RSSSep|10|2006
Hotel Utse Kathmandu
Posted by Zahir as Asia, Backpacking & Budget, Cities
On the topic of “Lost Horizon” (which you can guess by now I have a thing for), I have to say that one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever had was to Kathmandu about 5 years ago.
On the foothills of the Himalayas, arriving in Kathmandu was like I had landed straight into a Tintin book. It was exotic, chaotic, old and smelt of incense everywhere - I loved it.
My husband (then boyfriend) and I stayed at the Hotel Utse in Thamel, the tourist district. It was by no means luxurious in any way, but it had the perfect local flavour we wanted. Oh, and it was also very clean, comfortable, friendly and cheap with pretty …
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Sep|08|2006
Banyan Tree Ringha’s Lost Horizon
Posted by Zahir as Asia, Getaways, Hotels, Luxurious, Resorts, Romantic, Spa
Like the Aman-junkies (devoted Aman resort followers who langorously troupe from one luxury Aman resort to another), Banyan-junkies are now flocking to the latest Banyan Tree hotel high up in the mountains of Yunnan, China which opened this month.
Amid a Tibetan-style atmosphere of meditative Buddhist temples, prayer flags and gorgeous mountain views, the hotel is located a gasping (literally) 10,500 feet above sea level in a beautiful part of Sothwestern China in between Tibet, Myanmar and China’s Sichuan province.
The rooms are massive and decorated rather somberly with dark woods and large splashes of Chinese red lacquer and quilted curtains teeming with Tibetan flavour. The smallest room of the hotel, the Tibetan suite sprawls at 2,200 square …
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Sep|06|2006
Fiji’s Top Five Islands
Posted by Zahir as Getaways, Luxurious, Oceania, Resorts
Hollywood stars have long regarded the idyllic Fiji islands as favourite paradise. And with good reason, its far away from nosing paparazzi (well, geographically miles away from LA at least) with some fantastic resorts offering not just comfort but all-important privacy.
Here are the top five picks for a celeb-worthy holiday in Fijian paradise:
1. Yaqeta Island
Part of the volcanic chain of islands of the Yasawas, here you’ll be treated to seemingly endless stretches of white sand, glimmering blue lagoons and fantastic diving, snorkeling and fishing.
Resort: The Navatu Stars - Huts from $350
2. Denarau Island
In close proximity to the airport through a causeway, this island is a good …
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Sep|04|2006
Epic Train Journeys: The Palace On Wheels
Posted by Zahir as Adventure, Asia, Gourmet, Historical, Luxurious, Romantic
No place in the world can really match India in terms of pure, unadulterated exoticism. The colours, culture and smells of the country often said to be overwhelming in every sense, making it a fascinating place to visit.
The Palace on Wheels, is the journey fit for a maharaja. One of the most luxurious trains in the world, it takes you through a seven-day journey through Rajasthan, where you’ll be taken through some of the most stunning landscapes of Asia in royal style.
The journey starts at the Delhi Cantonment Railway Station where you’ll be greeted with a ceremonial welcome by brightly dressed staff, complete with garlands to adorn your neck.
For the next seven days, prepare to be …
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Sep|01|2006
Epic Train Journeys: The Blue Train
Posted by Zahir as Adventure, Africa, Gourmet, Historical, Luxurious, Romantic
Africa is one continent I have yet to explore – imposing mountains, vast plains and of course the big 4 in their natural habitat – it all just seems so wild and mysterious.
Maybe its my penchant for colonial elegance ( think White Mischief), but I do believe that one of the best ways to see this magnificent continent is through the famous and ultra-luxe Blue Train of South Africa.
The transport of choice of kings and heads of state, the Blue Train is really akin to being a 5-star hotel on wheels. Instead of a rickety hard carriage seat, picture yourself in a gorgeous suite furnished with a spacious bed complete with fine cotton linens and a goose …
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