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Yearly Archives: 2012

My Romantic Travel   →  2012
Categories Uncategorized

Exotic Weddings in Phuket

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Selective travellers seeking a boutique hotel in Phuket will find an excellent choice in Thanyapura, an outstanding wellness centre offering training and sports facilities as well as a selection of health programmes.

Phuket has gained renown as an ideal setting for a romantic seaside wedding. Couples may tie the knot in this tropical paradise and spend their honeymoon in this idyllic setting. The allure of a uniquely serene and exotic locale with touches of typical Thai hospitality will make a stay in Phuket truly unforgettable. The balmy weather, friendly natives and world-class facilities combine to create an experience to be found nowhere else.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Categories Travel

Huay Mae Sak Waterfall

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Thailand is a country of many facets, on one hand there is the great night life exemplified in the capital Bangkok, the crowded beaches and the raunchy crowds of Pattaya, the spiritualism ingrained in the thousands of Buddhist monasteries and finally its natural beauty is evident in the mountains, the rainforests and its waterways. Thailand’s Golden Triangle is a popular destination among tourists and pilgrims for the ancient Buddhist monasteries that are found here. Some of these temples date back thousands of years and have been custodians of the faith in South East Asia.
On the other hand the, Golden Triangle is also famous for the Opium trade, it was the epicenter of Opium cultivation in Asia at one time and relics of that past still remain. An interesting place to understand the history of the Opium farmers and the trade is the Hall of Opium at the Golden Triangle Park. This rather eccentric museum chronicles the process of production, the history of the crop and also recent government attempts at replacing it. The museum also has some interesting informative multimedia presentations on the effects of smoking and hazards associated with its use.

Being a rather remote area of Thailand, the landscape of the Golden Triangle area is unspoiled and covered with lush vegetation. The countryside is composed mostly of mountains that are dotted with tiny traditional villages. Most farmers engage in rice cultivation, having given up the now illegal Opium. The Huay Mae Sak Waterfall Park is a government forest reserve that has been established to protect the natural environment of the region and is well worth the visit if you are interested in hiking.
The forest is composed mostly of mixed vegetation and is typically of the mountainous terrain. Several natural waterfalls are seen here but the largest is the Huay Mae Sak Waterfall which lends its name to the park. This interesting natural excursion is within easy reach of travelers staying at Chiang Rai hotels. Staying at a hotel Chiang Rai such as Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand gives travelers an opportunity to explore a region of Thailand that has been shrouded in mystery for centuries.

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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Categories Travel

Honeymoons in Chiang Rai

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

The perfect romantic getaway you would ever dreamt of, Chiang Rai hotels in Thailand let you get entrapped in serenity of the pristine beaches and charm of alluring natural beauty of the tropical mangroves. Nestled on a hill which overlooks Laos and Burma, Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand is a luxury hotel Chiang Rai has in store for all the fun loving honeymoon couples. Honeymoons in Chiang Rai let you take adventure excursions such as exciting elephant rides and long tail boat cruises while exploring the charming province of Chiang Rai. You can also savour mouth-watering Thai delicacies when you are in Chiang Rai on your honeymoon. Visit Chiang Rai – make it an unforgettable journey of love!

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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Categories Travel

Bali nightlife

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

Laid back charming coastline of Bali comes alive as the sun goes down and Bali nightlife will give you an entirely different experience at Bali. It is desirable to find your luxury hotel resorts in a peaceful area and there are plenty of accommodation options available to suit your needs. Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas which belongs to a global luxury hotels chain is one such choice available for the travellers to Bali.

Your beach resorts in Seminyak, Kuta and Legian will give you easy access to the western coastal belt which has the most lively entertainment venues featuring live music, good food and booze. Most of the pubs and restaurants open from the evening and go on till the wee hours.

Categories Travel

Colbert Nourrice Studio Gallery

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
The Seychelles is a beautiful Indian Ocean nation, blessed with year round sunshine. This makes it a favourite among European travellers looking for that perfect sun and sand vacation. The beautiful golden beaches and the turquoise blue ocean are great for relaxing evenings and exciting water sports. But beneath the surface, the Seychelles is also home to some great artists who express their thoughts and desires using their chosen medium. The country has a rich cultural heritage thanks to the influence of the native African and Asian cultures as well as the colonial French heritage.

