5 of the Top Places to Stay in Ibiza

Ibiza is one of the most popular holiday destinations for travelers in the 18-30 age range and with good reason. Whether you want to party all night, relax on the beach, or simply get away from the stresses of day to day life and enjoy a few days lazing by the pool with a good book, there's something for everyone in Ibiza. Here is a quick round-up of the best island resorts.

Can Xuxu
This highly fashionable resort is owned by former fashion designer Alexandre Narakas. Each suite has been individually designed and features its own private terrace. The resort also has a 14-meter pool and a chic "relaxation zone" complete with wooden day beds. This resort attracts a lot of wealthy, fashionable travelers  so be sure to pack your best outfits.

Pikes
Party animals will love Pikes. This holiday hot-spot was made famous when it was used by Wham! as the location for their Club Tropicano video. Since then, Pikes has been home to great sounds, refreshing cocktails and non-stop partying.

Candomo
For an alternative Ibiza experience, check out Candomo, a quiet resort located on a former 17th-century farm in Ibiza's quiet hills. This resort is great for a week of relaxation and fine dining. Night-life opportunities are limited in the area, but there is a pool on-site and a golf course nearby. A masseuse visits every day and the owner of the resort makes delicious home-made meals for his guests.

Ushuaia Ibiza
This bustling beach hotel offers the ultimate hedonistic Ibiza experience. The hotel has an on-site club and guests receive an all-access pass, which means they can visit the main stage, the beach pool and all of the club rooms. The DJ sets at Ushuaia Ibiza are world-renowned and the hotel suites are decked-out Hollywood style with full-length mirrors and a wealth of complimentary beauty products.

Hacienda Na Xamena
If the thought of noisy DJs and busy clubs is too much to bear, then why not head away from the resorts and stay somewhere more tranquil? Hacienda Na Xamena is located in Northern Ibiza. This luxurious resort boasts private heated pools, Jacuzzis and a saltwater spa.

You can enjoy a trip to Ibiza on a budget, although you will have to plan your nights out carefully. You can find cheap flights at most times of the year, thanks to websites such as http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Ibiza/. If you book a self-catering villa and buy club entry tickets online in advance, then you can save a fortune.

Ibiza is a beautiful place and while most people visit it for the beaches and the clubs, there are a lot of other things to see and do on the island. If you're planning on staying at one of the main resorts, try to find some time to explore the rest of the island to get a feel for what life is like for the locals. The beaches further away from the resorts are usually quieter and the views are nicer too. 

This article was contributed by Lloyd, a freelance writer and blogger, on behalf of Cheapflights.

Things I Miss In Tabon Part 2

This is a continuation to this post. I've already mentioned in that previous post the four things I missed about Tabon, a local beach located not too far from where I currently reside. The four things I missed about the place that I already mentioned were the grilling, the sunset, fun things my sisters can do with sunset, and night swimming. Who wouldn't love those things when at a one lovely beach?

Here are more things I missed about that beach:

Beach Shots. I started hating to be in the picture since I gained weight, so I just took my love for picture taking to my sisters. Good thing they are camera-whores too.

When everything in the beach is dark, go for a colorful background. Luckily we spotted a one colorful subject, which is this colorful boat that is perfect for some beach photo shoots.

Here are more photos of them.....showing off their acrobatic talent. Lol!

SillyNESS much!!!

Things I Miss In Tabon - Part 1

I am stressed but at the same time excited of my move tomorrow. I am going home...I am moving back home. Thinking about going home, there is a lot of things in my mind that I hope to do. I know moving can be very stressing and so I thought of giving myself and my whole family a treat even just a simple beach bonding after all my stuffs are placed and settled in our house. Talking about beach, there is only one lovely beach near us and that is Tabon. 

Located approximately15 minutes away from home, it wouldn't be too much for the whole family to ride down there. It will be worth it. There is a lot things that I missed about the place. What are they?

