South Beach Art Deco District is a Must See Destination

The South Florida tourist destination is many things to many people.

For some, South Beach Miami is a place to work, to others it’s a place to live, and for others, it’s a major entertainment destination with hundreds of restaurants, nightclubs, boutique shops and South Beach hotels.

Like to visit? If you do your homework and research well, you should be able to come up with a few great Miami Beach hotels deals.

Don't worry about running thin on vacation activities because day or night there’s always something happening.

Miami Beach can be described as a peninsula of land lying between the Atlantic and Biscayne Bay connected to mainland Florida by a series of causeways. Considerably more than a fashionable tourist destination and tropical paradise, Miami Beach does have some of the most amazing and unique architecture in the world.

The Art Deco Historic district is rich with history, as well as ethnicity, and is among the most prevalent and recognizable style of architecture in Miami. The Deco style all started in Paris, France in the 1920s and basically flourished globally throughout the 1930s.

Many don't know this fact but Art Deco was actually brought mainly into play attributable to the major hurricane of 1926 which came so close, it nearly annihilated the city.

One of the more popular places in Miami is well know South Beach - where the majority of the Art Deco district is found located along Ocean Drive. Here is a great video about Miami!

The Miami Art Deco Section boasts the biggest collection of Art Deco structures situated around the globe at present and comprises of in excess of eight hundred properties which had been constructed between 1923 and 1943.

The district overlooks the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Lenox Court to the West, and is bounded by sixth Street found towards the south, and Dade Blvd. along side the Collins Canal to the north.

The district's multicultural vibe along with full tapestry of historical architectural structures makes the region definitely one of South Florida's most popular and celebrated travel destination. Due to the fact that the real estate landscape is ever-changing in Miami, the Art Deco section was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The district is made primarily of seaside hotels and condominiums, the majority of which were constructed between 1923 and 1943.

The area during this time was a getaway for the rich and famous. Miami Beach was a premier place for the trendy, along with being a star-studded playground for major celebrities. Nonetheless just like any things trendy, these features soon changed.

Ultimately the region became less-popular with travelers that resulted in the area enduring a time of neglect. Fortunately more recently the location has been reinvigorated together with a steady injection of key players in the hotel business, and the SoBe neighborhood is once again back at the top of the travel industry.

Luminescent accent and pastel shades of color, brings to mind a sense of entertainment that has sustained in South Beach through the years.

Considered one of the first 20th century architectural designs to break traditional forms to embrace influences from many different styles including Modernism and Futurism, Neoclassical, Constructivism, and Cubism. A few of the common characteristics with this style, that might be witnessed presently, include a "modernization" of past art along with rounded edges and portholes. These nautical themes fit perfectly in a community filled with beachfront hotels and structures like South Beach.

The art deco style is typically clean and angular, with stepped backside facades, strong vertical accenting, along with symmetrical or asymmetrical massing. Creative designers and architects used a special kind of local imagery to create what we now call "Tropical Deco". The form used nautical themes and in addition tropical floral and fauna elements. Palm trees, ocean liners, and flamingos brightened the exteriors in addition to interiors of the new local architecture.

Often the pastel-coloured structures along the strip convey a little bit of retro for the modern city. Probably the most visually attractive portion of the region is the block of Ocean Drive in between 5th Street and fifteenth Street.

It is really amazing that one man actually receives a big part of the credit for the one-of-a-kind styling of South Beach, Architect Morris Lapidus. Amounting to the largest single-handed restoration project connected with a complete district, Lapidus developed the Miami Beach Sans Souci Hotel, followed closely by the Nautilus, the Di Lido, the Biltmore Terrace, and also the Algiers, all along Collins Avenue.

Followed by in 1952 he landed the project of putting together the biggest luxury hotel in Miami Beach, the Fontainebleau Hotel, one of the most historically and architecturally important hotels on the Beach.

If you have never visited the art deco district consider joining a walking tour which takes you past the white- and pastel-colored stucco buildings beautifully restored to their former splendor thanks to the Miami Design Preservation League. 

Cocos Hotel Antigua a Little Piece of Paradise

If your craving for that unpretentious all inclusive Caribbean resort with great, NO...Not great, Spectacular views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. This is the place for you. Good food good drinks good location but above all "great staff."

Coco's Hotel in Antigua has got to be the coolest Caribbean setting. Secluded, small romantic and unique Caribbean cottages with panoramic views and private secluded beaches.

Authentic Antiguan Cottages nestled into the bluff overlooking a secluded Caribbean setting, each designed in true Caribbean style. Choose between standard cottage, Premium Cottage and Premium Plus Cottage.

This romantic tropical boutique resort on a hillside features 26 individual wooden Caribbean style cottages, each with private balcony with spectacular views situated between two, secluded powdery white beaches. Hillside rooms provide panoramic views of this true paradise with views beauty and nature in all directions.

