway.
Beach Life
Rising from the Sea of Cortez, El Arco is the natural symbol of Los Cabos. See it from every point of view – on land, by water or in the air.
There are 22 swimmable Blue Flag beaches in Los Cabos, including Medano, El Chileno, Palmilla and Santa María Bay. Look for the internationally recognized Blue Flag icon, which indicates that the beach has met the highest environmental and quality standards. All beaches have public access, so even if a resort isn’t located on a swimmable Blue Flag beach, guests can reach one within 10 minutes.
Join the surfers or simply watch them in their element at Playa Acapulquito. Known as “Old Man’s Break,” this reef break is at its best in summer with clear waters and an easy paddle out. Rock climbing and nearby snorkeling also draw adventure-seekers from around the globe.
Whale watching is a signature experience as humpback and gray whales migrate to the balmy waters around the Baja Peninsula between early December and mid- April.
Family-Friendly Hotels
From European plans (EPs) with à la carte dining to all-inclusive resorts with 24-hour room service, families can easily find a place to call home in Los Cabos. Most resorts also offer supervised kids clubs or activities to keep little ones engaged.
Auberge Resorts (Esperanza and Chileno Bay): On-property there’s a club that was created to expose, teach, and give teens a chance to take advantage of the weather/area through experiencing the following activities: bike riding, stand-up paddle board, tennis, volleyball, soccer, and bocce ball among others. Additionally, teens can compete in pool, foosball or ping pong matches, and discover the Recording Studio, equipped with the newest iMac with recording microphone and DJ set for creating original songs and playlists and/or enjoying a karaoke jam session.
Grand Velas
Balancing family time with the need for independence is easy at this all-inclusive luxury resort. The Teens’ Club program offers a supervised sanctuary of fun and entertainment for teenagers ages 13 to 18.
The best beats are laid down by the in-house DJ every evening until midnight, while the bar serves a robust collection of non-alcoholic drinks. A pool table, ping pong table, board games and Xbox Kinect otherwise keeps the competitive spirit alive.
Hilton Los Cabos
Offers programs both for the youngest guests to older kids. The older kids program allows them to get together to enjoy video games and movies together, as well as off-screen activities like decorating cakes and cookies, crafts and other unique activities.

Los Cabos is a perfect wellness destination, in particular with the spectacular sunrises and perfect sunsets in a framework of unique contrasts that charge with positive energy along with wellness experiences, fitness, yoga, healthy gastronomy, among others.
Los Cabos offers spa-goers award-winning options from wellness and relaxation to recovery and often use natural, locally sourced ingredients to pamper their guests. Grapes sourced from the Guadalupe Valley are transformed into wine-infused treatments.
Crushed bark from the tepezcohuite tree is renowned for its skin revitalizing properties, and the green leaves of the Chaya plant are believed to have antioxidant properties. Spas may even use margarita-inspired elements such as lime and mezcal, and infuse body wraps with chocolate – an ingredient that can be traced back to the Olmecs of southern Mexico.

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New Summer Edition is LIVE

Publisher — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 19:06:40 +0000

Summertime is officially here and that means it’s time for some sun, sand and beach time. This edition features some fun beach getaways for the family.
Florida offers several options that we cover in this edition – from New Smyrna Beach to Destin-Fort Walton Beach, you can’t go wrong. Looking to travel out of the country? Then, visiting the iconic Los Cabos area is definitely on your bucket list. Views, food and memories abound at this incredible destination.
For some other fun Summer getaways, how about Dunton River Camp or Clarksville, Tennessee? Both of these offer some memorable opportunities.
In our ever-expanding Wellness Section, we feature one of the top wellness venues in the nation at Canyon Ranch – Woodside. This wellness destination offers guests a perfect way to recalibrate themselves and take in a natural environment in California. As the Summer heats up, Scottsdale, Arizona has a myriad of spa and pool resorts for you to partake in.
In our “Experiences Section,” read about a trip to Colombia by Melissa Mireles and then a special piece by our newest contributor, Adam Asher. He is bringing his refreshing style to our publication as the creator of “The Edge of Adventure with Adam Asher.”
You can’t travel without trying some delectable cuisine. Our “Culinary Section” takes you to Miami for their newest dining and drinking options are. Also, learn about the California Ranch Cookoffs happening now through the end of the year. Celebrity chefs partake in this unique event.
For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.
Travel. Make Memories.

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A Bahama Adventure – Just Take the Trip

Publisher — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:06:26 +0000

Vacations are built around what matters most to you. For myself it is being close to water, connecting with locals, and exploring what nature has to offer. My curiosity took me to the beautiful Cays of the Bahamas with a group of 10 friends. With an adventurous 8 days ahead of us, we braced ourselves for the unknown and daydreamed about all the shades of blue.
Nassau-Bound
We began our adventure in the Bahamian capital of Nassau where we sailed from Palm Cay Marina to our first location, Leaf Cay, where we met some fast and friendly creatures. The iguanas were big fans of grapes! We then sailed to Danger Cay to check off a bucket list item, swimming with Caribbean reef sharks! Their robust, streamlined bodies was a sight to see. The mix of mystery and adrenaline was a virtuous blend while swimming alongside them.
Snorkeling and More..
Approximately 12 nautical miles away in the sand banks of Norman Cay laid our next adventure. When I heard I could snorkel above Pablo Escobar’s sunken drug plane, I knew I had to. The plane was only 10 feet down allowing us to swim by and through the eroded skeleton. The plane is now home to and extraordinary array of colorful reefs and marine life.
The Exumas Sand Bar at Pipe Creek is one of the finest of the Bahamas, a favorite of many photographers. We strategically timed this adventure as the low tides disappear at night. We woke up early to experience the narrow shallow channels. During exploration of the sandbars, I witnessed a rare sight, a spotted eagle ray.
While at Soldier Cay, I swam with nearly 50 different species of fish. Bread was my motivator for keeping the marine life close. The most fascinating part of the aquarium was its ecosystem and the ability to house so many species, prevent erosion, and provide protection.
Swimming with Sharks
We made a stop to swim with the Nurse sharks at Compass Cay. While very intimidating, these predators are not aggressive towards humans but rather curious. So curious, that they would swim on top of the deck to get closer to us. This species helped us as new snorkelers as they presented little to no threat to us.

Having fun at Pigs Beach.

Green Cay excursion
Green Cay was one of my favorite places to snorkel. The sea grass ocean floor made for a beautiful site, but the real view were the sea turtles. The gentle creatures swam peacefully snacking on the grass around us with remora sucker fish attached to their shells. The remora oval disks cleaned the turtles shell while the sea turtle provided them protection. A beautiful synergetic relationship.
We met the famous swimming pigs at Pigs Beach. While not native to the island, it is said that they were left by sailors who planned to come back and feast on them. The pigs ranged from piglets to 400-pound giants. While friendly, the giants were very persistent on being fed.
The second load of adrenaline exposed itself when we went free diving north of Rose Island where the drop was more than 200ft. The puzzling part was the inability to see past 30 feet. While the ocean is often peaceful it is also a strong force of nature that one can fall victim to. It is safe to say, I came out with more diving experience and respect for the ocean.
Tons To Do…
One can’t go wrong with the Bahamas, the wide range of activities exceeded my expectations. My advice to anyone who can travel is to take the trip, as the ability will not always be there.
As an avid traveler I often get asked what the best part of my trips are, besides the knowledge I get to bring home it is the human connections that make them so memorable.
Take the trip.

Written By: Melissa Mireles

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