Wednesday, May 1, 2013

World's Largest Swimming Pool In Chile

World's Largest Swimming Pool In Chile
World's Largest Swimming Pool In Chile
World's Largest Swimming Pool In ChileWorld's Largest Swimming Pool In Chile

Already cartoon the crowds in the South American resort of San Alfonso del Mar in Chile, this bogus lagoon and pond basin is eight hectares in admeasurement and contains an absurd 250,000 cubic meters of water. Acknowledged by Guinness World Records as actuality the world’s better pond pool, the lagoon trounces all added almanac holders in the category, including the Orthlieb basin in Casablanca, Morocco, itself a huge 150 meters by 100 meters – the San Alfonso basin is 1km in length. The advocate bright baptize bogus lagoons, cellophane to a abyss of 35 meters and aberrant in architecture and architecture methods, are the abstraction of Crystal Lagoons founder, biochemist and Chilean agent Fernando Fischmann. Equivalent in admeasurement to an absurd 6,000 accepted calm pools, capacity of its technology are to be apparent for the aboriginal time at Cityscape Dubai after this month.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Luxury Bali Villas

Karma Kandara Resort is a Bali holiday resort occupying a spectacular cliff top high above the Indian Ocean at the farthest extremes of an elevated limestone peninsula at Bali’s southernmost tip. The Bali resort is just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai international airport. The property features a wide choice of luxury Bali villas and accompanying amenities that redefine first class – bridges, stone walkways and little paths meander through vivid tropical gardens connecting 46 expansive private beach villa residences, along with the luxury villa resort’s exceptional facilities.

Karma Kandara Bali is blessed with the most exhilarating views imaginable- a seemingly limitless vista of ocean and sky, 180 degrees of blue on blue brilliance. Each Bali villa rental residence comprises two or three pavilions with roofs of alang alang grass or sirap wood tiles, framing an infinity pool and garden courtyard complete with timber deck. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, while the living rooms of our Bali villas are open plan, comprising fully equipped kitchens, lounge and dining areas.

To compliment these opulent luxury Bali villas, Karma Kandara has created a highly select portfolio of public amenities, each with its own unique character. Our Bali spa resort destination offers the restaurant di Mare, rooftop bar Temple Lounge and Karma Spa & Wellness are all suspended on rocky outcrops 85 metres above the surf. For those requiring a closer encounter with the sea, this Bali resort has an inclinator to take guests down to Nammos Private Beach Club – voted Best Beach in Bali by Hello Bali magazine in December 2008. Here, Mediterranean snacks, signature cocktails and white sands lapped by cobalt waters all wait you on your Bali beach vacation. Above it lays the luxury villa resort’s elegantly curved horizon pool.

Guests of our Bali villas also benefit from exemplary levels of service – whether from our extensively trained spa therapists at our Bali spa resort who deliver everything from Reiki to Javanese spa rituals, the Karma culinary team that creates a lively mix of Mediterranean meets New World cuisine or the concierge department, with its vast knowledge of all that Bali has to offer. Guests also benefit from a host of novel activities and special events, from sophisticated full moon beach parties to gourmet dinners with carefully selected wine pairings. And when it comes to nuptials, Karma Bali beach resort offers wedding parties at some of the most beautiful cliff top and beachfront settings on earth with a range of tailored services to match.

More than just a Bali beach resort, Karma Kandara is a privileged lifestyle. The very essence of tropical luxury villa living makes our Bali accommodation the perfect choice for your Bali beach vacation.

