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Yearly Archives: 2012

My Romantic Travel   →  2012
Categories Destinations

A Sun Worshippers Paradise

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
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.

With a modern fleet of vehicles to suit any occasion, Malkey Rent A Car, has been a well known Sri Lanka car rental company for over thirty years. With its emphasis on customer care and safety coupled with its fair pricing policy, the company is a natural choice among Sri Lanka travel options for visitors and locals alike.

Categories Uncategorized

Memorable Underwater Wedding Ceremonies on Valentine’s Day

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

Everyone planning to tie the knot wants their special occasion to be an unforgettable one and to celebrate it in the best possible way so that it will be narrated in tales through generations to come! Therefore, many couples all over the world go the extra mile to make their day special in a variety of ways. However, those looking for something truly unique need not look further than Thailand. Those who are planning to celebrate their nuptials in the month of February can head to Thailand since that is where the underwater wedding ceremonies take place every Valentine’s Day.

Thus, every February a large number of couples dressed in their wedding attire dive to the bottom of the sea to get married and what better time than Valentine’s Day to celebrate this special event! These underwater weddings have even entered the world famous Guinness World Book of Records and it keeps on attracting more and more happy couples who are not just tying the knot, but also those looking to renew their marital vows during a holiday in Thailand.

The brides and the bridegrooms and paraded around the city in decorated vehicles and taken to the site in a beautiful boat. After diving several metres under the turquoise water around this shore and swimming along with schools of fish in all the colours of the rainbow, the couples can officially get married in front of a minister who awaits them at the bottom of the sea!

There are beautiful coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life and what better place to celebrate your special day. Since Thailand is also well known as a honeymooner’s destination it is a great place to go to celebrate your wedding.

One can easily find a Krabi resort hotel that caters to couples looking to enjoy the everlasting memories of an underwater wedding. Krabi resorts are beautifully appointed close to the beach and provide all the luxurious comforts to pamper newly wedded couples. Anantara Si Kao Thailand with its private beach and contemporary comforts offers a wonderful setting to spend some of the best days of marital bliss.

Categories Honeymoon

Spend a memorable honeymoon in Maldives

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Maldives has long been known as a perfect honeymoon destination because of its white sand beaches, blue waters, tranquil nature and magical sunsets, perfect for a romantic getaway for newly married couples. For honeymooners who come to these archipelagic islands there are special packages available to choose from that can be customized according to their needs.
For those who come to this country on dreamy holidays there are a large number of things to do such as scuba diving in the deep seas or snorkelling in the shallow waters around the island. Most of the hotels that cater to couples are located right on the shore or at least along the coastline making it possible for one to enjoy the seclusion of a private beach during a vacation in this island nation. What is more, some of the suites that are typically for honeymooners have private balconies from where couples can watch the sun set and even enjoy a candle lit dinner for two under the stars.

Most of the rooms for newlyweds are decorated with exotic flowers and have contemporary comforts and conveniences within them. There are also spas, clubs, live music and other entertainment options to enjoy making it a grand experience that couples will surely cherish for the rest of their lives.

What is more, for those who are outgoing and keen to soak up the culture and the sights and sounds of these tropical islands, there are crafts bazaars and markets, traditional and folk music and dance festivals and trips to traditional fishing communities. All these activities and excursions help make ones stay in this island paradise a truly a memorable one.

There is many a Maldives resort that caters to couples on vacation in this romantic country. Accommodation can be found in Maldives bungalows that are both chic and simple at the same time providing all the luxuries that a couple on a holiday will need. The water bungalows at Anantara Veli Maldives is one such accommodation set amidst an amazing location overlooking turquoise waters with colourful fish swimming below. A stay here will indeed make for a memorable honeymoon that will be fondly remembered and treasured forever.

 

Categories Destinations

A Sun Worshippers Paradise

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

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.

Categories Weddings

Dream Weddings in Island Paradise Maldives

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
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.

Categories Uncategorized

Thailand’s award winning Hua Hin Hills Vineyard wine

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

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.

Categories Weddings

Memorable Underwater Weddings in Maldives

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
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.
Categories Weddings

Honeymoon in Maldives

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

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.

Categories Travel

Traditional Thai Massage

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
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.

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