Minnetonka Travel and Cruises

Royal Caribbean - Allure of the Seas

2010-11-30T16:50:00.020-06:00

Roger and Lenore recently had the opportunity to experience the inaugural voyage of Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Allure of the Seas. This just might be the most exciting travel destination available today. The fun never stops! Once you set foot on the Allure you will quickly realize that the ship is the true destination and all other ports are secondary.

Here are the facts on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas:

-The world's largest and most innovative cruise ship

-Built in Finland

-24 dining options including:

150 Central Park - Premier specialty restaurant with seating for 76 people

Solarium - Samba grill - A Brazilian style steakhouse

Chops - Steak and Seafood

Rita Cantina - Excellent Mexican style food

Johnny Rockets - American style dining

Adagio - Elegant dining room

-7,000 pieces of art on the ship

-The ship's central park offers over 12,000 flowers, trees and tropical plants

-Evening Entertainment options include:

-Amber Theater with seating for 1,400 people

-Chicago - Broadway musical performance

-Aqua Theater with seating for 735 people

-Ocean Aria - Blue Planet show includes amazing diving people and acrobatics

-28,000 square foot childrens area

Adults Rule:

-Studio B - Ice skating performances

-Jazz on 4 - Jazz and blues band

-Blaze - Dance club

-Live comedy shows

-Casino Royale

-Dazzling Lounge

-On Air Club - Karaoke and music video making

-Boleros - Latin themed night club and bar

-Bow & Stern Club - Authentic British Pub
-Solarium - Late night dance club, but only once a week

This only begins to describe the opportunities aboard Allure of the Seas. There is sure to be something for everyone. One more thing that must be mentioned is the friendliness of the staff. We felt this was the best crew we have ever been around!

Let us answer any other questions you have about Allure of the Seas. We're always ready to help!

Marina Bay Sands

2010-11-30T16:39:00.004-06:00

This new resort in Singapore is composed of three towers and 57 stories. It is a 5.5 billion dollar structure that has been commanding attention worldwide. Marina Bay Sands will feature 6 hotels, Asia's first Universal Studios theme park and the world's largest oceanarium. We haven't been there yet, but it's at the top of our list!

Puerto Villarta - Villa La Estancia with Ruth

2010-08-25T11:34:00.002-05:00

Located on the shores of famous Banderas Bay in the beautiful Riviera Nayarit, this incredible resort is surrounded by meticulously landscaped grounds. A meandering swimming pool, dancing fountains and whirlpool spas add to the setting of the upscale property. It is a favorite with adults who appreciate space and relaxation.

Dining at Villa La Estancia comes with many wonderful options. Whether it's pool side, fine dining or even room service, professional chefs are ready to provide whatever fits your taste. One thing not to miss is the Private In-Villa Dining. Your meal will be prepared for you in your own kitchen and then served to you either in the luxurious elegance of your own dining room or in the intimate surroundings of your own private terrace. You may want to reserve this service for one very special evening during your stay!

If you're into a little more adventure than pool side margaritas there are plenty of excursions accessible right from the hotel. Here's a few of the most highly suggested:

1. Dolphin Adventure - Touch, feed, play and swim with dolphins.
2. Scuba Diving - Warm, clear waters and an abundance of sea life.
3. Sierra Madre Expedition - Check out the Mexican outback in all terrain vehicles.
4. Sea Safari - Ride horses, go sea kayaking, visit fishing villages and go snorkeling.
5. Rhythms of the Night - Most sought after dinner show in Pacific Mexico.

All of this comes with easy access from Minneapolis / St. Paul airport. Give us a call today at Minnetonka Travel to learn more about booking your get away to Villa La Estancia in Puerto Villarta. 952-475-3500

Telluride, Colorado - Capella Telluride (Part 2)

2010-07-26T08:50:00.015-05:00

My wife, Heidi and I recently returned from a 3,000 mile round trip vacation to Capella Telluride in Telluride, Colorado. We had such an amazing time that by the second day we promised each other we'd return in the winter! The soaring mountains, fascinating history and sunny warm weather draw travelers to this area at every time of year. To perfect your stay in this beautiful area, Capella Telluride is certainly the best hotel option.

