Carolyn Scheel- The Travel Agent Next Door

02/06/2025

Wishlist Wednesday: Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac! 🇨🇦 🏰

Perched on a promontory, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City will inspire you with breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the fortified old city. Take in the scenery while savoring locally focused cuisine or cocktails at one of four elegant culinary destinations. Our heritage urban resort tops the list of Quebec City hotels with indoor pools thanks to a superb fitness and aquatic center that includes a whirlpool and steam bath. From the European-style charm of our guest rooms to restorative treatments in the spa, our landmark luxury hotel promises an unforgettable stay.

02/02/2025

🇨🇦 Summer vacation ideas 🇨🇦

01/29/2025

Wishlist Wednesday: Nayara Tented Camp, Costa Rica! 🦥 🦋⛰️

Nayara Tented Camp was built on stilts to maximize the stunning vistas and leave a minimal footprint. The experience is secluded and romantic for couples, or fun and educational for the whole family. Inspired by the African safaris but conceived in the tropical Costa Rican rainforest, the tents are a mix of sustainable luxury with a “Pura Vida” vibe. If a soothing soak is a staple in your self-care routine, prepare to swoon over the tub; or if an outdoor shower with the stars is your thing, you will have a lifetime experience. A great place to reset and recharge, far from civilization and close to nature, and with great sleep helped by the calming sounds of the rainforest.

Each tent sits on its own platform furnished with an outdoor living area and a hot spring-feed plunge pool. Perfect for both couples or families looking for a nature escape. Enjoy the sounds and sights of the outdoors as you experience a clifftop tent with a vibrant rainforest below. Wake up to incredible views of the Arenal Volcano and enjoy nature from every corner of your Casa/Residence. Reserve your specialty nights with a private Chef cooking experience, in the comfort of your dining room. Our residences feature a complete privacy ambiance for your family, group of friends or intergenerational travel group. Upon arrival at Casa Paloma or Casa Dana, you will be welcomed by our personal concierge who will assist you during your stay and ensure a unique and unforgettable experience.

01/29/2025

01/22/2025

Wishlist Wednesday: Ambergris Cay! 🏝️

Ambergris Cay, an exclusive private island in the Turks and Caicos, sits 600 miles south of Miami, on the southeast corner of the string of Turks and Caicos Islands that surround the world-famous Caicos Banks. Originally established as a community for private homeowners, Ambergris Cay opened as a private island resort in 2019. Now, travelers seeking a secluded luxury escape can enjoy access to over 1,100-acres of mostly untouched land, ready to be explored by a select few. With just 17 bungalows, 2 two-bedroom beachfront/oceanfront bungalows, and 9 villas for rent on an all inclusive basis, the result is a luxury boutique hotel feel in a vast and diverse setting. Accommodations include beachfront bungalows with heated plunge pools and a collection of privately owned homes and luxury villas, ranging from 3 to 6 bedrooms. The experience is bespoke, tailored to the individual, and ever-evolving.

Savor delicious made-to-order dishes and refreshing cocktails. A la carte menu selections vary by the day, based on seasonality, and are comprised of the highest quality ingredients. From grilled lobster to organic chicken breast, our international chefs will delight you with local island cuisine and classic favorites, prepared to your taste. Vegan and vegetarian menus are available, and we cater to special dietary needs wherever possible and with advance notice. Our all inclusive service affords guests the convenience of enjoying gourmet meals and premium cocktails in any one of the island’s culinary settings, including poolside bites, deserted beach picnics, and all day dining at Calico restaurant and bar.

Prioritize balance, relaxation, and leisure with Ambergris Cay’s all inclusive resort activities, including yoga classes, guided nature walks, tennis, non-motorized water sports, and onshore fishing. Visit the Club House, a sunny beach club where comfortable beach chairs and umbrellas are always available for your use. It features a pool table, ping-pong tables, video games, and board games, plus an Explorer’s Hut for kids (from 5 years old) to enjoy interactive games and treasure hunts. Choose from an extensive selection of immersive outdoor activities, including guided nature tours, paddle boarding, onshore fishing, and more; our all inclusive resort experiences are designed to help you get the most from your stay.

01/19/2025

🚨 New contest for 2025! 🚨

Win a dream trip to Costa Rica with G Adventures!

