Travel and Vacations

There are three kinds of management involved with resorts: Front-of-House Management, Heart-of-House Management I, and Heart-of-House Management II. Heart-of-House Management refers to managing the resort areas that support front-of-house operations. This type of management deals with the physical plant, grounds, energy, accounting, and purchasing functions of a resort hotel. These support areas are critical to the successful operation of a resort hotel, but great care is taken to keep the guests from seeing this aspect of the facility to ensure higher levels of guest satisfaction.

A resort is a place used for relaxation or recreation. As a result, people tend to seek out a resort for holidays or vacations. Generally, a resort is run by a single company, which attempts to provide for all or most of a vacationer’s wants while staying there, such as such as food, drink, lodging, sports, entertainment, and shopping.

Towns that contain resorts—or where tourism or vacationing is a major part of the local activity—are often called resort towns. The term resort is sometimes misused to identify a hotel that does not provide the other amenities required of a resort. However, a hotel is frequently a central feature of a resort.

The Walt Disney World Resort is perhaps the most famous example of a resort in the world, however, resorts exist throughout the world. Resorts are especially prevalent in Central America and the Caribbean.

A resort is sometimes called a destination resort. This is a common usage when the facility provides food, drink, lodging, sports, entertainment, and shopping within the facility so that customers have no need to leave the facility once they arrive. Commonly these facilities are of higher quality than would be expected if one were to stay at a hotel or eat in a town’s restaurants.

An all-inclusive resort is a resort that, besides providing all of the common amenities of a resort, charges a fixed price that includes most or all items. At a minimum, most inclusive resorts include lodging, unlimited food, drink, sports activities, and entertainment for the fixed price.

Pros and cons of all-inclusive resorts

A frequent critique of all-inclusive resorts is that they do not help the local economy or that they damage the local environment. People who hold this view usually cite the fact that most resorts are located in relatively remote areas away from major local population centers, making it hard for the people staying there to see any local sights or patronize local business. They also say that most resorts are owned and run by large multinational corporations, such as Club Med, Sandals or Hedonism Resorts thus diverting money away from local companies.

Proponents of all-inclusive resorts point to the fact that these resorts usually bring large numbers of visitors to the country, who must travel through local airports and towns to arrive at the resort. They also state that the resorts provide jobs in areas that are economically impoverished and away from the major centers. Resort popularity can sometimes drive up property values to such a degree that the resort workforce cannot afford to live near their workplace, causing the creation of nearby bedroom communities. This phenomenon is especially prevalent near ski resorts in the American West, and resorts in otherwise impoverished nations.

A Mega resort, a type of destination resort, integrates the services offered by a hotel, casino, dining, entertainment, and shopping into a single, large, and highly stylized or themed venue. The hotels along the Las Vegas Strip are most typically thought of as mega resorts owing to their immense size and complexity.

The first mega resort is generally considered to have been The Mirage given its size and emphasis on non-gaming entertainment options like shopping and fine dining to draw in customers. Mega resorts use the same fantastic or mythical theme (medieval life at Excalibur, tropical at The Mirage, famous cities, etc.) throughout their properties.
A luxury resort, sometimes referred to as an exclusive resort, is a very expensive vacation facility which is fully staffed and has been rated with five stars. Luxury resorts often boast many visitor activities and attractions such as golf, water sports, spa and beauty facilities, skiing, natural ecology and tranquility. There are luxury resorts all over the world from North America to the Caribbean and South America, from Europe to Asia, Africa to the Middle East, and the South Pacific to Australia.

A luxury resort is an elite luxury property which exhibits an exceptionally high degree of customer service and hospitality. A flawless execution of guest services will be the resort staff’s and managements main concern. A luxury resort will commonly also feature a superb architectural interior and exterior design as well as an interesting physical location.

The interior design will normally be elegant with stylish bedroom decor, exceptional dining facilities, and manicured landscaping and meticulous grounds. Luxury resorts will often also be in based in exceptionally desirable and strategic worldwide locations, from beautiful tropical islands, to snow caked mountains, to scenic lakes and rivers, to exhilarating cities. The locations will often be famous for featured activities from skiing to golf, water spots, diving, fishing, sailing and nature walks to glamorous shopping and nightlife entertainment.

A luxury resort may vary greatly in character, style and theme from resort to resort. A luxury resort will, however, normally be characterized by a high level of luxury, sophistication and off course price. Accommodations are first class, whether they follow a classic and traditional nature or a more minimalist and modern styling. An unmatched level of comfort will be available at a luxury resort, as well as many personalized services and amenities.

