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| While we strive to present hotel information as accurately as possible, We’re not responsible for the accuracy of this information or for any facilities that may or may not be available at the hotel during your stay. Please be aware that the hotel room photos are only a depiction of the type of rooms on offer and may not represent the actual room described. |
Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel, the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 38 years, Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Exhibition sites are located in the city's beautiful Art Deco District, within walking distance of the beach and many hotels.
An exclusive selection of more than 220 leading art galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa will exhibit 20th and 21st century artworks by over 2,000 artists. The exhibiting galleries are among the world's most respected art dealers, offering exceptional pieces by both renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers. Special exhibition sections feature young galleries, performance art, public art projects and video art. The show will be a vital source for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-calibre artworks.
Top-quality exhibitions in the museums of South Florida and special programs for art collectors and curators also help make the event a special time for encountering art. And every year, a greater number of art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from around the world participate in Art Basel Miami Beach - the favorite winter meeting place for the international art world.
It's America's beach: broad, welcoming and full of possibilities.
Daytona Beach stretches for 23 miles along Florida's emerald-green Atlantic coast. Along the way, simple pleasures abound. Wake up to warm ocean breezes and the smell of salt air. Stroll barefoot across cream-colored sand and stop to build fantasy castles by the sea. Chase the waves, scan the horizon for dolphins, sip coffee on an oceanfront deck.
Of course, once you've had your fill of quiet pleasures, the beach - and the surrounding area - offers a teeming catch of entertainment options. Whether you're looking for history, eco-tours, live stage shows, music, pampering, elegant dining or high-speed thrills, you'll find it in friendly, accessible Daytona Beach.
While Daytona Beach is world-famous for some of its billboard events - NASCAR's Daytona 500, Bike Week, Speedweeks, Biketoberfest, Florida International Festival - those festive occasions account for only a few weeks of the year. The rest of the time, Daytona's diverse attractions and surprisingly affordable accommodations make it a prime getaway spot for families and couples. What constitutes affordable? A spacious, oceanfront room with balcony in one of the beach's top hotels commands a mere $119 a night in the early fall.
With a beachside room as your base of operations, it's an easy stroll to the historic Daytona Beach Pier, with its high-flying gondolas and stilt-raised restaurant. Midway-style attractions, including a high-flying bungee ride, are a few yards from the pier. Or, cool off with movies, shopping and casual dining at the Ocean Walk Shoppes at the Art Deco-inspired Ocean Walk Village.
As seductive as Daytona's beach-scene can be, venture off the sand long enough to explore around town. A quick ride over the many bridges crossing the Halifax River brings visitors to the city's charming Riverfront Marketplace, an old-fashioned downtown with storefronts boasting antiques, jewelry, clothing, artworks and other collectibles. Don't miss the chocolate factory tour (with samples) at Angell & Phelps, a small candy shop that's a Daytona Beach landmark. Then walk a few a few paces south to the Halifax Historical Society Museum. Housed in a high-ceilinged turn-of-the-century bank building, the museum is part formal record, part community attic. It houses 20,000 photos and prints from Daytona's earliest times, as well as kitschy mementos from old department stores and other businesses. It also traces Daytona's beginnings as a racing mecca - going back to the days when stock cars raced on hard-packed beach -with photos as well as memorabilia from drivers and local residents.
The museum makes a good prelude to an afternoon at Daytona USA, the interactive showcase for all things NASCAR, located just next to the Daytona International Speedway. Aside from exhibits that tout the high-level engineering involved in racing, Daytona USA lets visitors man a pit stop and drive a 200-mph vehicle in a racing simulator.
Back at the beach, you can get a different sort of thrill, and a gulls-eye view of the town, by scheduling a parasail ride through one of the area's vendors. Or, if floating above the waves on a parachute isn't your thing, get a high-rise view of the ocean by climbing 203 steps to the top of the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, the tallest in Florida.
Catch your breath, and grab a cold drink and a platter of crunchy fried shrimp at the funky, beach-casual, nautical-themed Ocean Deck. Or, for a more exotic supper and a performance like nothing you've ever seen, make a reservation for the Hawaiian Luau Dinner Show at Teauila's Hawaii Dinner Theater.
Before leaving Daytona Beach, indulge yourself in a massage or relaxing body treatment at the 15,000-square-foot Ocean Waters Spa at The Plaza Resort & Spa. If you've been very good about using sun block, try one of the spa's stand up tanning beds. You'll be the envy of everyone back home.
