A Story Of Revival In Key West

Sometimes you arrive at a property whose grounds are so lush, colorful and quiet that you wish you weren't a guest, but rather living there in your own condo complex. I could totally live here, you think. And that’s before you’ve even seen your room.

The new and improved Parrot Key Hotel & Villas in Key West is just that place, with its five acres of interior garden space continually getting re-landscaped and spruced up since September, 2017 when Hurricane Irma barreled through the 125-mile-long Florida Keys.

Long before the Parrot Key reawakening, guests enjoyed the property’s position on the mangrove-lined saltwater channel that flows into the Gulf side of Key West. Which means on your visit that you're nicely tucked away from the hoopla of the bar zone on Duval Street and far removed from the big hotels that line the western end of the limestone island. But when you’re ready to get your groove on, you’re just minutes away from it all on the seven-square-mile island.

If your room happens to lie at the far end of the 148-room Parrot Key, it’s a distant jaunt to the reception, but a nicely welcome one wandering as you do through gardens filled with swaying palms, sculptures by local artists, and past four pools with apropos names such as the Sanctuary and the Grove.

You know you’re in for a pampered time when you discover a welcome letter in your waterfront villa that announces, “Now, let’s talk swag.” The swag, available when booking “The Waterfront Experience,” is a handsome straw bag with a parrot design on it in which you'll find complimentary Parrot Key branded flip flops, two versatile Turkish hammam towels and—because you know you forgot yours—sunscreen. (The bag itself is for purchase at reception.)

Whether a deluxe room, a one- or two-bedroom suite, or three-bedroom villa, your spacious, fresh and bright abode reflects a post-hurricane remake of the property in its local conch-style architecture. You'll appreciate L'Occitane brand toiletry amenities, while the sand pail and shovel in the closet will come in handy when you want to get up from your waterfront villa's private beach lounge chair for a little activity.

With a newly-added awning that covers most of its outdoor space, the poolside Grove Kitchen & Bar prepares all-day dining, with items such as Key West pink shrimp with an island spice and mango cocktail sauce or a Cuban sandwich which reflects the strong culinary and cultural connection of Key West to its neighbor ninety miles to the south.

When you've perhaps had your fill of lying on the hammock on the white sand in front of your room, head to the small activities shack on the property’s saltwater channel side. There, guests can enjoy kayaking and jet skiing excursions and sign up for all manner of water sports. 

Should you overdue the paddling and feel some wear and tear on your body and your sun-drenched skin needs some TLC, the Ocean Wellness Spa in a fine old house in the old town will meet all your massage needs, to go along with beauty and acupuncture treatments.

To get there, and anywhere such as popular Smathers Beach or to iconic Duval Street, a free shuttle takes you every two hours from the Parrot Key.

Sure, the town’s Conch Train Tour and the drivers' cheesy patter is touristy, but for newcomers it’s a great intro to Key West’s architecturally rich mini districts that are filed with antebellum homes and vernacular styles of pine timber houses, many with gingerbread accents. If you later ride a bike, as many locals do, you can investigate your favorite dwelllings up close and easily pop into the plethora of art galleries.

This tip of the Florida Keys is famously where the Ernest Hemingway Home on Whitehead Street stands, a mid-19th-century manor which the hirsute writer in the 1930s shared with his wife, Pauline, and their beloved six-toed cats. If the guided tours of the National Historic Landmark site look to be packed, it's best to tour on your own in order more tranquilly to see memorabilia, movie posters and Hemingway's writing space in the house's detached studio.

Also on Whitehead Street, the less-visited Audubon House & Tropical Gardens shows antiques and artifacts, as well as works by the seminal naturalist painter.

When it's time for lunch, Fisherman’s Café is not much more than a shack under a coconut tree on the old seaport. It's celebrated for its lobster enchilau (that’s not a typo) tacos in a garlic tomato sauce, among other savory seafood items. Across the street, you can dip into the famous Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe for dessert.

Come evening, it's time to visit an institution: In the old Casa Cayo Hueso cigar factory on the waterfront Mallory Square, El Mesón de Pepe Cuban restaurant has a menu that is as extensive as its space and patio are massive.

Or, for a classic sunset experience, jump onto the Sunset Watersports company’s catamaran for a a few hours of copious drinks and live music as you sail into the Gulf to enjoy a crepuscular show.

Back on shore, Key West has an insane number of bars per capita. On the main Duval Street drag, The Green Room stands out for its reclaimed wood interior and upcycled decor. Its brand new funky upstairs Tree House space has a live music stage and terrace for another kind of sunset view.

With so many sunset options in Key West—what to do? Well, you could always just camp out in front of your Parrot Key waterfront villa to take in sunset from your personal lounger. Your mini bar is stocked, after all, with free cocktail mixes that should last you well until the last rays have dipped below the Gulf waters.

