Make Holiday Wishes Come True - Experience the Gift of Philanthro-Travel

‘Tis the Season to be merry, while sipping some sherry -

‘Tis the Season to believe, giving not seeking to receive.

‘Tis the Season to dream, in making other hearts beam –

‘Tis the Season to wish, sweetly sharing a holiday dish.

‘Tis the Season to cherish, creating memories that nourish –

‘Tis the Season to see, a lovely world filled with glee.

‘Tis the Season to imagine, people filled with compassion -

‘Tis the Season to escape, far away to another scape.

‘Tis the Reason to give, an experience that will live.... forever!

This holiday season, make holiday wishes come true (for two) -

consider the “Gift of Philanthro-Travel”

Embark upon a life-changing experience and enriching journey to a destination with the intent to immerse yourself within a meaningful human and cultural exchange. There are many different gifts you can give yourself, but imagine playing a real-life “Santa” to someone who has not experienced him, and consider the impact this one gift can have on you, and what it can give in return to someone else. Within “Philanthro-Travel” one can experience first-hand “respectful tourism” through the support of such philanthropic activities as, learning environmental and wildlife conservation, interacting with remote villages and their indigenous peoples, donating life-necessity items to the poor, visiting orphanages and children’s centers to interact with disadvantaged children; attending a school classroom within these humble surroundings and bringing smiles to the children faces through the donation of much-needed supplies, and supporting battered women through the purchase of hand-made artisan wares – all the while, giving the

five most important gifts

turned into wishes coming true - this holiday season:

Love – the greatest gift of all, is divinely infused into the soul, and when we give an unlimited and unconditional loving compassion towards all others, this is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit.

Kindness – expressing genuine friendship for its own sake, having empathy and trust without prejudice or resentment, volunteering kind acts without bias or spite, can inspire kindness in return in others.

Hope – being faithful to promises, upholding one’s convictions at all times, removing despair and comforting those who reside in fear, uncertainty and intimidation provides the nourishing element of hope, which in itself gives life.

Peace – creating a sense of peaceful stability and community, providing courage of the heart, rather than promoting suffering, hostility and antagonism, is the path to a purely serene existence worldwide.

Giving – providing the gift of respect through charity, supporting the rights and needs of others, and practicing constant mindfulness for others, can cause a profoundly powerful life-altering experience for the receiver and the giver.

Consider the “Gift of Philanthro-Travel” and make holiday wishes come true within any of these impoverished destinations (particularly those lacking the basic necessities needed to successfully live such as food, water, education, healthcare and shelter):

Africa, Haiti, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, India and Panama – are but just a few.

To give or personally experience the
“Gift of Philanthro-Travel”
Contact: Liz at Inner Life Travel - liz@innerlifetravel.com
or visit http://www.innerlifetravel.com/

Sixth Sensual Journey Experiences

Sixth Sensual Journey Experiences

Experience a Sixth Sensual journey into a tropical blissful state! Whether you are seeking mind, body or soul-enriching rejuvenation, follow your sixth sense into paradise – within The Six Senses Resorts and Spas. The pyramid of six spheres used to identify Six Senses Spas represents the philosophy of the three primary senses of sight, sound and touch; then the more acute senses of taste and smell; followed by the sense of deep elation and tranquility which comes from balancing the first five senses beyond expectations, which is referred to as "The Sixth Sense".

 

Six Senses Healing Hotels of the World

Drink up the hypnotic elixir of any of the Six Senses Resorts and Spas, and you will be granted a journey experience of longevity that can only be found within the tranquility of their captivating destination-locations. Within the collection of the Six Senses Resorts and Spas categories, one can choose to enter the doorways of serenity into Soneva Resorts by Six Senses, Six Senses Hideways, Six Senses Latitude, Six Senses Destination Spas, Six Senses Private Residences or Evason Sixth Sense Resorts & Spas. All these spa-destinations and resorts offer exquisite, unique local accommodations with mesmerizing spa treatments especially selected for you to ensure that each journey be a true escape to relaxation and self discovery. Each one is hand-designed to ensure an enchanting and revitalizing Sixth Sense experience!  The hardest task in obtaining enlightenment through relaxation is.....

choosing which one!!

