Author Archives: pushpitha

Immerse Yourself in Sri Lankan Traditions: A Guide to Experiencing the Sinhala & Tamil New Year in Galle

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Sinhala and tamil new year celebrations in Sri Lanka

If you are planning a trip to Galle, Sri Lanka, in April, you have a great opportunity to experience the island’s traditional New Year, celebrated by both the Sinhala and Tamil communities. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect, from rituals to food and more.

New Year Rituals

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year falls on the 13th and 14th of April every year, and the celebrations are based on auspicious times. From lighting the hearth to preparing and enjoying the first meal, there are many rituals linked to this cultural festival. Staying at a villa, including at Heenatigala Walawwa, offers an ideal chance to experience the New Year in Galle, and you can check to see if there will be any activities taking place at the property itself or nearby.

Traditional Sweets and Dishes

New Year celebrations are incomplete without enjoying festive treats such as kavum, kokis, and kiribath (milk rice). If you are staying at one of the luxury villas in Galle, check to see if you can enjoy some of these food items during your stay.

Visiting a Temple for Blessings

Visiting a temple to offer prayers and seek blessings for prosperity and good fortune is another way to experience the beginning of a New Year like a local. Of course, remember to dress modestly, covering bare shoulders and legs.

Festival Games

Another interesting thing you can do to experience the New Year is to witness festival games. Organised by locals in villages, these traditional games are lots of fun; they include tug of war, bun-eating contests (with the hands of participants tied behind their backs!) and sack races, bringing people together to celebrate the dawn of the New Year.

Why is Khao Lak a Popular Destination for Indian Destination Weddings?

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Wedding in Khao Lak Thailand

Khao Lak is popular for Indian destination weddings because it offers luxury beachfront resorts, more privacy than Phuket, easier group celebrations, and better value for multi-day events. When searching for the best hotels in Khao Lak for Indian destination weddings, couples are often drawn to the area’s beachfront luxury resorts, added privacy, and generous event space for mehendi nights, receptions, and family gatherings. That matters because Indian weddings are rarely one-day events.

 

Why Khao Lak Works Better for Big Weddings

  •       One resort can host multiple functions
  •       Guests stay together in the same property
  •       Less crowded than many areas in Phuket 
  •       Easier logistics for families and elders
  •       Better backdrop for photos and ceremonies
  •       Feels like a wedding plus a holiday

 

Why do Indian couples choose Khao Lak for destination weddings?

Khao Lak makes sense for weddings because everything can happen in one resort. You could have the mehendi by the pool, the wedding on the beach, and the reception indoors without constantly bussing guests around. It also gives you the best mix of access and calm. Guests can fly into Phuket International Airport easily, while the destination itself feels far more relaxed than crowded Phuket hotspots. On top of that, many couples find they get more space and better value here.

Another reason couples choose Khao Lak is that it feels more private and more put-together for multi-day celebrations. You are not competing with heavy nightlife zones, packed public beaches, or constant city traffic in the background of your events. That makes a real difference when families want a smoother experience, better photos, and time to actually enjoy each function. Instead of rushing from venue to venue, everyone can settle in, celebrate properly, and enjoy the wedding at a far more comfortable pace.

 

Are there resorts in Khao Lak that can host Indian weddings?

The best resorts are the ones that make a big wedding feel easy. That usually means enough rooms for guests, good food, flexible event spaces, and somewhere beautiful for the ceremony. Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa often comes up because it has beachfront ceremony potential, ballrooms, several restaurants, pools, a spa, and plenty for families to enjoy.

It is also worth looking for resorts that are experienced with overseas group weddings rather than only regular leisure stays. Large Indian weddings often need room blocks, airport transfers, multiple event timings, décor teams, entertainment setups, and menus for different preferences. Resorts that can coordinate these details smoothly tend to remove a lot of stress for the couple and their families. In the end, the best resort is not just the prettiest one, but the one that can make a big celebration feel effortless.

 

Can Khao Lak resorts provide Indian food and wedding rituals?

