Top Holiday Destinations

Pont Neuf, Paris – The Ironical New Bridge

Arnav — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:55:07 PDT

The Pont Neuf is one of the best known bridges in Paris. Ironically, Pont Neuf is translated to “New Bridge” but is the oldest bridge in Paris. Back in the 16th century there existed only two bridges that crossed the River Seine. These overcrowded and constantly used bridges were in a bad state when King Henry III decided to construct a new bridge in the year 1578. The bridge was officially opened in the years 1607 by King Henry IV as he named it ‘Pont Neuf’. A beautiful equestrian statue of King Henry IV was erected at this bridge to honor him. This bronze statue was taken down and melted during the French Revolutions but was later replaced by another one in the year 1818.

Pont Neuf in Paris

Standing Strong the Pont Neuf bridge

Pont Neuf Glowing at Night

Closer View of Pont Neuf

Ships passing under the Pont Neuf

Pont Neuf in the Evening light

Strong built of the Pont Neuf

Highlights of the Bridge
•   It is about 232 meters or 761feet long.
•    22 meters or 72feet wide.
•   During its time it was the most modern bridge with quite a few innovations.
•   It is the first bridge in Paris with no houses built on it.
•   It was the first bride of its time to have pavements for Parisians.
•   Pont Neuf actually had two different bridge spans, one on either side.
•   The bridge has a total of 12 arches.
•   One span has seven such arches where as the other has five.

Accommodation options
•   Best Western Ducs De Bourgogne
•   L’Empire Paris
•   Tonic Hotel Du Louvre
•   Dauphine Saint Germain Hotel
•   Konfidentiel
•   Residence Des Arts
•   Best Western Premier Louvre Saint Honoré
•   Hotel Villa D Estrees
•   Novotel Paris Les Halles
•   L’Hôtel

Places to visit near Pont Neuf
•   Conciergerie
•   Sainte-Chapelle
•   Place du Châtelet
•   Louvre Museum
•   Île de la Cité
•   Tour St-Jacques
•   Louvre Pyramid
•   Fontaine des Innocents
•   Forum des Halles
•   Saint-Germain-des-Prés

The Westin St. John Resort& Villas, US Virgin Islands – Endless Possibilities

Arnav — Wed, 08 May 2013 06:14:16 PDT

The Westin St. John Resort & Villas is an invigorating tropical hideaway on a private and exceptional island. The resort is spread across 47 acres of lush landscape and features a beautiful palm-lined shore at the Great Cruz Bay. Guests who visit the resort are made to forget the outside world and embrace one of the smallest US Virgin Islands and its beauty. This island has a year-round temperature of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is distinguished for its great history and vibrant culture. St. John is also host to the pristine Virgin Islands National Park. It also offers numerous recreational activities on the water. The resort has even been nominated to be the Best Beach Resort and Best Island Paradise by Starwood’s loyalty members.

Villas at The Westin St. John Hotel

Villa sitting room at The Westin St. John Hotel

Classic Bedroom at The Westin St. John Hotel

Blue Bedroom at The Westin St. John Hotel

Wedding arrangements at The Westin St. John Hotel

Dining by the beach The Westin St. John Hotel

The Westin St. John Hotel Pool and loungers

Beach loungers at The Westin St. John Hotel

Water Sports at The Westin St. John Hotel

How to reach
By Air: The St. Thomas’ Cyril E. King Airport at the island is well connected by all major airline carriers that depart from numerous cities.

Hotel Features
•   Virtual Concierge
•   Villa Grocery Delivery
•   A private 1,200 ft long sparkling white sand beach
•   An E-Brochure
•   Online reservations
•   Westin Workout
•   Westin Kids Club
•   Water Sports
•   Golf
•   Multiple Awards
•   Tennis
•   New Balance Gear Lending Program
•   Spa
•   Meeting & Event Spaces
•   Weddings

Stay options
•   Traditional Room
•   Deluxe Room
•   Beach Front Room
•   Guest Suite
•   Virgin Grand Villa Studio
•   One, Two and Three Bedroom Virgin Grand Villa
•   Two and Three Bay Vista Villa

Spa Packages
•   Caribbean bliss
•   Tradewind tranquility
•   Island time
•   Simplicity
•   Half-time

Stay Facilities
•   A Westin Heavenly® King Bed
•   A vessel tub
•   Walk-in shower
•   Tub/shower combo
•   Walk-in shower
•   Dresser
•   Television
•   Closet space
•   High Speed internet excess
•   Safe
•   Refrigerator

Gaiola Bridge, Naples, Italy – The Mysterious Islets Made One

Arnav — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:13:39 PDT

The Islands of Gaiola locally referred to as ‘Isola della Gaiola’ have a panoramic and serene look. It is believed to be built in the 1920s and owned by Hans Braun. The Island is located in Naples Italy and has a dark history to it. It is believed that the island is doomed as the owners of the sole villa located on this island have experienced misfortunes or have met with unnatural deaths. Today this mysterious villa lies abandoned. There is one interesting aspect of the islands, the bridge that connects the two islands and is a point of attraction for visitors. The Bridge is referred to as the Gaiola Bridge and is interesting but as mysterious as the villa.

