The time of Ramadan is the holy month in the Islamic world and therefore visitors to regions such as Maldives, Abu Dhabi, Qatar for that matter ought to take into account the acceptable practices during this time. During this time of the year, a wide number of restaurants will be closed from sunrise to sunset although luxury Maldives hotels such as the Anantara Hotels, Resort & Spa are usually not affected by this holiday season. Particularly the evening meal of iftar, when the faithful break their fast, is considered to be a social occasion; throughout the country, ifthars are organized where people of diverse nationalities join together in the spirit of the festival. Muslims are required to fast and to also refrain from drinking …

Drenched in sunshine and home to idyllic stretches of shoreline bordered by refreshing ocean waters, Negombo, a slice of paradise has a rich history and heritage and those visiting here have much to do. One of the best ways to enjoy this coastal getaway is to stay at budget hotels in Sri Lanka that are located on the shore itself such as Hotel J Negombo. Being a coastal city in Sri Lanka, Negombo was a very popular city during the colonization of the island. Tipped to be one of Negombo’s most visited tourist attractions, the Dutch Fort is no ordinary remnant of the city’s colonial legacy. Having been under the Portuguese and Dutch rule in centuries past the city’s colonial heritage is one of its …

The Republic of Maldives is known for its natural beauty and if you are planning to visit this mesmerizing island you should also be aware of their holidays which revolve around and are influenced by the Islamic faith. Every religious festival and national occasions are celebrated with the same enthusiasm and a sense of unity emanates from these enthusiastic celebrations. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar and Muslims fast for 30 days during this period and it is considered one of the most important events in this country. Maldives being a predominantly Muslim nation, the government offices in this country open between 9 am and 1.30 pm and private offices close by 3:00 pm. At the end of Ramadan, Eid festival is …

Vietnam is one of the touristy destinations that has sprung up in popularity in the recent years. There are plenty of attractions and activities in Vietnam that keep the tourist occupied. If you prefer to stay away from the city a perfect getaway would be to stay at a Hoi An River Resort.Even though a small town , one of the key attractions in Hoi An is the festival that takes place. Long Chu Festival is the highlight of tourist activity in the town. Long Chu festival is of high cultural and religious importance. It is celebrated to welcome the new season and to bid farewell to the previous one on the 15th day of lunar January and July.The climate remains uncertain in this period due …

Another bash of colour, the Hung Shing Festival is yet another festival that takes center stage in the well respected History of the Chinese people. Celebrating Hung Shing, a historical figure who prior to being deified was one man of skill and wisdom regarded to have been the guiding light of fishermen and merchants alike. Hung Shing Festival is celebrated on the 13th day of the second lunar month of every year. It is one festival of high regard which draws in a considerable number of tourists in witnessing this grand galore of cultural festivity. This festival cannot simply be enjoyed without the companionship of the very best Hotel in town. Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong today is the proud patron of supreme hospitality within the city. Located …

The Navam Perahara is a colorful and an exotic Sri Lankan festival that compromises of almost 100 elephants, over 5,000 artistes with dancers, acrobats, drummers, torch bearers and many more other attractions. The Nawam Maha Perahera is officially inaugurated when the sacred relics are paraded in a gilded casket placed on a majestic tusker, which is elegantly caparisoned and walks calmly amidst the hive of activity. The Navam perahera festival in Colombo draws tourists and visitors from across the country, and many foreigners from all over the world come and visit the Navam Perahara. The Navam Perahara is held at the very famous and sacred gangaramaya temple at in Colombo. Hotel J is a premier Negombo Hotel, and is a subsidiary under the leading name in Sri Lanka …

Christmas in Surfers Paradise is another great Australian festival that is held each year during the Christmas time to celebrate the festive season in the grand Australian way. Christmas 2014 saw the Cavill Mall brilliantly illuminated with lights and families from all over flocking to witness the numerous Christmas fun events organised to make the season merry for everyone. Australis Sovereign Hotel, quite a popular hotel in Gold Coast was very much involved with the festive season with the luxury accommodation it had to offer for the many visiting tourists and locals during this exciting holiday time. Some of the fun events that the families enjoyed included Santa at the beach with his surfboat sleigh pulled by six kangaroos and posting letters to Santa and snapping …

Travellers in search of five-star Siem Reap accommodation will be more than pleased with the Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa. Providing guests with a central location this idyllic rest offers modern amenities to suit business travellers as well as holidaymakers. Renowned as one of Cambodia’s most sacred religious festivals the marking of Pchum Ben or Ancestor’s Day holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Khmer residents the world over. This annual religious ceremony in Cambodia falls on the 15th day of the 10th month in the Khmer calendar with dates in the Georgian calendar alternating between the months of September and October. The 2013 Pchum Ben festival for example was marked from the 3rd to the 5th of October while the dates of this year’s …

Visakha Bucha or Vesak is one of most important annual events among Buddhists in Thailand as it commemorates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and ‘parinirvana’. According to Theravada Buddhist teachings these three events took place on the first full moon day in the 6th lunar month of Wisaka. This is one of the busiest days in Bangkok despite everything being shut down as Buddhists come to take part in public religious events and to be with family and friends. On this day the city’s Governor leads the people in giving alms to monks, Buddha relics are moved from the Grand Palace so that people can pay homage and members of the Thai royal family join the people to commemorate the event. Citadenes Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok, adjacent to …

Travellers in search of luxurious Abu Dhabi hotels will find no finer alternative to the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Conveniently situated in a strategic location this stylish rest serves as the perfect base from which to explore the metropolis that is Abu Dhabi. As a melting pot of varied cultures the thriving desert holiday destination of Abu Dhabi is no light weight when it comes to engaging, local celebrations. Populated by immigrants and expats from around the world the vibrant diversity of Abu Dhabi is put on display each year with colorful religious festivals hosted by various communities in Abu Dhabi society. As one of the most progressive and religiously tolerant Islamic nations in the world this bustling metropolis is a shining example to the …