"

Monday 6 July 2009

Beau Rivage, Great Family Vacation Hotel


Mauritius, and great family vacation are synonymous, always providing you have the money. The Beau Rivage Hotel is a very good example of what is meant by that. The Beau Rivage makes for a great family vacation because it caters for children of all ages, from an excellent Kids Club with inside and outside accommodation and qualified hostesses, so that younger children can be cared for all day.



A great family vacation needs activities for all age groups and not just mums and Dads. There is plenty for the active to do with a gymnasium, table tennis, beach volleyball, petanque, mini golf, exercise classes with Yoga, Tai-Chai. In the evening there is some form of entertainment every night, from pianist to bands, which are great to listen to, if the bar prices weren’t so extortionate. Soft drinks, and water are extortionate at about £3 for a bottle of water, and more for a coke. Be warned that shops close to the hotel are wise to this, and they have marked up their prices, so it’s worth going a little away from the hotel area to shop for a better price. All in all the Beau Rivage will give you a great family vacation in Mauritius, at a price. It can call itself a luxury hotel, and you will enjoy your holiday there.

Friday 3 July 2009

Great Skiing at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler


The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, in Whistler, British Columbia, is a gorgeous alpine resort in the shadow of Blackcomb Mountain. Rated as the number one ski resort in both Canada and North America in recent years, the Whistler Blackcomb resort is one truly not to be missed. British Columbia is home to many of the world's best ski resorts, and Whistler Blackcomb certainly reaffirms this.The impeccable reputation of the resort is only further bolstered by the eight thousand acres of pristine skiing, and over thirty-five feet of powder white snow which falls every single year, making Whistler Blackcomb the destination of choice for savvy ski enthusiasts the world over.

When it comes to skiing facilities, you'd naturally expect the Whistler Blackcomb resort to have it all.Catering for a broad cross-section of skiing abilities and tastes, there are over one hundred different runs to keep you occupied on your stay.The natural beauty of these resorts is obvious, and the facilities just add to the overall experience. In the lap of luxury, you can experience world class skiing, indulging in connoisseur black diamond runs, and lightening fast ski lifts. With an astonishing 57,000 skier per hour capacity, the Whistler Blackcomb resort is not only high quality, but also in high demand by those in the know across the world.And after you're active day, relax in the warmth and comfort of the resorts bars and restaurants, where you can share a joke or two over an open fire when it's cold outside.For most people, it really doesn't get much better than that, and that's why the resort has attracted such acclaim, on top of its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities.

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, in Whistler, British Columbia, is a gorgeous alpine resort in the shadow of Blackcomb Mountain.Rated as the number one ski resort in both Canada and North America in recent years, the Whistler Blackcomb resort is one truly not to be missed.British Columbia is home to many of the world's best ski resorts, and Whistler Blackcomb certainly reaffirms this. The impeccable reputation of the resort is only further bolstered by the eight thousand acres of pristine skiing, and over thirty-five feet of powder white snow which falls every single year, making Whistler Blackcomb the destination of choice for savvy ski enthusiasts the world over.



But don't worry if you don't know how to ski - the resort also boasts activities like golf, a health spa, gourmet restaurants, attractive walks and hiking. There really is something for everyone at the resort. Additionally, if you'd like to learn to ski, there really is nowhere better. The Whistler Blackcomb resort also employs a one thousand-strong teaching staff, making it one of the biggest skiing and snowboarding schools in North America, and indeed in the world. Whistler Blackcomb boasts an unparalleled number of world class instructors, which serve to ensure a high standard of training for all the school's participants. Additionally, with a range of training and tuition programmes available, the Whistler Blackcomb resort truly is one of the best locations in the world to improve your skiing skills.

The Fairmount Chateau Whistler is a truly unique skiing experience, making use of its beautiful natural resources, and a flair for quality and service.Any vacation at the Chateau Whistler will be an experience not to be forgotten, and with a wrought-iron reputation, you'll find many skiers choose to go back year on year for their annual vacation.
If you're looking for a good tip for vacations to the Chateau Whistler, you could do worse than to book direct through their website.By cutting out the middle man you are paying only the hotel price and no commission, which means you can benefit from a much cheaper stay. Additionally, on the Fairmount website, you will find last minute bargains and offers which are simply unbeatable anywhere else, so you might just find that your once in a lifetime skiing experience costs a lot less than you had anticipated.

