2809, 2011

Inspiration Point

Tropical Beaches
485

Inspiration Point, in Newport Beach, California, is a small city park known for its scenic outlook over the Pacific Ocean and the city’s nearby beach and headlands. This eScapes video provides an amazing view of Newport Beach as seen from Inspiration Point. This great view and location over the Pacific make Inspiration Point a popular site for small wedding ceremonies. Singles can use the park for walking, reading, or simply enjoying the relaxing view. Jeff Lorber is a keyboardist and composer who was influential in the jazz fusion movement– the joining of jazz with rock, R&B, and funk elements. Lorber’s innovative jazz style still blends various styles into an innovative sound, as evidenced in the more

2309, 2011

Charlotte Amalie Cruise Harbor

Charlotte Amalie, the capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands on St. Thomas, is known for its many historical attractions and also for being the busiest cruise port of call in the islands. Millions of cruise passengers arrive at this port every year from various lines including Celebrity and Disney. In this eScapes video, a Celebrity Cruise ship heads out of the port city as a relaxing sunset provides a brilliant backdrop. Earl Klugh is contemporary jazz guitarist originally from Detroit, Michigan. Since his first album in 1976, Klugh has received twelve career Grammy nominations and produced more than twenty albums– five of them reaching No. 1 on the jazz charts. Klugh is a favorite of

1709, 2011

Dana Point, California

Tropical Beaches
451

Dana Point is a California city known for its miles of beaches. A relatively new city, it was first settled in the early 1900s and not incorporated as its own city within Orange County until 1989. Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana, Jr., a seaman who took note of the area while sailing on the merchant ship Pilgrim in 1840. Today, a replica of Pilgrim can be seen at the Ocean Institute at the west end of the harbor. Sixty miles south of Los Angeles, Dana Point is a perfect place to relax by the seaside, but it is also known as a great surfing destination away from the crowds found at more famous

3008, 2011

Villa Beach, Peru

Tropical Beaches
458

Peru has more than 1,200 miles of coastline and 254 officially recognized beaches. Though some the beaches south of Lima are polluted, the situation has improved in recent years and many of the beaches are still excellent and relaxing places to take in a beautiful sunset, like the one featured in this video. This beach, Villa, has some of the strongest waves on the Peru coast. Boney James is a saxophonist who, despite his resistance to being labeled as strictly a jazz artist, was named the “No. 3 Top Contemporary Jazz Artist of the Decade” by Billboard Magazine in 2010. Influenced by many genres including R&B, James is a three-time Grammy-nominee who has sold more than

2308, 2011

Belize (Coast with Mangroves)

Tropical Beaches
489

This mangrove-covered beach might not be the best place to lie down under the sun, but the unique view is relaxing in its own way. Belize’s mangroves protect the small country’s coastline from tidal erosion, as do the many coral reefs offshore. Natural sights like these (most of Belize is covered by forests) have become part of a new ecotourism industry that is steadily growing and supplementing Belize’s traditional agricultural economy. Brian Hughes is a contemporary jazz guitarist. He has released several albums since the 1990s and been a frequent accompanist and sideman for various artists, most notably Loreena McKennitt. His style blends smooth jazz and world music, especially Latin music. Links Belize Tourism Board Belize

0308, 2011

Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas

Tropical Beaches
504

Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of the island’s lesser-known beaches and as a result is often free of the larger crowds sometimes found at more popular sites. Lines of palm trees provide a perfect frame for the ocean view and, just off the shore, rock formations add character to the sapphire-blue water. The relatively low number of visitors makes this beach a great spot for quiet relaxation, but snorkeling and recreational boating are also popular activities. Chris Standring is a jazz guitarist who has distinguished himself in the contemporary jazz realm with adventurous, lyrical compositions leavened with pure-pop perfection, dazzling guitar solos and thick beats. Though predominately influenced by

2707, 2011

Santa María del Mar, Peru

Tropical Beaches
442

The Santa María del Mar district of Peru is well known for its beautiful beaches. Just south of the country’s capital of Lima, this relaxation destination seems to have it all– pristine sand, a rolling surf from the Pacific Ocean, and a perfect boating harbor all framed by bold rocky slopes. Farther back from the beach are restaurants, a club, and numerous rental houses and apartments for seasonal visitors. Though there are not many nearby hotels, some apartments and houses can be rented for a daily or weekly term. Alexander Zonjic has performed on stages around the world as a solo performer, with his own group, and as part of jazz great Bob James’ band. An

2007, 2011

Oppenheimer Beach

Tropical Beaches
511

This relaxing beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands gets its name from J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist and researcher best known as the “father of the atomic bomb.” In the 1950s, Oppenheimer and his wife purchased a house above this beach, which was then known as Hawksnest. In 1967, Oppenheimer died and his ashes were placed in the water off of the beach. Years later, the beach was willed to the people of St. John by Oppenheimer’s daughter, Toni. The government has since managed and developed the site and decided to name it after the Oppenheimer family. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists,

1407, 2011

Trunk Bay, St. John

Tropical Beaches
457

The United States Virgin Islands are a popular travel destination and well-known for their beauty. On Saint John, this beauty is protected; about 60% of the island is a U.S. National Park. One of the standout locations on Saint John is the Trunk Bay beach, widely recognized as one of the best beaches in the world. With perfect white sand and aqua blue water, it’s hard not to see why. Relax to the rolling ocean surf featured in this video and imagine yourself lying on the warm sand. Paul Brown is a smooth jazz producer and musician known for his driving R&B guitar rhythms. He has produced some of smooth jazz’s biggest acts, including Boney James,