DiscoveryClub

February 1, 2012

Top 5 Celebrity Destinations

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Rachel

1. Barcelo Formentor-Mallorca, Spain

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en-GB/Hotels/Spain/Majorca/Formentor/Home.htm

Breathtaking stay at Cape Formentor. Located at the romantic and famous Cape Formentor (Pollensa, Majorca), this emblematic hotel boasts breathtaking views over the bay. It is ideal for those looking for an idyllic and calm atmosphere.

The hotel Barcelo Formentor is surrounded by an extraordinary environment which offers: on-site beach, great mediterranean gardens and spectacular views. Retreat within its remarkable gastronomy and excellent service and enjoy a truly memorable stay.  Additionally, facilities for meeting rooms and outdoor sports are also available.

 

2. Boscolo Exedra Nice-Nice, France

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://nice.boscolohotels.com/

This five Star Boscolo Nice hotel is also known as the Boscolo Exedra Nice, a luxury pearl of the Côte d’Azur in France. Luxury Boscolo Nice’s central boulevard, gives you the most sumptuous welcome to the pearl of the Côte d’Azur: historical architecture alongside bold and refined design solutions, distinctively modern, after a large-scale renovation work of this prestigious building.

The bar, with a futuristic atmosphere, La Pescheria, an ‘à la page’ restaurant, the large Fitness, SPA & well-being area, with swimming pool and Hammam, and the avant-garde meeting area are all certain to become reference points for those who love this city’s fashionable life, for events, conferences and business meetings.

 

3. Barchetta Excelsior-Lake Como, Italy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.hotelbarchetta.it/en

The Barchetta Hotel is situated on the lake, right in the centre of Como. The large windows look out onto the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s no need to even go out.

Each season has something to offer, mirrored in the beautiful square outside: strolls and concerts in the summer, Christmas markets and children ice skating in the winter.

Picture the lake with boats sailing dreamily away, while in the background the yellow funicular cab climbs the mountain up to Brunate. The boats leave from close by the hotel.

Upstairs you’ll find the peaceful rooms overlooking the lake, with balconies overhanging like the deck of a boat. The cathedral seems so close that you could almost reach out and touch it.

You’re in the centre of the most famous landscape in the world, in the centre of the city, and what’s more, you’ll be at the centre of their attention. We’re sure you’ll find this hotel welcoming and informal. The staff are there to cater to your every need.

 

4. Trump International Beach Resort-Miami, Florida

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.trumpmiami.com/

Trump International Beach Resort is a world of indulgent pleasures waiting for you on the shores of beautiful Miami Beach. Ideally located in the exclusive enclave of Sunny Isles, this Miami Beach hotel masterpiece, created by Donald Trump and Dezer Properties, rises as a striking landmark to luxury amidst the white sands of Miami Beach.

Enjoy this resort’s commitment to personal service that is distinctly European within a carefree tropical oasis of pampering and palm trees. Relax and rejuvenate with a soothing massage in a private oceanfront cabana. Dine at the fabulous Neomi’s, where All-American cuisine meets culinary influences from places near and far. Fall into a chaise lounge at the grotto-style pool. Unwind to breathtaking views of the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway from your private balcony. Shop on site and at nearby boutiques that rival those of the world’s fashion centers or spend a relaxing day at our spa. There is no shortage of indulgences here and you can rest assured that every need and every request you have will be promptly seen by the most attentive staff at this Miami Beach hotel resort in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.

 

5. Villa del Arco-Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.villagroupresorts.com/resorts/villa-del-arco

Stress melts away the minute you walk into the Villa del Arco Beach Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas, a calming and comfortable retreat where the staff is committed to ensuring you get the best of the 3 Rs: Relaxation, recreation and romance.
This irresistible venue, often referred by past guests as calming, beautiful and comfortable, offers secluded stretches of beach where you can shut out the world and relish in the surroundings. Even better: These comfortable rooms feature unbeatable views of sand and sea including the exotic rock formation El Arco, the official symbol of Los Cabos.
This sophisticated five-star, family-friendly all-suite property, with an at your service spa and colorful and imaginative full-scale Pirate Ship in the main pool, is located smack dab in the center of El Medano Beach, yet is only 1 mile away from the action of downtown Cabo San Lucas.

