Author: Emily Gautreaux

Travel-Pools With A View

If a pool with a view is what you’re looking for when making travel arrangements, this is the blog for you. Whether you find solace in overlooking cityscapes, rustic greenery, or calm waters, it’s almost inherent for vacationers to seek a hotel room with a stunning view when prepping for a getaway.

What if your fix of soothing scenery didn’t have to end at your hotel room’s window? If this seems enticing to you, you should add Travel + Leisurepools with scenic views to your list of hotel criteria the next time you’re in the market for a refreshing vacation.

The Loren at Pink Beach: Tucker’s Town, Bermuda

If you’re a fan of crystal-blue waters, travel no further than The Loren in Tucker’s Town, Bermuda. The Loren features two outdoor swimming pools overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. If the waves are tempting to you, you can even venture down to the private white sand beach for a closer view.

Grand Ferdinand: Vienna, Austria

The Grand Ferdinand, located in the center of Vienna, Austria, is home to a rooftop pool that is kept at a relaxing 73.4° F (23° C). From the pool, you can oversee the beautifully crafted buildings that make up the Vienna skyline.

Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina: Oahu, Hawaii

If you find serenity in sunsets, travel to the Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina is the place for you. The resort, which sits on a white-sand beach bordering the Pacific Ocean, features four pools. Three of these pools were strategically placed on the west-end of the resort so guests can relax while they watch the breathtaking sunsets of Oahu.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo: Lake Como, Italy

At the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, located at the edge of Lake Como in Italy, features three pools which the hotel refers to as their “three turquoise jewels.” Their featured pool is a floating pool that rests on Lake Como and overlooks the province of Bellagio. Their “Piscina dei Fiori,” more commonly referred to as their Flowers Pool, is a quiet pool surrounded by trees, shrubs, and of course, flowers. While this pool is a bit more secluded, guests can still catch a glimpse of Lake Como in the distance. Though the hotel’s Infinity Pool is located indoors, the glass walls surrounding it allow for a full view of Lake Como.

Kimpton Everly Hotel: Los Angeles

Located in Los Angeles, California, the Kimpton Everly Hotel features a contemporary rooftop pool that allows a view of the Southern California skyline and the Hollywood Hills. If you’re in the pool in the evening, you might even be able to catch a film screening or a musical performance.

Gansevoort Meatpacking: New York City

Vacationing in the winter? That’s not a problem at New York City’s Gansevoort Meatpacking. This hotel houses a rooftop pool that’s heated year-round. With a 360-degree view overlooking Manhattan and the Hudson River, it’s the perfect place to watch the New York sunset.

Mulia Villas: Bali, Indonesia

The Mulia Villas, which overlooks the Indian Ocean, features six outdoor swimming pools. From their infinity Oasis Pool, guests can see a hilltop temple. The peacefulness is enhanced by stone statues of Balinese women located on the outskirts of the pool.

Snake River Sporting Club: Jackson, Wyoming

The infinity pool at the Snake River Sporting Club in Jackson, Wyoming mimics the shape of a grand piano and overlooks the Snake River Canyon and Bridger-Teton National Forest, which allows for a view of luscious green hills for miles. If you get tired of wading in the water, you can settle next to the area’s fire pit to watch the sun set behind the hills of trees.

The Palms Turks and Caicos: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

AtThe Palms Turks and Caicos, guests can relax in a serpentine infinity pool while taking in the views of the Caribbean. The resort even offers poolside wifi and fresh fruit kabobs to really heighten the island experience.

Montage Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach, California

While the Mosaic Pool at Montage Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach, California, is a sight within itself, the pool also overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by palm trees and perfectly-sculpted grass. If you’re in the pool during sunset, you’ll be in for an experience as the sun’s rays produce a shimmering effect on the mosaic tiles that make up the pool.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba: Riviera Maya, Mexico

At the Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Reviera Maya, Mexico, guests can relax in either of the resort’s two outdoor pools. One of the pools allows for a view of the Caribbean while the other overlooks the resort’s golf course and a peaceful canal surrounded by mangroves.

The Curtain: London, England

The Curtain is home to one of the few heated rooftop pools in London, England. Located in East London, the pool overlooks the neighborhood of Shoreditch, giving guests a view of the urban skyline.

The Inn at Dos Brisas: Washington, Texas

AtThe Inn at Dos Brisas in Washington, Texas, guests can get a taste of life on the homestead. The Inn’s infinity pool offers a view of meadows that are home to several horses. Since The Inn is tucked away and far from city lights, their outdoor pool is the perfect location to star gaze.

