Travel

5 Un-Missable Summer Getaway Offers 2016

summer getaway offers

Staff Writer Travel ,,,,,,,,,

Instead of slouching at your desk, admit it – you’d rather be sailing on the ocean, staring wistfully at an inky sky, sipping Pina Coladas and chatting up local strangers in a foreign place. So, why not?

Break from your humdrum routine and soak in an adventure, with enviable outfits and one-of-a-kind Snap-able activities that’ll rouse you with a renewed passion for life, art and everything in between.

Here are 7 summer getaway offers to have the adventure of a lifetime:

 1. Have a free summer: Head to Orange County, California

random-boardwalk

For those of you low on cash and high on curiosity, Orange County is a fitting destination this summer. Here are a few things in Orange County that are authentic, fun and cost nothing at all:

a. On the first Sunday of every month, the Village Art Faire, San Clemente, highlights the work of over 60 artists and artisans.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 5, July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4.

Info: villagesanclemente.org/village-art-faire/

b. Sundays also bring Sunday Concerts in the Park with the Huntington Beach Concert Band. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic.

When: June 26-Sept. 4, starting at 5 p.m.

Where: Huntington Beach Central Park, behind the library.

Info: Hbconcertband.org

c. Learn how to tap dance, make gourmet coffee, grow succulents, do your own nail art, talk like a pirate, do Tai Chi, do bonsai, protect yourself from the Zika virus, play the harmonica, play chess, make a basket, donate hair and more at the Do It Yourself Festival at the La Habra Library.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 4. All supplies provided.

Where: La Habra Library, 221 E. La Habra Blvd.

Info: 562-694-0078. 
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d. Enjoy the annual outdoor Shakespeare by the Sea Featival. This year, they’re doing “Othello” and “Cymbeline.” Shows start at 7 p.m. Bring chairs, blankets and dress warmly.

When & Where: “Othello” (July 16) and “Cymbeline” (July 17) at Saddleback College (Upper campus quad) 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo; “Othello” (July 21) at Huntington Beach Central Park, 18100 Goldenwest St.; “Othello” (July 23) and “Cymbeline” (July 24) at Rush Park, 3021 Blume Drive, Rossmoor; “Othello” (July 28) at Birch Park, 210 N. Birch St., Santa Ana; “Othello” (Aug. 7) at Eisenhower Park at the Seal Beach Pier; “Cymbeline” (Aug. 10) at Soka University’s Campus Green, 1 University Dr. Aliso Viejo; “Othello” (Aug. 14) at Crown Valley Park in Laguna Niguel, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway; “Cymbeline” (Aug. 17) at Irvine Valley College, Live Oak Terraces Theater, 5500 Irvine Center Drive.

Info: Shakespearebythesea.org

2. Have an immersive local experience: Banyan Tree Bali

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Head East this summer to idyllic and pristine Bali. Beautiful beaches, exquisite temples, great food, tropical scenery and mighty volcanoes; the Indonesian island of Bali has it all.

It also provides unique experiences including diving the Nusa Penida and hiking the glorious Rinjani volcano.

For hotel stay, check out Banyan Tree Ungasan, a cliff top resort on the tip of Bali’s southern peninsula, located 35 minutes away from Bali’s International Airport and a stoe’s throw away from private beaches. Why? The local experts at Banyan Tree Ungasan are on hand to help find everything to get the true local experience.

Alit Mendala, Chef de Cuisine at Banyan Tree Ungasan’s Jumana Restaurant, recommends:

Try the authentic Balinese street food at Senggol, Klungkung and Warung Ibu Oka in Ubud, where they can try local delicacies from Balinese sweets to Indonesian meatballs and marinated grilled meats to tasty savory snacks and charcoal-grilled fish, all of which can be washed down with a glass of daluman – Bali’s revered glossy green drink made of coconut milk, leaves, and palm sugar.

Room rates start from AED 1,542 per night for a Pool Villa with garden view, including breakfast for two. Guests who book the Night On Us will enjoy complimentary night stays based on the number of nights they book.

For reservations, reservations-ungasan@banyantree.com.

3. Get your adrenaline pumping: Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas

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At 361m in length, it’s longer than both the Eiffel Tower and Burj Al Arab. Royal Caribbean’s latest Oasis-Class ship Harmony of the Seas, is a ship of monstrous proportions. It takes a western Mediterranean route on its inaugural journey in June 2016.

It has the tallest slide on the high seas called The Ultimate Abyss, at 150 feet above sea level. Zip line across an open-air atrium suspended above the the Boardwalk with its family friendly activities, eateries and shops.

Rock-climb on two 43ft tall climbing walls which flank the open-air AquaTheater, home to a full spectrum of awe-inducing aquatic aerial displays, before perfecting your balance on the FlowRider® surf simulators.

Eat at Jamie’s Italian, visit a bar with robotic bartenders, and watch Broadways’ hit Grease. This is the ultimate summer vacation.

Book it now: http://www.royalcaribbean-arabia.com/ or call + 971 4 331 4299.

4. Dip your feet in history: Lake Como – Grand Hotel Tremezzo

GH-Tremezzo-restaurant-by-beach

The legendary Grand Tour, an 18th-century excursion that saw wealthy Europeans journey through France and Italy in search of adventure, and Lake Como was an obligatory stop, loved for its warm climate and luminescent atmosphere.

Stay at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and explore the quaint villages and elegant villas that line the lake for a romantic voyage of discovery. Visit the filming location of Casino Royale, hop aboard the Venetian water Limo Ruy and get lost in the maze of hidden streets.

The Lake Como Grand Tour package includes the following, based on a minimum 3-night stay:

  • Three-night stay in luxury accommodation of your choice
  • Daily buffet breakfast at La Terrazza overlooking the lake
  • Exclusive use of the water limo Ruy for a three-hour tour of Lake Como
  • A return ticket for 2 people on a traditional boat to Bellagio
  • One entry for 2 people at Villa Carlotta and its botanical gardens
  • One entry for 2 people at Villa del Balbianello, including a guided tour
  • One entry for 2 people at Villa Melzi gardens

Rates starting at from €640+10%VAT per night in a Park View Prestige Room.

For information and reservations, call Grand Hotel Tremezzo on +39 0344 42491 or email reservations@grandhoteltremezzo.com.

5. Street & Luxury: Elegant Resorts, New York

personal growth

The city needs no introduction. From the Upper East Side’s endless designer boutiques, to the trendy venues of the Meatpacking District, you can watch an award-winning show on Broadway, browse independent art galleries in Brooklyn, and eat the best street and gourmet food.

Let’s not forget the jazz bars, Central Park and the exquisite nightlife.

Elegant Resorts offer: 4 nights at The Ritz-Carlton Central Park from AED11,080 for 2

 For more information, visit elegantresorts.ae

Where are you spending the summer? Tell us in the comments below.

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