Author: Caliope Sage

Extraordinary Experiences

The Caribbean comprises of over 700 islands, islets, reefs and cays. The region is renowned for its diversity of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna amongst which is eight percent of the world’s coral reefs. With all these natural resources at its disposal, the region offers unparalleled sightseeing opportunities. Additionally many historic landmarks going back several centuries add to the sightseeing experience.

One of the most enduring pictures of the Caribbean is its gorgeous beachfront scenery from pristine white sand dotted with palm trees to the pink sands of the Bahamas, the black sand of St Lucia lapped at by clear warm blue water. Although some Caribbean beaches are a little rougher than others, they all provide sightseers with stunning views, idyllic places to laze in the sun and valuable opportunities to indulge in some water sports.

Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, forests and natural landmarks of the Caribbean isles are the other much lauded attractions. Among them are active and dormant volcanoes in the Lesser Anitilles group of islands. The most visited is probably La Soufriere the ‘drive in’ active volcano in St Lucia. The regions’ different forest types with flowering plants and tree species are also a joy to explore. Many have hiking trails. St John’s National Park in US Virgin Islands and El Yunque the 28,000 acre rainforest in Puerto Rico are some of these. Limestone caves are also among the popular natural attractions here while Harrison’s Cave in Barbados is one of the most visited. The largest of its kind, visitors board an electric tram to explore the vast cave system that has spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, a 40 foot waterfall and clear pools and streams.

Among the waterfalls is Diamond Mineral Falls in St Lucia. The result of underground sulphur springs, the waterfall is famous for changing colours throughout the day. Dunn’s River Falls Jamaica, a series of waterfalls dropping from 600 feet is a very popular natural attraction.

The Caribbean’s coastal and underwater scenery as well as marine life is probably its biggest attraction. The caverns and tidal pools among the huge boulders by the sea in the British Virgin Islands referred to as The Baths is a favourite with snorkelers and explorers. Sting Ray City in the Grand Caymans where divers encounter hundreds of tame stingrays at 12 feet has been an extremely popular sightseeing destination for a long time. Non divers get to ride out to a sand bar to snorkel or just stand in the shallow water among the sting rays. Bio Bay a shallow bay surrounded by mangrove forests in Vieques is famous for its micro organisms that emit a blue green light reportedly stronger than a flashlight. Sightseers can swim, kayak or take a trip on an electric boat to see this astounding sight. Buck Island Reef in St Croix has been called ‘the finest marine garden in the Caribbean Sea’. This extraordinary coral reef system is made up of several species of hard coral supports more than 250 species of fish and other marine creatures including leatherback, green and hawks bill turtles. One of the most prominent underwater sights however is the Belize Great Barrier Reef, the longest in the Americas.

The abundance of colonial historic sites means that the Caribbean offers some of the most interesting historic sightseeing. The colonial cities of Havana, Trinidad, the Dominican Republic and Haiti, the fortifications of St Juan Puerto Rico, the city of Willemstad in Curacao, St Kitts Brimstone Hill Fortress and the town of St George in Bermuda are the most prominent Caribbean historic destinations. The sites date from end of the 15th century to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Accessed only by boat, Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos provides much sought after privacy and seclusion and offers a thousand ha area and a mile long beach to explore and enjoy the sun and sea. As the only Turks & Caicos beach resort guests can enjoy spacious modern accommodation and a relaxed lifestyle. This Turks & Caicos Luxury resorts offers exceptional services and facilities and Asian inspired therapies to sooth, restore and nourish and guests leave knowing they have had a one of a kind holiday experience.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Horse Riding in Amman Jordan

Jordan is quite proud of its long lasting history of horse riding. And therefore, Jordan would indeed be the ideal place to engage in some serious horse riding.  Millennium Hotel Amman is a good hotel in Amman Jordan in which to seek lodging while at this desired excursion as this Amman hotel would provide you with all the comforts you need after a satisfying day out. Jordan is well known for its gorgeous majestic steeds and for a short romp ahead, Princess Alia Riding Centre or the Arabian Horse Club. However, for a memorable horse riding excursion, head out of town to Jelad and its  Country Riding Centre of Jordan which features beautiful countryside trails leading you through curious thickets, sprawling deserts and hilly forests.

