That’s probably part of the reason why large ambitious underwater hotel complexes like the Poseidon Underwater Resort in Fiji, and the Hydropolis in Dubai, are still very much ‘works in progress’. It may also explain why some of the existing underwater complexes are located in private aquariums and lagoons rather than the open ocean or in natural lakes. Regardless, however they come by their watery surroundings, there are some stunning underwater hotel facilities around so we take a quick look at these, the world’s best underwater hotels.

The World’s Best Underwater Hotels – Jules’ Undersea Lodge (Key Largo, Florida)

We kick off our list of the world’s top 8 underwater hotels with an oldie but a goodie.  Located in a mangrove lagoon at Key Largo in Florida is an old underwater research lab.  It’s been turned into a hotel room and is appropriately called Jules’s Undersea Lodge.  Whilst it may not be “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, it’s still an impressive 6.5 metres down with windows looking out into the surrounding lagoon.  However, getting into the room could prove difficult for some folk.  The intrepid scientists who originally used it were clearly adept scuba divers and fit enough to enter and exit by way of the small opening underneath the room.  Modern patrons though either have to know how to scuba dive already, or will need to undergo a 3-hour crash course.  On the upside, local pizza deliveries do make it out, or down, this far.

The World’s Best Underwater Hotels – Inn Hotel (Vasteras, Sweden)

The charming but very small Utter (Otter) Inn Hotel in Vasteras, Sweden offers an underwater hotel experience of a different kind.  It’s located in a public lake and looks for all the world like a miniature Swedish house that somehow lost its way and floated 1 kilometre out into the middle of the lake. 

Below the surface building is a small bedroom with twin beds and a table.  Amenities are very basic but that’s what makes this an ideal underwater getaway destination with a difference. Think camping in a remote location but with only a tiny bit of glamping involved.  Lighting comes from a portable gas heater – there’s no electricity in this part of the lake.  There are basic cooking facilities but it’s BYO ingredients unless you take the deluxe package, in which case you can get your meals delivered.  Oh, and access to the Utter Inn Hotel is strictly by boat only.

The World’s Best Underwater Hotels – Lovers Deep (St. Lucia, West Indies)

This submarine cum private hotel suite is ideal for those looking for a more unusual honeymoon or similarly romantic getaway.  Instead of wafting away to a romantic island somewhere in the Caribbean, you’ll be wafted deep below the Caribbean waves in your own perfectly outfitted diving hotel suite. Furthermore, as befits one of the world’s best underwater hotels, nothing is too much trouble on Lovers Deep.  From your choice of deep-sea destination to your own private chef, butler, and chauffeur, it’s all on offer with this top 8 underwater hotel experience.

The World’s Best Underwater Hotels – Atlantis, The Palm (Dubai, UAE)

What started out as an ambitious, and some would say impossible, dream to build a palm shaped island just off the coast of Dubai, has morphed into one of the most unusual seaside residential areas in the world.  It’s crowing glory, located literally at the top of the palm, way out in the waters of the Arabian Gulf, is Atlantis, The Palm.  The hotel features its own private aquarium called Ambassador Lagoon, home to some 65,000 sea critters that swim around a replica of the ruins of ancient Atlantis.  Now you can get up close and personal with these creatures in one of the hotel’s two underwater suites.  No prizes for guessing their names however.  What else would you call underwater suites at Atlantis other than Neptune and Poseidon!

The underwater rooms in this top 8 underwater hotel are equipped with full-length windows that allow the outside aquatic life to gaze in at the occupants.  You’ll get a private butler on tap 24/7, private massages and, if you’re up to venturing outside, you can also book a swim with dolphins or feed the ‘pet’ sharks.

The World’s Best Underwater Hotels – Underwater Room, Manta Resort (Zanzibar, Tanzania)

This is one of just a few of the top 8 underwater hotels that is actually located in a ‘real’ open marine environment.  It’s a floating 3-storey villa anchored to the seabed amongst coral reefs off the coast of Tanzania on Africa’s east coast.  The rest of the resort is located on nearby Pemba Island but the Underwater Room is something special.  Access is via boat but once you’ve been delivered to your villa you’re on your own apart from delivered meals. 

