From a swaying hammock strapped to wooden posts I closed my eyes and listened. Dried palm leaves above my head rustled in the wind while providing refuge from the midday sun. The burst of fresh cut limes being squeezed at a rickety mojito bar nearby permeated the air. There were no speedboats with parasails in tow, no vendors hawking cheap sunglasses and more than a handful of people walked along the beach. In the midst of it all, I wondered how much longer this place, so quickly cemented in my memory, might remain exactly as it was on that afternoon.

Isla Holbox, a 26-mile long, and less than a mile wide, island off Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, holds almost mythical status among intrepid travelers and early adopters in the travel industry. Its claim to fame is that, from mid-May to late September, it boasts one of the premier locations in the Western Hemisphere to swim with the massive and graceful whale shark, the largest fish in the sea. It’s also one of the few places to witness the so-called bioluminescence effect: micro-plankton containing an enzyme that renders it aglow, similar to the effect noted among lighting bugs in summer. Adding to the little-known island’s growing prominence was its inclusion on the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2016” list on which it was designated an “emerging eco-tourism gem.” Hence, when I had the opportunity to visit Holbox during a recent trip to Mexico, I couldn’t miss seeing the place that had left other travelers gob smacked.

Certainly, one aspect that contributes to the mystique of Isla Holbox is the fact it’s not terribly easy to reach. Getting to this unspoiled paradise not only required a flight to Cancun, but a nearly 2-hour drive to the dusty town of Chiquila, followed by a 30-minute ferry ride. Once finally arrived on the dock at Holbox, a retrofitted golf cart conveyed my travel companion and I the short distance to our lodgings. Along the way, the young cart driver explained that cars were not allowed on Holbox as the streets are, after all, made of sand. When rain soaks the streets, lack of drainage makes them impassable leaving tourists to lug their own baggage through the deluge. A metaphor for life perhaps. Thankfully, however, we were fortunate enough to arrive on a bright and sunny day.

On our first full day we ventured out to the aptly named Mosquito Point, which offers one of the most stunning vistas over an unspoiled stretch of silky-smooth white sand. Here, I waded out to a sandbar in only knee-high water where different shades of turquoise came together creating a landscape that felt like a Corona ad or a Kenny Chesney music video. A flamingo flew overhead and, although none were spotted on this day, I was told that sea turtles and manta rays often grace the area. With hardly another person in my line of view I took a moment to give thanks and let my spirit receive this gift of nature.

Gifts aside, it must be noted, however, that if the gentle whale shark is the first mascot of Holbox, the voracious mosquito must be the second. Feeding hour for the local mosquitos was a round the clock affair and venturing out at dusk was an assault akin to walking through a wasp’s nest. No type of repellent seemed fit for purpose. Sharing in my agony, I witnessed more than one pair of German tourists in the local sundry shop examining the potency of different brands with despondent looks on their faces and bulbous red marks covering their arms and legs.

As night fell, couples in pareos and tank tops braved the mosquitos to sip margaritas while being serenaded by a guitar player. Across the central square, while taco vendors and carts selling freshly roasted corn with chili or cream were setting up for a long night of nourishing revelers, colder than ice beers and creatively concocted mojitos were served up on the rooftop bar of the Arena Hotel. Meanwhile, Basico, one of the island’s more popular destinations for “beach cuisine”, was churning out popcorn shrimp in a tangy tamarind sauce, grilled octopus on pumpkin puree, citrusy ceviches and impossibly fresh fish alongside a daily cocktail for men and another for the ladies that served as a gateway to their sumptuous offerings.

That said, the most famous dish on Holbox is undoubtedly the lobster pizza. Many establishments turn it out but I was instructed to only partake in the original, first created at the popular Edelyn pizzeria in 1985. Chunks of fresh lobster meat heaped upon gooey mozzarella cheese provided a soul-satisfying conclusion to a day at the beach.

Come 10PM Holbox is a place where one could just as easily fall asleep in preparation for sunrise yoga as drink Dos Equis till dawn. The rhythm to the island is one of no rhythm at all. Sleep when you like. Eat when you like. Piña colada at 11am? Sin problema! Lunch at 4pm? Spicy guacamole on the way.

But in comparison to some of the more frenetic beachside boites where the younger set dance the night away, mornings on Holbox are decidedly tranquil. Latin vibes give way to beach blues and hypnotic strains reminiscent of a Hotel Costes soundtrack at many of the street-side cafes which offer Mexican specialties such as chilaquiles with fried tortilla, green tomatillo sauce and crumbled Oaxaca cheese. Simultaneously, organic juice bars on the main drag offer smoothies of pineapple, honey and chaya, a local herb considered a Mayan cure-all.