Coco's small restaurant has a strong local Caribbean influence with contemporary mix - Featuring ocean
views and private dining can be arrange on the beach for special occasions.

Customer Reviews

“Perfect honeymoon destination”

I spent over a year reading reviews of hotels and once I found Cocos as a potential honeymoon spot I read almost every review available to me. I am 100% happy that I stuck with Cocos as the location for my husband and I to have our honeymoon. We had the best 7 days and came back feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Honestly there's nothing I can say that hasn't already been echoed countless times by other reviewers. All I would say is that I agree with all the positive comments and descriptions of this little piece of paradise.

I recommend the zipline/kayak/snorkel excursion, it was a great day. If you are pressed for time, I wouldn't say that making the morning trip to St. Johns is a priority. The shopping wasn't amazing and it was really hot. My husband and I did a private beach dinner one night, that was fun, I think it was $100 extra? Don's miss the steel pan music night! They are unbelievable! Definitely rent a jet-ski! It's the most fun ever.

We stayed in Cottage #22. We had a/c. The outdoor shower was amazing!!! Leave your heels at home for sure. I wore nothing but flip flops the whole week. What a treat for my feet! The security was fantastic. I never felt scared.

As a side note, I don't eat any types of seafood and I had plenty of options available to me throughout the week so if anyone is nervous about that, don't be!

The staff were friendly without getting too nosy. If you wanted to have conversations they were there, and if you wanted some peace & quiet, they completely respected that which, in my opinion, is the best kind of customer service you could ask for.

I would without hesitation recommend this hotel to anyone. Please feel free to direct message me with questions etc.
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“Unique, Scenic Hotel Above the Beach”

Positives:
-Incredibly fun, friendly staff--best we've ever had at a hotel
-Excellent location
-Beach area is private, well kept, right below the property and stunning
-Views are amazing of the beach from the dining area/bar and most of the property
-Unique, individual huts with a very rustic, island feel
-Outdoor shower, balcony was great to relax
-Food was good, not great, but they were very flexible accommodating to whatever we wanted
-The bartenders make excellent, strong drinks

Negatives:
-No A/C in some rooms (we had no A/C and was not a problem for us, but could be for some)
-A lot of bugs in/around room, but they provide you with burning candles that work well and nets
-Rooms aren't fancy if that is what you are looking for--more islandy feel which we personally loved, but some may not

Overall, we loved Coco's. We split our week half and half between here and the Sugar Ridge property, which was more upscale. We really enjoyed both and would recommend doing the same if you are spending a week in Antigua as it gave as two different experiences on the same island.

Beautiful Bahia Honda in the Florida Keys

Florida Keys Overseas Highway Drive to Key West

The Endangered Key Deer found only in the Keys

Ramrod Key Canal Home - An Ocean Lovers Paradise

Driving from Big Pine Key to Boondocks Tiki Bar on Ramrod

Just Hangin' 2013 Florida Keys Road Trip

Key West is Nothing Short of Awesome

A memorable vacation awaits at one of many Key West Resorts. Experience “Old Town" and it’s legendary charm.

Feel the old world history blending with contemporary luxuries to create the perfect American tropical getaway. This picturesque island is nothing short of awesome. 

The drive down is considered one of the best in the country and the city is different to any other in the world.

The tropical, crystal-clear Caribbean waters create brilliant colors for fantastic watersports. Watersports rentals are everywhere, making getting on or under the water, a popular Key West activity. Key West and the Florida Keys expose a wonderful Caribbean flavor.

Now it’s time for deciding on a place to stay in "The Southernmost City." What's your preference, there are many all inclusive resorts in Key West,  also plenty of Hotels, Guesthouses, Historic Inns, or how about a quiet, cozy Bed & Breakfast. Lets check-out a few?

Southernmost Hotel Key West

The Southernmost Hotel Key West is one of three unique properties in the Southernmost Hotel collection of dynamite hotels in Historic Old Town.

I have performed a lot of research on Florida Keys and Miami Beach hotels, and this hotel collection can compete with the best of them.

Check in was easy with most all the guests, reviews stated that the rooms were clean, tastefully decorated, and any questions to the staff were answered in a friendly and efficient manner.

I would certainly recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a place on Duval Street close to the beach and within easy walking distance of the Southernmost Point monument and to much of the HOT ACTION on Duval Street. The Southernmost is also within strolling distance to many of the other top attractions on the island.

The Marriott Key West 

Awarded Marriott’s Customer Excellence Award for overall service, and one of the highest rated Key West hotels with a consistent customer review rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The Marriott Key West beachside sits on 7 beautiful acres and was originally intended to be a condo complex, so expect large rooms with about 6 buildings separated into different rooms and suites. 

