The Ice Hotel – A Forgotten Gem

While the appeal of sleeping in a room made of ice may be hard to find, one can not deny the inherent beauty found in spending three days and two nights in one of the of the most pristine corners of the Earth.

The Ice Hotel, built from the ice found in the Torne River in northern Sweden, is a rare treat in a world filled with idyllic beach vacations. Located in the Swedish city of Jukkasjärvi, a visit to the Ice Hotel is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only do you get to sleep in what amounts to a giant igloo, you’re given the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful scenery known to man through a variety of “adventure packages,” such as dog sledding, snow mobiles and, if you’re really unlucky, wandering aimlessly in the Arctic wilderness because you decided to wander off from your tour guide and look at that cute little baby moose.

The threat of becoming a snowman notwithstanding, the Ice Hotel features an ice chapel where you can say your vows through chattering teeth, on-site and off-site restaurants, and the opportunity to go on a ‘wilderness adventure,” wherein you camp in the great “white” open in huts, concluding with a hot sauna. The cost of a visit to the Ice Hotel appears to be no more expensive than a weekend excursion to Disney World and their overpriced hotels, with prices ranging from 1500 SEK to 3000 SEK depending on the package you’re interested in. In the end, the biggest hit to the checkbook will be in the flight to and from Sweden, as I’m sure anyone who travels internationally could tell you it can cost upwards of $2,000 round trip.

The Ice Hotel is certainly not for everyone. It clearly favors those with a lust for adventure and the desire to see the world as opposed to those who simply want a tan while drinking Corona on an isolated beach. One reviewer declared his trip to be a “memorable” one, though he made a day trip as opposed to an overnight trip. For those who want to experience the Ice Hotel but don’t want to freeze to death can take advantage of the warm accommodations they have to offer.

Best Beaches In South Florida

Some of the finest beaches you will find in this world make their home in south Florida.  If you are looking at checking out some of these beaches for yourself, then it’s important to know which ones are worth checking out and also where you will find accommodations that will enhance the experience as well.  Let’s take a look at a few of the finest beaches that south Florida has to offer.

If you can get yourself into one of the fine hotels such as the Embassy Suite Hotel in Deerfield Beach, Florida, then you will be within an hour drive of a number of outstanding beaches.  Besides Deerfield Beach itself, which is a beautiful beach with many family activities, the Lake Worth Beach offers not only a beautiful beach but also a pier that is home to some of the finest cast fishing you will find in Florida.  Delray Public Beach is two miles of serene ocean front with trendy shops and boutiques.  Sunny Isles Beach offers just about any type of water activity that you could possibly be interested in, including sailing, jet-skiing, kayaking, and snorkeling.  Pack a lunch, grab the cooler, and kick back and enjoy this lovely beach.

Staying at the Pompano Beach Club Resort allows you access to a nice array of perks as well as one of the finest beaches you will find anywhere.  Pompano Beach offers pier fishing and many family activities along with a beautiful environment.  On top of all that, north of the fishing pier is a great spot for surfers to do what they do best.

Finally, what would this guide to south Florida Beaches be without mentioning perhaps the most famous of them all, which would be South Beach itself.  Staying in South Beach opens up a whole new world of possibilities for just about anyone.  The selection of activities available will keep even the most diverse personalities busy.  This can be a great thing for individuals but can also be a bit risky for families, as you truly never know what you might encounter on South Beach.  The public beach is a great attraction, and the area surrounding South Beach might even have you spotting a recognizable star or two.  Accommodations may be hard to come by, but if you can find a spot that won’t break the bank you will no doubt enjoy a very memorable experience.

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5 Hotels Not To Be Missed In The United States

Sometimes, staying at the right hotel can turn an average vacation or trip into a great and memorable one.  Whether it’s the friendly associates that work in the hotel, the luxurious room that you stay in, or the beautiful area surrounding the hotel, a stay at the right hotel can many times be more rewarding than the trip itself.  There is nothing better than to be able to return home and give a glowing review of a hotel to a friend, family member, or co-worker.  Here are 5 of the best hotels that you will find in the United States that will certainly enhance your vacation.

The Little Nell, located in Aspen, Colorado, mixes the feel of a country inn with the perks and activities of a grand hotel.  This scenic hotel offers just about anything you could wish for including a winter pool that is heated, massage and steam rooms, gas burning fireplaces, as well as all the other details you would expect from the finest hotels.

The Harrahs Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino in Stateline, Nevada, is a large hotel that has a breathtaking view of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and Lake Tahoe that is a sight to behold.  The guest rooms are large and comfortable, and dining the prize restaurant of The Harrahs is both elegant and exquisite.

The Balboa Bay Club located in Newport Beach, California, offers some of the best waterfront surroundings that you could hope to find in a hotel.  Between fine dining, a heated pool and hydra spa, and yacht, surfing, and boat rentals, there is much to see and enjoy at this beautiful hotel.

The Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon, delivers a classic European style with a touch of the Pacific Northwest.  The people are friendly, the beds are extraordinary, and the hotel is richly decorated in original artwork.  This award winner will put you right in the middle of the major shopping district that surrounds the hotel.

Lastly, the Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa located in Sedona, Arizona, boasts a royal and luxurious feel that you will have a hard time finding anywhere else.  An observation for star gazing and Red Rock viewing is just one of the many great features you will find here.  There are also many programs you will find that will leave you feeling pampered and fresh.

These are just 5 of the many great hotels across the United States that you will encounter.  All are great options for a destination trip, and all of them offer a unique and rewarding experience.

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