Monthly Archives: February 2014

Mandarin Oriental Miami: Girls’ Getaway Special

I recently returned form the Mandarin Oriental Miami on Brickell Key.  I was greeted with floor to ceiling windows and a great view of the bay. They are currently adding a bar in this lobby which should be completed by the end of the month.

Mandarin Oriental Miami Lobby

Pictured here is a lovely Deluxe Room with a four piece bath and pass through window above the soaker tub.

Mandarin Oriental Deluxe Room

Pictured now is a view of a junior suite with over 500 sq. feet of space.

Mandarin Oriental Junior Suite

Below is one of their beautiful Brickell Suites with a gorgeous freestanding tub.  These are all located in the middle of the building so they have amazing views.

Brickell Suite Brickell Suite Tub

My gorgeous view from the Mandarin Oriental Miami.

Mandarin Miami View

Mandarin Oriental Miami offers rooms that are beautiful and have amazing views of the bay or city. They offer 2 restaurants and a bar. They have a fabulous spa. They also have an expanded pool deck and a beach area with cabanas. The location is perfect for taking the water trolley around the area to shops and restaurants too.  The hotel is only about ten minutes away from the Miami cruise terminal. It is an ideal location for pre or post cruise vacations.

Miami is also an ideal warm weather getaway for a girls’ trip. Right now they are offering a day of pampering that can be booked with or without a stay at the hotel.  The package is for 4-5 girls and includes access to Oasis Beach Club,  one 50-minute Hot Stone Massage each, one Mandarin Oriental Manicure each, half day in a luxurious Beach Cabana and lychee martinis for the group. Price is $250 per person.

If you would like to book a stay , my company is a preferred partner with Mandarin Oriental Miami and has access to extra amenities that include breakfast for two, upgrade at check-in if available, and $100 credit for spa of food.

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Filed under Florida

Voluntourism: Giving Back While You Travel

Today’s travelers are choosing vacations that offer just a little bit more- more experiences, more service, more wine and food, more postcard memories.  But there is a growing trend that the more fulfillment they are looking for is found by giving back to others. Volunteering to help others is not new, but doing it while on vacation is somewhat. It is a great way to help out a country or people in need and maybe leave the place a little better than when you arrived. It is also a great way to get to know the people and what their day to day lives are like. And it is a fantastic experience for families to bond, learn, and share with others.

The opportunities to volunteer are endless.  There are many schools, orphanages, and shelters that can use help in South Africa. You can even help just by taking a safari with Micato Safaris who sends a child to school for each safari they sell. Greaves Tours can take you to visit a school for blind children in Mumbai. Crystal Cruises program ” You Care. We Care” offers free volunteer shore excursions at many ports such as rescuing marine animals in Spain and planting trees in Iceland. Shoretrips GIVE program allows you to help at ports while sailing on any cruise line. You can read to preschoolers in Antigua or Aruba, feed the hungry in Barbados or St. Lucia, and help with animals in Mexico or St. Thomas. These are just a few of the chances you have to help.

The next time you plan a vacation, think about giving a little of your time and service to help others.

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Filed under Cruises, Family Travel