Recently, TravelingMamas.com as a collective visited Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama to assess the current oil spill situation at this tourist destination. We not only found beautiful beaches begging for visitors, but we also discovered a new favorite luxury resort along the Gulf Coast – Turquoise Place.

Turquoise Place offered to host our entire group in one condominium unit. We were housed in an ultra luxury four bedroom condo. The property is owned and managed by Spectrum Resorts and runs the condo facility like a hotel. I arrived first, along with my mother. When I drove up to the towering structure, I felt like Dorothy entering the Emerald City (well, the Turquoise City). The property has covered parking and loads of amenities. Here’s my take on the property and the unit we stayed in – 2101.

Unit 2101 Living Areas: This four bedroom, 4 1/2 bath condo is an end unit located on the 21st floor. It has two balconies, with one very large wraparound balcony with hot tub, grill, lounge and dining area. It overlooks both the Gulf and the Bay. The kitchen offers plenty of space and gadgets for the gourmet cook, including a restaurant grade refridgerator, two dishwashers, and a curved granit topped bar counter with seating for six. The coffee maker uses cone filters and there is an electric coffee grinder for fresh coffee. The dining area seats six and the living area is a contemporary casual decor with the latest electronics and a sleeper sofa. A wet bar offers wine cooler and ice maker. A wash room in the unit is large and offers the newest appliances in front loading washer/dryers.

Unit 2101 Sleeping Areas: The bedrooms are in a split layout with three bedrooms sharing a bay view balcony. Each one has its own full bath and large closet space. The master bedroom includes bed, sitting area, and desk. The master bathroom is larger than the bedroom, with oversized Jacuzzi tub for two (or maybe four) and large walk-in shower. There is a dressing area, double sinks, and the toilet area is Euro-friendly with bidet. The master closet is big enough to pitch a few tents in.

Common Areas: This property has workout facilities, three pools (one salt water, one regular, one indoor), a lazy river, steam room, sauna, onsite spa, tiki bar, and of course the beach. There is an outdoor play area for the little ones near the lazy river and a slide at the indoor pool. There are also meeting spaces and there was even a wedding going on during our stay.

Other Amenities: There was wifi in our condo. Parking is covered and there is 24 hour security at the entrance. The concierge service will have groceries waiting for you in your condo if you give them one week’s notice prior to your visit. There is a beach chair rental service.

Location: Turquoise Place is located on the eastern side of Orange Beach and Perdido Pass can be seen from the resort. It is close enough to Gulf Shores and area attractions and restaurants, yet far enough away for peace and quiet while listening to the waves crash on the shore.

Pros: This condo style facility has the conveniences and space of home while being set in a beautiful location. Do a bit of grocery shopping beforehand and you never have to leave unless you really want to.

Cons: There is no property shuttle and taxi service can be very slow and expensive. While we did have wifi in our unit, only my netbook would connect (the other mamas had connection issues). No onsite restaurant, but I hear that’s in the works, as well as shuttle service.

Great For: Family vacations, girlfriend getaways, couples trips, multi-family travel, grandcations.

My Mama Moment: I had two moments. One was sitting on the balcony sipping my favorite coffee and listening to the waves crash. The other was floating in the indoor pool, listening to the music that can only be heard underwater.

Special thanks to Spectrum Resorts for hosting our lodging and the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau for inviting us to experience their destination. I’ve personally stayed in many lodging properties along the Gulf Coast and can confidently state that this is one of the most luxurious condo facilities in the Orange Beach area.

Orange Beach

Los Cabos. The name fits the destination. Simple. Relaxing. Romantic. Translated, it means the capes and takes its name from three capes: Cabo san Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and Cabo del Este. These capes lie at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the world’s longest peninsula and is a wonderful choice for a romantic escape or girlfriend getaway. Families are also welcome at this destination, but I would prefer to visit sans kids.

This is where romance is as passionate as Lover’s Beach, a place at the tip of the Baja Peninsula at El Arco, where the sand is only revealed once every six years. This is where the Sea of Cortez mixes with the Pacific Ocean, in a blend of senses. Some couples wait to be married until Lover’s Beach is revealed under the famous arches of Cabo san Lucas.