Xishuangbanna wildlife

Often referred to as the A Green Gem in the Imperial Botanical Crown” or the “Kingdom of plants”, Xishuangbanna located in the Yunnan province in the south of China, with its rolling evergreen mountains and breathtaking scenery is a thriving ground teeming with vibrant wildlife. Book yourself a hotel in Yunnan to better explore this region and Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa is an ideal hotel Yunnan has to offer that would allow you to explore the depths of this wildlife paradise. Amongst the exotic orchids, Chinese parashoreas and giant lianas, one finds a myriad of vibrant butterflies flying amongst the green. One often also sees troops of monkeys and apes playing in the shadows, often swooping down from amongst the trees while some of China’s rarest animals such as the Asiatic elephant, Indian wild ox, white-cheeked gibbon, Indo-Chinese tiger, chevrotain, peacock pheasant, binturong, brown-headed hornbill, and green peacock can be seen here as well which is are rare opportunity that should be cherished for a lifetime.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Knuckles Mountains

Located in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka between Matale and Kandy districts, the folds and peaks of this extensive range of mountains stand, resembling the knuckles of a clenched fist which has in turn earned it its name. There is much to explore within these mountains and there are also plenty of hotels Sri Lanka has to offer in the environs which enables you to experience these mountains at ease. Earl’s Regency is one of the most preferred Kandy hotels which allow you all the comforts and peace of mind for such adventure. Harbouring a variety of flora and fauna mostly endemic to Sri Lanka and to the Knuckles Mountain Range, these scenic mountains are considered to be a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka. Referred to as The Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning mist enclosed mountain range by Sinhalese residents of the olden days, the Knuckles Mountain Range is characteristic of thick layers of cloud that often robes the striking landscapes.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Out of this World

Maldives, while being a favourite holiday destination for its relaxed and peaceful vibe and beautiful coastal scenery also plays host to thousands of visitors who come there to experience the fabulous underwater scenery. Excellent under water visibility, an incredible array of marine life and spectacular underwater landscapes add much to the diving experience.

Maldives is well geared to provide the best underwater adventures that anyone could have. Every resort island has a PADI certified diving school with UDI and PADI certified instructors and excellent quality, well maintained equipment for hire so that visitors may enjoy the underwater adventures in store beneath the waves. The natural coastal lagoons around resorts are perfect for diver training. The dive schools also teach courses in rescue diving, night diving and underwater photography that adds to the range of adventures to be had beneath the waves. While it is possible to dive in the coastal water off resorts, scuba diving off coastal crafts is one of the preferred ways to experience popular dive sites and to have that much vaunted underwater adventure at any time of day. Maldives is said to have more than 1001 dive sites and living aboard is the best way to get access to them. Night diving that is said to have a ‘completely different feel’ is another way of having a really great underwater adventure. Although visibility is reduced to only the beam of the torch, this is the best way to see some of the micro and mega fauna that are nocturnal, coming to life. Even the colours of the corals are said to be different. Some night diving tours offer special lamps and masks capable of detecting bio luminescence. Bumping into a shark in the dark while scary will definitely enhance the experience. Seasonal diving provides excellent opportunities for adventurers to view concentrations of specific marine species. These include large shoals of manta rays that gather to feed on plankton at Hanifaru Bay and sightings of Whale Sharks, mantas, hammerheads, eagle rays and schools of pelagic fish at Ari Atoll. Drift diving past some of the most spectacular underwater scenery of cliffs, channels, precipitous walls and caves is perhaps the greatest thrill of all.

Those who do not dive can also have their own underwater adventure. A whale submarine sets off from Male and non divers can enjoy great views of coral reefs and schools of colourful fish as it dives down to a depth of 100 meters.

