Romantic Gateway - Savannah, USA

If, going back into the past and enjoying a romantic evening with candles and riding in carriages is your idea of a Romantic Gateway, then Savannah is the place for you.

Savannah is located two hours from Charleston and on the banks of the Savannah River.  This beautiful city takes you back in the past with its historical buildings and environment along with the magnificent architecture dating back to the 18^th and 19^th century.  It has all the ingredients of a truly romantic gateway with delightful parks laden with flowers and fountains, carriage rides, trolleys and even haunted mansions.  It is as if we have been transported back into the past by some magical spell.  Savannah has an array of well-preserved historical properties as tourist attractions which are a treat to watch.  Savannah works at a very leisurely pace and the people here are very friendly and hospitable.

The most romantic feature of this town is a tour of the city riding in a traditional horse-driven carriage.  Sit along with your beloved one in the back of the cozy carriage as you are taken on a tour through the various tourist attractions in Savannah describing the history and architectural splendor of this magnificent city.

Another option to explore this city is through the old town trolley tours which are conducted tours along with guides who give a running commentary about the various attractions as you pass by. 

Savannah is said to be the most haunted city of America and ghost tours are organized as an evidence to this fact.  You can hear the locals say that almost 80% of the houses in Savannah are spooked.  So, how about staying with a ghost for company along with your partner.  Isn’t it a romantic as well as a haunting feeling? 

Some of the architectural attractions of Savannah include the Flannery O’Conner House (childhood home) which has been transformed into a visitor centre.  Then there is the Juliette Gordon home, the Girl scout founder.  The Savannah History Museum is yet another option to see the beautiful historic treasures of this city.

The Telfair museum of Art in fact, is the oldest Art museum found in this area which is rich in art and culture of Savannah.  This city also has a historical landmark in the form of Savannah’s Railroad, which is one of the most oldest repair and manufacturing facility in the US of A. It also has a museum which consists of various exhibits of locomotives and steam engines.

If you and your partner love shopping, Savannah has a lot to offer.  It has numerous shops filled with unique gift articles and mementos for those special occasions.  There are also very good boutique and art galleries to go through.  Most of these shops are located inside old fashioned buildings which gives you the feeling of shopping in a past era. 

This ancient-looking city comes to life with events such as the Savannah Film Fest and the St.Patrick’s Day Festival when huge crows converge on this quiet and charming city which is then overflowed with tourists.  People party all through the day and night and enjoy the feel of this place.

Another choice for a romantic gateway is the Savannah River boat Cruise which leads you through the calm and splendid river of Savannah. 

Staying at one of the hotels and Inns in Savannah is an experience in itself as you are transformed from the current world to a place in the past.  Staying in an old fashioned large room with antique furniture, royal carpets and chandeliers gives you the feeling of going back in times and living in a royal room.  This is an ideal setting for that romantic evening and nights you may have dreamed of.  Many couples come down to Savannah to get married and then enjoy their honeymoons in some of the best inns or hotels in Savannah for a ‘Royal’ treatment.

So, next time you are planning on something unique, visit Savannah for a total ‘out-of-this-world’ experience.

Romantic Gateway - Mykonos, Greece

MYKONOS, the playground of the rich and the famous.  The place where people from all over the world visit for staying in a atmosphere which is totally absorbing and enchanting, where every couple wants to enjoy the spirit of Greece and its traditional warmth.

Mykonos is a destination which is totally dependent on tourism.  It is a granite island located in the Aegean Sea south-east of Greece.  The town of Mykonos is set atop a big granite mountain and all the building are painted in white giving Mykonos its unique feature.  Mykonos, in fact, means ‘Mass of stones’ and is the name of the son of King of Delos.  It is a part of the Cyclades islands and is one of the most expensive islands of Greece which is visited by almost all the famous personalities from across the globe.

The town of Mykonos consists of number of small streets, shops and churches all painted white in color and having vibrant drapes.  The shops of Mykonos have an array of souvenirs and jewellery and as such are a shopper’s paradise.

