Tahitian Escapes

Tahiti is my dream destination and as I make preparations and plans for my upcoming trip I become more entranced with the exotic beauty of these islands every day. I’ve spent many hours over several days doing internet research on Tahiti and the Society Islands. My personal favorites are Bora Bora and Moorea respectively. Both have gorgeous views and lush volcanic mountains. Both have resorts that far surpass all my romantic notions of  what a romantic tropical escape should be. Who wouldn’t be entranced with a gorgeous bungalow that is made of island materials, has a view of the crystal clear south pacific and contains it’s own  private outdoor shower and patio area? My current thought is how long do I have to wait to leave and can we stay forever?

I’ve discovered several excellent websites that will give readers a taste of what Tahiti offers. First is Tahiti Legends which offers information on each of the islands in a simple, easy to explore format. Visitors click on the island of choice and there they will find a list of resorts with links to each, as well as sight seeing options for your stay and a bit of  island history and lore. My next find is Islands In The Sun  which gives visitors a taste of island excursions such as historic and religous sites on Raiatea or options for a romantic private motu picnic on Bora Bora. Another great website that I have used before is the  Trip Advisor visitor reviews. This site has a section of reviews written by readers who have visited the various destinations. I spent quite a bit of time reading reviews on Bora Bora and Moorea. I found an amazing selection of reader photos and down to earth reviews of resorts on the islands. The resort that consistently got great reviews was the Pearl Beach Resort; which was also on Conde Naste’s  Gold List in 2006.

Photo credits: Flickr

 Lagoon with Bora Bora in background by: schooksonruss

Plumeria flowers by: elgalopino

Moorea bungalows by: fykran

This is my year to venture into the South Pacific with a trip to Tahiti. As I have begun to research a variety of the islands I may like to visit I find several things happening. First a realization that this is going to be a top dollar trip and second that with the exotic beauty of these islands I’m going to wish I could stay forever. My original thought  as I began researching this trip started with romantic overwater bungalow accomodations which I’ve always dreamed of enjoying. There are many options in this category some are more pricey than others; a major factor seems to be which island you prefer to visit. Certain islands in the south pacific are more popular than others and thus their overwater accomodations are more pricey than other lesser known islands.

Another option brought to my attention by my traveling companion was the possibility of a cruise through the south pacific islands. Don’t let the word cruise discourage you,  this is not your parents cruising ship. This cruise comes in the form of  an exotic looking tall clipper ship line called Star Clippers. They have sailing options of 7, 10 and 11 day cruises on a gorgeous ship. After viewing the ship and the accomodations I could certainly see the appeal of sailing through the islands gilligan style on this clipper ship. It would be exotic, beautiful and a taste of life that most of us never experience with a decent price tag attatched. That said however overwater accomodations are not really much cheaper. My dilemma seems to be that the cruise and overwater accomodations both appeal to me and a mix of both so far appears pretty pricey. I will continue to research and discover more  about traveling and staying in Tahiti and the Society Islands and post further on it as I make decisions  about my own trip and accomodations.  This trip has been a life time in coming and I want it to be both exotic and romantic so take advantage of my research and allow it to help you make a plan of your own.

Photo Credit Flickr Pierre Lesage

Creating a classy Tiki atmosphere in your home or on your patio can be a challenge. There are certainly many many products out there to choose from, but some are a bit kitcy and low budget for a home owner looking to create a tropical haven on their patio or sunroom.

 There as many ideas as there are products, so today I will give you a short list of cool ideas to consider for your own classy tiki haven.

1. Choose furniture that is lasting and well made for your tropical patio or tiki bar. Quality lasts, looks classy and allows you to add in less expensive touches else where on the patio to maintain your budget while staying elegant.

2. Decide upon a theme for your Tiki getaway. Are you looking for an island inspired theme or an Asian balinese theme? Are you looking for a tiki bar escape or a casual seating and dining area to share with family and friends that is island inspired?

3. What kind of mood do you want to set with your theme?

Some choices include something exotic with mood inspiring evening lighting, tropical outdoor fabrics and a chaise to cuddle up on with your significant other.

Another option is a lush tropical garden that includes seating, a calming fountain and a  buddha statue to bring in an Asian sense of calm and serenity for those steal away hours you enjoy on the patio with a book or drink?

A third option is a tropical tiki bar. This gives family and friends a place to hang out, share laughter, a few tropical drinks and enjoy some island tunes in the comfort of your own backyard.

When I was looking for quality tiki items and tropical furniture I discovered Tiki Focus. They have a variety of patio and home furnishings that bring the islands and asia home to you. They also have a good selection of tiki decor to enhance your tropical escape. Whatever your design choice, making it somewhere you love to hang out, with touches that bring you a sense of peace is really what’s important.

This is the first in a series of my favorite Oahu places.

 Oahu is an island of contrasts, you can enjoy the solitude of nature and beaches or you can go full throttle with activity and night life in Honolulu and Waikiki. There are so many experiences to be had in Hawaii and I feel fortunate to have spent three years living those experiences!

