TRAVEL+FOOD

Moab Adventure Center

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Two popular multi-day adventure vacation packages invite active travelers to explore the wonders in and around the red rock playground of Moab, Utah, during the 2019 season. But visitors take note: due to the growing demand for quick escapes, space will go fast!

Moab Adventure Center (www.moabadventurecenter.com), the go-to specialists for all the outdoor pursuits Moab is famous for, has seen bookings increase every year for its four-day Southwest Sampler and their 4-day Westwater Canyon Multi-Sport vacation packages.

“We’ve experienced unsurpassed growth over the past several years on our multi-day tours that include activities and lodging,” reports Brandon Lake, company CMO. “For 2019, we took action and have doubled our guest capacity on the ever popular Moab, Utah vacation package, the Southwest Sampler.”

There’s good availability now for the spring and summer on all Moab Adventure Center’s offerings, but Lake suggests booking soon for the coming season.

“These popular programs fit perfectly into the type of escape visitors are now into,” explains Lake. “They are short (just four days and three nights), the activities are thrilling but easy enough for most everyone to enjoy, as multisport programs the action never stops (think Hummer Safari, an Arches National Park Tour, and whitewater rafting), one package offers a mix of camping and hotel lodging, and with both, there’s ample time to fill out the week by further exploring Moab and the surrounding region pre- or post-trip.”

Bundling the activities rather than reserving a la carte also saves money.

Keeping pace with increased sales and demand, new for 2019 is a partnership between the Moab Adventure Center and the newly opened SpringHill Suites by Marriott for lodging. Offering twice as many guest rooms as the previous property utilized, it has enabled the tour operator to double guest capacity on its Southwest Sampler package. Widely considered to be the best family hotel in Moab, it offers multiple pools, hot tubs, and a kid’s canyon, complete with a splash pad and waterfalls.

Moab Adventure Center’s Southwest Sampler captures the best of the Southwest over four days and three nights from May through August. Guests lodge the first two nights at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott that enjoys the closest proximity to Arches National Park of any lodging in town. From here, guests enjoy an off-road Hummer Safari through a fantasyland of slickrock. Then comes a two-day, 19.6-mile river rafting adventure through Class I and II rapids, with one night of pampered beach camping on the banks of the Colorado River. The per person rate is $690 for ages 16 and up and $595 for ages 5-15. Thanks to the amenities and easy river passage this is a program that can suit the needs of young families with children as young as age 5. See: http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/southwest-sampler

Westwater Canyon Multi-Sport engages Moab’s breathtaking backcountry via a red rock Hummer Safari and rafting the Class III-V rapids of the Colorado River while coursing through Westwater Canyon. This is a four-day getaway available from June through September. The package includes three luxury nights of lodging at Red Cliffs Lodge situated on the banks of the Colorado River. National Geographic dubbed the 26-mile rafting adventure through Westwater Canyon “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip.” There’s an optional horseback ride in Castle Valley where movies and commercials are frequently shot. The package for ages 16 and up is $705; for youth 12-15 $675. Included are three breakfasts, accommodation, one dinner, one on-river lunch, activities and transfers to and from the raft put-in. For details see http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/westwater-canyon-package

About the Moab Adventure Center
Moab Adventure Center is at the epicenter of nature-themed rather than theme-park-style adventure, promising activities that include rafting, jet boating, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking and hot air ballooning. Hummer safaris, rock climbing, canyoneering and horseback riding are also very popular pursuits. Many of these activities are conducted with guides, an arrangement that helps preclude the kind of damage to the land that can happen when uneducated visitors venture into sensitive areas. Guides help people understand where they can move through backcountry with the least impact possible.

The Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (www.westernriver.com/) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532. For information and reservations please call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163. The center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs.

VENICE’S SAN CLEMENTE PALACE KEMPINSKI REOPENS FOR ITS 2019 SEASON

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San Clemente Palace Kempinski, the Venetian luxury resort uniquely located on its own private island eight minutes away from St. Mark’s Square, will open for its fourth season on March 20, 2019.

Just minutes from the bustle of Venice and set among a centuries-old park, antique courtyards and monastery buildings, the 190-room resort has its own pitch & putt golf course, a tennis court, spa, heated outdoor pool and outdoor jogging trails, as well as a kids’ club for younger guests. Last year, the resort unveiled Al Bacaro, an outdoor lounge serving cichetti (Venetian tapas) and cocktails, overlooking the Venetian lagoon and skyline.

