‘Tourist Attraction Reviews’ Category

3 Bali Villas To Stay On Your Holiday

February 16th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Staying at a villa in Bali offers a holiday experience far superior to staying at a hotel. Villa resorts are often hidden in the beautiful countryside with spectacular views, access to pristine beaches and amenities to make your stay in Bali heavenly. Each of the following villas offers everything anyone could dream of for a luxurious, secluded holiday in Bali.

The Elysian

The Elysian is in the area of Seminyak. It is a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by a lush, Balinese tropical garden. It has a private 25 meter lap pool, and in each villa, it offers state-of-the-art in-house entertainment system and free Wi-Fi internet access.

The service is 24/7 so guests never have to leave their rooms. There is world class dining in the Rush Bamboo Restaurant. The Elysian Spa is famous for its signature treatments for beauty and health as well as traditional therapeutic rituals.

It is 20 minutes from the airport in one of Bali’s most cosmopolitan holiday destinations with a perfect beach and many places of historical and cultural interest nearby.

Majapahit Beach Villas

On the edge of a brilliant black sand beach, Majapahit Beach Villas are near the village of Ketewel. The four, luxury private dwellings were designed by Guiseppe Verdacci an Italian architect who modeled them after buildings from the golden age of the ancient Javanese Majapahit Empire.

Three or four bedroom villas are right on the beach or set back with a private beach entrance and spectacular views of the Bandung Strait and Nusa Lembongan Island. The rooms reflect the Indonesian culture while having all the convenient modern touches. High ceilings, spacious rooms, designer bathrooms as well as Jacuzzis, swimming pools, walled private gardens make the Majapahit Beach Villas excellent for large parties and weddings.

Dyana Villas

Just 800 meters from Seminyak beach is Dyana Villas situated in a very secluded tropical paradise. Only 16 one to four bedroom rooms, each villa has a private swimming pool and garden. The rooms are designed with a blend of Balinese traditional style and all the modern amenities.

Some of the villas are so private they have few walls and even the bathroom is partly open to nature. The semi-outdoor living is heavenly along with the first class service from the well-trained staff. With a home theater including TV, DVD player and play station as well as kitchen, washing machine and carport, guests are lacking nothing. Each room has free internet access.  A staff member will come to your villa and cook your breakfast, if you wish.

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4 Places That You Should Visit in Mauritius

February 16th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Mauritius is a tropical island that is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Madagascar.  Wonderful beaches, wonderful weather and wonderful hotels make this a place that you should not really consider for your vacations. In this article we will be speaking about 4 places that you need to visit if you want to make the most of your holiday on the tropical island.

Trou aux Cerfs

Trou aux Cerfs is the crater of a dormant volcano that is located in the center of the island in the town of Curepipe. This is a place that you should not miss if you are fond of lush vegetation and also great landscape. From the summit of the crater you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view on the center of the island. Do not forget your camera while visiting this area.

Quatre Bornes Market

The Quatre Bornes market is located in the town of Quatre Bornes and is definitely a place that you will not want to miss when visiting Mauritius. You will be able to purchase a wide variety of crafts and other cheap clothes. However you need to be careful of counterfeits material there if you do not want to get into trouble with your local customs. Also make sure that you bargain a little if you want to get the best price.

Grand Bassin

Grand Bassin is the crater of a dormant volcano and is surrounded by some really beautiful landscape. If you are lucky you might witness some monkeys playing in their local habitat. Again do not miss your camera if you want to bring some memories back home. This is considered as a sacred lake by the Hindu community of the island and is surrounded by various temples. Just make sure that you respect the dressing code while visiting this place and also refrain from smoking and eating non-vegetarian food there.

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

This is a garden that is located in the North of the island in the village of the Pamplemousses. The Botanical Garden has been created by Pierre Poivre back when the island was still a colony and has now become of the most famous touristic places of the island. You will be able to find a wide variety of plants from all over the island of Mauritius and also some more exotic ones coming from different part of the world. Do not miss the giant water lilies that can be found in the various ponds.

 

Elijah is a freelance writer that loves to write on everything related to travelling.