Yes, in many cases they can. Upscale resorts in Khao Lak often cater to Indian weddings when everything is organised early. That can mean veggie menus, halal-friendly food, North or South Indian dishes, live cooking stations, and buffet setups for big guest numbers. Many resorts also know how to handle wedding traditions like haldi, mehendi, sangeet, mandap ceremonies, and receptions. So, couples get the Thailand beach setting while keeping the customs that matter.

 

Why do wedding guests enjoy Khao Lak as a holiday destination?

Guests usually enjoy Khao Lak because it does not feel like they only came for a wedding. When events are over, they can hit the beach, book a massage, relax by the pool, or head out on island tours. It also suits every age group. Older family members get peace and comfort, kids have space to move around, and younger guests still have fun options. Best of all, nothing feels too hectic.

 

Conclusion

Khao Lak is becoming a favourite for Indian destination weddings because it gets the balance just right. You have beachfront scenery, resorts that can handle large events, and a setting where guests actually enjoy their stay. It feels premium without being overly hectic. With places like Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, it is easy to see why more couples are choosing it.

 

What Are the Best Hotels in Phuket for Conferences, Meetings, and Corporate Events?

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Meeting venues in Saii Laguna Phuket

When it comes to hosting conferences or corporate events, location matters just as much as the venue itself. Phuket has steadily grown into a preferred destination for business gatherings, thanks to its mix of modern infrastructure, scenic settings, and well-connected accessibility. The great thing is that versatile venues are often linked to the island’s key accommodation providers as well.

But not every hotel or resort is equipped to handle professional events at scale. From dedicated meeting spaces to seamless planning support, choosing the right property can shape how successful and stress-free your event turns out to be. When looking for the best hotels in Phuket for conferences and corporate events, here are some expert-backed picks worth considering.

Expert Picks

SAii Laguna Phuket

“…this standalone MICE destination comprises 1,900 square metres of flexible, fully-connected function space, including the 350-guest Similan Ballroom, with its six-metre-high ceilings, plus nine well-equipped breakout rooms, a spacious foyer area and a VIP room. Each of these state-of-the-art venues will feature the latest audio-visual technology, so every event will make a lasting impression.” (Travel Daily Media)

Source: https://www.traveldailymedia.com/saii-laguna-phuket-launches-new-meetings-events-centre/

As featured on Travel Daily Media, and written by Kristin Mariano, SAii Laguna Phuket stands out for its purpose-built meetings and events centre launched in 2021. Located along Bang Tao Beach, the property combines indoor meeting spaces with three outdoor venues, including a beachfront setting and a poolside lawn. This flexibility allows it to host everything from conferences and product launches to gala dinners and award ceremonies. The resort also provides professional event support, tailored catering, and access to trusted local suppliers. A notable aspect is its sustainability focus, with environmentally conscious practices such as eliminating single-use plastics, making it a practical option for organisations mindful of their impact.

 

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao

“The resort’s event planners provide customised catering to suit any occasion. Mini mindfulness sessions also enhance the wellbeing of attendees.” (Journal des Palaces)

Source: https://www.journaldespalaces.com/pressrelease-62391-thailand-hotel-opening-melia-phuket-mai-khao-celebrates-opening.html 

As per the Journal des Palaces digital newspaper, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao offers a more intimate setting for corporate events on the island’s northwestern coast with a focus on wellbeing. Its conference facilities include a grand ballroom suitable for a standing cocktail reception for approximately 100 people or a sit-down dinner for 88 guests; adjacent to the ballroom are two smaller multipurpose rooms, ideal for intimate events, including board meetings. The layouts work well for companies looking to host focused events. With personalised planning, catering support and a quiet beachfront location, the property is suited for executive meetings, strategy sessions, and smaller corporate events for planners in search of privacy and attention to detail.