Throughout the 2019 season, San Clemente Palace will offer a number of unique offerings for Easter, Spring Break, the Venice Biennale and beyond. During Easter weekend, the resort will offer a special “Kids Stay for Free” package, along with celebratory chocolate egg-decorating workshops and Easter Brunch for the whole family. To commemorate the 58th Venice Biennale, from May 11 through November 4, 2019, San Clemente Palace will also offer a special dedicated package, including exclusive tickets to the Biennale.

San Clemente Palace is also poised to become a true foodie destination this year, as the resort will welcome four top Michelin-starred guest chefs to cook alongside Executive Chef Giorgio Schifferegger for a special event called “Cena a Quattro Mani” (“Four-Hands Dinner”). San Clemente Palace will also be home to a number of other special F&B events, including a Wine & Beer pairing menu with local craft beer and wine, and a pizza-tasting event welcoming Pizza World Champion Gianni Calaon.

In honor of the resort’s opening, San Clemente Palace is offering a discount of up to 40% on all suites for stays between March 20 and April 30, 2019.

For more information about the San Clemente Palace Kempinski, please visit

http://www.kempinski.com/en/venice/san-clemente-palace-kempinski/special-offers/.

Grand Dame Hotel Opening

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WORLD’S MOST NORTHERLY “GRAND DAME” HOTEL SET TO RELAUNCH APRIL 1

WEILL TO HANDLE PR FOR NORWAY’S BRITANNIA HOTEL TRONDHEIM

First opened in 1870 to welcome aristocratic Britons in search of the world’s best salmon fishing, Trondheim’s Britannia Hotel will reopen on April 1 after a multi-year $160 million renovation. The fjord city of Trondheim, located just 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle, is Norway’s third-largest city, home to 200,000.

Britannia Hotel is a striking domed white building that has been the world’s most northerly luxurious “palace” hotel for 150 years. It has welcomed distinguished guests from presidents to Nobel Prize winners, to Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, to Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

The rebirth of the Britannia is the brainchild of Norwegian financier, Odd Reitan, who was born in Trondheim in 1951 and who, at age 14, developed the dream of owning the hotel. He features prominently in the Forbes and Bloomberg lists of global billionaires.

“We are thrilled to have been asked to represent this extraordinary hotel,” says Geoffrey Weill, “adding it to our inventory of some of the world’s most spectacular privately owned ‘grand hotels.'”

A member of Leading Hotels of the World, the Britannia will offer 246 rooms and 11 suites, six restaurants and bars – including its original Palm Court, a spa, gym and indoor swimming pool. The hotel will offer guests the latest technology, sound-proofing, TV’s concealed within mirrors, as well as amenities and lighting that are easily understood and operated.

The Britannia will be a celebration of cutting-edge Norwegian and Scandinavian design and artworks. Beds are by the celebrated Swedish handmade bedmaker, Hästens. Bathrooms are a feast of Carrara marble.

At the heart of the Britannia will be the glass-domed Palm Court, first unveiled in 1918 and long Trondheim’s meeting place for socialites, artists, musicians and intellectuals. The reborn Palm Court will host breakfast, lunch, brunch, afternoon tea and dinner – offering creative Scandinavian fare.

The Britannia’s culinary arts are overseen by Christopher Davidsen, born in the Norwegian city of Stavanger in 1983 and Silver medal winner of the cherished Bocuse d’Or in 2017. Davidsen’s prime focus will be the elegant Speilsalen, his first signature restaurant. The Brasserie Britannia will be classic French, inspired by Paris and Lyon and by New York’s Balthazar. The Jonathan Grill is a casual restaurant specializing in Japanese, Korean and Norwegian specialties. The marble and crystal Britannia Bar is expected to become overnight Trondheim’s chicest cocktail bar and lounge.

The Vinbaren wine bar – with its 8,000-bottle cellar – will provide a lounge, tasting room and bar offering tapas, charcuterie and cheeses.

The Britannia Spa & Fitness features a large indoor pool, several saunas, five treatment rooms and personal trainers. The hotel will also offer state-of-the-art conference and ballroom facilities.

To learn more about Geoffrey Weill Associates’ complete list of clients, visit: www.geoffreyweill.com.

MOST INSTAWORTHY LOCATIONS

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The USA Locations Doing It For The Gram:

The Most Hashtagged Places In America

PlayPicks reveal that Disneyland in Anaheim is the USA’s favourite place to pap an Instaworthy photograph
Miami Beach has been shared 8,673,724 times on Instagram, making it the most hashtagged beach and second most hashtagged place overall in America
New study shows men have a more active social (media) life, admitting to sharing online multiple times a day whilst on holiday

In 2019, if you don’t take a photo it’s like it never happened. Social platforms like Instagram act as outlets which let us explore places we’ve never seen before – one search of a hashtag and you’ll have everything at your fingertips. But where are the most tagged places in America?