Tourists atop the Gaiola Bridge, Italy

Gaiola Bridge, Italy a classic bridge

Gaiola Bridge, Italy a wonder

Closer look at the Gaiola Bridge, Italy

Classic Gaiola Bridge, Italy

Ariel view of the Gaiola Bridge, Italy

Highlights of the Islands and its bridge
•   The island is located on the southern most edge of Posillipo.
•   They are a group of two tiny islets which are quite close to the coast.
•   One of the islet features a big residential villa.
•   The second is uninhabited.
•   Both islets are connected by a small rocky bridge shaped like an arch.

How to reach
By Road: Visitors can drive down from the city center. Taxi services and ANM buses are also available.

Stay options
•   Palazzo Caracciolo Napoli
•   Ramada Naples
•   Hotel Piazza Bellini
•   Decumani Hotel De Charme
•   Hotel San Francesco Al Monte
•   Una Hotel Napoli
•   Albergo Palazzo Decumani
•   Royal Continental Hotel Naples

Other attractions in Naples
•   Mt Vesuvius
•   Naples Cruise Port
•   Castel Nuovo (New Castle)
•   Pompeii
•   Catacombe di San Gennaro
•   Capri
•   Salerno Cruise Port
•   Castel dell’Ovo (Castle of the Egg)
•   Duomo di San Gennaro
•   Funiculare Centrale
•   Market Square (Piazza del Mercato)
•   National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale)
•   Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace)
•   Piazza Trieste e Trento

Scarborough Castle, Yorkshire, England – The Iron Age Fort

Arnav — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 04:28:16 PDT

Situated on the spectacular Yorkshire coastline is the iconic Scarborough Castle. With a history of over 2500 years this castle has earned its place as one of the best tourist attractions in England. The castle first stood tall during the Iron Age and was occupied by the Romans. It was later captured by the Viking settlement. Scarborough Castle also saw its glorious years under Henry II. Seen a fair share of sieges and conflicts for over two hundred years this castle has a royal stronghold built by various successive medieval kings. The castle still stands with all its glory even in the 21st century.

Panoramic View of the Scarborough Castle England

Scarborough Castle Ruins

Ruins of Scarborough Castle

View of the ocean from Scarborough Castle

The Entry gate of Scarborough Castle

The coastline and the Scarborough Castle

Strong walls of the Scarborough Castle

Stone structure of Scarborough Castle

St Mary's Church inside the Scarborough Castle

Pebbled Walkways inside the Scarborough Castle

Must experience
•   Unbelievable views of the stunning Yorkshire Coast.
•   The dazzling and expansive castle grounds.
•   Visit the exhibition and tea room located in the Master Gunner’s House.
•   Experience the live action events that happen throughout summer.
•   Have an audio tour, which gives insight of the 2,500 year old castle.

Some of the Events at the Castle in 2013
•   Pirate Trail from Sat 25th May – Sun 2nd Jun 2013
•   Hilarious History from Sat 20 & Sun 21 Jul 2013
•   Medieval Castle Life – Family Fun Trail form Mon 22 – Fri 26 Jul 2013
•   Hilarious History from Sat 27 & Sun 28 Jul 2013
•   Medieval Castle Life – Family Fun Trail from Mon 29 Jul – Fri 2 Aug 2013
•   Hilarious History from Sat 3 & Sun 4 Aug 2013

Where to stay
•   Kimberley Hotel
•   The Helaina
•   The Palace Hill Hotel – B&B
•   Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
•   Aartswood Guest House
•   Pickwick Inn
•   Marine View Guest House
•   Airedale Guest House

Ice Castles in Silverthorne, Colorado – One of a Kind Fairy Tale

Arnav — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:28:06 PDT

The Ice Castles in Silverthorne, a beautiful and imaginative work of art. Located at the base of the Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado. This castle cluster has an urban architectural element and it features a three-tier landscape. The castle is humongous and extends over an acre till just outside the Mall of America located near Minneapolis. This amazing, man made structure is made of more than 25,000 tons of pure ice. This castle evolve during the winters and last till early summer. It is one of a kind castle that is built every year with new designs and themes. Tourists from all over the world flock to Silverthorne to view this amazing work of art.

