The Hotel Guide - Summer 2 Edition

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Accommodations • Attractions • Events • Destinations

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Summer 2 Edition - 2015

Port Royal Resort - Port Aransas, Texas

Table of Contents

28

Downtown Orlando

EXPLORE SAN ANTONIO WITH A HOP ON HOP OFF CITY TOUR

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8

Bus Stops

Including...

The Alamo - MAIN BOARDING POINT The River Walk The San Antonio Museum of Art The Pearl Brewery Complex The San Fernando Cathedral The Spanish Governor’s Palace Tower of the Americas

Texas

Destinations 27

Port Royal Resort 8

Downtown Orlando 28

Natural Bridge Caverns 10

Phoenician Resort - Scottsdale, AZ

30

Texas Swimming Holes 12

Inn at Newport Beach

32

Texas Aquariums 16

Sandperl Resort 33

Fun in Port Arthur, Texas

18

St. Augustine, Florida 34

Mansion at Judges Hill - Austin, TX

22

Experiences 36 Surin Phuket 37

LONDON STYLE DOUBLE DECKERS Tel. 210 224 8687 2 www.thehotelguide.com

About the Cover:

Experience one of Texas’ top resorts. A perfect getaway for the Summer.

(Photo: Courtesy of Port Royal Resort) www.thehotelguide.com

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Ride the Rio

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elcome to San Antonio! Hop on a Rio San Antonio Cruises barge for a narrated tour of the River Walk. Visit our website to find one of our four convenient locations.

For our Rio Taxi service, hail one of the checker-flagged barges for a trip to your River Walk Destination.

The Publisher

A Word From

S

ummer always get you thinking about having fun at the beach or hitting up the lake. Many people appreciate a great outdoor adventure.

This edition of The Hotel Guide offers a myriad of great things for everyone’s taste.

In Texas?

Then heading to Port Aransas and staying at the Port Royal Resort is a must. This tropical paradise is a perfect family getaway and boasts the state’s largest pool.

If you are going to be outside the Lone Star State, head to sunny Florida. Here, make your way to Downtown Orlando and enjoy their rich culture while mixing in with the locals.

Or, you can visit St. Augustine and take part in their 450th Birthday celebrations. Tons of incredible activities and events happening in this culturally-centric city.

From the East Coast to the West Coast, you can hit up the world-class Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona and engage in some golf, spa treatments and incredible dining.

As you embark on your journey towards sunny California, make the Inn at Newport Ranch your chosen destination.

For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals?

Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

Happy Travels!

www.riosanantonio.com (210) 244-5700 • (800) 417-4139 4 www.thehotelguide.com

www.thehotelguide.com

Edward R. Leos Publisher

Jennifer Leos

Associate Publisher

Christa Thompson

Senior Travel Writer

Katherine Belarmino Nicole Connolly Dr. Cacinda Maloney Callie Summerlin Michelle Tijerina Travel Writers

Daniel Leos Illustrator

Deanna Barrett Carla Ferrer Margo Gonzalez Huckabay Chriselda Pacheco Contributors

Contact Information:

The Hotel Guide P.O. Box 592418 San Antonio, TX 78259

Toll-free

(877) HTL-GDE1 phone (210) 857-2003 info@thehotelguide.com www.thehotelguide.com

Special Thanks to:

• Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority • Denver Convention & Visitor’s Bureau • Texas Department of Tourism • Texas Department of Transportation • Texas Hotel and Lodging Association • Texas Travel Industry Association • Las Vegas CVB • Austin CVB • Tyler CVB •GalvestonCVB • Houston CVB • Corpus Christi CVB • New Braunfels CVB • El Paso CVB • Lubbock CVB • Granbury CVB • San Antonio CVB

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Official Partners

San Antonio

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Port Royal Resort

A Texas Tropical Paradise

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ort Royal Ocean Resort, the premier Port Aransas Beach Resort, features 210 beachfront condos set on a 25 acre enclave wrapping around four lagoon pools, accented by palm trees, with stepped waterfalls – complete with two water-slides and an olympic size heated lap pool.

Great Rooms...

Their condos are 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms with large patio balconies that face the Gulf or both the Pool and the Gulf. All condos are equipped with full kitchens, laundry facilities and free wireless internet. The condos are decorated with different characteristics; are all open floor plans with the kitchen flowing into main living space and dining area that then flows out to the spacious patio and the wonderful views of the beach in Port Aransas. The resort is not a high rise but rather just three stories with an open vista to the Gulf.

Outstanding Service Port Royal features a Guest Care Team of over 200 looking after the enjoyment of our guests.

Restaurant 361 is open seasonally for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as our famous Champagne Brunch every Sunday. Our on-site restaurant features some of the finest cuisine offered in the area, prepared specially for you by our nationally recognized Executive Chef. Poolside, you can relax and enjoy local flavors in our swim-up Cabana Bar. Adjacent to the lobby, the Bistro offers a delicious assortment of treats and eats all day long. The Port Store is also stocked with all your food necessities, beach wear, toys from blow ups to kites, and, of course, ice cream!

Tons to Do...

Activities on property include tennis, volleyball, water volleyball or the Arnold Palmer golf course just 2 miles away. Guest bring their own surfboards, windsurfing boards, kite boards and fishing tackle or rent them in Port Aransas.

