Holiday Decorations
Most people decorate both the inside and outside of their homes with bright lights. And it is also very common for them to put up a Christmas tree as well, but the most authentic Venezuelan custom is to display a nativity scene (Nacimiento). Venezuelan nativity scenes are very descriptive and usually represent the entire region including the mountains, hills, plains, and valleys, all centered around a replica of the manger at Bethlehem. Many modern day versions even include electric trains, boats on the sea, and cartoon figures, along with the traditional shepherds, pilgrims, kings, and the Holy Family.
These often become a real work of art.
Holiday Traditions around Isla Margarita
The religious celebrations begin on December 16th where an early morning mass (Misa de Aguinaldo) is held every morning leading up to December 24th when mass is held at midnight (Misa de Gallo).
On December 25th, Christmas Day, children awaken to find gifts around the Nativity Scene or Christmas tree. And their tradition has it that it is the Child Jesus who brings gifts to the Venezuelan children instead of Santa Claus.
The Christmas festivities officially come to an end on January 6th, the Day of the Reyes Magos, when children again will receive toys and candies. Christmas is the main holiday when all Venezuelan families come together and celebrate.
Traditional Holiday Meals
During this time, families get together to enjoy the traditional holiday meal which includes: hallacas, pan de jamon, and dulce de lechoza. Hallacas are typically a mixture of chicken, pork, beef, capers, olives, and raisins wrapped in cornmeal dough, bound with string within plantain leaves and boiled or steamed before eating. Pan de jamon is a long bread filled with cooked ham and raisins, and dulce de lechoza is a dessert made of green papaya and brown sugar.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Caribe Genuino Features Caracola Beach and Spa Resort
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort was featured in its own special edition of Caribe Genuino, and if you haven’t seen it yet, you should! This 152-page special edition magazine provides readers with various topics of information all relating to the areas around Isla Margarita and, the much anticipated, Caracola Beach and Spa Resort.
The magazine takes readers through all the popular destinations around Isla Margarita including the amazingly beautiful beaches of Playa Caribe, Playa El Agua, Playa Parguito, and Playa Yaque, as well as the top attractions including Diverland, Waterland, Ranchero Macanao, and Jeep Safari.
The magazine also includes information, as well as photos, on Caracola Beach and Spa Resort. It features information on all the amenities offered, including various restaurants, spa facilities, and a gymnasium, to name a few, as well as information on the management company that will run the daily operations of the Resort, Geneva Hospitality.
This is one magazine you’ll want to check out, whether you’re interested in the Isla Margarita area, are looking for a great vacation destination, or are interested in owning a room at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort on Isla Margarita! To take a look at this magazine, be sure to visit http://www.globalsolutionsrealty.com/briefcase/38127_615200982002AM74263.pdf
The magazine takes readers through all the popular destinations around Isla Margarita including the amazingly beautiful beaches of Playa Caribe, Playa El Agua, Playa Parguito, and Playa Yaque, as well as the top attractions including Diverland, Waterland, Ranchero Macanao, and Jeep Safari.
The magazine also includes information, as well as photos, on Caracola Beach and Spa Resort. It features information on all the amenities offered, including various restaurants, spa facilities, and a gymnasium, to name a few, as well as information on the management company that will run the daily operations of the Resort, Geneva Hospitality.
This is one magazine you’ll want to check out, whether you’re interested in the Isla Margarita area, are looking for a great vacation destination, or are interested in owning a room at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort on Isla Margarita! To take a look at this magazine, be sure to visit http://www.globalsolutionsrealty.com/briefcase/38127_615200982002AM74263.pdf
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Locations Visited During Team Geneva Hospitality's Visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort
During a recent visit to Isla Margarita, home to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, Team Geneva Hospitality visited many beautiful locations in the area. Below are just a few of the locations the Team visited.
El Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo
The most visited site in Porlamar, by both national tourists and international ones, is the El Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo. It was built in 1824 and rebuilt several times after due to destruction by pirates. Ancient artillery pieces are exhibited here, as well as paintings and artifacts from the Independence War.
San Carlos de Borromeo is Margarita’s largest fort. Overlooking and dominating the bay, it was built of coral rock on a star plan with salients radiating from the four angles of the central square, each with a lookout tower.
Puerto Porlamar
One of the most beautiful constructions in Porlamar is the “Puerto de la mar” (Port of the Sea). It is a private initiative that was constructed to be an entry gate for tourists who visit Isla Margarita through a cruise ship. The plan to build Puerto Porlamar was proposed in 1991 to bring life back to the core of the City by creating an invigorating new energy thru the cruise passengers arriving in Polrmar.
Puerto Porlamar has become a part of the City and is directly connected to it. Through this port, cruise passengers arrive at the heart of the City and find a nice and convenient environment where they can stroll, shop, or visit one of the many cafes, restaurants, or bars located around the main plaza and the waterfront. By having passengers arrive through the Puerto Porlamar, they get the feeling and impression of the local culture, traditions, and tastes.
La Vela Mall
La Vela Mall is inspired by the marine elements of the island and the design of the building pays tribute to the small fishing boats typical to Isla Margarita, harmoniously inserted in the urban environment.
La Vela Mall offers three levels (Arena, Mar y Sol) to ensure its visitors the most incredible experiences of shopping, entertainment, and enjoyment. The mall offers some of the most prestigious brands worldwide, service shops, and a large area devoted to food.
The mall offers stores such as Adidas, Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, Custo Barcelona, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Clarks, Converse, Diesel, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Technomarine, Paul Frank, Karsten, Victoria's Secret, La Senza, Mac, Crocs, and Xoxo. The mall also offers stores that specialize in accessories, jewelry, shoes, sports, and optics.
El Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo
The most visited site in Porlamar, by both national tourists and international ones, is the El Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo. It was built in 1824 and rebuilt several times after due to destruction by pirates. Ancient artillery pieces are exhibited here, as well as paintings and artifacts from the Independence War.
San Carlos de Borromeo is Margarita’s largest fort. Overlooking and dominating the bay, it was built of coral rock on a star plan with salients radiating from the four angles of the central square, each with a lookout tower.
Puerto Porlamar
One of the most beautiful constructions in Porlamar is the “Puerto de la mar” (Port of the Sea). It is a private initiative that was constructed to be an entry gate for tourists who visit Isla Margarita through a cruise ship. The plan to build Puerto Porlamar was proposed in 1991 to bring life back to the core of the City by creating an invigorating new energy thru the cruise passengers arriving in Polrmar.
Puerto Porlamar has become a part of the City and is directly connected to it. Through this port, cruise passengers arrive at the heart of the City and find a nice and convenient environment where they can stroll, shop, or visit one of the many cafes, restaurants, or bars located around the main plaza and the waterfront. By having passengers arrive through the Puerto Porlamar, they get the feeling and impression of the local culture, traditions, and tastes.
La Vela Mall
La Vela Mall is inspired by the marine elements of the island and the design of the building pays tribute to the small fishing boats typical to Isla Margarita, harmoniously inserted in the urban environment.
La Vela Mall offers three levels (Arena, Mar y Sol) to ensure its visitors the most incredible experiences of shopping, entertainment, and enjoyment. The mall offers some of the most prestigious brands worldwide, service shops, and a large area devoted to food.
The mall offers stores such as Adidas, Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, Custo Barcelona, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Clarks, Converse, Diesel, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Technomarine, Paul Frank, Karsten, Victoria's Secret, La Senza, Mac, Crocs, and Xoxo. The mall also offers stores that specialize in accessories, jewelry, shoes, sports, and optics.
Vacation Safety Tips for a Holiday Abroad
Planning a holiday vacation abroad with your family? Follow these few vacation tips to make your stay safer.
Money Matters
1. Try and avoid bringing large amounts of cash on your trip. If someone is watching you and notices you’re carrying a large amount of cash, you and your family may become a target for theft. Instead, divide up smaller amounts of cash among your family members to pay for small expenses. Also, don't carry cash and credit cards in the same wallet, the best solution would be to wear some sort of fanny pack that is close to your body.
2. ATM cards are another alternative to carrying large amounts of cash because you can withdrawal cash on an as-needed basis. If you choose to use an ATM, beware of your surroundings and try to make withdrawals during business hours.
3. Credit cards or traveler's checks provide the most secure method of payment. Traveler's checks from a reliable bank or credit source are accepted virtually anywhere. But remember to keep the serial numbers separate from the checks.
4. Credit cards offer a safety net in case your card becomes lost or stolen. Most credit card companies replace lost or stolen cards immediately via express or overnight mail. Before traveling abroad, check with your credit card provider and ask about their policies for safe travels overseas.
Documentation
5. A passport will be necessary for your travels abroad. You should not bring birth certificates or social security cards belonging to you or your children with you. This will minimize the chance of identity theft while you and your loved ones travel away from home.
Car Safety
6. Opt for a practical rental car instead of something flashy, as thieves tend to target expensive vehicles. Also, don’t leave expensive video equipment, cell phones or GPS navigators in plain sight inside your vehicle.
7. If something goes wrong with your car, proceed to a well-lit area or a service station and call for assistance.
8. Police vehicles have red or blue lights. Don't pull over if someone flashes their headlights.
Child-Proof Your Child
9. Pay close attention to your children when traveling. Place a safety card in your child's pocket which contains your name, contact details, and hotel information, in case an emergency occurs.
Money Matters
1. Try and avoid bringing large amounts of cash on your trip. If someone is watching you and notices you’re carrying a large amount of cash, you and your family may become a target for theft. Instead, divide up smaller amounts of cash among your family members to pay for small expenses. Also, don't carry cash and credit cards in the same wallet, the best solution would be to wear some sort of fanny pack that is close to your body.
2. ATM cards are another alternative to carrying large amounts of cash because you can withdrawal cash on an as-needed basis. If you choose to use an ATM, beware of your surroundings and try to make withdrawals during business hours.
3. Credit cards or traveler's checks provide the most secure method of payment. Traveler's checks from a reliable bank or credit source are accepted virtually anywhere. But remember to keep the serial numbers separate from the checks.
4. Credit cards offer a safety net in case your card becomes lost or stolen. Most credit card companies replace lost or stolen cards immediately via express or overnight mail. Before traveling abroad, check with your credit card provider and ask about their policies for safe travels overseas.
Documentation
5. A passport will be necessary for your travels abroad. You should not bring birth certificates or social security cards belonging to you or your children with you. This will minimize the chance of identity theft while you and your loved ones travel away from home.
Car Safety
6. Opt for a practical rental car instead of something flashy, as thieves tend to target expensive vehicles. Also, don’t leave expensive video equipment, cell phones or GPS navigators in plain sight inside your vehicle.
7. If something goes wrong with your car, proceed to a well-lit area or a service station and call for assistance.
8. Police vehicles have red or blue lights. Don't pull over if someone flashes their headlights.
Child-Proof Your Child
9. Pay close attention to your children when traveling. Place a safety card in your child's pocket which contains your name, contact details, and hotel information, in case an emergency occurs.
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
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.
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.
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.
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