Balcan expres

Perfect holiday in Greece

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Off the west coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea awaits Lefkada Island, a blissful holiday destination filled with seaside resorts, picturesque villages and a host of natural sights waiting to be discovered.
Beaches are plentiful in Lefkada, venture west to find the famed Porto Katsiki, a beach so wondrous it’s been nominated as the best in the entire Mediterranean. When you get there you’ll see why- waters are the clearest blue, the sand is sumptuous- the natural beauty of this beach really has to be experienced.

Where to go

Nikiana is a beach resort in Greece’s Lefkada region, it’s a great place if you want a nice holiday in the sun.
Cheerful and relaxed, Nikiana is ideal for a chilling - out holiday. The beach itself is an idyllic plot of pleasing pebbles and crystal waters, complimented by the magical Mediterranean weather. For lunch, stroll over to one of the beachside restaurants for a tasty piece of freshly caught fish.
In the evening, take a short trip into the nearby town for a host of bars, and restaurants. Although regular bars playing international music are easily found, you may also what to check out a traditional Greek bar for some unique musical performances.

Palaiokatouna - Check out our extensive range of holidays to Palaiokatouna and book now with Thomas Cook for a great deal. We offer all types of accommodation options and a wide range of choices, so you can find the perfect trip to suit you. Whether you’re travelling alone, with a group or as a couple, we’ve got the right holiday deals for any occasion.
Book in advance so that everything is sorted in plenty of time, or scout our last minute deals to Palaiokatouna and find a bargain excursion at short notice. Cast an eye over our wide range of holidays to Palaiokatouna and pick the one that’s perfect for you; don’t hesitate – book today and get ready to jet off for the holiday of a lifetime.

Preveza - Rich with history and culture, fantastic for weather and fun, Preveza in Greece is the perfect place for your summer holiday, ideal for couples and families.
Always a popular place, visitors love Preveza for its excellent combination of exotic weather, historical attractions and excellent nightlife. Some of these historical sites include Odysseus Androutsos' Marble Statue, Madonna Church of Foreigners and an immense Venetian Clock Tower.
Natural sights are also in abundance, venture into the deep greens of the Monolithi Forest, or dive into the clear waters of the Acheron River Canyon.

Vikhon - Looking for your perfect holiday? Check out our extensive range of holidays to Vlikhon and book now with Thomas Cook for a great deal. We offer all types of accommodation options and a wide range of choices, so you can find the perfect trip to suit you. Whether you’re travelling alone, with a group or as a couple, we’ve got the right holiday deals for any occasion.
Book in advance so that everything is sorted in plenty of time, or scout our last minute deals to Vlikhon and find a bargain excursion at short notice. Cast an eye over our wide range of holidays to Vlikhon and pick the one that’s perfect for you; don’t hesitate – book today and get ready to jet off for the holiday of a lifetime.

Yerion - Check out our extensive range of holidays to Yenion and book now with Thomas Cook for a great deal. We offer all types of accommodation options and a wide range of choices, so you can find the perfect trip to suit you. Whether you’re travelling alone, with a group or as a couple, we’ve got the right holiday deals for any occasion. Book in advance so that everything is sorted in plenty of time, or scout our last minute deals to Yenion and find a bargain excursion at short notice. Cast an eye over our wide range of holidays to Yenion and pick the one that’s perfect for you;

Photo: dailymail.co.uk

Welcome to Santorini (PHOTO)

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Photo: George Papapostolou, Santorini, Greece

Interesting Istanbul, Turkey

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Photo: Minja Djordjic, OC

Burj Khalifa (night shots)

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Photo: jugosvaba , OC

20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

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ORLANDO, FLA. Back in the early ’90s, Walt Disney World was looking for ways to pump up attendance at Epcot, which had opened a decade earlier. Someone hit on the idea of holding a garden festival to attract hard-core gardeners who weren’t drawn to theme parks.

So began the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, first held in 1994. That first festival ran 38 days. The 20th festival, which opens March 13 will run 75 days — twice as long.

The heart of the festival is still aimed at serious gardeners. It has produce and herb gardens, container gardens, floating gardens, 30 million blooms, Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House with 1,000 butterflies, Radiator Springs Garden from the movie Cars, garden activities for kids and 150 hands-on gardening demonstrations and seminars with celebrity hosts from HGTV and DIY as well as master gardeners and extension agents.

20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 6-May
19 INFORMATION: 407-934-7639

Source: www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

Ponte Vedra Beach: Paradise Awaits for You

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Ponte Vedra Beach is an unincorporated community in northern St. Johns County. It is the third wealthiest county behind Palm Beach and Naples. The area is not part of any municipality and the community has historically resisted the many attempts at incorporation. Ponte Vedra Beach includes about 34 square miles of land. Ponte Vedra Beach is located to the east of the Intracoastal Waterway, south of Duval County and north of Vilano Beach.

To the south of Ponte Vedra Beach lies the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, part of a network of 26 protected coastal areas across the United States. The reserve includes more than 80,000 acres of marshes and tidal wetlands which form a critical coastal habitat on the First Coast for marine life. The National Estuarine Reserve has managed Guana River State Park since 2004. This park includes more than 60,000 acres of beaches, sand dunes, tidal wetlands and freshwater marshes. The land for the park was purchased from Gate Petroleum in 1984 by the state of Florida. The reserve is home to abundant Florida wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, tortoises, alligators, snakes and river otters. The area is also frequented by falcons, bald eagles, pelicans, wood storks, roseate spoonbills and an endangered species of beach mouse. Amenities at the park include more than nine miles of nature trails and numerous waterways that can be utilized for picturesque kayaking and canoeing.

Ponte Vedra Beach attractions

Guana River State Park, Ponte Vedra Beach

2690 S Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082-4524

Believed to be the site of Ponce de Leon's first landing in Florida, this 2,400 acre coastal park offers a wide variety of recreational activities including hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. Two public beach access facilities are also available at this park.

Mineral City, Ponte Vedra Beach

240 Sr-A1a N, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082-1709

This very unique decorative and gift store offers beautiful accessories and gifts including artfully arranged table settings, flatware imported from France, etched glassware, local Florida art, accent furniture, photo frames and albums, and an array of fragrant sachets, soaps, and candles. Complimentary gift wrapping is available.

Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church, Ponte Vedra Beach

4510 Palm Valley Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082-3804

Two Contemporary Blend Sunday Worship Services are available at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Chabad @ the Beaches, Ponte Vedra Beach

521 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082-2317

Chabad @ the Beaches is a place where every Jew, affiliated or unaffiliated, observant or non-observant, can come and feel comfortable. Every Jew counts. Their objective is to inspire every Jew to find more meaning and excitement in their own personal observance of Judaism and in their personal connection to their Jewish heritage.

Sawgrass Course, The, Ponte Vedra Beach

10034 Golf Club Dr, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082-3562

Play at this 18 hole, 7,000 yard golf course where Jack Nicklaus won the Tournament Players Championship. Nine additional holes of challenging golf are also available on the property.

Ponte Vedra Beach hotels

Ponte Vedra Inn And Club

200 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

The oceanfront Ponte Vedra Inn and Club was built in 1928 and is situated on Ponte Vedra Beach, three miles from the Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion, and approximately 40 miles from Jacksonville International Airport. This location is also 18 miles from Jacksonville Landing and Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 21 miles from World Golf Village, and 27 miles from the St. Augustine Premium Outlets.The property's amenities include the 36-hole golf, 15 tennis courts, health spa, fitness center, four swimming pools, private beach, Seafoam Room (continental cuisine at candlelit tables), Inn Dining Room (fresh seafood), Golf Club (casual eatery at the 18th hole), Surf Club Patio, and Beach Snack Bar (both located at the beach).

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa

1000 Pga Tour Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Indulge in a higher degree of luxury and service at Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa, one of Americas premier golf resorts. Only minutes from pristine Ponte Vedra Beach between Jacksonville and St. Augustine this Jacksonville hotel resort has undergone a multimillion-dollar refurbishment.Avid golfers can enjoy exclusive access to the renowned TPC Sawgrass, home of the PGA TOUR Players Championship Course. Complement your Jacksonville Florida hotel vacation with family-friendly diversions such as tennis, miniature golf, swimming, and fishing. Or pamper your body, mind, and spirit in the 20,000-square-foot luxury spa and salon.

