A Brit and A Southerner

Why Alabama Beaches is the Best Girls Getaway Destination?

Alabama

Sep 11, 2017

Why Alabama Beaches is the Best Girls Getaway Destination?

Enjoying a girls getaway is always needed, even though I tend to need one about every month. With varying schedules, it’s not always easy to find time to organize these trips and even if you do set aside a few days, the task of choosing a location makes it an incredibly daunting task. Las Vegas and New York City are always going to be popular suggestions but I bet you didn’t think of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. Well, you’re in luck because I am going to share why this part of Alabama is the best girls getaway destination. So what are you waiting for? Grab your best girlfriends and let’s hit the beach together!

I have always thought that visiting the beach is a very relaxing experience and it’s the only place that I can remember returning from feeling completely recharged. Only within the past 6 years have I been visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach but it’s quickly become a popular destination that I will recommend to my girlfriends.

The first thing we do when we plan for a girls getaway is to establish what everyone wants to do and then establish an itinerary around that. Some go for adventure while others might go for relaxation and obviously, everyone goes for shopping!

Let’s walk through a couple of options that will cover everyone’s interests but first, here are three awesome accommodation options you should consider as the perfect base for a girlfriends getaway.

Where to Stay

You know you have found a great resort when you always want to return to the same place! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has three awesome resorts that are always at the very top of our list when we head back to Alabama’s beaches for any occasion.

Depending on what kind of amenities you are looking for and of course, your budget will determine exactly which resort is suitable for you.

The Beach Club

The Beach Club by Spectrum Resorts is located just a few minutes from the historic Fort Morgan site, ideally situated for those of you that have a fond interest in history. However, let’s talk about all the on-site amenities.

Guests have full access to a private and secluded beach and the ability to rent beach chairs makes this an ideal option for your girls getaway if beach time is of paramount importance.

Don’t worry about carrying your wallet around either, as they have wristbands so everything goes to the room for your convenience. At the clubhouse, you have access to the spa and the salon, gym, restaurants and even a bike rental. For all the coffee drinkers, be sure to head over to the clubhouse between 7:00-10:00 AM to enjoy a complimentary Cup of Joe!

Caribe Resort

Caribe Resort has over 30 acres of amenities including pools, slides and a lazy river that occupy 40,000 square feet. There is also a marina that has a full-service jet ski rental and boat rental. Guests at Caribe Resort are encouraged to take to the Gulf in style, with the Caribe Cruiser, a 50ft covered pontoon, available to rent to take a fishing excursion or just relax and spot a dolphin from any seat on the boat.

An on site fitness center (actually 3 of them!) equipped with cardio and weights is available to guests, while tennis and basketball courts are also on the property. Be sure to bring your racket or pick one up at the front desk for a friendly match.

After experiencing all that Caribe has to offer, you will definitely need nourishment. Stop by Cobalt, a restaurant renowned for being “the pinnacle of dining,” located on site where you can enjoy lunch or dinner while admiring the gorgeous panoramic views of the bay.

Turquoise Place

Turquoise Place has set a standard for luxury that is hard to compete with. Located directly on the beach, Turquoise Place is a one stop resort that leaves nothing to be desired.

When you check into the property you will be greeted with friendly faces and world-class customer service. Simply walking through the door at your condominium is a jaw dropping moment, as you are faced with the reality of having the opportunity to stay in ultimate luxury! A fully equipped kitchen with top of the line appliances, wet bar, private hot tub on the balcony along with a grill and outdoor sink to name just a few.

Turquoise Place prides itself on world class accommodation with outdoor and indoor pools, a lazy river, sauna, fitness center, and even on site grocery delivery directly to your condo. If this luxurious accommodation option doesn’t sound appealing, trust me when I say it’s even better than it sounds.

Things to do

Whether you have a full 7 days or just a long weekend with the girls, there is plenty to experience in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. From boutique shops to outlet malls, fishing charters to kayaking, there is something for every type of vacationer.

A girls getaway in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach encompasses three components: relaxation, adventure, and a little retail therapy. If you are ready to start planning the ideal itinerary for a Gulf Shores and Orange Beach girls getaway, perhaps consider the following:

Enjoy an ultimate spa experience.
Relax on 32 miles of white-sand beaches.
Experience a sunset cruise in the Gulf.
Wine and Dine at an annual festival.
Partake in a little retail therapy.

