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New York is one of the most energetic tourist destinations in the world, which offers a list of interesting attractions to its visitors. Apart from the great shopping and dining options available, the city is also home to a number of fascinating museums which are well worth a visit. The American Museum of Natural History is one of the most technologically advanced museums in the country which is equipped with a planetarium as well as an IMAX theatre. This museum houses thousands of exhibits which offer a wealth of knowledge to all its visitors. The Dinosaur Wing of this facility is a favourite among frequent visitors to the museum and is not to be missed if you’re in the city for the first time. The American Folk Art Museum is another interesting venue where visitors can learn a great deal about traditional art in the country.

Imagine floating by the Statue of Liberty while dining under the starry skies of New York with that special someone. In addition, visitors will also be able to see the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, Governor’s Island and the South Street Seaport. Most of the cruise ships that operate here prepare the meals on board the vessel itself which guarantees visitors a fresh meal. Dinner is always accompanied with great music and a superb selection of wines and other beverages as well.

One of the best ways to get a feel of New York is to go on a guided cruise which will give you the opportunity to experience this sprawling city at its grandest. While sipping on a glass of wine or enjoying a delicious meal, feast your eyes on some of the most breathtaking sights this mega city has to offer. A number of tour operators in New York offer guided cruises around the city which offer excellent service and outstanding dining options.

The Premier Hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city offering easy access to many of the cities key tourist attractions. This amazing hotel in Midtown Manhattan offers exquisite accommodation options and a range of useful facilities. The exclusive dining outlets available to its guests make it stand out as a luxury hotel New York is proud of.

Scattered to the southwest of the Indian subcontinent is the archipelago of the Maldives. These atolls hold exotic experiences for travellers waiting for that serene environment away from home. Each islet has its own special features which give a whole new meaning to adventure.

One of the newest cruisers ready to take on the waves has been built with modern engineering techniques along with traditional Maldivian boat building methods. Enjoy your vacation on Maldivian waters as it sails away into a melting horizon. The scenery and comfort is just one part of the total package – the luxury cruiser offers a variety of tantalizing wines and you can indulge in a plunge into the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.


Another special yacht, which mainly attracts travellers who are on a limited budget, is often seen sailing along the coastlines. Recently revamped and featuring an experienced captain this cruise will take you through hours of surfing, snorkelling, fishing and cruising and if you are lucky, you may come across the playful dolphins that whirl through the sunny waves. Enjoy so much variety at a reasonable cost and make your holiday worthwhile.

This trip can accommodate small groups and includes its own bathrooms. You will find the vessel well cooled and ventilated to assure that foreign visitors will not find this new climate very uncomfortable. Assortments of mouth watering dishes are laid out especially prepared by the professional chef on board. Enjoy the delightful cuisine as you drift along the horizon to the perfect sunsets. You can also enjoy your favourite cocktail or have a concoction of your favourite spirits right at the cruise bar or treat yourself to an intimate dinner for two on the deck under a canopy of a million twinkling stars.

Enjoy a relaxing tranquil week with seven awe-inspiring sunsets that glamour the skies across the horizon. Watch as the colours melt into the tropical waters where dolphins play towards the late evenings.

Why waste a day, thinking? Enthral yourself in this magnificent holiday at a fine Maldives resort. If you are thinking of a classy, sophisticated, extra-special stay, you may want to select one of the Maldives luxury hotels, of which Anantara Dhigu, Maldives provides exclusive services for travellers.

Germany is re-known as a fast growing industrial country, but little did we know about the romantic cities that are still bountiful with medieval structures. Heidelberg is one of those cities with heavenly picturesque atmosphere. Its geographical location, residing besides the River Neckar between a steep valley in the Odenwald only compliments its breathtaking ambiance. The Heidelberg castle and baroque style town is one of its key romantic features. This is an ideal destination for quiet & Romantic getaway.

Let the pictures speak out loud!

Macau, a ‘special administrative region’ of the People’s Republic of China, was a colony of Portugal for over 400 years. It has the distinction of being the initial as well as the final European colony in China. The European influence can be clearly seen in the western style buildings of Macau’s old city.