Bunaken Dive Resort, Indonesia


The Dive Resort situated on Bunaken Island the the center of "The Bunaken - Manado Tua National Marine Park". The Bunaken - Manado Tua National Marine Park geographically located in Indo Pacific region and holds the richest marine diversity on the planet, where the Bunaken island is considered to be one of the top diving destinations.





Bunaken island received some publicity when the marine biologist Dr. Mark Erdmann found a living Coelacanth here, a specie of fish some 60 million years old and have never been seen before. The waters around Bunaken island are home to dolphins, whales, turtles, sharks, rays, sea snakes, sea cows, barracudas, tunas and the list goes on.
Water temperatures in Bunaken island vary between 27-30 degrees Celsius all year around with a visibility generally between 20 40 meters. As a good value for diving enthusiasts we provide great accommodation as well. There are many options for guest to take advantage of the outstanding snorkeling opportunities just 100 meters in front of the resort, at dawn or night above the magnificent drop-offs. Our philosophy is offering unforgettable diving adventures with the highest quality and service at reasonable price. We also have experienced local dive guides available for every dive trip. Safety and convenience is our main concern; we dive in small groups with not more than 4 or 5 divers per guide. Our equipment is regularly checked and maintained. We provide air from a regularly serviced compressor.

Thursday 2 July 2009

World-Class Dive Destination in Philippines


Philippines is located in the center of the coral triangle which boasts of the most biodiversity and marine-rich waters on earth. Because of this, Philippines is called as Asia’s Dive Capital according to the Department of Tourism. Philippines is known to the world to have more than 500 coral species and more than 2,000 species of exotic marine fish in the world.

Because the 7,101 islands Philippines is sourround by crystal blue water, it has many dive sites that tourist can visit and explore the thrills of the deep sea. Divers around the world was so amazed of the dive sites here in the country that they keep on returning to back to dive. The Philippine waters is full of colorful, exotic and different underwater wildlife that divers around the world would like to explore.


Philippines has many dive sites, here the popular world-class dive destinations that divers around the world always visit.
1. Anilao : Just a two-and-a-half hour drive south of Manila, Anilao, is regarded as the birthplace of diving in the Philippines. There is something for everyone here - from snorkeling, to sites for both novices and the experienced diver. In the mid-1960's, a whole coral reef was transplanted onto a large rock formation close to the shore. Contrary to popular belief at the time that the adventure would fail, the coral has flourished. As a result, diving has developed and is at the forefront of the industry in the Philippines to this day. Visibility is good and the opportunities for photography are excellent. Unfortunately, as the area has developed, so some of the more negative aspects of this have become evident. In particular, dynamiting, collection of corals and shells and over fishing are just some of the challenges that Anilao and Batangas must face. Luckily, these are being addressed. Most of the best dives are actually found around the islands of Sombrero and Maricaban, a short boat trip away from Anilao.

2. Coron Bay: This dive destination is located in Busuanga island, Palawan and is also the home of the wreck Japanese World War Ships. This is also the one of the best wreck dive site in the world. In the waters of coran Bay, you will find limestone walls which rise to heights of 22 meters offering a spectacular view above and below water.

3. Moalboal: This dive spot is located in Cebu. Moalboal boasts the Pescador and Sunken Islands where it is one o the favorites of the underwater photographers, divers and snorkelers. Moalboal has a beautiful reek that it house beautiful marine life such as eagle rays, turtles, devil fish, white tips, moray eels and etc.

4. Puerto Galera: This dive destination has the most beautiful natural harbor in the world. Puerto Galera is known as the Pearl of Mindoro. Puerto Galera has world-beach resorts, coral reefs and beautiful dive sites.

5. Apo Reef: This dive destination is located in the west coast of the island of Mindoro. Apo reef has an amazing drop-offs and walls. Divers love to dive in this site because has an excellent visibility and is good for photography. Here at Apo Reef, you will find big school of fish like tuna, barracuda, trevally, hammerheads, white and black tip reef sharks, manta, eagle and sting rays, and turtles.

