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Yearly Archives: 2011

My Romantic Travel   →  2011
Categories Travel

Wedding Celebrations in Maldives

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Say ‘I do’ amidst the beautiful white sandy shores of the Maldives and mark an unforgettable day that you will treasure for a lifetime. With its relaxing topical climate, picturesque scenery and a romantic atmosphere, the Maldives has increasingly become a very popular destination for weddings. Celebrated in elegant grandeur and style, weddings in Maldives are exceptional each with a unique theme and fashion. Although hosting large banquets in ballrooms of hotels and resorts are a trend in the country, the in-vogue style is to exchange your vows by the beautiful beaches and make full use of this pristine island and the beauty it exudes.

In the Maldives, spas offer special Adam and Eve massages in the morning of the wedding to soothe and relax the couples’ body and soul enabling them to fully enjoy their day ahead. The traditional ceremony of a wedding commences just prior to the banquet. The bride and the groom are respectively attired in the typical white gown and the tailored full suits and commence the rituals by planting a coconut tree together as a depiction of their eternal love for each other. The ritual is conducted amidst the traditional dance tune played by hired local drummers which is followed by the final part of the ceremony where the couple proclaim their vows before a priest binding them together in holy matrimony.

Once the couple is legally husband and wife, it is traditional for the newlyweds to be served with fresh coconut water as a welcome drink. The celebrations begin by the cutting of the symbolic wedding cake and the serving of sizzling champagne followed by a gala banquet feast usually organized by the hosting hotel. The wedding parties go on late into the night with dancing, music and plenty of surprises for the newlyweds.

If you are planning to make this lifetime bond at this romantic paradise, the Anantara, Kihavah is just the place. One of the most luxurious Maldives resorts, this oasis provides a spectacular backdrop for this special day in addition to many comforts and privacy. A villa in Maldives such as the ones found at this resort would be perfect for a memorable honeymoon.

Categories Travel

A Vacation Getaway

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on


Accessible from the island of Phuket, Phang Nga Bay is a picturesque coastal getaway ideal for those who love outdoor adventure. Covering an area of around 400 square kilometres, Phang Nga Bay is known for its stunning limestone cliffs, emerald waters, fascinating islands and rich marine life. Home to the Ao Phang Nga National Park, the area is also where one can visit such island attractions as Koh Ping-gan which was used as a location for a James Bond film and Koh Panyee with its charming seaside village that is built on stilts. Those planning a visit to the region and looking for a luxury Phuket resort can stay at Anantara Phuket, Thailand. Situated along Mai Khao beach, this modern property offers a range of luxurious Phuket villas.

Categories Travel

Romantic Getaways in Thailand

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

Want to have a second honeymoon? Or celebrate the first? Then Thailand is the destination for you. The sensuality of the east is heightened by spectacular surroundings and cosy solitary hideaways that promise to make your romantic getaway what you have always dreamt of. The cruises of Thailand especially cater to the holidaying lovebirds while flowing slowly down a winding river. Of the many cruises scattered across Thailand the finest are the Bangkok Cruises. A great choice among these would be Anantara Cruises Thailand. Being a luxurious Bangkok Cruise Tour, the welcoming staff combined with lavish comforts and ideal facilities will make your romantic holiday getaway a loved and cherished memory.
Categories Travel

Phra Nang Beach

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

There are numerous islands that belong to Thailand and many of them are in the Andaman Sea and in the Gulf of Siam. Idyllic beaches that offer a tropical paradise can be found on these islands, each with its own unique characteristics. Phuket is the largest island and famous for its full moon parties. Phi Phi Islands offer a picturesque setting for relaxation. Coral Island, Racha Islands, Lanta Islands, Khao Lak, Similian Island, Tarutao, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Koh Chang and Koh Kood are just a few of the other famous islands here. Krabi, located a three hour journey from Phuket and set amidst the blue waters of the Andaman is a stunning island worth visiting.

