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.

Explore the Natural Beauty of Kandy

There are many reasons why Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka, is considered one of the best locations for trekking. Kandy is surrounded by beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and forests with diverse flora and fauna. The city is also home to cultural attractions and can be reached easily from other major cities in Sri Lanka. What’s more? Kandy is considered a safe destination for travellers; this makes it the perfect location for an unforgettable trekking adventure. Here are several tips to keep in mind when planning your trek in Kandy.

Wear Comfortable, Sturdy Shoes

Trekking in Kandy can involve walking over rough terrain, so it’s essential to have shoes that can protect your feet from rough areas and provide good support. If you want to be on the safe side, opt for hiking shoes; this will help you navigate various locations with ease.

Pack Light

Ensure to bring only the essentials and leave any unnecessary items at home; this will help you to travel to various locations in Kandy more comfortably and enjoy exciting things to do in Sri Lanka as you traverse the area. Bring a backpack with you with a few water bottles and some snacks.

Wear Protective Clothing

Kandy Town
Image via Wikimedia Commons – Charith Gunarathna, Kandy Sri Lanka (25818382171), CC BY 2.0

Depending on the weather and the type of trek you are doing, it may be wise to bring protective clothing such as a rain jacket or sunscreen. Kandy observes both the rainy season and the sunny season. So, make sure to prepare yourself in advance. If you want to travel to Kandy safely and quickly, use Cinnamon Air.

Protect the Environment

Remember to protect the natural environment and take steps to minimize your impact – this may include disposing of trash properly or avoiding disturbing wildlife. Be an environmentally conscious traveller and preserve the environment for younger generations.


  

Adventures to Explore in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, also known as Little England in Sri Lanka, is where you will spoil your eyes with the most dazzling sights of misty mountains, serene lakes, and charming cottages. If your adrenaline calls out for you during your visit to this alluring city, here are some actions to indulge in.

Biking

Cycling and Mountain biking in Sri Lankan Hil country | Image by Amila Tennakoon via Flickr,CC BY 2.0

Bike through the serene tea plantations and lush greenery around you to get to the best places to see in Nuwara Eliya for an exhilarating feeling. The fresh breeze on your face and the scenic views will make you feel refreshed. You can even ride back and forth from our stay at Araliya Green City without having to find taxis or tuk-tuks.

Jet Skiing

The most stunning attraction in the heart of Nuwara Eliya is the gorgeous Gregory Lake, where you can go jet skiing to get the adrenaline pumping through your body. The lake water turning into vapor combined with the fresh and cold wind will make jet skiing the most refreshing experience for you.

Hiking and Trekking

Follow the hiking trails to witness the breathtaking sunrise enlightening the skies at Adam’s Peak and worship the sacred footprint of Lord Buddha. You can also go hiking in the mountains gracing the skyline and enjoy the lush greenery and the spectacular views.

  

A Jeep Safari Ride in Dubai – A Thrilling Ride Down the Desert

A jeep safari ride in Dubai is an adventure that you do not want to miss when visiting this vibrant city. Whether you are a thrill-seeking tourist or a local looking for an exciting day out, a jeep safari tour is a perfect way to experience the beauty and culture of the Dubai desert.

Photo by Stephane Hurbe via pexels

Starting Off

Step out from your accommodation in Oaks Liwa Heights to start your Jeep Safari adventure. You will meet your tour guide and the rest of your group at a designated pickup location, ideally a few miles away from most hotel suites in Dubai. From there, you’ll be transported to the starting point of the tour, where you will be provided with a safety briefing and have the chance to meet your fellow adventurers.

Hit the Road

Once you are all set, it is time to hit the road and start exploring the vast and rugged landscape of the Dubai desert. Your tour guide will take you on a thrilling journey through the dunes, allowing you to experience the true beauty of the desert and its rich cultural history.

Stops Along the Way

Along the way, you will have the chance to stop at various points of interest, such as traditional Bedouin camps, camel farms, and scenic overlooks. You will also have the opportunity to participate in activities like sandboarding, camel riding, and henna painting, giving you a chance to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.

The Views

As you make your way through the desert, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the chance to spot wildlife such as gazelles and Arabian oryx. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch at a traditional Bedouin camp, where you can relax and surrender to the peaceful atmosphere of the desert. As the sun begins to set, guests can make their way back to the starting point, feeling exhilarated and rejuvenated after a day of adventure in the Dubai desert. A jeep safari ride in Dubai is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the region.