1) Soneva by Six Senses – there are actually three divine resorts to ponder over within this category: Soneva Fushi, Soneva Gill or Soneva Kiri. The first two are located in the gorgeous Maldives, and the latter resides in exotic Thailand. Each are committed to offering luxuries of the highest standards in an environment that nurtures the indigenous locales, whether it be found in their room design, the resorts’ architecture or their phenomenal local hospitality and attentive service. Each of the Soneva resorts has limited number of accommodations, crafted from renewable and sustainable sources, allowing for exceptional and inspired experiences.

 

2) Six Senses Hideaway Resorts – if you are looking for a place to stick your head in the sand and runaway from it all! This category offers six breathtaking gems located in Samui, Hua Hin, Ninh Van Bay, and Yao Noi – all of which are located within Thailand’s lush and inviting coastal regions. Then there are the other two brilliant resort beauties of Zighy Bay, which is located in Oman, and Con Dao, situated in Vietnam. All of the Six Senses Hideaways are the boutique interpretation of luxury in its pure essence, with butlers exemplifying the personal attention, locally inspired haute-cuisine paired with an impressive selection of vintages from around the world, and exclusive accommodations offering private pool villas all in an effort to pamper each and every guest.

3) Six Senses Latitude Resorts – offer the traveler a magnificent blend of innovative concepts together with a Six Senses Spa, which makes both of them fashionable and highly desirable destinations in themselves! They are Six Senses Latitude Jafre, located inland northern Spain surrounded by a private forested countryside that features a natural thermal spring; and Six Senses Latitude Laamu, which is prettily poised in the turquoise water atoll of a privately owned island in the Maldives.

 

4) Six Senses Destination Spas – are dedicated to transforming the lifestyle of those who embark on a journey through complete immersion into health and mindful living. Each destination spa offers personalized programs that blend holistic healing, fitness activities, organic “fishetarian” and raw foods cuisine, wellness education, self-discovery classes and naturopathic wellbeing knowledge. These lifestyle spas are not only within the collection of all the Six Senses Resorts, but also inside other world-renowned resorts around the world, from the Middle East, to Europe and the Caribbean. They each create harmony through nourishing products, transformational treatments and passionate service.

 

5) The Six Senses Private Residences – emerge from within the synergy of gorgeous design and luxuriously spacious accommodations, offering uncompromising quality and service along with an environmentally sensitive approach. These extraordinary villas and private residences are located win some of the most breathtaking destinations of Thailand and Vietnam. Live like an Eco-Enlightened King (or Queen) and experience indulgent luxury intelligence!

6) The Evason Sixth Sense Resorts and Spas – introduce the traveler to a redefining experience of attitude primarily due to their latitude. There are three lovely smaller properties within this collection, which are Evason Phuket and Evason Hua Hin (both located in Thailand), Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang (in Vietnam), and Evason Ma’In Hot Springs (which is in Jordan). They each feature and embrace a philosophy of providing more modern-zen accommodations along with the expected luxuries found within the brand’s tradition.

 

For details on any of the above Six Senses Healing Hotel journeys, contact Liz at

Inner Life Travel - liz@innerlifetravel.com

Modern Day Gardens of Eden

Modern-Day Gardens of Eden

Imagine the colors, scents and mystery of nature re-ordered and designed by the wit and hand of mankind. Gardens are the nearest impression of paradise and are havens of peaceful tranquility! Within “The Garden of Eden”, one can imagine existing within this paradise of plump fruits, crisp vegetables, pristine greens, vibrant grasses, bountiful grains and exotically fragrant flowers of all species. This biblical paradise of beauty in which God places man and woman to live harmoniously with nature surely cannot be compared to our more manicured modern day worldly gardens. Throughout history, gardens have been an integral part of human life.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, near present-day Al Hillah (Babil) in Iraq, are considered to be one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They are often referred to as The Hanging Gardens of Semiramis, who for the ancient Greeks was the legendary Assyrian Queen of Babylon. She was not only revered for her natural beauty, but for her exquisite flower gardens. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built by King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600BC. It is reported that he constructed the gardens to please his homesick wife, who longed for the trees and fragrant plants of her homeland Persia. To this day, there is some controversy as to whether the Hanging Gardens were an actual physical creation or a poetic creation due to the lack of documentation of them in the chronicles of Babylonian history. However there are many written accounts of them found in the ancients writings by Greek historians.