I was fortunate enough to visit the area, lodging outside of the city, in an area called The Corridor. It’s an 18 mile stretch of beach between Cabo san Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The flight into Cabo was uneventful and I was the first to get through customs because I only had a carry-on. I was being host by the Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort, who had arranged for an airport pickup. A thing to know before going is that the time-share solicitors will try to trick you into telling you they are your ride. A savvy traveler will know that their driver is not allowed inside the airport and will be waiting with a sign outside the glass doors.

The dramatic drive though The Corridor sets Cabo apart from other beachside retreats. On one side of the road you can’t miss the mountains and rocky hillsides. On the other side, you glimpse the shore, the turquoise waters, and of all things, the cacti on the beach. If you are fortunate enough to visit Cabo in the winter, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic whale.

Lodging
The Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort was not what I expected and was my first experience at a resort-style Hilton Hotel. The entrance was fabulously massive with marble floors throughout the entire property. My room was a junior beachside suite and included a soaking spa tub with marble shower, a sitting room, plush bed, and relaxing patio area overlooking the beach. I felt like a princess in a beachside fairy tale.

The resort is self contained and couples can spend time here without having to leave. The infinity pool is the main pool located near the whale watching area with towel service provided and numerous beach chairs for sunbathers. The beach is just below and is accessible by a pathway of landscaped concrete making it easy for those of all abilities to enjoy the beach. Snorkeling and other water activities are available onsite by a private vendor. Note: The hotel has experienced a renovation since my visit.

Nightlife
Although there is no need to leave the resort, there are many nightlife options available in Cabo san Lucas. My group took a sunset cruise on the Caborey which offers dining and entertainment. The drinks were free-flowing as the ship cruised past El Arco at sunset. This is definitely a romantic kissing moment for those on a romantic escape. As the sun was setting, I could barely make out one of Madonna’s homes, set on an Oceanside cliff. Then it was time to step inside the cabin for dinner and a show.

After the sunset cruise, my companions and I hit the nightlife of Cabo. We headed first to Cabo Wabo Cantina, known for wild times and crazy parties with Sammy Hagar and his friends, such as Kenny Chesney (hello, my favorite singer), Nickelback, and Smash Mouth. Cabo Wabo was closed for a Cuban Jazz Festival that night. With heads drooping in disappointment, we walked across the street to a little place called, The Giggling Marlin.

What a blast! This is a cheesy, touristy bar that made me crack up laughing when the waiters busted out dance moves to “Macho Man.” If you need to spice up your life, get one of the waiters to pull you on the dance floor where you can salsa the night away. One of the main attractions of this fine establishment is getting Hung upside down like a Marlin. Imagine that your feet are tied up and pulled towards the ceiling for a shot of tequila. (Tip: Don’t wear a skirt to the Giggling Marlin)

I don’t remember what time we left, but there are memories of a conga line with tequila. Fortunately, the cab fare back to the hotel was not as expensive as I thought it would be.

Day Trip
A day trip on any vacation is a good way to experience the surrounding areas. We went to Todos Santos, an small community located about an hour’s drive north of Cabo san Lucas. Todos Santos is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and is one of the only places in the world where Mangos are in season twice a year.

Along the desert highway, you can glimpse the area where Troy was filmed. Once arriving in the town, I visited a local contemporary artist, Gabo. I purchased a small canvas of his work to take home (which now hangs in my office). As I walked the streets shopping, I had to stop and look again. There, across the street, was Hotel California. Could it be THE Hotel California? Locals say it is, but Don Henley denies the rumor.

Spa
The day was pleasant, but I was ready for some true relaxation. I enjoyed a massage at the Hilton Los Cabos Spa. The spa was well appointed with a separate area for men and women. Couple’s treatments are available, as well. After an hour of pampering, I took my jellied self back to my room and sat on the patio to read. I listened to the waves splashing along the beach as they crashed on the shore, only to be sucked back into the Sea of Cortez to repeat nature’s process. What a way to end a visit.

Sevierville, TN is a destination conveniently located near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It’s a fantastic place for family travel, romantic escapes, and even girlfriend getaways. I love this area and experienced a girlfriend getaway itinerary to help you plan a great trip with a group of your friends. Each place included in the itinerary has been personally visited and approved for TravelingMamas.com readers. Feel free to print this out or save it for personal use and trip planning. The most important part? Be sure to have fun and enjoy some time with your friends!

