All Sails Up! 13th annual WorldWide Summer Sailstice Celebration

Posted by mirage on Jun 17, 2013 in Sailing | 0 comments

All ships, tall and small  around the world will come ‘together’ regardless of where or what they sail in this national event come 22nd of June.  Sailors  and non-sailors worldwide are invited (and expected) to make the Summer Sailstice Sailing Celebration another memorable event.

Summer Sailstice is the global sailing holiday celebrated on the weekend closest to the summer solstice. This international event was founded in 2001 to connect the global sailing community in a fun, creative  holiday.  Every year, Summer Sailstice connects more than  19,000 sailors all over the world—cruisers, racers and recreational—to celebrate and showcase life under sail.  The event has expanded to include participants from Asia, across the Americas and Europe.

parade of colors

Event founder John Arndt says, ‘For years the Summer Sailstice event has connected sailors worldwide in their own event portal allowing them to showcase their common sailing celebrations across the world. Now, with the relaunched site and new tools, it will be even easier for sailors to join local sailing events celebrated on the Sailstice, create events to connect one-design classes, clubs or fellow sailors and then share this with their local sailing communities.”

Summer Sailstice has continued to grow in popularity since its launch in 2001. Planners and ship owners alike have only good things to say.

Mary Greblunas of Hampton, VA owner of s/v Tiki Rose and a longstanding Sailstice attendee notes, “We love sailing and have participated in Summer Sailstice since 2004.”

Summer Sailstice event planner Mette Segerblom of Orange Coast College in Newport Beach, CA uses Summer Sailstice as an open house for their public sailing programs. According to Segerblom, “The timing of this event, which happens at the beginning of our summer sailing season, and its global sailing connection helps us elevate the visibility of our sailing programs locally and regionally. Plus we like the idea that students and others signing up for our Summer Sailstice event feel more connected to the broader world of sailing and have the opportunity to win prizes – an extra plus!’

Arndt describes his reasons for continuing to build the Summer Sailstice community as “two-fold”. He says the event is designed to help change the perception of the non-sailing public who often see sailing presented in a racing format or learn about it via news of a rare sailing tragedy.

It also aims to make people see that sailing is really fun, an affordable and is an accessible hobby than most people realize.

Fellow Bay Area sailor and Summer Sailstice site developer James Dilworth, who captains his well-known Santana 22 on San Francisco Bay, says “Over the years I’ve watched the Summer Sailstice event evolve from a San Francisco-centric event to a worldwide community. The tools and applications available today on the web to make it easier for the sailing world to connect online and continue to expand this global network of sailors. And the site upgrades at www.summersailstice.com will make it even more fun for event participants to create and publicize their events and help promote the worldwide spirit of sailing.”

For more information, please visit www.SummerSailstice.com or contact john@summersailstice.com.

sf bay

One for the Bucket List: Swimming with Dolphins in Cancun

Posted by mirage on May 29, 2013 in Travel Plans | 11 comments

Regardless of whether there are just a few items on your Bucket List or you could go on forever, if you have an affinity for the ocean and dolphins, swimming with them will almost certainly be on the list of things to do when you still can.

The good thing is that, unlike some dreams that may require a little more thought (and a lot more financial backing);,swimming with dolphins is completely achievable with an affordable holiday to Cancun in Mexico. As far as the Caribbean is concerned, breaks in Mexico are some of the most reasonably priced and they land you in the perfect place to enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with these incredibly intelligent mammals.

always a delight to watch

Notorious for its marine opportunities, a holiday in Cancun will not only help you to get one step closer to fulfilling your dreams but will also provide you with a top notch destination in which to enjoy your summer holiday. From the white sandy beaches to the swaying palm trees, Cancun is nothing short of bliss. While it’s not off the beaten track and may well be one of the popular tourist havens, it still provides a little piece of paradise for you and your fellow travellers.

Head for the popular Dolphin Discovery dolphinariums where you can swim with these loyal creatures with the help of a qualified instructor. Whether you choose to spend time whizzing through the waters with them or you’d prefer to hang back and enjoy an encounter with them including hugs and handshakes, these purpose-made centres will help you to achieve your dreams.

