Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Gems in Maldives

Blessed with soft sandy beaches, secluded palm fringed islands, azure waters and thrilling water sports, the Maldives offers hours of fun in the sun for young and old alike. The islands that make up the Maldives are ideal for a romantic getaway, thrilling family holiday or even a journey of self discovery, set amidst stunning natural beauty. Those who can tear themselves away from the beach will also find that the county affords plenty of shopping opportunities especially if you are interested in purchasing gems and precious stones.

When you go shopping for gemstones in Maldives you will come across two varieties; natural gems and those that have been created synthetically. While synthetic gems have the same physical properties of natural ones, they often do not possess the unique colours of their natural counterparts. Always ask and make sure which kind you are purchasing. Another factor worth considering is whether the gemstones have been treated or not. Treatments change such elements as colour and clarity and these gems require special and expert care. You will also find imitation gems made from such materials as glass or plastic.

The country is also a great place to buy diamonds. When shopping for them, make sure to consider such factors as clarity, colour, cut and carat. Those looking to add to their fashion accessories can also purchase pearls when on holiday here. Naturally grown pearls or cultured pearls as they are known, are taken from molluscs or oysters, while it is possible to buy imitation products that have been made using plastic or glass. The country also has a rich tradition in jewellery making; traditional jewellery was typically made by blacksmiths and includes such items as golden bracelets and necklaces.

Once having done your share of gem shopping head back to luxurious accommodation offered by such resorts as Anantara Veli Maldives. It offers charming over water Maldives bungalows set amidst idyllic coastal landscapes and provides an ideal rest in which to get away from it all. This Maldives resort also has a spa where you can benefit from a range of treatments and therapies that offer true healing for mind, body and soul amidst true peace and tranquillity.

St. James’s Park- The oldest Royal Park in London

May be it’s the glance of the Royalty that constantly falls on this luscious green garden that keeps it in splendid perfection throughout the year. Sprawling over 23 hectares in the City of Westminster central of London at the southern end of the St.James area, the garden has just as interesting and famous neighbours in its vicinity. With Buckingham palace at its west and the busy mall and St James place to its north, the Bricade walk lies to the South as the House Guards cover the East. While the Buckingham Palace constantly looks in the direction of the garden, perhaps because its greenery offers such a soothing treatment for the eye, the garden returns the favour with its bridge perched upon the lake, getting a spectacular view of the palace, framed closely by its foliage and fountains.

Regardless of its majestic neighbours and its history as a place of national events and in spite of the crowds frequenting the mall, day in and day out, the garden has maintained a simplistic charm of nature throughout the years, as if it were not afraid of being young and naïve in a world of mature men and women. It seems not only man, but even flora and fauna have found shelter among its leafy branches, thick shrubs and especially the placid waters of its lake that is now and then ruffled by the breeze roaming through the park, often than not. The pelicans have made a permanent stay there and with all the feeding they get everyday, are unlikely to leave such attractive grounds to which they add their own colourful props. There are water birds, bats and woodpeckers especially for the children to gaze on, at least for those who are not busy playing in the playground in the park. For the city weary traveller, the garden is a sanctuary, with decked chairs in summer to recline on and dwell on nothing in particular while being softly caressed by the wind and being wooed to tranquillity by the garden whose attractions can sooth and soften any hard emotion. For some, the garden is ideal for people watching, while the more keen eyes of film makers have discovered in its mossy depths and wide open spaces lined by lakes and islands, the perfect back drop for the drama they’ve woven.

As much as outdoor enchantment, the city has a wealth of indoor charms in many a luxury hotel London. Located in the city’s Belgravia district, The Halkin London is a treat for the eye and mind, with unique interior designs falling only second to its modern conveniences and unforgettable Thai cuisine. In spite of its awe inspiring charms, this London boutique hotel, exudes a simplicity and a congenial warmth within all its services and servicemen that most traveller regard it as a home away from home.

Bedouin Village in Abu Dhabi

The eternal sand dunes, the scorching sun, a few meagre tents swaying to the breeze and a lone camel rider crossing the great desert in the evening light are no longer the pictures that come into one’s mind as you reflect on the Middle Eastern nations. With the revolutionary discovery of oil, the black gold that has seeped into these nations has transformed them into becoming some of the most powerful and beautiful cities in the world; and Abu Dhabi is no exception. Long gone are the simple days of the camel farmer trekking the expansive desert in search of water; the busy days of sky scrapers, state of the art shopping malls, business hubs and a never ending hum of activity are here to stay.

