Monday, December 29, 2008

Designer Hotels - Palazzo Versace


Versace Expands Luxury Resort Brand

A few months ago Trend Hunter featured the Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast, Australia’s most expensive hotel. Now Gianni Versace is building an opulent resort in India, and another in Dubai.

The Versace chain of luxury hotels hopes to complete their project in the Middle East by 2009. Rumor has it the hotel will have 214 suits, 190 condos and multiple pools.

Expansion plans don’t stop there, however. Versace wants to increase their brand status in the world of luxury reports, all of which are to reflect the “Renaissance palaces in Europe and its classical architecture,” the India Times said. “The Gold Cost resort houses a 750-kg chandelier owned by the legendary designer Gianni and its driveway has the second largest pebble mosaic design in the world made of rare Italian and Brazilian marble.” Via: economictimes.indiatimes


In the Gold Coast of Australia we find Palazzo Versace, a glamorous hip hotel where opposites attract. Specifically, the interior design exudes the opposites trend, which we have seen from several designer collections this year. There are dramatic contrasts from one room to the next, and even the exterior shows a sharp contrast from the main reception.

In order to extend the signature label into a landmark Hotel, Donatella Versace brings together inspirations and influences from around the globe - reflecting past and present, classical and contemporary under a luxury style. This is the perfect place for these people who loves to lives a fashion and trendy lifestyle and enjoy the luxury shopping experience found in the Gold Coast.

The second trend we are noting is the number of designers that are shifting their creativity to Hotels, Homes, and Offices. Another great example is The Keating Hotel by Pininfarina Design. Via: palazzoversace.au



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Thursday, December 25, 2008

Fashion Rock'n Roll Hotel -


The Pavilion in London

The 30-room Pavilion Hotel in central London combines fashion and rock and roll.

The hip boutique hotel was founded by brother and sister, Danny and Noshi Karne. Noshi is an interior designer, and Danny is a former fashion model. They decided to create a hotel which brings together all the funky and glamorous images seen in high fashion photo shoots and editorial spreads. The Pavilion has actually been also used for that very purpose. It has appeared in magazines such as Vogue (on their website you can have a look at the monthly shots taken in their rooms) and was the background for several films and music videos.

Each of the 30 rooms is themed and furnished with a quirky eccentric style.

“Honky Tonk Afro” room is a tribute to the 1970’s. The “Casablanca Nights” room has a deco-inspired Moorish fantasy look. The “Monochrome Marilyn” room has a touch of Hollywood glamour. “Enter the dragon” Room reproduces the atmosphere of an Eastern love house. There are also a “Goldfinger”, “Metallica”, and “War and Peace” rooms.

It’s a hot spot for celebrities too. Just to name a phone, some of the most recent VIPs include Leonardo di Caprio, Naomi Campbell, Sugar Babes, Craig David, Kate Beckinsale, Daft Punk, the Libertines, Beach Boys and Duran Duran.

If your stuck for a cab why not ask Danny if he can lend you one his cars including a Range Rover, a yellow Ferrari Modena and a purple Lamborghini Diablo.





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Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Death Star Inspired Hotel


Officially, they’re calling it the “Full Moon” - everyone else is calling it the Death Star. Yep, in our very own galaxy (specifically, Baku, Azerbaijan), the construction of Star War’s most famous man-made planet is being planned. The Death Moon is going to be a 521-feet high hotel with 382 rooms, 35-plus floors, and a fighter-jet refueling portal. Where is Azerbaijan, anyways?

Via: gizmodo



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Sunday, December 21, 2008

Places to See in India - Bollywood!


To me India is the country of colors, unique entity, and a full kaleidoscope of emotions. India is a very big country. Even a year of travel by foot would not be enough to be able to see it or understand its people and its culture completely. Its stories bring you the farthest back in history, and it has one of the most ancient living civilizations (it is about 10, 000 years old). India is the sixth largest country in the world, and has second largest population in the world after China. It is so diverse that does not have a single official language. More than that, every state in India has its own official language or even languages. In a way, I can say that mentality of Indian people was and is mostly carved and influenced by their history, customs and later by Bollywood movies.

Nowadays India images and description often is associated with poverty, but it was not always like that. Christopher Columbus discovered America by mistake, because he was actually looking for a shorter way to India, which was one of the richest countries in the world at that time.