The Lodge and Club at Ponte Vedra

607 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

The Lodge and Club at Ponte Vedra is a luxury oceanfront resort situated approximately 25 miles from Jacksonville.Hotel amenities include evening turndown, complimentary morning newspapers, valet parking, and business center. Guests may also enjoy the three pools, massage services, childrens activities, afternoon high tea, and sporting activities. Onsite drinks and dining are available at the Innlet Dining Room, The Innlet Lounge, and the Oasis Bar.Guest rooms feature cable TVs, fully stocked bars and refrigerators, coffeemakers, window seats, oversized bathrooms, telephones, voicemail, dataports, Jacuzzi or Roman garden bathtubs, lighted vanity areas with make-up mirror, hairdryers, luxury bath toiletries, ceiling fans, iron with boards, terrycloth bathrobes, bathroom scales, in-room safes, and private terraces or balconies.

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Ponte Vedra

45 Pga Tour Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

This hotel is located approximately five miles from Jacksonville Beach and 40 miles from Jacksonville International Airport. Hotel amenities include 24 hour Pavilion Pantry, 24 hour complimentary business center, heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness room,laundry facilities and breakfast cafe All rooms have Microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hairdryer, complimentary wireless high speed internet access and 2 line speaker phones with voicemail.

SUKHOTHAI, The Glory of the Past

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Each of the Buddha’s long, tapered fingers is the size of a man. They rest on his gigantic right knee, close to the temple floor, while his other hand lies upturned on his lap. His face is beatific, his ear lobes dangling almost to his chin. Two Thai visitors enter the walled shrine and kneel before the vast deity. One lights the end of an incense stick and bends low to the ground in prayer. The other places a small square of gold leaf on the Buddha’s index finger, glittering in the late afternoon sunlight. The great fingertip is now almost entirely covered in gold, thanks to legions of pilgrims who have visited this place: the ancient temple site of Wat Si Chum, in the ruined city of Sukhothai.

The site is now a green swathe of national park, set amid the paddy fields, stilt houses and lotus-filled lakes of central Thailand. But the 200-odd ruined temples and statues that are scattered here testify to its former glories. From the 13th to the 15th centuries, Sukhothai was the capital city of what was then known as the Kingdom of Siam – and the cultural, architectural and educational achievements made during that short period continue to resonate today.

Photo: bbc.co.uk

Luxury hotels in San Juan

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Founded in 1521 by Ponce de León, the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan, is the oldest city on US territory. The metropolitan area of San Juan is home to half of the island's almost four million citizens; it is also the heart of Puerto Rican tourism. The city is best known for its beautifully restored historic district, Old San Juan, situated on a rocky peninsula girded by twenty-feet thick walls jutting into the crashing Atlantic surf. Unlike other such gems of Spanish colonial architecture, San Juan also offers miles of smooth, clean beaches, a wide range of accommodation, fabulous restaurants and a lively nightlife.

Along with Old San Juan, resort-filled Condado is the most popular neighbourhood for visitors thanks to its excellent beachfront and fine boutiques, and these two sections of the capital share the highest concentration of restaurants and lodging options. There's plenty more to explore: further east is up-and-coming Santurce with its numerous art galleries and trendy nightclubs; and the beachfront neighbourhoods of Ocean Park and Isla Verde, beyond which are the deserted palm-fringed beaches of Piñones. To the south lies the financial district of Hato Rey, and then Río Piedras with its easygoing college-town vibe.
Excellent day-trips can be made to some of the island's top attractions: east to El Yunque rainforest and famous Luquillo Beach; or west to the Río Camuy Cave Park and the striking Arecibo Observatory in the karst country.
No passport required for U.S. citizens traveling to Puerto Rico.

Caribe Hilton, San Juan Antiguo

One Los Rosales St, San Juan Antiguo, PR 00901 | 787-721-0303

The Caribe Hilton hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Puerto Rico, is set on an exclusive peninsula, surrounded by 17 acres of lush tropical gardens. This ideally situated property is between historic Old San Juan and the exciting Condado area, offering a secluded beach, lavish accommodations, and amenities. The hotel is just a 15-minute drive from Luis Munoz Marin Airport and five minutes from San Juan's Convention Center. It features beautiful oceanfront swimming pools, whirlpools, next to the secluded beach for relaxation and privacy. The full-service Olas Spa and Health

Numero 1 Guest House, San Juan

1 Santa Ana Steet, San Juan, PR 00911 | 787-726-5010

This small hotel is located at the borderline between Condado and Isla Verde, the upscale neighborhood of Ocean Park. Número Uno is a gay-friendly establishment. Its furnishings are unpretentious but comfortable and rooms are noticeably clean. The Condado Beach and ohter attractions are a short walk away. It was said that the Ocean Park/Punta Las Marías Beach area was unsafe at nights, but recent improvements in surveillance have made this area very secure.

InterContinental San Juan Resort Spa and Casino, Carolina

5961 Avenida Isla Verde, Carolina, PR 00979 | 787-791-6100

The InterContinental San Juan Resort Spa and Casino is situated on two miles of white sand beach on Isla Verde, approximately eight miles from downtown San Juan, and two miles from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. Local attractions include Historic Old San Juan, El Yunque Rain Forest, and Plaza Las Americas Shopping Mall. Hotel amenities include concierge, Planet Trekkers Kids Club, Avis rental car desk, ATM, beauty salon, currency exchange, laundry/valet service, gift shop, ice machine, babysitting, newsstand, safe deposit box, 24-hour room service, business center, shoeshine, fax/photocopy service, limousine services, and parking (fee). Guests may also enjoy the fitness center, whirlpool, and outdoor pool. On-site drink and dining options include Alfredo Restaurant, Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Momoyama, Splash Pool Bar, Ciao Mediterranean Restaurant, I Bar, and Casino Bar.

San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino, San Juan

1309 Ashford Ave, San Juan, PR 00907 | 787-722-7000

This 4-diamond luxury Puerto Rico resort offers numerous activities and entertainment options to make a visit to this San Juan hotel as exciting or relaxing as desired. Slumber under a beachfront palm or beside the pool, complete with water slide and whirlpool. Soak in the atmosphere of the on-site casino, one of the best at any San Juan hotel or take in a meeting with an ocean view. Enjoy your favorite cocktail at the newly renovated Red Coral Lounge. The resort??s new Great Room incorporates designs from the island??s top local artists and sculptors, allowing the metropolitan space to combine a fresh, modern feel with Puerto Rico??s rich, local culture. The convenient Condado Beach location also means being in a prime location to visit many Puerto Rican attractions, from the Bacardi Rum distillery, to the fortifications of El Morro and San Cristobal, to the natural beauty of El Yunque rainforest.

El San Juan Hotel & Casino Hilton, Carolina

6063 Avenida Isla Verde, Carolina, PR 00979 | 787-791-1000

Puerto Rico's pulse beats long into the night at the El San Juan Hotel and Casino - Waldorf Astoria Collection, located in the city's fashionable Isla Verde district. Nestled on the island's most beautiful beach and surrounded by 15 lush acres of landscaped grounds, this luxurious San Juan Puerto / Rico hotel perfectly blends tropical splendor, old world elegance, and vibrant cultural attractions and landmarks.These newly renovated oversized guestrooms are located in the main tower building and offer colorful city vistas. Accommodations feature air conditioning, wireless Internet, LCD TV with cable TV and movie channels , iHome station, alarm clock, fully-stocked honor bar, in-room safe, and ironing sets. All rooms are non smoking.

Le Consulat, an Ascend Collection hotel, Santurce

1149 Magdalena Ave, Santurce, PR 00907 | 787-289-9191

"Le Consulat, an Ascend Collection hotel is located 5 minutes from the Condado Beach and an 8 minute taxi drive from historical old San Juan. If you feel like shopping, you will have plenty of choices, from high-end boutiques like Cartier, Gucci and Christian Dior to local merchant crafts and souvenirs. There is no parking on-site but there is available parking nearby for a charge. There is no parking on-site but there is available parking nearby for a charge. Operational Charge: 3.00 USD per day."