Grace Santorini: Santorini, Greece

TheGrace Santorini, located on a hilltop in Santorini, Greece, features an infinity pool with a view of the Aegean Sea and Skaros Rock. This pool, which is also the largest infinity pool in Santorini, is the best place to sit back and watch the Santorini sunset.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The rooftop pool at Hotel Xcaret Mexico in Playa del Carmen, Mexico sits right above the oceanside and even has a clear glass bridge for guests to swim through. Just make sure you’re photo ready; as you swim through the bridge, a camera will capture a picture of you to take home as a souvenir.

Regent Porto Montenegro: Tivat, Montenegro

If the infinity pool overlooking Boka Bay and the marina doesn’t satisfy your scenic craving, Regent Porto Montenegro in Tivat, Montenegro houses two additional pools that give alternative views of the bay. All of the pools are equipped with high quality sunbeds to enhance your relaxation experience.

Sagamore Pendry Baltimore: Baltimore, Maryland

At the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, positioned on Baltimore’s Recreation Pier, a private pool overlooks a lively waterfront. From the pool, guests are offered a sweeping viewof the harbor, marina, and cityscape.

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel: Sacramento, California

Travel to the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel  to see the home to the first rooftop pool in Sacramento. The pool allows for a breathtaking view of downtown Sacramento and Golden 1 Center. You can also enjoy the view while participating in pool-side yoga or listening to live music.

Orient Jerusalem: Jerusalem, Israel

If you’re in the mood for a historic view, consider the Orient Jerusalem in Israel. The hotel’s rooftop infinity pool overlooks the Old City of Jerusalem. From the pool, guests have clear views of popular landmarks of the city.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

Arlen Benny Cenac’s Summer Baby Back Ribs

The Food Network posted a great recipe for delicious Barbecue Baby Back Ribs. It is the perfect time to clean off the grill, and hot dogs and burgers are not the only thing that it can be used for. Ribs go perfectly with any side and they are always a party pleaser.  Some sides to consider are: potato salad, maple barbeque beans, fruit salad, fresh guacamole and cilantro salsa, and even a charcuterie board.

INGREDIENTS

2 racks of baby back ribs

1 cup of barbecue sauce, your choice

1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth

¼ cup of brown sugar

2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons of chili powder

½ teaspoon of garlic powder

½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon of onion powder

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

Kosher salt

Ground black pepper, fresh if possible

UTENSILS/TOOLS

A mixing bowl

A container to store the marinating ribs

A roasting pan

Foil

A grill

A large bowl to toss the ribs in

A saucepan

DIRECTIONS

The first step to making the best baby back ribs you can is making the dry rub that will be used to marinate the ribs. The chili powder, brown sugar, and onion powder should be mixed in the mixing bowl.  Add the oregano, cayenne, and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Top the mixture off with 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure the mixture is mixed together fully. Take the large container that will be used to marinate the ribs and place the ribs inside. Take the dry rub mixture and rub both sides of the ribs. Refrigerate them; the longer they marinate the better. However, an hour will work just fine too.

The oven should be preheated to 250 degrees fahrenheit. Mix the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar in the roasting pan. Remove the baby back ribs from the refrigerator and place them in the pan. Take the foil and cover the roasting pan. The ribs need to be baked for 2 hours in the oven. Once the 2 hours are up, remove the pan from the oven and place the ribs on a platter. Take the liquid that is in the roasting pan and place it in a saucepan. Bring this to a boil and then lower the heat. It needs to be simmering. Continue to cook until half of the mixture has been reduced. Take the cup of barbecue sauce and add it to the saucepan. Turn off the heat.

The outdoor grill needs to be preheated to medium/high. Cook the ribs for around 5 minutes on each side. The point is to make sure the ribs are browned; they need to be slightly charred. Remove the ribs from the grill, cutting them between the bones. Once the ribs are cut, place them in the large bowl. Pour the sauce over the ribs and toss them in the bowl. Once they are evenly coated, serve the ribs. They are best when hot!

Set them out in a large pan with tongs for easy access. Arrange appetizers around the table and you will be the BBQ King/Queen of the neighborhood!

For more delicious recipes, click here.

4 out 50 of the Best Foods in the World

Food, a term we all discover at a young age. We also all discover our favorites. Every place in the world has its specialties. Living in America gives the advantage to try most of those Best Foods. But in case you think you are missing out, making them at home is always an option. CNN Travel recently published an article about the 50 best foods in the world. Here are a few and the recipes to go with them.

