(NewsUSA) - Many of today's travelers seek a sense of community and connection at their destinations. Travelers seeking a Caribbean getaway with a welcoming feel and local flavor need look no further than the Bay Gardens Resorts on the beautiful island of St. Lucia.<br /> <br /> The Bay Gardens Resorts properties are ideally situated to take advantage of the best restaurants, activities, and events that the community of St. Lucia has to offer. For example, the month of October featured the Saint Lucia Arts & Heritage Festival, and included music, theater, lectures, art exhibitions, and street parties, all conveniently located in nearby Rodney Bay Village for easy access by Bay Gardens guests who booked its Creole Heritage Special.<br /> <br /> The feeling of community at Bay Gardens Resorts is mirrored in the resort's local ownership, which conveys a different vibe than a large, international chain resort.<br /> <br /> Throughout its 25-year existence, the award-winning resort chain has been dedicated to sustainably developing its St. Lucian society. Participating in the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association's Virtual Agricultural Clearing House (VACH) and its farm-to- table approach when designing menus have fostered better linkages with local farmers.<br /> <br /> As a Green Globe Gold Member, environmental responsibility plays a vital role in business affairs conducted by the brand. Additionally, the company invests in the growth of its local economies as most of the staff and management are local, highly expert and experienced in fielding questions, planning events, and providing customer service for everyone from business travelers to wedding parties to families with small children.<br /> <br /> The Bay Gardens Resorts family of properties has something for every taste.<br /> <br /> Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, for instance, offers an all-inclusive experience that caters to those seeking plenty of sand and surf, as well as spa indulgence. Guests staying seven nights or more who opt for this option not only get the best value with access to the Rodney Bay Dine Around Program and an opportunity to dine at affiliated restaurants, but also significantly assist in contributing to the community.<br /> <br /> The resort also includes a business center, wedding gazebo, and on-site water park.<br /> <br /> By contrast, the Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn provide luxury and pampering in intimate, boutique-style settings.<br /> <br /> "Cherishing a long tradition of unmatched Caribbean hospitality, our hotel in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, has built a reputation on friendly service, stylish accommodations, and unforgettable scenery," according to the website for the Bay Gardens Hotel, and this combination of service, style, and scenery applies to the other properties.<br /> <br /> A new addition to the Bay Gardens family is Bay Gardens Marina Haven, a 35-room space located within a botanical garden adjacent to the Rodney Bay Marina.<br /> <br /> Want to be right on the water? Consider the Waters Edge Villas, a pair of private villas with luxury amenities and marina views.<br /> <br /> Both the Waters Edge and Marina Haven provide complimentary shuttle service to the other Bay Resorts properties, so guests can take full advantage of the larger community of Rodney Bay, with its nightlife, shops, and restaurants.<br /> <br /> Visit baygardensresorts.com for more information.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Saint Lucia - in Countries</span>

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Bali is renowned not only for its stunning beaches but also for its breathtaking mountain landscapes that captivate visitors from around the world. Among these natural treasures lies Lake Wanagiri, a hidden gem that offers spectacular panoramic views in the highlands of North Bali. This enchanting lake is located in Wanagiri Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency, Bali Province.<br /><br />Breathtaking Natural Beauty Throughout the Day <br /><br />Lake Wanagiri possesses extraordinary charm with its panoramic beauty that can be enjoyed at any time of day. In the early morning, visitors are greeted by thin mist that blankets the lake's surface, creating a mystical and peaceful atmosphere. During midday, sunlight reflects golden sparkles on the crystal-clear water surface, while the evening presents romantic sunsets with stunning sky color gradations. Even at night, this lake remains captivating with its clear starry sky, providing an unforgettable experience for every visitor.