Getting Pampered

Why not start your girls getaway with a relaxing day at the spa? If you are staying at The Beach Club, you are minutes away from having the ultimate pampering experience.

With customized packages available, The Spa at The Beach Club offers a range of massages, body treatments, relaxation room with a soothing whirlpool and a full-service salon. Don’t worry, if you are not staying on site, The Spa at The Beach Club is open to the public.

Pro tip: Be sure to call ahead as reservations are required.

Stroll on the Beach

After a day of pampering, it is always nice to have a beach chair and watch the waves come ashore. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you are sure to have plenty of pristine sand to walk or relax on.

This stretch of coastline consists of 32 miles of white sand, made from quartz grain that washed down from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago. If you are in the mood for relaxing on the Gulf coast, finding a public beach will not be a problem along the Alabama coastline.

Set Sail on a Sunset Cruise

A 53-foot catamaran and the open ocean, and dolphins, who wouldn’t be up for that? Sail Wild Hearts has several cruises, from the Dolphin and Blue Angels Sail that lasts 6 hours to a Sunset Cruise that lasts only 2 hours. Once you are onboard, there are snacks provided and plenty of room for everyone to relax on the open waters. Regardless of the cruise you choose, you will undoubtedly have the time of your life.

Wine and Dine at an Annual Festival

Before heading to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, be sure to check the Calendar of Events for the area as there are a number of awesome annual festivals scheduled. If you are visiting in the fall, The Wharf Uncorked Food and Wine Festival is a 3-day annual event that focuses on delicious local food and a diverse selection of wines.

I am particularly intrigued by this festival because, during my last girls getaway to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we experienced the Waves of Wine Festival which was another awesome experience.

The Wharf Uncorked Festival offers renowned chefs the opportunity to showcase a wide selection of local cuisine options for everyone to enjoy. Wine tastings from over 150 labels is obviously another focal point of this event but regardless of whether you are visiting for cuisine or wine, the overall “Gulf Coast hospitality” will surely create the perfect experience.

Retail Therapy

Shopping in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is an experience all of your girlfriends are going to love! With a wide variety of boutique stores and outlet malls to choose from, there are a plethora of opportunities for everyone to find some great deals.

The Wharf in Orange Beach is home to a variety of boutique establishments and local shops along with a number of restaurants ensuring that you could easily spend a full day enjoying this attraction.

For those of you that prefer the “outlet” experience, the Tanger Outlet Mall is located in Foley, just a few miles outside of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. With over 120 brand named stores, this is definitely worth the trip to pick up a bargain or perhaps just a souvenir to commemorate the perfect girls getaway.

Summary

When planning your next girls getaway, be sure to keep Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in mind and consider experiencing everything the Alabama coast has to offer. If you want a jam packed schedule or prefer to relax on the beach, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is unequivocally the perfect destination for a girls getaway.

Picking a location is half the battle but now that is taken care of, when are you planning your next trip to Alabama’s beaches?

Universal Orlando Resort – How to Experience the Best 48 Hours?

Florida

Chris Boothman

Sep 7, 2017

Universal Orlando Resort – How to Experience the Best 48 Hours?

A trip to Orlando wouldn’t be the same without spending a few days experiencing the amazing theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort. I’m sure you are all familiar with Universal Studios but did you also know that this resort includes Universal’s Islands of Adventure and also the brand new Volcano Bay Water Theme Park? During our recent visit to Florida, we had the opportunity to enjoy 48 hours in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure and hopefully, after reading this post, you will be inspired to add this to your next Orlando itinerary.

Are you ready to join us and “experience the epic adventure” of Universal Orlando Resort? You better be! Whether you are an avid Harry Potter fan, a hardcore Simpsons follower or simply love the Jurassic Park movie series, you can be sure that the Universal Orlando Resort will have something to satisfy your interests.

This post is going to focus solely on two of the three parks and we would strongly recommend adding at least another 24 hours to your Universal itinerary if you are planning on enjoying Volcano Bay’s amazing water park. Rather than spending 24 hours at Universal Studios and 24 hours at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, we opted to enjoy both parks each day and we think this is an ideal way to appreciate both of these.

If you are ready to join us on our journey through Universal…let the adventure begin!

