Author: Catalina Forbes

Diving in Doha

Doha is the capital city of the State of Qatar and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The city is renowned for the wide range of shopping, dining and luxury accommodation settings it offers tourists. However, an often underrated attraction in Doha is the amazing diving opportunities it serves.

Due to its popularity among tourists in Doha, hotels you can choose from vary in price, service and luxury. For a fine mix of all three, consider staying at the Banana Island Resort, Doha, by Anantara. It places within close proximity to leading dive centres in the region as well.

The city is home to seven popular dive sites, all of which are accessible via PADI certified dive instructors from a number of centres in the region. The Old Club Reef (OCR) and New Club Reef (NCR) are both situated close to the Mesaieed sealine, about half hour away from Doha. The former is an artificial reef and is approximately 16 metres deep. NCR is about 20 metres deep. OCR and NCR are both rich in marine life and home to resident fish types such as Arabian Blue Angel Fish, Sergeant Major, Groupers, Batfish, Barracuda, Spangled Emperors, Twobar Seabream and much more. Other similar dive sites that immerse you in the regions rich marine life are the Inland Sea and Eel Garden.

Fans of wreckages are in for a treat as well. The Pericles Shipwreck of Al Ed-Al Gharbi is 35 metres deep. Here divers get to see an enormous sunken shipwreck with plenty of exploration opportunities. Its massive propeller is sure to leave you in awe. The Al Ed-Al Sharqi sea line, about an hour and half from the city, boasts of another huge sunken shipwreck called the MO Wreck. About 25 metres deep, this wreck is also home to some beautiful fish species.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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River & Wildlife Experiences in Zambia: The Adventure of a Lifetime in South Luangwe

Africa is a land that is synonymous with adventure and wild-life, and there is no better way to experience the glory of an African wilderness quite like a safari, and there is no safari quite like a Zambian safari in South Luangwa. The Luangwa region is iconic for its spectacular scenery and wild-life amidst an unforgiving and rugged wilderness. Despite this, the safaris in Luangwa are renowned for providing a comfortable voyage into some of the harshest yet most beautiful terrains of Africa.

You can enjoy your stay in Luangwa in a variety of ways, one is by spending it at one of the area’s many lodges in the heart of the wilderness, if you wish to venture even deeper, the accompanying professionals will set up a camp for you to intimately experience the African wilderness. If the first two options are a tad too extreme for you, there you can go for a luxury hotel such as the Victoria Falls Hotel Zambia by the renowned Anantara Hotels, Resorts Spas where you can comfortably enjoy the river and wild-life experiences in Zambia amidst five-star luxury.

The safari providers in the area have decades worth of experience as well as recognition and will uncompromisingly provide you the best, and safest, experience you can hope for. The South Luangwa National Park encompasses almost ten thousand square kilometers and plays refuge to over four hundred species of birds and more than sixty different species of mammals. Leopards, Elephants and Crocodiles in particular are known to gather in large numbers in South Luangwa Park. The dry season from April to October is the best time for a visit, since the rivers dry up and the animals wander towards the lagoons where water is plentiful.

So if you seek a safari adventure like no other, head on to South Luangwa for a voyage you will surely cherish for a lifetime.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
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Nature and Wildlife Walks in Abu Dhabi

In the 21st century, the Middle East is known well for its abundant and thriving oil industry, which has contributed to the development of the region in the last fifty years. One country that has benefited greatly from this discovery is the United Arab Emirates. Located in the Middle Eastern region, the United Arab Emirates is composed of seven Emirates, namely, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Given the present perception of the Middle East, many would be surprised to know that the emirate of Abu Dhabi was a haven for wildlife prior to its rapid development due to the discovery of oil in the mid-twentieth century. This natural heritage is evident in the name Abu Dhabi as well, which literally means ‘Father of the Gazelle’, as well as Sir Bani Yas Island which is a reputed wildlife reserve in the United Arab Emirates.

