vacation – Two Wild Tides

Sun Cruise Catamaran Excursion

May 20, 2019 | Leave a Comment

It’s common on all-inclusive vacations to book an excursion through a vacation travel-provider. Whether it’s a day trip to a local landmark or city, a Jeep, ATV, or dune buggy tour, or a snorkelling adventure, there are lots of excursions to pick from in many popular Caribbean destinations.

On my recent trip to Cuba, my friends and I decided to go for the classic catamaran cruise. What’s better than turquoise water, open bars, and private beaches? We booked our vacation through Sunwing, so to make things easier, that’s where we booked our excursion as well. The catamaran cruise was a good price for a full day on the water with lots of nice bonus offers.

Before I go on, let me say that at twowildtides, we freakin’ love Cuba. It is a beautiful country with the kindest people and fascinating history. The sun is hot, the sand is soft, and the culture is vibrant. Check out our other articles about Cuba:

The Sun Cruise Catamaran tour starts with a double-decker bus pick-up from the hotel. After a quick ride to the marina everyone boards the large catamaran, complete with a bar and open nets above the water. It was time to completely chill out and soak up the sun. Pro tip: don’t slack on the sunscreen when you’re out on the salt water– protect your skin. The first stop was snorkelling (I’d had too many Rum Punch at this point and been snorkelling several times before so I sat this one out lol)

I thoroughly enjoyed flaking out on the nets while everyone else was in the water. I love myself an action-packed adventure, but on this vacation, I really just needed to RELAX. So that’s what I did. And it was lovely.

The second stop was a private beach, Cayo Blanco, for lunch. I had done a catamaran tour before in Punta Cana and the lunch was honestly not great, so I didn’t have high hopes for this one. Well, my expectations were totally exceeded. The buffet lunch was absolutely delicious. There was honestly more variety than the resort we were staying at and it was cooked to perfection. I was so impressed. I also recommend getting a Pina Colada in a watermelon while you’re there. YUM.

After we left Cayo Blanco, we were informed that we’d be going to swim with dolphins. We had learned after we bought our excursion that there were two packages: a cheaper one without dolphins, and a slightly pricier one with dolphins. Unfortunately, we were not given the option. In all honesty, if I had done more research I probably could have known, but I went along with what our travel agent told us, and nobody had mentioned anything about dolphins until a day or two before the excursion. We would have picked the option without the dolphin experience, hands down.

The catamaran pulled up to a large concrete structure, like a series of piers with water in the middle, about the size of a skating rink. There were people in wetsuits directing the tourists to different areas where they could put on life jackets and get in the water with the dolphins. There were excited kids and parents, which reminded me of when I was a kid and went swimming with dolphins in Florida and Mexico, unaware of the implications of it. Two of my friends decided not to get in the water, but I had questions for the ‘trainer’ and I had already spent my money supporting this place (unknowingly) so the harm was already done in my opinion, so I got in the water. I asked the trainer if the dolphins were able to leave under the concrete piers, and she promptly replied: “no they live here.” Heartbreaking.

I urge everyone to avoid swimming with dolphins. Opt out of the dolphin option on this tour and please do not support organizations that keep creatures captive in small enclosures, especially if they aren’t conducting (ethical) research or conservation initiatives. Please. I regret having spent my money to keep a place like this open.

On a brighter note, the rest of the trip back to shore was fun. The amazing staff had a little dance party on deck and played some games with the guests. It was laughter and good vibes all around.

Have you done a tour like this before? Where? What did you guys do? What’re your favourite excursions? Let us know in the comments or by reaching out on social media, @twowildtides. We love hearing from our readers!

happy travels,
char

Hotel Review: Iberostar Laguna Azul

May 16, 2019 | Leave a Comment

Last month I travelled to Varadero, Cuba, for a relaxing holiday with friends. Through a travel agent, we booked a seven-day all-inclusive stay at Iberostar Laguna Azul. Most Canadians love to run away somewhere sunny in the spring when school ends and the weather is still too damp and cold to really enjoy. I wanted to share with you my thoughts on this resort so you have all the information when you’re booking your next vacay.

