Koo Samet is part of Khao Laem Ya - Ko Samet National Park, which encompasses Khao Laem Ya on the mainland, as well as various islands in the region.“Diamond Beach” (also known as “Crystal Sand Beach”), is an especially beautiful and popular beach for Thais and expats living in Bangkok during long weekends. Hat Sai Kaeo is about one-third of a mile long and is filled with things to do. In addition to swimming, many tourists enjoy jet skiing, windsurfing and riding banana boats — a long, yellow inflated float that bounces riders off if they don’t hang on tightly enough.
Where you choose to stay on Ko Samet depends largely on what your ideal scene is. The east coast is the most popular, as it's dotted with sandy beaches, coves and most of the island's restaurants, bars and accommodation. The tiny west coast beach is more secluded and upscale, with only three top-end resorts to choose from. Though the nightlife on the west coast is fairly limited, the resort bars see a fairly good crowd coming to watch the sunset over the water.
Monday 29 June 2009
Hat Sai Kaew beach, Ko Samet
White Sand Beach, Ko Chang Thailand
Ko Chang, “Elephant Island,” is the second largest island in Thailand and located just over 180 miles east from Bangkok, near the border of Cambodia. Ko Chang’s best beaches are on the west coast. It’s almost shameful to name one of them as the best, as they are all breathtaking, but White Sand Beach is the most popular of them and quite an idyllic spot. Explore the entire west coast of this island if you can; there are many hidden bays with few people about.
Sea Eagles, monkeys, epic views and jungle noises are all around, and if you're lucky you may spot the majestic Great Hornbill, resident of Ko Chang but rarely seen. Ko Chang is somewhere you can let your hair down a little, where perhaps those who hit the road in years gone by can capture the spirit of this wonder that we call travelling, yet enjoy the facilities that they yearn in today's society.
Ya Nui Beach, Phuket
Small and secluded, places like Ya Nui Beach are becoming a rarity on Phuket. Located between Nai Harn and Rawai beaches, this cove has a lovely strip of sand that's ideal for swimming and snorkelling. A quiet road runs past the beach and, on its other side, you'll find several modest bungalow operations aimed at backpackers and families travelling Phuket on a budget.
Ya Nui beach was badly hit by the tsumani and all of the bungalows in the valley were destroyed. Many businesses with low-lying locations chose not to rebuild, and Ya Nui would likely look very different if it hadn't been for this cataclysmic geological event. As unlikely as it is, locals are wary of a repeat so the rebuilding that has occurred is further up in the hills.
The only structures you'll find on the beach now are shacks selling food and drinks or renting snorkelling gear. During the high season you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas (200B) and roaming beach vendors and masseurs occasionally make an appearance. Everything except a few bungalows close for the low season, giving Ya Nui beach a deserted feeling.
Sunday 28 June 2009
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, Thailand
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is located on the Southwest coast of Phuket Island in secluded Kata Noi Bay, less than an hour from Phuket International Airport—and a world away from all care. Resting along 850 meters of unspoilt white sandy beach, embraced by lush green hills and sparkling blue ocean, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort recalls a tropical dream. Warm sands, the soft rhythm of lapping waves, and gently swaying coconut palms relax your senses—while our six swimming pools, six restaurants, and full-service spa delight them. Every interior was recently renovated in graceful contemporary Thai style, blending elegant design with the quiet sensuality of natural teakwood, sandstone and silk to create a feeling of complete relaxation.
Rooms & Suites
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort offers 479 low-rise guestrooms and suites, all with private balconies or terraces facing onto the ocean, pools or our tropical gardens. Choose from the beach-front suites in our luxury Thani wing or, just across the lane, the garden setting of our superior Bhuri wing—both newly remodeled in contemporary Thai design that weaves the sensual beauty of nature into every element.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort has everything you need for a complete holiday getaway, so that you can do as much—or as little—as you want.
Six nature-inspired Swimming Pools, both fresh- and salt-water, and three Jacuzzis complement the azure Andaman Sea, just steps away.