For luxury travelers accustomed to the highest levels of pampering, Holbox may not be quite the right fit. The pace of activity on the island is slow – real slow. Continental plate shifting slow. Moreover, the shores of this burgeoning Shangri-la can currently claim no five-star accommodations or large-scale resort properties (though a number of development projects are in the works). Credit cards are not widely accepted and it’s rare to find more than one ATM of reliable operability.

In the meantime, and in the place of all-out luxe, visitors to Holbox are limited to accommodations ranging from chic beachside bungalows to quaint guest rooms that combine elements of incense, reclaimed wood, and natural light. In addition to blending into the natural surroundings, a stay at most of these properties is often accompanied by yoga classes, massage therapies and other wellness activities which, at minimum, approach traditional five-star amenities.

Beyond its minimal luxuries, however, the fact that the island is not quite ready for prime time is exactly why it is adored by so many. Indeed, it is an incredibly liberating feeling to move seamlessly from beach to bar to restaurant in nothing but one’s Vilebrequins and Havaianas. With nearby areas of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum in a state of continuous expansion it’s unclear how long this version of Holbox will remain. But, one thing is certain―the time to visit one of the last undiscovered Mexican hideaways is fleeting.

Explorer of gastronomic and luxury hideaways, Marc Destito is an essayist, travel consultant and communications guru. He has represented leading global wine regions including the region of Champagne, France and has traveled extensively to premier destinations throughout Europe, Asia and North America.  Having previously lived in Washington, D.C. he is currently based in Geneva, Switzerland. Follow Marc on Instagram @marcinmotion.

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Paradise may well mean many things to many people, but there are a few places about which there can be near universal agreement on granting such a designation and by my estimation Poipu Beach would almost certainly have to be one of them. And that is coming from someone who readily confesses to not being what I like to call a traditional “water and sand” lover.

Tucked away on the southern side of Kauai, the fourth largest and one of the least populous of all the Hawaiian Islands, Poipu Beach is also one of the best kept secrets of the Aloha State. While the beaches of the more bustling islands like the “Big Island” (Hawaii) and Oahu may be among the most familiar to most travelers, Kauai tenders more remote treasures. You might even characterize the island, which is sometimes referred to as the “Garden Isle”, as sleepy. Almost preternaturally green and lush, this tropical outpost is perhaps best known for being endowed with an embarrassment of natural beauty throughout, and yet, even amidst such bounty, Poipu Beach stands out.

Not the sort of destination you visit if you want to party into the wee hours or shop until you drop, Poipu Beach is a place you trip off to when escape is at the pinnacle of your agenda. It is where you go when you long to dress simply, take in spectacular sunsets, loll about on white sand beaches, indulge in your favorite outdoor activities, sip cool cocktails while enveloped by warm breezes and marvel at quirky local spectacles like the wild chickens you seem to come across at nearly every turn. In short, Poipu Beach, is a haven in which to indulge in the art of relaxation. And one of the best places to begin that journey in this sliver of paradise is The Club at Kukui`ula, a private membership club set against a surreal postcard-perfect backdrop where luxe is delivered wrapped up in the laidback spirit of aloha.

Summon up your vision of tropical paradise and The Club at Kukui`ula will likely surpass it.  Swaying palm trees, acres upon acres of perfectly maintained greens in every direction, quiet, traffic-free roads, the unbroken silence that attends the calming whir of the wind and the fragrance and beauty of local flowers in bloom are all just part of The Club experience. Fortunately, though it is a private community in which the homes are privately owned, there is no need to sign a new mortgage in order access the privileges of The Club as the benefits of membership at Kukui`ula can be readily accessed via a stay at one of the sumptuous two or three bedroom club cottages which can be arranged through the Parrish Collection, a local purveyor of vacation rentals across Kauai and the exclusive guest manager for Kukui`ula.

Each of the club cottages is a breathtaking new construction boastinga minimum of 2,000 square feet and bursting with all the luxuries of home, right down to wine coolers, state of the art gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and well-stocked fridges for those so inclined to request them in advance. A minimum of two master suites with king beds, walk-in-closets, outdoor lava rock garden showers, and pedestal tubs, private backyards with gas lava rock fire pits, flat screen televisions throughout and spacious, open living and dining room plans, seal the proverbial deal. Some of the cottages even have separate guest cottages with their own private lanais, while others have private pools and all are brimming with exquisite new furnishings, island antiques and objets d’art. I like to think of a stay at these cottages as island life 2.0 – all the peace of paradise combined with all the luxuries of modern life (and then some).