The living room and bathroom are in the section above the waterline whilst the roof does double duty as a lounge deck.  They’re spectacular enough with their views out over the crystal blue water but the bedroom below takes your breath away and for good reason. Because this is no ordinary bedroom!  It’s a glass bubble, or fish bowl, suspended 4 metres underneath the top storey with unobscured views of the surrounding coral reef marine life.  All of which make it clear why this is billed as one of the world’s best underwater hotels.

The World’s Best Underwater Hotels – The Muraka, Conrad Rangali Island Resort (Maldives)

The Conrad Rangali Island Resort is probably better known for the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, its pioneering underwater restaurant.  Described as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world, you could pay to have the small intimate room turned into a luxurious suite for the night.  However, it wasn’t purpose-built as an underwater hotel room, something they’ve rectified with The Muraka.  This double storey villa with an underwater level floats peacefully in the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean.  At sea level, there’s a dining room, second bedroom (for the aqua phobic family member), and small swimming pool.  Underneath the waves is another bedroom, bathroom, and living room.   They each feature full height glass walls looking out into the surrounding waters.

The World’s Best Underwater Hotels – Ocean Suites, Equarius Hotel At Sentosa Resort World (Singapore)

This top 8 underwater hotel is Singapore’s answer to Atlantis, The Palm.  Like Atlantis, you’re sitting in a marine park rather than out in the open sea but that doesn’t detract from the underwater world experience at all.  There are 11 two-storey Ocean Suites available and they’re built like townhouses.  The top level sits just above the surface of the water and has a living area and private patio complete with jacuzzi.  The bottom level has the bedroom with its large viewing window for checking out the marine life in the park.  You can also relax in a sunken bathtub conveniently sited right in front of the windows.  Oh the tales those fish could tell!

The World’s Best Underwater Hotels – InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland (Shanghai, China)

This magnificent hotel, the latest in the InterContinental Hotel Group’s portfolio of generally magnificent hotels, has been built as part of a theme park in an old disused quarry about 50 kilometres out of Shanghai.  The quarry is 88 metres deep, and the bottom of it was flooded to create an artificial lake once building was completed.  The flagship hotel, opened late in 2018, has 18 stories all up.  The top two are above ground, whilst the lower 16 stretch down into the depths of the quarry.  At the very bottom, the last two floors are submerged below the waters of the lake.  The lowest floor has a swimming pool and a clear dome shaped restaurant where you can dine in fine style closely watched by schools of fish and other marine life.  The rooms on these floors also feature windows that come complete with views of marine life swimming around.  However, you won’t be looking out into the waters of the lake, which are probably still rather murky.  Rather, all those fish swimming around are actually in strategically located large tanks or aquariums around the base of the hotel.  On the opposite wall of the quarry is a cascading waterfall.

Well, that wraps up our coverage of the world’s best underwater hotels.  Or more precisely, the top 8 underwater hotels.  Have we tempted you to try wining, dining, and sleeping with the fish yet?

North Sentinel Island, Andaman Islands

North Sentinel is an isolated island in the archipelago of Andaman Sea outside India. Population is perhaps the last tribe of people on earth who have no contact with the outside world. Visitors are greeted with spears and arrows. Outsiders haven´t managed to set a foot on the island. Two fishermen who fell asleep on their boat were killed when they sailed ashore on the island in 2006, and aid from the West after the tsunami in 2004 was chased away. It is not clear how many people live on the island, ranging from around 50 to 400.

Reunion Island, Indian Ocean

Here it´s not the island itself that is dangerous but the water around it. Here swims namely the unusual number of sharks. The last thread Reunion has suffered twelve shark attacks , and since 2013, it is forbidden to surf around the island.

