“The next best thing to jetting to St. Barts, Miami, or Cabo is getting lost in a book that takes you there. Herewith, ten tomes that offer tropical settings and enough sun-drenched drama to make Jay-Z’s yacht look boring. The only thing you’ll miss is a tan.

1. “The Sweet Life” by Mia King. The bulk of this charming novel takes place on Hawaii’s Big Island, where Manhattan wife and mom Marissa has been unexpectedly relocated. Though her tale is punctuated with sunsets, tropical flowers and charming local customs, the sweetest

thing about the book — aside from the list of Hawaiian recipes in the back — is the lesson she learns about motherhood, marriage, friendship and life.

2. “The Beach” by Alex Garland. Pick up this 1996 cult thriller for a dose of nonstop action set in paradise, and you’ll be transported to a gorgeous, unspoiled lagoon on a remote Thai island. Just don’t expect to relax: the story has enough twists and turns and thought-provoking themes to get even a holiday-hungover heart pumping.

3. “Fool’s Paradise” by Steven Gaines. Why do celebs head to South Beach for wild New Year’s parties? According to this dishy new expose, it’s because the town is “a place where people get away with things they’d never get away with any place else.” Expect true tales about mobsters, models, Madonna and a healthy dose of scandal.

4. “Islands in the Stream” by Ernest Hemingway. It wouldn’t kill us to put down our US Weekly and pick up some Hemingway, and what better way to get our smart on than with a classic set in the islands? The novel starts in the Bahamas and ends in Cuba, but the protagonist (brooding, macho, and complex) and the plot (death, war, and even a little Nazi-hunting) make this way more than your typical beach book.

5. “The Last Song” by Nicholas Sparks. The setting of Sparks’ latest bestselling tearjerker — Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina — might not be the tropics, but the coming-of-age tale is so chock full of summer romance and beach town drama, you’ll see why Miley Cyrus fell for beau Liam Hemsworth on the set of the big-screen adaptation. That comes out this spring, by the way. ” (via  cnn.com) by  Linley Taber

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here to read all of Your winter staycation reading list

For a limited time only, their Mexico Beach Resorts have big discounts and benefits…

- 4th and 7th nights of your stay ARE FREE…
- up to $300 credit on Food and Beverage…
- Room Upgrade…

-6 locations including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo and Punita Mita

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here for Westin Hotels -FREE Nights and Sensational Savings at Mexico Beaches

click above link and then scroll down to second offer- Sensational Savings at Mexico Beaches

“Kevin Jonas and his new wife Danielle Deleasa are honeymooning in Cabo San Lucas. The newlyweds arrived on Monday to the One & Only Palmilla Resort where they plan to spend the next few days.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Jonas spent Tuesday lounging by the pool where they both enjoyed foot massages and pampering from their personal butler. ”

(via jbmoveonfansite.blogspot.com/)

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here and scroll down to see the rest of the story Kevin Jonas (Jonas Bros.) Honeymoons in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

(sorry contest is over)

Take a short  survey then enter to win

and at the end, you have the option to enter a grand prize drawing for

a 5 day/4 night stay for two at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat & Spa, Cabo San Lucas (plus spa treatments).

Also, 15 lucky winners will receive a beingTRUE® travel kit.

Pointswizard.com Spin: sorry contest is over

Grand Prize: PUEBLO BONITO PACIFICA HOLISTIC RETREAT & SPA Cabo San Lucas, MEXICO
5 Days/4 Nights plus 50-minute Swedish Massage for two!
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat & Spa is a secluded haven of tranquility and pleasure dedicated to the holistic concept of unity of body, mind and spirit. From the clean-lined grace of the resort’s beautiful architecture to the harmonious simplicity of its unique gardens, Pacifica surrounds you with a sense of peace and beauty.

Plus: 15 lucky winners will receive a beingTRUE® travel kit…for true complexion perfection!
A chic all-inclusive kit for true complexion perfection that allows beginners to try, travelers to refill and fashionistas to treasure.  Available in fair, medium and tan

“Looking to do some star-spotting while working on your tan? There’s no hotter place to be than Los Cabos, a 20-mile stretch of beaches, hotels and resorts between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas at the southernmost tip of Baja that draws celebrities each year.

From Brad Pitt to Teri Hatcher to Matthew McConaughey, the sand and surf is filled with A-list talent looking to get away from Tinsletown. ProfessionalTravelGuide.com gives you a look at where they stay in this sun-soaked resort area – and where you can get treated like a celebrity.

1. One&Only Palmilla Resort Km 7.5, C/ Transpeninsular , Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico $500-$3,150 Renovated: 2004 Built: 1956 2. Marquis Los Cabos Beach, Golf Resort Carr Transpeninsular km 21.5 , San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico $380-$3,500 Built: 2002 3. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Rosewood Km 19.5 C/ Transpeninsular , San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico $725-$7,000 Built: 1997 4. Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Rst & Spa Km 18.5 Carr Transpeninsular , Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico $265-$1,704 5. Casa del Mar Beach Golf & Spa Resort Carretera Transpeninsular Km 19.5 Col. Cabo Real, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico $261-$1,100 Renovated: 2006 Built: 1995 6. Esperanza Carretera Transpeninsular 3.5 Km , Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico $475-$7,000

” (via professionaltravelguide.com)

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here to see the rest of the top 10 hotels “Where the celebrities stay in Los Cabos, Mexico”

Package Includes

• 3 night stay in a deluxe ocean view room
  
• 2 spaces on the America’s Cup Sailing Adventure
• Plus round-trip airfare for two courtesy of US Airways Magazine

• Experience the America’s Cup Sailing Adventure!

  The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest and most prestigious yachting regatta. Once an exclusive activity for millionaires and elite professional yacht racers, now everyone can take part in the ultimate sailing experience with Cabo Adventures. Don’t miss your opportunity to feel the adrenaline rush that comes from racing authentic America’s Cup Race Boats in the warm blue waters and brisk trade winds of Cabo San Lucas

  Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here to enter to Win a luxurious stay for two at the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat & Spa in Cabo

• Entries must be received no later than midnight, December 31, 2008

Prize package includes:

• A three night/four day stay for two
• Spa treatments for two
• Roundtrip economy airfare for two provided by American Airlines
  • (Offer valid from 2/1/09 – 1/31/10)

Cabo Azul Resort is a luxury all-villa resort that debuted Fall 2007. Set on a magnificent azure bay in Los Cabos, the up-scale property features 332 state-of-the-art villas including an adjacent boutique hotel scheduled to open in late 2008. Featuring the designs of celebrity interior designer, Dodd Mitchell, Cabo Azul Resort is nestled on over 12 oceanfront acres and combines the most luxurious resort living experience with the best of the Los Cabos climate and landscape

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here to enter Los Cabos, Mx. Win a free Spa Trip

Sponsor will randomly select the winner from all eligible entries received on or about 12/31/2008

 Come discover world-class service and unbound luxury at this adults-only hideaway, recently named one of the top resorts in Mexico.

Prize package includes four nights in an ocean-view suite, a dinner for two at Siempre gourmet restaurant (not including alcoholic beverages) and the Armonia Spa’s “Serenity” package, including body scrub, facial and couple’s massage. Find your bliss. Enter today!

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here to enter – We been here – this resort is fabulous.  Only one entry per person is accepted. The winner will be drawn on or around May 31, 2008.