Hotel El Convento, San Juan Antiguo

100 Cristo St, San Juan Antiguo, PR 00901 | 787-723-9020

Originally a Carmelite convent built over three centuries ago, Hotel El Convento is now a boutique-style hotel located in the heart of Old San Juan and approximately eight miles from San Juan Airport. The hotel is within walking distance of bars, restaurants, and the Old San Juan attractions. It's about a 10-minute drive to the nearest beach.Hotel amenities include the library, fitness room, massage therapists, plunge pool, Jacuzzi, and rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Old San Juan. The Garden Terrace, overlooking the Plaza de las Monjas and historic San Juan Cathedral, offers breakfast and afternoon cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, Santurce

1077 Ashford Ave, Santurce, PR 00907 | 787-721-8500

Enter the world of La Concha, A Renaissance Resort. Hip and cool, retro and chic, stylish and sophisticated, this is the quintessential San Juan beach hotel, and the place to be at. Selected as one of the Top 21 Hottest Caribbean Escapes in 2009 by The Travel Channel, recognized as one of Architectural Digest??s 2009 Top Ten and chosen in 2008 by Conde Nast Traveler as Puerto Rico's hottest luxury hotel destination. La Concha Beach Resort is situated on a breathtaking, sun splashed corner of prime Caribbean beachfront in Condado, San Juans most elegant district. Fifteen minutes or less from Old San Juan and close to the most popular tourist destinations and the financial center, La Concha Resort is not only conveniently located, but also has everything the business and leisure traveler could possibly desire within the hotel itself.

Source: travel.nytimes.com

10 Most Popular Islands in the World

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1 Ambergris Caye - Belize
Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye, a popular destination for scuba divers, has come top of a list of the world's 10 best islands in a survey of travellers.

2 St John, US Virgin Islands - Caribbean
The western Caribbean nation, which has the second largest coral reef in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef, beat another Caribbean destination – St John, in the US Virgin Islands

3 Bora Bora - French Polynesia
Third place went to Bora Bora, in French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean, which is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef, and is popular for its overwater bungalows.

4. San Juan Island - United States

5. Santorini - Greece

6. Isla Mujeres - Mexico

7. Moorea - French Polynesia

8. Koh Tao - Thailand

9. Easter Island - Chile

10. Nosy Be - Madagascar

TripAdvisor list, source: gardian.co.uk

Puerto Rico: Exclusive Haven

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Puerto Rico
The ease of traveling to Puerto Rico from the mainland United States (no passport or foreign currency) has made the island more a mainstream getaway than an exclusive haven. But a string of new resorts, some with a nod to the island’s storied past in tourism, have opened in and around San Juan. The Condado Vanderbilt, a stately 1919-vintage hotel on the oceanfront in San Juan that had been closed since 1993, opened an upscale restaurant called 1919 in October. Its 323 rooms, spread between the historic building and two new towers, are expected to open by this summer. About 20 miles west of town, the Ritz-Carlton’s new Dorado Beach opened last month with 115 rooms all facing the ocean, 11 miles of walking and biking trails, a spa with treehouse massage pavilions and a restaurant from the chef José Andrés. The hotel occupies the footprint of a hotel of the same name that was owned by a Rockefeller. Another resort that evokes the spirit of an earlier era is the 426-acre golf club Royal Isabela, which just opened 20 one-bedroom casitas, each with a private pool, offering nonmembers access to its restaurant and cliff-top golf.

Most exclusive private island in the world

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Mustique -Since the 1960s, this tiny island (roughly the size of Hyde Park) has been somewhere that the English aristocracy, the rich and the famous, withdrew to. Bryan Adams, Mick Jagger and David Bowie all have houses here. Although it may have the reputation for being a celebrity magnet, its visitors are drawn by the privacy it affords, rather than the glitz. Staying on this verdant island, it's easy to think that you've found an idyll. The dinky airport runway closes at sunset because there are no lights, and the stunning beaches are completely undeveloped. Basil's apart, the only restaurants and bars are those at Cotton House hotel and Firefly, a four-room guesthouse. To feel like a real jetsetter, stay in one of legendary set designer Oliver Messel's villas, which are now available for rent.

Where to stay

Cotton House, a former sugar mill and the tiny island's soul, also embraces a rustic-lure lifestyle. The Great Room, the meet-and-mingle hub of the hotel, has old-world colonial charm, with seashell-adorned dressers and the constant whirring of overhead fans. The sense of unspoiled space extends from the lofty Veranda restaurant to the expansive Macaroni Beach. The hotel’s secluded, romantic setting and fabulous spa make it a hit with couples, though families are just as welcome, and special excursions, such a treasure hunts, soccer matches and nature trails, can be organized for children.

Beaches

Macaroni Beach
Located at the east side of the island, Macaroni Beach is Mustique's most famous beach and is a good place for swimming and snorkeling. There are also picnic huts and it is easy to park at.
Endeavour Bay
This beach is good for swimming and snorkeling and has calm, azure waters. Lunch can be enjoyed at the beach café overlooking the bay.
Lagoon
Located on the quieter Caribbean sea, this beach is good for swimming and snorkeling and has picnic huts.
Pasture Bay
There are picnic huts, but this beach is unsuitable for swimming.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach Mustique is via private jet, naturally. For regular folk, there are no direct flights from the United States. Most people fly first to Barbados, served out of the United States by American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, and Air Jamaica.
The international flights tend to arrive in Barbados during mid-afternoon. It is important to check times to allow sufficient time for the connection by air. Mustique’s runway has no lights and flights have to leave Barbados latest 16h30 in order to arrive on the island prior to sunset, after which time the airport closes.

When to go

The hurricane season lasts from June until November, after which time the island remains relatively dry and pleasantly warm until May.

Favourite Destination of Vintage Wine Lovers

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Rajacke pimnice represent a unique architectural complex of wine cellars in the vine-growing region of Negotin, eastern Serbia. According to records dating from the early 19th century, they form an important part of the Serbian cultural heritage and are also among candidates for the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Pimnice are settlements of wine cellars in the Negotinska krajina region and are a favourite destination of vintage wine lovers and connoisseurs in Serbia. Vines have been grown there since Roman times and in medieval times some of the households had as many as 100,000 vines. In the early 20th century, wines from this region won medals at exhibitions in London and Paris. Today, the vineyards span some 1,000 hectares. According to wine manufacturers from this region, their wine is not inebriating, but it stimulates clear thinking, eloquence and talent for music. The wines produced here include bagrina, zacinak, prokupac, vranac and smederevka.

Photo: jugosvaba, OC

Botswana: Very best part of Africa

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Botswana is an African success story. After achieving democratic rule in 1966, three of the world’s richest diamond-bearing formations were discovered within its borders. Today, the country enjoys a high standard of economic stability, education and health care, which, with the exception of South Africa, is unequalled elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. However, its modern veneer belies the fact that much of it remains a country for the intrepid (not to mention relatively wealthy) traveller. This largely roadless wilderness of vast spaces requires time, effort and, above all else, lots of cash to enjoy it to its fullest.

Botswana - activities

View The Spectacular Moremi Gorge

Situated east of the village of Palapye in the scenic Tswapong Hills, Moremi Gorge is a spectacular

area to visit. Explore the rich historical, archaeological and biological interests in the Tswapong Hills

and view the spectacular Moremi Gorge which supports a variety of fauna and flora. The splendid

perennial streams and ponds have cut deep gorges in the hills and cliffs making it the perfect

breeding grounds for the endangered Cape vulture.

View The World's Largest Salt Pan At Makgadikgadi

A timeless land of enduring elegance and contrasting scenery awaits adventurous travelers to the

Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, one of the largest in the world of its kind. The Makgadikgadi Lake is

a legendary ancient lake that dried up 10 000 years ago. In the dry season, be awed by a timeless

landscape filled to the brim with nothingness … Explore this land by 4x4 or go on a 4x4 quad

bike adventure into the salt pans, exploring Iron Age sites where bushmen once made this

unforgiving environment their home.

