roland | The Adventure Travel Site

A perfect retreat for couples to rejuvenate and to connect

Looking for ideas to plan a retreat with that special someone this year? Here are some ideas that offer options for adventure and relaxation with plenty of memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Set Sail to the Dalmatian Coast

A unique retreat awaits couples embarking on a private yacht journey to explore the Dalmatian Coast and its enchanting islands in Croatia. It can include a chance to spend time in the Old City of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient palaces, churches and monasteries. You can also look forward to wandering around the forests of Mljet, visiting the intriguing Odysseus Cave, and heading to Korcula home to idyllic coves and vineyards.

Enjoy Holistic Healing in Hunter Valley

In New South Wales, you will find one of the major wine regions in Australia, the Hunter Valley. Resort and spa options can be found here at properties like Elysia Wellness Retreat that provide the perfect escape for those looking to get away from it all and experience a transformative journey. Couples can enjoy all-inclusive health and wellness programmes, holistic counselling, revitalising spa treatments, guidance in breathing & Qi Gong, walks amidst nature and more.

Go Hiking Amidst the Sacred Valley

Couples who love hiking can plan a retreat in Peru’s Sacred Valley region where they will encounter spellbinding natural beauty and awe-inspiring ancient monuments. One of the unforgettable experiences here is to go on a four-day hike along the Inca Trail; you will journey through cloud forests, see stunning mountain views, and comes across historical ruins. The highlight would be arriving at Machu Picchu, the breathtaking focal point of the Inca Empire.

Encounter Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands

For unique wildlife encounters, you and your partner can consider a getaway to the Galapagos Islands, a remote part of Ecuador. Depending on the chosen package, you can look forward to visiting islands like Isabela where you can see everything from Galapagos giant tortoises to adorable sea lions. You can also look forward to snorkelling amidst manta rays and sea turtles, heading to the Charles Darwin Research Station and hiking to the Sierra Negra Volcano.

Exploring the Streets of Sukhumvit in Bangkok – Making lasting memories in Bangkok

If there is one place in Bangkok that you should explore while taking in everything around you, then it is most definitely the streets of Sukhumvit.

Image by travelphotographer from Pixabay

Visit Terminal 21

Not located too far from Gardina Asoke Hotel & Residence and most other hotels, Terminal 21 will allow you to take a trip around the world without having to spend too much money or time. Different parts of the shopping mall take the theme of different cities of the world.

Visit outdoor markets

If you are staying at a Bangkok hotel in Sukhumvit, one thing you will come across quite often is the outdoor markets. The open-air markets are a great place to shop and explore when you are in Sukhumvit. Known as one of the longest streets in Thailand, there are so many shops that you can visit on this street.

Try different food

Even if you are a street food lover or someone who wishes to enjoy food at a high-end restaurant, you will love the food scene in Sukhumvit.

Try a spa treatment

There is nothing more relaxing than a full-body massage or a steam bath after a long day of exploring and walking.

An Essential Krabi Travel Guide – Coastal Charm and Exciting Escapades Await

The province of Krab in southern Thailand offers the perfect getaway full of beachside bliss and thrilling adventures and here are some insights into this enchanting destination.

Best Time to Visit

There’s something to do here year-round; that said, the cool season (November to February) which is the peak season offers the best weather, though rates will be higher. The hot season (March to May) is when temperatures pick up and you will get occasional downpours too. The rainy season (June to October) brings showers though not all the time and you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine along with lower rates.

Where to Stay

The main town and Ao Nang Beach are two places you can stay at though, to escape the crowds, consider a Koh Lanta-based coastal hideaway at a Krabi resort; pool villa options are on offer here at properties like the SHA Extra+ certified Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort that features a private beach along with diverse dining, a spa and kids’ club.

Top Beaches

Krabi is an excellent destination for some beach hopping with several idyllic shorelines to visit. Ao Nang Beach is a tourist hotspot, while Railay Beach set amidst limestone cliffs isn’t to be missed either. Equally enthralling are the Laem Kho Kwang and Phra Ae beaches on Koh Lanta where you can soak up the sun and catch magical sunsets.

Things to Do

Intrepid travellers have much to enjoy as well; one can make the ascent up 1,237 steps to the Tiger Cave Temple, explore Mu Koh Lanta National Park and visit the Klong Thom Hot Springs and Emerald Pool. You can also embark on island-hopping excursions to places like the Phi Phi Islands and Four Islands and go diving, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing too.