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Amazing Things the Jersey Shore Has to Offer

February 11th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

The Jersey Shore stretches along 127 miles of the Atlantic Ocean, making it convenient for people visiting from New York or Washington. Spanning several cities, you can find the right activities to suit your personal needs. Whether you are traveling alone, as part of a couple or with a large family, the Jersey Shore has something to offer you.

 

Atlantic City

 

You don’t have to board a plane to enjoy world class gambling. Atlantic City has its own share of fine casinos, stunning resorts and evening entertainment. Take a walk along the boardwalk and catch a show at the Steel Pier. You can even visit the amusement park for a ride on the Ferris wheel and helicopter rides. Be sure to eat at the Wolfgang Puck American Grille to enjoy the greatest American cuisine.

 

Ocean City

 

Known for being a family resort, Ocean City features plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Enjoy water slides or take in concerts at Music Pier. Annual traditions like Weird Week in August allow you to try your hand at taffy sculpting, pie eating contests and other activities. While the beach will call to you in nice weather, the city also has lots of entertainment for rainy days. Visit miniature golf courses and take advantage of kid-themed activities that are available throughout the city. Thursday nights in July and August feature face painting, karaoke and awesome music.

 

Cape May

 

Located near the Delaware border, Cape May is considered the oldest resort town in the nation. Victorian architecture will delight you when you stay at one of the many bed and breakfast inns. Children are always welcome, but you will find that this city really caters to couples. The city even has a zoo, whale-watching tours, ghost tours and amazing shops. Couples will enjoy the wine tastings, theatrical productions and fine dining options.

 

Long Branch

 

If you love the New York skyline and crave a vacation at the beach, then the Ocean Place hotel is the right choice for you. Located right on the shore, you can get a room that will afford you a view of the famed New York skyline. When you’re not relaxing in the indoor whirlpool or on the beach, you can take advantage of the services offered at the on-site spa. The city boasts of more than thirty fine restaurants and fantastic boutiques. A pedestrian friendly town, you can safely stroll through the town as you enjoy the theater, casual meals, the beach and a laid back atmosphere.

 

Spring Lake

 

History buffs will love visiting Spring Lake.

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The Best of Ireland’s Cultural Hot Spots

January 25th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

credit: francisco_osorio

When planning a trip anywhere the location is always paramount, but for many of us once the location has been decided, what to do whilst we are there becomes the next part to fathom. So, for example, if you have decided to visit Ireland and your interests are music, film and art, you would want to know the best places to go to soak up these parts of the culture. Dublin would seem the obvious choice for many of us as it is the capital city and it is the most populated city in Ireland.

Dublin takes pride in classing itself as a musical city and has a vibrant and lively music scene. Acts such as U2, The Frames and Samantha Mumba originate from Dublin. Dublin is also the home to many live music venues where you have the chance to experience traditional Irish music through to heavy metal. Many visitors to Dublin want a chance to hear traditional Irish music live. This music is most commonly found in pubs and has flourished remarkably over the years. Some of the best places to head are: ‘The Porter House in Temple bar,’ ‘The Arlington Hotel’ and ‘Wheelans’. Alternatively, those who would like to see a gig with a live band or a musician should find out who is playing at venues such as ‘The 02,’ ‘The Aviva Stadium’ or ‘The RDS.’ Acts such as Coldplay, Robbie Williams and Bruce Springsteen have previously played at these venues.

credit: Sean MacEntee

For those who take an interest in the film industry, there is no better place to visit than the ‘Irish Film Institute,’ in Dublin. The IFI is both a cinema as well as a national body which supports the Irish Film Heritage. The range of films available for the Irish audience is increased thanks to the IFI. There is also a bookshop within the building which stocks literature about Irish Cinema.

If you are looking for a gallery in Dublin, then try Irelands ‘National Gallery,’ which has a large range of both Irish and European art. Alternatively visit The ‘Irish Museum of Modern Art,’ for more contemporary works. For musical and operatic performances, visit the ‘Gaiety Theatre’ which also has the added benefit of turning into a nightclub in the evening. The ‘Abbey Theatre’ is suitable for those who prefer more classic theatre productions.

Aside of Dublin, there are many other places in Ireland which celebrate the music, film and art industry. One of these places is Galway which has an annual Arts festival.