New research from entertainment experts PlayPicks uncovers the most shared locations in the USA, delving into categories from beaches to arenas and festivals, to uncover the most Instagrammable hotspots in the US. Alongside this, PlayPicks ran a survey of the US public to reveal just how reliant the nation is on social media, in particular when it comes to travelling.

Top 5 Most Hashtagged Places in the U.S

Playpicks have scoured Instagram to find the top 20 hashtagged places spanning over nine different categories. These are the top five most hashtagged locations overall in the U.S for Instagrammers:

Disneyland Anaheim – Not just where dreams come true, but also where hashtags are made. Disneyland was built in 1955 and has since received 19,783,733 Insta shares. Considering the fact that they had an estimated attendance last year of 18.3 million, it’s of no surprise that it’s the most hashtagged location in America. It’s sister park in Florida, Disneyland Magic Kingdom, takes the second spot on the most hashtagged list at 9,400,298 posts.
Miami Beach – This man-made beach has 8,673,724 shares on Instagram, making it the most Instagrammed beach in the US – and with 15.22 square miles of beautiful, golden sand and relaxation, it’s easy to see why you can’t help but take one for your grid.
Central Park – One of two of New York’s offerings in the top 10 list (the other being Times Square) is its first major landscape park. The park’s construction started in 1857 and upon its completion, it became one of the most popular tourist destinations – having approximately 40 million visitors a year and 6,104,544 shares on Instagram.

The Influence of Influencers

In the age of the influencer, Instagram has a more direct effect on our everyday choices. PlayPicks surveyed the US public to uncover how much of an influence social media really has on our travel decisions and experiences:

The majority of male respondents (45%) admitted to taking holiday inspiration solely from influencer posts on social media rather than their friends. Only 22% of women said they would listen to just an influencer, instead 50% would balance their decision based on both friends and influencers.
Men care the most about getting the perfect snap for the ‘gram – on average, men spend 20.28 minutes getting a picture just right before uploading it, while women spend only 14.67 minutes.
Although 49% of respondents said they solely take photos for themselves, 26% said they do it for social media – this was preferred over taking snaps for family and friends, which only 24% claimed was their primary reason for documenting their trips.

To explore the rest of America’s favourite social media destinations, search the interactive tool and find the most hashtagged places in America here.

Baby Sea Otter Reunited With Mother

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Watch Video of Baby Sea Otter Reunited With its Mother in Morro Bay

Morro Bay Harbor Department Saves the Day for This Otter Family

In between cloudbursts yesterday, a baby sea otter was reunited with its mother. The baby, spotted alone by one of the community’s commercial fishermen, got assistance from the Harbor Department, the Marine Mammal Center and Mike Harris of Fish & Wildlife. The city of Morro Bay caught this video of the baby being released before swimming to its mother.

As the Harbor Department commented, “All in a day’s work.”

For the last couple years, thereߣs been an abundance of pure unadulterated cuteness going on in the seaside town due to an increase in California Sea Otter families that call Morro Bay home. Mommas and babies are everywhere eating and grooming each other as if no one is watching. But we are and we canߣt look away – they are so dang cute! Now is the perfect time to catch a glimpse of these sea creatures in their natural habitat since Morro Bay harbor is experiencing the highest count to date of these adorable critters. A survey taken last May of the Morro Bay harbor documented adult sea otters and nine pups, a significantly higher number than the typical five or fewer otters frequenting the harbor in the early 2000s.

“Large gatherings of otters throughout the harbor have attracted tourists and locals all along the waterfront to experience them in their natural habitat,” explains Jennifer Little, Executive Director of Discover Morro Bay. “You can watch along the shore or rent paddleboards and watch from a safe distance on the water as they forage for food and groom their young. They use rocks and other tools to break open crab and local food sources and are so fun to watch. We’ve seen up to 30 or 40 of them at a time floating around on their backs and enjoying life in Morro Bay.”

Just plop down a beach chair along the Morro Bay Harbor Walk and start watching – they’re everywhere and easy to find. If there isnߣt a family of otters hanging out already, they will soon appear. The southeast side of Morro Rock is a great landmark for sea otter viewing as is Coleman beach at the intersection of Embarcadero and Coleman Drive. There are also public viewing spots all along the Embarcadero for wildlife viewing in between the plethora of restaurants, boutique shops and wine bars. To get an even closer look, paddle out in a kayak or rent a boat at Bay Cruisers and Electric Boats. Visitors can also take a ride on the Lost Isle Tiki boat to see the otters and the ever-barking sea lions, which includes a quick detour to the Morro Bay natural sand spit. Kayaks can be rented at Kayak Horizons and the Kayak Shack.

