by Devon on April 26, 2013
Far from more culinary capitals such as New York City and San Francisco, beach destinations are rarely the first stop on an epicurean getaway. But plenty of tropical locales boast impressive chef creations, from farm-fresh plates, to straight-from-the-ocean cuisine. And just because you appreciate a quality Porterhouse cut and kicking back on the beach with a mai-tai shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice one for the other. Whether you’re looking for a truly delicious all-inclusive plan, or some mouthwatering organic delights, we’ve got the best foodie beach destinations for all palates.
For All-Inclusive Dining…
From the family behind Le Cirque comes some of the best inclusive cuisine in the D.R.
To foodies, all-inclusive resort dining just means sloppy buffet lines and leftover à la carte “crab meat” (and to be fair, it often does). But luckily some resorts don’t mind offering some actually decent, and often delicious, menu options that you’ll look forward to chowing down on. These resorts may be pricey, and few and far between, but they’re worth the visit. Your taste buds — and stomach — will thank you!
Stay: Casa De Campo, Dominican Republic
The five-pearl Casa De Campo is one of the top properties in the D.R. With over a dozen dining options, the resort’s all-inclusive rates include renowned eateries such as the waterfront Beach Club and the Mediterranean-inspired La Caña, both from the famed family behind Le Cirque restaurants in New York and Las Vegas. So whether you’re craving spicy rack of lamb or fresh grilled seafood, this resort won’t make you shell out extra for a good meal.
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Tagged as:
Bahamas,
Dominican Republic,
Jamaica,
Miami,
Puerto Rico
by Devon on April 26, 2013
We’re dreaming of heading out to Monterey County for a little R&R, and what better way to enjoy the Golden State than in a room with a view! We checked out our options, and found that plenty of stays along the coast offer phenomenal ocean views. Some hotels charge an arm and a leg for a peak at the Pacific waters, while others offer pretty reasonable rates for a breathtaking view. But sometimes it can be hard to tell which is which…
The Inn at Spanish Bay is a luxurious resort on Pebble Beach, with top-notch amenities including a sprawling golf course, five on-site restaurants, a spa, and spacious guest rooms. But visitors pay for this level of luxury, with standard Ocean View Rooms setting you back about $930 per night.
Not too far from the Inn at Spanish Bay is the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, which comes with much less sticker shock. While still a gorgeous, luxurious stay, a standard Ocean View Room at the Monterey Plaza Hotel will cost about a third (roughly $350 per night) of what Spanish Bay asks for. And Monterey Plaza doesn’t skimp on the extras, either: The hotel boasts a rooftop spa, a beautiful outdoor restaurant, and large, elegant guest rooms.
Can you tell which view is which? Check out the rooms each hotel offers by clicking on the links above, take a guess in the comments section below, and then find the answer after the jump!
Option 2
Option 1
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Tagged as:
Foto Friday,
Monterey County
by Devon on April 25, 2013
Victoria Harbour is one of Hong Kong's most scenic spots
When foreigners picture Hong Kong, it’s often the neon lights, staggering skyscrapers, and hoards of people. This all may be true, but this city is home to just as much old as new; historic temples cozy up to massive modern buildings, and while the super-efficient subway rambles down below, quaint-looking trams above take locals and tourists on more scenic rides. Explore the best Hong Kong has to offer, as we take a look at some of the city’s must-see sights!
Tagged as:
Hong Kong
by Devon on April 19, 2013
April 20th is a special day for many. More popularly known as “4/20,” this Saturday marks an annual hash bash dating back more than 40 years, during which stoners the world over will gather to light up their green like it’s Christmas in springtime. And Oyster wants to know which cannabis epicenter you’d rather chill out in: Amsterdam or Jamaica. One is a laid back tropical locale miles from the noise and stress of the big city, while the other is an herb-loving historical capital in one of Europe’s most alluring settings. So which would you rather toke in — or just plain visit? Take a look at the options below and then enter your answer in the comments section.
Option 1: Jammin’ in Jamaica
Catcha A Falling Star AND some chill vibes in Jamaica
While marijuana may not technically be legal in Jamaica, possession laws are as notoriously lax as the island itself. And one of the best places to chill out (with or without your stash!) is at Catcha Falling Star Resort, a gorgeous cliffside boutique with a laid back attitude and private bungalow huts. The resort has a minimum age requirement, keeping with the calming vibes, and amazing ocean views abound throughout the property. It’s a perfect high-times oasis.
