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[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

Score a Free Ticket on Florida's Brightline Thanks to Its BOGO Sale This Week — Here's the Promo Code

And it's not an April Fool's joke.

High-speed rail company Brightline is putting Orlando tickets on sale with a buy one, get-one-free offer on both its Smart and Premium fares — and it's not a prank.

The sale, which must be booked by April 6, is valid on travel to or from Orlando through May 31, Brightline shared with Travel + Leisure. To book, travelers must use the promo code “NOJOKE24” in the search box.

The sale represents the first time Brightline is offering a BOGO deal for its Premium tickets.

“This deal is the perfect time to try Brightline PREMIUM,” Barbara Drahl, the SVP of marketing and commercial strategy for Brightline, told T+L. “It’s an opportunity for our loyal guests and those new to Brightline to elevate their travel experience between Orlando and South Florida.”

To take advantage of the sale, passengers must book at least seven days in advance of traveling.

Brightline first launched in 2018 with service between West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, but has since expanded and added its newest route between Miami and Orlando late last year. The ride between the two cities takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The company plans to add its latest station on the Treasure Coast in Stuart, Florida, in the second half of 2026.

Brightline offers the choice of “Smart” or “Premium” fares, and all Brightline trains come with complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. As an added bonus, Premium tickets include perks like a dedicated lounge at the departure station, priority boarding, checked luggage, and complimentary snacks and beverages.

In addition to the sale, Brightline also offers several multi-use passes like the All-Station Shared Pass, which comes with access to each of Brightline’s stations, including Orlando; and the SoFlo Solo Pass, which includes access to south Florida stations.

Beyond Florida, the rail company is starting work in southern California to create a rail corridor connecting the state with Las Vegas.

[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

Teapot Peak in Bazhai Scenic Area.

[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

@radicalizquierd .

[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

@radicalizquierd Arizona is well known for the Grand Canyon

[dennis @radicalizquierd]

Arizona is the perfect escape for adventure and relaxation.

Arizona is well known for the Grand Canyon, but the state has much more to offer. From Flagstaff's high-altitude forests to Sedona's iconic red rocks, Arizona's diversity is surprising and worth a trip.

I love hiking among the cacti in Sedona or Scottsdale before heading to one of the many resorts to jump in a pool or hit the spa — the perfect escape for adventure and relaxation.

[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

Chapel of the Holy Cross: Sedona, Arizona

Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a distinctive, almost otherworldly-looking edifice built into the red rock formations of Sedona. It’s been featured in architecture magazines, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and it’s just one of many memorable spots in this desert oasis, where you’ll also find resorts, spas, and canyons. The beauty of the desert scenery is only surpassed by the grandeur of the night sky. Once the sun dips, you’ll see it in all its glory, free of the illumination of city lights. If you want to explore the area, there are tons of experiences to choose from, like this small-group tour of Sedona and a tour of the chapel itself.

[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

Saint Augustine, Florida

Old City Tours of St. Augustine

Saint Augustine is a city that stands alone. Sure, it’s got all the trappings the average vacationer would want: charming hotels, intimate restaurants, pristine beaches. But it’s the history that gives this city its unique feel—it’s the oldest European settlement in the US. If you’re so inclined, you could pull a Ponce de Leon and taste the waters in the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park (let us know if it makes you feel any younger). Beyond that, there are tons of ways to explore the city, from ghost and trolley tours to sunset cruises and craft beer tastings.

[dennis @radicalizquierd]

This Is the No. 1 Travel Experience in the U.S., According to Tripadvisor

A Hawaiian tour and Alaska whale-watching adventure top this year’s Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for top overall U.S. experiences.

These days, travelers are going the distance for memorable experiences. Case in point: the top two overall experiences in America for this year’s Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards' Best of the Best Things to Do are both outside of the continental U.S.