 My first Oahu favorite is a very easy walking trail to Manoa Falls tucked away in Honolulu. This is a spectacularly quiet walk with incredibly lush, green vegetation and Eucalyptus trees. The small waterfall is an added treat. This is a short easy journey to make with a friend or alone. Definitely take insect repellent and a snack so you can stay a while and enjoy the peaceful setting of this walking path.

 Another favorite on my list is a walk on the now defunct Old Pali Highway, when I made this walk, and every time I visited Nuuanu Pali Outlook it was windy and wild there, so come prepared with a sweater or jacket. The walk begins at the Nuuanu Pali Overlook. This is a gorgeous spot to begin and has a stunning views of the Koolau Mountains and Kaneohe Bay. The starting spot for this walk is a spot that is often full of tourists viewing the Pali Outlook. Not too many tourists make the walk down the old pali, so expect it to be an enjoyable but breezy walk. The way is paved, curvy, and really quite fun. It gives you a whole different perspective on what it must have been like to use this long ago road. The road is of course narrow, winding and falling apart. But the feeling of being surrounded by nature is just delightful.

This is the third in a series of tropical drink recipes.

There are times when we need a creamy tropical drink to transport us to the islands. Right now with much of the Midwest, east coast and Europe freezing a tropical break is the perfect get away. Maybe you have a tropical escape planned, if so this is the perfect drink to rev up your island mood.

 This smoothie recipe is island inspired and delightful!

Serves 2

1 1/2 cups pineapple juice

1/3 cup coconut milk ( I opted for the thicker coconut cream)

5 1/2 oz vanilla ice cream (I opted for Edy’s coconut pineapple limited edition)

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks (these are an awesome snack, even without the drink.)

2 Tbsp fresh grated coconut

2 scooped out coconut shells

Pour pineapple juice and coconut milk into a food processor or blender, add ice cream and process until smooth. Add frozen pineapple chunks and process.  Pour mixture into coconut shells and garnish with grated coconut. This smoothie is all about island pleasure and will transport your taste buds to the islands.

Recipe credit Smoothies and Juices by: Christine Ambridge and Sarah Beettie 2004 Parragon Publishing

Photo credit Lisa Overman

This smoothie and juice cook book is excellent and contains several other island inspired drinks.

We all face moments when we wish to escape to the tropics but have absolutely no way to leave our responsibilities behind. I faced that very challenge for the last two weeks, so I write this post from a place of empathy for others feeling the need to escape without the means to do so.

 Health issues and serious tests kept me from the escape I wished for. For some it is a job that demands too many hours, young children or lack of vacation time. Whatever it is we still need to find ways to take a mental break and allow the waves of peacefulness to flow over our souls as we strive to move through our challenges.

 For me creating a mental break to the tropics takes different forms depending upon my mood or available time. Some days just reading a travel adventure book such as Beth’s Wanderlust and Lipstick is enough to give me the mental break I need. Other times I need a more sensual reminder of the tropics, island scented bath products are an immediate boost to my senses and bring me a quick, beautiful reminder of the islands I love. Another favorite mental escape for me is listening to the music of the islands, my favorites include IZ, Keali’i Reichel, and Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar music. For further ideas check out Travel Tracks with Anne Stewart she gives readers a glimpse at music from around the globe to relax with.

 Another wonderful little boost is to enlarge and frame pictures or postcards of your favorite tropical escapes. I delight in seeing my special photos of the islands throughout my home. They allow me to take a deep a breath in difficult moments and remember with joy being in that special spot on the islands.

The foods I’ve enjoyed on vacation take me back to those special places when I can’t get there in person. Once in a while I will go online and order my favorite Hawaiian cookies as a part of a trip down memory lane. Think of a special food you love from a vacation past and order it or cook it at home. For some outstanding international food ideas check out Myscha’s World Eats and Reader’s Treats.

 We all have moments when we need to escape and I hope I’ve given you something to inspire a mini break to the tropics. 

Photo credits Flickr photos

Pierre Lesage aerial Tahiti Hotel Novotel Beach Club

 and Jules_1200r Fiji Waterfall

For many around the world dark, cold, short on sunshine days are the norm right now. So what can be done with little expense to create some tropical delight while counting down to your vacation escape?

1. If you already have a destination selected then start with a screen saver of your soon to be escape. You can do a google search for screen savers. Just find a photo that soothes your soul until your flight departs.

2. If your next escape is a tropical one consider bringing home an exotic plant such as an orchid or anthurium. Place it in a prominent location where you see it often. The gorgeous tropical foliage and flowers will be a visual reminder that you are soon going to be on your way to paradise!

3. Make a special meal that includes foods from your destination for a travel companion or for friends. Sharing your excitement helps builds the pleasure and anticipation of your upcoming adventure.

4. Listen to music that originates from your destination.

5. Begin to create a folder of research on your destination. Print off internet articles, photos and magazine features that give you something to focus on in the challenging moments when all you want to do is escape to the airport!

