Tanzania, River Cruising, and Winvian in ActiveTravels November Newsletter

Less than 30 minutes into a snorkeling cruise with Ocean Joy Cruises out of Ko Olina Marina, we were surrounded by a pod of spinner dolphins. They were gracefully swimming next to the boat, their fins gliding in and out of the water. At least five dolphins jumped dramatically out of the water and spun in the air. The best part about the experience is that we were the only boat out there, not the usual half-dozen boats chasing the same dolphins. Backed by the arid, jagged peaks that rise along the quiet western shores, the backdrop was magical. It only got better when we were dumped into the 78-degree ocean water atop a reef that was teeming with neon-colored fish. The visibility was excellent and as soon I made the plunge, I was mesmerized by the yellow eyes of the aptly named Picasso Triggerfish and the silky Black Triggerfish. 

 

Venturing out on a snorkeling cruise is merely one of the numerous activities offered at the Ko Olina Resort. Frankly, you never have to leave your property whether you’re staying at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort, the Disney Aulani Resort, or the Marriott Vacation Club villas. There are four beachfront lagoons that lead to the shallow waters, ideally suited for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking or spotting fish. This is in addition to the numerous pools, lazy rivers, and hot tubs scattered across the properties, most with waiter service. And the Ko Olina Golf Club was recently chosen by Golf Digest as one of the top 75 resort courses in America.

 

Last night, the moon was glowing and stars glittered across the sky, the perfect opportunity to stargaze, an activity led by the knowledgeable astronomer, Greg, at Aulani. Through his high-powered telescopes, we lined up to view the ring around Saturn, see the craters of the brilliantly lit moon, spot disc-like Mars, a hazy distant galaxy, even a Black Hole. I’d say that’s a pretty good day when you can view a Picasso Triggerfish and the ring around Saturn. 

 

 

 

After feasting on my favorite pastrami and rye in Manhattan, at Katz’s Deli, or downing the herring and lox at the century-old Russ and Daughters, I’m happy to know that I now have a place to nap nearby at The Ludlow Hotel. The location couldn’t be better for checking out downtown. A stone’s throw from Houston Street and an easy walk to the East Village, Little Italy, and Chinatown, the lodging will open in June and features 184 and 20 suites. Sean MacPherson, Ira Drukier, and Richard Born are the powerhouse trifecta behind the new property. Drukier and Born are responsible for NYC’s successful Pod Hotels, The Greenwich Hotel, and the Mercer Hotel, among many others. MacPherson is co-owner of The Marlton, The Bowery Hotel, The Jane Hotel, and The Maritime Hotel. Don’t miss the chance to stroll though the Lower East Side, where my grandfather, Sam Rieger, worked during the Depression selling shoes on Delancey Street. Take one of the tours at the Tenement Museum, grab a sour dill from the Pickle Guy at the corner of Essex and Grant, and then check out my favorite candy store in the world, Economy Candy (108 Rivington Street). An incredible variety of candy, including favorites from my childhood, like Mike and Ike’s.