Here are a few interesting facts about India:

1. It has the largest democracy in the world, after it obtained its independency in 1947; it made a big progress in all fields of human activity.
2. Scientist Aryabhatta from India invented the digit zero and the number system.
3. The earliest school of medicine known to humankind was Ayurveda. The father of medicine, Charaka, consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.
4. Sanskrit is considered as the mother of all higher languages. This is because it is the most precise and therefore suitable language for computer software (according to a report in Forbes magazine, July 1987).


If you decide to travel to India, I will recommend a few cities to visit.

- City of Agra, because there you will be able to see Taj Mahal, built as a monument of eternal love, by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 17 years to complete this splendid white mausoleum. It incorporates Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles of architecture.

-City of Mumbai, is a must to visit if you love Indian culture. Mumbai, also originally known as Bombay, it is one of the most famous, bustling, cosmopolitan cities in India. It is the financial, industrial, and the fashion center of India, the fashion trends set by the movie industry which is also known as "Bollywood". Teeming with over 16 million people it is a city that never sleeps!


- Jaipur city, or also called pink city because of the red sandstone used to build the palaces, is in the northern part of India in the state of Rajasthan. Jaipur is famous for its exquisite jewellery, handicrafts, handmade rugs, textiles, handmade quilts, and comforters. Jaipur has a timeless appeal in its colorful bazaars that sells Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiration, not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi colored costumes that make Jaipur a tourist's paradise.

- City of Shimla, it is placed in the north-west region of the Himalayas. The hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks and visitors come here to this gorgeous "hill station" to escape the oppressive heat in summer months. At only 16 km from Shimla is the town of Kufri, which is considered the winter sport capital of India. It offers skiing, river rafting, and trekking.

In addition, it is worth to see the smallest state in India, Goa. It has amazing beaches, and is visited by hundreds of thousands of international and domestic tourists each year. Goa is also known for its temples and world heritage architecture,including the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, which makes it one of the biggest Christian pilgrimage sites in Asia. The best time to visit Goa would be beetween October and end of February. Otherways you may arive in the midle of the seazon of monsoon rain, or uncomfortably hot sun.


Bon Voyage to anywhere your heart desires! - Aoureliou Televko



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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Singapore Nightlife Spots You Must Visit


Singapore has really lit up of late and the nights in the city and entertainment areas have never been quiet. There is never a dull moment with beautifully dressed people, disco lights, exotic drinks and even more wonderful events that have kept Singaporeans and visitors busy all the way till six in the morning. Nightlife in Singapore has transformed since the portrait of stars transposed into its map and now its a bright shining sun - one that only reveals itself at night.

Singapore has also opened its doors to more and more foreigners and the overall tastes of the clubber has been refined of late. No more is it a question of just a bar, some music and some lights, but clubbing is now about a brand, an experience, something different and some of these bars and clubs have really stood out. Places like Clarke Quay is really one huge example of the efforts of the nightlife industry sculpting a name for itself with a landmark to dazzle crowds. Places like IndoChine, with its mystical and alluring theme sit proudly as one of the places that promises an experience like no other. If you are looking for shows to inspire your entertainment, then look out for clubs like Belini Grand or Azzuca, where acts from Europe and Spain will make you want to move with sultry and exciting dances and singing that will amaze you.


Still in Clarke Quay, there are places that can boast a concert experience with some of the best local and international acts from the region and the world doing a whole medley of genres, covers and even some originals. Pump Room, a microbrewery that also has one of the best bands in Singapore, Jive Talking, is one such place. Arena, Gotham Penthouse and Le Noir are also just some examples of the nightlife spots you can visit for a concerto experience.

If your palette is yearning for the latest and most creative cocktails in a swanky environment with plush sounds and even plusher seats then cocktail bars and clubs like the Loof, Alley Bar, Geek Terminal and even Harry's Bar will definitely impress with their wide selection of cocktails that will have been inspired with anything from cakes, desserts to even movie themes. Microbreweries are also a feature in Singapore with places like Brewerks, Archipelago, Pump Room just some of the names in the vat of ever expanding breweries in Singapore, serving up a foam filled, original and creative concoction in a pint glass.

Dont forget St James Powerhouse, a massive triplex and more - a giant PowerStation converted into a massive club that houses over six different clubs - each with their own theme, music and atmosphere. There is no limit to what you can do at night, when the sun goes down the horizon doesn't turn dark - it is lit up with hundreds of potential places to get your groove on, sip on a tiramisu martini or just sit back, relax and enjoy a performance like no other.