Check back for more tips on escaping the dark days of winter….

Photo Credit; Mexico Lisa Overman

During my years living on the island of Oahu I had many opportunities to discover island delights. One of my favorite finds on the islands is a perfume and bath product line by Terra Nova called Island Escapes. I’ve continued to love and use this line for a decade. Using these products with their island scents immediately fills my senses with the flowers of the islands I came to love.

The Terra Nova product I originally feel in love with was the Pikake perfume essence, which in Hawaii is known as the Hawaiian wedding flower and is used for wedding and special occasion leis. I later expanded my love of this line to the shower gel and body butter. The scent of the pikake flower is intoxicating and delights the senses. The shower gel is an excellent product which allows you a decadent sense of being surrounded by this Hawaiian flower. The body butter is a rich and deeply moisturizing product that is excellent for those with dry skin.

Recently I contacted a Terra Nova representative to expand my knowledge of their product lines. They were kind enough to send me a variety of their products to sample. They’ve expanded their product range with a line of island inspired products.

Their Island Song  line was new to me. The packaging drew me in reminding me of a 1940’s style Hawaiian travel poster with a ukulele and Hawaiian leaves and blossoms.  The Coco Mango Perfume Touch I tested is a small roller style bottle containing a light coconut mango perfume oil.  “The scents of luscious mango and creamy coconut are mixed with a splash of pineapple, vanilla, jasmine and orange blossoms.” This product blew me away. I thought nothing could touch my love of the pikake perfume essence, but this one quickly delighted my senses with it’s light tropical island scent. Their Island Song Coco Mango body butter was an equally delightful discovery. It offered great coverage and a rich island scent.

I had the opportunity to try several other Island Escape products including a Tuberose perfume essence, Gardenia bath salts, Gardenia lotion  and Tuberose shower gel. The Tuberose is another flower often used in Hawaiian leis and is a scent that immediately reminds me of the islands. This shower gel and perfume essence are from the same line as the Pikake and are equally as wonderful. The Gardenia scent was quite nice, but for my taste the lotion didn’t offer the coverage I needed. It felt thick but didn’t over the necessary moisturizing that drier skin requires. The Gardenia bath salts were better. They left my skin feeling silky in the bath and the Gardenia scent I remembered from Hawaii was light and beautiful. With the Terra Nova lines of bath and perfume products your senses can be touched by the sensual pleasure of the islands of Hawaii anytime.

This is the first in a series of Day Escapes. 

These days it seems everyone is overscheduled and wishing for a day of tranquility and escape. Is this sounding familar to the theme running through your head? I know my thoughts touch on escaping from my daily grind several times a week. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve considered packing a bag and heading for the airport to see what international flights are available and where my escape could take me. Tahiti would be very high on my list at the moment.

 Okay I can’t head for Tahiti yet and you probably can’t either so what options do we have when our schedule is kicking our butts and we need real peace? I opt for day trips when I have no time for a longer get away. Even a day gives you a sense of space to reflect and recharge a little bit. Those hours away bring you a calm that hopefully carries through the rest of the week or month when your life is going full throttle.

Madison, WI Botanical Garden

 One day trip that brings me a great deal of calm and peace is a visit to a botanical garden. I can spend hours wandering the gardens enjoying the natural sounds, the scents of the flowers and the views of small ponds. In the winter I love the climate controlled glass green houses of fabulous tropical flowers that give you a glimpse of another world with their exotic beauty. One particular garden comes instantly to my mind; The Botanischer Garten in Berlin, Germany. This garden became my haven in the dark cold Berlin winters that drove me crazy.

 In my search for botanical gardens I found this handy list of gardens, state by state on Wikipedia. That way no matter where you live in the US you have a list of options. If you live outside the US then this is the list for you, International Botanical Gardens. Botanical Gardens are just one option for a day escape. Check back periodically and I will add another day escape to my list of quick adventures!

Photo Credit Lisa Overman

The desire to kick back on a beautiful patio is pretty much universal. With these plant ideas you can give your patio the tropical twist you’ve always desired. Michigan Bulb Co is one option for ordering plants and gives you the ability to search for plants by growing zone. The Orange Candle Flower  is one particularly beautiful plant that grows in several zones of the country. Plants like this one give you an opportunity to create a tropical feel to your patio even in the colder climates. Northscaping is another company with a selection of tropical looking plants for those growing plants in the less tropical portions of the country. I uncovered several other tropical style plant options that can also be grown in colder climates. These include the  Hibiscus Sub Zero Mix, Bleeding Heart, Honeysuckle Vine and the Pink Flamingo Plant.

 In my research for this article I discovered a book I hadn’t seen before called Hot Plants for Cool Climates; Gardening With Tropical Plants in Temperate Zones. With the combination of all these delightful treats you will be on your way to creating a tropical haven wherever you live!

 Flickr photo by: Mondomuse