With summer just around the corner, how are you doing with your vacation plans? Have you ever considered visiting the Delaware Beaches? Beside being known as the "First State", the Rehoboth Beach area in Delaware has also been referred to as "The Nation's Summer Capital". This pouplar and fun beach resort is located on the Atlantic Coast. Because it's only only two hours from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA, and the South Jersey area, you will enjoy a vacation destination that offers a calmness and welcoming feeling, in a relaxing, slower paced family atmosphere. Accommodations run the gamut and include anything from quaint bed and breakfasts to fine hotels and everything in between. Apartments, condominiums, cottages, and private homes are just a few of the options to choose from. The local realtors offer services to assist you in finding the ideal lodging for your stay. There is an abundance of food choices. Whether you decide to eat at your hotel or go exploring, each eatery has their own specialty. Menus range from the local catch of the day to vegetarian. The area is also well known for it's shopping opportunities. There are many local artisans, as well as factory outlets where you can really stretch your vacation dollars. Another thing that Rehoboth Beach is famous for is its mile-long boardwalk. Many people come down just to walk the boards and watch the ocean waves. You can also bike ride or jog or just hang out and people-watch. If you are lucky enough you can catch a glimpse of dolphins, porpoises, and other wildlife, such as pelicans. Other activities which are great for the kids as well as adults include arcades, musical entertainment, miniature golf and the many festivals that schedule Rehoboth Beach for their venues. For those of you who are into more natural surroundings, there is Cape Henlopen State Park close by in Lewes, Delaware The open shoreline of Cape Henlopen State Park is perfectly suited for swimming, crabbing, fishing, walking or just soaking up the sun. The highest sand dune between Cape Hatteras and Cape Cod is located on this beach. This "great dune" towers more than 80 feet above the shoreline. There is a restored World War II Observation Tower, if you are inclined, where the public is able to see the area from a bird's eye view. The story behind the tower is fascinating. Bird lovers will want to keep an eye out for ospreys and hawks. The protected piping plover and bald eagles have also been spotted occasionally. Finding another location that matches this resort area's variety and charm would be a challenging task, because it really has everything you would want or need to have a fun and relaxing vacation. Do yourself a favor and visit"The Nation's Summer Capital". You'll be glad you did!
Taj Exotica resides on the tropical isle Emboodhu Finolhu – once known as the ‘Three Coconut Island’ – that sits in one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. Surrounded by stunningly clear ocean water, this long sliver of island offers elegantly appointed villas suited with the latest modern conveniences.
With just a few beach villas, most accommodations at Taj Exotica are overwater (with or without freshwater plunge pools), connected in an elaborate jetty design to give each residence access to the lagoon and island services. The Rehendhi Presidential Suite offers a spacious, two-room villa to guests that require additional privacy.
The main pool area is a popular place to pass the day with its spectacular lagoon views, or take advantage of the enormous lagoon and spend the time snorkeling in its turquoise warmth.
The Deep End over-water restaurant is another Taj highlight, as is the Taj Spa, which among other rejuvenating therapies, offers a semi-outdoor suite with luxury ‘Hammam.’
Part Ibiza Uncovered, part The Sims, Beach Life is the latest "reality game" to hit our PCs courtesy of Ian Livingstone of Fighting Fantasy fame. Beach Life is basically a god sim which lets you create the holiday resort of your dreams, whether that's a resort full of beautiful people living "la vie de loca" or drunk Brits trying to grope the Reps, is up to you. There are two modes to play through: the campaign mode in which you work your way through a set of scenarios and the sandbox mode. The campaign has just the right balance between serving the needs of your guests and lining your pockets--you have to tackle anything from protecting your visitors from Shark attacks, spiking their beer so they get amorous on the beach or just providing them with the right balance of fun, food and respite.
It's very pick up and play and you won't find yourself getting bogged down with too much detail. Yes the game is all about providing your guests with what they want, but as long as the beer is flowing, the nightlife swinging and there's a 24 hour burger joint to hand, you won't go far wrong. That's not to say that you can't refine your pleasure island into the most beautiful, high class establishment you can afford; it's just you will probably want to rack up the beer strength, employ a few security guards and then watch people stagger about the island throwing up in bins.
Graphically the game looks fantastic particularly the weather effects. Up close though it's rather pixelated and looses some of the detail, but as with all god sims you will spend most of your time playing in the mid-isometric view so it's not a real problem. It's the sound where Beach life really comes into its own. It comes with a built-in MP3 player which not only means you can skip between the cool ambient tracks that come with the game, but that you can also import your own tunes.
