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Showing posts with label Travel Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Stories. Show all posts
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Beautifully appointed hotel
The Pier House Resort is Key Wests most elaborate waterfront resort. Further attractions close this idiom hotel countenance Ernest Hemingway Interior and Museum and Southernmost Quantity. If you’re sensing for something a bit much friend than the Get Employ , Platform Asylum is an saint prime. Photos by: http://www.mywedding.com/
If inviting tropical views are more your style. Available with either one king or two queen beds and a patio or balcony surrounded by native tropical flora. Non-smoking rooms. Flat-panel televisions come with cable channels. Guestrooms also feature refrigerators, complimentary wireless Internet access, and premium bedding.
Hotel Facilities:
3 restaurants; 3 bars; babysitting; bike/moped rental; concierge; full-service fitness center and spa; 2 Jacuzzis; heated pool; limited room service; sauna; watersports equipment/rentals.
The resort’s award-winning restaurant, One Duval Restaurant and Bar is renowned for its excellent cuisine, highlighted by an unforgettable waterfront setting and a new cuisine style that blends flavourful ingredients of the Caribbean and Florida. This luxurious property is suited for guests of all types.
Labels:
Hotels,
North America,
Photos,
Relaxing,
Spa,
Swimming,
Travel Stories,
United States of America
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The most beautiful opera houses in the world
Opera de Monte Carlo
Located in the principality of Monaco, the Opera de Monte Carlo was opened in 1879. Designed the magnificent and extravagantly, the opera house was recently renovated. Over 80,000 gold leaves were applied to paintings and moldings, a five-ton chandelier has been entirely rebuilt. As it seats only 524, it is often difficult to get tickets. This the only opera house in the world to feature exterior views (thanks to the windows overlooking the Mediterranean) from within the concert space.
Teatro di San Carlo
Located in Naples, this is the oldest opera in Europe that has never closed the door. Opened on 4 November 1737 and then it was the largest in the world with its 3300 seats. Teatro di San Carlo is included in World Heritage by UNESCO.
The Mariinsky Theatre
Opened in 1860, this is pre-eminent theater is located in St. Petersburg, Russia. Named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Tsar Alexander II and there is a bust of the Empress in the main entrance foyer. The building was severely damaged during the 900-day Siege of Leningrad, but later restored in 1944. With its marvelous 1,625-seat auditorium it is one of the greatest world class music theatres.
Bavarian State Opera
Built in 1818, Bavarian State Opera is located in Munich and features an impressive exterior and a magnificent interior. Destroyed in World War II it was moved to another place and built in its original form. Re-opened in 1963, the State Opera seats 2,100 people. Today the opera is among the most famous in the world.
Teatro Amazonas
This opera is in the heart of Manaus, deep in the Amazon rain forest of Brazil. Opera House was constructed during the Belle Epoque – the era of rubber that makes Manaus one of the most prosperous cities on the continent. The dome of the opera is covered with 60,000 ceramic tiles imported from France and currently has 701 seats
Romanian Athenaeum
This concert hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in Bucharest. It was built in 1888 in neoclassical style by architect Albert Galeron and considered as one of the architectonical jewellery of Romania. The auditorium (28, 50 m in diameter and 16 m high) having a special acoustics, seats 600 in the stalls and another 52 in loge seating.
Labels:
Arts,
Asia,
Brazil,
Cities,
Cultural,
Europe,
Germany,
Italy,
Monaco,
Monuments,
Romania,
Russian Federation,
South America,
Travel Stories,
UNESCO,
Urban Tourism
Verana Hotel
Verana Hotel is an intimate boutique hotel on Mexico‘s Pacific coast, tucked in a remote hillside jungle just thirty miles south of Puerto Vallarta and accessible only by boat. Verana boasts indulgently private accommodations, a blend of old-world and modern designs and a philosophy of simple luxuries—all set against a backdrop of stunning water and mountain views. The whole experience begin when you disembark onto the hotel’s small, private pier. A few stone steps lead to the full-service jungle spa, which offers aqua-therapy, scrubs, massages and the like, many of which incorporate locally grown plants.
Just next to the spa center, is the one of the two hotel’s restaurant, provding lunchtime service overlooking the bay, a perfect spot to enjoy the sights, while enjoying a stellar chef’s menu, updated daily. A weekday menu might include fresh-baked bread with roasted smoked eggplant puree, guajillo chile-encrusted octopus, and caramelized pineapple with fresh strawberries and yogurt citrus sorbet.
