http://wandermelon.com Updates and insights on the world's best experiences. Fri, 17 May 2013 23:25:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 http://wandermelon.com/2013/04/18/tooth-or-dare-great-white-shark-dive-guadalupe-mexico/ http://wandermelon.com/2013/04/18/tooth-or-dare-great-white-shark-dive-guadalupe-mexico/#comments Fri, 19 Apr 2013 02:45:07 +0000 Kinga Philipps http://wandermelon.com/?p=22334
“Whhhiiitttteeeee Shark!” Two words most people hope to never hear for fear they might be their last. Certainly not two words that ever become background noise. But when you venture by boat 150 miles off the coast of Mexico to Guadalupe Island, a geological wonder, a biosphere reserve and one of the worlds premier sites to cage dive with great white sharks…things are a bit different. Over the three days we anchored off Guadalupe that...]]>
“Whhhiiitttteeeee Shark!” Two words most people hope to never hear for fear they might be their last. Certainly not two words that ever become background noise. But when you venture by boat 150 miles off the coast of Mexico to Guadalupe Island, a geological wonder, a biosphere reserve and one of the worlds premier sites to cage dive with great white sharks…things are a bit different. Over the three days we anchored off Guadalupe that...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2013/04/18/tooth-or-dare-great-white-shark-dive-guadalupe-mexico/feed/ 1 http://wandermelon.com/2013/04/08/sierra-nevada-resort-elevates-the-eating-and-sleeping-scene-at-mammoth/ http://wandermelon.com/2013/04/08/sierra-nevada-resort-elevates-the-eating-and-sleeping-scene-at-mammoth/#comments Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:27:14 +0000 Jason Kessler http://wandermelon.com/?p=22275
Mammoth has always been more of a ski town than a dining destination, but Jim Demetriades is trying to change that image. Demetriades owns the newly remodeled Sierra Nevada Resort  in Mammoth Lakes, CA, which just officially reopened on February 1st after a multi-million dollar, three-year renovation. What used to be a Rodeway Inn is now a rustic-chic lodge with family-friendly amenities and three restaurants that have enhanced the Mammoth scene. The resort boasts 149 rooms in...]]>
Mammoth has always been more of a ski town than a dining destination, but Jim Demetriades is trying to change that image. Demetriades owns the newly remodeled Sierra Nevada Resort  in Mammoth Lakes, CA, which just officially reopened on February 1st after a multi-million dollar, three-year renovation. What used to be a Rodeway Inn is now a rustic-chic lodge with family-friendly amenities and three restaurants that have enhanced the Mammoth scene. The resort boasts 149 rooms in...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2013/04/08/sierra-nevada-resort-elevates-the-eating-and-sleeping-scene-at-mammoth/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2013/03/28/from-ruins-to-rainforest-the-bounty-of-belize/ http://wandermelon.com/2013/03/28/from-ruins-to-rainforest-the-bounty-of-belize/#comments Fri, 29 Mar 2013 01:42:21 +0000 John Montgomery http://wandermelon.com/?p=22247
An insider's guide to this magical Central American destination, rich in ancient Mayan culture, exotic wildlife and underwater beauty For travelers looking for a destination with that rare mix of ancient culture, active adventure, natural beauty and perfect beaches, Belize is the perfect prescription. Unique among Central American nations, Belize is English speaking, compact (about the size of New Jersey), and un-crowded. The laid-back destination offers warm waters teeming with aquatic life, lush jungles and luxurious...]]>
An insider's guide to this magical Central American destination, rich in ancient Mayan culture, exotic wildlife and underwater beauty For travelers looking for a destination with that rare mix of ancient culture, active adventure, natural beauty and perfect beaches, Belize is the perfect prescription. Unique among Central American nations, Belize is English speaking, compact (about the size of New Jersey), and un-crowded. The laid-back destination offers warm waters teeming with aquatic life, lush jungles and luxurious...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2013/03/28/from-ruins-to-rainforest-the-bounty-of-belize/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2013/02/25/barcelonas-beautiful-mandarin-oriental-hotel/ http://wandermelon.com/2013/02/25/barcelonas-beautiful-mandarin-oriental-hotel/#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:26:02 +0000 Robert Ellsworth http://wandermelon.com/?p=21821
