Thursday, November 09, 2006

Next to Nature: ANDAMAN HOLIDAY RESORT, Thailand


Krabi are blessed by nature with some of the whitest sand beaches and some of the most lovely islands and coastal waters of anywhere in Asia. Around here you can see all the beauty of Phuket with less than one-third of the development and in more pristine conditions. The same islands that you will see by spending more than double or triple for a stay in Phuket can all be viewed by a short boat ride from Krabi. Further because our beaches are a part of a National Park, our beaches do not have the clutter of Pattaya, Phuket or other Thai beaches. There are no water scooters, no people renting chairs. The beaches are quieter and your privacy is respected. As we are a coastal community, seafood, fresh fruit and abundant agriculture all help to add ingredients that make for unforgettable meals in quiet surroundings, with attentive and friendly service.

Next-to-nature is our theme. Andaman Holiday Resort enhances the natural feel of the grounds by adding additional trees and plantings and in continually enhancing our maintenance and other efforts. We feel that it is necessary as it gives our guests the welcome and pleasant stay that we know they expect.

Next Stop: The Water Garden, Bali Indonesia

Discover one of Bali's best kept secrets - the unique Watergarden hotel. Follow narrow brick paths meandering through lush tropical gardens, over small streams, past waterfalls and lily ponds, to find your private bungalow nestled amongst the verdant growth.

Enjoy peace and serenity in the sleepy seaside village of Candi Dasa. From here one has easy access to East Bali's spectacular unspoiled beauty. A short distance from the hotel one encounters dramatic views of Mt Agung, Bali's sacred mountain; lush green rice terraces clinging to steep and sweeping valleys; traditional villages following age-old customs; colorful rituals and ceremonies; and crystal-clear seas rich in coral and marine life. Here there is a timeless quality as ancient cultures and traditions remain unchanged - an essential element of daily Balinese life.
Voted one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Bali, The Watergarden offers cool thatched cottages blending natural materials and Balinese craftsmanship to create an ambience that is simple but elegant. The murmur of flowing water and the splash of leaping Koi enhance the tranquility of the lily ponds and prize-winning gardens. Here comfort, beauty and tradition combine.

Discover the pre-Hindu weaving village of Tenganan and watch the textile-weavers create the magic cloth, "geringsing"; scuba-dive or snorkel in the abundant ocean - or skim across it in a glass-bottom boat, enjoying a fishing expedition! Explore the rich and diverse hinterland by bicycle, enjoy an easy trek or tackle the summit of the sacred mountain Agung.

Whether you come to be married in the cool tropical gardens; to spend your honeymoon in our unique and romantic environment, or just to experience total relaxation and to be pampered, our staff's natural warmth and friendliness will make it hard to leave.

The Watergarden was designed, built and is operated by expat's . The hotel restaurant, The Watergarden Kafe, is justly renowned for its diverse menu and fabulous Frozen Margarita and the local meeting place every evening at Happy Hour.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Spend your next Vacation at Amanpulo, Philippines


amanpulo was created for travelers seeking the idyllic beauty of an exclusive tropical island. Situated on the private island of Pamalican, 200 km east of Palawan in the Philippines, the 220 acre isle is surrounded by white sand, crystal clear sea and well preserved coral reefs (50-300 m. offshore). Guests arrive from Manila by chartered plane which lands directly on Pamalican.

The surrounding waters yield a wide variety of marine life and dive sites. The average temperature is 26 deg. C with underwater visibility ranging between 15-30 m., superb for all water activities: swimming, sailing (hobiecats, lasers and windsurfers), rowing, fishing, boat trips, snorkeling and scuba diving, ranging fro introductory to advanced, are also available (some with certification).

In addition to watersports, Amanpulo offers guided eco-walks, cycling, tennis, picnicing, and massage in the privacy of one's casita.