Experts say what’s really driving the population increase is the abundance of food they find in the waters of Morro Bay. Sea otters are integral to the health of the Morro Bay harbor environment. When viewing otters be very careful as they are wild animals and may react poorly if approached. When viewing from the water, it’s best to stay at least five kayak lengths away at all times and enjoy them in a responsible manner.

Divine Tours

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DIVINE TOURS LAUNCHES COUTURISTA TRAVEL TO PROVIDE LUXURY, FASHION-FOCUSED TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

Now Booking its First Tour: A Curated Visit to Tuscany in April 2019

Since 1996, DiVine Tours has been providing innovative luxury travel excursions throughout Italy. This spring, DiVine Tours will launch their newest extension: Couturista Travel – a travel experience personalized for connoisseurs of high-end fashion, gourmet cuisine, and luxury lifestyle. Couturista Travel is now booking for its April fashion-focused journey through Tuscany, followed by trips to Miami and Mexico later in the year.

The inaugural trip, entitled Tuscany Couture, includes stays in luxury fashion inspired hotels such as the Ferragamo-owned Gallery Art Hotel, exclusive vineyard tours, and VIP access and discounts at the world’s leading fashion retailers. Travelers will enjoy once-in-a-lifetime, exclusive, curated access to shops including Prada, Gucci, Armani, Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, Sergio Rossi, Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, and many more.

Couturistas will begin their nine-day-long escape in Florence on April 6th, 2019 with a reception and welcome dinner. The following day will include an intimate inside look into the history of Italian Fashion, then & now, via private tours through the culture rich UNESCO City. Expert guides will then transport guests back to the 18th century via the Pitti Palace Costume Gallery, featuring rich collections that represent the evolution of fashion for didactic purposes.

The historical experiences will also include a visit to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum. Dedicated to the life and work of the famed Italian shoe designer, the museum contains over 10,000 models of shoes and a variety of exhibits dedicated to the life and work of Ferragamo from the 1920’s until his death in 1960.

In addition to visits to Italy’s top historical fashion destinations and some of the most sophisticated shopping in the world, the Tuscany Couture trip includes visits to local artisan’s workshops, private trunk shows, dining at Florence’s most revered restaurants and guided visits to the iconic sites in historical cities throughout the Tuscan region.

“Tuscany Couture is the ideal vacation framed by the magic and elegance of Florence. Suited for the curious shopper or the fashion-savvy, a group of friends seeking the ultimate getaway, or even the mother-daughter duo looking for a bonding retreat,” said Myriam Angulo, co-founder of Couturista Travel. “There is so much to see in Florence and Chianti besides the traditional visits to see renowned art and wine tastings. Couturista organizers use their personal knowledge and intimate relationships to open the doors to artisan shoemakers, pop-up shops, flagship stores and everything in between. Tuscany Couture is the perfect trip for the inquisitive, divine traveler.”

Tuscany Couture’s $6,999 pp fee includes the complete land program with transportation, deluxe hotel accommodations, English-speaking guides, daily breakfast buffets, welcome and farewell dinners, shopping tours, museum entrances, winery visits, and many more activities for travelers looking to do it all.

With some days planned out and others that allow Couturistas to explore suggested sites on their own, each traveler has the ability to mold their vacation to fit their every want and desire. There are also unique extension options for those who want to extend their stay in Italy with opportunities to spend three additional days in the North or South of Florence.

Following the trip to Tuscany, Couturista Travel will offer innovative programs in the Magic City that is Miami with two distinct themes: Exploration of Art and Curated Shopping; as well as an opportunity to explore and shop Mexico later in the year.

About DiVine Tours & Couturista Travel

DiVine Tours is a boutique tour operation specializing in exclusive Wine Tours, and Gourmet Programs in Italy since 1996. Most recently, they have branched out to develop COUTURISTA TRAVEL, which offers new Curated Fashion Shopping Experiences in famous locations as well as in new, undiscovered destinations. Originally based out of Chianti, Italy, director and owner Myriam Angulo has come back home to Miami, Florida and is determined to bring couture lifestyle back to the tour industry.

Couturista Travel is now accepting reservations for Tuscany Couture taking place on April 6th – 14th.