Dining
We offer you a choice of six Restaurants to suit your taste and mood, from beachside barbecues to fine gourmet dining, featuring both European and Thai cuisine, as well as 24-hour Room Service.
Personal Care
Pamper yourself with one of the complete body and spirit packages at our luxury Tewson Spa or relax to ocean breezes and the sound of the surf with a poolside Massage, Manicure or Pedicure. Other personal care facilities include a full-service Hair Salon and private Health Clinic.
Sports and Recreation
For the active vacationer, we feature two Fitness Centers, Sea Fun Divers Dive Shop, two Tennis Courts, Aqua-Aerobics*, Petanque and Table Tennis. If your taste runs to quieter pleasures, try our Sauna, Game Room, Billiards, Thai Cooking Classes, or Library. And to please the whole family, we have a Nightly Musical Review*, as well as a Kids’ Club to keep the little ones active, so you can do nothing at all.
Shopping Nearby Activities
World-class 18-hole Golf Courses at Phuket Country Club and Loch Palm Golf Club are less than 30 minutes away. Other nearby activities include diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, parasailing and mini-golf. Our tour desk arranges a variety of tourist activities as well as excursions to neighboring islands.
Friday 26 June 2009
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Thailand
Located in the tropical paradise of Phuket’s West coast in a secluded cove, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort is set amidst 40 acres of lush foliage, sprawling golden sands, and the emerald Andaman Sea. A mining centre during the 16th century, Phuket employed many Hakka Chinese miners, and China’s rich cultural influence can still be seen on the island today as well as the colourful influences of Portuguese explorers.
The hotel features six meeting rooms, two lagoon-size swimming pools, four tennis courts, a pair of air-conditioned squash courts, a world-class spa, a variety of land and sea sports facilities, a discovery centre for kids, and a historic cruiser that offers unique cruise adventures. 10 restaurants and bars allow for a gastronomic journey around the globe. The 417 superior rooms and 53 luxury suites are enriched with local Thai design, complementing the resort's tropical setting. These, along with superb five-star amenities, provide creative holidays that are delivered with comfort.
The resort is just minutes away from some of the celebrated sites of Phuket, including the lively shopping and restaurant district of Patong, the 29 ornate temples that dot the island, hiking trails through ancient limestone caverns, and scuba diving through the Andaman Sea’s translucent indigo waters.
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort offers a truly unique experience in every one of our stylish 470 guest rooms and suites. The architecture captures all the charm and elegance of traditional Thai design, while blending naturally and harmoniously into its lush tropical landscape. Warm earth tones in addition to the luxurious sitting and work areas create an inviting ambiance. Handcrafted Teakwood furniture, rich Thai silk fabrics and traditional artworks, and five-star amenities provide an unforgettable experience. Wake up every day with a romantic sunrise backdrop and watch a warm sunset with your loved ones from your personal balcony that offers views of the lush gardens, the Andaman Sea, or the large lagoon-shaped swimming pool.
At Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort we have a large range of both land and water-based leisure and sports activities for you to choose from. Warm up with a trip around the hotel on our exercise circuit. Once the pulse is racing, keep up the momentum with a quick game of tennis, squash, volleyball, or table tennis. For those who like a bit more excitement, our rock-climbing wall will challenge you. For golfers, we have just the spot to practice your swing, under the helpful eye of our golf pro at the driving range. If you seek a little less strenuous activities, we also offer darts and mini-golf for your enjoyment, together with a number of board games available in the Similan Lounge. Just off the beach lies a world of activities and exploration. Now is the time to do those things that you promised yourself. Whether you're experienced or a beginner, we have the facilities to meet your needs. Learn to sail, windsurf, dive, or just go snorkelling off our beach. After a busy day of basking in the sun or challenging yourself to one of our many leisure activities, we recommend a rejuvenating spa treatment at Le Spa. Many exotic spa treatments await spa lovers in one of the 10 private stylish teak wood massage rooms, with natural foliage and aromas all created for your restoration of mind and body. Come and experience our world of pure relaxation where luxury and pleasure blend to create a sanctuary of peace and tranquility.