Mykonos is the ideal Romantic Gateway for couples who like to enjoy beautiful places and the wild side of night entertainment.  Staying at one of the many hotels or having a room in Mykonos is a romantic experience itself.  Just laze about with your partner and observe the various activities that go on in front of you.  If your accommodation is on the outskirts of Mykonos, it is even more magnificent to observe the vast sea before you along with the beaches and the ever populated Mykonos Harbor with its various ships and boats.  Many of the hotels have their own swimming pools which add to the flavor of the romanticism. 

The sandy beaches of Mykonos along with their azure clear water make them one of the most scenic places on the European travel circuit.  These beaches are the happening places in the city where you find numerous activities going on along with a number of water sports, sunbathing, playing a game of volleyball or just strolling with your partner.  Nudism is accepted in Mykonos and if you prefer this, have a ball in this city of Greece.  The famous beaches of Mykonos can be named as Platys Gialos, super paradise, Elia beach, Houlakia ornos, Ftelia & Glios Stefano.  Each of these beaches is worth a visit.  Scuba diving, wind surfing, kayaking are among the few of the water sports that can be experienced in Mykonos.  The famous beach of Agios Loannis is a landmark spot for various movies. 

Another great attraction of Mykonos is its night life.  After sunset falls on the beaches of Mykonos and lights go up, a different side of this great town can be seen.  Mykonos wakes up to another kind of environment.  The small streets are filled with tourists, their hurried feets moving up to the nearest pubs, bars, nightclubs, discos and cafes.  The air is fill with the sound of hard music and DJ all around the world gather to deliver their best.  Nightlife in Mykonos is an experience that has to be experienced (not for couples who like solitude and a quite night).  This night life ranks among one of the best and wildest in Europe and people from all round the globe come to this little town to enjoy it.  So, when in Mykonos, don’t miss this exciting nightlife with your partner as you can just freak out the whole night visiting the various nightclubs or discos dancing and dining and having a night of your life. 

Along with these attractions Mykonos has a number of tourist attractions.  There are various architectural and historical sights in Mykonos.  The main among them are the historic windmills of Mykonos which gives us an insight into the rich agricultural history of Mykonos.  Most of these are non-operational and the Boris windmill is now turned into a museum.  Another site visiting is the church of Panagia Paraportiani which is very famous throughout Greece and has been built around the late 1400s.  Then there is the Armenistis lighthouse which was constructed in 1891 and is still operational.  Nearby is the village of Ano Mera which has the monastery of Panagia Tourliani and the all female Paleokastro Monastery along with remains of Gyzi castle. Besides with these attractions don’t miss the Town Hall of Mykonos which is a two-storied building which now houses the Municipality of Mykonos.

The official population of Mykonos is only 9,000 inhabitants but in peak season this population crosses a million a year due to the vast tourists that visit this wonderful and charming city.  Lastly, a word about Petros the Pelican.  He is the mascot of Mykonos.  He was found in 1954 and later became a family of the Mykonos people.  He died in 1986 but is now being reviewed by 3 more pelicans, one of them named after Petros. 

Mykonos is the perfect destination for a wild Romantic Gateway.

Romantic Gateway - VENICE

VENICE – ‘The City of Love’, the name spells romance.  It is in fact one of the most Romantic places in the world.  A perfect place to go for your honeymoon, where romance is in the air, in each and every part of Venice.  The ideal and ultimate Gateway for the most romantic place on earth.

When you hear about Venice, the first thing you picture in front of your eyes are the Gondolas.  These are the perfect transport for a romantic ride through the backwaters of Venice sitting next to your loved one and the oarsman behind you, the picture perfect romantic snap.  There are various spots where you can hire a gondola.  A ride costs you anything between $90 to $150, depending on the route and time taken.  The other options are the Grand Canal Boatride in a Vaporetto (water bus) which is $7 – 8, or a Traghetto for a 90 second ride (75 cents).  For a truly great experience through the Gondola, try this route – Start from Piazza San Marco – Grand Canal – under ‘Bridge of Sighs’ – Church of Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio at La Fenice Theatre.  Watch the play or ballet and then have a meal at the nearby trattorias or street hotels for a traditional Italian cuisine.

The views of Venice are the best that one can get of a romantic postcard, may it be riding in a vaporetto or feeding pigeons at Piazza San Marco.