Here, visitors can relax and enjoy the pristine nature which includes a jungle covered interior, limestone caves and waterfalls which have also made it a thriving habitat for wildlife. Much of the island has been demarcated for natural preservation, making it relatively more pure and less cluttered than its counterpart Phuket.

Phra Nang Beach is located between Railay Beach and Ao Nang Beach. The location is just as beautiful and offers a more private locality compared to Railay. This beach also has an old folklore attached to it; there is a limestone cave here that local fisherman believed to be the home of a sea goddess. One can reach this beach by long tail boat and there are several options for refreshments and light snacks if you decide to spend the whole day.

There are some interesting things to do while on holiday in Krabi such as visit Railay beaches and caves, go island hopping around the 200 or so islands around Krabi and head to such attractions as the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, Wat Tham Sua, Klong Thom Hot Springs, Khao Khanab Nam and Susan Hoi the shell cemetery.

Looking for a Krabi resort hotel for your next trip to Thailand? Anantara Saiko, Thailand is an ideal option for those in search of Krabi luxury resorts. Backed by the lush vegetation of Sirinath National Park, guests can enjoy the many outdoor and indoor facilities made available to them. Providing private pool villas, Anantara Saiko Thailand is a wonderful choice for the discerning traveller searching for elegance and style.

Categories Travel

Desert Walks

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

The capital of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a charming city built amidst a stark and picturesque dessert. A great way to explore this landscape is by embarking on desert walks which gives one the chance to get a firsthand experience of the city’s environs. Such tours let visitors appreciate the natural setting and the lifestyle of the Bedouin’s who call the desert home. Offering desert walks, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a luxury Abu Dhabi hotel that gives one the chance to explore the nearby Empty Quarter. One of the best Abu Dhabi hotels, this stylish and modern desert resort also offers such outdoor activities as camel trekking and mountain biking amidst rolling sand dunes.
Categories Honeymoon

Honeymoon Destination Maldives

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

With stretches of pristine beaches kissed by turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Maldives make for the ideal destination for a memorable honeymoon. Popularly referred to as paradise on earth, the Maldives islands are adorned by vibrant coral reefs and sparkling aquamarine lagoons. With such exceptional scenic beauty, the islands effortlessly evoke intimacy as you enjoy a candle light dinner by the sea under the starry skies. Couples can either laze around in their private bungalow being treated to a spa treatment or visit a nearby uninhabited island to bask in the comfort of seclusion. Travellers in search of Maldives luxury hotels will be pleased with the accommodation at Anantara Dhigu, Maldives. Ideally located amidst captivating natural splendour, the Maldives resort offers various facilities for water sports.

Categories Travel

Honeymoon In Bangkok

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

A city famous for excellent shopping opportunities, glittering temples, a vivacious nightlife and hospitable people, Bangkok is an exotic destination ideal for a memorable honeymoon. Couples can embark on a delightful shopping excursion, experience a revitalizing Thai massage or sample delicious Thai cuisine. Whether you are planning a long or short honeymoon vacation, the city will not disappoint owing to its wide range of attractions and accommodation options. Among Bangkok serviced apartments, the ones at Anantara Baan Rajprasong, Bangkok exceptionally elegant. With an array of additional leisure facilities, this residence is the best choie for the traveller seeking a serviced apartment Bangkok.
Categories Travel

Weddings in China

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

Rich in history, China boasts a wealth of cultural traditions and beliefs that can be seen even today. Weddings in China are an example of a cultural event that provides fascinating insights into the traditional practices.

A traditional Chinese wedding begins with the proposal, usually facilitated by a matchmaker who acts on behalf of the families of both the potential bride and groom. The main parties in these negotiations are the parents rather than the couple. Once the prospective parties are in agreement, the betrothal process begins. When an agreement is reached and engagement tokens have been presented, the families would then decide on the most favourable auspicious day for the wedding ceremony.

