EZTravelpad

Cirque du Soleil at Moon Palace Resort in Mexico

This Just In - Amazing Entertainment in Paradise this Summer!

2 of the greatest have teamed up - Palace Resorts, one of the finest brands in all inclusive resort vacations has gotten together with Cirque du Soleil - the master of amazing production shows, and come up with another fantastic reason to visit....

 

If you have not gotten your summer vacation plans set yet then this may be a must see -

Why Palace?

With several area resorts to choose from you can't miss - whether you would prefer to experience the adults only sophisticated chic of Le Blanc Spa - or the laid back nature of Playcar Palace, tickets are comp & so is the transportation to see the show

PLUS-

If you were not already aware, on stays of 5 nights or longer Palace includes $1500+ in resort credits to be used for cool things such as swimming with dolphins, golf, spa & more -

For more info and to check availability get with your travel agent.

What, don't have one? Then get with EZTravelPad - you'll be glad you did! 

 

 

 

Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun - a review

Reviewing Le Blanc Spa Resort (a Palace Resort) in Cancun, Mexico

 

Le Blanc Spa Resort is an adults only all-inclusive resort located in the hotel zone of Cancun, Mexico. It is located very close to the middle of the hotel zone actually, but exists a world away from what you would traditionally associate with Cancun all-inclusive resorts that often cater to the Spring Break crowd.

 

 

 

This resort is a far cry from typical and in high demand for Weddings and Honeymoons catering to the sophisticated crowd - urban chic, like something out of South Beach. You almost expect Rico Tubbs (Miami Vice) to walk around the corner at any minute...

The Beach is powdery white sand

The water is an blue as you dreamed it would be and The infinity pool says it all...

Guest Rooms

As you would expect, guest rooms are extremely well appointed and are as functional as they are luxurious featuring private balconies to enjoy the outdoors and 2 person in room jacuzzis to enjoy indoor.

Offering butler service in rooms, concierge service at the pools, Haute Cuisine in 5 a la carte restaurants and superior service at every turn, Le Blanc is very much a luxury oasis in Cancun. Nightly turndown service with petit fours, higher end bath products, pillow top beds that you will never want to leave all combine for a very nice package. See more at their website at this link

Beyond the typical amenities Le Blanc offers unlimited free phone calls back to the US, unlimited internet service, and best of all, $1500 resort credits on a 5-8 night stay (other levels exist for shorter and longer stays) that can be used for spa, room upgrades, wedding packages, swimming with dolphins, tours, golf at Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf & much more!

So can you tell that I liked it? Can you tell that I can't wait to go back?

Le Blanc is not for everyone, but if you consider yourself a person of discriminating taste that would prefer to be located close to the action and shopping in Cancun's Hotel Zone as opposed to further away down along the Riviera Maya then Le Blanc may just be for you when it's time to celebrate your Anniversary, Honeymoon, Destination Wedding or even just a luxurious retreat

Greg Norman Golf Academy at Sandals Emerald Bay

Sandals Hosting 2 Golf Academies at Sandals Emerald Bay on Exuma, Bahamas

Want to Take a Lesson from The Shark Himself?

That's right- As a special treat, legendary golf pro Greg Norman will be hosting a special complimentary clinic on June 17, 2011 for those who participate in the Academy.

Sandals Emerald Bay (Home to The Golf Channel's Big Break last season) will be hosting a couple of golf clinics coming up. During these clinics 4 PGA golf pros will teach 1, 2 & 3 day golf sessions. Golfers enrolled in the Academy will enjoy learning at the incredible Greg Norman designed oceanfront golf course at Sandals Emerald Bay on Exuma, Bahamas.

Not only is there intensive on-course instruction and assistance with course management, but additionally there will be V-1 video swing analysis

Dates available are in the June 11-18 or December 1-8 time frame, but as you might imagine- better not wait long to book it, these sorts of events can sell out quickly!

How can you get in on a once-in-a-lifetime event like this? Ask EZtravelpad

Greg Norman on Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course

Golf Enthusiasts Wanted at Greg Norman Designed Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course

Sick of the cold weather? Ready for a break - and a round of golf on the most gorgeous course in the Caribbean?

Maybe it's time to hit the links at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf course on Great Exuma in the Bahamas. But don't hear it from me, let Greg Norman tell you why....

 

By the way, if you saw The Golf Channel's Big Break Bahamas series, you know how gorgeous this place is...

Sure, you can book it yourself, but why pay too much and worry about whether you are selecting the room category that best suites your needs? Get a little help from "Your friends....in the travel business" let EZTravelpad help with the little details, and even the tee times! You just pack your bags and get ready to relax in the sunshine!

