eye explore magazine- water issue

EYE EXPL REFebruary 2013

Water

2 • Eye Explore February 2013 • 3

d es t i n at i o n s

miami 6

st. lucia 10

ladera 17

eco ventura 22

greenloons 27

8 paddle florida

12 Cap masion

17 galapagos

24 aquamare


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EYE EXPL RE MEDIA

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It is the mission of Eye Explore Media to enrich and inspire the lives of our readers by providing an elegant, positive and ethical publication that encourages people from all walks of life to explore the unexpected, contribute to the global community and commit to responsible stewardship of the earth

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Vintro Hotel South Beach is a new boutique property, and a part of an emerging brand, scheduled to open in South Beach fall of 2013. The hotel will offer 54 custom appointed rooms including 6 distinctive suites. A refuge in the heart of the "new" South Beach, the hotel is ideally located 2 blocks west of Collins Avenue and the beach.

Guest rooms are designed with total comfort in mind. Each room features the latest in technology and comforts, revitalizing rain showers and natural bath amenities, along with plush robes and towels.

The rooftop lounge takes the Miami scene to a sleek, blissful refuge. Leisurely pursuits include enjoying some fun in the sun with a freshwater pool that invites you to take a cool and refreshing dip or enjoy a retro game of shuffleboard. Day or night, it’s a perfect spot to people watch while sipping on a chilled and bubbly beverage.

Vintro Hotel South Beach is located at 2216 Park Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida. For reservations, please call 305.390.0400 or visit www.vintrohotels.com.

Photos courtesy of Vintro Hotels

MIAMI


paddleflorida

Beyond the boundaries of Florida’s popular theme parks lies a treasure trove of natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. From coastal mangrove island habitats to spring-fed rivers winding through hardwood hammocks, Florida offers nature lovers year-round outdoor adventure opportunities. Paddle Florida capitalizes on that by staging annual paddling trips in each of the state’s five water management districts.

The concept for Paddle Florida was born in 2006 when four friends enjoyed a 10-day paddling trip together on the Suwannee River. Around the campfire, they talked about how river camping might attract more people to Florida’s beautiful waterways if it were easier to carry gear and plan meals.

The idea for supported trips was developed and Paddle Florida launched its inaugural trip in March 2008 with 163 participants paddling 123 miles of the iconic Suwannee over a week. Paddlers were provided with three meals daily and their tenting gear was transported for them to each evening’s camp spot. Florida-based entertainment and educational programming was provided each evening along shorelines by artists, musicians, authors, and naturalists local to the region.

For more information on Paddle Florida and its events for the 2012-2013 season, visit http://paddleflorida.org/

Photos courtesy of Paddle Florida


W es t e r n Ca r r i b e a nSaint Lucia is the perfect destination, whether you're after romance,

rejuvenation or adventure. A genuine, natural landscape of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, miles of unspoiled rainforest and the majestic Piton Mountains, are sure to indulge every taste. Natural waterfalls, breath-taking views, friendly locals and authentic culture impress the most travelled individuals for a holiday with lasting memories. Tropical weather, welcoming accommodations, and unexpected adventures await all who travel to this paradise island.

SAINTLUCIA

10 • Eye Explore

Ca p M a i s o n R es o r tCap Maison is set on a stunning four-acre, cliff-top parcel of land and is

just minutes north of popular Rodney Bay, known for its restaurant, shopping and nightlife, yet removed enough to provide peace and tranquility thanks to its secluded location within the exclusive Cap Estate area. The guest rooms, villas and suites have spectacular views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, most dramatically seen from the individual rooftop terraces. There are 50 artfully appointed suites and guest rooms, all air-conditioned. The Villa Suites are exceptionally spacious and are fully equipped with professional-grade kitchens, remarkably spacious living and dining areas, outdoor showers and private pools, which are located either on the ground floor or on a private roof top terrace.