KB Home Announces the Grand Opening of Villas at Spring Shadows in Houston

KB Home (NYSE: KBH) today announced the grand opening of Villas at Spring Shadows, its latest community of new single-family homes in Houston. Villas at Spring Shadows’ commuter-friendly location in Spring Branch offers easy access to Beltway 8, US Route 290, Loop 610, and Interstate 10, making it convenient to major employment centers, including the Energy Corridor, The Galleria, Westchase, Texas Medical Center, and downtown Houston.

Villas at Spring Shadows is located close to several community parks, including Bear Creek Pioneers Park, Moritz Pech Family Park, Memorial Park, and Nob Hill Park, which together offer a mix of open green spaces, sports fields, playgrounds, biking and walking trails, wildlife viewing areas, golf, and a swimming pool. Congressman Bill Archer Dog park, just eight miles away, features two sections differentiated by dog size, agility courses, and wash stations. Residents at Villas at Spring Shadows can enjoy a plethora of nearby retail, dining, and entertainment options at CITYCENTRE®, Memorial City Mall, The Galleria, and Marq*E Entertainment Center.

KB Home is offering six home designs at Villas at Spring Shadows that range from 1,663 to 2,315 square feet, with up to five bedrooms and three baths. First floor living space, ample storage, open floor plans, and dedicated laundry rooms are characteristic of all the homes at Villas at Spring Shadows. Residents will enjoy the private access and low-maintenance living available at Villas at Spring Shadows, with pricing beginning in the low-$330,000s.

As part of KB Home’s unique homebuying experience, buyers at Villas at Spring Shadows will have the opportunity to personalize many aspects of their new home, from selecting their homesite and floor plan, to exterior elevation and interior finishes that best fit their lifestyle and budget. As with all KB homes, those offered at Villas at Spring Shadows will be built to ENERGY STAR 3.0® guidelines and include WaterSense® labeled faucets and fixtures, meaning they are designed to be more energy- and water-efficient than other typical new and resale homes, potentially saving homebuyers money on their monthly utility bills.

KB Home will host a grand opening celebration on Saturday, February 3rd, during which guests will have the opportunity to tour the elegantly appointed model home and enjoy food and refreshments from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Villas at Spring Shadows sales office, located at 2963 Laurel Mill Way, Houston, is open on Mondays from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If coming from I-10 West, exit Gessner Road and turn right. Turn left on Kemp Forest Drive to community on the left. If coming from Beltway 8, exit Clay Road heading east. Turn right on Gessner Road and right on Kemp Forest Drive to community on the left.

Villas Being Single Stand Alone Houses

Enjoy the sights of whitewashed square buildings and the mountains. Soak up the sun in the pristine coastline. Follow the winding, You have be right there to really understand that there's more to it than meets the eye. That's why a lot of repeat visitors have opted to invest in vacation villas- they know that they'll keep coming back anyway, so why not get a permanent residential property to welcome them as their home away from home?

The best villas are those located exactly at the border where the city meets the countryside. This means you are just a few minutes away from the beach - or the pub, or the center village, or the golf resort. When looking for a villa for sale, see to it that the property offers a lot of built-in features that make each stay convenient, practical and relaxing.

It's wonderful for people who love some of the best in Italian history, art, cuisine and culture. Yet if you have a younger family, you may find the little ones like their sea and sand, so perhaps somewhere a little closer to the coast might suit you better. Yet if you like the sophistication, history and buzz associated with the region's major towns, it's worth keeping in mind that from this gorgeous coastline you'll be just a two-hour drive from Florence and about one and a half hours from Siena.

Villas are usually single storied, whereas condos can either be single storied or double storied (with the living areas on the bottom floor, and the sleeping areas on the top floor). Villas being single stand alone houses don't have any associations, and hence no association fees. In short, you will have to sacrifice your privacy from every single angle. But villas are just the opposite of what condos are. They offer lots of privacy and freedom. The best part here, however, is the many walking and biking trails that network the region. These trails pass through the countryside's many vineyards, orchards and plantations - adding greatly to the experience. You can even sign up for a wine-tasting tour in some of the vineyards you pass.

Holding A Property in Exotic State

There are a number of developments still under construction along the road, a few newly opened and of course many older properties, that still would be considered the height of luxury. Ayara resort is further up the hill and is built right into the rocks on the Andaman sea giving amazing views. Further still is Paresa hotel which sites high on the rocks overlooking the ocean and offers luxury seclusion. Paresa was opened late 2009 and has already had great feedback.

A stay in Goa will not only stimulate your senses, but will also leave you replenished and refreshed for a long time. Holding a property in this exotic state, would be a dream come true.In Triad Residences you will be exposed to luxury at its best. The two storied houses are overlooking the Arabian sea on the western shores. Along with an incredible view, Triad Residences give you the most exhilarating experience ever, as you live life king size.

If you are in search for a seaside property to have a memorable experience in an opulent Villa facing the Ocean, then you can opt for Ocean Desk Villa. Located in North Goa, this 2- bedroom private villa will cater to all your affluent needs.There are Bali Private Villas with different ranges of price and a large array of amenities, such as pools, restrooms, change rooms, golf courses, tennis courts, etc.