 

Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Phuket

“Nestled along the serene Nakalay Bay, Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Phuket offers an enchanting setting for MICE events. This charming resort features a diverse range of meeting facilities designed to cater to both large conferences and intimate gatherings.” (Phuket Event Company)

Source: https://www.phuketeventcompany.com/top-10-mice-hotels-in-phuket/ 

Highlighted as part of the “Top 10 MICE Hotels in Phuket” by Phuket Event Company, Thavorn Palm Beach Resort offers a well-rounded option for larger corporate groups. The property has a spacious ballroom that can accommodate up to 250 people, along with several versatile meeting rooms that feature modern audiovisual technology and equipment, as well as high-speed internet access. Its tropical gardens and beachfront setting provide a visually appealing backdrop for both formal and informal events. This combination of scale, flexibility, and setting makes it a suitable choice for incentive groups and companies planning events that blend business with leisure.

Conclusion

Phuket continues to position itself as a strong destination for conferences, meetings, and corporate events by offering a mix of well-equipped venues and appealing surroundings. Whether you are planning a large-scale conference or a smaller executive retreat, the right hotel or resort can provide both the facilities and the environment needed for a successful event. With its accessibility, variety of venues, and great options for enjoying downtime, Phuket remains a practical and attractive choice for corporate gatherings.

Central Festival Phuket – Best Place to shop in Phuket – Shoppers Retreat

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No city is complete without a shopping mall, and Phuket is no exception. An island off the mainland of Thailand, Phuket has been a very busy and island in terms of all the tourist activity going on. However just outside the city center one is met with one the island’s largest shopping malls, Central Festival.

People visit Phuket for varying reasons, mainly the beaches and the Phuket Resort that have always managed to live up to their world class standards.One that has been highly recommended by those who have visited the island before is, Anantara Phuket Villas, designed by one of the world renowned architects these villa come with private pools and offer spacious luxury.

A trip to Central Festival is definitely a must do while in Phuket. The mall is home to around 120 outlets that sell a varying range of products. Some of the products you can find while here are, up market clothing, fashion accessories, silk goods, bedding, household goods, toys and other accessories for children, food and drinks as well as watch and jewelry counters.

The Central Phuket Department store, where one can find most designer brands. The basement floor of the mall features homeware, electrical equipment and other home decor. Ground floor has some of the famous clothing lines such as CK, Armani,H&M, cosmetic stores, watches and women’s footwear. Moving onto the second floor one is met with a wide range of women’s fashion specially focussing on teens. The third floor features mens fashion, luggages a large book store and all the banks and restuarants can be found on this floor. The fourth floor is dedicated to the kids with lots of toys and other interesting items as well as few hair and skin care stores.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+

Business Events in Koh Phangan – Obtaining Optimum Results in Comfort Zones

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Koh Phangan in Thailand is not only noted for its riotous Full Moon Part on Haad Rin Beach it is also fast gaining prominence as an up market meeting destination. With a number of star class hotels providing a range of facilities more and more people are flocking to Koh Phan Nagan for their business events. Both local and foreign government and non – governmental organizations are constantly utilizing the business facilities provided by Koh Phangan establishments. Hotels in Koh Phangan are totally geared to provide exclusive , customized services to their corporate clients. Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa provides luxury accommodation with expert services which will dovetail detail and overall experience to optimize results from your corporate event.

Koh Phangan establishments will cater from private meetings to fully serviced conventions with buffets, entertainment and in-meeting catering. State – of – the art multi media facilities are also provided and the hotels will also provide up -to-date communication facilities.

Koh Phangan is convenient to access. There are several ways to get there depending on your port of entry and budget. The nearest airport is Koh Samui. Bangkok Airways has around 20 rturn flights from Bangok toKoh Samui each day. The State Railway of Thailand too operates an efficient service to Koh Phangan and overnight sleeper trains would be the best choice. Private air conditioned tour coaches are also avialble as is a ferry service. All facilities are also available in Koh Phangan to make travel arrangements.