Two important rituals take place on the wedding day and they are both symbols of the bride and groom’s progression into adulthood. The ‘hair dressing’ ritual concerns the bride who on the dawn of her wedding bathes with water that has been mixed with pumelo that is believed to purify her from evil influences. This is followed by the bride being attended to by a person referred to as the ‘good luck woman’, who styles her hair in a traditional manner while speaking words believed to bring about good fortune. The ‘capping’ ritual involves the groom who puts on a red sash and a pair of red shoes before going and kneeling at the altar of his family. The groom’s father then places a cap adorned with cypress leaves on his son’s head. Since red is symbolic of joy, the bride and groom usually have a lot of red in their attire.

The wedding itself is a simple ceremony which centres on paying homage to family ancestors, ‘Heaven and Earth’ and ‘Tsao-Chun’, the Kitchen God. The ceremony also includes the offering of tea with two lotus seeds or red dates to the parents of the groom. An important element of the wedding is the subsequent banquet where family and friends join together to celebrate the union.

Travellers looking for luxury accommodation can stay at such Shanghai five star hotels as Millennium Hongqiao Hotel Shanghai which offers the very best in facilities and services. Located in the Hongqiao area, this luxurious Shanghai hotel caters to business and leisure travellers alike.

Categories Uncategorized

Couple’s Retreat Garden, an enchanting retreat

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

The Couple’s Retreat Garden located in Suzhou City has gained recognition as one of the region’s most esteemed parklands. The park seen today is an additional development made to the original park, the Sheyuan Garden which was created in the Qing Dynasty by Lujin. The garden as it is seen presently is considered to be amongst one of the outstanding classical gardens in Suzhou. The scenery of the area which spans 1.81 acres features rockeries, water features, green mountains, towers, elegant halls and pavilions, imposing trees and lovely blooms.

The Couple’s Retreat Garden was included in the World Heritage list of UNESCO in 2000. The park comprises of smaller houses and a large mansion constructed in the centre of the landscaping arrangement with two gardens located to the west and the east respectively. The park is surrounded on three sides by a large canal. Presently the garden features 21 couplets and tablets, 24 buildings, valuable ancient trees and brick carvings. The most attractive scenic areas are the Yellow Stone Rockeries, Western and Eastern Gardens, and the Chengqu Cottage.

The central mansion on the grounds resembles other such ancient edifices seen within Suzhou. The mansion features four principal terraces, of which each includes a main hall, guest hall and lobby. On the west and east sides of the mansion wing-rooms may be seen. The gate of the grounds is faced by a large courtyard.

Visitors may traverse the twisting corridors to reach the Eastern Garden, which features ponds and hills. In a corner the visitor will see the Chengqu Thatched Cottage, which lies adjacent to the Chuxiang House and other attractions.

Not to be missed is the Yellow Stone Rockeries, an artificial hill where visitors will see various platforms, stone chambers and a pool on the eastern side. The western section is less imposing but is still a charming part of the garden. Another key attraction is the Western Garden, which contains lakes, rockeries and platforms as well as the Heshou Pavilion and a library.

The traveller seeking serviced accommodation Suzhou will be well served by the Citadines Xinghai Suzhou. This fine Suzhou accommodation offers superior amenities and service making it an ideal choice.

Categories Weddings

Romantic Destination Weddings in Maldives

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
When it comes to selecting a venue for the destination wedding of your dreams, there cannot be a finer location than the idyllic Maldive Islands. It is difficult to imagine a more romantic setting than these secluded tropical islands with their powder soft sandy beaches bordered by the clearest of sapphire waters. Honeymooners may also enjoy sunset cruises, spa treatments or taking part in a myriad of water sports and activities. Couples considering Maldives resorts will find an ideal option in the Anantara, Kihavah. Offering quality villas in Maldives this fine rest provides all the amenities needed for a pleasurable stay in the islands.
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