A ski resort is a ski area with a village and/or accommodations and other amenities at the base of the mountain. Ski resorts often have other activities to engage in besides skiing and snowboarding, such as snowmobiling, sledding, horse-drawn sleds, dog-sledding, ice-skating indoor swimming and hottubbing, game rooms, and local forms of entertainment. Ski resorts may be self-contained and entirely devoted to ski tourism (for example Vail ski resort) or they may be near a village or town that had a significant existence before the ski resort was built, such as Jackson Hole, Wyoming or Park City, Utah.

On such a wintery day, I can’t help but daydream about my recent whirlwind trip to Ambergris Caye, a small island off the northeastern coast of Belize—a place so consistently warm that residents easily (and even somewhat wistfully) recall in detail the one day of the year they wore a sweater.

I was there to check out a hotel for T+L’s “40 Secret Beach Hideaways” (March 2010), and expected to spend most of my time stretched out on a white sand beach, piña colada in hand. The island, after all, is only 25 miles long and one mile wide. And while I did my fair share of reclining, I was surprised—and thrilled—to discover how many activities are available to the traveler.

Here’s my short list for how to best explore the island and its surroundings.STAY The six thatched-roof casitas at the beachfront Xanadu Island Resort,consist of 19 one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, each appointed with plush sofas, full kitchens, and private balconies

that look out on the Caribbean Sea. The small staff is both friendly and attentive. (San Pedro; 011-501/226-2814; $190)EAT Be sure to try the excellent huevos rancheros at Estel’s, an easy to miss, white-and-aqua breakfast spot with wooden tables, a chalkboard menu, and a sand floor that spills onto the beach. (501/226-2019; breakfast for two $20)

DO Arrange a three-hour snorkeling excursion with local guide Alfonse Graniel to Hol Chan—teeming with rainbow parrot fish, loggerhead turtles, and octopus, it’s the second largest barrier reef in the world. (San Pedro; 501/226-2814; from $25)DO On the mainland, check out Mayan ruins (the largest pyramid at Xunantunich or “Stone Woman” rises 130 feet above the plaza, pictured above) and then go cave tubing on a half- or full-day excursion with Ed’s Eco Tours. Along the way, the very knowledgeable Edward Allen points out rare bird (Jabiru stork) and plant species. (Belize City; 501/601-1982; from $150)

EAT There are several good dinner options in the main town of San Pedro, which has just three colorful main streets (aptly named Front, Middle, and Back), but I especially enjoyed the atmosphere at the open-air Hidden Treasure restaurant, set about five minutes south of town. With a bamboo fence, a dark wood walkway lined with torches, and a traditional menu (I had the seafoord ceviche, Butterfly lobster, and coconut pie), it’s the perfect ending to a full day. Just don’t forget bug spray!

(501/226-4111; dinner for two $60).

xanaduresort-belize,

United States

US

Phone: + 011-501-226-2814

Email – info@xanaduresort-belize.com

Url:- www.xanaduresort-belize.com

Flexeiras, Ceara, Brazil, October 18, 2009 – Brazil is the fifth largest country on Earth, with the world’s tenth largest economy. Brazil’s size underscores its stability. In the current global economic climate, Brazil has been hit less hard and is recovering faster than neighboring nations. For these reasons, developers chose Brazil to build the Coral Lake and Beach Resort.

Some go to Brazil for the culture and the climate. The Coral Lake and Beach Resort was built with an eye for such travelers. Others come to Brazil for the fantastic business and economic development opportunities. The Coral Lake and Beach Resort was built by the vision of such developers.

The Coral Lake and Beach Resort is already preparing for a deluge of tourist traffic in the next few years. With the prestigious World Cup coming to Brazil in 2014, the resort is just a little over one hour away from the World Cup stadium.

In Flexeiras, the Coral Lake and Beach Resort is a genuine product of international cooperation. It is a testament to the economic vitality of the gorgeous and distinguished country of Brazil. Brazil is a shining light of culture and commerce in the southern hemisphere. At the Coral Lake and Beach Resort, that light shines bright.