Top 10 Mexican Beach Resorts

For anyone with a dream of sun-drenched fun, Mexico's beaches are no longer just for the well-to-do. Today, resorts on the country's Pacific and Caribbean coasts offer something for every taste, and budget. What's more, most Americans can make the trip to Mexico in little more than a two-hour flight. So, before making plans for an adventure south of the border, read on for Travel Channel's list of the Top 10 Mexican Beach Resorts.
Melia Cabo Real Beach & Golf Resort
Located in the "corridor" between the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, this resort is the largest beach retreat in Los Cabos, with more than 300 rooms and one of the largest hotel pools in Mexico. However, many travelers are attracted to the Melia's greens, not its deep blue. Nearby, the "El Dorado" and the "Cabo Real," designed by Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones, respectively, offer professional-grade links, as well as phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean.Curves are what seem to define the Westin Regina - from the enormous, shapely, terracotta building to the undulating shapes of its seven pools. When building this resort, designers tried to follow the natural contours of the coastline, creating a getaway that is in tune with land and the ocean. Guest rooms also received a local touch, and are decorated in traditional bright colors and accented with Mexican handicrafts. Not surprisingly, activities at the Westin Regina reflect a "back to nature" ethos, with swimming, snorkeling and horseback riding the most popular distractions.
Camino Real Las Hadas
Mexico's southwest coast is home to the Camino Real Las Hadas, a resort whose beach was made famous by Bo Derek in the film 10. Luckily, Hollywood didn't spoil this magical stretch of shore, enabling Las Hadas to retain its romantic, tropical charm. Moorish-style white stucco architecture and palm-fringed walkways make Las Hadas a tropical paradise, while its private beach and marina add an understated elegance. All the guest rooms have terraces, and each of the five suites has a private plunge pool. Most spectacular is the Minaret Suite, which has unmatched views of the Mexican Riviera.
Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach
Awarded the coveted AAA five-diamond rating seven years in a row, the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach is tops in terms of service and accommodations. Even though it's just a stroll from the non-stop entertainment along Cancun's strip, the Fiesta Americana offers its own exhaustive roster of activities, including swimming, snorkeling and jet skiing. Guests who prefer to take it easy can enjoy ocean views from any of the resort's 602 rooms, or enjoy a gourmet meal at La Joya, the first restaurant in Cancun to score a five-diamond rating from AAA.
Fairmont Acapulco Princess
Acapulco is known for its cliff divers, its swank high rises and the Acapulco Princess. This 1,019-room mega-resort, designed to resemble an Aztec temple, lays claim to seven restaurants, seven bars, seven tennis courts, five pools, an 18-hole golf course, a shopping arcade and a recently inaugurated fitness center. Despite the grand surroundings, however, guest rooms are intimate. Tropical foliage, cane furniture, tasteful decor in muted tones of green and beige and private terraces with views of the Sierra Madre mountains or the Pacific Ocean create a peaceful atmosphere amid the hustle and bustle of the resort.
Westin Regina Puerto Vallarta
Carved out of a coconut plantation, the Westin Regina Puerto Vallarta is a lush paradise. From the guest rooms, which are decorated in vivid mosaics, to the 600 coconut palms clustered on the resort's 21 acres, the Westin Regina oozes Mexico. The resort is one of the newest in Puerto Vallarta, but it maintains a classic charm. Golfing, boating, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving are just a few of the activities available.
Casa Del Mar Golf Resort & Spa
With only 31 suites and 25 guest rooms, the Casa Del Mar Golf Resort & Spa proves that less is definitely more. Travelers wishing to escape the crowds, but still enjoy a tropical-resort atmosphere, will revel in the relative calm found in the Casa del Mar's six pools, verdant gardens and first-class beauty salon and spa. And, unlike larger resorts, Casa del Mar boasts two staff members per guest, ensuring that each patron receives superb service. Other luxuries include the Robert Trent Jones golf course, on-site tennis courts and private beach access.
La Jolla de Mismaloya
Surrounded by the jungle, the mountains and the sea, La Jolla makes the most of its natural environment. Adventurous travelers can take part in the resort's many organized excursions, including mountain biking, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding and deep-sea fishing. On the premises, guests can take a dip in one of La Jolla's three pools, play tennis, shop or relax with a spa treatment. Families are also catered to at La Jolla de Mismaloya, as evidenced by a myriad of activities suitable for kids and adults.
Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa
Travelers can expect exquisite cuisine, elegant decor and a Mediterranean-style flair at the French-run Le Meridien Resort & Spa. Like its Cancun neighbors, Le Meridien offers guests the opportunity to swim in cascading pools, play a round of golf at area courses or laze around on sugary beaches. But it's Le Meridien's Spa del Mar that keeps guests coming back. Just about every treatment and facility is available at the resort's 15,000-square foot spa, including hydrotherapy, massage, facials, Swiss showers, cold plunge pools and steam rooms. 
Isla Navidad Golf Course, Marina & Resort
Situated on its own island between the Laguna Navidad and the Pacific Ocean, the Isla Navidad offers the best of both worlds. On the one hand, the resort is completely secluded and self-contained, making for an utterly romantic atmosphere. On the other, Isla Navidad boasts luxurious facilities, including a country club with a 27-hole, championship-par golf course, a yacht marina, three pools, tennis courts and two restaurants. To top it all off, the resort has at least 200 brands of tequila and an in-house master cigar maker, in case travelers feel the need to celebrate such a choice, tropical location.
Royal Hideaway Playacar
Love is in the air at the Royal Hideaway Playacar in the ever-popular Mayan Riviera. The resort is one of the few in the world to be honored with the AAA 5 Diamond Award, a testament to its phenomenal service (2.2 employees for every guest) and refined setting. During the day, guests feast on fresh guacamole and frozen cocktails alongside the cascading infinity pool. This snack is just a prelude to a gourmet meal at 1 of the 6 restaurants serving European, Asian, Italian and, of course, Mexican food.

