The Sporting Road Trip: A Journey Through Iconic Sports Cities

BY  Arnab Aug 22, 2023

Huka Lodge stands against an idyllic landscape of majestic rivers, mountain vistas, lush wilderness, and crystal clear lakes - the setting for 20 Junior Lodge Suites and two Owner Cottages on its 17-acre park-like grounds. Inside the main lodge, subtle touches of tartan and crackling fireplaces may transport you back to Scotland. And indeed, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II has visited four times! Huka Fall Hotels in New Zealand Are Going Luxury Huka Fall hotels in New Zealand provide an ideal combination of luxury accommodations and style, situated in breathtaking settings with plenty of activities such as golfing and kayaking available at each property. This Lodge has long been considered an iconic New Zealand retreat since it first opened its doors in the 1920s. Now enjoyed by some of the world's most discerning travelers and boasting an unrivaled riverside location, Huka Lodge is the best accommodation in Taupo and provides unmatched hospitality and attentiveness that rivals that of the Waikato River itself. Within 17 acres of exquisitely manicured grounds, Huka offers 25 suites - 18 Junior Lodge Suites, one Lodge Suite, as well as two exclusive cottages: Owner's Cottage (featuring four suites) and Alan Pye Cottage (2 suites). Rooms boast modern architecture and feature luxurious amenities such as flat-screen TVs with DVD/CD players and minibars; some also have private outdoor pools. Suites boast spaciousness with luxurious touches, including king-size beds, separate sitting areas, luxury toiletries, and full kitchens - not forgetting their stunning exterior views of London Bridge! Apart from a full-service spa, this property also features an array of activities both on and off-property. Guests can indulge in watersports on stunning Lake Taupo or take an aerial tour over Tongariro National Park's volcanoes on a helicopter tour. Relaxation options such as yoga and massage services are also offered on-site for complete enjoyment. What To Expect Huka Lodge provides guests with a wealth of indoor and outdoor dining venues, from its wine cellar and library through the Jetty Pavilion, Orchard Room, and Orchard Terrace, as well as table d'hote dining or a la carte service, including its selection of New Zealand wines, beers, and champagne/cocktails. Originating as a fishing lodge on New Zealand's Waikato River near cascading Huka Falls, this property has since grown into one of New Zealand's premier luxury boutique hotels. Consistently rated among the world's best, the hotel now provides adventure-rich culinary and relaxing retreats alike - complete with helicopter flights that transport guests directly into wilderness areas rich in trout-rich waters; four-wheel drive vehicles may be hired for off-roading expeditions to more distant spots; while golf, spa treatments, and skiing (in winter). The hotel's 25 suites and two exclusive cottages spread out across 17 acres, each boasting private space and stunning vistas. Each boasts a casual yet luxurious style. Their muted tones recall traditional New Zealand homes while remaining thoroughly modern. Suites feature LCD televisions with DVD players as well as kitchens equipped with refrigerators. Room service, free Wi-Fi access, and in-room massage services are also in place. Pet-friendly hotels like this one welcome animals, too, offering free shuttle service around town as well as an on-site fitness center and outdoor swimming pool to use during their stay. Other amenities available to guests include a tennis court, volleyball court, games room, wine cellar, and lounge bar services. From Better to Best Staying at this stunning boutique property nestled against the wail-thundering Waikato River is truly unforgettable and regularly ranks as one of the world's premier hotels - it is easy to see why. Twenty-seven luxurious suites and cottages, exquisitely furnished with antiques and historical artwork, behold doors that open onto stunning views. There are private pools as well as pavilions for enjoying outdoor living in this part of New Zealand. Suites feature deep tubs with luxurious towels, heated floors, and comfortable lounge areas designed to relax. Take in breathtaking views across manicured gardens and the river while reading. Or watch your favorite film on one of the amazing screens. Huka Lodge stands out from the competition thanks to its outstanding service and attention to detail. For example, magically appearing magazines or treats you request before you even mention them. The staff seems to anticipate your needs before you say it out loud. This is an unparalleled level of customer care that Huka Lodge