One such artist who has had much acclaim is Colbert Nourrice; he is a young painter who has really put the country on the contemporary art map. Contemporary art transcends the traditions that were adhered to by artists previously; it is a means of pure expression of one’s innermost thoughts using just a blank canvas and paint.
As such many critics see this genre of art as being the closest to the public as the message conveyed by the artists resonates easily. The Colbert Nourrice Gallery which is located on Mahe Island is a treasure trove of this artist’s work. He was awarded the third place in the 5th Annual Contemporary Art Biennale which was the first time an artist from the Seychelles had been recognized on the international stage. His artwork is primarily paintings, while an occasional sculpture has also been attempted.
His work has been inspired by traditional African tribal art traditions as well classical Asian styles; in a way it is a fusion of several continents. This is fitting as the culture of Seychelles is also a mix of African, Asian and European influences. Nourrice’s artwork is notable for its use of bold colours and vibrant designs. He attempts to tell a storey through the canvas and each painting on display at the gallery has its own tale.
As the gallery is located close to most Seychelles resorts this is an attraction that travellers can easily enjoy. A Seychelles hotel such as Raffles Praslin Seychelles allows guests the opportunity to visit several other cultural highlights on the islands.
Categories Travel

Christmas

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Christmas is that time of the year filled with magic and marvel. The spiritual essence of the festival touched with color and compassion add to the beauty of this season. Marking the end of a long year, Christmas is adored and celebrated more so now as a secular festival where all faiths take part in the magical spirit of the season. With holidays and annual bonuses round the corner, Christmas is certainly an excellent time to visit Seychelles.
The crystal blue sea and the powder white beaches make Seychelles a paradise on earth. When you are in this island, time stands still. The mere ambience touched with softness and romance make Seychelles the perfect place to relax after a long years work. Seychelles has a majority Christian population and Christmas here is more glamorous than ever. In addition to the rich spiritual essence you will enjoy, the beauty and adornment of the streets are simply magical. Colorful lights twinkle inside and outside homes and stores making the island literally sparkle with festivity. Seychelles has a rich culture in itself, plenty of crafts and traditional Christmas decors are produced during this season, making perfect souvenirs to take back home. The cherry on the top is the fantastic hotel and resort offers that boom at this time of the year. With an array of beach parties, galas and festivities, Christmas is that season where you can enjoy the best of Seychelles. Seychelles ensures the Christmas season caters to all tastes and interests. For instance those who are not into partying much you can try fly fishing or sailing, again popular activities undertaken during the season. You can even dip into the ocean and explore a bit if you are more of the adventurous person.
People and places all come to life during the magical season of Christmas. In order to enjoy the best holiday experience in the island, stay at the Raffles Praslin Seychelles. This Seychelles hotel ensures you are treated like royalty fit for the magical season. You are pampered with traditional Christmas specialties and can enjoy the real spirit of the season. This Praslin hotel has both outward appearance and inward service to ensure you get the best of your Christmas holidays.
Categories Travel

Wedding Celebrations in Sri Lanka

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

 

Sri Lanka is a country where culture and historical practices are held to the utmost importance by the people. Never are these cultural practices more important that at traditional weddings; each and every part of the wedding ceremony is carefully choreographed and planned before hand so that it is accurate right down to the jewellery that is worn by the bride.
The concept of marriage was alien to the peasants of Sri Lanka until the arrival of the European colonials who brought with them the notions of marriage being a legal union. Until then, marriage was not a legal union and men and women entered into unions that were celebrated by festivals in which the entire village participated with great fervour. Today’s Sri Lankan wedding has aspects borrowed from traditional Sri Lankan culture as well as incorporating European influences.
The sari is the dress of choice for the bride, and most brides wear three saris during the course of the wedding. The bride usually wears a white sari during the Poruwa Ceremony – where the bride and groom stand on an ornate platform and exchange rings to the chant of traditional songs of good luck. The timing of this ceremony is determined by an astrologer who takes into account the birth times of the bride and the groom.
Guests are treated to a sumptuous banquet following the Poruwa Ceremony, where the newly married couple partakes in their first meal together; the timing of this meal is also determined by an astrologer. The banquet usually consists of traditional food based on rice floor; sweets made out of rice flour are also presented to the guests. However, many couples today opt for a western style buffet which has a selection of continental food as well.
The final event of a traditional wedding is when the bride and the groom leave their place of marriage to their new home. Traditionally this would be to the groom’s home though variations of this existed during Kandyan times, where sometimes the groom would move into the bride’s home. Another reception would be organized at their new home to welcome the new couple.
Though this traditional ceremony has changed over the years, the concepts remain the same and many a Sri Lanka resort offers foreign couples the opportunity to tie the knot the Sri Lankan way. Among them is the Sri Lanka spa resort known as Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa.
Categories Travel