Try an oceanview 1 bedroom suite at the Marriott beachside Key West and you will be surprised by the quality of the room and its amenities. The oceanview suites provide marble flooring throughout,  offers a half bath with toilet and sink basin for guests, a closet with an in-room washer and dryer with iron and ironing board, and tinted hurricane glass on all doors and windows.

An open gourmet kitchen and dining area includes all of the modern features such as stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, microwave, modern refrigerator, and fully stocked kitchen with plates and utensils, for one of your best Key West vacations ever.

Parrot Key Resort

I'm sure you don’t need any more of those “that’s not how it looked in the pictures” moments, right! The Parrot Key Resort property features 118 exceptional hotel rooms, suites, and cottages each fronting one of the resort’s four spectacular swimming pools.

You’ll know from the moment you step on the property of the Parrot Key, this will be a great vacation. 

The Parrot Key Key West is away from the noise of the city and once your in the hotel, it seems
you have entered into a private paradise.

This lushly landscaped haven will give you a turnkey vacation experience with four-diamond service in a Key West boutique style resort. 

Key West’s newest resort opening in 2008, the Parrot Key hotel has the classic “old Town” Key West architecture, with distinctive design motif exemplifying ship-building practices adapted from the Caribbean and New England. 

The classic design is characterized by fine Victorian craftsmanship and millwork. The Resort can be your paradise, within minutes of the world famous nightlife, dining and shopping of Duval Street, or the Sunset Celebration Mallory Square.

Enjoy fantastic water activities and learn about the islands rich maritime history, on one magnificent island.

How to Find the Best all Inclusive Vacation Package Deals

Are you in the process of planning a vacation? If you are and if your trip will require air travel, you will find that you have a number of options when booking your travel arrangements.

One of those options is to purchase a all inclusive vacation package.

Although vacation packages do have their pros and cons, there are many travelers who love them, as well as recommend them to friends.

There are two main reasons for this. The allure of vacation packages is that you often save money and that it is easy to book multiple travel arrangements all at the same time. 

Although you will find some variations, vacation packages should include more than just airline reservations. Depending on the package in question, they may include overnight accommodations and a car rental as well.

If you are interested in booking your next travel arrangements in the form of a package, you may be wondering how you can go about doing so. The good news is that you have a number of different options.

The first place that you will want to look at is some of the online travel sites. These are travel websites that focus on large areas, such as both domestic and international travel. Many of the well known vacation travel websites will give you some freedom when looking to buy all inclusive vacations.

For example, if you already have your overnight accommodations arranged, like if you are staying with friends or family, you can still book a vacation package that only include airline reservations and a car rental.

As a reminder, be sure to visit travel websites that are well known for their great deals and good reputations. These websites can easily be found with a standard internet search. If you are concerned with reputation of a travel site, you can easily do a little bit of research first online. There are many that are designed to assist travelers, as well as online message boards where other travelers, just like you, talk about their trips and arrangements.

In addition to top travel sites, you may also want to visit specialty websites. These are sites that focus on a particular area, such as Hawaii or Florida. Many of these smaller sites are still trustworthy and reputable and many also offer inclusive packages. In fact, depending on where you look, you may find a vacation package that includes a stay at a vacation rental, like a vacation home. These types of vacation packages can sometimes be hard to find, Homeaway and VRBO are two.

If you are traveling to a vacation destination that is popular or well known, like the Caribbean or Hawaii, you may be able to get all inclusive resorts vacation packages directly through the resorts. While many of these packages may only include overnight accommodations, a car rental, and a few nearby activities, you may be surprised with what you find. As a reminder, you may have the best luck when dealing with large or well known hotels and vacation resorts, as they are the ones more likely to have all inclusive vacations with airfare.

As a reminder, vacation packages come in a number of different formats. Even if you have purchased your airline tickets, you may still be able to benefit from a package. There are some deals that only include overnight accommodations, like a stay at hotel or vacation resort, and a car rental. These types of packages are ideal for those who have found a great deal on airfare independently or for those who have already made their airline reservations.

St. Lucia is a Volcanic Island

The Caribbeans, St Lucia is a volcanic island which has a very unique feature, the world's only Drive-In Volcano Park. Don't worry, there hasn't been an eruption at the site in centuries!

You'll have a drive-in show complete with boiling mud pools, multiple steam vents releasing steam and sulphur into the air, and a cool feature that adds to the attraction, a majestic waterfall.

The name of the islands attraction is the Sulphur Springs Drive-in Volcano and for good reason, the smell of sulfur is almost overpowering, but really just adds a unique flavor to the attraction.

St. Lucia is one of the more mountainous Caribbean islands with Mt Gimie (3,120 ft) above sea level. It is moderated by northeast trade winds and has a warm tropical climate. The capital city is Castries where the majority of the islands population lives and where most of the commerce, restaurants, and shops are.