Enjoy Horseback Riding Safaris Through The Delta

Botswana is a land of immense natural beauty with diverse terrain and landscapes of which

the Okavango Delta is undoubtedly living proof of. The Okavango Delta is a lush emerald

paradise of papyrus and reed beds, a maze of channels and floodplains, rich savannah grasslands,

a montage of water-lily filled lagoons and palm islands transcending the rules of Mother Nature by

lying in the heart of the arid Kalahari Desert Basin.

African safari Botswana

Gaborone perhaps is the capital and greatest city of Botswana, but in terms of tourism there really isn’t a lot to do here. If you’re in the capital city for business purposes there are a few attractions if you have an afternoon or a day free, but otherwise, as a tourist you would probably choose to go somewhere else!

African safari Botswana is renowned for its wildlife, and even close to Gaborone you can experience this. The Gaborone Game Reserve for example, is a chance to spot zebras, wart hogs, wild boars, monkeys and many birds and the advantage is that if you have a car you’re free to move around the reserve un-guided.
Another alternative is Mokolodi, which has a broader range of wildlife like giraffes, elephants, hippos and more, and you can also pet a cheetah here!

Botswana Safari Lodges and Camps
If wildlife viewing is top of your agenda, you’ll desire to stay in a safari lodge or camp. The greater number is found in the prime game areas of the Okavango Delta hotels (including Moremi Game Reserve), Chobe National Park and Kwando-Linyanti. There are also some lodges in the Makgadikgadi Pans and Tuli Block. Some lodges like built structures but the majority of places are luxury camps made up of private tents with ensuite facilities, and a common dining and gathering area. Approximately all camps and lodges are really comfortable, large and expensive, with outstanding catering and activities (typically game drives, guided walks and trips in wooden canoes known locally as mekoros) put together as standard. Most are in inaccessible areas; guests reach the place by charter plane, then by an off-road journey of up to an hour or two, which may double as a game drive.

When to go
Summer lasts from November to the end of March and brings high temperatures, rain and clouds. The winter season, which is dry, lasts from May to August and brings sunny and cool or warm days. Spring and autumn is dry, but with warmer nights than during winter and colder days than during summer. April to October is the best time to go, as the weather is stable and there will be plenty of animals to be seen on your safaris.

How to get there
The easiest route into Botswana is via Johannesburg International Airport, from where Air Botswana and South African Airways fly to Gaborone, with connections to and from Durban and Cape Town.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK TO SOUTH AFRICA

British Airways (0870 850 9850;)
South African Airways (0870 747 1111;)

The U.S. Embassy Gaborone is located on Embassy Drive in the Government Enclave.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 90, Gaborone, Botswana
Telephone: 267 395-3982
After-hours Emergency Telephone: 267 395-7111
Fax 267 318-0232

Photo: botswanatourism.co.bw

Where to go: Europe hottest destinations

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Corsica, France
A petite island a couple of hundred kilometers from the French mainland, Corsica flies under the radar for the most part -- and that’s part of its appeal.
Hillside Mediterranean towns are blissfully crowd-free compared to the streets of tourist hot spots like Cannes and Nice, and you’ll have most beaches entirely to yourself.
Still, the real draw in 2013 will be thousands of men clad in Lycra.
For the first time in history, Corsica will host a leg of the Tour de France (June 29-July 21).

Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey's biggest city delights visitors with some of Europe’s hippest hotels and boutiques, not to mention a booming contemporary arts scene.

In 2013, Istanbul will host a handful of forward-thinking fetes, including the inaugural edition of Art Istanbul International at the Haskoy Yarn Factory (September 14-17), showcasing exciting new works from Turkey, the Middle East and beyond.

September also heralds the larger Istanbul Biennial (September 14-November 10), curated by renowned critic Fulya Erdemci.

Creative hoteliers are flocking to the city in response, which means that visitors can look forward to 2013 outposts from the likes of Shangri-La, Raffles and Hilton, among others.

Crete, Greece

It may be one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, but Crete offers plenty of intimate experiences, plus plenty of reasons to party -- the island is celebrating a century of union with Greece in December 2013.
Away from the blissful beach resorts, still extremely good value thanks to the country’s recent economic woes, chilling of another kind is in full swing.
Crete is developing a reputation as one of the region’s finest wine producers, with a growing catalogue of extremely drinkable native grape varieties: Vilana and Vidiano, Dafni and Kotsifali, Mandilari and Thrapsathiri.

Amsterdam, Netherland
It’s a bit obvious as a Euro hot spot, but there is a reason -- well, there are many -- why Amsterdam is a must-visit in 2013.
For a start, the Rijksmuseum will once again on April 14, welcoming visitors after 10 years of renovations.
Highlights of the made-over space will include a dazzling new pavilion dedicated to Asian art, as well as lighter, brighter and impeccably restored halls, cupolas and galleries.
Other milestones over the course of the year include the reopening of the Van Gogh Museum (April 25), just in time to mark Vincent’s 160th birthday and the gallery’s 40th, and the 400th anniversary of the city’s canal ring, which was added to the World Heritage List in 2010.

Enjoy, and send us a postcard!

Source: travel.cnn.com

Top 10 Must See, Vietnam Attractions

2013-03-23T11:58:00.002+01:00

If you’re already booked a Vietnam trip, this should get you really excited, but if you’re still in the process of building your Vietnam holiday, these are the absolute must-sees.

Nha Trang
What is more relaxing than spending time in the blue water under the shining sun. Let the waves of Da Nang, Nha Trang or Mui Ne relieve all the stress of the busy day-to-day life. Vietnam has several of the world’s top beach listing. Most of them are safe to swim and there are opportunities for water-sport activities as well. In Nha Trang, for example, you can do kite-running and wind surfing. In Da Nang, enjoy one of the world-class beach resorts- a romantic get away for couples and families alike. In Mui Ne, enjoy the quite with some added wildness while planning for your seafood dinner venture.

Cu Chi tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are basically a huge war museum offering visitors a sneak peak at the underground life of Viet Cong-era soldiers. Comprising more than 120km of tunnels, they were first started around 1948 when the Viet Cong were fighting the French. The work never stopped and resulted in a massive collection of tunnels.

The Sand Dunes of Mui Ne
The Sand Dunes of Mui Ne are the most important tourist attraction apart from the beaches of Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. Some 65 km northeast of Phan Thiet, the massive dunes range in colour from gold to white. There are also red dunes to be found further south, close to Mui Ne.

Mekong delta
Visit the floating markets at the Mekong Delta, one of the most popular Vietnam must do's. The markets are only functioning from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., so you may have to stay for at least 2 days to catch one. Otherwise you can tour the canals or visit the central city of Can Tho for its great restaurants and hotels. Be sure to sample the snake, a Mekong Delta delicacy. If you can, stop at Phoenix Island to see the Temple of the Coconut Monk.

Rice Terraces Sapa
The Queen of the Mountains, Sapa sits regally overlooking a beautiful valley, lofty mountains towering over the town on all sides. Welcome to the destination in northwest Vietnam, gateway to another world of mysterious minority cultures and luscious landscapes. The spectacular scenery that surrounds Sapa includes cascading rice terraces that spill down the mountains like a patchwork quilt.

Phu Quoc Island
Visit Phu Quoc Island the largest island in Vietnam that lies in the Gulf of Thailand, 45 km from Ha Tien and 15 km south of the coast of Cambodia. Phu Quoc Island, part of Kien Giang province, is also part of an archipelago consisting of 22 islands of all sizes. The island covers an area of 585 km2 and is 50 km long. It is also called the Emerald Island because of its natural treasures and infinite tourism potential.

Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An is more than just a charming seaside town; it was one of the most important trading ports connecting Asia and Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. Though large-scale trading had long moved elsewhere Hoi An has been successful in preserving and restoring its charming roots.

Hoan Kiem
Hanoi is a city of lakes and Hoan Kiem is one of the most popular with visitors. Superbly scenic and serene, the lake provides a habitat for soft-shell turtles and contains many picturesque pagodas and small bridges.