Piazzo San Marco – This is the busiest place in Venice as well as one of the grandest square all over Europe.  People gather here all throughout the day and night, some take pictures of romantic Venice, while other feed the pigeons, some others just watch and relax absorbing the atmosphere.  It is also known as St.Mark’s square as it has the famous St.Mark’s cathedral near it.  Also there are the Doge’s Palace and the Companile along with several museums on Piazzo San Marco.

Grand Canal or Canalazzo – It is a two mile long waterway with magnificent views on both sides of the riverfront and has impressive palaces of past seafaring merchants.  One can take the vaporetto (water bus) ride day or night to see the real beauty of Grand Canal.

Murano Island – This island is famous for its glass work and glass artisans.  Here you will have a practical knowledge of how glass blowing is done.  There are various shops where you can buy glass mementoes made from these glass factories. 

Burano – is famous for laces and shops selling a variety of laces are found here.

·        If you and your partner are interested in religion and churches, Venice has a lot to offer along with St. Mark’s church.  There is the Basilica della salute and Basilica dei Frari among others. 

·        For the art lovers, the Guggenheim Museum which is located on the Grand Canal has an art collection of the 20^th Century.  Another museum ‘The Gallerie dell Accademia’ is situated nearby which has an incredible art collection of Venetian artists.

·        Speaking of art, don’t miss the Teatro La Fenice Theatre which is Venice’s famed opera house and hosts some exceptional ballet shows and popular plays.

Venice is a relatively safe place to walking around anytime of the day or even at night.  Try to go for a romantic stroll through the streets of Venice at night, hand-in-hand and see the brightly-lit city which often gives you a visualization of a dream city.  

Dinning in Venice is also a romantic experience with the street eateries giving you an assortment of Italian food, where you can laze out and watch the historical surroundings of Venice. 

The best time for a romantic outing to Venice is the summer season in the months of May and June.  Please note that from September to April, Venice has floods which may disturb your calendar. 

Romantic Gateway - Acapulco, Mexico

Mexico – The place where you can enjoy a vacation with that special touch of Romance each and every day of your stay.

Mexico has a lot to offer in terms of city life, beautiful destinations, beaches and the Mexican food.    Each and every city of Mexico has something new and unique to offer.

Acapulco - About 300 kms Southwest of Mexico city is the resort and sport city of Acapulco.  Acapulco is the most preferred destination of all tourists the world over for quiet a long time now. It is a beach holiday destination with a number of activities like water-skiing, snorkeling, para-sailing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and sailing.  The beaches of Acapulco are beautiful and always crowded with tourists enjoying these water sports.  This is the spot you will enjoy if you want an action packed vacation with your partner.  Romance here is of the wild kind, if you enjoy one. 

The various activities in Acapulco can be summarized as -

Deep-Sea Fishing – If you are a fishing enthusiastic, Acapulco has one of the best in Deep-sea fishing for you to offer.  You can go for a fishing expedition hiring a boat in the deep sea.  Acapulco is a paradise for fishing lovers.  One can even catch enormous fishes like sailfish, mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna or marlin in Acapulco.  There are various companies where bookings are available for sportfishing trips.  The best time is during the months of July to December.

Watersports – Acapulco offers a wide variety of waterspouts where you can enjoy to your heart’s content.  They have just about everything in water sports, from water speed boats, parasailing, banana boat, water skiing and even kayaks.  Go with your partner to enjoy some of these.  Inflated tubes are available if you can’t swim.

Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling – Another attraction in Acapulco is scuba diving and snorkeling which is a must for every tourist visiting Acapulco.  The waters near Acapulco are rich in marine life and along with a vast array of different fishes and coral reefs near one can even find sea turtles Sea horses and whale sharks in these waters.  Some of the sites for diving are Playa Calota or Playa Caletilla, near the sunken ship Rio de la Platu, Quita snenos, plodra del Gallo and Isa de la Roqueta.    The jumping on the La Quebrade i.e. a daredevil jump from a cliff is the most attractive spot for diving and Scuba diving.

