Category: Land Extreme Sports

Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi

The Yas Marina Circuit is located on Yas Marina Island, which is also home to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. The track, which is used for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was a design of the renowned racecourse architect, Herman Tilke. It is Middle East’s second Formula One race track after the one in Bahrain. With a total length of almost six kilometres, the racecourse has the capacity to seat about fifty thousand people. Construction on the course began in 2007 and took only about two years to complete, with the track opening in October 2009.

Since it was opened the track has hosted multiple international events including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the FIA Formula One, V8 Supercars and GT1 World. The track, which bears a resemblance to the F1 track in Monaco, has a distinct Arabian flavour. There are a total of twenty one turns and each one is unique, making for highly thrilling races. There are five grandstands from which audiences can view all the action. The grandstands are designed to enhance the viewing experience. The track is only about thirty minutes from Abu Dhabi City and tourists visiting the UAE capital should definitely try to visit this place even if there are no races scheduled.

Visitors to the Yas Marina Circuit should also try to stop by the Ferrari World Theme Park located nearby. The park is the largest indoor theme park on the planet and contains over twenty rides, including the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in operation. In addition to rides, the park also provides fascinating insights into the world of racing and is sure to resonate with racing enthusiasts from around the world.

Travellers planning a tour of the attractions in the Middle East should consider getting accommodation with hotel chains like the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. They contain a series of Middle East hotels including Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE hotels. Getting accommodation with a hotel chain ensures that one gets the same standard of service no matter where one visits and it minimises the hassles of booking multiple hotels.

 

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.

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Golf Vacations in Vietnam

Declared as the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Vietnam is a wonder waiting to be discovered. A land with a fascinating history dating hundreds of years back, a climate that can only be marvelled at all year along and a breathtaking natural splendour, this amazing location is nothing but perfect for a holiday. The country now offers its visitors championship courses that successfully put most western golf grounds to shame.

Popularly known as the ‘Next Thailand’ in relation to golfing, this amazing country is home to many beautiful golfing locations. The formation of the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail in 2008 saw the Vietnam golf courses gaining global recognition. In total there are about 16 courses operating successfully within the country and around 30 under construction.

Golf courses singled out as the best here include the Dalat Palace Golf Club, the Montgomerie and the Ocean Dunes Golf Club. The growth in the number of tourist arrivals in the country and the high rising golf tours have also been due to the reasonable cost of these holidays, the far stretching coast line admired by many westerners and the tropical climate guaranteeing a great experience all year around. Consequently the number of tourist arrivals has seen an immense increase from around 250000 to 4.5 million a year.

If you are on the lookout for a beautiful Vietnam Hotel to spend your days at ease while holidaying in this beautiful country, consider a Resort in Mui Ne that believes in creating a truly authentic experience. Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa is a gorgeous hotel ideally located in the heart of Mui Ne that boasts of well-appointed rooms, world class service standards and a traditional Vietnamese touch in its hospitality.

Head over to Vietnam where there is so much to experience and savour. From traditional Vietnamese culture to ancient historic monuments that resonate architectural splendour of the good old east, mouthwatering Vietnamese cuisine and amazing golf locations. Experience the east like never before when you choose Vietnam as your next holiday destination.

Experience Mountain Trekking in Bali

Home to thick jungles, traditional villages and not forgetting stunning mountains, Bali is a great place for exciting adventure treks. Mountain trekking in Bali is particularly popular and those planning to embark on such activities should first look into finding a suitable base for their travels. Staying at a Bali luxury resort makes an ideal choice since it lets you enjoy the very best the island has to offer. Located by Sanur golden beach, Regent Bali is just one such 5 star hotel Bali that also has a spa which provides plenty of holistic healing after a long day of trekking.

Adventure travellers have two main mountains on the island worth exploring; the Batur and Agung mountains. It is best to start your trek as early in the morning as possible. This not only lets you avoid the burning noon day sun, but also gives you an opportunity to witness some truly spectacular sunrises. Making your way across rugged slopes with nothing but the stunning panoramic vistas unfolding around you, it is easy to get lost in thought and be overawed by Mother Nature decked out in all her glory.

Water sports in Doha

Doha, the Qatari capital is a sizzling oasis in the middle of the Arabian Desert that provides ample opportunities to cool down and have some fun in the sun at the same time. Visitors to this intriguing city would do well to invest in one of excellent serviced apartments near city centre Doha Mall as this would situate guests close to fine dining and entertainment in the heart of the city. The Ascott Doha is one such example of fine Doha serviced apartments that provide luxury service in the midst of stylish interiors for a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience in the desert. To cool down in the arid desert heat, there are several fun options for the whole family. The Diplomatic club offers visitors the change to try out water skiing, wake boarding and banana boat rides for the kids, who love the latter especially. The Diplomatic Club also offers visitors the opportunity to try their hand at fishing, as well as offering leisure boat rides with a variety of distance options and times. Ro nautical Middle East will treat anglers to upscale fishing, as their boats are outfitted with rods, GPS and an onboard refrigerator in case you get a little nippy out at sea. Or, venture out to the high seas for a spot of sailing with the Doha Sailing Club, which will provide lessons, training and races, for the folks who prefer to look but not leap into the waters themselves. Adrenaline seekers should check out Ronautica Middle East’s options for kiteboarding for some extra spillage and thrillage on the Arabian seas! Or, just take a dip in the pool, but if you don’t quite know how to negotiate the waters, the Cabana Club offers swim lessons for both groups and one-on-one settings. So no matter what your water flavour, Doha dishes out an exciting array of experiences for you to get down and wet in the desert!