Posted under: Explore. Dream. Discover.
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November 22, 2011

Explore. Dream. Discover. Bora Bora

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Rachel

When you think of Bora Bora, you instantly picture the amazing colored water, the huts on stilts sitting above the ocean, the glass covered floors and the wonderful Polynesian hospitality. Well all of it’s true!

While on the island of Bora Bora my husband and I enjoyed all there was to experience. We started off our honeymoon vacation with a 4×4 tour of the island, submerging ourselves in the friendly Polynesian culture.

We were first introduced to a little portion of their history…

Did you know…

After the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan the United States entered World War II. The U.S. choose Bora Bora as a military supply base. Known as “Operation Bobcat” Bora Bora maintained a force of nine ships, 20,000 tons of equipment and almost 7,000 men. A total of seven massive naval cannons were set up in various locations around the island, this being one of them. The island however saw no combat and the base was officially closed in 1946 with no cannons ever being fired.

Being one of The Discovery Club’s luxury affiliates, we chose to stay at The Hilton Bora Bora and it didn’t disappoint! Upon arrival at the airport in Bora Bora, the staff greeted us aboard a yacht, reserved just for hotel guests where we were taken on a 20-minute cruise back to the hotel. Fresh poured orange juice and a cold tropical towel to cool off was waiting for us upon our check-in.

Our room, a Deluxe King Over-water Villa was amazing. It was truly the most beautiful room you could imagine. The private-water side balcony offered unobstructed views of the lagoon and glass-floor viewing panels throughout to watch the ocean life swim by.  Even the bathtub and shower had views of the water!

What is there to do in Bora Bora you ask? Well apart from spending countless hours lazing around on the beach to soak in the hot and sunny weather, we spent most of the day in the water, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and just about everything else. One day was spent swimming with black-tipped reef sharks and sting rays, a must do for anyone visiting the islands of French Polynesia.

How was the food you’re wondering? Well if you adore fresh local caught seafood, you are in luck. My husband, being a fisherman himself was in heaven with the unlimited supply of fresh mahi mahi, yellow-fin tuna, parrotfish, marlin and Wahoo. I on the other hand, despise any food that exists from the ocean!  So I was very content to consume all the fresh fruit and juices the island could offer.

Bora Bora exceeded our expectations of the perfect vacation. The weather was perfect, the ocean was the most beautiful turquoise color you have ever seen and the hotel was a beautiful resort to stay at. I highly recommend Bora Bora for anyone wanting a 5-star world-class beach vacation.

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October 20, 2011

Ireland in October

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Rachel

October is here! What does this mean? Halloween of course! Here in North America when we think of Halloween we tend to think of trick-or-treating, ghosts and goblins and haunted houses! But did you know that Halloween originated in Ireland? Linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, historically kept by the Gaels and Celts in the British Isles, the word “Halloween” derived from Old Irish means “summer’s end.” Halloween was first celebrated as an end of summer event where the Celtic people believed that on this eve the souls of those who had died during the past hear would return in search of living bodies to possess. Of course none of the living wanted to be possessed by these spirits so they would put out all the lights in their homes and dress up in ghoulish costumes and reek havoc in their neighborhood to scare the spirits away. It wasn’t until the 1840s when immigrants fled Ireland due to the potato famine that Halloween came to North America.

While Ireland is known for their history of Halloween, there is so much more to experience there. October happens to be a busy month to visit Ireland, as there are countless festivals, fairs, shows and markets.

According to discoverireland.ie, September and October is “Dublin Festival Season.” Below are some ideas to spark your interest!

