Thursday, November 18, 2010

Caracola Beach and Spa Resort Offers Four Different Floor Plans

Looking for the perfect vacation investment? Look no further than Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita!

Below you will find the descriptions of the different floor plan layouts at the Resort.

TYPE A DESCRIPTION
The “Type A” apartment has two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large open concept living area. The living area, within the spacious 730 sq ft apartment, consists of a luxury fitted kitchen with breakfast bar and a dining area that leads into a lounge area with full length windows and sliding doors which lead onto the terrace. Both bedrooms and the lounge have access onto the 188 sq ft terrace.

TYPE B DESCRIPTION
The “Type B” apartment is the most spacious of the single floor apartments at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort. The apartment measures 850 sq ft and includes two double bedrooms and two bathrooms. The large open concept living style is designed to make the most of the sea and mountain views, with two pairs of sliding doors from the lounge area, as well as access from both bedrooms onto the large 503 sq ft wraparound terrace.

TYPE C DESCRIPTION
The “Type C” apartment is a lovely one bedroom apartment with 484 sq ft of living area and a curved 145 sq ft terrace that has been designed to make the most of the sea views (ALL Type C apartments have sea views). This apartment has an open feel and has been designed to bring the outside views into the main rooms. Both the lounge area and the bedroom have sliding doors opening onto the terrace. This apartment offers exceptional value for money for those looking to keep their investment level to a minimum.

TYPE D DESCRIPTION
The “Type D” apartment is a spacious two double bedroom, two and a half bathroom property of 968 sq ft set over two floors. The open concept living area consists of a kitchen with breakfast bar opening into dining and lounge areas, both of which enjoy sliding doors out onto the 145 sq ft terrace. Stairs lead up to the first floor, where both double bedrooms enjoy a bathroom and sea views from the full height windows.

For more information, visit www.CaracolaBeachSpaResort.com

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Palatinum Golf Spa and Sport Resort’s Must Visit Locations

Must Visit City:

Cartagena: Located on the coast, this city has a rich historical heritage and has been strategically important for centuries. It is recommended that you take a stroll along the Calle Mayor until you get to the seafront, passing the Grand Consistorial Palace on your way. While in Cartagena also be sure to stroll through the remarkable parks and plazas, learn the history of the area in the local museums, and enjoy the area’s culinary specialties in one of the many restaurants or cafés.

Must Visit Colony:

Caravaca de la Cruz: This is one of the most interesting villages in the province. Be sure to visit the medieval neighborhood, the colony’s castle, its churches, the Sanctuary and the museums in the area.

Caravaca de la Cruz is the Fifth Holy City of Catholic Christianity, having been granted the privilege to celebrate the jubilee year in perpetuity in 1998 by the then Pope John Paul II, along with Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela and Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana. It celebrates its jubilee every seven years; the first being in 2003, when it was visited by the then Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI. It celebrated its second jubilee this year, in 2010.

Must Visit Beach:

Mar Menor: This naturally formed, warm water lagoon is one of the best places in Europe to learn all kinds of water sports. Whatever you want to do, you can do it here - swimming, scuba-diving, water-skiing, wind-surfing, kite-surfing, sailing – the list is endless. The Mar Menor is separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow strip of land know as La Manga.

Must Visit Tourist Location:

Cathedral de Murcia: This Cathedral was created in 1394 on the site of a former mosque and has many Renaissance and Baroque elements, although its interior is fundamentally Gothic. Inside the Cathedral, you’ll discover an abundance of gold and more ornate embellishments hidden in this sacred spot.

It features a 302 foot tower whose construction was started in 1519 and took more than two hundred years to build with the involvement of many different architects. Visitors can climb the tower where they can marvel at the spectacular views of the city and further.

Caracola Beach and Spa Resort’s Location is the Best....

Best Place to Catch a Sunset:
There is almost nothing better than watching a spectacular sunset while on vacation, and Isla Margarita is said to have some of the most stunning! The best place to catch one of these sunsets is around the town of Juangriego, which offers both the best sunset location and the best view of the sunset. To see one of these spectacular, colorful Caribbean sunsets, check out Bahia de la Galera Beach. This beach is located in a calm bay with miles of white sand.

Best Place to Look for a Handcrafted Souvenir:
The first place worth checking out is El Cercado. This is a remote town where most of the people are dedicated to handicraft manufacturing. El Cercado gives you the chance to buy the product directly from the supplier. Plus, you may be able to experience watching how it was made!

The second place to check out is Tacarigua. This town has kept its traditional handicraft stalls, which are lined along a paved road that crosses the center of the village. Tacarigua offers handicrafts, including: baskets, hats, sandals, ceramics, leather belts, folklore instruments and the best quality hammocks ever made in Venezuela.

Best Location for Shopping:
One of the best shopping locations is Guevara’s Boulevard, which offers a great variety of goods at reasonable prices. Stores line this boulevard as it extends to meet the Old Porlamar’s Harbor Side Market. Historically, this was the area where locals came to sell their goods, and others, to buy them. Watermelons, live animals, salt, and fresh, live fish, were sold in every conceivable corner. Stalls even extended onto the water where fish caught on that day was sold faster and at higher prices. Guevara’s Boulevard is located to the south of Bolivar Square.