The No. 1 spot went to Hawaii’s Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa Tour, a 9-hour tour run by Royal Star Hawaii Deluxe Tours. It starts in Honolulu and passes by Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Along the way, it stops at iconic spots: the natural wonder of Halona Blow Hole, the scenic viewpoint of Nu’uanu Pali, the Japanese Byodo-In Temple, a macadamia nut farm, the Dole pineapple plantation, and the historic surf town of Hale'iwa.

Tripadvisor users — 8,477 of them who have rated the tour the top score of 5 — raved that it’s a “must do when visiting the island of Oahu,” calling it a “fun ride.” Many reviewers rave about the guides being “so very nice," "very knowledgeable about the island,” and simply “great all the time.”

The runner-up spot was also outside of the Lower 48, going to Alaska’s Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching — a 3.5-hour adventure operated by Alaska Tales. The trip starts at Juneau’s Mount Roberts Tramway and heads out past Mendenhall Glacier to the Auke Bay Harbor for two hours on the water to spot the majestic marine mammals. With 2,696 5-star ratings, one Tripadvisor reviewer said it “was probably the best experience of our entire trip” and on her “bucket list to revisit.”

The rest of the list was rounded out by a wide range of experiences, including the History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour in Massachusetts, Party Bike in Old Town Scottsdale in Arizona, Niagara Falls American-Side Tour with Maid of the Mist Boat Ride in New York, Xtreme Parasail in Honolulu in Hawaii, Deluxe USS Arizona Memorial and Historical City Tour in Hawaii, Swim with Manatees in Florida, Fairbanks Snowmobile Adventure from North Pole in Alaska, and The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles. (The latter is just in time for the 100th anniversary of the iconic California landmark.)

“In the past year, we have seen a notable uptick in travel to cities, and taking a historical tour is one of the most popular things to do in these destinations,” Kate Urquhart, Tripadvisor’s general manager of experiences, told Travel + Leisure.

She added that beach and outdoor destinations have continued to be coveted since the beginning of the pandemic: “In these destinations, there are many adventure- and wildlife-oriented experiences that travelers feel make their trips more exciting and unique.”

Urquhart herself has experienced the skyrocketing demand for these activities, as she tried to book the History and Haunting of Salem Walking Tour last year during a Massachusetts visit. But she wasn’t able to snag a spot since it was booked for several weeks straight. “Ultimately, I navigated the town on my own, but next time, I am buying tickets early!” she said.

With more than 300,000 bookable activities on Tripadvisor’s site, this set was awarded this year’s top 10 in the U.S. after the company looked at reviews over a 12-month period, noting experiences with a large volume of top reviews. Additionally, each winner had to pass Tripadvisor's “rigorous trust and safety standards,” with less than one percent of the site’s 8 million listings getting the "Best of the Best" label.

“These experiences are backed by real travelers with real unfiltered reviews,” Urquhart said. “From spooky adventures to snorkeling excursions to city tours, travelers are gravitating to a new and diverse set of experiences with the goal of creating lifetime memories.”

[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

This Lush Caribbean Island Has a New Luxury Resort With Just 14 Rooms Across 285 Acres — Each With a Private Deck and Plunge Pool

Coulibri Ridge is the newest luxury resort on Dominica.

“You really have to want to come to Dominica,” says Dominque Marchand, who with her partner, Daniel Langlois, has just opened the Caribbean island’s third luxury hotel, Coulibri Ridge. And she’s absolutely right.

Coming from Los Angeles, I took a 1:13 a.m. flight to Miami where after a one-hour layover, I flew to the island’s Douglas-Charles Airport and arrived at 2:24 p.m. After that, motion sickness was nearly guaranteed on the two-hour drive through the island’s windy road before arriving at the resort.

Of course, it’s a bit easier from the East Coast, as Dominica receives daily flights from Miami as well as limited flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico. But the island’s unique topography — its nine volcanoes across the island’s 250 square miles allow for few stretches of flat land that could accommodate runways — can mean that, on windy days, even private planes will get stuck or delayed elsewhere.

However, its challenge in accessibility is precisely why the island has been kept free of overdevelopment. (And perhaps why, when you tell most people you’re going to Dominica, they assume you mean you’re headed to the Dominican Republic.)