Capella Telluride impressed us from the minute we stepped out of the car. The hotel has been open for just over a year and is the only Capella hotel in the United States. It has already begun to collect praise from around the world with excellent reviews from Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and the The Robb Report to name a few. Capella Telluride is located in Mountain Village, which is a short drive from the downtown area or a free 13 minute gondola ride from the city center.

Doug, our curbside greeter welcomed us with a smile and happily helped us with our bags. He showed us to the front desk where Dave quickly checked us in and then showed us to our room. On the way we met, Alli. She was our personal assistant during our stay. All guests are provided with a personal assistant to help with dinner reservations, questions about the area and anything else required. She contacted us prior to our arrival to introduce herself and ask how she could make our stay the best possible experience. As stated in the website, "It's like having a close friend who happens to live in Telluride, who knows where the most interesting experiences lie." Now that's service!

As we stepped into our king suite the west facing French doors to the balcony framed a perfect sunset over the mountains. It was stunning to say the least. Our suite included a 42" flat screen TV, comfortable furniture, speakers throughout, a large closet and much more. The bathroom had an incredible walk in shower, private toilet room, jacuzzi tub, two sinks and spectacular finishes.

Capella Telluride is part of a community of luxury condos, gorgeous private homes, retail shops and wonderful restaurants. Everything is within walking distance, which allows the car to stay parked for the entire stay. It truly has an old world European feel like an Italian Piazza or Swiss town square with stone building facades and massive roofs designed to hold 300+ inches of snow. If you fly into Telluride they have a small airport in town. Typically, guests would fly to Montrose, Colorado and then have about an hour transfer to Telluride.

The Onyx Restaurant was our introduction to dining at Capella and we were very impressed. The friendly staff gave us our choice of sitting anywhere in the restaurant, inside or outside. Every option on the menu looked amazing, but the eggs benedict was the winner on 2 of the 3 days at Onyx.

The free gondola is a short 2 minute walk from the hotel. From here you have the option to go further up the mountain to the grocery/liquor store, to the top of the ski mountain or down to the city center. It's not just convenient and fast transportation, but also provides sweeping views of the valley.

Dining, shopping, sightseeing and hiking are all at their best in Telluride. A trip into the historical town of 2,000 people provides a look into the past as you stroll the main drag and peruse the local shops. The core area of Telluride was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964. The town is committed to preserving its historically significant architecture, open space, mining heritage and most of all, its small town mountain lifestyle.

So why stay with Capella Telluride? Well, there are lots of reasons:
-The hotel maintains a boutique feel with 95 rooms and is just completing is first year in business.
-300+ inches of snow every winter with 3,000 acres of skiing. All that with about 1/10 the people of the larger ski resorts in Colorado.
-No chain restaurants or franchises allowed anywhere in Telluride or Mountain Village.
-Free personal concierge services for every guest.
-28 degree average temperature for skiing in the winter and 300+ days of sun.
-Truly the best ski-in ski-out capabilities of all the resorts.
-Heated ski boots every morning!
-Range of room types to accommodate a range of guest requirements.
-Excellent restaurants and bars within a few steps from the hotel.
-Cars aren't needed in this pedestrian and gondola friendly atmosphere.
-The spa!
-No check in or check out times. Your personal assistant takes care of everything.

We loved every minute of our stay at Capella Telluride. It was very difficult to check out after three quick nights in this beautiful new hotel. Give us a call (952-475-3500) if you'd like to learn more about Capella Telluride or any of Capella Hotels other 5 star destinations. Check out their website when you have a chance: www.capellatelluride.com

Thanks!