Nearby activities and excursions include deep sea fishing, bay fishing, jet skis, sailing, surfing, kiteboarding, bird watching, ecoexcursions, beach horseback rides, water excursions to local sites, yoga, pottery making, glass blowing and the University of Texas Marine Science Institute tours of wetlands, fish and aquatics.

The National Seashore is an 18 mile drive to expanses of pristine beach and teaming birdlife.

More Information To learn more about Port Royal Resort and Conference Center visit them online at www.port-royal.com.

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Natural Bridge Caverns

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fascinating trip awaits guests of NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS, the largest show cave in Texas.

What makes the Discovery Tour so awe-inspiring?

The caverns, located in the Texas Hill Country and minutes from San Antonio, contain cave formations that are centuries in the making and still growing today.

In March of 1960, four college students from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio obtained permission to explore the area. Lured by an amazing 60-foot limestone bridge and a large sinkhole, the explorers made numerous attempts to find the large underground passages they theorized were there. On their fourth expedition, Orion Knox Jr. felt a cool draft from a rubble-filled crawlway.

Such air currents often indicate the presence of additional rooms or passages.

Upon clearing this 60foot crawlway, the explorers made their way through two miles of vast cavern passage before returning to the surface to tell the landowners of their amazing discovery. The discoverers knew immediately what an astonishing find they had made and the land owners decided to develop the first ½ mile, the most spectacular part of the caverns, for the enjoyment of guests from around the world.

Natural Bridge Caverns’ Discovery Tour was developed with two main goals in mind: preservation of the cavern system and comfort of its guests. The result is one of the world’s premier show caverns.

The Discovery was opened to the public on July 3, 1964 and dedicated by Texas Governor John B. Connelly as a “Jewel in the crown of Texas’ attractions.”

Natural Bridge Caverns has also been designated a State Historical Site and a Registered National Natural Landmark.

On A Whole New Level.

Guided Tours Your guided tour, which takes approximately 75 minutes, will take you through vast underground rooms.

Discover Sherwood Forest, the Castle of the White Giants and the Hall of the Mountain King, a room the size of a football field.

Amazing delicate crystalline formations and gigantic stone monuments fill these beautiful underground chambers. Since Natural Bridge Caverns opened to the public, hundreds of thousands of guests from all over the world have enjoyed the Discovery Tour. You are invited to see this spectacular natural wonder, too.

For more information, visit Natural Bridge Caverns online at www.naturalbridgecaverns.com.

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Imagine a place that towers overhead, even though it’s deep underground. A place filled with delicate formations of solid stone formed by single splashes of water.

A place that’s eons old, but feels brand new every time you see it. From giant chambers that echo with mystery to passages with discovery around every bend, come see what makes Natural Bridge Caverns… Naturally AMAZING.

NaturalBridgeCaverns.com • 210-651-6101

MORE TO EXPLORE: www.thehotelguide.com

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Texas Swimming Holes

Experience the Wet Wonders

’m floating on my back in the emerald waters of Hamilton Pool, watching droplets cascade from the cliff overhang above.

Around me, families splash in shallow waters. College students gather atop massive rocks inside the interior walls of the cavelike structure. But I keep floating.

Hamilton Pool I’ve heard about this place for years, but today marks my first trip to the natural pool that lies just 30 minutes west of Austin.

During peak times, visitors wait for up to two hours to enter this pristine place, which is part of a federal preserve and thus is regulated to ensure balance between our enjoyment of it and the health of the plants and wildlife.

A bit of idling (plus a $15 vehicle admission fee) seems a fair price to pay for play in Hamilton Pool’s ethereal waters, which are well worth the wait. There are mossy stones, plants growing upside down from the domed roof, and trails to explore—both from the parking lot to Hamilton Pool and along its interior rim. And it’s not the Hill Country’s only gem.

Krause Springs Farther north is Krause Springs. This 115-acre property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been privately owned by the Krause family for more than 50 years. The generous family pioneered improvements—a lovely man-made pool overlooking the springs, stone picnic tables and gazebos, and a butterfly garden—building many structures by hand. Below these resting points sits the main attraction: two conjoined swimming holes. With massive cypress trees, waterfalls tumbling over ferncovered granite, and a rope swing, Krause Springs is an awesome spot for river-lovers. Those wanting an overnight stay can pitch a tent in the campground or hook up an RV in designated spaces. Day-trippers can end their journey with BBQ in Spicewood, where Opie’s

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and It’s All Good are two of the favorite establishments.

Wimberley To the south of Austin, you’ll find Wimberley, a quaint Hill Country town known for its community of artists and—you guessed it—its swimming holes!

The first, Jacob’s Well, measures 12 feet in diameter, but the relatively small opening doesn’t dissuade swimmers from cliff jumping. Lighter colors surrounding the hole morph into dark hues that correspond to depth: Jacob’s Well descends 30-ish feet. I visited on a fall day after the end of swimming season, so I checked out the well visually, then hiked the trails surrounding its northern edge. Because Jacob’s Well is the smallest of the swimming holes mentioned here, I’d recommend arriving early at this spot before venturing to Blue Hole later in the day.

Blue Hole Regional Park Blue Hole Regional Park is stunning: there isn’t a literal swimming hole, but rather a winding river like what you see at Krause Springs. The water is a lovely shade, thanks to Jacob’s Well (Cypress Creek’s main water source) and the limestone bluffs above Blue Hole (rainwater filters through the rock’s holes, causing lightening of color). In addition to swimming, Blue Hole offers a modern pavilion, a sprawling lawn, and amenities that include picnic tables (some with fire pits), basketball and volleyball courts, and 3.5 miles of trails.

