Harbour Village Beach Club on Bonaire

On Bonaire, the Harbour Village Beach Club is just a five-minute drive from the buzzing capital city of Kralendijk, yet the vibe couldn’t be more bucolic. With a private sandy beach and colorfully landscaped gardens, it’s easy to relax and connect with nature. In addition, you won’t tire of the stellar sunsets, whether from the beach or the al fresco restaurant, La Balandra. 

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Travels in Spring Lake, New Jersey - Part 1

Spring Lake, New Jersey couldn’t be more beguiling year-round, but especially during the holidays. Spanning the namesake lake, a duo of historic wooden footbridges — that date from the late 1800s — are decked in lights.

The almost two-mile-long boardwalk beckons walkers and joggers year-round who delight in the scenic views of sea, sky and sand.

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Biking in Denmark - Part 5

Biking on Fyn (Funen) Island in Denmark couldn’t be more idyllic.

No matter the island where I bicycled, I found that Denmark is one of the most bike-centric countries in the world.

When biking and island hopping, I never tired of the dramatic interplay of sky, clouds and the water-based landscape at dusk.

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Biking in Denmark - Part 3

On Aero Island in Denmark, these charming cottages, including one with a thatch roof, line a stretch of sand in Marstal at Erik Hale Beach.

One thing that made my travels on Aero Island especially lovely was staying at the Aero Guesthouse and Cafe where breakfast is a warm, welcoming and sunny affair. This is one of the two rooms — along with the plant-filled outdoor terrace — with contemporary art where you can enjoy a wonderful cappuccino or a filling and tasty vegetarian breakfast.

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Spectacular Landscapes in Nevis

 

At the Montpelier Plantation and Beach in Nevis, history seamlessly melds with nature in a landscape that resembles a botanical garden. Here, an old sugar boiling copper was repurposed as a planter for umbrella palms.

I could certainly get used to this spectacular sunset view from the Great Room. This is also the view that diners have from the terrace of Restaurant 750 that’s part of the main house where the Great Room is located. 

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Scenic Delights at the Montpelier Plantation and Beach

While eating a picnic lunch in a gazebo set on the private scenic beach of Montpelier Plantation and Beach in Nevis, I was wrapped in a sense of peace and solitude.

A stay at this property is like being in a botanical garden. My views were filled with tropical plants no matter where I gazed. This is the poolside Indigo restaurant and bar from the back end.

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Resorts in Fiji - Photos

I’m daydreaming of Fiji, specifically Castaway Island, a resort on a private island, as well as the Nanuku Auberge Resort, which is set on the rainy side of the main island of Viti Levu.

At Castaway island, the North Beach is perfect for an early morning walk. Every morning, I walked out of my beach bure — a traditional Fijian bungalow — and jogged along the golden sands, or hiked a trail along the coastline, being mindful of the sensation of the breeze on my face, and the soft sound of the tide lapping on volcanic rocks.

Some days, at low-tide, I strolled around a rocky point to a more desolate strip of sand. Some people enjoy kayaking there as well. I dream of getting a massage at a portable table that’s occasionally set up along North Beach in a secluded area, far from the myriad water-based activities

Even a type A person (like myself) can easily get into a Zen state of mind at the Nanuku Auberge Resort where a sustainability and eco ethic prevails, including learning how to plant mangrove forests. This property is idyllic, whether it’s the accommodations that have private plunge pools, the creative cuisine in the al fresco restaurant, or the daily opportunities to learn first-hand about Fijian culture.

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Photos: Montenegro

With its hilltop fortresses, chapels snuggled in pine forests, network of hiking trails and family-owned vineyards, Montenegro appeals to oenophiles, those who embrace nature, history lovers or visitors who simply prefer hanging out on a thin crescent strip of sand. This photo essay depicts some of the many treasures that Montenegro offers.

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Another Connecticut Day Trip From New York With Beach Access

A little over an hour from New York City, Southport, Connecticut is a bucolic waterfront town with a historic district peppered with grand 18th century houses. (The town dates to the 1600s and, given that had a successful port, was a favorite of wealthy sea captains and merchants who built their grand dwellings here.)  I strolled along the streets of the historic center of Southport, Connecticut and found that no matter the weather or time of day, this village is enwrapped in the charm of another era.

Here are some of the must-sees in Southport:

Southport Park is a 10-acre forested expanse smack in the middle of the town’s historic district. No matter the season, it’s worth walking its few trails, including one that loops beside a stream, past interesting rock formations.

The historic district is a mere scenic 20-minute walk to the beach, which is a simple curve of sand in a neighborhood dominated by immense mansions.

The Pequot Library, which dates from the late 1800s, retains so many other-era features, including two wood-paneled reading rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, original Tiffany stained-glass windows, and a grand stone, granite facade.

The Grey Goose is a local favorite for well-prepared food, and drinks. Despite the din, the environment is cozy with rugged wood beam columns, soft amber lighting, and a stone walled fireplace. They offer daily specials that are worth trying, including the blackened red snapper tacos  with avocado and pico de gallo.