For booking information, visit www.couturistatravel.com or contact info@couturistatravel.com / 1-877-COUTRVL (1-877-268-8785)

A Perfect Valentine’s Getaway with San Ignacio Resort Hotel in Belize

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With a temperate year round climate, farm fresh cuisine and unique adventure experiences, Belize is a perfect three day weekend getaway to escape the winter months. Daily, affordable nonstop flights are offered countrywide from Minneapolis, Denver, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta and other major travel hubs making a visit to Belize easier than ever.

The San Ignacio Resort Hotel, a premier full-service Belize resort, located in the Cayo district, is within a scenic 90-minute drive or 30-minute flight from Belize City. The hotel boasts first-class amenities and accommodations for those seeking to relax and enjoy a beautiful tropical resort, yet offers nearby adventures for those wanting to explore inland Belize. In addition to stunning jungle views, San Ignacio Resort Hotel offers impeccable service, extraordinary dining options at its Running W Steakhouse & Restaurant, a tennis court and is in close proximity to San Ignacio Town.

Plan your Three Perfect Days in Belize Package starting at $1,446 per person, excluding airfare.

Roundtrip transfers from and to Belize international airport
Accommodation in the luxurious Honeymoon Suite – boasting exquisite views of untouched rainforest
Assigned Personal Butler upon check in
Daily Breakfast
2 dinners at the Running W Steakhouse at a reserved Balcony table
1 Private dinner in balcony of your room
One 60-minute Luxury in-room wellness treatment per person
1 Full day tour at Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Maya sites
1 full day tour at Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve with an exclusive picnic day trip with hiking trails and optional swimming in private cascades and natural pools.

To book your trip visit www.sanignaciobelize.com.

Women Seize the Oars

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Women’s empowerment has seized the rafting industry. A leading river company is seeing a sizable uptick in the number of women now part of its crew of raft guides and staff. And they are recording an increasing number of female guests on rafting and mountain biking trips, scheduled and chartered.

Holiday River Expeditions (http://www.bikeraft.com/) reports that through the 2018 season, 40 percent of their guide staff were women. That’s the highest representation ever in its 50+ year history. It is looking like this coming year will be no different.

“Most of these women are returning for 2019. And we now have more applications for guide and crew positions coming in from women than from men these days,” said Karen Johnson, Holiday’s long-time office manager and spokeswoman. A growing number of women also serve in the office and warehouse as drivers and company managers. Susan Munroe, a long-time Holiday employee, leads an in-house guide/crew training program. Natalie Osborn has recently come onboard as the Social Media Director. Lauren Wood, a third-generation guide and founder Dee Holladay’s grandchild, is the company’s Trip Director and identifies as non-binary, adding further gender diversity to Holiday’s eclectic staff.

Female guides aren’t new to Holiday River Expeditions but they are becoming more of a force and influence. “Early on the rafting industry, much like every other outdoor industry in the 60’s and 70’s, was male dominated. Our founder Dee Holladay, always recognized the arbitrary nature of gender divisions and truly appreciated the added and necessary perspectives of women on the river,” added Johnson. “He used to say that women made better guides because they knew how to read the water better and not simply muscle their way through obstacles and rapids.”

Creative marketing at a time when the market is also expanding has led to an increase in the number of female guests. For example, a series of Balance & Flow Yoga and Wellness Trips draws increasingly more solo female travelers. Reunions of friends and just-for-the-fun-of-it groups of colleagues sign up for these itineraries, as do mothers and daughters.

“It’s not unusual to have an entire female staff on any of our trips these days. I hear it all the time that Mom was so glad for her daughter to witness a strong and capable female rowing their boat or leading their trip. It’s the perfect role model,” said Johnson.

New this year from April/May through September/October are custom, small group women-only rafting and biking itineraries in Utah and Colorado. These trips can be tailored to group desires, from the area, length, menu options and guides; all female or a mix. Here is a list of the most popular chartered trips. For details see: http://www.bikeraft.com/womens-river-rafting-trips/.

Gates of Lodore Canyon Rafting Trip: With 10 or more women (ages 18 and up), the per person rate is $885 for four days on the Green River in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument in Utah.
3 Day Westwater Canyon: This program is offered three times weekly and can be chartered for groups of 15 to 20. Thrilling Class IV whitewater on the Colorado River through Westwater Canyon (a miniature Grand Canyon) in eastern Utah provides excitement and beauty to spare. The per person rate is $610 for groups of 10 or more.
3-4 Day White Rim Trail is a multi-day, technically challenging mountain biking and star gazing exploration of the wilderness around and sky overhead Moab, UT. The per person rate is from $745 to $830 for groups of eight or more. This program is offered in April and May and again in September and October.
4-5 Day Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument is offered in May and June when the river runs full and the wildflowers bloom. The per person rate is $885 to $965 with a group of 10 or more.
5-6 Day Cataract Canyon in the heart of Canyonlands National Park is the company’s signature adventure that can be chartered for a minimum of 15 (24 maximum). The per person rate is $1,040 to $1,105 for 10 or more. Nowhere on its entire course does the Colorado River descend more precipitously than through Cataract Canyon, offering white water rafting at its best.