Evening of Arrival

Dinner at Chop House

Day 1

Breakfast at Applewood Farmhouse Grill followed by a tour of the Apple Barn Complex. Take some time in the morning to shop at Five Oaks Tanger Outlet Center and play a morning round of mini golf at Old MacDonald’s Mini Golf. A light apres mini golf lunch can be found in the complex at Country Ritz. The girls just might need a little afternoon relaxation, so head on over to Utopia Day Spa for a waterside outdoor massage. Enjoy dinner and a show, Dolly-style, at Dixie Stampede where  you’ll either cheer for the North or the South. If you still have some energy left, enjoy a few hours at the NASCAR SpeedPark and race your friends in NEXTEL Cup style cars.

Day 2

Start the morning with breakfast at Flapjacks and then opt for some scrapbooking time at Scrapbook Superstore. Spend the rest of your morning exploring Historic Downtown Sevierville and all the neat little shops in the area. Be sure to get a Girlfriend Getaway group picture in front of the Dolly Parton statue in the town square. A great stop for lunch is Damon’s Grill for a char-grilled meal. All that shopping means it’s time for another girlfriend afternoon at The Spa at Oak Haven. Be sure to check out The Great China Circus before enjoying an evening meal at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant.

Day 3

Stop for a quick to-go breakfast that you can enjoy on the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is located at the entrance and offers a walk through nature museum and film about the park. Arrange for a step-on guide and local storyteller for girlfriend story time of the amazing women who are part of the park’s history. Spend your afternoon catching some shows and thrill rides at Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s 118-acre Smoky Mountain escape. In the evening freshen up at your hotel before enjoying a fantastic meal at Taulbee’s, located in the Sevierville Bus Stop, yet serves some of the finest meals in the area. Be sure to toast to your girlfriends and a wonderful getaway at the end of the evening.

Day of Departure

If you have time, enjoy breakfast together and say a parting good-bye to your girlfriends. Have a safe trip back home!

Where to Stay

There are so many places to choose from in the Sevierville area. I’ve stayed at the Resort at Governor’s Crossing, which offered some personal space while traveling with a group. More intimate groups may want to rent one of the many cabins available either through HomeAway.com, VRBO.com, or a reputable cabin rental company.

How to Get There

Most visitors opt to drive to this destination, but if it is more convenient to fly, be sure to book your flight into Knoxville Airport. Sevierville is a bit too far for a taxi, but you can rent a car or get one of your gal pals to pick you up for your getaway.

I’ve been searching for the perfect camera bag that is not only functional for my gear, but also stylish. I’m sooooo over the “bonus camera gear” bag that’s been included with my past two camera purchases. They were black and “blah” and bulky too. Sure, they protect and hold a good bit, but a mama has to look good when she’s traveling.

Fortunately, jill-e designs answered my plea and that of many other women by offering stylish protective camera bags with fashion and flair. The company sent me their small pink patent leather camera bag to test out, and boy have I put this thing through the ringer. I’m tough on bags and wanted to make sure it would pass the CajunMama test. I took this bag to Montreal and I took it to the Mardi Gras Experience in New Orleans. One was an air trip while the other was a road trip and the jill-e small camera bag passed.

In this bag I was able to pack a Canon Rebel SLR with extra zoom lens, accessories, Flip Ultra Video, a mini power strip, and phone charger. The side pocket was the perfect place for my passport and it even includes a change wallet for some airport spending money. I’m sure I could fit a good bit more into the jill-e bag if I put my mind to it. This isn’t just a camera bag – it could also be a general travel gear bag or small diaper bag.

Functionality and equipment protection is important when traveling, but with the added elements of fashion and all-around fabulousness (yes, I said fabulousness) this pink patent leather package with brown leather croc trim is just what I was looking for in a travel bag. That’s why the jill-e small camera bag is On the Move Approved.

The jill-e small camera bag retails for $169.99 which is a competitive price for a professional camera bag – and it’s super cute! Even if you aren’t a photographer, the padded velcro sections are great for organizing your travel gear. The company offers many other bags in various colors and sizes, even for guys (JACK). The jill-e small camera bag would make a great gift for Mother’s Day or a Traveling Mama’s birthday. Maybe my kids will get me the large bag, which is big enough to act as a weekender (hint, hint).