Thien Mu Pagoda
Built in 1601 between a river and a pine forest, the Thien Mu Pagoda ("Heavenly Lady Pagoda") in Hue is one of the oldest and prettiest religious buildings in the country. Among the many interesting artifacts housed at the complex is the car that took the monk Thich Quang Duc to his self-immolation in 1963 Saigon.

Ha Long bay
Ha Long Bay, in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border is one of the world’s natural wonders. The Bay is dotted with 1,600 limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,500sqkm. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, for many visitors, this surrealistic place is like something right out of a movie.

Las Vegas by night

2013-03-22T14:27:00.002+01:00

Photo: Marija S. Las Vegas 2012.

Top Travel Destinations in the World 2013

2013-03-22T11:09:00.000+01:00

Rio De Janeiro
Fifty-three years after Brazil’s federal government decamped to Brasília, and decades after São Paulo took over as the country’s business capital, Rio is staging a comeback. With the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics (plus an oil boom) providing the impetus, the tropical city perhaps most famous for its Carnival hedonism is on its way to becoming a more sophisticated cultural hub. In January, the Cidade das Artes, or City of the Arts, was inaugurated as the new home of the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra. On March 23, Casa Daros — an outpost of the Zurich-based Daros Latinamerica Collection — will open in a renovated 19th-century building with an exhibition of Colombian artists. March will also mark the opening of the Rio Museum of Art in Praça Mauá, a once decrepit port area now being revived. (The Santiago Calatrava-designed Museum of Tomorrow, also in the port area, is scheduled to follow in 2014.) Shopping, a Rio obsession, got a boost in December when the luxe VillageMall opened; it will soon house the city’s first Gucci outlet and South America’s first Apple Store. Special events also dot the coming year’s calendar, including the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day in July, the biennial Rio Book Fair starting in late August, and September’s Rock in Rio. And, of course, there’s soccer: the finals of the Confederations Cup, considered a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, will be held in a completely overhauled Maracanã Stadium on June 30.

Singapore
As one of the world’s richest nations and a capital of global finance, Singapore has been awash in green for decades. But lately the densely populated city-state is burnishing its credentials as another type of green center — the ecological kind. A study released in 2011 by The Economist magazine’s Intelligence Unit and Siemens ranked Singapore as the greenest city in Asia, and this year the metropolis of glass and steel inaugurates two vast nature projects guaranteed to boost the green quotient further and to enhance the city’s image as a destination for environmental tourism. Gardens by the Bay, an ambitious 250-acre nature reserve, won the building-of-the-year prize at the World Architecture Festival for its glassy, hill-like main building, which houses attractions like the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Not to be outdone, the new Marine Life Park is already touting itself as “the world’s largest oceanarium.” It features a huge water park with rides and an aquarium showcasing some 800 species of underwater life

Hvar, Croatia
Once a 16th-century Venetian fortress island, Hvar (pronounced hwahr) has been drawing yachts, island-hoppers and celebrities to its growing landscape of luxury hotels, hillside villas and nightclubs. The island’s V.I.P. surge began in 1999 with Carpe Diem, a decadent open-air club replete with flaming cocktails and table dancers in designer bikinis. In high season, the creamy marble main square of Hvar Town fills with blissed-out vacationers recharging on coffee and cocktails, a contrast to the quieter, older village Stari Grad, which received Unesco status in 2008 because of its ancient agricultural plain built by the Greeks who settled it in the fourth century B.C. In fact, Hvar’s real allure lies in its low-key features: unspoiled coves and beaches, rolling vineyards, olive groves and silvery-purple lavender fields that have long been the country’s main source for the flower. Travelers can take a moonlight hike through an abandoned medieval village to a traditional tavern (or konoba, in Croatian), Stori Komin, and dine on wild boar caught that morning. Or take a cheap rental motorboat to Robinson, a konoba set within a secluded cove devoid of electricity or running water, and sunbathe on a white stone beach while waiting for the fish to cook.

The Big Island, Hawaii
Oahu has its North Shore. Kauai has its waterfalls. But until recently, the Big Island’s biggest claim was its land mass. This is the year that’s changing. A slew of high-end golf courses and new beach clubs, like the Lava Lava Beach Club, are drawing tourists to this corner of the archipelago like never before. And now that the farm-to-table movement has made its way to Hawaii, the Big Island is finally living up to its name. The grandfather of farm-to-table fare is Merriman’s, which has been at it for 20 years. The ’Ulu Ocean Grill at the Four Seasons is a fancier version with its ocean-to-table dishes. And the Fish & the Hog, which has its own farm and commercial fishing boat, uses only ingredients sourced within five miles

Philippines
Idyllic white sand beaches, secluded, little-known surf towns, and pristine reefs are among the natural draws of this country made up of over 7,000 tropical islands. Now in addition to the more upscale choices cropping up in former backpacking enclaves like Boracay, there is a new generation of luxury hotels opening even further afield. The new Dedon Island resort on Siargao, for example, is close to one of the world’s best surf breaks, Cloud 9 (Kelly Slater is a fan), and has an outdoor cinema along with spa and paddle board classes. And the private island resort of El Nido Pangulasian opens in the Unesco biosphere of Palawan, right by some of the world’s most pristine diving spots. Although the Philippines has been subject to travel advisories in the past, they mostly focus on Mindanao in the south. For extra security, outfitters like Asian expert Remote Lands organize private transfers and local guides.

The Kimberley, Australia
ven by Australian standards, the Kimberley region is remote, with roughly 50,000 people living in an area larger than Germany. The area has long been largely off-limits to anyone without a yacht or the nerve to pilot a four-wheel drive through rocky riverbeds. Now luxury lodges have opened up the region to travelers willing to trade big bucks for land-based access to some spectacular spots. The Berkeley River Lodge, a 20-villa, fly-in complex, opened last spring on a sprawling Timor Sea beach. Inland, the classic El Questro Homestead added bungalows overlooking the Chamberlain Gorge on a million acre preserve. From any of these spots you can go fishing for barramundi, hike to sacred rock art sites, and take tours to towering waterfalls or up croc-infested estuaries to spy on wallabies and jabirus. The catch? The region is loaded with iron, and mining companies will continue to go after it.

Source: nytimes.com

Awesome "Greek Night" Photos

2013-03-20T22:28:00.002+01:00

Aghios Nikolaos, Lasithi, Crete

Myconos, Cyclades

Serifos island, Cyclades

Folegandros island, Cyclades

Klima village, Milos island, Cyclades

Arta's bridge

Symi island

Gytheio, Lakonia

Klima village, Milos island, Cyclades

Oia, Santorini island

Argostoli and in the background Lixouri, Kefalonia island

Fira, Santorini island

Kalamata, Messinia

Medieval town of Rhodes, Rhodes island

Kastellorizo island

Ierapetra, Crete island

(Master of photography: Hercules Milas from gallery Greek nights)

Discover One of the most beautiful areas in Italy

2013-03-20T09:03:00.000+01:00

Lake Garda, the largest and easternmost of the lakes, laps against the flat plains of Lombardy and the Veneto at its southern extremes, and in the north becomes fjordlike and moody, its deep waters backed by Alpine peaks. Garda's shores are green and fragrant with flowery gardens, groves of olives and lemons, and forests of pines and cypress.
This pleasing, vaguely exotic landscape has attracted the likes of poet Gabriele d'Annunzio, whose villa near Gardone is one of the area's major attractions, and Benito Mussolini, whose Republic of Salo was headquartered here. Long before them, the Romans discovered the hot springs that still gush forth at Sirmione, the famed resort on a spit of land at the lake's southern reaches. Today's visitors come to swim (Garda is the cleanest of the major lakes), windsurf (Riva del Garda, at the northern end of the lake, is Europe's windsurfing capital), and enjoy the easygoing ambience of Garda's many pleasant lakeside resorts.

“There are vineyards and olive woods and lemon gardens on the hill at the back.
There is a lovely little square, where the Italians gossip and the fishermen pull up their boats, just near.
Everything is too nice for words – not a bit touristy – quite simply Italian common village”.