First of all, let me say that at twowildtides, we freakin’ love Cuba. It is a beautiful country with the kindest people and fascinating history. The sun is hot, the sand is soft, and the culture is vibrant. Check out our other articles about Cuba:

Next, I have to stress the value of travelling all-inclusive. If you’re less interested in getting the most out of a new culture and more interested in soaking up some rays, eating delicious food, and sipping Piña Coladas all day, all-inclusive is the way to go. Through companies like Sunwing, West Jet, and Air Canada, either with a travel agent or on your own (be careful with vacation sites), you can buy vacation packages that include airfare, bus transfers, hotel stays, food, and alcohol all in one payment. Prices can range from $1000+ depending on the quality of the resort and where you are travelling from, but the deal is usually better than booking everything separately and paying for drinks and meals at your destination. If you still want to have cultural and/or adventure experiences, you can book day-long excursions that leave right from your hotel.

With all of that out of the way, let’s talk about the resort: Iberostar Laguna Azul. Built in 2009, this hotel is one of the older ones in Varadero. It has over 800 rooms, but the layout is relatively small, letting you walk anywhere on the resort in a reasonable amount of time without needing a golf cart. Despite having so many rooms, it doesn’t feel crammed in the pool area or on the beach even when the hotel is at capacity. There are three pool areas (two quiet and one with more of a party vibe), plenty of bars, a gorgeous beach, a snack restaurant/lunch buffet, the main buffet restaurant which serves three meals per day, and several a la carte restaurants. For a seven-day stay, you have three a la carte suppers included.

When we arrived, we were checked in to a ground-level room despite having requested an upper floor with a balcony. We wouldn’t have complained, however, this room also did not have a safe and the patio door didn’t lock very securely. The bathroom door was also broken, the mirror was somewhat rusty, and the toilet didn’t work very well. It wasn’t dirty, but you could tell that the room was old and hadn’t been updated or refreshed in quite some time. The next morning, reception was able to put us in a new room and luckily, we had a much better view and the room was on a higher floor. The new room (pictured above) was much nicer. It felt cleaner, brighter, and everything (mostly) worked. Our bathroom door still didn’t close and the tub took hours to drain, but we had a safe for our valuables and a securely locking door. Unfortunately, our mini fridge was only occasionally restocked, and although we were given clean towels every day or so, the cleaning staff only made our bed once throughout the whole time we were there and the tub wasn’t cleaned at all.

I still stand by my statement that the rooms at this hotel are very dated. For me, this is not a big deal, especially considering how inexpensive the vacation actually was. And I don’t need a fancy room to have fun, and that’s what we were there for. It’s really up to you: are you looking for a modern, luxurious hotel room experience? If so, this probably isn’t your place.

The last thing about the rooms at Laguna Azul is a pretty serious complaint: there are no chains on the doors, and the deadbolt is unlocked by the key card. Like most hotels, when you shut the door, it automatically locks and can be opened using a key card. Although in most hotels, there is a deadbolt lock which can only be locked and unlocked from inside the room. In this hotel, the key cards unlock both the deadbolt and regular lock, and without a chain, anyone with a key can come in at any time. It doesn’t feel very secure when you know that during the night any staff member (or guest who may get a hold of your key) could come in while you’re sleeping. We’re hearing more and more stories about hotel room break-ins and hotels should be helping their guests be as safe and secure as possible by providing working deadbolts or door chains. (It wasn’t just our room– it was our first room, second room, and our friends’ room, leading us to assume that it’s like this in all rooms.)

We spent most of our time in the main pool area. It was large with lots of pool chairs around and most importantly, it had a swim-up bar. There were lots of guests around having fun and consistent activities hosted by staff throughout the day. I’d give it 5 stars without hesitating. Both buffets are nearby if you want to grab a snack and you don’t have to walk far at all for a bathroom. No complaints here.

Same goes for the beach. It’s very big, the sand is soft, the water is clear, there is a bar, and there are lots of chairs to flake out on. There are fun activities also hosted on the beach throughout the day by entertainment staff, such as sports and dance lessons. Again, I’d give the beach a 5-star rating.

At both the pool and bar there are staff members walking around serving drinks from your beach chair which is lovely. Although, I will point out that this service, as well as service at any bar on the resort, is quite slow. We waited up to 30 minutes for drinks at some points. It was like this at the pool, the beach, and in the lobby. The theatre bar and cigar bar were probably the quickest. It seemed like the hotel may have been understaffed as they didn’t have many people working the bars, which created the extremely long waits for drinks. Pro tip: the cigar bar (near the washrooms in the lobby) is hardly ever busy so you can get immediate service from friendly staff.