To get to the hotel’s rooms, guests will be guided through a 15-minute jungle route up, winding stone steps to the hotel proper. Along the way, guests pass by a dramatic, eight-foot-tall urn, as well as rustic busts made in the likeness of Verana’s owners. To be more specific there are no rooms, just beautifully simple, individually-designed villas dotting the hillside combine the traditional architecture with modern design.
The hotel’s lush natural surroundings inspired the overall color palette, and its decor (all of which had to be brought uphill by man or mule) mixes streamlined, contemporary pieces with artisan-made furniture and Mexican handicrafts, carefully selected by owners, former movie set builder Heinz Legler and set decorator Veronique Lievre. Visitors can choose from open villas with traditional thatched roofs, few to zero walls and rock floors, or more modern, enclosed villas with dramatic walls of steel-framed windows overlooking the bay. The hotel’s second restaurant and spa location blend in up here as well, where guests meet nightly for a casual cocktail hour at the outdoor bar, enjoying contemporary designs and stellar service, followed by impeccable dinners—yes, once again, overlooking the bay.
If you get tired of laying down on the pool or observing the sky and ocean downhilll, or have had enough of all those pesky, relaxing spa treatments, Verana also offers private and group yoga classes, kayaking, whale and bird watching excursions, an outdoor couples starlit bath. The nearby town of Yelapa is just a twenty minute hike away, with a long, lovely beach and a local celebrity of sorts—”the cake lady” who walks up and down the beach carrying delicious cakes and pies on her head for sale. Plan accordingly though, the trail between Yelapa and Verana is impassible when the tide is in. Verana is open to the public 1 November-31 July each year, rack rates start at $380 a night.
Labels:
Central America,
Eating,
Hiking,
Hotels,
Kayaking,
Mexico,
Photos,
Relaxing,
Restaurants,
Romantic,
Sightseeings,
Spa,
Swimming,
Travel Stories,
Villas
Wanderlust Hotel, Singapore
Wanderlust is a left-field and totally experimental boutique hotel set to draw madcap voyagers and curious travellers to its doorstep. Located in Little India district in Singapore, where a bustling cultural enclave where Indian immigrants once settled, and the building was originally an old school built it 1920s. With four thematic levels of 29 rooms by award winning Singapore design agencies, each group was given full creative freedom.
The first level is the Lobby Level – Industrial Glam by Asylum A juxtaposition of the surrounding’s setting and contemporary design. Level 2 is Eccentricity by :phunk Studio. Colours everything from the walls to the neon lights and the rainbow corridor leads to a outdoor deck with a customised mosaic-tiled jacuzzi. Level 3 – Is it just Black and White by DP Architects. Walk across the black corridor and enter into the contrasting white rooms to discover Origami and Pop-Art works. Level 4 – Creature Comforts by fFurious. Get cosy with friendly monsters in each room that presents a different vibe and be assured of a fantasy-filled experience.
The lobby and restaurant Cocotte were done up in a distinctive industrial flair, which provide the perfect setting for the mismatch of furniture from Tom Dixon to Frank Gehry. Cocotte serves up a French menu and has large tables for communal dining, a small detail that very much meshes with the interactive element of traveling. Encouraging social interaction and communal dining, dishes at Cocotte come in sharing portions so guests can enjoy a unique dining experience and sample a variety of scrumptious creations by the chefs. Rooms, which also come with Kiehl’s toiletries and iPod docks, run from $300 to $650 Singaporean dollars.
Labels:
Arts,
Asia,
Cities,
Design,
Eating,
Hotels,
Photos,
Relaxing,
Singapore,
Travel Stories,
Urban Tourism
Haji Lane, Singapore
Haji Lane is a small-scale shopping in Singapore‘s hidden retail destination. Singapore has enormous, glittering shopping malls in and around Orchard Street which are wall-to-wall major-brand retailers, the stuff of a shopaholic’s dream. Anyway for those seeking something more intimate, the indie boutiques on Haji Lane are far from the roaming mall rats. Beautiful boutiques showcase rising Singaporean designers, as well as other designers from Asia and beyond, lining a narrow, backstreet of the tranquil Kampong Glam area – also known as the Arab district.
Don’t miss stores on the second floors of the charming shophouses; look out for mysterious flights of stairs through doorways at street level because you might just find find a new little world at the top of them. United Label is a wonderful shop, a womenswear brand by a Thai designer living in Singapore, as well as a selection of adorable stationery culled from around Asia. Near the entryway a staircase leads to a floor stocked with clothes from different labels. There are a few racks of items that have been majorly discounted, while others are dedicated to items like delicate, screen-printed tees.