Universal Orlando Resort Information

Let’s start with some of some of the important information associated with Universal Orlando Resort. Please note, much of this information is accurate based on the time of publication and we always recommend checking Universal’s website for the latest admission prices, opening times, new attractions etc.

Admission Prices

You first need to decide how many days you want to spend at Universal along with how many of the parks you want to experience. It’s a tough decision right? Don’t worry, there are plenty of pricing options available, so regardless of how much time you have in Orlando along with your budget, there will be a ticket option that is just right for you!

Universal Orlando Resort is really promoting the following package and I have to admit, it’s a pretty awesome deal if you want to spend a longer amount of time here.

Get 2 days free when you buy a 3-park, 2-day park-to-park ticket

Unfortunately, we only had 48 hours to explore these theme parks but I strongly encourage you to consider the above option!

Multi-Day Tickets

Universal Studios AND Islands of Adventure (2 Days) – $254.99 ($244.99 children)
Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure & Volcano Bay (2 Days + 2 FREE Days) – $294.99 ($284.99 children)

Single Day Tickets

Universal Studios AND Islands of Adventure – $165 ($160 children)
One Park – $110 ($105 children)

Opening Times

Times are subject to change but during our visit in August, the following times were applicable.

Universal Studios – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Islands of Adventure – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Volcano Bay – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

As you will see with our recommended hotel option, guests staying at onsite accommodation options can take advantage of “early admission” and gain access to certain attractions one hour before the gates open to the general public.

Where to Stay at Universal Orlando?

If you are planning on spending multiple days at Universal, we strongly recommend staying at one of the onsite properties. We had an AMAZING experience at what we consider to be the best Universal Studios hotel – the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort!

Located just a few minutes away from the entrance to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Sapphire Falls is the perfect option for visitors that want to enjoy the amazing amenities at this hotel while also knowing that they are only a short water taxi ride from the adventures awaiting at Universal. Take a look at the breathtaking swimming pool…that alone was convincing enough for us to want to stay there!

Regardless of whether you choose to stay at Sapphire Falls or one of the other gorgeous Loews Universal Orlando Resort properties, you can be sure that this is the ideal hotel chain to cater your needs while enjoying everything Universal has to offer.

Plan Your Itinerary

Two iconic theme parks and only 48 hours…a realistic goal or a crazy dream destined for failure? Well, with sufficient planning before you head to Universal Orlando Resort, you can accomplish a great deal in 48 hours and definitely have an AMAZING experience at both parks.

Both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are distinctive and offer unique attractions that visitors will want to enjoy. The themed areas throughout both parks are surely going to spark your interest but the reality is, you should want to experience as much of both parks as is realistically possible.

Throw in some time to enjoy the fine dining experience at both parks and also the Universal CityWalk and you can quickly put together an action-packed itinerary across 48 hours!

Our adventure started at Islands of Adventure after collecting our two-day passes and we immediately started to explore. Be sure to grab a map and also consider downloading the Universal app which will give you up-to-date information on attractions, wait times etc.

The beauty of these parks is that you can easily connect between both using the awesome Hogwarts Express. That’s right, you can immediately fall into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter by heading to either King’s Cross Station at Universal Studios or Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and take the short scenic train ride just like Harry Potter did!

Islands of Adventure

It’s a tough choice trying to figure out where to start but after deboarding the water taxi in the heart of the CityWalk (more on that area later), we headed to Islands of Adventure to collect our tickets and start our adventure.

Rather than delve into the intricate details of our experience (we will save that for a later post given that we could easily write a whole series on each theme park!), we want to focus on an overview of Islands of Adventure and why you should want to visit this part of Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Orlando Resort is advertised as the following and I think it’s fair to say the Islands of Adventure theme park is the epitome of this philosophy:

The only orlando destination where you are not just entertained; you are part of the most exhilerating entertainment ever created

Opened in 1999 and set on 101 acres, Universal’s Islands of Adventure is divided into the following seven “islands”:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Marvel Super Hero Island
Jurassic Park
The Lost Continent
Seuss Landing
Toon Lagoon
Skull Island

Add to this vast array of themed islands the “Port of Entry” which is full of amazing restaurants and souvenir shops, you have a theme park that will undoubtedly have something for all ages and all interests!

It’s no surprise that the highlight attraction here is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The moment you walk through the arch into “Harry’s World,” there is a myriad of magical surprises and experiences waiting for you.