prides itself on. The food here is equally impressive. British head chef Paul Forget provides menus inspired by seasonal produce sourced locally. He has past stints at Gidleigh Park and three Michelin-starred Bernard Loiseau en Bourgogne under his belt. Guests have an offering of over 20 romantic dining locations indoors and outdoors throughout the property. It ranges from wine cellars to jetty pavilions. No matter when or where guests decide to dine, they are sure to find an intimate spot perfect for romance! This Huka Falls hotel is an ideal option for guests who like activities such as kayaking, golfing, and horseback riding. It is conveniently located within miles of Huka Prawn Park and Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs Water Park. It provides easy access to everything this region has to offer. The location also allows easy access. Among its features are a pool, free parking, and a spa center. There's also dining at an on-site restaurant and lounge bar. Wrapping Up These Huka Falls luxury accommodation has long been one of New Zealand's luxury lodges. It hosts visitors from across the globe and boasts beautiful gardens along the Waikato River. There is also the scenic Lake Taupo in Central North Island. Offering over 20 romantic indoor and outdoor private dining venues. Virginia Fisher designed the interiors of the main lodge to offer a luxurious atmosphere that complements its magnificent natural setting. Each luxurious suite boasts king beds, fireplaces, and luxurious suite bathrooms. It is complete with deep baths and premium spa amenities for an opulent stay. The resort's expansive grounds invite a range of leisurely pursuits, such as tennis and croquet. Strolling through its gardens is an aesthetically pleasing journey awash with vibrant flower borders and peaceful water features. Additionally, there are two relaxing pools perfect for unwinding after an active day! Anglers will appreciate nearby lakes and rivers popular for exceptional trout fly-fishing opportunities. Read Also: Here Are The 25+ Best Hotels In Mexico City That You Must Visit! This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do! Top Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room In Las Vegas – Travel Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 20, 2023

A beach vacation is something we all dream about. The sun, sand, and surf provide the getaway you need for both families and beachgoers alike. The sea will provide you with all the scenic views you could ever be thirsting for. But you might be looking for beaches nearest to your location, and if you're in Ohio, you're in luck. While Ohio isn't exactly coastal, there are several great beach destinations you can drive to in just a few hours. If you're living in Ohio, planning a beach day can be tough, but there are options within a reasonable driving distance. Some of the closest beaches to Ohio include Ocean City, Maryland, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and a few others. However, you don’t have to travel that far to enjoy the sand and surf. Here are some beaches within an 8-hour drive from Ohio that offer a great beach experience: Ocean beaches within 8 hours of ohio Lake Michigan (Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana) – ~4-5 hours Lake Erie (Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania) – ~2-3 hours Cedar Point Beach (Cedar Point Amusement Park, Ohio) – ~2-3 hours Mackinac Island (Michigan) – ~7-8 hours Geneva-on-the-Lake (Ohio) – ~1-2 hours Traverse City (Michigan, Lake Michigan) – ~7-8 hours These destinations offer a variety of beach experiences, from Great Lakes beaches to Michigan’s scenic coastlines. We will be talking about some of the best beaches that can give you a little joy among all the dreary city days. Top Closest Beach To Ohio These beaches have something for everyone– from sandy shores to family-friendly activities. They will help you make memories while not having to cross too many miles. We are sharing with you some of the iconic beaches in Ohio and how they feel like a daydream! We are sharing with you some of the iconic beaches in Ohio and how they feel like a daydream!  1. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina This one is a gorgeous ocean beach and the closest beach to Columbus, Ohio, located just out of Wilmington, North Carolina. It is in the vicinity of a college town, and its beach is a popular spot for surfing, with several surf outlets to check out. For families, the Airlie Gardens are more suitable. It offers breathtaking scenery, whereas the Battleship North Carolina has a historic tour enjoyed by families with kids. Leisure calls for good food, and these beaches have plenty of restaurants to try out. There are beachfront accommodations available for a more relaxed holiday with a view of the sea while being the closest beach to Ohio. Distance from Cleveland: 700 miles; approximately 10 hours, 16 minutes Distance from Columbus: 609 miles; approximately 9 hours, 10 minutes There are several watersport activities which range from paddleboarding to surfing, kayaking to SCUBA diving! You can go out to experience scenic harbor cruises, sailing the intracoastal waterway, chartering a boat, deep-sea fishing or private excursion.  