Author: roland

Xishuangbanna Dai Minority Park

Discover the unique traditions of the Dai ethnic community in the beautiful Yunnan Province of China. Learn of age old customs, and watch mesmerizing ceremonies that focus on long stemmed beliefs. The colourful festivities celebrated at the Xishuangbanna Dai Minority Park are indeed a treat to all visitors staying at a hotel Yunnan. If you wish to enjoy the beautiful province in absolute comfort do consider a stay at the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa.

This amazing resort hotel in Yunnan blends in with the pristine beauty of the Yunnan Province. Snuggled up within a forest next to the Lusouo River the luxury Yunnan hotel boasts the best in comforts and amenities while giving you a taste of the areas rich culture and traditions. Expect typical Anantara hospitality here as you unwind at the spa; indulge in regional and traditional Dai dishes at the scenic restaurant or simply chill out at the pool. Accommodation is luxurious and utterly comfortable; choose from 80 deluxe rooms and 23 pool villas all boasting contemporary amenities and luxurious settings. Guests are offered village tours within Dai Park and excursions to Wild Elephant Valley and the White Pagoda.

Xishuang Banna in Yunnan is home to the country’s largest Dai community; which is why a tour of Dai Park is a must for a taste of age old customs and traditions. Located within a tropical rain forest the village comprises of typical bamboo huts which on its own is quite a treat to explore. Find out how the Dai use clever construction to heat the house and you may just be able to partake in a house building ceremony which is quite a serious affair involving food, drink and traditions.

Festival time is the best season to visit the Xishuangbanna Dai Minority Park make it in time for the Water Festival in April and you will be blessed with good luck all year round. Other colourful ceremonies include Opening the Door and Closing the Door Festivals in July and October, which are a reflection of the gentle nature and united front of this fascinating minority in gorgeous Yunnan.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Boomerang Rock Climbing and Adventure Park, a recreational highlight

The environs of Chiang Rai in Thailand is always an interesting place to visit and explore, offering many interesting things to see and do. Visitors to this engrossing locality will find that an outstanding accommodation choice would be a hotel Chiang Rai offers like the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. This excellent hotel offers pleasing accommodations and a selection of convenient amenities.

If you love the outdoors and particularly rock climbing you should make sure to take the opportunity to visit the Boomerang Rock Climbing and Adventure Park in Chiang Rai. The only establishment of its kind in Chiang Rai, this exciting rock climbing arena offers many different kinds of outdoor activities for visitors. These include no less than 24 well-designed climbing pathways with top ropes constructed on limestone hills, as well as facilities for traverse climbing, zip lines and slack lines in addition to caving and bouldering. Another popular feature at this park is the huge swing, the largest in Asia with a height of 53 m and an arc of 45 m.

Boomerang Adventure Park is situated on the picturesque Mae Kok River, and in its vicinity you will find a number of waterfalls as well as resident hill tribe peoples. The activities at the park may be enjoyed by people of all age groups and preferences, and stringent safety precautions have been exercised in all its facilities. The park prides itself on using only equipment of the finest standards so as to assure a satisfying outing for its guests. In addition to the numerous activities on offer at the park itself, visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy other appealing activities in the surrounding areas, such as trekking, swimming, rafting, cycling excursions and so on. Within the park guests will be able to make use of convenient facilities such as a restaurant, showers and washrooms. Visitors may also camp out in the park’s picturesque grounds.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Diving Bluetribe Moofushi : dive into the magical underwater world of Maldives

Maldives is a heavenly beach paradise where there is less land and more sea and it is a world renowned destination for scuba diving. Diving Bluetribe Moofushi is the best place where you should go if you want to explore the unique and beautiful water world of the Indian Ocean. They have various trainers for beginners who would train you to be a confident scuba diver and make the best out of your diving experience. If you are already an experienced scuba diver all you’ve got to do is get your diving gears and take a dip in the clear blue waters.

