Courtesy of Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

Summertime is one of the most popular seasons for families to visit Cape Cod to soak in its natural beauty while enjoying miles of pristine coastline, seafood shacks, and picture-perfect lighthouses. After the crowds have dissipated and the leaves start turning, those in the know start planning the perfect getaway to this color-filled seaside destination.

One of the best spots to revel in fall splendor is Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club.

Located in Brewster overlooking Cape Cod Bay, the 342-room resort offers a variety of guest rooms and suites found throughout the main Nickerson Mansion, Villas, and Villages. With 429 enormous acres to explore, getting around the property is easy thanks to a complimentary shuttle bus that operates Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Courtesy of Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

When it comes to booking a stay here, The Villages at Ocean Edge are designed for the entire family and offer every amenity you might expect to find in a condo-style stay.

The pet-friendly, one-bedroom Arbor Villa features a fully stocked kitchen with full-size appliances, a living area with stackable washer/dryer and access to a private terrace offering stunning golf course views.

Courtesy of Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

The 122 guest accommodations ranging in size and style on The Mansion side offer the most luxurious stays between the 90 found at the Nickerson Mansion and 32 located at the Presidential Bay Collection Villas.

For larger gatherings, a three-bedroom, multi-level townhouse offers 1,400 square feet of updated space with modern kitchen, spacious living room with fireplace, and several terraces to soak in the views. A two-bedroom villa located just a short walk from the beach has cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace, and full kitchen.

Courtesy of Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

One of the most impressive amenities found here is their recently added bespoke menu of high-end experiences. Designed exclusively for guests staying on the Mansion side of the resort in the Presidential Bay Collection Villas, the menu of private in-room experiences include:

Chef Menu (curated by Executive Chef Philip Flath to include everything from Brewster Oysters and seared Georges Bank scallops to rosemary peppercorn crusted beef tenderloin, chocolate Pots du Crème, and strawberry shortcake offered with optional wine pairings)

Sound Bath (Guests can enjoy an hour of this ancient meditative practice from the comfort of your own villa)

Champagne Tasting & Food Pairing (Featuring Henri Giraud Dame Jane Brut Rose, Charles Heidseck Blanc de Blanc, Champagne Autreau De Champillon Premiere Cru Extra Brut, and Nomine Renard Brut)

Oyster Experience (Featuring champagne and mocktail options, an educational component, and menu tastings)

Chef Fondue Experience (Featuring classic Gruyere cheese fondue, meat and seafood fondue, and dark chocolate fondue)

Courtesy of Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

There is so much to do here that you won’t ever need to leave, even if you book a weeklong stay.

For the outdoor enthusiast, you can reserve a kayak or standup paddle board, take a bike for a cruise along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, book a tee time on Cape Cod’s only 18-hole Nicklaus Design golf course, or play a round of tennis on one of their nine courts.

The resort also hosts beach yoga and fitness classes, weather permitting.

Courtesy of Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

If lounging by the pool is more your speed, there are plenty of options when it comes to relaxing.

The lower Cape property boasts 700 feet of private beach designed for exploring, not to mention a playground for little ones and a picnic area designed for all ages to enjoy the outdoors. Guests also have complimentary access to the fully equipped fitness center along with indoor and outdoor pools.

For the ultimate in relaxation, book a signature massage, hydrating facial, or a total wellness body ritual at the on-site The Beach House Spa.

Courtesy of Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

When it comes to dining, there are several options to choose from. Ocean Terrace is their signature restaurant located in The Mansion. Offering alfresco dining overlooking Cape Cod Bay, the upscale restaurant offers a cozy spot where you can warm up with a bowl of creamy clam chowder or sample some New England classics like a fresh lobster roll, Chatham mussels, and crabmeat crusted haddock.

The Roscommon Room is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cozy wood-paneled dining room has a wood-burning fireplace and large bar. Breakfast standouts here are the hearty Hearthside Breakfast with North Country Smokehouse’s maple sausage, breakfast potatoes, and eggs served any way; and Eggs Benedict topped with Hollandaise sauce accompanied by a side of crispy Canadian bacon.

Bayzo’s Pub located on the lower level of The Mansion is a great spot for a casual lunch or hearty dinner in an English-style tavern.