Eriyadu Island Resort, Maldives
Located in the remote northern corner of North Male Atoll, Eriyadu is oval in shape, surrounded by white sandy beaches and has a shallow lagoon. The house reef is accessible 24hours a day and is excellent for snorkeling and diving. This is a great island in the south west season, when diving is really at its best in North Male Atoll.Eiryadu Island resort is 475,000 square feet and is located in North male' Atoll, 42 Kilometers (26 miles) from the airport the island is oval shaped and surrounded by white Sandy beaches and crystal water lagoon. The beautiful house reef is excellent for snorkeling. The island is covered with lush vegetation. On Eriyadu all the rooms have been recently renovated to offer you the best in comfort and facilities. A very private, family atmosphere - only 66 Superior rooms on the island.
Accommodation
Accommodation on the island is in 66 semi-detached Superior Rooms, each with their own deck area. All rooms face the sea and are set just behind the tree line, with direct access to the beach. The rooms are simple but stylish and have air-conditioning with overhead fan. The en-suite bathrooms have fresh hot and cold water, shower and bathtub, hair-dryer, IDD telephone, mini bar, satellite TV and safety deposit box.
Superior Room
Superior Room : A very private, family atmosphere - only 66 Superior rooms on the island. All rooms are air-conditioned with additional ceiling fans. IDD telephone and satellite TV - your connection to the outside world. Keep your valuables safe in the safety deposit box in your room. Help yourself to a refreshing drink from the mini bar. Have a shower in your own private garden or relax in the comfortable bathtub under the stars. A balcony, desk, hair dryer - we thought of everything.
Deluxe Villa
Delight yourself in one of the carefully appointed beach fronted deluxe villas just few yards from the lagoon. These rooms are decorated by the dancing shades of the palm trees surrounding the island. Relax on your personal veranda or enjoy a bath in the open air.
Restaurant and Bar
Eriyadu offers variety of cuisines including Oriental flavors, western cuisine, exotic cocktails, vegetarian choice, sumptuous buffets, a la carte menus, delicious snacks - simply too good to miss. Eriyadu does not only offer a wide range of activities in and out of the water, but is also the ideal starting point to explore more of the Maldives on the sea or under the sea. There is something for everyone.
Facilities & Services
While you are in the Eriyadu island resort Maldives you can enjoy a range of activities such as table tennis, carom, badminton, beach basketball, beach volleyball, canoeing, catamaran sailing, snorkeling, paragliding, windsurfing and diving.
You may choose to unwind on the beach and enjoy the activities above the surface. After enjoying the sun, sea and sand throughout the day, you can relax at the bar of Eriyadu resort located beside the water. Stay in Eriyadu Island resort Maldives to enjoy the twin experience of stunning panoramic views and warm hospitality.
Diving
If you're a lover of sports, you'll deem this resort the perfect place. Diving facilities are available. Here meet old friends, or make new ones. Our professional Dive Instructors take you to the unknown world of surprises. Follow them and explore.
Jade Mountain Resort, St Lucia- Carribean
Jade 
This is an exclusive resort with a slight difference in that it is a luxury exclusive resort within a luxury resort. What that means is high above the
Guests at the Jade Mountain Resort have a good choice of dining options. You can eat in your sanctuary off the extensive suite service menu at any time of the day or night.
Then you can eat at the Jade Mountain Club which is at the very top of
Thursday 25 June 2009
Filitheyo Island Resort, Maldives
Filitheyo Island Resort is the only island resort in the un-spoilt Faafu Atoll. It opened in 1999, on this uninhabited “Robinson Crusoe” island of swaying palms and soft white sand. In the unspoilt North Nilandhe Atoll, surrounded by turquoise water brimming with coral and marine life, it is the perfect haven for those who are seeking privacy. The management are dedicated to bringing unpretentious elegance and style to the beautiful escapist surroundings.
