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Great Escapes
Tahiti- South Pacific Paradise
By Mel and Ronnie Greenberg
Sunset on the tropical island of Tahiti fades seductively into the fabled jade and pale aquamarine waters of the South Pacific. A myth of paradise with majestic volcanic mountains, coral reefs and mirror lagoons, Tahiti is the largest island of French Polynesia. Dotting the deep verdant valley, riotous profusions of intoxicating gardenias, jasmine, bougainvilleas and multi hued hibiscus dazzle the eyes. Magic is further illuminated in the blue depths of the underwater world where the pearls of Tahiti thrive.
While you can choose to do little more than sip a cocktail by the pool, there are many opportunities for adventure. Begin with Paradise Tours, from the Arahoho blow hole to Faaruumai waterfalls, the Ganguin Museum, and the Botanical Gardens. Walk on the black sand beach at Point Venus. Be charmed by the Tahitian homes, gaily painted all the colors of the rainbow. Hop on an Island Safari for a closer look at Tahiti's interior, a land of natural beauty where almost-vertical vegetable plantations edge their way into bamboo and fern forests, and waterfalls cascade into hidden pools watched over by stone-faced tiki. Follow the road that winds around Tahiti Nui (big Tahiti) and Tahiti Iti (little Tahiti), both with an aura of legend. Spectacular vistas, pearl and ebony beaches, fascinating historic sites, colorful gardens and glimpses of traditional village life await you. Tee off on Tahiti's 18-hole international championship course, a par-72 course designed by Robert Baldock, with unparalleled island and reef views. Sport fishing enthusiasts can charter various size fishing boats from 20-foot center consoles to 45 feet sport fishers.
Great contrasts of relaxation and solitude meet the tempting bustle of Papeete, Tahiti's capital city. Here you can bargain with the locals in the public market, Le Marche, browse Vaima Center- the " island's shopping mall," or visit the Pearl Museum to view the island's exquisite black pearls. Take in the culture and animations that come to life at the traditional Heiva's folklore, songs, colors and fragrances. Dine with the locals at " les roulettes, " Papeete's unique rolling restaurants. These colorful electrically lit vans open evenings in the plaza Vaiete, and offer a variety of cuisines from flaming crepes to steak, pizza and chow mein.
Moorea
Sail across the channel onboard the Armiti V catamaran to Tahiti's sister island of Moorea. Steeped in the verdant mysticism of the "yellow lizard," Moorea resembles a vast star-shaped garden branching out into eight valleys.
Spend the day on this rainbow island fishing and diving, or take a tour with Moorea Transport, and discover the island's picturesque volcanic peaks, crystalline waters and lush mountain slope. Stop for a tasting at Jus de fruits de Moorea a pineapple plantation and juice factory that incorporates a taste of spirits. On the coastal road, pass legendary Bali Hai Mountain on the way to the spectacular Belvedere viewpoint, high above Cook's and Opunohu Bays, at the foot of the imposing Mount Rotui. For an off the beaten path adventure hop onboard Land Rover Safaris 4-wheel drive vehicles that take you to the serenity of Moorea's majestic mountains, and ancient sacrificial sites.
Delight in swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat, and cavorting with them in the crystal clear lagoon. Travel back in time to a bygone era of Polynesia, at the authentically recreated Tiki Village. Participate in island life, see the making of the crowns of flowers, tattooing, and pareo painting, and watch the awesome Polynesian production of traditional songs and dances.
Where to stay
Sofitel Maeva beach Tahiti, set at the edge of the lagoon looking across to Moorea Island is the perfect homebase located 5 minutes from the airport. A swimming pool and deck, 2 tennis courts and a golf driving range are all on site. www.sofitel.com
For further information visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com
Florida's Daytona Beach
By Mel and Ronnie Greenberg
Fetchingly bathed in subtle pastels, Daytona Beach embraces the unspoiled natural wonders of the bluest of skies and sea-foam green waters. Beaming out like rays of sunshine, the area's 23 miles of sparkling, white sand beaches are the focal point of the surrounding towns, Ormond Beach, Ponce Inlet, Port Orange, Daytona Beach Shores, South Daytona, Holly Hill, and Ormond-by-the-Sea, each with their own irresistible charm.
The Timucuans, the first to settle in the area, were followed by a succession of French, Spanish, British, and Monorcans whose blend of heritage still remains today. In later years Henry Flagler and John D. Rockefeller began creating the areas character, and in 1874, the first hotel was in place. At the turn of the 20th century Daytona Beach became famous for its automobile racing, a regular pastime along the hard-packed sands of the area's beaches. The beaches were also used as a proving ground for developing the automobile engine, and that technology was put in use developing aircraft engines for World War II fighters.
The Daytona Beach area provides a unique fusion of coastal pleasures, adventures, history, nature and a stellar selection of enriching cultural activities. For golf enthusiasts there's a variety of golf to suit every level of play. Aquatic adventures include canoeing, surfboarding, sail boating, parasailing, and excellent deep-sea fishing with record size marlin. For freshwater divers the area's natural springs have spectacular underwater sites filled with manatees, and limestone-walled caves. For the birding enthusiasts, feathered varieties include pelicans, storks, kingfishers, woodpeckers and warblers in most of the area's natural lands. To explore the area's precious ecosystem and learn about the wildlife here, the area has an extraordinary mix of state parks, waterways and preserves.
Daytona Beach is the best known of the seven area communities. The ultimate Daytona experience is Daytona International Speedway, the 2.5-mile "super speedway" that presents nine racing weekends annually including stock cars, motorcycles, sports cars and go-karts. Its schedule is more varied than any other racing facility in the world, thus, the Speedway is known as the "World Center of Racing." For dates visit their website at: www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com Daytona 500 Experience is the official "Attraction of NASCAR", designed to entertain and inform race fans about the history of motorsports in the Daytona Beach area.
www.Daytona500Experience.com
The Museum of Arts and Science, one of the finest multi-tropical museum facilities of its kind in Florida, is one of Daytona Beach's most important gems, housing some of the finest 18th and 19th century antiquities and the largest Cuban art collection outside of Cuba. Jackie Robinson Ballpark an active Class A affiliate ballpark remains much the same as it was when Jackie Robinson played for the Montreal Royals in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring game in 1946. The Ballpark is now named in his honor. Daytona Beach Symphony Society hosts a season of classical concerts featuring world-renown guest conductors, and symphony orchestras.
Nearby
Deleon Springs State Park, a plantation and sugar mill in the 1800's, emerged into a small resort, and is now a state park with swimming, hiking trails, picnic grounds and access to the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Located inside the park is the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House, where guests cook their own pancakes (a variety of batters are available), and eggs on an electric griddle built into their table. A delicious and fun experience.
www.planetdeland.com/sugarmill
Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, Sea World and Universal Studios Florida are all within an hour's drive.
Where to stay
Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort is one of the area's premier oceanfront properties. The eleven-story hotel overlooks the beach with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. The hotel has the ambiance of a turn-of-the century beach cottage, combined with top-notch resort services and amenities. Located at 2637 South Atlantic Avenue, phone 1- 800/525-7350 for reservations, or visit their website at: www.daytonabeachhilton.com
How to get there
Four International Airports are within easy driving distance of Daytona Beach. The Daytona Beach International Airport (the most convenient, is served by several major airlines); Jacksonville International; Orlando Sanford Airport; and Orlando International Airport.
Additional Information
For a free Daytona Beach area Visitors Guide filled with information on area attractions, events and accommodations, call 1-800-854-1234 or www.daytonabeach.com