It's easy to get carried away in the scent of any of the below "Modern Day Gardens of Eden"  

Great Dixter Gardens (Southeast England, UK)

Palm House at Kew Gardens (London, UK)

Chateau de Versailles Gardens (Paris, FR)

Wisley Garden (London, UK)

Crathes Castle Gardens (Scotland, UK)

Monet’s Gardens (Northeast France, FR)

The Summer Palace (Beijing, China)

The Huntington Botanical Gardens (Los Angeles, CA)

Hestercombe Gardens (Taunton, UK)

Minter Gardens (Chilliwack, Canada)

In Greek mythology, the Hesperides are nymphs who tended the blissful gardens in the Garden of the Hesperides in Hera’s orchard in the west, where a grove of immortality-giving golden apples grew. The apples were planted from the fruited branches that Gaia gave to Hera as a wedding gift when Hera accepted Zeus. They are sometimes called the Western Maidens, the Daughters of Evening, and the Sunset Goddesses, all apparently tied to their imagined location in the distant far corners of the West. If only we could all be garden nymphs…………………

Journey with Inner Life Travel to the top ten "Modern-Day Gardens of Eden” – each one is a magnificent and unique eden to enjoy the glory of nature! There are so many types of gardens, from formal in the traditional French style, natural gardens in the English fashion, and harmonious manicured parks in the traditions of India, China and Japan. The juxtaposition of flowers and plants, rocks and streams, trees and grasses - each grouping can enhance the sum of their parts.


For details on booking a personal journey experience in the senses of smell, sight and touch to a modern-day garden of your choice, contact Liz Bates at Inner Life Travel via email:

liz@innerlifetravel.com

EAT, PRAY, LOVE - An Inner Life Travel Love Languages Journey

The Eat, Pray, Love-Languages Journey

(Italy – India – Indonesia)

Romance beckons lovers of all ages to its magical language, no matter in what tongue one finds themselves’ speaking. And nothing evokes the language of love as much as traveling to the individually unique destinations of Italy, India and Indonesia, as did Elizabeth Gilbert in her personal story found within the book, "Eat, Pray, Love" when she evoked upon her personal pilgrimage to heal and renew her body and soul,

and through that process, found true love again.

Italy – when the moon hits the sky, like a big pizza pie…..

within this beautiful country you will discover the true meaning of “Amore”!

Whether it's pizza, spaghetti or learning the language, become mesmerized within the beautiful historic cities of Milan, Florence, Naples, Venice, Siena and Rome; in addition to the gorgeous regions of Umbria, Tuscany and the Lakes along the Alps. Venture into the Italian countryside by bike, car or on foot and find yourself winding through olive trees and vineyards, visiting charming villages, wineries, castles, abbeys and churches. Experience the lovely Amalfi Coast with secluded tucked-away gems such as beautiful Positano (said to be one of Italy’s most romantic locations); or hydrofoil over to the most romantic island in the world, Capri and jump into its famous Blue Grotto together! Each of these beloved areas has a unique Italian flavor and their very own “love language” just waiting to be experienced! If you enjoy strolling hand-in-hand, venturing into the historic arts, days filled with exploring Renaissance history, wine tastings in the Italian countryside and evenings filled with authentic Italian cuisine found in the genuine trattorias, cafes and pizzerias –

then Italy is your love-language destination!

India – tranquil mountain hideaways, fairytale desert settings, relaxing beaches, exhilarating jungles, luxurious spa resorts, picturesque alluring mountains, exquisitely restored fortresses and lake palaces, and vibrantly-colored cities all express India’s language of love.