Almost all the Maldives Luxury Hotels including Naladhu Maldives will be pleased to make all arrangements for you to enjoy a once in a lifetime diving experience. Diving Bluetribe Moofushi, located in the beautiful island of Moofushi, Maldives, is one of the best scuba diving school in Maldives island which has been in operation for many years and has succeeded in providing its guests unforgettable dives & snorkeling experiences, private and romantic excursions, fishing trips, whale shark sightings, cruises, manta rays snorkels & dives plus dolphin adventure excursions. It is situated in one of the best locations of Ari Atoll, close to the western barrier reef, at mid-atoll surrounding the most famous dive spots of Maldives. 37 dive sites can be reached by boat within one hour and five minutes.

The magical world of underwater in Maldives consists of whale sharks, grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sting ray, eagle ray, turtles, pelagic and benthonic organisms. You can also visit coral gardens, oceanic reef, shoals full fitted by colourful soft corals. From December to April, May during North-Eastern monsoon season you can view manta rays. You also get the unique chance of viewing a whole variety of nudibranches, frog fish, leaf fish and stone fish. If you are a Scuba Diver longing for an unforgettable beach holiday with some extraordinary diving experience, Maldives would be the ideal holiday destination for you.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Snorkelling in Parrot Cay and Cocoa Island

Equally breathtaking and both equally having a right to be known as a tropical paradise, Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos and Cocoa Island in Maldives also provide plenty of opportunities for snorkelers to explore the rich marine diversity that lies beneath the waves. An idea option for travellers would be to combine such water sport activities with some holiday rejuvenation offered at health and wellness retreats such as COMO Shambhala. These retreats which are located in Parrot Cay and Cocoa Island also offer you the chance to go snorkelling and discover vibrant underwater life be it coral or fish.

Parrot Cay features shallow reefs, letting snorkelers get up close to view a vast array of marine species. The waters around such locales as Sanddollar Island and Iguana Island are full of life and provide one with countless hours of exploration that can be enjoyed by those of all ages. As you snorkel to your heart’s content in the waters surrounding Parrot Cay and Turks and Caicos in general, keep a look out for species such as hawksbill turtles, parrot fish and groupers. Keep an eye open for playful bottlenose dolphins which are also found swimming here.

Those planning snorkelling excursions around Cocoa Island also have much to witness be it in the day or on a unique night snorkel expedition. The clear waters that surround the Maldives provide ideal views of the colourful coral and diverse marine life that call it home including angelfish, parrotfish, clownfish and butterflyfish to name just a few.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Saadiyat Beach Golf Club; Tee off surrounded by the idyllic Arabian Gulf

The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, in Abu Dhabi, is the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront golf course. With its course designed by Gary Player, it is known to be ‘one of the world’s most captivating golfing projects’. Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis of Abu Dhabi, the golf course uses the natural beauty of the area of Saadiyat, and the spectacular view of the Arabian Gulf’s blue waters and white sandy beaches. In the vicinity of the golf club, there are a number of luxury hotels ; Abu Dhabi is known for its decadence and class and for a truly authentic experience, the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is recommended.

The golf course is designed with very strict eco-guidelines, and as a result the gold course boasts an array of native grass, and even a local turtle habitat. The Gulf along this beach is so well preserved there is even a chance to spot dolphins in and around the area. However because of the eco-guidelines don’t be fooled into thinking luxury has been sacrificed. With 3 salt water lakes, beach and sand dunes, even the bravest golfers will find a challenge on this Par 72 The total yardage starts at 5,290 however it can be extended up to 7,784 yards for professionals, or those looking for a challenge.

With world class amenities, a golf academy, practice facilities and breath-taking views, this golf course will definitely leave an impression and have you coming back for more. Take some time off to relax and socialize at the clubhouse with its premier restaurant, hawksbill. The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has a ‘Member for a Day’ experience, visitors can pay for a daily use of the facilities as oppose to forking out hefty membership fees and such.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Diving in Baa Atoll

Those waters in Baa Atoll are quite inviting and warm. You will feel like taking a dip immediately once you sight those waters. There is so much to see in these waters, when you dive.