Poutine, Canda

Poutine originates from our northern border country, Canada. Who doesn’t like french fries? Now add brown gravy and cheese, it will literally melt in your mouth. This Allrecipes Real Poutine recipe is easy to make, something the whole family can enjoy, and one of the more well known Best Foods in the Canada area.

Ingredients

1, 10.25 ounce, of canned gravy

About 5 medium potatoes (depending on how many you are making)

1 quart oil for frying the potatoes

2 cups cheese curds

DIrections

Cut the potatoes into fry-like shapes. Put the oil in a deep, heavy, skillet or you can use a deep fryer; Heat the oil to 365 degrees F. This is when the gravy should be heated up. Open the canned gravy and pour into a small saucepan, heating the gravy up on medium heat.

Gently put the fries into the fryer/ pan. Make sure to cook them until they are golden brown. Line a plate or platter with paper towels to let the access grease to drip off of the fries. Place the fries on a platter. Then this is when the cheese should be sprinkled on top of the fries. Take a large spoon or ladle and pour the gravy over the cheese and fries.

French Toast, Hong Kong

Tired of the same old french toast recipe? Hong Kong is famous for their french toast and thankfully The Hungry Chilipinos posted a recipe for us to follow.

Ingredients

¼ cup or 2 oz of evaporated milk

1 tablespoon of condensed milk and some extra that will be used to drizzle on the toast

2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter

2 slices of Japanese Milk Bread or Texas Style Toast

1 oz of butter

1 cup of vegetable oil or coconut oil

2 eggs

¼ cup of golden syrup

Directions

Beat the eggs and evaporated milk together in a bowl. Take the bread slices and spread the peanut butter and condensed milk. Soak the bread pieces in the egg and milk mixture, the bread should not be extremely soggy or too dry.

Fry the bread for about 2 minutes on each side; it should be golden brown. Place the toast on a cooling rack, if you have one, or a plate with paper towels to drain the grease off. Take the toast and place on a plate. Drizzle with syrup, and place a dab of butter on top. Take the leftover condensed milk and drizzle on top; serving immediately.

Tacos, Mexico

There couldn’t be a Best Foods list without tacos on it! Everyone loves tacos, so why not make them at home. The Food Network has the perfect beef taco recipe.

Ingredients

¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper

½ teaspoon of chili powder

½ teaspoon of cumin

½ teaspoon of paprika

½ teaspoon of salt

½ yellow onion, diced

½ teaspoon of ground black pepper

1 tablespoon of olive oil

2 pounds of ground beef

Fixins

20 fajita-size flour tortillas

18 hard taco shells

1 pound of Cheddar-Jack cheese, grated

15 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 head of green leaf lettuce, shredded

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. For the beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and the onions. Cook until the onions start to soften, then add the ground beef. Cook the meat until it’s completely browned, then drain the fat. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper and stir thoroughly to combine them all together.

Add ½ cup of hot water and stir. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. For the fixins: wrap the flour tortillas in foil and warm in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Before serving, crisp the taco shells in the oven according to the package instructions. Serve with the grated cheese, diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce.

Ice Cream, global

Who doesn’t enjoy ice cream? Especially when it can be easily made at home. Taste of Home published a recipe that we can’t resist.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups half-and-half cream

2 cups heavy whipping cream

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients, stirring to dissolve sugar completely. Transfer the mixture into a 13×9-inch dish. Put the dish in freezer until cold. Freeze until edges of mixture begin to set, this will take about 20-30 minutes. Take the mixer out and using a hand mixer, beat mixture until smooth. Continue this process every 30 minutes for the next 3 hours. Creating the perfect vanilla ice cream.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

The Top Threes of Houma You Won’t Want To Miss

Regional Military Museum

The Regional Military Museum is the perfect day spot to visit in Houma. Experience the history of the brave women and men who have fought to defend our country. The museum strives to remember the sacrifices all those women and men endured; past present and future.   

The Regional Military Museum is still expanding so if you have already gone, there is probably something new waiting for you. The best part is the tours; there are many hands on exhibits. You can even schedule a LCVP ride (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) just like the ones that were used to storm the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.

The museum also offers a Memorial Brick Program, giving people the option to engrave a brick that will be put in front of the museum’s new building. This is a great gift to remember a family member or friend who helped defend our country.

Southdown Plantation

The Southdown Plantation also known as The Terrebonne Museum is not only a museum but it can also be used as a venue. The museum offers guided and unguided tours. Established in 1828, the plantation has a rich history of a sugar plantation; over 10 different exhibits inhabit the museuming. So that means there is something for everyone.