Want to win your own jill-e pink patent leather small camera bag? You can get up to three entries by doing the following: 1) Leave a comment on this post stating where you’d take your jill-e bag and what you’d pack in it. 2) Fan jill-e and Jack bags on Facebook and leave a different comment on this post stating you’re a fan. 3) On twitter, retweet this contest through the retweet button at the top of this post and leave another comment letting us know you tweeted.

That’s it! Contest ends March 9, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST with winner being announced sometime on March 10. We’ll contact the randomly picked winner by email and they will have three days to respond with a mailing address or prize will be forfeit and awarded to a secondary winner. review product and prize provided by company. US entries only, please.

Winner Update: Congrats to DianeD who is now a Jill-e Facebook Fan!

Located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria offers a taste of how life used to be. This charming and intimate town offers the perfect location for a romantic getaway. Its strong British influence is all things romantic with its gardens, afternoon tea and antique shops. Victoria also offers golf for those in search of the greens, award winning restaurants and art galleries galore. Surprisingly, its nightlife is alive all year round.

Many visitors know of The Fairmont Empress Hotel and its Tea Lobby. This is a well-known attraction, but since I didn’t actually experience either this particular property or their tea, I can’t give you any advice. I did however, enjoy the art, shopping, gardens and other romantic places that are available in this entertaining and well kept city. The Fairmont is gorgeous and definitely a place I’d like to check out if I get a chance to return.

Lodging – The Magnolia Hotel and Spa is centrally located within walking distance to many attractions in the area. It offers an onsite Aveda Concept Salon and is within walking distance to many shops. This lodging offers amenities that other hotels should take note of. The rooms are English décor with nightly turndown service and the best bathroom amenities I have ever encountered. It was a relaxing retreat after my journey and helped to calm the mind in a delicate, yet sensuous way. The baths offer separate tub and shower combos, complete with Aveda bath products, bath tablets to soften the skin, and many other personal items. It was a pleasure to enjoy such lodgings. Don’t tell, but I snuck by the maid cart and swiped a few extra bath tablets!
http://magnoliahotel.com

Spa – The onsite spa is where I experienced a delightful and most relaxing facial. The atmosphere of the spa was quiet and calming with a sense of peace. I received not only care for my face, but also an arm and leg massage. The Spa Magnolia is a restful and peaceful setting in which guests are pampered and catered to and every detail matters.

Flowers -  For those romantics wishing to go out into the world of Victoria, The Butchart Gardens offer packages where couples fly into the property on a float plane to enjoy the magical gardens and afternoon tea or a romantic dinner. A limousine can be arranged to return the lovers to the Magnolia Hotel. I took a stroll through the gardens and gasped when I walked near the edge of one certain area and ended up exploring a place that made me think I was in Rivendale.
http://butchartgardens.com

Wine – Another spot for romantics is Marley Farms which now offers picnics in its vineyards for those wishing to sample a bottle of its wonderful fruit wines. Couples can also venture into Oak Bay for antiquing and art galleries while enjoying a meal at the Penning Farthing Pub.
http://marleyfarm.ca

Victoria, BC is a must-see destination for romantics of all levels. For more information, visit http://tourismvictoria.com.

Have you ever heard of a Nordic Spa? I’ve found that they are very popular in Canada’s Quebec Province. Last year I checked out a Nordic spa near Quebec’s Ice Hotel and it was a screamer. This year, I found an indoor spa in downtown Montreal right around the corner from Le Petit Hotel on Rue Saint-Paul E.

Nordic spas are also called thermal spas and treatment includes a series of visits at different areas. The first part opens the pores and starts with choice of a 10-15 minute visit to thermal bath, eucalyptus steam room, or Finnish sauna. The second step is the closing of the pores, which can be through a soak in the cold plunge pool or ice cold shower. The final step is relaxation for another 10-15 minutes. To get the full therapeutic effect, this process should be completed three times.

A day pass to a Nordic spa is an inexpensive way to relax while on vacation. The cost can vary but is usually less than $50. Most Nordic spas also offer other services which should be booked in advanced and require an additional fee. Be sure to pack along sandals or Crocs and a robe. Robes are usually available for an extra fee.

In this short educational video, I will take you through the process of a Nordic Spa experience in an indoor facility.

