Banish The Blahs With A Dutch Flower Show
For some avid gardeners, the Canadian spring flower shows just aren’t enough to tide them over until their own gardens spring back to life. If that sounds like you, perhaps it’s time to join thousands of visitors from all over the world in welcoming spring at Holland’s Keukenhof Gardens. The gates will open on these renowned spring gardens on March 18th. The 80-acre park with 15 kilometres of footpaths is located an hour from Amsterdam and will once again be resplendent with millions of tulips, narcissus, hyacinths and other bulb flowers.
For 2010, the Keukenhof and Russia have joined forces to create the garden theme “From Russia with Love.” The centrepiece of the exhibit is an enormous mosaic of Moscow’s famous Saint Basil’s Cathedral, created from 65,000 flower bulbs. Other Russian content will include an exhibition of landscape paintings, a Russian-inspired garden and Russian wildlife in the children’s play area.
As well, the Juliana pavilion at the gardens will feature an exhibition titled Gone WithThe Wind, focusing on the highlights of Dutch fashion.
Keukenhof is open this year from March 18th through May 16th. Tickets are about $20 for adults, $10 for children. You can purchase them online.
Your Private Bahamian Island Awaits
Most people have dreamed of spending time on a private, sun-kissed island surrounded by warm waters and bordered by white sands. It’s not an impossible dream, but for most it’s not an affordable one. But if you can get 11 other friends and family together, a private island holiday in the Bahamas just might be possible this spring.
Little Whale Cay is a 93-acre island described as a ‘family paradise.’ An easy flight from Nassau, Ft. Lauderdale or Miami, the island offers accommodations for up to 12 guests in three luxury villas, amenities including an expansive main beach, marina, spa facilities, gym, sea-view infinity pool, tennis court and a selection of boats for skiing, sailing, fishing or cruising to small neighbouring islands. There’s even a chapel on the island.
Little Whale was developed in the 1930’s by an early pioneer in the Bahamas. The three houses are air conditioned and feature 21st century amenities including WiFi broadband satellite internet, telephone facilities, satellite television and Bose iPod docking systems. All meals are prepared by a private chef.
The island is owned by a family, and family activities are part of the fun, including a scavenger hunt for the kids. Young people are also thrilled by Little Whale’s population of flamingos and peacocks. Parents can enjoy down-time on boat and fishing excursions, taking spa treatments and having meals served poolside. The proprietors promise no hotel rules or unforeseen extras.
With spring discounts, the island is on sale for $9,025 per day for up to 12 with a minimum 5-night stay in March and April. That works out to $3760 per person for a five-night vacation on a private island including accommodations, food, drinks and the use of all island facilities, boats, telephone calls and Internet connection. Reservation information can be found here.
Photo Credits: keukenhof.nl, littlewhalecay.com