Win a Trip to Sandals Emerald Bay - Golf FREE

That's right- Win a Golf Trip to Sandals Emerald Bay

Golf 4 Rounds at Greg Norman's course on Great Exuma, Bahamas at the Sandals Emerald Bay resort. Spend 5 nights and 6 days golfing, sailing, scuba diving, wind surfing, eating, drinking - ALL complimentary!

You've heard of Sandals, and may know that they are the leader in Luxury Caribbean vacations for adult couples.

You've heard of Greg Norman - The Shark, one of the most famous golfers in the world - top course designer and all-around entrepreneur.

You may have even seen The Big Break - a reality show on The Golf Channel that pits aspiring young female golfers against each other with various challenges at the newly opened Greg Norman course Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club

But did you know that-

You could win a 5 night trip to Sandals Emerald Bay resort - click here to enter.

The package includes -

• 6 day, 5 night vacation at Sandals Emerald Bay
• Round-trip coach airfare for 2 from anywhere in the lower 48 (US)
• 4 rounds of golf at Emerald Bay
• $250 Spa credit at the Red Lane Spa of Emerald Bay
• $1000 of Men's and Women's golf apparel from Greg Norman's collection
• 1 Greg Norman Wines Estates Package
• 1 Greg Norman Australian Prime Package featuring Signature Wagyu beef
• 1 Nikon D3000 DSLR 2 lens package from Ritzcamera.com

So here's the deal- Enter the contest - THEN - Share the news.

Wouldn't you love to be responsible for your friend winning a trip like this?   Let them know about it!

• Share this post
• "Like" it on Facebook
• Tweet it - then RT it!
• Digg it
• Stumble it
• Buzz it

Copy the link and email it to your friends, and let them know where you found it- EZTravelpad

Oh, by the way- did you know that Emerald Bay is the first Sandals ALL BUTLER resort? That's right - this trip also includes your own personal butler - trained by The Guild of Professional English Butlers - for the entire trip - WOW~

EZTravelpad WANTS you to win this trip because we are - "Your friends....in the travel business"

The Greenbrier- America's Resort opens new Casino

The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV is Amazing.

Whether you go in the front door...

or the back door-

the feeling is the same- stately!

This is no typical West Virginia back porch!

and The Greenbrier is no typical resort!

The Greenbrier Resort, located in White Sulphur Springs, WV calls itself America's Resort. Situated directly in the middle of God's Country - in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, just a handful of miles from the Virginia state line, and just off I-64, the Greenbrier has entertained Presidents and A-list celebrities for nearly as long as the United States has been around.

The resort was constructed, in various stages, beginning it 1778. At one point the Greenbrier was home to the top secret "bunker" - an emergency home to the U.S. government in case of a nuclear attack- today you can tour this space that was once so very secret

Recently emerging from bankruptcy, and purchased by West Virginia native and business man Jim Justice, the Greenbrier is in the infancy of it's resurgence.

On my visit there in July you could feel the excitement in the air- you could see and hear the enthusiasm on the faces and in the voices of the employees- The Greenbrier is back!

In early July a major event took place, the grand opening of a new casino at The Greenbrier brought in celebrities like

• Jennifer Garner
• Ben Affleck
  
• Jessica Simpson
  
• Brooke Shields
  
• Jane Seymour
  
• Raquel Welch
  
• Barbara Eden
  
• Charles Barkley
  
• Jack Nicklaus
• Shaquille O'neal
• Michael Richards

A West Virginia native, Garner was quoted as saying - "I've been to a lot of beautiful places in this great country of ours and I haven't been to anything as glamorous as this"

But it's not just about gambling and casinos-

Recently the Greenbrier hosted a PGA tournament aptly named "The Greenbrier Classic"

Stuart Appleby shot a 59 on the last day of the tournament (which means I could expect to shoot 110 on a good day).

The are 3 courses to play at The Greenbrier- The Old White, The Greenbrier and The Meadows will challenge and invigorate you (or maybe that is due to the clean mountain air).

If other diversions are more your style, try your hand at-

• Falconry
• Archery
• Bowling
• Carriage Rides
• Croquet
• Geocaching
• Horseback Riding
• Hunting
• Kayaking
• Paintball
• Mountain Biking
• Shuffleboard
• Spa
• Tennis
• Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clays
• Whitewater Rafting
• Children's Programs
• and many more activities

You can enjoy a scenic view from the outdoor pool overlooking the golf course and Blue Ridge Mountains

 

Or an equally impressive indoor facility...