Today Macau is one of the most affluent cities in the world, with its flourishing economy based on electronics, textile and toy manufacturing as well as tourism. The city enjoys a high degree of autonomy in many spheres, with the freedom to continue its successful market economy.

Macau is a delightful destination for honeymooners with an array of entertainment options available. Having fun is the major intention of any honeymoon, and there are many recreational opportunities in Macau. If you desire to view flamboyant cabaret-style shows, Macau offers many options in the form of a variety of nightclubs. For the visitor with slightly different tastes the selection on offer includes Portuguese folk dancing, discotheques with prominent DJs, high-profile entertainers and live dance bands.

If live music is your entertainment of choice, Macau offers a huge variety including Latin, Brazilian and African music in addition to international pop. The Docks area is the venue of choice for live music. This waterfront district has many lively pubs and clubs which stay open till the early hours. Every establishment projects a unique ambience with distinctive varieties of music including hard rock bands, Filipino house groups and Portuguese folk music.

For those who prefer an artistic or cultural experience, the Macau Cultural Centre offers many delights including musicals, ballet, dance or opera at its Grand Auditorium or an art film in its small auditorium.

Meanwhile the Cybernetic Fountain on the waterfront offers nightly music shows and laser displays on holidays and weekends. For movie lovers there are impressive cinema complexes at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre and other venues.

To experience these Macau entertainment options, you must select a Macau resort in which to stay. An ideal choice would be The Venetian Macau Resort Hotel which offers beautifully appointed rooms, exceptional dining and gracious hospitality.

Not every couple desires a vacation on a white sand beach. If you are an outdoor fanatic who likes the chilly winter breeze and gaze at extraordinary creations the kiwi land is where you should head. New Zealand has so much to offer than just a romantic ski vacation. It’s snow topped mountains are just one of the many excitements that await. They say that most precious jewels are hidden in secluded places. Likewise the small town of Te Anau created its space in the world map because it holds the key to a mesmerizing wonderland….the Milford Sounds.

This magnificent natural wonder is encircled by mountain peaks that are nourished by lush rain forests and ocean waters that run inland from the Tasman Sea. This besides the beautiful flaora and fauna that surrounds its trekking path, delta opens its door to much marine life as seals, penguins, dolphins and even whales

The valley waters that tip over these high peaks form breath taking waterfalls. On a rainy day tourists would get lost in the beauty of a magnificent water work as giant waterfalls are shaped from all directions. On a sunny days boat cruise you can glare at a mirrored view of the mountain peaks lying atop the calm ocean waters.

Since you would be spending more than half the day “oohing” at this natural marvel a simple Te Anau Hotel is satisfactory for a peaceful nights rest. Let the pictures do the talking as I cannot ever do justice to the Milford Sound’s geographical wonder created by mother earth.

Around 5 millenniums ago, Chinese Empress Si Ling-Chi discovered silk by a fluke. Si Ling-Chi developed the sericulture, the science of silk production, and also introduced silk garments to the world. Thousands of years later it was spread across the world, including Thailand. Thai silk industry dates back to some 3000 years, according to the archaeological discoveries. Whereas the oldest evidence for Thai silk is reported from Baan Chiang, a heritage site in Udon Thani Province.

Towards the northeast of Thailand is the Khorat Plateau, popular for being the country’s hub of silk industry. From raising the silkworms called Bombyx mori, to weaving graceful silk fabrics, Khorat Plateau oversees the silk production and also supplies rose silk since many years. At present, Thai silk is acclaimed as the finest fabric in the world.


Bombyx mori silkworm is hatched from the silk moth’s eggs and they feed on mulberry leaves. After feasting on the leaves the silkworm spin a fluffy cocoon using their spittle. The colours of the cocoon vary from pastel green to light gold, while the total length of its fibrils spans from 500 to 1500 yards. It is soaked in boiling water to separate the fibrils.

It takes several fibrils to produce one fine silk thread strong enough for weaving. Some use machines while a majority use hand-reeling to produce these raw silk thread. Its natural yellowish colour is removed by immersing the skeins in hydrogen peroxide. Before the weaving process, the raw silk is again soaked in hot water and dyed in vibrant colours. Weaving is done using traditional handloom methods, after washing and drying the silk yarn.

