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Soak in some tropical sun in the beautiful white sanded shores of the Kuta beach. With its range of exciting activities and the lively buzz of crowds, the Kuta Beach is a fun retreat for you and the whole family. A fantastic spot to surf, this Beach offers perfect water conditions to enjoy this thrilling sport. If you have been admiring talented surfers conquer the waves but are unable to surf yourself, ‘the Bali learn to surf’ nearby offers short easy courses on surfing enabling you to glide on these fantastic waves and take home with you a whole new talent.

The city near the beach is always vibrant and lively. Known as the party hub of the country plenty of cheap bars and clubs line the streets giving tourists a happening spirit that keeps them geared all day long. With a number of cheap spas and massage boutiques throughout the vicinity, you can easily relax those sore muscles for a very nominal rate. But look out for popular names like Reborn or Cozy as they offer good value for money. Kuta also offers plenty of excellent local and international dining that enables you to taste the cuisine of your choice at the range you prefer. And don’t forget to shop. From the popular beachfront ‘Discovery Shopping Mall’ to the array of souvenir shops in the vicinity, you can find it all in Kuta.

A breathtaking moment in the Kuta beach is the ever popular sunset scene. Soothing and serene, this spectacular view attracts many to savour the moment. As the Golden sky silhouettes everything before it giving the sea a shimmering glow, this part is certainly a must not miss in Kuta. Fancy enjoying this breathtaking view from the privacy and comfort of your own balcony? Stay at the exotic Anantara Seminyak, Bali. A luxury Bali hotel that is located just in front of the beach shores affording you beautiful views and plenty of relaxation. With a range of upscale facilities including the infinity pool, luxury Jacuzzi and exotic Thai cuisines, the Anantara stands out as one of the finest Bali Hotels that is most sought out by tourists.

The Chao Phraya River is very important to the Thais as it is the origin of their civilization. Taking a cruise on the famed river is an ideal way to observe the local sights. As you relax in comfort you will see important landmarks and exotic temples passing by, providing a genuine insight into Thai culture. If you select a dinner cruise you may enjoy a delectable buffet accompanied by Thai musicians and singers.

The discerning traveller seeking luxury hotels in Thailand will find an ideal choice in the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. These fine luxury hotel resorts provide all the amenities required by the modern visitor.


Accessible from the island of Phuket, Phang Nga Bay is a picturesque coastal getaway ideal for those who love outdoor adventure. Covering an area of around 400 square kilometres, Phang Nga Bay is known for its stunning limestone cliffs, emerald waters, fascinating islands and rich marine life. Home to the Ao Phang Nga National Park, the area is also where one can visit such island attractions as Koh Ping-gan which was used as a location for a James Bond film and Koh Panyee with its charming seaside village that is built on stilts. Those planning a visit to the region and looking for a luxury Phuket resort can stay at Anantara Phuket, Thailand. Situated along Mai Khao beach, this modern property offers a range of luxurious Phuket villas.

The Couple’s Retreat Garden located in Suzhou City has gained recognition as one of the region’s most esteemed parklands. The park seen today is an additional development made to the original park, the Sheyuan Garden which was created in the Qing Dynasty by Lujin. The garden as it is seen presently is considered to be amongst one of the outstanding classical gardens in Suzhou. The scenery of the area which spans 1.81 acres features rockeries, water features, green mountains, towers, elegant halls and pavilions, imposing trees and lovely blooms.

The Couple’s Retreat Garden was included in the World Heritage list of UNESCO in 2000. The park comprises of smaller houses and a large mansion constructed in the centre of the landscaping arrangement with two gardens located to the west and the east respectively. The park is surrounded on three sides by a large canal. Presently the garden features 21 couplets and tablets, 24 buildings, valuable ancient trees and brick carvings. The most attractive scenic areas are the Yellow Stone Rockeries, Western and Eastern Gardens, and the Chengqu Cottage.