But not all of that ancient past is lost. The simple lives of their ancestors is the foundation of this new society in Abu Dhabi and it can be seen in the lives of the people, as well as in a small village behind the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre on Mussafah Road. Built in such a way as to depict a traditional Bedouin Village this museum holds original as well as recreated artefacts relating to the pre-oil era of Abu Dhabi. Also called the ‘Heritage Village’, it is a symbol of cultural and historical importance and is ideal for those looking for an insight on the history of the region.

It is made up of elaborate replicas of buildings from the past. Mud-brick houses, mud house of the Sheik, wind towers as well as a replica of the ancient irrigation system used can be seen. Coins, garments, Holy Qurans, jewellery, weaponry and diving equipment of the past days are put on display for the public. Entrance is free and the Bedouin Village is an ideal location to experience the region’s rich history.

In the more modern day city is the Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi, a plush and comfortable hotel in Abu Dhabi. This superior accommodation Abu Dhabi has t o offer lets you enjoy the very best of contemporary comforts in a truly luxurious setting.

The Thames Barrier- A fascinating modern attraction

The Thames Barrier is one such modern attraction, and is especially interesting as it is a piece of architecture that will protect the city of London from flooding. The construction of this barrier was completed in 1982. It took eight years to build and cost over a 1000 million GBP. It is known to be the largest flood barrier, which is movable, in the world. It is 520 metres wide and is located on the River Thames at Woolwich.

The need for such a barrier arose from the results of the 1953 floods. In 1953 due to heavy rainfall more than 160,000 acres of farmland got flooded and 300 people drowned. This prompted the authorities to take action to solve any further threats from flood water.

This particular design as a barrier was selected out of 41 proposals, as this unique design provided answers to all the problems: it had minimal interference with the natural river flow, headroom for ships were not restricted, and most importantly it is artistically very pleasing.

It comprises four gates; each as tall as a five storey structure and 61 metres wide. Each has its own ‘hydraulic power packs’, which are electrically powered and provides individual operation to each of the gates. When the gates are fully open they set against the river bed providing an unobstructed river. The gates can also be raised above the waters when they require maintenance work.

This piece of great engineering and architecture has come in handy over 60 times since its construction, when they had been raised to prevent the city from flooding. If you are visiting the location take either the river or the road. River boat from Greenwich or Westminster is ideal for a closer view. But if you are interested in a more in-depth experience try going by road to visit the visitor centre.

London also features various other attractions. As for lodging options, there is a range available: from a luxury hotel, London B&B, to budget hotel, you can take your pick. A London boutique hotel with luxury amenities is ideal for a romantic getaway. If you are looking for a great location and luxury accommodation options you may want to try The Halkin London.

Muscat Adventures

Muscat in Oman is an exciting city that has of late really made its mark on the tourist industry. Planeloads of holiday makers fly to this city every year for a taste of Arabian culture merged with an adventurous and an exciting twist. Enjoy the rolling golden sands and sparkling blue ocean in an ambience that echoes true Arabia. Taste the unmatched Arabian Cuisine and feel the kiss of the sun. Whatever you want to do, Muscat offers you a plate full of unmatched surprises.

For those of you craving for an adrenaline kick Muscat certainly has an array of truly exciting activities to fulfill those wild fantasies. Muscats spectacular landscape that combines the sand and the sea makes the perfect backdrop for authentic adventure. There are so many fantastic activities to try from and there are centers especially set up to make sure you have a spectacular time. Take the Muscat Diving and Adventure Center; this is one location that makes sure you have a fabulous time trying out whatever your heart desires. The best part above all is that with the assistance and guidance you receive in this place, you need not even worry about any training or experience, just a good fitness level and a keen adventurous spirit is enough for you to soar up in the sky. The Muscat Adventure center caters to all types of thrill levels that range from the armature to the pro. Here you can choose activities like the giant abseil, Rock climbing, Sea Kayaking, Canoeing, Scuba Diving and the Wet Wadi Walks. You can even try hiking up 2400m on Jebel Akhtar. There is a fascinating list of things to do and only visiting Muscat will give you an authentic insight into all the fun you can have in this exciting city.

When touring the Middle East hotels are found in abundance. For the ultimate holiday experience in Muscat or anywhere else in Middle East choose the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. This group, famed as one of the finest UAE hotels, has all the luxurious amenities making it live up to its glorious reputation in every way.

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.
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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!