Barton Springs When I’m in the mood for exploring Austin’s city limits, I hit up Barton Springs. Barton Springs is as Austin as it gets. The popular destination is located in Zilker Park (home to the city’s annual ACL Music Festival) and is known for its year-round temperature of 68 to 70 degrees, courtesy of spring-fed water coursing through the Edwards Aquifer. Grassy knolls slope down to the waterway, where adults and kids splash, float, and swim.

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HOTEL SORELLA CITYCENTRE 800 Sorella Court | Houston, Texas 77024 P 713.973.1600 | F 713.973.1601 | Reservations 866.842.0100 www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com

Accentuating the Setting.

Located in West Houston’s prestigious CITYCENTRE development. This prime location is near the Westchase District and Energy Corridor, with sophisticated retailers, elegant dining, upper-end commercial o ces and luxury homes nearby. Equidistant from both Houston airports: • Bush Intercontinental Airport (28 miles) / Hobby Airport (24 miles)

Indulging the Senses.

• 244 contemporary guestrooms / 30 Suites and a Presidential Suite • 6 exclusive one- and two-bedroom luxury penthouse residences and 11 condos atop Hotel Sorella, available for corporate lease • Custom-designed Hotel Sorella bed • Goose-down pillows and non-allergenic foam pillows • Luxurious Egyptian cotton bed and bath linens and plush terry robes • Designer toiletries • Co eemakers with specialty co ees • Proudly serving Katz Co ee™, Roasted to PerfectionSM • MP3 compatible plasma flat-screen televisions • Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet throughout property

Delivering the Experience.

• Outdoor pool overlooking CITYCENTRE plaza • Pre-arrival guest preference service • Doorman, bellman and valet parking service • Exclusive spa and fitness availability • Valencia VIP Loyalty Program • The Monnalisa™, a stylish bar and lounge • The Bistro and Bistro Bar™ • Wine and espresso bar with outdoor terrace overlooking the plaza • Fitness center • 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. room service • Multilingual associates

Creating the Unexpected.

From small meetings to large conventions, to intimate social gatherings, Hotel Sorella is the ideal choice. Featuring approximately 10,000 s.f. of meeting and event space, our nine meeting rooms accommodate eight to more than 230, two VIP Boardrooms are perfect for executive level meetings, depositions or breakouts. Hotel Sorella o ers state-of-the-art lighting and sound, plus complimentary wifi access and garage parking.

Stay Authentic.

Condé Nast Gold List ranked Best in the World, 2011, 2012 & 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, 2010, 2011 & 2012 Boutique Lodging Lifestyle Hotel of the Year, 2012

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Texas Aquariums Sealife on Exhibit

he typical Lone Star legend includes horses, cattle, and rattlesnakes, but with 600 miles of coastline that opens onto the Gulf of Mexico, Texas also is celebrated for its sea turtles, dolphins, wading birds, and other coastal companions—from amberjack to zooplankton.

Downtown Aquarium The Downtown Aquarium in Houston was just a ten-minute drive from home, so we started there. The six-acre aquarium complex was hatched from a “mashup” of two city landmarks—Fire Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building. The result is a wonderfully watery home to more than 200 species from Texas and around the world.

The exhibits are divided into different environments, so we saw octopi and eels in a sunken shipwreck, redbellied piranhas and puffer fish in the rainforest, and several scary-big sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.

Speaking of sharks, one of our favorite attractions was the Shark Voyage, a train ride that took us into a glass tunnel. The light at the end of that tunnel brought us into a 200,000-gallon tank containing a dozen or so of these razor-toothed beauties swimming all around us.

It was a bit surprising to find animals that were real “fish out of water” at an aquarium: two white tigers.

Rare and endangered in their native home of India, these extraordinary animals were brought to this customdesigned enclosure as part of an extensive conservation program.

Forgoing the sea-themed amusement park outside, we had a seafood lunch at the Aquarium restaurant, watching a continuous parade of our entrée’s distant relatives swim by in a tank in the middle of the dining room.

Sea Center Texas About 45 minutes south of Houston is Lake Jackson, home to Sea Center Texas. It didn’t take long to figure out that this wasn’t just your average aquarium. There was a redfish hatchery—the largest in the world—and a 600-foot boardwalk that took us on an adventure through the wetlands.

After picking up a nature checklist at the visitor center, we strolled along the boardwalk, checking off

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the boxes for green tree frogs, dragonflies, turtles, and a variety of birds—ducks, ospreys, pelicans, and hummingbirds, along with migratory species like egrets and blue herons. We were bummed that we didn’t get to see the pink-plumed, flat-nosed roseate spoonbill, but admittedly relieved that we didn’t see one of the alligators that are native to the wetlands.

Back at the visitor center, we wandered through aquariums representing the different Texas habitats. The Coral Reef had sea cucumbers—one look and it was obvious where the name came from—and numerous little “Nemos.” The offshore tank was home to the big fish—sharks, tarpon, gray snapper, and moray eel—in a 50,000-gallon pond.

At the Touch Tank, schoolchildren were loudly daring one another to touch a large, skittering blue crab.

At the quieter end of the 20-foot pool, we found the sea anemones. One gentle poke and the animal closed its feathery appendages around my offending finger.