Beach Life isn't really ground-breaking stuff and might not appeal to the god sim fanatics, but what it lacks in depth, it makes up for in tongue-in-cheek, stylish and above all fun gameplay.The South Beach Plaza Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Exotica Beach, in the Art Deco District and one block from the Ocean. Its 47 fabulous rooms and 8 suites have been renovated beyond recognition, while keeping its 1936 Tropical Art Deco Heritage. The new Tropical Art Deco bathrooms, Plush Tropical Hawaiian House bedding, Island Estate Furniture, and Custom Lighting only begin to describe the luxurious Beach Plaza Hotel rooms. If the elegant Beach Plaza Hotel with its Tropical Art Deco rooms were not enough, step outside into our exotic Hawaiian Gardens where waterfalls, rare birds, exotic plants, and our white sand lounger beach awaits you. We also offer a variety of recreational activities for our guests, an onsite complete fitness center which features free weights and cardio equipment. Off site, golf, yachting, tennis, and much more. Sit and relax at The De Carlos Bar, located lobby level offers award winning design and atmosphere combined with drinks, Segafredo coffee, and espresso make for a perfect mix. The Beach Plaza Hotel is located just 500 feet away from the beach and is one of the most sought after and desired locations in South Beach. Whether its dinner on Ocean Drive, Shopping on Lincoln Road, or clubbing on Washington, you will find us convenient and walkable to all. All rooms include plush Tropical Hawaiian House bedding, Art Deco bathrooms, Island Estate Furniture, custom lighting, goose down comforters, in-room movies, 25 inch televisions, CD/radio alarm clock, electronic locks, voicemail, refreshment bar, and Gilchrest And Soames bath amenities. We also offer twice daily maid service with turn down, 24 hour Valet, small meeting and banquet facilities and room service. If there is something that needs to be arranged, our concierge would be more than happy to schedule anything from dinner to full day activities.
| "Just wanted to say we really enjoyed the vacation. Oasis Marigot is one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. We really liked the resort. The staff and service was excellent. We look forward to coming again. We might even consider a timeshare. Thanks again for a lovely treat and a totally relaxing vacation. Sincerely," Michele and Randy McDaniel, Santa Fe, New Mexico m.r.english@worldnet.att.net |  |
| “We enjoyed the cottage so much we did not have a need to run around all the time but simple to sit back, relax & be surrounded by natural beauty. It was wonderful to have the dipping pool at Ocean Cottage. We loved the place so much that we want a family reunion here next year at Ocean Cottage so that all our family can experience a few days in paradise.” Mrs. Pam Benson/Mr. Larry Sands, Philadelphia, PA, USA pamb@voicenet.com | |
| “Our room was very spacious, beautiful & the view was amazing!! The staff at Doolittles Restaurant was very warm & friendly.” Mr. Douglas Swanson, Union, NJ, USA | |
| “Our cottage pool was absolutely wonderful! The privacy was excellent. The sailing south tour trip was excellent. Michael was a great captain.” Tim & Mary Trottier, Kitchener, ON, Canada Ttrottier@wilkinson-mfg.com | |
| “We had a wonderful time at the Ocean Cottage. It was more than we expected. The view and the house facilities combined to make this a memorable honeymoon. We will recommend it to our friends. Activities: sailing trip courteous + informative crew. This was a great feature to have in the package.” |
xotic Beaches is a 3D animated screensaver with realistic beaches lapping against their shores with many full-length animations.
This screensaver features 4 scenes. In the first scene of the trial version, watch as there is an extremely realistic animation of the beach shoring up against the white sand which is gleaming in the serene sunshine of a bright sunny day. The water on the beach itself flows constantly in a very realistic way as well.
As the water shores up there is an animated starfish that becomes exposed then disappears from time to time as the shoring waves washes it away. This four and a half minute long scene features a background with passing 3D-realistic clouds and three eagles in the distant which will soar slowly in the sky. One eagle will fly by on its own at first. Beautiful and colourful boats swim by on the shores and a speedboat goes along rapidly with sound effects as it passes.
There are many animated seagulls which fly by. Sometimes seagulls will sing as the fly down and land on the sandy beach then walk around then fly off. At intervals some seagulls will walk in sing and then fly off into the bright sunny sky. The seagulls at play are really the main highlight of this scene alongside the shoring waves of the spectacular white sandy beach.
Watch as a large palm tree and a short palm sways from side to side in the light breeze of the ocean shores which is most breathtaking and serene. In this scene, 3D animated seagulls also fly by and land on a very large rock nearby. The seagull looks around and sits for a while then flies off gain as others come to take a rest and enjoy the calm of the ocean shores.
A seagull will dive into the water and swim in it for a while and out of the scene. The scenery looks almost like one in an AVI video clip. One of the greatest highlights of this scene must be the 3D animated dolphins that jump and make lovely sounds against the flowing background waters of the beach. A dolphin jumps in and out of the water at different times, which makes a perfect scene for a Caribbean cruise. This scene lasts almost 4 minutes.
