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Posts Tagged ‘St. John’

Ayr – South Ayrshire Is Like Going Back In Time

January 4th, 2010 No comments

Situated in the firth of Clyde, to the southwest of Scotland, Ayr is the biggest county, port and a town in Ayrshire all told. Being also a centre of administration for southern Ayrshire council area this port town supports nearly 46,000 people.

The county of Ayr has a very rich history, shortly after the first castle was built by Ayr’s riverside, king William, the lion created a burgh here. The very first parliament for Scotland was also held here by Robert the Bruce.

Since the early ages, Ayr has remained a busy port county. Wool, fish and hide were the main exports whereas salt and wine were imported to be distributed throughout the Ayrshire. Textile as well as shoe making industry also prospered in the area for a while though they couldn’t hold out against the sands of time.

Ayr is a coastal county lying upon the mouth of the river Ayr. Most of the land in the area is flat and low. The climatic conditions in Ayr are very mild and pleasant, with cool summers and mild winters; the county of Ayr seldom experiences any snowfall. The outlying flat terrain also makes sure that any fog or mist is also a rarity here. Ayr lies at least 35 miles to the southwest of Glasgow.

Part of the historic port in Ayr still functions today, its main exports being coal and fish. Ayr has been a hub for shopping for all of south Scotland, having a port in times past and also being the first county to have a functioning departmental store since 1896.

Though in the early years, Ayr’s parish church was St John the Baptist, Ayr now has many churches for different denominations. It is served by 15 primary schools and five secondary schools, one in Ayr and four in outlying area serve t educate the young of Ayr. Ayr also has two university campuses.

The county of Ayr has 15 primary schools all told, access to 5 secondary schools and 2 each of colleges and universities. Ayr has a sandy beach with an esplanade, popular among joggers and day trippers. Many other leisure activities are also available, either upon the beach or in Ayr’s leisure centre. Of late many new tourist venues are being built, all contributing towards making Ayr one of the most favored tourism spots outside Glasgow.

For accommodation in Ayr check this list of Ayr hotels.

America’s Paradise is the US Virgin Islands

June 8th, 2009 No comments
by Simon N James

In the Virgin Islands a wide range of diving and other amazing activities can be found, the US Virgin Islands consists of over 50 islands with the most famous ones being the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Reaching these 3 islands is fairly simple with many airports in the US flying their.

Insland of St. Thomas

Typically the dive centres will take you to a dive site located at the waters of Pillsbury Sound between St. Thomas and St. John to dive the various shipwrecks encrusted with bright sponges and coral. One nice example is the General Rogers what is a 120-foot US Coast Guard buoy which was sunk to form a reef which sits upright in around 60 feet of water. The reef as grown on the buoy and has created an Orange cup coral and others with abundance of fishes such as angelfish and grunts.

Probably the best diving in the Virgin Islands is Sail Rock which towers up 125 feet in the air off the West End of St Thomas and is teeming with jacks, wrasse, barracuda, turtles and others.

Island of St. John

Located between the islands St. John and St. Thomas are two very popular diving locations called Congo Cay and Carval Rock. Carval rock a nice dive site which is home to many turtles, swarming silversides, cruising reef sharks, and waving sea rods and gorgonians. The swim-through is a must do which tower is between two towering rock faces is covered with vibrant marine life.

Congo Cay’s is an opposite dive to Carval Rock with a drift dive though some amazing weathered; the dive site has its own resident sting rays creating a lovely dive. Both dive sites can be done from a basic level but if the weather is bad only experienced divers can dive.

St. Croix

North side of St. Croix is one of the best wall dives in the Caribbean, the wall starts only 100 yards of the beach line and drops to several thousand feet, there are around 20 dive sites located along the wall with varying natures features such as pinnacles, ledges, walls and caverns.

All the Dive shops on all three islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix will offer resort courses, complete certification classes and rental equipment. Many package deals are available with local hotels and dive operators combining for a single price package. Accommodations range from 5-star resorts and villas to small, family run inns and hotels. Camping is even available for those who want to rough it a bit outdoors.

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5 Unforgettable Honeymoon Destinations for a Romantic Vacation

April 1st, 2009 No comments

I have brought together the following list of the very best honeymoon locations anywhere to assist you in choosing the perfect spot for your trip.

So let’s get right into my selections for the five best honeymoon destinations in the world:

5. Four Seasons Punta Mita, Mexico

This resort is on my list due to its excellent service — maybe the best anywhere. The location is incredible, the grounds are impeccably kept, the food is world-class, the beach is wonderful, and the views… well you simply have to see them to appreciate them. But it is the service that really makes this hotel so great. The wonderful staff will cater to your every need and ensure that you experience the most amazing, memorable, and romantic honeymoon possible.

4. Las Ventanas al Paraiso Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This honeymoon resort is simply elegant. Situated in one of the most beautiful locations in all of Cabo, Las Ventanas has world-class accommodations, facilities, dining, and service. It’s the kind of place where you are likely to rub elbows with celebrities, and the level of service is bound to make you feel like a movie star yourself.Foranyone consideringa Mexico honeymoon, this is the perfect spot.

3. Little Dix Bay, Island of St. John, B.V.I.

The best place to stay in the wonderful British Virgin Islands, Little Dix has everything you could possibly want in a romantic resort – incredible service, stunning beaches, amazing facilities, and that laid-back ambiance that makes for the very best honeymoons.

2. Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, Big Island of Hawaii

Possibly the perfect resort for honeymooners that love golf (and even those who don’t), this Four Seasons hotel has an incredible location, great facilities, world class golf courses, and the level of impeccable service you’d expect from a Four Seasons property. The Four Seasons Hualalai might well be the best hotel in all of Hawaii.

1. Caneel Bay Hotel, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Located in perhaps the most amazingly beautiful spot in the Caribbean, Caneel Bay is my idea of paradise. The turquoise waters here are the most stunningly beautiful anywhere in the world, and the hotel itself is amazing too. Surrounded by a lush U.S. national Park, Caneel Bay has an out-of-the-way feel, yet it is a ferry ride away from the excitement of St. Thomas. Caneel Bay really has the best of both worlds. It’s a wonderfully romantic resort and the perfect place for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.

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Discover What The US Virgin Islands Have To Offer

March 29th, 2009 No comments

Imagine a white-sand beach, with warm waters and the perfect breeze. Sound like the perfect getaway or honeymoon destination? It sure does, this is what you get when you take a trip to the US Virgin Islands.

The US Virgin Islands have been an ideal spot for weddings and honeymooners alike. People have flocked to the Virgin Islands to begin their life together and for good reason.

Part of the US Virgin Islands include St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. All of these beaches offer many activities, scenery, and great food to whoever wishes to visit.

The Virgin Islands geographical terrain is very unique in that they include mountaintops, beaches, and wonderful gardens. Weddings are ideal spots in the Virgin Islands due to its vast array of scenic areas.

Accommodations are plentiful here as since it is a tourist area there are many luxury hotels and resorts to choose from. You may even choose to rend a house or villa. Yachts are even available for rent.

The temperature is perfect all year long thus making it a great spot to vacation any time of the year.

You cannot go wrong planning a honeymoon in the Virgin Islands. It provides all honeymooners want in a honeymoon. These islands some would say were created by nature with honeymooners in mind.

Capture the memories that will last a lifetime.

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