The Southdown Plantation also offers it’s guest the availability of booking venues as well. Who wouldn’t want to host a dinner or a wedding on a plantation that beautiful.

Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge   

Maybe Museums aren’t your thing; Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge  gives the adventure a perfect escape. This refuge, established in 1996, is over 4,000 acres of leves, man-made canals, and freshwater marsh which is all divided by the Intercoastal Waterway. Louisiana is famous for its marshland so why not experience it in full force.

The best part about the refuge is the amount of activities you can enjoy. This is the perfect place to take that old boat out. Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to enjoy a boat ride. Or what about those old fishing poles? Pack up the tackle box and head out there.

Don’t own a boat? Don’t worry, the refuge offers an amazing nature trail that is only accessible during the day. The trail passes thru the many different habitats that make up this beautiful state. The refuge also offers its guest the option of hunting.

Make sure you check out the rules and regulations and the permits before visiting the refuge. You don’t want to get there and then have to turn back because you forgot something!

3 Places to stay

A Chateau on the Bayou Bed & Breakfast

Need a place to stay but you don’t want the traditional hotel? Look no further than A Chateau on the Bayou Bed & Breakfast, just 15 minutes away from Houma. This Bed and Breakfast is in a central location making activities endless. Enjoy the relaxing stay on the bayou.

The best part about this Bed and Breakfast is that they have so many options and packages for you to choose from. You can even plan a girls trip! Check out their website for more awesome options.

Waterproof Plantation

Traveling with an RV and need a place to park it? Hideaway Ponds is a RV resort that is located in Gibson, Louisiana, just 20 minutes from central Houma. Hideaway Ponds has their own map which can be printed out and used by their guest to find the activities on the sight.

Some of the amenities include: a dog park, a fishing pond, a catfish pond, a pool, a club house, a laundry station and paddle boats. The resort is a vacation in itself!

Courtyard by Marriott

Want to go for the more traditional route? Courtyard by Marriott offers many amenities for those who are seeking. The Bistro at the hotel has many food and drink options for its guest. There is wifi throughout the hotel, free of course. There is even an outdoor and indoor pool.

Need to host a business event? Courtyard offers more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space. Completely equipped with “state of the art audio visual equipment with multimedia capability”.

3 Places to Eat

Cristiano Ristorante

Cristiano Ristorante offers northern Italian cuisine; using only local and fresh ingredients. Located in Houma, this restaurant gives you some italian heritage while still experiencing southern hospitality. Their menu offers endless options, they even offer brunch and a brunch menu.  

Big Al’s Seafood Restaurant

Wanting a more cajun casual restaurant? Big Al’s Seafood Restaurant has exactly what you’re looking for. Offering boiled and fried seafood dishes. Even alligator is a huge hit on their menu. Recently they added Charbroiled Oysters and guest can’t stop asking for them. They even cater!

Bilello’s Cafe

Craving a Poboy? Bilello’s Cafe has almost anything you could think of. Not a fan of Poboys? Their menu also offers pasta.  All you have to do is check out their Gallery page to see some of their delicious meals. But make sure you have eaten before you look because you might end up driving to Houma to get a taste.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

Best Places to Watch Flowers Bloom

Have you ever thought about taking a vacation just to Watch Flowers Bloom? Well, you should. We go to see the mountains and the sand so why not the flowers? There are places all over the world, but some are right in our backyard. Travel+ Leisure recently posted an article showcasing the top places to visit to see the flowers bloom, here are 8 of those spots.

Crested Butte, Colorado

Have you ever heard of a Wildflower Festival? Crested Butte, Colorado offers its visitors many different activities to enjoy; hikes/walks, garden tours, art workshops and more! It is the 33rd year that the festival is held. July 5tht o the 14th trails open for an unbelievable sight of wildflowers. Not only will you experience the flowers but because it is up in the West Elk mountains the view itself will be quite stunning.  

Kauai, Hawaii

The best part about Kauai, Hawaii is the McBryde Garden Biodiversity Trail. The trail offers guided and unguided tours. Endangered and rare plants are conserved here and you can even see how movies like Jurassic Park were made.  Make sure to visit their visitor information before making the trip so you have everything you need.

And the best part? Because the area is so wet all of the time, there is always something blooming.