Photos courtesy of Saint Lucia Tourist Board

Photos courtesy of CAP MAISON RESORT


C a p M a i s o n R e s o r tc o n t i n u e d

As a boutique new-build resort, Cap Maison was able to incorporate a number of small, yet impactful efforts that over time will make a big difference in the resort’s ability to create minimal impact on the stunning natural environment in which it is set. For example, the resort is intentionally designed to leverage its cliff-side location and harness the natural power of the Caribbean sun. The resort relies largely on solar energy for its hot water and has cleverly positioned the guest rooms and windows to capture the cooling trade winds, reducing any need for air conditioning and the associated energy consumption.

Additionally, the use of synthetic products during construction was kept at a strict minimum, including use of plastics and glass. Recycled water is used to irrigate the landscaping and gardens and local organic food purveyors supply much of Executive Chef Jones’ fresh produce, while local fish and seafood is also central to the menu, eliminating unnecessary importing and related fuel burning. Plans are underway to contribute to a carbon reduction fund.

Cap Maison is located at the scenic northern tip of Saint Lucia, on land originally belonging to a sugar estate. The property is developed by two generations of the Gobat family, iconic names in Saint Lucian hospitality known for their highly regarded resort developments on the island and elsewhere in the Caribbean since 1972. Cap Maison is accepting new reservations. For reservations or more information, visit www.capmaison.com or call (758) 457-8678.

February 2013 • 1514 • Eye Explore

L a d e r aS t . l u c i a

Perched above the port town of Soufrière, Ladera is a romantic and exclusive hideaway, featuring six villas and 26 suites. What sets Ladera apart is that each guest suite was intentionally built without a fourth wall, allowing astounding views of the island's two volcanic Piton peaks and azure coastline below. Yet the suites were cleverly designed to remain sheltered, safe, and completely private. Interiors are furnished with polished woods. The open wall in all suites and villas leads to a private plunge pool and lush tropical landscaping. Each villa and suite embraces the panoramic views and island ambiance through tropical design and the ultimate in open-air living.

The Ti Kai Posé Spa at Ladera provides guests with an array of relaxing wellness treatments in an intimate setting. The list of special treatments is inspired by Saint Lucia’s volcanic history and the lush rainforest that surrounds this unique retreat. In local patois, Ti Kai Posé means “little house of rest.”

Photos courtesy of LADERA


Ladera opened new mineral pools adjacent to Ti Kaye Posé Spa. Drawn directly from the source at the Diamond Mineral Baths near Soufrière (French for sulfur), Ladera guests are able to soak up the restorative waters right on property, in the newly-built bathing pools. Guests may include a mineral soak as part of their pre- or post-massage routine, or simply use it to relax after a day hiking or spent at the beach. Originally built in 1785, just before the French revolution, with funds from King Louis XVI, it is rumored that Napoleon's Empress Josephine bathed in these same waters. The new Mineral Pools are complimentary to all guests. Ti Kai Posé Spa now offers new outdoor Couples Massages on Paradise Ridge, a completely private retreat area of the resort which overlooks the Caribbean Sea and Pitons. Additionally, the Spa will incorporate new green technology and more natural, organic treatments.

Ladera’s accommodations cater to a maximum of 60 guests, ensuring the highest level of service, apparent from the first greeting at the airport to the personal attention given to each guest. Special added-value, all-Inclusive, wedding and honeymoon packages are available. Please visit www.Ladera.com for the most up to date offers.

GALAPAGOSI s l a n d s To u r s

ROW's Galapagos Islands Adventure Tour, "Galapagos Unbound", is a multisport vacation and the first of its kind offered in this tropical archipelago. This trip gets you off the typical cruise ship-based Galapagos tour and allows you to see the diverse wildlife and scenery of these islands from behind a paddle. Snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking through the Galapagos gives you the most intimate journey possible in this incredible island chain.

The Galapagos Islands have been a national park of Ecuador since 1959. Organized tourism began in the 1960's, and the Galapagos remains a far-flung and iconic destination. Because of their famed natural history and remarkable land and marine species, these remote islands are revered the world over. In the effort to preserve and protect the Galapagos, access to the islands is strictly regulated.