A must visit Ice Castles in Silverthorne

Walk through the Ice Castles in Silverthorne

Various structures of Ice Castles in Silverthorne

Structures of Ice Castles in Silverthorne

Lights in the Ice Castles in Silverthorne

Large structures of Ice Castles in Silverthorne

Ice pillars of Ice Castles of Silverthorne

Ice Castles in Silverthorne

Classic Structures Ice Castles in Silverthorne

Castle of white of Ice Castles in Silverthorne

Highlights of the Ice Castle
•   Built once in a year during winter season.
•   Is entirely made of ice.
•   Hundreds of builders work together to design this work of art.
•   The castle is built with no supporting substructure.
•   The castle sparkles with hues of light to illuminate the skies at night.

Accommodation options
•   Silver Inn, Silverthorne, CO
•   Quality Inn & Suites, Silverthorne, CO
•   La Quinta Inn & Suites Silverthorne – Summit Co, Silverthorne, CO
•   Mountain Vista Bed and Breakfast, Silverthorne, CO
•   Wildernest Silverthorne, Silverthorne, CO
•   Luxury Inn & Suites, Silverthorne, CO
•   Days Inn Summit County, Silverthorne, CO
•   Liftside At Keystone, Silverthorne, CO
•   Forest Park Townhouse, Silverthorne, CO
•   Silverthorne Townhome Nightly Rentals, Silverthorne, CO
•   Timberridge Condominiums, Silverthorne, CO

Places to visit at Silverthorne
•   Cutthroat Anglers
•   Rainbow Park
•   Corpus Sanus Spa
•   Silverthorne Recreation Center
•   The Colorado Angler
•   The Raven At Three Peaks
•   Lily Pad Lake

Como Shambhala Estate, Bali – Untamed Indonesia

Arnav — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:03:34 PDT

Como Shambhala Estate is an amazing resort in the incredible Bali, Indonesia. The resort location offer a picturesque landscape. The resort has a residential approach which submerges its guests in a positive, healing and holistic experience from the moment they arrive. Como Shambhala Estate serves its purpose of offering the best of design, staff, facilities, treatments, accommodation, cuisine and community acctivities. Apart from offering the best of hospitality the resort encourages cultural and physical activities throughout the island. The resorts nurturing approach sustains and inspires everyone who visit. Como Shambhala Estate, Bali has won numerous awards and various recognitions from The Sunday Times Travel Magazine Readers’ Awards for best International Sap in 2011 to the World Spa and Wellness Awards for Destination Spa of the Year – Asia & Australasia and many more. This resort is truly global but entirely and deeply rooted.

Como Shambhala Estate Spa

Four post beds at the Como Shambhala Estate

Villas at the Como Shambala Estate

Rejuvenate at the Como Shambhala Estate

Private pool in the Como Shambhala Estate

Private pools at the Como Shambhala Estate

Private dinners at the Como Shambhala Estate

Perched up balconies at the Como Shambhala Estate

Luxury Villas at the Como Shambhala Estate

Loungers at the Como Shambhala Estate

Infinity pool with a forest view in the Como Shambhala Estate

Greenary all around in the Como Shambhala Estate

How to reach
By Air: Denpasar in Indonesia is well connected by all major air lines. The resort is just an hour’s drive from the Denpasar international airport.

Como Shambhala Estate, Bali offers
•   Accommodation
•   Dining
•   Wellbeing
•   Wellness Programs
•   Adventure
•   Events spaces
•   Facilities
•   COMO Blog

Accommodation options include
•   Garden Rooms
•   Terrase & Estate Suites
•   COMO Shambhala Suites
•   COMO Suites at Umabona
•   Private and Retreat Villas

The Spa offers
•   Therapies
•   Adventure Therapies and treatments
•   Spiritual Pursuits
•   Ayurvedic Therapies
•   Cleansing Therapies
•   Stress Management
•   Rejuvenation

The amenities at the resort’s accommodation include
•   Service of a personal assistant
•   Air conditioning
•   Direct dial telephones
•   Internet access
•   Satellite TV
•   DVD player
•   CD player
•   Electronic safe
•   Hairdryer
•   Complimentary tea/coffee-making facilities
•   Private bar
•   COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities
•   Steam and shower room

Milford Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand – Sounds of Nature

Arnav — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:06:29 PDT

Milford Sound in Queenstown is one of the most visited destinations in Fiordland. These waterfalls are also one of the greatest natural wonders situated in the Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. Milford Sound was carved by huge glaciers and created these stunning mountainous cliffs thousands of years ago. These falls plunge spectacularly from an endless height straight down into the ocean floor. Milford Sound gets its name from the Milford Haven in Wales. The falls are within the Fiordland National Park, of the Piopiotahi Marine Reserve and in the World Heritage site of Te Wahipounamu. Visitors and tourists are treated with scenic views and leisure activities when at Milford Sound.