<br />The popularity of Lake Wanagiri as a premier tourist destination in Bali continues to grow thanks to its Instagram-worthy natural panoramic beauty. This lake has become one of the famous tourist attractions that not only draws domestic tourists but has also gained international recognition.<br /><br />Cool Highland Climate<br /><br />The uniqueness of Lake Wanagiri lies in its highland location, providing a cool and refreshing atmosphere that differs from typical beach destinations. The air temperature around this lake remains relatively cool throughout the day, with morning temperatures that can reach 15-18 degrees Celsius, offering natural coolness that is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.<br /><br />Lake Formation History<br /><br />Lake Wanagiri was formed within a large caldera as a result of past volcanic activity. This geological process created a natural basin that was later filled with rainwater and natural springs, forming this beautiful lake. The position of Lake Wanagiri, which is aligned with other lakes in the Bedugul area such as Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, makes this region a fascinating lake complex to explore.<br /><br />Wanagiri Village: The Best Spot to Enjoy Lake Beauty<br /><br />On the slopes of Lake Wanagiri lies Wanagiri Village, located in Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency. This village offers a strategic location with the most aesthetic views for enjoying the lake's beauty. From this village, visitors can witness spectacular lake panoramas from height, creating amazing photo opportunities.<br />Wanagiri Village not only offers beautiful lake views but also features various traditional warungs (local eateries) scattered along the slope edges. At these places, tourists can sit and relax while enjoying traditional Balinese tubruk coffee and local snacks with the stunning lake view as their backdrop.<br /><br />Supporting Tourist Attractions Around Lake Wanagiri<br /><br />The Wanagiri Village area holds various hidden gems that enrich the tourism experience. In this village, there are several enchanting waterfalls, including Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall hidden within the protected forest, Banyumala Waterfall often called the twin waterfall with three different sections, and various other waterfalls that offer authentic natural experiences.<br />Banyumala Waterfall, which stands approximately 20 meters high, has become one of the main attractions with its unique structure that appears to be divided into three sections. This waterfall was first opened to tourists in 2015 and has now become a popular tourist destination frequently visited by international travelers.<br /><br />International Recognition<br /><br />Lake Wanagiri has gained recognition as an international-class tourist destination. Its spectacular natural beauty and Instagram-worthy photo spots have attracted the attention of international tourists from various countries. Many international travel bloggers and influencers have captured their precious moments at this lake, further increasing its popularity on global social media.<br />The combination of authentic natural beauty, cool mountain atmosphere, and adequate facilities makes Lake Wanagiri a perfect destination for spending quality time. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature while witnessing the lake's amazing panorama from various viewpoints.<br /><br />Accessibility and Transportation<br /><br />Access to Lake Wanagiri is quite easy to reach from various cities in Bali. From Singaraja, the journey to this lake takes approximately 1 hour, while from Denpasar it requires about 2.5-3 hours of travel time depending on traffic conditions. The road infrastructure leading to the lake area is already in good condition, allowing various types of vehicles to access this amazing tourist destination.<br />The route to Lake Wanagiri can be reached via Jalan Raya Wanagiri, which is well-paved. Throughout the journey, tourists will be treated to views of green plantation expanses and hills that soothe the eyes, making the journey to the lake part of an enjoyable tourism experience.<br /><br />Conclusion<br /><br />Lake Wanagiri represents an extraordinarily beautiful and comfortable tourist destination for spending vacation time. The combination of spectacular natural beauty, cool mountain weather, good accessibility, and various supporting tourist attractions makes this place a perfect choice for travelers seeking a different experience in Bali. For anyone visiting Bali, Lake Wanagiri is a must-visit destination to experience the natural wonders of the Island of the Gods from a different perspective.