The grilling or barbecuing. One good way for a whole family to bond is to gather around the grill (we do the redneck style) to grill some fresh fish and meat. Oh my I missed it! I could smell the aroma of a good barbecue sauce right now.  

The sunset. It is such a view to behold. Nothing can be more serene than seeing the mighty sun slowly setting in the west. And nothing can be a nicer spot for that view but in the beach. 

The fun things my younger sisters do with sunset. They are quite creative when it comes to it. Well I am sure anyone can be creative but my sisters are special for they are my sisters. Wink and Lol!. Anyway, above are just two playful shots of them with the sunset.

The Night Swimming. Have you noticed that when at night the seawater feels warm? The first few plunges may feel cold but later on, the water gets warmer and warmer on the skin that you don't feel like getting out. I missed it! Plus, night swimming with family and friends is a lot of fun!

There will be more next post.....

San Juan - What's Your Plan?

Saint John The Baptist's day or we call is San Juan here in our place is fast approaching! It is a practice for all Catholics here in the Philippines (I don't know to other countries) to have a family get-together at the beach for a day-until-night swimming during San Juan. The last memorable San Juan I and my family celebrated was 5 or 6 years ago when we had a picnic at the beach. We brought foods enough for lunch, snack and dinner. My favorite, or I think it was everyone's favorite was grilling fish preferably the fat and juicy "sardine" fish.

Other way to celebrate San Juan or I may say the fun way to celebrate it is by splashing a bucket full of water to anyone whether he/she is dressed-up for a party or not. I tried it once when I was younger and I was scolded. Some may find it offensive but others do understand. As for this year's San Juan, my family plan to take a plunge in the sea for some family bonding. We'll sure have a little picnic but I don't know if we will be able to have a generous picnic foods. So what's your San Juan plan?

At The Beach on Easter Sunday

I spent the Easter Sunday with family. From Dipolog City, I drove my bike home to Manukan with my sisters, father and friend Pabz. We arrived around one in the afternoon to push through my plan to take my parents and sisters to Saluyong for a fun pool swimming. But since we arrived late and nowhere could we find a jeep for hire to climb up to Saluyong, we just decided to go to Tabon, where there is a semi-white sand beach that I called little Boracay of Ponot. It was about fifteen minutes drive on motorbike.

I hired a tricycle for mama, papa and the kids' transportation. It cost me 300 pesos back and forth. We arrived there almost 3:00 p.m. We started the grilling right away so we could enjoy the sea early. We grilled some fish and pork meat and brought some colas and liquors. We brought a table too to put the foods and stuffs so it was like a beach picnic.

Sunset came, we were all amazed with the view. My little sisters playfully posed with the setting sun with our friend Pabz as their photographer. Pabz was as well amazed with the little paradise as it was his first time there. He enjoyed a lot during that short beach outing.

 

The night came, our parents and the kids went home first. It was about 8:00 in the evening when the tricycle driver came to pick them up. And so we were left there with the cousins and we all had a great time swimming and drinking some beer.

We stayed there for about two hours. The four of us (me, pabz, cheem and cheep) made use of that time to enjoy the sea and the bonding as much as we could for after that, when we go back to the city, we'll be back to our busy city life.

It Is Beach Time!

The heat is slowly wrapping around some parts of the world. Summer time or dry season here at our end, is the time everyone looks forward to for it does mean beach break. And who doesn’t like to be at the beach during summer? I love the beach, the sand, the blue sky that kisses the clear seawater, the sceneries, the bonding with the family and the foods that go along with having a break at the beach! Almost everyone, young and adults enjoy the fun activities that can be done at the beach such as beach volleyball, sand castle building and others.  Aside from the beach break, many fun outdoor activities can also be done such as mountain climbing or trekking, which I already did last Friday, last week.  

