Traveling with the Stars: Bridget Marquardt
— -- Model, reality TV star and Playboy Playmate Bridget Marquardt's show Bridget's Sexiest Beaches airs May 14 on the Travel Channel. She shares her travel highlights and tips with USA TODAY.
Q: Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?
A: Amsterdam. It is so cute and quaint. I rode bicycles around the city and through the tiny little streets, rented a paddleboat and had a picnic lunch on the canals. I also toured museums — specifically the Rijks and Van Gogh Museum. Of course, I had to walk through the red light district and check out the coffee shops.
Q: What's the best place you've ever visited?
A: Tabacón resort in Arenal, Costa Rica. It is a resort town at the base of a volcano. It is supposedly the only five-star resort in Central America and it was amazing. There is a huge river with gorgeous waterfalls throughout the resort and each of them has varying temperatures. The hottest one is around 90 degrees. You can have massages and facials, as well as, other "volcanic" skin treatments. You can take yoga classes and be on a special healthy diet or you can dine at the five-star restaurant, eat from buffets and have a drink at the swim-up bar. Don't forget to do the waterslide! It looks little and amateur, but it is a lot of fun and worth at least one go!
Q: What's the most surprising/unexpected place you've ever visited?
A: That is a toss up between Morocco and Dubrovnik, Croatia. I think I will go with Dubrovnik. It is absolutely beautiful. I loved it there. I really had no idea what to expect, but when I got there I found it was rich in history, culture and friendly people. The old city walls still surround the main city and you literally walk over a drawbridge to get in. Dubrovnik is still a thriving, bustling city with modern day shops, restaurants and bars yet still has the old city charm of street vendors, performers and women hanging laundry outside the windows. Although you won't find many sandy beaches, the water is crystal clear and is becoming a hot vacation spot.
Q: What's your favorite vacation spot?
A: It's hard to pick just one, but I will go with Jamaica. It has a little something for everyone — adventure, romance, culture, great food and lots of fun! I also really love Mexico, too. The Yucatan Peninsula is really worth the trip. The water is stunning and the beaches are true-white sand. Tulum is my pick!
Q: Can you offer an insider tip or recommendation for your favorite vacation place?
A: Research it before you go and know what you are looking for. Planning properly will help you ensure that you get the vacation of your dreams. For instance, if I were planning a romantic trip to Jamaica I would stay a few nights in Ocho Rios at Golden Eye resort. It was the home of Ian Fleming and he wrote 13 of the James Bond novels there. It has a private swimming pool and a private beach. They have the most wonderful outdoor shower and tub, delicious meals and cocktails. You can spend the day by your private pool or beach. They also offer Jet Ski rentals.
Traveling to Negril and staying at either The Caves or the Rock House is a must. They both have amazing views and your bungalow is on its very own terrace looking out to sea. You can wake up in the morning, open up your French doors and jump right off the terrace into the sea. At The Caves you can literally rent a personal cave for the evening. They will serve you dinner and drinks while you listen to the ocean crash around you — very, very romantic.