Having dinner in an old railroad station waiting room hardly sounds like it would be an upscale experience. But, Paci defies the rules. By far, this is Southport’s best restaurant and one that shouldn’t be missed. The new glassed-in bar -- you can see the trains whizzing by -- is perfect for enjoying one of their many wines by the glass as well as anything on their dinner menu. Their signature meatball appetizer is the best around. (The recipe which includes pine nuts, raisins, sweet onions and garlic, comes from the owner’s family.)

The casual Horseshoe Cafe and Tavern has been in business since 1934. It’s a local favorite for hanging out with a glass of beer or wine to accompany a basket of freshly-made popcorn.

For a picnic lunch, my pick is the Spin and Span Market, a sandwich shop/grocery with tasty fixings. These include a popular turkey chili with melted Vermont cheddar, as well as the tarragon chicken salad wrap with apple bacon, mesclun greens, and plum tomatoes.

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Another Connecticut Shore Town

My explorations on Connecticut's southern coast continue with another gem of a town: Guilford. (It’s slightly closer to New Haven compared with Madison.) Not only does this town have one of the loveliest town greens around, as well as Connecticut's oldest house (dating from 1639), but there is also a beautiful beach within walking distance of downtown. On my way to the beach, I discovered this short but scenic boardwalk winding through Chittenden Park. At the end of the boardwalk are a couple of benches to enjoy the scenery. Then I continued my wanderings to Jacob's Beach that was completely deserted. All of this was within walking distance of downtown.

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Charm + Authenticity in Saint Lucia

A trip to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean seems almost synonymous with a stay at an all-inclusive (one of the all-too-many Sandals, for example) or one of several luxe resorts (such as Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet) that get over written about. I instead chose to take a budget-minded, authentic trip to the island looking for, what else, but hidden treasures.

Just beyond downtown Castries in the north, past the regional airport (George F.L. Charles), and up a steep hill, the Heritage House is a bed and breakfast radiating charm aplenty. A few of the rooms provide stellar harbor views from its hilltop perch. (These are the ones I highly recommend.) Befitting the property’s name, myriad traditional items pepper the interior of the reception area: a coal pot (stove) made of clay, a calabash bowl, a cup made from coconut shells, a clay smoking pipe.

The six rooms (though one is a double guest room suite) are named for local districts: I stayed in the petite Micoud room, a village on the east coast where Mamiku Gardens and Latille Falls are both located. Sure, it was small but it had two windows overlooking a bit of greenery, and I found it perfectly comfortable. It was decorated with more local cultural ephemera: framed photos of a fisherman repairing nets, and a woman dressed in traditional garb; a shelf holding a tiny replica of a handmade chair and the ubiquitous clay coal pot.

Yes, the inn is literally adjacent to the runway. And the airport is noisy during daylight hours, with helicopters and jets taxing, taking off and landing all day long. But I wasn’t disturbed by this, finding it just part of the island’s idiosyncrasies. Plus, the rooms are a bargain on an island where bargains are few. And the owner and staff were helpful and kind in every way, offering me plenty of restaurant tips, finding reliable taxi drivers, and providing other island suggestions which were invaluable.

Looking out to the runway (and the calm waters beyond) is a small pool looks with the two best rooms positioned beside it, each with a rocking chair set on a private patio. My favorite was the sunny Vieux-Fort with a soaring ceiling in the lounge/kitchen/dining space and a spacious bedroom.

A central public patio that’s partly covered is perfect for reading a book during the day and enjoying breakfast in the morning. Bamboo wind chimes painted with palms, and decorative wind sculptures (parrots and other birds carved from wood or coconut shells) dangle overhead. Other whimsical elements include brightly painted metal lizards and butterflies hung on the wall. In keeping with the cultural heritage theme, postcards depicting scenes of vintage Saint Lucia (the village of Soufriere in the south, downtown Castries, and Soufriere town) are on display on the patio.

Early in the morning, before 7am, the tranquility is palpable. Sailboats ply the turquoise waters as do a few motor boats. An immense cruise ship pulls into the dock in Castries, the buzzing capital.  Late in the day, across from the water, dark clouds sweep above La Morne, bringing lightning and thunder most nights.

Breakfast is a tasty affair with everything freshly made, including the most scrumptious homemade jams (ginger, pepper, tamarind and more). In fact, the ginger and pepper might very well be the most flavorful jams I’ve ever tasted. (And, after all, ginger jam isn’t all that common. I could do with some right now.) The staff couldn’t have been more accommodating across the board, including at breakfast where they easily adapted to dietary needs, for example, skipping anything fried and serving me egg white omelettes with fresh-squeeze passion fruit juice.

Another favorite morning hangout on the wee property is the swinging sofa surrounded by brightly bougainvillea and other colorful blooming flowers frequented by hummingbirds, and a view out to the harbor.

At the base of the property’s hill are the old military barracks converted to embassies and a lovely art gallery, Savory Made Art, selling local contemporary paintings. A five-minute walk down the road brought me to Vigie Beach where the turbulent surf tumbled and myriad local families were picnicking on a leisurely Sunday.

Every day I ran into a couple that loved jogging the length of the runway -- it’s a little over a mile -- continuing on to parallel Vigie Beach, stopping for a cold drink at the snack bar. Another route makes a big loop to the Vigie lighthouse and back.