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Saturday, December 13, 2008

Nightlife in the Dominican Republic


For many people, vacation is one of the few times they can unwind and have a great time. Because of that, there is a focus on nightlife when someone is visiting a new area. If you are getting ready to go to the Dominican Republic, you will be pleased to know you will be able to participate in an amazing nightlife. There are parts of the Dominican Republic that light up after hours, and you will be able to spend hours out on the town.

There are many options when it comes to nightlife in the Dominican Republic. You can go dancing, listen to live music, or hit the casinos. You will be able to fill up your nights doing exactly what you want to do. There are truly options for everyone.

If you want to have drinks by the beach, the Aura Beach House in Juan Bolio is a must. This is one of the most popular bars in the area. It attracts a diverse crowd, from wealthy people to young people just looking for a good time. With the perfect atmosphere and talented DJs, this club is a must. You will be able to dance the night away, or sit and have drinks. Since it caters to many different age groups, it also caters to different styles. You can relax or go wild.

If you want to have a wild time without limits, there is a club you can visit that is certain to deliver. Occidental Grand Punta Cana is the home of the Disco Mangu. This is a great place to go if you like a wide variety of music and you love to dance. You will be able to have a night full of drinks, dancing and fun when you go to this club.

Santo Domingo is another great place to spend the late hours. You can go to the Atlantis World Casino to try your luck at gambling. After you get done there, you can go to one of the many clubs in the area.

La Masia is one of the best clubs in Santo Domingo, thanks to the live music. When you visit the club, you will get to hear music from actual musicians instead of watching a DJ spin a record. You can listen to jazz music, along with other music. You will get to have a taste of the Dominican Republic and its musical culture when you visit this club.

If you are traveling to the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, you might want to try the Crazy Moon. This dance club is one of the most popular in the area, and for good reason. This club has a lot to offer. You will be able to dance the night away with throbbing beats, and you can hang out at the bar and get a little rest in before you start dancing again.

IF you want to travel from one club and restaurant to the next, Boco Chica is the perfect place to go. You can go to Calle Duarte, which is the main street, and wonder through the area. Bars, restaurants and shops line the street and you will be able to have drinks, grab a bit to eat, or get some shopping in.

The Dominican Republic is the place to go if you are looking for a fun nightlife. You will be able to pack your nights full with all of the fun you can find in the area. You will be able to go to exciting bars and clubs, and also take in some great casinos. If you love to go out at night, you are sure to find something you will enjoy in the Dominican Republic.



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Friday, December 12, 2008

Winter Road Trip Destinations


Winter Travel is a good time to learn how to "go with the flow" because even though you have to do additional ROAD TRIP PLANNING to have the extras on hand before you embark on the trip, traffic delays may require you to "stop and smell the roses" even when those roses have you stalled in bumper-to-bumper traffic waiting for the road to clear up ahead.

This is where your ROAD TRIP PLAN B comes into play. If you're a couple, this is a nice time to pull out a CD, kick back and rest your eyes while enjoying the music. If you're a family, pull out those car games, watch a DVD together, or simply start a round robin conversation (What I'm most looking forward to on this trip is...?). Keeping everyone comfortable and in good spirits will be the order of the day, and if you've planned for such things, it can actually be a fun time, albeit cramped.

When planning your itinerary, pay extra attention to towns or cities near roads you think may pose traffic delays or closures. Add activities to your itinerary that could keep you and your passengers occupied if delayed for more than four hours. That way, you can pull off and go shopping, take in a movie, enjoy a long lunch or early dinner, or stroll through a museum. Add a couple of nearby hotels to the unscheduled section of your trip planner just so you'll have the information on hand should the traffic delay be more than 8 hours.

ROAD TRIP PLANNING SAFETY TIPS
* If you are traveling with your family by car, get your vehicle inspected and check the weather conditions immediately before the trip.
* Cancel the trip if you are traveling to winter destinations and the weather forecast predicts a snowstorm.
* Some roads are not recommended unless you have a 4x4 vehicle.
* Carry snow chains
* Include a Delay of Game kit filled with snacks, car games, energy drinks, portable DVDs, portable games, blankets.
* Stow an emergency kit in your trunk containing batteries, blankets, collapsible shovel, flashlights, food, gloves, ice scraper, rubber boots, ski caps, and water for those times when you may be stuck in your car for 8 hours or more.
* ALWAYS keep your gas tank at least 1/2 full. Do not drive that last quarter tank assuming you will get to the next service station.

hotels.com Raod Trips

And now, putting the above precautions aside, and the reason you're doing all this planning is...WINTER ROAD TRIPS ARE FUN! Just getting to your destination is more exciting because snow transforms the landscape from the ordinary to the extraordinary. And once you get to your destination, there's toasty fireplaces, snow boots creating puddles by the front door, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Not to mention activities you can only do during Winter like sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides!