Indeed, in an effort to distinguish itself, Dominica — pronounced “daa-muh-nee-kuh” and named by Christopher Columbus after arriving to colonize it on a Sunday — rebranded a few years ago to “The Nature Island.” Personally, when I hear “nature,” my first thought is “bugs.” But that’s not the case at all at Coulibri Ridge.

Set on the island’s southern tip, just above where the Caribbean crashes into the Atlantic, the boutique resort receives consistent natural breezes and cooler evening temperatures that shoo away mosquitos and flies. Spiders? A rare occurrence.

If you’re lucky, you might see a boa constructor cross the road while you’re driving out of the resort, but snakes — and other threatening creatures — are hardly an issue. Instead, nature in Dominica is defined by the landscape, which in addition to its abundance of volcanoes, boasts 365 rivers, 12 waterfalls, lush hilltops, and nutrient-rich volcanic soil that grows “just about anything,” as more than one local told me.

Upon entering Coulibri Ridge, a bumpy road leads through rugged, lush greenery before ending at the arrival center, the lowest part of the resort’s development. Even here, sweeping views of narrow peak mountains, verdant valleys, and azure water in the distance are enough to quickly quell any jet lag or car-induced nausea.

Although it's spread over 285 acres, Coulibri Ridge has just 14 rooms. A series of seven near-identical, side-by-side structures each host a lower-level 930-square-foot studio room, with a 1,550-square-foot duplex suite above it. Duplexes feature both stunning mountain and valley views — spotting deer and wildlife in the distance can make it feel like you’re at an island safari lodge — and sweeping ocean views.

[Lion Nguyen @LionNguyen88]

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Careyes, Mexico

Here's where to eat, play, and stay in Careyes.

Careyes, Mexico, is a place that will change you, whether you’re ready for it or not. I don't know how to explain it better than that. I first visited this enigmatic, jungle-shrouded, rugged stretch of Pacific paradise in 2018. I didn’t know it then, but the wheels of a long-term plan that would shape my future had been set into motion.

But first, let’s journey back, all the way to the 1960s, when Italian banker Gian Franco Brignone flew his tiny plane over the vast landscape and craggy ocean cliffs of Careyes. That trip sparked a vision that ultimately led to the purchase of 20,000 acres of Pacific oceanfront, mountains, and jungle south of then-sleepy Puerto Vallarta. Brignone’s vision ultimately led to the birth of a community of well-heeled, highly cultured, fiercely creative people from around the world who were drawn both to the remoteness of Mexico’s Costalegre and the energy of human beings it attracted.

The community today is thriving, with nine miles of shoreline, carved with hidden coves, pocketed with sea caves, and peppered with extravagant villas and Positano-inspired colorful casitas — none of which can be seen from the snaking Highway 200 that winds its way down the entire Pacific Coast of Mexico. To know Careyes is to be in the know about Careyes.

"The coast is unique — pristine, remote, low density, and little known," said Zach Rabinor, CEO of Journey Mexico and one of Travel + Leisure's A-List advisors. "Dotted with small fishing and ranching pueblos, the coast became a luxury escape. Later, land acquisition and limited low-density development by the magnate James Goldsmith, and a few others, cemented the region as an eclectic playground for the rich, famous, eccentric, and creative."

The power of Careyes is that while it thrives as its own magical bubble, complete with no shortage of fine European wines and the highest of thread counts, the walls of that bubble are porous, and so life at Careyes is synonymous with life immersed in nature. In fact, of the 20,000 acres, only two percent of the land will ever be developed. Within the permeable boundaries of the community is a dizzying array of accommodations that range from regal ocean castles to open-air villas, colorful cliffside casitas, condominium-style apartments, and beachfront bungalows.