Cocoa Island Maldives offers privacy, seclusion, gorgeous vistas and access to a range of water sports. But best of all, it offers beautifully designed and decorated spacious private overwater accommodation that many people rave about. As one of Maldives luxury resorts guests have access to a range of modern and exceptional services and facilities that make their stay here memorable. Experience an elegant yet laid back Maldives resort that offers a truly holistic holiday experience.

Kite Surfing in Mui Ne

The city of Mui Ne with its warm and tempting climatic conditions has been known over the years for its large expanses of rolling red sand dunes. Every year planeloads of tourists bask in the soothing beauty of these dunes and delve into the many adventurous activities lined up for those who have a taste to play in the sand. Just as exciting as the Mui Ne sands is the water. Being one of the windiest locations in the whole of South East Asia; Mui Ne happens to be a popularly sought out spot for wind surfing.

As the wind carries you pretty much anywhere your heart desires, wind surfing takes you to new heights in relaxation. It is an activity loaded with adrenaline yet has the soothing vibes of calm accentuated by the mighty waves that you will be cruising above. Wind Surfing has given rise to a whole new genre of madness; Kite Surfing. Kite Surfing is the beloved sister of wind surfing that come with attached kites. These kites adorn the ocean during the windy season in Mui Ne that falls between November and March. During this season, kite surfing is a wild trend in this part of the world. Thanks to the excellent winds, one can enjoy the full extent of this sport. Its popularity has given rise to several surf schools in and around Mui Ne, making it accessible to even the tempted beginner who would prefer trying it out. Most of the schools available in Mui Ne are certified by the International Kiting Organization, so if you are in Mui Ne and you want to try your shot soaring on the waves, rest assured you are in excellent hands. Some of the popular names in Kite Surfing Schools include Airwaves kite surfing school, Jibe’s and Wind chimes; all excellent schools that provide a range of different facilities and packages.

In addition to all the water sports you can enjoy, the beaches in Mui Ne are simply exquisite. While holidaying in this part of the world, stay at the Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa. This exotic Vietnam hotel is the finest beach resort in Mui Ne.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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White Water Rafting in Rotorua

Located on the southern shores of the Rotorua Lake is the city of Rotorua. The name originates from the Maori word roto meaning lake and rua meaning two. So the name translates to second lake as it was the second lake discovered by the Maori chief Ilhenga. The region as a whole has 17 lakes which together are known as the Lakes of Rotura. All of these water bodies make this city ideal for white water rafting.
The waterfalls are graded up to 5 and the different gradings stand for the different experiences you will get on each of the falls. Kaituna is graded 5 which means your adrenaline pumping raft ride on this 7 metre waterfall is going to be nothing short of awesome. Wairoa is also graded a 5 so that your wild adventure can continue without missing any momentum. Rangitaiki is graded 3 or 4 so you ride might be slower but that gives you the right pace to observe the wonderful scenery. There is also Rangitaiki that is a grade 2 which is ideally suited for family fun times.
If you want something that gets your screaming out loud because of that mixed emotion of fear and excitement then try the Kaituna River ride offered by Kaitiaki Adventures. You will soar across 3 waterfalls covering a total of 14 rapids. This also includes Tutea Falls that is 7 metres high and is the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall.
There are plenty of other activities to do in Rotorua and the fact that it is just a 45 minutes drive away from Auckland makes it all the more appealing. The hot mud pools might be a first time experience for many. With plenty of swimming, fishing, water-skiing, trekking and other adventure to embark on the town might sound like gruelling fun. However Rotorua is also known as a spa town because of the number of pampering spas the city offers.
To experience all of these just make a booking at any of the Rotorua hotels today. The renowned Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ also has a hotel in this town. It features amongst the most visited and appealing New Zealand hotels.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Deep Sea Fishing in Abu Dhabi

Imagine a holiday where you can fish in the warm blue oceans of the Arabian Gulf in the Middle East and enjoy the best of hospitality and great times. All this and more is what awaits you in Abu Dhabi.

If it is catching big fish in the deeps seas or waiting patiently till you know for sure that your catch is hooked to your bait, that excites you and get your adrenaline rushing, one of the must do activities during a holiday to the Middle East to go on one of the much popular deep sea fishing trips. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular places amongst serious fishing enthusiasts.