Somewhere between the ocean and the sky lies a special place where the forest comes alive with energy. Where? Costa Rica, of course. Immerse yourself in the heart of this natural paradise, where kayaking, walking, and hiking are your ticket to breathtaking experiences, all while savouring the comforts of cozy retreats and mouth-watering dining. Let your senses come to life in Tortuguero as you watch for birds and wildlife, before heading high above the rainforest canopy in La Fortuna for a panoramic view of the country's unbelievable biodiversity. This is Costa Rica the way it was meant to be experienced.

Highlights
- Look for tropical birds and monkeys while kayaking the canals of Tortuguero National Park.
- Soar above the forest canopy on zip-lines or rappel down a waterfall.
- Soak in the restorative thermal springs at Tabacón Resort.
- Spot birds and wildlife from high up in the canopy on a series of hanging bridges.
- Hike to an intensely blue-coloured waterfall in Volcán Tenorio National Park.

Good luck, I hope you win! 🍀

Link to enter:

https://www.julieg.thetravelagentnextdoor.com/giveaway

Enter for a chance to Win a Dream Trip to Costa Rica with G Adventures

01/16/2025

Wishlist Wednesday: Park Hyatt St. Kitts! 🏝️

At Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour, guests will enjoy personalized luxury while discovering authentic experiences for an enriching stay. Our family-friendly resort offers various activities and wellness programming, a full-service spa, and some of the best restaurants in St. Kitts. Unwind in one of our distinct guest rooms with contemporary decor, soaking tubs and stunning views. Reserve a suite for an elevated stay at our St. Kitts resort. Many suites offer two bedrooms, individual pools with private sundecks and unobstructed views of the Caribbean sea and neighboring Nevis Island.

Our luxury villas offer an unparalleled blend of elegance, privacy, and personal service, catering to discerning travelers seeking the ultimate indulgence. Nestled in prime locations across the resort, these exclusive accommodations feature stunning architecture, bespoke interiors, and state-of-the-art amenities. Guests can indulge in private infinity pools, serene outdoor spaces, and sweeping ocean views, all designed to create a tranquil sanctuary for your stay. With dedicated butler service, gourmet dining options, and seamless attention to detail, our villas promise an unparalleled stay that epitomizes comfort, elegance, and indulgence.

At Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary, align your body and soul while unifying the physical and spiritual elements through exclusive intention-based treatments, yoga practice and meditation classes, and globally inspired healing philosophies. Our healers, masters and elite experts are pioneers in their fields—and all are committed to guiding your journey.

Savor some of the best restaurants in St. Kitts at our resort's three signature restaurants. Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour serves local and international cuisine and offers various culinary options for the entire family. Guests seeking a fine dining experience will enjoy Stone Barn, an adults-only restaurant. For a luxurious setting with exceptional views, visit Great House, which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. At Fisherman's Village, dine on freshly caught seafood and island-inspired cuisine in a casual environment with stunning views. Light fare and beverages are served at the two resort pools and on the beach, and in-room dining is available for your convenience.

The perfect tropical vacation awaits at Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour. Our St. Kitts resort hotel is right on the beach, lending itself to a multitude of activities perfect for your next family-friendly vacation or Caribbean getaway. Our lush grounds feature kid-friendly programs, two swimming pools with private cabanas, plus unique culinary experiences, a full-service spa with wellness programming and ocean excursions. Or, simply spend your St. Kitts vacation lounging on the beach and floating in the warm Caribbean waters. Whatever you choose, an unforgettable journey awaits.

01/09/2025

Wishlist Wednesday: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa! 🏝️

Here at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, we can’t imagine being anywhere else. Neither will you, because we designed Grand Cayman’s first boutique resort to fully engage your senses on this amazing stretch of sand. Grab a gourmet fish taco and rum cocktail from our right-on-the-beach restaurant. Try snorkeling, paddle boarding or kayaking. Take a sunset stroll on the sand or the newly constructed boardwalk. Enjoy seasonal events carefully crafted for our guests. We lay it all out for you in unabashed beachfront splendor.

This destination resort on Seven Mile Beach is thoughtfully designed to be an effortless escape for couples, families and groups. Our elevated perch 24 feet above sea level treats you to pinch-me-I’m-dreaming views of turquoise waters and sun-bleached sands even from the first-floor living room. Each of our 264 guestrooms and suites has its own private balcony, nearly all featuring water vistas. You’ll also find three distinct dining destinations, boundless beach activities, two seaside pools, gorgeous gardens and perhaps most importantly: a warm spirit from those of us lucky enough to welcome you to our Grand Cayman resort.