Telluride, Colorado - Capella Telluride

2010-07-08T09:18:00.007-05:00

I have the incredible opportunity to head west for a visit to one of the premier hotels in all of the United States. Capella Telluride offers an amazing luxury experience in a beautiful mountain setting. At 9,600' Capella Telluride features 84 rooms and 11 hotel suites along with an impressive list of standard amenities. Here are just a few:

Flat panel televisions
CD/DVD Players
IPod Connection
Marble bathrooms
Granite Double Vanities
Separate soaking tub and enclosed shower
Complimentary wireless internet
Euroflex pillow top custom mattresses
450 thread count Pratesi linens
Hypoallergenic down feather pillows
Pratesi terry cloth robes
Complimentary DVD Library available
Burled walnut furniture

I will update the blog upon my return to Minnesota with photos of the hotel, room types, spa, restaurants and more. Take a look online at www.capellatelluride.com Be sure to check back!

Palm Springs and Idylwild

2010-04-30T09:55:00.011-05:00

Palm Springs

The Millers have been in Palm Springs, Palm Desert and the western United States for the past month. Recently I had a chance to go out and visit them with my wife, Heidi for four sun filled days. This was my first trip to Palm Springs and I can confidently say it will not be my last. The weather is simply unbeatable! We had four days in the low to mid-nineties with only blue skies. It's the type of weather that we as Minnesotan's hope to get for at least one week in the summer.

When you fly over the snow capped mountains and into Palm Springs the arial view reveals the first clues as to what type of place this is: golf courses, palm trees and beautiful residences. In fact, there are over 125 golf courses in Palm Springs! Many of the neighborhood communities are organized around the courses and provide close up views of the greens, fairways and tees.

Golf courses are just the beginning when it comes to greenery in this beautiful area of California. The flowers and vegetation in Palm Springs is simply stunning! Even the roadways in town are meticulously maintained. It is a wonderful thing to see the flowers, green grass and palm trees against the mountains as a backdrop.

Palm Springs gained popularity in the 1940's and 50's with the arrival of movie stars from Hollywood. Over the years, Presidential visits and longterm residents like Bob Hope added to the attraction of the area.

Many incredible homes have been built in the Palm Springs area with a good number from the 50's and 60's still in existence. The "Ranch Style" or "California Modern" homes provide privacy for exterior spaces and different types of screening near the entry. Most were one level with well lit interiors and low roof lines.

Whether you love to shop, try out new local restaurants, play golf, be outside or just drive around in a convertible, Palm Springs is an excellent destination!

Idyllwild, California

We took a day trip into the San Jacinto Mountains to experience the tall pines, sweet smelling cedars and rocky peaks. This little town has something for everyone. Locally owned restaurants, outdoor gear shops, coffee shops and other specialty stores line the street of Idyllwild. You can even catch a movie if you like what's showing on their 1 screen theater. We had a liesurely lunch at the "Good Times Pub and Grill" complete with homemade dessert by the legendary pastry chef, "Blondie". On the 90 minute drive back to Palm Springs we drove through a large wind farm with close to one thousand windmills. This was quite a sight! California is definitely ahead of its time when considering renewable energy.

Oasis of the Seas

2009-11-19T15:33:00.004-06:00

Roger and Lenore were two of the lucky passengers on the inaugural voyage for Royal Caribbean's newest ship, "Oasis of the Seas". The world's largest passenger ship sails out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a preview tour before the maiden voyage on December 5th.

Oasis of the Seas will offer passengers features such as two-story loft suites and luxury suites with balconies overlooking the sea or promenades. The ship features a zip-line, casino, mini-golf course, four swimming pools, volleyball and basketball courts, theme parks and nurseries for children.

Give us a call for the latest information on sailings and how to book your cruise on the Oasis of the Seas!

Willkommen in Salzkammergut!