The central mansion on the grounds resembles other such ancient edifices seen within Suzhou. The mansion features four principal terraces, of which each includes a main hall, guest hall and lobby. On the west and east sides of the mansion wing-rooms may be seen. The gate of the grounds is faced by a large courtyard.

Visitors may traverse the twisting corridors to reach the Eastern Garden, which features ponds and hills. In a corner the visitor will see the Chengqu Thatched Cottage, which lies adjacent to the Chuxiang House and other attractions.

Not to be missed is the Yellow Stone Rockeries, an artificial hill where visitors will see various platforms, stone chambers and a pool on the eastern side. The western section is less imposing but is still a charming part of the garden. Another key attraction is the Western Garden, which contains lakes, rockeries and platforms as well as the Heshou Pavilion and a library.

The traveller seeking serviced accommodation Suzhou will be well served by the Citadines Xinghai Suzhou. This fine Suzhou accommodation offers superior amenities and service making it an ideal choice.


Popularly referred to as “the palace of love and hope”, the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace was built back in the early 1920’s to serve as the summer palace of King Rama VI. A majestic two storied pavilion made of golden teakwood; the palace consists of a long corridor and a series of hall. Although various Hua Hin hotels are available, one can never go wrong by choosing Anantara Hua Hin, Thailand for their accommodation needs. A gem among Hua Hin luxury hotels, the stunning hotel is surrounded by lush tropical gardens.


Polynesian spa is a fully fledged spa resort complete with different types of mineral bathing plus a fringe of other exquisite spa facilities and amenities available, all within the magnificent view of the Rotorua Lake. Situated in New Zealand’s north island in Rotorua where the natural bush environment prevails, the spa provides warm mineral bathing at four distinct locations, namely the adults pool, lake spa and Priest’s pool, family spa and private pools. The lake spa is set amidst natural settings amongst New Zealand’s native foliage and the audible hum of cascading waterfalls; while the four rock pools with soft alkaline water of different temperatures allow you to sink into ultimate indulgence and emerge with your skin softened and soothed like never before. One can also drift into a pleasant reverie over an icy cool beverage reclining in the spa lounge gazing into the ravishing Rotorua Lake. The famous acidic water from a mineral spring that was long known to possess healing properties occupies the Priest’s pool while the adult pools lined with marble offer great resting surfaces contain slightly alkaline mineral water.

The family spa and private pools cater to the difference in privacy sought by different individuals. The spa amenities don’t end there. There are a multitude of relaxation therapies, body wraps and massages and therapies that will rejuvenate your mind and body leaving you submerged in total relaxation. Delicious accompaniment in the form of exquisite food items and beverages are not wanting and the Hot Springs Café is the perfect place with the right ambience to treat your tastebuds, or even browse through the net while you are there. Do not forget to drop into the spa essentials gift shop where you can shop for exquisite spa and skin care products or buy a gift voucher for a loved one.

Like the spa, the Millennium Hotel Rotorua also glances into Lake Rotorua and its serene beauty is almost transmitted through the long windows to add attraction to the already glamorous hotel. This four star hotel is also central to the city’s places of interest and the spa is only a casual stroll away. Those looking for Rotorua hotel accommodation will find their requirements satisfied beyond their expectations with the hotel’s lodging arrangements that include fascinating lake view rooms and Classic suites and rooms overlooking the picturesque garden. It is definitely one Rotorua hotel you need to step into while visiting the renowned spa and exploring the beautiful Rotorua town.


The island nation of Sri Lanka is blessed with many natural wonders, and some of the most prominent amongst them are the numerous strikingly beautiful waterfalls that are found in the country. Interestingly the country is considered to have the most number of waterfalls per unit area of any nation in the world. Of the 103 streams and rivers in Sri Lanka, many originate in the island’s mountainous hill country and are maintained by the two yearly monsoons which bring an abundance of rainfall.

These rivers and streams gush through the outlying hills and plains, and rushing over the numerous precipices create lovely scenic waterfalls. Some of these wonders of nature are easily seen by the traveller, while others may only be accessed through dense forests and expansive tea plantations.