Unlike other types of silk, Thai silk have special attributes that defines its prominence. The special lustre of Thai silk comes from its triangular shaped fibres, reflecting an iridescent similar to a prism. The sheen and lustre of the silk also changes alluringly according to the angle and the reflection of light. To authenticate the quality of Thai silk, the fabrics are also given a special peacock emblem. The peacock emblem has a range of colours such as gold, silver, blue and green symbolizing its production method, quality and authenticity.

Products made from Thai silk are handbags, handkerchiefs, neckties, readymade clothes, scarves and even photo frames. Travellers to Bangkok can find these rich silk products at any popular shopping mall, silk fabric shop, department store, shopping plaza as well as in the nearby Chiang Mai City. Visitors can find comfortable lodging at a cosy Bangkok apartment such as those available at Bangkok President Park, a Bangkok service apartment complex. Visitors can take pleasure in a delightful shopping extravaganza while gaining an insight into the art of Thai silk production.

One of the most joyous and celebrated occasions in Khmer traditions is a marriage in a Khmer family. Wedding celebrations may last for approximately 3 days and can even stretch on for a week, and is usually filled with much merriment, festivity and colour. A lot of preparation goes into the numerous events that are held during the wedding period and is bound to keep the whole family busy and celebrating on a continuous basis.

The Khmer tradition of the wedding evolves around the legendary story of Cambodia’s origins. It is said that the first Khmer prince, Preah Thong, married the Naga princess, Neang Neak, who he met on his many travels as he was exiled from his homeland. As a marriage gift, the princess’s father was said to have swallowed a part of the ocean bringing forth the land of Cambodia.

As the wedding celebrations begin, family, friends and other community members continue to stream in to join in this joyous occasion. Some typical features of the wedding would include a band of musicians playing throughout the day, and the bride changing her wedding garments time and again. Dressed like royalty, the couple is truly a magnificent sight to see.

The wedding ceremony is made up of many events put together. Some of the highlights from these include the Groom’s Processional where the groom is invited to the bride’s home bearing many fruits and sweets. The Cleansing Ceremony will captivate you as according to Khmer tradition the couple needs to undergo a process of elaborate cleansing that involves dancing around the couple, cutting their hair, shaving the groom and perfuming them. The knot tying ceremony is also a unique one where family and friends come forward to tie ribbons on the couple’s wrists as a sign of good wishes and to be photographed with them.

Apart from all the festivities of the actual wedding celebrations, there are plenty of other pre and post wedding functions as well. Witnessing and being part of a Khmer wedding is a true experience of the extensive culture and rituals involved in Khmer traditions and are a series of events that you will never forget.

Tourists visiting the city can stay at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal which is a luxury hotel in Phnom Penh. This elegant hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the traditions, culture and sites of the city and also proves to be an ideal wedding hotel in Phnom Penh.

With 144 spectacular islets, the Bay of Islands is regarded as one of the most attractive holiday destinations in New Zealand. Positioned about 237 kilometres away from Auckland, these stunning islands are considered the best way to enjoy and explore a peaceful, romantic holiday in New Zealand complete with the best of natural beauty.

Facing the South Pacific, the Bay of Islands was first discovered by Captain James Cook, the famous English explorer. Soon after he discovered these magnificent islands and its secluded bays, the first English settlers in this part of the world arrived.

Receiving its name from Captain James Cook, the Bay of Islands is located approximately 4 hours away from Auckland. The entire journey from Auckland to the splendid Bay of Islands is extremely picturesque since it falls right along the northern coastal area. Waitangi which is situated close to the bay is where the important treaty was signed between the chiefs of the Maori and the British.

The bay is not only complete with scenic natural beauty but is also abundant with marine life such as whales, dolphins, big marlin, gannets, penguins and so much more. This tranquil part of New Zealand has also become a hub for overseas yachts sailing on world tours, those keen on marine life and golfers. With over 40 sites spread across the islands, the maritime and historic park is a great way to discover European as well as Maori culture and influence in the area. The main information desk of the maritime and historic park of the Bay of Islands is located in Russell.