Beauty of Kerala India, a Wonderful Destination

Beauty of Kerala India, a Wonderful DestinationBeauty of Kerala India, a Wonderful DestinationBeauty of Kerala India, a Wonderful Destination
Beauty of Kerala India, a Wonderful Destination

Kerala is absolutely a admirable destination for all types of travelers. The abode is abounding of admirable day-tripper destinations. The abode assemblage a abundant breeze of travelers from altered genitalia of the world. The abode has array of traveling options including beaches, backwaters, crude centers, waterfalls, houseboats, ayurvedic spas, museums, forts & palaces, acropolis stations, wildlife and actual monuments.

All these adorable abode absolutely makes the day-tripper to tie with it Although the accompaniment of Kerala offers so abounding options to the travelers but the highlight of Kerala tourism has to be its backwaters and beaches. It is a arrangement of commutual rivers, canals, and lakes. There is a advanced ambit of bank and backwaters destination in the accompaniment are Fort Kochi, Fort Bekal, Kumarakom, Kovalam, Varkala, and Kuttanad abounding more. One cannot alike anticipate of finishing his/her indian bout and after exploring its admirable beaches and backwaters.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Historic forts to come alive again in India.


They have withstood the onslaught of marching armies, they have been like trophies for rulers, and several well-known forts in India are now reliving their glorious past through a 26-episode documentary series "Bharat ke Burj".

Historic forts to come alive again

Golconda Fort in Andhra Pradesh.

Produced and directed by leading Chandigarh-based theatre personality Gurcharan Singh Chani and his son Gyandev Singh, the series aims to tell the story of 26 forts that have been part of India's rich history and their rulers.

"The series has been such a great learning experience for us while making it. Many myths about the forts, which are centuries old, have been broken," Chani, who spent nearly three-and-a-half years in research and shooting with his son, told IANS here.

"Forts like Kalinjar (Uttar Pradesh), Chittor (Rajasthan), Gingee (Tamil Nadu) and Golconda (Andhra Pradesh) have been like trophies which various rulers always wanted to conquer. Some of the most famous battles and lives of dynasties and rulers have revolved around these forts," Chani said.