From Male International Airport, it is only a 35-minute seaplane flight to Baa Atoll. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, one of the Maldives Hotels, offers a deluxe perspective to this atoll.

Baa Atoll’s fish life mainly includes midnight snapper, small-toothed emperor, coral rock cod, moon fusiliers and broad-striped fusiliers.

An administrative division in Maldives, Baa Atoll has three natural atolls: Maalhosmadulu, Fasduthere and Goifulhafehendhu. There are two marine-protected areas well noted for whale-shark encounters. Hanifaru Bay, which is on the east side of Baa Atoll, is a small vacant isle, is known for whale sharks. Take your waterproof camera and try to capture the underwater life.

For manta ray feeding too, Hanifaru Bay is considered to be the best place. You will see different kinds of behaviour patterns as you dive near the surface. As the Bay is full of food for manta, different behaviours could be seen. They would even get into fights with each other, as they idle around.

Once under the water, you are the photographer who can take spiral whip corals. Check out for Maldivian sponge snail too in this area. Its looks are quite distinctive. In Maldives, this snail is considered endemic. Its movement is ultra slow, around a centimetre a day. It will be your treasure as a photographer.

Baa Atoll has 16 identified dive sites: Bathalaa Kandu, Milaidhoo House Reef, Veyofushi Bodu Giri, Hirundhoo House Reef, Kakani Thila, Dhonisu Thila, Faimini Bodu Thila, Faimini Kuda Thila, Dharavehoo Thila, Horubadhoo Thila, Kunfunadhoo Thila, Digalihaa Thila, Nelivaru Thila, Miriandoo Thila, Madi Thila and Muthafushi Thila.

As a significant biosphere reserve in Maldives, Baa Atoll narrates a detailed account of human interaction with the environment.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Relax Yourself and Learn Kitesurfing in Thailand

Hua Hin Thailand boasts the best winds for enjoying a spot of kitesurfing. Enjoy the gorgeous sunny weather, minimum rainfall and general party atmosphere of this vibrant town as you take on the art of kitesurfing. Finding a hotel in Hua Hin is easy, but make sure you choose one that’s close to the sandy beaches. For ultimate luxury and comfort check out the Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa.

A beautiful resort designed to resemble an ancient Thai Village this hotel sits right on the white sandy beach of Hua Hin. Enjoy a rejuvenating Thai massage, tee off at the nearby golf course or relax and enjoy the luxurious accommodation. This retreat comprises of well-appointed elegant rooms and suites offering gorgeous views of the ocean. Thai silk décor together with loads of light and space within these comfortable quarters will help you rest and relax in style.

Get that adrenaline pumping with some adventure on the beach by taking up kitesurfing, 6 kilometres of sandy beach and good wind makes this sport a favourite amongst many tourists. Kitesurfing is easy to learn as there are plenty of ‘Kitesurfing schools’ for beginners. Don’t worry about gear as branded kites together with other equipment are readily available at the sports goods stores.

The huge sandy beaches and shallow waters of Hua Hin make this sport safe for all, enjoy the birds-eye view of the city and ocean as the wind whips your hair and take back a million memories.

What’s more the added benefits of getting a Thai massage on the beach or enjoying the vibrant night life make a sunny holiday in Hua Hin very conducive.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Night Snorkeling in Maldives

Maldives is a archipelagic state which is located in South Asia. Known for its amazing natural beauty, pristine white sandy beaches and thriving tourism industry, Maldives is a great destination for those who wish to engage in water and beach activities. One such amazing and magical activity is snorkeling at night. The Velassaru Maldives is a luxury resort which is known for its tranquil accommodation, and offers many exciting things to do in Maldives island.