Offering seasonal live music, the laid-back eatery with exposed stone walls and four flat screen TVs is an ideal spot for catching a game. Nosh on creative starters like their beer cheese dip served with soft pretzel bites, or an order of hot honey chicken wings accompanied by blue cheese sauce for dipping. Be sure to save room for their famous Pub Burger served with Guinness glaze topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion jam, crispy onions, crispy bacon, and melted Vermont cheddar cheese served on a brioche roll accompanied by shoestring fries. Trust us, it’s as good as it sounds.

Bayzo’s also offers a nice selection of elevated pub fare, including Butternut Squash Risotto, Shepherd’s Pie with braised beef short rib, and Sirloin Steak Frites with onion confit and herbed mushrooms.

Another fun spot to enjoy alfresco lunch on one of two outdoor patios overlooking the first tee or a cold beer after an 18-hole round of golf is Linx Tavern.

Nestled in the Ocean Edge Villages golf course clubhouse, the restaurant offers an approachable menu featuring shareable dishes like butternut squash hummus, charred broccolini, or prosciutto flatbread.

If you prefer to stay in during game day, order up some appetizers (think Buffalo wings, a New England cheese plate, and cheesy chili dip) at Linx Tavern and take them back to your room to enjoy.

Courtesy of Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club

During the warmer months, the Beach Bar found on the Mansion side is open seasonally for snacks and drinks.

In the summer, The Front Lawn also is a great spot to relax and unwind while enjoying live music, lawn games, and a wood-fired oven serving up pizzas and other light bites.

Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club is located at 2907 Main Street in Brewster, Massachusetts.

Terranea is more than just a classic coastal resort; it’s an immersive experience that embodies the spirit of Southern California. Nestled atop the cliffs of Palos Verdes, Terranea caters to sun-kissed dreams of breathtaking Pacific Ocean proximity and stunning sunsets. The Mediterranean-inspired oasis is conveniently located near iconic Los Angeles attractions such as the Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame, Hollywood Bowl, Universal Studios, Griffith Park, Crypto.com Arena, and the Getty Center. But, with its four inviting pools, a top-notch spa, diverse dining options, boutique shops, and exceptional service, Terranea offers plenty of reasons to stay put within the 102-acre paradise.

Terranea is its own enchanting world, where life is exceptionally well lived. The resort is a nostalgic California Dream realized. Picture kayaking in the Pacific alongside playful dolphins, or sipping champagne while watching a breathtaking sunset, or roasting marshmallows by a warm fire as the gentle coastal fog rolls in. As the resort celebrate its 15th anniversary, it shines brighter than ever. A recent update highlights its outstanding service and luxurious amenities. Here are ten reasons to add Terranea to your Southern California travel wish list:

Nestled atop the cliffs of Palos Verdes, Terranea caters to sun-kissed California dreams

The Views: Terranea is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, one of Southern California’s most scenic and coveted coastlines, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. You might spot blue and humpback whales during summer months, and gray whales in the winter during migration season. Dolphins can be seen frolicking in the distance year-round. And few experiences are as soul-soothing as a glass of bubbly enjoyed on a Terranea terrace as the setting sun glistens upon the water. 

The Accommodations: Each of the resort’s 582 spacious guest retreats is luxuriously welcoming with plush furnishings, rich linens, spa-like baths, and private balconies. For added space and privacy, choose from 50 three-bedroom ocean view casitas and 32 villas, ranging from 1,850 sq. ft. to 2,800 sq. ft., with spacious, fully-equipped kitchens and living areas. 

A Terranea Casita

Terranea Casita primary bedroom

The Swimming Pools: Terranea boasts four different heated swimming pools: the Resort Pool with a 140-foot waterslide and splash pad, the adults-only Cielo Pool, the Vista Pool for guests ages 13 and older, and the Spa Pool, which commands some of the best views from the property. This is the one at which to linger. Reserve a cabana, and allow the professionally attentive staff to fawn over you with healthy food and drink from solviva café. Other than a beach in Nantucket, no more perfect spot can be found at which to listen to your Elin Hilderbrand audiobook.

Terranea Spa Pool

Activities Galore: Regardless of age or skill level, Terranea has an array of activities that appeal to every guest. Terranea’s Experience Center and team of expert Experience Concierge associates can assist with scheduling a variety of services. Offerings include lessons in the art of falconry, nature hikes, tide pooling, paddle boarding and kayaking. There’s nothing quite like kayaking alongside dolphins that playfully leap out of the water in a pas de deux. Terranea’s water sports activities are conducted from their Beach Cove, a magical little spot at water’s edge.