Ramree Island, Myanmar

It is known as the largest animal disaster affecting people which took place here during the World War II when British and Japanese forces were battling on the island. When the British won and the Japanese tried to escape through the island’s swamp, 400 soldiers became a food for the island’s main population – salt water crocodiles. Ramree Island is located off the Burmese coast.

Ilha de Queimada Grande, Brazil

Ilha de Queimada Grande is a small island off the coast of Brazil and is better known as Snake Island. Reason: the island is completely covered by venomous snakes. Brazilian Navy has banned anyone to visit the island.

Miyake – jima

Miyake – jima is a small Japanese island where the active volcano Mount Oyama´s recent eruptions lasted for four years (2000-2004 ). The outbreak from the volcano spotted out toxic sulphur vapours. When these reach a certain level, an alarm will sound across the island and all inhabitants will have to take on a gas mask.

Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands

Bikini atoll is located in the Pacific Ocean and belongs to the Marshall Islands. In 1946 the entire population was evacuated to the neighbouring island Rongrik atoll since the United States would carry out nuclear tests. Until 1958, 23 test explosions were conducted, including the first hydrogen bomb. Reduction of radioactivity after couple of years made many to return to the island in 198 , but it was not really as safe as everyone thought. Much of the island’s vegetation was still contaminated and locally produced food is not recommended.

Saba Island, Carribean

Saba Island has an unfortunate geographical location, right on the way of the Earth’s worst and harshest winds. The island has been hit by more hurricanes than any other island in the past 100 years.

]]> https://jetsetta.com/explore-taipei-boat-bus-bicycle/ Mon, 04 Sep 2017 07:25:29 +0000 http://jetsetta.com/?p=9743  

If you fancy a chance to explore Taipei, don’t let Taipei’s traffic congestion limit you to the MRT! Check out the city’s boats, buses and bicycles for some awesome places to visit in Taipei City.

Explore Taipei City by Boat

In Taipei, water isn’t far away. So take these boat journeys to get some wind in your hair!

It’s a quick walk from Tamsui MRT station to the Ferry Pier. Then jump on a ferry to Bali right across the Tamsui river. The mangroves, street food, and spectacular views towards Yangminshan attract visitors year round. When you return, explore the Old Street. You can taste Tamsui’s local delicacies, or stay to appreciate the amazing sunsets.

Why not sail from Tamsui Ferry Pier to Fisherman’s Wharf? You’ll see fishing boats arriving with the day’s catch and tourist boats setting off with theirs. Are you brave enough for a whale or dolphin excursion? In the evening, you’ll relish Fisherman Wharf’s romantic sunsets visible from the Long Pier or Lovers Bridge. Besides, why not ride up Lovers Tower for an aerial experience worth remembering.

Guandu Wharf is home to the “Great River Queen.” The replica Mississippi riverboat sails on holidays and weekends. Look out for roundtrips or rare sailings to Dadaocheng in Taipei. It serves parties and dinner guests as well. Contact tourist information for a unique Taipei itinerary on the water.

Maokong Gondola sails elegantly above the canopies of trees, away from the hubbub of Taipei. Within 15 minutes, you’ll be enjoying the rustic tea farms and breezy mountain trails. Traditional shrines and temples adorn Maokong, too. The system runs daily, except non-holiday Mondays or during bad weather.

Ride Taipei’s Bicycle Network

Get your feet moving by riding Taipei’s large urban bicycle network, even if you don’t own a bike.

YouBikes are available at locations all over Taipei, convenient for pick up or return. Just rent your YouBike via a mobile phone app and pay with Easy Card. Besides, private bike rental companies offer specialist bikes. Tandems, pedal-powered rickshaws, and multi-rider bikes add to the fun factor for everyone!

Tourists can even rent low-powered electric bikes in Taipei without a driving license. Many bike rental stores also provide these bikes, but you’ll need a security deposit. Electric bikes also offer a great way to explore Taipei outside your typical itinerary.

Take the Wait Off By Bus

Explore Taipei via the Hop On/Hop Off Buses. First off, the Blue Route takes you north towards Taipei Children’s Park. Then there is Shihlin Night Market and National Palace Museum. The Red Route meanwhile runs eastwards stopping at YongKang Street. Further up, you’ll find Taipei 101 and Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall.