2009-10-02T09:43:00.017-05:00

The Salzkammergut is a resort area located in Austria that our family has been visiting for years. It stretches from the city of Salzburg down to the Dachstein mountain range. This area is also known as the Lake Country for it's beautiful Alpine lakes. The landscape offers many opportunities to take part in water sports, bathing, hiking, biking and golf as well as relaxing around the lakes. Our family stay lasted for just over a week and included visits to Neuschwanstein Castle, Hallstatt, St. Gilgen, the Dachstein, Salzburg and more.

Wolfgang See - My husband, 16 month old daughter and I stayed on the Wolfgang See in a wonderful little apartment on the lake. This was our home base for the week as we traveled extensively throughout the area. The lake was named after Saint Wolfgang who erected the first church on the shore in 976 AD. According to legend he threw his axe down the mountain side to determine the site of the church. It still remains today as one of the most incredible worship spaces in all of the region.

Hallstatt and the Dachstein - Our new favorite! Hallstatt is a popular tourist attraction for numerous reasons. It has an amazing history in the salt mining industry, well preserved architecture and a scenic location on the Hallstatter See. Within just a few kilometers you can find the gondola that will take you up to the Dachstein mountain region. Here's your chance to walk on an actual glacier! We walked out on the "five fingers" overlooking the Austrian Alps. At this point five separate cantilevered platforms horizontally extend - just like a hand - above where the mountain cliff drops over 400 meters. Careful!

Salzburg - Spending a day in Salzburg isn't nearly enough time, but you will love every minute! The shopping is unbelievable due to the incredible selection and the high quality stores in the city. Salzburg is a fashionable town and you will definitely see high style if you have the opportunity to attend the opera or any musical event. Austrians take great pride in their native attire as well as their cuisine. Reserve your dinner plans for the Bier Garden overlooking the city. It's a view you'll never forget!

We'd love to help you find the best way to experience Austria and the lakes region. Please give me a call at Minnetonka Travel anytime so we can plan your next trip together! 952-475-3500

Mediterranean Cruise with Roger and Lenore

2009-07-28T14:38:00.023-05:00

Lenore and I recently returned from hosting 126 people on the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship during a 10 day Eastern Mediterranean voyage. The Solstice is the newest and finest ship in their fleet. Excellent service, fine dining, nightly entertainment and comfortable rooms all make this ship one of the best. The ship was simply magnificent and offered many outside balcony cabins for great views of the water. We loved our beautiful cabin with an outside veranda. At night we'd leave the veranda door open to hear the calming sound of the water. On board we met a variety of travelers with the majority being Europeans and Americans, but many others from places all around the world. The itinerary for this cruise was simply amazing. Read on to learn more about these spectacular destinations!

Rome- At its peak, Imperial Rome was the largest and most powerful empire in the world. Later the city became the center of Christianity. Now the city is over 2,700 years old and boasts a Mediterranean feel that is both ancient and modern. A few favorite attractions of ours include the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, The Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, The Colosseum, and of course any gelato stands with a short line. Jump on a bus near any of these great sites and hop off whenever you see the next great place!

Sicily- Throughout much of its history, Sicily has been considered a crucial strategic location due in large part to its importance for Mediterranean trade routes. It is also the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and home to the best limoncello in the world!

Athens- Once home to the world's most powerful and civilized empires, Athens still displays evidence of its ancient glory in monuments, sacred sites and architecture. A trip to this wonderful city is not complete without experiencing the Acropolis. At 260 feet above the city it is not only the highest point of Athens, but for many tourists it's a high point of any visit to Greece. Once again the bus is a perfect way to see many parts of the city in a short time. If we saw something interesting we'd jump off and check it out.

Mykonos- When you think of the Greek Islands you probably picture whitewashed houses, historic windmills and beautiful beaches. Mykonos is that place! Narrow roads wind through wonderful architecture making this one of the prettiest islands to leisurely explore. Unparalleled shopping, charming alleyways and outdoor restaurants are abundant in Mykonos. Our experience on this island is exactly what we were hoping for in Greece. It's safe to say that it met all of our expectations!