On Filitheyo all our Villas have been designed and furnished with your comfort in mind to make you feel at home. Every morning you will be greeted by the magnificent sea view and your room will be a cool retreat after a sunny day on the beach. All bungalows blend in harmoniously with their natural surrounding which named as 15 Deluxe Villas (Kihaa Villa), 94 Superior Villa (Miri Villa), 16 Water Villa (Kaashi Villa). The international and experienced chefs know how to delight your taste buds with sumptuous exotic buffets and creative tropical cocktails. On Filitheyo every guest is special and they will try to anticipate your every wish. Service is efficient, caring and unobtrusive - they look after you as if you were part of the family.
Recreation On Filitheyo we have never heard of word "boredom", there is simply too much to do: on land or in the water, during the day or at night, on your own or with friends. It would be a sin to leave the Maldives without exploring its magnificent underwater world either by snorkeling or diving. The first and only resort in Faafu Atoll introduces you to an underwater world that has hardly been touched by man. Filitheyo Island Resort is a resort with lots of repeaters through out the year due to the beauty and excellent food and services. A truly beautiful island with its natural house reef with colorful marine habitats.
ACCOMMODATION
The 125 wooden, thatched roof villas are scattered around the island. Some are built partially over the crystal clear water of the lagoon. All are air-conditioned and ceiling fan and heated desalinated water in the bathroom.
The 84 Miri Villas (Superior rooms) (95 sqm) are with twin beds or four poster beds, mini bar, hair drier, stellite TV. IDD telephone, timber deck and partly open bathroom with w.c. And outdoor shower.
The 10 Miri Villas (family villas) (191 sqm) are for family use and have interconnecting door. Each has a mini bar, hair drier, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, either twin or four poster beds, sitting area, a timber deck and partly open bathroom with open air shower.
The 15 Kihas villas (Deluxe Villas) (111 sqm) are detached and have a mini bar, hair drier, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, either twin or king size beds, sitting area, a timber deck and partly open bathroom with bath tub and open air shower.
The 16 Kaashi Villas (Water Villas) (146 sqm) are built on stilts over the crystal clear water of the lagoon. They are detached and each has a four poster or twin bed, sitting area, mini bar, hair drier, satellite TV, IDD telephone and bathroom with w.c, bathtub and private wooden deck
RESTAURANT
Our international and experienced chefs know how to delight your taste buds with sumptuous exotic buffets and creative tropical cocktails. Theme buffets in the main restaurant, Coffee shop and "Sunset bar" for snacks in-between and a drink during sunset, "Abandoned Ship Deck" - the popular meeting place in the evening, Pool bar counter - refresh yourself both inside and outside and Barbecue on the beach under the stars.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Catamaran Sailing, Windsurfing, Night Diving, Canoeing, Table Tennis, Volley Ball, Badminton, Male' Excursion, Island Hopping, Aerial Excursion, Big Game Fishing, Night Fishing, Cultural Shows, Live Music.
Diva Maldives resort, Maldives
Diva Maldives is an paradise island resort, surrounded by a crystal-clear lagoon and miles and miles of ocean in shades of blue and turquoise. This is the place for a real break, far removed from the bustle of modern life, on a beautiful island, full of tropical greenery, surrounded by a fabulous lagoon, perfect for swimming and snorkelling and close to the Maldives’ best dive sites. Maldives is famous for its marine diversity and especially for its whale-sharks, which average well over 20 feet in length. The country has some of the most fabulous sites for diving in the world and luxurious Diva is the ideal base. The most beautiful sites are less than an hour from the Resort. The boat journey makes diving trips even more enjoyable. Guests set out in dhonis, a traditional Maldivian form of boat, and an experience in itself. The sea is never closer than in the exclusive Water Villas, standing on stilts over the lagoon. You can simply slip from your own private deck into the water.
Diving.