About Coral Lake and Beach Resort

Coral Lake and Beach Resort is known as a world-class travel destination. It is located on famous Flexeiras Beach, in the northeastern state of Ceara. This Brazilian beach was voted by the Washington Post as one of the best beaches on Earth. Coral Lake and Beach Resort is comprised of an international community of investors, developers and businesspeople. The community at Coral Lake and Beach Resort promises opportunities to vacation in a luxurious Brazilian paradise. The beauty of this paradise lies in its versatility. Travelers to the Coral Lake and Beach Resort come for many inspired reasons, including the rejuvenating effects of the dazzling Atlantic Ocean, the peace and quiet of the secluded lagoon, and the 5 star amenities of the hotel and private villas.

In fact, enterprising investors looking for a new market need not look farther than the Coral Lake and Beach Resort, situated at the heart of Brazil’s beach culture. For this and other reasons, the Coral Lake and Beach Resort is a growing investment opportunity in and of itself. Many investors are projecting a 200% plus return on their investment in this fresh Brazilian market.

The Coral Lake and Beach Resort is also a focal point for expected growth because the 2014 World Cup will be hosted in Brazil. The resort is just over an hour away from one of Brazil’s biggest stadiums and the international airport. By the time of the 2014 World Cup, Brazilian road improvement plans in anticipation of the event promise to make the trip to Coral Lake and Beach Resort even shorter. The host city of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, another major feather in the cap of this thriving South American country.

The forward-thinking developers of the Coral Lake and Beach Resort meticulously planned their endeavor. They entered into working partnerships with award-winning Brazilian architects to design the resort. The legal infrastructure for the Coral Lake and Beach Resort was laid down by one of the leading law firms in all of Brazil. These powerful native intellects teamed up with international investors from as far away as Spain and the UK. The end result is a wonderful synthesis of ideas and design. Properties in the immediate area of Coral Lake and Beach Resort are already demanding high resale prices. The Financial Times has described Brazil as the best place to put your money for the next 10 years.

Contact:

Coral Lake and Beach Resort

Flexeiras, Ceara, Brazil

Today, travelers could be overwhelmed by the numerous travel deals being offered. Therefore you should weigh all options before choosing the right one in order to get the most out of it.

The greatest secret to getting an affordable airfare or best travel discounts is to know your budget and what do you really want. Additionally, you should shop and compare deals until you run out of options and choose the best among them.

And importantly, always plan ahead. Nothing is too early when it comes to vacation planning. This will give you ample time to search and choose.

Whether you’re a business traveler or planning a family vacation, here are some travel tips to save you money and choose the best deal:

1. Buy your ticket directly. Travel agents usually charge between $15 and $35 per ticket.

2. Buy your ticket all at the same time instead of buying one at a time. Booking fee may be discounted.

3. Booking for a package tour could be a wise choice for some destinations.

4. When planning a more complex trip, a travel agent can save you more time and money.

5. Compare prices online for the best deal. There are websites that help travelers to shop and compare. Some also provide travel tips and guidelines.

6. Play the seasons. Some travel destinations are cheapest at certain times or season of the year. Booking for an off-peak season also would give you the best deal. 7. Be flexible with travel dates and times. Some airlines and hotels offer substantial discounts if you book one or two days earlier.

8. Smaller airlines often have lesser fees. Additionally, small airlines don’t necessarily mean smaller airplanes.

9. Alternative airport also could provide you with substantial discounts. Ask your travel agent about it.

10. Plan ahead. The earlier you book, the better deal you will have.

11. Buy trip insurance. Insurance will not only save your life but also could save you money. If you end up being sick in foreign country, your insurance back home might not cover it. Thus you might end up using your vacation budget on hospitalization.

12. Sign up for hotel and airline awards programs. Chain hotels usually have award programs; take advantage of it especially if you are a frequent business traveler. Finally, never stop bargaining, always explore the possibility of lower airfare, lower hotel rates. However, it is important to weigh and compare all options since not all cheap travel deals will give you the travel value you deserved. Travel will be more enjoyable if you get the most of your hard earn vacation budget.

There are a huge number of resorts in the Maldives to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets. Here, we’ll take you through many of the popular destinations.

Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives

Angsana is located in the Ihuru islands (North Male Atoll) and is a short 14 km distance from the capital of Male.

The resort contains 45 villas – some of the nice features of these include thatched roofs, individual private gardens and pleasant verandas. Guests can choose between deluxe beachfront villas and standard beachfront villas.

Ihuru has a great reputation for having some of the finest house reefs in the Maldives and so is a good destination for those wanting to do a bit of diving and snorkelling.

The spa at Angsana offers a wide range of treatments including facials, massages and various others.

Asdu Sun Island Maldives

Asdu Sun Island is a three star resort with 30 rooms located in the Kaafu (Male) Atoll.