Ephesus- Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist's dream. This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites. We would highly recommend a private tour of this destination. We arranged a very knowledgeable tour guide for all 126 guests and it proved to be a great idea. Everyone loved the destination and the historically significant ruins we visited.

Rhodes- The friendliest city in the Mediterranean! Rhodes is at the Island's northernmost point with its only neighbor to the east and west being the magnificent blue sea. This island is an amazing shoppers delight! There might be more shops here than the entire Mall of America. Have your pick of jewelery, leather, clothing, shoes and accessories. As is the case with most of the Greek Islands the beaches are incredible. Splitting your time between the beach and the fantastic shops might be your toughest decision of the week!

Santorini- Small white villages cling to steep cliffs and hover over black lava beaches all rising out of the magnificent Aegean Sea. Whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs pull in the sky on this charming and sunny island. Without a doubt this is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Make sure to have lunch in one of the charming restaurants overlooking the sea. You'll also feel like a world class photographer because of the fantastic views available from just about everywhere on the island. With all the elevation change here you might want to try a donkey ride or cable car to make the walk up and down much easier.

Naples- Located on the southern coast of Italy the area around Naples has spectacular scenery that attracts artists from around the world. Naples enjoys a sunny, Mediterranean climate almost all year. Temperatures range from 50 to 90 degrees with warm days and cooler nights. A Pompeii cruise excursion is a perfect way to spend a day in this region. The entire Amalfi Coast is stunning. You'll find small villages and towns that cascade down to the sea from high cliffs above. If you have time, Positano is one of those places that is an absolute highlight on any visit.

Please give us a call if you like to learn more about this fantastic Celebrity Cruise on the Solstice. Lenore and I would love to help you plan your ideal vacation for any type of occasion.
Thanks for checking in with us!

Las Vegas - Vacation.com Conference

2009-06-23T14:46:00.020-05:00

Lenore and I recently returned from our annual Vacation.com Conference. This year it was held in no other than the world famous Las Vegas, Nevada. I currently hold the position of National Director of Vacation.com so this was another great opportunity to connect with everyone within the organization and learn about the very best and newest attractions Las Vegas has to offer. We've proven once again that there are endless ways to have a great time here. There are definitely many activities that can't be beat!

Dinner in the Sky - Welcome to the newest and most unique dining experience around! Guests sit comfortably at a 22 person table and are slowly raised up until suspended over 160 feet in the air. You will have unparalleled views of the Las Vegas skyline while dining on food prepared by a professional team of Sky Chefs.

Best Places to Stay - The Wynn Properties and the Venetian are my choices for the top places to stay while in Las Vegas. Encore is the newest signature resort in the Wynn collection. This hotel continues Wynn Resorts’ tradition of providing amazing interior environments with thoughtful detailing, ultimate comfort, timeless design and wonderful service. The rooms are spacious, luxurious and include all the comforts of home.

At the Venetian you will also experience similar amenities. This beautiful Resort-Hotel-Casino is one of the "all-suite" hotels on the Vegas Strip. The Palazzo offers critically acclaimed entertainment with musicals like Phantom of the Opera and Jersey Boys. On the lighter side, be sure to try the gondola ride!

Bellagio Fountains - The best free entertainment in Las Vegas! A fantastic coordination of water, music and light happen every 15-30 minutes.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - Speaking of "free" be sure to check out these spectacular indoor gardens. Admire the essence of every season recreated with over 7,500 plants, flowers and trees thoughtfully arranged to inspire every visitor.

Big Shot at The Stratosphere - If you ever wanted to kno w exactly what if feels like to be an astronaut, then this is your chance! On the Stratosphere's Big Shot, you'll take off so fast, you'll actually feel like the rocket itself. The Big Shot puts you 160 feet in the air in an astounding 2.5 seconds. You will feel complete weightlessness as 4 Gs of force literally lift you off your seat. You'll then drop to shocking one negative G. The initial free-fall drop is so intense, most riders are too shocked to express their emotions immediately. I stayed far away from this one!

