Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Surfing in Bali

Part of the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is a renowned tourist destination home to a distinctive blend of religions and cultures. An oasis of tranquil beauty, the region has gained much popularity for its various surfing sites. Hordes of young Balinese men approach the beaches with their surfboards as the horizon takes over. One of the most favoured sites for this activity in Bali is Kuta, whilst Nusa Dua and Uluwatu also offer their fair share of excellent waves for surfing. Those seeking Bali resorts to enjoy a convenient stay can choose Anantara Uluwatu, Bali. A haven with a modern design which blends well with the surrounding natural beauty, it is one of the most attractive luxury hotels Bali has to offer.

Island Hopping

Island hopping, a fantastic activity to undertake in the Maldives, an island nation made up of nearly 2000 islands spread across 26 atolls. A fun and exciting way to explore this country and its islands, these excursions can be in the form of adventurous tours or romantic getaways.

Island hopping in the Maldives involves a combination of inhabited and uninhabited islands, some more popular ones offer activities and refreshments as they expect their arriving guests and the uninhabited ones make the perfect getaways. If you are honeymooning with your beloved, there are plenty of dhonis, in which to take a quick sail into some quiet uninhabited islands. Conquer a private haven to call your own, and enjoy quality time with your loved one sharing tranquil moments together amidst the romantic scenery and take in the beauty of the setting sun. There are also other romantic cruises one can undertake which would take you on a beautiful all round tour of the islands and the atolls.

Nevertheless, island hopping is also a very adventurous activity to indulge in. As you travel into various islands, explore their boundaries by island trekking and wander into their dense forests. Each island has a plethora of interesting flora and fauna species that can be marvelled at and a range of different types of corals and shells that would serve well as a memorabilia of this exciting adventure. One can also try out a couple of water based activities that some of the islands have to offer such as snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing and experience the treasures these waters have to offer.

Wind down at the Naladhu Maldives after a romantic or an adventurous day island hopping. It is a five star Maldives hotel that is amidst picturesque scenic beauty that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own room. Enjoy the range of facilities this resort has to offer. Indulge in their array of water based activities, relax in their pools or their exotic spa and savour the excellent cuisines and the impeccable hospitality that makes this one of the best Maldives island resorts.

Bungy Jumping

Queenstown is a favourite hotspot for Bungee Jumping and the hype is only getting bigger! When you jump off that cliff way of ground, all that connects you to sanity is a long elastic cord, strong enough to bounce you back up. But losing control and just letting go could be the most exhilarating thing you could do in all your life. The region surrounding Queenstown has three major bungee sites out of which the most popular is the AJ Hackett jump on Kawarau Bridge. Take the leap of a lifetime while staying at a luxurious Queenstown Resort. An ideal choice would be Millennium Hotel Queenstown, a star class hotel that will surely exceed all your holiday expectations. Also of offer at the hotel are some fabulous Queenstown hotel deals that you will not be able to resist.

Three Countries in One Day

Known as the Golden Triangle, the area encompassing Burma, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience diverse cultures. Nearby Chiang Rai is an ideal place to base oneself and enjoy excursions that lets one see three countries in one day. A great chance to explore Burma (also known as Myanmar) Laos and Thailand, such excursions lets travellers visit ancient temples, rustic villages and historical sites set amidst the stunning natural beauty of the region. Those heading to the area can stay at such Chiang Rai hotels as Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand. This premier Chiang Rai resort offers luxury accommodation and is an ideal base from which to explore the Golden Triangle.

Longtail Boat Trips

With the quaint splendour of a rustic town amidst captivating vistas, Chiang Rai is a historic town having long been a travellers’ paradise. Blessed with unparalleled beauty it is home to a range of attractions and offers a variety of activities for visitors to indulge in. Among such activities are elephant riding, cycling and long-tail boat trips. Popular as the ideal way of getting acquainted with the local lifestyle, learning about their tradition and cultures, long-tail boat trips are so uniquely fun and carry you on a delightful journey  to a world of tranquillity and historical allure. These trips lets one enjoy life at their own pace. Among Chiang Rai hotels, a preferred choice is Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand. With elegantly appointed rooms and suites, this Chiang Rai resort offers an array of unique dining options.

Koh Phangan Rainforest Adventures

Visit the enchanting Koh Phangan Island to experience the thrill of its rainforest adventures. It is a tour specially designed for the thrill seekers with the adventure spirit of Indiana Jones. Zip lines take you above the lush tropical jungle letting you take in the spectacular scenery whilst experiencing an adrenaline rush. This is a daily tour which has the flexibility to adapt to one’s physical capabilities. The Koh Phangan Island which maintains its natural tranquillity is a must visit for the adventure tourists visiting Thailand. When selecting one of the Koh Phangan hotels an option to consider is Anantara Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa. Nestled amidst captivating natural splendour, it has the distinction of being among the most ideally located Koh Phangan resorts.

Mesmeric Diving & Snorkelling in Southeast Asia


The ocean waters of Southeast Asia offer exceptional opportunities for snorkelling and diving. The seas bordering the nations of the region are refreshingly clear, and present a mesmerizing underwater environment. Vividly coloured marine life forms will entrance the diver, and you may even see massive creatures like manta rays and whale sharks in the ocean depths. Divers may also explore the shipwrecks which are a legacy of the region’s eventful past.
When it comes to luxury hotels in the region Anantara Hotels are an excellent choice for the selective traveller; these fine luxury hotel resorts offer superior accommodations and service.

Diving at Banana Reef

Located in the North Male Atoll area, Banana Reef is one of the best dive sites in the Maldives. With a dive depth that ranges from five to thirty metres, this fascinating attraction is home to enthralling cave formations, coral heads and diverse marine life. Ideal for even novice divers, this site is where one can view such fish species as Giant Squirrelfish and Sweetlips. Travellers looking for Maldives island resorts can stay at Naladhu, Maldives which is also ideal for those wanting to indulge in some diving. Home to its own PADI Dive Centre, this luxury Maldives hotel lets one explore nearby dive sites as well.

Forests & Mountains in Bali

Home to stunning natural landscapes, Bali is a nature lover’s paradise and offers exhilarating outdoor adventures. The forests & mountains in Bali provide visitors with dense jungle areas as well as savannahs and desolate volcanic cones that one can explore. These forested and mountainous areas are also where visitors will find a wide variety of wildlife including monkeys, barking deer, sea eagles and sparrows. Those looking for a luxurious Bali hotel from which to explore this enchanting island can stay at Anantara Seminyak, Bali. Set along an idyllic stretch of beach, this Bali resort offers a range of modern comforts and conveniences as well.

Kiteboarding/Kitesurfing in Hua hin

During the course of past few years, kiteboarding or kitesurfing has become a highly popular leisure activity and sport in Hua Hin. A couple of kitesurfing schools have been established in the region providing tuition and lessons as well as equipment for hire. The best time for this sport in Hua Hin is during March and April as steady thermal winds are quite common during this period. Those expecting to experience bigger surf should visit during November right through to January. An excellent option among Hua Hin resorts is Anantara Hua Hin, Thailand. Built in the style of an ancient Thai village, it is a standout among luxury Hua Hin hotels.