Although most islands here are yet to be explored, there is no shortage of recreation, attractions and activities at the Bay of Islands. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as enthralling boat rides, fishing, diving, kayaking, scuba diving and much more.

The Bay of Islands offers its guests convenient and cosy accommodation from hotels and resorts, luxury boutique lodging, motels and apartments as well as holiday homes. For instance, travelers also have the option of staying at any of the fine Auckland hotels such as The Langham Auckland that offers easy access to explore New Zealand’s extraordinary Bay of Islands. This unparalleled Auckland hotel provides its guests luxurious and contemporary accommodation for an exceptionally memorable stay.

Think of Kuala Lumpur and the image that springs to mind is of soaring neon-lit skyscrapers interspersed with dignified mosques and temples among teeming throngs of humanity. Malaysia’s capital is a city flush with its commercial prosperity and driving ambitiously ever higher toward greater architectural and economic grandeur. Easy as it is to get caught up in the flashy currents of city life, one must pay due regards to the sprawling city parks which provide a brief respite from its breathless pace.
The Perdana Lake Gardens is the oldest and most popular of these city parks. The 90-hectare grounds which sprawl in a valley around two artificial lakes provide a tranquil oasis where city dwellers come to jog, exercise, boat or indulge in some tai chi. Lying on the fringes of the city, this used to be the area where the elite British colonists built their pleasure homes. Two of these colonial mansions have now been converted into the Carosa Seri Negara, Malaysia’s most exclusive hotel.

Although the main attraction is the Tasik Perdana, or the Premier Lake, where families rent boats for leisurely weekend afternoon paddles, the Panggung Anniversary is also a major draw, being an open theatre for cultural and musical shows. However, these are the least of the park’s attractions. The Orchid Garden housed within the park boasts 800 species of orchids while a small terraced space is devoted to hibiscus (Malaysia’s national flower). The Deer Park is a favourite haunt of the mousedeer, the world’s smallest hoofed species, and spotted deer imported from Holland. Children and insect enthusiasts will delight in the Butterfly Park, home to over 120 species of butterfly whose rainforest environs have been carefully recreated to mirror the insects’ natural habitat. The Bird Park is the largest in Southeast Asia and is the world’s largest walk-in aviary housing more than 3000 migrant and indigenous birds.

Travelers seeking holiday accommodation Kuala Lumpur or even businessmen looking for Kuala Lumpur corporate housing should find the park quite accessible from the commercial city centres. Located in the KL central business district, adjacent to the Petronas Towers, the Ascott Kuala Lumpur’s serviced apartments cater to the extended stays of both business and leisure guests who wish for prime access to train stations and cab services that lead to all the city’s major attractions.

Get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you engage in an exhilarating hot air balloon ride in Christchurch. Enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch and the city’s surrounding areas from a vantage point that few have ventured on, and capture breathtaking photography from the balloon’s comfortable interior! All this and more can be experienced upon boarding a hot air balloon when holidaying in the scenic environs of Christchurch. Ideal for families and couples, this thrilling ride is a popular recreational activity among both locals and tourists looking to relax and create memories with loved ones and friends.
Christchurch is one of the few places in the world where visitors can balloon from the centre of the city, journeying towards the snowy peaks of the Alps over the striking greenery of the scenic Canterbury Plains. As you gently float towards the nearby mountains, be sure to capture some outstanding photos of Christchurch’s diverse topography. Several hot air balloon operators can be found in the city centre where visitors will be able to book a hot air balloon ride. Most balloon rides include a refreshing glass of champagne upon arriving at the desired destination, and a flight certificate that is awarded to all who participated in this fantastic journey through Christchurch.

Staying at a Christchurch New Zealand hotel such as the Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Central provides the ideal place from which the vibrant and beautiful city of Christchurch can be explored. With picturesque views of the Avon River, Victoria Square and the Southern Alps, this leading business class hotel in Christchurch is a preferred accommodation base among both business and leisure travellers seeking comfort and class in the heart of the city. Guests staying at this stylish hotel will easily be able to access all that Christchurch has to offer!