When you travel on the Taoyuan Metro from metropolitan Taipei to Taoyuan and the International Airport, the elevated ride provides stunning views over Taipei, so get out your camera. Later, stop off at Mitsui Outlet Mall in Linkou where you’ll find duty free shopping in a comfortable environment.

However you get around Taipei, you’ll find lots of wonderful places when you come to visit Taipei City. Now add these suggestions to your Taipei To-do-list.

Photos taken here courtesy of LookThroughTheLens.com.

It’s also never been easier to get there – Brittany Ferries offer the widest choice of ferry crossings to France for those looking to take the ultimate road trip. But if you’re unsure where to get started, check out any of these idyllic French destinations dotted along the west:

Biarritz

In Biarritz, everyone gets to holiday like a member of the royal family. Once the only destination for Europe’s most elite circles, Biarritz is now a hugely popular resort for those looking for a taste of the high life. The good news being that it’s nowhere near as exclusive to the rich and famous as it used to be, but is no less stunning than it was in the 19^th century.

Bayonne

If you’ve decided to add Biarritz to your list, you might as well check out Bayonne while you’re at it. It’s only a stone’s throw away and easily accessible by car, serving up the kinds of cobbled streets and medieval buildings you’ll never tire of losing yourself in. Better yet, hire a bike for the day and explore one of the most stunning coastlines in Europe.

Andernos-les-Bains

Though largely overlooked by the usual tourist mobs, Andernos-les-Bains is known by the more discerning travellers as a true hidden gem. Famed for producing some of the best oysters in the region, there are more seafront restaurants than you’d be able to make the most of in a month, let alone a brief hop!

Brest

Holidays in Brest are all about living the life aquatic. If you’ve never given the idea real thought before, there’s really no place in France better to take your first ever sailing lesson. Or if you prefer, take a guided tour of the waters with an expert at the helm before wandering the harbour and sampling the freshest seafood in all of Brittany!

Douarnenez
If you’re out to experience the best of Brittany, Douarnenez doesn’t disappoint. Its position close to Brest makes it a great choice for multi-stop visits during your trip – its picture-postcard harbour being one of the highlights of the town. Seafood is also a firm part of the culture and history at Douarnenez, so it’s worth bringing a healthy appetite along for the ride.

Saint-Georges-d’Oléron

This is the place to head for a unique definition of ‘island life’ you’ve probably never encountered before. Fort Boyard is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a seriously dramatic vista, as is the island of Oléron which is home to rare and unusual French architecture from many centuries ago.

La Rochelle

One of the more famous entries to the list, La Rochelle is heading for its 1,000^th birthday – something that tells you all you need to know about its culture and history. It’s a great place for diving into relics of France from a millennium ago, including centuries-old buildings and a walled harbour which looks like something from the set of Game of Thrones.

Saint-Nazaire

Saint-Nazaire lies on the banks of the Loire River and isn’t quite what you might expect from a classic Brittany town. But it’s this contrast that makes it worth adding to your agenda – not to mention its beautiful beach which can be found just outside the limits of the town. Saint-Nazaire is popular as a base or starting-point for a wider Western France adventure.

Barbâtre

A definite highlight for those looking for their own private stretch of unspoilt coastline, there’s more than enough to go around at Barbâtre. Also popular with water-sports enthusiasts, the fact that this unique French commune gets overlooked by so many is one of the best reasons to check it out for yourself.

Guérande

Last but not least, Guérande is famed all over Europe for its salt marshes, but is also an extremely pleasant place to visit on the whole. Don’t leave without first checking out La ville fortifiée de Guérande, not to mention taking a guided tour of those famous salt marshes.

If you enjoy lounging around on tropical beaches, exploring exotic cultures, or tasting culinary delights, you probably won’t do much better than Thailand for your next vacation. Thailand is a fantastic choice for a vacation, however there are also less obvious reasons for choosing this destination, when in search of world class addiction treatment.

