Month: March 2014

Rustaq Dunes

Oman is the new big thing in the Middle East. Boasting a rich heritage, kilometres of golden dunes, modern entertainment and unmatched scenery, the nation is being thronged by tourists all the more each year. Among the endless attractions that Oman is famous for the Rustaq Dunes almost always stands out.

Sand dunes are a symbol of Arabia so much so that a visit to the Middle East is not complete without them. The stretches of golden velvet that create soft hills before you make the most picturesque scenery in the Middle East. The rolling dune in an instant transports you to an Arabian tale. It still has that un-spoilt look; in fact nothing can ever spoil the beauty that sand dunes emulate.

The Rustaq Dunes go one step further in enticing its many visitors. In addition to the raw beauty it possesses, the dunes have significant historic value. The Al Hazm Castle stands tall in the dunes and displays striking wooden gates from an era gone by. The castle offers so much to explore with its eerie ancient dungeons and its hallways displaying an array of old military weaponry like daggers and swords. There is something absolutely majestic about the Al Hazm Castle. So neatly preserved it gives you an intriguing peak into Oman’s architecture and royalty from the times gone by. The famous hot water springs of Oman, also happen to be located at the Rustaq Dunes. These hot springs are of naturally warm temperatures and have therapeutic powers. The healing power of the hot water wells attracts a large crowd each year.

Oman is still blossoming in a big way and since each of its attractions is gaining immense popularity, the crowds visiting the nation are steadily increasing. The tourism industry has given rise to hotels and resorts, all of impeccable standards. While visiting the city, one Muscat hotel that you must try out is the Millennium Resort Mussanah. This Oman Muscat hotel is known for its luxury. With state of the art facilities, impeccable services and cuisines that will leave you craving for more, you will simply fall in love with this place.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Fat Biking

The UAE boasts the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world; The Rub Al Khali meaning the ‘Empty Quarter’. The Kilometers of rolling Golden Sands untouched by urbanization happens to be one of the most inviting attractions of the UAE. After all a holiday in the UAE is just not complete without indulging a little in its famous stretches of golden velvet; that is how captivating it is. Despite feeling like expanses of nothing but sheer beauty, there is plenty to do in this endless stretch of dessert. Among the many activities, fat biking has of late earned tremendous popularity.

Fat biking was introduced to the UAE with the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Although relatively new to the Middle East, Fat biking has been in operation since the 1870. It started out being used in Alaska, a city known for its dense snow. Thanks to its large ‘Fat’ tires, it was easily maneuvered through thick snow. In UAE amidst the expanses of sand the same principle is applied. Large 12cm wide tires on a bicycle helps you to soar through the beautiful sand dunes. Despite how challenging the terrains maybe, fat biking helps you tackle them all with ease and adventure. To explore the intriguing peaks of Abu Dhabi, Fat biking happens to be the most perfect vehicle. In addition to all the fun and exquisite scenery you can enjoy while fat biking, there is a dual reward as well. In a session that makes up of around 1 to 2 hours, a good 7 to 10 kilometers can easily be covered; a perfect toning reward for your muscles on holiday.

In addition to Fat biking, there is plenty more that one can indulge in while exploring the desert side of UAE. Camel trekking is fun and gives you ample interaction with the kings of the animal kingdom of the Middle East. Then there is Sand boarding and 4×4 driving, again very adventurous activities to indulge in.

While holidaying in the UAE, stay at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Being the best name in the Abu Dhabi Hotels it is also the finest luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Sri Lanka Wildlife

A quintessential part of a Sri Lanka travel adventure is to explore the island’s National Parks and tropical rainforests where one can find some truly exotic wildlife. An easy way to head to such sites is by taking the Sri Lanka tours offered by Jetwing Travels which features special packages that brings one closer to the island’s wildlife.

The local National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are ideal spots when it comes to seeing the fascinating fauna that call Sri Lanka home. The Yala National Park is well known for being a premier location in which to spot the Sri Lankan Leopard along with a whole host of other animals including deer varieties and sloth bears. The iconic Sri Lankan Elephant can also be seen here as well as such sites as Uda Walawe and the Minneriya National Park where one can see the famous ‘Gathering’ of elephants. The country is also home to a wide range of primates, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles and birds, while the waters surrounding the island play host to dolphins and whales too, making Sri Lanka a true biodiversity hotspot.

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Remarkable Ski Field

Set amidst snow capped mountain vistas and fresh air, the Remarkable Ski Field near Queenstown offers a fun filled day out for the entire family. Those in search of Queenstown hotel accommodation within easy reach of the site can stay at Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront. Situated around 28 kms from the Remarkables Ski Field, this Queenstown resort makes an ideal base for travellers on a skiing holiday in New Zealand.

