Friday, June 6, 2025

Friday, August 1, 2008

Maldives, Exotic Atolls

Maldives, Exotic Atolls by Marlene Challis

The Maldives have been called the Atolls of Enchantment. A vacation in the Maldives is a special experience. The Maldives are increasingly a popular tropical destination. In the Indian Ocean, about 500km from the southern tip of Sri Lanka, the Maldives are made up of 1190 atolls, on 87 of which are resorts. This is a land of white sand, palm trees, turquoise sea and friendly lagoons.

The natural environment is so valued and protected in the Maldives that, though there are a lot of resorts, most are surrounded by uninhabited islands. Island Resorts make full use of these islands, transporting guests by boat to the ,small, untouched islands for picnic lunches.

Tourism and carpentry are the main industries of the Maldives, but fishing is also crucial. Often the only mark on the horizon will be a dhoni, a traditional Maldivian fishing boat, ploughing through the water with the help of its big sails.

At some resorts,locals take groups out for night fishing under the stars and inevitably return with a good catch, which can be barbecued for you when you return to the resort for dinner. Fishing is done with hand lines or rods and is ,best accompanied with a glass of cool white wine and the calm, still, Indian Ocean.

The Maldives are becoming renowned for their spa's. Though most of the spa therapists are Balinese, the Maldivian spas have their own character. They are mostly set on the water for maximum visual and aural relaxation. The water soothes spirits, as do highly trained, sensitive therapists working on stressed muscles. The spas tend to feature double treatment rooms for couples or friends to enjoy pampering together. Treatments are traditional Balinese, though they often have different titles, but some diversify. The Away Spa at W Retreat and Spa combines the best of all Asian massage techniques, while the liva Grande at Taj Exotica has an Ayurvedic emphasis, introducing a range of traditional Indian therapies and oil blends.

Opportunities to dance at the Maldives are restricted; the emphasis is more on peace and solitude than high-energy clubbing. But at the new W Retreat and Spa, the nightclub 15 Below, offers an enticing night-time alternative. Built 15m below ground, the cool club is small, but atmospheric. The DJs, rotate every two months.

Experienced divers say Maldives diving is among of the best in the world. They have 1000 recorded species of fish, many thousands of reefs and more than 200 species of coral. All resorts have dive sites within an hour's boat ride, though some will obviously have more to offer than others.

Snorkelling is a must. It is common to see guests snorkelling in the lagoons that fringe each resort, happy to look at the abundant fish life right at their doorstep.

The best experiences in the Maldives are either on, or under, water, so all resorts offer water sports ranging from parasailing and kayaking to kitesurfing, water-skiing and jet-skiing. It is a popular spot for surfing, the fastest growing water sport in the country.

The best season for surfing is the southwest monsoon, from April to October, with the biggest swells rolling in from June to September. Surfing safaris are popular for serious surfers. They range from luxury cruise ships to the more rustic boats, featuring four cabins in which crews cook in the Maldivian style - tuna, usually barbecued.

It is no surprise that the Maldives are a popular honeymoon destination, but their glorious sunsets are for all lovers. It is hypnotic to watch the sun turn a brilliant shade of coral against a purple sky as it gradually descends into the horizon. That is the time you suddenly see previously hidden hotel guests, keen to have their photographs taken in front of the sunset.

Surprisingly, the Maldives are not a natural source of food, with fish and coconuts being the only foods produced. Luckily a rich supply is imported from surrounding areas. Resort chefs tend to look to India and Japan for their greatest culinary inspirations. The range of guests, most being Italians, followed by English and Japanese - is reflected in menus.

One ofthe greatest attractions of this tropical paradise is to lie on a sundeck, under a beach umbrella, and marvel at how quickly time passes when you're doing absolutely nothing.

You can do nothing by the beach, by your private pool, by the communal pool, on a boat, at the spa or in the lounge areas. Of course, you can always do nothing in your room, many of which are a natural source of entertainment because they are so full of luxury novelties. But why travel to this exotic destination to spend time in your room. I will add that Honeymoon couples are exempt from this last sentence.