People have been travelling to Thailand for addiction treatment since the 1970s. At first, the only option available was temples such as Thamkrabok, but as the number of foreigners seeking treatment increased, it triggered the establishment of western-style rehabs in the Kingdom.

There are now many addiction treatment facilities in Thailand, here is our choice of the best rehabs in Thailand…

Wat Thamkrabok – Saraburi (https://wat-thamkrabok.org/)

We mention this first as its the only truly traditional Thai rehab experience. With a reputation as being “the toughest drug rehabilitation regime in the world.”  Also known as the vomiting temple. So if you are looking for 100% Thai-style addiction treatment, the obvious choice would be Thamkrabok temple. This is also the cheapest option because it accepts a donation rather than charging a fee. It is a treatment approach that seems to work best for westerners who are looking for something different however we recommend having a plan B incase it does not work.

Thamkrabok is probably not a good option if you are looking for luxury, modern creature comforts, western style accommodation or psycho-therapy sessions and even an addiction program. You also need to be open-minded enough to take part in unique treatments such as induced vomiting (this is part of the detox process). It is not for everyone.

Treatment Program: Its detox treatment uses a secret herbal concoction that induces vomiting to purge the toxins in your system. After 5 days of the structured detox ritual the next step is silent and chanting meditation practice.

Facility & Accommodation: Established in 1957 It’s a large temple complex largely built by the Monks. In residence are 100 monks and 15 nuns, there are no single-rooms, just a dormitory without aircon and no running hot-water.

Location & getting there: Wat Thamkrabok is located near Saraburi in central Thailand.

Hope Rehab Thailand (https://www.hope-rehab-center-thailand.com/)

The next obvious choice on our list with a great reputation is Hope Rehab Thailand. The nice thing about Hope Rehab is it combines the best of Eastern and Western approaches to addiction treatment and is reasonably priced. It offers a comprehensive Thai mindfulness program alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) wellness therapy, and Minnesota-model inspired treatments. There is also Thai massage and Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing). This rehab is supported by a passionate community of therapists (mostly ex-addicts), support staff, and volunteers.
Hope is a good choice if you are fed up with the huge ‘one-size fits all’ western rehabs. The facility itself is in a nice location close to the sea, and you get your own room with good amenities and visit local islands.
According to Google reviews, Hope Rehab seem to offer a diverse treatment and has a high success rate.

Treatment Program: Specializing in one month & long term treatment stays, most clients choose to stay longer than a month and some move on to their sober house. The program is internationally certified. They also have a diverse team with additional person centred therapeutic methods treating trauma and abuse issues.

Facility & Accommodation: The facilities grounds are very big, located on a hillside overlooking the sea and island of Koh Sichang, with 22 beds.

Location & getting there: One hour from Bangkok international airport, near the charming town of Sriracha and island of Koh Sichang.

Cost: $6900, 30 days private room.

Lanna Rehab (https://lannarehab.com/)

Lanna also provides high-end luxury treatment for clients with addiction problems and co-occurring disorders. It is one of the newest treatment facilities in Thailand. The emphasis here seems to be on 12 Steps, CBT and Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (this approach can be effective with borderline personality disorder). Their website promises a ‘luxury experience’ so worth considering if you like that type of thing.

Treatment Program: treatment programs are customized for individuals with dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Facility & Accommodation: Mid sized luxury rehab setting, private room.

Location & getting there: Chiang Mai, lush and exotic environment of Northern Thailand

Cost: $10,000 for 28 days, private room.

The Cabin Group (https://www.thecabinchiangmai.com/)

The Cabin Chiang Mai is an 80-bed luxury rehab where the focus is on a western-style clinical approach to addiction recovery and mental health with an emphasis on the 12 Steps and CBT. It opened in 2009 and is probably one the most heavily promoted rehabs in the world. This facility has a good reputation, and it may worth considering if you can afford a bit of pampering alongside the treatment. The only facility with a resident psychiatrist and mental health nurses.