Speaking of luxuries, that is also exactly what comes along with a stay at one of the Kukui`ula Club Cottages vis-à-vis the club itself, which is a mini-paradise within paradise. As it is a world unto itself, you could feasibly arrive at your cottage and spend your entire getaway between the luxury of your accommodations and luxuries of the Kukui`ula Club, without ever setting foot off the property and still experience the pure bliss of Poipu.

The Plantation House is the heart of the club from which most of the magic of the property flows. Within the confines of the sprawling structure you’ll find dining in abundance, including all sorts of cleverly tucked away complimentary treats like ice cream and fruit, a game room with pool tables, 3-D movies and video games galore, a great lawn for outdoor games like volleyball and horse shoes, and the Makai Pool where a wading pool with in-water loungers meets soaker tubs, waterfalls, lagoons and beaches that offer the penultimate in privacy. There’s also a spa with numerous spaces to relax, a splendid water ritual and gym (access to all of which is complimentary) along with an award winning-golf course. Talk about membership having its perks. Groucho Marx may not have wanted to be a part of any club that would accept him but I can’t help but think that this is one club that, in all its easy splendor, might have proved an exception to the rule.

There’s even a picturesque farm, the Upcountry Farm and Lake, where guests and members pick fruits, vegetables and fresh flowers to take back to their cottages or simply visit to enjoy a picnic under a tree on the banks of the lake. And, yes, it’s all pretty spectacular. From the dazzling sweep of the Pacific visible from all points at the Plantation House (and even some of the cottages) to the vibrant red earth of the farm to the brilliant green of the golf course, The Club at Kukui`ula is a  spectacle of color and experiences that could not recommend Poipu more favorably.

Another option for accomodations, just down the road from The Club at Kukui`ula  would be the Villas at Poipu Kai, which are steps away from Poipu’s popular, and more rustic Brennecke Beach, where the sea turtles are one of the main attractions year round.  The Villas at Poipu Kai offer spacious one, two, three and even four bedroom villas featuring plantation style furnishings, master suites with king beds and master baths with soaking tubs, full gourmet kitchens, private lanais and an array of other amenities including a swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center all at a budget friendly price point that screams accessible luxury.

In between these two choice accommodation options, sit the relatively new Shops at Kukui`ula, a village of boutiques, restaurants and galleries, which is probably the most happening spot in all of Poipu Beach, aside, of course, from the massive Grand Hyatt located just a little further down the beach and home to both one of the best views in Poipu Beach and the beloved Tidepool’s restaurant among a bevy of other restaurants, bars and nightclubs. For those who feel the need for congress with the outside world, though again I must say there is little reason for it, the Shops at Kukui`ula, offer plenty of welcome diversions, food being one of the most prominent among them. Josselin’s, a particular favorite, offers an eclectic array of tapas and tableside sangria in a festive, modern setting, while Merriman’s serves seafood in an upscale casual environment and Tortilla Republic blends a hint of aloha with Margaritas and a menu of South of the Border favorites. On the more casual side, Bubba’s Burgers, is another local favorite that lives up to the hype that precedes it. Do, however, prepare to be patient as the team at Bubba’s works on ‘island time’ and proudly claims not to be Burger King or McDonald’s, which means every order is, in fact, cooked to order and dearly so.

More local culture awaits nearby at the Poipu Village Shopping Center wherein awaits the delectable pleasures of the Puka Dog, a Hawaiian-style hot dog doused with garlic lemon sauce in varying degrees of heat (you choose) and served with lilikoi mustard and your choice of an assortment of fresh fruit relishes made of mango, pineapple, papaya, coconut, banana or star fruit (or not). It sounds a little strange, I know, but with a tall, cool glass of tantalizing sweet fresh-squeezed lemonade, this dog makes for a quick, casual and inexpensive lunch near the beach. Another treat back in the town of Lihue is the no-frills Hamura Saimin stand, the Zagat-rated, hole in the wall, that has been around for four generations serving up delicious bowls of saimin, a Hawaiian noodle soup akin to ramen, that keep locals and regular island visitors coming back to slurp down more.