You can enjoy a beautiful sunset at the Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier where you can birdwatch or go out to jog! The beach experience is quite significant especially when you will be magical about it.  2. Atlantic City, New Jersey One of the closest ocean beach to Ohio is Atlantic City, New Jersey. You can reach here from Ohio in under 8 hours. If you looking for a big-city experience, then Atlantic City is your best bet. There are casino resorts that overlook the sealine with 5-star restaurants and high-street fashion boutiques. This place is suitable for all kinds of beach-goers. Surfing and kayaking are some of the activities that you can do when you visit the beach. You can make plans during the summers as this beach is perfect for fishing and windsurfing! If you want adventure as well as entertainment, then all while you are on the beach, AC is the closest ocean beach to Ohio. Events, activities and entertainment are all an integral part of this beach.  If you want to choose hotels on the Beach and Broadwalk, then you can have a go at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City or the Ocean Casino Resort. Distance from Cleveland: 493 miles; approximately 7 hours, 20 minutes Distance from Columbus: 531 miles; approximately 8 hours, 1 minute There is a huge boardwalk across Atlantic City beach where you can take your children to enjoy! There are different food options such as fudge, saltwater taffy and other food items to try.  There are bars, hotels and casinos illuminating the sidewalk and boardwalk of Atlantic city beach. There are mostly seagulls in and around the beach as there are birds who keep flying around the beach. 3. Maumee Bay State Park Beach (Oregon) One of the other pretty seascapes that is the closest beach to Ohio is this park beach. This park has no entrance fee and, therefore, is quite a popular choice for families. Maumee Bay Beach is the ideal place to spend a sunny day with family and friends. Located in Oregon, it is pretty close (a short drive) to Ohio. The sand is clean and maintained in the premises of this park. The water, too, is warm and clear, which makes it suitable for swimming or playing while waves hit. Family activities such as picnicking, fishing, and hiking are available for beach-goers. Distance from Cleveland: 110 miles; approximately 1 hours, 58 minutes  Distance from Columbus: 150 miles; approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes  If you are wondering if Ohio has any beautiful beaches close to it, then Maumee Bay State Park should be your utmost choice. There is a Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, too, if you are planning to stay over for the night. The beach has a beautiful campground as there are fireplaces along with an indoor pool and lobby. It is a grassy field which is spacious along with foliage covering the space. You can also go biking when you visit this campsite.  It is a popular beach used as a campground close to the lodge and water. There are lodges where helpful staff along with friendly attitude towards the visitors. You can easily enjoy all the activities and services near the beach. 4. Headlands Beach State Park (Mentor) A beach as pretty as Headlands Beach State Park is hard to find. This is one of the best beach in Ohio. It is located on a long stretch of sandy beach on the coast of Lake Erie. It is an ideal place for swimming, building sandcastles, and sunbathing. This beach also allows pets, but they must be put on a leash. There are quite a few picnic tables and grills available that allow lakeside lunch and dinner. Being right next to the Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, you can get a little more adventurous and take a hike on the trails through the dunes nearby. Distance from Cleveland: 36 miles; approximately 41 minutes  Distance from Columbus: 170 miles; approximately 2 hours, 33 minutes  This park has the largest natural beach in Ohio. It is a mile long with natural sand while being really beautiful. Considering it is the longest natural beach in Ohio, where you can go for swimming, beach glass hunting and sunbathing. This park has the largest natural beach in Ohio. It is a mile long with natural sand while being really beautiful. 