by Editor | Jun 1, 2005 | Books, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Books
In addition to page after page of fabulous maps there are three square feet of information including 75 political and physical maps, satellite photos, and a 134-page index in the latest edition of the famous National Geographic world atlas. Last updated five years ago, the eighth edition emphasizes North American maps. It is divided geographically starting on page 25 as follows: North America (22 pages, p25-47), South America (five pages, p48-53), Europe (14 pages, p54-68), Asia (13 pages, p69-82), Africa (five pages, p83-88), and Australia and Oceania (five pages, p89-94). With as many as 8,000 labels per map plate, the Atlas is one of the most detailed in the world. National Geographic editorial staff made use of the geographic information system and data sources such as the United Nations, U.S. State Department, Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
by Editor | Jun 1, 2005 | Jamaica, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Our spacious villa at Round Hill, a 110-acre haven constructed for wealthy foreigners in the 1950s on the grounds of a former pineapple and allspice plantation, felt like a home away from home. Built on an encircling hill overlooking a small cove and beach, Round Hill is home to a small two-story hotel, Pineapple House Hotel, and 27 privately owned rental villas. The practical and appealing architectural design ensured maximum exposure to the view of the bay and the hill while providing privacy from passersby and neighbors.
by Editor | Jun 1, 2005 | Jamaica, Simon and Baker Travel Review
I arrived at the Royal Plantation after a pleasant two-hour drive from the Montego Bay airport tired and hungry. A short while later I was at the hotel’s beachside restaurant a step from the sand, facing a beautiful inviting beach and munching on a burger while I waited for my room to be ready. All the morning’s frustrations including my long flight routed through Kingston, cancelled airport meeting with fellow travelers whose flights were delayed, and my “international” cell phone not working were slowly forgotten thanks to the hotel’s ambiance and the staff’s friendly can-do attitude.
by Editor | Jun 1, 2005 | Jamaica, Simon and Baker Travel Review
The serene, quiet and cozy ambiance of the Royal Spa was a good match for the Royal Plantation where the spa was housed. Although we noticed by the number of guests calling and having treatments that the spa was popular, once inside it was tranquil. The staff were friendly and helpful, never chatty. The treatments we tried were good, the facilities were spotless, and the ambiance was elegant and welcoming.
by Editor | May 20, 2005 | Simon and Baker Travel Review
We arrived in Cape Town rushed and tired. Our flight had arrived late. By the time we collected our rental car and found our way to our hotel, a short drive from Angsana Spa, the afternoon was nearly over. When we called the Spa to ask for a slight delay, the reception staff invited us to reschedule for the next day at our convenience. The following afternoon found us sipping honey sweetened hibiscus tea and wearing plastic slippers while we waited for our therapists to collect us from the reception area. We liked the open design of the new looking lobby. Sunshine and light slid through the glass ceiling to brighten the room which faced a small garden area with water features. By the time we left we had found our smiles and were looking forward to the next stage of our trip.
by Editor | May 1, 2005 | Simon and Baker Travel Review, St Barts
Visiting this tiny (eight square miles) French Caribbean island was like a ray of sunshine during a storm. We enjoyed some of the best of island life with few of the common inconveniences. Favorite characteristics that would draw us back in a heartbeat included stunning panoramic views, a polite sophisticated attitude, English is spoken by many of the locals and Anglophones are welcome, a laid back ambiance, almost no crime, fine French and international dining (there are 70 restaurants!), an outstanding infrastructure with cell phone and high speed Internet connectivity, wonderful options for accommodations, inviting spa facilities and beautiful white sand beaches.