The documentary series, being telecast on national broadcaster Doordarshan since last month, features forts ranging from Qila Mubarak in Punjab's Patiala to those down south in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Source:http://lifestyle.in.msn.com/travel/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4750750

Bathe in Steamy Luxury of Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park


A short 45 minutes drive from Taipei, Jiaoxi is a haven for a Japanese-style hot spring bathing houses.


Jiaoxi’s unique hot springs are odourless and colourless. The hot springs looks like normal water, yet it is rich in minerals. I was amazed how smooth my skin and hair felt after a soak in the Jiaoxi hot spring waters.

The Senlin Fenglu, which literally means ‘forest baths’ in Japanese, opened in January 2011. It is part of the Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park complex. There are three different hot spring baths within the Hot Springs Park. The first are a collection of thermal pools right near the Tourist Information Centre where you can stick your feet in for free. This is lots of fun, especially if you don’t have a lot of time, and there are usually several groups soaking their feet. But of course nothing beats the real hot springs bathing experience.

It costs NTD150 to enter the Japanese-designed baths. They are separate male and female baths, and unlike the usual practice for Japanese-style segregated bathing, patrons must wear bathing suits and bathing caps. The pools are set amongst subtropical gardens, and from the main pool you could gaze undisturbed on the verdant hills rising up behind Jiaoxi. The Japanese-themed wooden architecture was classic and uncluttered, with only a few natural-style jets that complemented rather than distracted from the relaxation theme.

Senlin Fenglu sets a limit of 80 patrons at a time to each bathing house. Yet it rarely gets that busy. Most of the times you would practically have the place to yourselves. It was a weekday, but staff told us it is usually very quiet on weekends, too, because most visitors have not yet heard of these baths, or mistake them for the other, more open baths. The Yilan Government has not yet developed a website to promote the baths, although there are some pictures if you search hard enough on their websites.

And food options for afterwards? The staff at the bathing house said Evergreen does a good quality lunch buffet for NTD500, and a good value afternoon tea coffee and cake combo for NTD160. But if you are after something more local, do what we did and try hard-boiled eggs cooked in hot spring water or thick noodle soup called geng. There are also some park benches and seats inside, so you can take some snacks with in case the hunger pangs hit during a long hot-spring bathing session.

For more comprehensive version of this article, visit here.

For more ideas on luxury travel, visit oneluxurytravel.com.


Sunday, April 28, 2013

Bali Beachfront Villas

Price range: US$ 1000 >
Directly facing spectacular ocean sunsets, Taman Ahimsa retreat is a rare combination of sustainable luxury based on the Balinese philosophy,Tri Hita Karana, thus creating a harmony among Human, God and Nature to be experienced in this "Garden of Peace." This eco-conscious ' retreat by the sea' is designed to enhance the gentle surroundings with the natural elements for a stay that is intended not only for a valuable holiday in Bali, but to create an organic, integral experience for contemplation, rejuvenation and nurturing among friends and family.
Swimming Pool - Taman Ahimsa Canggu Bali
ROOMS

Manipura
This stunning master bedroom accessed via a wooden bridge over a Balinese pond offers guests the ultimate of romance. This bedroom represents a combination of the yellow Solar-Plexus and the Crown Chakras, linking self esteem, intuition and a connection with spirit. Its graceful boat-shaped curves, combined with a high ceiling and 12 metre squared space graciously houses a 2.3 metre-wide bed and royal mosquitto net canape.

This master bedroom features handmade soft furnishings, a large dressing area with fitted wardrobes, air conditioning as well as a private terrace. The large ensuite semi open-air bathroom incorporates a slate paved floor and a bamboo ceiling, and is bordered by a lovely garden. This romantic bathroom is fitted with a huge hollowed out river rock tub, twin river rock washbasins, and a standing rainshower.