Arrive by rail-

When was the last time your were able to arrive at your resort by train (Amtrack stops at the front entrance)?

How cool would that be? Get on the train in downtown DC or Chicago, take a snooze, and next thing you know you're at the resort!

The Greenbrier is a great place to retreat to the mountains, and there's still time to enjoy the beauty this summer, and into the fall for the seasonal fall foliage.

Whether you are celebrating or just retreating, The Greenbrier is perfect for- 

• Honeymoon or Destination Wedding (PERFECT for that!)
• Family Vacation
• Relaxing Retreat
• Spa Vacation
• Corporate Team Building

EZTravelpad "Your friends....in the travel business" can help you find your way to Greenbrier, or other vacation destinations across the street- or across the globe.

Carolinas benefiting from Gulf Oil Spill

Oil Spill Drives Vacationers to Carolinas

View from a balcony room at Embassy Suites in Kingston Plantation at Myrtle Beach

The Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina is near capacity this summer as a result of the Gulf Oil Spill, and North Carolina beaches are seeing the same sorts of benefits as vacationers look for alternatives to the Gulf of Mexico Beaches they have vacationed at for generations.

Recently I was on a small shuttle running between the Hilton and Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach. There were 4 people on the shuttle (including my wife and myself) - all of which had rescheduled to Myrtle Beach because of the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and the impact it is having on Florida beaches. Now that's no scientific study, but when 2 out of 2 guests I bumped into were at Myrtle Beach for the 1st time, after vacationing in the Florida Panhandle for years, it tells me a little something.

And you know what, both of them said they LOVED it in Myrtle, and were planning on coming back next year. I'm not surprised- there is a lot to offer at the beaches of North and South Carolina- read on....

Family Fun Getaway – North vs South

Whether you choose NC or SC may depend on what you're into. Let's take a look...

Family Friendly Entertainment Abounds at Myrtle Beach SC

Myrtle Beach, SC is a wonderful place for a family beach vacation. It's clean, safe, convenient, affordable, and most of all- there's a TON of stuff to do.

Water Slides at the beach - right across the street from Amusement Park

 
Not into Amusement Parks? Well have you seen Toy Story 3 in 3D - on an Imax screen? You can at Broadway at the Beach, just a few miles inland from the beach-

Get in a few hours of shopping - maybe have lunch or dinner at one of the more popular restaurants like-

• Planet Hollywood
• Hard Rock Cafe
• Senor Frog's
• Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
• Joe's Crab Shack
• Many More

Want to see the weather in Myrtle Beach right now? Click here

Want more entertainment, shopping and dining options?

Check out Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, which features great options such as

• Greg Norman's
• House of Blues
• T-Bonz Bar & Grill
• Dick's Last Resort
• Many, many more-

If you want to take in top notch entertainment this is the place- I saw Aaron Neville at House of Blues and can tell you it is a fine venue! 

Alabama Theater at Barefoot Landing in N Myrtle Beach

Entertainment abounds throughout the area- whether it's H.O.B., Alabama Theater, Dixie Stampede, The Palace Theater, you are sure to find something you will love!

Don't forget the fun at Barefoot Landing- Lots of shopping and fun games await there too....

For the best and hottest bar in town check out 2nd Ave Pier in Myrtle Beach

Recently constructed on the existing pylons at 2nd Ave Pier in Myrtle beach is a place that will be rockin' for a long time to come. We were lucky enough to wander in less than 24 hours after they had the 1st liquor bottles delivered. The space is beautiful- open air on 3 sides overlooking The Grand Strand from 3 stories above the sand - you gotta check it out. Tell 'em EZTravelpad sent you!

Not the newest bar in town, but a great choice for late afternoon or evening entertainment is Ocean Annie's - right on the beach and just south of Kingston Plantation. Live music, great service, and about 2 steps up from the sand (approx 100 feet from the surf)

Ocean Annie's has long been a popular spot right on the beach in Myrtle

Solitude, Relaxation & Open Spaces Await North of the Border

So what is there to do at the North Carolina beaches? Honestly, there really isn’t a ton of entertainment options at most NC beaches- most are geared toward vacation home rentals. Most people bring food for the week & share cooking duties while not playing at the beach. Sure, there are a few restaurants and bars - mostly locally owned, and very friendly- but it ain't Myrtle Beach (not that there's anything wrong with that!). If what you want in a beach vacation is-

• ·        Playing in the surf
• ·        Tossing a ball
• ·        Playing Corn-hole
• ·        Building Sand Castles

These are the kinds of things to do at NC beaches, along with golfing nearby-

 
Clubhouse at Brunswick Plantation Golf Course

Stay at the condos available at Brunswick Plantation as single night hotel rooms at extremely competitive rates- ask me and I'll help (under $60 per night WITH jacuzzi)!!