5. Lakeview Park Beach (Loraine) Image Source: images.squarespace-cdn.com Another nearby closest beach to Ohio for a family is Lakeview Park Beach. The beach is located on Lake Erie. It offers lots of fun family activities. It has a large playground, picnic tables, and lots of open spaces for families and their kids to play and relax in. The sand here is clean, and the water is equally refreshing. It is one of the most perfect places to soak up the sun and just unwind. Lake Erie is the 4th largest Great Lake and became famous ever since the War of 1812. It is also one of the warmest of the Great Lakes, which makes it ideal for swimming. In winter, however, the lake freezes completely. The water flows through the Detroit River, which comes from the upper lakes. The upper lakes include Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. 6. Edgewater Beach (Cleveland) The Edgewater Beach in Cleveland is yet another popular choice for beach lovers in Ohio. It is ideal for families with loads of beach activities to keep every member entertained. The sand is clean, and the water is clear, making it suitable for sunbathing, swimming, and taking in all the incredible views. This beach is known for its picture-perfect sunsets. Off-beach entertainment, such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and a fishing pier, are also present for everyone’s enjoyment. For food and dining, there are many restaurants as well as food vendors all over. For a casual meal, try the burgers and pizza joints in the area to get the local taste. To try something more beachy, there are many seafood and steakhouses around the area. This place is accessible from the lower as well as upper sides of Edgewater Park. 7. Alum Creek State Park Beach (Delaware) Alum Creek State Park Beach in Delaware is one of the best options for free family entertainment that can be counted as one of the closest beaches to Ohio. This park is 4630 acres in size with a wide, sandy beach, which is perfect for sunbathing and having a good time. The water here is shallow and clear, which makes it ideal for swimming or wading. There are also hunting opportunities at this park. Picnic tables and grills are strewn all over to enjoy a waterside meal. There are quite a few bird-watching as well as hiking opportunities at this park. The Falls trail can be good if you are looking for a challenge. This trail takes you to the top of the falls, where a stunning view greets you, featuring the Delaware River. There is also a 14-mile mountain biking trail. Beach volleyball courts also allow you to play a hand under the sun. Restaurants and bars nearby complete the deal. Read More: The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World! 8. Ocean City, Maryland Ocean City is a large beach town with a similar vibe to the Atlantic City. There are casino resorts on the Broadwalk with many shopping as well as dining options. The beach is 10 miles long, which means there is not much overcrowding. Several activities for kids, such as mini-golf, go-karts, and much more along the Broadwalk. Moreover, it is the ideal option for all those looking for a beach town that has a little bit of everything. Some of the best hotels in Ocean City are Hyatt Place Ocean City Oceanfront, DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, and Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront. Distance from Cleveland: 505 miles; approximately 7 hours, 52 minutes Distance from Columbus: 532 miles; approximately 8 hours, 28 minutes To Conclude When on a quest for closest beach to Ohio and the Ohio beaches you might consider the names above. They are sure to provide you with entertainment and beauty. Going on a vacation to Ohio will create a beautiful experience for you, especially with the wide range of activities.  Starting with hiking to adventures of surfing and swimming, Ohio creates a perfect atmosphere for your entertainment. If you are visiting Ohio with your family, you can also enjoy having a picnic at the beach along with grilling and barbequing.  You can also take a bike for rentals to travel across the beach along with enjoying your heart out. There are party racks where you can keep your bike after you plan to go out clubbing or partying, so you do not need to worry about transportation.  If you have questions to ask or thoughts to share, leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.  Read Also: Top 10 Restaurants In Sandusky Ohio – Restaurant Guide Closest Beach To Nashville – Top 10 Beaches You Can Visit 7 Best National Parks In Ohio You Should Know Before Going Check Out These Beaches That Are Closest To Tennessee’s Knoxville!