Hotels in Sir Bani Yas Island are scarce with given the status of the island as a bird sanctuary in addition to a wildlife reserve. Therefore, for tourists who wish to reside on the island itself, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi can be recommended.

The emphasis placed on preserving and conserving wildlife in the emirate extends to initiatives outside the United Arab Emirates as well and the emirate has, on multiple occasions, organised events to raise awareness or protest against certain global initiatives in the form of wildlife walks. One such wildlife walk took place in March 2014 at the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre to raise awareness about Canned Hunting, a practice predominantly in South Africa where lions are bred for the industry and hunters are given the opportunity to shoot them in closed enclosures, and to protest the practice.

Abu Dhabi places great importance on such initiatives and encourages tourists to visit their wildlife reserves in the least disruptive manner possible as well.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Tandem Skydive Queenstown Skydiving

Queenstown is a small town in New Zealand with the heart and soul of a bustling miniature city. It sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu and is caressed by tall peaks on all sides. The natural beauty of the setting instantly captivates visitors. This much-loved destination is now gaining a reputation for its cosmopolitan restaurants and more than one luxury hotel. Queenstown is also building a vibrant arts scene, has top notch vineyards and five golf courses meeting international-standards. You will find the biggest crowds during the summer and winter months but there are things to see and do all year round.

Queenstown is known fondly as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. This is where you go if your idea of a vacation includes jumping out of a plane, off a bridge or both! To get the most out of your travels become a member of the Anantara Vacation Club; reviews describe it as a timeshare concept upgraded to include all the bells and whistles.

Sky diving is on the bucket list of every adrenalin junkie. You will be decked out in a jump suit and given a safety briefing after which a small plane will take you up and away. Tandem sky diving requires you to be strapped to a qualified instructor, who will carry a parachute to make the jump. After a short, exhilarating free fall the instructor will deploy the parachute and you will both shoot up several feet into the sky. Finally, you will float back down to earth while enjoying the scenery. New Zealand is one of the most picturesque countries in the world so what better way to enjoy the view, than from the skies above? A video and photos of your thrilling experience can be purchased for an additional fee.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
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Day ride with stylish quad bikes in Samui

Koh Samui in Thailand has long since been attracting holidaymakers. It has evolved with the times and remains a top pick among vacation destinations. Make a trip and you can expect to find in Koh Samui: 5 star resorts, long stretches of pristine beach, swanky restaurants, top of the line spas and ever popular beach bars. Despite adapting to meet the demands of the modern traveller, it has maintained much of its authenticity. Thailand’s largest island was once home to a quiet fishing community and was only visited by the odd backpacker. Today, it caters to budget travellers with simple beachside bungalows as well as luxury travellers who opt for accommodation at options such as Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort & Spa.

The island has recently discovered quad bikes. It is a fun and adventurous way to experience the sights and sounds. You will have the opportunity to power through the wilds of tropical jungles while birds call to you from the trees above and monkeys swing from branch to branch. You will also see magnificent waterfalls and magical places that are unspoiled and hidden away waiting to be discovered.

Quad bike tours are conducted for groups that enjoy the sport. You will be provided with a top of the range bike, which is sturdy and safer than a scooter or most other options available to tourists. Koh Samui has great weather ideal for outdoor activity and the varying terrain from flat beaches to hilly jungles offers up an invigorating challenge. The tours are led by experienced guides who are friendly and ready to assist new riders. There will be many amazing photo opportunities so remember to pack a camera and get set for the ride of your life!

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Fishing Village in Marawila

Marawila is a small fishing village located in the town of Puttalam, about 62km from Colombo. Located within 3km of Negombo, Marawila is a quieter setting compared to the former. As it is neither a fully fledged tourist destination nor a thriving town, this little village offers intimate, “close-to-nature” type of experiences to travellers.

Home to untarnished and long stretch of golden sandy beaches, Marawila has proven to be a wonderful destination for those looking for a relaxing holiday away from the commotion of popular tourist hot spots in Sri Lanka. Beach hotels and accommodation spaces are a plenty, with the likes of Amagi Beach Marawila being popular options among tourists.