Find both relaxation and adventure at Terranea’s Beach Cove

The Spa at Terranea: This 50,000-sq.-ft. oasis of natural stone and native woods is perched on the cliff and features 25 treatments rooms, separate men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, and an array of luxurious treatments. The aforementioned spa pool is the most perfect place to relax pre and post treatment. Adjacent to the spa is a 5,000 square ft. fitness center with oceanfront Movement Studio. And the spa’s retail space is reason enough to stop by. You’ll find workout and leisure wear, candles, bath and body products, and delicate jewelry.  

The Links at Terranea: With lush natural terrain and dramatic ocean vistas, the award-winning, nine-hole, par-3 Links at Terranea course features a sustainable design that serves as a habitat for native plant species. Here, on-site PGA professionals offer personalized instruction through Terranea’s Golf Academy, helping golfers evaluate every aspect of the game, including proper practice techniques and short game mechanics.

The Links at Terranea

The Cuisine: Terranea is home to eight dining venues. Eight! And each features stunning coastal views. You’ll find no need for meal repeats, though it’s likely a favorite will draw you back for seconds. The exceedingly elegant mar’sel (Spanish for “sea” and French for “salt”) is the resort’s signature restaurant. Set atop the cliffs, it’s is a regional gem, well-illustrated by its Michelin Guide recommendation and its Forbes Travel Guide four star designation. Superb service, crafted cocktails (don’t miss the Basil Hayden espresso martini), an interesting wine list, and perfectly executed, seasonal dishes made for a stunningly memorable meal. bashi is Pan Asian, serving the freshest sushi and family-style Asian dishes at my patio table overlooking the main resort pool and stunning coastline. The menu features nigiri, sashimi, rolls, Hamachi and scallop carpaccio, Bang Bang shrimp, spicy chicken and pork dumplings, shaking beef, and wok tossed noodles among so many other yummy dishes. Nelson’s is the place for a casual lobster roll and a glass of wine served with sunset views. The spa’s solviva café features light, wellness-oriented bites. And catalina kitchen offers al fresco dining overlooking the Resort Pool. sea beans take-out café stocks all kinds of yummy goods like holiday-themed cookies, gelato, ice cream sandwiches, etc.

A meal at mar’sel, Terranea’s flagship fine dining restaurant, is memorable

Hollywood History: You certainly don’t need to know Terranea’s provenance in order to enjoy your stay, but it’s fun to learn that Terranea’s scene-stealing backdrop has attracted Hollywood film crews since the 1950s when Lloyd Bridges starred in the popular TV adventure series Sea Hunt. At the time, the area was also home to Marineland of the Pacific, a seaside animal theme park. Since then, the dramatic landscape and oceanfront setting has been featured in numerous television and feature film productions, from Pirates of the Caribbean to The Beverly Hillbillies.

The Awards: Terranea has plenty of them, including:

 ~ Forbes Four-Star Award for Terranea, mar’sel and The Spa; 2010-2024

~ AAA Four Diamond Award; 2010-2024

~ Readers’ Choice Award, Conde Nast Traveler; 2012-2018, 2020-2022, 2024

~ Top 10 Best Hotels and/or Resorts, U.S. News & World Report; 2012-2024

~ “Best Hotel in the U.S.” Readers’ Survey, Global Traveler; 2021, 2023

~ “Best of Award of Excellence,” Wine Spectator; 2015-2024 

Hike Terranea’s perimeter via the resort’s nature trail

Boutique Shopping: In addition to the aforementioned spa boutique, the resort’s porte cochere is home to marea, a luxury boutique stocked with beautiful, high end resort wear and accessories for both men and women. You’ll find brands like Veronica Beard and L’AGENCE for women, and Peter Millar and Hugo Boss for men. It’s nearly impossible to walk out empty handed. And next door, pointe discovery is where you’ll find Terranea logoed apparel and souvenirs, as well as educational toys that speak to the resort’s seafaring location. You’ll surely want a candle, at the least, to light at home—the aroma of which will transport you back to this singular paradise.

Photos courtesy of Terranea

THE cheapest Christmas market in Europe has been revealed – and you’ve probably never even heard of it.

Wroclaw in western Poland is home to an intimate Christmas market that’s widely regarded as one of the best in the country.

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The atmospheric attraction has been dubbed the cheapest in Europe by travel money specialist, eurochange.

Experts at the site researched the festive destinations offering the best value for money for Brits based on factors such as the local exchange rate, hotel and flight prices, and the cost of food and drink.

Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement at eurochange, said: “Our research shows the Christmas Market in Wroclaw, Poland is one of the best European Christmas markets to visit, if you’re looking for the best value for money and a truly authentic experience.

“A three-course meal for two will also only cost £39, so it’s a perfect romantic getaway or trip with friends.”

Wroclaw Christmas market takes place across four interlinked locations in the city: Rynek Marquet Square, Place Solny, Świdnicka Street and Oławska Street.

Visitors can expect to find wooden stalls selling handmade gifts and local delicacies like Oscypek (a smoked cheese), sausages, a traditional Polish stew called Bigos and potato pancakes.

Food and drink are reported to be relatively cheap too, with a glass of mulled wine (Grzane Wino) costing 15 PLN (£3.10) at the market.

Glasses of mulled wine purchased from surrounding restaurants cost just 9 PLN (£1.86).

According to local website Wroclaw Guide, the Christmas market will have a “fairytale” forest where visitors can pose for photos next to giant wooden mushrooms and forest trees.

One wooden stall is set to display a scene from Pinocchio, with a figure of Geppetto bringing the wooden puppet to life.

There are other attractions too, including a carousel and a rollercoaster.

A huge Christmas tree will also be on display at this year’s market, with its lights being turned on on December 6.

The Christmas market will be open from November 29 to January 7.

On TripAdvisor, a person wrote: “This is the best Christmas market I have visited, it was very impressive.

“There were many different sections, including attractions for kids, food and drink stalls and stalls selling clothing and no queues.

“Everything was really reasonably priced too, especially compared to the UK.”

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Travel blogger Just Us Two Travel added: “The Wrocław Christmas market is full of beautiful decorations, including twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and an amazing towering Christmas tree.

“You will find various performances and activities taking place, keeping you entertained while you explore. There are carol singers and live music, theatrical performances and dance shows.”

Specialist travel website European Best Destinations described the Polish Christmas market as “one of the best Christmas markets in Poland and one of the most beautiful in Europe”.

Direct flights operate to Wroclaw from several towns and cities in the UK, including London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Bournemouth, Nottingham and Bristol.

The cheapest fares are from London Stansted where Ryanair operates direct flights to Wroclaw as well as a route from London Luton with Wizz Air.

Return fares cost as little as £29 in December.

Hotels in the city are extremely affordable in November and December too, with eurochange finding rooms from £29 per night, based on two people sharing.

Sun Online Travel has found an overnight stay at the Novotel Wrocław Centrum, a four-star hotel, costing £80 based on two people sharing a room.

There are also cheaper deals to be had, with private rooms in hostels starting from £17 per night for two people.

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A NEW system could soon stop those annoying passengers who try to board the plane too early.

American Airlines is rolling out the new technology at a number of airports.

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Back in 2018, a study by London Stansted Airport and YouGov revealed the top 10 most annoying passenger habits at the airport.

Queue jumpers came out on top.

American Airlines’ new system will see a loud sound played for passengers who scan their boarding pass at the gate if they are boarding in the wrong group.

They will then be told by staff to wait for their group to be called.

Currently in place at Albuquerque International Sunport airport and Tucson International Airport, the airline will test it at others including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

A spokesperson told Travel and Leisure: “We are in the early phase of testing new technology used during the boarding process.

“The new technology is designed to ensure customers receive the benefits of priority boarding with ease and helps improve the boarding experience by providing greater visibility into boarding progress for our team.”

And there is a reason airlines board from front to back too, and it’s to encourage passengers to buy more expensive tickets.

First boarding usually include those in first class and business class, as well as frequent flyers.

Despite this leading to huge queues in the aisle for economy passengers, experts have said the priority boarding can entice travellers to book tickets in a better class.

In theory, the best way to board a plane would be all of the window seats, followed by middle seat and aisle.

United Airlines currently uses the WILMA system, which stands for “window-middle-aisle”.

Otherwise there is also a boarding technique called the ‘Steffen method’.

This would implement the window-middle-aisle technique, but board all odd rows before even rows.

This means allowing more space between rows for passengers to put bags in overhead lockers and get into their seats.

But until all airlines roll this out, you can expect passengers to still crowd at the gates, especially on budget flights where there is limited overhead locker space.

This annoying airport habit is known as gate-licing – where passengers congregate at the boarding gate even if they are not called for boarding.

Brian Hart Hoffman, who was a flight attendant for eight years, told the Thrillist that crew “absolutely hate” gate lice.

He added: “There is no need for it and it absolutely hinders the flow of boarding.”