Attractions Near the Morning Star Resort on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

Infinity pools with views of the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, easy access to your own white-sand beach, gourmet meals in an exclusive restaurant and a score of other modern comforts included in a 2011 $48 million renovation make the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort a top choice for travelers looking for luxury on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, if your looking for activities outside of the resort, the island does not disappoint.

Nearby Beaches

• The resort's two closest beaches are Morning Star, also known as Frenchman's Bay Beach, and Limetree Beach. Morning Star is known for attracting a younger crowd, including a fair number of gay singles and couples. The beach is accessed via a cliff-front elevator at Frenchman's reef. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear or sailboats if they want to take advantage of the water, or just lounge chairs if they prefer to relax. The sea-grape and palm trees of Limetree Beach are home to a host of iguanas that beachgoers enjoy feeding hibiscus blossoms by hand. Although no public transportation is available, it is possible to call a taxi from the resort.

Historic Charlotte Amalie

• Two miles west of the Morning Star Resort lies the capital city of Charlotte Amalie. Originally settled by the Dutch, it was once the world's largest slave market. Over the centuries, it has been the port of call for pirates, slavers and sailors from around the world. Today, it is where giant cruise ships dock to allow day-trippers to explore the shops that now occupy the warehouses and storage buildings once used for pirate booty and other goods.

  The city has various art galleries, including Gallery St. Thomas, that features mainly Caribbean-flavored art in everything from watercolors to photographs. It also is home to the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. The building features a sand floor, representing the period of the Spanish Inquisition when practicing Jews were relegated to worshiping in cellars with sand on the floor to absorb the sound. The adjacent Weibel Museum contains historical documents and literature connected with the history of the synagogue. The 17th-century Fort Christian, built by the Danes, also serves as a vivid reminder of the island's diverse cultural past.

Bluebeard's Castle

• This timeshare resort sits atop Bluebeard's Hill between the resort and Charlotte Amalie. On the grounds is Bluebeard's Castle, the alleged hideout of Bluebeard the pirate during his days of plundering the nearby shipping lanes. The resort's reception hall is housed in what was once the residence of the Danish governor.

Lookout Points

• Besides the picturesque views offered from the resort's many rooms, restaurants, pool decks and terraces, visitors may want to experience St. Thomas from one of the nearby scenic vista areas. Drake's Seat is a short detour north of Charlotte Amalie on route 40. Local legend claims it was a favorite lookout point for Sir Francis Drake during his career as a privateer on behalf of the English crown. On clear days, you can see parts of the nearby British Virgin Islands. The Paradise Point Tramway offers Charlotte Amalie visitors postcard-perfect views of the surrounding area from the top of Flag Hill. It takes about seven minutes for the tram to reach the top of the 700-foot hill with its observation deck, restaurant, nature trail and tropical-bird display waiting to great you at journey's end.

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Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

On Las Vegas Boulevard, the towering, cream-colored Monte Carlo cuts a stark contrast to the bright blue, cloudless Nevada sky. The interior of the grand hotel commands as much awe as the exterior. This luxury lodging hosts a casino, theater, spa and multiple pools, ensuring that you may not even need to leave the hotel to enjoy the complete Las Vegas experience.

Get a Room

• Rooms at the Monte Carlo range from deluxe to opulent. Even at the low end of the price scale, rooms have Italian marble in the entries and bathrooms, 250-thread count sheets and large flat-screen televisions. At the higher end, Diamond Suites span more than 800 square feet with separate living areas, extended wet bars, 1 1/2 baths and two-person in-suite whirlpool spas. Yet another hotel lies at the very top of Monte Carlo. Hotel 32, a boutique hotel, offers penthouse and loft suites with ultra-modern decor and luxurious amenities, including hydrotherapy soaking tubs and large entertainment rooms.

Hit It Big

• With its bright lights, excitement and potential for easy riches, the casino remains the Monte Carlo's main attraction. Slot machines vary in price, from pennies to $100, and theme, from celebrating famous pop stars to blockbuster movies. Table games include blackjack, baccarat and craps, among others. Novices to craps appreciate the daily morning lessons. While the atmosphere around the slot machines and tables is lively and celebratory, the casino's poker room is decidedly more subdued. Try your luck at one of the daily Texas Hold 'em and Omaha tournaments.

Catch a Show

• Experience a one-of-a-kind Las Vegas show at the Monte Carlo. Shows vary; two examples that have graced the stage of the hotel's theater are Blue Man Group, an interactive, musical and technological performance that begins with a parade through the casino floor, and Zumanity, part cabaret, part burlesque. In some instances, booking your tickets from one to several months in advance means discounted ticket prices. It's also wise to arrive at the show at least 20 minutes before starting time, when the doors open.

Kick Back and Relax

• Breathe in scents of jasmine while soaking in a whirlpool in the second-floor spa at the Monte Carlo. In addition to whirlpools, the spa also features a steam room, sauna and treatments such as facials and massage. Outside, the hotel has four swimming options available from March through October, including a wave pool and 400-foot-long "lazy river." Enjoy a poolside burger and mojito, on the special menu available only in the pool area.