There are many golf courses to choose from if the guys want to get away, but start early because the temps heat up quickly and you might not want to be on the golf course much after noon. Whether it's NC or SC- you will find HUNDREDS of courses to choose from in and around the NC/SC border where is meets the Atlantic Ocean

Shopping is limited, and there are few amusements- but for relaxing and sharing good times with friends and families The NC beaches offer a mellow vibe.

View crossing Sunset beach Bridge across Intercoastal Waterway

Some of the things you will find at NC beaches include-

• Solitude
• Space
• Nature
• Excellent Beaches

 

 Relaxing day at Sunset Beach in NC

Sunset Beach traffic- not too tough to deal with!

They may not have a beach in Calabash, but there sure is some great seafood- Calabash is know for it's Seafood buffets- and there are choices- plus some great little shops, but still continuing with that laid back feeling....

So it really depends on your style, and what type of pace you want to keep- Calm?

or not as calm?

 

It's your choice- but in either case, check out the Carolina beaches- some of your friends probably already have!

Spring Break Family Fun... All-Inclusive in U.S. - It IS Possible!

Spring Break, Family Fun, Alternative to Overseas Travel

Sandpiper is a Club Med property located in Florida & is a sports focused All-Inclusive located in the U.S.- The ONLY one!

One of the focuses of Sandpiper is Tennis, in fact it boasts a Tennis Academy

Send the kids- even the small ones! If you are raising the next Andy Roddick or Venus Williams you probably already know, but if you haven't heard of it, this is cute-

Here is a video of La Petit Tennis

But you don't have to be a tennis lover to go to Sandpiper, in fact these are just some of the activities included and available when you stay at the only AI in the US-

There's also a Golf Academy- want to improve your game while your kids do their thing? Got your place...and it's Club Med

In this Club Med Resort,the focus is on sports, novices and experts can try out exciting new sports and sensations. Under the supervision of qualified instructors, enjoy the highest standards of equipment.

• Archery
• Fitness
• Water Fitness
• In-line Skating
• Sailing
• Skateboard
• Softball
• Circus (yep- Circus!)
• Beach Volleyball
• Soccer
• Water Polo
• more...

Here's a sample of a promotion that has expired- but there may be another almost just as good....right around the corner

Book your next vacation at one of our selected Club Med Resorts and take advantage of one of these fantastic promotions : 50% off the second adult or Kids stay free  What is a Club Med vacation? A selection of upscale accomodations including suites and family suites Sporting activities and lessons available for children and teenagers Gourmet cuisine Exciting excursions* Club Med Baby Welcome program and more...     HALF OFF YOUR BETTER HALF (1)   Book a 7-night all-inclusive escape and enjoy 50% off the second person. Offer available at : Turkoise, Turks & Caicos - Cancun Yucatan, Mexico  Columus Isle, Bahamas - Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Sandpiper, Florida Caravelle, Guadeloupe - Buccaneer's Creek, Martinique       KIDS STAY FREE (2)   Enjoy a 7-night all-inclusive escape to Club Med and your kids stay free. Offer available at :  Cancun Yucatan, Mexico - Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Sandpiper, Florida Caravelle, Guadeloupe      Contact EZTravelpad today for all the details- 574-825-8079 or scott@eztravelpad.com

The package includes

Accommodations

Accommodations: you can choose from a wide variety of classic or deluxe rooms and suites according to your personal preference or depending on your need.

Childcare & children's programs

Club Med resort welcomes children and teenagers with activities for each age group and all coordinated by professionals. 

Facilities and customized programs for the care of children from 4 months to 17 years old.

Equipment designed to ensure the children's comfort and safety.

Operating times that allow parents to enjoy their day and evening, or set off on an excursion* without any worries.

 A wide range of activities, stimulating games, creative workshops, a multitude of sports and well needed quiet breaks.

Qualified, enthusiastic staff who accompany and guide children and teenagers in every activity.

Club Med Baby Welcome

Everything for your baby's comfort: high quality baby equipment and suitable food for babies up to 23 months.

Leisure

Adults swimming pool, Bocce Ball, Club Med Evenings®, Main swimming pool, Mini Club Med® / Petit Club Med® swimming pool, Swimming pool for training, Table tennis, Water volley ball.
> More Information

Restaurants & Bars

Gourmet dining and premium beverages: a variety of dining options are at your fingertips for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any time in between. Quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks* are included.
*Except for Champagne, VSOP and XO spirits, some premium brands, wine list, canned and/or bottled drinks and mini-bar, which are at an extra charge.

