Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Bali Beach Hotels - Dream Homes in the Lap of Nature

Blessed with natural bounteousness, Bali- a nature's paradise is dream destination for several romantic hearts. Bali beaches are excellent places to soak your body in the natural beauty and to indulge in the varied water sports activities. Stretch yourself along the sandy beaches or visit the century old temples and the shrines. Explore all these and a lot more during your stay in the Bali Beach Hotels.

There are several beaches in Bali that offer numerous accommodation options. The Sansur Beach, one of the most popular beaches is an excellent site to watch the sun rise. There are many luxurious resorts and hotels along the entire stretch of white sand. The Inna Grand Bali Beach is a renowned 5-star hotel. The Inna Sindhu Beach Hotel is a nice place to experience the traditional hospitality of the land. Some other resorts and hotels that are nestled in this area are La Taverna Bali Hotel, Mercure Resort Sanur Bali, the Parigata Spa Villas and others. Situated under the cool shade of the palm trees, these hotels and resorts offer excellent range of facilities.

The Bali Beach hotels of the Kuta and the Legian area are also excellent. The place offers you the excitement and the thrill that you may look forward during your holiday. All the hotels located in the Kuta beach cater to the needs and the taste of discerning guests. Spend your days and nights in the charming ambiance of the hotel. Located along the entire stretch there are a good number of accommodation options which include both luxurious resorts and moderately priced hotels. Indonesia is also famous for its traditional massages. There is an array of hotels which specialize in these massages.

Some of the best hotels of Bali Beaches are also located in Nusa Dua which has impressed travelers with its white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and lush greenery. It is of the top destinations of the world for surfers and water sport lovers which have transformed it into one of the most flourishing cities of the country. There are a few international hotels like Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resort, Novotel Nusa Dua Bali Hotel & Residences, The Bale Nusa Dua Bali and others.

The beach of Legian is also popular among the tourists. There are several good value-for-money hotels in this region. To meet the needs of the travelers, especially the leisure ones, there are a number of hotels in the Soka and the Lovina beach.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Competition in the World of Candles

For a period of three months, Buddhist monks stay within their temple grounds and refrain from going out. This is the time of the Khao Pansa which is also known as Buddhist Lent. It starts from the eight lunar month (which falls on the month of July) and ends on the eleventh lunar month. For Buddhists, this is the time to renew themselves spiritually, do good deeds and surrender all vices that they may have. They observe this tradition every year and as years pass by, this simple tradition has evolved into a much-anticipated festival annually. This celebration is known as The Candle Festival.

The Candle Festival is celebrated in Ubon Ratchathani, a province in Thailand. It became very successful and that is why Pattaya, a tourist area found smack in beautiful coasts of Thailand, adapted the same festival. And instead of parading beeswax candles in a variety of designs, shapes and sizes just like in the Candle Festival, organizers decided it to be a competition among candles makers and designers.

The procession of this wondrous occasion officially marks the start of the Buddhist lent in Pattaya. And also, it serves as an added attraction among tourists. So on one good Friday afternoon, tourists and even locals have stood in awe when thirty-two magnificently decorated candles lined up in Soi 4 of Pattaya beach. This is the starting point of the candle procession. The candles made their way through the streets of Pattaya beach to the delight of the onlookers. But the competition really started as soon as the candles entered Walking Street where the judges were waiting and selecting which candle stood out among the rest. The beautifully decorated candles vie for the awards that would be given to the contenders of the different categories.

