Dispatches: Sunset at Bungas Beach, West Sumatra

As implied in their title, our Global Correspondents are a worldly lot. They send us tips, updates, photos and videos from their travels. Here’s the latest from one of our WomenAboutWorld, Louise Rafkin.

Sunset at Bungus Beach, West Sumatra.  The views are rivaled by the food: spicy, small plates of fish and meat cooked in coconut and spiced to perfection. And not another tourist in sight.

Suite Dreams: Pacific Edge Hotel, Laguna Beach

By Louise Rafkin

When they say edge, they mean edge.

With rooms overlooking the crashing surf, the Pacific Edge Hotel, a Joie De Vivre establishment in Laguna Beach, will get you just as close to the Pacific as you can get without getting your feet wet.  Outside our room, the orange sunset is almost gaudy in it’s brightness and the crashing waves are a constant backdrop.  The sea air hangs in the cool night.  All of this says one thing: Southern California summer.

Suite Dream: Dream Inn, Santa Cruz, Calif.

By Louise Rafkin

Attention surfer dudes and dudettes: want to check the waves from your private balcony?  Maybe even from the comfort of your luxury king bed?

And be the first on Santa Cruz’s morning swell?  Get yourself beachside to Santa Cruz’s Dream Inn.

Under the management of the Joie de Vivre hotels, all rooms at the Dream Inn sport views of the town, boardwalk, and, on clear days, clear across Monterey Bay.  Sure there’s the great surf outside, but inside, modern rooms with mid-century modern furniture, i-pod docking and high-end linens underscore the cool vibe.With an outdoor pool and a Jacuzzi steps from the sand, there’s not much reason to leave the grounds.  A swank poolside set-up, with comfy couches, towel and bar service with cool cocktails is as good as it gets. But a carnival-like Boardwalk, a downtown mall, and many restaurant choices are well within walking distance.  Too much effort? Room service fare is reasonably priced and tasty.Santa’s Cruz’s surrounding beauty provides venues for all flavors of biking, hiking, and sea kayaking. Wine aficionado’s can head to the hills for a less crowded and more laid-back Napa-lite experience.  And a meal that rivals any found in foodie San Francisco can be had at The Cellar Door at Bonny Doon Vineyard.

The Dream Inn is reasonably priced, with value both inside and out. A luxury hotel in a fabulous location is a fabulous combination.  Check the Internet for special package rates that include fun extras and free add-ons.

• Santa Cruz Dream Inn
• 175 West Cliff Drive
• Santa Cruz, CA 95060
• 831.426.4330
• Reservations: 866.744 7735
• Fax 831.427.2025
• www.dreaminnsantacruz.com

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.