The Maldives is a world renowned diving and snorkeling destination. This is due to the reason that the waters of Maldives are home to amazing underwater sights and attractions. The Maldives has many splendid coral reefs which are abundant with marine life. These colorful coral in all shapes and sizes, many exotic species of marine life, as well as astounding underwater caves make the diving and snorkeling sites of Maldives magical even during the day. But at night time the experience become even more extraordinary…

The clear tropical waters, glistening with the moonlight, make the mere sight of the waters mesmerizingly beautiful. Snorkeling at night means you must take a flash light with you, so that you can discover the nighttime waters. You will be able to see marvelous coral reefs glistening under the moonlight. You will get to see the many species of fish, and even whales, sleeping in the calm and quiet nighttime waters. There are other species that are only active in the night, so night snorkeling allows you to see these species too .One of the most amazing highlights of night snorkeling is the glimmering and shining biolumiscent plankton and micro life. Glistening under the moonlight, these creatures create an effect of floating glitter underwater, which is a sight that you have to experience.

Night snorkeling in itself is exciting and magical, but night snorkeling in the waters of the Maldives is far more magical. So go ahead and explore the nighttime waters of Maldives.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Liwa Tour, a Desert Experience

The golden dunes of the desert are one of the most renowned treasures of Abu Dhabi. In fact, a holiday to the Middle east is never really complete without basking in the beautiful desert vista that opens doors to authentic Arabia; a landscape largely replaced by towering skyscrapers and modern infrastructure. In Abu Dhabi however, a large portion of its desert is well preserved for its many ardent explorers. In here you find massive rolling dunes, plenty of camels and all the fun and adventure that come with them both. Indulge in a Liwa tour and enjoy the most unparalleled desert experience ever.

On the vast expanses of the Liwa Desert located on the largest chunk of empty land in all of Arabia, tours are provided with all the exciting components of a desert experience. Beginning with wild adrenaline pumping adventures such as Dune bashing and Dune rolling you will get to unravel all the unimaginable fun tucked in this huge pile of sand. The tour then lets you to thoroughly experience the treasures of Arabia; the camel. You will get to ride atop its back, drink its milk and spend some time in their unique Company. Then you shall explore; the Saddle rocks, ancient fossil rocks and the camel rocks are all exciting places to discover. As night dawns upon the desert enjoy the company of countless twinkling starts as you relish Arabian delicacies with a smoke of Sheesha while belly dancing beauties provide plentiful entertainment. After a long thoroughly entertaining day in the desert the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara will be waiting for you to come home to. Being one of the finest luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has, you are sure to be pampered here in the perfect Emirati style.

The best part about the Liwa tour is that it can be tailor made according to the time you have in hand. Some packages are for day lovers and others for the night lovers and if you are keen on spending the night camping in the desert, that too can be arranged as well.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Fishing in Muscat, a fisherman’s dream in the desert

When one thinks of the Middle East, and its many deserts, fishing may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However Muscat boasts a fruitful marine habitat, making it one of the best fishing locations in the world, ideal for both beginners and big game fishing expeditions all year-round. While you may visit Muscat for the fishing, it is also in close proximity to a number of other must-see tourist destinations in Oman such as Sur, and the port town of Sohar. Accommodation in Sohar can be found easily as a number of hotels have updated websites; one such hotel is the Al Wadi Hotel, Sohar.

The best period to visit Muscat is between October and April as the day is warm but not uncomfortable, and the evenings are quite cool. However a large number of fish do frequent the waters around Muscat during the summer months when the water is warmer however be warned as the temperature on land can reach up to 40°C on land. The waters surrounding Muscat are home to a number of species of fish, such as the Yellowfin tuna, the Striped Bonito, the Dorado and the Barracuda.

In addition, the waters are home to dolphins, turtles and a number of species of whales such as the sperm whale and the killer whale. Arrange whale or dolphin watching expeditions with a tour guide as such a vibrancy of species is hard to come by anywhere else in the world. There are a number of charter companies which rent boats out to tourists looking to spend time on the open sea. Some boats can hold up to as many as 10 passengers, and can be booked for either a few hours or even entire days. All boats are accompanied by a captain, and come equipped with life vests, safety gear, fish tackle and even bait to make your fishing trip run smoothly.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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