HIDEAWAYS TV Travel Show

2008-04-15T10:10:00.003-04:00

Hideaways is undergoing placement negotiations with Wilde Media Network. We're focusing on a wide variety of mediums for all of you to watch! TV, Online, Mobile and even Streetlevel TV. Talk about a Global effort!

I'll update you all more as we prep for the upcoming seasons!

Take care,
Emilia

2008-02-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

Writing in to give a quick update. I've been working with Matt (producer on the program) to come up with some great ideas for the next 2 seasons. We're planning on heading down to South America - both warm and cool climate areas...as well as planning for our trek throughout the USA/ Canada!

As we move forward and plan on visiting each area, we'll be in touch with the locals and look forward to hearing more insight from you. What's the best way to find the coolest hideaways? By asking the people who live near it everyday.

Out of all the shows we did so far, we "thought" we knew what we wanted as the hideaway for that episode...until a local showed us something far more interesting! A hidden lagoon in Punta Cana, the best sunset spot in Sanibel, a quaint, little ranch that teaches you how to horseback ride...in the water...in Cancun.

It's amazing...and all here on Hideaways. Revisit the first season's episodes and plan your next vacation!

Check it out on www.findyourhideaway.com

Til next time...
Emilia

2008-01-21T10:28:00.001-05:00

Hey guys,

Not sure if you've noticed or not but the hideaways web site is currently under construction. I hope to have it up and running smoothly soon. Currently the video aspect runs well on Firefox and safari but I'm hitting a little bit of a wall getting the video to play right in Internet Explore. I'll keep everyone posted and let you know when it's running properly on all browsers. Thanks for your patients!

Mike

2008-01-03T16:10:00.001-05:00

WHERE DO WE GO NOW?!

Where would you like to see Hideaways go?

Do you live near a Hideaway and think it would be cool to get it on TV?! Or have you always wanted to go someplace special but wasn't too sure about it. Let us scope it out.

Tell us...
Post a blog!
Comment to this one...
Send a homing pigeon!
I don't care...

Just please don't let our production crew pick the location!

2007-12-03T14:24:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

So, we're developing Season 2. We had a great meeting last week...reviving all of the great things about Hideaways and working on re-purposing what didn't.

To date, we won 5 awards, and we only submitted one episode - the Cancun, Mexico one. It was our test shot to see what "critics" would think. And apparently, they love it. Shoulda submitted more episodes!! Next time...

We're preparing our S2 line up - where we're planning on going - and working on generating sponsors. We turned the first season around in development and pre-production in just 4 months. Hoping to do the same...if not better this time around.

We're even contemplating our host...that is hosts. We're planning on

And I can't wait to get out there! Even though most would think going to an island paradise is more vacation than work...I'd have to say, we keep our production team busy. Having 6 days to visit about 6-8 different excursions or areas per day...let's just say it's more of a 5-9 than a 9-5. But hey, I'd rather be on a beach at 6am than in my office any day!

Til later...
Emilia

2006-09-21T16:36:00.000-04:00

Safe Travels!

With airport security becoming stricter and tighter, remember to be really organized for your trip. As a crew, there are a bunch of us, with several bags of equipment, so if we can get through security and customs smoothly, there is no reason why you shouldn't!

Being in and out of so many airports, here is a list of my suggestions to make your experience in any airport that much easier:

1) When you get the gate, have your photo ID and/or Passport ready. There is no question that you will need these documents.
2) Know all the information about your flight. Know what terminal you will be leaving from, the flight number, and when is the latest you have for check-in.
3) Make sure your bags are not over the average baggage weight limit. To check an overweight bag is getting expensive these days!
4) Know what you need to do before you get through security. Cameras, laptops, and cell phones need to come out of their case. Shoes come off, as well as metal belts or jewerly. Take off your jacket, and keep the line moving fast!!
5) Know the information about your destination. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire on international flights inquiring where you are staying, why, for how long, and when you will return. These forms must be fully completed.
6) Check with the airlines before departing and arriving to and from your destination on what is exceptable to carry on board with you. Lately, no liquids and other tangible items have been permitted.

It seems like a lot to remember, but if you make sure you have all these tips down, I can almost promise you will have a smoother experience at the airport.

Travel Safe and Smart!!!!

2006-09-15T11:18:00.000-04:00

Honeymooners: I haven't forgotton about you!