Isa La Roqueta – It is an island close to Acapulco and has the Aca Zoo which features a number of animals such as apes, giraffes and elephants along with various other species of animals.  There are various spots for snorkeling along the coastline of this island.

CiCi – CiCi or Centro Internacional Para Convivencia Infantil is a water park in Acapulco which has gained popularity in recent times.  It has a number of slides, wave pools and various other rides for the whole family to enjoy.  Keep a day off to visit this park where you can just freak out with your loved one.

Cruises – Acapulco has a number of local boat cruises which gives you an overview of the Acapulco coastline and neighboring islands.  For a truly romantic evening and nights go for a nigh cruise on one of these boats which have the famous Hawaiian Dancers to entertain you.

Delfines Paradise – This is a centre for training Dolphins and once can truly have a memorable day along with these fishes as they perform for you.

The other attractions in Acapulco are the Magic Marine World & the Centro Internacional de Convenciones Acapulco.  Some of the best beaches can be summarized as Caleta beach, Hornos beach and playa condesa.

Acapulco also has a number of Architectural and historical sites such as ‘The Calle de la paz’ (1971) and Zocalo plaza.  The Fortin Alvarez is a fort situated on the coast of Acapulco.

If you are tired of all these activities you can have a lazy time just sunbathing on one of the beaches in Acapulco. They are also the ideal spots for a romantic evening that you can cherish throughout the life.

The night life of Acapulco is just from another world with a wide range of night clubs, restaurants and bars which have just about everything for that wild night you want to enjoy with your partner, dancing, drinking and eating all throughout the night.

For accommodation, Acapulco offers a wide range of Hotels from 5-star categories to B&B cabins and one can book at one of them according to his budget. 

Romantic Gateway - Hawaii

ALOHA !!!  THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM

Golden Sand, long stretch of beaches, a surfer’s paradise, world’s tallest sea mountain, several active volcanoes and the warmth of native people.  That’s Hawaii for you.  One of the most preferred Romantic Gateway for couples all over the world.  One of the most exciting destinations for that Romantic outing you ever had.

Hawaii Islands comprises of a total of 8 islands and small islets which have a land area of 6,423.4 sq.miles.  It is the 50^th State of United States of America.

There are 6 Main islands in Hawaii – Big Island, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai and Maui.  The state capital is Honolulu.  These six islands have their own uniqueness which is filled with a lot of activities and adventures.

Honolulu – Your romantic trip starts with your flight landing at Hawaii’s most popular airport in Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii.  Honolulu has a number of world class shopping zones, luxurious spas and exquisite dinning.  The beaches of Honolulu are a dream  of every romantic couple with white sands and blue pacific water.  The beaches are lined with palm trees for that secluded walk through the sand.

Honolulu has just about everything for you to enjoy with a number of Tropical Gardens, rain forests and waterfalls.  The panoramic views will surely enhance your spirits with a feeling of over-joy and amazement. Basking in the sun on the beaches lying next to each other was never so romantic.

There are various activities in Honolulu if you are bored of just bathing in the sun.  If you enjoy surfing, Honolulu has the best waves to ride on; there is the Diamond Head Crater, a fort with majestic views of Honolulu.  The Helicopter ride over the city of Honolulu gives you a bird’s eye view of this beautiful city, sitting besides your beloved.  Water activities like Scuba diving and snorkeling are a must for all those who visit Hawaii.  The amazing underwater life is something no one can miss to see.  The scenic waterfalls of Honolulu can be seen from the roads while driving but if you want to explore the unseen ones, go for a small trek, hand in hand for some truly magnificent waterfalls.  Then there is the Iolani Palace with its vast Hawaiian royal heritage.

Last, but not the least is the visit to USS Arizona, the Memorial which is dedicated to the American servicemen who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.  The visit to Honolulu is not complete without the Iuau, a traditional feast of the Hawaiian food which includes a pig and poi.  Enjoy this meal with the famous Hawaiian dances & the culture of Hawaii which includes drum beats & ukuleles along with storytelling called Hula.  There are the fire dancers to accompany them and the night is filled with an aura of scintillating atmosphere.  There are various Hotels in Honolulu for the tourist and one can get the rooms according to his budget.