Canoeing In Phuket – Row Your Boat

Do you have a spirit of adventure and are you very keen on water sports? Make sure you hop on board a canoe on your next Thai adventure. Read on to uncover the top canoeing spots in Phuket for an incredibly fun vacation.

How To?

While the logistical aspect of organising water sports can seem daunting, certain Phuket resorts take away the hassle of organising the excursions. Hotels such as Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas can take care of the logistics so all that’s left to do is to make a splash and have a whale of a time!

Phi Phi Island

Number one of the long lists of the best places to canoe in Phuket is Phi Phi Island. A breath-taking and an exotic island like no other, row your canoe on the placid waters to marvel at the limestone formations and caves. You’ll want to take along a waterproof camera to document your adventure!

James Bond Island

If you’re a fan of Agent 007, you’ll recognise this island in a heartbeat from the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”. The island became so popular after the movie, it was eventually re-named the “James Bond Island”. Come and explore the shallows surrounding this gorgeous isle before diving into its waters.

Phang Nga Bay

If you’ve never explored the waters of a bay by canoe, this is the place to do it! With a myriad of interesting limestone karsts, sea rocks and multiple islands to navigate around, make sure you canoe your way around Phang Nga Bay for a water-logged adventure of a lifetime.

Luxury Travel Guide to Bangkok – For an Unforgettable Holiday

Bangkok is an incredible luxury destination for locals and tourists alike! Whether you’ve been here before or you’re visiting it again, peruse this travel guide to make the most of your holiday!

When to Visit?

While it is a wonderful city to visit at any time of the year, the months of September and October are known to be wetter on account of the monsoon rains. Due to the spells of sunshine and dry weather, the months from December to March are the best time to visit.

Where to Stay?

Whether you’re travelling on a budget or have more discerning taste, there’s a perfect Siam hotel in Bangkok for you! From hostels to more luxurious escapes such as Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel Bangkok has an excellent choice of accommodation.

What to Expect?

In a nutshell, a flurry of activity! Bangkok is a busy exciting city that is filled to the brim with so much life. While the locals are friendly make a note to be mindful of their religious beliefs and dress conservatively if you are exploring any temples.

Luxurious Activities

If you wish, you can charter a helicopter to see Bangkok from the skies or else take a cruise on the river running through the city. You can also stay in the most incredible suites and treat yourself to a cookery class by a master chef!

Why You Need to Experience the Krabi Hot Springs – Rejuvenating & Revitalising Waters

While Jacuzzis offer a relaxing soak, to truly unwind, nothing beats natural hot springs in the middle of a forest which is what awaits in Krabi!

What to Expect

Known as the Klong Thom Hot Springs, these natural thermal springs are heated by volcanic chambers to ideal temperatures of around 35 – 42°C. Easy to reach from SHA Extra+ certified properties like Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, the hot springs form small baths as the waters cascade to the stream below amidst a tranquil rainforest.

Therapeutic Healing

Those staying at Ao Nang beach hotels can easily plan excursions to this site which is more than just a great place to unwind; the waters contain natural mineral salts which locals believe can help to cure various ailments from sciatica to rheumatism. While such claims may have not been proven scientifically, it nevertheless adds to hot spring’s allure!

Planning a Visit

The Klong Thom Hot Springs are within the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve which is around an hour away from Ao Nang. You can visit as part of a tour excursion, hire a taxi or rent a car to get to this site which is generally open from 07:00am to 06:00pm; apart from swimwear, remember to bring a towel and flip-flops / sandals too.

Additional Experiences

The hot springs are within easy reach of two other attractions in Krabi that can be visited on your excursion. Within the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is the gorgeous Emerald Pool where one can also enjoy a refreshing dip; nearby, is the equally enchanting Blue Lagoon and though you can’t swim here, it’s worth taking in.

Lesser-Known Attractions in Kalutara District – Captivating Discoveries in Sri Lanka

While there are many attractions in Kalutara, not all are well-known by tourists and here are a few such sites in the district to add to your itinerary.

Kande Viharaya

While the city’s main temple gets all the attention, equally impressive is the Kande Viharaya Buddhist temple in Kalutara; beach resort properties can be found within easy reach of this site that dates to the 18th century. Highlights include various frescoes and Buddha images, a sacred Bo tree and one of the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statues.

Thudugala Waterfall

Nature lovers can visit the Thudugala Waterfall, easy to reach on excursions from properties like the ‘Safe and Secure’ certified Avani Kalutara Resort. You must walk through a rubber estate and past an abandoned estate building before reaching the cascading waters, an enchanting site where you can have a refreshing dip as well!