All of my friends have either gotten married, or just got married. They are a little angry that I just started this fabulous job of educating viewers on where to go on vacation. The wedding planning is tough enough and I am finding that one of the most difficult decisions the bride and groom will make is where to go on their honeymoon!

When we are shooting the show, I always see happy honeymooners at each location we visit. There does not seem to be on specific place people tend to go for their honeymoon. It depends on how far you and yours are willing to travel, what you like to do, etc.

Thus far, my recommendation for honeymooners so far would have to be Negril. Negril has some gorgeous beaches, and how better to celebrate your marriage than sipping a glass of wine or champagne watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. You can also spend a couple lazy days on the beach/pool, and go out and check out the Jamaican culture. You can create a nice mix of day trips to great excursions and relaxation.

We will be travling to Bermuda in two weeks. Stay turned...that might take over the honeymoon spot!!!

2006-09-13T23:15:00.000-04:00

Vacation from your vacation?

When you visit a new place, you want to see everything and experience as much as possible, right? How often do you hear that famous saying "I need a vacation from my vacation?"

Before you go anywhere, decide what type of vacation you want to go on. Do you want to come back feeling replenished and re-energize? Or would you prefer to get the most out of every single excursion or event offered, and worry about the tiredness later.

Up until this point of my travels, I can tell you that if you want to destress and come home feeling anew, Punta Cana and Fort Myers/Sanibel are right up your alley. There are a ton of activities and sights to see at these locations, but you can certainly take your time and plan your days without a busy schedule at these destinations.

Jamaica goes either way. You can fill you days with tons of all day activities, or soak up the sun rays.

Mexico is also a great beach location. However, Cancun.....I needed a vacation after that trip. However, even working I had a blast in this Mexico hotspot. Cancun is coming to www.tvhideaways.com in just a few days.

Are you ready?!

2006-09-03T17:16:00.000-04:00

Hard work, but we have alot of fun too!

My friends like to think that my job consists of me traveling to beautiful places and just sitting on a beach spitting out lines when the camera is rolling. To everyone, that is a figment of their imagination. The Hideaways crew works HARD. We shoot for several hours a day from daybreak until evening, depending on our scheduling that day. We are on our feet all day, hurrying from destination to destination. Basically, everything but sunning ourselves and drinking pina coladas.

However, no matter what hour it is in the shooting day, the Hideaways crew enjoys each place we go and the great new people we meet everyday. We get the most out of each place, to deliver our great experiences to you, our viewers. And we have fun. Truth be told, the later in the day it gets, the more silly we get. But we enjoy our jobs, and the company of one another. I love these guys :)

2006-08-30T23:46:00.000-04:00

Shelling: Fun for kids, relaxing for adults!

Sanibel is best known as a shelling island. You can see kids running all over the beach and private island trying to find just about any type of shell they can find, and getting equally excited over each different shell they find. You can see the happiness of their parents faces to see their kids having such a ball.

On the flip side, for adults, shelling isn't a time sensitive activity racing as quickly as possible from shell to shell as it is for kids. It is actually a great method for relaxation. Think about it: walking on a quiet beach or a peaceful secluded island, listening to the ocean water race up onto shore, and the only focus you have is to find a unqiue and pretty shell. Most adults go for massages when they get to a vacation spot, just for the sake of freeing the mind from the hassles of everyday stresses. Grab a bucket, feel like a kid, and shell your way to relaxation.

2006-08-29T23:27:00.000-04:00

Still AMAZED by the Dollar Bar at Cabbage Key

Walking into the the main dining area of the Cabbage Key Inn was a memorable experience. I heard the story of the Dollar Bar before I got to the historic inn, but when you actually see a room covered and decorated in layers upon layers of dollar bills, it is an unforgettable sight.

I loved reading what people wrote on their dollar bills posted to the walls and ceilings of the restaurant to make their dollars noticable. Lots of declarations of love, family names and the date in which they visited, and catching phrases like "I Rock", and my absolute favorite, "My husband is da bomb".

What fascinates me is that these dollar bills will stay on those walls and ceilings for what could be decades. Sure, they fall off little by little, but it must take YEARS before the Inn collects $70.000 to give to the Hurricane Katrina relief (great cause by the way guys!).

If you take a visit to the Cabbage Key Inn, look for the TV HIDEAWAYS dollar bill right above Jimmy Buffet and just below JFK Jr.

