King’s Birthday – A Royal Birthday

The official festivities to celebrate this special day are centred on Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen road. However it is celebrated throughout the Kingdom, as Thai people take to the streets cheering and performing various dances. It is an enchanting experience to be among the locals as they celebrate their King’s birthday. People are allowed to view the grand palace for free on this special day, resulting in a sea of people at this beautiful place.

King Bhumibol’s health has improved over the past several months and he has made appearances at public events more often. Although he is 85 years and has been in the throne for 66 years it is fascinating to see how people of Thailand celebrate him and pray for his health patriotically. This is the longest reign of any living monarch in the world. He is celebrated as a semi divine who possesses potent spirituality in order to become a fully enlightened Buddha in a future life.

Although the king was, quite silent in his response during Thailand’s last political turmoil, the people of the Kingdom appreciates his mild presence. It is useful for any visitor to Thailand to be aware of the Thai people’s devotion and loyalty to their king. He is referred to as Abodhisatta by many. This devotion is visible when huge crowds flock to Ratchadamnoen to be part of the carnival like atmosphere.

Between 7 in the evening and midnight the palace is ceremoniously opened to the public by the king. Several ceremonies take place during the day proceeded by cultural performances and worships arranged at the main temples such as Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho. Looking for a place to reside in while you absorb the festivities? There are plenty of 5 star hotels in Bangkok that provide substantial discounts during the festivities. Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa is a beautiful Bangkok resort that provides star class accommodation within its gorgeous area. With beautiful views of the river right from the comfort of your bed and hospitality that takes your breath away this will be the highlight of your journey to beautiful Bangkok.

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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Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Sri Lanka

December heralds the festive season and even in a tropical paradise like Sri Lanka one can enjoy Christmas and New Year celebrations. A great place to experience these festivities is at a Sri Lanka beach hotel where you can herald in the New Year amidst stunning coastal landscapes. Located along the shores, Mermaid Hotel & Club is one such option and is an ideal Kalutara hotel which gives one a chance to have ceremonies on the beach too.

The best place to visit during the Christmas season is the commercial capital Colombo. The city is decked out in a variety of decorations and colourful lights as shops, malls and retail outlets go all out when it comes to festive décor. During this period one can also find a wide range of discounts making it an ideal time to shop. Churches throughout the country also host carol services during this time and are open free to the public to enjoy. On New Year ‘s Eve one can find an array of festive dinner dances, while midnight is a time when you can witness a dazzling display of fireworks light up the night sky.

2013 Al Ain Aerobatic Show – witness the tricks of the trade

If you ever wanted to be amazed by the world’s most daring and exceptional aerobatic pilots while being in Abu Dhabi, then visit the exciting Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2013 which will be part of the National Day festivities of the UAE from 30th November to 02nd December 2013. Complement your stay by choosing from the many Abu Dhabi hotels on offer. Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi which is a famed Abu Dhabi city hotel would be ideal.

Not only will you be witnessing a selection of airplanes, helicopters, wingwalkers and gliders in action but the kids can also be entertained at the Kids Zones which will feature bouncing castles, trampolines and a whole lot more. How about meeting a pilot? Well that’s all taken care of at this year’s edition of the show where guests will be offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to exchange pleasantries at the ‘Meet the Pilots’ enclosure. You could also purchase some of the merchandise which will be up for grabs.

Langkawi Craft Festival – the colours of craft

Langkawi in Malaysia is known for its many festivals and events. For tourists the city is paradise to absorb authentic Malaysian culture. Throughout the year the area is adorned with an array of different occasions. Starting from the grand New Year celebrations up until the end of the year, there is some festival to look forward to, each bringing out the best of authentic Malaysia. The culture is intense and beautiful and comes with colour, dance, deep rooted religion and unique skill. One occasion that showcases the craftsmanship of Malaysians is the Langkawi Crafts festival. The Langkawi Crafts Festival takes place somewhere around the month of December. The end of the year is a holiday season throughout the world and Malaysia gets a good number of visitors. The Langkawi Craft Festival in addition to its festivity makes an excellent place to pick up handmade Malaysian souvenirs.

This annual event brings to life the Craft Complex at Kedah that showcases pretty much every imaginable type of Malaysian craft. Using a variety of local material, beautiful ornaments are created that work perfectly on the mantelpiece. The world of Malaysian craft is endless and has a tropical exoticness to it. The art of batik painting is brought to life in the many kaftans, skirts and sarongs available for sale. You can even get a glimpse of how it is all brought to life backstage.

