Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Desert safaris in Abu Dhabi: Discover the adventures among the sand dunes

A dessert safari is indeed a must item of one’s trip to this region where one of the world’s most famous dessert offers its limitless possibilities to the adventure seeking traveller. There are so many agencies offering flexible and cost effective ways of doing a safari as to fit your budget as well as your preferences and peculiarities. There are so many ways to drive into the wildness of sand at Abu Dhabi. While a 4wheel vehicle allows you to experience the thrill of driving around aimlessly and furiously without worrying about any dangerous encounters, the camel ride holds up a tough competition as another unique experience and as the most authentic and ancient way of riding in the dessert.

There are many different kinds of Safaris including morning rides for those who fear the darkness and evening safaris and overnight safaris for those who love it. The overnight safari indeed feels like a romantic escapade as you set up camp under the moonlight, surrounded by nothingness or rather the vastness of the empty dessert. Experience a sumptuous buffet dinner with exotic Abu Dhabi dishes and complemented well by BBQ as well as Shishahh tobacco and sweet desserts. An amazing dinner like that can only be distracted by the performance of a group of belly dancers who offer this alluring item that is well known in Abu Dhabi. While the night is a time for solitude, delicious food and performances, the afternoons are for adventures. Sand bashing and sand skiing offer an exciting prospect while dune bashing can be pretty addictive as you take on what seems like roller coaster ride over the dessert.

Take refuge in an Abu Dhabi resort and rejuvenate yourself after your adventures in the outdoors. Indeed there are places like Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara which enjoys an excellent location and offers an oasis of Middle Eastern delights from many luxurious conveniences to mouth watering delicacies, fulfilling the five star class quality in every turn of its snug interiors and every morsel of its food. From among the many Abu Dhabi beach hotels, this one stands apart with an excellent reputation that just keeps growing over the years.

 

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.
Google+

Explore Under the Sea in Caribbean

The Caribbean conjures up scenes of paradise found where pristine beaches and palm laden lands lie interspersed on an azure canvas that is as delicate as it is breathtaking. As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for honeymooners and beach lovers this intriguing corner of the world has always been a hotbed of activity for water sports lovers all year round as the Caribbean oceans are also regarded among the world’s finest surfing venues.

Littered with stunning rock formations, abundant marine life and ancient shipwrecks, what lies beneath the Caribbean waters is just as intriguing as what lies above with rainbow-hued species and breathtaking corals occupying a submerged wonderland. One need not be an experienced diver to explore this captivating fantasyland under the sea as the tour operators in the Caribbean offer visitors a number of ways to get up close and personal with the brilliant marine heritage of the country.

A glass bottom boat excursion is often described as one of the easiest methods to explore the Caribbean sea bed as one need not even know how to swim to view the spectacular scenes of multihued coral lying beneath the surface. The glass bottomed ocean vessel takes visitors across several islands of the Caribbean in a cruise that can last up to several hours. The Atlantis Submarine is also on hand for more adventurous visitors and a typical tour takes passengers hundreds of feet beneath the ocean surface across much of the Caribbean including Grand Cayman, Aruba, St. Thomas, Barbados and Cozumel.

Helmet diving is another unique way to explore the underwater surface as anyone aged 5-85 can don the special helmet and climb down to the ocean floor using a ladder to walk among schools of fish and corals that lie between 10-12 feet below the waves. Avid snorkelers and scuba divers can also take a tour of the underwater wonderland the old fashioned way with diving gear rented from innumerable rental services on the beachfront and via hotels. Courses on scuba diving and snorkeling are also available at many hotels and diving schools in the islands.

Travellers on the lookout for an award winning hotel in the Caribbean should look to the COMO Hotels and Resorts conglomerate for all their accommodation needs. As a luxury hotel group with a number of elegant establishments all across the Caribbean, seasoned travellers could hardly imagine more eclectic spaces to spend their valued vacations.

