Signature Spas to Seek during Luxury Caribbean Holidays
> Posted by channel in Travel Destinations, Travel Guides, Worldwide Travel
Enjoying luxury Caribbean holidays and a bit of pampering is easy with a wide network of spas throughout the islands that offer the ultimate signature treatments and advanced techniques. Get polished from head to toe in the best luxury Caribbean spas that cater specifically to visitors. Some award-winning and spectacular full service spas and accommodation includes:
Sandy Lane of Barbados
Designed for tourists who wish to spare no expense, the owner himself is a billionaire investor who owns stakes in Manchester United as well as London City Airport. The 47,000 masterpiece construction is a five star diamond standard luxury resort featuring an award-winning spa. The likes of Rihanna, Elton John and Tiger Woods have either stayed at this luxury hotel or received spa treatments there.
Como Shambhala at Parrot Cay of Turks and Caicos
East meets west at this luxury spa that features ayurvedic therapies and treatments like chickpea scrubs and ginger baths, performed by professionals from all over the world. Como Shambhala is nestled on Parrot Cay’s spectacular and unspoiled 1,000 acre pristine property and makes holistic wellness its top priority, through products, treatments, a relaxing ambiance and healthy cuisine.
BodyHoliday Le Sport of St. Lucia
This resort guarantees a super luxurious stay with a long range of treatments, activities and top of the line catering. A winner of Conde Nast’s 2011 Best Spa Destination in the World Award, everything from archery to Thalgo Marine body treatments is available from the world’s finest practitioners. The diversity of the activities and services here make this a traveller’s favourite.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay of the British Virgin Islands
Luxurious island charm meets true sophistication with award winning fine dining, luxury villas and a relaxing and pampering full service spa. Rosewood Little Dix Bay uses rare ingredients – including indigenous botanical resources – and specializes in progressive techniques. A notable treatment includes the impossible to resist Virgin Gorda Goat Milk & Honey body wrap in the exclusive Cliff Spa Suite for couples.
read comments (0)A Simple Guide to Packing for a Cruise Holiday
> Posted by channel in Cruise Advice and Tips, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips
Deciding what to take with you for a cruise deal holiday can be a difficult task. Depending on the ship and itinerary, your holiday may include events with dress codes, foreign climates and a variety of activities. Making sure you are ready for all these situations will help you to fully relax and enjoy the experience. This guide offers some helpful tips to consider while you are packing your suitcase.
The most important step is to make sure you remember to pack all of the tickets and documentation that you will need for your break; including for the journey to and from the departure port. You may like to put all tickets, passports, visa documents and other paperwork safely together in a folder or envelope, so that they do not get mislaid.
You will need to think about what clothes to bring. Check your cruise itinerary to see if there are any formal dinners or other events that have a dress code and make sure you bring appropriate outfits. If activities or adventure sports are available and you would like to take part, bring suitable clothes for these too. For day-to-day clothing, it can be a good idea to pack outfits that can be mixed and matched as this will save space in your suitcase. It also helps to check the local weather and pack accordingly.
Las Vegas, Nevada truly is a city of lights. Each of the major casinos is brilliantly lit up at night with thousands of individual light bulbs and even ordinary businesses follow suit in an effort to attract customers.
The main attraction of Las Vegas is the array of gambling casinos to be found in the city. There are two major casino areas: downtown Las Vegas and the Strip, also known as Las Vegas Boulevard. The downtown area contains the “original” Vegas where the first casinos were built and now also features the “Fremont Street Experience,” which consists of an entire city street roofed in so that laser-and-music shows can entertain tourists.
The Strip, in contrast, is the place to go to see the themed hotel-casinos that have made Vegas famous. Excalibur resembles a medieval castle complete with roaming knights and ladies, while Luxor is fashioned to resemble an Egyptian pyramid and contains a recreation of the Sphinx as well as a variety of ancient Egyptian artefacts. At Treasure Island, guests can watch an actual pirate battle every evening, complete with full-scale ships, while the Mirage features nightly eruptions of a manmade volcano.
Most major casinos also offer live entertainment shows, which often feature major headline stars. The Rio, for example, located just off the Strip, has had world-famous magicians Penn and Teller performing for ten years, with tickets available almost nightly. Circus Circus takes live entertainment in a different direction and provides free carnival acts several times each day.
There is much more to Las Vegas than the casino scene, however. The Atomic Testing Museum is a case in point. The museum commemorates Nevada’s historic role during the Cold War, when the atomic testing grounds near the city were the site of numerous bomb tests.
Barbados Holidays – A Top Holiday Destinations
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Located in the Caribbean Sea, to the east of the Windward Islands, Barbados is an island nation that has become one of the Caribbean’s top tourist destinations. Specialising in luxury holidays, Barbados has something to offer all visitors, whether they are looking for an active, adventure-filled holiday, or simply seeking to relax and unwind while lying on a beach and enjoying a cocktail. The country is known as ‘Little England’ throughout the Caribbean and the culture on the island is a blend of colonial and West Indian traditions.