Sahasrana
This large air-conditioned bedroom follows a violet color theme, representative of the Crown Chakra, meaning oneness with the infinite - peace and wisdom. The room is furnished with a super-king rattan bed and built-in wardrobes. The ensuite bathroom is fitted with a terrazzo bathtub, river rock washbasin, and a walk-in rainshower. A TV room is positioned next to the bedroom and creates the feeling of a large suite. There are stunning panoramic views from the terrace. This is an ideal family area as it is linked to the bedroom next door by a charming bridge.

Vissudha
This air-conditioned bedroom has an oval roof reminiscent of the hull of a ship, with sliding glass doors at front and windows that wrap around the sides. It is furnished with a king size bed and follows a blue color theme representing the Throat Chakra and the expression of truth through the power of the spoken word. A round window behind the bed looks into the dressing room, and behind this is a bathroom with a recycled ironwood floor. The bathroom is fitted with an over sized terrazzo bathtub, a glass walled shower, and a river rock basin on a tamarind wood vanity stand. There is a sweet balcony at the front for private relaxation.

Anahata
This circular air-conditioned bedroom is designed in the shape of a sacred spiral. It is located close to the main living and dining pavilion and follows a green theme representative of the Heart Chakra and the expression of love. It is furnished with a king bed and features a small dressing area with fitted wardrobes, as well as a private terrace, hidden by short hedges. The beautiful ensuite garden bathroom is fitted with a hollowed out river rock bathtub, twin river rock washbasins, and a standing rainshower.

Ajna
This circular air-conditioned bedroom is designed in the shape of a sacred spiral. It follows an indigo theme representative of the Third Eye Chakra, the channel of intuition. It is furnished with a king bed and features a small dressing area with fitted wardrobes. The ensuite garden bathroom is fitted with a hollowed out river rock bathtub, twin river rock washbasins, and a standing rainshower. There is also a private terrace, hidden by short hedges and shrubs; no bedroom is overlooked by any of the other buildings.

Svadhisthana
This circular air-conditioned bedroom is designed in the shape of a sacred spiral. It follows an orange theme representative of the Sacral Chakra - the utilization of creative forces in all aspects of being. It is furnished with a king bed and features a small dressing area with fitted wardrobes, as well as a private terrace, hidden by short hedges and shrubs. The ensuite garden bathroom is fitted with a hollowed out river rock bathtub, twin river rock washbasins, and a standing rainshower.

Muladhara
This circular air-conditioned bedroom is designed in the shape of a sacred spiral and positioned closest - of all the bedrooms - to the beach. It follows a red theme representative of the Base Chakra, the ground spirit force of the body and the ability to work lovingly on the physical plane. It is furnished with a king bed and features a small dressing area with fitted wardrobes, as well as a private terrace, hidden by short hedges and shrubs. The ensuite garden bathroom is fitted with a hollowed out river rock bathtub, twin river rock washbasins, and a standing rainshower.

Living Area
One enters Taman Ahimsa into a boat-like shaped bamboo facade living area with comfortable interior design of recycled wood furniture and Indonesian batik pillows. It is connected to a large dining area. This gracious living area is located in the main two-storey pavilion, which presides over the entire property.

There are two sitting areas facing the gardens and sea, one is an elevated section with two antique daybeds, a chair and a coffee table, while at the lower level are two long built-in couches facing the garden and sea, as well as a magnificent antique low table, created from an old wooden boat, complete with six chairs. On the other side of this level is an open-air deck, with a frangipani tree growing through the floor. Walls and ceilings in this building are lined with bamboo.

Dining Room
The dining room is incorporated in the elevated open plan living area with lovely views of the garden. It is furnished with a huge wooden dining table that seats 14, over which dangles a pair of exquisitely designed copper lanterns. Adjacent to this is an antique hand-carved wooden window panel, which frames the cooking area of the gourmet kitchen.

Entertainment Room
The TV room is located upstairs, between the large bedroom and the terrace. This spacious sitting room has a recycled ironwood floor, and comfortable rattan furnishings, as well as a 37" TV and DVD player.