Although it rains here once in a while, I can still feel the summer heat slowly building up. That’s why the other day I treated my whole family and some relatives and friends to a beach in Tabon. Even the place was quite far from my parents’ house, we drove there just to indulge ourselves with white sand and clear and cold water. This time of the year really is the time to visit the beach. There are some who even travel far where nice beaches are located just to ease the summer heat and to feel the fun of being in a foreign place. If the place is likable enough to be frequently visited, some people are even buying the properties.  If you are one who likes buying properties in foreign countries, you might want to check out Real estate in Belize. There’s a lot of beach properties for sale in their list that you might want to own. You can build your dream vacation house there for you and your family’s future summer vacation getaway. 

Finding the perfect holiday package deals

There are so many holiday package deals available this year that it has never been easier to find the perfect option for you and your travelling party. A few simple steps online can lead you to the most viable possibilities based on some basic stipulations like how long you'd like to stay and how many adults and children you'll be travelling with. There's no need to compromise on quality with hundreds of equally excellent resorts to choose from and you can take advantage of some sizeable discounts when using the internet to place your booking.

In terms of accommodation, the basic choices you'll have run from self-catering, through half and full-board and on to the all inclusive option. Whatever you're preference you can pick out the perfect resort and you'll have every chance to make the most of your time away. There are advantages to each option and it really just depends on how much you like your trip to be planned out and paid for in advance.

The list of holiday hotspots within just a short-haul flight of the UK is an extensive one and takes in some spectacular destinations that are well equipped with exquisite beaches and all manner of attractions. So whatever time of year you have ear-marked for your next getaway, you can make your plans and place your bookings right now by running through the details online.

If you're looking for a classic sun-drenched beach and poolside escape then there aren't many places more perfect than the Balearics. The Spanish islands have been attracting thousands of British families to their shores on an annual basis for decades and they really do have something for everyone to enjoy and make the most of. Majorca is perhaps the best known of the Balearics and it is among the most visited holiday destinations anywhere in the Mediterranean. The island offers everything that families could possible want from a sunshine escape and there are great deals available on accommodation there right now. And when it comes to making the most of Majorca hotels all inclusive package deals offer arguably the ideal way to relax and indulge yourself in true Balearic style.

Bargain Beach Breaks: Dominican Republic

If you like beach breaks and you’re searching for inspiration on your next holiday getaway, one thing’s for sure - trips to Dominican Republic are completely and unashamedly all about the beach. A barefoot paradise, this sun-baked corner of the Caribbean is all twinkling shores, porcelain-white sands and an endless expanse of azure seas disappearing into the cloudless horizon.

Here you can laze away your days under the warm Caribbean sun, enjoying a refreshing dip here and there or moving under the shade of a palm tree when the weather really hots up. Scuba divers and keen snorkelers can soak up the vibrant underwater life and coral reefs of the Dominican Republic’s stunning shores, or if you prefer to stay dry, hop on a local boat excursion for a memorable whale watching tour or for a chance to discover the tiny islands nearby.

Holidays to this corner of paradise don’t have to cost the earth, and in fact when choosing a package break you will often find great deals and discounts to make your trip that little bit easier. For instance cheap Thomas Cook holidays to the Dominican Republic are widely available, thanks to last-minute deals or travel agent incentives to encourage your custom.

Booking early is a great way of ensuring you have the best choice while still making great savings, and you’ll often enjoy healthy discounts if you book out of peak season or during school term time. When booking out of season, just be aware of the local climate - weather conditions in the Caribbean can change at the drop of a hat so choose your dates carefully and be alert to the possibility of storms, monsoons or even hurricanes.

When all’s said and done, the Dominican Republic is a magical place with all the key ingredients to create many happy and long lasting holiday memories.

Put On Your Surfing Wetsuits

I know it is not nice to go surfing during cold weather but why would you let the cold water stops you when you really want to? Go put on your surfing wetsuits and face the waves without fear. What matters most is that you are having fun by giving in to your desire to surf. For more fun, why not tag along your friends with you to play with the waves together. I have been wanting to learn surfing, it's just that our sea here does not have the surfing waves. We need to go to beaches with that power waves for surfing like Siargao, the Surfing Capital of the Philippines where there are the so-called Cloud 9 waves. I wonder how's like to ride and play with the Cloud 9 waves. Have you been there? Or have you tried surfing at our local beaches here in the Philippines?

