The Delight of Massage at Home

We all love the exotic feel of a good spa with its calming environment where we are whisked away to our own private paradise for an hour. So yesterday as I chatted with a friend about massage her outstanding  tips made me realize I can create that very environment in my own home; where I can enjoy this sensual pleasure with my significant other at any time. In under an hour I’d selected the spot and cleared the area in my bedroom where a massage area will soon be set up. I chose an area in my second floor master suite in front of a window that looks out on the water and sky. I feel this is the most relaxing choice and since I have no neighbors directly behind me, with a conservation area backing my place that is both a safe and beautiful choice for massages.

 Myscha’s tips were excellent and here they are in no particular order

1. Purchase oil for massage in large quanities by choosing soy oil that can be purchased in bulk at Sam’s or Costco.  Other options are grapeseed and almond, but those would have to be purchased elsewhere online or in smaller more expensive sizes.

2. Essential oils (found in health food stores) will will give you a multitude of scent combinations and sensual delights for your partner and yourself to choose from when it’s your turn to enjoy being massaged. Different scent combinations can be mixed in squeeze bottles for easy access during massages. *Note never use essential oils on your skin without mixing them in a carrier oil, these can burn the skin. Myscha suggested the essential oil brand NOW as a reasonably priced option.

3. When looking for an inexpensive but enjoyable gift for your significant other the massage area gives you a completely new set of ideas. Suddenly you have options of body products, essential oils or a set of stones (special stones required) for hot stone massage, a new cd of music appropriate for a sensual or tropical escape themed massage hour. Think coconut or pikake flower and  hawaiian slack key guitar music that is soft and sensual with the sounds of the islands. Another gift option is massage sheets that come in a variety of fabrics, from soft jersey to high thread count cotton, or even flannel. We all have preferences on what we like to touch our skin so ask your loved one and shop away.

4. Space… is key, not everyone has a master suite that allows for a massage table so Myscha had some good options for space constraints as well. One is using a portable table, which I plan to choose anyway. This makes transporting the table easy and simple. A good idea in any situation. Also it allows you to move it from room to room as your home changes. One possible option she had was to set up the massage area in a corner of a room by using a folding screen for keeping the area private from visitors eyes. Guests would simply enjoy the beauty of the folding screen without realizing your sensual secrets hidden behind it. 

5. Along with the massage area take your bathroom to a new level of spa feeling with plush new towels, scented candles, a teak shower bench or some spa inspired decor such as orchids that do well in warm steamy conditions. If you don’t have the budget for too much extravagance check out this great article on cheap spa bathrooms.

 Photo Credits: Flickr Ahmed Rabea and Innabovetidehtc

Living in exotic locations around the globe has given me a taste for the unexpected and when I discovered Beyond Vegas 25 Exotic Wedding and Elopement Destinations Around The World I knew I was meant to write the wedding post that had  been kicking around in my head for a few months. This couple has done the research and actually went through the paperwork and ceremony in ten different exotic locales. The book was published in 2002 so it may actually be a resource that you’re aware of, even so with it’s insight and detail it’s worth a mention! 

 My personal destination wedding location has been Hawaii for many years. Here are the facts on  getting a marriage licence in Hawaii.  Possibly because I called the Hawaiian Islands home for three years it became my hands down favorite as I saw first hand the many beautiful weddings that can be performed in the islands.

 When considering an exotic destination for a wedding the following certainly come to mind.

1. What is your wedding budget?

2. What wedding destination options are available in your price range?

3. What could you do yourself to reduce expenses?

4. What are your top five destination locations?

5. Will weather be a factor in some destinations…ie hurricane season?

6. How affordable is  the destination for any guests you would like to include?

7. What kind of wedding package plans are available?

Photo Credit: Flickr photo Craig Larsen

The treasures of Maui are endless but my Maui trip held a special delight…a trip down memory lane back to the life I loved on Guam. Anyone who has lived on Guam or even visited Guam knows about Shirley’s. This local restaurant chain is humming with business every single day and Saturday and Sunday bring even more traffic. This restaurant is an island institution where the food is simple, out of this world tasty and plentiful! 

On my last day in Maui I drove to Whaler’s Village and had breakfast at the Rusty Harpoon, right next to the water. It was a gorgeous spot to view the water and enjoy a last breakfast on Maui. It was also a blast from my past. I ordered breakfast fried rice and when it arrived it was a taste of heaven. It was so similar to the Shirley’s version on Guam that my mouth was watering with intense pleasure at this unexpected treat. Shirley’s breakfast fried rice was a delight of veggies, portugese sausage and fried rice topped with a fried egg. The Rusty Harpoon’s version on Maui tasted delightfully the same. I have no idea if the ingredients were the same, but my taste buds said heavenly over and over again and I look forward to a return trip to Maui to have several more breakfasts at the Rusty Harpoon in Whaler’s Village!

Photo Credit: Flickr photo leshasing21

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

The North Shore of Oahu is one of my favorite destinations. While I go to the North Shore to enjoy the surf and to view the sea turtles some times spotted there;  I always treasure a stop at Global Creations Interiors, found in Haleiwa, Hawaii. This little shop is a gem of gorgeous, unique, interesting and island style creations made by wonderful artists. The mood of the store is such that you want to linger and absorb the beauty and tranquility found there. I have been visiting this store since 1996 and I love it just as much today as I did during my first visit. It is always one of my favorite stops when visiting the north shore of Oahu.

 Another must visit on the North Shore is the Coffee Gallery. This is a great place to take a break, enjoy some Hawaiian coffee or one of the many yummy treats offered. They have an excellent breakfast selection and a wonderful outdoor screened patio to enjoy breakfast with friends. I spent many Saturday mornings eating at The Coffee Gallery in Haleiwa with friends and visitors. It is a laid back, local delight to add to your Oahu day trip. If you click on their website you can then select random photos of the shop and see the interior of the Coffee Gallery and the wonderful outdoor patio.

The North Shore is a slice of life that one needs to just linger over to fully enjoy. The town of Haleiwa on the North Shore is a little slice of diversity with sweet shops, restaurants, street stands and beach stops to enjoy. A definitely delightful Hawaiian treat is a cool shaved ice. This local Hawaiian treat is made by filling a paper cone with a choice of flavored syrup, shaved ice chips, ice cream and or Azuki beans. It’s a must try for visitors new to the islands.

Photo Credit: flickr photo by: bobster1985

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