Another great shopping location is 4 de Mayo, which is the city’s main avenue. 4 de Mayo (May 4th) was named after Margarita’s liberation from the Spanish which took place on this date. The fanciest and more expensive stores are located here, selling duty free, imported goods from all over world.

Best Location for Sightseeing:
Romulo Gallegos Pathway is a great sightseeing location which provides visitors with a nice place to walk close to the sea and to admire the colorful scenery. It is recommended to walk during daylight hours to get the most out of the area. This pathway begins in the Old Market and follows around the Guaraguao Coast until reaching Bella Vista Beach, with wooden fishing boats moored along its bay.

Bella Vista Beach is another great sightseeing location and offers a beautiful forest of palm trees. The beach here is almost a mile long and located on a calm bay. The water is not very deep here and the sand is very soft, making it perfect for families. This beach also has many services available.

Another great sightseeing location is La Caracola Beach in Porlamar. It is also Porlamar’s longest beach at about 2 miles long. This beach is mostly used by the guests staying at the group of hotels and resorts located right in front of it. To the southern end, there is a lagoon and a sand pit that separates it from the sea. You can drive along the beach on the coastal paved road, which takes you parallel to the sea at a distance of about 300 feet. There is strong surf and little shade here, but the breeze is very refreshing and the sea view is spectacular. You can also admire a small island on the horizon called El Farayon.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

There is so Much History on Isla Margarita!

During your visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, travel back in history to the colonial days when the Spaniards of Isla Margarita found refuge in fortresses and forts that were used to protect its ports from pirates and other threats to the island.

Isla Margarita has a few prominent forts and fortresses that still remain today which visitors of the island can visit.

Castillo de Santa Rosa: This fort was built between 1586 and 1595, and is located atop La Caranta hill in Pampatar. This fort was originally built to shut off access to Pampatar’s shore; however, that tasks could never be achieved because it was destroyed by Dutch pirates during an attack in 1626.

This fort is also famous for having served as a dungeon to heroin Luisa Arismendi Cáceres, for approximately three months. It has since been declared historic national monument on October 26, 1965. Access to the castle is very easy with a paved road, signs, and parking. It also offers a spectacular view of the Valley of Santa Lucia and is open to visitors all week long.

Castillo de San Carlos: This fort was built between 1664 and 1684 and was built at the entrance of the Palma de Mallorca port that it was built to defend. This was the most important fort on the island because it was built to protect the bay of Pampatar. It is currently in the naval base and home to the city’s Historical Military Museum.

Fortin Espana: This fort, which is located atop a hill on the outskirts of Santa Ana del Norte, is only a small guard outpost; however, it proved to be of great importance to protect the main road between Juan Griego and La Asuncion. This fort was one of the main sites where the struggle for independence took place and the state of Nueva Esparta was proclaimed. This fort had tunnels leading to the church of Santa Anna, the Castle of Santa Rosa and San Carlos de Borromeo Castle, which have since closed.

Fortin de la Galera: This fort, which was built in 1811 by the Margarita Provincial Joint, was given the name La Libertad (freedom) after a battle for independence was held around its walls on August 8, 1817. This building is now the perfect place to admire colorful sunsets over Caribbean waters. The view from here extends over the Island’s entire west side, where the tranquil waters of La Galera bay and Juan Griego bay meet.

Be sure to visit one, or all, of these historical forts on Isla Margarita for more information of their importance to the island.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

You Must Visit These Places on Isla Margarita

Cities:

Porlamar- This is the biggest city on Isla Margarita and is known for its commercial center. It has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, sure to appeal to every taste. Boulevard Guevara, a narrow, store-lined road, is the best place to shop at good prices. The city also has two major beaches: Playa Moreno and Playa Guacuco.

Pampatar- This is the home to most of the largest shopping malls on Isla Margarita, including Sambil Margarita, Rattan Depot, Centro Commercial Avenida Bolivar, and La Redoma. It also houses the Castillo de San Carlos de Borromeo, which was constructed entirely of coral and built on the waterfront of the town center to protect the bay of Pampatar.

La Asuncion- This is the oldest city on Isla Margarita and is the capital of the Federal State of Nueva Esparta. It is also the center of the commercial and manufacturing industries, which include the growing of cotton, sugarcane, coconuts, and cassava.

Juan Griego- This city has small shopping centers and beaches but is well known for the fortress La Galera. La Galera is not far from the center of the city and it is where the fierce battle of independence was fought in the 1820’s.

Excursions:

Los Roques- The clear, calm waters and white sand beaches will surround you in this true paradise. The National Park of Los Roques is comprised of more than 350 islands and a number of coral banks, keys, and small desolate islands for enjoying and exploring.

La Blanquilla- Here you will be able to swim under cliffs and find backwaters of interior beaches whose pearly white sands and clear waters have made this destination a must see site. You will also find the perfect cliffs for wall diving in this area.

