Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/631317
WINTER/SPRING 2016 DREAMSCAPES 43 FLORIDA: Did you know preservation of nature in Florida is as much of an enticement as the state's man-made attractions? The chance to view sea turtles nesting in Palm Beach County, for instance, is on equal footing with the desire for upscale resorting. And, further up the coast on Amelia Island, you may easily feel time has stood still since the era when marine animals were the first residents there. Observe the turtle- nesting ritual yourself. On warm summer nights, females lumber out of the ocean toward drier sand, dig their nests, lay as many as 110 eggs over a three-hour period, cover them and swim away. Two months later those eggs begin to hatch, so on any given night dozens of tiny hatch- lings can be seen making their way to the safety of the sea. Turtle watching is strictly monitored so be sure to join a guided group. visitflorida.com NAPA VALLEY, CALFORNIA: From Sacramento or San Francisco, why not drive an hour or so to the serene vine- yard of the Oakville Cross Road, known as the epicentre of Napa's premium Cabernet country? Vineyards may make you thirsty however, if you are also hungry, the best bet is a stop at B Cellars Vineyards and Winery, where delectable bites are celebrated with its premium wines. Take a glass of white or red with you as you tour the culinary garden, the vineyards and the precision operations. Then sit down to sample delicacies such as the "heirloom squash agnolotti with black truffles" paired with a superior Tuscan blend. bcellars.com RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO: Golfers are always seeking inspirational settings to improve their scores so it's no wonder most beautiful places on Earth attract the world's best course designers. If a business trip takes you to Guadalajara, Mexico, for instance, why not add a few days in Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific coast or plan to meet your family there? Lavish resorts host several golf courses and each one is cleverly designed with panoramic surprises. For example, how about playing on a green in the middle of the sea? If you have a hard time imagining this, just book time to experience Hole 3B on the Punta Mita golf course at the Four Seasons Resort. rivieranayarit.com BRITISH ISLES & IRELAND: Such a joy to explore, but instead of expe- riencing the white-knuckle left-hand driving, schedule a luxury coach tour. Take a look at the short and extensive itineraries organized by Trafalgar Tours, Globus and Insight Vacations, among others. These are not your granny's coach tours. Emphasis now is on the unforgettable. In Ireland, for instance, stay at the 13 th -century Ashford Castle, offered by the premium-luxury Insight Vacations. On the six-day Best of Devon and Cornwall (by Trafalgar), you are guests of honour at a choral music per- formance at the candlelit 15 th -century "gingerbread church" in Exeter. Or, on Trafalgar's 14-day Best of Britain tour through England, Scotland and Wales, visit Penny Lane in Liverpool to unravel the Beatles' lyrics. visitbritain.com DS