The allure of the Caribbean Sea is unmatched, and our accommodations revolve around this truth. No wonder the majority of our 264 guestrooms and suites at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa offer ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, and all have private balconies. Inside, calming neutrals and bursts of tropical color surround you, along with triple-sheeted Frette linens, extravagant baths and other contemporary luxuries. Prefer a bit more privacy? Consider our free-standing beachfront Beach House and bungalows.

Wandering through our lifestyle resort is like a reef dive: you never know what delight will pop up next. Let’s start at The Spa at Seafire with its seven treatment rooms and signature plunge pool. A 1,770-square-foot fitness center with the latest equipment plus ocean views. Then there’s the expansive Seafire Supply Co. retail store. We can’t forget our three dining destinations and all the fun activities — they’re so exhilarating they get their own sections.

No matter how vivid your imagination, seeing Seven Mile Beach in person can’t be matched. There’s a reason travel magazines consistently rank this crescent-shaped shoreline on their lists of top beaches. Time and the ocean have transformed white coral into soft sand that quietly merges into clear cyan waters. Who can resist taking a dip when water temperatures range from 79°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C) throughout the year?

01/01/2025

Wishlist Wednesday: Sonora Resort! ⛰️ 🐻 🛶 🦅 🎣

Nestled in the Discovery Islands archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, Sonora Resort is a jewel amid one of Canada's most alluring and pristine environments. Accessible only by sea or air, Sonora offers a rare alchemy of secluded wilderness and opulent comfort.

At Sonora, we have had the distinct pleasure of welcoming guests for nearly 40 years. Beginning in 1979 as a rustic fishing lodge, our resort has transformed into the world-renowned luxury wilderness destination it is today.

As proud members of the Relais & Châteaux family, an association of the world's finest hoteliers, chefs and restauranteurs, we share the story of our surrounding lands and swirling seas in everything we do.

Experience world-class salmon fishing, wildlife viewing, and guided adventure tours in ancient old-growth rainforests filled with eagles, whales, bears, and more. Savour a uniquely Canadian gastronomic experience, revered for gourmet cuisine that showcases the West Coast bounty and our award-winning wine cellar.

Relax and rejuvenate with luxurious treatments at Island Currents Spa for total body and spirit wellness. Delight in world-class amenities in the unspoilt wilderness and enjoy the luxurious accommodations where comfort and the elegance of the lodges are carried through to the smallest detail.

Rooms, suites and villas, located in various lodges on the grounds, invite the outside in with cedar and stone craftsmanship and beautiful picture windows.

Enjoy use of all of our resort facilities including the outdoor heated pool, rooftop hot tubs, mineral pools, covered indoor tennis court, movie theatre, nine-hole putting green, virtual golf, fly-fishing ponds, saunas and fitness center.

01/01/2025

New year, new horizons! 🥂 🍾 🥳

As 2025 begins, let’s make it a year of adventure, discovery, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s ticking off a bucket-list destination or returning to a place that feels like home, I’m here to help you make it happen! 😀

Where will your dreams take you this year?
✈️ 🚢 🏝️⛷️⛳️🎰🚕🎢🏜️⛰️

12/30/2024

🚨 Breaking news!🚨

New Disney World offers are available starting January 2nd, including free dining for late spring and most of summer!

Thinking of a 2025 trip to the most magical place on earth? I’d love to help! And even better, combine it with a Universal trip to check out Epic Universe which is opening May 22nd! 😀

12/26/2024

Mele Kalikimaka!🎄

Festive Wishlist Wednesday: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa! 🌺

Get away to the soothing white sands of Poipu Beach on Kauai’s sunny south shore at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. This eco-friendly, luxury beachfront oasis with lush gardens and acres of pools offers ocean view dining, hotel rooms with private lanais, championship golf and Anara Spa.

Relax in our luxurious resort accommodations on Kauai, Hawaii. Enjoy beautiful views of verdant gardens, the sparkling beach or the lush mountainside from the private patio or lanai of your spacious hotel room or suite.

Attend a luau, held twice weekly, tour the hydroponic garden or take a hula, ukulele or lei-making class—all at our resort hotel. Then, strike out to see blooms at the Allerton Estate and National Tropical Botanical Garden and learn about local history at the Kauai Museum. Or hit the links and soak in the breathtaking views at Poipu Bay Golf Course.

12/18/2024

Wishlist Wednesday: A voyage on a real tall ship with Star Clippers!

Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest authentic sailing vessels, the Royal Clipper, the Star Clipper and the Star Flyer. The ships visit famous as well as small, quaint ports often untouched by larger cruise ships in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Central America (Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua).

