If you are looking for a resort to head to this fall or winter season, and are thinking of heading to Central America, you may just want to keep your eyes open for deals to Costa Rica. After all, the country just took 8 of the 10 spots for top resorts in the region, including the top two places.

Leading the way, with a score of 98.53 out of 100 is Hacienda Alta Gracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, in Pérez Zeledón. Following close by though with 98.51 points out of 100 is Nayara Springs in Arenal. The next two spots are taken by resorts in Nicaragua and Belize respectively, but the rest of the list is filled out by resorts in Costa Rica.

We recently took a look at Cost Rica’s two seasons, the dry season (December – April) and the rainy or green season (May – November), and some of the top things you can see and do there. While the area is well known for their adventure tours such as zip lining, surfing and scuba diving, people looking to chill out and relax on a beach will find themselves enjoying the area as well. Hence the reason the the resorts are so highly rated.

Related: Enjoy Costa Rica’s Unique Biodiversity During Their Green Season

For those curious about the other Costa Rica resorts on the list, they are Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas in the number fifth spot, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa in sixth, Nayara Resort, Spa & Gardens is seventh, Casa Chameleon at Mal Pais in eighth, Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection in ninth, Four Seasons Costa Rica Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo in tenth.

Check out some of our amazing tours to Costa Rica.

Photo: Hacienda AltaGracia, an Auberge Resort Facebook

Ever since Kelly Clarkson rose to fame in 2002 thanks to winning the first season of American Idol, the 37 year old singer has done it all. From topping the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, to having the top selling single of the year, to starring in films, and being a popular judge on The Voice, Clarkson has proven time and time again that there’s nothing she won’t try. This past September she started a new endeavour, hosting her own talk show appropriately named the Kelly Clarkson Show.

The Kelly Clarkson Show has proven to be an immediate hit. It had the highest-rated premiere in seven years, and overall it had ranked fourth among first-run syndicated talk-shows. This popularity has of course helped her with her other ventures, including being the face of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Cruise Line recently signed the singer to an exclusive three-year deal, and thanks in part to her new talk show, the cruise line had been getting plenty of exposure. Part of the deal she made, includes becoming the “godmother” to their newest ship, Encore, and on November 21st she will christen it in Miami. Clarkson’s deal also includes performances, and free cruise giveaways on her talk show.

The Encore will sail out of Miami every Sunday from November 17, 2019 to April 12, 2000. The cruise will sail for seven days and nights, hitting all the hotspots such as San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands. After April, Encore will move to New York City and start offering seven-night cruises to Bermuda. As for the ship itself, it will offer all the top of the lines bells and whistles you would expect from a newly launched NCL vessel, including a 1,100 foot race track that extends 13 feet off the ship and a laser-tag arena.

Henry and his Talk of the Town Travel team are cruise expert, and can help you plan your next dream vacation. Contact him today at (416) 818-1423.

Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line

One of the busiest cities in all of Africa, Marrakesh, is about to get even busier. The city was recently named the first ever African Capital of Culture, and with all the history surrounding the Moroccan city it’s not surprising why.

According to Lonely Planet, Marrakesh was awarded the nomination because of its “architectural, artistic and cultural legacy.” Home to two Unesco-listed World Heritage sites, the famous square of Djemaa El Fna and its labyrinthine medina, the walled old city that is filled with street merchants selling their wares, tourism in Marrakesh naturally is a major part of their economy. Other sites that draw a lot of attention are the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Majorelle Garden, which sit next to one another. In case you didn’t know, Laurent and his partner once called Marrakesh home. With tourism already up 15% between 2017 and 2018, the city has set a goal of doubling the number of tourists by 2020.

Talk of the Town Travel has a 5 Day Marrakech Escape that will help you explore the beautiful red city and get to know it better. During the five days you will check out all the highlights of the medina and Ville Nouvelle, the luxury of hammam and of course enjoy the incredible Moroccan cuisine. Some of the sites you will see will include the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, the Jewish Mellah, Ali Ben Youssef Medersa, Marrakech Museum, El Badi Palace and Saadian Tombs. You’ll also get a chance to explore the area surrounding the city, to help you get to know the region better. You can find out more here: https://www.talkofthetowntravel.com/5-day-marrakech-escape/, or call Talk of the Town Travel at (416) 818-1423.