Texas State Aquarium That same finger and the one next to it were crossed in hopes that the three-hour drive down to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi would be worth it. And it absolutely, positively, 100% was.

Where to begin? In addition to the touch pools and six aquariums of colorful, darting fish, there was the Flower Gardens exhibit, a replica of a real coral reef located far out in the Gulf, about 300 miles out the aquarium’s back door. Porcupine fish, cow-nose stingrays—the name was totally apropos—and sleek barracudas mingled among the coral until a scuba diver sank to the bottom with snacks. At that point, it was every fish for himself.

One amazing experience here flowed into the next.

At Otter Creek, there were several adorable North American river otters that were native Texans, like me.

They did me proud, executing a number of amusing tricks with their trainer. We met Bo, a ten-foot American alligator, at Swamp Tales, and watched lumbering sea turtles become graceful ballerinas as they moved from land to sea at Tortuga Cay.

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Port Arthur, Texas Texas Hospitality Meets Cajun Charm

oaring bridges spanning scenic waterways lead to outdoor adventure filled with birding, fishing and wildlife. Port Arthur unites land and sea in Southeast Texas, where our motto is “laissez les bons temps rouler.” That translates to “let the good times roll,” and it’s our attitude for welcoming tourists to the shores of Lake Sabine.

Tons of Water Nearby Port Arthur offers wetlands and Gulf beaches, salt and fresh water fishing and a comfortable year-round climate that is perfect to enjoy Sea Rim State Park, a completely natural beach. Experience our strong Cajun and other cultural influences through cuisine and music.

Lots to Do...

Catch the excitement at the Zachary Breaux Jazz Festival and the Buu Mon Lotus and Bamboo Festival. Museum of the Gulf Coast’s Jurassic to Joplin experience includes a replica of Janis Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche and tributes to The Big Bopper, Jimmy Johnson, Robert Rauschenberg. Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine and Queen of Peace Shrine & Gardens highlight our faith trail.

Local Attractions: Museum of the Gulf Coast -Janis Joplin, Jimmy Johnson and The Big Bopper are in music and sports hall of fame here. Visit a replica of Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche, the largest indoor mural of the southwest, the original Sabine Lighthouse lens, a Robert Rauschenberg art gallery, regional history and glass and shell collection are highlights. Visit themuseumofthegulfcoast.com Pompeiian Villa - Barbed-wire King Isaac Ellwood built this pink stucco mansion in 1900. The grandiose home is a replica of a Pompeiian home of 79 A.D. with a threesided courtyard and antiques. Hundreds of Santa figures

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adorn the mansion at Christmas.

Nature Abounds Port Arthur offers wetlands and Gulf beaches, salt and fresh water fishing and a comfortable year-round climate that is perfect to enjoy Sea Rim State Park, a completely natural beach. Visit Sea Rim State Park’s West Dune Boardwalk or Gambusia Nature Trail. Sail or fish on Sabine Lake. Bird Sabine Woods, The Mcfaddin National Wildlife Refuge, and the nearby TexasPoint National Wildlife Refuge. We’re a nature lover’s paradise!

Larry’s French Market and Cajun Restaurant Legendary throughout Southeast Texas for its Cajun and Creole dishes, Larry’s French Market and Cajun Restaurant is the place to come hungry and ready for zesty taste sensation. Try house specialties such a spicy crawfish etouffee, chicken and sausage gumbo, boiled seafood, boudain or fried offerings such as alligator or frog leg. The dance floor comes alive with sounds of swamp pop, Cajun and zydeco music Thursday through Saturday. Visit larrysfrenchmarket.com The area’s distinctive Cajun flavor, both musical and culinary, is on full display at Larry’s French Market and Cajun Restaurant. The feel good rhythms of live zydeco music and a large dance floor will prove irresistible to most. Larry’s draws a wide range of patrons and offers a glimpse of authentic Cajun culture, from its delectable food to its joyous, life-affirming music. Get moving to live music on the dance floor and get your mouth set for gumbo, boudain and crawfish. Visit larrysfrenchmarket. com continued on page 20

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TEXAS Our Lady of Guadalupe Visit Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Shrine which reflects the Hispanic Culture of the region. An inspiring 17-foottall bronze statue rests atop stones brought from Mount Tepeyac in Mexico City, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego.

Other Area Attractions: Shangri La Botanical Gardens is a world-class outdoor showplace that connects nature lovers with birds, bayous, herbs and butterflies.

Visit Shangri La and rekindle your sense of wonder.

Explore the welcome center museum, 252 acres of botanical gardens, Gift Shop & Café. Visit shangrilagardens.com Gator Country Beloved and feared, alligators are Texas’ most fascinating native creatures. GC is home to about 200 gators, including Big Al, the largest gator in captivity at 13ft long and topping 1,000 lbs. Hold a baby gator at this wildlife adventure park that is also home to crocodiles, turtles and snakes. Visit gatorrescue.com

The Spindletop Gusher spurred the largest oil boom in the USA. Visit the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum and relive the past in the reconstructed boomtown complete with oil derricks, shops, businesses and a replica gusher that blows water hundreds of feet into the air. Visit spindltop.org Swamp Tours Cruise the Blue Elbow Swamp in 22-passenger airboats. Day and night tours available. Great group discounts.