Festivals like this indicate that candles have gone a long way since they were first discovered around 5000 years ago. The early Egyptians used them to light their way through the roads especially when they were traveling at night. They were also used to give light to their homes and were also used as part of religious ceremonies. These candles have also evolved with regards to the materials used. The early Romans used papyrus and beeswax and it was later improved on by the Chinese who used plants and insects. At present, where electricity outweighs the use of candles especially in lighting, its uses have also evolved. All natural candles not just light homes but also bring relaxation and peace. They are a good partner of aromatherapy essential oils. Indeed, candles have surpassed time and even technology. They are sure to stay given the right innovations and designs to suit the ever-changing needs of people.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

How to Find a Family Friendly Winter Resort-Ski Resorts, Fun For the Whole Family

Once upon a time, ski resorts were a child free zone. And it's no wonder. Big mountains people whizzing by on skis, and a distinct lack of much else to do besides ski made ski resorts a place for adults only. While that might have been nice for people who don't have children by choice, it sure did put a damper on skiers with little ones in tow.

Luckily, all that has changed. Winter resorts are now catering to a new crowd, a crowd with children. And they are working hard to make sure that children have just as great a time on a ski vacation as their parents do.

As with anything else, you must research a winter resort before you book your trip. Make sure that they stress safety first, at all times. Remember that skiing is a wonderful activity that can be great to share with your children as soon as possible, but it does have its dangers. Ask if they have a helmet policy, and what that may entail. It's always better to be safe than sorry, and a helmet is just as important on the slopes as on a bike for your child.

Also, ask whether a child's ski instructor is available, and check his or her credentials. You want to know that the instructor not only knows what they're talking about with skiing, but also knows the difference between teaching children and teaching adults.

When you ask about the children's ski lessons, here are some suggestions for questions. Are there different classes for different ages? This is always a plus. Your child will be more likely to get the training appropriate for their learning level. Will your child have the same ski instructor throughout all the classes they may take during your vacation? This will help your child considerably, as they won't have to get used to new teachers all the time. Are the lesson locations clearly marked and away from higher traffic slopes? This lessens the chances of someone older accidentally sliding among the children. And, if your child is getting bored with skiing, as they do with almost everything else, are there other activities planned into the lesson, to avoid loosing the child's attention? If the answer is yes to all of these questions, you have found a good child friendly winter resort.

If you're interested in getting an all-inclusive package, don't forget to ask what features it includes. Will you have access to day care? What about children lessons, and ski lift passes? Not to mention any other activities you may want to partake in. It's always better to ask before you book, so that you don't arrive only to find out that you must pay extra for something you really wanted to do, or really need, like dinners. Remember that every ski resort is different, so if you don't like the extra's package, be sure to shop around. Chances are you'll be able to find a winter resort that can give you an all-inclusive package with everything you want, and some things you didn't know about, but want now that you've heard of them.

And don't forget, There is much to do besides ski. Under the system going, it will fire, sleigh rides, indoor pools and hot tube, zip lining, chair of sightseeing, hiking with snowshoes and other fun activities yet. Not to mention a lot of interesting activities that may be available near the resort.

Skiing is a great activity, and it's nice to be able to involve children in advance. So if you love skiing,or maybe just keep trying, why not plan a trip this year to get to your bunnies on the slopes.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Bangkok-Pattaya - The Hottest Travel Destination

Bangkok has grown tremendously over the last two decades. It would not surprise you to know that Bangkok alone accounts for almost 45% of Thailand's GDP. It's not only the centre of economy but the seat of administration, focal point of cultural richness and monarchial history. Bangkok is therefore the heart and soul of the country. Bangkok has been among the first choice destination for foreign tourists who are on an oriental voyage.

Pattaya, another popular destination in Thailand located very close to Bangkok draws beach and sea lovers around the world. It is very romantic place and is hot choice for honeymooners from the south and East Asia and the Australia.

According to Travel and Leisure magazine it is Asia's best tourist destination, the third in the world in 2006 and overall best city in the world in 2008. Bangkok had preserved its cultural heritage. Economic growth and fast growing infrastructure has not led to the sacrificing of the old heritage.

The city boasts some of the country's most visited historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Its not just the temples, palaces, parks that charm the visitors. Bangkok is a glittering city with mall dotting the cityscape. So it is a heaven for shopping enthusiasts. Especially people form Indian subcontinent prefer to do a lot of shopping in Bangkok as the costs are comparatively cheaper there. Thai gems are very famous around the world.