December offers more for those holidaying in Langkawi for the harvest festival also takes place somewhere around this time. In this occasion you can watch and even take part in an array of traditional fun games all in conjunction to the rice harvest; an event that holds much importance in local culture. You can even see the process of harvesting rice and enjoy the company of happy local farmers who celebrate all their hard work with this festival.

While visiting the area the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa is an excellent 5 star hotel in Langkawi to stay at. This Langkawi beach resort has views that will literally take your breath away and comforts that will make you want to stay longer in this amazing hotel.

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+

2013 Abu Dhabi Film Festival – the magic of movies

Regarded as the showpiece event of Arab cinema, the Abu Dhabi Film Festival for the year 2013 I scheduled to be held from the 24th of October to the 02nd of November 2013. Regarded as an initiative to educate and engage the locals through a variety of programmes, the film festival is one that should not be missed at all costs. Choose an Abu Dhabi hotel nearby if you are thinking of heading over. The Grand Millennium Al Wahda is one such hotel, Abu Dhabi UAE has to offer.

Projecting the skills of the local filmmaker, this spectacle also attracts a large number of international movie makers who arrive with an objective of competing against their local counterparts. This year’s event is hoped to bring in more prestigious awards, stars and of course the movies itself spread out over a 10 day period. Short films and feature from across the world will also compete for the highest crown while the festival will afford the future of this business the luxury of taking part in filmmaking classes.

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 BIG Entertainment Show 2013 – building stronger business relations

If it entertainment content that you’re after then there’s no better place to be than at The BIG Entertainment Show 2013. The Dubai International Convention & Exhibition centre will certainly come alive on the 18th and 19th of November as one will be able to see the best of industry experts on show. Choose a Dubai luxury hotel to stay at if you wish to head over. Amongst 5 star hotels Dubai has to offer, select the Grand Millennium Dubai which is found in close proximity to the convention centre.

With an aim of creating more fruitful business partnerships for the betterment of the content industry, the event is scheduled to host some of the visionary local and global industry experts. New business opportunities in the areas of interactive entertainment, digital content, music, film, tv, video games and a whole lot more will be discussed which are sure to revolutionise the ever thriving content industry. If in the vicinity, do not miss checking out the show.

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+

Wedding Venues in Phuket – A Place to Wed in Paradise

Marrying in Phuket feels like marrying in paradise. That is the unmatched richness and beauty this place is so famously known for. There is an ambience of romance everywhere in this perfect little island that saying ‘I do’ with the backdrop of rolling waves and clear blue skies would feel like sealing your sacred relationship in the most alluring of locations. There is something magical about Phuket that makes it feel like paradise itself.

Thailand in addition to its exotic scenery is known for its passionate tradition. Every promise, every vow, every bond entered in accordance with Thai customs feels like it has more significance, more value and more importance. For many, utilising the Thai background along with the Thais’ sacred tradition is what makes the perfect wedding and in Phuket you can make this dream come true. Its popularity as a wedding destination has given rise to several venues, planners and options within the island to make your big day a magical reality.

Perhaps the first thing to figure out when getting married in Phuket is where you plan to have the wedding ceremony. The venue plays a huge role in figuring out the rest of the details. For most people the island is all about its immaculate scenery and the beachside in this place is truly tranquil. However there are lush gardens that are equally amazing. Above all the area is known for its array of star class resorts that assist in every detail in the wedding and give you everything and anything you need for a stylish wedding. Popular names of wedding venues include Laguna, Dusit and Le Meridien, all of which offer all inclusive wedding packages.

The modern wedding studio also provides excellent services to make your dream day a reality. From popular venues, to the right ceremony, to even completely customised marriage ceremonies; the Modern Wedding Studio is ever ready to give you the best option available.

Start your romantic journey of a blissful future together with the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. These luxury hotel resorts are perfect for honeymooners. The sheer ambience of romance echoing in every corner of this resort makes love even lovelier! These exquisite luxury hotels are the ultimate blessing you need to carve the rest of an amazing future as man and wife.

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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Dubai International Jewellery Week – of pearls, diamonds and precious stones

Tipped as the largest and most visited jewellery spectacle that one would ever come across in the Middle East, the Dubai International Jewellery Week is scheduled to take place between the 4th and 7th of December 2013 at Dubai World Trade Centre. If you are in the vicinity during this time why not head over? Those selecting accommodation in Dubai would do well to reside at a Palm Jumeirah Hotel such as Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa.