Special thanks to Galavanting Gal Kim Mance for pressing the red button on my Flip and to Tourisme Montreal for hosting our visit.

Bell Buckle, TN is a charming little town set amidst the Tennessee Walking Horse farm area. I visited there while antique shopping with my family and found some great bargains, as well as nostalgia. It makes a great stop for families, couples, or travelers just wanting to explore.

The main building of Bell Buckle’s antique district was purchased for $750. This included all of the contents, which were WWII era. The owner, Mr. Phillips, refurbished the building and opened Phillips General Store and Antiques. The General Store offers antiques and gifts, but if you look above, the orginal items that were in the store hang as a memorial to a bygone time, where women wore dresses and men dressed up to go to “town”. Around the corner is Bluebird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor that offers homemade fudge by the pound and hand-dipped ice cream in delicious waffle cones. They are all served up at the original ice cream and soda counter. An interesting fact about the place: the Ice Cream Parlor was voted Tennessee’s Ice Cream Shop of the Year. They also offer a special flavor, White Chocolate Raspberry that is made just for the shop.

I walked through downtown and admired the handmade crafts and the Southern Hospitality. I even went into the Bell Buckle Antique Mall and found out that it is owned and operated by the mayor at the time.

The kids were getting hungry, so we stopped in at the Bell Buckle Cafe to get some lunch. Every Friday and Saturday evening they offer live music with no admission charge and Thursday is songwriters’ night. This is where some of the great country music artists get their start. The ostrich burger and white chili was pretty good too. Get there early if you want a table on the weekends.

Bell Buckle was a charming weekend retreat and I am planning on visiting again to do some shopping. I may even visit for one of the annual festivals that they celebrate.

Festivals

March – Daffodil Day Celebration of Spring and Arbor Day
May - Mayfest Outdoor Tribute to Music Motorcycle Day
June – RC and MoonPie Festival A Celebration of one of the South’s Finest Traditions, Moonpies and an RC Cola
September – Quilt Walk A Walking tour of Bell Buckle. View a display of quilts at churches and in homes
October – Webb School Art and Craft Festival The #1 Arts and Crafts Show in Tennessee
December – Christmas in Bell Buckle Lights and old-fashioned wreaths decorate the town.

Where to Stay

Mingle House Bed and Breakfast – A Victorian house that serves up a coutry-style breakfast. 931.389.9453 (recent traveler has slideshow available)  No longer open.

Arrowlet Bed and Breakfast - Located 2 blocks from the Antique District.

The Cumberland House – A new, upscale Bed and Breakfast on Cumberland Street. 931.389.9223 (couldn’t find web listing)

Main Street Inn – Located in Wartrace, TN this B&B has a fantastic breakfast.

How to Get There

Interstate I-24
Exit 97, between Murfreesboro and
Manchester, Hwy 64 to Hwy 82

Interstate 40
Near Lebanon, I-840 to I-24 to
Hwy 231 to Shelbyville, to Hwy 82

Interstate 65
Exit at Cornersville to Lewisburg,
to Shelbyville, to Hwy 231 to Hwy 82

If you can’t get enough of the area, you can visit nearby Shelbyville, TN or Lynchburg, TN. Lynchburg is the home of the famous Jack Daniels Distillery. Bell Buckle also makes a great family day trip from Nashville, TN or Huntsville, AL areas. For more information, visit the Bell Buckle Chamber Website.

Have you ever wanted to sleep where the Beatles slept? During a solo visit to the UK I came across an interesting hotel, The Antrobus Arms, which offers lodging where the Beatles once stayed. I was searching for a place that wouldn’t beggar me with the exchange rate, yet was near to my friend, Keith Kellett, whom I was visiting in Amesbury.

Old Auntie, as the locals call the place, is a 17th Century coaching inn set near Stonehenge and Woodhenge. Not only does the place have history, but it is also where the Fab 4 stayed while filming “Help” on the Salisbury Plain. In fact, the garden area was also the setting for a few “Miss Marples” episodes. Of course, which room did I book, but The Beatles room. My mother was already jealous of my visit to the UK, but she became downright irate when she found out I would be sleeping where Macca slept. It seems that as a teen, she collected every Beatles trading card and Paul McCartney was her fave.