To relax after a hard day’s work Koh Phangan has plenty of entertainment. For the aqua enthusiasts there are water sports a plenty and for sports enthusiasts there are Muay Thai or Thai Kick Boxing exhibitions etc.For those wishing for a more tranquil type of relaxation a visit to one of Koh Phangan’s temples or a walk along the island’s pristine beaches would be ideal.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Bali Gourmet Festival 2015: a food fanatic’s most delectable dream

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The tantalizing scents of this year’s festival seem to be growing more intense, as preparations are being made for Indonesia’s most celebrated food bonanza which will take place from the 14th to the 16th of August 2015. The Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre will sizzle, as the culinary skills of Indonesia’s 5 star hotels and street vendors will be displayed. The festival is an incredible opening for burgeoning food businesses and similarlywould not fail to entice the taste buds of food lovers. It would certainly be a pity if you miss the irresistible thrills of the festival. Book your stay at InterContinental Bali Resort and indulge in the luxuries offered by this premium Bali resort while giving into your wildest food fantasies.

Indonesia boasts a growing economy that spends 50% of its total per capita income on food. Thus, it would seem suitable that it widens its horizons by strengthening ties between the food industry in its own country and those from around the world. If you have a food-related business, you can get some useful tips from the experts and even invest in some marketing strategies that will solidify your presence in the food industry. In establishing ties with culinary expertise from around the world, the organizers of the Bali Gourmet Festival display foresightedness. The festival also cultivates a culture of sharing.

Bars and lounges galore! Specific locations are demarcated for those who enjoy beverages of different kinds. Whether you crave beer, champagne, whiskey or a cocktail, the festival has it all. More than 120 premium brands will also showcase their products and display their talents. If you desire some live action, head towards the cookery theatreand watch as the fiery and silent food preparations become works of art in their own right.

Be entertained throughout the day and late into the night. Live music will be the best accompaniment when savouring good food. When the stalls close for the night, you can join the after parties that are part of the festival. You would not be able to imagine a better combination than the one established between food and entertainment. Be a part of it!

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+

Songkran – Celebrate the New Year with a Splash!

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songkran

By JJ Harrison ([email protected]) (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

One of the best and most popular tourist destinations of Southeast Asia is the city of Bangkok. Serving as the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world, and is home to a wide range of attractions and highlights. Thus, Bangkok promises to offer its visitors an exciting, exotic and truly memorable experience. There are many ways to explore the many amazing features of this city, but one of the most unique ways is by embarking on a Bangkok cruise tour with Anantara Cruises.

Each country has its own unique way of celebrating the dawn of the New Year, and the way it is celebrated in Bangkok and in most parts of Thailand is truly unique. Songkran is the name given to the New Year celebrations that take place in Bangkok. The festivities and celebrations are so popular that regardless of locals traveling back to their home-towns, Bangkok still remains crowded due to the mass number of tourists and visit Bangkok to partake in the celebrations!

Songkran is formally celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of April each year, but in reality the celebrations go on for a few days after the 15th of April as well. Much like many South and Southeast Asian countries, Thailand celebrates its traditional New Year on the 13th to the 15th of April. These celebrations are vibrant and colorful affairs and full of fun. The main highlight of the celebrations is the major water-fights that take place. That’s right; the New Year is celebrated in Bangkok with all-out water fights by both locals and tourists. In locations such as Shilom and Khao San Road it is common to see people frolicking by throwing water at each other, which is supposed to be symbolic of washing the evils of the previous year away. Other celebrations include religious rituals at temples, family meals, beauty pageants, street parades, and exchanging of gifts, making the entire Songkran experience truly amazing.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+

The Illusionists 1903 – Magic, Mystery and Amazement!

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With the premiering of movies such as Now You See Me, the fascination with the art of deception has been awakened in many souls. While magic has a long history, it has been considered as sorcery and witchcraft and has led to the death of many across the world. With the onset of the 20th century, however, magic had developed its reputation as the staunch art of deception and proved to be a worthy distraction to ongoing humanitarian and social problems such as the World Wars and the Great Depression. A magic show in this era would surely have been a sight to behold from the setup of the old halls and the manner in which magicians hold the gaze of their audiences to the admiring glances as they deceive with an air of confidence and mystery.