Butterfly Park in Bali

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

Bali is one of the world’s most famous and beautiful destinations that many tourists would love to visit during a vacation. It is significant as a tourist destination due to numerous reasons. The serene beaches are just one of the major attractions among Bali visitors. In this magical place you would feel relaxed, and replenished with the lush environment making it the perfect spot for nature lovers. The Butterfly Park in Bali or most popularly known as the Kupu Kupu in Bali is a must visit travellers destination in Bali. This astounding venue is situated in Wanasiri which is about 7 km from Tabanan town. It is an easy location to find out with the giant butterfly sign decorating the entrance with an interior which is home to thousands of butterflies.

As you enter you would come across a souvenir shop and a ticket counter. You could get a pass paying a small amount and enter the place of paradise swarmed with colourful butterflies of different species. A traveller would experience the diverse life forms of various hues both big and small fluttering by peacefully giving every visitor an astonishing sight. It would be very valuable if you could reserve a date from your Bali holiday to entertain and educate yourself about the butterflies. The park is about 3500 square meters of land from the southern region of Bali. It is not merely a park but a place that breeds, and preserves butterflies for the future generations. This is a perfect spot for eco lovers to research and observe the life pattern and cycle of the fluttering creatures. 
Once you pay a visit to this vibrant place you get a fair knowledge about the endangered butterflies and how you conserve them. At the souvenir shop you could treat yourself with some rare souvenirs to remember the Butterfly Park in Bali which will definitely give you an unforgettable time. While you are on your Bali tour a Bali spa resort would give you a splendid treat. If you are visiting the Butterfly Park the best option would be to choose COMO Shambhala Estate Bali as your place of stay and its one of the most renowned Bali spa resorts in town.
Categories Uncategorized

Huaqing Hot Spring- Memories of a forbidden winter

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

The Xian springs were built by Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and is only a small part of the Tang Dynasty Palace, covering an 85,560 square meters of area. The current site is only a part of the Tang Dynasty. The springs have a fascinating love story attached to it. It is said that the emperor use to spend his winters at the springs with his favourite companion, lady Yang. Yang who was known as a fine lady in China was spoilt in luxuries by the emperor.
When entering through the west gate of the pools you would see the imposing Nine Dragon Pool and the breathtaking Lotus Flower Pool and other structures all built in 1959 keeping to traditional Tang architectural values. With its 3000 year old history, the Springs are a national heritage of china and it’s gardens are known to be among the finest  100 gardens in China.
The Flying Rainbow Bridge, Flying Glow Hall, Lotus Pavilion are some of the famous structures visible in its gradens. The Emperor Xuanzong is known to have spent dearly to put up this gorgeous palace and was responsible in changing its name to Huaqing Hot Spring. The majesty of the environment makes you wonder 6000 years back in history to the very beginning of these hot springs. 
The City of Xian transcends you into an age old history. The city is home to one of the earliest civilizations in the world and it is also known as a textile town earning its name from textile factories built there since the 1950s. With so much to see and experience the best way to see Xian would be to be part of the city itself. This is possible with the any Xian Apartment that has come in to being as a result of the increased visitors to the area. If you are on the lookout for Accommodation in Xian , Citadines Gaoxin Xi’an is a great place to experience this age old city’s charm.
With its chic, casual atmosphere Citandine will instantly make you feel at home as you enter an apartment of your choice. So choose an apartment that fits your budget, while you travel back in time in this beautiful city.
Categories Adventures

Maldives Water Sports

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
The calm and clear waters that surround the Maldives offer the perfect setting for some fun in the sun and surf. Maldives water sports provide plenty of thrills and spills that can be enjoyed by the entire family. One such activity is snorkelling which can be enjoyed by young and old alike and which gives you the chance to see some of the country’s stunning marine and coral life. Those wanting more adrenaline pumping action can try their hand at surfing, kite-surfing, jet skiing or wakeboarding. Not to be missed is parasailing which lets you soar above the ocean while being dragged by a high-speed boat. Those in search of a Maldives luxury hotel in which to spend their holiday can stay at Cocoa Island Maldives. This luxurious Maldives resort offers a picturesque coastal sanctuary in which to get away from it all.

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