Destination Maui: “It was a dream trip!”

An interview with Joanna Gromadzka, Holiday Research Department.

Where did you stay and how did you like it?

We stayed at Maui Lea at Maui Hill Resort. The resort on its own is an attraction, designed in an old colonial style. It’s also very well maintained and surrounded by flowering trees and bushes. There’s a nice swimming pool with hot tub on the side and an expanse of trees, which provide much needed shade. The pool area was a great place for a peaceful break at any time of the day. I especially enjoyed the sunsets, which were unforgettable. And the smell of the Plumeria trees, with the beauty of the hibiscus flowers were like cherries on the top!

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Destination Scottsdale, Arizona: One Hot Destination

Scottsdale, Arizona is a desert hotspot, and this time we’re not talking summer heat! This Phoenix suburb has always been teeming with golf, shopping, and upscale dining. But now you can add a happening nightlife to the mix – think Palm Springs meets Miami. Here you will find trendy cocktail lounges, wine and martini bars, and dress code-enforced dance clubs. Need some direction? Here a few of Scottsdale’s happening hot spots:

The Buzz is a trendy, high-energy, cigar-friendly, dance club complete with pool and billiards. Dress is trendy, but leave the athletic wear and hats at the timeshare because they aren’t allowed through the front door. A DJ runs the tunes, so expect a wide range of music genres, from 70’s and 80s to hip-hop and R&B. Located in North Scottsdale (phone 480-991-3866).

The Crown Room had a swanky yet mellow ambiance and is the perfect place to kick back with a cocktail. Leather chairs line the bar or you can settle in and relax in the many lounge sitting areas. Be sure to inquire about the Crown Room’s specialty drinks, you might just fall in the love with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Martini. Located in Old Town (phone 480-423-0117).

Martini Ranch is another high-energy dance club with a trendy yet casual environment. Live music frequents the stage, often with well-known bands. Two bars are located downstairs, along with VIP seating. Dancers should head to the upstairs Shaker Room where there is a bar and more VIP seating areas. Located in Old Town.

Handlebar-J Steakhouse & Saloon jams with live country music and free dance lessons throughout the week. This Southwest-inspired joint has been around since 1966 and is a Scottsdale classic. Dine outdoors or indoors and afterward hit the dance floor and two-step the night away. Located in North Scottsdale.

Axis/Radius, a combo of two hip clubs, is the ultimate nightclub experience. Connected via a glass catwalk, each club possesses its own ambience. Axis contains a cozy place to indulge in a cocktail and snack on a variety menu items. Radius is the place to go for dance action with raging lights, techno beats and Top 40 music. The Amber Lounge is VIP club upstairs. Don’t be surprised if you see a celebrity or two entering or departing this exclusive slice of Axis/Radius. Located in Old Town.

No matter what your scene is, Scottsdale’s sure to have a hot-spot just for your preference.