Set in a former Hispano American bank headquarters on the Passeig de Gràcia, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is a five-star hotel with all the trimmings.  You couldn’t ask for a better location as the hotel sits along Barcelona’s most exclusive shopping street and across from Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí's famous La Pedrera, the famous undulating stone building (circa 1906) that's now a cultural center. Few Barcelonian hotels offer this refreshing fusion of classic comfort, architectural interest...]]>
Set in a former Hispano American bank headquarters on the Passeig de Gràcia, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is a five-star hotel with all the trimmings.  You couldn’t ask for a better location as the hotel sits along Barcelona’s most exclusive shopping street and across from Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí's famous La Pedrera, the famous undulating stone building (circa 1906) that's now a cultural center. Few Barcelonian hotels offer this refreshing fusion of classic comfort, architectural interest...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2013/02/25/barcelonas-beautiful-mandarin-oriental-hotel/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2013/01/22/argentina-go-take-a-hike/ http://wandermelon.com/2013/01/22/argentina-go-take-a-hike/#comments Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:24:11 +0000 Cynthia Kane http://wandermelon.com/?p=21652
Cynthia Blair Kane goes off the beaten track to explore some of Argentina’s most inspirational trails. We all know that what makes us put on our hiking boots and tie up our laces isn’t the act of putting one foot in front of the other, rather the experience of being surrounded by the phenomena that is the natural world. So imagine walking pristine dirt paths, then rounding a rugged ridge to come across glistening lakes and...]]>
Cynthia Blair Kane goes off the beaten track to explore some of Argentina’s most inspirational trails. We all know that what makes us put on our hiking boots and tie up our laces isn’t the act of putting one foot in front of the other, rather the experience of being surrounded by the phenomena that is the natural world. So imagine walking pristine dirt paths, then rounding a rugged ridge to come across glistening lakes and...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2013/01/22/argentina-go-take-a-hike/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2013/01/10/winter-travel-skiing-in-idaho/ http://wandermelon.com/2013/01/10/winter-travel-skiing-in-idaho/#comments Fri, 11 Jan 2013 01:13:00 +0000 Elizabeth Rodgers http://wandermelon.com/?p=21520
Although the Rocky Mountains offer some of the best skiing in the world, the overlooked state of Idaho can offer excellent deals with short lift lines and great value.  Not only does Idaho have eighteen ski areas, offering some world class skiing and snow boarding options -- powder, terrain parks, cat-skiing, heli-skiing -- it’s also a big empty state with blue skies and fresh tracks. Crowds are few in this part of the Rockies.  Come...]]>
Although the Rocky Mountains offer some of the best skiing in the world, the overlooked state of Idaho can offer excellent deals with short lift lines and great value.  Not only does Idaho have eighteen ski areas, offering some world class skiing and snow boarding options -- powder, terrain parks, cat-skiing, heli-skiing -- it’s also a big empty state with blue skies and fresh tracks. Crowds are few in this part of the Rockies.  Come...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2013/01/10/winter-travel-skiing-in-idaho/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2012/12/23/australia-an-outback-christmas-on-the-rails/ http://wandermelon.com/2012/12/23/australia-an-outback-christmas-on-the-rails/#comments Mon, 24 Dec 2012 02:48:36 +0000 Marie Barbieri http://wandermelon.com/?p=21423
Marie Barbieri discovers that desolate townships, gourmet cuisine, and ever-changing landscapes make The Indian Pacific Australia’s most iconic journey. Sitting patiently in the Outback Explorer Lounge, I munch on welcome canapés of lemon myrtle curry puffs. I’m itching to hear the hoot and feel the train glide out to begin my 4,352km journey across the continent. A childlike wave of excitement kicks in as we jolt, leaving behind Sydney’s Central Station and its frenzy of tourists...]]>