Careyes is one of the most accessible luxury escapes in Mexico, which blends a T-shirt-and-shorts aesthetic with a core ethos of living the very good life. For me, what started as a quick trip in 2018 evolved to the point where I have rented my own casita there for winter 2024. I doubt my story with Careyes will end there.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Ocean Castles

Perched on opposing cliffs, standing like sentries guarding a remote stretch of wild and rugged beach, the Ocean Castles of Careyes are the only parts of the community that can be seen from the jungle-wrapped road. Mirror images of each other, Sol de Oriente and Sol de Occidente are six-bedroom palaces, each with wraparound infinity pools overlooking the crashing Pacific.

Private Villas

Careyes is home to an impressive collection of clifftop villas. These architectural jewels are peppered all along the nine-mile coastline, each one individually named and completely different from the next. Architects have harnessed the power of nature to beautifully blend these private homes into the landscape, with infinity plunge pools, cliff-clinging stairways, outdoor living rooms, and dazzling views.

El Careyes Club & Residences

For a more traditional hotel experience, visitors can book one of the rooms in the Club & Residences section. Curved in a semicircle around an open-air lobby, two oceanfront pools, and a secluded bay, the residences come in configurations of one- to four-bedroom suites.

Casitas de las Flores

The muse for Careyes has always been the Amalfi Coast coastline, and nowhere is that more evident than in Casitas de las Flores. This collection of colorful casitas cascades down the hillside, splashed in bright Mexican-inspired colors. The casitas range from one to four bedrooms, some complete with plunge pools.

Bungalows

Chic and cozy, the beachfront bungalows sit directly overlooking Playa Rosa, one of the social hearts of Careyes. These palapa-topped one-bedroom rooms open out to the shoreline.

[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

@LionNguyen88 Aguascalientes has low costs across the board

[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

@gizem_nuri Flagstaff, Arizona

[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

This Caribbean Island's Largest Estate Is Now Available for Rent — With Gorgeous Sea Views and a 35-foot Pool

Dunton Destinations just added Mustique's sprawling Pangolin estate to their collection. See inside the palatial St. Vincent and the Grenadines escape.

Mustique has long been a favored destination by celebrities and royals in search of a peaceful vacation, far away from prying eyes. The privately owned enclave is one of 32 islands that make up St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its allure comes in the form of lush landscapes, white-sand beaches, and the Caribbean Sea's iconic cerulean waters. And if you’re looking to vacation like an in-the-know A-lister on this beautiful isle, there’s a new spot calling your name.

Located atop Rutland Hill and overlooking Macaroni Beach, Pangolin is an eight-bedroom villa set on a whopping 20 acres adorned with palm trees, bougainvillea, and hibiscus. The largest estate on Mustique was recently acquired by Dunton Destinations — the same company behind the highly lauded Dunton Hot Springs resort in Colorado — and was carefully renovated by architect Annabelle Selldorf.

Named after the endangered African animal, the home combines the owners’ love for the continent, where they’ve also spent much of their time, with Caribbean design and architecture. In the library you’ll find African shell necklaces, photography of the protected animal, and an Anglo-Indian ebony and specimen wood table from Sri Lanka that dates back to the 19th century. Most of the other spaces, including the bedrooms, feature bright colors and bold patterns while the living area boasts vaulted ceilings, wicker furniture, and doors that open out to a deck, making the most of indoor-outdoor lounging.

A stay at this hilltop retreat also comes with a full staff to take care of all your needs. Looking to schedule activities for family? The house manager will gladly arrange for experiences that include water sports, tennis, horseback riding, golfing, and yoga at the villa’s dedicated pavilion. Need a drink while curled up in one of the hammocks? Your butler will take care of that. And when it comes to food, private chef Cinty will gladly customize meals to your liking or cook up some local delights, like grilled snapper wrapped in banana leaves and callaloo soup that can be served in the formal dining room, by the home’s 35-foot pool, or, better yet, on the beach. This is paradise, after all.

[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

@BurlesquePrints Modern Art .

[Burlesque Prints @BurlesquePrints]

This Private Jet Trip Brings Travelers to the Caribbean, Gorgeous National Parks, and 5 Aman Hotels

Aman Jet Expeditions' newest journey starts in New York City and ends 14 days later in Jackson Hole, Wyoming — and costs a cool $112,888.