Queenstown Ice Arena

Queenstown – the exciting and riveting adventure capital of New Zealand – offers all visitors the chance to hit the slopes, the lakes or the ice arena for some fantastic adrenaline-pumping action. Adventure seekers should also consider some quality New Zealand Queenstown hotel accommodation to rest and relax after a thrilling day of adventure. The Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview provides visitors with ideal Queenstown hotel Accommodation for the perfect way to wind down after all the action on offer round town. Take the whole family to the Queenstown Ice Arena for some chilling fun on ice that is safe and fun for all ages! The arena is equipped to let everyone from pro skaters to budding amateurs strut their skating stuff at very economical rates if you’re on a budget. Individuals can skate all day for $15 or the whole family can do so for $55. Open rain or shine or hail, the skating arena provides fantastic entertainment that is also an exhilarating workout! It also features a state-of-the-art LED lighting system that beautifully changes colours above your head while you and family and friends carve up new chills and thrills on ice! The arena is also home to several leagues in ice hockey, figure skating, and curling, and it also offers lessons for folks wanting to learn how to skate. Visit the onsite pro shop to pick up some fantastic ice skating and ice hockey gear, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff who work there will help visitors find what they need, featuring brands such as Easton, Mission and Bauer. So whatever your ice ethic, the Queenstown Ice Arena will give you an experience you’ll never forget!

Ben Lomond Hike

The Queenstown area is home to some of New Zealand’s most stunning natural landscapes. It offers numerous intriguing trails for hikers, where one can enjoy the spectacular scenery for miles on end. Quality Queenstown hotel accommodation is not hard to find in this “adventure-capital” of New Zealand. After taking in the breathtaking natural splendour, one can enjoy superb hospitality at the Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview featuring stylish modern comforts in a scenic setting at this fine New Zealand Queenstown hotel. Experienced hikers will enjoy a day out trekking the Ben Lomond hiking trail, all the way to Ben Lomond Summit, which features fantastic views of the rugged Queenstown terrain. Breathe in the magnificent trails flanked by towering beech trees on the One Mile Creek walk, and marvel at the massive Douglas Fir sentinels that guard the path of the Skyline Access Road. At the 800-metre elevation point, hikers will spot the native alpine tussocks and Dracophyllum, which dominate this part of the country, and be treated to magnificent views of the mountains and the lake. The next section of the track up to Ben Lomond Saddle is a gentle slope, but it gets steep up the trail to Ben Lomond Summit, so only advanced hikers with appropriate hiking gear are advised to proceed further. Adventurers who actually make the demanding trek to the summit are subject to spectacular views, and on clear days, one can marvel at the majestic sights of Mounts Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and Aspiring/Tititea framing the summit, which is 1748 metres high. Hikers will truly appreciate this magnificent hiking experience, a true scenic jewel in Queenstown’s glittering natural crown.

Mountain Biking in Rotorua

The New Zealand town of Rotorua is set in the midst of a rugged landscape with pristine forests and majestic mountains, which makes it an ideal location for all kinds of fun outdoor sports, such as hiking, off-roading, and the perennial favourite: mountain biking. Adventure bikers would be well taken care of at a quality Rotorua hotel such as the superb Millennium Hotel Rotorua. Featuring stylish interiors and luxury amenities, this quality hotel in Rotorua is the perfect place to relax after an exciting day of peddling the mountain bike trails. Mere minutes away from the city proper is the rugged and lush Whakarewarewa Forest, which is home to a 70km network of riveting trails to be discovered, explored and conquered on your trusty steed, the mountain bike. The trails offer numerous possibilities of outdoor explorations to bikers of all levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced, spanning family groups and expert riders. Ride your way through beautiful species of native ferns flourishing beneath the impressive canopies of the tall Doug Fir, Redwood, Radiata, Eucalyptus and Larch trees that cover the landscape with their imposing presences. In the midst of the trail, you’re offered tantalising glimpses of the scenic lakes and the sombre figure of Mount Tarawera rising in the distance. Whether you’re a fan of cros-country biking or downhill biking, the amazing landscape will offer hours or days of fun in this mountain biking heaven. Because of its stellar natural offerings, Rotorua has hosted mountain biking competitions such as the Worlds Mountain Bike and Travel Championship in 2006 and the Single Speed Nationals in 2008. So grab your bike and gear and come ride the trails of Rotorua into a world of excitement and adventure!