Maui – This is one of the most preferred islands for honeymoon couples.  It is far away  from the rustle and noise of Honolulu, a true heaven for couples to enjoy.  You can stroll on deserted beaches on a sunny day or take long walks on moonlit nights.  Snorkeling is another activity which is famous due to some very good visibility.  The Kaanapali Beach of Maui is the longest in the world.

Kauai – This is another spot which makes your romantic gateway worth going to.  It is surrounded by rugged terrain, some lush tropical vegetation and excellent beaches with clear blue waters.  One can take a drive through Kauai in a jeep to explore this beautiful island.  There are the other activities like snorkeling or diving in the water to enjoy.  The beach of Kauai, the Hanalei Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii.  It is almost 2 miles long with an enchanting lineup of palm trees. One can have some spectacular views of mountain peaks and waterfalls standing on Hanalei beach.  It is the most romantic gateway in Hawaii.  Also one can visit the Wailea Canyon, which is an amazing spot.  It is also called ‘mini-Grand Canyon’.  The Kauai cuisine is a feast to enjoy.

Oahu – This is the island which consists of the capital Honolulu.   There are a vast number of options for tourist in Oahu.  One can go to the Pali Outlook which has one of the most spectacular views of the tropical forest.  Then there are the Hanauma Bay, sunset beach, Waikiki beach, Makapu’u lighthouse, Pearl Harbour, Aulani - a Disney Park and Valley of Temples.

The vast sea surrounding Hawaii is a coral paradise and through the clear waters, one can have a look at the beautiful sea life.  Scuba diving and snorkeling are the most in-demand water activities in Hawaii as people get a look at the amazing corals and the colorful fishes which are the true treasures of the Hawaii islands.  One can even go for a swim with the giant turtles in the sea. 

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is a place where one can get a true picture of the Hawaiian wildlife with its wide variety of animals such as axis deer, pigmy hippo or the Bengal tiger.  The exotic birds of Hawaii are also displayed here.  The zoo is in fact divided into three sections, the wildlife, the bird sanctuary and the aquarium.  Alternately, there is the Haleakala National Park which is near the 10,000 ft. high volcano Haleakala Mount.  The view from the top is stunning and can be trekked by a 2 hour hike.  Most couples go to see the sunrise with their partners and sit on the summit with blankets wrapping them together and witnessing the sun bring out its rays of light.  This is truly a great experience. 

Another option is to drive the 2 hour long road from Kahului to Hana which goes over various hills with spectacular scenery and a number of waterfalls on the way. As said earlier, the waterfalls in Hawaii are truly magnificent and the best among them are the Akaka falls and Kahuna falls. 

The list of attractions can go on and on and on…………

Shopping – Shopping in Hawaii is the ultimate experience.  It is said that when you leave Hawaii, the baggage is doubled from the original.  There are various shops in Hawaii for that assortment of momento and gift articles.  The malls & shops in Hawaii are a shopper’s dream.  Each shop has something unique to offer to you, may it be clothing, jewellery, handicrafts, wood work or the famous Kona Coffee.  Also there are the tropical flowers, body-surfing fins and of course the foods and herbs.

For eating in Hawaii, along with its traditional Iuau, there are a number of cafes and restaurants which offer a variety of flavors.  The local Hawaiian cuisine is typically a blend of vegetables, fruits and herbs.

For accommodation, Hawaii offers a lot of options to suit every taste and budget.  This may include 5-star luxury hotels to bed-and-breakfast facilities, cabins, condominiums and even campgrounds. 

The best time to visit Hawaii is mid-December to March.  But the rates of Hotels and other activities are also on the higher side due to the peak season. 

All in all, Hawaii can be the ultimate place for a truly Romantic Gateway.  If you are planning for the perfect wedding and honeymoon, there is no other option greater than Hawaii. This island gateway is by far the best for relaxation and tranquility.

Romantic Gateway - Bath

The dream of every couple is to find a place where the surroundings are serene and green, with lush outfields and beautiful houses in-between, where nature is spread all over till their eyes can see, where there is romance in each and every place they visit, old castles, pebble stone walks and above all privacy for a sedate evening.  If this is the dream that you have then come to Bath, the city of your dreams, a romantic gateway for the perfect outing.