One of the most remarkable and romantic sights in India, the magnificent monument of love itself, is that of the Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), was and still is the most romantic expression of love in that Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had it poignantly built out of love for his wife, who tragically died during childbirth. Her body is inside the monument, together now lying with that of the Emperor’s. Then there’s the hypnotic floral scents found within the Shalimar Gardens (“Shalimar” in Sanskrit means “Abode or Hall of Love”); the breathtaking city of Jaisalmer straight out of a romantic Arabian Nights fable; and Jaipur, also known as the Pink City located in the semi-desert lands of Rajasthan! Or perhaps if you are in need of a more deeply spiritual enlightenment experience, stay within an authentic Indian ashram where you will experience pure serenity.  If you can imagine waking up each day to experience the exotic and alluring appeal of sights and tastes (fragrant coffees, teas and spices along with the distinctly spicy cuisine that the country is famous for) – then India is your love-language destination!

Indonesia – Bali is known as a tropical paradise surrounded by coral reefs and sapphire blue water, and filled with volcanoes, pristine waterfalls, lush rain forests and rice terraces, verdant coffee plantations, palm-fringed beaches of black and white sand, gorgeous landscapes with views over the sea to Java, and an ancient people with a unique tribal culture practicing centuries-old rituals.

Bali is filled with all the wonders for those seeking relaxation, soft-adventure and in-depth cultural touring. It is also famous for its artisans who produce a vast array of handicrafts, including batik and ikat clothing, wooden and stone carvings and silverware. Notably, Ubud is one of Bali’s jewels and is renowned for its art galleries, cafes, local boutiques and its traditional Balinese villages surrounded by lush rice fields and gentle-smiling people. If you and your significant other envision a destination filled with traditional culture, visiting rural villages, attending local ceremonies and festivals, river rafting, mountain biking, exploring local temples and royal palaces, and shopping in colorful markets –

then Bali (and Indonesia’s Eden) is your love-language destination!

The Eat, Pray Love-Languages Journey by Inner Life Travel

combines all three destinations into one exotic expression of love in just two weeks!

4 Nights Rome / 2 Nights Delhi + 2 Nights Jaipur + 1 night Jaisalmer / 5 Nights Bali

To book the "Eat, Pray, Love-Languages Journey” (or any other uniquely designed love-journey), contact:  Liz at Inner Life Travel - liz@innerlifetravel.com

or visit http://www.innerlifetravel.com/

The Siren's Odyssey - The Enchanting Greek Isles

The Aegean is famous for its magical soul-stirring waters and atmosphere – nothing exudes this more than the romantic Greek Isles. Each one is uniquely captivating and each island offers the most amazing ways to be indulged while being immersed within their local charm. Like Homer and his Odyssey, become spell-bound and lured to the Siren’s calling – she teases you to experience Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete or one of the smaller less-known islands.

Greece’s grandeur of its culture is wrapped in Athens, its tiny islands, the heart-healthy cuisine, and the spirited lifestyle of its people. Athens is the heart of all these desires – and where you find the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Take time to explore these ancient wonders, along with the old Plaka district. Accommodate yourself in this exciting metropolis in its beautiful hotel properties, such as The Grande Bretagne (the stunning historically renovated Beaux Arts beauty), the King George Palace (the majestically prestigious hotel situated in the heart of the heart), or the Westin Astir Palace Beach Hotel (the chic seaside resort on the Athens Riviera). Crete is the mythical birthplace of Zeus where one can wander the legendary landscape of rugged mountain ranges to sun-drenched beaches. Experience the quintessential Greek-isle architecture of the island’s Blue Palace Resort & Spa (this world-class resort offers 142 private pools, breathtaking sea views and stylish bungalows encased with luxurious suites). The Cyclades Islands are home to Mykonos and Santorini. Here, frolick along picture-postcard beaches and acquire a Grecian-Goddess bronze glow; sip ouzo at a tavern with tantalizing culinary mezes; and partake of endless merry-making in the open-air dance clubs under starry-filled skies. On the isle of Mykonos, indulge yourself with a stay at Kivotos (an elegant art-filled villa with individually decorated luxurious rooms with sea-view balconies), or perhaps wrap yourself around the heavenly boutique thalasso (sea)-spa resorts of the Myconian Ambassodar & Myconian Imperial (with rejuvenating from-the-sea body treatments and suites with private spa tubs).