We are going down in history!

2006-08-28T08:36:00.000-04:00

www.tvhideaways.com: fabulously updated

You'll notice our site has a different feel to it if you have logged on lately. Our Goal: You'll make Hideaways your number one resource for selecting your next vacation, or just traveling the Caribbean with us. Entertainment and information...all in one great program!

We have made the Hideaways site easier to navigate, and added tons of new information about each location we have visited, and want to share with YOU!

You can now preview every single episode anytime you want, not just one week prior to when it airs on the site. The Excursion page provides first hand information of our adventures per location. The Travel Tips page offers valuable traveling tips The Hideaways crew comprises as they journey through each location. Great features like the Photo Gallery, Destination page, my blog, and the newsletter are new and improved.

Keep logging onto www.tvhideaways.com for updated information and continuous entertainment!!

Melissa

2006-08-11T10:42:00.000-04:00

Add Hideaways as your MySpace friend!

Hideaways is now on My Space! If you are a My Spacer, add us to your cool list of friends. Add us at www.myspace/tvhideaways

You can also add my personally at www.myspace.com/meluhns

We look forward to being your friend!

2006-08-08T15:52:00.000-04:00

Revisit your vacation everyday

Every one of my friends stops in their tracks when they see my laptop sitting in my apartment. They immediately ask if my screen saver came from a picture I found on the internet, or if I took that photo myself.

I did take the photo myself, and it not only makes them green with envy, but it takes me back to that out of this world massage I had at Six Sense Spa and the beautiful water at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Take lots of beauty shots on your vacation! Put them on your computer, and never forget the amazing time you had on vacation!!

2006-08-06T15:48:00.000-04:00

La Yola-tastes good to tourists and locals!

A great dining spot on the water is the best when you are on vacation and want to enjoy a nice dinner. Do not worry about having to be a guest of the Punta Cana Resort and Club...La Yola welcomes everyone that comes here hungry.

I dined at La Yola in Punta Cana one night....a great decision on my part. What is really cool is the different combinations of foods they use in their dishes. I had the Baked Berenjena for a starter. Berenjena means eggplant in Spanish. The Baked Berejena is eggplant, aurora sauce, mozzarella cheese and sweet plantains baked together in one dish. I thought this combo sounded strange, but I am so glad I gave this a try. It could have been my entree too. The cheese was like the hub of the dish that linked all the ingredients together. It tasted a little Italian inspired.

I am a big shrimp fan so I got the Jumpo Shrimp of course. The shrimp as HUGE, grilled, and had the right amount of drizzled oil. I've always had shrimp solo, but here it was served on top of mashed potatoes. Again, I thought it was a different combination, but this pair worked too.

Its so good!

2006-07-31T12:41:00.000-04:00

Massages..the best don't tickle

The word massage usually generates a mental picture of candles, scented lotion, soft music, and gentle techniques on the skin. That's a great approach for easing the mind. However, a massage should serve the purpose in relaxing the mind, and eliminating every stressed muscle or tense ligament in your body. This requires putting the fluff to the side, and really getting into the deep tissue technique.

I thought I had gotten the best deep tissue massage from my regular spot in Philly. When Elaine from Six Sense Spa in Punta Cana got on the table and put her elbow into my back, I thought I was in for trouble. Sounds like it would be painful right? WRONG! With the Six Sense technique, she got under the bone it felt like and took out every knot I had in my back, and my shoulders. Truthfully, some spots, like my upper back, hurt for a brief moment, but then you can almost feel like knot unfold. When the knots unfold, the stress unfolds.

Thanks Elaine. Best massage I EVER had!

2006-07-30T23:00:00.000-04:00

Runner's Paradise

When I get back from each location, I am often asked the common question, "Up to this point, what has been your favorite place to vacation and what was the best thing to do there?"

It sounds like a simple question, right? This inquiry is actually the toughest to answer. So many locations, so many fun, interesting and different things to see, and personalities from all over the world. Picking just one place and one activity is a nearly impossible task.

One thing that does seem consistent that I look forward to in any location is my early morning run. Before the mass crowds flock to the beach and the resorts begin to buzz with happy vacationers, I take a jog on the beach down by the water. The tranquility of the water and picture perfect beaches make this work out actually easy. I usually forget I'm working up a sweat and working my calm muscles way hard against the damp sand while taking in the sights and singing along to my ipod mix.