This annual event has been known to attract jewellery lovers the world over to witness a stunning display of some of the world’s most beautiful jewellery from top-notch design houses. Select from a wide range of diamonds, pearls and a whole lot more that adorn the most captivating pieces of jewellery you will ever find. The event has established a reputation for showcasing the latest trends in design and craft and is a must visit for any traveller who longs for detail and precision. The Jewellery Design Awards part of this spectacle is sure to dazzle you as amateur and professional designers from all parts of the world will commune in Dubai to creatively craft out a new chapter in the field of jewellery design. So be there and don’t miss out on all the glitz and glamour.

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+

2014 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship – Golf at its Finest

The city of Abu Dhabi echoes luxury within every inch of its borders. It is the capital of one of the world’s most booming tourist destinations; the UAE. The UAE attracts its visitors to experience the height of the man made majesty that this nation proudly boasts of. Here you find the wildest architecture in both land and sea. In addition to all its wonders, it has been the host to some of the world’s most renowned gatherings in the area of Medicine, Engineering and Technology. To top it all hosting sporting events has also become a new trend in this glamorous city. A game that really matches the city’s standards in both luxury and class is quite simply golf and the sport of golf has conquered Abu Dhabi in quite a big way.

Every year Abu Dhabi hosts the HSBC Golf Championship that draws to its doors a good deal of visitors. The HSBC Golf Championship is in fact an European Tour Golf Tournament that was hosted for the first time in January 2006. From the day the sport was first staged it became popular and a most awaited event for golfers every year. The glamour of golf is amplified 10 folds because it is taking place in the luxurious city of Abu Dhabi and the funds allocated for the grand prize of the event is a good 2 million USD. The HSBC Golf Championship is already gearing up for a fantastic show in the month of January 2014. Next year it is scheduled to take place from the 16th to the 19th and is being prepared to be just as amazing as it had been for the past 8 years.

In addition to all the golf, the event is full of fun for the whole family. There is a fabulous range of attractions at the Championship Village that features competitions, games, prizes, live performances and family-friendly fun. There is also the HSBC Interactive Zone that lets guest golfers try out their golfing skills while the non-golfers can browse through the creative area.

After an adventurous day out engaged in the sport, come home to the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara which is an Abu Dhabi resort that without a doubt has earned the name as being as one the more renowned Abu Dhabi beach hotels.

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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Celebrating the Dawn of the New Year in the Tropics – New Year’s Eve in Maldives

One of South Asia’s most beautiful island nations is the Maldives. Located just south of Sri Lanka, the archipelagic state of the Maldives is known for its world renowned beaches, amazing coral reefs, rich culture and beautiful flora and fauna. Maldives’ thriving hospitality industry further complements these amazing features of the islands, making them an ideal South Asian tropical tourist destination.

While New Year’s Eve is a time where it is cold or snowing in the western part of the world, the Maldives is known for its warm and sunny climate, making it an ideal vacation destination during the month of December. The Maldives is a great place to spend the New Year’s Eve as it offers you the opportunity to enjoy the dawn of the New Year in one of the most beautiful and tranquil locations in the world. Be it partying on the beaches, attending New Year parties at hotels, or just spending a quiet evening with your family and loved ones, the Maldives is an ideal place for a special entry into the New Year!

New Year’s Eve is celebrated vibrantly in the country, with the locals decorating the islands to reflect the spirit of the festive season. Thousands of tourists visit the this country each year during the month of December to celebrate this event in a tropical haven. One of the best ways to celebrate the dawn of this celebration would be to be a part of the one of the many exclusive beach parties that is held here. These parties are colourful occasions with music and dance, including traditional performances by popular local musicians and dancers. Another highlight of the Maldives which occurs during this time is visiting the city and experiencing the local celebrations and festivities along the streets. One can even spend a quiet evening at one of the most exclusive beaches and lounges owned by the many hotels and resorts of the Maldives. Thus, to enjoy your New Year’s Eve in a warm tropical paradise, head over to these isles this December.

For a tranquil vacation in one of the most recommendable Maldives resorts, stay at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. Located on a beautiful white sandy beach overlooking clear turquoise waters, this resort offers accommodation in a range of spacious and elegantly appointed villas which ensure your comfort and privacy. This resort also provides guests with a range of luxury services such as fine dining restaurants, the signature Anantara spa and recreational facilities making it one of the ideal Maldives spa resorts for a refreshing vacation.

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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