Fall in love again on the island of Santorini, with its other-worldly panoramic views, the winding paths along the caldera and the little villages all intertwined within its glorious myth of being home to the “Lost Atlantis”. Become a muse within many of its entrancing 5-star resorts, such as Canavaes Oia Suites, Katikies, or Mystique (all cliffside dwellings approximately 3000-feet above the sea). Or perhaps consider living like the ancient islanders, in a cave – a luxuriously transformed oasis cliffside home that is - such as, Perivolas Traditional Homes or the exquisitely refined Tsitouras Collection of villa-homes. If however, you prefer to journey like Odysseus did, then escape to remote far-away islands onboard a private yacht and charter his course with a crew that will pamper you into an Aegean spell-bound ecstasy (or is that odyssey)?!

To design your own private odyssey, contact Liz Bates at Inner Life Travel - liz@innerlifetravel.com
or visit http://www.innerlifetravel.com/

Belize - Where The REAL Wild Things Are

Have you ever wanted to experience a wild forest and a beautiful sea, similar yet real to the one Max’s imagination drew up in the book, “Where The Wild Things Are”? If so, you must be willing to meet incredible wild things and fearsome-looking monsters with courage like he did, so perhaps consider venturing into the jungles of Central America, where “the wild” will change your imagination into a reality.

First let’s go to the original Banana Republic, and not the more famously named chain-store version, but the REAL thing! I’m referring to the land of the ancient Maya civilization, bordering Mexico and surrounding Guatemala, Honduras, and a place whose name comes from the ancient Maya word “Beliz”, which translates to “Muddy Water”. It is a land so vastly intertwined with diverse cultural history – from its ancient Mayan ancestry to its acquisition by the British Empire, and its current day ethnical mix of Kriols (the original African inhabitants), the Garinagu (Garifuna or Black Caribs), the Mestizos (Spanish Yucantan settlers), and the Mennonites (who have been farming the land since the 1800’s). Apart from its human roots, there are the natural seeded ones that have grown within the depths of its jungles, the pristine rainforests, swampy coastal plains, lowland forests, mysterious caves and geological formations, highland plateaus and the Maya Mountains. If this isn’t enough paradise to explore for any botanist or natural enthusiast, one also can dive into its spectacular atolls and the Great Barrier Reef within its Caribbean waters off the coast, which are lined with pristine beaches, and over 400 islets and islands (or cayes). Not to mention, there’s even a deep dark Blue Hole to experience! Belize invites any child or adult to come explore in its abundantly diverse playground, which brings us to where all the real wild things live! There are over 500 species of heavenly flora such as orchids (the Black Orchid is their national flower), abundant storybook trees, fantastic winged creatures (including Fruit Loop Sam, aka The Keel Billed Toucan which is the national bird of Belize), weirdly unusual Baird’s Tapir (the Belizean Mountain Cow), endangered rowdy Black Howler Monkeys (which exist only in Belize), adorable acrobatic Spider Monkeys, and the elusive Exotic Felines of the jungle (jaguar, puma, mountain lions, cougar, ocelot, and the smaller jaguarondi). Quite a healthy number of them roam within their forested habitat, however the most frequented reported sightings are in the Chan Chich area, the Rio Bravo Conservation areas, and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (which was established in the 80’s as a protected jaguar reserve).

Venture into the real “Jungle Book” and stay at Chan Chich Lodge for a night-hike with a feline naturalist guide, or head up into the mountains and get “wildly civilized” at Chaa Creek Lodge cottages and hike the world-renowned Maya Medicine Trail. Go crocodile encountering at the Lamanai Outpost Jungle Lodge, where the Wild Things, Animal Planet, the World Gone Wild and the National Geographic Explorer teams have featured in their film productions. Live like a Garifuna and dance to hypnotic drum beats during a full moon at Hopkins fishing village and call it a night at the Jaguar Reef Lodge. Climb into the vine-encroached jungles where the once-mighty ancient Mayan cities existed, of Xunantunich, Cerros, Lamanai, Altun Ha, and Caracol. Venture downstream the Macal River in a canoe, lay like an iguana in a hammock at DuPlooy’s Jungle Lodge or take a plunge into infinity at Ka’ana Boutique Resort’s pool. Get into the deep, and swim like a dolphin off Ambergris Caye – afterwards dry off at the colonial-chic Victoria House in a thatched-roof casita. Cast like an angler for tarpon and bonefish in the crystal clear waters surrounding the famed Turneffe Islands flats, and experience your own private island like Gilligan at Blackbird Caye Resort. Embark on your own private and personal adventure - discover Belize! Awaken your inner child and wander where the wild things roam!