Bahamas Resort, An Awesome Escape

Are you in need of an awesome escape from your busy and hassle world? You can seek that awesome escape you longed for in Bimini Bay Resort and Marina, a Bahamas Resort situated 48 nautical miles from South Florida. I heard about the place from my other half before and said it’s not that far from my in laws. Aside from accommodations offered in this part of Florida, it as well has resort homes for those who love living within the sight of the ocean.

GT: Favorite Summer Activities

One favorite activity to do during summer is to enjoy the water, to swim. It would be either on the pool or on the beach. I would like to share today the activities I enjoyed so much on that most memorable summer that took place in Palawan. I enjoyed the pool time a lot in Kawayanan Resort because I got the pool all for myself while hubby was busy clicking on the camera shutter to record his wife's fun moments.

Here comes the mermaid. 

Hubby did a good job in taking this photo.

Drowned. Help! Lol!

It's just me being playful. 

I actually got a lot of playful/naughty photos but those 

are quite censored and not worth sharing. Lol!

I got the slides all for myself too. 

It was so much fun! There were just me and hubby around the pool area. It was around noon time when we thought of taking the plunge in the resort's pool. Obviously during that time when raging rays of sun is out, most Filipinos seek for shade to avoid getting dark skin. For some reason, I enjoyed the sun that day and the water of course.

The Most Memorable Summer

This post is my entry for Girl's Talk. I write my entry in this blog today because the topic is about places and summer getaways. 

My most memorable summer getaway was last 2008. Why it was memorable? It was memorable because it was my honeymoon. Now, I just realized how the situation back then made us so practical with our honeymoon spending. So, that year of May hubby and I spent summer and honeymoon in Puerto Princesa, Palawan in one expense. We acquired the package tour for 5 days and 4 nights for the two of us.

The package includes:
City Tour:

Butterfly Garden, Crocodile Farm, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, Stop- over at Mitra’s pyramid house overlooking the Honda Bay, Stop-over at a hopia store (I forgot the name of the store but I  remember vaguely how yummy their Ube hopia was) and other random places in the city. 

Honday Bay Island Hopping
Underground River Tour and Monkey Trekking
Tubbataha Reefs Dive (which we skipped because I don’t do diving)

I picked a cheap resort called Kawayanan resort for that honeymoon. The place was nice and quite, which was just perfect for my choice of resort. Hubby liked it too, as if he had a choice. I liked it more because it has a swimming pool but there was nothing special with the foods in there though so during meal time we explored the neighboring eateries and restaurants and even rode tricycles for those that are located farther. 

One unforgettable restaurant was Kalui, which was referred by the resort. As far as I know, Kalui does not accept costumers without confirmed reservation. So before going to the restaurant, you must call first for reservation, which we did. Gosh, the foods were yummy and the services were excellent but that place was very crowded though. If you are the type who can handle a crowd, I mean, when we were there, the place was like a market for it was packed with costumers. But with the costumers, the waiters their made sure every costumers were well-served.

The ambiance of the place was refreshing maybe because everything was made with bamboo and wood. I really like the place minus the crowd but oh well, the place is popular for its good food and service. A tip before going in Kalui, don't wear fancy clothing and shoes because you'll take off your shoes anyway by the entrance before entering. You'll then enter barefooted. It would be awkward walking barefooted in your fancy get-up. It was cool! For a first timer, I was overwhelmed with how unique the style of the restaurant was. 

Little Cousins On The Beach

I got soaked up with water on Easter Sunday but not on the beach but under the rain. I was riding a bike with my cousin going home from attending our grandmother's birthday celebration when the rain poured down so heavy. We arrived home all soaked up. 

Looking at the photos below made me wonder where I was at the time my cousin dragged her little kids to swim at the local beach in Manukan, my home.