Visit airboatridesinc. com Port Arthur Hotels The city has a myriad of hotels to choose from, including The Holiday Inn Park Central, The Holiday Inn Express, The Hampton Inn and Suites, La Quinta Inn and Suites, Best Inn and Suites and Comfort Inn and Suites.As well, the Jack Brooks Regional Airport is serviced by American Airlines via American Eagle.

Alligator Wedding Shh.. Save the Date!

Surprise your group with Port Arthur, Texas’ Alligator Wedding Ceremony and Cajun Dining Experience at Beau Reve (Beautiful Dream) fine dining restaurant More Info?

For more information on Port Arthur, visit www.

VisitPortArthurTx.com or e-mail Callie Summerlin, Director of Sales at 409-985-7822, Callie@poartharthurtexas.com

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Mansion at Judge’s Hill

Elegance in the Texas Capital history as storied as the city T ait dwells in.

he Mansion at Judges’ Hill has

Originally built in 1900, the Mansion was a wedding gift to Goodall & Ella Wooten by Thomas Dudley Wooten, one of the founders of the University of Texas.

The two both had a passion for life and they used the Mansion as a fountain of new ideas. In fact, in 1929, they hired Neiman Marcus at a cost of $10,000 (today’s estimate of $1 million) to re-decorate the home.

Since its inception, this grand venue has combined the elegance of its historical roots with the vibrancy of its future.

“Fluffy. Not Stuffy.”

At the Mansion, you are whisked away to a timeless era with the hint of today. Each room in this fabulous boutique hotel is different, uniquely-appointed with an inviting appeal.

All the rooms have a personality all their own. Even the bathrooms have texture and color to give it more style and panache.

Amenities in these incredible accommodations include: 310 thread count Egyptian cotton linens, hypo-allergenic down and duvets and pillows, complimentary L’Occitane and Gilchrist & Soames custom bath products, private stocked honor bar, complimentary wireless & high-speed internet access, cable television and dvd players. Additionally, there is twice daily housekeeping services.

Food for Thought.

The Mansion has its own dining room that boasts a five-star chef and an impeccable array of delicacies. Here you will find an exquisite blend of International Modern and Classic Cuisines. The food is always fresh and the plates are designed to allow you to experience many tastes all in one meal.

The 1900 Lounge is open everyday from 4 pm - 11 pm and features stunning carved wood accents, intimate tables, vivid draperies and the attentive and friendly atmosphere the Mansion has come to be known for. Here you can enjoy a delicious martini, tempting frozen margarita or a glass of wine from our selections.

Special Events and More.

The Mansion offers groups the perfect backdrop for their events.

Regardless of the formality, tastes or budget, they can weave a tapestry of simple elegance into any function. Whether it’s a business meeting, wedding reception, or conference, they can create the right atmosphere for you and your guests. The venue can accommodate up to 250 people.

Contact Us For more information on this world-class, boutique hotel, visit them online at www.judgeshill.com or call (512) 495-1800.

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5 Hotels within 50 Miles

WE’VE GOT HOUSTON, KEMAH AND GALVESTON ISLAND, TX COVERED!

713.228.1520 innattheballpark.com

281.334.9880 kemahboardwalkinn.com

409.744.1500 sanluisresort.com

409.744.5000 galvestonhilton.com

409.740.5300 holidayinnresorts.com/ galveston-bch

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destinations

Be a part of the Texas Travel Industry Association.

Join today. www.ttia.org 26 www.thehotelguide.com

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Discover Your Urban

Downtown Orlando

hen you think of Orlando, theme parks seem to come to mind.

However, the heart of the city has it’s own character and charisma that allow tourists and locals alike to meld together. Come discover your urban with these Top 8 things to see and do.

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1. First Friday Jazz Series, A Jazz Show sponsored by True Marketing, Downtown Development Board and the Thornton Park District.

Remaining dates include August 7, September 4, October 2, and November 6.

2. Orlando Farmers Market.

Every Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at Lake Eola Park. This market is more than just your average farmers market. Find seasonal fresh produce, a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, artwork, handmade craft items like jewelry, pottery and soap. Thornton Park also offers a Farmers Market on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

3. Movieola. Lake Eola Park’s free outdoor movie series.

4. Orlando City Soccer Club game. New for 2015, the City of Orlando is proud to have a Major League Soccer team. The season runs through fall.

5. The Great Escape Room. A real-life room escape game based on the popular computer and mobile phone escape games. After entering a room with your team, the door is locked behind you with 60 minutes on the clock. The team must work together in order to find clues and solve puzzles that will lead you and your team to escape. It is park scavenger hunt and part puzzle game.

6. Third Thursday. Third Thursday Orlando is a monthly celebration of Downtown Orlando arts, business, food and culture. On every third Thursday of the month, downtown cultural groups hold a diverse range of events and open their doors to visitors in order to engage

more people in the arts and culture that exists in the Downtown area.

7. Thornton Park Wine and Art Walk. The 2nd Thursday of every month, a crowd gathers for the Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine + Art Walk. Guests come to celebrate the community, art and partake in an evening of sights, sounds, food, shopping, and some tasty tastings all along the walk!

8. Swan Boat Paddle Boa Rentals. A ride on a paddle boat is a great way to explore Lake Eola. Lake Eola Park has swan-shaped paddle boats available for rent for $15.00 per half hour. Each boat holds 5 adults.

Some other areas of interest in the greater Orlando area would be Loch Haven Park. Loch Haven Park is home to a cluster of theaters, museums, the Orlando Science Center, and the Orlando Ballet. The Orlando Science Center was just named #1 in a list of Orlando’s Family-Friendliest Museum Offerings from USA Today.