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(NewsUSA) - Enhancing a once-in-a-lifetime event, such as a wedding proposal or ceremony, with the right song takes the experience to a whole new level. It adds a personal touch that makes for ongoing memories, as couples have the opportunity to play the song at anniversaries or other special events through the years.<br /> <br /> Just in time for anyone planning to propose on Valentine's Day (or any day), an original song called "The First Time," by Del Henry, makes its debut February 1, 2019, on multiple channels, including iTunes, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, Google Music Store, Shazam, and many more.<br /> <br /> The release of the song coincides with a release of a video. The video version of "The First Time" being released is, in fact, the first time the song was performed live, at a wedding as a gift from the groom to the bride, and her reaction says it all.<br /> <br /> "How can I say, in a most simple way/My living started when you came that day/ How can I tell you when all's said and done/ My Heaven started with you as the one."<br /> <br /> Many couples can relate to these lyrics. The song stands out as an example of the power of music to capture a moment and move an audience, so it is both a personal and a shared experience.<br /> <br /> Many of the guests seen in the video of the song's debut are as emotional as the bride, because the lyrics evoke memories of their own shared lives and ongoing love stories.<br /> <br /> "It's truly a story about how and why couples come to the moment when they want to be together … 'eternally,' says David Shewmaker, the Minister conducting the ceremony.<br /> <br /> "As a Groomsman, I could see Brandon's live performance and saw the audience's response, which was electric and moving. I was hearing the song for the first time too," says Tim Delany, a 23-year-old college graduate.<br /> <br /> Lyrics such as "The first time I felt your eyes touch mine/The first time I felt your smile" can be part of the setting of a proposal on Valentine's Day or any day, but they are equally appropriate for an anniversary, whether a first or a fiftieth, or simply to thank someone for bringing joy to your life.<br /> <br /> Use the song to show your affection for someone who matters to you, share the heartwarming video, and appreciate the skill of 18-year-old musician Brandon D. Henry, who performed "The First Time" for its first time at the recent wedding shown in the video, accompanied by master guitarist Dave Murdy.<br /> <br /> Ref: Concerts - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Owning a home is a huge investment, and once they've owned long enough to build up equity, many homeowners opt to leverage the equity for other uses. But if you're on the fence about taking on another monthly loan payment, an option that may be right for you is co-investing.<br /> <br /> With a home equity loan, you borrow against the equity in your home and receive a lump sum of money that you have to pay back each month over a specified term - commonly 15 years. The interest rate is usually fixed, but is typically higher than your primary mortgage.<br /> <br /> Co-investing offers an alternative to traditional home equity loans. In a nutshell, the co-investing company pays the homeowner an upfront amount, with no repayments for a set number of years, or until the home is sold, whichever comes first. There may also be an option to buy the company out, after a minimum restriction period passes. This option can be ideal for a homeowner who wants access to cash without the added financial burden of monthly loan payments, who has lived in a home long enough to build up some equity, and plans to stay at least another five years.<br /> <br /> Unison, a San-Francisco-based real estate company, is a leader in the growing field of co-investment. Unison offers homeowners a cash payment of up to 17.5 percent of their home's current market value. When the house is sold or 30 years pass, the owner pays Unison an amount equal to the initial co-investment, plus (or minus) a percentage of the home's appreciated (or depreciated) value.<br /> <br /> Here's an example: A homeowner whose home is currently worth $500,000 and who needed $25,000 in cash (5 percent of the home's value) would repay an amount equal to $25,000 plus 25 percent* of the amount the house appreciates in value during the time of the co-investment. With a larger co-investment, the company receives a larger share of the appreciation in value.<br /> <br /> Homeowners can use their cash for anything, but Unison recommends something of long-term value, such as kids' college tuition, medical expenses, home remodeling, or investing in diverse stocks and bonds.<br /> <br /> Other benefits of co-investing: Keeping gains from remodeling work and keeping the equity built from prompt mortgage payments.<br /> <br /> Being a good candidate for homeowner co-investing is not so different from being a good homeowner generally. Unison requires that homeowners keep the home as their primary residence; stay current on payments for mortgages, property tax, and homeowners' insurance; keep the home well-maintained to retain and increase value; and keep Unison informed of issues, such as remodeling plans or emergencies, such as natural disasters, bankruptcy, or plans to sell the home.<br /> <br /> To find out how Unison can help you get the most out of homeownership, visit unison.com.<br /> <br /> *This is a possible percentage for illustrative purposes. The actual percentage varies based on the specific HomeOwner transaction.<br /> <br /> Ref: Housework - in Blogs

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