Bitoy and Bibang, my cousin's kids

Bibang striking a pose. 

I thank her for dipping in the sea with that blue get-up for now I have something for Blue Monday. They sure had a lot of fun swimming. One reason I visit my parents is the beach. I like swimming in there because it is close to the house and it is free. Seriously!

A Glimpse of Sunrise Beach Resort Way Back 2007

This is kind of a continuation to my previous post. As previously mentioned, we went to this cheap local beach in my father's place the day after the burial of his mother, my grandma. The entire family of my father side were there.

I was so glad I found this picture in my picassa album yesterday because it is much easier to share picture that way. I have some more photos at that beach together with this photo below  kept in a CD but I still have to look for it. I might share some photos when I find the CD. 

Anyway, my sisters and I had so much fun at the beach. It was my sisters' first time to land on a white sand beach so they were really amazed. The water was perfect. It was green but clear at the shallow part and dark blue at the far deep. The kids, our cousins as well had a lot of fun swimming and playing with the sand. I could still imagine their happy faces by looking at this picture. 

The weather that day cooperated the family time at the beach for the sun shone brightly and the sky was perfectly blue. Everything was perfect except grandma's physical presence. Although grandma was not physically there, I knew it's what she wanted; for us to continue living our life with smiles.  

I link this to:

Scenic Sunday #20

How many Sundays did I miss at Scenic Sunday? Well, I missed a lot. To make it up with you, here are photos from my old archives.

This was the view of Sunise beach resort in Baliangao last 2007. We were there for the funeral of my grandmother on my father's side. Then the day after the burial, we went to their local beach resort there, the cheaper one for that was all we could afford. Although the resort lacked luxury, the place was quite scenic and the sea was perfect for some dips. It's the reason why we were there after all, so it's the sea that mattered most.

In the photo were my brother and our dog Snoopy. 

Snoopy was 3 years old then and is 8 years old now. 

According to the caretaker there who knew my father, Sunrise used to be a nice place and usually packed during weekend for family and friends gatherings. That year though, when we were there, the beach was neglected. For now, I don't know how the place looks like, if it had progressed or had been totally neglected.

Three Famous Tourist Spots in The Philippines

My sister asked me to help her with her assignment one day. It was about three popular tourist spots in the Philippines. I was in deep thought for a few. I only visited two known places to visit for tourists and those are Boracay and Palawan. So those are the only places I could refer and the third on my mind was Bohol. 

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River or Underground River is now widely known. It was even nominated to the New Seven Wonders of the World competition which for sure, ignited more tourists' interests to come and travel into the world's longest underground river and see before their eyes the natural rock formation inside. When I was their to experience my first Puerto Princesa Undergound River tour, I saw several visitors who are from here and from different countries.

Boracay Island is one of the major tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is loved and known simply for its powdery white sands scattered everywhere along with the fun see-water adventures and awesome night life. With all those bars lined in the beach front, you have all night to bar hop. When it comes to accommodations, there are several luxury and affordable hotels you can choose. When I was there back in 2006, I enjoyed a lot more on the foods at La Reserve. Don't dare miss a taste of their sea foods served everyday. 

Chocolate Hills in Bohol is what I look forward to see. I haven't been in Bohol but it will be the next place I hope visit in my list. I always wanted to visit Bohol and see for myself these beautiful hills shaped almost symmetrically. Almost all my friends who are foreigners in our country know about chocolate hills and the tarsiers. These hills by the way are called Chocolate Hills because they turn chocolatey brown during summer, which is the best time to come out to visit beautiful beaches that Bohol also has.

SEAIR & Microtel Boracay Bloggers' Tour! (Ended)

This is good news to all bloggers who couldn't get over with the beauty of the beautiful Island of Boracay. South East Asian Airlines or SEAIR in cooperation with Microtel Philippines Inns & Suites is giving eight lucky bloggers a chance to explore Boracay with their "all-expense paid bloggers' tour" from September 10 to 12, 2010. If you are a blogger from Philippines, you can join. Round trip tickets from Manila to Caticlan and accommodation at Microtel Boracay await you!