Set at an altitude of 1,943 metres, the Remarkable Mountain Range offers an ideal place for skiing. The 220 hectares of skiable area here provides plenty of thrills for beginners, families and even those looking for some serious challenges on the slopes. Shadow Basin, Shadow Bowl and Alta Chair are among the sites where one can have a fun day out on the snow, while lift and chair access is available as well. There is a Skiwiland Early Learning Centre here where kids can learn more about this fun activity as well as the Ozone Snow Tubing Park which offers plenty of laidback excitement in the snow.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Fun Tube in Maldives

Tube rides in crystal clear waters is one of the most popular water sports in Maldives. A variety of inflatable tubes are used in this exciting outdoor activity and it is mostly popular among the young water sport enthusiasts. If you are staying at Kurumba Maldives which is among the top luxury hotels Maldives has in store, you can certainly make the best of your holiday as it provides guidance to most of the things  to do in Maldives. These water sports are sometimes organized by the Maldives resorts with the support of the local service providers. When you are on a fun tube ride in the Indian Ocean, all you could do is to giggle with excitement and certainly scream for more thrilling rounds.

 

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Pleasures of Exploration

It has been often said that cycling is one of the best ways to see and experience a country. Getting to know the natives, come in close contact with its culture and the landscape are the reason oft cited. The deeply rural area and forests around the Sigiriya fortress are great places to explore and to get acquainted with rural life in the dry zone, an area with its own particular characteristics.

There is plenty of excellent accommodation in and around Sigiriya that can be used as bases for explorations. Traversing the unpaved back roads of Sigiriya fortress by bike is the best way to experience the sights and sounds of the area. The Pidurangala archaeological site dated to the 1st and 2nd century BC just 2 km away from Sigiriya fortress is easily accessed on a bicycle. The archaeological remains and the cave temple atop the rock are noteworthy but what make the visit truly worthwhile are the gorgeous views of Sigiriya rock and the surrounding forests.

While bikers will find that the area immediately adjacent to the rock fortress is a forest reserve with endemic flora and fauna, further away they will encounter a mix of green paddy fields, irrigation canals, small reservoirs, patches of thorny scrub jungle, an occasional ‘chena’ where the forest has been burned to facilitate temporary agriculture and cattle grazing on grassy slopes. Taking a break by a canal to cool off is a lovely way to experience the rural surroundings of Sigiriya. The terrain is flat and is not too difficult to navigate on a bicycle. Bikers are also bound to come upon wildlife such as macaques, monitor lizards, small mammals, snakes, peacocks and water birds that are common on the forest tracks around Sigiriya fortress.

An early start will not only allow a greater area to be covered but it will also help to avoid the hottest time of day. Bicycles can be hired from almost all the hotels and guest houses in the area. As no travelling on the highway is involved a bike will be the ideal mode of transport to negotiate the narrow and unpaved rural tracts. Traveling by bicycle will definitely allow a deeper appreciation of the considerable natural beauty of the area. Proper safety procedures should be observed to avoid getting into uncomfortable situations.

Within easy reach of the archaeological and natural attractions of the area, Hotel Sigiriya offers well appointed accommodation and a range of services and facilities that make stays in this hotel in Sigiriya comfortable. One of prominent hotels Sigiriya it is the ideal place to relax in after a days’ sightseeing or traveling the back roads.

Pleasing the Senses

The Skyline Rotorua on Mt Ngongotaha is a premier entertainment venue easily accessed from the city. The first part of the adventure begins with a ten minute gondola ride up to the 487 meter summit of the mountain. Swinging high in the gondola, that is an eight seater cabin of a cable car, riders can see the city spread out below them in the most spectacular fashion with Lake Rotorua and famous geothermal areas clearly visible. The 900 meter cableway transports adventure seekers and sightseers up the mountain.

Passengers are picked up from Fairy Springs Road. As the facility is in operation throughout the day visitors can take a gondola to view the city below at a time of their choosing. If the weather permits dusk is one of the most romantic times to take a gondola ride in the summer. There is nothing to eclipse the view of the sunset spreading over the city below and the lights coming on. Departure times and frequency vary according to the seasons.