Lastly, because there is more to Kauai than Poipu Beach and much of it is remote, one of the best ways to actually see the island in all its natural glory is by air, which makes a helicopter tour ideal.  Book an afternoon eco-tour with one of the local tour operators (Harbor Mall in Lihue is a popular place)and arrive early for a late breakfast at the Feral Pig and be sure to try to Tiki Moco, a specialty of the house that combines kalua pork, eggs, rice and brown gravy. It’s definitely a cheat day kind of breakfast, but that’s the other good thing about paradise…every day is a cheat day.

Find out more about Poipu Beach at www.poipubeach.org.

Read this article in Frontiers Magazine at: http://www.frontiersmedia.com/channel-travel/2015/02/24/kauais-poipu-beach-do-you-know-the-way-to-paradise/

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Apparently jolly old Saint Nick won’t be the only one bringing gifts next month. December 2014 also marks the highly anticipated arrival of the Amilla Fushii Resort. Located in the heart of the Maldives Islands on Baa Atoll, one of 26 natural atolls in the Indian Ocean, the new 71-room luxury resort promises, not just another hotel experience, but an “island home” amid the pristine crystal clear waters, white beaches and rich, lush vegetation of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

And because “home” is a very individual concept, within its modest allotment of rooms, the Amilla will offer an astonishing range of accommodations that will include five 2-bedroom Tree Houses, ten 2,000-plus square foot Lagoon Houses (the smallest offering) and four 30,000 square foot beach residences.

Completing the scene at the fantastical new resort will be two restaurants from acclaimed Australian chef and restaurateur, Luke Mangan, one of the largest pools in the Maldives, a spa retreat offering a menu of curated organic treatments from luxury spa provider Ila, and signature retail outlets. There’s even a ‘Kid’s Jungle’ for the little tykes.

Find out more or book a reservation at www.amilla.mv. Follow Amilla at www.facebook.com/amillafushi.

Amilla Ocean House Pool

Amilla Ocean House

Amilla Ocean Deck

Amilla Ocean House Bedroom

Amilla Lagoon House Deck

Amilla Lagoon House Bedroom

Amilla Lagoon House Bathroom

Amilla Residences Exterior

Amilla Residences Interior

Amilla Beach House

Amilla Tree House

Amilla Tree House Pool

Amilla Beach House Deck

Hammock calling - Amilla Beach House Deck

Bathe in Paradise, Amilla Beach House Bathroom

Soak anyone? Amilla Beach House Bathroom

A view to a beach, Amilla Beach House

(Scroll over photo for description)

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Okay so before I begin to wax poetic about my love affair with Spain, here’s a little truth. Yes, I have broken a limb and been hospitalized in Madrid for nine days (and yes the limp is finally gone thank you very much). And yes, it is also true that I was once evacuated from the airport in Ibiza because of a bomb scare and nearly struck down by heatstroke. And yes, there was that one time I barely survived an open air tour of a bull farm in 110-degree temperatures in Sevilla before touring a bullfighting ring in similarly sweltering conditions. But, all that aside, I can honestly say that I not only need Spain, I love Spain! And that says so very much, does it not? It’s all because Spain is an enigmatic destination with experiences tailor made for every personality from diva to homegrown crunchy granola girl. And now I’m going to guide you through some of my favorites.

As I type this missive, I am literally raising a glass of Cava (that’s Spanish sparkling wine to the un-initiated) to inaugurate this month-long series of posts about Spain, a country that I have developed a very special and chummy relationship with over the last several years. Like most memorable relationships, my affair with Spain has been simultaneously complicated and tempestuous, but clearly never boring or lacking in adventure as the myriad of experiences I described vividly illustrates.

The first stop on the “I Need Spain” tour is Formentera, one of Spain’s beatific Balearic isles and one of the places that ranks high on my list of Spanish treasures you might never have heard of. My first experience with the island came after a night of raucous hard partying in Ibiza. On the hungover morning after surrounded by friends, I steadied myself long enough to board a boat over to the shockingly unspoiled isle of Formentera which is located just 11 miles off the coast of the clubby Ibiza. Legendary architect and interior designer Philippe Starck has maintained a residence on Formentera for over four decades wile supermodels ranging from Elle MacPherson to Kate Moss have also developed an affinity for the island in recent years. An hour or so after I arrived, I can honestly say I shared their enthusiasm for the place. It was the salve my party weary body craved.

After a quick bike ride and visit to the one of the island’s white sand beaches, my friends and I headed out on a boating expedition for a “diving baptism”. While my friends all suited up and dived overboard to explore the Mediterranean, I made note of my queasiness and took the opportunity to kick back on the boat with the latest issue of Vogue and a pair of binoculars that came in handy for spying on the sexy European tourists sunbathing nude on the sizeable boat floating nearby. With a cool breeze blowing over me and sun dappling the sea surrounding me, I experienced a little slice of bliss (and coincidentally the best hangover cure in the world).