Treatment Program: The Cabin provides a modern clinical program

Facility & Accommodation: Luxury resort style centre possibly the largest in Thailand at 80 beds.

Location & getting there: Northern Thailand, outside Chiang Mai.

Cost: $14,000 for 28 days single occupancy.

Serenity Rehab (https://www.serenityrehab.org/)

This small facility is located on the outskirts of Chiang Rai in a rural area. It is a relatively low-cost option because of its small size and focus on the essentials. The program emphasizes the 12 Steps, but they also offer some CBT and mindfulness as well. This may be worth considering if you are after traditional western-style treatment at an affordable price in Thailand.

Treatment Program: Minnesota Model, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Mindfulness training, individual counseling and group counseling.

Facility & Accommodation: It is a small facility with 10 rooms sharing.

Location & getting there: Located in North Thailand Chiang Rai.

Cost: $5900 28 days room sharing.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States it is ranked as the biggest airport by most passengers annually and most flights (1998 – present).

This relatively unknown (if you live outside the US) airport is in a class of its own when it comes to number of passengers. the airport handled 101 Million passengers and 882,497 flights in 2015. The Airport which was at first named Candler Field, started out as an abandoned race track in 1925 and you can safely say that it has grown a bit since then.

The airport is also number one when it comes to the total number of takeoffs and landings. It has held the lead for decades partly because it has a huge number of domestic destinations but also because of it’s geographic location in the southern United States. This makes it a major international hub for flights to many parts of the world.

Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing, China

The city of Beijing has grown in pace with the development of the Chinese economy and it’s airport has flourished in recent times. The State carrier Air China uses the airport as its primary hub. The number of annual passengers is over 80 million and the Airport serves around 200 international destinations.

An interesting fact is that the gigantic Terminal 3 is the sixth-largest building in the world. Beijing is currently building a second airport which is expected to increase the passenger handling capacity of the city’s airports to 150 million.

Heathrow Airport, London, England, United Kingdom

London Heathrow Airport is the airport in the world with most international passengers passing through each year. About 75 million passengers land and take off on the two cramped runways year. Europeans travelling west towards North America, Central America, the Caribbean or South America often makes a stopover at London’s Heathrow Airport. If at all possible you should really try to avoid it as it is overcrowded, understaffed and crammed with security checkpoints.

Heathrow which began life as a small rural airstrip became the international hub for London during World War 2 where it was expanded for serving long distance military craft heading for the Far East. By the time it was nearly finished, the war ended and the airport was used for civilian purposes instead.

Honorable mention: Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong SAR

No trip to Bangkok is really complete until you have experienced the city from the water. The mighty Chao Phraya River cuts through the buildings as a cavernous artery. On the river there is always stuff going on, people commute, taxi boats plowing between the river sides, goods are sold on floating markets, things are transported and people live literally on the water. The river is also invaluable as a means of personal transport, it is simple and refreshing to move between city parts via water in the giant city.

2. Vertigo and Moon bar

Nowhere is the city so blisteringly beautiful – and refreshing – as when viewed from one of Bangkok’s many rooftop bars. The city is really at the top of the list when it comes to offering the visitor refined views as companion to your favorite cocktail. My first choice is always the Vertigo and Moon Bar located at the top of the fine hotel, Banyan Tree. Here you can sit for hours and sip your favorite drink and watch as the night takes over the city.

 4. The BACC

In all this historical splendor and urban frenzy, there are also small oases for those who are interested in contemporary art. The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, BACC, is just such an oasis, maybe the best the city has to show. Here you will find exciting art, music, theater, film and design from the country’s creative elite. You can hang out in the cafe or restaurant after your round of the exhibitions, or check out the fine bookstore.

5. Chatuchak

If you are the least bit intrigued by bustling local markets, you will thrive at Chatuchak. The world’s largest market is so packed with things that you can walk around for hours and be both seduced and dismayed. Animals, souvenirs, food, jewelry, clothes and knickknacks are available from the many thousands of market stalls. Here you will, of course, find really good street food too. One should not rush through Chatuchak. The experience will be so much greater if you talk with the vendors, hang at the food stalls, roam a bit haphazardly. Don’t miss the art department where talented local artists display and sell their works.

6. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace is really eye-catching, impressive with its gold draped architecture, no expense have been spared on this magnificent building. Wat Phra Kaew is the country’s most sacred shrine. A good tip is to come here early in the day, before the tourist onslaught.

7. Chinatown

Seething, flashing and bustling Chinatown is a must during your Bangkok visit. Here, you should intentionally get lost among streets draped with colored lanterns, bobbing rice lights, colorful billboards and through shops sumptuous with oddities and delights. Gold traders and merchants crammed in the frenetic heat that just rises as the hours pass. In Chinatown, you’ll find exceptional food as well, make sure to be hungry when you come here, so that you can eat your way through the streets.

8. Wat Pho

When you visit the Grand Palace you should not miss the opportunity to also visit nearby Wat Pho. Wat Pho was built by King Rama I and is the city’s oldest temple. What most people want to see here is the sleeping Buddha, a 135 ft long and 45 ft high, dazzling and a bit clunky statue of Buddha sleeping. For a full understanding of this fascinating statue, it’s meaning and history you should really hire a guide.

Prague

To celebrate the New Year in one of Europe’s most beautiful city centers is, of course, a special experience. Bars and restaurants stay open all night so it is easy to stroll around and drop in here and there. As the clock approaches midnight, it becomes increasingly crowded and at midnight the city explodes in fireworks and light shows. If you want to be right where the magic happens you should remain close to the Charles Bridge in the Old Town. The best views are from the Prague Castle.

New York

The most famous and popular tradition in New York during the New Year celebration is watching the big shiny crystal ball that slides down the mast above the Times Square. This has been happening at midnight at every New Year’s night for more than 100 years. This year, over a million people will come to Times Square where besides the sliding globe, you can see fireworks and feel confetti falling over you. If you find it too crowded at Time Square there will be celebration at several other locations in New York, for example, in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. As a bonus, you can take a romantic walk across the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge after the fireworks.

London

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in London is best by staying close to the London Eye, this is where the magic happens. Music, ten-minute fireworks and crowd singing the traditional New Year’s song Auld Lang Syne. Since “only” 180,000 people can fit in the party area, it soon becomes full. So either you have to be there in time, or find another place to experience the New Year party. One tip is the river Thames, on the west side, between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, but even here you have to be in time.

Rio de Janeiro

New Year in Rio de Janeiro brings together more than two million people to Copacabana and Ipanema beaches to party together. Music and entertainment are offered, and all the restaurants and bars at the beaches are open and decorated with lights. Powerful and impressive 30-minute fireworks from barges in the water start at midnight.

Sydney

Be ready for New Year’s gunpowder if you are celebrating in Sydney. The party begins at one o’clock in the afternoon when thousands of people gather at Sydney Harbour to enjoy the festivities. Entertainment, music concerts and a parade of lights with over 50 decorated ships are always on schedule. Usually two large fireworks are organized, a family fireworks at 9 pm and one at midnight. 

Berlin

Over a million people go to Berlin on New Year’s Eve. The reason is that the German New Year’s party “Silvester” is one of the largest in the world. If you ask city residents, the biggest celebration is at the Brandenburg Gate and, at midnight, the Straße des 17. From the Brandenburg Gate to the Victory Column a two kilometer long and 80 000 square meters large party room is located with catering tents, DJs, concert stages, live music and lots of people. The fireworks at midnight on December 31st are Europe’s best.

Las Vegas

Neon lights and signs in Las Vegas get a fierce competition by the huge fireworks at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Before the new year enters there is a big street party on the city’s most famous street, The Strip. The street is closed for the traffic and hundreds of thousands of people are celebrating with champagne while the shows go on as usual at the hotels and theaters around.