Incredible wildlife of Zambia – Animals you can see

The vast Luangwa Valley, the majestic Victoria Falls, and the untamed Zambezi River are all found in the landlocked nation of Zambia, along with more than a dozen National Parks and other important wildlife conservation programs. It should come as no surprise that adventurous travellers who seek unspoiled African nature flock to Zambia. A safari in Zambia is the best opportunity to get up close to the continent’s wildlife. Here are only seven amazing species you can see in their natural settings.

 African Elephants

African elephants, the largest species of elephant, can be found in Zambia’s river-rich national parks such as South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue. Elephants live in close matriarchal families, much like humans, making them one of the cutest large mammals. The family members are so close to one another that you seldom ever see them more than a few steps apart.

Charles J. Sharp creator QS:P170,Q54800218, African bush elephants (Loxodonta africana) female with six-week-old baby, CC BY-SA 4.0

 Lions

In Zambia’s grasslands, the king of the jungle spends his time hunting or relaxing. You have a decent chance of seeing one of these gorgeous cats in the southern parts of South Luangwa and Kafue National Park, which both contain sizable pride within a constrained territory. In Kafue, where they are known to be especially playful, you might even catch a pride of lions climbing trees if you’re lucky. You can arrange for a safari with your Livingstone hotel in Victoria Falls.

 White Rhinos

Due to poaching, white rhinos, the largest species of rhinoceros, were once uncommon in southern Africa. The Zambia Wildlife Authority did, however, transport four white rhinos from South Africa to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in 2010. Currently, a herd of over ten animals is closely guarded and lives close to Victoria Falls to stop poaching.

 Giraffes

Giraffes, the world’s tallest mammals, graze on trees in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks. The Thornycroft’s giraffe subspecies is only found in Zambia and has distinctive markings. About 20 giraffes make up a herd. You might even be lucky to spot a few at your resort such as Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara.

A Scenic Train Ride to the Hillside of Sri Lanka

 

There is no better way to explore the scenic hillside of Sri Lanka than hopping on board a train. As you pass by the verdant hills, lush tea terraces and stunning cascades, do not forget to stop by and take in the beauty and serenity of the surroundings.

image via https://www.flickr.com/

The Train Ride

Journeying across the hillside of Sri Lanka on a train ride is an absolute pleasure. Some Kandy hotels like the cosy Amaya Hills are located within proximity to the train station, so hopping on board the train is hassle-free. As you embark on this spectacular train ride, do not forget to stop and explore the beautiful Haputale, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and many more.

Haputale

Surrounded by cloud forests and leafy tea terraces, the quaint town of Haputale gives a glimpse of the local village life. Here you can escape the hubbub of the city and relish the tranquillity of the hillside. Some of the most delightful things to do as you while away in this serene locality include hiking up to the Lipton’s seat, exploring the Adisham Bungalow and trekking through the Thangamale Bird Sanctuary.

Ella

An hour-long train ride away from Haputale, Ella is a hidden gem for the modern-day adventurer. Teeming with stunning tea terraces and misty mountain trails, no trip to this small town is complete without stopping by the famous Nine Arches Bridge and taking a hike to the panoramic little Adam’s peak.

Traversing the Train Tracks

As dangerous as it may sound, walking along the train tracks surrounded by sweeping mountains and lush greenery is a dream come true. Start your walk from the Ella railway station and pass through the long tunnels and bridges until you come across the towering Nine Arches bridge. It will surely be a 30-minute-long scenic walk that you will never forget.

 

 

Doha Quest

Doha Quest is the newest addition to the list of theme parks in Qatar. The high-tech indoor amusement park includes roller coasters, interactive games, and brightly lit kids’ rides.

Doha skyline from the Marriott Hotel, Qatar
Doha skyline from the Marriott Hotel, Qatar | Image by David McKelvey via flickr

Details

Located in Doha Oasis, Doha Quest is the recent most attraction added to the list of attractions in Doha. It is a location that has attractions for everyone, so no one has to stay behind in any hotels in Doha while the others go have fun. Quest is open from Monday to Saturday from 2 in the afternoon to 10 in the night, but it is closed on Sundays.

Highlights

Opened only in 2021, Doha Quest has already made history as it is home to the tallest indoor roller coaster known as EpiQ Coaster and the world’s highest drop water ride, which is known as Magma Blast.

Family attractions

Another speciality about Doha Quest is that it is separated into three different times, the past, the present and the future. The rides and the attractions are dedicated to each of the three themes giving them a story and a unique experience.

Adventures

Not located too far from Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli and the city centre, Doha Quest has something for everybody varying from rides, games, food and shopping.

 

A Day Trip to Ferrari World

Ferrari world has no shortage of thrilling rides, scrumptious dishes and sweeping driving experiences, here is a list of fun activities you can enjoy in this one-of-a-kind theme park.