The Hand of Faith - Discovered October 1980 near Wedderburn, Victoria, Australia this magnificant gold nugget, largest on public display in the world, was discovered, using a metal detector, lying six inches below the surface in a vertical position. It weighs a massive 875 troy ounces (61 pounds, 11 ounces average). You can view the Hand of Faith only at the Golden Nugget!

Monorail - Try the monorail next time you are in Las Vegas. Each year, the Monorail eliminates more than 4.4 million automobile trips, reducing carbon monoxide by 135 tons. It's the eco-friendly way to go and you'll get a great air conditioned view of the city.

Hurry out to Las Vegas to take advantage of great hotels deals, outstanding shows and many free entertainment options. Give us a call at Minnetonka Travel today for help booking your next vacation. 952-475-3500. Thank you!

Exotic Asia cruise with Lenore

2009-06-08T10:38:00.022-05:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to travel with Crystal Cruise Lines aboard a beautiful ship called the Symphony on my recent trip to Asia. We set sail in Hong Kong and made stops in Chan May, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and ended in Singapore. Each of these destinations is unique in it's own way. The scenery was spectacular as the ship navigated the South China Sea and Indian Ocean. Traveling on the Symphony cruise ship proved to be the ideal way to see this region of Asia in just 11 days.

Crystal Symphony - The cruise ship was one of the nicest I have ever been on! My cabin was comfortable and spacious with a very nice bathroom. The entertainment on the ship was a huge hit. Every night there was a different type of performance including singers, dancers and music. During the day there were captivating speakers, educational classes and all kinds of fun activities. Many of the cruise ships offer a theme for the voyage and on this particular ship it was golf. Free golf lessons were available from a PGA teaching professional for anyone interested . In addition to the golf lessons there were many free educational classes including musical keyboarding, watercolor painting, Ikebana flower arrangement and more.

Hong Kong - Leaving the port in Hong Kong was incredibly beautiful. The lights of the city were simply amazing. Adding to all of this was a spectacular laser light show which greatly contributed to the enchantment of leaving the harbor. Hong Kong has returned to its original Chinese roots, but it remains a cosmopolitan city with influences, languages and accents from around the world. The bustling city streets are lined with teeming markets and sophisticated boutiques tucked tightly into any available crevice.

Chan May – The gateway to Hue on the Perfume River is a UNESCOE World Heritage Site. One of the greatest historical attractions is the Imperial City, which is modeled after the famed Forbidden City in Beijing. The citadel was reserved exclusively for the Nguyen royal family. China beach was another beautiful place with fine sand and proved to be perfect for a hot and humid day! This was a favorite of soldiers during the war and it even hosted Vietnam’s first ever surfing contest.

Ho Chi Minh City - Formerly known as Saigon, this city is known for great shopping, quiet temples and beautiful public buildings. The most fascinating place I visited here was the Cu Chi underground tunnel complex. These tunnels were built starting in 1945 and were more recently used by the Viet Cong to fight French and American forces during the Vietnam War. An entire city had been created underground complete with a hospital, restaurants and meeting areas. The network of tunnels was amazing and is nearly invisible from the surface. One option from Ho Chi is an overnight trip to Cambodia. This allows the visitor an opportunity to experience the unique culture of Cambodia and then fly to meet the group in Bangkok.

Bangkok – The port city of Laem Chabang is the gateway to Bangkok. During my time here I was very fortunate to visit the Grand Palace, National Museum and the Teak Palace.
The Teak Palace was amazingly constructed entirely of teak wood without any nails. Considering the location, this fascinating building had a surprisingly American feel on the interior. The National Museum is without a doubt the best place to get aquainted with Thai history and art. It houses the country's largest reclining Buddha at 151 feet long!

Singapore - Temples, mosques and churches in Singapore stand as a serene reminders of the diverse history to this city. Various architectural styles speak to the many different occupants throughout time. Known as the "Crossroads of the East," Singapore blends conveniences of a modern city with influences throughout the Orient. If you are feeling adventurous take a ride through the streets on one of the famous three wheel cruisers!