While it may not be one of the more luxurious choices, Asdu Sun Island does offer the usual range of activities including diving, canoeing, snorkelling, fishing and more.

Additional facilities include a reading library where guests can take out books to read by the beach plus a video hall and internet surfing.

Bandos Island Resort Maldives

The Bandos resort has 225 guestrooms of varying types – guests can choose from standard, deluxe, garden villas, Jacuzzi beach villas, and water villas. The resort is located in the North Male atoll.

Bandos first opened in 1972 although it has grown considerably since then to become one of the largest Maldives resorts with facilities to match. For example, just some of the facilities include tennis courts, a coffee shop (and five restaurants), a disco & bar, gym & sauna, pool room, a couple of swimming pools, beauty salon as well as a spa offering massages.

The diving facilities are good with a diving school offering diving courses.

Banyan Tree Maldives

The Banyan Tree is another luxurious resort set in the North Male atoll. The resort offers five different types of rooms from standard to ocean view villas. There’s a choice of four restaurant and bars, a very good spa, and excellent recreation facilities including diving, snorkelling & deep sea fishing to name but a few.

Baros Island Resort Maldives

Located in North Male Atoll, Baros is just a 20 minute speedboat ride from Male airport. The resort offers three types of accommodation – water villas, baros villas and deluxe villas.

There are several bars & restaurants offering a wide selection of continental & oriental cuisines.

The recreational facilities at Baros are huge, and aside from the standard diving & snorkelling options offered at practically all resorts, Baros offers several additional services – badminton, aerobics and cycling are just a few of these.

Bathala Island Resort Maldives

Certainly one of the smaller resorts located in the Ari Atoll, Bathala is well regarded by divers.

The 4 star resort contains 37 cottages and is better suited to those who do not plan to do much other than laze away.

Biyadhoo Island Resort Maldives

Biyadhoo is located on the Kaafu Atoll (South Male Atoll) is a four star resort containing a total of 96 rooms. The resort is highly regarded as a good place for diving and snorkeling. Certainly an island for those looking for water sports and activity in addition to the spectacular scenery that the Maldives offers.

Boduhithi Island Resort Maldives

This club style resort with over 80 rooms is a particular favourite with Italian clientele. As you would expect, this means a high number of available activities and all the fine Italian dining you can handle. The staff are also predominantly Italian.

Boduhithi is located in the North Atoll (Kaafu) and has an official rating of four stars.

Bolifushi Island Resort Maldives

Located in the South Male Atoll, about 12km Southwest of Male this 4 star rated resort has three types of rooms – Boli, Beach Villa and Water Villa.

The facilities are good and offer diving, snorkelling, scuba diving and plenty of other activities. There is also good Spa.

Club Med Farukolhufushi Maldives

Set in the North Atoll, this island resort is very good for scuba diving and watersports. The 4-star resort offers a wide range of facilities and 150 rooms. There are two room types – superior, and superior with balcony.

Tuition is available for water-sports including windsurfing and sailing while other activities on offer including kayaking, beach volley, soccer, water-polo and more. The resort also offers a swimming pool, spa, arts/crafts workshop, a TV/pool room and more.

Coco Palm Resort & Spa Maldives

This five star resort is located on the private island of Duikolu (Baa Atoll) and is approximately half an hour via sea-plane from the Capital of Male.

The accommodation is highly luxurious and there are four types of rooms from beach villas to the incredible lagoon palace suite.

The resort offers several restaurants and bars, all set in highly tranquil locations and also has a highly recommended spa.

Activities and diving are also available with a diving school and plenty of sports such as water-skiing, canoeing, surf-biking, sailing & more. Tennis, badminton, volley ball are also on offer and the resort has a gym too for the health conscious.

Cocoa Island Maldives

Cocoa Island is a five star resort in South Male Atoll and is approximately 30 minutes from Male via speedboat.

The rooms are of a high standard and come in varying types including one and two bed villas, dhoni loft suites and dhoni standard suites.

The main activities on offer are diving, water-sports and island hopping.

Dhonveli Beach & Spa Resort Maldives

Not surprisingly, “Dhonveli” in Maldian stands for “crystal white sand”. This is a five star resort with five different types of rooms that is located on the North Male Atoll.

The resort has one main restaurant, the Banana Garden Restaurant but also offers a sunset bar & coffee shop.