You can do nothing with a cocktail, a book, a plasma television, jacuzzi or a beautiful Maldivian swing rocking in the sunshine. And there is always the bath - most resorts in the Maldives are known for fabulously positioned baths, trimmed with candles and perfect for doing nothing more than watching the sun go down.

About the Author

Marlene Challis is founder and Ceo of her own company. She has several business branches and websites. She can be contacted through the website, http://www.world-travel-options.com. If you love to travel, check out the http://www.world-travel-options.com/travel-blog.html .Feel free to republish this article provided you do not edit it in any way and include the author bio as well.

Hed Kandi Beach Bar prepares the final plans and parties before its move to a new and improved venue within the Hurghada Marina Boulevard, Egypt.

Hed Kandi Beach Bar prepares the final plans and parties before its move to a new and improved venue within the Hurghada Marina Boulevard, Egypt. by Owen Daniel

Hed Kandi Beach Bar prepares the final plans and parties before its move to a new and improved venue within the new Hurghada Marina Boulevard, Egypt.

With the temperature rising fast, the African sun beams brighter than ever before as Hed Kandi Beach Bar approaches the start of a new chapter. The anticipated completion date around the middle of August will witness a bigger beach bar, complimented with an infinity swimming pool and the world's first Kandi Jacuzzi!

Hed Kandi Egypt's resident DJ, the UK's DJ Josh Demello talked exclusively to Clubbing UK, saying: "The last 15 months of Kandi parties have brought a huge amount of credibility to this city, and also to Egypt, the coolest brand in dance-music accompanied with the best possible soundtrack naturally coupled with the best climate. Hed Kandi is about to enter a new era... the buzz about the new Hed Kandi Beach Bar is just phenomenal and we know this can only add to the incredible party-vibes here at Hed Kandi Egypt."

After the immensely successful monthly Hed Kandi LIVE events with Miss Kelly Marie, Luke Neville, Jack McCord, Phil Faversham, Jim Breese, Paul Hill, Wez Clarke and Charlie Edwards from Hed Kandi London - plus the regular Full Moon Parties, both treated with the jazzed-up sounds of the UK's Craig Hume live on saxophone has been the ultimate party formula!

The winning recipe is sure to continue at the latest venue to glitter Kandi's global portfolio further still, a weekly scheduled roster will continue of album-themed nights including "Serve Chilled" and "Disco Kandi" through to "Twisted Disco", to be boosted by the optional extras of regular pool-parties to really wet the clubber's appetite.

With the new beach being up to 500% bigger, room for special events like Kandi Volleyball and Kandi Beach Football competitions will bring something different to the Kandi table by day, whilst sticking with the impeccable cuisine and chic cocktails in the evening.

Mr Chris Bailey is booked in for July's Hed Kandi LIVE (Saturday 12th) and the ever-freaky Full Moon drops on Thursday 17th July. August's special guest DJ, is the funk-fuelled / Ibiza favourite DJ Andy Norman (one of the original Hed Kandi maestros) for another highly anticipated event.

For more information phone Owen on (002) 016 883 3550 or visit the new Hed Kandi Beach Bar website: www.HedKandiBeachBar.com.

About the Author

Raised in and around the UK's south coast city of Brighton, a life-long fascination with music eventually paid off in his dream job and now full time career.

After establishing and developing Clubbing-uk.com (an online dance music magazine), a Media Diploma followed assisting to improve his journalist style before becoming Head of Marketing & PR for Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi Egypt.

Barcelona Guide: 10 of the Best Bars in Barcelona

Barcelona Guide: 10 of the Best Bars in Barcelona by Anthony Deegan

Any guide to bars in Barcelona is essentially going to be a matter of personal taste, so my choice of the top 10 is based solely on my 6+ years of living there and exploring the city. However, there should be something here for everyone to enjoy, from the seedy to the select.

