Travelogger

The Maldives is the World’s Most Romantic Destination



February is still several months away, but who says you can’t have a romantic vacation any time of the year? If you are looking for a destination that will ensure you of the most romantic time of your life, you can’t do any better than the Maldives. This popular travel destination was recently hailed as the most romantic place you can visit for a vacation by the World Travel Awards.

The World Travel Awards started 17 years ago, and has since then become a leader in acknowledging the best in the travel and hospitality industry. Their mission is summarized as:

Separating the good from the outstanding.
Identifying companies that consistently excel beyond expectation.
Taking customer expectations to a new, unparalleled high.

This year, the Maldives have impressed the guys behind the Awards. More than being listed as the destination …



Fort Galle: South Asia’s Gem


galleGalle Fort is often called the gem of South Asia, and after a 2-week holiday there, I cannot agree more. Upon entering the fort’s walls, one is transported to another world – one that existed centuries ago. Old merchants villas line the streets where a quiet street-life prevails and just recently, a handful of “boutique hotels” and specialty shops have sprouted around, all keeping in line with the romantic architecture of old Asia.

We rented the most charming “Emma Villa” through the Galle Fort Hotel, and it came with two very sweet houseboys, Sanjay and Nissanka as well as a nanny Harmony (who we later discovered was actually called Ramani) who although didn’t speak a word of English, was a dream with our two energetic toddlers. The house was beautifully furnished (with a tiny swimming pool no less) but the best part was the …



Banyan Tree Ringha’s Lost Horizon


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 feet and all the other rooms of the hotel are likewise on two floors.

The bathrooms are equally grand and spa-like in size, with more lacquer and tubs so large that …



Refreshing New Jersey


colonaddeNew Jersey is known to have one of the most culturally diverse population in the whole US. People of different nationalities setting up shop creating a unique mix of food, culture, history and hospitality like a basket of fruits that all taste good. From the wonderfully relaxing beaches to the many leisure activities that can be enjoyed day and night comes the time when you need a bit of rest form all the exciting offerings the state has to offer.
from the Sea Isles to the other wonderful beaches many hotels and local inns abound to give tired souls a place to relax and recharge for another days adventure. Some of the best Jersey Shore hotels can be found near the wonderful beaches making it ideal for beach lovers and their families to have a relaxing …



Luxurious Valentines Getaways


roses-for-valentines-day-thumbGot some cash to spare? Are you yearning to pamper yourself and your partner for Valentines? If so, take a look at some of these luxurious destinations that will surely make both of you happy on Valentines Day, courtesy of About.com.

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Phoenix, Arizona
This resort and spa is one of the cheapest on my list – rates start at $600++ per night. Their Valentine offer is dubbed Escape to Romance and the package includes the following:
• Overnight stay for two
• Rosetta Ridge champagne, chocolate strawberries, or truffles and rose petals delivered upon arrival
• Couples massage
• Dinner for two at AAA Four-Diamond Ristorante Tuscany or the steakhouse
• Breakfast in bed
• 2 p.m. late check out

Inn of the Five Graces
New Mexico
Here’s a cheaper package for $500++. For this price, you can Paint the …



Great Valentines Deals At Orbitz


valentines-day_002996_1_mainpictureDo you celebrate Valentines Day? Even if you have been married for years and have children, travel on this special day should not be dismissed. In fact, you might actually want to take this opportunity to go on a break and go on a getaway – just the two of you. If you are looking for such a chance, you might want to pay Orbitz a visit, as they have a lot of sweet deals for couples this Valentines. To give you an idea, here are some of the deals they currently have on offer:

Top Destinations for the 2009 President’s Day / Valentine’s Day Weekend(1)

Ranking Destination …



Discovering Turtle Island


Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have your own private island? Or wanted to feel like a celebrity? Well, staying in Turtle Island in Fiji will give you a good idea of what “privileged” feels like. This super-romantic island hideaway is guaranteed to give you a taste of paradise. Turtle Island is even famous for being Hollywood’s idea of paradise, having been the site of the Blue Lagoon films.

Turtle Island gives unparalleled exclusivity, admitting only fourteen couples at one time. It’s designed primarily for couples, with activities such as romantic picnics for two, intimate moonlit dinners at seaside, horseback riding at dawn, relaxing and sensual massages. Indeed, the island is a prime choice for honeymooning celebrities, such as The Bachelor’s Trista and Ryan, Nick and …



Travelling Pregnant: Preparations


pregnant travel

When I found out that I was pregnant (for the 3rd time!) a couple of months ago, some of the issues that came to mind was having to cancel a trip to Singapore for our anniversary in July (too early in the 1st trimester), and the long-postponed Christmas trip to Europe (at 8 months, forget it). A bore, but the good news now is that I’ve just entered the “honeymoon period” of pregnancy, also known as the 2nd trimester, which means, yes, we have a 2-3 month space to plan a fabulous holiday before life gets even crazier with a third child.

When one is pregnant, the most vital aspect to keep in mind is the safety and health of both Mum and baby. Obviously that vetoes ultra-exotic destinations where jungles and industrial strength mosquito repellent are involved, multiple-modes of transport (including camels, bumpy dirt tracks, …



Westin Family Package, Nusa Dua: Thumbs Up!


ddd

It was the first time we took our two kids, ages 5 and 2 on a proper family holiday abroad without any help to speak of, so when when it came down to choosing the best hotel in Bali, the Westin Nusa Dua seemed like the perfect choice. Not just because it looked pretty, clean, and was in a safe neighborhood, but because of its Kids Club and the reasonably priced “Family Package” (from US$135 ++) which promised my husband and I the chance of some ” R & R” in our two-week holiday.

Upon arrival at hotel, the kids were given paper bags, each containing a sippy cup (refillable at any of the resort’s f & b outlets), which upon receiving they promptly started filling with the bowls of boiled sweets on the tables. I was also given a handy info sheet which said that …



Dream Honeymoon Destinations


To celebrate Traveloggers nice new look I have decided to spend this post sharing my dream honeymoon destinations. The places listed below are definitely pricey but worth it if you can afford it! Perfect for first time honeymooners of for those who want to celebrate a special anniversary.

France – Of course France is always part of anyone’s list when it comes to romantic getaways. Paris would be great but France has so much to offer that you really would need to spend an entire month touring different parts of France. The only problem with France would be that you might end up focusing on the tours instead of the romance. Wanting to cover as much as you want of France make sure you don’t end up getting caught in a frenzy as you try to see the Alps at Provence, the vineyards at Bordeuax and Champagne, the rugged beautiful coastlines …