Speaking of the lobby, it is quite lovely. The staff at reception (and throughout the entire resort) are amazing. They were all so kind, friendly, and as helpful as possible. In the lobby area, there is a bar, tables and chairs for lounging, wifi (1 CUC per hour), washrooms, guest services, vacation reps, cigar bar, gift shops, and a game room. The only downside to the lobby is that you’re allowed to smoke in there, which gives it a dingy smell. Nonetheless, we spent many evenings in the lobby drinking cocktails and playing cards and many mornings drinking coffee and checking the Internet.

Let’s talk about food: overall, I was impressed. At every meal, the food was tasty, flavorful, and well-cooked. Unfortunately, the buffets have absolutely no variety. Every day, at basically every meal, they provide the same options. No matter how good food is, nobody wants to eat the same thing three times per day for seven days straight! The a la carte restaurants were quite good. I tried the Japanese, Italian, and steakhouse. The food was delicious and the options were pleasing.

Finally, I’ll mention the nightlife. Of all the resorts I’ve stayed at, this one had the best nightlife. The theatre and disco were bopping every single night. There were lots of people, young and old, excited to party and let loose. The hotel staff kept people pumped up throughout the evening. Lots of fun all around. If you’re looking for a party, this resort will be great for you.

Overall, I had a great vacation. Holidays are what you make them. You can choose to let the little things get you down or you can make the best of it and have fun anyway. That’s what we did. It was worth our time and money. The rooms could definitely use updating, the service could be quicker, and they could use more variety in their food, but the beach and pool are gorgeous, the restaurants were lovely and the food tasty, and the nightlife and entertainment are on point.

If you have any more questions about this resort I’d be more than happy to answer them. Reach out to us on Instagram or Facebook (@twowildtides) or email me at char@twowildtides.com. I love hearing from our readers and I am glad to help in any way I can!

A Taste of Singapore

March 4, 2019 | Leave a Comment

As my adventure abroad continued, I found myself in Singapore. I relished every opportunity to experience and explore a new place. My time in Singapore was quite short but still incredible. It was not my favourite stop of the trip but I was still amazed by the sights!

A lot of time in Singapore was spent exploring on foot, taking in the stunning architecture and experiencing its multiculturalism. The first day was spent wandering through Chinatown, Little India and the downtown core. I saw some incredible buildings, bridges, places of worship, and landmarks. Enjoy the photos below:

After walking for hours, we made our way to Gardens by the Bay – one of the most famous locations in Singapore. It was incredible! The park is huge so plan accordingly if you want to see everything. We started at the Flower Dome and got to see flowers from all over the world. Plus we were there before Christmas and got to take in all of the decor! We then ventured through the Conservatory Cloud Forest which was unbelievable. The waterfall helped to create the most amazing atmosphere. It was so neat, I had never experienced something so grand inside. Finally, we took a walk through the special Christmas area, complete with fake snow and wintery treats. There’s also a nightly light and sound show that runs at 7:45 p.m. & 8:45 p.m. daily. If you have time I highly recommend checking it out.

There’s a lot to explore in this expensive and modern city. Take in the sights, stop for a drink (although you may have to drop $15-20 CAD for one) and relax. On the plus side the Hawkers Centres offer meals for those with no food allergies at only $2.00 CAD. Singapore is an interesting place and I only scratched the surface.

Have you been to Singapore? What was your favourite part? Let us know in the comments below.

xoxo,
linds

Check out the next leg of the adventure: Island hopping in Singapore

History Meets Luxury: The Murray Premises Hotel

November 22, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Planning a trip to St. John’s soon? Live in Newfoundland and Labrador and heading to the big city? Have an upcoming birthday or anniversary and looking to celebrate with style and class? The Murray Premises Hotel is a remodelled and transformed historic building but the charming and rustic atmosphere from the 1840s remains. The leaflet that describes the history of the hotel claims that visitors will “experience old world charm with new world comfort” and I think that statement sums it up perfectly. From the heavy wooden beams to the exposed brick walls, every corner of this hotel tells a rich and vivid story of days gone by.

