Last-minute deals may be available on a range of cruises that depart
Port Canaveral. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line all offer local service and there may be a chance to
grab a holiday cruise.
As many start on their New Year's resolutions, going to the spa ranks
high on the list. European-style Spa Marbella has opened at Mission Inn Resort & Spa. The
6,200-square-foot facility is the latest addition to the resort, which is known for its golf and tennis facilities and is
a new amenity for guests, area visitors and the local community. Spa Marbella is run by Kathy
Neiman, who most recently operated the spa at the historic Langford Resort in Winter Park, Fla. A 12-year veteran, Neiman
was ranked in the top three percent of the nation’s massage therapists by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic
Massage & Bodyworks. In addition to Marbella Signature Stone Massage and Marbella Signature
Facial, guests can choose from treatments such as Aroma de la Tierra and Tejido massages, Joven and Pearls of the Sea facials,
and Leche Tropical and Water Lilly body wraps. For more information, visit www.missioninnresort.com or call toll-free 800-874-9053.
Welcome to Florida! Enjoy your stay!
We are excited that you are visiting our web site. Our company is here to provide unique adventures for any occasion.
On this site you'll find information about our activities and facilities, along with descriptions of our special getaway
packages. We hope you will find all of the information you are looking for about our recreation company.
------------------------------------ Simpsons Ride voted world's best
Universal Orlando's The Simpsons Ride has been named the world's best by Theme Park Insider, a Web site that
covers amusement park rides.
The motion simulator style ride is the latest to hit Universal, and replaces Back
To The Future.
Opinion: Open Cuba to Tourists
While we know
that it has not been a positive relationship over the years between the two countries, the United States could benefit a great
deal from opening Cuba to American Tourists.
Florida would be a major layover for those who would
be looking to get away to the Caribbean Island, and perhaps in a few years the state could see some benefits.
A recent editorial in the Los Angeles Times said it would be a good step for President-elect Barack Obama to step
up the relationship, to encourage, trade, travel and reform.
We at Florida Travel Journal think
there would be tremendous benefits to enabling U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba.
Submit your Best Burger in Florida to editor@flatraveljournal.com
TIA strengthenswith merger
Washington, DC – The Board of Directors of the Travel Association of America has approved
a merger with the Travel Business Roundtable. The newly formed U.S. Travel Association, effective January
1, 2009, will further intensify the voice of America’s $740 billion travel industry.
“Travel supports nearly 18 million U.S.
jobs that cannot be outsourced and contributes more than $100 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue,” said
Roger Dow, TIA’s President and CEO, who will serve in the same capacity for the U.S. Travel Association. “America’s
travel community has created an organization that matches the power and scope of America’s travel economy.”
Kessler Properties' Casa
Monica in St. Augustine will offer guests extended hours after checkout, a trend that hotels are using to cater more to visitors.
"We feel that if we can compromise and offer the guest a few more hours after checkout," said Casa Monica
general manager Anthony Lazzara.
Crowne Plaza's new Beach Club membership
By Peggy Raron
Crowne Plaza Oceanfront Resort in Indialantic offers a new program Crowne Beach Club, in
order to bring in more local or Orlando-based visitors and weekenders. For $599 a year,
members are entitled to four free hotel nights, unlimited access to the pool and oceanfront deck and, of course, great Crowne
Plaza service. For more information call (321) 777-4100.
Great Tennis Getaways:
Amelia Island
By DOTTIE PARIS
AMELIA ISLAND – A great tennis destination is Amelia
Island, where kids, parents and even the teenagers can have a relaxing time.
Ritz-Carlton
and Amelia Island Plantation have a cooperative venture where guests of the Ritz can play tennis and take lessons at the Plantation,
a short drive away.
While the clay courts may need a little work, overall the setting
at the Plantation is great for tennis with oak trees everywhere, making for abundant shade in a hot state.
There is a kids camp at Amelia Island Plantation as well, which can be a good experience for everyone
involved.
John Watson is the head tennis pro at the Ritz and Kelly Gunterman is the new head pro at
the Plantation.They are top-notch and having a solo lesson with either of the gentlemen is worthwhile.
The Space Coast: A 'drive-to' winner for the Florida
winter
By Sherri Pagliotta
Senior
Travel Writer
From Cocoa Beach to Melbourne Beach,The Space Coast offers a great getaway on only a tank or two of gas from anywhere in Florida.
We recently spent a weekend on the East Coast of Florida, known
as The Space Coast because of its prominent attraction, the Kennedy Space Center, and the NASA history that is such an important
part of this beach destination.
Other famous places here are Port
Canaveral, where you can grab a Carnival, Royal Caribbean
or Disney cruise and the Cocoa Beach Pier, where you can stroll along, go fishing or grab a bite
to eat.
We found a variety of beachside
hotels and a lot of them have activities for all ages to make it part of the fun! I would
recommend this destination and particularly it is a family-friendly destination within a tank full of gas from most points
in the state.