Later, the boat transporting me and my party pulled right up to Es Moli De Sal, a restaurant with breathtaking views situated in a converted windmill high atop a jagged corner of Formentera. Not only was the experience surreal, but Es Moli De Sal’s signature dish Fideau, a paella made with noodles and fish stock was life altering. I could have sworn that for an hour or so I had been transported back to a simpler time.

Maya Angelou said “When you know better, you do better”. So now that you know about Formentera, you owe it to yourself to experience it. Si? Bueno!

Find out more about Spain at www.Spain.info.com and be sure to follow me all month on Twitter @TheDuaneWells and on my blog on MoxieQ for more about some of my picks for the most calliente spots all over Spain. And don’t forget to follow @MoxieQ and @Spain on Twitter for a chance to win some great prizes during our month-long “I Need Spain” program.

This blog sponsored by Spain Tourism Board, who also provided the items for the ‘I Need Spain’ giveaways.

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So I think I have already pretty well established that experiencing Malibu is all about “location…location…location” right? That settled then, it’s not a huge leap to accept the fact that the Malibu Beach Inn, the next door neighbor of Malibu Beach Rental Properties and the Dolphin cottage on Carbon Beach which served as my home base during my staycation vacation in the Bu, is also gifted with some pretty magnificent views in addition to a bevy of highly desirable amenities.

In fact, one of the most useful bits of information that Sue from Malibu Beach Rental Properties offered up prior to my arrival in Malibu actually involved the Malibu Beach Inn. Not only did she speak glowingly of the 47-room, David Geffen-owned property with which she shares the uber private Carbon Beach (also known as ‘Billionaire’s Beach’), she told me that many of her guests enjoyed walking a few steps down the beach to have dinner or drinks at the Malibu Beach Inn’s Carbon Beach Club during their stay and that many even liked to take advantage of the Inn’s Cure Spa which welcomes non-hotel guests with open arms. How fab does that sound eh? It is sort of  a getaway within a getaway if you will. Sounds tres, tres luxe does it not? A few hours relaxing on the beach in the sun, followed by an afternoon of pampering and then a beautiful dinner served at sunset with the ocean as the backdrop? Heaven!

Well that’s precisely what I did, sans the pampering. My indulgence of choice was instead an afternoon nap in front of the fire as the smell of the ocean filled my cottage and the sound of the crashing waves lulled me soundly to sleep. Oh the lengths I go to, to ensure that I can parrot back an authentic review for you my beloved Living Wells readers! But, alas, again I digress.

Now, fully rested and ready to continue life as a Malibu local, I dressed and, along with a friend, made the 3-minute walk from the Dolphin cottage to the elegantly subdued, but nonetheless eye-popping entrance to the Malibu Beach Inn. (For the record, I opted to take the sidewalk as opposed to the beach for the short trek because sand and the suede driving moccasins I had chosen for dinner do not good friends make. Word to the wise.)

The same sound of crashing waves we had left behind at the Dolphin, greeted us as we made our way through the lobby of the Malibu Beach Inn as the restaurant’s jovial staff led us to our waiting table on the Terrace of the Carbon Beach Club. I had specifically booked a table on the terrace at sunset because I had been told it was an extra special treat and it certainly did not disappoint. With a glass of wine in hand, the call of seagulls in the air and a brilliant sunset at our backs, within minutes of arriving on that terrace, the Los Angeles I knew once again seemed a million miles away.

I highly recommend dinner on the terrace of the Carbon Beach Club, even if you don’t stay overnight in Malibu….because it is without question one of the most (if not the most) delightful beachfront settings you can experience in Los Angeles. Not only is the Carbon Beach Club’s setting idyllic, it has a casually elegant, clubby feeling befitting its name. It is neither loud, nor is it a ‘scene’. It is instead a perfect place for folks who crave a place where they can discretely relax into a great meal and a great evening out without feeling the crush (or prying eyes) of the ‘see and be seen’ crowd.

For our meal, we opted to start with the Crab Cake, a beautiful presentation of three lightly battered mounds of delicious lump crab meat served with a bright celery root apple slaw and whole grain mustard, and a silky Tuna Tartare brought to life with lemon zest, avocado mousse and olive oil along with Arugula and tomatoes. Suffice it to say, not only could we smell the sea at our table we could taste it with every bite of both starters.