The resort's main building, The Clubhouse, contains The Restaurant and its terrace, The Lobby and Bar, The Library, Art Gallery and Boutique. The Beach Club is a short walk away. All watersport facilities, except scuba diving, are available from the Beach Club. The Dive Shop is a five-minute golf cart ride from The clubhouse.

40 airconditioned casitas are set amongst beachfront or hillside vegetation. Designed as a Filipino bahay kubo, all casitas feature polished timber floors, kingsize beds, window divans, CD players, spacious bathroom and dressing areas, sunken baths, and private outdoor terraces for lounging and dining. Each casita comes with its own battery operated cart for traveling around the island.

Guest facilities include a restaurant; bar; lobby lounge with antique panolongs from Mindanao; library with a large selection of books, magazines, CD's and boardgames; boutique and art gallery featuring Filipino artifacts, antique jewelry and clothing; meeting room; picnic grove; beach club; swimming pool; day and night all-weather tennis courts; and 24-hour room service.

The island's weather is tropical, with a dry season from November to May and scattered rain showers from June to October. The mean annual temperature is 27.2oC (81oF). January is the coolest month, with an average temperature of 25.5oC (78oF) and May the hottest at 29oC (84oF).

Time Difference Pamalican Island is eight hours ahead of GMT and the same time zone as Manila. Language Filipino (Tagalog) is the official language. English is used for business and legal transactions and is spoken almost everywhere.

Guests are met at Manila's international airport and taken by complimentary cartransfer to Amanpulo's lounge. From there, they are flown by private charter directly to Pamalican Island. Visitors to the Philippines must have a valid passport. Most passport holders are allowed entry without a visa for up to 21 days provided they have valid return tickets.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Boracay - Philippines


Voted the world's best beach by the Sun Herald, Australia and Harper's, Boracay is the perfect island getaway, with its warm blue waters, powder-fine white sand, and a palm fringed 4-kilometer beach.

The islands facilities and amenities make her a recreational haven. Watch February's Fun-board Cup, windsurfing's annual international event, or the World Beach Volleyball Tournament in September. Or take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters.
The world-famous island of Boracay is located in Aklan province 345 kms. South of Manila. The island is accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through two principal gateways : Caticlan airport or Kalibo airport.

After a swim in the sea, you can engage in relaxing activities. Comb the beaches on horseback. Play an exciting game of volleyball. Get on an outrigger and sail to the other side of the island. Swim over to the floating bar and cool off with a cocktail. Or hop around one beach to another and enjoy the easy-going atmosphere.

After sunset, the island transforms into one exciting night of dancing and partying. But don't take our word for it, Boracay is an island you have to experience yourself.

For many certified sun-worshippers the world over, paradise goes by the name Boracay. For indeed, many visitors have come back to Boracay year after ytear. Some have even chosen to live in this paradise island.

Sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons, Boracay can be found at the northwestern tip of Panay, in the western Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. Boracay has managed to pack its thousand-hectare area with all the elements of a tropical paradise--crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy marine life underneath the seas.

Boracay is made up of three little communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manoc-manoc in the south. Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manoc-manoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages together but may sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles. Electricity and public transportation remain relatively scarce.

Boracay would have remained a national secret if not for a few foreign travellers who accidentally stumbled upon the place. Some say it was a movie crew which spread word about Boracay to other sun-worshippers. Other swear it was German traveler Jens Peters' book, which included rare reviews about Boracay, that sent tourists on their way. Whichever tale is true, Boracay has become a melting pot for beach lovers. At any point in the island, visitors can hear English, German and French spoken fluently. More importantly, visitors respect the serene quality of the place, and pay tribute to native Boracaynons by behaving according to local behavioral codes-which means no nudity, no fighting, and no loud commotions.

Not surprisingly, the culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Australian, Belgian, German, Spanish and Thai--they're all here side by side the native cuisine. Lending ample support to this virtual rainbow of fruit shakes: from sweet yellow mango, green tart mango, to pineapple, coconut milk, cantaloupe and banana. Don't go home without a sip.