Okonjima farm is more than just a lodge. It is also the headquarters of AfriCats organization that works to protect Namibia’s wild cats. The reserve Okonjima, halfway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park, offers rehabilitation for leopards, lions and cheetahs.

Safari tours, on foot or by car, are arranged several times a day and nature lovers who want to experience the wilderness on their own can focuse on hiking trails in the mountains. The rustic luxury lodge has a variety of accommodation options, from basic standard rooms to large villas with a private pool, chef and car.

Ethiopia – Limalimo Lodge

Africa’s largest mountain range lives up to expectations. The Ethiopian Simien’s mountains, with kilometers deep gorges and high peaks. The mountains offer unique views of wildlife such as baboons, Ethiopian wolfs, leopards and the bearded vulture.

Hopefully you’ll see them during a stay at the newly opened Limalimo where modern design meets ancient building techniques. The morning begins preferably with a champagne breakfast at a secret location and afterwards the world’s most spectacular trekking area to be explored.

Botswana – Sandibe Okavango

Sandibe in Botswana is a hideaway for adults. Sandibe in the Okavango Delta has ignored the colonial romanticism and instead got inspired by the unique weaver bird nests. The result is a number of cocoon-like suites with no straight lines, made with a patchwork of timber. It is hard to imagine a more architecturally pioneering lodge, while it blends so well with the surroundings.

This is primarily a hideaway for adults where relaxation is as important as animal experiences. This delta has an outstanding wildlife and safari tours are organized three times a day. Those who want to see the more inaccessible parts of the area can book a helicopter ride.

Rwanda – Virunga Lodge

This is one of the last regions where wild mountain gorillas live. This is where the gorilla’s habitat are the lodge’s half day tours which promise an unforgettable experience when meeting with these powerful animals, up to three times larger than a human but distinctly peaceful and tolerant of visitors.

The lodge consists of ten generously sized bandas (guest houses) with a private terrace and panoramic views. In addition to the gorilla tours, volcano and rainforest hikes are organised where you can see rare apes if lucky.

Kenya – Sarara Camp

When zoologist Ian Craig came to Sarara in northern Kenya in the 1990s, poachers nearly eradicated the entire elephant tribe. Craig managed to persuade the local Sarara villagers to protect wildlife in exchange for future tourism revenue and the collaboration was a success. 25 years later, 4000 elephants live in the area and many other species have returned here.

Sararas intimate camp consists of six eco tents with large terraces and adorable views. The program is available for both night and daytime safari and hikes in the mountains. But it is equally wonderful to just lie and float in the lodge’s swimming pool. If you are lucky, a herd of elephants drinking at the waterhole just below.

South Africa – Jaci’s Lodges

In the sprawling Madikwe Game Reserve, four hours drive from Johannesburg, we stop at Jaci’s.
This reserve offers wonderful safari trips!
Jaci’s suites feature a private pool, patio and car, with balconies and views of the savannah.

Tanzania – The Highlands

Ngorongoro Crater Highlands are like nothing else. Millions of years of volcanic activity have created three huge calderas where a unique climate with year-round water supply and an outstanding wildlife has developed through years.

At the edge of the smallest caldera, at the breathtaking 2660 meters altitude, “The Highlands” lies with its eight futuristic luxury tents. This caldera is spared from the tourist crowds, as it lacks the big beasts, and the feeling is like having the whole of this lush, chirping and gurgling paradise all to oneself. “A glimpse of the world through the eyes of God,” as Karen Blixen wrote in “Out of Africa”.

Zimbabwe – Ruckomechi Camp

Zimbabwe is back on safari map. Ruckomechi Camp, which re-opened last spring, has ten exclusive tents surrounded by the mahogany trees in the National Park Mana Pools. Environmental consciousness runs like a red thread through the lodge – suites are made from natural materials and connected by footbridges for minimal environmental impact.

This part of Zimbabwe is known for its many elephants, hippos and antelopes. We saw them during a boat trip on the Zambezi River, a far more peaceful way to travel than the Jeep. Back at the lodge you can enjoy a sunset on the bridge followed by a three course dinner.