Wat Naphrameru

Located close to the Klong Muang banks, Wat Naphrameru is an ancient temple that can be found in Ayutthaya. A great way to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya and its many temples is by taking a Bangkok cruise tour such as those provided by Anantara Cruises Thailand. These Bangkok cruises let you experience the country’s rich heritage on traditional style barges and feature luxurious accommodation. Constructed in the early 16th century, Wat Naphrameru is still used as a temple and is where one can find a remarkable statue of Buddha. Dating back to 1505, this famous statue is adorned in gold leaf and is definitely worth seeing when in Ayutthaya. The temple also witnessed such significant events as the signing of a peace treaty in the 18th century between the king of Burma and King Maha Chakkraphat.

The Peak

It is a necessity that a visitor to Hong Kong should feel deprived if he doesn’t get a chance to go to The Peak. Ascend on the tram at sunset to this towering mountain and its looming view stations and enjoy the city being played on with many brilliant hues as sunlight dips into a fury of colours before converting into the dark of the night where the electric lights take over and spill out their own magic pattern against the velvety darkness.
Known as the Victoria peak or even more simply as The peak, this tall mountain is placed on the western part of the Hong Kong and captures a stunning view of the rest of the city, especially the view over the Victorian Harbour. The peak tower contains the sky terrace which is another excellent location to capture the best scenery. There are more great places to take an eyeful of scenery at Lions view Point pavilion as well as Lugard Road Lookout. The peak circle walk is an excellent way of taking in different angles of the view through a casual stroll while the peak galleria offers a viewing gallery that is as superb as the rest.

The Peak tram journey that takes you up on the ascent to the peak is as great as the end point, reminding you of the caption of success being a journey and not a destination. This famous funicular train ride offers an incredible experience as you get to glide past the tallest sky scrapers of the city and watch them disappear into the distant through your window as you ascend the peak. Dedicated to this excellent mode of transport that has survived for no less than a century is the Peak tram gallery that has stories to tell of the tram and its memorable incidents. The tram leaves for the peak from Garden road and can provide an amusing journey upwards. However, today the tram can be replaced by a taxi or even a car to reach the top.

Descend from the dizzy height to enjoy some of the more earthly luxuries that Hong Kong can offer within the premises of a reputed Hong Kong hotel. A prime location close to major shopping areas, theme parks and other attractions as well as a range of suites and rooms to please the most discerning traveller and memorable culinary preparations will leave a visitor very much content if not delighted with his choice at Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong has in store for you is indeed a superb way to experience Hong Kong and its attractions with the most delightful comforts and services as found anywhere else in the world.

Exploring the Best Beaches in Samui

Staying at a Koh Samui resort by the beach, such as Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui, is an ideal way to experience the island’s scenic coastal beauty. This Chaweng hotel is ideally placed on the Chaweng Beach itself and lets you spend lazy days soaking up the sun and having fun in the sand and surf. Chaweng Beach is popular for surfing and its nightlife, while there are a number of other beaches on the island worth visiting; Bophut Beach with its palm fringed shores, the laidback Lamai Beach, Choeng Mon Beach with its picturesque bays and Big Buddha Beach from where you can take a boat to Koh Pha Ngan island and experience the thrill of a Full Moon Party!

The beauty of Bhutanese wildlife at the Royal Manas National Park

Bhutan is a nation that has been considered an oasis among the rampant commercialism and industrial revolution that is sweeping the world today. Being a tiny landlocked nation, nestled on the hills of the Himalayas among some of the tallest mountains in the world, Bhutan is also renowned for its great natural beauty. The lifestyles of the Bhutanese people have also changed little over the last hundred years and the vast majority live off agriculture by traditional methods.

The country is also famous for calculating the living standards of its people using an index known as Gross National Happiness that shuns the western notion of material wealth. This has helped the preservation of the natural environment in this country and kept it safe from over exploitation.

The landscape of Bhutan is dependent largely on its topography and altitude changes. It can range from low lying grassland plateaus to alpine forests in the Himalayas. The wildlife changes according to the type of forest and Takin a species of mountain goat that is endemic to the region is found ubiquitously along the mountains.

The Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan was created in order to preserve this great natural heritage that the country had been blessed with. Its 400 square miles of land area has a varied geography ranging from low lying areas to mountainous parts that are covered with ice all year round. Among the animals that are to be spotted are the Bengal Tiger, Pygmy Hog, One Horned Rhinoceros and the Ganges River Dolphin.