BY  Soumava Jul 24, 2021

In the last few years, the small island of Mykonos has emerged as the hottest luxury travel destination in the world. It has attracted the attention of the wealthiest celebrities, billionaire businessmen, and other rich and famous individuals. When it comes to vacations in Mykonos, you will find that the city attracts everyone from large families to honeymooners. You will also see a lot of bachelor parties happening with all-guy and all-girl gangs occupying large villas overlooking the ocean. Mykonos is blessed with some of the world’s most scenic shorelines, beaches, sunlight, and natural beauty. It is also home to the glitziest hotels, luxury villas, and some amazing restaurants. Whether you want to spend the entire day sunbathing, or hit some clubs at night, Mykonos has something for everyone. In this article, we are going to help individuals and families who are looking at luxury Mykonos villas. We are going to discuss the following- List down some factors that you should consider before deciding on the villa Advantages of selecting a villa vis-à-vis a luxury hotel The Final Analysis If you are someone who is traveling to Mykonos in the next few weeks or months, you should read the article till the end. Factors You Should Consider Before Choosing A Luxury Villa In Mykonos 1. The Location Of The Luxury Villa If you want to stay in Mykonos Town itself, you have a choice of wide-ranging options when it comes to hotels. If you want to stay somewhere near the beach, a luxury villa might be the better option. Decide on what kind of place you would want to live in. If you want a laid-back kind of set-up, a luxury villa in Agios Ioannis or Platis Gialos, or Ornos would do wonderfully. Consider talking to a luxury travel advisor if you need inspiration, or you just want to know where the best place to stay is. 2. The kind Of Environment And Design Of The Villa If you want to enjoy traditional Greek architecture, then a scenic villa dating back some decades should be on the top of your list. These villas herald back to the golden age of Greek civilization. However, you will be getting all of the modern and technological amenities. If we are investing in our luxury vacation plans, we should be staying in something that is picturesque. 3. The Number Of Travellers That will Be Staying In The Villa If there are six or eight of you, you do not need a villa that has ten bedrooms! This will not only set you back financially, but you will not be able to enjoy the property as well. You should also consider what kind of a group you are traveling in. Whether it’s all friends, or family members, or even couples. This will help you in making the selection between the villas. 4. The Amenities On Offer At the Luxury Villa At the end of the day, you want to enjoy every possible luxury amenity there is to enjoy on the property. Whether you are talking about an outdoor jacuzzi or heated infinity pools overlooking the shoreline, a luxury villa has to have the very best of what is possible. You should also look at whether the villa has on offer chefs that can be hired or come with the booking package. 5. The Distance From The Town’s Center Or the Beach (depending on the location) If you are booking a luxury villa in Mykonos, you would want it to be conveniently located. In other words, if the villa is on the beach, you would want to go into the town and enjoy a drink or two at some clubs or restaurants. On the other hand, if the property is in the town, you might want to travel down to the beach and enjoy some warm sunbathing activities. Major Advantages Of A Luxury Villa In Mykonos Over A Hotel In this section, we are going to look at some of the major benefits a villa has over a hotel in Mykonos- In terms of facilities, a luxury villa will far surpass any hotel or guest house. It comes with everything from decked-out kitchens to individual internet connectivity, movie rooms, infinity pools, and more. These are things that might not be in hotels. A luxury villa definitely has some extra security when you compare the same with a hotel. You get private security for your guests at all times. Many of the villas are themselves located inside large estates. A hotel is a very ‘public place’. This means that you will be sharing all the amenities and facilities with all the other guests. In a villa, it is only for you and your friends or family members. This exclusivity breeds luxury in more ways than one. Following from the above point, the sense of extra space in a villa has to be felt to be believed. You can travel anywhere on the large property and do whatever you like. You cannot do the same in a hotel as you are bound by so many different rules and laws. Luxury villas in Mykonos have retained their connection with tradition and culture. Whether it is the structure itself or the location where it is set, you will find yourself in an environment that is dreamy, pristine, and takes you back to a past era. The Final Analysis If you are able to select the best luxury villa in Mykonos, you can rest assured that this vacation will be one of the most memorable ones in your life. Mykonos has everything for everyone, and staying in a luxury villa is the best way to experience the same. If you have any other questions on any of the points mentioned in the article or would like us to guide you on the different villas you can choose from, then please let us know in the comments section below. 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