While swimming with dolphins will undoubtedly be at the top of your list of things to do once you arrive in Cancun, don’t forget the multitude of other activities available. From the bewitching seascapes to the lush jungle, Mexico is full of treasures that will remain in your memory forever.

swimming with dolphins

Treat Yourself this Summer: Best Spas in London

Posted by mirage on May 20, 2013 in England | 7 comments

Do we need an excuse to enjoy a pampering session? While it’s something that isn’t always a regular occurrence, it’s definitely an afternoon that is well deserved every once in a while. What better way to enjoy some ‘you’ time than an opportunity to relax, unwind and recharge your batteries. Make a day of it, take your best friend and head for the big smoke, where the choice of spas is extensive.

Perhaps you could incorporate the afternoon into a weekend away with your friend or family member? You don’t have to worry about spending too much on accommodation either. Visit https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/book/london-hotels and you could benefit from affordable hotel rooms, meaning you have more cash to splash on a massage, wrap or facial.

But which one do you choose? As a visitor to the city, you may not be familiar with which spas are recommended or which ones to avoid like the plague. Check out some of these top choices so that your visit is as calming and tranquil as possible.

Exercise Pool at the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary

You may recognise the name of this one due to the range of products it has developed for the high street. It is one of the favourites for those visiting the capital in search of a chance to unwind. Prices vary, depending on what you’re after, from back, neck and shoulder massages for £45 to body wraps for £110.

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, it would be a perfect addition to a day in the capital, whilst ideally situated to give you the chance to explore as well. Make sure you take your own flip-flops though, because they’re not provided.

Spa London

On a budget? Spa London offers reasonably-priced, quality treatments ranging from Turkish Hamams to the signature Gym & Tonic which involves stripping your body of all the grime build up, leaving you fresh as a daisy.

Whether you choose its flagship spa in Bethnal Green or the newest addition in Islington (housed in the Ironmonger Row Baths), you can be sure of an indulgent afternoon that won’t break the bank.

Aveda Institute

If you are concerned about the lotions and potions that are used in the treatments, look no further than the Aveda Institute. Located on High Holborn in Covent Garden, this purveyor of natural, plant-based products means that the oils, hair products and skin treatments are all kind to your body without any added nasties.

The Berkeley Spa

Fancy relaxing in the roof top pool as part of your spa experience? You can at the Berkeley, set in the heart of London overlooking Hyde Park. A favourite with celebs, you may bump into a couple of famous faces, but don’t let the starstruck feeling overpower the real reason why you’re there – because of the quality pampering and beauty treatments.

Whether you choose to head to one of these spas or decide on something different, if you book a reasonably priced hotel by visiting https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/book/london-hotels, you will have the spare cash to enjoy some real pampering opportunities this summer.

The Berkeley spa

When in Rome – Party

Posted by mirage on Apr 29, 2013 in Italy | 3 comments

If the ancient Romans had the know-how and resilience to become rulers over much of the world, those qualities are still abundantly recognisable in their modern day descendants. Young Romans are unstoppable when it comes to partying. It is as though they challenge the morning light to get in the way of their dedication and commitment to some serious night-time revelry and they have an oversupply of venues in which they constantly throw down the gauntlet.

Young visitors to Rome will be awed by their day-time excursions to the city’s many and renowned historical sites, but their jaws will certainly drop when they discover night-time excursions that are fast becoming legendary. Thursday to Sunday are when partying is at its most hectic, committed and continuous; literally until happy exhaustion claims its final victim. Rome’s watering holes stand ready to imbibe a festive spirit in anticipation of a long and seemingly endless night of frivolity and dance. Pubs like Mad Jack’s are packed with enthusiasts and they serve them well.

splendid at night

Mad Jack’s is a typical Irish pub, which, in the hands of its young and dynamic new owner, serves up exactly what customers want. Situated at 20, Via Arenula in the heart of Rome, its wood-fired ovens provide authentic Roman cuisine, as well as a variety of salads, pasta and burgers. Big screens satisfy avid sports fans who can enjoy any of a multitude of spirits, draught beers, wines and liquors, while they raucously applaud the latest football, rugby or tennis match. The Ice Club Roma provides a unique, if shivering, alternative, although Arctic anoraks are a prerequisite. Close to the Colosseum, this bar is constructed entirely of ice, which makes those tequila or vodka shots vital to survival. There is no better place to undertake the thawing process than in one of Rome’s vibrant clubs.