During both days at Universal Orlando Resort, we visited this area because it really does capture your imagination and make you want to return time and time again. It is definitely one of those areas that you could never tire of experiencing.

After spending the morning at Islands of Adventure, why not head over to Hogsmeade Station and join Harry and the gang as you venture back to the reality of King’s Cross Station by boarding the magical Hogwarts Express…next stop…platform 9 3/4!

Hogwarts Express

***Before considering hopping on the Hogwarts Express, you should first understand that this is ONLY available for visitors that purchased the park-to-park admission ticket!***

Pass through the gorgeous British countryside en route from Hogwarts back to London (or vice-versa!) The decor of both train stations is stereotypical of what Harry Potter experienced during his journeys but perhaps the real experience begins when you are onboard the Hogwarts Express.

Don’t think this is going to be like any other traditional train ride that you have encountered before! Be sure to keep your wits about you and realize that characters and creatures can come from all directions.

Although your eyes will likely be transfixed on the windows as you admire the breathtaking scenery, there will be a few moments that may surprise you! We will let you experience the journey rather than giving away too many details.

Universal Studios

Arriving at King’s Cross Station, we quickly realized that our journey around The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was just beginning. After catching a glimpse of the Knight Bus, we headed through the “secret passage” to Diagon Alley, yet another iconic location not only in the realms of Harry Potter but also in terms of popularity at Universal Orlando Resort.

For those of you that are not Harry Potter fans, well you soon will be! It’s hard to resist the temptation of exploring Diagon Alley and you cannot help but appreciate the architecture and realistic experience that you will enjoy as you stroll around. But as I am sure many of you already know, Universal Studios is so much more than Harry Potter!

Dating back to 1990 when the doors opened, Universal Studios covers a slightly larger area than Islands of Adventure at 107 acres. Be prepared to walk pretty much every acre here because around every corner is something intriguing that you will want to explore!

Whether you are a huge fan of the Simpsons, want to learn about life as a Minion or perhaps enjoy America’s favorite late night host – Jimmy Fallon, Universal Studios is home to a plethora of attractions that will surely entice you through the gates.

Here is the full list of the areas you can experience:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
World Expo
Springfield – Home of the Simpsons
Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone
Hollywood
San Francisco
New York
Production Central

As you can see, a diverse blend of themes awaits you when you arrive at Universal! But if you are ready to grab a bite to eat and prefer something outside of the theme parks, why not head over to Universal’s CityWalk, perfectly situated in between both theme parks.

CityWalk

Renowned as “The Epicenter of Awesome,” the Universal CityWalk is a dining and entertainment hub in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort. Whether you are looking to enjoy a quick lunch at the brand new NBC Sports Grill & Brew or perhaps a late dinner at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, there are a number of dining options to satisfy everyone’s palate.

One of the real attractions in the CityWalk is The Toothsoome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Here you can sample a decadent dessert or indulge in classic steak or seafood dishes.

Our chefs create culinary alchemy with gourmet chocolates and one-of-a-kind desserts, ranging from artisanal milkshakes to sumptuous sundaes. (Universal Orlando Resort)

If this doesn’t make you salivate over the thought of sampling the finest desserts in Orlando, nothing will! The architectural brilliance of the exterior is equally matched by the gorgeous decor inside.

Visitors are made to feel welcome and you cannot help but love this relaxing environment which honestly reflects the vibrant feeling throughout the CityWalk area.

Summary

You can experience a lot at Universal Orlando Resort in only 48 hours but you should be prepared to want to come back for me. We had an amazing experience at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure but already we cannot wait to have an opportunity to return in the near future.

Our favorite highlight? It has to be The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in both parks! The combination of magical architecture along with iconic landmarks that we all associate with Harry Potter makes this the ultimate experience at Universal Orlando Resort.

We want to emphasize that this shouldn’t take anything away from any of the other attractions at Universal because they are all equally brilliant but there is something quite spectacular in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley! For the “Potterheads” out there that have yet to visit Orlando, you are in for a real treat when you visit this amazing attraction.

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Universal Orlando Resort for providing us with complimentary two-day, two-park tickets in exchange for consideration of a blog post review. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

How to Enjoy the Best of Taiwanese Culture in New York City?

New York

Chris Boothman

Sep 4, 2017

How to Enjoy the Best of Taiwanese Culture in New York City?