Despite the warm climate, dressing conservatively is the most appropriate, since most locals wear long clothing as opposed to what westerners consider suitable beachwear. Like in the Japanese custom, you must remove your footwear and leave it outside of temples, or when visiting someone else's home. While any Bali Villa Rental may be set up in properties settled in lush tropical gardens, others may have seashore settings, offering additional services, including private pools, house dining, and staff assistance during your stay. Planning your travel carefully will help you make a wise decision.

Villas In Cost Rica Will Surround You In A Rainforest Fantasy Life

Cost Rica is situated in the Central America between Nicaragua and Panama. The country is fabulous for eco-tourism. Tourists of the country can enjoy a diverse landscape of mountains, rainforests, volcanoes, and various amazing coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica is the home to an absurd biodiversity with almost 850 species of birds, 205 species of mammals, and 9,000 species of flowering plants. Costa Rica is certainly boasting its diverse landscapes with its huge volcanoes rising from the jungle floor and the quiet stretches of the beach. A large land portion of the country is protected by environmental conservationists. So there is no better place to discover animals like crocodiles, exotic frogs, sloths, monkeys, flowers, and birds here in the country. Also, you can enjoy various activities like hiking, white water rafting, horseback riding, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

Resort villas are the best accommodation solution on your upcoming trip if you travel in a big group or in a family. Fortunately it features a number of bedrooms, amenities, security, you and your family needs. Nice rooms wonderfully decorated with spacious chambers and kitchenettes would definitely make your stay at the Costa Rica Villas comfortable and pleasant. Villas in Cost Rica will surround you in a rainforest fantasy where you can see more species of fauna and flora than there are people. Villas are offering acres of thick forest housing for numerous animals and miles of beach. At luxury villas, you will expect only the best and the accommodations are 100% invested in the quality of service and the satisfaction of the customers. Each of the luxury villas are blessed with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. These private vacation homes are well equipped with full amenities such as pools.

The Red Palm Villas Costa Rica Resort is the stunning luxury honeymoon and family vacation villa, surrounded by the lush tropical gardens, accessed by stone bridge, and shaded by a 300-year old tree. Stunning garden, ocean, and sunset views, all to be appreciated from the king size bed of the second floor bedroom. The great open floor plan of this open bedroom is attached with dressing area, balcony, complete kitchen, large surrounding windows and open ceilings. The honeymoon villa shower is made for two and is enticing with the perfect beach and the sunset views. This bathroom is actually the main features of the Luxury Costa Rica villa.

Villa Sol Mireya is another luxurious villa rental in Costa Rica, nestled into the mountainside under the rain forest canopy. Each suite offers spacious closets and beds in king sizes. Baths also include dual showers with stunning ocean views. You can relax while watching the sunsets and enjoy the ocean breeze in the in-ground infinity edge pool with built in bench while sipping your tropical beverage. You can also enjoy the beautiful views like wild life, beautiful flowers and plants. Near the villa are wide range of family restaurants from Thai to Italian plus the formal dining to the casual relaxing pizzeria and their traditional cuisine.

Resort villas are the best accommodation solution on your upcoming trip if you travel in a big group or in a family. Fortunately it features number of bedrooms, amenities, security, you and your family needs. Nice rooms wonderfully decorated with spacious chambers and kitchenettes would definitely make your stay at the Costa Rica Villas comfortable and pleasant.

Villas-a comfortable home

One cannot say enough about the beauty of Paphos. It goes beyond description and words.Perfectly parked in the western district of the island of Cyprus and enshrined with a sunshine which lasts more than three hundred days in a year, Paphos is the place to be. If you are thinking honeymoon-Paphos is the answer, thinking beaches with beautiful white sand, its Paphos again. Feeling happy and need to celebrate-don't think again and enjoy your stay in Paphos.

While you are considering your vacation in Paphos, then you would want to look at your options of stay. There could be hotels on side and villas on the other. So what should one consider? The variety which is being offered to you at villas surpasses the facilities that hotels provide you.If you are looking for Romantic villas for honeymoon couple or Classy villas for you and your family or trendy chic villas for adventurous holiday seekers. Paphos is the place to be.These villas in Paphos are your solution for perfect cost effective and efficient holiday.

The best part of enjoying your stay in a villa is the feeling of control. You have complete authority over your place, just like your own home. You wouldn't want to be stocked up in a hotel with several other strangers around you when you can have the element of privacy at your door service. Even in the villas you are offered the service at any point of time in a day.Paphos is the place where you would find a wide range of villas with facilities that would leave your mind boggling. One of the most striking features of all these villas are the private swimming pools along with each of the villas.

When you can have a private swimming pool at your account where you can sit by and enjoy the beautifying sunset and the sunrise- that is the moment you would realize the worth of every single penny spent.While planning out the entire vacation it is always advisable to do the required groundwork. Groundwork doesn't imply you being in Paphos for doing your exploration. You can get online and check out for various villas at different locations in Paphos and different amenities being offered by them.