•    New Festival on the Block
“Dublin is about to be taken over- but in a good way. For almost two months the city will tingle with the creative sparks of over 90 international artists from Ireland and five continents”.

•    Dublin Loves Drama
“To coin a phrase, Dublin is about to become a stage. Rolling into town with a thespian pep in its step is the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival taking over the city with dramatic intent.”

•    Sweet Sounds
“100 bands, 3 days, 6 venues. The bands: all shiny and new, which means that with the right cherry-picking you might just catch the next Bell X1 or U2. Either way you’ll enjoy a music festival without the mud”.

•    Beautiful Beer
“Bratwurst sizzling on a charcoal barbecue, weissbier hissing into cavernous krugs and strains of happy Bavarian mountain song lilting on the Autumn breeze – you must be in Munich, right? Nope not this time. This time, Munich and the sweet Bavarian nectar that is weissbier have come to Dublin and made themselves quite at home on the uber-scenic docklands.”

•    The City Opens Up
“Open house Dublin opens eyes and doors to the stunning and usually off-limits buildings in the city. We’re talking maintained tenements, regal residences and ecologically friendly triumphs. This year’s theme, ‘The Architecture of Change’ explores the idea that buildings around us have the potential to make us happier and the world a better place.”

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September 28, 2011

Fall on the East Coast

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Rachel

Growing up in Ontario, September meant coming home from a long hot summer spent at the cottage in Muskoka.  It was a time to pack away the shorts and t-shirts and pull out the fall coats and sweaters.  The fall season brought about many changes; school was starting, the weather was slowly turning cold and the beautiful fall colors began to show themselves in the Maples, Pines & Oak trees.

This fall, why not experience a weekend away somewhere different, somewhere you have been meaning to visit but haven’t made it there quite yet.  Fall in my opinion, is the best time to visit the east coast of North America.  The Discovery Club offers many different affiliates to choose from and below are a few i have selected to give you an idea of how you can spend your time enjoying this season.

Imagine walking through the 400-year-old city of Quebec, exploring a true gem in Canadian history.  The beautiful crisp evenings spent at a cafe reading a delicious book is an idea way to spend an evening in the province known for its natural, historical and cultural attractions.  Or how about Boston, a city famous for its innovative universities and of course Fenway Park.  Picture yourself enjoying a meal at the original “Cheers” restaurant or taking a city tour by boat along Boston’s Charles River.

Then there is of course New York, i cant imagine a better time to visit the city that never sleeps than in the fall.  A city that sets the perfect stage for a true romantic comedy.  Dressed up in your favorite fall coat with shopping bags in hand settle down on a Central Park bench to people watch and then wander over to a Broadway musical or to one of the thousands of restaurants and wine bars to take in the nightlife?

We couldn’t talk about fall on the east coast without mentioning the beautiful provinces of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Thrown on your cable nit fisherman sweater and your bright yellow wellies and take a stroll along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.  Smother your taste buds with fresh caught Atlantic lobster and mingle with the locals who are known for their outgoing and friendly personalities.

Fall, as is evident throughout this newsletter is one of the best times to explore some of those paces on the east coast you haven’t got around to visiting.  Take a few days to enjoy a different time to travel, its as easy as selecting your destination and letting us here at The Discovery Club take care of the rest!

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August 30, 2011

“The Clubhouse”

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Rachel

By Kevin Walker, Owner

At different times we have spoken of our other project, in the form of the new and emerging Oak Bay Beach Hotel, scheduled for opening in the Spring of 2012.

Many of you are from outside the Victoria area, and probably have not had a chance to see our completed structure in the last while…so we thought it might be fun to bring you up to date on what is sure to be one of the worlds foremost travel destinations. And truly a signature affiliate in our club catalogue.