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5 Places Not To Miss in Italy

January 14th, 2012 Tushar Mathur

Italy is strategically located in Southern Europe and is one long peninsula with the Ionian Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Adriatic Sea bordering South, west and east respectively. Although Sicily and Sardinia are the two most famous Italian islands that attract millions of people to Italy every year, rest assured that Italy is a place rich in beauty and history, with great historic cities with rich culture to explore. Here are some of the top 5 places you should not miss out when you plan to visit Italy.

 

Rome – Roma

Rome or Roma as it is referred to by the locals is the capital city of today’s modern Italy. It is the oldest city dating back to over 2,700 years. Such a period of time can only mean one thing; Rome is a city that is steeped in history boasting so many ancient monuments, very attractive fountains, rich medieval churches, historical buildings, renaissance palaces as well as museums, all which display the rich historical and cultural heritage that Rome has always been known for.

 

St. Peter’s and the Vatican are to be found in Rome. Rome is a must visit for any one visiting Italy. Sadly, as they say Rome was not built in a day, rest assured that you would not be able to explore all that Rome has in store for you in a day either.

 

Florence

Florence is another must-visit place in Rome, if not for anything else because is one of the most critical renaissance architectural and art centers in Italy. Just like Rome, Florence boasts very interesting museums with some of the best sculptures and famous paintings in the world, beautiful gardens and Medici palaces to mention but a few attractions.

Milan – Milano

Just the mention of Milan (Milano) and the first thing that would come to the minds of many is fashion. Milan is one of the richest cities in Europe famous for art galleries, stylish clothing shops and great restaurants. Milan also boasts a faster and more vivacious pace of life than in other cities of Italy. Further, it is known for its rich cultural and artistic heritage as is evidenced by the world’s most renowned opera house – La Scala.

 

Venice – Venezia

This is another must-visit place in Italy, if not for anything else because Venezia is a tourist attraction on its own. It is a city that was built on water at the heart and centre of a lagoon.

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Everybody’s Top Choices of Top 5 Hotels in Paris

December 20th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

Regardless of your style, there is always a Paris hotel that will meet your requirements. There are hotels which are chic – haughty but elegant and very seductive. There are also hip and cool hotels. Romantic hotels are also a must in the City of Love. If you want a hotel with French character, you can go for those with nostalgic decorations and renovated in an intriguing manner. For the budget conscious, there are those which give you more character more than being contemporary.

1. The Chic Hotel – Meurice

Set in a traditional, historic mansion, Meurice is one the most fabled Paris hotels. It is entered from the rue de Rivoli, and overlooks the Jardin des Tuileries. The insides are furnished with gold, glass and marble that give it a striking yet elegant appeal. The rooms will remind you of the 18th century Paris and will give you marvelous views around. In the Belle Etoile Suite, you will have a panoramic view of the entire city.  

2. The Hip Hotel – de Sers

A few steps away from George V hotel is a mansion which has been converted into a hotel with a hint of zaniness. When it was renovated, the architect infused an avant-garde design into its original charm. The overall mood of the hotel can be seen on its entrance hall – you can see a gallery of large, heavy portraits hung above a line of gray armchairs set on a violet carpet. The bedrooms are comfortable while the bar attracts a lot of sensational pack of youth during the cocktail hour.

 

3. The Romantic Hotel – Hotel de Jeu de Paume

A four-star hotel at the right location, Hotel de Jeu de Paume is located right at the heart of the City of Love. It was once a tennis court for the royalty and has an exceptional architecture. This hotel is located at the center of the picturesque neighborhood of Ile Saint Louis – emanating a perfect ambiance for leisurely strolls and dreamy dinners while overlooking the scenic Seine River. The hotel’s interior is furnished with heavy wood beams while the glass elevator lets you have a superb vision of the indoor courtyard.

4. The Hotel with a Character – L’Hotel

A pavilion of love in the early 19th century, and Oscar Wilde’s final home in the early 20th century, Daniel has also been a decadent hangout among celebrities during the 60s and 70s. The circular staircase leads to rooms which are similar to jewel boxes. The suites also have their own themes.

5.