Rita Blue: Placa Sant Augusti, 3 In a small square just off Las Ramblas, and next to an old church, Rita Blue is a favourite of locals and those lucky tourists who have been there. It's location in the square allows for spacious seating outdoors, perfect for relaxing in the shade after a day's shopping, but step inside and you'll discover a chilled-out gem that combines modernism with a hint of Bohemia. Funky and retro, there is a plush upstairs bar, a darker basement where the dance floor fairly heaves as the night goes on, and a crowd bent on enjoyment. If you like decent mexican food, you won't go too far wrong, but most first time visitors cut their teeth on the famous blue margaritas for which the bar is named.

Schilling: C. Ferran, 23 Boasting an ideal location on busy Ferran just off Las Ramblas, this bar is just the spot to get your breath back if you've been traipsing the streets all day. Appearing more like an informal library than a bar, the décor is muted and relaxed with high ceilings and the seating comfortable. Earlier in the day it is more of a bustling cafe, and serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, but as night falls it becomes a very lively cocktail bar, with a mixed crowd with a strong gay representation. Unlike many bars in Barcelona, service is usually fast, friendly and efficient. With it's wide windows facing out onto one of the city's busiest streets, this spot is one of the best to spend an hour people watching. El Xampanyet: C. Montcada, 22 Tucked away in a narrow, cobbled street not far from the Picasso Museum, this has to be one of the pearls of the city. A bodega with blue tiled walls, marble tables, a zinc bar and a preponderance of artifacts, it combines the old and the new, and attracts an eclectic mix of old-timers and trendsetters. If you're planning a night of clubbing then this is the perfect spot to begin, get a bottle of Cava and sip it over tapas before hitting the hot spots.

Casa Almirall: Joaquín Costa, 33 One of the oldest bars in the city, Almirall is dimly lit and popular with young locals preparing for a night of dancing. There is something of a Bohemian feel to the place, with it's huge Art Nouveau mirror behind the bar, and nu-jazz and funky beats played at volumes which allow for easy conversation. Although the neighbourhood can seem a bit edgy, the street is a haunt for elderly prostitutes, the bar itself is welcoming and inexpensive, drawing a young and often international crowd.

Benidorm: Joaquín Costa 39 Just a few doors down is one of Barcelona's odder little spots, a bar where you need to be buzzed in at the door, before stepping down into a haven of kitsch and smoke. Small and lively, Benidorm attracts a mixture of trendier locals and, for whatever reason, Scandinavians, and features plenty of 80s disco gear including a revolving mirror-ball, plus one of the smallest toilets in the city. The music is unpredictable, depending on the DJ, and they often have famous guests playing their favourite music, like members of Pan Sonic or even Peaches.

Cafe del Sol: Plaça del Sol In the heart of the Gracia neighbourhood, in the famous Placa del Sol, is one of the most poular hangouts in that area. A perfect spot to chill out and watch the world go by, especially if you choose to sit outdoors, the crowd is a fine mixture of locals, ex-pats and tourists who have made it off the beaten track. There are quite a few other bars in this square, so if the music isn't to your liking you have only a few metres to go to find something different.

La Fianna: Banys Vells, 15 This is a bar with a difference, a strange mixture of old and hippy, goth and trendy, and is usually packed to it's not so high wooden rafters with all kinds of punters, listening to the odd musical mix that is the norm here. Originally created to have a North African/Arabian feel, the interior is one of red velvet curtains falling to cobbled floors, with enormous chandeliers of candles and Moroccan light fixtures. The food available is representative of the many countries from whence the staff have arrived, from Scandanavia to South Africa, and prices are very reasonable, so if fancy fare that is a little different to the usual Spanish or Catalan, then this is a perfect spot for you.

