Archive for March, 2021

Best US National Parks

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021

It can be no surprise that for a country so vast, America is home to some 423 national parks spread out amongst 84 million acres of land.

Perfect for a fleeting visit or longer, these parks encompass protected wildlife, diverse ecosystems and protected geological features, with stunning scenery to soak up. Best of all, many of these spaces can be visited for a day trip from the comfort of your luxury villa rental, making them easy to visit at short notice.

Here’s just a few of them:

Aspen
For lovers of the great outdoors, Aspen National Park is one of the many great escapes the city has to offer. Here you can find majestic views and snow-capped mountain tops, which always feel tranquil and quiet, despite the 4.6 million annual visitors it attracts.

The ever-changing scenery adjusts to the changing seasons, making fall a great time to visit. Trails, rivers and lakes sparkle in the light, best enjoyed in the Bear Lake Road region, near Trail Ridge Road – a great viewing point. As day turns to night, head back to your Aspen villa to soak up a different kind of fireplace view as you unwind from your travels.

Miami
The diverse and exotic surroundings of Florida make it a unique and exciting destination.

Zip through boggy marshes and uninterrupted wetlands at the world-famous Everglades by speed boat – it’s the only way to visit. This National Park is home to thousands of wild species and animals, that make it a year-round favourite attraction.

Biscayne National Park is another favourite attraction, near to all the luxury Miami villas in the area. With 95% of the park covered in water, expect to marvel at coral reef and incredible water life.

California
Far from the bright lights and city limits of Los Angeles, the dusty dessert of Joshua Tree National Park shows another side of this famous state. A celebration of plants and animals, the harsh terrain is home to geological features that you can spend days exploring. There’s plenty to do too, including; rock climbing, camping, hiking and photography.

Named after the ‘Yucca Brevifolia’ aka ‘the Joshua Tree’ it’s a haven for tourists capturing amazing photographs and getting back to nature.

Arizona
Just five hours from Joshua National Tree Park, add the Grand Canyon to your road trip schedule, or better still choose a villa rental between the two to enjoy the best of both worlds. This National Park might just be one of the most famous in all of the country, known for its vast space, red rocks and meteor-like craters that never fail to impress. There is so much to uncover and discover here, that it’s impossible to list them all, but Yavapai Observation Station and Desert View Watchtower are some of the best viewing points.

Montana
There are 26 mind-blowing glaciers to visit at Glacier national park, in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. Bordering Canada, this scenic destination is breathtaking to witness in all its glory with white-capped mountains and turquoise lakes below. But mind how you go, as it’s also home to grizzly bears and a wolf population – worth noting before you take a hike!

When it comes to booking your next trip, visit Villazzo for all the best luxury villa rentals.

The Many Museums of Miami

Tuesday, March 9th, 2021

The cultural scene in Miami is well-known and established, particularly in the art world, with famous events like Art Basel taking place annually. However, its reputation as a destination for museums is now starting to blossom, in no small part to international events showing the city off to a world-stage.

With a discerning clientele and tourists gracing its luxury villa rentals, there are more museums than ever before to enjoy.

So, if you’re planning a visit to the Sunshine State, why not check out these seven excellent museums during your stay.

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
If you’re intrigued by the many luxury vacation homes in Miami, then set some time aside for the Vizcaya Museum. This stunning estate of James Deering gives a glimpse into some of the inspiration behind the decadence and opulence seen in Miami real estate. The gardens were developed to help preserve the natural habitat, and remain beautifully kept for all to enjoy.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Undoubtedly one of the most talked about museums of recent times, the Frost Museum of Science is one that all the family can enjoy. Interactive, fun and fascinating, the state-of-the-art technology brings its teachings to life, including an awe-inspiring planetarium.

The Institute of Contemporary Art
This new build was opened in 2017 and attracts crowds from far and wide. Yes, there’s plenty of world-famous artworks here, including names such as Pablo Picasso and Julian Schnabel. But equally, there’s a number of exhibits to enlighten and expand the mind. Be sure to add it this world-class venue to your Miami museum bucket list.

Miami Children’s Museum
Take note, this is one of the biggest kids museums in the country, with 14 galleries loaded with interactive activities. You can lose a whole day here, making it a great activity when you’re ready to leave your luxury Miami villa.

Here the little ones will learn around the world all around them, from the oceans to space, and all that’s in between. That also includes a giant piano like the one in the movie ‘Big’ that the grown-ups will definitely enjoy! In short, it has all the ingredients for the perfect family day out.

World Erotic Art Museum
You can always count on Miami to bring a touch of quirky and sass to proceedings. It’s no surprise then, that the World Erotic Art museum is housed here. Far from seedy, there is an impressive collection of over 4,000 historic works throughout, ranging from photographs to sculpting’s. Some works even date back as far as 300 BCE. That all said be sure to bring your camera for the centrepiece – a six-foot penis statue!

History Museum, Miami
The city can thank its colourful past for the luxury amenities, high-end restaurants and luxury Miami villa rentals it boasts today. A great place to learn about all these is the History Museum located downtown. Here you will learn more about how the city came to be the bustling hotspot it is today. It spans the archives back 12,000 years, covering major moments from the Native American settlement through to World War II, and the Art-deco movement. With plenty of memorabilia and historical objects to view, it’s definitely one for the culture vultures.

Jewish Museum of Florida
Miami has a proud Jewish past and present, celebrated in this important museum. There’s over 100,000 artefacts to pour over, curated over the years from the many Jewish immigrants local to the area. It provides a fascinating dip into the local history and how Jewish life in Florida has evolved, grown and been shaped over the past two decades.

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