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Resorts in Austin on Lake Travis

Several resorts line the shores of Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, an area known for beautiful sunsets and an abundance of boaters, fishers and vacationers during warm months, when temperatures can top 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In the colder months, temperatures dip low enough to put a damper on outdoor activities, but the resorts provide plenty of indoor activities, such as spas, to keep winter travelers occupied and relaxed. In general, the shores and resorts are usually peaceful and quiet, providing for some of the best waterside relaxation in Texas.

Lakeway Resort and Spa

• Lakeway Resort and Spa sits on the southern edge of Lake Travis and has several lodging options. Try a Lakeview Room to take advantage of the view of Lake Travis at sunset or opt for a private condominium situated right on the lake. Condos have full amenities and private balconies. Lakeway is dog friendly and operates a children's zone with supervised games and activities every day except Monday. Enjoy a massage at the spa, purchase a golf package from the resort or rent a boat from the nearby marina to take onto the lake.

La Villa Vista

• La Villa Vista, on the southeastern shore of the lake, is a somewhat quieter, but equally accommodating resort. It has upscale amenities such as a hot tub and infinity pool -- which appears to extend to the horizon without a defined edge -- and also brings mountain charm. All five themed suites are elevated high above the shore of Lake Travis, providing spectacular views. La Villa Vista is just a short walk from popular lakeside restaurants.

Travaasa

• At the northeastern edge of Lake Travis is Travaasa, which refers to an atmosphere described as a "Zen-like preserve for the soul," according to its website. An experiential resort, Travaasa offers an ever-changing list of activities to guests under the categories of adventure, culinary, culture, fitness, spa and wellness. Some notable activities include a mechanical bull workout, a group cooking demonstration and horseback riding. The spa has 11 treatment rooms, a hot tub, sauna and infinity pool. The 70 rooms are spread out among seven buildings.

Lake Austin Spa Resort

• The Lake Austin Spa Resort is located just south of Lake Travis on the north edge of the Colorado River. The resort places an emphasis on health and fitness, with both exercise classes and personalized instruction. After your workout, unwind at a treatment room, sauna or hot tub. Swim in the indoor lap pool or the resort-style outdoor pool. Resort staff members host specialized activities for guests, including cooking classes. Rooms include maid service twice a day and private porches; rooms with a view of the water are available upon request.

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How to Buy an All-Inclusive Resort Package

Resort vacationing is a trendy and convenient way to travel and get away from it all. Besides the natural beauty and seclusion offered by many resorts, travelers save on overall cost because they don't pay for separate amenities. Buy an all-inclusive resort package if you want your dream escape to be comfortable, affordable and no hassle.

Tips

1. Figure out what part of the world you would like to visit. Think about what sorts of activities you and your travel mates or family would like to participate in and what sort of amenities you desire.
2. Decide whether you would like to buy an all-inclusive resort package directly from a well-known resort, such as Club Med, or through a travel agency like American Express Travel. Know that some travel agencies have access to better discounts and may offer more variety. Although, some resorts offer their own deep discounts if you buy your all-inclusive resort package directly from them.
3. Consider who will be traveling with you before you buy an all-inclusive resort package. Some resorts are adult only while other resorts are family- friendly.
4. Make a decision about where you would like to vacation exactly, either with the help of a travel agent or on your own. Keep your options in mind. Shop online and telephone travel agencies or resorts for general information. Check also with local travel agencies.
5. Contact a travel agent or resort representative and ask them about the all-inclusive resort packages that they offer. Ask them to send brochures featuring pricing and amenities information to you. Start thinking about travel dates.
6. Choose a resort destination. Book and buy an all-inclusive resort package that will satisfy you and your travel mates. Reserve your all-inclusive resort package way in advance, keeping in mind the competitiveness of peak season and holiday travel

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The Best RCI Honeymoon Resorts

RCI is a company that offers vacation exchange services, where timeshare weeks become available within the network. With so many RCI resorts available, it will be hard for you to decide on which one is the "best" for honeymoons. However, you might be able to narrow your options with a few helpful hints and directions.

Tips

1. Research about the Maldives, which are islands located near India and Sri Lanka. Find out what they offer and what you can see while visiting. Learn some things about the culture and customs to get acquainted. You might want to go on numerous tours when you honeymoon, or sit back on the beach and drink some mai-tai's.
2. Choose whether you want to stay in a secluded area in the Maldives, or with newlyweds. The Maldives offers many secluded beach resorts and areas to be with your loved one. Many all inclusive honeymoon resorts are adults only resorts and some even go as far as 'adult couples only' resorts. Research online before you book.
3. Choose an all inclusive honeymoon package for the Maldives. It will keep you from stressing over minor details like flights and car rentals. You can research on the Internet for deals and fabulous packages for the Maldives, or visit your personal travel agent and request more information.
4. Get your film and camera ready! You might hire a photographer while you are on your Maldives honeymoon, but it is best to be prepared just in case something happens. This is a special celebration and you will want to capture every moment.
5. Get packing! The Maldives is a very romantic location, so get ready to get your groove on with your new wife or new husband. Start packing for your honeymoon to the Maldives. Congratulations!

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