Month: February 2012

Bali is becoming increasingly popular for both surfing as well as windsurfing. For any adventure traveller looking for windsurfing in Bali, some of the best spots are the Tanjung Benoa, Sanur as well as Nusa Dua beaches. However it is advisable to have an instructor, especially for beginners.

Balina Beach is located on the western shore and it is a renowned surf spot. Here the wind is really strong, and blows on the side. The bottom of the shore is not too shallow and the waves are well known for their long ride. Though the waves can be huge they are not considered dangerous. The best approach here is to go out from the left side of the river and to keep an eye out for the shore break. It is also important to keep in mind that the winds slow down near the bay.

Sanur is perhaps the most famous spot for windsurfing. The wind is stronger here than anywhere else in the Island. In the dry season the whole stretch around the beach at Sanur is great for surfing. The southern part of this beach also offers ideal conditions during the wet season. Sometimes there are waves that go as high as 10 feet making it a great spot for both wave riding and jumping and there are ample side shore winds making this possible.

There is another dark sand shore known as Gangga Beach. It can be located just past Tabanan. Here the wind is sometimes quite strong and can even go faster than the wind in Sanur. However, it is not recommended for amateurs since the big swells can be dangerous for those not experienced to such conditions.

Another spot that is good for windsurfing is Tulamben. Located towards the northeast of the island, it is better known as a diving destination though it is also very windy. There is great power in the winds that blow here and surfers can also enjoy a scenic view of the volcano from the sea making it an extra special destination. Surfers have a number of luxury hotels in the island to choose from. Anantara hotels, resorts & spas are among the best luxury hotel resorts in the region and help ensure surfers have a luxurious and memorable vacation.

An all-time favourite, Ceylon beer has appealed to palates of not just Sri Lankans but Europeans as well. One of the most popular exports of the country, Ceylon beer dates back to the 1800s and it was in the breathtaking city of Nuwara Eliya, where the Ceylon Breweries was first set up.

With sparkling lakes and cascading waterfalls, surrounded by acres of tea plantations, the foreign Scottish population eagerly made this city their home in the 1800’s. The only thing they missed in this idyllic haven was some good beer to warm up those chilly evenings! Hence Sir Samuel Backer stepped forward and on the foothills of ‘Lovers Leap’, set up the country’s pioneering breweries. Little did Backer fathom the extent to which his humble breweries would expand to.

The breweries have grown and gone on to produce excellent brands like ‘Carlsberg’ and ‘Lion’. Nothing but the best of ingredients are used; a spring above the breweries supply pure crystal clear water, and the malt and hops are imported into the country from the finest native destinations. Ceylon Breweries soon became popular for excellent quality that has been savoured by a number of countries in the international world.

Today the breweries still stand at the foothill of ‘Lovers Leap’. As it has been in operation since 1884, its historical value combined with the epic scenery that surrounds it makes this place a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. In fact the city of Nuwara Eliya itself is a must visit destination in the country. Blessed with beautiful and stunning landscapes, lush green tea plantations, scenic gardens and so much more, the city stands as one of the most relaxing and picturesque destinations in the island. It also has an almost English feel with colonial type houses and pleasant chilly weather.

To truly savour this ‘Garden of Eden’, travellers should look to find cosy and comfortable Nuwara Eliya accommodation which lets one enjoy the surrounding beauty. Giving guests a chance to be swept away into delightful colonial times, Jetwing Warwick Gardens offers luxurious accommodation where one can unwind and relax. A restored colonial mansion surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, it stands out as one of the finest of Sri Lanka hotels.