It is often referred to as our Discovery Club “Clubhouse”, for it is here that our members will find advantages and benefits only available to Discovery Club members. Imagine a place that provides timeless old world architecture, set on the Pacific Ocean, where the whales and eagles pay regular visits to your doorstep. Picture yourself seaside, literally, soaking in the hot therapeutic mineral pools, or enjoying a spa moment of pedicures and manicures and massage, then maybe retire to the Grand Lobby for a relaxing glass of Port, or a Hot Chocolate in Kate’s Café. And recently we announced that the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel will be home to the David Foster Foundation Theatre, where you can take in a live dinner theatre show or a movie, and of course The Snug, world famous already, will be making its triumphant return.  And all of this is yours to enjoy and your Discovery Club membership will afford you access to a range of benefits  that extend beyond just accommodation.

Your membership ensures that you always get first notice of all the special events we have planned. We have set aside a very special block of rooms for Club Members, and you will be amazed at their views, their size and the remarkable services (Butler, Concierge, Valet, Chef’s on call, and more).
We will encourage you to continue to travel the world because that is what Discovery Club membership is all about…but then you will have a place to call home, right here in Victoria BC, on the seashore.

We are very excited to share this great destination with you. Be sure to check out the website www.oakbaybeachhotel.com and we’ll see you there in the Spring of 2012

Happy Travels

Kevin Walker

Posted under: Explore. Dream. Discover.,New Affiliates,Our Recommendation
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August 5, 2011

Top 5 Cycling Destinations

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Rachel

By Rachel Wall, Member Services Representative

Myself along with one of my co-workers, Crystal have had the privilege of first hand experience in the following cycling destinations. From around the world, these destinations are among our favourites, and we would not want our Discovery Club members to miss them.

Provence

With the tour de France having just finished, we thought we would start our biking excursions in Provence, the lovely region of southeastern France.

Pedal Provence’s southwest corner weaving through the cobble stone streets and limestone peeks, through town markets, and into the quiet countryside. At night kick up your feet while enjoying a beautifully prepared dinner made with fresh local ingredients. Rest in the regions premiere Inns, enjoy sipping on Provence’s most coveted wines, and experience France’s astounding History.

Backroads Provence Biking Tour (more…)

Posted under: Explore. Dream. Discover.,Uncategorized
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June 28, 2011

Canada’s Top 10 Wilderness Lodges

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Rachel

By Rachel Wall, Member Services Representative

1. Churchill Wild – Churchill, Manitoba

IT’S LIKE WATCHING YOUR FAVOURITE NATURE CHANNEL…WITHOUT THE TELEVISION!
Fellow adventurers, your many travels will occasionally land you in a little corner of creation that has been spared the effects of man’s restless hands. The Hudson Bay Coast and the Seal River, the last great wild river in Manitoba, is such a place.

The polar bears will be yours to watch.
The belugas will be yours to snorkel with.
The lodges will be your wild home away from home. (more…)

Posted under: Explore. Dream. Discover.
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April 18, 2011

Explore. Dream. Discover…Britain

Posted on April 18, 2011 by therese

By Therese Eley, Director of Member Services

In honour of the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton, we thought it would be fun to feature a taste of “Royal Britain”. For our members with Royalist curiosities, our friends at VisitBritain offer the following suggestions:

Balmoral Castle, Scotland

Balmoral Castle near Aberdeen in Scotland is the Queen’s private residence. Located on a working estate, Balmoral Castle was a favourite of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The Estate grounds, gardens and the Castle Ballroom are open to visitors from the beginning of April to July. (more…)

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February 16, 2011

Explore. Dream. Discover…Paris – Top 10 Most Romantic Things to do in Paris

Posted on February 16, 2011 by therese

By Therese Eley, Director of Member Services

1. Snuggle in Trocadéro Gardens – Find a secluded bench with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower, snuggle, and wait for the magic moment of the top of the hour when the Eiffel Tower suddenly sparkles for 10 minutes.