Arizona-Sonora Desert, Arizona

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is over 90 acres of multiple attractions including; a botanical garden, natural history museum, zoo, art gallery, aquarium, and a zoo! On top of that the Museum’s mission is to help conserve the Sonoran Desert region. The Museum is also often named on the top ten zoological parks in the world. The unique thing about this Museum is that 85% of it is outside.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Every year in Chiang Mai (also known as the “rose of the north) there is a Flower Festival that is three days long. It is in February when the season is being to warm up. There are flower floats and Thai women, younger women, carry baskets around while wearing floor length gowns, and usually a band after. Much like our own parades. You can pick your own bundle of lilies.

Furano, Japan

Have you ever seen a lavender field? Furano, Japan’s mild summers make it one of the best places to grow lavender. Farm Tomita offers an unbelievable views, creating a rainbow that appears to look fake. July is the perfect time to go, they even have a lavender themed gift shop. They even have soft-serve that is lavender flavored.

Mainau Island, Germany

Mainau Island, Germany, also known as “Flower Island”. This island has over 110 acres of paths, flower beds, and sweeping lawns. There are two waves a blooming, one in late March and then the next one starting in late May. The island also offers places to eat and of course places to shop.

Bowral, New South Wales, Australia

Because Australia’s season are flopped from ours, it’s a perfect getaway during the colder months here in the states. There is an annual Tulip Time Festival.Corbett Gardens has been having the festival since 1911. It is also the center of the Spring Garden Festival, over 30,000 people visit the festival. The garden is usually free unless you are going during the Tulip Time Festival, so make sure you check so you don’t show up empty handed.

Giverny, France

Giverny, France  is known as the village where the painter Claude Monet lived for over 40 years. Giverny is home to his house as well as his garden, which reopened on March 22nd. You can even book a private tour to be guided thru Monet’s beautiful garden. Visit their website for all of your booking information.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

Alzheimer’s Patient Improvement Due to Hyperbaric Treatment

An article recently published by the Advocate, describes the amazing brain improvement of an Alzheimer’s patient after hyperbaric oxygen therapy.  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is when the patient breathes in pure oxygen, usually in a pressurized tube or room. While in the room or tube, the air pressure will increase, this enables the patient’s lungs to take in more oxygen. The increase of oxygen stimulates stem cells and growth factors, which actually help heal the body.

Injured tissue needs more oxygen to heal and survive, that includes the brain. Dr. Paul Harch (LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine) and Dr. Edward Fogarty (University of North Dakota School of Medicine) have presented a case of a woman diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’ disease“is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life”. This affects about 5.7 million Americans alone. Most of the people being over the age of 65. It also affects about 200,000 people who are under the age of 65.

Deaths because of Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise. 14 million cases are expected to be present by 2050. That’s only about 31 years away. “The load of toxins, food additives, pesticides in chemicals — all take a toll,”said Dr. Harch.

The case report that Dr. Harch and Dr. Fogarty presented was a case about a 58-year-old woman. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and her memory and motor skills were beginning to deteriorate. However, after 21 treatments of the Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, her activity and energy levels had improved. And most importantly her mood improved. Her performance of day to day activities improved and she could even work on crossword puzzles.

They then proceeded to 40 treatments. She began to eat more and she also was not as frustrated. Her memory increased which also meant her concentration increased. She was even sleeping better; her bad days became less frequent.

Not only did her actions and symptoms show the results of the treatment, but so did the PET scans that were taken of her brain. Dr. Harch states that even a third grader could notice that there was improvement. In the brain’s metabolism, the whole improvement went from 6.5 percent to 38 percent.   

If this treatment could potentially stop but also, just temporarily reverse what the Alzheimer’s disease did in the first place. This case study is just one out of eleven that will be using hyperbaric oxygen therapy as treatment for Alzheimer’s. Imagine if this is the outcome for all of the patients.

The only problem was that once the treatment stopped, her symptoms came back. Alzheimer’s has no cure, but the process can be slowed down. She was, thankfully, retreated for 20 months and the symptoms had stopped progressing.

Dr. Harch said, “The results of the study suggest that Alzheimer’s can be treated in the long term with hyperbaric oxygen therapy along with drugs”. He also describes how medicine is quite slow, doctors must overcome the misunderstanding of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Which he then goes on to describe as “gene therapy”.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not only for Alzheimer’s patients. Dr. Harch has used hyperbaric oxygen therapy on patients who have nearly drowned. He showed the regrowth of brain treatment, using hyperbaric oxygen therapy on a toddler who nearly drowned. Many doctors believed that the child would never talk or even walk again. But because of the therapy she is talking and she is even waking.

For more education related information, click here.