SERVICE & FACILITIES

Swimming Pool Area
The freeform 20-metre swimming pool is lined with green Java stone, and bordered by an ironwood deck furnished with over-sized rattan sun beds and umbrellas. It employs a low-to-no chemical ozone system that is soft on the earth and gentle on the skin. There is a large poolside lounge area here with connecting second pool dining area with kitchen and sitting area - ideal for leisure breakfasts, lunches, afternoon tea and sunset gatherings. It also doubles as a yoga/martial arts studio. Two 'bales' or relaxation pavilions are in this area for therapeutic massages that can be arranged with some of the best masseurs on the island.

Meditation Circle
Positioned in the garden is a meditation circle marked by 16 stones and is available for guests' use. Special meditation ceremonies can be arranged in this site.

Massage Bale
In a corner of the garden, immediately beside the beach, is a delightful elevated massage pavilion with antique wooden paneling, originally an old Javanese Joglo. This is one of several spots for a therapeutic massage, which can be arranged with a Balinese healer.

Garden
The enchanting garden meanders down to the swimming pool and beach, via stone pathways. The rolling lawns are dotted with palms and punctuated with lily ponds and lanterns, fragrant flowering trees and giant taro leaves, creating a stunning garden of peace, 'Taman Ahimsa,'where one can discover spaces created for retreat.

Gourmet Kitchen
The spacious gourmet kitchen is conveniently positioned next to the dining area and is fully equipped with ample modern appliances and amenities - everything that the cooks need in order to prepare fresh, wholesome cuisine, using primarily organic vegetables and fruits, ayurvedic ingredients and fresh fish caught daily by our local fisherman.

Staff
The training of the staff and service at Taman Ahimsa is based on the philosophy of the home and with an experienced anticipation of the needs of guests visiting Bali. There is an onsite manager to directly communicate any requests from guests, ranging from restaurant reservations to horse riding, surfing, cycling, fishing, rafting, hiking and unique cultural experiences. Taman Ahimsa is supported by a carefully selected team of well-trained, friendly staff. Our team includes two cooks, six housekeepers, four security guards operating on a 24-hour shift basis, one on-site engineering and maintenance technician, two gardeners and a supervisor.

Other Facilities
- Wireless internet access
- iPod Readers/speaker system in every room
- Private office available upon request
- Safety deposit box in each bedroom
- Satellite-channel TV and DVD player in TV room
- Laundry
- Bicycles
- Canoes

Location
Taman Ahimsa is located on Bali's southwest coast, within the beautiful agricultural belt between Canggu and Tanah Lot; an area that is home to some of the most luxurious private residences on the island. The approach to the retreat is along a quiet winding road through a traditional Balinese village. The narrow streets are bordered by rice fields and punctuated by holy banyan trees, and colourful temple ceremonies are a common sight.

Remarkably laidback and undeveloped, this tranquil out-of-town setting offers the double attraction of being relatively close to everything that guests might need, while also offering visitors a privileged insight into the traditions of rural Bali. The rugged beach is renowned for its world-class surf breaks. Glorious coastline views extend all the way down to Uluwatu on the island's extreme southwest peninsula, and the legendary sunsets here are among the best in Bali. The trendy Seminyak area, 30 minutes' drive away, offers a wide choice of international restaurants and elegant boutiques.

Taman Ahimsa is approximately 50 minutes' drive from Bali's International Airport and ten minutes from Nirwana Golf Course, designed by Greg Norman and renowned as one of the best golf courses in Asia. Next to the golf course is Tanah Lot, Bali's most dramatic and venerated sea temple, which is probably the most photographed sight in Bali, perched on a spectacular, wave-lashed rock just at the edge of the glistening shoreline. The majority of the island's shopping, theme parks and tourist attractions are also within easy reach.
Bedroom - Taman Ahimsa Canggu BaliBathroom - Taman Ahimsa Canggu Bali