Runners, whatever location you choose to visit, great work outs are guaranteed!!

2006-07-17T12:27:00.000-04:00

Not just chillin on the beach

Up next on tap for this week is Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana may just be one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The water is aqua blue, and when I say blue....I mean BLUE. Simply amazing.

Punta Cana is thought to be a great place to lay on the gorgeous beaches and chill out. Of course you can do plenty of chillin', but it that there is all to do there?

Check back on www.tvhideaways.com this week...and FIND OUT!

2006-07-11T20:03:00.000-04:00

Its BANANAS!

Bananas are a native fruit of Jamaica, so naturally, they are served at most meals in Jamaica. I was in heaven...I love bananas!!!

At breakfast, they had broiled bananas. I have had friend bananas, green bananas, baked bananas, but never broiled. I have to admit, they looked a little nasty and just plain wierd. I gave them a try and breakfast, and I actually really liked them. It also helped that I added about a spoonful of peanut butter.

What do you think, broiled bananas...gross or good?!

2006-07-10T16:59:00.000-04:00

So what do you think of Ocho Rios, Jamaica?

My opinion of Ochee? Great place for getting out and trying something new. There are various types of different excursions offered, so do not think you will be bored here. The different attractions really make Ochee fun. Within 15 minutes from most major hotels, you can swim with dolphins, feed and swim with stingrays, climb waterfalls, go river tubing, ride horses through the ocean, hand feed exotic parrots.....the list is endless.

My favorite excursion in Ocho Rios was the swimming with the stingrays. I was so hesitant to get in the water because I thought they would sting me if I held them wrong. But, they turned out to be really sweet fish. Craig (director and camera) had to remind me a few times it was time to and we needed to march on to the next exursion..I kinda wanted to stay!

My hideaway, the Enchanted Garden, was amazing. The hotel, also called the Enchanted Garden, closed in 1999, but you can sense the spirit and enthusiam the garden once had. Give yourself about 1 1/2 hours to take the full tour of the garden. It is a peaceful place where you can sit and listen to the waterfalls and smell the exotic flowers. The aviary was awesome for me because I love birds. I have a 24 year old cockatiel, so I'm comfortable with holding birds. I do not suggest the aviary if you will not be comfortable with several birds landing on you at one time!!

Any questions on any of my featured excursions?

2006-06-26T14:15:00.000-04:00

HIDEAWAYS - TV Travel Show

In just two weeks from today, Hideaways will premiere on www.tvhideaways.com!
Mark your calendars for July 10th and see what awesome destination we bring you to first.

See you soon!!

2006-05-26T15:02:00.000-04:00

Hey Everybody!

Welcome to Hideaways!

I have already been to several of the amazing destinations you will find listed on the website. Amazing is the perfect word to describe my travel experiences! Beautiful beaches and palm trees are a huge favorite of mine, but the islands we visit have much more to offer in addition to white sand and aqua blue water. I've experienced a lot of new adventures so far, such as boating on catamarans, learning cultural dancing, swimming in natural lagoons, wall-climbing, and so much more!

Each place offers its own charm and personality to fulfill your vacation needs. Follow me to each location to decide which spot you want to begin globetrotting. I'll be honest and give you my opinions...good and bad.

Feel free to send me a blog with any questions or comments!

Check back frequently and make sure you visit my blog each time you log on.

Melissa

2006-05-10T15:00:00.000-04:00

Hi there!

We are so excited to announce the 1 week countdown to the web's newest online tv program - HIDEAWAYS™. Our host, Melissa, a former Miss Pennsylvania contestant will take us on a great journey throughout the islands. All while on her search for a the area's best Hideaways!

She will explore all aspects of island life – resorts, dining, spa treatments, golf courses along the beach, the fascinating ecosystems with hidden lagoons, culture, entertainment, and tons of water activities including swimming, fishing, water skiing, scuba diving, sailing, boating, surfing, so much more.

Filmed on location, HIDEAWAYS™ first season will explore Hawaii, Punta Cana and La Romana in the Dominican Republic, travel Mexico at Cancun and Riviera Maya, visit Jamaica, and so much more.

Melissa will be writing in each week to tell you more about her journey as she experiences all of the great Hideaways!

Tune in on May 19th for the website launch of www.tvhideaways.com!