Sports & Activities

Did you ever want to train for The Circus? You can at Club Med

In this Club Med Resort,the focus is on sports, novices and experts can try out exciting new sports and sensations. Under the supervision of qualified instructors, enjoy the highest standards of equipment.

Golf AcademyIncluded in your package

Taste the pleasures of Golf, improve your technique and your handicap thanks to the training and coaching of professional certified golf pros. The Golf Academy (three day and two day courses available) provides all aspect of the game including Chipping, Pitching and Lob shot, Putting, Full swing with Irons and Woods, Bunker and uneven lies, Management of the course as well as analyzed video of your swing and an optional video comparing your swing with a pro player. Also available: Private lessons Marie Claire de Bortoli, Class A LPGA teaching and Club professional has worked for Club Med for over 10 years.She was nominated "USA teacher of the year" by the LPGA in 2005, and has also been nominated in the top 50 teachers in the USA in 2009 Click here for more information on the Golf Academy

I think you get the idea- Dig Sports?
Club Med
Want to give your kids the experience of a lifetime?
Club Med
Want to send your son to Tennis academy and your wife to go join the circus?
wait...did that come out wrong?

It's Club Med's Sandpiper in Florida
Now, if you do want to get outside the continental U.S. for a similar experience, Club Med had other family focused resorts located in - check out the videos of-

Guadeloupe
Cancun
Turks & Caicos

Punta Cana
France
Bahamas
Martinique
Morocco


1 thing you need to know, they are closing Sandpiper from Mid-August to Mid-December for renovations, so this fall is out- but family fun IS IN this summer- then the holidays and beyond!

Wanna get it booked, let EZTravelpad help- because we are "Your friends....in the travel business"

There's More to Las Vegas than Gambling, Shows, Prositutes and Great Food

There's So Much More to Las Vegas

I've been to Vegas many times over the years - much of that time soaking in the fun and excitement of casinos - some of that time spent taking in some fantastic shows (Love is a must see), I even got married out there at The Graceland Wedding Chapel - BUT
There is much more to the Las Vegas area, for instance-

• Conjure up the spirits of Bugsy Siegel, Liberace, Redd Foxx and Elvis on a ghost hunting tour
• Tour Techatticup Mining Camp for a one-of-a-kind tour into a haunted mine
• Boulder Dam Hotel is another reputed site of some spirits still with us
• Zip Line tours are available descending from the 1862 ft Red Mountain
• Desert Horseback Riding
• Kayak Red Rock Canyon
• Spas at every turn - both at casinos and off-property
• Premium golfing

As you know, Vegas is one of the more affordable cities to fly to from anywhere USA - hotels are quite affordable right now, and with much more than casinos and shows to see and do, maybe this is the late summer getaway you've been waiting for....

Luxury Villas - Perfect for an Extended Family of Group of Like-Minded Friends

Affordable Luxury - Imagine Life as You Wish to Live - And Love...

 

Imagine your getaway to this property on Virgin Gorda in The British Virgin Islands-

Luxury villas are becoming more available, and mainstream.

From Mexico to Caribbean to Hawaii, Greece, Italy, South Africa & Beyond

 

For groups of friends that want to get away from the hotel crowds, enjoy each other's company, prepare some of their own meals, and basically live in a luxury villa....this may be the ticket to paradise

Villas can be sleek and luxurious, like something out of Miami Vice, or comfortable and relaxing - more like Magnum PI - escape to your own private Wellness Resort

Luxury Villa rentals are perfect for extended family get-togethers, where you can relax away from crowded hotel buffets and enjoy the company you came to keep.

• Destination Wedding? - Perfect!
• Golf Holiday? - Exceptional!
• Corporate Retreat? - Nice Perk!
• Ski Chalet Rental? - Wax my skis baby!
• Girlfiend's Getaway? - Uber-perfect!

 

typically resort villas are located in premium locations, and sometimes even come fully staffed. Who doesn't want their own private chef on site?
Who doesn't want to vacation in luxury on Italy's Amalfi Coast, or in The Greek Islands?

From 3-8 bedrooms or more, villas can take you to a destination you otherwise would never experience.
One of the premier luxury villa rental companies is aptly named - Luxury Retreats
They are an excellent resource of information, and wonderful to work with. in fact, all of the photos seen here are of properties managed by Luxury Retreats.
EZTravelpad can work with Luxury Retreats, and can help plan your dream vacation to....almost anywhere!