6. Malapascua: This dive destination is also the home of the world-famous beach resorts. Malapascua has beautiful coral gardens and excellent dive spots. If you would like to see thresher shark everyday then Malapascua will not disappoint you.

7. Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park: This marine park is located in the southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This marine park is composed of two beautiful reef systems - the North Reef and the South Reef. You can see rare species of endangered sea turtles as well as rare species of exotic fish.

8. Apo Island: This dive destination is the most populous and diverse aquatic ecosystem in the world. This ecosystems was replicated at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago on a 27,000 sq. ft. area costing million. Apo Island is located in Negros Oriental.

9. Balicasag Island: This dive site destination is located in Bohol. This island is surrounded by coral reef that it is good for diving and snorkeling. There is a marine sanctuary at the southern side of the island and you can see soft and hard corals there. You find exotic marine life such as anemone, crinoids, sponges, barracuda, jacks and etc.

10. Subic Bay: This dive destination is one of the best wreck dive site in Asia. It has 25 Japanese war ships that sunk during World War II. Subic Bay is best for wreck divers.

Natural Wonders of Cebu, Philippines


One of the must-sees when in Cebu is the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary and Art Gallery of the multi-awarded artist-lepidopterist J. N. Jumalon. This haven for nature and butterfly lovers is located near the Basak Elementary School, Barangay Basak - Pardo, Cebu City, is a butterfly sanctuary cum botanical garden. The sanctuary provides a natural habitat for at least 53 butterfly species and different kinds of moths. Aside from the butterfly sanctuary, the place also boasts of Lumalon’s lepido-mosaic “paintings” which are not actually paintings but artworks made of discarded butterfly wings. The butterfly wings, which come from other butterfly collectors, were recycled using their natural colors in creating art, rather than use factory-processed pigments.

Jumalon’s butterfly collection, which is perhaps the oldest in the country, is also featured in the art gallery. The collection includes exotic butterflies from different countries. Orchid Farms. Thett Orchid Gallery in Moalboal has one of the biggest orchid displays in South East Asia. Growing over 200 kinds of orchids, the orchid farm is even a major supplier of potted plants and orchids in Cebu. Here you can find tropical orchid varieties from Asia, South America and Hawaii, rare orchid varieties and even Vandas and Cattleyas that have big flowers. Olango Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the ways to experience nature in Cebu province is to visit the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern part of Olango Island. The island is located six miles off the East Coast of mainland Cebu. The wildlife sanctuary has atotal area of 920 hectares and consists mainly of sand flats and mudflats, mangrove forests, sea grass beds, sandy ridges and coconut groves.

The discovery had a great impact on bird studies in the East Asian Flyway, one of the most important shorebird and water bird migration pathways in the world. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the peak of the migration months when most birds have arrived at the island. To reach the island, one can take a jeepney ride from Cebu City to Lapu-Lapu City at the terminal at the North Reclamation Area. Upon arriving in Lapu-Lapu City, take a tricycle or multicab bound for Angasil then disembark at wharf beside Portofino Beach resort, take a pump boat to Sta. Rosa in Olango Island. Diving Around Cebu. Cebu is a haven for diving enthusiasts, whether beginners or experts divers. The island is surrounded with beautiful diving spots that will surely captivate local and foreign tourists. Among the popular dive sites in this island province are the dice sites in Mactan Island and in Malapascua Island such as the Monad Shoal, Tapilon Japanese Wreck and the Doña Marilyn Wreck. There are also the popular dive sites in the southern part of the province such as the House Reef, Pescador Island and Sunken Island in Moalboal and the Wall of death in Santander. There are even dive operators that offer dive tours called dive safaris.

Beautiful Coral Reefs in Bohol Philippines



Bohol is surrounded by beautiful and color corals. It is also known that Bohol is also surrounded by large coral reefs. This is the reason why there are many professional and newbie divers want to experience diving in Bohol Philippines. Coral reefs in Bohol is very accessible to divers. Coral reefs makes the waters of Bohol very rich in marine life.