Sri Lanka’s Laxapana Waterfall is among the tropical island’s most picturesque natural wonders. The location’s pristine scenery and scenic beauty never fail to enthral and delight the visitor.

The 125 m tall waterfall is created by a tributary of the River Kelani known as Maskeliya Oya. Both the fall’s bottom and top are easily reached providing the traveller with sensational panoramic views. The visitor should make it a point to visit the immense flat rock formation found at the fall’s summit. Among the most attractive views offered at the top of the fall is the majestic Saptha Kanya mountain range which never fails to awe and delight. Many visitors choose to camp in the waterfall’s environs and explore the region’s intriguing surroundings. However the visitor should keep in mind that the region’s water level changes greatly due to even slight rainfall. It is important to select a safe location if you desire to swim or bathe in the area.

The visitor to Sri Lanka should take the opportunity to experience the vast natural treasures native to the island nation. The unique flora and fauna of the country may be seen at first hand at one of the island’s attractive nature reserves.

Sri Lanka tours will enable the visitor to make the most of their holiday in the island. The Sri Lanka hotel guide provided by the John Keells Hotels Group, a premier accommodation provider in the nation, will enable visitors to find the accommodation best suited to their needs.





Sprawling over three provinces Doi Luang National Park covers three leading watersheds, Payao Lake, The Lao River and The Wang River. The majority of the visitors to the park come to behold the magnificent waterfalls amidst lush greenery. An exemplary out of Chiang rai hotels for the ardent traveller is Anantara Golden Triangle. Offering an array of modern facilities it is one of the finest Chiang Rai resorts.

Acres of greenery, well-pruned shrubs, gurgling rivers, trees overflowing with blossoms and fluttering butterflies; the Hyde Park in Central London has all the ingredients for tranquility. Its origin dates back to the 1600s and has been modified over the years. Today it’s a key attraction and is popular throughout England.
Hyde Park rose to fame in the year 1851 when it hosted the Great Exhibition, which was the first in a line of international fairs of culture and industry. Ever since then, it has gradually metamorphosed into a spectacular park, where people laze, lounge and feast. There are designated spots in the large grounds for different activities. The North Eastern end is adorned by the glitzy white marble arch, and just opposite it is the Speakers’ Corner, where mass demonstrations are held and political activists deliver speeches. People pile into solar powered ferries and pedal boats that cruise through the Serpentine River, which ripples in from the West, while some choose to sun bathe, or plunge into the river for a refreshing swim. There are fields where one can engage in an informal game of tap rugger, football, rounders or soft ball cricket. The specially allotted cycle tracks draw heavy numbers to cycle, skateboard and roller blade. The tennis enthusiasts have an entire centre to themselves, where they can even get professional assistance.
Tucked away in the South East of the park is the rose garden, where many varieties of roses, herbaceous plants, bulbs and hellebores are in full bloom. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat from the modern ‘Bar and Kitchen’ on the shores of Serpentine or stroll down to the ‘Meadow Wildlife’, where you will find birds, butterflies and moths dancing on the flowers.
One of the most recent additions to the park is the Diana Memorial Fountain, completed in 2004 in memory of the late Princess of Wales. Sculptured with Cornish granite in the shape of an oval, the fountain is unique in design. Water surges in two directions and meets again in a serene pool and is meant to reflect Princess Diana’s spirited openness and love for children.
London serviced apartments provide a strategic base to facilitate your wanderings around the large metropolis. Ascott London Mayfair is a fully-serviced luxury serviced apartment in London located in the heart of the city’s most exclusive Mayfair district, offering easy accessibility to the area’s most scenic attractions


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 Kuala Lumpur Serviced Apartments or even businessmen looking for corporate housing should find the park quite accessible from the commercial city centers. Located in the KL central business district, adjacent to the Petronas Towers, an Ascott Kuala Lumpur Service Apartment caters 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.