Cubagua- Thanks to the influence of a nearby ocean trench, the water of the bay stays in the upper 60s to low 70s year round and it is still possible to find oysters here. Ruins from the past can be found on the eastern side and provide guests with a perfect opportunity to explore the history of Cubagua.

Canaima- This is one of the more impressive tourist destinations around the area. The Canaima lagoon is fed by several small waterfalls, and all of which can be enjoyed from a Curiara (a long canoe) to provide you with a closer view. Something really surprising about this area is the color of the water and the sand. Due to the abundance of minerals, the water takes on red color and the sand is a beautiful light pink, because of the presence of quartz.

Restaurants:

Casa Caranta- Housed in a beautifully restored colonial-era house in downtown Pampatar, this creative restaurant is a must stop on any visit to Isla Margarita. Italy, Asia, and America are the principal inspirations for the regularly changing menu, which is handwritten on a few large chalkboards and brought to your table. With live entertainment most nights, this restaurant really gets going after around 10pm each evening.

El Pacífico- This is the best beachside joint of all the restaurants that line the strip of Playa El Agua. Get a table near the large windows overlooking the sea, or live dangerously and dine at a table under one of the tall coconut palm trees.

Nikkei - This stylish restaurant serves up a wide range of traditional and fusion creations from the cuisines of Peru, Japan and a few of other Asian countries. The second-floor dining room is actually a large loft, with walls of solid glass on all sides. It is recommended that you try to mix and match dishes for a Pan-Asian/Peruvian feast.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Construction has Begun on Caracola Beach and Spa Resort

Construction has officially begun on the Caribbean’s newest luxury resort, Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita.

The Suites
The resort will feature 1244 one and two bedroom luxury suites spread over 15 floors with nearly all having breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The first phase of construction has just begun on this amazing resort and will consist of the first 276 luxury condos being built.

Each deluxe condominium will be constructed of the highest standards and will feature a fully-fitted modern kitchen, inviting living room, tranquil balcony, and climate controlled air conditioning system. These spectacular units will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury.

The Amenities
The resort will offer its guests many amenities including delectable restaurants plus a nightclub, and four refreshing swimming pools with waterslides, a lazy river and tropical swim-up bars. Caracola Beach and Spa Resort will also boast a fully-equipped gym, full-service spa with hairdressers, and high end retail establishments. Here you will find yourself lost in paradise while relaxing in seaside hammocks or lying on the sandy beach while the waves of the Caribbean Sea travel over your feet.

The Location
Isla Margarita, which is also known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean,” is the most developed of the three islands that make up the State of Nueva Esparta. Isla Margarita features dramatic mountainous terrain, lush vegetation, flora and fauna, and many stunning white sandy beaches. Temperatures on the island are fairly consistent at 80 degrees, and although located in the Caribbean, it is not in the hurricane belt. All guests that visit the area are provided with a very comfortable environment due to the warm days and cool evenings.

Social Media Sites
To follow the progress of the resort, visit our social media sites!

Twitter: http://twitter.com/caracolaresort

Xanga: http://caracolaresort.xanga.com/

Blogger: http://caracolabeachandsparesort.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Margarita-island/Caracola-Beach-and-Spa-Resort/58894982155

For more information regarding Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, please visit http://caracolabeachsparesort.com/

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Looking for the Perfect Beach for Your Isla Margarita Vacation?

Be sure to check these out!

Playa El Agua

This beach is the most famous and popular beach on Isla Margarita. It’s populated with over 50 restaurants, kiosks and small beach bars, while the boulevard along the beach provides visitors with shops, restaurants, and internet cafes.

This beach offers many activities including several water sports, micro plane rides, concerts, and an active nightlife. Despite all that is going on, this beach is still big enough to give you some space on your own. However, you should be aware that there are always waves here, sometimes big, sometimes small. So if you are traveling with small children, there are other beaches which would be more suitable.

Playa Parguito

Like Playa El Agua, this beach also has some waves, making it one of the best beaches for surfing on Isla Margarita. Jorge Hautmann (or Pakayola), runs a surf school here, and offers both surfboard rentals and surfing lessons to travelers. Here you will find some restaurants which open early and serve breakfast, while others open from noon until early evening. If you walk down to the ends of the beach you will find great lookout areas that give a nice view of the area.

Playa Manzanillo

This beach is located near the northern tip of Isla Margarita, not far from Playa El Agua. It is a small beach but never very crowded, and its quiet waters offer an ideal swimming location. Since Manzanillo is actually a small fishing village, you might see a fleet of fishing boats in the bay, or even experience fisherman drawing their nets to shore. This area also has several restaurants that will rent beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as serve food and drinks.

Playa Caribe

This beach is located on the north side of the island. It offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere with quite a few good restaurants along the coastline, as well as some nice caves for exploring near the end of the beach. Facilities on this beach include food, drinks, toilets, sunshades, and beds. If you get a chance, visit the restaurant La Playya which offers quick service and a great meal!