Pattaya is famous for its beach resorts. Pattaya - Bangkok Honeymoon packages are very in big demand now a days in India. The fall in air fare and reduction in Visa charges have boosted outbound travel to Thailand from India this year. Leading the party are revelers and honeymooners

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tours to Thailand - Explore Its Major Attractions With Beautiful Places

Thailand, often referred as Land of Smile, is one of the most beautiful cities of Asia. It is one of the lively cities that lure tourists, vacationers, world totters and honeymoon couples from all the nook and corner of the world. Its lively environment, heritage and cultural beauty, islands, beaches, caves, bustling markets, wildlife parks, etc makes it the perfect place for a delightful vacation. Its diverse nature and attractions makes Thailand the most preferred destination in Asia for tours and travels. In this beautiful city there are many interesting places among which few are mentioned below which are must to visit on your Thailand tours.

The Grand Palace
Home to the King and his courts and the entire administrative system of Bangkok 150 years back, the palace is now only the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. To visit this grand palace you have to take a boat ride that takes up to Chang Pier and a short walk will take you up to the palace.

Similan National Park
Similan National Park in Thailand offers underwater views depth ranging from 2 metres to 30 metres. It also has exotic sandy beaches, with granite rock formation that just plunge into the sea to form reefs and perfect place for diving troughs.

Khao Khien Mountain Cave
It is the must see attraction on your Tours to Thailand, as the cave has primitive rock paintings of various animals and creatures and the cave is believe to be 3,000 years old.

Chonburi Province
Located in the eastern coast of Thailand, Chonburi province is the popular as a weekend getaway because of its proximity to Bangkok. Chonburi province has beautiful beaches among which the world famous Pattaya beach resort is also located here.

Ko Samui
Fringed by the swaying coconut plantation, Koi Samui is a beautiful island off southeastern Thailand. Here the beaches like Hat Chawent and Hat Lamai are popular and so they are bit crowded. But if you love tranquility and quite environment, it is worth to visit Mae Nam beach.

Beside these marvelous attractions there are several other attractions which are also worth to visit and explore on your tour. But at the same time the events of Thailand are also mesmerizing that lures tourists from all over the world. Bangkok International Film Festival, Chinese New Year Celebrations, Pattaya Music Festival, Toh Moh Goddess Shrine Festival, Samui Carnival, King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, Sukhothai Loi Krathong Festival, and Chiang Mai Flower Festival are some of the important events that showcase the beautiful blend of Thailand's past with the present.

Well come for a holidays in Thailand and you will find it amazingly beautiful and its destinations and attractions beyond visual and verbal description. So book your travel package to Thailand and enjoy your holidays in the place, which is referred as "Land of Smiles".

Monday, December 13, 2010

What Is Fractional Ownership?

Many people ask "what is fractional ownership?" and the closely related question "Is it timeshare? In this article I will attempt to answer these questions. This article is concerned exclusively with the fractional ownership of leisure/luxury assets. However most of the principles would apply equally to the fractional ownership of a practical item (e.g. for business).

Definition of Fractional Ownership

In its broadest definition, fractional ownership is any arrangement where a group of people (numbering from 2 to 10 or more) share the ownership of an asset and also share certain rights to use the asset. The use of the word "ownership" in the definition therefore excludes timeshare arrangements, where there is no ownership of the underlying asset. Unfortunately however, some so-called fractional ownership schemes are closer to timeshare than they are to true fractional ownership. When investigating whether to purchase a fraction it is essential to know what your relationship to the asset purchased is. The best arrangement is to be identified as the legal joint owner of the asset (or in the case of multiple assets, the owning organization).

Types of Fractional Ownership

The most cost-effective form is where a group of individuals decide to purchase an asset jointly. They then decide on the exact asset to be purchased, draw up ownership documents (perhaps with the help of a legal firm) and purchase and manage the asset themselves. This avoids the sometimes substantial profit-margin that developers charge when selling fractional properties. This approach does have disadvantages, e.g. the amount of paperwork involved and the possibility of falling out with your fellow fraction owners (over cleaning, maintenance etc.)