Considered a diver’s paradise, Bohol is surrounded with beautiful coral reefs that never fail to attract professional and even neophyte divers. In fact, one does not have to go deep into the sea just to get a glimpse of marine life in the island of Bohol. By just putting on snorkeling gear, one can already observe some of the corals at beaches in Panglao. The coral reefs in Bohol is one of the prime tourist attraction in this island. Many tourists and visitors go here to see the underwater paradise around Bohol. Many species of corals and tropical fish can be found in this natural underwater living habitat.

White Beach in Boracay Island, Philippines Review


The Boracay island with its long white beach has been one of Asias best-kept secrets. The mix of foreign culture and a close local community is quite unique. It’s already a fait accompli that large masses of land are soon going to be moved in the north of the island. There they intend to build resorts and housing for the better off; construction on the obligatory golf course is already well under way.


There are two climate patterns here locally known as the Habagat season, literally southwest wind, and the Amihan season, literally the cooler northeast wind season. Tourists usually come to Boracay during the Amihan season, which runs from September to June, when the climate is amiable for a nice tropical vacation. As a general rule of thumb, Boracay will be in the Amihan weather pattern from sometime in September or October to sometime in May or June and in the Habagat weather pattern for the remainder of the year. These dates can vary in individual years, though. In addition, resorts are starting to appear and the various types of water-sports (para-sailing, banana boats, jetskis, water-skiing, etc.) are using this area during the White Beach off-season (May-Oct, when the Habagat wind blows). Access to the D’Mall Shopping Center is only a 5 minute walk and a couple of minutes later you are on White Beach with all the crowds, restaurants, bars, discos, etc. Pedicabs are also available for transport along the Beachfront Path. Other means of transportation include mountain bikes , quadbikes and motorbikes , all of which can be rented. Microtel is a new American style hotel with a beachfront resort feeling. The hotel has a swimming pool and restaurant on the beach, and a shuttle that runs to White Beach continuously. Red Coconut Beach Hotel stands as a distinguishing beachfront landmark in the Central Boracay area, known as an excellent venue for memorable vacation holidays. By its unique name, it offers comfortable and gracious hospitality to each and every guest. That is because during the period, which comes amid the summer season in the region, local tourists flock the island to spend the long holiday weekend. Easter weekend is usually the most fun weekend not just in White Beach, but also in the entire Boracay. Understandably, this part of Boracay is the busiest, nosiest and most crowded during the high season. Running parallel to White Beach is the Beach Path which separates the beach from the commercial and resort areas. We really enjoyed our stay in Two Seasons and brought home a couple of brochures that I will distribute and recommend to my friends and relatives. Sayang lang we have to check out early because of the re-scheduled flight with Cebu Pacific.



In the Boracay Island, you can try , sailing, skim boarding, windsurfing, fishing and scuba diving. You can also try mountain biking, horseback riding, kite boarding, hiking or trekking. It is surrounded by landscaped garden and gazebos, great place to unwind, relax or simply hang out with friends or loved ones. We have the widest beach front and our free wi-fi high speed internet range can access up to the beach front, so while you lay away worries and relax with a wonderful view of the seascape stay connected with friends and relatives and enjoy a refreshing drink made especially for you by our bartender.You get all the entertainment, fun and frolic, relaxing massage, sumptuous meals, drinks and dancing all in one roof that is Boracay Regency Beach Resort.The hotel features a modern convention center that can accommodate 650 people. At the end of the day, unwind with a relaxing massage. The island never runs out skilled masseurs offering massage services by the beach.

Hamoa Beach, Maui Hawaii review


Hamoa Beach is not protected by any fringing reefs, so big surf is extremely dangerous. Strong currents are also present outside of the bay. The safest time to swim is during the summer and early fall. Closely monitor ocean conditions at all times and don’t be crazy – obey all those postings and warnings.The south-eastern coast of Maui near Hana has provided creative inspiration for many who have found their way to this unique and powerful place. While completing his 12th book, “Hawaii”, the unspoiled natural beauty led author James A. Michener to call Hamoa Beach the most perfect South Pacific beach.