The Murray Premises has stood the test of time. As the oldest collection of fishing industry mercantile buildings in NL, it is the site of many trials, tribulations, and disasters– but like Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the property is strong and resilient, having survived the Great Fires of 1846 and 1892 which devastated most of the city. Although this is a modern and luxurious hotel, I could still feel a strong sense of what may have occurred within the walls before the hotel ever existed– not in a creepy way, but rather in a fascinating and peaceful way. Now there are new buildings popped up all around, such as Jack Astor’s, The Keg, and Mill Street Brewery, as well as the Husky building and a parking garage; but the integrity of the historic property still remains and its proximity to these facilities and others create a convenience for hotel guests.

My stays at the Murray Premises Hotel, just recently and with my family as a kid, have always been fantastic. Lately, the Murray Premises staff welcomed me to collaborate with them on this article. They put me up in a gorgeous Executive Suite with a harbour view. The room was immaculate and included a king-size bed, a jacuzzi soaker tub, a fireplace, and a towel warmer (bless!) plus other standard hotel amenities such as a coffee maker, tv, and mini fridge. What I loved most about the room was its warmth and coziness. You can see from the photos that the rustic vibe doesn’t sacrifice itself for modern luxury. The hotel was designed with a perfect balance between the two. It is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.

Some of St. John’s’ top restaurants, shops, and nightlife (a.k.a. George Street) are located just seconds from the hotel– I’m not exaggerating. Not to mention Mile One stadium, the Rooms, and our many other historic sites which are minutes away. The Murray Premises Hotel is a great option for travelers who want an authentic experience of downtown St. John’s.

Of course, the first thing I had to do upon check-in was fill up the jacuzzi for a soak. It was bliss. I had a glass of wine, the fireplace was going, and my warm towels were waiting for me. It was the perfect way to chill out before ramping up for a night with friends.

Included in our stay was a buffet-style breakfast. I’d describe it as a continental breakfast kicked up a notch. They swap cheap muffins for decadent croissants and apples and bananas for a large variety of seasonal fruit. The light meal along with a mug of green tea was exactly what I needed to drag me out of the groggy state I was in from the coma-like sleep I had (undoubtedly thanks to the comfortable beds but likely facilitated by the wine). Also take some time to enjoy the lounge off the lobby where you can grab a coffee before check-out or in lieu of breakfast if you’re not a morning eater.

St. John’s has many fabulous hotels but the Murray Premises is unique. It offers a history and rustic vibrance that others don’t. I cannot wait to return to the hotel and try another room as they are all slightly different. Thank you so much to the Murray Premises for having us and for extending the highest standard of hospitality.

Have you stayed at the Murray Premises Hotel? What did you think? Let us know in the comments and follow us on social media for more updates, @twowildtides!

Ironworks Distillery is Changing the Spirits Game

May 31, 2018 | Leave a Comment

With summer right around the corner, we’re dreaming of BBQs, patio drinks and beach days. One of our favourite places to grab some drinks is Ironworks Distillery in Lunenburg, NS.

The quaint, cute and artsy town that is Lunenburg, NS bodes many restaurants, galleries and of course, Ironworks Distillery. Minutes from the water, nestled in an old Black Smith’s shop is home to one of our favorite distilleries. Stumbling into the cute little shop turned into a great stop on our tour of Lunenburg.

As a Nova Scotian, I love supporting local businesses and companies. I am so grateful to businesses that source their products locally. Ironworks is one of those companies. Whether you’re looking for gin, vodka, liqueur, rum or brandy – Ironworks has got you covered. None of the fruit used in the production of their spirits travels more than 150 kilometers to their facility. How awesome is that? Local products support local jobs and create a whole lot of local love.

Spending some time at Ironworks was such a wonderful way to cap off an afternoon by the water. The lovely women who were working provided us with all kinds of information, answered our questions, and gave us some samples! They even let us take a sneak peek at the barrels.

Fun fact: Their vodka is made with NS apples! It’s a unique product in Canada — a must try!

Not only is Ironworks Distillery filled with a lot of love but the products are delicious and high quality. These spirits should be added to your summer tasting list! Have you tried their products? Which one is your favorite? (We’re in love with the rhubarb liqueur!)