Barbados holidays are sure to be memorable, with an abundance of luxury resorts throughout the island. Visitors can be thoroughly pampered and resorts are so well equipped that it is possible to enjoy a fulfilling holiday without even leaving the comfort of your hotel. However for those wishing to explore the island, there is plenty to see and do. Water sports are a big draw to the island, with windsurfing, jet-skiing, diving and snorkelling all being popular activities. In addition, in the water, it is possible to swim with sea turtles, an amazing and unique experience.
Barbados has many former plantations to explore, where you can learn more about the history of the island. It is also possible to visit a rum distillery, tour the factory, learning about the production of rum, and sample some of the finished product. Much of the colonial architecture in Barbados still remains and makes interesting viewing, especially in the capital city of Bridgetown.
Where to Go in Scotland
Scotland is quite rightly regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. A relatively small nation with a population of around five million, Scotland nevertheless offers an abundance of sightseeing and holiday opportunities.
Choosing where to go depends on a number of factors. The majority of the population reside in the country’s central belt, and this is where you will find its major cities – Edinburgh (the capital and seat of Scotland’s Parliament), Glasgow (the largest city in Scotland), and Dundee. These urban areas will provide holidaymakers with ample accommodation choices. Scotland is steeped in history and culture, and all three cities are brimming with ancient sites to be explored, as well as numerous museums and art galleries. All of these cities offer world-class shopping and entertainment venues.
Travelling further north brings travellers to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and Aberdeen, Scotland’s third largest city. Between the central belt and Inverness travellers will find the highest mountain ranges to be found in the British Isles, containing breathtaking scenery and indigenous wildlife including red deer and ospreys.
Glasgow
Glasgow is bursting with places to visit, including the world-renowned Burrell Collection – which is an eclectic collection of paintings, sculptures, medieval weapons and armour, and artefacts from Ancient Rome and Egypt – as well as numerous other art galleries. The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, on the banks of the River Clyde, hosts major exhibitions and stages concerts by international bands and performing artists.
Those who would like to explore what Scotland’s largest city has to offer will find the Menzies Hotel in Glasgow to be an ideal accommodation option. Centrally located in the heart of the city, this luxurious five-star accommodation offers 129 well appointed rooms with floor to ceiling windows which offer splendid city views. Travellers will also find a large assortment of other hotels, self-catering apartments, and hostels located throughout the city which will fit virtually any budget.
The island nation of Barbados in the Caribbean has become a hugely popular destination for luxury holidays. Thanks to the pleasant annual climate, abundance of sandy white beaches, beautiful scenery and laid-back atmosphere, tourists flock to the island to enjoy the pampering and relaxing experience of a holiday in Barbados.
One of the most well-known resorts on the island is that of Sandy Lane. The name Sandy Lane, Barbados has become synonymous with style, elegance and luxury and the resort, which first opened in 1961, prides itself on offering the best of holiday experiences. The resort is situated in a stunning bay on the island’s exclusive Platinum Coast, an area in which 18 of the world’s billionaires are reported to have homes. The original Sandy Lane hotel was demolished and completely rebuilt with the new upgraded resort opening in 2000.
In addition to other leisure facilities, the hotel boasts two 18 hole golf courses, a spa and fitness centre, where guests can be pampered with amazing treatments from around the world. A collection of stylish boutiques is located around the resort for those who wish to indulge in a spot of shopping amongst the relaxation.
Sandy Lane Holidays are often a great way to do some celebrity spotting with many famous faces having stayed at the resort over the years. Famous guests have included Queen Elizabeth II, Tony Blair, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez and Maria Callas, while the resort provides a stunning backdrop for the most exclusive of weddings, with golfer Tiger Woods being amongst those who have been married at Sandy Lane.
An Island Paradise
Although separated from the Australian mainland by a mere 240 kilometres of sea, Tasmania is like a lost world. The landscape contains deep valleys carpeted with thick rainforests teeming with exotic animals, and white sandy beaches stretching to the horizon. As nature reserves comprise over one third of the island, Tasmania is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Travelling to and Around Tasmania
Most flights to Tasmania are via Melbourne, so that should really be your first port of call. Once on Tasmania, a coach tour with an expert guide is an excellent way to enjoy the exotic scenery. A number of operators run scheduled excursions to the key attractions on a daily basis. Specialised tours are available for smaller parties, such as the exploration of the island’s wine country.
A very popular way to see the sights of Tasmania and the surrounding area is by boat. There are many spectacular islands off the Tasmanian coast, and the Southern Ocean is one of the world’s best areas for seeing whales, dolphins, and seals.