My Crystal Cruise through the South China Sea and Indian Ocean was unlike any other I have experienced. The whole trip offered wonderful hot weather, outstanding food, captivating port cities and a ship with truly magnificent luxuries. I'd love to help you book a cruise of your own to your perfect destination! Please call me anytime: 952-475-3500

Captiva and South Seas Resort with Jenni

2009-05-28T14:40:00.017-05:00

I had a fantastic vacation with my family at the South Seas Island Resort in Captiva, Florida. We had three quick days to see and experience the white sand beaches, amazing service and beautiful surroundings. Even in that short amount of time we were able to relax and explore much of what the island has to offer. A few of my favorite parts of the resort and island are below:

The Beach! - We just loved the soft white sand and surrounding views of the water. Forget lugging all of your stuff down to the beach by yourself. At South Seas there are beach helpers from the resort who help with your beach bag, find a place for your family to sit and arrange umbrellas for shade. The beach has a very private feeling because it is only for guests. Beach service is also available for water, drinks and food. We really liked all the sand creations on the beach made by the kids.

Pools - The pools are very accessible especially for kids. A new kids pool area has recently been completed. This area includes a variety of pools, a water slide and a zero entry ledge pool for wading at any age. Nice pool side cabanas with refrigerators are offered for rent if a little more privacy is desired. The beach side pools are very luxurious and available throughout the resort.

Rooms – Flexibile room layouts is a real plus here. We had a one bedroom option with a kitchen, sitting room and balcony and it was perfectly sized for the three of us. The variety of accommodations for families is a strong point at the resort. I'd be happy to help you find the perfect type room for your family!

Golf Cart - We loved the option to have a golf cart for transportation. It's a quick way to get around and see everything including the town. People scoot around all day in the carts and it allows the island to be very accessible.

Restaurants - Our favorite was the Key Lime Bistro. Even so, there are plenty of local favorites and bistro style restaurants. This is a really fun place to take the family for a variety of dining experiences.

The South Seas Island Resort is a wonderful place to bring your family. It has a contained type of feeling that allows the confidence to let your kids run around and do what they like. The staff is very attentive and is very concerned with making your stay enjoyable. The whole place has a Caribbean-like feel and if have weather like we did you'll never want to leave!

Please give me a call at 952-473-3500 to help you set up your next family vacation in Florida.

Thanks!

-Jenni

Sandals Jamaica with Terri

2009-05-28T14:21:00.024-05:00

When was the last time you had breakfast in bed? Or dined at an incredible restaurant on a private island? Or just walked a white sand beach in the Caribbean sun? If it's been a while, then maybe you are ready for a vacation at an amazing Sandals resort in Jamaica! My recent trip to Jamaica provided the opportunity to check out Sandals finest resorts for families, couples, wedding parties and honeymooners. There is something for everyone in this Caribbean paradise filled with friendly people, wonderful service and excellent fine dining. To top it all off, Sandals is doing their part to make their resorts and guest rooms environmentally friendly.

Montego Bay - This adult only resort is conveniently located only 10 minutes from the airport making it the ideal destination for a shorter 3 or 4 night stay in Jamaica. As an all-inclusive property you are free to try six different restaurants, four bars with unlimited drinks, many types of land games and a variety of water sports activities. During your stay you will have the choice of standard rooms, honeymoon suites and luxury suites with ocean views or even a swim up river suite. Why not include butler service while you're at it? Be sure not to miss the amazing Thai restaurant on the private island only accessible to those staying at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay!

Dunn's River Villaggio - How about an Italian inspired resort that captures the romantic essence of the Renaissance? Dunn's River resort in Ocho Rios is perched above the white sand beach and has a jungle-like feel to it. A few of the highlights here include a daily champagne breakfast, weekly late night chocolate buffet and turndown service for all rooms and suites. If golf is your game, then this is your place to stay! Complimentary transfers are offered to the nearby 18 hole championship golf course. For the more casual golfer the resort has a Pitch "N" Putt course on the property as well.