The building is old and a little worn, but still retains its charm. I did check out reviews of the place to see what other travelers had to say online. There were some complaints, but I kept in mind that it was the most affordable lodging in the area and also, well, it was old.

The Beatles Room was pretty cool, with a black and white theme. Photos of the group were placed throughout and the bed was super large and comfy. The floors were creaky as this room is located just above the lobby. I gasped when I stepped into the bathroom, not from horror, but of the various pictures of the Beatles staring at me from the walls. They were plastered with lyrics, newspaper clippings, and collectibles of all things Beatles.

There is a hotel restaurant and lobby bar, but while I was in residence for the night, it was also the city council meeting, which is held at the hotel. I stepped next door to The Kings Arms, which was empty except for me and one other patron. I sat down at booth, ordered a pint of Guinness and asked the server what was the cook’s favorite thing on the menu. The Steak and Ale was the meal of choice, and my American mind chuckled inside, since this was the first time I’d ever had the real deal. I had always thought Steak and Ale was a chain restaurant.

The steamy dish was placed in front of me, topped with a flaky pastry crust. I raised the fork to my lips and had a taste of Heaven. Who knew that in an empty little pub on an afternoon that I would taste such a delicious meal?

You can’t get much more British than this: Beatles, Miss Marples, Stonehenge, Steak and Ale. I sighed in contentment as I had the last sip of my Guinness and scraped the bottom of my dish. The only thing that could complete the evening would be a pot of tea and a hot shower before crawling into bed to rest up for a day of ancient archaeological exploration with Keith Kellett.

I enjoyed that shower immensely, entertaining myself by singing “Paperback Writer” at the top of my lungs. When I turned the shower off, I stopped singing, only to be surprised at Yoko Ono staring at me from the wall and the realization that I could hear everything below me at the lobby desk. I could hear a few people below singing back at me, “Paperback Writer” and laughing.

All I could do was crawl into bed laughing and stare at the pictures of The Beatles surrounding me, knowing that they would be there in the morning when I woke up.

I’m so excited about seeing all the other Mamas today at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino that I went to check out Marriott’s new forum for rewards members to find what great things there are to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. One member, CorpTraveler, says, “We were referred to a local Puerto Rican restaurant on Tapia Ave. in San Juan. La Casita Blanca was one of the most enjoyable experiences in nearly three years of travel to the island.  Genuine home cooking, and a gracious host. Located in a seldom visited area of San Juan, it was safe, and parking was available.”

This is just one of the many tips you can pick up on Marriott Rewards Insiders, where members share candid travel advice and informed opinions about the rewards program, along with their intimate knowledge of the Marriott family of hotels and resorts.

To celebrate the launch of the Marriott website and our annual girlfriend getaway to the San Juan Marriott Resort &  Stellaris Casino, we’ve teamed up with Marriott to offer one lucky Traveling Mamas reader a Marriott $100 gift card to put towards your stay at any Marriott property!  To enter, simply leave your favorite travel tip in the comments section below. (We also highly suggest you share your travel knowledge with the folks at the Marriott Rewards Insiders forum, too!)

Contest ends Tuesday, March 31, at midnight (EST). We’ll announce the winner on Winning Wednesday. Normal TravelingMamas.com contest rules apply (US Citizen, none of our mothers can enter, etc)

Good luck and feel free to leave tips about San Juan that we can use during our stay this week. We’re still searching for local restaurants to sample and where to find the hottest spots to dance the night away – hey, no kids to worry about on this trip! We’ll be livin’ la vida loca…

I’m currently hiding out at Eagle Island, GA, a private island located in the inner coastal area of Georgia. This is a unique destination where all your worries and cares can be left behind. As I’m typing this, there is a bald eagle staring at me from her little hideaway in a tree above me. Whatever your reason for a visit, be it a romantic getaway, a family reunion, or just a place for all your friends to gather, you’ll find this a place to reconnect with nature and your companions.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive beach resort with 24 hour room service, you should look elsewhere, but if you want to bring your heart rate real low, visit Private Islands of Georgia.

Here’s a video I put together of how to get to Eagle Island and the natural setting of this wonderful retreat.

If you can’t see the video, the direct link is on the Traveling Mamas YouTube Page. I can’t wait to come back to Eagle Island and share it with my family on our travels, or even with the other mamas on a girlfriend getaway.