I was lured to Sea Life Park by the idea of a Sea Lion Encounter … up close and personal with these adorable playful animals – a fellow-finned cousin of the seal. At the time, I was in Honolulu in search of a beach break. Even the glorious Pacific Ocean beaches can, dare I say, become routine.
Near Miami’s luxe hotels is a place that drew me in with all my senses. I was in Miami, but was I really? This was Little Havana – authentic and easy. Miami has more than a million people of Latin origin who live and work there. It’s an American city with a distinctive Latin feel.
Monkey Island Estate did not disappoint. With its borders of huge white hydrangeas, resident geese amidst the verdant grass, and low white buildings, it’s a hotel like no other. Originally the fishing lodge of one of Princess Diana’s ancestors, the Earl of Spencer, the estate has always accommodated guests of the titled. It’s still quite spiffy these days.
I was aboard a small boat at the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge – 35,000 acres near the Caribbean coast of Honduras. From our boat, we could view the jagged top of famed Pico Bonito Mountain, peeking through the clouds, as we headed toward Pico Bonito Eco Lodge.
“The best thing about Milan is that it is on the way to Turin,” said one Torino to me. We were driving alongside the magnificent Alps that are a backdrop to Turin. This sophisticated, bustling city lies between better-known Milan and Bologna.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have quite a city for themselves. This university town, which inspired Catherine’s and William’s royal titles, is only 50 miles from London – great for a day trip or overnight stay.