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I love Orlando theme parks. The best part of any Disney day comes at the end – the nightly fireworks and light show projected on Cinderella’s Castle. My favorite ride remains the Forbidden Journey through Harry Potter’s castle at Universal. Afterward, I like to grab a mug of Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks. My holidays aren’t complete without strolling through ICE: the hand-carved frozen village at Gaylord Palms. For a romantic Orlando stay, I’d pick the Courtyard at Lake Lucerne, a historic B&B. My fave hip, piano bar is the Bösendorfer Lounge tucked into the Grand Bohemian- sip and browse their eclectic art, best Italian is Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, and for healthy gluten-free: EthosVegan Kitchen in nearby Winter Park.
January cold temperatures make a warm weather getaway sounds enticing. The Riviera Maya in Mexico becomes an ideal escape as flights to Cancun are plentiful and most resorts offer all-inclusive rates which help make budgeting or peso pinching easier.
Azul Sensatori Beach
I recently spent a few nights at Karisma’s Azul Sensatori, a hotel offering gourmet inclusive service. All meals including some fabulous Mexican fare, alcoholic drinks, room service and entertainment were included in the nightly rate. And let me say, I ate and drank well.
The posh rooms were very spacious and airy and included an ensuite hot tub. I got to pick my choice of pillow and soap fragrance when I met with the concierge. The landscaped grounds ran green and lush, like a botanical garden bordering a sandy beach and the ocean. Pools were plentiful and one include a swim-up bar. Playa del Carmen, a hot spot for travelers, is about 30 minutes away.
Tulum sits at the edge of the water.
Sunshine and surf aren’t all the Riviera Maya has to offer. The fascinating cultural heritage of the Maya population should be explored with a visit to some of the archeological ruins. The Maya were advanced mathematicians and astronomers and their buildings demonstrate their knowledge. Tulum, the most sacred site of the region, is the only ruin on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and presents breathtaking lookout points and ocean views worth pondering. The walled city rose to prominence during 1000-1500 AD. You’ll see carvings and frescoes and stroll past temples and the central “castle.” For those less interested in history, wear a bathing suit and take a dip from the glorious beach at this picturesque location.
The Castle stairs at Tulum.
Coba
Coba, an hour inland from Tulum, was once home to 50,000 inhabitants. Thick jungle encircles the crumbling ruins giving the place a mysterious feel.
The largest pyramid, Nohuc Mul, remains one of the few that can still be climbed. Make the effort, but go early before the heat of the day makes it unappealing.
Looking down from the top of Coba.
A day trip to Chichen Itza (117 miles west of Cancun) provides the best picture of the past civilizations and their complex social, political and religious ceremonies. The UNESCO World Heritage site is best explored with a guide. Be sure to see the pok-ta-pok ball court where the Maya played for the honor of victory and then faced a sacrificial death. The Platform of the Skulls casts an eerie mood but the grand pyramid, Kukulcan, commands great respect. During equinoxes, an undulating shadow called the “serpent” slithers along the side of the building’s northern staircase. This is caused by the angle of the sun hitting the nine main terraces.
Presenting Chitchen Itza
Too cool off, cenotes or underground lakes make popular swimming holes. Wading and swimming through Rio Secreto is particularly appealing because of its striking cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites and columns. Xcaret, a Mexican version of a Disney park, offers historical recreations as well as a water park. The evening folklore show, starring hundreds in elaborate costumes, can’t be beat. I’d rank it and the Riviera Maya as must-see place for 2014.
Inside Rio Secreto
Disclosure:I was flown to Riviera Maya, Mexico for a media trip hosted by Interval International. All photos copyright Debi Lander except Rio Secreto.
Back in the days before On Demand viewing or even VCR recorders, Christmas specials came on one of three national television stations once a year. We waited for Charlie Brown, the Grinch and Frosty almost as much as we waited for Santa. TV watching in December was really special.
Frosty-&-Gang-in-ICE
So, I have fond memories of Frosty and my children do, too. Today, my grandchildren know him well because they grew up watching the video over and over.
Debi and Frosty
I live in Florida and there is no chance that Frosty or snowmen making is going to happen around here. And, don’t even think about those big inflatable creatures!
However, lucky for me, I was invited to Florida’s Gaylord Palms and ICE : a frozen fantasy within the hotel’s convention center. Every year 40 Chinese artisans from Harbin, China are brought to Kissimmee (near Orlando) to create ice sculptures. They make an entire village and huge ice slides. I have visited the attraction each year for the past three years and each time I grow fonder. It’s just plain cool.
ICE is a temperature controlled spectacle for kids and grown-ups. The attraction provides visitors with parkas, but remember to bring your own hats and gloves. The frosty air hovers around 10 degrees.
The hotel is a fabulous place for a multi-generational weekend or in my case, a girlfriend getaway. My girlfriend and I sat out by the pool to warm up after our tour through the frozen world of ICE. We ended up staying for lunch.
When we had enough sun, we headed back inside for the fun of decorating a gingerbread house. At ICE, you get a pre-built house and a container with all sorts of candy adornments. Simply apply frosting as glue and create your own masterpiece. We sang along with a rendition of “Gingy Bells” as we worked. Gingy is one of my favorite characters from the Shrek movies. She pops into the gingerbread decorating area from time to time.
Gaylord Palms Holiday Show
Before dinner we enjoyed the musical and light spectacular performed at Gaylord a few times each day. The presentation includes stunning acrobatic routines and a drummer who plays music while suspended over the stage. If you like Mannheim Steamroller type of music, you will love this show. Best of all, it’s free.
That evening, we holed up in our wonderful room and sipped wine. That’s just what girls do on a girlfriend getaway!
Next morning, we ate breakfast with Shrek and his pals and went on a scavenger hunt trying to locate all the hidden reindeer with the immense Gaylord Palms interior. Immense is an understatement; the giant indoor arena feels like a botanical garden on steroids. I’ve written before that the hotel atrium reminds me of a biosphere; a place one could live inside of for days and never miss the outdoors. There’s even a pool of alligators in the atrium.
The girls enjoyed Breakfast with Shrek
Hidden Reindeer Scavenger Hunt
Gaylord Palms also has a fabulous top of the line spa. I toured the facility and wanted to try the “Fire and Ice “facial but unfortunately ran out of time. Guess I’m just going to have to return again!
If you are looking for a holiday treat that you’ll talk about for years to come, visit Florida’s Frosty and ICE or better yet stay overnight and take in all that Gaylord Palms has to offer.
Disclosure: I attended an event for media sponsored by Gaylord Palms.