Following are Holiday River Expeditions’ signature Balance and Flow Yoga Wellness Trips that speak to a female audience. Trips center around immersion in nature and the guidance of specialists versed in healing practices. The adventure and relaxation intrinsic to river trips are augmented by honing in on spiritual and physical healing through natural energy, movement and nutrition. For details see http://www.bikeraft.com/balance-flow-trips/

White Rim Mt. Bike & Yoga: Katie Woods, a yoga specialist, guides this May 11-14, 2019, four-day mountain bike tour in Canyonlands National Park.
Wild Yoga on the Green River: This six-day Green River rafting adventure through Desolation Canyon is June 3-8, 2019. With the group will be Rebecca Wildbear, a river and soul guide.
Women’s River & Yoga Trip: A four-day rafting trip on the Green River through Lodore Canyon July 11-14, 2019 comes with twice-daily yoga sessions.
Women’s Multi-Sport Adventure: Women raft, kayak, hike and practice yoga for four days this Aug. 24-27, 2019 in and around the Colorado River on Ruby and Westwater Canyons.
Stand-up Paddleboarding & Yoga: For four days this Sept. 5-8, 2019, yoga, fitness and stand-up paddleboarding join forces while rafting the Colorado River through Ruby and Westwater canyons. Led by Katie Woods and the guides at Holiday River Expeditions.

For more information, availability, reservations or a copy of the 2019 catalog please call 800-624-6323, Email: Holiday@BikeRaft.com or log onto: http://www.bikeraft.com/

Follow Holiday River Expeditions:
On Twitter: @BikeRaft
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HolidayExpeditions
On You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/HolidayExpeditions
Blog: http://www.bikeraft.com/blog/

Huba-Huba Cambodia

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By Alexandria Baiz × Vaughn Lowery

Cameron Michael Parkes was born in Vancouver, Canada (in British Columbia). He graduated from the University of Calgary, majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in petroleum. While working at a consulting firm, the oil prices dropped and he used his severance package to travel the world.

Throughout his two year journey in Southeast Asia, he found himself at Koh Rong Samloem – a small island just off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Two main places to stay are Saracen Bay (dense more modern filled with tourists) or Mpei Bay (rustic village area with tons of locals). After a few weeks in both places, Cameron decides to trench through the hot and sticky jungle (with snakes, wild monkeys and insects) to the most desolate yet serene part of the island, Sunset Beach. He quickly becomes acquainted with paradise and decides to plant his feet at Huba-Huba where he enjoys perfect sunsets with unobstructed sea views.

After a brief trip to Sri Lanka, he returns to Huba-Huba to discover that the owner’s husband had passed in a tragic motorcycle accident. The widow offered to sell and Cameron decided to purchase. Looking back he says, “I like the beach-jungle vibe which isn’t perfect. I love this spot. Right on the beach, beautiful bay, monkeys come around, geckos.”

Huba-Huba Cambodia

Situated at the end of the beach, it contains 4 bungalows, 1 family bungalow, 4 private double rooms and 1 dorm – 8 beds and 3 tents. Their kitchen is armed with one of the best cooks on the entire island. Their “BBQ Nights” serve up sensational samplers of pork ribs, tofu, prawns and chicken. Polite waitstaff, heavy handed mixologists and free painting station where you can repurpose instruments as well as pieces of wood to build a sculpture from scratch. Snorkeling gear is available for rental.

Sleeping Trees owned by Yves Chalot

Yves (a notable bartender from Brittany) came to Sunset Beach as a dive instructor and fell in love. One day after speaking with his bosses, he discovers a beachfront property for rent. Then he invites his brother (a carpenter) and they decided to erect ‘Sleeping Trees.’ The name derived from only having tree tents and the idea of ‘sleep in’ trees arose. The vacation area has two newly renovated bungalows, four tipis and four tree tents. Each space can accommodate up to two people. In addition, there’s a 4-room dorm which can host eight. At the present moment, both owners want to focus on better gardening and overall aesthetics of the property. Best attributes are their crepes, homemade rum shots and Reggae Night on Saturdays.

