http://www.area-daily.com The Insider's Guide to Modern Travel: Boutique Hotels, Restaurants and More Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:35:02 EST en-us Copyright 2010 Area Media Inc. http://www.area-daily.com/travel/em120222--Affordable-Boutique-Hotels-In-The-Caribbean.html http://www.area-daily.com/travel/em120222--Affordable-Boutique-Hotels-In-The-Caribbean.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST editorial@area-daily.com (Jody Raida)
Foodies flock to St.Martin for its French Caribbean charm. Le Petite Hotel in Grand Case is a 10 room beachside inn with hints of the French and Mexican Riviera with a touch of Bali. Rooms are outfitted in teak, terraces open up to the beach and delicious French pastries await you in the morning.

Perch yourself hilltop overlooking the bay in Martinique at Hôtel Plein Soleil. The brightly colored villas are surrounded by lush gardens and the 16 rooms, some bi-level with their own plunge pools, provide modern amenities alongside the natural beauty of the landscape.

Away from the crowds and development of Punta Cana sits a nature lovers paradise in the Dominican Republic. Natura Cabañas are beachfront bungalows located on the north shore and central to world class kite and windsurfing beaches. The rustic-chic huts offer plenty of creature comforts including a spa and an open air restaurant serving fresh fish and locally grown vegetables from the garden.

Tell us about your favorite small Caribbean gem.

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]]> http://www.area-daily.com/travel/em120217--Indulge-The-Revelery-Of--Carnivale.html http://www.area-daily.com/travel/em120217--Indulge-The-Revelery-Of--Carnivale.html Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST editorial@area-daily.com (Jody Raida)
New York : Head to the Ninth Ward, a New Orleans inspired bar that serves up cajun favorites, southern cocktails, and Louisiana beer for a festive party or to the Delta Grill for more serious eats to soak up the flowing libations.

Miami : Shake your booty at the 5th annual Mardi Gras and Zydeco festival at the Fish House. What's not to like about live music, an old fashioned crawfish boil, and ice cold beer and drinks.

Chicago : Party Brazilian style at Nacional 27's Carnivale celebration. Sip on caipirinhas and other locally inspired cocktails while dancing the night away to live Brazilian music.

Los Angeles : Join the music junkies at Amoeba Music's annual Fat Tuesday fest. Dj's will be spinning New Orleans party music while the parade marches down Sunset.

San Francisco : Indulge in southern specialties like jambalaya and gumbo, drink hurricanes and caipirinhas, and swing your hips to Samba at the annual Town Hall Mardi Gras celebration.

Let the good times roll!

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]]> http://www.area-daily.com/travel/em120215-Hitting-The-Slopes-In-Japan.html http://www.area-daily.com/travel/em120215-Hitting-The-Slopes-In-Japan.html Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST editorial@area-daily.com (Jody Raida) Aspen for a lively après ski scene. So why not go big the next time you're looking to hit the slopes and head straight for the deep powder in Japan. Known for its legendary powder, off-piste and tree skiing, onsens(natural hot springs) and a food culture unfamiliar to most, it's an adventure for all senses.

There are two main ski/snowboard regions in Japan; Hokkaido in the north and Nagano which is about 90 miles outside of Tokyo. In the north, fly into Sapporo where you can access the popular resort of Niseko in about two hours by train. Niseko has four major areas that interconnect and Hirafu is where you'll find most of the restaurants and nightlife along with throngs of international tourists. Stay at Kimamaya which is a boutique oasis central to the slopes and the village. The best verticals in the region can be found at Sapporo Teine just a quick ride from the lively city of Sapporo and accessible by public transportation.

From Tokyo, board the bullet train to Nozawa Onsen,a traditional Japanese village that greets you with steaming cobblestone streets filled with restaurants, ryokan inns and shops. Often considered the birthplace of skiing in Japan, it was introduced and developed by Austrians and is the sister resort to St.Anton. The town is most famous for it's onsens, with over thirty hot springs in the village (the reason for the steaming streets) and each with distinct characteristics.

Skied or boarded in Japan? Tell us what you would recommend at contact@area-daily.com or on our Facebook page.

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]]> http://www.area-daily.com/travel/em120213-Uncover-The-Treasures-Of-Hoi-An.html http://www.area-daily.com/travel/em120213-Uncover-The-Treasures-Of-Hoi-An.html Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST editorial@area-daily.com (Jody Raida)
SLEEP : Villa Hoa Su, just outside of Hội An and tucked away along the banks of the Co Co River, is a perfect retreat to simply relax and soak up the city. This tranquil homestay hotel features 5 elegant rooms, each with a private outdoor rain-shower and marble bathtub, a
beautiful pool surrounded by a lotus pond, and an outdoor lounge. The friendly and professional staff (managed by Bond, James Bond) will attend to your needs from finding a tailor to preparing an intimate dinner at the villa.

EAT : For great food and a worthy cause, head to STREETS Cafe. It’s operated by STREETS International, an innovative social enterprise initiative with the purpose to develop and operate sustainable programs for street kids and disadvantaged youth in Souteast Asia and throughout the world.

PLAY : Most guides will direct you to Cua Dai Beach, but locals and Expats go to An Bang Beach where it’s less crowded and you won't find tacky souvenir sellers. Go to the right for more of a western beach club feel at La Plage or to the left for local “clubs” that serve delicious cheap seafood and Viet food. For a bit of culture, head 25km north to Marble Mountain and explore the temple carved into the mountain.

And if you need a tailor, go to Lan at Lan #9. Her work is superb and at the right price.

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