To book a journey into Belize, or any other wildly wonderful destination, contact Liz at Inner Life email: Liz@innerlifetravel.com

Journey to Wellness - A Holistic Healing Getaway to Mexico

Journey to Mexico for a Holistic Healing Getaway!

With INNER LIFE TRAVEL, experience wellness and culture in breathtaking destinations while discovering the history, people and cuisines that bring each region to life. Experience traveling as a holistic, soothing, educational, sensual and fun antidote to what may be ailing you!

Fuse your mind, body and soul with exclusive holistic wellness retreats, with journeys that will include uplifting activities such as enlightening workshops, natural spa treatments, yoga and Qi Gong sessions, healthy and natural culinary tastings, and fascinating local cultural activities. All spa and wellness destinations, unique accommodations, guides, spa treatments and healers have been specially selected for you to ensure that each journey be a true escape to relaxation and self discovery. Each one is hand-designed to ensure enchanting and revitalizing experiences!

An Idyllic Wellness and Cultural Destination – The Heartland of Mexico

Leave your beach towel at home and head into the central highlands for an authentic and safe trip to the heart of Mexico. Tucked into the center of the country, only one hour south of the capital, lies a region with an overabundance of flora and fauna alongside breathtaking historic haciendas and unique resorts, ancient pyramids, natural thermal springs and picturesque colonial towns. Morelos also offers extensive and sophisticated culinary options that fuse the many indigenous ingredients found locally, such as flowers, fruit, chilies and cocoa with a European flair. Experience a stay at a stunning historic hacienda constructed in the 1500’s, artfully restored into a deluxe hotel yet retaining its charming bygone era. All rooms are uniquely individual and suites feature private dipping pools, Jacuzzis or outdoor terraces. Outside there are lush gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, horse stables, a temazcal (sweat-bath, similar to a dry sauna), and a soothing spa featuring natural organic remedies which are made in-house and are designed for the integration of harmony between mind, body and spirit. Or perhaps consider a zen-stay experience in an iconic hotel in Cuernavaca, which offers guests exquisite dining, large accommodations, and an Orlane spa. Choose from any of its impressive range of treatments that include exotic regional “water and earth” therapies. If these were not enough reasons to journey into the heart of Mexico, then perhaps consider really connecting with your wellness spirit and find your heartbeat in these unique offerings –

Tepotzlan’s Green Hotel offers an eerie mystical experience as this region has been inhabited since 1300 B.C., with its hypnotic location between the colonial center in the valley and the enigmatic pyramid to Ometochtli situated high in the mountains that surround the town, making for an enchanting other-worldly experience. This “green hotel” was architecturally designed with an energy-saving infrastructure throughout its property, from the organic vegetables grown on the grounds to the solar heated pool, and its world renowned herbalist-healer Shaman who guides participants through a genuine mind and body cleansing experience. Or perhaps indulge in an “over the top spa experience” while staying in a little piece of heaven located outside the colonial town of Tepoztlan, with views of the majestic mountain range, at Sitio Sagrado (or Sacred Space). This resort was designed to offer a retreat to nature in a harmonious environment. All accommodations have magnificent views of the gardens and surrounding region and each is uniquely designed with part Mediterranean, part contemporary Mexican with a nod to the local indigenous culture. Experience the resort’s extraordinary Hydra Spa which gives homage to our planet using all natural elements and focuses on healing you through its signature Aquatic Sensual Experience treatment. Further drown your worries in the resort’s soaking pool, luxurious spa lounge and private treatment cabanas. Perhaps reconnect with your loved one with a temzacal treatment ritual with a vow renewal ceremony, where you will be traditionally dressed all in white and experience a reconnection to love guided by a local professional Shaman.

For wellness and rejuvenation package details on the above journeys (or other destinations), contact Liz Bates at Inner Life Travel - liz@innerlifetravel.com
or visit http://www.innerlifetravel.com/