So what are some PRIME WINTER DESTINATIONS? Here are some to get you started on your Road Trip Planning.

FOR THE FULL-ON WINTER WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE:
* Alaska Experience with All Alaska Tours (this Road Trip can give you the Winter touch even in the Spring)
* Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario
* Banff & Jasper National Parks in Canada
* Lake Tahoe in California & on the Nevada side
* Mount Rainier in Washington
* Pigeon Forge Winterfest in Tennessee
* Salt Lake City in Utah

However, Winter does not always mean knee-deep in Snow: Here are some grand Winter Road Trips where you'll be hard-put to find snow (other than possibly some frosting atop distant mountains).
* Sedona Arizona - Red rocks, jeep tours, hot air balloon tours, shopping, spas, dining, festivals...great for a couple needing some time away from the kids.
* Las Vegas , Nevada - Vegas isn't just about gambling & night-life, though it certainly carries both in abundance. Vegas offers winter visitors a plethora of daytime activities to enjoy.
* Virginia Beach, Virginia - Go whale watching.

Winter getaways offer activities you won't get to experience any other time of the year so maximize your fun by planning a winter road trip now!

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Exotic Places of Canada


AN ENORMOUS COUNTRY, NO ROOM FOR BOREDOM

Canada's varied climate is suitable for extreme pursuits of all types, with everything from cold winter snow to warm summer sunshine. The daunting Canadian Rockies lay along the border between British Columbia and Alberta, and contain dozens of top-notch ski resorts whose snowy peaks attract adventurers during the chilly winter months. The Pacific Ocean off the coast of British Columbia provides numerous adventure options when things start to warm up during the spring and summer, while Quebec and Ontario offer vast parklands, brilliant lakes and some mountainous terrain. The environment in the territories of Northern Canada is less forgiving and is comprised mostly of tundra, which is defined as being near-treeless mountain terrain. Up there, extreme cold-weather ventures, such as snowmobiling and dog-sledding, are prevalent.

EXTREME DESTINATIONS

British Columbia Kayaking a Rapid on the Columbia River 2
British Columbia is acclaimed internationally for its beautiful landscape, mild weather and high-flying thrills. The Pacific Ocean provides western Canadians with access to the great wide open. Here, surfers take to the tide to test their nerves and skills against the churning brine. Tofino offers some of the most popular surfing at Long Beach. Sea kayaking is also a popular sport. Novices and veterans alike pit themselves against the deep during the summer months. However, freshwater kayaking in British Columbia is far from unheard of. The Columbia River, for example, offers plenty of rapids. A plethora of rivers, waterways and rapids speckle the entire province and allow adrenaline junkies to shoot powerful rapids in canoes or kayaks or as part of a whitewater rafting group.
Rock climbing is also popular in British Columbia and the province is generally known as the extreme climbing capital of the country. Climbers often opt to test their abilities in the Rockies, but the inland city of Squamish provides its own unique challenge at the famous Stawamus Chief, a massive cliff-faced granite giant, provides more than 1000 different climbing routes and hosts extreme national climbing competitions each summer. The area is also a hotbed for mountain biking and corresponding competitions and events.


The Rocky Mountains Catching Air in the Canadian Rockies 3
The Rockies of British Columbia and neighbouring Alberta provide an entirely different range of endorphin-juicing options. BC has over 30 ski hills, including critically acclaimed international destinations like Whistler, Big White, Panorama, Fernie, Silver Star, Kicking Horse Mountain and plenty more. Alberta boasts a wide range of slopes in and around Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. Resorts such as Lake Louise, Sunshine, Norquay, Marmot Basin, Fortress Mountain, Nakiska in Kananaskis Country and Canada Olympic Park in the city of Calgary bring in skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. For an even more extreme downhill experience, heli-skiing here has gained an excellent reputation among die-hard adrenaline junkies.
During the summer months when the snow has thawed, the mountains teem with bikers, canoeists, kayakers, whitewater rafters and other outdoor and extreme sport enthusiasts. These parks and peaks make up the single most popular tourist destination in the entire country.