Currently, the Orlando Science Center is hosting a Mummies of the World Exhibit.

DISCOVER YOUR

URBAN. There’s always something NEW TO DISCOVER in Downtown Orlando. Be ENTERTAINED with a Broadway show at the new performing arts center. TASTE local flavor while dining outdoor at one of our award winning restaurants. EXPLORE local art at a nearby art gallery. INDULGE in retail therapy with boutique shopping. UNCOVER Orlando’s rooted history with a walking tour.

AND WITH EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO DISCOVER,

YOU’LL WANT TO KEEP COMING BACK.

For more information on Downtown Orlando, visit them online at www.downtownorlando.com.

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downtownorlando.com www.thehotelguide.com

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AZ

AZ

Luxury in Scottsdale

The Phoenician Resort

ince it first opened its doors in 1988, The Phoenician has set the standard for luxury and service in the Sonoran Desert. The AAA Five Diamond resort is a visual masterpiece, spanning 250 acres of lush gardens and dramatic desert terrain against the spectacular backdrop of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Tons to Offer Everyone But what truly sets The Phoenician apart is the remarkable diversity guests will find here, allowing them to create the travel experience of their dreams. Accommodations range from luxurious guestrooms to residential-style casitas. Dining can be a casually elegant affair, as found at the Italian-inspired Il Terrazzo; as informal as a refreshing salad enjoyed poolside; or as memorable as a romantic feast just for two under the stars.

The world-class recreational offerings of The Phoenician’s golf, tennis and spa facilities are balanced by the more unconventional pleasures of touring the resort’s fascinating Cactus Garden or exclusive $25 million art collection; or feeding Koi at Necklace Lake Lagoon.

Spacious, Elegant Accommodations The Phoenician offers guests a choice of 643 spacious accommodations from guestrooms and luxury suites to casitas with private entrances. In the main resort building, there are 450 beautifully decorated guest rooms, plus 12 luxury suites and two expansive, 3,000 square-foot presidential suites.

The intimate Canyon Suites, nestled against Camelback Mountain, is a boutique resort within the resort offering guests enhanced signature services, such as a personal wake-up call served with a choice of freshbrewed tea or coffee in a sterling silver set, a seasonal amenity presented by Executive Chef Paul Carter and a Canyon Ambassador to take care of the guest’s every desire. The Canyon Suites features 20 guestrooms, 38 luxury suites and two presidential suites, as well as its own secluded “edgeless” pool and cabanas.

A short stroll from the main building adjacent to the Necklace Lake Lagoon, the casitas include an additional 119 guestrooms and suites offering doorstep parking and private entrances.

Award-Winning Dining The Phoenician offers seemingly endless dining options that are as diverse as they are inspired. Among the nine restaurants is Il Terrazzo, featuring authentic American-Italian cuisine; and J&G Steakhouse, showcasing a bill of fare created by world-renowned Chef

Capture the moment, as well as the imagination. With elegant accommodations, award-winning cuisine, a stunning golf course and a lavish spa, The Phoenician is where your highest expectations are met and always celebrated in style.

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LIFE IS A COLLECTION OF EXPERIENCES LET US BE YOUR GUIDE thephoenician.com/offers 800 888 8234

Jean-Georges Vongerichten. For a more casual experience, the charming Café and Ice Cream Parlor serves tempting treats and light meals in a family friendly atmosphere; and the Oasis and Canyon Grills present a variety of poolside favorites; while a complete lineup of signature burgers, appetizers and desserts await at the Relish Burger Bistro. For a more traditional experience, relax to the rich temptations of Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Tea Court.

Another popular gathering spot, the Thirsty Camel Lounge, serves luxury spirits, light fare and rare cigars with live piano or saxophone adding to the ambience. And for private dining, The Praying Monk offers an intimate, Renaissance-inspired setting for small parties.

World-Class Leisure Pastimes At The Phoenician, world-class recreational options abound. The golf club offers 27 holes of championship play on three, nine-hole par 70 combinations designed by Homer Flint and Ted Robinson, Sr., while the 11-court Tennis Garden is the only resort facility in the Southwest to offer four playing surfaces.

Guests in search of enlightenment can indulge in an array of pampering and rejuvenating spa treatments at the 22,000 square-foot Centre for Well-Being, or learn about the resort’s many treasures – both natural and cultural – with guided and self-guided tours of the two-acre Cactus Garden and The Phoenician’s $25 million art collection.

More info?

Visit them online at www.thephoenician.com.

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RELISH BURGER BISTRO

IL TERRAZZO J&G STEAKHOUSE

THE CENTRE FOR WELL-BEING

©2014 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Luxury Collection and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

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CA

A Destination Paradise

A Destination Paradise

Inn at Newport Ranch

ocated on 2,000 acres of unspoiled coastline – about four hours north of San Francisco, yet light years away from the urban sprawl – the newly built Inn at Newport Ranch promises to be one of the most transporting experiences you can have without leaving your body.

“Many people ask how a Connecticut Yankee like me ended up with a ranch in California,” says the Ranch’s owner Will Jackson, “As a youngster…I enjoy{ed} reading about…the opening of the West and the land rush. When I discovered this ranch, with a mile and a half of oceanfront and three miles of contiguous ridgelines with panoramic views, I knew my dream of being part of the vast west had come true!”