Turquoise green water and the Milford Sound, New Zealand

The classic Milford Sound, New Zealand

Sunrise in the Milford Sound, New Zealand

Picturesque Milford Sound, New Zealand

Mirror like water of the Milford Sound, New Zealand

Ariel view of the Milford Sound, New Zealand

The waterfall and sunset at Milford Sound, New Zealand

The lodge in Milford Sound, New Zealand

The gushing waterfall in the Milford Sound, New Zealand

Kayaking through the Milford Sound, New Zealand waters

Foggy cruising in Milford Sound, New Zealand

Cruising through the Milford Sound, New Zealand

Closer look at the waterfall in Milford Sound, New Zealand

Highlights of Milford Sound
•   The falls are named after the Milford Haven in Wales.
•   The falls were carves thousands of years ago by glaciers.
•    The Milford Sound also features the iconic Mitre Peak.
•   This peak is amongst the most photographed mountains n the world.
•   The Milford Sound has also been awarded with the Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards by TripAdvisor in 2008.
•    The Milford sound is New Zealand’s most well-known tourist destination.
•   Termed as the eighth wonder of the world by Rudyard Kipling.

Things to do
•   Cruising by boat.
•   Soak in the dramatic beauty of this place.
•   Wildlife viewing in their inhabit.
•   Play with Dolphins.
•   Experience the amazing water life which include seals, sea lions, fur seals and penguins.
•   Bird watching.
•   Day trips from Queenstown by coach, helicopter or plane.

How to reach
By road: Milford Sound is just about a 5 hour drive from Queenstown. Visitors can also opt for a rented car to reach this wonderful destination.

Accommodation options near Milford Sound
•   Kinloch Lodge – Backpacker
•   Distinction Queenstown Nugget Point Boutique Hotel and Spa
•   Shotover Lodge
•   Coronet Peak Hotel
•   Tanoa Aspen Queenstown Hotels
•   Trelawn Place
•   Mercure Queenstown Resort
•   Heritage Queenstown

Ballybunion Castle, Ireland – Be Lost in time

Arnav — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:50:34 PDT

The Ballybunion Castle is located west of Listowel which is just eight miles away, in Ireland. It is one of the most popular visiting destinations on the western coast of Ireland. Ballybunion Castle was constructed on a high point just above the cliffs. These cliffs extend downward from both directions from this castle offering panoramic views of the White Strand shore. Since the 14th century when it was built, the castle has experienced and seen many battles and harsh weather conditions. Time has taken away its sea walls that protected it but could not take away its elegance and charm that still persists.

Walkway up the Ballybunion Castle

Closer view of the Ballybunion Castle

The beach of the Ballybunion Castle Ireland

Remains of the Ballybunion Castle

Ballybunion Castle in Ireland

Ballybunion Castle with the view of the sea

On top of the hill is the Ballybunion Castle

How to Reach

The Ballybunion castle can be reached when you travel approximately eight miles from Listowel in the west direction. The town of Ballybunion falls under the County Kerry, Ireland.

Highlights of the Castle
•   The Castle was built by the Geraldines.
•   Ballybunion castle was built in 14th Century.
•   Ballybunion castle stands today on the Castle Green spot of a coastal fort of “Clann Conaire.”
•   The castle was acquired by the Bonyon family in the year 1582.
•   In the year 1612 the castle and its land was granted to Thomas Fitzmaurice.
•   From 1923 the castle was under the Office of Public Works before it was destroyed during the Desmond Wars.
•   Today the only remains of the castle is a single wall.
•   There are two golf courses, the famous Ballybunion Golf Club in its grounds.

