Traveler’s Choice 2014 Winners!
August 28th, 2014 by Breakaway Adventures
Frank and Danielle
Breakaway is really proud to say that several of our overseas hotels have been announced as Trip Advisor Travelers Choice 2014 Winners.
Every year the top 10% of hotels and inns listed on Trip Advisor receive a Certificate of Excellence award. Although many of our hand-picked hotels reach this milestone, the awards for individual countries are even more impressive, with the following inns placing in the top 25 in their respective countries!
Quinta do Barranco da Estrada – Top 25 B&B’s and Inns in Portugal
This friendly, family run inn features in our Fisherman’s Trails of the Alentejo walking tour. Barranco da Estrada is a unique property. Frank McClintock moved here and bought the land in the 70’s, where his Casa Rural has taken shape slowly over the intervening years. The rooms are set out in a row above the Santa Clara Reservoir with stunning views over the water. The landscaped garden was created specifically to attract local and migrating bird life and does the job brilliantly!
To have a look at their award on Trip Advisor along with their excellent reviews click here.
Casa Carrascal – Top 25 B&B’s and Inns in Spain
On the Vistas of Valencia Walk you stay as guests of David and Sue Eaton, in their exquisitely restored, traditionally decorated 17th century town house in the heart of the jasmine-scented village of Parcent. The ambience of the hotel is a joy – perfect for singles or first timers – you’ll be made to feel right at home!
To have a look at their award on Trip Advisor along with their excellent reviews click here.
Hotel Finca el Cerrillo – Top 25 Hotels with Exceptional Service in Spain
Stay in this wonderfully restored 200-year old olive mill with pool overlooking the white villages of southern Andalucía on our Secrets of Andalucía Walk. Sue, Gordon and Sybil (their congenial dog) are wonderful hosts with a knack for anticipating your every need.
To have a look at their award on Trip Advisor along with their excellent reviews click here.
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz – Top 10 Hotels in Malta
Highlights of Gozo Cycling takes in the diminutive island of Gozo, just 3 miles from its sister island of Malta. You’ll stay 2 nights in the elegant ***** Kempinski – known for a luxury spa and romantic al fresco dining – it’s modern in style but retains the local heritage incorporating Gozitan wood paneling and honey-colored limestone.
To have a look at their award on Trip Advisor along with their excellent reviews click here.
Breakaways’ Top 5 Tips for great photos
August 19th, 2014 by Breakaway Adventures
- Fill the screen. Try to fill the screen with the subject you are photographing.
- Avoid bright lights. Keep your subject out of direct, bright light.
- Keep it simple. A neutral or simple background helps to bring out your subject.
- Go to eye level. Approach your subject at eye level for the most powerful shot.
- Make it spontaneous. Have fun and enjoy the moment!
And why not put these tips to good use on our Costa Rica Wildlife Walk. You’ll be amazed at the amount of wildlife you’ll encounter, from quetzals and tree grogs to agoutis and iguanas and over 850+ species of birds. All with a backdrop of awe-inspiring panoramas – dramatic volcanoes, emerald lagoons and the world-famous Monteverde cloud forest.
You’ll visit the Arenal butterfly and frog gardens, a Nature Regeneration Project dedicated to the preservation and study of the rainforest, with a focus on butterflies and other tropical rainforest species. The gardens offer numerous photo ops of the gardens resplendent with hummingbirds and views of Arenal lake and volcano beyond.
At La Cangreja waterfall in the Rincon de la Vieja Nation Park, the blue lagoon is a magical site where dissolved copper salts give the water a celestial blue color, a striking sight against the gray cliffs. The pool is a great spot for cooling off after a hike. Violet guaria morada orchid (Costa Rica’s national flower) grows in the surrounding woodland. The bold and beautiful guaria is an exquisite orchid, known for its purple hues and diamond-like shimmer. Blooming from January through April, the guaria is said to bestow fortune and good luck. According to local Costa Rican legend, its bloom possesses only a mild fragrance, as it is filled with dreams to be fulfilled!
Where is the best wine region to visit?
August 12th, 2014 by Breakaway Adventures
Fishermans Trails of the Alentejo Walk
USA Today just recently released the votes from readers and expert panel – declaring Portugal’s’ Alentejo region tops out of 20 nominees.
We’re on board with that recommendation, as we’ve known all along that this far southwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula is a genuine hidden treasure in more ways than one. Our Fisherman’s trails of the Alentejo walk takes in the sleepy white villages, forgotten farms and windmills and colorful fishing harbors untouched by tourism. It’s also a region of superb bird watching; chiff chaff, azure magpie, green woodpecker and blue rock thrush.
You’ll stay in intimate rural hotels including a beautiful lakeside Casa Rural – an oasis of privacy and comfort. The Quinta do Barranco da Estrada features ‘international home-cooking’ cuisine using ingredients fresh from the organic garden – honey from local hives, free-range eggs and, of course, fish from the lake. The hotel is a winner in its own right receiving the industry’s top award – Tripadvisor’s “Travellers Choice” B&B’s for 2014.
Following the Fisherman’s Trail, hugging the coastline you arrive at the Herdade do Touril – a working farm offering comfortable rooms in restored 19C white-washed stucco buildings with tiled roofs. Its idyllic setting amid 900 acres of sunflowers, grazing cattle and manicured lawns also features a salt-water pool where you’ll enjoy the sea breeze and sound of ocean waves.
Continuing on some of the most spectacular coastal walking we’ve ever seen along wild cliffs above thundering bays, the coastal path leads you back village of Brejao and the lovely agritoursimo, Cerca do Sul. It’s a little piece of heaven with views over the Monchique Mountains and the ocean.
Read the full list of winners in the USA 10Best Readers’ Choice
10best.com/awards/travel/best-wine-regions-to-visit