Once at the top visitors have several options, they can soak in the gorgeous view, trek among exotic and native plants, experience the Sky Swing billed as a ‘thrilling ride at 120 km.ph, 50 meters above ground’, experience the 4D ride of the planet at Skyvue, visit the jelly bean shop and enjoy dining with Rotorua spread our below. Going down can be an exciting affair again either via the cable car or the luge, a cross between a go cart and a toboggan. Three exciting luge tracks are available for various skill levels. Going downhill at a really fast clip through the twists and turns of a redwood forest has to be one of the most exciting experiences. Once at the bottom, adventure seekers can get right back onto the gondola for a trip to the top of the mountain. Apparently one luge ride is never enough.

A Gondola Annual Pass provides free access to Skyline Rotorua all year round. It allows unlimited gondola rides, everyday for 12 months and exclusive discounts for Skyline activities and venues for the card holder and everyone accompanying the card holder as well.

The most appreciated aspect of the Millennium Hotel Rotorua is its location by Lake Rotorua and easy access to the city’s many attractions. As a prominent city hotel in Rotorua guests are offered a selection of spacious well appointed rooms, on site leisure facilities inclusive of a heated swimming pool, gym and spa with indulgent treatments and dining venues well known for their use of fresh local ingredients and their range of traditional, seasonal and international culinary delights. This Rotorua hotel also offers facilities for business and other functions starting with assistance for planning events through to catering.

Windsurfing

Set amidst azure ocean waters, soft sandy beaches and refreshing ocean breezes, the island of Sri Lanka is a perfect place to enjoy a thrilling array of water sports including windsurfing. Look to stay at hotels Sri Lanka has to offer along the South Coast since this part of the country is well known for its idyllic shorelines that can be found in areas such as Kalutara. Amongst the leading Kalutara hotels, The Sands is well worth considering when in search of South Coast accommodation that lets you enjoy water sports as well.

Kalutara is one place in Sri Lanka that you can try your hand at windsurfing. This exciting water sport depends on wind power rather than motorised vessels. However, the lack of a speedboat is made up for by the power of the wind that propels the windsurfing board along the waves. While windsurfing can be enjoyed almost the whole year through in the South, November to April are generally considered the best months. One can hire out windsurfing boards and get lessons in this activity and be out on the waves in no time.

Kayaking in Maldives

Maldives has long made a name for itself as one of the top destinations in the world for water sports. With its incredible natural beauty and perfect conditions for almost any water sport this comes as no surprise. With the right amount of mix of both pleasure and activities, Maldives has the right balance to make your vacation one to remember. While the underwater activities like snorkelling and diving are popular for the close proximity they offer to the stunning marine life, there are plenty of water surface activities that offer a different level of excitement.

Water-skiing, wind surfing, kite surfing and surfing are more of the exciting activities. Bound to get your adrenaline pumping and your heart pounding, they are offered by almost all the major hotels. Arranging for them from your hotel also means that you don’t have to worry about equipment or an instructor.

Kayaking is another of the most popular activities and promises to be an unforgettable memory. Maldives has both tandem and single kayaks; both come with glass bottoms for those who want to occasionally gaze in to the water while paddling. This is most preferred especially in shallow waters as you can watch the breath-taking schools of colourful fish as well as corals all glide by under you.

Kayaking is also offered by island resorts in Maldives. For those looking for private retreats, the luxury resorts in Maldives have private lagoons or beaches. Maalifushi Maldives is located in the archipelago’s southwest regions and has one of the most beautiful beaches. With a number of uninhabited private islands, excellent breaks and the occasional sighting of sharks, it is the ideal retreat for honeymooners, families and adventure seekers.

The resort has a fine selection of overwater villas as well as on land accommodation. All of them have private pools and are cocoons of luxury and comfort. What makes the resort distinct is that it is in an otherwise undeveloped stretch of islands and also has its own culture. 18th century African slaves who settled here developed a dance to celebrate their new-found freedom and to date this ritualistic dance is performed during Eid festival.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Maldives Watersports

If you love having fun in the sun along with plenty of exciting thrills and spills on the water, then the Maldives with its array of water sports is definitely the place for you. The best way to experience this is to stay at a Maldives island resort which offers these water based activities. Known for its elegant accommodation and contemporary comforts, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is one such Maldives luxury resort which features water sports such as snorkelling and scuba diving.

Water sport enthusiasts are in fact spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing from the many activities on offer. If you are looking for some action packed fun, then look to try some waterskiing, wake boarding, knee boarding, windsurfing and jet-skiing. Surfers can also head to the various surfing points around the country’s atolls and enjoy riding the waves amidst breathtaking coastal backdrops. For a truly unique perspective of the islands, try some parasailing which will have you soaring in the sky like a bird! Of course snorkelling and diving are amongst the two most popular water sports in the Maldives providing excellent opportunities to view the fantastic marine world that lies beneath the waves.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+