54 Via Galvani, is the home of On The Rocks; a pub, dance club with music that ranges from Euro Techno to American hip hop. Dance the night away in a cloud of manufactured fog and, should hunger pangs strike, there is a small café on the street corner that provides good food 24/7. The club is extremely popular with students from around the globe, as is The Art Café on Viale del Galoppatoio 33, which is considered by many to be the current hot spot in Rome. The cover charge is pretty expensive and the dress code is trendy and chic, but with its spacious dance floors, private lounges and funky music, this club, situated in the Villa Borghese underground parking system, is always a crowded house.

Rome’s night life caters to everyone and there is a club for every musical preference. Prices vary from very affordable to OMG, but the party atmosphere is definitely not dependant on budget and is as thick, heavy and edgy in any price range. There is a night-time vibe in Rome that is almost incomparable and the Eternal City guarantees an eternal celebration of life.

Rome is a brilliant place to visit if you’re looking for a holiday to relax and sightsee in the day, and then looking for something a little livelier at night and you can fly direct from all the main UK airports. If you want to save your money to spend while you’re on holiday, consider booking direct with your hotel and using a flight comparison tool like momondo.co.uk to find yourself a good deal.

Mad Jack’s (image via tripadvisor)

Author Bio: David Bell is a freelance writer and blogs about interior design, food, travel, art and culture. Follow him on Twitter @DavidBellWriter

6 Best Biking Holiday Destinations

Posted by mirage on Apr 5, 2013 in Travel Tips | 4 comments

Biking is becoming a more frequently used way from getting from A to B and not to mention the Tour de France coming to the UK, it’s no surprise that biking holidays are in high demand. There are so many choices and different destinations you can go it could become hard to make a choice, so i’ll narrow down the best road and off road cycling holidays.

Quantocks – image via http://www.redspokes.co.uk/

Quantock – UK (Off-Road)

This route overlooks the Bristol Channel where you have a fantastic view over Wales. On the trip you get to climb up Quantock Combe’s wooded single track, which opens out onto the moors. If speeds more your style there’s a massive single track descent bringing you the excitement you may crave, at the end of the route there is a Rose and Crown inn where they serve quality real ales, which is perfect after a tiring days biking.

Lake Districts – UK (Off Road)

Stunning views of the Pennines and the Lake District whilst getting a qualified guide to assist your trip on the trail and make the best possible experience for you. There are perfect trails for first time mountain bikers to improve and become more confident as well as tricky descents, its a holiday for anyone to enjoy. If all that biking tires you out there is Jennings Pub located on the route that serves hot food and cold drinks perfect for a nice rest bite.

Chilterns – UK (Road)

A casual cycle through the lovely Chiltern hills across miles and miles of quiet rural roads with delightful village greens perfect for picnics with the family or friends. Along the route there are all sorts of different hills in many different atmospheres, discover the joys of lightweight road biking on this holiday. As if all that isn’t enough there is a 16th century Red Lion inn perfect for a refreshing beverage after your long day of road cycling.

Loire Valley – France (Road)

An easy paced ride with rest days across a magnificent route of france, passing through the famous villages of Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry and Usse whilst enjoying all their famous wine vineyards across the route. This unique opportunity is not one to be passed up with all the beautiful historic sights to enjoy, A great holiday to be enjoyed by the whole family with the range of children from the age of two.

Catalan Coastal Cycling – Spain (On & Off Road)

If sun drenched villages, wide sandy beaches and beautiful bays are for you then this holiday is perfect. Quiet roads perfect for first time cyclist to enjoy the road without being nervous, with the lovely sea breeze it isn’t too hot to cope as you bike across the landscape passing high quality hotels and luxury castles on the way.

image via http://www.catalanadventures.com/

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