2. A Picnic in Luxembourg Gardens – Pick up some fresh bread and cheese and a bottle of vin rouge on your way, then find a quiet spot to reconnect with nature and each other. We suggest finding your way to the more secluded De Medici Fountain, built by Henri IV in 1625 for his wife, Marie De Médici, who was homesick for her native Florence, Italy.

3. Steal a Kiss under the Pont-Marie – Known as the “bridge of lovers”, legend has it that if you kiss under the Pont-Marie and wish for eternal love, your wish will be granted. So hop onto one of the riverboats that travel up and down the Seine and seal your relationship with a kiss under this famous bridge.

4. Speak the Language of Love at the “Wall of Love” – Le Mur des Je T’aime (the Wall of Love) is a mural beautifully inscribed with the words “I love you” in 311 languages. The red splashes signify “broken hearts” which the artist hopes the mural will cure.

5. Practice your French Kiss on the Most Romantic Bridge in Paris – The Pont des Arts, located between the 1st and 6th arrondissements, offers one of the most romantic views in the world. From its centre one has a 360º panorama of famous Paris sights such as the Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, and more. But beyond the view, this has become a popular location for lovers to declare their eternal love for each other by writing their ames on a padlock and locking it to the bridge.

6. Enjoy a feast of love at Lapérouse – Located in an elegant townhouse on the Seine, Lapérouse has a long history of romantic entanglements. In the late 1800′s, it was popular among famous French courtesans as a rendezvous spot for illicit liaisons with their high society clients. Upon receiving their payment in diamonds, the courtesans would then scratch the mirrors in the dining room to ensure the diamonds were not fakes. Today, you can reserve one of their private dining salons for your own romantic tryst, indulge in a decadent French feast, and lounge on the sumptuous red velvet couches… don’t worry, the maître d’ will not interrupt or enter until you’ve summoned him with the pull of a cord.

7. Take a stroll through Versaille – This decadent palace and its expansive gardens are a setting straight out of a fairy tale. Originally designated as the centre for the French royal court and government by Louis XIV, the Sun King, in 1682, the gardens at the Chateau de Versaille offer an idyllic setting for a romantic stroll with your sweetie.

8. Join the Carnival of Lovers at the Musee Carnavalet – Today, the Musee Carnavalet is the official museum of Parisian History, and it is not without its own provocative past itself. In the 1500s, the mansion in which the museum resides was the home of the beautiful young woman named Madame de Kernevenoy, whose husband had been killed in a duel, leaving her a widow at age 25. Renowned for her beauty, she was later nicknamed “Carnevalet”  after the never-ending carnival of courtiers who would line up outside her residence. Its lavish gardens and secluded museum hallways are the perfect setting for honouring the 500 year history of passion witnessed in this decadent mansion.

9. Love at the Louvre – One of the world’s best museums, the Louvre is filled with history’s masterworks, many of which were inspired by and depict the many facets of love, from the first seeds of romance to sensual, passionate intrigues and loves lost. Follow the “I Love You” thematic trail through the museum to discover how artists from antiquity to the 18th century have chosen to represent amorous relationships.

10. And of course… A Kiss atop the Eiffel Tower -  With the glittering city of lights twinkling before you, need we say more?

Posted under: Explore. Dream. Discover.
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January 25, 2011

Explore. Dream. Discover…Costa Rica!

Posted on January 25, 2011 by therese

By Therese Eley, Director of Member Services

Boasting a higher bio-diversity than Europe and the United States combined, in a land mass smaller than that of West Virginia, makes Costa Rica an ideal eco-destination. While the country has only about .25% of the world’s landmass, it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity! From soaring volcanoes and cloud forests to quaint villages and stunning tropical beaches, it’s quite easy to cover a lot of ground, without having to cover a lot of ground. This small Central American gem is so packed with a splendid array of bio-diversity, it makes for the perfect destination for nature lovers to explore.

Here are 10 of Costa Rica’s top eco-attractions: (more…)

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