Robinson Bungalows

Sebastian Straub, former social worker in Switzerland, has now owned the property for 5 years alongside of his wife Julia. Their location is pet-friendly and includes 7 bungalows and 7 tipis. Each bungalow is constructed from wood with straw rooves perfect for a cozy and tropical stay. Their reimaginged family bungalow or ‘Cozy Kikki Lu’ is an ideal choice for guests seeking modern-like amenities. Tents make for a perfect glamping experience since they’re about thirty feet from the ocean. We enjoyed soaking up the sun in one of the 20 hammocks on the premises. Take advantage of the full bar and $1 beers during happy hour. The onsite restaurant takes advantage of seasonal local produce and fresh catches when possible. Our favorite menu items were the English breakfast, hearty fruit bowls, red snapper and barbecued pork & chicken skewer. You may enjoy meals upstairs (two-stories high) in an outdoor covered dining patio and/or at the beach bar. Every morning, a taxi boat for guests cost $10 to go to the city and is easily accessible.

Sunboo Beach Bungalows

Karlo and Parisa Zahipour Moarefi both came from Austria, borrowed money from friends and invested in Sunboo. There are 6 Bungalows and a dorm with 8 beds. The beach or garden bungalows have ceiling fans and newly renovated bathrooms and sinks. With a strong Italian influence, everyday dining is delightful. For breakfast they make french toast, pancakes, crispy bacon and homemade baguettes. For lunch fresh gnocchi, burgers and triple fried french fries. The dinner menu is westernized with our favorite thin crust pizza. And of course the Sunboo beach bar is the party area where we sip and socialize. One of the only establishments which serve wine on Sunset Beach.

Sunset Adventures Dive Shop

They offer a full array of outdoor activities on the island with two locations – Saracen Bay and Sunset Beach. We took their half-day diving class (for all levels) and their master instructors were extremely attentive. The rock climbing experience offers amazing views of the sea. Kayaking trips are a must-try with a guide to discover the wonderful island and underwater world. The most intriguing activity on the island is the nighttime plankton tour which allows one to witness and capture their bioluminescence.

Lazy Beach Resort

A private tropical hideaway on Koh Rong Samloem. The vacation area has 1 private beach, 22 bungalows and 1 guest house. The wooden bungalows all have two large double beds, en-suite bathrooms and a spacious balcony offering waters edge views of the warm tropical ocean. Paddle boarding is one of the most popular activities to do, but also board games, snorkeling and dive sites. The infamous bar is a must visit with the number one drink being the ‘Bahama Mama.’ All sorts of signature drinks like brown and white rum malibu, grenadine and juices. This private beach getaway is breathtaking.

Koh Rong Samloem Lighthouse

The most amazing experience on the island and also its highest point. We recommend you take a taxi boat to the drop-off or trail which leads up to the lighthouse. Rumored to have been an old military watch tower, the views are spectacular. Be prepared to climb at least 7 to 8 stories to the top. The smell inside the lighthouse is a tad overwhelming and rancid. Be willing to pay at least $1-3 USD for the private tour. That price does not include the taxi boat.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image.jpeg — Vaughn Lowery on a taxi boat in Mpei Bay

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-1-1024x1024.jpeg — *Ping pong at Huba-Huba Cambodia*

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-6.jpeg — *Koh Rong Samloem Lighthouse*

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-4.jpeg — *Vaughn Lowery dives w/ Sunset Adventures*

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-5.jpeg — *Sleeping Trees at Sunset Beach*

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-1-1.jpeg — *Sunset at Sunset Beach*

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1548512217038-1024x1024.jpeg — *Sunset Adventures Dive Shop on Sunset Beach*

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1548511647072-1024x1024.jpeg — Inside Sleeping Trees newly renovated bungalow

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1548511736729-1024x1024.jpeg — Sleeping Trees tipi

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1548512306856-1024x1024.jpeg — Owners of Sunboo Beach Bungalows

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1548512616066-1024x1024.jpeg — Sweet & sour tofu at Sleeping Trees

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1548512658049-1024x1024.jpeg — Tempura battered chicken at Huba-Huba Cambodia

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1548512574153-1024x1024.jpeg — English breakfast at Robinson Bungalows

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1548512510107-1024x1024.jpeg — Huba-Huba Cambodia staff member

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1548511790500-1024x1024.jpeg — Tents at Huba-Huba Cambodia

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1548513465816-1024x1024.jpeg — Cameron Michael Parkes of Huba-Huba Cambodia

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1548518180825-1024x1024.jpeg — Outdoor area at Huba-Huba Cambodia

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Southern Roots Festival

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Food Network Stars Join Celebrity Chef Ashley Clay For Anticipated Southern Roots Festival, The Ultimate Tailgating Culinary Experience To The Big Game

Southern hospitality extended to 1.5 million fans via a showcase of music, arts, culture, and food

Four fabulous Food Network Culinary Divas will join Celebrity Chef Ashley Clay to bring the richness of “Down South” to the forefront during the Southern Roots Festival in Atlanta, GA as a prelude to the Big Game. The Southern Roots festival will kick off on Monday, January 28, 2019, and run until Sunday, February 3, 2019.