D. H. Lawrence from a letter to Edward Garrett
September 16th, 1912

Lake Garda Attractions:

Riva del Garda is a popular summer resort and one of the best places for windsurfing. The town is dominated by a fortress.
Malcesine has a historic center with tiny streets, a small harbor, and a medieval castle. From Malcesine, the cable car goes to Monte Baldo, known as the Garden of Europe, where there are botanical gardens, hiking paths, and specatucular views.
Bardolino has thermal baths and a wellness and beauty center at the Hotel Caesius Thermæ & Spa Resort.
Peschiera del Garda is one of the most picturesque towns on the southern shore of the lake. Its small historic center is inside 16th century walls. Peschiera is served by train, bus, and ferry so makes a good base. It's also near a golf course and Gardaland.
Gardaland is the largest amusement park in Italy. It's in Castelnuovo del Garda near Pescheria. There's a free shuttle bus from the Pescheria train station. The Gardaland bus runs from many of the towns around Lake Garda.
Sirmione, a town favored by artists and poets, has a medieval center dominated by a large medieval castle. The town is known for its thermal bath resorts.
Le Grotte di Catullo, on the Sirmione peninsula, has ruins of the family villa of Catulla, a writer or senator of the Roman empire. The site is situated in a spectacular point on the peninsula, surrounded by olive and lemon trees.
Salo' is an elegant town of pastel houses established by Mussolini in 1943. It has a good cathedral.
Gardone is known for its beautiful park with exotic plants. Its historic center dates from the middle ages and has both medieval and baroque buildings. There are several aristocratic villas from the early 20th century.

Lake Garda essentials

Verona, Milan and Brescia are the nearest airports for the southern part of Lake Garda . There are train or bus connections to the lake (eg, trains from Verona to Desenzano every half-hour, journey approx 40 min). Ferries and hydrofoils call at the lakeside towns throughout the day; information/ticket kiosks can be found at the jetties. The faster boats cost more. Pick up a timetable and plan itineraries with ferry schedules in mind. Some passes cover several journeys.
Local buses also link the towns, cheaper but not always following scenic routes, and in high season traffic can be heavy.

Where to stay:

Palace hotel Villa Cortine
Via Grotte 6, Sirmione 25019
Phone: 030-990-5890, Web site www.palacehotelvillacortine.it

Villa Fiordaliso
Via Zanardelli 150, Gardone Riviera 25083,
Phone: 0365-20-158, Web site www.villafiordaliso.it

Le Palma Hotel
Via Porto 36, Limone sul Garda 25010
Phone: 0365-954-681, Web site www.sunhotels.it

On the picturesque hills round Lake Garda numerous wine-growing areas are situated. To explore the wine regions of Lake Garda in all their variety we recommend excursions along the wine routes which, past numerous wine producers, lead you through all the cultivated areas.

Not only during the day do holiday makers have lots of leisure time offers to choose from, also at night time they can have a great time at Lake Garda. Already in the early evening, when the sun is slowly disappearing behind the hills, people meet for a before dinner drink in one of the many bars.
During the more advanced hours pubs and wine bars, which are normally open until 2am, are getting very busy. Around midnight and in the early hours of the morning most of the nightlife takes place in one of the numerous discos, where people are partying until 4 or 5 am. During the summer months a lot of parties take place in the open air, where the dancers are surrounded by palm tress and swimming pools. Bardolino and Desenzano are well-known for their nightlife!

Enjoy, and send us a postcard!

Beautiful aquamarine water, white sandy beaches and tons of adventure

2013-03-19T09:18:00.000+01:00

The Bay of Islands is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites in New Zealand, combining great outdoor experiences with some of New Zealand's most significant historic sites. Cruise from Auckland, or start your holiday in Paihia, the hub of the Bay of Islands, where many tours by both land and sea begin.

Visit Waitangi to see the treaty house, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed by Maori and Pakeha leaders. Russell, once the rowdy and bustling capital of New Zealand, today maintains a lively and casual island feel due to its isolation from the mainland. From here walk north to Flagstaff Hill, a reserve that was once the scene of a historic confrontation between Maori leader Hone Heke and the British Colonials. The flag pole flying the Union Jack was severed four times before war settled the dispute. Kerikeri, the earliest permanent settlement in New Zealand, houses some of the country’s oldest buildings, bush walks, arts and crafts and local cuisine.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
This welcoming Bay of Islands hotel commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. With 180 guest rooms including four suites, the hotel provides individual patio or balcony from which to enjoy the bay, estuary or garden views while the rooms offer a serene escape with designs inspired by nature. Onsite facilities include tennis court, spectacular free form lagoon style swimming pool, mountain bike hire and courtesy shuttle to downtown Paihia.

Things to do:

Bay of Islands Maritime Park
One of New Zealand's most beautiful areas, encompassing 144 islands and offering world-class fishing and diving, and a range of scenic cruises and wildlife tours.
Hole in the Rock
This impressive natural rock arch can be visited by boat from Paihia or Russell.
Waitangi National Trust
Enjoying beautiful views of the bay, the 506ha Waitangi Reserve is home to the Treaty House, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. There is also a Maori meeting house and a carved waka (war canoe).
Swimming with the dolphins
Experience the thrill of swimming with bottle-nosed and common dolphins, which frequent the Bay of Islands year-round.
Fishing
The New Zealand Big Game Fishing Nationals are held in the Bay of Islands during February, with catches including marlin, shark and kingfish.
Kerikeri Arts and Crafts Trail
A circuit of artisans in and around Kerikeri from potters to chocolate and winemakers.
Kemp House, Kerikeri
Once part of a missionary post, New Zealand's oldest European building was built between 1821-22.
The Stone Store, Kerikeri
Set in the scenic Kerikeri Basin, New Zealand's oldest European stone building houses a shop and small museum.
Kerikeri or Rainbow Falls
Surrounded by native bush, the 20km high Rainbow Falls can be reached via a short track from Waipapa Road.
Haruru Falls
Just 4km west of Paihia, this spectacular cascade falls in a rare horseshoe shape.
Rusel
Once known as the Hellhole of the South Pacific, today Russell is a quaint fishing village and a base for deep sea fishing trips. Popular attractions include the heritage buildings of Christ Church and Pompallier.
Long Beach
Russell's sandy beach is a popular destination for fishing and swimming during the summer.
Christ Church
Built in 1836, this is the country's oldest church in use today. Its facade shows sign of musket holes dating from conflicts between local Maori and European settlers.
Pompallier
New Zealand's oldest surviving Roman Catholic building.
Paihia
The perfect location for sailing, fishing and other water-based activities and has a wide range of tourist accommodation.

Bay of Islands enjoys a comfortable maritime climate throughout the year, with a delightfully mild spring and fall. The South Pacific tempers summer and winter, so any time of the year is a good time to visit. Average temperatures are 24° C in summer and 16° C in winter. Remember that seasons in the southern hemisphere are inverted.

Enjoy, and send us your photo and story

Most Magical Destinations in the World

2013-03-18T11:15:00.000+01:00

Tahiti - The word evokes visions of an island paradise. With 118 islands boasting high, rugged mountain peaks, coral reefs, turquoise-blue lagoons, white sand, palm-fringed beaches, and luxuriously intimate resorts, each island paradise has something for everyone. Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Taha'a, Raiatea, Manihi, Tikehau, Rangiroa, Fakarava, The Marquesas and the other exquisite Islands of Tahiti cover more than two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of 118 islands and atolls spread over five great archipelagos.