 

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Skywalk in Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s vibrant hotspot with an exciting nightlife, riveting arts and culture scene and exhilarating adventures on offer for the few and the brave. To truly savour all these experiences, indulge in some quality Auckland hotel accommodation in the heart of the city, close to many fun attractions. One excellent Auckland hotel is the Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City. Its central location and modern conveniences provide the perfect starting point from which one’s Auckland adventures can begin!

For the ultimate thrill that lasts longer than bungee jumping but shorter than sky diving for that perfect middle ground experience, try the Auckland SkyWalk, where adventure seekers get to tread a walkway that is 1.2 metres wide, 192 metres above the Auckland ground, with no handrails except the wind whipping around your face! Get strapped in to an exciting orange jumpsuit and secured to a harness while you make the one-hour-fifteen-minute trek around the panoramic Sky Tower and catch the gorgeous spectacle of the splendid Auckland skyline as well as the sparkling habour. Sky walkers can capture this experience to take home to friends, as a video and photo package is available for purchase after the experience. Capture all your crazy antics and even have a go at hanging over the edge of the tower! Adrenaline junkies can take this one step further with an exciting SkyJump after the SkyWalk! The SkyJump mixes bungee jumping and sky-diving, where adventurers free-fall for 11 seconds before gently floating to the ground. Whatever one’s brand of thrills, Sky Tower’s SkyWalk and SkyJump is sure to be an unforgettable adrenaline rush for everyone who wants to walk the Auckland skies!

Abu Dhabi Archery

Abu Dhabi is a splendid emirate that forms part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and it is home to a fascinating array of activities for the cultural and curious tourist. If you wanted to try your hand at archery, there are a range of clubs as well as a spa resort Abu Dhabi features that offer visitors the chance to channel their inner archer. The Anantara Al Yamm which provides its guests with premium accommodation at its beautiful villas in Abu Dhabi also offers lessons and equipment for visitors to try out this long-cherished Arabic tradition. For those serious archers dedicated to the sport, the Abu Dhabi Archers Group provides a community of support for archers looking to get into the field, or serious shooters. Top archers can take part in the Top Archers Competition, which targets top archery dogs to crown champions on the range. The group does not have official status yet; however, it does provide the opportunity to gather and practice at the Al Forsan Archery range, which offers ten lanes and the best equipment to try one’s luck at a distance of 5 to 60 metres, depending on preference and ability. The range also offers Re-curve and Compound bows if archers do not have their own. The range provides arm guards, releases and tabs too, so head on down for a practice round or two!

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Kicking up a Dust

Although Abu Dhabi at first glance seems all desert there are amazing natural destinations in the emirate that extend all the way to the Empty Quarter in the south and the mountains of Oman in the east where pristine waterfalls, cliffs lined with fossils and freshwater lakes are part of the environment.

Adventure travel in Abu Dhabi is all about getting to know the landscape and stretching the mind and in many cases the body to embrace exciting experiences. Late evening dune bashing trips or desert safaris to the Liwa desert is one of the best ways to experience the desert landscape in Abu Dhabi. Traveling in a convoy of 4x4s, travelers are offered a roller coaster ride over sand dunes and are taken to vantage points to see gorgeous desert sunsets. The trip include a visit to a camel farm, camel rides, dinner in a Bedouin style desert camp where guests get to sit around a campfire, smoke an aromatic shisha, partake of a traditional Middle Eastern meal and with no light pollution to detract from the experience, enjoy a sky thick with stars. Overnight camping experience in the desert can be added to dune bashing.

Wadi bashing, driving a 4×4 along rocky and dry river beds is another aspect of adventure travel in Abu Dhabi. This is one of the best ways to see naturally beautiful parts of a wadi such as waterfalls, animals in the wild and mountain pools among others. Another option would be to join one of the many 4×4 clubs and after a little training go dune and wadi bashing with family and friends. The massive dunes in the Empty Quarter offer awesome driving challenges and learning to navigate the dunes is one of the best adventure experiences around. Sand skiing on the 984 foot high sand slopes is another way to enjoy the desert landscape.

Camel racing is a popular local activity and adventure travelers can catch some of the action on race days in Shweihan and Liwa and see racing practices and camel paddocks at Al Wathba.

Traveling 140 km out of town to Al Ain is a must to enjoy the greenest parts of Abu Dhabi, the site of many oases, parks, tree lined avenues, museums, forts and an archaeological park. From here travelers can access Jebel Hafeet the highest point in the area and known for the mineral springs at its base and fantastic views of the sunset from the top. Wadi Adventure in Ain Al Fayda nearby has the regions first artificial white water rafting, surfing and kayaking facility. The 3.3 meter manmade surf wave here is the world’s most impressive. Its 1.7 km kayaking channel is the world’s longest.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara a calm and peaceful oasis is undoubtedly a lovely place to experience the desert landscape at its best. As one of exceptional luxury hotels Abu Dhabi, guests are offered a selection of spacious, well designed contemporary rooms, suites and villas added to which are services and facilities that complement the very special quality of the setting. Enjoy well selected traditional Middle Eastern, Oriental and International menus, relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatments and a host of desert based activities that will make a stay at one of prominent Abu Dhabi hotels a real pleasure.