Bar Marsella: C. Sant Pau, 65 One of the oldest bars in the city, Bar Marsella opened for business in 1820, this wee gem has enjoyed the custom of some of the greatest artists to have lived in the city, including Picasso, Dali, Gaudi, Miro and the American novelist Hemingway. For many years it was the only place to get an absinthe, and today is known as THE absinthe bar, where it is served with all the formality of days gone by. The clientele is an odd mix, trendy youth drinking alongside Euro-trekkers whilst the last of the Anarchists sit at the bar sipping their lethal concoctions with other old-timers and survivors of the French Mai 68. Pure history, and an essential stop for seasoned bar-hoppers.

Belchica: C. Villarroel 60 You are more likely to hear French spoken here than Spanish or Catalan, as Belchica is the city's only Belgian bar and is thus home to many French-speaking Belgians, who come to enjoy a wide range of fine beers from home. There is a choice of over 40 Belgian beers, including the popular Leffe, Hoegaarden and Stella on draught. There are regular DJ sessions, a large screen TV for all manner of televised sports, but mainly football, and a space for photographic or art exhibitions which change frequently. Very popular with European and North American tourists.

Bar Pipa: Plaça Reial 3 Almost hidden away in the corner of Placa Reial, next to Bar Glaciar, this unusual spot is actually a club dedicated to pipe smokers, although I've never actually noticed many within. Convenient for the jazz and funk lovers leaving the nearby Jamboree venue, part of Pipa's appeal is it's wonderful opening hours �" from 6pm til 6am. There is a decent pool table, they serve a good range of cocktails, and the music is always good without being overpowering. For anyone who doesn't fancy a night in a packed club, but doesn't want to make it home before dawn, Pipa is the ideal spot to sit and relax and await the dawn.

About the Author

Anthony Deegan is a web developer and copywriter who splits his time between Ireland, Spain and Finland. In Barcelona he provides content for a Barcelona Apartments rental agency ( http://www.athome-barcelona.com ), and elsewhere concentrates on his Irish Web Design business ( http://www.avatar-web-solutions.com ).

What to expect from Phuket nightlife

What to expect from Phuket nightlife by Prabhat

Phuket nightlife takes on many different forms. Phuket is one of Thailand's top destinations and as such there is a diverse range of nightspots on the island. Although Phuket nightlife is not quite on the same level as in Bangkok, that doesn't mean that you won't be able to find somewhere to have fun.

Phuket nightlife is at its most lively in Patong. You'll either love Patong or you'll hate it. The bars are loud, the clubs are obnoxious and the streets are crowded. That being said, Patong is cheap and the bars and clubs stay open later than in other parts of Phuket.

Patong is famous for its nightlife. The center of the action is found on Soi Bangla, which is a hive of go-go bars, discos and stage shows. This is Phuket nightlife at its most seedy, but it can be a lot of fun if you go in the right frame of mind.

Generally speaking, the bars and clubs in Patong churn out hip hop and dance music hits. It can all be a bit predictable, so don't go expecting anything special.

Patong is also known for its girls. Yes, it's true, there are countless bar girls and sex shows in Patong, but the people of Patong make no effort to conceal these facts. Patong is what it is and it's best not to take the whole place too seriously.

Perhaps the most fun that can be had in Phuket is at some of the local clubs. Phuket nightlife is at its most authentic in the small Thai clubs, where you can check out some of the local bands. Phuket Town is probably the best place to sample some Thai-style clubbing.

Also in Phuket Town there are lots of pubs and beer bars and much less of the seedy side of Phuket nightlife.

There are plenty of other areas where you can go and party, but usually they aren't as busy and entertaining as in Patong or Phuket Town. There are a few exceptions scattered around the island in places such as Surin, Kata-Karon and Nai Harn.

The only area that Phuket really lacks anything in terms of nightlife is serious clubbing. There are a few Phuket clubs where you can hear cutting-edge music, but these are few and far between. However, it is possible to catch electro, techno, breaks, house and more in some Phuket clubs and bars.

Phuket could be a major clubbing destination in Southeast Asia, but the island has a long way to go before it can start competing with the likes of Singapore and KL.