Beaches Boscobel - World Travel Awards has voted Beaches Resorts the world's leading family all-inclusive for the past 9 years. This resort is wonderful for families with kids of all ages. There are many activities possible including the water park, X-Box interactive zone, golf and even games with Elmo and friends in the Sesame Street program. If a little time alone is needed, adults have the option take advantage of certified nannies at the kids camp. Head over to the Appleton bar overlooking the Caribbean Sea and be sure to try the rum!

Green Globe Certified - GREEN GLOBE 21 is the worldwide benchmarking and certification program that facilitates sustainable travel and tourism for consumers, companies and communities. Sandals is doing its part to minimize the impact they make on the environment. For example, when you open the door to your suite the power turns on throughout the room. When you leave and lock the door all the power shuts down automatically including all lights and TV's to insure that no electricity is wasted. What a great idea!

Sandals Resorts does an excellent job of offering a variety of excellent restaurants (14 within 10 minutes), fun activities, beautiful beaches and a luxurious accommodations. I felt very safe throughout my entire stay in Jamaica and was treated extremely well by everyone on the hotel staff. All of the white sand beaches at Sandals are secured to insure that you are not bothered by any outside vendors. It's just total relaxation! Please give me a call anytime at Minnetonka Travel so that I can help you to find the perfect fit for your next vacation in Jamaica. 952-475-3500. Have fun!

A week in Ireland with Ruth

2009-05-11T11:09:00.021-05:00

I had an incredible experience during my one week tour of Ireland! The Irish are wonderful people with a very friendly disposition. I was greeted warmly in each new city with happy people, clean accomodations and outstanding hospitality. Everyone I met had great pride in their country and cared deeply about their heritage and traditions. The beauty of the landscapes, small towns and coastal bluffs is like nothing I've seen before! The whole trip was a highlight, but I've done my best to narrow it down to a few destinations to share with everyone:

Dromoland Castle - This 5 star hotel is truly the best of the best! The castle has been in existence since the 11th century. For over 900 years the O'Brien family lived and ruled at the Dromoland Castle. In 1962 the hotel and grounds were sold and renovated to welcome guests from around the world. The hotel offers luxurious rooms, spa services, elegant dining, golf, fishing and stunning oil paintings and antiques from the O'Brien family.

Limerick - A quiet city with wonderful Bed and Breakfasts, convenient shopping, fun restaurants and pubs. This is the third largest city in Ireland and is located on the River Shannon. The Hunt Museum in Limerick should definitely be a priority for every visitor. This museum features works of art from Ireland and abroad including work by Picasso and Leonardo da Vinci.

Ring of Kerry - This is a driving route in south western Irleland that covers the 170 km circular road starting from Killarney, heading around the Iveragh Peninsula and passing through Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen and Killorglin. It is truly a magical area with the most stunning cliffs and landscapes I have ever been around!

Cork - A University town where music, theater, dance, film and poetry all play a prominent role in city life. This is one of Ireland's sunniest cities and we had beautiful weather!

Dublin - I stayed at the Westin Hotel in Dublin, which is a former bank turned hotel. Besides the ultra comfortable rooms the most amazing part of this hotel was the pub. It is located in the old vault of the bank and was built entirely of existing woodwork from the original building. Incredible! Overall, the city has a very safe feeling and offers many great options for shopping, restaurants, museums and learning about local history. I can't wait to go back!

Please call anytime if you'd like to hear more about my trip or if you'd like help booking one of your own!

-Ruth

Our First Blog Entry!

2009-04-23T15:51:00.002-05:00

We are happy to announce that Minnetonka Travel has launched our new blog site. Please feel free to check in periodically to view photos, read about our latest adventures and find out more about all kinds of travel opportunities. Thanks!