Bath is an astounding place on earth & that too just 100 miles west of London.  It must be one of the most fabulous and superb destination to visit with your partner.  This beautiful city, named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, lies amidst the calm settings of Avon valley near Bristol.  This city has a number of architectural sites which date back to the Roman era.  In fact, Bath got its name from the Roman Baths which are the major attraction of this city.  The main attractions for the tourists are the Reto Gardens at Ilford Manor, the

Royal Crescent

, the Circus, the Paragon Bath, Roman Baths and the 15^th century Abby. 

For an ideal romantic day, it can starts with a balloon ride over the city of Bath along with champagne as your company.  You can see the beauty of Bath from the air as it transfers you to the world of fairy land with its small houses, castles and busy streets and the lush green lawns spread far and wide.  After that one can have a ride in one of the vintage cars which are available for a ride through Bath or else there is the Oriental Express to go through the outskirts of Bath.  Then there is the couple’s treatment at Thermae Bath spa which drenches you in natural springs of water along with aromatherapy.  Then one can also enjoy the boat ride in the river Avon with your loved one. 

The countryside of Bath is truly stunning and one can go for an excursion on these tracks for a quite and romantic afternoon stroll, exploring the various fields and the small houses with their well maintained lawns along with the friendly residents of Bath.  Don’t be surprised if you get an invitation for a late afternoon cup of tea. Evenings are the best time for shopping and if you are enjoy shopping, then Bath has a variety of shops to cater to your needs.  Bath is a city known for its rich culture, fashion & romance, entertainment and of course the food.  The Pump House is an ideal setting for an evening brunch.  

For that romantic gateway Bath, there are some special places in Bath which includes the Prior Park Garden which has amazing landscapes round it and an excellent view of the City.  The ‘Bath Skyline’ (6 miles of circular path) offer you a variety of sites to see in Bath.  Ilford Manor is another place for you to have a quiet and calm evening.  Along with these attractions if you are a theatre buff, then Bath has a number of theaters   like Bath Theater Royal, Ustinov Studio, The Egg, The Rondo Theater and Mission Theater.  If there is nothing else to do, one can stroll through the streets of Bath, hand-in-hand on the unique cobblestone walks surrounded by the small cottages with their unique architectures.  Thus, Bath is an excellent gateway for that Romantic outing you might be planning about. 

For Accommodation, Bath offers a wide range of options, right from tent-accommodation to 5-star luxury hotels.  The tariffs of these hotels suit the budgets of each and every tourist.  But if you really want to enjoy Bath to the full making your outing a memorable one, try the Boutique Hotels of Bath.  These are Hotels with personalized service & a lovely atmosphere giving you the feel of home comfort and excellent stay.  The Boutique Hotels have an elegance of their own with their unique architectural designs and vast amount of landscapes.  There are also various luxury hotels and apartments available for tourists.  If one wants to stay in the countryside, there are various options available.  These countryside hotels offer you excellent service and comfortable stay along with some stunning countryside views.  Most of these hotels are managed by local residents and offer the local flavor in their restaurants. The log fire can be really cozy for an evening snuggle & a personalized service for all your needs for a Romantic gateway Bath.

The Food that Bath has to offer is the typical country meal to the high-end recipes from all over the world.  Don’t miss the ‘Flavors of Bath’ which is a unique activity where one can purchase ingredients from the market and then learn how to make the perfect romantic meal in the kitchen.  Some of the recommended hotels can be Lucknam Park, The Garden Studio, Priory Hotel, Ansley House Hotel, The Kings Arm, Royal Crescent Hotel, The Queensberry Hotel Bath, The Spa Hotel, Homwood Park Hotel, Beechfield House Hotel, Fosse Farm House, Withy Mills Farm and Allens Cottage.

As Bath is a World Heritage Site, it is always full of tourist from all over and as such it is always good to book your hotel before coming here.  Also there are special events that take place in Bath like the Bath Film Festival, Bath Beer Festival or Bath Literature Festival which are the occasions to come to Bath for the extra something.

 So how about a Romantic gate – bath and you will cherish it for all your life.