At one end of Haji Lane is Soon Lee (no. 73), which stocks a mix of chic womenswear, accessories and lifestyle items from Hong Kong, Korea and even the Philippines. The boutique’s size (basically two shophouses combined into one) gives way to a large selection for browsing. Balancing out the shopping element, a few cafes and rest stops provide a place for breaks. A Thousand Tales (no. 55) is an all-in-one art gallery, cafe, bar, restaurant and furniture complex. While the menu next door at Bar Stories (no. 57A) sells drinks like mojitos and caipirinhas, visitors are invited to ask the bartender to make something special for them. The Scandinavian-inspired furniture is used as seating for patrons, who can buy it right there if they like it enough.
Pluck (no. 31/33) focuses more on housewares, but the cafe inside offers a revolving selection of homemade ice cream in a variety of flavors. The standouts are the Asian-inspired flavors, such as green tea with red beans or cashew-infused yogurt. There are also flavors made with alcohol, like the refreshing lychee martini.
Labels:
Arts,
Asia,
Cities,
Cultural,
Design,
Eating,
Hiking,
Photos,
Relaxing,
Shopping,
Singapore,
Travel Stories,
Urban Tourism
Monday, December 12, 2011
Museum aan de Stroom
The MAS is an impressive building with a museum, among other things. Because it is also the visible storage, the museum square with Luc Tuymans’ mosaic, the boulevard, the rooftop panorama, etc. The MAS is a total experience. Nowdays, Antwerp has its own iconic piece of museum architecture and it’s poised to make the medieval Flemish town a global destination. The Museum aan de Stroom opened last weekend to an estimated 100,000 visitors, including the Belgian royal family.
The MAS brings together the collections from the former Etnografisch Museum, the Nationaal Scheepvaartmuseum and the Volkskundemuseum. They are given a new home in the MAS along with part of the Vleeshuis Museum collection and the Paul and Dora Janssen-Arts collection. The collections are spread over four floors and are not displayed side by side. The pieces are connected through a dynamic scenography on the different floors. They don’t just impart information. They tell stories, they endure, they are actors in an ever-changing play.
Once Antwerp was a harbor village with a massive port more than seven times the size of its commercial center. In the 1600s, the city was the seat of the Dutch superpower, establishing the nation’s merchant status for centuries to come. Today, Antwerp belongs to Belgium and it’s still a city defined by its watery borders. And it’s there, just off the River Scheldt between the historic city center and the up-and-coming industrial neighborhood het Eilandje, that the MAS Museum steps into its starring role.
With this museum, Antwerp got a a striking ten-story monolith of stacked boxes in alternating red Indian limestone and undulating glass. The architects, Neutelings Riedijk from Rotterdam, rotated each level 90 degrees, allowing the escalators to ascend around the perimeter of the museum. The effect is a moving viewing platform affording wraparound views of the city, from the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady to the domed Centraal Station to the grittier docklands and warehouses in the immediate vicinity of MAS.
Labels:
Arts,
Belgium,
Cities,
Cultural,
Europe,
Events,
Museums,
Photos,
Sightseeings,
Travel Stories,
Urban Tourism
The best preserved Roman city in the world
The most interesting thing in Libya is not a conflicting image of Muammar Gaddafi. In the center of the cradle of civilization will find ancient history and outstanding nature. The ancient city of Leptis Magna was one of the most prominent and cities of the Roman Empire. Its ruins are located in Al Kums, Lebanon – 130 km. east of Tripoli.
The city probably was founded in the 6th century BC by Phoenician colonists under the aegis of Carthage and became a major force in the Mediterranean. Lebanon is not an easy country to visit, but the magnificent Roman site of Leptis Magna makes it well worth the effort. The city remained under the dominion of Carthage to the end of the Third Punic War and then passed to the Roman Republic. At the time of Julius Caesar in the city live 100 000 people. Leptis contains some of the world’s finest and well-preserved remains of Roman architecture in the Mediterranean. In 1982 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
World’s longest road tunnel
With its 24.5 km, Laerdal Tunnel in Norway is the longest road tunnel in the world. It was built on modern standards and, unlike other tunnels, where drivers make just a few minutes or hours in darkness, Laerdal is divided into four parts, among them are open and vast expanses.