New York City has long been renowned as being the epitome of the “Melting Pot” as it embraces the multicultural diversity throughout the city. The Chinese influence in Chinatown, the Italian presence in Little Italy and even the Irish communities scattered around the boroughs are all integral to the multicultural society New York City has become. But what about the Taiwanese culture in New York City? It may not be the first immigrant group you think about when considering the melting pot concept but we would argue that the influence this has had on the city is just as important as those larger communities.

Whether you are enjoying a visit to the myriad of international restaurants throughout Manhattan or living in one of the other New York boroughs, no one can argue that the Big Apple isn’t a diverse collection of cultures. We want to take a look at how you can embrace the Taiwanese culture the next time you take a trip to New York City, not only through the variety of delicious restaurants but also through the rich heritage that can be seen throughout the city.

By the time you have finished reading this post, we are convinced that you will not only be ready to explore New York’s Taiwanese districts but also to head to Taiwan and experience everything this beautiful nation has to offer.

Taiwanese History in New York City

Let’s take a look at how Taiwanese history has developed throughout New York City over recent decades. Prior to the 1950s, the amount of Taiwanese immigration into the United States was relatively small, however, between 1960-1980 the number drastically increased before economic and political conditions in Taiwan improved and the numbers started to decrease.

An interesting concept that many folks don’t understand is that many of the Taiwanese communities did not integrate with the existing Chinatowns, simply because they don’t speak the same language. Instead, they opted to find smaller communities or places known as “Little Taipei” or “Little Taiwan”. This was certainly the case in New York City.

Today, Chinatown in the heart of Manhattan is predominantly Cantonese based immigrants while the Taiwanese populations can be found in other spots such as Flushing, which is now the second largest Chinatown outside of Asia (and potentially could surpass Manhattan’s in the future!).

Best Taiwanese Restaurants

Visitors to New York City that are interested in experiencing Taiwanese culture will likely want to know where the best restaurants are located. Don’t worry, you are in for a real treat if you choose to take a weekend getaway to the Big Apple in search of experiencing the very best of Taiwan’s authentic dishes.

Here are a few that we would highly recommend checking out but please feel free to leave your recommendations below.

Baohaus – Located in the heart of Manhattan’s East Village, Baohaus opened in 2009 with a stereotypical menu consisting of “baos.” Chairman Bao for example, consists of Braised Berkshire pork belly served with ‘Haus Relish’, crushed peanuts, Taiwanese red sugar, and cilantro. Sound delicious or do you need something a little more appetizing? Why not try the Minced Pork Stew on Rice!
Taiwan Bear House – A relatively new addition to Taiwanese culture in New York City is a restaurant located near Columbus Square – Taiwan Bear House. Renowned as a “stylish, modern eatery,” visitors can enjoy a variety of authentic style dishes that will likely increase your desire to head on the next plane to Taiwan!
Taiwan Pork Chop House – What better way to experience authentic Taiwanese food than being able to watch the chef prepare this for you! Affordable prices make this a popular spot among visitors to New York City and definitely a spot you won’t want to miss if diverse cuisine is what you are looking for.

All of these restaurants are in Manhattan but don’t worry, there are plenty of other options in Queens and Brooklyn.

As I mentioned, the Flushing Chinatown is a thriving community and with restaurants such as Happy Stony Noodle, Taiwanese Specialties, and Main Street Taiwanese Gourmet, visitors exploring the more culturally diverse neighborhoods will not be short of options.

Taiwanese Culture in New York City

If sampling authentic minced pork on rice or stereotypical dumplings isn’t Taiwanese enough for you, New York can be proud of the Taiwanese heritage and culture that thrives throughout its five boroughs.

Whether it’s arts, culture, sport or music that inspires you, New York City boasts a plethora of events and activities that portray a stereotypical reflection on day to day living in Taiwan.

Museums

Even if you are not planning a visit to the Chinatown community in Queens, many of New York’s museums frequently have exhibitions with a Taiwanese background.

The Queens Museum, for example, has frequently held exhibits by Taiwanese artists that showcase the myriad of talent, while The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative at the iconic Guggenheim Museum has presented a variety of new commissions from Taiwan.