For now, Phuket nightlife has enough depth to keep people entertained, but you feel as if there is more to come. The shining beacon of Phuket nightlife is that there is a great live-music scene around the island. There are lots of bands who can rattle out everything from rock and indie to jazz and blues. If you can get into it, there is a top indie scene in Phuket. Pick up some CDs in a local store to get a feel for the music.


About the Author

The author of this article covers Phuket nightlife and more at Phuket Vogue.

Bangles For Summer 2008

Bangles For Summer 2008 by janice wee

Bangles are fun, flirty and perfectly summery. Wear them singly or together. Mix and match them to go with your clothes.

An armful of bangles is your summer's jewelry wardrobe. Throw in a pair of hoop earrings and you are done.

I've been fascinated with bangles since my teens. That flirty gypsy look without a care in a world appeals to me. That is the look of freedom. Imagine the gypsy woman dancing in her full, colorful skirt, her long hair tumbling over her bare shoulders and that armful of bangles jingling to the beat. She is as free as a bird flying in the air as opposed to one stuck in a cage.

A collection of bangles offer you plenty of options. You could mix and match the bangles or wear them singly. A single stunning bangle worn as a cuff can spice up a dress and look sophisticated enough for work.

Here's what you can do with an armful of bangles:

For a casual date: wear an armful of metal (gold or silver or mixed) bangles with your jeans and favourite t-shirt For dinner, wear a single thick bangle as a cuff with your little black dress.

For a day at the beach, wear an armful of wooden bangles.

For a night out clubbing, wear an armful of mirrored bangles.

For a classy restaurant, a single mirrored bangle (the thickest you own) would accessorize and elegant black or white dress beautifully.

The list goes on.

Start collecting bangles today because they will always be in vogue.

About the Author

Bangles - The Summer Accessory Of Choice from http://www.buy-bracelets.com

Get easy access to the most exclusive London party venues

Get easy access to the most exclusive London party venues with londonparties.co.uk by David J

For guest list places in some of the hottest venues in the capital like Crystal Club, London register for free now with londonparties.co.uk, the leading guest list service and party planner in London. Get easy access to the most exclusive London party venues with londonparties.co.uk, the premium online resource for clubbing in London.

Founded nearly a decade ago, londonparties.co.uk are one of the London party scene’s biggest players, with a huge variety of highly successful weekly party nights and a whole host of launch events and celebrity parties for prestigious clients. We work with some of the most exclusive clubs in central London to provide preferential entry for our members â€" and the best thing is, it’s free to sign up!

All of our London guest list events are managed exclusively by londonparties.co.uk, which means you can guarantee slick organisation, awesome tunes, an amazing atmosphere and some top venues from Kensington Roof Gardens to China White. Whatever the occasion you know you can always expect some of the best clubbing in London. So how do you use our guest list service? First of all make sure you are registered with londonparties.co.uk then choose from our events at nearly fifty bars and clubs in central London. Our London club guide has venue details, photos and even sample cocktail and food menus.

Once home to the rather downmarket Hombres, this central London nightclub has been transformed with a £2 million makeover into Crystal Night Club. In London this swanky new private members club in the heart of Marylebone is already attracting the attention of an elite party crowd. Fronted by one of Prince William’s best friends Jacobi Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe, this VIP night club is London’s latest celebrity haunt with both Prince William and Prince Harry among the founder members.

Once you’ve selected the venue you would like, choose the date you want to party and submit the names of all members of your party. Make sure you ask for the londonparties.co.uk list on the door and check the entry requirements for the club before you leave home. London Parties are the biggest and most established party planner in London â€" if you want a venue like Crystal Night Club in London for your next bash contact us now and we’ll do our best to create your perfect night out.

When you register at londonparties.co.uk you’ll have immediate access to exclusive London guestlists at venues like China White, Rumi and Camouflage Club. Sign up now and use our guestlist place at the best parties in town.

About the Author

David J. is associated with London Parties who deals with bars and night clubs for arranging the party venues in London.