Many of these species are endemic to the region and some such as the One Horned Rhino are listed as being endangered by wildlife conservationists. The Royal Manas National Park is located centrally within the country so that if forms a natural corridor for animals to migrate to other protected forests that are in the peripheral parts. A visit here is a must do for tourists at a Bhutan hotel. Wildlife enthusiasts staying in a Paro hotel such as Uma Bhutan can easily arrange transport to visit this great natural park that is a hotbed of bio diversity and a custodian of a unique eco system.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

Google+

Shopping in the moon light in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city that has been established on the basis of international trade and its legacy as a port town in South East Asia. As in many parts of the region, locals of Hong Kong regard their markets as being at the centre of their lives and in a larger sense of the city. Markets in Asia are more than just a meeting place for producers and consumers; they have played an important role in the region’s culture and society.

The markets of Hong Kong are veritable melting pots of culture, as it is where traders from Europe, Asia and other parts of the world used to congregate. As such they were vehicles of cultural development and influenced everything from cuisine to clothing in the country. The Temple Street Night Market is one of the largest open air markets in Hong Kong and sees thousands of shoppers on a daily basis, of course the market much busier on weekends as many of the locals come to sample some of the street food and pick up some bargains.

The market is located in a historic part of the city and takes its name from the ancient Tin Hau Temple that is located along the main street. The temple was constructed during the Qing dynasty reign in China and has notable similarities with Taoist temples of the mainland.

The market opens around 2 pm in the afternoon, but most shoppers come here during the night. The market is particularly well known for men’s clothing though several stalls that peddle other items such as antiques, souvenirs, electronics and footwear are also seen. Items are very cheap and are a great place to buy a pair of knock-off designer jeans with out the premium price tag. The road side food carts are also popular among tourists especially those staying in Mongkok hotels Hong Kong as it is a convenient location for a quick dinner. Staying at a hotel in Kowloon such as Cosmo Hotel Mongkok is a great option for travelers that want to stay at the heart of Hong Kong’s entertainment district.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
Google+

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

While natural landscapes sometimes inspire travellers to try new things and experience new places, there are some manmade landscapes that do not fall too far behind. A vibrant skyline is one such sight that can be breathtakingly beautiful; this is what you will feel about the view that the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade offers, of the amazing Hong Kong skyline and the Victoria Harbour. The well located walkway is a modern cultural hotspot in the lively city, bursting with activity and always full of life. The site is a dream come true for visitors, for while it is an ideal spot to relax in, it is also complete with an array of novel experiences.
Along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade visitors will come across a colonial style clock tower that has been operating for nearly a century. It is a favourite among the many photographers who visit the site to click delightful images. Visitors can also check out the Space Museum, the Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. While at the first attraction you will enjoy a scientific learning experience, the latter two offer a view of both local antiques and performing arts, fantastic for visitors looking to learn about the city’s rich culture. The site is perhaps most famous for the Avenue of Stars, where visitors will find imprints of local celebrities’ palms in stars on the ground, as well as sculptures and souvenirs on sale. Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee are among the stars featured here.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is also frequented by visitors who want a romantic experience, and when seen by night, travellers will understand how the walkway serves this purpose despite the crowds it attracts. There are a range of interesting places to dine at, with an array of cuisines to try out. Each night a spectacular sound and light display known as the Symphony of Lights is put on, on the skyline opposite and is very entertaining to watch. It is the ideal backdrop for a relaxing evening. The site is well loved by photographers, sightseers, cyclists and joggers, and is a place that visitors must head down to when in Hong Kong.
When holidaying in the city visitors can indulge in a Hong Kong boutique hotel that will help make their stay more enjoyable, and ideal for this is Cosmo Hotel. All the comforts that visitors will need are available at this 4 star hotel Hong Kong along with fine service.