I s l a n d s To u r sc o n t i n u e d

ROW's Galapagos Islands adventure vacation is the most sustainable eco-tour of the Galapagos available. On this superlative Galapagos adventure you'll play in the water with sea lions, get within a few feet of blue footed boobies, marine iguanas and the giant Galapagos tortoises. You'll watch pelicans and boobies dive for fish, snorkel in transparent water rich with sea-life and even swim with sharks, if you dare.

For more information on this trip and other trips offered by ROW, please visit www.rowadventures.com

Photos courtesy of ROW ADVENTURES


ec o v e n t u r ag a l a p a g o s

Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard its fleet of three expedition vessels; Eric, Flamingo and Letty, identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts. The company also operates the M/V Galapagos Sky, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin.

To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2013 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail [email protected]. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/.

Photos courtesy of Ecoventua

24 • Eye Explore

B r i t i s h V i rg i n I s l a n d sA three-villa enclave, Villa Aquamare combines the services of a five-star hotel with the exclusivity

of a private vacation home, offering luxury, discreet service, and seclusion. Staffed with an on-site concierge and beach attendants, Villa Aquamare is the perfect setting for a getaway for the sun-starved. Each of the villas at Aquamare has a private infinity pool, 8,000 square-feet of living space and can comfortably sleep up to 12 guests, making it an ideal luxury retreat for those who can manage an escape.

Aquamare

February 2013 • 25

Photos courtesy of Villa Aquamare


Set on the scenic Western coast of Virgin Gorda at Mahoe Bay along half a mile of pristine beach frontage, Villa Aquamare is designed and constructed specifically as elite villa vacation homes, with multiple ensuite master bedrooms, spacious living areas and professional-grade kitchens, Aquamare is the new benchmark for luxury villa rentals on one of the B.V.I.'s quietest and most exclusive islands. For reservations or more information, visit www.villaaquamare.com.

greenloons

Greenloons is a premier online resource dedicated to inspiring people to think different, be different and travel different � in ways that help to ensure a more sustainable planet. An advocate of social empowerment, financial viability and environmental preservation, Greenloons connects mindful travelers with unique, meaningful and eco-certified travel experiences all over the world. For more information visit http://www.greenloons.com/.

Photos courtesy of Greenloons


T h e W h a l es o f B ajaSun and wildlife worshipers head to both sides of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula each spring

for the annual whale migration. Greenloons’ new seven-day Whales of Baja Adventure showcases three separate species of whales that frequent the waters off of Baja. There’s an intimate encounter with friendly gray whales (in San Ignacio Lagoon), an extraordinary experience with the biggest animal that ever lived (blue whales of Loreto), and spectacular whale action from aerobatic humpbacks off the coast of Cabo San Lucas. Priced at $1,900 per person, double, departure dates are flexible.

Jamaica Rasta & ReggaeA 10-day green Caribbean vacation that’s a world away from the all-inclusive resort experience

so prevalent in Jamaica. Guests experience a little-known side of the island, meeting with true Rastafarians, hiking in the wilderness, visiting the Appleton Estates rum distillery, the Bob Marley Museum and a Blue Mountain coffee plantation for a taste of culture with a splash of music in the sun. There’s still time aplenty to enjoy the island’s famous white sand beaches. The March 1 and April 5, 2013 departures are $1,649 per person, double including accommodations, some meals and activities.


Kayak BelizeThe tropics await winter-weary North

Americans on an off-the-radar eco-adventure in Central America. Kayak Belize is a weeklong kayak-driven island-hopping escape off the palm- fringed coast focused on exploring the second largest barrier reef in the world. Kayaks are in play from two to four hours a day, leaving time for exploring towns, snorkeling and lazing on the beach. Departures March 9 and 30 and April 20, 2013 are $1,640 per person, double, including bungalow and camping accommodations, kayaks, most meals and activities.

EYE EXPL REComing in APRIL 2013

EARTHCrested But te - Wildflower Capital of Colorado by Jan Runge

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