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Costa Rica’s Impressive National Parks

October 27th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

A holiday in Costa Rica can be the most interesting in your life. This tropical nation on the isthmus of Central America bordered by the Caribbean Sea on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west is the ideal place to see nature in all its glory. It has 186 protected areas covering 25% of the country. There are 32 national parks, 51 wildlife reserves, 13 forest reserves and 8 biological reserves in Costa Rica. For people who are interested in ecotourism Costa Rica is one of the best places to visit. But there are so many protected places the most efficient way to see the country’s natural beauty is through escorted tours.

The national parks in Costa Rica are stunning. They are some of the most breathtaking places on earth. Identifying the right ones to see can be challenging unless you take one of the excellent Costa Rica tours. The escorted tours help people to find the types of national park they will enjoy most. Love beaches? Escorted tours will take you to Manuel Antonio National Park. This 682 hectare park has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. They include Espadilla Sur, Escondido, Playita and Playa Manuel Antonio. Playa Manuel Antonio with its coral reefs, tidal pools, coral white sands and clear waters is the most beautiful.

There are several national parks in Costa Rica dedicated to rare and endangered turtles. Escorted tours led by knowledgeable locals can tell you when and where you should go to see them during nesting and hatching. Playa Grande Marine Turtle National Park has great beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling and surfing. It also has the best breeding grounds for the rare giant leatherback turtle on the Pacific Coast. The females lay eggs in nests on the beach between October and March. Guided tours may visit the nesting grounds at night only from February 15 to March 15. Tortuguero National Park on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast has the nesting grounds of the green sea turtle, giant leatherback and the hawksbill turtle as well as 300 bird species, 57 amphibian species , 111 species of reptiles, 60 mammal species and 13 of the 16 endangered species in Costa Rica.

Irazu Volcano National Park is another popular destination for Costa Rica tours. The park features the 3,432 meters tall Irazu Volcano, the tallest of Costa Rica’s over 100 volcanoes. Irazu is one of the 5 active ones. It erupted as recently as 1994 and during a visit by U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963. It still rumbles occasionally.

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Las Vegas’ Most Innovative Hotel Properties

October 10th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

Where can you find the best singers, dancers, comedians and magicians, the largest casinos and rooms fit for royalty? No where but Las Vegas. Las Vegas hotels rearrange the world to please their guests. They have brought the Eiffil Tower, the Great Pyramids, the Statue of Liberty and a volcano belching smoke and fire to this tiny desert city. Properties like the Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas, the Mandalay Bay Hotel Las Vegas and the Venetian Las Vegas help to create the mystique and magic that is Las Vegas.

The almost 4,000 room Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas was designed as a resort with a medieval theme. Its facade is a castle and an 8 acre moat seperates it from the rest of the Las Vegas Strip. While it hosts jousts every night, Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas is transforming everyday to better serve its guests. Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas has earned a reputation as a family oriented resort casino. Numerous activities are designed with children in mind. Exclibur offers mature entertainment as well. Both children and adults can find what they want at Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas.

The Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas has medieval themed restaurants like the Steak House at Camelot and the Round Table Buffet. A favorite attraction is Dick’s Last Resort restaurant. The servers are legendary for being purposely obnoxious to the guests. All is usually forgotten when ‘Taco’ the Dick’s mascot, creates his amazing miniature fountain behind the bar using water dispensers.

Decked in tropical splendor, The Mandalay Bay Hotel Las Vegas brings oceanside living to the desert. With 3,309 rooms, 24 elevators, a 135,000 square foot casino, the one million square foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center and the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Mandalay Bay Hotel Las Vegas is a huge property that creates a world of its own.

The theme in that world is tropical. The hotel features the 11 acre Mandalay Beach. This beach in the desert has three heated pools, a wave pool with 1.6 million gallons of water, a lazy river and a waterfall. There is also a connecting pool for small children. Adults like the European-style Moorea pool. Seperated by smoked glass, the pool allows women 21 and older to bathe topless. The entire pool area has been voted ‘Las Vegas’ Best Pool’ many times.

The Venetian, Las Vegas rose where the old Sands Hotel once stood. It is owned by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. It features a replica of the tower of St. Mark’s Campnile in Venice, Italy. The Venetian is part of the world’s largest five-diamond hotel and resort complex.

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The Top Five Romantic Restaurants of the World

July 28th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

There’s nothing quite like an intimate meal in a restaurant in another country to make your special someone feel even more special. Whether you are planning to propose or just want a simple romantic getaway, the restaurants listed here are sure to make every romantic’s heart flutter with delight.