Where to stay

With many hotels in the luxury category, Tahiti is often called an " expensive destination" … But alternative forms of lodging have been developed in the past ten years, which now make Tahiti affordable to all budgets: hotels of "grand tourisme" and "tourisme" categories, small family-owned hotels and pensions (guest houses) with the inhabitants, not to mention a few campground which, sometimes offer you to trade you tent for a small private fare (cabin) right on the beach for 60 or 70 Euros per night. An offer difficult to pass.
Here are a couple of the nicer resorts and hotels here in Tahiti to stay at, along with their ratings, contact information, hotel/resort information, and any other information that you might find useful when making your decision:

Tahiti Beachcomber Inter-Continental Resort – 5 stars – located at BP. 6014 Faaa, 98702 Tahiti, French Polynesia. Located within 2 miles of the airport and is only 7 miles from the town of Papeete, this beautiful resort is situated on a lagoon, with magnificent views of the neighboring island, Moorea, and it's wonderful peaks. This resort boasts over 30 acres of tropical gardens on its grounds and it's own private beach and lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, along with two infinity pools overlooking the ocean waters. Every night there are live music and dance performances in the restaurant that looks out over the water's edge. Each room here has been recently renovated in a more traditional Polynesian style, you are sure to feel like Polynesian Royalty on your stay here, and are divided into three different categories: 60 rooms have views that overlook the lagoon and Moorea, 92 ocean view rooms that are a little smaller, but still close to the central part of the resort, and 78 garden rooms that look out over the gardens. The resort also offers over the water bungalows, which are inspired by the traditional Tahitian housing. Resting on stilts in the lagoon, you have your choice of: a lagoon bungalow, which are the larger of the two and are built at the deeper end of the lagoon and boast large jacuzzi tubs or the motu bungalows, which are a bit smaller than the lagoons, and are built in a half-circle around their own private island, these bungalows are directly in front of the Lagoonarium, main pools, and resort buildings. But, what resort would be complete without a Presidential suite? While there is only one here, it is magnificent, complete with it's own lounge and dining rooms.

Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti – 4 stars – Located at BP 14170 Arue, Arue, Tahiti French Polynesia. The hotel is located just over 6 kilometers from the airport and only 7 kilometers from the port district of Papeete where visitors can purchase unique local arts and crafts, or find a unique botique. Surroundings inclue gourgeous, lush tropical vegitation and impressinve views of the Matavai Bay. The hotel is situated on a westerly escarpment facing Moorea. Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti features a special and unique Tahitian dance show, durring dinner, where tradional tropic grass skirts sway to the beat of rythemic drums. The show sells out quick, so reservations are necessary. A fine dining experience can be had at any time with the freshest morning buffet and finest seafood in the evening featuring fresh produce, local Asian delicacies, and authentic island flavor. Guest can enjoy dining in the air-conditioned comfort of the hotel’s restaurant or take in the ambiance of outdoor seating. The hotel includes a relaxed pool bar where an array of local beers and numerous specialty island cocktails are served. For a more romantic setting, guests can enjoy the Layfette Bar, set high above the hotel itself, which boasts spectacular views of the Matavai bay. At the Layfette Bar you can soak up the sunset in the cozy lounge setting while savoring a tastey cocktail or martini. This hotel has 165 guest rooms that include 86 ocean view rooms, 53 suites, and 26 duplex suites. There is direct access to the open ocean, allowing for instant enjoyment of any sort of watersport such as sailing, snorkeling, watersking, windsurfing, and many more. As a guest, at Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti, you will find the rooms to be a delightful mixture between natural elements, such as wood accents and wood flooring, and overall contemporary design. Artwork in every room features historic black and white photographs of the island.

Sofitel Tahiti Resort – 3 stars – Located at BP 60008, Tahiti, 98702 FAA’A French Polynesia. The hotel is within 2.5 kilometers from the airport and 8 kilometers from the Port of Papeete. This resort is interestingly set apart from other hotels in the area with its unique shape; Sofitel Maeva Beach represents a modern-day terraced Mayan pyramid. Guests staying at the hotel will find a wealth of entertainment options in the area which include museums, theaters, and beach access, an aquarium, near-by golf course, botanical gardens, deep sea fishing, and boat excursions. Visitors can also soak up local culture and enjoy bustling night life. For guests opting to enjoy a relaxing stay-in, Sofitel Tahiti Resort offers a multitude of services and features to accommodate their vacation. There is a private beach, two tennis courts, a driving range, and swimming pool. Guests can savor French cuisine at Le Bougainville or enjoy buffets that change daily from bar-b-q, to seafood and traditional Polynesian. A Polynesian dance show is preformed on Friday and Saturday nights at Le Bougainville. For guests who desire a more impressive formal experience, Sakura Japanese Restaurant showcases authentic Japanese cuisine, hot dishes that are cooked in front of you and menu options that include sushi and sashimi. Sakura’s décor can be described as classically Oriental and faces a beautiful traditional Japanese garden. Snack Moorea is the hotel’s light-meal place to go after a dip in the pool or stroll along the hotel’s private beach. Guest’s can enjoy tropical libations and live music in either of the two hotel bars – Bar Terrasse and Bar Moorea. The hotel has 3 meeting rooms which can accommodate a capacity of 200. Overall there are 216 rooms, including 2 suites and 2 reduced mobility rooms. Stunning views of the mountains, gardens, and ocean can be experienced from private balconies. Room service runs through out the day and evening to provide hot meals and snacks.

The Best Tahiti Beaches

In Tahiti, wherever you go, you will not be very far from a sea beach. Also, almost all beaches are suitable for diving, snorkeling and fishing. There are both pubic and private beaches in Tahiti. If you are staying in a hotel or resort with an access to a private beach, you are lucky. If not, you will still have abundant choices of public beaches, which are as lovely. If you would like to visit all beaches by yourself, get a map, rent a car or a scooter and start right on. The helpful locals will willingly direct you to the next beach at every stop. Here is a list of five best beaches in Tahiti.

Lafayette Beach

Located on the less crowded Eastern coast of Tahiti and facing the Matavi Bay, Lafayette is one of the best black sand beaches in Tahiti. The Tahiti Radisson Plaza resort is located right on this beach.

Papenoo Beach

This beach located in the North coast is another black sand beach. Also, if you are a surfer, you will probably prefer this beach to others because of the slightly more turbulent water.

Plage de Toaroto

This half-mile long white sand beach, located on the western coast is quite near the hotel Meridien. You can do snorkeling here as the water is shallow and the marine life is extremely rich. The dining experience in the restaurant Le Carre, on a wooden deck right on the beach, is quite breathtaking.

Venus Point Beach

At Venus Point on the east coast, you should visit the picturesque black sand beach which has an added attraction in the form of a tall, white lighthouse and a park. Interestingly, Venus Point is the place from where Captain Cook observed the transit of the planet Venus in 1769.

Pirae Beach

On the eastern coast, you will find another nice beach in suburb of Pirae. This one is also a black sand beach and is located near the Royal Tahitian Hotel.

The Best Attractions in Tahiti

Tahiti offers a number of attractions such as beaches, scuba diving, museums, nature tours, surfing and so much more. You can also visit the island of Moorea, (accessible by ferry service) with lovely white beaches and an added attraction - the coral reefs. Rangiora, the second largest atoll in the world with a turquoise lagoon in the middle, is also a short flight away from Tahiti. However, here are the five best attractions in Tahiti itself.

Overwater Bungalows:

If you visit Tahiti and do not stay in one of the overwater bungalows even for a single day, you are going to lose the best thing about staying in Tahiti. These small bungalows are built on wooden platforms above the ocean water and sometimes have glass floors making you feel as if you are standing on the ocean.

The City of Papeete:

The capital of the French Polynesia, Papeete, which literally means 'water bucket' and where the traditions and modernity of Tahitian culture coexist, is vibrant with life. The central market of Papeete, Le Marché is a must-visit to get a glimpse of the local life as well as the heaps of exotic fruits and vegetables. Also, don't forget to have dinner from les roulettes, mobile vans that offer traditional delicacies in low prices.

Gaugain Museum:

The famous post-impressionist painter Paul Gaugain made Tahiti his home until his death. This museum pays a tribute to the painter and has a collection of sketches, paintings and memorabilia of the painter.

Venus Point:

Many explorers, including captain James Cook anchored their ships near this place, which now boasts an old lighthouse, a beautiful black-sand beach and a lush green park. The name Venus Point came from Cook's observation of the transit of planet Venus from this point.

Cruise Ships:

With natural jagged edges, which are helpful for anchoring, Tahiti is a wonderful place for sailing. One unique attraction of Tahiti is the sailing experience in a luxurious yacht, catamaran or cruise ship over the deep blue water, a dream-come-true for every romantic.

Easier to travel to than you might imagine, Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles (LAX) airport, with daily nonstop flights. As far south of the equator as Hawaii is north, Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as North America, and in the same time zone as Hawaii (only three hours behind California from March to October and two hours behind California from November to March).