Experience the best of the U.S. and Caribbean's cities, beaches, and wilderness in ultimate luxury on Remote Lands' newest Aman Jet Expeditions itinerary, a 14-night winter trip on a private plane with stays in five Aman hotels.

In an announcement sent today to Travel + Leisure, the luxury tour operator, known for its small-group private jet trips, announced its Adventures in the Americas itinerary, starting Jan. 21, 2023, in New York City and ending Feb. 4, 2023, in Jackson Hole, with visits to Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Utah in between. Only 14 guests will be part of the trip on a Bombardier Global Express jet.

"My favorite itineraries include lots of scenic and cultural diversity, which Adventures in the Americas has in abundance across five different countries," Remote Lands' CEO and co-founder Catherine Heald said in a statement shared with T+L. "We visit tropical islands, snow-capped mountains, remote deserts, big cities, charming villages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and great natural wonders of the world aboard a gorgeous Global 6000 private jet."

The journey starts in New York City with two nights at the newly opened Aman New York located at the 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, with options to visit the city's most iconic sites, like Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art — or even to see them from above with a private helicopter tour.

Next, the trip touches down for the day in Bermuda to see its famous pink-sand beaches and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George Old Town, with quaint cottages and the spectacular Unfinished Church. Then the island-hopping continues over to Turks and Caicos for three nights at Amanyara on the shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve with white-sand beaches, where activities include reef snorkeling, kiteboarding, sailing, and yacht excursions. Also on tap are a beachside party with a marine biologist and a kayak eco-tour to an iguana sanctuary.

The Caribbean section of the trip continues by flying to the Dominican Republic for three nights at the Amanera in Playa Grande. Day trips explore the 15th-century capital of Santo Domingo and the old town of Puerto Plata, while travelers can also choose to take a ceviche cooking class, go diving at shipwreck sites, and learn how to roll cigars from Juan Carlos Albert at Arturo Fuento cigar emporium.

After a quick stop in Mexico to see Chichén Itzá, the scenery changes as the jet turns northward to Canyon Point, Utah, for three nights at Amangiri. "A gorgeous vestige of the wild West, Canyon Point is cradled by a staggering landscape of dramatic canyons, mountains, rapids, gorges, and desert, with traces of human life dating back 10,000 years," the company said in a release, highlighting activities like canyon hikes with a Navajo guide and a cave visit with a petroglyph and ancient culture expert.

The site is also the perfect home base to explore Zion National Park or take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. The final stop of the tour is Jackson Hole, where guests will spend three nights at Amangani. Even as the trip winds down, more national parks and outdoor adventures await in Wyoming, including Grand Teton snowshoeing or a Yellowstone private tour.

The 14-night luxury trip is available to travelers of all ages, including children, and is $112,888 per person, with a single supplement fee of $39,888. To apply for the trip, visit remotelands

[Eye Know @EyeKnowRecords]

Review of Lolebezi, Zambia by African Bush Camps

Lolebezi is a safari camp located in Zambia, operated by African Bush Camps.

Situated in the heart of the African wilderness, Lolebezi offers an authentic safari experience.

The camp provides guests with the opportunity to explore Zambia's rich wildlife and natural landscapes.

Accommodation options include luxury tents or chalets, providing comfort amidst the wilderness.

Activities available at Lolebezi include game drives, guided bush walks, and boat safaris along the Zambezi River.

Guests can witness diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and a variety of bird species.

The camp emphasizes sustainable tourism practices, promoting conservation and community engagement.
Lolebezi offers personalized service and knowledgeable guides to enhance the safari experience.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Zambia's wilderness while enjoying the comforts of the camp.

Overall, Lolebezi provides an unforgettable safari adventure in Zambia's pristine natural environment.

Key Takeaway:Lolebezi, operated by African Bush
Camps in Zambia, offers a memorable safari experience amidst the African wilderness, featuring luxury accommodations, diverse wildlife encounters, and a commitment to sustainability and community involvement