In conjunction with Southern Roots Festival Creative Director and Executive Producer, Aisha Davis of DESHO Productions, and NORTH&KING Developers, “Southern Roots,” founded by celebrity chef, Ashley Clay, will be presented directly across the street from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a first in Super Bowl history for a private festival. The seven-day experience will include family-friendly activations of culinary excitement, an outdoor pop-up mall, interactive gaming, a silent disco, live concerts from local and national talent and live demonstrations hosted across ten zones and two main stages.

Food Network’s Chef Penny Davidi, Chef Maneet Chauhan, Chef Tregaye Fraser, and Chef Michele Ragussis will participate in “Battle of the Culinary Divas” events at the Southern Roots Kitchen Stadium during the following days and times:

● Friday, February 1 (1 to 3 p.m.) “Battle of the Grits”

○ Hosted by Food Network’s favorite villain, Chef Penny Davidi, sponsored by Sugar Foods

○ Each celebrity chef partnered with NFL players to whip up unique grit dishes

○ Winning team to go on to Sunday cookoff playoffs

● Saturday, February 2 (1 to 3 p.m.) “Battle of the Mac ‘N’ Cheese”

○ Hosted by Food Network’s favorite villain, Chef Penny Davidi, sponsored by Sugar Foods

○ Each celebrity chef partnered with NFL players to create mac n’ cheese dishes

○ Winning team to go on to Sunday cookoff playoffs

● Game Day! Sunday, February 3 (1 to 3 p.m.) “Battle of the Chicken Wings”

○ Hosted by Food Network’s favorite villain, Chef Penny Davidi, sponsored by Sugar Foods

○ Final two celebrity chefs and NFL players battle for the crown

“We are thrilled to have Food Network stars join us for the Southern Roots Festival! Their presence will elevate our event as the premier culinary tailgating experience in Atlanta. I can’t wait to interact and cook with the talented women who are welcomed into 100 million households across the nations.” – Chef Ashley Clay, CEO/Founder

For more information, visit http://southernrootsexperience.com/. To apply for media coverage, click here.

ABOUT SOUTHERN ROOTS FESTIVAL

The Southern Roots Festival is a culinary tailgate entertainment experience hosted during Super Bowl LIII offering arts, music, culture and mouth-watering Southern cuisine. The festival features programming that highlights food, sports, gaming and special events curated by lifestyle influencers. It represents a collective vision of events and experiences that transcend color, sex, and cultural background.

ABOUT ASHLEY CLAY ENTERPRISES

Celebrity Chef Ashley Clay, an Atlanta native, is the founder of Chef Ashley, Inc, a catering empire, which includes Chef Ashley Enterprises and By The Pans. Chef Ashley was exposed to a style of cooking during her childhood and fused her unique Southern flair and traditional American influences to create flavorful masterpieces. Her dishes have delighted the likes of Atlanta royalty including Ludacris, Ciara, L.A. Reid, Floyd Mayweather, and Tyler Perry, all of whom helped catapult her into the political arena landing her private meetings in the Mayor’s office with senators and members of Congress. Most recently, Chef Ashley has become the go-to lifestyle and culinary curator for Atlanta’s Fortune 500 C-Suite executives. The serial entrepreneur is in the kitchen whipping up a recipe of success to produce her own line of seasonings, food products, and culinary expansion into restaurants and hotels. She’s also in talks with producers about creating a southern-centric food television show.

ABOUT FOOD NETWORK

FOOD NETWORK is a unique lifestyle network, website, and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food. The network strives to be viewers’ best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring, empowering and entertaining through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to nearly 100 million U.S. households and draws over 46 million unique web users monthly. Since launching in 2009, Food Network Magazine’s rate base has grown 13 times and is the No. 2 best-selling monthly magazine on the newsstand, with 13.5 million readers. Food Network is owned by Discovery, Inc., a global leader in real life entertainment whose portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, TLC, Investigation Discovery, and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

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