From the resort, guests can access some of Maldives’ most beautiful sites and encounter parrot fish, eagle and sting rays, clown fish, stone fish, and whale sharks. It is almost impossible to describe the beauty of the nearby dive sites in words. Magnificent is an understatement. Two diving sessions are organised daily, with at least one monitor for 4 divers. The sites are about 1.5 km apart and the fauna includes tuna fish, barracudas, king fish, eagle rays, small white sharks and turtles. Dive sites include Maamagili, suitable for beginners, Aa Thila for the more experienced and Thinfushi Beru Tila for advanced divers.
Water Sports
The reef area itself is full of colourful specimens, many peculiar to the region. The boathouse organises trips for snorkelling over the reefs, as well as catamaran excursions. Windsurfing, rubber ring and banana rides, water-skiing, wakeboards, jet-skiing, pedal boats and kayaks are also all available. The boathouse also arranges catamaran and windsurfing lessons, given by staff trained by the VDWS, the German watersports training centre.
Lanikai Beach, Oahu Hawaii
Lanikai Beach, Oahu is over a mile long and, yes, bring the camera, this is the most spectacular beach for photographs on the island. Postcard perfect, the water is amazingly crystal clear. Couple that with the swaying coconut palms and you have the makings of a photo op you won’t soon forget.
It’s sheltered by a wide, protective offshore reef, the kind you see in those pictures of Fiji. So the shoreline is a natural swimmers paradise. You will find kayaking and outrigger canoeing (gotta try it!), sailing and surfing all within view of this gem in the Pacific. Or, do like the locals and just come down here for a relaxing day at the beach - tan, read, enjoy the break. This is a gem and much recommended.
In the Lanikai Beach you can try windsurfing . You can try your skill by renting a board or taking lessons from the local shops, or grab that camera again for some memories to take back to the mainland.
Wednesday 24 June 2009
Kapalua Beach, Maui Hawaii
Kapalua Beach is especially well suited for families with small children. It is situated on a sheltered stretch of a crescent shaped bay that protects it from any rough surf. Kapalua beach is a lovely stretch of sand that is one of the safest to swim at. Thus, it is a popular choice among families. Situated amongst the signature grove of 12 acres of century old coconut trees and nestled directly on world-famous acclaimed Kapalua Beach is one of Maui's premiere beach front luxury communities. We invite you to come vacation at Kapalua's Coconut Grove, a truly luxurious gated beach front accommodation with direct sandy swimming beach access at the most treasured location in Kapalua Resort.
Kapalua beach is about 15 minutes north of Ka'anapali beach. There is only one hotel walking distance to this beach, the Kapalua Bay Hotel.
We have been coming to Maui for years and years. At Kapalua Resort, guests are immersed in an authentic sense of place tied to the very essence of Maui. Beyond the deluxe accommodations and lush, tropical surroundings, Kapalua Resort guests experience Maui's people, culture and traditions in a way that most visitors only dream about. There is nothing comparable to this development on the island of Maui. A very special place for your home. The island of Maui boasts over 30 miles of white sand beaches that range from world-renowned stretches of sand that are easily accessible to undeveloped secret spots known only to locals. Each of them however, features Maui's signature crystal-blue waters, gentle cooling breezes and endless skies. Located on the northwestern shoulder of the Hawaiian island of Maui, Kapalua is only minutes from the historic whaling port of Lahaina. Hawaiian in spirit and setting, it offers so much richness, so much beauty, that people awaken to new potentials. While Hamoa is a public beach, the exclusive Hotel Hana Maui maintains the beach facilities, including beach luaus and Polynesian hula dancing.
This famous beach fronts Kapalua Bay Hotel & Ocean Villas and includes a beach activities desk offering a wide variety of water sports equipment and activities including snorkeling. The beach cove that fronts the Kapalua Bay hotel is the stuff of dreams: a golden crescent bordered by two palm-studded points. The sandy bottom slopes gently to deep water at the bay mouth; the water is so clear that you can see where the gold sands turn to green and then deep blue. The Four Seasons Hotel, one of the best beach resorts in Hawaii, is located at this beach, and there is a Shopping Village nearby.