Arts and Music

For those of you that want to take a serious interest in Taiwanese arts and culture, the Taipei Cultural Center is focused on driving initiatives that will achieve the following:

promote international cultural exchanges and present the rich diversity of Taiwan’s culture and arts (Taipei Cultural Center)

Visitors to Manhattan in July may have seen the amazing “Taiwanese Waves” live concert held in Central Park, dedicated to showcasing the unique sounds of Taiwan to New York City.

Sports

If arts and culture don’t intrigue you and you prefer a little sports action, the New York Mets certainly inspired their fans to consider a trip to Taiwan on August 20th when they celebrated the 13th annual Taiwan Heritage Day at Citi Field.

Traditional Taiwanese performances offered attendees to the game an opportunity to catch a glimpse of what they could expect should they venture to Asia.

Mets fans that attended the Marlins game a couple of days earlier also received a free promotional Taiwanese t-shirt courtesy of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and this is another great way to promote to a city that is already embracing the vibrant culture of Taiwan.

Ready to Visit Taiwan?

For those of you that have already experienced Taiwanese cuisine in New York City or perhaps some of the events that we mentioned, perhaps you will now be ready to have the true, authentic experience and visit Taiwan!

a hugely underrated gem of Asia, and any time you spend here will be richly rewarded. (David Code)

But what exactly can you expect when you arrive there? I think it’s fair to say that you will have an extremely friendly welcome and everything you experience will be amazing. Here are some of the iconic attractions that make Taiwan such an attractive travel destination in Asia.

Taipei 101 – If you love architecture, the Taipei 101 skyscraper towers above the skyline at 1,667 feet above the ground. Between 2004 and 2010, this was the world’s tallest building before the Burj Khalifa in Dubai surpassed this. An iconic reflection of Taiwan, this is a must-see attraction.

Kenting National Park – From the urban environment in Taipei to the breathtaking rural landscapes in Kenting National Park, Taiwan offers a distinctive blend of attractions worth exploring. Renowned for white-sand beaches, caves and spectacular coral reefs, this is undoubtedly a hotspot for folks looking to relax in Taiwan.
Tainan – Although most visitors will want to experience Taipei, consider adding the ancient capital of Tainan to your itinerary. Visit Taiwan’s oldest city and explore the history and heritage of the ancient temples here along with other historic sites that offer inspiring reflections on Taiwanese culture.

These are just a few reasons why Taiwan needs to be on your radar but if traveling across the world isn’t feasible, just remember that New York City has plenty to offer in terms of Taiwanese culture!

Sweepstakes

***TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THIS SWEEPSTAKES, YOU HAVE TO RESIDE IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING STATES – CONNECTICUT (CT), NEW JERSEY (NJ), NEW YORK (NY) OR PENNSYLVANIA (PA)***

Are you ready for the chance to win the trip of a lifetime to Taiwan? The Taiwan Tourism Board has an AMAZING opportunity for folks currently residing in one of the above four states to win a five-day, four-night stay at the five-star Regent Taipei Hotel in Taiwan!! Sounds awesome right!

To have a chance at winning this amazing prize, simply enter your details into the following Sweepstakes link: SNY Take Off to Taiwan Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes closes on September 4th at 11:59 PM Eastern so be sure to enter!

GOOD LUCK FOLKS!!

Summary

If you are ready to embrace an eclectic blend of Taiwanese culture, New York City is certainly a place you can experience this. However, there is nothing quite like visiting the destination itself, so hopefully, we have inspired you to consider adding Taiwan to your travel bucket list.

History, heritage, modern day architecture and gorgeous beaches are just a few reasons why Taiwan should be on your radar but if this is a little unrealistic right now, why not consider taking a trip to Queens or Manhattan, NYC and enjoy the variety of Taiwanese inspired attractions and restaurants available. We are convinced you won’t leave disappointed!

Disclaimer – This post is sponsored by Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

Why Loews Is the Best Universal Studios Hotel Choice?

Florida

Chris Boothman

Aug 31, 2017

Why Loews Is the Best Universal Studios Hotel Choice?

Orlando is blessed to have a number of iconic theme parks that attract millions of visitors every year. Whether you are visiting Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens or SeaWorld, you will likely be considering the myriad of options of where to stay. For those of you planning a trip to Universal, we have found the perfect option. With various on-site hotels and other options nearby, not only is this a difficult decision but one that you will certainly want to get right. Hopefully, after reading this post, you will realize why we consider the Loews brand to be the best Universal Studios hotel choice!