Top 10 Highlights in Highflying Holiday Mecca Abu Dhabi

Often described as one of the Middle East’s most intriguing holiday venues Abu Dhabi packs in a punch when it comes to engaging attractions to suit every type of traveller. Abound in natural beauty and contemporary to the core this shining city complete with a cosmopolitan populace is indeed one of the region’s must-visit destinations for tourists in search something more than a shopping spree in plush malls. Although it is impossible to discover all that Abu Dhabi offers in a mere ten attractions the following points of interest constitute the best the city has to offer for visitors dropping in for too short a stay.

For culture buffs there’s no finer highlight than the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which is a national landmark of monumental proportions. Glittering above the city with its pure white and gold minarets this historic mosque sprawled across an expansive area was the brainchild of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the U.A.E’s first head of state. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the Emirates Palace, one of the country’s premier hospitality and corporate function venues which closely resembles an ancient palatial complex. The royal palace of Qaser al-Hosn is the former residence of the Al Nahayan monarchy and includes an impressive ancient fortress built as far back as 1761. Calligraphy, carved entrances and a series of breathtaking royal chambers also adorn the venue which is famed for its reliefs and mashrabiya windows.

Sports fans on the other hand must head down to Ferrari World on Yas Island. As the first theme park of its kind the breathtaking leisure hub is a fitting tribute to the innovative vehicle manufacturer and its multifaceted achievements over the years. The Yas Marina Circuit is another highlight as the stunning Formula One track has hosted five world title championships and is the city’s premier locale for go-carting, drag racing and other F1 experiences one can only enjoy at this unique venue.

The country’s past and traditional culture are explored at the equally mesmerizing Abu Dhabi Heritage Village where the Bedouin lifestyle is explored with conventional tents, cooking utensils as well as art and crafts items in the form of pottery, metal ware and weaved products manufactured the traditional way.
Art fanatics must spend a day at the Manarat Al Saadiyat where contemporary art and globally renowned cultural showcases take centre stage every year. A state-of-the-art artistic space its chief highlight is the Saadiyat Story which is also a permanent display at the locale. The Emirates National Auto Museum in contrast houses the impressive vehicle compilation of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan which ranges from classic Mercedes Benzes to camper vans.

The Abu Dhabi Corniche is a leisure hub for bikers and walkers as the seaside boulevard is littered with lush gardens and other recreational facilities. Shoppers will relish a retail spree at the Abu Dhabi Souks whew one can purchase anything and everything in an alfresco environment divided in to traditional style souks.

Travellers in search of luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi should look no further than the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas for their accommodation needs. Managing a collection of luxury hotel resorts all across the country and the region this established hospitality group pulls out all the stops when it comes to five star vacations in the desert.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
Google+

Places to go around London- Don’t miss to catch the experience!

If you are fortunate to be going on a long vacation to the city of London then you’re in for a treat because this city has so many places that are in any traveler’s must visit list. For history lovers, London is a paradise with countless tales and events that mark the rich past of England.

A trip to the British Museum will equip you with a comprehensive knowledge on what the city and the country has been through. While China own London is a totally opposite experience, it is also is historically rich as it dates back to the late 18th century. Kensington garden has always been popular because of its early patronage by the royals. The London Eye is comparatively more recent and was constructed to celebrate the millennium.

But if you have visited all these places and more in London and are looking for something else a little away from the city, no worries because there are still an endless number of sites that you can visit. Althrop, the Spencer’s home for over 500 years is an impressive country home and in the stables showcases an exhibition of the life of Princess Diana. Alton’s Towers, UK’s largest theme park also has children’s and motor museum, making it a place for both young children and teenagers.

Known to be one of London’s most haunted castles, Glamis castle; the birth place of Princess Margret dates back to the 14th century and is supposedly the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Stonehenge is a must visit prehistoric site and located in Salisbury. All these places and more are easily accessible by London’s tube trains.

Considering its location as England’s capital city, finding holiday lodging in London is hassle-free. Since it has been a bustling town full of taverns and inns since early days, London still offers many accommodation options. But like the places to visit if you are looking for a different experience, a wellness retreat is an option you should consider. COMO Shambhala is a yoga and treatment space that lets you escape. With the philosophy of healthy living at its core, the company has spread worldwide and has five sanctuaries.