 Yas Island

The multi-purpose Yas Island is a haven for you to have the ultimate shopping, adventure, or leisure experience. Nestled within a 30-minute drive away from lavish Serviced apartments in Abu Dhabi the likes of Oaks Liwa Executive Suites, the Island offers an array of rip-roaring activities that will keep you on the edge of your seat. One of the biggest highlights of the island includes the Ferrari world, an indoor amusement park with an amass of Ferrari model cars, exhilarating rides, and exciting dining places.

 Thrilling rides

Roller coaster ride in Ferrari World | Image via picryl

Whether you are on the lookout to race with your friends and have a fun Formula one experience or reach the skies in some of the most exhilarating roller coaster rides in the world, Ferrari world is the place to be.  Interestingly, the place is also home to Flying Aces, the world’s highest rollercoaster loop and Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster ride. So, make sure you buckle up for the ride!

 Dining

Dining in Ferrari world will be quite like you are in Italy munching on a juicy pizza. Whether you are looking for a hearty meal or an icy gelato to escape the heat, here you can find restaurants of every kind, each one having its own distinct feel.

 Driving experience

Here is your chance to experience a joy ride around Yas island behind the wheels of your dream Ferrari. You can either be the driver or the passenger for the day as you buckle up to experience one of the most extravagant rides on a top-down Ferrari. The good news is that you get to be accompanied by a Ferrari-trained instructor who will guide you every step of the way.

  

Adventures in Abu Dhabi – Safaris in the desert

After reading this informative guide, your experience on the Abu Dhabi desert safari will be so much better. Discover the ideal time to visit, how to pick the finest excursions and advice on how to dress for your safari.

Image via Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

What is a desert safari?

The desert has always fascinated travellers, but many were put off by its harsh weather and lack of water, not to mention the potential for getting lost among the endless miles of sand hills. A desert safari is an expert-led tour of the desert where you can engage in a variety of activities that the native Bedouins of the area enjoy, examine the desert’s natural habitat, engage in exhilarating desert activities, or unwind by watching a desert sunrise or sunset.

When to go?

The best time for desert adventures in Abu Dhabi is during the winter, which lasts from October to April. To ensure that your trip is enjoyable, the weather throughout the winter months is neither overly humid nor overly hot. Visit the country during its summer months, which are between May and September, if you want to get more reasonable hotel prices.

What to wear?

Before pre-dawn, the weather can be a little chilly, so you should bring a light cardigan. After sunrise, the temperature rises. Dress in long trousers made of fabrics like cotton or linen with t-shirts or tops made of the same materials to be able to manage between both temperatures. The temperature starts to fall in the evenings, so it’s not as hot. You can bundle up against the cool that starts to set in about sundown by dressing in trousers and shirts and carrying a lightweight jacket or sweater.

Where to click nice pictures?

Locations such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara will look stunning on your Instagram profile whether you enjoy sharing travel photos there or just want to showcase your gorgeous vacation in the desert. The Abu Dhabi desert offers fantastic photo opportunities everywhere.

A Visit to Yala National Park

Being one of the biggest national parks in Sri Lanka, a visit to Yala National Park is a must if you are ever on vacation on this charming island. Here are some of the highlights.  

 Yala National Park

Spanning a total area of 900 sq km, Yala National Park is easily one of the most enormous national parks in Sri Lanka. This exotic sanctuary was once a popular hunting ground for the British but now claims to have the highest leopard density in Asia whilst sheltering a host of other fauna the likes of sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and exotic bird species.

 What to see and do

Yala National Park
Yala National Park – Image by Nadil Jayakody from Pixabay

The Yala National Park tops as a hotspot for spotting leopards. Hop on board a 4 x 4 safari ride with binoculars in your hand during dawn or dusk to catch these inimitable animals in action. Whilst catching a glimpse of leopards has become a coveted attraction among travellers, there is a host of other wildlife to be seen amidst these exotic savannahs. During a ride along this wildlife sanctuary, you can easily spot some sloth bears, ample endemic birds emerging out of mangroves and elephants roaming across the land.

 Hotspots for Accommodation

From small boutique hotels and eco-friendly villas to opulent hotels and retreats by the jungle, you are spoilt for accommodation choices when holidaying in Yala. Amongst the top-notch accommodation spots in the area, a Yala hotel the likes of Cinnamon Wild Yala is indeed a wise pick for the hotel is kin to camping in the wild except with luxurious amenities brought to your arms.

 Best time to go on safari

The dry season from February to June is the idyllic time to go on a safari in this exotic wildlife paradise. With water levels decreasing, there is ample opportunity to witness wild animals emerging out of their habitats in search of water. The park also boasts a serene year-round temperature of 29°C and only experiences heavy showers during the months from September to December.