Picturesque fresh water lagoons, un-crowded beaches and tranquil views of the local fishermen out at sea on their boats make Marawila a desirable holiday spot.

Mostly a tranquil or romantic getaway, Marawila is also home to temples rich in history. The most popular one is “Kurusa Palliya” (Holy Cross Shrine), established in 1875. Besides being one of the older churches in the country, Holy Cross Shrine is also renowned for numerous miracles that are said to have taken place there. Many churchgoers claim that incurable diseases and unforeseen family tragedies have been reversed after having prayed here. To the locals, this church is the embodiment of the living Christ.

Another popular temple in Marawila is Thaniwella Dewale with its prominent horse statue at the front. This shrine was constructed by the son of King Weeraparakramabahu the 8th, Prince Thaniya Wallaba from the Kotte period. History says that the prince once saved the coastal region from a powerful south Indian invader and as a result the townspeople called him Thaniwelle Deviyo. The temple is also home to a Bo tree that is said to be over 250 years old.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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A Shopaholic’s Guide to Designer Shopping in Colombo

According Blair Waldorf in the hit TV series Gossip Girl, “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping”. So if you’re in Colombo and want to seek out happiness the kind that Blair Waldorf speaks of, here are a few upscale shopping destinations you should definitely checkout.

Before you set out on adrenaline-pumping shopping adventure, it’s important that at first you get comfortably settled in a Colombo city hotel that’s conveniently located. Thus, The Steuart by Citrus will be the ideal option for you as this boutique hotel in Colombo is within 12-15 minutes distance from some of Colombo popular shopping destinations such as ODEL, Arcade Independence Square, Barefoot and Lakpahana.

Sri Lanka’s first department store, ODEL should be the top of your list of designer shopping destinations in Colombo as here you can find a wide range of designer products that’s not just clothing but jewellery and home ware as well. You will also be able to buy international branded wear such as Michael Kors, Lancôme, Christian Dior and so much more here. The Embark designer brand by ODEL is a great way to shop and give back at the same time as a portion of profits from the sale of merchandise is used to fund their foundation that cares for the wellbeing of street pooches.

Next, head over to the Arcade Independence Square where Tommy Hilfigher, FCUK, Charles and Keith and more await for you to splurge yourself. This Colonial style shopping complex also has a few local high-fashion brands such as Azarya and Stone N String.

For an authentic Sri Lankan designer shopping experience visit Barefoot, Designer Barbara Sansoni’s eclectic boutique that is famous for its brightly-coloured handloom products such as household items (bedspreads, cushions, and serviettes), stationery and clothing. Lakpahana is also a great place to buy Sri Lankan designer wear as they sell traditional Sri Lankan handicrafts and clothing. Housed within Lakpahana’s premises is Zudhora, Colombo’s newest and trendiest designer experience that presents uniquely Sri Lankan clothing created to match the latest international trends.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Waterbom Bali, the best waterpark

Blessed with Nature’s finest beauty from luscious hills to miles of clear coastline and dazzling turquoise sea, Bali is the ultimate tropical paradise. Among Bali’s many man-made attractions are its luxurious hotels including OSSOTEL and Bali’s greatest pride, the famous Waterbom Waterpark.

Waterbom lies in Bali’s Kuta region and is near some of the finest of Legian hotel options. Regarded as one of Bali’s finest family entertainment centres, the sprawling 3.8 hectare Waterbom Waterpark includes world-class rides and many restaurants and shops thus earning its place among the world’s top 5 best Waterparks. Determined to maintain its family-friendly standards, the Park has been built to the highest safety standards and is an EarthCheck Silver Benchmarked company that is committed to being environmentally sustainable. For the thousands who flock to the Park each year, Waterbom is the ideal family getaway.