Fa Hien Cave

The Kalutara District is also home to one of Asia’s biggest natural rock formations, where a pre-historic human settlement was excavated too. It’s named Fa Hien Cave after a Chinese Buddhist priest who is said to have visited this spot in the 5th century; here, you can see the archaeological dig sites, a Buddhist temple and a reclining statue of Lord Buddha.

Nachchimale Stream

Located near the town of Ingiriya, the Nachchimale Stream is another attraction that showcases the natural beauty of Kalutara. At this site, apart from the meandering stream, one will find a picturesque setting with small waterfalls and ponds set amidst lush foliage. It’s a great spot to have a bath and soak up sublime tranquillity.

Khao Lak Thailand Travel Guide – The Perfect Thai Isle

Do you want to visit Thailand’s most peaceful island? Then Khao Lak is the place for you! Read on to find out more about this hidden gem.

What Can I Expect?

Ample opportunities for peace, rest and a spot of fun too! With sandy beaches and the glittering blue Andaman Sea, Khao Lak remains unspoiled and less urbanised. Due to this, you don’t have to worry about sharing the beach with too many others!

Where Can I Stay?

Despite being a well-kept secret, there are some incredible resorts and accommodation options here. Some of the best hotels in Khao Lak include resorts such as AVANI+ Khao Lak Resort which offer wonderful stays whether you’re travelling solo, in pairs or with the entire family!

When Should I Go?’

The best time on this island is between November and April when there’s ample sunshine and little to no rain! While rates are cheaper between May and October on account of the monsoon, the sea is choppy so it’s not advisable to go swimming or do any water sports.

What Can I Do?

Apart from relaxing on a beach and soaking in the sun’s rays, there’s plenty to do in Khao Lak. With exciting nature trails and some sunken ships to explore, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make some amazing memories on your Khao Lak adventure.

Thrilling Sky Diving in Dubai Over the Palm Jumeirah – Experience the Joys of Freefall

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and a chance to see the epic Palm Jumeirah island from a whole new perspective, then sky diving in Dubai is for you!

City Location

The main location for skydiving in the city is the Palm Dropzone at Al Seyahi Street close to properties like Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites. This activity is offered by Skydive Dubai and once you have booked your slot, ensure you reach the designated place on time; it will take around three to four hours from check-in to completing your experience.

What to Expect

Easy to enjoy for those staying at a hotel near Palm Jumeirah, this experience gives one a chance to feel the exhilaration of freefall; your “leap” will be from 13,000 feet off the ground, reaching speeds of around 120 miles per hour! Below you will be the iconic tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah island and the dazzling cityscape of Dubai of which you will get a unique view.

Types of Jumps

For those new to this activity, tandem skydiving is available; you will be securely harnessed to an expert instructor who will be guiding you and ensure everything goes smoothly during freefall. Those with the necessary experience can go on solo jumps and make use of the gear rental facilities and full-service rigging loft on offer.

Keep in Mind

You must be 18 years old or above to participate in skydiving with Skydive Dubai, which also has some other requirements listed on its website (https://www.skydivedubai.ae/en/tandem-jumps/requirements). When it comes to attire, wear comfy tops and t-shirts with sleeves and sports shoes or sneakers that don’t have studs or buckles.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Pattaya – Explore Pattaya’s Picturesque Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Spread out across 2.4 square kilometres, the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya is a breathtaking horticultural highlight. Here’s everything you need to know about green space.

At a Glance

Sprawled across a whopping 600 acres or 2.4 square kilometres, the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is one of Pattaya’s top attractions for nature lovers. Encompassing an array of highlights, the gardens resemble a theme park more than a traditional botanical space as there are restaurants, cultural showcases and other activities that are part and parcel of the venue. Divide into a European Renaissance garden, a 17th-century French garden and a topiary hub; other interesting points of interest include succulents, orchids and bonsai themed gardens, which make up more than 30 separate horticultural zones.

Getting There

Those based at Avani Pattaya Resort or any one of the other Pattaya resorts will find that the most affordable and efficient way to reach the Nong Nooch Garden is via a shared transfer or by signing up for a tour of the locale with a local tour operator. There are full-day and half-day packages available to tourists who wish to uncover every corner of this delightful green space.

How to Explore

Due to the vastness of the gardens and the sheer number of plant life and recreational attractions within the premises, the best way to explore the Nong Nooch Garden is via biking around.

Main Highlights

Apart from the French Garden and the Stonehenge garden, the skywalk and the Butterfly Hill remain the most idyllic parts of the garden. Taking in a show at the Thai Cultural Hall is also a must. Boat cruises and paddle boating rides are available as well.