Everyone who ski’s or snowboards has a favourite destination when it comes to this popular winter sport, and if you and your family have yet to decide where to spend your sporting holiday here are some things for you to consider.
The United States
Most people have heard of Colorado, and with 11 resorts to consider you may want to spend a couple of extra weeks swishing down the slopes. Probably the most popular venue is Aspen; you can stay right on the mountain and ski in and out from your fully furnished chalet.
Lake Tahoe is in California and boasts 12 ski resorts. Kirkwood Mountain Resort gets more snow than any of the others and is perfect if you are planning a family ski holiday. Heavenly Valley is close to the Stateline and is where you will want to head if you want to spend your evenings at the casino. This is the largest resort on the lake and caters for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Europe
Switzerland is home to the Matterhorn, which is one of the most well known mountains in the world, and if you are looking for somewhere unusual to spend the night the Igloo Village on Rotenboden is the place for you. The village can accommodate up to 40 people and is a destination that you will want to return to again and again.
The Austrian Alps offer all kinds of packages for skiers. Innsbruck is the capital city and is internationally renowned for its winter sports centre. The glacier lifts on the Stubai are open 365 days a year and offer excellent skiing for the more advanced skier.
Wherever you decide to spend your ski holiday be sure and do your research. You will want to get the best value for money, and most resorts will offer some sort of discount travel package.
All About Mediterranean Cruises
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There really is no cruise holiday comparable to a Mediterranean cruise. Only Mediterranean cruises allow passengers to soak themselves in the rich history of ancient European cities. Sailing the Mediterranean will provide opportunities to sunbathe on the spectacular beaches of Greece or to indulge in the fine wines and food of Italy. Sailing along stunning coastlines and amongst picturesque islands will take passengers to the impressive Turkish ruins.
One of the best things about choosing a Mediterranean cruise is that they are available all the year round. This means no travel limits or off-seasons that passengers may encounter when sailing to other parts of the world. Most Mediterranean cruises are offered between the months of April and into October, with an average cruise length of 14 days.
It is possible to stay at sea longer by choosing an itinerary that goes beyond a basic sailing. Ports of call will vary, but most passengers can expect to enjoy stops at places such as Spain, Greece, London, Turkey, Paris, Portugal, France, Croatia and Italy. The combination of stops and countries visited will vary greatly with the different cruise companies.
Popular ports include Barcelona, Lisbon, Bari, Athens, Valencia, Rome, Marseille, Venice, Palma de Mallorca and the Greek Isles. Other Mediterranean destinations include exotic places such as North Africa and the Middle East. These European cruise tours are taken in combination with a Mediterranean cruise and offer passengers an intense and in-depth look at many of the world’s best known cities.
Some Mediterranean cruises can also be combined with tours through Scandinavia. This will then include Stockholm on your list of port of calls. This combination of Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises is normally available May through August. While in Scandinavia, enjoy a land tour that can include overnight stays.
For passengers taking long flights to reach their destination port, it is advisable that they reach their port at least one or two days before their cruise departure. This will allow time to recover from the long flight as well as to get settled. It will also allow you to go sightseeing in your port town before heading out onto the open waters for the Mediterranean cruise of a lifetime.
Attractions to Explore While Holidaying in the Seychelles
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The Seychelles is best known for its spectacular surroundings, world class beauty and striking beaches. This place of grand escape is often described as an Eden-like archipelago, and is an abode of natural untouched beauty. In between treatments at Seychelles spas, relaxing at luxury hotels and languid relaxing on the pristine beaches, there are many interesting sites to visit while on Seychelles holidays.
Seychelles’s numerous islands are divided into inner island and outer island categories. Inner islands have different characteristics from its outer islands. These granite islands are densely populated and form the economic hub of the country. Seychelle’s outer islands are much more isolated and mysterious, housing all manner of wildlife. The outer islands are scarcely explored but offer unparalleled water sports.
Victoria is the small yet locally important port city of the Seychelles and also the capital of the country. Victoria is on inner Mahe Island and its balmy temperatures welcome visitors year round. Home to 90% of the country’s population, the colourful local culture of inhabitants comes from Indian, Chinese, African and European descent. The highest point of Mahe island is Morne Seychellois, which also houses a national park. Ste Anne Marine National Park is on a separate island only 4 km away. Many points of Mahe are cultural highlights of the islands.
No luxury holiday to Seychelles would be complete without a visit to Praslin Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historical place once inhabited by pirates. Praslin boasts two of the best beaches in the world, according to many critics, and is a serene place of unsurpassed beauty and tranquil escape, which includes a virgin forest and impressive exposed rock formations.
Cousin Island is located only 2 km SW of Praslin and was set up in 1968 as a natural reserve for certain wildlife species, since it contains impressive biodiversity within its borders. A bird population of over 500,000 stretches itself over this small island, making it a natural biosphere regulated by the International Council for Bird Prevention and the Royal Society for Nature Conservation.