Tripadvisor.com, a travel review website has released its list of the most romantic restaurants in the word. Read below to find out the ones who made it on the top of the list and why these restaurants are compatible for couples looking for that special location to celebrate their love.                                            

1. The Library, Rome, Italy

In the heart of one of the most romantic places on earth, is one of the most romantic restaurants in the world, The Library. This little bistro is a discreet and cozy sanctuary for lovers looking to spend a little quality time, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city while dining on fine Italian cuisine. The ambience of this restaurant evokes romance at its most elegant; lit candles, walls lined with books and wine bottles, the smell of truffles, vases of flowers and smooth jazz music are sure to make anyone feel amorous.  The Library is the perfect restaurant for couples who seriously want to have a really intimate, unique and memorable evening without all the distractions and excess.

2. Atmosphere Lounge Restaurant, Santorini, Greece

Boasting a fantastic view of the majestic Aegan Sea at the top of a traditional Greek building, the Atmosphere Lounge Restaurant is a great choice of restaurant for couples with natural affinity for the sea, sun and sand. Whether you are planning to propose a marriage to your partner or just celebrate a simple anniversary, the Atmosphere Lounge restaurant is fit for any romantic engagements, big or small. For sure, lovers from every nationality will surely feel like the famous Greek tandem of Venus and Adonis after experiencing this heavenly restaurant’s authentic Greek cuisine, music, quality service and romantic location.  

3. Bateaux Parisiens, Paris, France

Is there anything more romantically straightforward than being in the city of lights, cruising on a beautiful boat in the historical Seine River while being serenaded by an adorable songstress, taking in the atmosphere of the French culture, and most importantly, just spending precious time over some delicious French cuisine with your loved one?  At Bateaux Parisiens, that is just what they offer for customers, and a lot more.

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Love in Dubrovnik

July 20th, 2011 Tushar Mathur

“If you want to see heaven on earth,” rhapsodized George Bernard Shaw, “come to Dubrovnik”. Once upon a time Dubrovnik was a thronging merchant city state, sailing and selling luxury around the world. Nowadays it’s known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Wrapped in a medieval city wall, tangles of streets lead you to secret squares, baroque churches glowing in gold, bathed by Mediterranean rays reflecting off red terra-cotta roofs. It’s a haven of romance and mystery.

This enigma and history embedded into every stone makes Dubrovnik a perfect honeymoon destination. And the pleasures of getting lost in the enchanting Old Town are not all Dubrovnik has to offer: the warm Adriatic Sea laps the city’s battlements, an invitation to a coast studded with stunning beaches. A honeymoon should be all about luxury. Luckily the Hotel Bellevue, which The Sunday Times has deemed one of the coolest new hotels in Europe, can take care of that for you, right down to chartering your own private panoramic air trip.

JEWELS OF DUBROVNIK

The city of Dubrovnik is rich in history, but its charming architecture also hums with contemporary art and culture. There are good reasons for Dubrovnik’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: claiming that the city is ‘pretty’ would be like saying Venice has a few nice bridges, or that Paris might occasionally appear on film. For an intimate experience of these beautiful streets, fortify yourselves with an espresso and get going at the crack of dawn to watch the sun rising over the deserted town.

Take a walk around the city walls before the crowds arrive for a spectacular view over the Old Town, and an introduction to its fascinating history. Many of Dubrovnik’s fortresses now house museums full of curiosities. You’ll find the Maritime Museum and Aquarium in St. John’s Fortress, well worth an hour or two of browsing.

As night falls, you can enjoy classical music under the stars. A varied programme of concerts is held in the atmospheric amphitheatre of the Rector’s Palace, and for most of July and August Dubrovnik’s summer festival draws some of the world’s best opera, ballet and contemporary drama.

View over Dubrovnik's roofs

ROMANTIC ESCAPES

They say variety is the spice of life, and the Dubrovnik area is blessed with all manner of opportunities for new experiences. Discover the Dalmatian coast’s secret beaches for private pockets of paradise: whisper their names, we don’t want everyone to know – Plat and Zaton are particular gems.

Alternatively, sail or motor across the turquoise water to one of the surrounding islands.

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