A Sun Worshippers Paradise

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe January 17, 2012 November 13, 2019

Visit beautiful Unawatuna which is one of the best beaches in the world. Just south of Galle and a three hour drive from Colombo it is a sun drenched, palm fringed, crescent shaped, golden stretch of sand curving along the calm waters of a cerulean bay, with headlands on either end. The relatively unspoilt nature of the area makes it a popular destination for holidaymakers. Protected by a double reef, the calm seas attract swimmers, surfers and snorkelers who spend their days revelling in the warm ocean, lazing on the golden sands working on their tan, playing beach volleyball or simply taking in the stunning views including red tinted tropical sunsets.

Some great diving sites are only a short boat ride away including a reef teeming with tropical fish and more interestingly three wrecks; one a hundred year old wreck known as the Rangoon still intact for the most part, another called the Tango lying close by and Lord Nelson a more recent wreck are all excellent dive sites. Excellent PADI certified dive schools nearby provide guidance and the latest equipment to intrepid divers. The best months for diving at Unawatuna are from October to April.

Stay at one of the quirkily named guest houses or hotels and home stays in the village of Yaddehimulla in Unawatuna. Visitors will find that it caters to their every want with restaurants and cafes, internet cafes, tuk tuk (three-wheeler vehicles) stands and village shops stocked with visitor necessities. Sample seafood and local dishes at beach cafes and enjoy partying all night. The laidback atmosphere and the lack of big hotels and crowds are amongst Unawatuna’s many charms.

Rumassala the headland to the north west of Unawatuna beach has its own legend as to how it came to be. This legend has its roots in the Ramayana epic and is a way of explaining the abundance of medicinal plants found on the hill, a rare phenomenon in the area. Visit the temple on the hill, from which there are uninterrupted views of the adjacent areas and of fiery sunsets. Some sixty species of endemic birds such as egrets, herons, sandpipers, kingfishers, whistling ducks and more can also be spied from Rumassala,

If it is the right time of year, lucky visitors can see turtles come up on the beach to lay their eggs. However, visitors can also visit turtle hatcheries located about a fifteen minute bus ride away. Unawatuna is also a convenient location from which to visit Galle and the other coastal cities nearby. Take a tuk tuk to these sights and enjoy a very special experience.

Providing convenience in reaching many of the island’s attractions, Malkey Travel & Tours is a Sri Lanka car rental company offering customer service of the highest quality. With one of the most modern and largest fleets in Sri Lanka, the company presents sri lanka car hire options for self driven or chauffer driven car rentals. Contributing to the development of the Sri Lanka travel industry, they offer a range of vehicles from luxury, premium and general cars to buses and vans.

Weddings

Dream Weddings in Island Paradise Maldives

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe January 11, 2012 April 4, 2017

A wedding is not just a joining of souls but the event of a lifetime and where better to celebrate one’s I do’s than in the paradise isles of the Maldives. Renowned as one of the world’s favorite honeymoon locations the island collective has also become the dream destination for one of a kind, unique weddings in the recent past. Laden with azure water and white, powdery beaches it is difficult to conceive of a more perfect location to start a new life together and the world’s affianced have most definitely taken notice.

Offering potential husbands and wives a wide range of special wedding packages to choose from the island archipelago specializes in unique and one of a kind wedding celebrations that are available nowhere else in the region. One of the hot pick Maldivian wedding experiences is of course the underwater wedding ceremony. Taking place in the heart of a vibrant coral reef this beneath the surface nuptials offer couples the once in a lifetime opportunity of saying “I do” in a wedding celebration attended by stunning schools of marine inhabitants beneath the crystal clear waters of the Maldives. Those who wish to remain dry during the ceremony can opt for a slightly less unusual underwater wedding inside a chapel submerged 5 meters beneath the surface.

Couples can also choose to celebrate their vows the way Maldivians do in a traditional ceremony complete with costumes, drums and age old customs which includes a tree planting ritual. Sunset weddings are also very popular among engaged couples as this particular ceremony takes place in the orange hued sunset hours on board a Maldivian boat called a Dhoni and is followed by an exquisite beachfront dinner party under the stars. Alfresco beach weddings are another alternative option for duos who wish to capitalize on the stunning surroundings of their exotic wedding location.

The most enticing reason to select the island collection as one’s wedding destination is of course the fact that it doubles as a fantastic honeymoon location as well. Eliminating the need to plan an exotic, relaxing honeymoon the Maldives provides an all in one wedding experience complete with an idyllic honeymoon in one of the most romantic places on earth.

Couples in search of luxury Maldives island resorts should look no further than the Naladhu, Maldives. Ideally located on the shores of a stunning beachfront this exquisite Maldives hotel offers breathtaking villas with private pool facilities facing the Indian Ocean.

