Archive

Tipped to be the most romantic way to discover the diverse geographical landscapes of the desert, hot air balloon rides are fast gaining popularity among visitors touring Abu Dhabi. Offering travellers a complete understanding of the local terrain and all its topographical features a hot air balloon above the desert is also an experience of a lifetime that cannot be replicated in most holiday destinations. Floating above the ground at a staggering height of 3000 feet one can truly get a bird’s-eye view of some of the world’s most hostile terrains and the breathtaking natural attributes that makes the very landscape visually enticing.

A hot air balloon excursion in Abu Dhabi can be as brief as an hour-long tour or as extensive as a five hour flight that takes visitors through the Al Ain prefecture in its entirety. The virtual magic carpet like tours begin with hotel pick-ups in the wee hours of the morning, at around 5.30 a.m. A region to the north of Al Ain is used as the launching pad by most balloon operators in the country as the venue is conveniently located within an hour’s drive from the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The sunrise flights offer visitors the unique opportunity of witnessing a desert sunrise from a cloud grazing vantage point while providing photographic opportunities for aspiring and seasoned shutterbugs.  Light refreshments are also on board for visitors who wish to take in the sights with a snack on hand while other facilities provided by tour operators include four-wheel drive hotel transfers.

Some of the highlights of a hot air balloon flight across the desert include viewing camels and gazelles roaming in their habitat of choice and golden sand dunes that seem to stretch on for miles. Striking blue skies pitted against emerald hued oases are also a common sight on board hot air balloons that are both a quieter and more fluid method of exploring a venue from the skies when compared to chartered airplane flights. Creating the smooth sensation of gliding amongst the clouds exotic species of flora and fauna are also viewed from above by observant visitors.

Travellers on the lookout for luxury Abu Dhabi hotels will be more than pleased with the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Ideally located on Sir Bani Yas Island this charming rest is one of the most popular Abu Dhabi resorts just off the country’s sandy coastline.

An idyllic getaway in the desert, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is a city rich in culture, history and tradition. However, the city also has a range of modern attractions that offer plenty of fun and excitement for young and old alike. One such attraction is the Abu Dhabi Golf Club which provides a truly unforgettable golfing experience in the UAE.

Used to host the prestigious PGA European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, this 162 hectare, 27-hole championship course offers challenges for both novices and experienced golfers. One of the courses to be featured in the 2010 edition of Golf World’s Top 100 Golf Courses, this scenic site is known for its stunning natural landscapes and greens that provide the perfect backdrop for a round of exciting golf!

The championship course features a total of 7,334 yards and its 18 holes (par-72) are set up amongst striking saltwater lakes, palms, ornamental trees, lush fairways and challenging bunkers. Made up of a total of 3,299-yards, the smaller par-36 nine hole course is ideal for beginners and those looking to get a feel of the sport.

Featuring a total of 7 lakes and 90 strategically placed bunkers, this famous course was designed by Peter Harradine and was opened in 2000. It is also home to practice facilities that were inaugurated in 2008 and which provide state of the art equipment and areas where golfers can perfect their game. The facility has a fairway practice bunker, contemporary sound systems and target greens which give you a chance to get in some practice before heading out to the course.

Other notable features at the club include a golf shop where you can purchase a range of professional equipment and merchandise, a variety of dining options and such leisure facilities as a free form swimming pool, modern gym, steam room, Jacuzzi and a sauna.

Those heading to the region and looking for luxurious accommodation Abu Dhabi can stay at Eastern Mangroves Resort & Spa. Ideally located in the Eastern Mangroves District, this well placed hotel in Abu Dhabi is only around five minutes from the city’s downtown area and is well suited for business and leisure travellers alike.

Providing a novel sightseeing experience, a dhow cruise journey in Abu Dhabi lets you take in the sights and sounds of the city while sailing leisurely along waterways. Dhows are traditional style boats and offer the perfect setting in which to enjoy a romantic cruise under the stars as you take in unique perspectives of the cityscape. Most of the cruises also offer buffet meals that add gastronomical delights to your sightseeing adventures. An ideal hotel in Abu Dhabi from which to experience this ancient city Eastern Mangroves Resort & Spa enjoys a unique location in the scenic Eastern Mangroves district. It also offers well equipped and elegant accommodation Abu Dhabi that come with the very best in contemporary comforts.

Be it your anniversary or a date night with the one you love, add the touch of exquisite Singaporean cuisine to an evening out in the pulsating hub of the Malay Peninsula and you shall whip up a night you both remember forever! Merging Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisine, the diverse morsels that tantalize you taste buds with its succulent flavors is touted as a major incentive to visit Singapore. Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore stands out amongst Luxury Hotel Singapore for crafting the perfect romantic outdoor dining experience laid against the mesmerizing Singapore River glittering with night lights as a picturesque backdrop. For the selective visitor in seek of luxury hotel promotions to make the most of fashioning that perfect romantic dining experience be sure to make your bookings in advance.
Quietly nestled within the Kaeng Krajan National Park the Namtok Pa La-u Waterfall is a water cascade unlike any other in Hua Hin. Conveniently located a mere 60 kms from the heart of Hua Hin town this breathtaking natural wonder is one of the many reasons why discerning travellers head to Hua Hin district which is an ancient, tranquil hamlet with a royal legacy. Tucked away in the heart of the area’s sprawling national park the Namtok Pa La-u Waterfall is surrounded by lush jungle landscapes that are typical of the forest areas encapsulated within the national sanctuary.

Often described as one of the most mesmerizing sights in all of Hua Hin, the Namtok Pa La-u Waterfall is a rock cascade that boasts a whopping 11 tiers. The best time to pay a visit to this site is of course during the morning hours between 7am and 10am when the waterfall is at its best. The air around the waterfall is cool and breezy at this time of the day when the entire natural world awakes to greet the sun. The foamy cascades also create a smoky atmosphere full of liquid clouds that renders the venue a magical ambience unique to its setting.

Villagers from the Huai Sad Yai prefecture as well as trekking guides will be more than happy to escort visitors to the site of the waterfall in the early hours of the morning as a popular trekking trail runs parallel to the body of water. Multicoloured butterflies are also seen around the site in the morning in addition to other wildlife. Frequented by bird watching enthusiasts, the area is also a popular venue for spotting rare bird species that inhabit the Hua Hin district.

Visitors can also set off on trails frequented by elephants from the venue or embark on a nature hike around the area surrounding the waterfall. The best period to visit Namtok Pa-La-u Waterfall is during the months between November and April when the fall of the cascades of water are especially appealing.

Travellers in search of luxury Hua Hin resorts on the beachfront can stay at Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort. Conveniently located within close range of ancient palaces and sprawling golf courses this resplendent rest is one of the most ideally situated Hua Hin hotels in Thailand.