With The Illusionists 1903, dare to experience the landscape of magic as it existed at the turn of the century. This magic troupe has been spreading mystery and wonderment across Australia during their recent tour and performed at the Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane till the 10th of January providing the opportunity for guests staying at Oaks Felix to experience a magical night! Given that Brisbane CBD accommodation was completely booked quite quickly, if locals or tourists want to experience the show when they perform in Adelaide, it makes sense to make reservations early.

The reactions to the tour of the Illusionists 1903 have been highly positive and it has been described as ‘an amazing show not to be missed’. This comes as no surprise considering that The Illusionists 1903 provide a unique experience that combines magic and talent that create an aura of amazement among the audience members. With levitation, juggling and escaping among the tricks performed, they also seemed to read minds and guess the contents of their pockets. All in all, The Illusionist 1903 put on a show that is worth watching and it will leave you amazed.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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New Year Celebrations in Dubai -2015 – One of the most extravagant and lavish parties are hosted at Dubai

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Dubai is known for their exotic, extravagant and lavish style and is a travel destination for many people from many different countries. Dubai is known for their lavish parties and mainly for their fabulous night life. The New Year’s Eve at Dubai is one of the biggest events of the year and many people fly to Dubai, just to take part in the New Year festivities. These festivities have dance shows, theme parties and a range of processions throughout the streets of the city. The city has vibrant lights and some amazing New Year firework shows for the brand new year of 2015. The Ascott Park Place, Dubai is one of the best Dubai hotel apartments, and is a great venue to celebrate the New Year 2015. This hotel is also very near to the exhibition center and the station. They have an iconic 56 story building, and have floor to ceiling windows in each department that overlooks breathtaking views of the city or the Arabian Golf. Guests can enjoy the 40 meter swimming pool and have an empowering work out with the state of the art equipment.

At New Year’s Eve in Dubai, many restaurants offer special menu, and very grand buffets and a refined fine dining options. Dubai is known as a city that never sleeps, and this is one of the few cities which experiences high inflow of tourists from all over the world. The world famous Burj Al Arab is one of the most special places, as this 7 star hotel welcomes the New Year like no other city. One can enjoy the complete view of the New Year eve’s fireworks right from the rooftop of this hotel. The World famous Burj kalifa, also offers an amazing firework display. The downtown area of Dubai celebrates New Years that accommodates millions of tourists along with the local residents. These celebrations begin with a musical performance followed by dances that are choreographed by world famous dancers.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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OzAsia Festival – a splendid fusion of colour, culture and tastes of Asia

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OzAsia is the premier South Australian festival that celebrates Australia’s long standing relationship with Asia and its rich legacy of arts, culture, food and tradition. OzAsia is an important landmark on the Adelaide’s event calendar and showcases artistic grandeur of Asia while promoting cooperation between Australia and its Asian counter parts.

OzAsia takes place in September each year and the Oaks Embassy-Adelaide is a choice accommodation option out of Adelaide Hotels CBD if you are visiting particularly for the festival. Each year, the festival focuses on a particular region in Asia; for instance this year’s festival was based on Adelaide’s sister city Shandong Province of China. The festival is a cheerful exchange between Australia and the Asian entity that is being focused, where there’s valuable exchange of culture, values and arts between the countries.

The Moon Lantern Festival is the pinnacle of the OzAsia event and is a definite crowd puller. This is a modern celebration based on an ancient Chinese tradition – a mid-autumn festival celebrating the harvest. This free event has become a major part of the OzAsia Festival, and is held each year in Elder Park.

Because the OzAsia Festival celebrations embrace the rich heritage of Asia, the Moon Lantern Festival includes a blend of traditions and influences from this region. It begins early afternoon with regional food stalls scattered around Elder Park to tempt visitors to try out Asian food and culture. It’s a good idea to come hungry, as you’re bound to find some tasty regional cuisine here. Traditional dance acts, arts and crafts, spiritual activity such as horoscope reading as well as cookery workshops etc. from all parts of Asia are common features at the Moon Lantern Festival.

At dusk a colourful moon lantern parade takes place where hundreds of beautifully crafted flickering lanterns are set afloat casting an eerie light around Elder Park. This is followed by some spectacular fireworks with which the festival comes to a close.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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