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Anguilla: It's More Than Beaches

Anguilla’s 33 beaches beckon with their pure, white swaths of crushed coral sand. Most visitors are enticed to the island by their picturesque allure, from the shelling possibilities at Shoal Bay West to Savannah Bay where sea turtles are known to nest. But there are plenty more activities on Anguilla to occupy those who want a break from the sand and sun.

That includes taking a guided walk with naturalist Oliver Hodge who has an encyclopedic knowledge of the medicinal and cultural uses of native plants. (You can trek with him along the lush Katouche Trail that ends at a picturesque bay.)

Or sign up with the Anguilla National Trust to explore caves on their Bats & Botany tour. When you're not bird watching along the island's brackish ponds or trekking to the arid east side of the island to spot curious cacti, you'll want to check out the creativity of the island's chefs (at De Cuisine and Hibernia) and artists, such as Cheddie Richardson at his shop and atelier, Driftwood Haven.

Find out more about the non-beachy side of Anguilla in the article I wrote for National Geographic Traveler - Intelligent Travel.

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My New Product Line: JCreatures® - T-Shirts With Attitude

Anyone you follows me on Twitter or Instagram knows that my handle is JCreature Travel. But the JCreature is not just part of my social media presence. I'm very excited and happy to have found such as awesome actor,India Choquette for my photo shoot featuring my new product line: JCreatures® - T-Shirts With Attitude. These American Apparel silkscreened shirts are oh-so-soft (100% fine Jersey cotton), featuring different colors on each short-sleeve as well as a different colored pocket. Perfect as a Pajama-Tee or Beach Cover-up for kids or adults who are kids at heart. They are available in two color tones: pastel or vibrant + bold. (Notice that little pink creature? She will be go sale later in the year.)

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Cascais, Portugal in Pictures

Just 30-minutes from Lisbon, Cascais is a standout for its beaches fronting the Atlantic that can be accessed by bicycle. But downtown Cascais is an epicenter for museums of many stripes, including the Paula Rego museum designed by the Portuguese star architect, Eduardo Souto de Moura. Don't miss the Pousada de Cascais that was built in the historic citadel and blends the ancient with the ultra contemporary. The intriguing landscape fronting the windswept Atlantic is accessible by a ribbon of bicycle paths. Check out my short YouTube video slideshow for a window in to what I love about Cascais.

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A Lithuanian SeaScape

Imagine a ribbon of land that's a mere 1,300 feet wide at its narrowest. A land that stretches some 60 miles (one half in Lithuania and the other half in Russia). with a sandy shore where tall dunes are topped with sea grass, roses and sea sicily, while the interior is thick with pine forests. No hotels cluster along the beachfront where development is banned. Welcome to the Curonian Spit that's cradled between an eponymous lagoon and the Baltic Sea. This wild landscape -- it's a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- makes for an idyllic venue for bicycling, which is why I stepped ashore with bike in tow.

A ferry regularly runs back and forth between Klaipeda, Lithuania's port city, and Smiltyne, one of the handful of settlements on the Lithuanian side. From there, a network of bike paths thread along the shore and the interior where bird sounds from blackbirds, chat finches and other species are abundant. In fact, bird whistles, chirps and tweets are about the only sounds ringing through the forests. Beyond the towering sycamore, willow, birch and aleppo pine trees, a white tent comes into view; it's a snack bar for the nearby beach. From here, I climb the steps that course over the dunes and down to the wide stretch of white sand. I'm alone because it's only 11 am. This beach bears the sign Bendras, which means it's a general (non-nudist) beach. But the spit has nudist beaches as well that are signed Vyru (male), Moteru (female), or nudism for everyone (Nudista).

It's quite common for Lithuanians who crave nature to cycle the Curonian Spit after work or to bring a blanket and picnic and settle on one of the beaches even in the fall. But it also makes for a relaxing weekend -- there are a number of accommodations available, including Hotel Viesbutis, which is sited very close to the ferry.

Imagine sands sweeping across the villages on this strip of land to the point that they bury the houses. That's what happened in the 18th century -- the villagers were, obviously, forced to relocate. And this is why dense conifer forests now dominate this landscape. (The locals planted them to make up for the rampant deforestation and to reduce the land erosion.)

Sure, cars do roll down the roads, but I see few of them as I peddle past myriad side trails leading, of course, to more tempting sands. I stop at another beach where I spy three local men along the shore with large nets. If you think they're fishing you'd be wrong. They're sifting for chunks of amber, the fossilized resin of conifers and a valuable commodity that this area has long been known for. As I stroll the beachfront, I stop and check out the sand, finding a handful of amber grains. (I'm told that a violent storm the night before is the reason why the amber is especially plentiful.)

But the ferry waits so it's back on the bicycle, passing the Sea Museum and Dolphinarium, several old fishing boats from the mid-1900s as well as a collection of traditional 19th century farm structures. Once on board, I gaze at the receeding shore and imagine what my next trip will reveal. I plan to spend the weekend, traversing the bike paths from village to village, visiting the museums, and maybe collecting some larger chunks of amber.

 

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