Getting bigger and better every year the Waiheke Winter Arts Festival will be held this year too in grand festivities in June. This year’s show will showcase new artists and new segments expanding the show’s horizons even further. Although Waiheke is a small community on a beautiful island it gives great focus to arts and crafts and has several studios featuring veterans and amateurs. The Queen’s birthday has been chosen as the best time this year to commence the arts festival. A wine and cheese event will be held at the end of the festival along with an auction of boxes painted by the artists themselves. Established in 1995 the Waiheke art gallery is dedicated to supporting the visual arts within the island. Managed by …

The well-known Bali Arts Festival is a month-long celebration of the traditional as well as contemporary arts, crafts, dance, music and performances of the Indonesian province of Bali. As the event is focused on the provincial capital of Denpasar, an enthralling array of Balinese artistes converge on the city to present their finest artistic creations. At this unique extravaganza, visitors will be able to witness dances from remote mountainous areas, long-forgotten and revived dance forms, classic palace dance presentations, renowned stars of the Balinese stage and innovative productions of the Denpasar dance schools as well as choreographic creations from other parts of Indonesia and abroad. The people of Bali take great pride in their cultural heritage. Even in remote villages, the outstanding artistes vie with …

Showcasing some of the latest trends and fashion ware in the region, the Bangkok International Fashion Fair (BIFF) is a must attend event for fashionistas. Those in search of centrally located Bangkok serviced apartments from which to head to the BIFF can stay at Ascott Sathorn Bangkok which makes a great starting point to your adventures. Featuring contemporary comforts and conveniences, these Sathorn apartments are perfect for both business and leisure. Attracting around 700 local and foreign companies and big names in the fashion industry, the Bangkok International Fashion Fair also has a vast number of booths where one can see everything from the latest trends to items related to manufacturing fashion ware. Home to such specific zones as garments, textiles, fashion accessories, footwear and leather goods, the BIFF …

The Yachts Asia Bali is to be known as the Yachts Indonesia from its 2013 edition onwards. The decision to move the annual event from the sunny island of Bali to mainland Indonesia is to better cater to the increasing amounts of participants, exhibitors and visitors who have steadily increased. In 2013 over 6000 foreign visitors are expected to witness the over 200 million US dollar worth of merchandise and products that are to be displayed. This year over 300 sqm of space is expected to be taken up to exhibit the many state of the art yachts, boats and other related exhibits. With Bali and Indonesia being much loved and favoured destinations for not only locals but also for foreign nationals from Europe, China, …

Bangkok is a modern city with one foot firmly in the past. Although the Thai capital maybe overrun with futuristic high rise buildings, it also has plenty of historic ones. While a majority of visitors come to Thailand’s cosmopolitan capital to enjoy the amazing shopping opportunities and vibrant nightlife, they all leave with a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich culture and coloured history. The city is steeped in ancient splendour and walking along its streets one will come across many interesting attractions. Tourists who want to learn more about Thai history and culture can try visiting Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (shortened to Ayutthaya), which is located around ninety five kilometres to the north of Bangkok. The city was established in 1350 and served as …

One of the best ways to experience a country’s culture is by witnessing local festivals and when in Hanoi the Chem Temple Festival is one such colourful event worth seeing. The festival takes place at the Chem Temple which can be found in Thuy Phuong village, around 12 kms from the city centre. If you are looking for centrally located Hanoi accommodation from which to set off on your excursions to such sites, then Somerset Grand Hanoi is worth considering. These Hanoi serviced apartments are near the Central Business District and makes a great base for both business and leisure. If visiting during May, make your way to the Chem Temple which has a celebration dedicated to the legendary figure Ly Ong Trong from the …