Marie Barbieri discovers that desolate townships, gourmet cuisine, and ever-changing landscapes make The Indian Pacific Australia’s most iconic journey. Sitting patiently in the Outback Explorer Lounge, I munch on welcome canapés of lemon myrtle curry puffs. I’m itching to hear the hoot and feel the train glide out to begin my 4,352km journey across the continent. A childlike wave of excitement kicks in as we jolt, leaving behind Sydney’s Central Station and its frenzy of tourists...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2012/12/23/australia-an-outback-christmas-on-the-rails/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2012/12/15/holiday-gift-guide-for-travelers/ http://wandermelon.com/2012/12/15/holiday-gift-guide-for-travelers/#comments Sun, 16 Dec 2012 05:05:36 +0000 Wandermelon Team http://wandermelon.com/?p=21347
Whether they're headed to the Amazon or the armchair, perfect gifts for the traveler in your life.  CULINARY GIFTS Every culture tells a story through its food and drink. A great way to extend a connection to a favorite  place and its people is by savoring its culinary treasures.  Flavors of Belize: The Cookbook (McNab Publising Ltd, July 2012) is a lovely gift for those who have traveled through Central American and fell under the spell of...]]>
Whether they're headed to the Amazon or the armchair, perfect gifts for the traveler in your life.  CULINARY GIFTS Every culture tells a story through its food and drink. A great way to extend a connection to a favorite  place and its people is by savoring its culinary treasures.  Flavors of Belize: The Cookbook (McNab Publising Ltd, July 2012) is a lovely gift for those who have traveled through Central American and fell under the spell of...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2012/12/15/holiday-gift-guide-for-travelers/feed/ 2 http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/27/dreaming-of-peru/ http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/27/dreaming-of-peru/#comments Wed, 28 Nov 2012 04:47:40 +0000 John Montgomery http://wandermelon.com/?p=21213
Striking visuals and musings on Peru's rich and diverse attractions by adventure traveler and trip leader John Montgomery, founder of Mosaico Travel.   Peru occupies my daydreams with unique regularity. As a fifth-grader I was amazed by a photo of Machu Picchu, and vowed to see the legendary ruins first-hand. As soon as I was able, I left for Peru. The reality exceeded my expectations. I'm drawn back regularly, but I also retrace my journeys as I...]]>
Striking visuals and musings on Peru's rich and diverse attractions by adventure traveler and trip leader John Montgomery, founder of Mosaico Travel.   Peru occupies my daydreams with unique regularity. As a fifth-grader I was amazed by a photo of Machu Picchu, and vowed to see the legendary ruins first-hand. As soon as I was able, I left for Peru. The reality exceeded my expectations. I'm drawn back regularly, but I also retrace my journeys as I...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/27/dreaming-of-peru/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/16/introducing-wandermelon-journeys-trips-designed-by-travel-writers/ http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/16/introducing-wandermelon-journeys-trips-designed-by-travel-writers/#comments Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:34:46 +0000 Eric Hiss http://wandermelon.com/?p=21114
Experience the amazing insider itineraries and off-the-charts access enjoyed by pro travel writers (without the annoying deadlines of course). "You have the best job in the world." Oh if we only had a frequent flyer mile for every time the wandermelon team has heard that sentiment expressed to us. As professional travel writers and photographers, it's true we enjoy a pretty enviable lifestyle, with exceptional travels abroad made possible through extensive global contacts, some hard-won travel...]]>
Experience the amazing insider itineraries and off-the-charts access enjoyed by pro travel writers (without the annoying deadlines of course). "You have the best job in the world." Oh if we only had a frequent flyer mile for every time the wandermelon team has heard that sentiment expressed to us. As professional travel writers and photographers, it's true we enjoy a pretty enviable lifestyle, with exceptional travels abroad made possible through extensive global contacts, some hard-won travel...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/16/introducing-wandermelon-journeys-trips-designed-by-travel-writers/feed/ 0