The beach is a long strand of soft grey sand tucked between lava rock outcroppings. Because the waves break right at the shore, it can be a dangerous beach, especially during high surf. Body surfing and boogie boarding can be difficult here due to the shorebreak.You know it’s beautiful, but if this is your first trip to Maui, going to Hamoa Beach is going to take some planning. First off, you’re probably going to be staying on the other coast. Maybe near Kihei, along in that area. You’ll have to plan a day to take a trip to the Hana Coast – along the Hana Highway. Hamoa Beach is along that highway. And in there is a problem.If you’re not careful, you’ll end up spending hours sightseeing along the highway and by the time you get all the way out to Hamoa Beach, well – it will be late in the day and you’ll be driving back in the dark. What I suggest here, is to book a day in a small hotel in Hana, and go all the way there, stopping along the way from Kihei. Then the next day, spend a lot of time exploring the beaches and inlets along the coast. It is really spectacular and you cannot go wrong this way.

Wednesday 1 July 2009

Pink Sands Beach at Harbour Island, Bahamas


Pink Sands Beach located on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, just 50 miles east of Nassau. So close to mainland USA that to miss this beauty would be unforgivable. So, we didn't. And others make it a point to visit this wonder of nature as well.Harbour Island is a tiny speck, only and so narrow, you can easily see the other "coast". Whoever first set foot here 3 1/2 miles longtruly found paradise. It has one of the oldest Bahamian communities. Know the pictures of pastel colored houses? They're here! From the 1800's right on the shoreline, what a memory. If you're here for the beaches, make sure you take in the culture. Walking is best, followed by a nice ride on a golf cart. We were thinking that stocks in the local golf cart mechanic might be a winner. A real treat and "winner" as well is the food here. Don't let "conch" scare you. Yes, it's related to the snail, but tastes totally different.


The beach is pink because of the red coral in the area. Mixed with the white sand it appears pink. What was striking to us is the contrast with the deep blue sky and the green vegetation. Opportunities for pictures abound. Best times are early morning before you get too many harsh shadows messing up your shot, and late in the afternoon. Don't worry about not having enough light. The sun is almost always shining here. Rain showers occur mid afternoon. The shore slopes slowly and the sandy bottom goes for quite a ways out. Some coral remnants and rocks are clustered about, but no need for shoes. Try walking as far as you can on the beach. If you're not thinking of going in the water, take a set of good walkie-talkies from home and keep in touch as you both explore this side of the island.

Kama'ole Beach Parks, Kihei, Maui Hawaai



Kama'ole gets it's name because the central plains area, when viewed from the air, looks like a big valley sitting between the two volcanoes that formed this Island. The Island of Maui's flower is the Lokelani rose and the island's color is pink. Kamaole hotels and condos are cool because we found a children's wading pool and shopping, dining, golf and water sports are all available nearby. The large grassy areas near this area a very parky feel. There are volleyball courts and a nearby skate park if the beach isn't enough. Four tennis courts and eight BBQ areas, and ample free parking can also be found on many beautifully manicured grounds. Enjoy a cool swim in the pool or take a leisurely stroll across the street to enchanting Kamaole Beach Park III. To get there, just follow South Kihei Road south to the end (don't turn left onto Okalani Drive up the hill). Continue straight to the parking lot. Kihei is a sprawly place, strung out along the coast for several miles but never more than a mile wide. The main road north-south along the ocean is South Kihei Road and it contains almost all the hotels, condos, restaurants, shops and beaches. Convenient to everything in Kihei and close to Wailea as well. The South Coast has the BEST snorkeling and diving and we were so close.



Big Beach is the longest, undeveloped white sand beach on Maui, so it attracts many people who are looking for a beach with no homes and no hotels. Only sand dunes covered with kiawe trees occupy the back shore. Maui's Kahului airport is a short 20 to 25 minutes drive away. Grilling is often our dinner of choice both because of the variety and quality of fish, chicken and steaks on Maui and because our kids are exhausted by the end of the day. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, walking or boogie boarding, as well as magnificent ocean and sunset views. Condos near Kamaole Beach Park in Kihei offer large swimming pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, exercise room, tennis courts, barbecue facilities, putting green, shuffleboard, croquet, volleyball court and an activities tour desk. Choose from units with panoramic ocean views or garden views.