The Meridian Club- Pine Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands
The ultra-exclusive Pine Cay belongs to The Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Crown Colony located southeast of the Bahamas and about halfway between Florida and the British Virgin Islands. Aside from a settlement of Arawak Indians dating to A.D. 800, Pine Cay had no permanent population until the mid-20th century. Even today, this small private island, which is just over one mile wide and two miles long, has only a handful of inhabitants. Cars are not permitted, nor will you find televisions—the island's owners are passionately dedicated to preserving its undisturbed state. It is a truly secluded haven. Also at home on Pine Cay is The Meridian Club, a secluded, environmentally sensitive retreat—and the only resort on the island—situated along two miles of rugged beachfront. Guests can stay in twelve guest suites or the Tiki-hut style Sand Dollar Cottage, which is nestled along the shoreline and dunes. Privately owned cottages are also available, and all have water views. The Cabbage Patch, located seven minutes by buggy ride from the Club, is of note with its full kitchen, covered porch and sunbathing deck.
Three meals a day are included with your stay, and breakfast may start with freshly-squeezed juice and a lobster omelet, buttered red snapper, grits and coconut waffles. In the evening, after a dinner of fresh fish served poolside by candlelight, you can watch the stars from the upstairs lounge. Also fun are the West Indian barbecues and buffets accompanied by local Caribbean music.
As for between-meal pursuits, there is swimming, snorkeling, shelling, playing tennis, fishing, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, biking, walking and bird watching. And then there is our recommended activity. Each lunar month, five nights after the full moon, and 55 minutes after sunset, an amazing phenomenon occurs in the current that ebbs from the Caicos Bank, a short boat ride from the Club: the mating of a worm-like sea creature called Odontosyllis Enopla causes a 15-minute display of underwater luminescence. We suggest you time your trip to this natural occurrence and add to the magic of what is sure to be an already magical stay.
Luxury Resort on Marigot Bay in St Lucia, Carribean
This exclusive resort blends into the hillside above
Discovery at
It is a luxury resort in every sense of the word, possibly one of the top three luxury Resorts in St Lucia, and here you will find every modern facility you can think of.
Monday 22 June 2009
Antalya Mardan Palace Istanbul
The Mardan Palace, a $1.4 billion luxury resort, was unveiled just the other night at an opening party in Antalya, Turkey. The turnout of the party included over 600 international dignitaries, as well as celebrities. The guests were able to dine on top of the Mediterranean’s largest swimming pool and enjoying some great performances from Tom Jones and Mariah Carey. Some guests that showed up at the grand opening of Mardan Palace included Paris Hilton, Sharon Stone, and Richard Gere.
The guests that attended the opening of the hotel also got to see fireworks and a laser light show as they dined on Atlantic lobster and Black diamonds, which is an Italian black truffle.
The Mardan Palace represents Turkey’s first five star destination resort. The hotel was the vision of Telman Ismailov, who is the chairman of Russia’s biggest developers AST. The hotel has 560 rooms and includes two royal suites that come with private pools.
The architecture of the hotel keeps Turkish heritage in mind and has helped the hotel reflect distinctive landmarks located around Istanbul. The main hotel resembles the Dolmabahce Palace, and the bridges across the pool are based on the design of the Da Vinci Bridge.The Mardan Palace also boasts a 7500sqm spa, as well as 17 bars and 10 different restaurants, including Japanese, Russian, French, and Thai style. Rooms at the hotel range from €360 per night up to €14,000 per night. The most costly rooms are, of course, the ones that come with the private pools.
The Mardan Palace also boasts a 7500sqm spa, as well as 17 bars and 10 different restaurants, including Japanese, Russian, French, and Thai style. Rooms at the hotel range from €360 per night up to €14,000 per night. The most costly rooms are, of course, the ones that come with the private pools.