Crete: Where to stay and What to do

2013-03-17T10:33:00.001+01:00

Crete is known for being one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean. It's landscape is characterised by fertile coastal plains and a rugged, mountainous interior. It is well worth taking the time to explore the island which boasts some beautiful little villages and some spectacular ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization - most famous of which is the Palace of Knossos. Agios Nikolaos is small and charming cities and has some great restaurants and some good nightlife. There are a vast number of world class beaches on Crete including the golden sands around Chrissi Island and the palm fringed Vai Beach.

Where To Stay

Amirandes

Heraklion, Crete(00 30 28970 41103)

The latest hotel from Grecotel, Greece's largest hotel chain, is also the classiest. With 212 rooms, suites and bungalows around a lagoon, this is a five-star resort with knobs on. It has an Ayurvedic spa, six restaurants, more than 60 private pools, lots of family activities, and is good for a real splurge.

Ammos Hotel

Chania, Crete(00 30 28210 33003)

A welcome splash of style among the drab resorts of west Chania, this seaside hotel has a whitewashed exterior concealing bold colours and striking details within: Bisazza tiles, Marimekko fabrics and Paola Navone chairs. Owner Nikos Tsepetis makes a point of getting to know his guests personally. It's especially good for young families.

Kalimera Archanes Village

Archanes, Crete(00 30 6977 460555)

To beat the tour buses that descend on Knossos daily, check into this complex of three stone villas a 15-minute drive away. Part of the Historic Hotel of Europe network, it is well placed in Archanes, a village in the heart of Crete's wine region, and excellent for history buffs. The decor strikes the right balance between contemporary comfort and rustic charm

Metohi Kindelis

Chania, Crete(00 30 28210 41321)

This Venetian estate just outside Chania feels like a Tuscan farmhouse and is a great romantic retreat. Three gorgeous guesthouses, each with its own pool, are set on an organic farm shaded by palms and lilac blossoms. Original arches, stone walls and porthole windows are offset by fine antiques and hand-crafted furniture. Kitchens are stocked daily with local treats and fruit from the farm - the strawberries are famous all over Greece.

Porto Elounda

Elounda, Crete(00 30 28410 68000)

Rooms at Porto Elouna have marble bathrooms and private terraces (many with sea views), and some have private pools, but the resort is most famous as home to the first Six Senses spa in Europe. Spread over 2,200 square metres, the design incorporates water, stone, glass and wood. With a holistic emphasis, treatments are focused on pampering, and stress reduction.

Triopetra Yoga Retreat

Agios Pavlos, Crete(00 30 6944 711725)

There's a dearth of decent accommodation in southern Crete, but this simple yoga retreat overlooking the sandy bay of Agios Pavlos is a blissful spot in which to soak up the sea views and reconnect mind and body. Price rating: 3/5

Things to do:

There are many things that the tourist must do such as visiting the centre of the Minoan civilisation at Knossos and walking the Samaria Gorge. But for those who just want peace and quiet and a relaxing holidays, the atmosphere of the towns and villages are perfect for that too. Here are ten things to do whilst on holiday in Crete:

1. Ancient Knossos

European civilisation began in Crete, 9,000 years ago. Little remains of that civilisation but it was superseded by the great Minoan civilisation that rule Crete and the surrounding Mediterranean between 2700 BC and 1450BC. The centre of their civilisation was the city of Knossos with its huge Minoan palace. This was the legendary home of King Minos and the source of the tale of Theseus who slew the minotaur, half man, half bull, in the labyrinth. The site was excavated by the British archaeologist Arthur Evans in 1900 but the standard of his team’s work is a concern of Minoan archaeologists to this day. Whilst there, have a photograph taken next to the statue of the bull’s horns

2. Samaria Gorge

At 16km in length Samaria Gorge, at 16km in length is one of the longest in Europe but must count as the most beautiful. Found in South West Crete, near Chania, it is a national park and has stunning wildlife and plants. The start of the walk through the gorge is at altitude, 1250 metres up on the Omalos plateau in the White Mountains. Tragedy in the past has meant that the gorge is closed in winter because of the risk of flash floods but in summer, the 6 hour walk is incredible. The walk ends at the sea near Agia Roumeli and you can then catch a ferry and bus back to your start point.

3. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is currently undergoing renovation so the full collection is inaccessible. However, to avoid disappointing visitors who want to find out more about the Minoan civilisation, a temporary exhibit hall has been constructed next door. In some ways this is preferable as they have selected the most beautiful or important pieces from the reduced collection meaning that you don’t have to trawl through hundreds of objects to find items of interest.

4. Chania Old Town & Harbour

Probably the most beautiful resort on the island, Chania was briefly the island’s capital. The old town which spreads out from the harbour is a favourite with tourists for its narrow cobbled streets and stunning Venetian architecture. Here you’ll find many quaint cafes and tavernas at which to enjoy a drink or meal. The town is built over the ancient city of Kydonia, at its peak in Roman times. There’s a museum housing artefacts from this time near the harbour. A great way to see the town and the surrounding area is by horse drawn carriage which you can board from near the harbour.

5. Lake Kournas

For natural beauty it’s hard to beat the view out over Lake Kounas, surrounded by lush fields and forests and with the stunning White Mountains as a backdrop. Kounas is the only natural freshwater lake on Crete. There are a number of tavernas lining the shore of the lake and you can take a refreshing swim here in the summer months. Nearby is the ancient site of Lappa where the Romans built baths. There’s also a Roman aqueduct in Upper Lappa.

6. Lassithi Plateau

The Lassithi Plateau is a huge fertile plain covering around 25,000 square kilometres and found in the Diktian mountains. The plateau is famed for the hundreds of white windmills which help to irrigate the patchwork of fields. For those interested in mythology, further on in the mountains id the Diktion Cave or Cave of Psychro reputed to have been the birthplace of Zeus. The cave is found high up on the side of a mountain above the plateau. You can reach the cave by a steep path which takes about 30 minutes to climb leading to the narrow entrance of the cave. Once inside the path follows a steep descent to reach an underground pool and various smaller caves with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

7. Anogia & Zoniana Cave

Anogia has a sad history for here in World War II the occupying German army razed the village to the ground and killed all the men of the village in retaliation for the kidnap of the German leader on the island. Today, a memorial in the village marks the tragic event. The village is also famous as the birthplace of Nikos Xilouris a legendary Cretan musician who died in 1980 at the age of 43. Each year the village hosts the Yakintha Festival in July in memory of Xilouris. The festival is dedicated to the celebration of music, theatre, and art. Nearby is another fascinating cave, the Zoniana Cave which is the best one on the island for stalagmites and stalactites.

8. Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is another pretty town and popular holiday resort. It has a picturesque harbour where you can watch the local fishermen land their catches. For a harbourside town it’s unusual in being built around a lake that is connected to the sea by a short canal. There are a number of tavernas on the lakeside for a drink and meal and an attractive sandy beach called Kitroplatia almost in the town centre. The whole town has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and is good for families as many of the amenities are close together.

9. Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga Island is a fascinating place just off the coast of Elounda. 800 years ago the Venetians built huge fortifications here to guard the entrance to Elounda. These still dominate the sky line of the north of the island. In later years, the island was home to a leper colony and lepers from all over Greece were shipped here. The colony closed in 1957 but has been immortalised in Victoria Hislop’s novel, The Island. There are many boat trips out to the island taking as little as half an hour to get there. Pathways will help you to circumnavigate the island through the old village and past the fortifications.

10. Loutro

For an unusual and very peaceful day out, take a boat trip to Loutro village. The village isn’t accessible by road but the fit can walk to it too. It’s a typical Greek village with white and blue painted houses and the lack of motorised transport gives it a set back in time feel. There’s not much to do there apart from enjoy the tranquillity, sip a drink and swim from the pebbly beach but you’re on holiday so that should be plenty!

When to go: Head for Crete in early summer or early autumn when it is sunny, dry and warm (with average daytime highs of about 26ºC), but the peak-season crowds have yet to arrive. June is the best month.

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