Magical Additions Over the years Jackson has added 20 miles of private trails through the redwoods, allowing comfortable exploration of magnificent forests, untouched meadows, and meandering streams.

In order to keep the property as pristine as possible, when Jackson was ready to build his new inn he enlisted renowned architects Dave Sellers and Jim Sanford and tasked them with creating structures that honor the bounty of the area, connect guests to the landscape, and highlight the spot’s rich history.

Incredible Features Unique architectural features on site include a walk-in stone fireplace, a building supported by 24 individual redwood trees, and a 6-person hot tub on top of an antique water tower that presents commanding views of the

Sandperl Resort

ocated in Clearwater Beach, Florida, and minutes from Tampa and St. Pete-Clearwater Airports, Sandpearl Resort is a luxurious beachfront retreat with pristine beaches and Caribbeanesque waters. With an award-winning spa, AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, s’mores at firepits on the beach, Camp Ridley for kids, enrichment programs for the whole family, lagoon pool and cabanas, cascading waterfall and stunning sunsets, this resort keeps travelers coming back for more.

Family-friendly This resort has endless summer fun for the whole family: a new in-house mermaid who reads children stories poolside; experiences include a safari ecotour, kayaking excursion, dolphin cruise, dolphin trainer shadow experience, artist in residence program. From nature walks and scavenger hunts to arts and crafts, the engaging kids’ program (named for the Ridley sea turtle), Camp Ridley, keeps children entertained.

Local Culture Sandpearl is very involved with the local community and offers exclusive experiences Astronomy Night with Museum of Science and Industry and behind-the-scenes tours and excursions with Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where families can meet the stars, Winter and Hope, of Disney’s Dolphin Tale 1 & 2. The property also partners with charities for Spa for a Cause, where they donate proceeds.

Romantic Escape Sandpearl combines timeless elegance with a beloved beach escape, perfect for a romantic destination wedding or honeymoon getaway.

The property offers toes-in-the-sand luxury that’s comfortable, casually elegant, and playfully sophisticated. Sandpearl is the only venue in

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surrounding landscape. Some of the boards used in the construction were milled at the ranch out of redwood logs from the site’s previous life as a logging chute.

Other amenities at this one-of-a-kind ranch include cooked-to-order breakfasts, sourced from local ingredients; an evening appetizer buffet with local wines and beers; horseback riding or ATV safaris; and an on-site spa coming soon.

Stellar Rooms Each room and suite is individual, as befitting a jewel of modern architecture. Whether you are renting a guest room in the Main Inn building, with direct access to the view hot tub on the water tower; the Redwood House with living room, dining area, kitchen, fireplace, private hot tub, outdoor grill and views of the ocean; or the Sea Drum cottage, Jackson’s own ocean-side vacation home, you can expect plush robes, LCD flat screen TVs, Wifi, and all of the comforts of an upscale resort.

Info? Visit: www.TheInnAtNewportRanch.com.

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FL

Clearwater that offers weddings directly on the sugar-white beaches with the Gulf of Mexico as a picturesque backdrop.

The Best of Old & New Sandpearl does a great job of showcasing its timeless qualities and its ability to incorporate modern experiences. A couple cool traditions the hotel has are the “sunset bell,” which calls guests to witness sunsets and roast s’mores on the beach and “bottled heat,” where the resort gives out bourbon to guests to ward away cold temperatures. Some new experiences they’ve introduced this summer are an organic vertical garden in the restaurant, a Craft Beer Trail service to chauffeur beer lovers to breweries in the area, and a spa happy hour for groups.

Eco-luxury Sandpearl is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified resort in Florida. Along with multiple systems and programs put in place to go green, the resort, uses water-conscious faucets, toilets and shower heads as well as breakthrough technology ozone laundry equipment to save over 2.2 million gallons of water per year. In addition, Sandpearl is proud to partner with “Clean the World” where all unused soap and shampoo is donated to thousands of families in the world that need this basic necessity.

Foodie Forward Continuing its efforts to go green, the resort recently installed an organic vertical garden in Caretta on the Gulf, the resort’s AAA FourDiamond restaurant, which offers coastal-inspired cuisine with a playful spin, with items such as the Surf & Turf Roll or the Hawaiian wahoo.

More Information...

For more information, visit their website at www.thesandperl.com.

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FL

Celebrating 450 Years

St. Augustine

n a warm September 8 in the year 1565, 800 Spaniards gathered on the shores of a Florida saltmarsh at the site of a large Native American village known as Seloy. Soldiers and sailors were joined by more than 100 civilians. Married men and women, artisans, tradesmen and children waited in anticipation until at last, Captain General don Pedro Menéndez de Aviles stepped ashore from his longboat. Kneeling and kissing the cross carried by Father Lopez, Menéndez and his officers swore allegiance to God and King and proclaimed this place as “St. Augustine.”

That day marked the beginning of 450 years of people living, working and raising families in what is today the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States.

Happy 450th!!

You only turn 450 years old once, and the City of St. Augustine will be celebrating with a year of special events along Florida’s Historic Coast including art exhibits, cultural and religious activities, historical reenactments and music festivals. Here is the Septyember 2015 Commemorative Event schedule: Now through September 20, 2015 - Tapestry: The Cultural Threads of First America An exhibition that illustrates the coming together of three intertwining cultures – Hispanics, Africans and Native Americans – to create the blended society of St. Augustine and the foundation of American culture.