Second in terms of cost-effectiveness would be a developer or owner-led scheme, where the individual fractions were being sold direct from the developer/owner (but where there were no expensive additional services bundled with the purchase). There will have to be a profit-margin associated with this type of arrangement, since the developer/owner is incurring additional legal and administrative costs. If fractions can be sold individually (without all the fractions of an asset being sold) then they are also taking the risk of having unsold fractions tying up their capital.

The above schemes blur into the next category, which I will call clubs. These are sometimes called Ownership Clubs, Private Residence Clubs, Destination Clubs etc. etc. Where they differ from simple developer/owner-led schemes is in the level of luxury/services provided and (sometimes) in the level of ownership. None of these terms have a particular legal meaning so it is up to the purchaser to investigate issues of ownership, booking arrangements, exit arrangements etc. A the extreme end of this group there are some similarities with Timeshare -so be warned!

How Much is it Costing Me?

Here I don't mean in absolute terms, I mean how much is it costing in excess of the amount that I would have paid for the asset as a whole. Always try and do a comparison with a similar asset purchased outright to gain an idea of what the developer/owner's additional costs and profits are. At the very least it might help you to negotiate a better price if you do decide to buy! You can and should do a similar comparison on the management fees (and pay special attention to any rights to vary them in the future).

Conclusion

True fractional ownership isn't timeshare, but some of the schemes marketed as fractional ownership are. Be warned and do your homework if thinking about purchasing.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Condo Apartment Rental in View - Talay 2B Jomtien Pattaya, Thailand

Condominium apartments for rent in View Talay 2B Jomtien Pattaya, Thailand. Today's about View talay 2B condo apartment rental in Jomtien Pattaya Thailand. View Talay 2B condominium apartments Jomtien has a reputation as being one of the best looked after and well maintained condominiums in Jomtien Pattaya.

Anyone deciding to rent here can be assured of a condominium complex that is run properly and adheres to and in many cases exceeds all the local government regulations. Within in the last year, all the fire exits have been modified and are clearly marked. The staffs are regularly trained in fire prevention. The floors have under gone a complete paint over with many homely extras such as pictures and decorative pots been added.

The feed back from guests who have stayed has always been positive regarding the cleanliness of the building and the way everything is looked after unlike many other complexes that give the impression a lick of paint wouldn't go a miss. On the ground floor ( 1st Floor ) there are many shops. Internet, relax with a traditional Thai massage and restaurants to eat in. No need to worry about getting the laundry done. There are 4 in the building. Often your laundry will be ready the next day.

Another attractive feature about this building is the security View talay 2B has 24hour roaming security officers and cctv on all floors and entrances. To enter the building you need a key card. This same key card you need to gain access to the large private swimming pool. The pool is surrounded by palm trees and there a restaurant serving both Thai and western food. An idyllic place to come and relax.

The location of View talay 2 is excellent. From the front entrance it's only a short walk down to the beach at Jomtien. (7 minutes). If you want to go to Pattaya. Catch one of the many Baht buses that pass by. From View talay 2 it's only a 5 minute baht bus ride away. (That's with no traffic and a following wind) On second thoughts allow 10 minutes to be on the safe side. The cost on the bus to Pattaya should be no more than 20 Baht. Never ask the driver of the baht bus to take you to Pattaya. This will cost you 200Baht. Just get on the back and press the bell when you want to get off.

If you're thinking about renting, here in View talay 2B then the cost of a 37sqm studio room will range from 12,000Baht a month to 19,000 for a very special apartment. One bed room apartments start from 30,000 and a two bed which we have is only 45,000 a month.

View talay 2 offers great value and location at relatively inexpensive cost.

Contact or visit our website: http://www.thaiholidayhomes.com