Nearby attractions
•   Ardfert Cathedral Ruins – 21.6 km
•   Ardfert Franciscan Friary – 21.2 km
•   Abbeydorney /Kyrie Eleison Abbey, Cistercian – 17.6 km
•   Blennerville Windmill – 28.7 km
•   Listowel Castle – 14.6 km
•   Carrigafoyle Castle Ruins – 14.3 km
•   Carrigaholt Castle Ruins – 9.9 km
•   Fenit Castle Ruins – 27.2 km
•   Glin Castle Hotel and Gardens – 26.8 km
•   Doonmore Castle Ruins within 27.1 km
•   Kilcredaun Head Lighthouse – 7.9 km
•   Lislaughlin / Lislaughtin Franciscan Friary / Abbey – 14.9 km
•   Loop Head Lighthouse – 18 km
•   The Lartigue Monorailway, Listowel – 14.6 km
•   Rattoo Round Tower and Church Ruins – 7.9 km
•   Tarbert Island Lighthouse – 23.1 km

The Staubbach Falls, Switzerland – Immerse Yourself in Liquid Dust

Arnav — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:08:43 PDT

Staubbach Falls is an extremely stunning waterfall, located just over Lauterbrunnen in Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. This waterfall ranks as the second highest waterfall in Switzerland. The waterfall is so high, it beautifully descends to become a spray as the stream of water reaches rocks of the valley below. Staubbach Falls sprays in all directions when the warm summer winds swirl its waters. It is just these sprays and drops of water which give this waterfall its name, Staubbach Falls, Staub meaning Dust. When viewing The Staubbach Falls from the famous Lauterbrunnen train station, one gets an illusion of the falls emptying into the village below.

Classic mountains and the Staubbach falls

Greenery all around the Staubbach Falls

The Staubbach Falls Fantastic View

Most Enticing Staubbach Falls in Switzerland

Lovely view of the Staubbach Falls

Closer View of the Staubbach Falls

Greatest attraction of Lauterbrunnen, The Staubbach Falls

Highlights of The Staubbach Falls
•   The waterfall has a drop of nearly 300 meters or 1000 ft.
•   It get its name from the spray like fall of its stream that is almost like liquid dust.
•   The height of this beautiful cascade is somewhere between 800 to 900 ft.
•   It is amongst Europe’s highest single unbroken fall.
•   It is also the second highest waterfall in Switzerland.
•   The falls were even featured on the Swiss 3-centime postage stamp in the 1930s.
•   Offers the most panoramic views like never seen before.

How to reach
The town of Lauterbrunnen is where the falls are located. Lauterbrunnen is easily accessible by train. Visitors can come up to the Lauterbrunnen Station from all major train stations.

Stay options in Lauterbrunnen
•   Hotel Silberhorn
•   Hotel Oberland
•   Hotel Schützen
•   Lauterbrunnen
•   Berghotel Schynige Platte
•   Schynige Platte, 1967m
•   Mountain Hostel
•   Blumental Hotel
•   Hotel Alpenruh
•   Hotel Jungfrau
•   Hotel Eiger
•   Hotel Edelweiss
•   Lodge Hotel Eiger Guesthouse
•   Hotel Alpenblick
•   Hotel Alpina
•   Aspen Alpin Lifestyle Hotel

El Jem, Tunisia – Feel the rush

Arnav — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 05:52:52 PDT

Formerly a famous Roman town located in Thysdrus, El Jem is amongst the most significant towns of North Africa. El Jem is a little town located in the eastern part of Tunisia. This town is well known today for the remains of the amphitheater which is also listed as one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage site. Visitors who come to El Jem can visit this famous amphitheater and experience a vast amount of history associated with it. The remains of this monument speaks of its own history, from the time it was built, its glorious years when gladiator and chariot races adorned it till today when visitors come to feel the thrill that this amphitheaters gave during its time.

El Jem Tunisia

Interiors of the El Jem Tunisia

Mosaic Tiles in the El Jem Tunisia

More Mosaics with art on the El jem Walls

Classic Mosaic Pictures

Amphitheater, El Jem, Tunisia

Roman Amphitheater in El Jem Tunisia

Amphitheater Sitting area in El Jem Tunisia

Ruins of El jem Tunisia Amphitheater

Closer look at the El Jem Amphitheater walls

The Main Arena at El Jem Tunisia

Highlights of the amphitheater

It was built way back in the third century AD
Was capable of accommodating a whopping 35,000 spectators
It is often wrongly address as Colosseum
It is amongst the largest amphitheater in Rome after the Flavian and Capua
It was built under Emperor Proconsul Gordian by the Romans
Was built for mainly chariot races and gladiator shows
Its blocks were used to build the surrounding town and even the Great Mosque located in Kairouan
It was declared to be a World Heritage site in the year 1979
It has been used for filming in recent times

How to reach
El Jem is well connected from places like Sousse, Sfax and Kairouan. Travellars can opt for shared taxis or buses to reach this site.

Things to consider

El Jem is a quiet and a simple city with limited stay and food options
Visiting the amphitheatre is chargeable
Best time to visit is 8.00 am

Where to stay

Hotel Club Ksar El Jem
Hotel Riu El Masour
Iberostar Royal El Mansour
One Resort Monastir
El Mouradi Cap Mahdia