Couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a memorable way can base themselves at one of the luxury hotels Maldives such as Kurumba Maldives. A standout among Maldives resorts, it boasts an enchanting coastal location. On this special day lovers can take a swim or dive together depending on their level of skill. Sunbathing to perfect your tan is also a tempting option and as the dusk sets in set the mood for the night ahead with a candle light dinner on the beach, under the vast start studded sky. Taking a romantic picnic in one of the secluded Maldivian islands is also a favourite among couples. Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion …

A nation that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘ethnic diversity’ is the nation of India whose multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities live in harmony among diverse backgrounds. As a nation filled with a rich cultural heritage and racial and ethnic diversity, the populace of India practices a vast variety of faiths, beliefs and religions. This multi-belief system gives rise to a number of festivals that are celebrated annually. The Pongal Festival is one such festival celebrated by the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. A harvest festival, Pongal spreads over four days of giving thanks to Mother Nature for a bountiful harvest and praying for fruitful seasons ahead. The festival usually falls in the middle of January when certain types of cereals …

Bhutan is a hidden treasure that borders India and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and is a nation over pouring with richness ; richness in endless expanses of lush scenery and richness in culture. For many, Bhutan is still being unearthed, its secrets are slowly reaching every curious ear which are now craving for a sneak peak, a moment in this incredible country. What borders beautiful Bhutan are the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas. It starts with that and expands into lush forests and sparkling lakes that are adorned by plenty of monasteries and historic forts. It is tranquil and un-spoilt in the most literal sense. It has been known as the happiest country in Asia and the Last Shangri La alive. Just …

This colourful festival in Vietnam is held in honour of Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the Mother of the Land is held on the 15th of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Located right at the centre of Thu Dau Mot city, visitors must look out for comfortable serviced apartments Ho Chi Minh in order to lodge during the festival. One of such Ho Chi Minh serviced apartments known for its conveniences is Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh City which is a delight in itself. The pagoda is decorated with glittering lights and hundreds of lanterns for the festival and lion dances are common on the festival day. Offerings of small pigs, fruits, sticky rice and cookies are made at midnight while the procession of lion dances, plenty …

The rapid development and evolution of modern technology is an iconic feature of the 21st century where stagnant technical know-how and expertise has progressed in leaps and bounds resulting in a global phenomenon of new technologies being introduced almost every day. Consumers now live in an age where different firms vie for the prime spot in the industry by improving existing technology and competing with one another to promote theirs as being the best. In such a day and age, the IT Show 2013 due to be held from the 7th to 10th of March this year in Singapore, is a natural result of the need to expand the consumer base and also to allow consumers to have a wide range of selection when it …

As a larger than life development project that encapsulates a state-of-the-art mall and recreational facilities in the heart of Dubai Creek this visionary retail and entertainment space is the envy of the world in terms of sheer size and scope. Ideally situated on the Dubai Creek near the historic heartland of Deira lies what is now known as Dubai’s premier leisure space for the masses. Sprawled across a whopping 5.2 million square feet this monolithic edifice devoted to the country’s favourite past times of shopping, dining and entertainment is fast gaining attraction as one of its most popular tourist hubs. Appropriately dubbed the Dubai Festival City this 3km long recreational space is in fact a city within a city with breathtaking golf course, glimmering mallscape …

Although most of the world heralds in the dawning of a New Year on the 1st of January the citizens of Thailand wait till the hot summer days of April to hark in their traditional New Year in grand fashion. Dubbed the Songkran Festival the Thai New Year is a red letter event marked across the country from the 13th to the 15th of April every year. Although the dates for the festival were declared by the yearly consultation of a solar calendar the aforementioned dates have been selected to celebrate the festival in recent times. As a national holiday most Thais head to their hometowns to hark in the New Year with loved ones as family values play a vital role in the festivities …

Flowers are one of nature’s prettiest creations. What is astonishing about them is that each one is so unique in its appearance, shade and scent. From subtle colour differences to minute details that make them exquisitely beautiful, each flower seems a miracle. Celebrating this annually is the Hong Kong Flower Show. Held every year in March it is organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong. Looked forward to by both local and foreign citizens, it is the most important event in the horticulture enthusiast’s calendar. While participants are primarily those who have some knowledge or have a keen interest in horticulture, the event is not just restricted to them. In fact most visitors are just people who appreciate beauty. This year’s …

The Maldives joins all other Islamic nations in the world to commemorate Eid ul Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, in honour of prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to show obedience to god. It is also a commemoration of the end of the Haj. Fifteen mosques in Male, Hulhumale and Vilingili are designated to conduct special Eid prayers. The Eid Adha is performed any time after sun rise, before the Zuhr time on the 10th day of the Dhul Hijjah according to the Muslim calendar, around the middle of October, and lasts for four days. Goats and sheep are sacrificed as god accepted a sheep in the place of Ishmael. As worshippers are encouraged to turn out in their best for Eid …

Those looking to experience traditional elements of Shanghai’s cultural heritage should definitely try to take part in a tea ceremony. If you want to truly explore the city while at the same time indulge in some luxury pampering, then staying at a  Boutique hotel Shanghai such as 88 Xintiandi, Shanghai is a good option. Fearing luxurious residences in Shanghai, this stylish business hotel in Shanghai can be found in the lively Xintiandi entertainment district. A tea ceremony in Shanghai lets you enjoy watching traditional rituals and customs that go into preparing tea as in days of old. This includes smelling the tea before it is prepared, steeping methods and even how to properly ‘taste’ the tea. There are a variety of teas that can be used …