For those who are keen on game fishing or even those who are keen to learn this exciting sport, Abu Dhabi is definitely a great place to try out this activity. There are numerous service providers who will not only take you to the best of fishing sites around the island, but also make sure that you catch some of the best underwater specimens of your life! What is more, there are many options ranging from state-of-the-art yachts to small boats to choose from for your fishing trip and varying trips ranging from half a day fishing trips to full-day adventures.

Even if you are new to this sport, there is nothing to worry as there are many lessons that you can take and with the expert guidance of the staff, you are sure to have a great time engaging in deep-sea-fishing in Abu Dhabi.

It is important to note that the government does not allow fishing without a license and you can avoid the hassle of getting a licence for a short period by using one of the service providers who already have the necessary licences.

Many hotels and resorts have facilities for these activities or have contacts of service providers. If you are staying at an Abu Dhabi Resort, or one of the Abu Dhabi Beach hotels such as the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, make sure you make use of this great opportunity to catch the game you always wanted.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Siam Ocean Park

Located below the swanky Siam Paragon shopping mall is one of South East Asia’s largest aquariums – the Siam Ocean Park. A must-see attraction of Bangkok, this aquatic wonderland which showcases hundreds of different marine species from around the world is sure to keep visitors spellbound. Covering an area of around 10,000 square meters or three Olympic sized swimming pools, Siam Ocean Park boasts aquatic exhibits from various depths around the world, including some transported all the way from the Amazon River. A 270-degree underwater tunnel holds some of the ocean’s deadliest predators while visitors have a chance to observe the mysteries of the Big Blue through a magnificent glass-bottomed boat. A petting pond awaits those who wish to get up close and personal with creatures of the marine world where visitors are allowed to feed freshwater fish from the Feeding Pier or have smaller fish ‘massage’ their feet at the Happy Fish, Happy Feet Pool.

An ‘open ocean’ enables visitors to view stingrays and giant groupers as well as an array of different types of sharks such as black-tipped, ragged-tooth and leopard sharks. Rocky Shore Talk, Shark Feeding, Diver Underwater Talk, Penguin Feeding, Animal Contact, Rainforest Zone Feeding, and Otter Feeding are other highlights of this unique aquarium. Children visiting Siam Ocean Park will be enthralled by the ‘Weird and Wonderful’ zone where they can see a rare collection of peculiar marine creatures, such as garden eel, striped frogfish, and gigantic spider crabs. A hi-tech 5D cinema treats guests to a scintillating display of light and music, as the translucent ‘Sea jellies’ glide around in the LED-lit tanks.

Providing both entertainment and education to visitors, Siam ocean Park allows guests the opportunity to witness the real operation in a Back of House tour. Here they can find out how this oceanarium and its fascinating shows are made, the special art of animal’s food preparation and how the water quality is managed.

For travelers who wish to explore the many tourist attractions including Siam Ocean Park, the Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok provides the convenience and comfort of a centrally located Bangkok serviced apartment. While providing easy access to the city’s famous shopping centers, business and financial district, restaurants and lively nightlife these Sukhumvit apartments are tastefully furnished and fully equipped to ensure a memorable stay.

Pearl Diving in Bahrain

Historically a popular pearl diving destination, Bahrain has been known all over the world for centuries for the finest of pearls that the world has got to offer. Seek Bahrain accommodation at a recommended executive apartment Bahrain is known for such as the Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain which allows you the opportunity to explore this fascinating land with ease. Before the discovery of oil, pearl diving was Bahrain’s main source of income and because of the lack of proper diving gear, the divers would stay submerged for about a minute and emerge with 8-12 promising looking oysters which would give them precious pearls. Now, pearl diving has become a popular activity that tourists like to engage in while they visit Bahrain. The rich oyster beds located at the bottom of the Bahraini seas make for exciting pearl diving adventures. There are many professional divers who provide for such excursions for those who are interested in pearl diving. And what’s more, according to Bahraini law, whatever pearls that the divers find are truly theirs to keep!