For the main course, I chose the Ancho Chili Barbecue Short Rib, which was served with fall squash, crispy shallots and, at my special request, the chef’s signature side of brussel sprouts and maple glazed bacon. It was a perfectly balanced entree that was hearty without being heavy and it was also a perfect complement to the cool Malibu evening air. Like me, my dinner companion opted for something similarly hearty in his choice of the Muscovy Duck Breast served with wild rice, figs, asparagus, chestnuts and maple thyme jus. It was also superlative.

We rounded out dinner with two forks, a sinfully, chocolaty Valrhona Brona topped with cinnamon ice cream, baileys whipped cream and satisfied expressions.

After the epicurean adventure that was dinner at the Carbon Beach Club, as we made our way back along the beach to that Dolphin cottage for a nightcap, once again I marveled at the fact that home was so physically close yet so emotionally far and relaxed ever deeper into the spirit of the staycation vacation experience. I honestly could get used to this staycation vacation gig.

Stay tuned for more updates from Living Wells in Malibu and find out more about the Carbon Beach Club and the Malibu Beach Inn at www.MalibuBeachInn.com. Also be sure to follow the Malibu Beach Inn Blog at http://blog.malibubeachinn.com/ for regular updates about special events and news about the hotel.

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Having been an Angeleno for well over a decade, Malibu itself is not new to me. In fact, the coastal Pacific Coast Highway, which runs right through the heart of Malibu, is one of my favorite escapes…especially during low-traffic hours. I’ve been to parties in Malibu, dined in some of its more notable restaurants and had more than a few cocktails at some of its favorite watering holes, though never quite as many as Mel Gibson I am almost assured. That said, the point is that I superficially knew Malibu before my “staycation vacation” adventure last week, but in many ways, my next door neighbor was a stranger that I only became familiar with when I literally moved in.

Because Malibu is all about the beach and the views, I set out to find the perfect vantage point from which to experience life in the “Bu”, as it is sometimes affectionately referred to by locals and Angelenos alike. And I found that place in one of Malibu Beach Rental Properties‘ cozy oceanfront rentals right off the PCH.

Long before I even pulled into the gate of the property I booked for my staycation getaway, I had already left much of the Los Angeles I knew so well behind. But by the time Sue, the genuinely affable owner/manager of Malibu Beach Rental Properties, greeted me upon my arrival to give me a guided tour of the two-bedroom rental, I was already lost in the miles of ocean just beyond the deck of the property and the sound of the waves crashing onto the beach directly below.

Combined with the decor of the “cottage”, which is what I would call a ‘Cape Cod charming’, the scene left me more convinced than ever that staycation vacations need not only be thought of as economical…because they can also be pretty luxuorisly fab. I mean, just 45 minutes from home and there I sat in paradise without ever boarding a plane, dealing with a security line or even thinking about baggage restrictions. Pretty genius if you asked me….all the fun of travel without the hassle…sign me up!

In addition to its pretty stunning deck, complete with gas grill, lounge chairs and umbrella shaded table and chairs, my rental, the Dolphin, featured a jacuzzi tub, just to take the experience right over the top. And, just like all three of the other vacation rentals in the 24-unit property, the Dolphin came equipped with flat screen televisions, an iPod deck, a DVD player, a fully stocked kitchen, a fireplace, tons of fresh linens and blanket and its own garage. There were even all sorts of fun toys like kayaks and boogie boards available for the exclusive use of visitors to the cottage. And did I mention that you could literally walk out the door of the cottage onto a completely private beach? No crowds, no lookie-loos…just acres and acres of ocean. Honestly there were times when I felt there was no one else around at all.

Also, unlike many vacation rentals, there is a staff on duty each day to promptly assist with any issues or needs guests might have. Beyond that Sue, the owner, is always just a phone call away and so clearly committed to making sure her guests have the best possible stay, that she even dropped off a fresh bag of coffee for me when it occurred to her there might not have been enough in my cottage (coincidentally, there was plenty).

In addition to the Dolphin, Malibu Beach Rental Properties also offers the two-bedroom Orca penthouse and the one-bedroom Seal and Stingray units, all of which have those same fabulous decks and views in addition to all of the above.

Who says you have to travel to getaway? Sometimes all you need to do to escape is to change your view and Malibu Beach Rental Properties offer just that. Find out more about Malibu Beach Rental Properties.

Stay tuned for more Living Wells in Malibu and beyond!!

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