There are several of the usual indoor and outdoor recreational facilities available, including “big game fishing” and “adventure cruising”. Floodlit tennis/badminton, carom, table tennis are a few of the more traditional activities on offer and the resort has a gym and spa too.

Ellaidhoo Tourist Resort Maldives

Located on the North Ari Atoll is the four star Ellaidhoo resort. It’s quite a distance from Male (over an hour by speedboat although only 20 minutes via seaplane). Ellaidhoo is one of the smaller resorts and the whole island is around 300 metres long and 280 metres wide.

There are 156 rooms split up into standard, superior and deluxe. The dining facilities include the restaurant, coffee shop and bar.

Diving & recreation activities are available and these include island hopping, snorkelling safaris, morning fishing, an excursion to Male and more. There is also a Spa.

Embudu Village Maldives

This four star resort is set in Kaafu Atoll and the island is just 300 metres long. There is a very easy-going feel to the island. There are 118 rooms divided between standard, superior and water bungalow rooms.

As you would expect, the main activities in Embudu are diving, water sports and a feast of additional activities normally found in Maldives reorts.

There is a restaurant, bar and coffee shop serving a variety of food and beverage.

Eriyadu Island Resort Maldives

Set in the North Male Atoll, Eriyadu is a four star resort that contains 57 superior rooms only. It’s a 45 minute transfer via speedboat from the capital Male. It’s a 4-star resort.

There is a restaurant, bar and coffee shop available for guests and there are good diving facilities available as you would expect.

Filitheyo Island Resort Maldives

Situated on the Faafu Atoll, Filitheyo is a five star resort with 125 villas of different types.
Filitheyo offers a main restaurant, a couple of bars and a coffee shop and several of the standard diving & recreational facilities are available including cultural shows and live music too.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives

Set in the North Male Atoll, Four Seasons is a spectacular five star resort with 106 rooms of various types (from standard beach villas and beach bungalows with outdoor showers to water villas).

The resort offers three restaurants and two bars and some of the features include a healthy offering of vegetarian food as well as themed nights.

The facilities & recreational amenities are very good – as well as the standard Maldives offerings guests can try their hand at aerial excursions, catamaran sailing, big game fishing and island hopping.

The resort is a half hour transfer via speedboat from Male.

Full Moon Resort Maldives

The five star Full Moon resort is located in the North Male Atoll and is a 20 minute speedboat ride from Male.

There are 156 rooms – from deluxe and cottage rooms to water bungalows and water villas. The architecture has a very traditional, wooden feel and the accommodation is very comfortable.

No less than five different restaurants offer a huge selection of international cuisine and keep the guests pallets delighted at all times. There are also three bars and a coffee shop.

While most Maldives resorts have their own spas, the Full Moon spa is actually located on a separate island – a delightful touch.

A good range of activities and recreation are also on offer.

Hakuraa Club Maldives

On the Meemu Atoll lies the four star Hakuura Club offering either beach or water bungalows. The resort is 130km from Male. A good range of activities and recreation are offered.

Halaveli Holiday Village Maldives

This is a three star resort in the Ari Atoll offering a range of beach bungalows. The transfer from the airport is half an hour by sea plane or 1.5 hours via speedboat. Dhon transfers are available but take 360 minutes.

There is a main restaurant and bar offering a wide range of cuisine. A fair standard or recreation and diving facilities are also available.

This is a fair option for those with a tight budget that are looking for a Maldives experience. While the rooms are not exactly cheap, they are more affordable than the four and five star options available.

Helengeli Tourist Village Maldives

Helengeli is a four star resort that’s based in the Kaafu Atoll. There are 50 beach villas available and offers the usual choice of recreation and activities. To name a few, they include Spa, restaurant/bar, internet facilities, freshwater pool as well as dhoni/speedboat/seaplane hire. There is also a dive school.

Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa Rangali Island Maldives

The luxurious five star Hilton is not for those with a fragile budget! Located in the South Ari Atoll, the resort is 90km from Male airport.

There are 150 rooms divided into standard/deluxe beach villas, water bungalows, and sunset water villas.

The main restaurant is the Atoll restaurant containing two open kitchens. The sunset bar & grill is a lovely addition built over the water with stunning views of the lagoon. You can even have a private barbeque specially made by a resort chef.

Some great recreational & diving activities are offered including swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness rooms & spa and a huge range of water & other sports.

These are just a handful of the premier holiday resorts available in the Maldives. While all tend to be mid to high end, your choice may be determined by the type of holiday you’re interested in so some further research is always recommemded.