Uncategorized

Thailand’s award winning Hua Hin Hills Vineyard wine

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe January 9, 2012 January 9, 2012

When thinking of Thailand and Bangkok, it is common to imagine perhaps beaches, shopping, Buddhist temples, and deep cultural ties. However unless one is in the know, wines, winery and vineyards are definitely not going to factor in when thinking of Thailand and Bangkok.

Hua Hin to the south of Bangkok is essentially a beach resort town also known for its pineapple cultivation. An old elephant corral in the town however is now home to a beautiful vineyard set among the low hills. The sandy and slate type of soil offer ideal conditions for the production of exquisite wines that have won international acclaim.

Although different from other prestigious wines produced in cold climates, Hua Hin Hill Vineyard wines have undoubtedly proved that they are a force to reckon with in terms of quality and taste in a different caliber of wine.

The vineyard itself is a beautiful and appealing site to behold. Visitors are made to feel more than welcome and a vineyard tour is a must, at least when visiting the vineyard for the first time. This tour is given whilst riding on top of an elephant which adds to the glamour and fun of the activity.

An educational aspect of the tour briefs visitors on the climate conditions, the production process, harvesting process, the various aromas of wines, the tasting process, the wine glass, and vintages. These facts would really be appreciated by a wine enthusiast; however it also provides food for thought.

For many visitors the best part of visiting Hua Hin Hill Vineyard is the opportunity to taste wines from all the vintages in stock at the wine bar. The restaurant at the premises also serves appetizing meals that complement the wines well.

A kids’ menu and kids’ activities ensure that the visit can be a family one despite it being a vineyard. If you visit during harvest time then visitors are also allowed to get involved in picking the grapes which is definitely a fun activity to participate in.

Staying at one of the Hua Hin hotels will ensure that you are able to take in all the various exciting excursions on offer in this interesting town. Anantara Hua Hin, Thailand is an ideal option, especially for those looking for Hua Hin luxury hotels.

Weddings

Memorable Underwater Weddings in Maldives

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe January 9, 2012 April 4, 2017

The Maldives has acquired a strong reputation as a delightful wedding and honeymoon destination. The pristine sandy beaches, tropical sun and sapphire waters are always inviting, but the couple who desire something out of the ordinary can opt for a unique underwater wedding. Exchanging vows with your loved one surrounded by ocean waters and sea creatures is a never to be forgotten experience, a truly memorable occasion to be treasured for a lifetime. Discerning travellers considering luxury hotels will be well-served by the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. These excellent luxury hotel resorts offer well-appointed accommodations and gracious hospitality.

Weddings

Honeymoon in Maldives

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe January 8, 2012 April 4, 2017

The tropical islands of Maldives present exceptional honeymoon getaways. With sun kissed, white sandy beaches, the paradisiacal islands are home to turquoise lagoons. The island nation is world famous for being one of the top honeymoon destinations, owing to its unparalleled natural beauty. Couples can take leisurely strolls along the captivating beaches or indulge in water sport activities such as surfing, diving or snorkelling. You can also enjoy an intimate dinner on the beach, under the starry skies. Naladhu, Maldives is one of the finest Maldives Island resorts. Located amidst breathtaking coastal scenery, the Maldives hotel is an ideal place for honeymooning couples to base themselves from.

Travel

Traditional Thai Massage

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe January 7, 2012 November 13, 2019

With traditional healing methods which have been used for more than 2,500 years, world renowned massage treatments, a range of medicinal herbs and natural settings that complement these therapies, the traditional healing methods of Thailand makes the country a much sought after holiday destination.

Also known as the ‘Kingdom of beauty and health’, Thailand is referred to by some as the ‘wellness’ capital of Asia. With health centres and spas located all over the country there are plenty of options here for treating and healing one’s mind, body and spirit.

Most of the wellness options in Thailand come with the widely acclaimed traditional Thai massage techniques known for its rejuvenating and healing benefits. Thai massage and spa treatments are also complemented by their traditional herbal remedies. Formulas used in herbal medicines and the methods used in massage treatments have been well tested for centuries for effectiveness and safety.

Like various other aspects of Thailand’s culture, the traditional massage methods also originated in India and became part of Thai culture along with the faith of Buddhism. The techniques, mainly used to relieve tension and body aches, originated in the Buddhist missionaries in India. This style of massage uses the energy lines of the body and focuses on ten of the key lines. It also uses yoga postures and pressure applying methods to release the tensions and energy blocked along these invisible lines. There is also a spiritual element to this type of treatment where it is believed that part of the healing process involves the therapist invoking a sense of wellbeing.

For a relaxing holiday where you can revive and renew your body, mind and soul, the best option would be Thailand. Most of the luxury accommodation options in the country boast their own spas providing traditional Thai massages and thus staying at a luxury hotel Bangkok affords the perfect opportunity to truly unwind. For those seeking a 5 star Bangkok hotel with luxury amenities and facilities Anantara Bangkok Sathorn provides a range of accommodation options and has its own spa which offers traditional Thai massages that lets one enjoy true relaxation.

Monthly Archives: January 2012