If you're planning a vacation to this one of a kind tropical destination, St. Lucia's climate is like most of the Caribbean, the wet season is from June to November with the dry season from December to May.
Expect temperatures around 90 degrees in summer and 75 to 80 in winter.

Scuba diving and snorkeling on any of the Caribbean islands can be an eye opening experience, but with St Lucia's shoreline mountainous terrain, it is an experience that will be hardwired into your memory bank, for the rest of your life.

Coral walls that start at the mountain base and drop off steeply to deeper water, create a snorkel or dive that will not disappoint the most experienced diver. Scuba divers and snorkelers can swim amongst various marine creatures and connect with the underwater world.

The crystal-clear Caribbean Sea can be so tempting you will want to, at least, get-in-on some snorkeling or diving while your down!

Unlike many of the Caribbean islands which are surrounded by flats, and have turquoise colored water, St. Lucia has deeper surrounding waters which creates a clear cobalt blue water.

The clear blue water with the lush green terrain is a backdrop which is nothing short of magnificent. Coral formations start 25 ft from shore and with endless sandy lagoons and coral walls plunging into the depths, you'll have tons of breathtaking tropical water to explore.

St. Lucia’s has always been known to be tourist friendly. All beaches on the island are open to the public. With one side of the island bordering the Caribbean Sea, and the other the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucia’s diverse landscape represents virtually unlimited places to discover.

Besides all the snorkeling and diving a person could ask for, hiking the mountain terrain can be a vacation in itself.

How about a zip line ride through the tropical rain forest canopy? That should get your adrenaline flowing!

Let me go over some of the unique features of this impressive Caribbean Island: the world's only drive-in volcano, a rich and protected natural tropical rain forest, complete with a zip line ride through the canopy, the largest banana plantation in the Windward Islands, fantastic Caribbean cuisine, and to top it all off....world class diving and snorkeling.

Wow ! Impressive !

St.Lucia is also a popular destination for newlyweds, and I can see why, the romantic Caribbean, and a ton of things to do. Most honeymooners leave St. Lucia with smiles on their faces !

For more reading visit my other travel sites at....Hotels on South Beach Miami or Key West Resorts

Thanks for stopping by!

Cancun Mexico is a Caribbean Hotspot

If you would like to experience a travel destination in the Caribbean with a little more action than most, a happening nightlife, and very active tourism, then look no further than the party in Cancun.

The Cancun weather along with the popular Cancun all inclusive resorts, this hot spot has been the happening place for young adults, spring breakers, and the partiers for more than three decades.

In the beginning Cancun was nothing more than a coconut plantation, but the Mexican government decided to make an investment in the 1970's to try and make it into a tourist hot-spot, well their gamble paid off, and today, Cancun is one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

Now there is a fantastic selection of Cancun hotels, Cancun all inclusive resorts and many restaurants that serve this Caribbean Paradise to bring the tourist trade to this once-struggling region.

Much like South Beach Miami, this Mexican beach destination is known for its wild parties and happening night clubs.

For people who want a simple, quiet vacation without too much hassle, consider all inclusive trips to Cancun. If your looking for affordability,  the all-inclusive resorts in Cancun are something to consider. 

These rooms can include everything from your breakfast, lunch and dinner, to all of your alcoholic beverages.

In addition, many have the gratuity built right into them so that you won't have to worry about tipping the staff every time you go up and get another drink.

These packages are especially attractive to the college crowd visiting Cancun to have a good time and relax away the stress of classes. 

College kids tend to save up for an all-inclusive trip to help defray the cost of the vacation and eliminate the worry about going into debt.

Don't worry if you can't speak Spanish while in Cancun. Because of its largely American client base, it's a very English-orientated vacation spot - most of the people who live and work there speak fluent English. In fact, if you want, you can even go into downtown Cancun and shop in a local Wal-Mart.

While there are sure to be a few differences between this store and the one right in your home town, there are also a lot of similarities, which can really help to ease any homesickness you may experience.

The Cancun weather is ideal, ranging from seventy-five to a little over ninety degrees depending on the time of the year. 

This constant tropical feel is one of the reasons why so many people from all over the world decide to come this perfect vacation getaway every year.

The recorded high temperature in the area is one hundred and two degrees, while the recorded low temperature is forty-five degrees - but these extreme temperature fluctuations are uncommon.

If this happening tropical paradise sounds like the perfect place for you, travel to Cancun can be very affordable, look into a combination hotel and flight package which is usually the most economical way to travel to the Caribbean. 

Since it's such a popular vacation destination for so many different people, there are great deals to be found to visit Cancun year round.

If you want to save a little more money, try not to go to Cancun during its peak season times, like spring break and summer vacations, but instead look for deals on trips in the late fall or winter.