Loews is a luxury hotel brand that has over 25 locations across the United States and Canada. Although we had previously never stayed at a Loews hotel, we heard a lot of great things about the customer service and overall experience at the hotel.

At Universal Studios, Loews is fortunate to have five properties (soon to be six in the near future!), all of which offer distinctive features that will intrigue you to stay. The newest of the five properties is the Loews Sapphire Fall Resort and we were delighted to have the opportunity to stay here for two nights on our recent trip to Orlando.

Let’s find out why Sapphire Falls is such an amazing accommodation option and by the end of this post, if you are not ready to book a stay here, we will be extremely surprised!

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Information

History of the Loews Brand

The Loews brand is focused on delivering the perfect experience for all guests ranging from the business traveler to a family enjoying a long weekend getaway. The Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Studios certainly achieves this philosophy, continuing the long tradition of Loews Hotels that dates back to 1946 when brothers Larry and Bob Tisch purchased their first property in New Jersey.

Today, this innovative company has the next generation at its helm and is a premier name among luxury hotel brands. (Loews)

If you are planning a trip to Orlando and you agree that Loews is the best Universal Studios hotel option, you will be faced with the incredibly difficult decision of which hotel you want to stay at from the following list.

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort
Loews Portofino Bay at Universal Orlando Resort
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando Resort
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort

Depending on your budget, your interests and your style of travel will likely determine which option you choose. When we heard that Loews Sapphire Falls was the brands newest on-site hotel and that it “transports guests to a paradise in the heart of the tropics,” we quickly realized this was the perfect place for us.

Loews Sapphire Falls Location

Conveniently located just a short water taxi ride from the heart of Universal Studios’ theme parks, the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is the perfect option for anyone looking to enjoy everything Universal has to offer.

6601 Adventure Way,
Orlando, FL 32819
Tel: (888)430-4999
Website: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

As you will see in our review, this hotel has plenty to offer, so even if you are not interested in experiencing the theme parks, this is still a viable option to enjoy the best of Orlando…just take a look at the breathtaking swimming pool!!

Relax at the Pool

After checking into the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, we headed to our room in tower 2 and immediately caught a glimpse of the highlight attraction – the gorgeous swimming pool! I will share more details about our room later but it’s fair to say, we literally dropped our bags, changed clothes and headed down to experience this amazing pool.

The resort-style swimming pool is open daily until 11:00 PM and is a great spot to relax late in the evening as you enjoy your favorite beverage at the poolside bar. The pool measures around 16,000 square feet, so you don’t have to worry about other guests being in your way as there is plenty of room to accommodate everyone.

Two white sand beaches offer a more realistic setting while the kids (or perhaps the adults!) can enjoy a thrilling water slide at one end of the pool.

One of the highlight attractions is the ability for guests to rent a private cabana on the side of the pool.

These fully-serviced cabanas include a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and relaxing patio furniture to make your experience a little more luxurious.

Dining Options

Hotel guests have a variety of dining options available to them, ranging from the relaxed environment at New Dutch Trading Co. to the vibrant, modern setting inside the Amatista Cookhouse. For those that prefer to grab a bite to eat while relaxing by the gorgeous pool, there are several outdoor options available.

Let’s take a look at each of the dining options that may sway your opinion that the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is the perfect choice for you.

New Dutch Trading Co.

Start your day by grabbing your favorite espresso beverage at New Dutch Trading Co.

We visited this “grab and go” option both days before heading down to the pool to enjoy an early morning swim or relaxing in the gorgeous lobby area where this is ample seating for everyone to relax.

A wide variety of hot and iced coffee options are available while for those that prefer a little less caffeine, Tazo teas are available along with a range of cold beverages from the coolers.

Breakfast sandwiches, muffins, croissants, bagels and much more are all appetizing options but perhaps the real eye-catching area is the hand-scooped gelato with a number of flavors. You will certainly want to return here later in the day!

For those of you that are planning on relaxing at the hotel all day, you may want to consider purchasing a refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle cup for $12 per day (cheaper options are available for longer stays).

Amatista Cookhouse

The highlight dining experience at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is at Amatista Cookhouse. Get ready to enjoy a selection of Caribbean cuisine, freshly prepared in the open kitchen while enjoying the gorgeous surroundings of the resort.