Option 2: Getting Weird in Amsterdam
Hotel Pulitzer is a great place to get your smoke on in Amsterdam
Amsterdam makes a great toking ground for the more metropolitan smoker. The city has tons of historical landmarks, and is one of Europe’s most popular spring destinations thanks to some other plants — its lovely tulips. For 4/20 visitors, Hotel Pulitzer is one of the swankiest hotels in the centrally located Canal Ring neighborhood. The hotel has a gorgeous garden for finding your Zen, and a great on-site restaurant or 24-hour room service for all of your munching needs.
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Tagged as:
Amsterdam,
Foto Friday,
Jamaica
by Devon on April 16, 2013
Find out the best sights, sounds, and taste in Stumptown.
A big city with plenty of small town touches, Portland has something for everyone. With beautiful, natural surroundings mixed in with its trendy shops and bars, Stumpdown doesn’t disappoint. Take a look at some our of favorite things to do in the gorgeous Oregon city.
Tagged as:
Portland
by Devon on April 12, 2013
The heated pool at the Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize is just on surprisingly luxe green amenity
We don’t mind sacrificing a little comfort during our travels if that means reducing our carbon footprint. But then again, not all eco-conscious hotels call for lights out and cold showers. The 10 hotels that make our list of those with the best eco-friendly perks aren’t all LEED-certified, but they still know that going green makes guests and Mother Earth happy. So here’s our salute to some great stays that are doing their part to reduce, reuse, and conserve with these awesome green amenities.
Tagged as:
Argentina,
Belize,
Big Sur,
Buenos Aires,
California,
Colorado,
Costa Rica,
East Hampton,
Finger Lakes,
New York,
Palo Alto,
San Francisco,
Silicon Valley,
Snowmass,
The Hamptons,
Yosemite National Park
by Devon on April 12, 2013
Which city is this? Let us know in the comments!
This capital city goes by a few different nicknames, but some lesser things it’s known for? Having North America’s largest urban bat colony for one, and being the site of Matthew McConaughey’s infamous naked home arrest in which the actor was said to be playing his bongos far too loud — and too naked, for that matter. And thanks to its large cultural festivals each year, this city is ranked sixth in the U.S. in the number of artist and musician residents per capita. But just what city are we talking about?
Think you know? Find out after jump! Read More »
Tagged as:
Foto Friday
by Devon on April 11, 2013
Even the non-connoisseur has a reason to visit Napa!
Northern California’s gorgeous Napa Valley region has tons of wino-centric activities to offer throughout its lush, rolling hills and endless vineyards. But there’s also plenty to do here even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, from biking, to hiking, to hitting the Napa River. Take a look at our favorite outdoor activities in stunning Napa Valley.
Tagged as:
Napa Valley
by Devon on April 5, 2013
What are YOU looking at!
Talk about bathrooms with a view! The Ten Thousand Waves spa resort in Santa Fe may seem like a relaxing getaway, but this guy watching you do your business may not exactly put you at ease. When using the restroom in this Sailor Moon Suite, just proceed with caution.
Read our caption after the jump, then enter your own in the comments section below! Read More »
Tagged as:
Foto Friday,
Santa Fe
by Devon on March 29, 2013
Another Spring Break has come and gone; we’re still lathering up on the aloe and washing the sand out of our clothes. For Spring Break, families, couples, and co-eds travel around the globe to find some fun in the sun, and the Florida Panhandle is a popular choice. Some go luxury and some go value, but it can sometimes be hard to tell which is which…
A value option is the Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand. It’s not right on the beach, but enormous room windows provide great views of the Florida landscape, and the sandy beaches aren’t too far from the hotel. Rooms also have great modern amenities, and the hotel has a stocked on-site library. Best of all, rates after often about a cool $120 per night.
On the other end of the spectrum, are the luxury beachfront digs of the WaterColor Inn & Resort. This resort boasts modern in-room amenities, property perks such as pools and bike rentals, and great views. But the standard room costs about four times as much as standard rooms at the Crowne Plaza, at nearly $400 per night. Can you tell which is which? Check out the rooms each hotel offers, take a guess in the comments section below, and then find the answer after the jump!
Option 2
Option 1
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Tagged as:
Florida Panhandle,
Foto Friday