Alberta Dirtbiking in Alberta 4
Alberta offers its own range of exciting activities. Like the lakes in British Columbia, prairie lakes see their share of wakeboarding and waterskiing, jet boating and all manner of other watersports. Kiteboarding and windsurfing are extremely popular on Sylvan Lake, Ghost Lake and on other fresh-watered bodies scattered across the great Canadian plains. Snowmobiling, ATVing and auto racing are also tremendously popular exploits all over Western Canada and both pastimes are rooted deep in Canadian culture dating back to the time when gas turbine engines and the vehicles that used them became abundant. And like everywhere else that receives annual snowfall, tobogganing down the various foothills, valleys and ravines and pretty much any other downhill grade occurs every winter.

Eastern Canada Windsurfing the Great Lakes 5
The eastern provinces provide just as many opportunities to be extreme as those in the west. Ontario is home to more lakes and waterways than any other province in the country, and accordingly, a ton of watersports await visitors in this vast province. Waterskiing and wakeboarding, sailing and other waterbound thrills can all be successfully sought here. Boulevard Lake is very popular with wakeboarding enthusiasts.. Skydiving, hang-gliding and paragliding in Ontario and across Canada provides what adrenaline junkies refer to as “the ultimate hit.” Bungee jumping can provide a similar rush. Ontario is also home to numerous paintballing establishments. Of course, rock climbing and similar adventures can be experienced in this vast province as well.

Paragliding in Quebec 6
Quebec's landscape is fairly similar to that of Ontario, however, the province offers a unique downhill ski experience not found in its neighbour to the west. The province has more than 30 different slopes to choose from, the most well-known being Mont Tremblant, Mont Ste Marie and Le Massif, which has more vertical drop than any other resort in Eastern Canada and ample snowfall. Quebec summers are mild and accommodate loads of crazy outdoor pursuits with high-flying mountain biking being a popular favourite. The province has a significant number of ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts and indulges these folks with many trails and parkways.

Northern Canada A Yukon Dog-Sled Exploratory 7
Northern Canada's snow-laden territories encompass an enormous area. The Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Nunavut all make up this barren landscape home to a sparse population but a ton of extreme outdoor adventures. The Yukon is home to the Yukon Quest, a 1609 km (1000 mi) race said to be the most challenging international race in the world. Dog sled teams from all over the globe rush to start the race in Fairbanks, Alaska and cross the finish line in Whitehorse, Yukon. Northern adventures and winter exploratory expeditions provide thrills unheard of when conventionally camping in a temperature climate. Tundra adventure tours are plentiful in the Great North.



Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Popular Venues To Party On New Years Eve - Book Now!


With the holidays drawing to a close, there is still one big event to mark the end of the year. New Years Eve is a time to celebrate and say goodbye to the old and ring in the New Year with a new set of resolutions and self promises.

Even if you do not make resolutions, then at least promise to have a fun time participating in any city celebration of this special day. You have earned it after a long year and a busy holiday season. Kick up your heels and check out the parties around the world.


Everyone knows about New Years Eve New York City style. The Big Apple is world famous for its Time Square celebration. The countdown begins early and the night is filled with famous bands, celebrities and of course, the ever popular host, Dick Clark. It is a New Year celebration that can entice anyone into taking a bite out of the Big Apple, but you have to get there early if you want a spot.

Party venues in London sell out quickly, but that does not mean you cannot get a steal of a deal at a bash hosted at one of the most popular hotels for this special occasion. Trafalgar Square is the site to visit if you want to do the tourist thing, but if you are in the mood to see some real fireworks, then you need to check out the London Eye's spectacular firework show. Be ready to rub elbows with your fellow party goers since last year, it was estimated that 150,000 people were in attendance.


If you are tired of being landlocked and want to see the New Year while relaxing in style and comfort, then you may want to jet over to check out a Sydney New Years Eve cruise on the harbor. Sydney hosts a world class orchestra for your listening pleasure and you can relax on the deck while watching the fireworks light up the sky. Be sure and reserve early because airfare and cruises will fill up quickly.


Travel New Years Eve may be out of your budget with the rising costs of gas, but you can still enjoy this special day's occasion in your hometown. Gather a bunch of family and friends together to ring in the New Year in your own home. You can do it as big or little as you want and still have a great time. When midnight arrives, gather around together and count down the remaining seconds together.
Author: Mike Selvon