Guests onboard enjoy the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht in a casually elegant setting. The ships are under full wind power and sail as much as possible. The glorious masts and billowing sails make it clear from the start that you are embarking on a special voyage.

Star Clippers takes you to the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Central America, far from all the crowds and congested harbours.

Our tenders or zodiac service allow you to go ashore in comfort and disembark either in port or directly on the beach, so you are free to set off and explore each destination. On Royal Clipper, a specially designed marine platform can be lowered to sea level, so you can enjoy water sports directly from the ship!

For more than 25 years, Star Clippers has been introducing travelers to the thrill of modern tall-ship sailing to remote ports in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Central America. The company operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels: Star Clipper and Star Flyer are traditional clipper ships with modern amenities carrying 166 guests each, while the 227-guest Royal Clipper holds the Guinness World Record as the largest and only five-masted, fully-rigged sailing ship in service today. All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools informal dining, convivial tropical bars on deck, and piano lounges.

Star Clippers proudly carries on the tradition of the tall ships with three magnificent clippers combining all the modern comforts of today with the grace an...

12/11/2024

Wishlist Wednesday: Seven Stars Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos! 🏝️

Plunge into a tropical world of shimmering white sands and aquamarine waters, where lapping waves and clacking palms (and watermelon margaritas!) soothe your mind and soul. Seven Stars Resort & Spa, anchoring Grace Bay Beach, is Turks & Caicos premier resort, where white-glove service, five-star dining, and a bevy of water activities will help you find the island’s rhythm. Days melt into bliss and you are rejuvenated.

Located on 22 blissful acres of landscaped grounds, Seven Stars promises your kind of getaway, whether it’s relaxing on the beach, sitting by the pool, jumping into a kayak to explore nearby coastline, or taking in a glorious Turks & Caicos sunset on a two-hour boat cruise.

At Seven Stars, you’ll escape into a sumptuous world of glimmering sea views, island-inspired decor, and homey comforts. Our accommodations range from fresh and bright junior suites, accommodating two people, to stunning three-bedroom suites, ideal for groups of friends or families. Relax on your private furnished terrace or balcony, linger over a home-cooked meal, or fall into the plush comfort of your four-poster bed. Wherever you go, unrivaled views of tropical gardens or aquamarine seas remind you that you’re in paradise.

The island’s only heated saltwater pool, our magnificent family pool features a beautiful mosaic design and an inviting collection of sun loungers and cabanas. Nearby, an adults-only pool beckons those craving a quiet oasis for sunning and slumbering. Wherever you are, beach attendants are standing by, ready to offer your favorite cocktail.

Elevate your senses and soothe your soul at Seven Stars’ world-class spa. Our expert spa therapists specialize in a variety of massage techniques to improve circulation, hasten detoxification, and release tension. Other services include facials, full-body treatments (including hot stone therapy), and spa manicures and pedicures. In-suite and beachside massage services, and couple’s massages, are also available.

Christmas shopping for the family = done! 😉

12/10/2024

😍

12/06/2024

2025 is the 70th anniversary of Disneyland and a great time to visit California! This schedule was released today, with Universal Studios Hollywood also releasing theirs shortly after.

12/04/2024

Wishlist Wednesday: Impression Moxché by Secrets! 🏝️

Welcome to Impression Moxché by Secrets, where every awe-inspiring detail is designed to impress. Indulge in the luxury of space with expansive modern suites and an abundance of stunning infinity pools. Relinquish all worries with Endless Privileges® inclusions and dedicated butler service. Escape to this exclusive luxury resort, where privacy abounds, personal needs are anticipated, and the highest level of service is customary.

Impressions by Secrets Resorts is committed to re-imagining the all-inclusive experience to be intimate, personal, and centered around you. Cultivate the moments that matter most with Endless Privileges® where everything is included with our compliments for your stay.

Relinquish all concerns as your dedicated butler constructs the perfect stay. With elevated Endless Privileges® inclusions, we invite you to experience unlimited gourmet cuisine prepared by master chefs and paired with the most premium spirits, curated activities and entertainment, and pure indulgence.

Enjoy a welcome bottle of tequila or rum and sparkling wine and fresh fruit upon arrival. Fully unwind with a twice daily refreshed in-suite mini-bar, 24-hour concierge services, 24-hour private in-suite dining, maid service three times daily, luxurious bath amenities and laundry services. Enjoy a complimentary 25-minute wellness experience, WiFi, and no check-in or checkout times subject to availability.