The registered version features 2 additional powerful scenes. One of the scenes (scene 3) features fantastic blue and yellow 3D parrots which fly by in flocks from time to time amongst another background with an animated beach with realistic water movements and animated seagulls which sometimes land, stand still for a while on the white sand, then take off again.
Some seagulls just walk in and out of the scene and chirp, while other will dive into the beach and swim out or fly out of the water back into the sky. Those seagull animations are very beautiful and look natural and movie-like as they play around. There is a 3D animated starfish in this scene and there are animated black sea crabs, which walk around on the sandy shores, wait for a while and then go out again.
Palm trees also sway in this scene. There are many colourful boats that swim by as well as a golden speedboat. This makes the scene look very complete. There are full background and seagull sounds, as well as other sound effects with this scene. This scene is 4 minutes long.
The last of the two scenes (scene 4) in the registered version of Exotic Beaches, features another lovely sunset background with animated water and lights an animated sunset light which gleams in the serene sky. This scene also has 3D-realistic clouds which float by and sometimes becomes thick in the sky as they pass.
This scene also has animated 3D dolphins and seagulls which fly in land, sing, sit and then stand up and fly off again into the sunset. Sometimes a seagull will fly down then fly off just before it hits the water. A golden boat and white boat while sail in the radiant sunset. This scene is just over 4 minutes long.
Where Nature and History Merge
Located on the northern tip of Amelia Island, Florida's northernmost east coast barrier island, Fort Clinch's 2.3 miles of ocean and sound beaches are some of Florida's best. White Appalachian quartz sand, clear waters, surrounded by dunes of up to 40 feet high, salt marshes, meandering tidal creeks, and coastal hammocks are some of the reasons why the beach at Fort Clinch was named one of the top in the country by Conde Naste Traveler.
Fort Clinch State Park embraces the first of Miami's beaches and covers 1,121 acres of Amelia Island. The eastern side of the park is bounded by 4,000 feet of Atlantic coast, and the western side by an extensive estaurine marsh system and 8,400 feet of shore along the Cumberland sound, the sound that seperates Georgia from Florida.
At Fort Clinch, the striking natural environment mergers with one of the best-preserved masonry military forts in the U.S. Here, park rangers, dressed in Civil War uniforms, offer regular programs to showcase the daily life of a Union garrison in 1864. The beach is right in front of the fort and provides a unique experience for visitors by preserving, protecting and showcasing portions of Florida's natural and historic resources. The combination makes Fort Clinch State Park a teriffic place to take the kids.
The Fort:
A two-mile-long oak- and hardwood-canopied road leads to the masonry military fort. Started just before the Civil War the fort alternately housed Union and Confederate troops and briefly saw duty during the Spanish-American War as well as World War II. The fort was never actually completed, and more powerful armament soon made the fort's masonry walls obsolete.
The fort was named for General Duncan Lamont Clinch, a hero of the Seminole War of the 1830s. In 1861, the fort was occupied by Confederate troops who abandoned it in 1862, when it was claimed by Union forces. Fort Clinch even played a minor role in World War II, as beach patrollers kept lookout for invading Germans and a navigational beacon helped guide seaplanes home from training missions.
If you talk to the staff inside the fort they will tell you many interesting things about life back in the days when the fort was being built. One story you may hear is that the fort is haunted by a woman in white who may have lost her love.
A special way to view the fort is by candlelight tour. During the summer, these tours are conducted on Friday and Saturday nights by park rangers. The tours are by reservation only. A small fee is charged per person in addition to the park entrance fee.
All of the buildings are illuminated by candles. The ranger conducting the tour wears the uniform of the 1st New York Volunteer Engineers, the soldiers who occupied the fort during the Civil War. The guide comments on army life and the war in the vernacular of that time. The 1864 atmosphere is so realistic that no flash photography is allowed to destroy the illusion.
About four times a year there are 150 - 200 of them, who all dress in period costumes. The women cook food from the 1860s, they make bread by grinding the wheat and the kids play games from the 1860s. Call in advance for dates on the re-enactment weekends.
Natural History of the Park:
Huge sand dunes occur along the east side of the park, and a coastal hardwood hammock is found along the west side. The Atlantic beach, Cumberland Sound and salt marsh offer additional natural features and diversity for those interested in enjoying the real & natural Florida.
Significant plant communities throughout the park include sand dunes, overwash plains, maritime hammock and estuarine tidal marsh. Many of these can be observed from the nature trail at Willow Pond or the paved roadway through the hammocks. These are also prime locations for bird watching and nature study.