Lights do not just enough to see where you drive, and mimics the sun at sunset. The best thing about tunnels is that to go on it should not pay any fees. Work begun in 1995 and the tunnel was officially opened in 2000. The construction cost cost 1,082 million Norwegian krone (€ 240, 000).
Villa Grimaud
This is a newly renovated, 6 bedroom Provencal farmhouse in France with beautiful gardens.It is a perfect family home placed into the hillside alongside a small tributary of the River Giscle, very close to the town of Grimaud.
The property is surrounded by forests and the views from the house stretch over it is own vineyard into the Prignon Valley.
An outside dining area in the au-vent is shaded by a profusion of wisteria and morning glory and leads to the well equipped Provencal kitchen and dining room. The open plan interior has a balustrade and a few small steps leading to an attractive sitting room with open fireplace and French windows.
Loumde
This is a lovely villa, located in the tranquil area of l’Oumède in Ramatuelle,France.Offering a large lush garden with pine and palm trees, the villa is a peaceful paradise with views over the sea
Recently renovated, the interiors are spacious and tastefully furnished with light and modern furniture, wooden beams and stone floors. All rooms are in immaculate condition and offer every comfort.
The large open plan living room and dining room have doors opening onto the garden and a covered terrace, from which one can enjoy the sea views, and the attractive pool area . A fully fitted kitchen and three double bedrooms are on the ground floor, while the master bedroom is on the first floor with its private terrace. All bedrooms have their en-suite facilities and air-conditioning. The pool house provides extra accommodation for two guests, as it is equipped with a double bedroom and en-suite bathroom, an outdoor kitchen/bar and has a own private access. There is also an alarm system in and around the property.
Labels:
Cultural,
Eating,
Europe,
Relaxing,
Sightseeings,
Travel Stories,
Villas,
Walking
Villa Riviera
The area of Super Cannes in France is one of the most attractives of the Riviera. Situated on the heights of Cannes and Golf Juan, it is known to preserve its parks and is the elected district of the high society. This magnificent villa is located on a perfect place offering panoramic sea vistas of the Cap d’Antibes .
The interior is decorated with excellent taste in the style of a Provencal palace , with bright colours which gives a warm, relaxing environment. This villa benefits from the Côte d’Azur sunshine thanks to numerous large sliding windows and is furnished with beautiful furniture from the XVIII century.
The property covering 700m², is very private and can accommodate a dozen people in great comfort due to six luxurious bedrooms and offers, amongst other things, a heated swimming pool with a summer kitchen for meals ‘al fresco’, a Jacuzzi overlooking a splendid sea view, a billiards room, an auxiliary office and even a lift.
Labels:
Chillin,
Cultural,
Relaxing,
Romantic,
Sightseeings,
Travel Stories,
Villas
St.Maxime
St.Maxime is an exclusive, newly built , 5 bedroom vacation house locatedd in the Domain of Beauvallon, France.It is just in walking distance to the beach and the golf course.
An exquisite, brand new villa nestled in the Domain of Beauvallon and walking distance to the beach and the golf course.
The house and the pool are surrounded by a pretty garden with flat lawn, olive trees and various plants.The interiors are tastefully decorated with modern furnishings and an African and Asian style. The spacious living room has bay windows opening onto a large sun terrace with a comfortable sitting area. The fully equipped kitchen has a pleasant dining area with a terrace. All rooms are facing the pool and the garden.
Labels:
Chillin,
Cultural,
Relaxing,
Romantic,
Sightseeings,
Travel Stories,
Villas
Villa Cap D’Antibes
This lovely villa is placed in one of the most amazing parts of Cap d’Antibes,France.
It is very close to the famous “Grand Hotel du Cap” and is only a 5 minute walk from the sea.This family friendly villa is simply decorated however it is equipped with Wi-Fi internet and Sky satellite
The living room, kitchen and two bedrooms lead out onto a sheltered terrace and pool area. The master suite consists of a large bathroom, dressing room and balcony with lovely views.
Villa Iles D’or
Placed just outside the hilltop village of Gassin in France, this attractive vacation house boasts a tranquil location and great vistas over the countryside to the sea and the Iles d’Or.
The main reception room is very spacious, with sliding glass doors leading out onto a partially covered terrace where there is a large dining table and sitting area. From here one can enjoy the splendid views and also keep an eye on the children playing in the pool on the terrace below.
On the side of the house, there is another dining area under a pergola, a perfect place to enjoy the beginning of the day.
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