Open daily from 9 a.m to 6 p.m, visitors can purchase a ticket and enter a world where relaxation and enjoyment is a motto. Take an exhilarating ride on ‘Fast ‘N Fierce’ or on the dramatic ‘Double Twist’ that transports visitors through heart-stopping twists and sharp vertical drops. Take in the breathtaking views of the Kuta skyline while you snake through the Park on ‘The Pipeline’ or take the 16 meter-long ride on ‘Climax’ and end your ride in a ‘splash’ in the pool below. Spend a relaxing afternoon drifting along Waterbom’s ‘Lazy River’ and admire the gentle ride through waterfalls and foliage.

Enjoy some quiet time in the cool shade of the poolside thatch-roof gazebos and have a refreshing drink at Sunken Poolside Bar or at the new Thai Italian Restaurant that serves the finest fusion cuisine. Visit the Reflexology Centre for a soothing massage and dip your feet into the pond at the Fish Spa. Grab a hotdog and juice from one of the Park’s many food stalls before shopping for chic swimwear and gear at Waterbom’s Retail space and have the expenses charged automatically to your ‘Splashband’ to be paid when leaving the Park after a memorable day spent in Bali’s widely-acclaimed national treasure.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Eco Adventures in Turks and Caicos

A big blue escape into heaven, the Turks and Caicos archipelago holds many wonders for you to explore. The islands are recognized as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots due to the conditions created by the oldest established salt-pan development in the Caribbean. So if you’re heading out to the islands of wonder, eco tours should be at the top of the list of things to do in Turks and Caicos.

While you hop from island to island exploring its rich biodiversity, it’s essential that you are comfortably based, and Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks & Caicos is just the perfect getaway for you as this premier among luxury resorts in the Caribbean arranges eco tours in affiliation with Big Blue Unlimited, the most comprehensive watersports and eco-tour outfit in the islands. With these tours you will get to visit an 18th Century cotton plantation and get to know about the early agricultural history of the islands; the Kew village where you will be treated to an exotic Turks and Caicos lunch, and then travel to the Flamingo Pond Nature Reserve to see the beloved national bird. The tour also includes visits to Middle Caicos that consists of extensive limestone caves, Mudjin Harbour with its beautiful beaches and cliffs; and go shopping for local handicrafts.

Turks and Caicos boast a wide variety of endemic species and others of international importance such as lizards, snakes, insects and plants. It is also recognized as an important breeding ground. But the real adventure and magic lies underneath its crystal, clear waters. Take a dive and explore Columbus Landfall Marine National Park which has a 1,280 acre area that consists of a barrier reef system with coral walls dropping more than 7,000 feet. Other than the colourful corals, schools of vibrant fish of many species and colours are there to delight you.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world. Google+

Outdoor Activities in Waskaduwa

Located 37 Kilometres from Colombo, the wonderful beach resort town of Waskaduwa is a travellers getaway to a heavenly repose of tranquillity with its soft, golden sands. But Waskaduwa at the same time doesn’t fail to impress all those outdoor enthusiasts out there. So get ready to pump your adrenaline with Waskaduwa’s riveting outdoor activities.

Beaches are of course Waskaduwa’s crowning glory, so most of the top outdoor activities take place on these shimmering shores. Watersports such as Beach Volleyball, Water Polo, Deep Sea Fishing, Sea Safari Excursions, Diving/ PADI Certifications and Wind Surfing await to set your heart racing in Waskaduwa. But before you explore the great outdoors its essential that you first discover a great indoor accommodation to settle down in Waskaduwa, and Citrus Waskaduwa is one of the finest options you can find among beach hotels in Sri Lanka, as other than outstanding accommodation, the resort also offers outdoor activities such as beach volleyball, water aerobics and horse riding.

Venturing 15 minutes out of Waskaduwa, is Kalutara and the Kalu Ganga (Kalu River), where you can embark on an adventurous river safari. Traverse along serene Kalu River and let your eyes feast on stunning river scenes of mangrove forests that are home to exotic avian species, cheeky monkeys and humongous water monitors.

 

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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