How to join? 

Simply write a blog entry answering the question "Why you should be chosen to join the tour?"

Why should I be chosen to join the tour? I have great reasons:

1. I want to visit Boracay again using my own money alone but my own earnings cannot afford the tickets and accommodation. I still have to wait to fill my piggy bank for that. Now, with this opportunity to be able to travel to Boracay for free, if ever I’ll be chosen is a lot better. Nobody says no to free!
2. I want to explore and experience the fun and excitement of Para-sailing, Diving and any other water adventures in Boracay that I wasn't able to experience the first time I was there back in 2006. It was supposed to be a 5-day tour but I had to leave on the 2nd day for a personal reason.

There is no harm in trying so try your luck now to be one of the chosen 8 lucky bloggers to experience SEAIR plane ride and Microtel accommodation in Boracay. For more information on how to join, visit SEAIR Facebook Fan Page.

La Reserve Beach Hotel Boracay

La Reserve Beach Hotel is the hotel where we stayed in Boracay back in 2006. It's a beach front hotel located along the wide white Boracay beach. It is one of the beaches you can see in Station 2 and is about 2 minutes walk from Boat Station 1. La Reserve offers bamboo cottages having its own veranda, which style is a combined French Caribbean and native style. Each cottages is categorized into Deluxe with bath tub, Deluxe with attic and Family suite room. 

Deluxe with attic room at La Reserve

We had the Deluxe with attic room and its rate back in 2006 was seven to eight thousand pesos per night. The rate as of April 2010 is about $203. La Reserve restaurant specializes French country cuisine. Don't dare miss the taste of their fresh seafoods and lobsters cooked in French style. What I like the most in my stay there is the private veranda, which actually the main entrance before you can enter the very room of the cottage. I remember in our veranda, there was a swing  which I used to hang out if I need peace and quiet time.

For more info and latest room rates of La Reserve Beach Hotel Boracay, visit here. You can as well check other hotels in Boracay from there.

Hoping to Have a Vacation in Boracay Again

I've been to Boracay once.  It was way way back in 2006, the most memorable year for me. It was a week vacation with my husband which was my boyfriend at that time.  It was our first meeting, first vacation, and our first break up. It was a one week love affair that took place in Boracay. Oh, how memorable it was! How painful the memories are that Boracay had left me. The pain I felt at that time and the paradise-like beauty of Boracay seemed very elusive with each other.  They didn't simply blend that's why I am hoping to go back there and erase those painful memories. Well, maybe hubby and I can have the chance to go back to Boracay if I win this Free Boracay Vacation Package. You can win it too! Check out the info below:

Win a Free Boracay Vacation Package by WOW Philippines Travel Agency

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is celebrating it's 5th year in business during July of 2010, and we would like you to have a chance to celebrate with us, so we have decided to give-away a FREE Boracay Package complete with 5 Star accommodations at the luxurious Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel on Boracay Island. The lucky winner will win the following Boracay vacation package.

Vacation Package Inclusions:
- 5 Days / 4 Nights Luxury 5 Star Accommodations at the Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel
- Flights to Boracay from Manila to Caticlan Airport on Philippine Airlines
- Island Transfers - Door-to-Door from Manila to the resort and back to Manila
- Three (3) Meals each day, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Boracay Activities - Horseback Riding, Island Hopping, Glass Bottom Boat
- PLUS - 5,000 peso Spending Cash

Read More Information: http://www.boracay-packages.com

Yellow Boat

Happy Mellow Yellow Monday to all. It's been a while since I last participated in this meme. I haven't captured anything yellow during those Mondays I was absent. Well, today I have something yellow for you. It's a yellow boat! I took this picture last week while in Manukan at my parents' place. Hubby and I were there for a couple of days and we both had a great time walking around and swimming at their local beach there.

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