Located at the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center. www.StAugustine-450.com

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Friday – Sunday, Sept. 4 -6, 2015 Celebrate 450! Music & Street Festival This a free, celebration of the 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine features national, regional and local music and historical and cultural performances on multiple stages throughout the city. The main stage will feature performances by Aaron Neville & Mavis Staples in Friday; Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, JJ Grey & Mofro, and Justin Townes Earle and many more on Saturday. Also on Saturday night there will be a spectacular fireworks show over the Matanzas River.

Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015 EMMA Concert Association presents a Spanish Music and Dance Performance This performance at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre provides an evening of entertainment that showcases St. Augustine’s Spanish heritage.

3 p.m. – Gates open 4 to 5:30 p.m. – Local performing arts organizations will produce the first performance (St. Augustine Orchestra, St. Augustine Community Chorus, First Coast Opera & Limelight Theatre). This performance will be

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free to the public and produced by Artistic Director Gary Cadwallader.* 5:30 to 7 p.m. – On the grounds, The St. Augustine Textile Guild, Heritage (re-enactors) organizations, and representatives from the Castillo and St. George Street Players. The Art Association will provide handson activities and demonstrations geared toward family involvement.* 7:30 p.m. – Evening Concert: Ensemble Espanol – The ensemble will perform all styles of Spanish dance – Flamenco, Classical Spanish Dance “Estilizatión, Folklore, 18th Century Dances, Ballet (Classical Dance) and Castanets.

Monday, Sept. 7, 2015 Cake Cutting & Proclamation Reading A cake cutting, local music and reading of a proclamation will take place on this day in the Gazebo in the Plaza de la Constitución.

Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015 Countdown Clock Ceremony, Menéndez Landing ReEnactment, Procession & Commemorative Mass 450 years to the day of St. Augustine’s founding is an authentic, historical re-enactment of Pedro Menéndez’s landing at the Mission Nombre de Dios. A procession takes spectators to The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine for a Commemorative Mass.

7:45 a.m. – Countdown clock ceremony at the Visitor Information Center www.thehotelguide.com

9 a.m. – Menéndez landing re-enactment at the Mission Nombre de Dios 10 a.m. – Procession to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine 11 a.m. – Commemorative Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine Sept. 9 - 12, 2015 St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival A festival of Spanish wines that features five events in four days.

September 18 – 20, 2015 U.S. Spain Council International Summit An economic development summit with discussion among world leaders. The King and Queen of Spain have been invited to attend.

Location?

Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra and 42 miles of pristine, Atlantic beaches.

More Information...

For more information on events, activities, holiday getaway and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast. com, or call 1.800.653.2489.

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Experience Pure Bliss

The Surin Phuket

Experiences

experiences

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Experiences

by: Marie, www.SeriouslyTravel.com

ith exquisite design and regal elegance, the Surin Phuket lies in the midst of a lush, emerald tropical hillside.

Nestled along a powdered white sand cove on the Andaman Sea, the tranquil serenity is second to none.

The one and two bedroom hillside cottages and beachfront suites are perfect for couples, families, and small groups.

Each is decorated in sophisticated style with plush amenities, generous space and contemporary amenities.

Dining Galore The resort boasts four restaurants extending exquisite international cuisines, ensuring something for every palette. The Lomtalay Thai Restaurant overlooks the pool and the beach. In the morning it’s where guests enjoy an impressive breakfast buffet. But each evening the Restaurant transforms into a refined Thai restaurant that serves authentic, freshly prepared local delicacies. The sunset is the best way to end the day.

The Sunset Café serves an all day, casual menu consisting of Asian and International cuisine. Close to both the pool and beach, guests can enjoy light snacks, healthy selections, or a juicy burger and fries. With seating both outside and inside the tropical setting is a wonderful place to relax over a leisurely lunch or snack.

Unwind and bond with friends, or meet new ones at The Beach Bar. During the day the staff is happy to serve snacks and drinks right to your sun lounger. The huge bar and tables, scattered in the sand, are a great place to enjoy a break from the sun and a cocktail. At sunset enjoy happy hour with

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a menu of delicious drinks. The totally relaxed atmosphere invites friendliness and it’s not uncommon to see total strangers chatting and laughing. The ever-attentive staff is happy to play with the kids in the sand, giving parents a chance to reconnect.

Spa Time...

There is no better way to forget the stresses of life than to have them eased away by expert hands with a wonderfully calming spa treatment. The Surin Spa offers a long menu of holistic treatments surrounded by natural tranquility. Guests can enjoy his or her private cottages or a couple’s massage with expert masseurs whose knowledgeable hands carry you into pure bliss. No visit to the resort is complete without a spa treatment.

The Surin offers guest a variety of onsite activities for those who want to do more than unplug and soak in the sun. They have a fully equipped gym, Boutique, a wide range of water sports, and two tennis courts with floodlights for night matches.

For those who like to relax while playing a round of golf, the staff happily organizes trips to one of the five international standard golf courses on Phuket isalnd. There is literally something for everyone at the resort.

Highly Recommended I highly recommend The Surin Phuket for weddings, anniversaries, or a romantic getaway. It’s also perfect for families or a couple’s getaway.

For more information or to book a stay: Tel: +66 76 316 400, +66 76 621 580 – 2 www.thesurinphuket.com 37

Experiences

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