Why not head outdoors to the patio area for a romantic meal as you enjoy the sight of the lagoon area with the water wheel, waterfalls and tropical landscape the perfect backdrop?

Amatista Cookhouse is open for guests to enjoy a breakfast buffet (or a la carte menu), lunch and dinner so regardless of your desire to experience the variety of restaurants nearby at the Universal CityWalk, you can be assured that you have a great dining option on-site to meet all your needs.

Strong Water Tavern

If you are looking for the perfect option for a late afternoon beverage or perhaps a nightcap, head over to Strong Water Tavern on the main lobby area to enjoy your favorite vintage rum or other drink.

Tapas style cuisine options are available but I think this is arguably the perfect place to catch up on some work while overlooking the gorgeous lagoon. Strong Water Tavern is advertised as the following…and I think it’s fair to say this is 100% correct!

this is a true destination lounge in the heart of an island jewel. (Loews)

Although we are by no means rum experts, we enjoyed our visit to Strong Water Tavern after a day exploring Universal Studios.

Drhum Club Kantine

An evening cocktail to end your day is definitely an experience you won’t want to miss and Drhum Club Kantine by the gorgeous pool is the place to do this. A delightful offering of seafood dishes with a hint of Mexican flavor is available at lunch or dinner, while those that prefer a more traditional burger will also be satisfied by the variety of options on the menu.

The signature cocktails are understandably a popular attraction for guests, so whether you are ready to sample a Reggae Rita or a frozen creamsicle, the Drhum Club bartenders will be raring to create the perfect concoction for you.

Hotel Rooms

All of the rooms at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the island charm that is apparent throughout the hotel. Whether you are staying in a standard two queen room or one of the larger suites, you will find they are spacious, vibrant and offer a wealth of amenities to meet all your needs.

Views overlooking the lagoon or the resort pool ensure that there isn’t a bad room at this hotel and for those of you that really want the ultimate luxury experience, consider booking the Sapphire Suite that is more than 850 square feet.

Guests are known to have their very own “private island” when they stay inside this suite but regardless of your chosen accommodation, you can be sure that your stay will be the epitome of relaxation.

The bathroom was amazing, with a spacious shower and everything you need to relax after a long day by the pool or at Universal Studios.

Be sure to hop on the text messaging service that allows you to text the front desk/concierge for extra towels or anything else you may need during your stay. Enjoy room service delivered directly to your door with a large selection of options available.

Best Universal Studios Hotel

Are you convinced that Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is the best Universal Studios hotel choice? I am sure folks staying at other Loews hotels on the Universal Resorts property will argue otherwise but based on our experiences, there would need to be something pretty spectacular elsewhere to sway our opinion.

However, before making your final decision, we want to share just a couple more incentives that the Loews Sapphire Fall Resort provides to guests.

These benefits are actually available to guests staying at ALL five of the Loews properties!

Early Park Admission – This is HUGE!! If you are an early-bird and want to take advantage of this extra hour, you can enjoy many of Universal Studios’ attractions before any of the large crowds hit! This feature includes The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s brand-new water park, Volcano Bay.

Complimentary water taxis and shuttle buses – We used the water taxis multiple times each day and it’s an awesome service. I believe they are scheduled to run every 7-10 minutes but we honestly found that every time one taxi was leaving, another one was pulling in (or within a few minutes!). We strongly recommend using this because the short journey passes through a gorgeous stretch of a lagoon with a myriad of tropical surroundings.

Complimentary delivery of merchandise – Visitors to Universal Studios will undoubtedly purchase souvenirs and memorabilia during their visit. Rather than worrying about carrying these everywhere, guests at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort can have these delivered directly to the hotel.

Summary

It’s fair to say that we have quickly fallen in love with the Loews hotel brand and this is thanks to the amazing experience we had at the Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Studios in Orlando. We may be a little biased given that we stayed here and if all of the other Loews hotels are similar to Sapphire Falls, you will have no problems at any of these locations.

If you are looking for a tropical paradise without having to travel all the way to Bora Bora, the Maldives or even the Caribbean, be sure to consider Sapphire Falls as a viable alternative. The meticulous detail throughout the hotel makes this an incredible experience for all guests and we are already planning our next vacation to this resort!

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Loews Sapphire Falls Resort for hosting us for a two-night stay in exchange for consideration of a blog post review. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

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